June 24, 2021

Gourmet Butternut Squash

Wow, my daughter made this amazing gourmet butternut squash.

Kale, pine nuts, lemon, and a little butter. 

Made a beautiful display and it tasted wonderful, especially for something healthy. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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Ever Sit On A Cow


Ben and Jerry's has great ice cream and an earthy, peaceful decor. 

This cow comes with child's seat is a good use of the store's "real estate."

Both country fresh milk from the cow and a kid-friendly environment too.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 23, 2021

Hanging Out With A Dinosaur


Not so hard to imagine when dinosaurs roamed the earth. 

Here's one in the gallery, and he's sort of guarding the entrance. 

With dinosaurs, you just gotta watch out for the teeth and the tail. 

A domesticated pet it isn’t, yet some people don’t even notice it standing there!

We know we're getting old when we're hanging with dinosaurs or are we the dinosaurs as the next generation pass us by?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 22, 2021

Bicycle and Flowers

Why do flowers and bicycles go so well together?

Either way a beautiful display! 

G-d has made such an amazing world for us. 

And all our senses get to enjoy it. 

If you let yourself stop and experience it, your heart and soul can be uplifted with the joy of it all!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 21, 2021

WTF Is It?

Art but what the heck:

Do these thingamajigs represent people standing tall and with arms raised high?

Are you supposed to hang things off of it like jewelry?

Can you place on it reminder notes or small pictures using push pins?

Then again maybe it's a toy for a child or even a pet?

In the end, all I can say is WFT is it?

Perhaps that's what the meaning of art is!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 20, 2021

@Torpedo Factory



Some old but awesome torpedos 

You wouldn't want one of these big salamis hitting you in the head! 

Man oh man, these will do some serious damage.

Imagine what we got now-a-days for fun with our enemies.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 19, 2021

Menachem Begin, Hero of Independence and Beyond

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Menachem Begin, Hero of Independence and Beyond."

While David Ben-Gurion was the politically savvy founding father of the modern-day State of Israel, Menachem Begin was the military genius who brought the Jewish people from British subjugation to being a free people in our own land.
In the end, the Jewish people’s fight for freedom from oppression and for an independent homeland, even the willingness to accept a partitioned land along with the desire for peace, required both the political fight that Ben-Gurion brought to the world’s governments as well as the military struggle that Begin was expert at against both the British overlords who refused autonomy under the mandate and to the Arabs who refused partition. Further, this underscores the stark contrast between the Jewish struggle and that of the Palestinians who have incessantly rejected negotiation and any opportunities for autonomy and peace, including at Oslo, Camp David, and Taba, as well as after Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 that was followed by Hamas’s terror tunnels, kidnappings, incendiary balloons attacks, and rocket barrages on Israel civilian population centers.

(Credit Photo: Israel Government)


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June 18, 2021

Dr Merry-Go-Round

So I was talking with a friend and he was pretty frustrated with the state of medical care these days.

He mentioned that no doctor wants to take responsibility for the patient anymore. 

Maybe that's why they punt to other doctors and have big medical malpractice insurance. 

But he said something really interesting...

"You wind up going on doctor merry-go-round until you [actually] find someone willing to help..."

One doctor sends you to another doctor and this one sends you to that specialist and it goes on and on. 

Sometimes they just can't figure out what's wrong. 

Usually comes across as trial-and-error or a process of elimination. 

But then if they don't want to deal with you or don't know what's wrong or how to treat they pass you off to the next doctor and so on, and so on. 

I suppose to a certain extent it makes sense because medicine like many technical fields is very specialized now-a-days. 

But how much is it the specialization stuff and how much is it that they just don't want to deal with the hard stuff or don't want the liability. 

Dr. Merry-Go-Round takes you on a very nauseous ride and makes it tough sometimes to get the care you need.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 17, 2021

All American Hummer

Hummer is a large mother car. 

Based on military Humvee, so rules the road. 

They should've never gotten rid of these. 

Big and rugged like you'd expect in America. 

This one has the red, white, and blue colors to prove it!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 16, 2021

Go Ahead and Waste My Time

Thought this was a funny magnet:

Feel Free to Waste My Valuable Time

When you go to help desk, customer service representative, your boss, a friend or even family member, and they give you that sigh or that look that you are immensely bothersome. 

If only people had more compassion and respect for others and more of a true customer service and servant-leader mentality. 

Otherwise all you get is that ol' grumpy face and contemptuous attitude and you just want to crawl under a big heavy rock and never come out.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 15, 2021

Paranoid or Not

Thought this was a great quote on paranoia:

Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean someone's not out to get me.

Think about that one a little. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 14, 2021

Beautiful Japanese Balloon

Pretty amazing Japanese balloon.

Asian landscape of mountains, trees, and with cranes flying overhead. 

Red, yellow, and black tones make for a striking look. 

When this floats overhead, there is no missing its origins. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 13, 2021

When Compromise Means Death

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "When Compromise Means Death."
The nations of the world look on with horror at the “plight of the Palestinians,” but they turn a blind eye to the chants of “death to Israel” and as the Palestinians turn billions of dollars of aid into relentless homicide bombs and send thousands of missiles into Israel civilian population centers. The compromise that Israel has shown would end the Palestinian “victim status” and thus endanger their endless money and support that flows freely from the UNRWA to prop up the corrupt Palestinian leadership. The reason that the Palestinian leadership doesn’t want an agreement is that they want the Jews dead “from the river to the sea!”
Israel has shown that is willing to make difficult and painful decisions and support Palestinian autonomy for the sake of peace, but will the Palestinians ever compromise at all? As Golda Meir said:
Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.
Please G-d, the day will arrive soon, when reason will overcome hate, and peace will prevail over prejudice, and Jews and Palestinians can live side-by-side, as neighbors and as friends.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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June 11, 2021

Great Microwave Decor

Liked this decor (funny the brand is also called "dacor") on the microwave 

Why watch through the glass window, the food on the turntable (and the splatter) as it heats up when you can instead see some real art! 

Also, kids art is somehow always the best; they see things in a more pure, unadulterated, as well as a fantastical way that makes you look at life anew again. 

Enjoy the wonderful art Papi!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 10, 2021

Dog Days of Summer

Nice way for dogs (or people) to cool off in the hot car in Summer.

Just have to watch for passing cars or bikes, so the snoot doesn't get bumped. 

Do you know where we're going?

No hon, but it's hot as hell today and I'm sort of down in the dumps. 

Just try to enjoy the ride and I'm sure we'll be there soon. 

I'm trying, just let me have a little peace and quiet, please!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)


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June 9, 2021

Isn't This Brand Just A Little Too Forward

Can't believe they actually sell a brand of soap called: "Maybe You Touched Your Genitals Liquid Soap."

And they have a hand sanitizer version too. 

This product's naming, labeling, and marketing is over-the-top even for a spoof product. 

Ah, I think I'll forever hold off on the handshaking even if there is an after-Covid.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 8, 2021

Tower of Jelly Beans

Something about colorful Jelly Beans just makes us happy.

Candy sweet, bursting mix of flavors, and oh so chewy.

Need a handful, probably more!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 6, 2021

Hot Dogs With All The Toppings

Wow, incredible hot dogs with everything on it. 

My son-in-law, Itzchak, made these for Memorial Day this past week. 

OMG, they were soooo good!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)


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Military Might

This was an interesting saying about getting soldiers to their peak performance:

You will breath thunder and fart lightening!

Yep, that's pretty scary stuff. 

Here it comes! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 5, 2021

G-d’s Redemption Is A Promise

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "G-d's Redemption Is A Promise."

The Jewish people’s exile was only temporary and that is what G-d promised us. But the anti-Semites of the world somehow want to make us believe that G-d has forsaken the Jew permanently, and thus they chant “Free, Free Palestine!” and call the Jews occupiers.
In short, the worst punishment is not just being hurt, but also feeling exiled, abandoned, and hopeless. This is where we must look up to the Heavens for G-d’s salvation, and work to merit His bringing us back towards His divine presence. As with anyone who has experienced personal “exile” and suffering in life, we know those are the darkest of days when G-d’s face is hidden from us, and we may feel alone and abandoned. But G-d is always there, waiting for us to seek Him out and return to Him, and that is when we can finally not only see the light at the end of the darkest of tunnels, but also when we can feel G-d reach out to us and bring us back home again to Him.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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June 4, 2021

It's Nice To Wish Shabbat Shalom!


 (Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 3, 2021

Washington Monument Tall and Proud

Thought this was a pretty picture of the Washington Monument. 

Marble Obelisk that stands tall and proud against the clear blue sky in the nation's capital

Inspiring and hopeful for the future, if people don't blow the opportunities for collaboration and progress.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 2, 2021

What Children Learn

Excellent poem by Dorothy Nolte:

What children experience at home is what they learn to become. 

Sure people can change their thinking and actions.

But any negative voices of the past may still echo in theirs heads. 

That is until people tell them "hush, be quiet!"

And they replace old voices and experiences with new thinking about themselves and what they are capable of positively doing with their lives and in their relationships with others. 

We all need to know what we value about ourselves and our lives and then make sure that we do those things. 

So at the end of days, we can answer for our lives in an affirmative way! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Etsy)


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June 1, 2021

Cheesecake and Whipped Cream

What is this--like a million calories?

Rich cheese cake.

Whipped cream spilling unto the sides.

Chocolate and sugar topping. 

Your pants will never close again after this!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 30, 2021

These Looks Good

Red one.

Blue one.

Yellow one.

Orange one.

Looks so refreshing. 

Especially on the rocks or even better like an icy. 

Want to try a little (or a lot) of each!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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The UNHRC is a Bloody Joke

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The UNHRC is a Bloody Joke."
While the UNHRC has an incredibly important and noble mission to promote and protect human rights around the world, in reality, the UNHRC, conducts itself like its anti-Semitic parent, the United Nations (UN) which regularly condemns Israel at every turn of world events. Made up of a variety of despots, dictators, terrorists, and rotten-to-the core human rights violators, the UNHRC refuses to condemn the incessant attacks and terrorism against Israel, but rather they defend those that want to “throw the Jews into the sea” and in turn use anti-Semitic attacks on Israel to hide their own fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption at home.
Unfortunately, while the UN “Commission” on Human Rights was replaced primarily in name only by a UN Human Rights “Council,” nothing much else changed in their wanton display of corruption, anti-Semitism, and human rights violations. To this day, the leaders of these countries use Israel and the Jews as an object of hatred and for persecution to deflect and hide the repression and atrocities that they routinely and wantonly do to their very own people.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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May 28, 2021

Beautiful Japanese Print

Thought this was a really beautiful Japanese print of this woman in a flowered blue kimono. 

Her pink eyeshadow and lipstick as well as the red dangles in her hair really standout. 

She looks mysterious and at the same time familiar. 

Asia brought to the U.S. and it's intriguing to say the least. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 27, 2021

Nice Peacock Vase

Nice vase. 

Reminds me of a peacocks feathers. 

Not sure who would pay $60,000 for this though.

Does it lay eggs?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 26, 2021

Huge Sushi Platter

Wow, huge and varied sushi platter. 

Something on there for everyone. 

Almost looks too nice to eat.  

Food form and content.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 25, 2021

Tefillin and Talit Bag

This is my new Tefillin and Talit bag for daily morning prayers. 

It even has a beautiful siddur (prayer book) inside and my Hebrew name on the outside. 

I just wanted to thank my wonderful family for this and especially, my son-in-law, Itzchak for ordering this for me from Israel. 

I love it, and thank you guys so much! 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 24, 2021

Street Art Florida

Thought this was some nice street art in Fort Lauderdale. 

The water and boating, the high-rise condos and hotels, and the beautiful blue skyline. 

The good Caribbean with sun, sand, and water.

Looks and feels so good!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 


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May 23, 2021

The Stranger and The Enemy


Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Stranger and The Enemy."
In summary, with regards to Israel, we must follow two important commandments that guide our relationships with the outside world. First, there is the imperative to love our neighbor and the stranger. Second is the dictum to wholly defend ourselves from our enemies who seek our destruction. While on the surface these may pose a contradiction, in reality, they do not, because if our neighbors and the strangers among us are willing to live in genuine peace with us then we gladly and actively will extend the olive branch in peace and brotherhood. But if unfortunately, our neighbors are bent on our genocide then we must fight them.
Love and peace is always what we want from the bottom of our hearts, but war is a necessity that is sometimes thrust upon us by our enemies and that we must absolutely, with G-d’s help, win.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 21, 2021

Nice Sitting Area

Thought this was a pretty nice lobby sitting area.

Especially liked the wall hanging combining both painting and light display. 

On the opposite side of the room was a glass wall/windows, and the light of the boy and girl holding hands reflected in there as well.

Had a nice relaxing and high-tech type effect on the room. 

Just glad the light display didn't move; I think that would be too much and actually sickening.

Anyway, off into the sunset. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 


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May 19, 2021

The Contrarians

 

It's funny, you have this beautiful ocean and waves coming in, but some people turn their backs on it and face the other way.

I get that they are wanting to get a tan, but to me their still missing it!

There are always those that will go against the norm.

That's the Bell-Shaped Curve for you in action.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 18, 2021

The Mind's Eye


The mind's eye can see what the real eye's don't.

Perhaps, we see something (or not) and then rationalize it away or use any other of the cognitive biases to not pay attention or distort the facts and the truth.

Not sure why this 3rd eye is off-center and also looks upside down (with the eyelashes on the bottom).

The age old question is whether it would it be better to have the extra eye in the back of your head?

360-degree vision, way cool!

Now if we can add some high-tech sensors to augment our eyes then we could also routinely see at night, in fog, etc.

It isn't true that what you don't see can't hurt you. 

Eyes wide open, and pay very good attention!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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May 17, 2021

How Hashem Was Found

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "How Hashem Was Found."
This disabled man was then charged with DUI and spent the next 8 1/2 years in prison. But the Rabbi of the prison helped him to find G-d in all this suffering and slowly he returned to his Jewish roots. Now, for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah to all the Jewish people, he was in synagogue, holding his prayer book and receiving the Ten Commandments with the rest of the congregants.

If this man who's body was crushed, leg lost, and who spent so many years in prison could find the good and his way back to Hashem, then there is hope for all of us who can learn, grow, and turn our lives around as well. G-d is there in the darkness and in the light, and we have to find Him and believe.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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Fun and Good Exercise

Man, does that look fun!

Also, I understand you can get some pretty good exercise paddleboarding.

My only concern would be sharks.

Don't bright colors and strong motion attract them?  

You've got to be brave, but not stupid. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 16, 2021

Fight Terrorism / Support Israel

(Credit Photo: Andy and Dannielle Blumenthal)
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Fort Lauderdale @Night

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 15, 2021

Israel's Last Stand

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Last Stand."
It is the mere fact of our Jewish existence that irks our Anti-Semitic, terrorist enemies. This is why the world does not care, and may actually even cheer while Palestinian terror rockets fly overhead, hundreds at a time, into major population centers in Israel. From 5-year old, Ido Avigal, killed by shrapnel in Sderot to an 87-year old woman killed near Ashdod while running from rocket fire, nowhere seems safe, including in cars, homes, walking down the street, and even "safe rooms."
Like it or not, every rocket, every suicide bomber, every attacker will be met and defeated—from north to south and east to west—because the Jewish people will not be driven out; this is our last stand and we will survive.

(Source Photo: Pixabay)
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May 14, 2021

Broken Uber and Stupid Airport

 

So we are going to the airport early this morning and everything seemed to go wrong.

Because we needed an Uber early, we used the app to reserve one in advance.

I get an email that Uber charged us and the app says the driver is on the way.

However, it doesn't identify any driver or car. 

It turns out that Uber never reserved any driver and no one was coming to get us and we had a flight to catch.

So much for reservations that go unreserved!

So we cancel the darn Uber and instead try to get a Lyft, but after many minutes trying in vain to locate a driver, we gave up on this as well,

Thank goodness, I could still call a regular cab!

The taxi company says he'll be there in 10-20 minutes. 

Over 35 minutes later and 3 phones calls and he still hasn't arrived and it's getting late for the flight.

Finally, finally, he shows up and says they called up and he came from bed to pick us up. 

Wow, that's pretty amazing--I was impressed and grateful.

He get us to the airport and we run in and through security.

We head to gate 30 for our flight and the picture shows you what we came up against.

Gate 29 and gate 31 in the corner of the airport, but no freakin gate 30 anywhere in sight!

After a swing around the other corners, we finally found it.

Why gate 30 isn't after 29 and before 31, I will never understand!

Moreover, why Uber takes reservations in advance for a car, but doesn't actually arrange a driver is also a complete mystery and a very broken business model.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)


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May 13, 2021

Support Israel and the IDF!


 (Photo via Facebook)


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May 12, 2021

For Mothers Day

I meant to post this on the past Sunday for Mother's Day.

Love you Mom always and miss you so much! 

Send my love to Dad also in Heaven. 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 10, 2021

Hangers: Who Knew

Who knew that hangers come in round (and not only triangle shape)?

You really do learn something new every day!

I guess one size really doesn't fit all.

Sh*t, I hope my clothes don't fall off these hangers.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 8, 2021

Shabbat: Time Vs. Space

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Shabbat: Time Vs. Space."

When we choose to keep the Sabbath, we mark a day of the week in time, where we reject all the worldly pursuits of space and materialism in lieu of recognizing that there is a higher power, G-d Almighty, and that as Ahmari says 'everything else is ephemeral and passes away with time.'

What we do to make things holy in time rules over what we do purely physically in space, that nothing but G-d is timeless, and everything material reverts back to its origins and is gone from time as if it never even was. In the end, we need to live our lives with the forethought that the spirit goes to the everlasting afterlife, but the body goes to the physical grave.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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May 7, 2021

Meow, Shabbat Shalom!


 (Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 6, 2021

A Sign To Tell Us This

Wow, these days we need a sign to tell us this:

I am a man.

And I would imagine there is a corollary one to announce if you're a woman.

If people can't tell the difference anymore is that a good or bad thing?

Maybe it's good from an equality and respect standpoint, but also bad in terms some people being confused by it.

Reminds me of Crocodile Dundee when he had to do a hand check to figure things out.

Umm, that's not gonna work in real life!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 5, 2021

From Point A To Point A+

I loved this lesson in endurance from Naji Ali in the Wall Street Journal today. 

Take it stroke by stroke.

Don't worry about getting all the way from point A to Z. 

Instead just focus on getting from point A to point A+.

Just take the first stroke and then another and another. 

Like one foot in front of the other. 

See how far you've come!

You're on the way to point Z but you don't have to drink the ocean in one gulp to get there. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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