[erick (Eric)]

Hi everyone. I've been a bit quiet lately as various changes in my life have arisen. But it is now 99% definite -my wife and I are headed closer to the North Pole shortly.

I am taking up a position in Haifa, Israel for five or more years, leaving within months.

Goodbye southern skies, which will be sad. But I'll now get a chance to investigate the northern hemisphere skies. But not from Haifa - that part of Israel is wall-to-wall light pollution! However, three hours drive gets me to the Negev Desert, in the southern part of the country down towards the Red Sea. That is where the University of Tel Aviv has its major observatory and the light pollution maps look promising. Mind you, I wonder how to fight off marauding wild camels in the dark? I don't think dew will be a problem, rather it may be sudden sandstorms!

Now what to take with me? The SDM definitely. But what about everything else I have got and all the projects I had in mind? I cannot store it all for years?

There might be a "fire sale" shortly - keep your eyes open.

Cheers
Eric