Duck is Raped, Swan Watches

Note: you'll want the sound up on this one.



You'll notice Dante is the only one who seems mildly concerned about the duck's cries for help. What is this world coming to?

Dante vs Goat

Dante made a visit to the petting zoo in Hayarkon Park at midnight. He met some interesting and odd creatures but in the end, his self preservation trumped his curiosity.

By the way..........WHAT is this thing?

Dante Goes to Israel

I've been here less than 24 hours and I've already noticed a distinct lack of the climate of fear I had become accustomed to in the U.S. In Hayarkon Park, two blocks from where I'm staying, there is an all-night cafe open. That is because people walk in the park at night. Sometimes even by themselves.

That is not a comment on the crime rate, it is a comment on the outlook of the residents. Just because it is possible for something bad to happen doesn't mean it is likely something bad will happen. And that is the main difference in outlook between Israelis and Americans.

I'm going out a limb to say our media might be contributing to this outlook. Violent crime is over-represented in the news. Why do we all know the details of the Jonbennet Ramsey case? The Scott Peterson case? Every year there is a high profile, nationwide crime fixation. It keeps the subject of violent crime on everyone's minds.

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency reported that the US has higher incarceration rates than any other country, disproportionate to the crime rate (source). The US and Israel have fairly similar homicide rates. The US reports 5.9 homicides per 100,000 people, where Israel reports 2.62. For perspective, Pakistan reports 0.05 and Jamaica reports 46.59 (source).

And it's not just that I notice other people feel safer. I feel safer too. I can tell by the way men look at me that they are not predatory. Men here treat women like their mothers, sisters, or daughters. A man who is old enough to be your father will act like your father. Men do not stare at me. I do not feel objectified. Suddenly my body image is a non-issue. Because here in Israel, I'm a person, not a fem-bot.

Dante Finds his Beatrice

My Dante is usually a pretty easygoing dog. Cool, calm, and collected. Nothing ever really riles him up. (Except his secret lover Jordan.) Everyone who knows him can attest to the fact that he's like this 99% of the time:



But...about once a year he gets to see his beloved Beatrice. And when that happens, he's like this:



For those of you who don't remember, this is Dante with Beatrice when she was just a wee pup.