The death of my best friend, Marcus, is everywhere in my thoughts. I know that life goes on, and I will return to the usual routine in due course. That’s one reason why I’ve rejected the thought of just stopping the blog. Another is that such normal tasks tide me over between tough times. Regrets and mad and happy memories are a heady cocktail. This is something I need to do, if only for myself. So, in keeping with the usual practice, here are this week’s selection of links for Friday.

Be well, one and all.

• Anti-Abbas posters in Gaza portray him hanging
• Europe on its knees
• Famous Egyptian writer: Hamas are the real enemy
• Harvard President reacts to Sodastream ban
• Paramount interest

Shabbat Shalom!