Water is the source of life - treasure it! By YJ Draiman

Water is the source of life - treasure it!

By YJ Draiman 

Water is the source of life - treasure it! Water is the source of all life on earth. It touches every area of our lives. Sustainability -We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.

Water is the source of all life on earth. It touches every area of our lives. Without it, we could not thrive -- we could not even survive.

Water by yjd

Sustainability -" "We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.

"Conservation is really the cheapest source of supply,"

For the benefit of mankind, maintain the quality of life and preserve the peace and tranquility of world population. Water resources must be preserved - to sustain humanity. We must eliminate wasteful utilization of water, conserve our water sources and implement rigid conservation methods. We should utilize solar and or other source of renewable energy to operate desalinization projects from the oceans. Utilize renewable energy sources to purify and transport the water to its final destination. As world population increases the scarcity of water will become a cause for conflict, unless we take steps now to develop other sources of water for drinking, rainwater harvesting -" storm-water and gray-water utilization. Designing of landscaping that uses minimal amount of water.

"With power shortages and a water scarcity a constant threat across the West, it's time to look at water and energy in a new way,"

To preserve the future generations sustainability, we should look into urban farming -" vertical farming. The term "urban farming"may conjure up a community garden where locals grow a few heads of lettuce. But some academics envision something quite different for the increasingly hungry world of the 21st century: a vertical farm that will do for agriculture what the skyscraper did for office space. Greenhouse giant: By stacking floors full of produce, a vertical farm could rake in $18 million a year.

YJ Draiman, Energy, Telecom and water conservation consultant

December 26, 2010

PS. Hydrodynamics: forget oil. Sharing freshwater equitably poses political conundrums as explosive and far-reaching as global climate change.

Anyone who has ever stood on a beach and looked out into the vast expanse of an ocean knows that there is a lot of water on this planet. In fact, 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water. It may seem like water is all around us, but safe, clean, reliable drinking water is not a cease less resource. The problems facing drinking water range from failing infrastructure, to climate change, to insufficient supplies.

Personal Conservation

Preserving our water resources is not a job for water industry professionals alone. We all have a vested interest in ensuring that water remains safe, af fordable and available. Therefore, each individual American has a responsibility to monitor and control their water use, There are many simple ways for people to reduce excess water use, lower water bills and protect the environment, especially in die spring and summer months, Beyond the standard constraints of watering the lawn only when necessary and washing car wisely by using soap and a bucket of water, some steps include: draining water lines to outside faucets, disconnecting hoses, shutting off outdoor water sources during cold weather and running a small trickle of water on whiter nights to prevent pipe from freezing.

Conclusion

Water supply management is an issue that affects us all. It may not be apparent to every citizen today, but with climate change and population shifts transforming the United States, it soon will be. Effective solutions need to be put into place today before we are faced with a water crisis. A focus on careful planning, treatments, innovations and conservation measures will help to create stability for long-term water management. Commitment to keeping water at the top of the list for communities and citizens will better prepare us for whatever the future of water holds.

WATER!

The indispensable source of life-without water there would be no industry, no agriculture and, most importantly of all, no life. In dry parts of the world this essential commodity is even more precious. Almost all human actions involve water from taking a shower to reading a newspaper to driving a car or simply eating a sandwich - almost everything we do or touch is somehow related to this precious treasure. We ask that you stop and think how you use water and what you can do to conserve this essential natural resource.

Water Conservation Tips: 
Water Conservation Tips 24 Ways to Save Hundreds of Gallons of water Every Week

Most people aren't aware of how many gallons of water the average household uses each week. In San Diego, a typical household uses around 14 hundred cubic feet (HCF=750 gal.) of water a month (more in the summer, less in the winter.) One HCF of water is equal to 748 gallons, so a typical household uses about 10,472 gallons a month.

Here are 24 simple ways to help you save water. Whatever your conservation goal is - 15 percent, 25 percent, or more - the more of these steps you take the more water you'll save. The more water you save, the more money you'll save on your water and sewer bill.

In The Bathroom

1. While waiting for hot water to come through the pipes, catch the cool, clean, water in a bucket or a watering can. You can use it later to water plants, run your garbage disposer, or pour into the toilet bowl to flush. (Can save up to 50 gallons a week per person.)

2. Replace your regular showerheads with low-flow showerheads. (Can save up to 230 gallons a week.)

3. Keep your showers down to five minutes or less using a low-flow showerhead. (Can save up to 75 gallons a week per person.)

4. Turn the water off while lathering-up in the shower. Then turn the water back on to quickly rinse. (Can save up to 75 gallons a week per person.)

5. Take shallow baths, no more than 3 inches of water. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week per person.)

6. Replace your older model toilets with new ultra-low-flush models. (Can save up to 350 gallons a week.)

7. Check your toilets for leaks. Drop a dye tablet or a teaspoon of food coloring (avoid red) in the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, you probably need to replace the "flapper" valve. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week for each toilet repaired.)

8. Flush the toilet only when necessary. Never use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. (Can save up to 50 gallons a week.)

9. Never let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving. (Can save up to 35 gallons a week per person.)

In The Kitchen

10. Hand wash dishes just once a day using the least amount of detergent possible. This will cut down on rinsing. Use a sprayer or short blasts of water to rinse. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week.)

11. If you have a dishwasher, run it only when you have a full load. (Can save up to 30 gallons a week.)

12. Scrape food scraps off dishes in the garbage can or rinse them off with very short blasts of water. (Can save up to 60 gallons a week.)

13. Never use hot, running water to defrost frozen foods. Plan ahead and place frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave oven. (Can save up to 50 gallons a week.)

14. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or a pan filled with water instead of under running water. (Can save up to 30 gallons a week.)

15. Run your garbage disposer only on alternate days. (Can save up to 25 gallons a week.)

Around The House

16. Repair all leaky faucets, fixtures and pipes both inside and outside your home. (Can save more than 150 gallons for each leak.)

17. When doing the laundry, never wash less than a full load. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week.)

Outdoors

18. Set lawn mower blades one notch higher since longer grass reduces evaporation. Leave grass clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.

19. Use mulch to cover bare ground in gardens and around trees. (Can save up to 100 gallons or more a week.)

20. Never hose down your patio or balcony, always use a broom or blower. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week.)

21. Don't allow children to play with the hose. (Can save up to 10 gallons a minute.)

22. If you have a pool, use a cover to cut down evaporation. This will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals. (Can save up to 250 gallons a week.)

23. Take your car to a car wash that recycles its wash water. If washing your car at home, use a bucket of water and sponge. Rinse quickly at the end. Never allow the hose to run continuously. (Can save up to 150 gallons a week.)

24. Water your lawn and landscaping early in the morning or after the sun sets when there's less evaporation. Adjust your sprinklers so they don't spray on sidewalks, driveway or street. (Can save up to 250 gallons a week.)

Submitted on Monday, Dec 27, 2010 at 8:43:21 AM

Water is the source of life - treasure it! By YJ Draiman

Water is the source of life - treasure it!

By YJ Draiman 

Water is the source of life - treasure it! Water is the source of all life on earth. It touches every area of our lives. Sustainability -We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.

Water is the source of all life on earth. It touches every area of our lives. Without it, we could not thrive -- we could not even survive.

Water by yjd

Sustainability -" "We strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

We should discourage wastefulness and misuse, and promote efficiency and conservation.

"Conservation is really the cheapest source of supply,"

For the benefit of mankind, maintain the quality of life and preserve the peace and tranquility of world population. Water resources must be preserved - to sustain humanity. We must eliminate wasteful utilization of water, conserve our water sources and implement rigid conservation methods. We should utilize solar and or other source of renewable energy to operate desalinization projects from the oceans. Utilize renewable energy sources to purify and transport the water to its final destination. As world population increases the scarcity of water will become a cause for conflict, unless we take steps now to develop other sources of water for drinking, rainwater harvesting -" storm-water and gray-water utilization. Designing of landscaping that uses minimal amount of water.

"With power shortages and a water scarcity a constant threat across the West, it's time to look at water and energy in a new way,"

To preserve the future generations sustainability, we should look into urban farming -" vertical farming. The term "urban farming"may conjure up a community garden where locals grow a few heads of lettuce. But some academics envision something quite different for the increasingly hungry world of the 21st century: a vertical farm that will do for agriculture what the skyscraper did for office space. Greenhouse giant: By stacking floors full of produce, a vertical farm could rake in $18 million a year.

YJ Draiman, Energy, Telecom and water conservation consultant

December 26, 2010

PS. Hydrodynamics: forget oil. Sharing freshwater equitably poses political conundrums as explosive and far-reaching as global climate change.

Anyone who has ever stood on a beach and looked out into the vast expanse of an ocean knows that there is a lot of water on this planet. In fact, 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water. It may seem like water is all around us, but safe, clean, reliable drinking water is not a cease less resource. The problems facing drinking water range from failing infrastructure, to climate change, to insufficient supplies.

Personal Conservation

Preserving our water resources is not a job for water industry professionals alone. We all have a vested interest in ensuring that water remains safe, af fordable and available. Therefore, each individual American has a responsibility to monitor and control their water use, There are many simple ways for people to reduce excess water use, lower water bills and protect the environment, especially in die spring and summer months, Beyond the standard constraints of watering the lawn only when necessary and washing car wisely by using soap and a bucket of water, some steps include: draining water lines to outside faucets, disconnecting hoses, shutting off outdoor water sources during cold weather and running a small trickle of water on whiter nights to prevent pipe from freezing.

Conclusion

Water supply management is an issue that affects us all. It may not be apparent to every citizen today, but with climate change and population shifts transforming the United States, it soon will be. Effective solutions need to be put into place today before we are faced with a water crisis. A focus on careful planning, treatments, innovations and conservation measures will help to create stability for long-term water management. Commitment to keeping water at the top of the list for communities and citizens will better prepare us for whatever the future of water holds.

WATER!

The indispensable source of life-without water there would be no industry, no agriculture and, most importantly of all, no life. In dry parts of the world this essential commodity is even more precious. Almost all human actions involve water from taking a shower to reading a newspaper to driving a car or simply eating a sandwich - almost everything we do or touch is somehow related to this precious treasure. We ask that you stop and think how you use water and what you can do to conserve this essential natural resource.

Water Conservation Tips: 
Water Conservation Tips 24 Ways to Save Hundreds of Gallons of water Every Week

Most people aren't aware of how many gallons of water the average household uses each week. In San Diego, a typical household uses around 14 hundred cubic feet (HCF=750 gal.) of water a month (more in the summer, less in the winter.) One HCF of water is equal to 748 gallons, so a typical household uses about 10,472 gallons a month.

Here are 24 simple ways to help you save water. Whatever your conservation goal is - 15 percent, 25 percent, or more - the more of these steps you take the more water you'll save. The more water you save, the more money you'll save on your water and sewer bill.

In The Bathroom

1. While waiting for hot water to come through the pipes, catch the cool, clean, water in a bucket or a watering can. You can use it later to water plants, run your garbage disposer, or pour into the toilet bowl to flush. (Can save up to 50 gallons a week per person.)

2. Replace your regular showerheads with low-flow showerheads. (Can save up to 230 gallons a week.)

3. Keep your showers down to five minutes or less using a low-flow showerhead. (Can save up to 75 gallons a week per person.)

4. Turn the water off while lathering-up in the shower. Then turn the water back on to quickly rinse. (Can save up to 75 gallons a week per person.)

5. Take shallow baths, no more than 3 inches of water. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week per person.)

6. Replace your older model toilets with new ultra-low-flush models. (Can save up to 350 gallons a week.)

7. Check your toilets for leaks. Drop a dye tablet or a teaspoon of food coloring (avoid red) in the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, you probably need to replace the "flapper" valve. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week for each toilet repaired.)

8. Flush the toilet only when necessary. Never use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. (Can save up to 50 gallons a week.)

9. Never let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving. (Can save up to 35 gallons a week per person.)

In The Kitchen

10. Hand wash dishes just once a day using the least amount of detergent possible. This will cut down on rinsing. Use a sprayer or short blasts of water to rinse. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week.)

11. If you have a dishwasher, run it only when you have a full load. (Can save up to 30 gallons a week.)

12. Scrape food scraps off dishes in the garbage can or rinse them off with very short blasts of water. (Can save up to 60 gallons a week.)

13. Never use hot, running water to defrost frozen foods. Plan ahead and place frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave oven. (Can save up to 50 gallons a week.)

14. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or a pan filled with water instead of under running water. (Can save up to 30 gallons a week.)

15. Run your garbage disposer only on alternate days. (Can save up to 25 gallons a week.)

Around The House

16. Repair all leaky faucets, fixtures and pipes both inside and outside your home. (Can save more than 150 gallons for each leak.)

17. When doing the laundry, never wash less than a full load. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week.)

Outdoors

18. Set lawn mower blades one notch higher since longer grass reduces evaporation. Leave grass clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.

19. Use mulch to cover bare ground in gardens and around trees. (Can save up to 100 gallons or more a week.)

20. Never hose down your patio or balcony, always use a broom or blower. (Can save up to 100 gallons a week.)

21. Don't allow children to play with the hose. (Can save up to 10 gallons a minute.)

22. If you have a pool, use a cover to cut down evaporation. This will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals. (Can save up to 250 gallons a week.)

23. Take your car to a car wash that recycles its wash water. If washing your car at home, use a bucket of water and sponge. Rinse quickly at the end. Never allow the hose to run continuously. (Can save up to 150 gallons a week.)

24. Water your lawn and landscaping early in the morning or after the sun sets when there's less evaporation. Adjust your sprinklers so they don't spray on sidewalks, driveway or street. (Can save up to 250 gallons a week.)

Submitted on Monday, Dec 27, 2010 at 8:43:21 AM

Our war for energy independence and economic sustainability By YJ Draiman

Our war for energy independence and economic sustainability

By YJ Draiman

The US government and other governments are not serious about energy efficiency and renewable energy development and implementation - they are too busy playing politics and capitulating to the Oil Companies.
It is time to get series to avert an economic catastrophe. I hope it is not too late.

The world needs to invest $50 trillion in energy in coming decades, building some 1,400 nuclear power plants and vastly expanding wind power, solar power, geothermal energy in order to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to an energy study released.

The report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency envisions an "energy revolution" that would greatly reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining steady economic growth.

"Meeting this target of 50 percent cut in emissions and replacing fossil fuel represents a formidable challenge, and we would require immediate policy action and technological transition on an unprecedented scale," IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka said.

The scenario for deeper cuts would require massive investment in energy technology development and deployment, a wide-ranging campaign to dramatically increase energy efficiency, and a wholesale shift to renewable sources of energy.

Assuming an average 3.4 percent global economic growth over the 2010-2050 period, governments and the private sector would have to make additional investments of $50 trillion in energy, or 1.2 percent of the world's gross domestic product, the report said.

That would be an investment more than three times the current size of the entire U.S. economy.
In addition, the world would have to construct 38 new nuclear power plants each year, and wind-power turbines would have to be increased by 18,000 units annually, solar energy output would have to be increased 20 fold every year.

Let us not forget as we are increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency - the world population is increasing - the demand for energy by advancement in technology worldwide is also increasing. We have to take these factors into account.

Oil is going to hit at least $200 per barrel, gasoline at the pump will hit $6 or more per gallon, in some countries it is already $10 per gallon.

Most of the money would be in the commercialization of energy technologies developed by governments and the private sector.

"If industry is convinced there will be policy for serious, actions for accelerated development of renewable energy and efficiency, then these investments will be made by the private sector."
People are hurting financially and economically, this must end, we should strive for a thriving economy with new technology for renewable energy and efficiency.

We have the technology and know-how. Let us stop playing politics. Unite our people and our nation in a common goal to avert an economic disaster and maintain our quality of life for generations to come.
Let us serve as an example to the rest of the world.

Our war for energy independence and economic sustainability By YJ Draiman

Our war for energy independence and economic sustainability

By YJ Draiman

The US government and other governments are not serious about energy efficiency and renewable energy development and implementation - they are too busy playing politics and capitulating to the Oil Companies.
It is time to get series to avert an economic catastrophe. I hope it is not too late.

The world needs to invest $50 trillion in energy in coming decades, building some 1,400 nuclear power plants and vastly expanding wind power, solar power, geothermal energy in order to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to an energy study released.

The report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency envisions an "energy revolution" that would greatly reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining steady economic growth.

"Meeting this target of 50 percent cut in emissions and replacing fossil fuel represents a formidable challenge, and we would require immediate policy action and technological transition on an unprecedented scale," IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka said.

The scenario for deeper cuts would require massive investment in energy technology development and deployment, a wide-ranging campaign to dramatically increase energy efficiency, and a wholesale shift to renewable sources of energy.

Assuming an average 3.4 percent global economic growth over the 2010-2050 period, governments and the private sector would have to make additional investments of $50 trillion in energy, or 1.2 percent of the world's gross domestic product, the report said.

That would be an investment more than three times the current size of the entire U.S. economy.
In addition, the world would have to construct 38 new nuclear power plants each year, and wind-power turbines would have to be increased by 18,000 units annually, solar energy output would have to be increased 20 fold every year.

Let us not forget as we are increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency - the world population is increasing - the demand for energy by advancement in technology worldwide is also increasing. We have to take these factors into account.

Oil is going to hit at least $200 per barrel, gasoline at the pump will hit $6 or more per gallon, in some countries it is already $10 per gallon.

Most of the money would be in the commercialization of energy technologies developed by governments and the private sector.

"If industry is convinced there will be policy for serious, actions for accelerated development of renewable energy and efficiency, then these investments will be made by the private sector."
People are hurting financially and economically, this must end, we should strive for a thriving economy with new technology for renewable energy and efficiency.

We have the technology and know-how. Let us stop playing politics. Unite our people and our nation in a common goal to avert an economic disaster and maintain our quality of life for generations to come.
Let us serve as an example to the rest of the world.

DONALD TRUMP’S EARLY THANKSGIVING - a story of true compassion

DONALD TRUMP’S EARLY THANKSGIVING - a story of true compassion

November 17, 2016 By Jewish Home LA

Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten

President, Bikur Cholim (Los Angeles)

With the Jewish New Year just over a month behind us, and the long nights of winter closing in, Jewish communities throughout the world have begun their new cycle of the weekly Krias Hatorah.  The parshios throughout sefer Bereishis describe the greatness of our Avos and the permanent impact they had on the world in which they lived, the children they bore, and the future of the Jewish people and humanity.  The first of the Avos, Avraham Avinu, is presented to us as a majestic and benevolent individual who possessed an unsurpassed level of empathy.  Avraham Avinu was deeply affected not only by the plight of his own family, but by that of strangers whose lives may be in jeopardy.  Despite his unwavering compassion for all, his steadfast commitment to those in need was never confused with weakness.  Avraham was able to convey his kindness for the frail, the forgotten, and the sick while still exhibiting great strength and resolve when demanded of him.  G-d bestowed upon him the title Av Hamon Goyim (the father of many nations) and Avraham is identified throughout the literature of our Sages as the embodiment of chesed.  It is the actions, character, and values found in our Patriarchs that we must look to for inspiration and the blueprint for a meaningful life.

I believe I speak for many of us in stating that this year’s election cycle has been an almost never-ending litany of drama, featuring passionately opposed politicians and supporters coupled with a barrage of media bias unlike no other in my memory.  Adding fuel to the fire was the disheartening rhetoric and dishonesty prevalent throughout social media and our national news sources, regardless of the candidate or political affiliation.  This year more than ever, we witnessed news outlets sharing half-truths, even flat-out lies, solely to promote their agenda; where sensationalism outplayed accuracy, and bias prevailed over accountability.  This breakdown of common decency seemed aimed to strip away people’s dignity and illustrated a tragic collapse in our society with regard to how we treat those of opposing views, and more specifically, how we treat our fellow man.

To be human is to be flawed.  Even the holiest of men and women who do their utmost to maintain the highest moral standard throughout their daily lives can suffer from making a poor decision regardless if it was of their own accord, or if they fell prey to  another’s malice intent.  However, does a single flaw define one’s entire character while negating a lifetime of achievement or public service?

In America, our president must possess inordinate strength and wisdom balanced with a genuine compassion and desire to answer the call for help from those whom are underserved and less fortunate.   Above all else, when a president reveals their steadfast commitment to humanity, it humanizes all of us and reflects the greatness of Americans as one people.  It’s human nature to believe things that jibe with our own beliefs; however in this day and age, the endless plethora of misinformation at our fingertips can warp one’s opinion in the very worst way.  We often take stories we read at face value, because the writer’s opinion validates our own.  However we all know that not everything we see or hear is true, and it’s up to us to be diligent in vetting stories that carry such magnitude.

With this is mind, I am compelled to retell a very personal story featuring the extraordinary kindness Donald Trump showed to me and my family many years ago.  I share this with the hope that it may inspire some readers to take a step back from the incessant negativity perpetuated by the media; to take a breath before reiterating another sensationalized headline that’s solely designed to distract, and learn the firsthand account of two parents whose desperate call to a NY icon on behalf of their critically ill son was answered without hesitation.

My history with Donald Trump began in July 1988.  At that time, my wife and I had been living in Los Angeles for 5 years after moving here from New York. Our beautiful 3 year-old son Avraham Moshe was suffering from a severe lung condition.

When Avraham Moshe’s doctors found themselves at a loss to remedy his pain and suffering, I looked to my former home of New York with the hope that a set of fresh eyes could offer a chance at recovery.   However, in order to pursue this we needed to fly my son across the country, but no private or commercial airline would do so due to potential liabilities, and our health insurance wouldn’t cover the cost.  So there we were, with seemingly nowhere else to turn; but the thought of doing nothing was not an option.  In the 1980s, Donald Trump’s fame was well-known to me, and well-known to most of the world.   So when I once again awoke early one morning to the familiar sight of my son struggling to breathe, I decided to take a bold step – I picked up the phone and called Donald Trump’s office, spoke with him, and bluntly asked him to lend us his private plane for this mission of mercy. Without knowing me and without hesitation, he said yes.

Illustration

A week later, Donald Trump’s 727 landed in Los Angeles and flew me, my wife, and my son along with 3 ICU nurses to LaGuardia Airport.  We landed at sunrise and were greeted by our family-members on the tarmac, as well as an army of reporters.  You must bear in mind that at this time there was no social media or internet; nevertheless the news was out and the NY press was abuzz with the story of the famous entrepreneur’s generosity with dozens of headlines such as, “Trump to the rescue of tyke” and “On two wings and a prayer”.  Sadly, there was no new hope that could be provided to our son, and weeks later we returned home on the same plane.  Though Avraham Moshe bravely battled for his life for years to come, he passed away just months shy of his bar mitzvah – yehi zichro baruch.

While my son’s z”l outcome was devastating, Mr. Trump’s enormous act of chesed rendered me forever grateful and gave me a unique insight of his character.  Since that first contact, we were indelibly connected and remain so to this day.  For almost 3 decades I’ve dropped by his office to say “hello” and not a year has passed without he and I exchanging wishes of a L’shana Tova and a Gut Yor.  Those who know me both personally and in my role as president of Bikur Cholim (Los Angeles) know that I’ve carried the impact of his kindness with me every day.  However, for many years I had often wondered as to what personal impact this may have had on him.

In September of 2008 our country was in financial crisis, with major Wall Street firms failing, individuals and families losing their savings, their homes, and their future.  That year, the upcoming Rosh Hashana was approached by many with trepidation and uncertainty.  As was tradition, I made my annual call to Mr. Trump to wish him and his family all the blessings that we hope and pray for on the Jewish New Year.

Sometime thereafter, I received a package from the Trump Organization, in which there was a book titled “Think Like a Champion” authored by Donald Trump accompanied by a handwritten note.  Within the book was a chapter titled “An Early Thanksgiving” where Mr. Trump recalled the moment our paths crossed and the lasting impression it had on him.  He prefaced this with a poignant quote from Albert Schweitzer: “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

In this passage, Mr. Trump wrote, “On the day before the Rosh Hashanah holiday each year for the past eighteen years, I receive a message from a Rabbi in Los Angeles.  I am not Jewish, but have many observant Jews who work for me, so I am well aware of the holiday schedule and that Rosh Hashanah is their New Year, a time for celebration.  I find his message of thanks to be especially resonant because he and his wife lost their son years ago, yet they call to remind themselves (and me) of the many blessings they’ve had in life.  The reason the Rabbi calls me every year is a wonderful example of the spirit of Thanksgiving.”

The chapter went on to describe in detail my call for help and his response, going on to share, “I had small children at the time and I immediately said yes to his request.  How could I say no?  I sent my jet out and brought the little boy and his parents to New York with the hope that doctors here might find a cure for the severe breathing illness from which he was suffering.  His cure was not to be, but his parents have remained grateful to this day.  I am always touched that they remember me.  In these recent days of upheaval in our country, I found the Rabbi’s yearly message to be an insight into a good way to handle difficult and even tragic times – to find a blessing in the midst of adversity.  This family and their faith is a wonderful example for all of us, and I would like to thank them for their yearly reminder.  We should realize that we all have a lot to be thankful for, whether it’s New Year’s, Thanksgiving, or just another Wednesday in our lives.”

As I read his words, written with such clarity of the events, what struck me deepest was how moved he was by the gratitude of another.

Gratitude has no expiration date; Hakaras Hatov is a fundamental Jewish principal and should never be abandoned for one’s personal agenda.  Today Donald Trump is our President-Elect.  What I know for a fact about this man is that he has consistently shown heartfelt gratitude for the blessings in his life; whether it be for his family or his accomplishments.  This awareness is a much-needed quality in the leader of the free world, as it reflects a central understanding that life is precious, and we must remain grateful and empathetic to the struggles of others.  Great leadership must include in its foundation a depth of kindness and charity.  Regardless of one’s political leanings, it is my hope and prayer for our new President to lead us well, and that we as Americans can rise above the distractions that impede unity and find the best in ourselves and others to accomplish great things for all mankind.

Lucky Quaytman contributed to this article

To be Jewish! - Y Draiman

To be Jewish!

According to the Torah (and let's forget the Rabbis for the moment) there are certain things that one should (and shouldn't) do!

These beliefs are central to Judaism and, in my opinion, are what has allowed it to continue to survive all those that would have destroyed it.

To discard certain aspects, as not being relevant, is to pick and choose from what many consider to be divine, and who gave us that right?

Does one choose what parts of a car one wishes to use?

Would one fly in a plane where that pilot decides he can do without one of the engines?

Will an e-mail arrive at it's destination if you substitute a comma for a full stop?

The reform movement was started (strongly) in Germany just before the war, by people that wanted to be seen as less different from the general population.

They threw out what wasn't relevant and substituted for other things, have you ever seen a Chanuka bush? The tree is totally pagan in origin and has NOTHING to do with Chanuka at all!

Jews became assimilated very quickly and it was difficult to tell them apart from the Germans> However, that did not stop Adolf shit-ler from killing them!

So when you say ALL JEWS, who do you really mean, those that try to follow what is written in the Torah, who consider it to be divine (after all, Judaism is a religion, and therefor, divine in origin) OR, those that pick and choose and therefor negate the inherent divinity by saying (through their actions) that the Torah is not divine?

Unauthorized Charges on Your Local Phone - Utility Bill? By YJ Draiman

Unauthorized Charges on Your Local Phone - Utility Bill?

By YJ Draiman  

Unauthorized Charges on Your Local Phone - Utility Bill?

FCC fines Verizon over 'mystery' fees $25 million and $52 million in refunds -" 10/28/2010

phone by self yjd

How to Find Them, Eliminate Them & Get Your Money Back!

If your business still gets its phone service through the old "AT&T and Verizon, etc" local phone company (as opposed to one of the newer competitive phone providers) then you need to double check your phone bill each and every month for charges you did not authorize. You may not know it but the local phone company allows other companies to bill you through your local phone bill. And while the local phone company allows other businesses to bill you through your local phone bill, the local phone company does not verify that the charges being billed to you by the other company are valid. When these unauthorized charges fraudulently appear on your phone bill it's called "cramming". Unfortunately you as the business owner or manager are the only one that can spot the unauthorized charges and if you don't comb over your bill every month to spot these unauthorized charges - you'll pay for them.

Why does the local phone company allow other companies to pass charges onto your phone bill? "Third-party billing" is supposedly a great convenience in that you only have to pay one bill instead of separate bills for obvious authorized phone related charges like yellow-page advertising in the "real yellow pages", 411 information calls and long-distance calls from your chosen long distance carrier. Over the years though, some less-than-scrupulous companies have realized that most businesses rarely scrutinize their local-phone bills. To take advantage of this, these companies have come up with elaborate schemes to place

unauthorized charges on your phone bill that you'll end up paying for without even thinking. Unauthorized charges you can end up paying for include charges for unwanted (and unused) email accounts, web sites, directory information calls, directory advertising in obscure publications, voice mail accounts and other services.

In theory, before these charges can be placed on your phone bill, the company that is originating the third-party billed charges is supposed to have a verification of the order like a voice recording. In reality though, all the company needs to do to initiate the charge is submit your name and phone number to the billing entity. The verification's are only required to be produced if a complaint is filed.

To prevent these charges from appearing on you business phone bill it's helpful to understand the four parties that make unauthorized third party phone charges a costly reality. Party number one is any employee who can answer your business phones. The   unauthorized charge is rarely random and it usually happens after one of your company employees gets a telemarketing call. Employees should be instructed to document and report any overly aggressive telemarketing calls they receive. Party number two is the telemarketing company that originates the unauthorized charges by trying to get your employee to accept some service for which you'll be billed through your local phone bill. Party number three is the third-party billing company that has billing agreements with your local phone company. The name of the third-party billing is the one that is prominently displayed on your phone bill. After the third-party billing company's name is the name of the company that is originating the unwanted charges. Party number four is your "former Ma Bell" local phone company that collects the unwanted charges (keeps a share for "Ma") and then passes the rest to the third-party billing company (who keeps a big share) and then passes the balance on to the company that initiated the unwanted charge.

Following are some of the top third-party billing names and unauthorized charge originators you'll find on your phone bill. If you see these names on your phone bill you'll want to call the toll free number listed next to the charge to confirm it's a charge that's been properly authorized to be placed on your bill. Following are actual examples that we've recently found while auditing business phone bills.

We recommend customers should review any utility bills issued by deregulated utility companies. (In most instances today, consumers are paying higher charges to the deregulated gas and electric supply companies).

All Utility - Energy, gas, electric and water bills should be reviewed for proper reading and tariff.

If you suspect that you have been overcharged ask for detailed explanation and or file a complaint with your State Utility Commission.

YJ Draiman