Some Answers
I'm not at home now, and there is no Hebrew support on this keyboard (I can read but not write in Hebrew), so here are some quick answers in Hebrew. First, Udi asked about the "mifgash hovevim". Unfortunately, I will not be able to come (I'm still in the US) -- although there is a possibility I will be coming for a visit later during the month; if I'm coming, I hope I can also hold a meeting (maybe in Haifa?) -- but this remains to be seen. More about this when it becomes more relevant. (Sorry for the short notice, but that's how it is with work). About what we do in these meetings: well, you meet the other folders, see (in the flesh) their latest folds -- should they choose to bring them, that is -- and discuss stuff. Some folders brings their latest acquisitions (books, magazines, etc.). Others bring models to share. Whenever I go to an origami meeting, I make sure I have a couple of models to teach; preferably ones that no one else has seen. I try to always choose a fun model that everyone can do (that isn't always easy to find) and a more complicated model that the more advanced folders can enjoy. However, the short answer is that meetings are fun. Udi also mentioned Xander Arena. He is a nice folder from Arizona. I corresponded with him a while back, and met him for the first time in September 2005. The motorcycle was diagrammed after I put up a request for playful origami for the book PCOC PLAY. At the moment I am drawing a blank on whether I ended up including it or not. Xander's diagrams were complete. The error in the Tanteidan book was that they forgot to include a page (all too easy to do, believe me. Even with several eyes going over the book). Xander has diagrammed several of his other models as well. Someone asked about books. (*) Kasahara's OftC is one of the best origami books I know, and one of my absolute favorites. It contains a wealth of information and a wonderful selection of models. Well worth getting. (*) If you haven't placed your order yet, don't buy "rose, origami and math" by Kawasaki. It is a nice book, but I don't think you will enjoy it. More than half of the book is dedicated to a single module (a specific modular system). Then there are maybe 4 or 5 models and then a mathematical article. Not for everyone. Kawasaki's other two books (the "dreamworld" series) are a better purchase. BTW, I met Mr. Kawasaki and his twin brother a month ago. They're an interesting couple. I even taught Hidefumi Kawasaki a couple of models... (*) Jeremy Shafer's book is fun. However, it contains a very old snapshot of his work. Jeremy now does "pop-up" folds (one sheet, no cutting). They're quite interesting and innovative. Gilad Ayalon gets BARF, and he may be able to bring some recent issues so you could see some of Jeremy's recent work. It's really nice. (*) Tomoko Fuse's books on boxes are fantastic. Get at least one. These are true origami gems. These are modular folds like you've never seen before. (*) Lang's book is really what it promises. A book on origami insects. It shows you what the state of the art in origami was in 1994 (I think that's the publication year of that book). Origami has quite evolved since then, but I think that the models in this book are still very good. (And try to do that butterfly from that book with division into 5ths.... That's VERY difficult.) If you want to find out more about books, check Gilad Aharoni's website (www.giladorigami.com) for book reviews. It is the best and largest origami book review out there. Sorry again about the English. If I have any news about my upcoming visit, I'll let you know.