Attorney Herb Cohen stated, "Care, but not that much." In other words, you have to care what you are negotiating for, but not enough to get emotionally involved. You have to be able to walk away. As you walk away, you will likely be stopped by the opposite side of negotiating and that often equals winning. I think those are them most simple words to remember when negotiating.
Life, You Should See It
“If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of. ”
I should write a catchy article on smoking, but I love the simplicity of this photo too much to distract from it.
What the heck, I might as well write something productive.
"All Smoked Out in Israel," can be my catchy title.
Smokers in Israel are no laughing matter. They are just about all smoked out… with taxes.
While the United States has problems with big tobacco, foreign countries have even a bigger issue with the situation.
In Israel, the Health Ministry decided to up the taxes on a pack of smokes by 20% in 2017. The increase was aimed at deterring people from lighting up. The decision to put the tax increase in place was due to a 2016 increase of those who are 18 or older and lighting up at an increased rate of 19.7%, according to an article in the HAARETZ.
In all, it looks as if 22.5% of the Israeli population over the age of 18 smoke.
Like institutes of higher learning in America, Israel also nipped smoking in the bud at such locations. A law that went into motion in 2016 banned smoking in all educational institutes in Israel.
Prayer on the Western Wall
Prayer along the Western Wall in Jerusalem is something that many participate in. From Jewish to Christians, you will see a variety of visitors.
Many write notes to God and place them into the cracks of the wall. Sometimes, detailed secrets or confessions are placed into the cracks.
During the late 19th century, there was not a separation between men and women at the wall. Today however, there is a partition dividing the male and female side of the wall.
Sharp Dressed Man
In the Old City Jerusalem Market - he was ready to shop and perhaps hit the club.
"They come runnin' just as fast as they can
'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man."
-ZZ TOP, Sharp Dressed Man
Jewish Men All Dressed Up and Ready to be Holy
The Jewish men were surrounding a bell hop at a local Jerusalem Hotel sharing in jokes and laughs prior to their big night with their big furry hats.
“So why the hats,” I asked a local onlooker. It was as if I was from outer space… “Look at how they are combed up, towards God – It gets them closer to God,” was the response I got. While that didn’t tell me much, it did tell me there was a religious meaning to the furry spectacle.
The hat is called a Shtreimel and it is worn by many married Haredi Jewish Men on Shabbat or any festive occasion… you know, when you want that special GQ look. Generally speaking, the hat is worn only after marriage. However, there are exceptions to the marriage rule.
First of all, the special fur hat is not to be worn with everyday Jewish clothing. It is for the dressier gear one would find themselves in at a wedding as the groom to be or at a special dinner event. For the groom to be, it is a tradition for the bride’s father to purchase the costly hat that is often made of real animal fur.
As for religion of the hat itself, it is associated with the holiness of Shabbat and viewed as a crown which enhances and beautifies Shabbat. By the way, Shabbat simply means Sabbath and it is recognized as a day of rest.
A Holy Siesta at the Western Wall
Some pray at the site of the Western Wall… Some catch a holy nap on the Shabbat.
The Western Wall in Jerusalem is also referred to as the Wailing Wall. The site received the nickname allegedly by visitors who watched in silence as they witnessed Jewish people weeping at the location due to the destruction of the Jewish Temple. Jewish people simply call it “The Western Wall” or “The Wall.”
The wall is the western wall of the Temple Mount. It is also a symbol that God is near us, but a wall representing our sins separates us from him.
Prayer Time in Jerusalem for Muslims
Hundreds if not thousands of Muslims exiting the walls this past Saturday (5/5/18).
The massive walls seen in this photo surround the Dome of the Rock Islamic Shrine that sits atop the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem that first opened in 691 AD. It is considered to be one of the most sacred sites for Muslims around the world.
The rock was said to be the beginning point for Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey to Heaven. That rock is at the center of the mosque.
The location is watched and prayed over by more than one faith. It is also a significant location for those of the Jewish Faith in Israel. It is thought to be the Foundation Stone of where God gathered the dust to create the first human known as Adam on Mount Moriah and where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son. The Jewish community actually turns towards this location in prayer.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount. It is also against the rules to bring any type of prayer book other than the Koran into the area. Furthermore, non-Muslim followers are not allowed to wear their religious apparel into the area next to the mosque.
Muslims once prayed towards the Temple Mount, but that changed when Muhammad was said to have had a revelation from Allah. That revelation led to the direction of Mecca for Islamic prayer.
What do you see?
“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”
I captured these photos directly next to a historic site that is visited by millions of people from all over the world. Local residents and tourist alike find the clutter distracting and the trash undermining of the finely kept museum pieces next door. I thought the same until I slowed down to take in my surroundings with a deeper consideration for where I was standing.
The trash filled passage ways between the homes, the children in the streets without shoes and the field containing the garbage of nearby residents sits within 105 yards of where Jesus spent his final days while on trial prior to being sacrificed.
The neighborhood of the working class was a vivid illustration of how accepting Jesus was of people and surroundings. It was an illustration of his life in so many ways that tourist who want neat and tidy fail to see. It was a reminder that he walked with the unclean, the unhealthy and the unloved. In reality, the perfect setting.
When Jesus was at this location it was known as the Palace of Caiaphas. The High Priest of Israel lived in the palace that was utilized as a court setting for Jesus. Caiaphas presided over the Jewish Council which ordered Jesus be put to death finding him guilty of blasphemy. This is also the location of where Peter denied Jesus in the court of the palace three times.
It is at this site some 105 yards away from the garbage filled homes that you will find the hole that Jesus was lowered into and held captive.
Today, the Church of St. Peter is built over that jail cell where Jesus was held.
The Basilica of the Assumption
He was walking down the ancient stone sidewalk that was originally built under John II, Bishop of Jerusalem between AD 387 to AD 417.
The Basilica of the Assumption (or Dormition) is in Jerusalem near the Zion Gate. The church was hit by warriors in year 614 and destroyed. A new structure was built on the site in the 12th century, but destroyed again in the 13th century. This is a similar story line to many of the buildings, churches, and structures in Israel.
However, the foundation of the original building left behind was staunch enough to stand a rebuilding in 1899. The Catholic Diocese of Cologne, Heinrich Renard, sought the reconstruction and moved forward with the project after a brief visit to the Holy Land.
In just ten years, the massive structure was complete and dedicated to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in year 1910 under the Catholic Church.
The property was extremely important to save as this was believed to be the site where the “Blessed Virgin Mary” died or as many refer to her passing as, fell asleep. It is also near the location of where “The Last Supper” was believed to have been held.
The Oldest City has Skylines Galore
Just when you think you reached the end of the city limits, you see several more miles of condominiums, houses apartments, synagogues, mosques and churches.
Jerusalem is a large city located in Israel. The Middle Eastern city sits on massive hills, valleys and mountain lines that are a part of the Judaean Mountains between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. The earliest settlement dates back to the Early Bronze Age (c. 3000-2800 BCE). It is also considered to be one of the holiest cities in the world.
Inside the Holy City you will find three major religions that include the Jewish followers, the religion of Islam and Christians. However, not all of the religions see eye to eye, which is why walls have been in place dividing different areas for hundreds of years.
The city is composed of 850,000 residents. Another 300,000 residents or more live just outside of those limits, but still consider themselves to be a part of Jerusalem. So, in reality you could say about 1.2 million people live in the Jerusalem area of Israel.
Sadness in the streets
There is a great divide in Jerusalem that I did not hear a lot of talk about. If you are not a part of the Muslim, Jewish or Christian community you will fear very alone. It not a welcomed alone feeling, but one of desperation, sadness and pain.
Jerusalem is divided into multiple areas with large walls that are similar to the walls that once stood in Berlin. However, these walks you can walk around to exit or enter. Regardless of entry or exit, the walls continue into the subconscious to where you know that you may not be welcomed after entering.
“I think that humans have a huge capacity to carry pain and sadness. There are things that haunt us our entire lives; we are unable to let them go. The good times seem almost effervescent and dreamlike in comparison with the times that didn’t go so well.”
Watching Lag B’Omer in Israel
It was the night of Lag B’Omer and events were being held throughout the city of Jerusalem by different Jewish Communities.
At this event, a stage was the center focus lined with Jewish teenagers with adults nearby. In other areas, bonfires within the city roared to life constantly fed by oil to keep the flames alive.
Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which is a period of 49 days between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot.
Some of the traditions on Lag B’Omer Day include three year old boys receiving their first haircut, Jewish weddings and of course, bonfires, food and singing.
The Dead Sea - Don't Open Your Eyes
The Dead Sea is one of those things in life that you must see. Although, many will never have the opportunity.
It sits at the border of Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. As many have heard in the news, the West Bank is controlled by the Palestinian Authority, but under Israeli occupation.
Some of the Dead Sea is decorated by decaying buildings once used as barracks for the Jordan Army. Other areas are deserted and look more like a desert.
Tourist come from all over the world visit the sea to step foot into the salty waters. Some leave crying because they failed to heed the warnings never to submerge your face into the water. The salt content will feel as if someone sprayed your eyes with mace.
What some people fail to realize is that the Dead Sea is not a sea at all, it is simply a salt water lake. It is also the deepest salt water lake in the world at 1,004 feet at its deepest point. The lake is also the lowest point in the world when you measure the sea level height of all other land and lakes combined.
SALTY WATER:
The Dead Sea is almost 10 times more salty than the oceans. While it is called the “Dead Sea,” the water is still occupied by some living bacteria, but no fish of any kind. No water from the Dead Sea flows outward. But, water from mountain run-off, rivers and streams does enter.
Life and the Many Faces
Camera in Hand: When you approach a total stranger with a camera in hand, they never know what to expect. The “Why my photo” is usually the first thought that comes to mind. I often wonder if the person I photograph at first feels anger in the their thought of – “He is going to take my picture to be mean.” If so, it is interesting to watch their expression change as we begin to talk. Frame by frame you can see their 43 facial muscles relax. It is as if a relief falls over their fear.
It has Happened: Before I ever had a chance to talk I have had cold coffee thrown at me. Luckily, I stepped back before I was hit by the flying liquid. One time I had a man take a swing at me after assuming I thought he was from Mexico as opposed to Puerto Rico – even though I never said a single word to him and was actually photographing someone else. Regardless, he missed and I smiled as I told him to have a good day. I have been cussed at – one “F” word after the other. In that case, I later served the man lunch while volunteering at a day shelter in Washington, DC.
It seems as if 99% of the time, most of those that I meet on the street leave with a smile and an urge to share their story with others. Those who don’t want to talk – don’t. That does not mean I don’t leave them with a sleeping bag or another item that is needed to survive. It just means that we don’t use the camera and their story remains locked up tight inside their vault.
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen. ”
WW II Veteran in Tennessee once worked at Area 51 - Now Gives Teddy Bears to Kids
This WWII Veteran has a rugged exterior standing about 6 feet tall with grit in his face that says tread lightly. The 89 year old U.S. Marine who now calls Murfreesboro, TN home has worked at the top secret Area 51 base, controlled and built heat seeking missiles and even ate dinner with President Truman.
But, he also has a heart that you may not see upon a simple glimpse. He has handed out 3,800 stuffed animals to children, Alzheimer's patients, and even kids who were involved in car accidents or house fires.
World War II Marine Glenn H King is not your average 89 year old. He has seen and been involved in the history of America. He has also been a part of our nations military defense system.
These are a few conversations that Scott Walker had with Mr. King at his Murfreesboro, TN home…
Click the “Read More” to hear the interview…
Read MoreAre your eyes focused?
Sometimes we see things that we think are in front of us because our mind is telling our eyes what to believe.
However, we are often wrong when we judge a person for the clothing they wear, the place they call home or even the children they raise.
What we think we may see of the shaggy clothes that drape from a mans body are perhaps the only clothing he has. In seeing those tattered rags, we may come to the conclusion that he is on drugs, an alcoholic or mentally mad. While all three of those ideas could be 100% spot on, do you ever ask what caused such?
If we stop to find out what caused madness and / or addiction and recognize them as symptoms as opposed to the main problem - then we start to understand more and see a much larger picture. Then... our eyes become focused as our imagination takes a pause.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”
Raining in the streets
“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”
On stage at Starwood in Nashville, TN
“Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.”
I took this photo of a friend of mine a couple of years ago on what was once the stage at Starwood Amphitheater in Nashville. The outdoor concert venue was alive with sound and people not to far in the past.
More on Starwood:
(1985 to 2007) What was is no more: Starwood opened in 1985 to the sounds of Van Halen, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, and Motley Crew, just to name a few. Today, it looks like an epic ghost town of broken concrete, asphalt paths to nowhere, broken tiles that once lined the greenroom and overgrown grass.
Over the years, the concert venue changed names about three times. Up until 1999 it was called Starwood Amphitheater. The name changed in '99 to the First American Music Center. The First American name only lasted for one year. In 2000, it was renamed the AmSouth Amphitheater. It also closed with that name of "AmSouth" in 2007.
Life in Tennessee
LIFE: He grew up in Murfreesboro and has always called it home.
He has never been married... did he ever find that true love? He has never had children... but did he want any?
He was kind and enjoyed our brief conversation. He talked about his school days at McFadden and later Central High School, which is now Central Magnet School.
His brothers... he spoke highly of. He smiled, "Are you taking pictures for a class," he asked me. I then explained to him that I simply photograph people and tell their story.
Next time I see Mr. Haley, I will ask more questions. He has stories to tell and the luxury of time to tell them.
"Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify." - Henry David Thoreau
Tanya Dobson in Nashville, TN
You may recall this photo that I posted in 2016…
Tanya Dobson died on March 27, 2018. She was only 47 years old.
A lot of you chipped in and helped to raise $1,000 for her and she told me how much she appreciated the donations. The money was going to be used for an apartment closer to the hospital. However, an apartment was not found and the money was utilized to pay for her motel room.
I remember one day, she was treated to a complete hair / makeover by one person who saw the post on FaceBook, which helped remind her of who she once looked like pre-cancer.
On certain days she was unable to get out of bed, due to cancer that she was slowly melting her body away, her enthusiasm to fight – all while living in a cramped motel room…
Click the Read More button below:
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