August 31, 2020
Just Call It By My Name
It a matter of Quid Pro Quo!
Just a few examples of naming after people:
Carnegie Hall
Rockefeller Center
Whitney Museum
If you call it by their names, then they feel like they are somebody!
Even the rich and mighty people know they are going to die, but they want to be remembered long after.
Everyone should say their names!
But honestly, it's not only completely egotistical, but also idolatrous.
The wealth that G-d grants us is for us to live and do good in the world--not to glorify ourselves.
Having your name on a building, museum, hospital, university or stadium doesn't demonstrate you're charitableness as much as your narcissism and desire for some sort of immortality.
However, there is only one G-d and it's by Him that we should give honor, credit, and thanks!
Giving charity is what you do because you can and it's the right thing to help others, especially when you have an overabundance.
Donating to put your name in lights and on people's tongues is nothing but self worship.
All building should be stripped of the names of these people.
Recognize and raise up G-d. Man is just his servant. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 30, 2020
Every Little Thing
Every little thing that Hashem provides for us is truly a big deal. It’s so easy to become complacent, arrogant, and overconfident in all that we have today. But if we just remember that without every little thing we have, we could be in some big, big trouble tomorrow.
Our bodies, minds, and spirit can be strong, but without the ingredients we need to survive, we are all just dust and ashes. Before the High Holidays, when we ask Hashem to forgive us, and we try to make amends, and pray for a good New Year, now is a great time to appreciate every little thing!
Every Little Thing
August 29, 2020
Teaching Kids To You Know What
Mini toilets to teach the kids to go potty.
The big pot can probably be scary for a little kid.
Don't want them to end up falling in and whoosh!
Ok, not funny!
Seriously though, these little training toilets are cute.
Honestly, I think there are some adults that need some potty training too.
Yes, you know who you are! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Teaching Kids To You Know What
August 28, 2020
Better Than Hand Sanitizer LOL
Just use this bottle of Social Belonging!
Better than dish detergent or hand sanitizer.
Good for attaining love, friends, societal and other belonging needs.
22 fluid ounces!
That's enough to get you through the Coronavirus quarantine's loneliness and then some. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Better Than Hand Sanitizer LOL
August 27, 2020
Rope Light
Looks like a noose and it's hanging from the ceiling.
I don't think this light is too enlightened!
There are no ropes needed.
We need to cast light not darkness in this world. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Rope Light
August 26, 2020
Porsche Lovers
For Porsche lovers, I think it's mighty hard to resist it.
Now that's a brand that inspires with its meticulous eye toward design and quality.
The result is even a huggable Porsche is sweet! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Porsche Lovers
August 25, 2020
Happy Days
This smiley face in the yard in front of the house was a perfect real estate addition.
As my father used to sing so beautifully:
When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you!
It really is a beautiful and positively contagious thing! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Happy Days
August 24, 2020
90-10 Charity Rule
In Genesis 14:20:
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
In Genesis 28:22
[Jacob says] And in all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.
In Leviticus 27:30:
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the L-rd, it is holy to the L-rd.
In general, G-d lets you keep 90% and he commands that you give 10% to charity.
I understand that some righteous people even give 20% of their income to charity.
I learned from Rabbi Yaron Reuven that:
For those that are miserly and not charitable and don't tithe, G-d reverses the equation, and He takes back the 90% and lets you keep the 10%.
Very ingenious and where the punishment fits "the crime" so to say.
So what do you want the 90% or the 10%--it's your choice to give or have it given for you! ;-)
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
90-10 Charity Rule
August 23, 2020
August 22, 2020
No, It's Not Fort Knox
I don't think I've ever seen this many surveillance cameras in one relatively small room that's not related to national security!
And there were even more cameras around me--they were freakin everywhere.
I get that people are afraid and want security, but seriously over a dozen cameras in the entry/waiting room to see a doctor!
Did someone go a little overboard here?
Maybe they had a bad experience, who knows.
Still, this is beyond dystopian and never a private moment shall one have! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
No, It's Not Fort Knox
August 21, 2020
You Get Your Own Special Table
Reserved for Mr. and Mrs. Social Distance. Thank You.
Wow, for people that are rightfully worried about Coronavirus or maybe they're just hypochondriacs, there is a secluded table for you in the restaurant, so you can still go out and eat and enjoy yourselves.
Mr. and Mrs. Social Distance, you are sitting far away but still part of the living, Halleluja! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
You Get Your Own Special Table
August 20, 2020
Man Lamp
Probably great for your man cave.
It stands on 2 legs.
Its spine is the electrical cord running down the middle.
And the lamp shade is the hat.
Sort of design ingenious.
And during Coronavirus quarantine, it makes you feel perhaps like you have a little extra companionship.
Even if it's just a lamp! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Facebook)
Man Lamp
August 19, 2020
Merging Of Man
I can't remember--do I work at home or do I live at work?
Maybe this is the ultimate merging of the two halves of ourselves--the worker and the family man/woman.
These days were seeing a lot of mergers like this:
- Man-machine with embedded technology, robotics, and AI
- Man-environment with environmentalism and greening technologies
- Man-media with social media and other 100% always-on social computing
So why not Man Family-Work, it's just another merger of near equals in our day-to-day lives. ;-)
Merging Of Man
August 18, 2020
When Planning Is A Joke
The College of Architecture and Planning apparently didn't plan enough space for the "C" of college and so it's plastered to the brick wall at a corner angle.
Talk about irony!
Would you want them teaching your architect and planners?
Oy this is just too classic. ;-)
(Source Photo: Facebook)
When Planning Is A Joke
August 17, 2020
Pink Bear
Like a politician speaks falsehoods!
My dad would rightfully say, "Be careful, don't step in the hoy[t]a!"
Compliments of some good old Native American humor.
At one point, probably from Reader's Digest! :-)
(Credit Photo; Andy Blumenthal)
Pink Bear
August 15, 2020
Hear O' Israel
Holes In The Eyes
What I do know is that there are some people (not all) in this world who are very bad people that are blind to truth and good.
They see themselves not only first and foremost but only themselves--they are truly selfish pr*cks!
Next, they see their buddies from the "old boy's network" where one dirty hand washes the other even dirtier hand.
They see everyone else as pawns to get what they want--power, money, prestige--and in turn others are for their abuse and as a punching bag.
People born and bred on immediate and self-gratification at the expense of doing what's right.
Power used to intimidate, to harass, to bully, to step on, to shame, and to kick to the gutter.
To them it's just what it takes "to make it" in this world. And for them they don't consider what they are giving up in the world to come.
It's an ancient war of good over evil where bad people seem very strong indeed.
But where we can't cower from a fight for what we know in the end is right.
Where did their eyes go? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Holes In The Eyes
August 14, 2020
30,000 Chances To Get It Right
Teshuvah (Repentance) is really not just a yearly process, it is a daily one. And 80 years is almost 30,000 days, with every day that we wake up, get up, and start up the process of another day again, we have the opportunity to get it right this day, this time around!
Every day that we awake and arise is a great opportunity to try again where we failed in prior days and we can potentially think holier thoughts, say kinder words, and treat each other better, more compassionately and righteously.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
30,000 Chances To Get It Right
August 13, 2020
Let Them Eat Cake
Do we pay attention or look away?
Do we even care?
Do we do anything about it?
As queen Marie-Antoinette said when told that her people were starving and had no bread, what did she say?
Let them eat cake!
Pray that we are better than that. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Let Them Eat Cake
August 12, 2020
Seeing Red!
Red is the color of an apple and a strawberry
Red is the color of blood and fire.
Red is when you unfortunately lose money or go broke.
Red is a can of Coke and the planet Mars.
Red means you got something wrong on the paper or exam.
Red sneakers, that's okay too. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Seeing Red!
August 11, 2020
Happy Umbrellas!
Designs and color give them life!
Not sure how good they are for shielding from the soaking rain.
But they do add some shade in the blazing hot sun.
Florida tends to be hot, hot, hot. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Happy Umbrellas!
August 10, 2020
Beautiful Cookware
BTW, can't believe Amazon is now getting into bricks and mortar too!
These enameled cast iron dutch oven pots are colorful and useful.
In a way, they are too good-looking to use.
Maybe just put them on the stovetop and let them look pretty.
There is always the microwave for the real food. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Beautiful Cookware
August 9, 2020
@Macy's - Cool Minnie Mouse
They seem to be trying to get rid of all the merchandise built up during Coronavirus.
On line was this stylish lady in an orange dress with a white handbag.
On her arm were happy, playful tattoos, including a Minnie Mouse with her tongue out on her upper arm.
Life goes on with Disney characters cheering us up with or without a global pandemic. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
@Macy's - Cool Minnie Mouse
Finding Reality in a Floating Pink Abstract World
But when we return home to our Maker then we'll see beyond time and space what we could never see while we were enveloped in a physical body and a material world. For the spirit survives the life as our L-rd spans infinity and one day too we will rejoin with Him and discover what our eyes could never see and our ears did never hear.
For our heart was hardened of flesh while our soul was molten and deep until eventually we awake from our slumber and find what we always did seek.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Finding Reality in a Floating Pink Abstract World
August 7, 2020
Stop Child Abuse!
It's an important message.
Take Action. Stop Child Abuse.
Children are innocent!
The adults who commit the abuse and trafficking are animals.
If you see something, say something to the authorities.
You may just be saving a child's life.
Protect our children...they are our future. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Stop Child Abuse!
August 6, 2020
We Are Comm-unity!
Community, United We Stand.
With all the polarization these days, is this still true?
Unity is literally built into Comm-unity.
Divided, we tear each other apart.
Instead, we could accomplish so much together. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
We Are Comm-unity!
August 4, 2020
Lipstick On A Dog
Not sure what they mean by:
Not just a lipstick visit
I've heard of lipstick on a pig, but never on a dog!
Playing dress up with a dog?
As they say, only in America. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Lipstick On A Dog
August 3, 2020
Now That's A Deck Chair
Life is good!
Keep it simple!
Have a pillow to match.
Last chair in stock.
Grabbed the floor model.
Reminds me of the Patagonia brand. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Now That's A Deck Chair
August 2, 2020
Overpriced Desk Chairs
They had this nothing of a chair called the Harborside for almost $500. I was looking for 2 chairs, so that would've been a whooping $1,000 almost.
After a while on their web page, a chat box came up asking if I needed any help.
It was funny because the guys name was Jake, as in the commercial, "Hi, this is Jake from State Farm!"
Anyway, I must've been annoyed at their ridiculous prices and I had this farce of a dialogue with Jake.
Jake: Hello, We see you are checking out. Can we help in any way?
Me: trying to download a 25% off coupon...can you assist?
Jake: We don't have any coupons or discount codes.
Me: Just overpriced then. {smiley}
Me: Why do you charge so much for such cheap merchandise?
Jake: It's grade A teak which is the highest quality grade you buy but go on.
Me: It's a tree! Why should I pay $1000 for 2 small desk chairs. There is plenty of tweak in the forest for free!
Me: Can you explain?
Jake: *Teak. You're more than welcome to grow your own forest and make these but you'll have to move to a warmer climate. You can educate yourself better with our guide here [and he attached a link].
Me: Hmmm. Would you pay $1000 for thee little wooden chairs.
Me: Also, I'm pretty educated. TY
Jake: Yes, I have 4 on [my grandmother's porch]
Me: You didn't pay $2000 for 4 chairs for your grandmother's porch. NO WAY! I bet you got a big employee discount.
At which point, the chat box quickly bleeped off the screen!
Jake from State Farm...you didn't really buy 4 chairs for your grandmother for $2000 did you??? ;-)
(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Overpriced Desk Chairs
August 1, 2020
Parachute Running
Sprinting with a parachute on for added resistance.
Add in the hot, humid, summer sun burning down.
And you have yourself a decent exercise routine going on.
Hurry up and slow down.
You run yes, but the parachute says no.
Go! go!! go!!!
You're almost over the finish line. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Parachute Running
July 31, 2020
Helping The Elderly
Someone playing ball with an elderly lady in a wheelchair!
Too often, I think we forget or neglect the older, disabled, and disadvantaged population.
These were once the people who cared for us!
As we grow older, life can get so much harder in terms of health, disability, finances, and even loneliness.
It is so important to show compassion, kindness, and care for the people who need us, and not to forget anyone along the journey of life! ;-)
Helping The Elderly
July 30, 2020
Peace To All Mankind!
It's a solemn day on the Jewish calendar when we commemorate so many terrible events that happened in our history.
We have to remember the lows, but also pray for G-d to bring us ever back to the highs.
Peace, health, prosperity, and happiness.
It all comes from the One Above!
May G-d have mercy on us and bestow only blessings for good times to come. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Peace To All Mankind!
July 29, 2020
Good One for Rosh Hashanah
But this is a good one for Rosh Hashanah in 2 months.
Got to contain the spray from the blowing of the shofar.
It's a coronavirus time of year. ;-)
(Source Photo: Facebook)
Good One for Rosh Hashanah
July 28, 2020
It's Good To Know What You're Eating
Rump
Chuck
Shank
Prime Rib
Short Rib
Rib Eye
Tenderloin
Sirloin
I guess we don't waste much in a dog eat dog world!
The poor cow is tasty to eat, but what did she do to any of us? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
It's Good To Know What You're Eating
July 27, 2020
Wow, Not Bad For A Toy
Design is an art, whether for cars, homes, fashion, and more.
Those that get design right make things not only functional, but incredibly beautiful.
And when function and design come together in perfect harmony that is no toy! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Wow, Not Bad For A Toy
July 26, 2020
Planning Ha Ha
So in retrospect, in 2015, not a single person got the answer right to 'where do you se yourself 5 years from now?'
Where you gonna be in 2020?
Stuck at home for almost the entire year!
But you are a fortune teller and are so smart you should've rolled your dice in the ever exploding bubble of a stock market.
Oh, that's right, you did! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Planning Ha Ha
July 25, 2020
Even Dogs Wear Masks
- If giver doesn't wear mask and receiver does - 70% chance of transmission
- If giver wears mask and receiver doesn't - 5% chance of transmission
- If giver wears mask and receiver wears mask - 1.5% chance of transmission
That's doggie good statistics to avoid the Coronavirus plague.
People can learn just like dogs. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Even Dogs Wear Masks
July 24, 2020
My Blue Thumb
I got a new spray bottle from Home Depot and I put the Fantastic cleaner it in.
Thinking about the new bottle, I accidentally picked it up to water the plants.
I sprayed the cactus and immediately realized what I had done!
Oh sh*t! I just poisoned my cactus. So quickly, I poured water in to try to dilute it.
I thought to myself how the plant would react and I imagined how a person would react if they drank Fantastic.
Sure enough within a couple of days the cactus was reeling.
But I think a person could probably recover if it wasn't too much, so I'm hoping the cactus will too. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
My Blue Thumb
July 23, 2020
Wow, Good Enough To Eat
Salivating to take a serious bite.
But don't advise for that before taking a drug test.
I heard the poppy seeds may give a false positive. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Wow, Good Enough To Eat
July 22, 2020
Bucket List
I replaced an almost 16-year old 4Runner with a new car that I had been eyeing for some time.
I never thought I would actually get the new car, but I am so very grateful to Hashem!
My father used to say:
It's just something to get you from here to there!
And he was right, but it was still nice to replace the old clunker. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Bucket List
July 21, 2020
Short Man Tall Man, What Do You Say
Almost like from Dr. Seuss.
Short man and tall man.
Actually a whole step taller.
Guy on the left, little stubby legs.
One on the right, long long legs.
When you're on a ladder, I guess it doesn't matter.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Short Man Tall Man, What Do You Say