I want to take a time out from what is happening here in Israel at the moment
and mention a few other personal things.
In yesterday's post I discovered that I had been sent a letter from the
Ministry for Social Equity: it contained my 'senior citizen' card, as pictured
on the left. This possibly entitles me to a reduction in local authority
'rates' but also allows me to attend lectures and other activities held at a
local senior citizens centre.
Although I have reached the nominal pension age, I am not entitled to receive
an old age pension yet, because I am still working and my gross salary is
above 8,000 NIS. From a financial point of view, it's better to continue
working and receive my salary rather than to retire and receive an old age
pension along with a monthly payment from my retirement fund. The old age pension is
paid regardless of income to all who are 70 years old (and above), so in three
years' time, I will be eligible for this. To me, it's slightly amusing and
askew, but someone who delays receiving their pension for whatever reason will
receive a higher pension than someone who retires at 67 (or 62 if you are a
woman).
The irony of it all is that I don't feel like a senior citizen; I have
amended this blog's subtitle to be "I'm not 67 years old, but rather 22 years
old with 45 years' experience", which is something that I saw once on a t-shirt. Let's hope that my physical and mental capabilities carry on as they are
for many more years.
About two weeks ago, I wrote about completing the "7/4 song", aka "The great escape". The arrangement was somewhat bombastic and featured several innovations (at least, for me), including several tracks for drums, some of which were panned and some not; the snare track had an echo that created an interesting effect. But listening to the song repeatedly (propably hearing it in my head and not so much listening to it) caused me to doubt the suitability of the arrangement; maybe something lighter would be better. So a few days ago I started with a copy of the then final MIDI file, then ripped out several instruments, including the drums and arppegiators, but leaving a few. I then rebuilt the arrangement in a different style, although the solos remain. After having completed this second version (that also went through a few iterations), I am now uncertain as to which version is better; I shall let time decide.
The song can be heard here.
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