January 31, 2019
Respecting Native Americans
People claiming all sorts of racism and hate, and others saying nothing happened--usually the truth is somewhere in between.
In light of this, I wanted to share this awesome painting, and say we should absolutely respect the Native Americans and do everything we can to help them.
These are the indigenous people that were here long before we ever were, and let's just say that they suffered and lost a lot when the first Europeans arrived on these shores.
We are all G-d's children, and no one acting with integrity and peacefully should ever be mistreated or disrespected, no one! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 30, 2019
Slavery Touches Us All
Coming out of the museum, my daughter asked how anyone could actually do something like this to another human being. I had no answer to this...just like I have none to the Holocaust or any of the other incredibly cruel, sick, and wicked things that people do to each other.
Hopefully we can all have a brighter future without slavery and without genocide. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Slavery Touches Us All
January 29, 2019
How Some People Cope With Stress
Thought this was incredible.
Someone opened up a "Rage Room" in Maryland.
I know the atmosphere in D.C. is polarized and sort of toxic lately, and there is lot's of identity politics, obstruction, and even people hating on each other, but this really shows how things have degenerated.
And let's face it, it's not just the politics that people are stressed out about--how about stress from family, work, and bills. We're on 24/7 these days and a lot of stress can build up in people that way.
But now, people can actually pay money to go to into a room, wrap themselves in safety clothing, and spend their time smashing things.
Almost like when they put crazy people in a padded room in a straight jacket and let them hit their heads against the wall for a while.
In the Rage Room:
You can break 10 glass items for just $25!
Or throw in a medium printer in the starter pack and it's $35.
You can even BYOB (Bring Your Own Breakables) and have at it for $15.
Group packages and even gift cards are available.
Fun maybe, a little crazy for sure. ;-)
How Some People Cope With Stress
January 28, 2019
Welcome Back - Leadership and Donuts
Welcome Back - Leadership and Donuts
January 27, 2019
@Sandy Spring Museum Music Jam
So nice to see neighbors from the surrounding communities just getting together to play music and sing along.
It's amazing to me the good that people can accomplish when they come together like this.
This is hopeful and happy.
(Source Video: Andy Blumenthal)
@Sandy Spring Museum Music Jam
Impotency of our Democracy
Resistance. Obstruction. Polarization. Gridlock. Shutdown. Identity Politics. Hating on each other. Can't get anything done.
Legislatively we're at an impasse.
It's not just the border wall...
- No full year (let alone multi-year) budgets for all Federal agencies.
- No Healthcare Fix
- No Immigration Reform
- No Education (STEM) Improvement
- No USA Infrastructure Bill
- We are losing our edge to a resurgent Russia and a China taking world stage militarily and economically.
Executive Branch has its hands tied.
Special Counsels. Congressional Inquiries. Judicial injunctions. Media Lynchings.
Alone. Thwarted. Unable to lead or act.
Presidential hand tied by mommy Pelosi and Daddy Schumer.
State of the Union cancelled.
Presidency is compromised in the eyes of every national competitor and demagogue in the world.
Without a strong leadership reestablished and permitted to act, we are running a very strong risk of losing our superpower status and becoming just another has-been nation.
Don't think it can't happen.
The three branches of the government should be working together and helping each other to strengthen our nation's survival, prosperity, and success.
If we don't stop the madness, then we will implode and it won't be a pretty or a happy day for anyone--Democrats or Republicans.
Last chance for E. Pluribus Unum. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Impotency of our Democracy
January 26, 2019
The Beauty Of Words
Before Amos Oz could read the words themselves (by sounding our the letters), he learned to read by shapes! Amazingly, he saw the words in a whole new way. The "S" in "Snake" looks like a snake. Similarly the "F" in "Flag" looks like a flag on a pole. Again, an "eye" looks like a pair of eyes with the bridge of a nose between them.
"Language arts" really is an art that is poetic in sound, meaningful in thought, and even beautiful to look at--no different than a work of art by Picasso or Mozart. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
The Beauty Of Words
January 25, 2019
January 24, 2019
Take Your Head Out of My Shopping Cart
I'm checking out on the express line with a few things.
First some tofu.
The lady at the cash register goes:
Hmm. Healthy!
Then some Meal Mart Buffalo Style Chicken Wings.
Again, the lady at the cash register comments:
Have you tried that? Is it good? It looks good!
Politely, I replied:
Yes, they are really good.
At the same time I was feeing smart-alecy, like what the heck, should I open the package on the conveyer belt and let you taste one--right here, right now.
Sure privacy is a big issue when it comes to technology, social media, and all sorts of surveillance these days
But even when one simply goes to the grocery store--there is the very basic privacy about what one is buying.
Yes, I see people looking into my cart, with eyebrows raised eyeing my goodies. I can hear them thinking:
What is he buying? Is it marked Kosher? (Uh, actually it is!] That doesn't seem like a balanced diet!
Another time, the checkout person asked me when I was buying a bunch of something:
Oh, are you having a party? What's the occasion?
While I appreciate the good-natured banter and people being friendly, it seems more than weird in a way to be discussing what I'm buying, why, and for whom.
Not quite Big Brother, but maybe that's the leftover small town feel in our lonely urban and high-tech living. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Take Your Head Out of My Shopping Cart
January 23, 2019
My Fun Socks
Just wanted to share some of my new fun socks.
You don't always have to take yourself so serious.
It's okay to let go and just be you.
From Dragon Ball Z to Super Mario, I feel so empowered!
Hope you do too. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
My Fun Socks
January 22, 2019
Take Off Those Shoes
We have a sign in our house that people should take off their shoes when they come in.
Heck, it's part of being a neat freak and somewhat germaphobic.
But of course, the kids invariably don't follow the house rules and we get the shoe dirt all over.
And guess who has to always clean it up?
Well the other day, my daughter was looking to purchase a condo, and when she found a place she liked, she was walking around the apartment and saying:
When I have my own place, everyone is going to take off their shoes.
Hmm, when the place is yours and you have to clean up the messes, all of a sudden the house rules are in effect and big time. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Take Off Those Shoes
January 21, 2019
@MLK Celebration
January 20, 2019
Compromise = Winning
But when President Trump yesterday went on the air and provided a compromise solution whereby he gets funding for a 200 mile border wall/barrier and the Democrats get money for humanitarian relief at the border, high-tech sensors, and years of protection for 700,000 children that came to this country illegally (DACA) and another 300,000 for immigrants from designated countries that prevent their sage return (TPS)--it seems like everybody would come out a winner!
That's negotiation. That's compromise. That's diplomacy.
When President Trump did this, I thought he really won the day, especially when the Democrats rejected his proposals and offered nothing in return or as an alternative.
Even if the other side disagrees with the solution, they can and should offer what their version of a compromise/agreement would be and so on between the parties--this way, they can negotiate until both sides get to the magical compromise that everyone can agree to and live with.
What I learned from this is that regardless of your political leanings, the side that shows flexibility and compromise and the desire to get something done, is the side that wins the argument, period.
Those that want it all or are simply obstructionist and haters are the big losers in the debate.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Compromise = Winning
January 19, 2019
Stone Faces Hide The Heart
They go around with a stone face.
No emotion seems to seep in or out.
The face doesn't betray the heart in any way.
You say something or do something, and they just sort of stare at you.
No words, no outward response.
Just a stone face like a poker face.
You don't know what's behind it.
But worse yet is a heart of stone--nothing impacts the inside just like the outside.
Are some people this way because they have been so hurt in the past that they become hardened like a turtle's shell to protect from the outside world.
...Ain't gonna let nothing hurt me again.
Or are they great at using their poker face to fool, manipulate, and get what they are after.
Perhaps the worst possibility is that they are simply a real psychopath--someone without conscience or empathy.
Yes, that is scary because the unthinkable becomes thinkable.
For most of us, reading verbal and non-verbal cues is critical to understanding other people.
Hiding those cues can mean that the stone face is going to shatter someone's world and that won't be a pretty face at all. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Stone Faces Hide The Heart
January 18, 2019
Struggling With Some Decisions
As we all know, there are pros and cons to every alternative.
I remember how you can diagram decisions out like the branches of a tree with probabilities for each branch to try and get to the highest value decision.
The problem is we don't know everything that may happen down the road or even know the probabilities for each possibility--or as they say:
We don't know what we don't know.
So it's hard to make a great decision and not second guess yourself.
Well, what if...
You can "what if" yourself to sleepless nights and death and never decide or do anything meaningful.
We have to make the best decisions we can usually with limited information.
Using gut or intuition is not a solution either--those can end up being very wrong especially when we let our raw emotions dictate.
So I do not take decision-making for myself or helping others lightly, especially my family.
I want to protect them and help them make good decisions that will bear fruit and joy down the road.
I definitely don't want to waste everyones time and efforts and lead them or myself down a dead end or worse off of a cliff.
In the end, we have to turn to G-d and whisper:
Oh G-d, please help us to make the right decisions, because only you know what the results will be from it.
And so, I am definitely whispering!
At the same time, we need to move forward and not let fear and doubt get in our way of living.
Yes, we have to be prudent and take calculated risks (everything worthwhile is a risk), but also, we have to look at the potential rewards and the costs for these (every decision is an investment of time and resources) and then just try our best. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Struggling With Some Decisions
January 17, 2019
Trump Vs. Pelosi -- The Citizens Lose
In turn, CNN applauded Pelosi for having:
- Just pulled a major power move on Donald Trump's State of the Union
Today, President Trump reciprocated by refusing to provide military aircraft for Pelosi's trip aboard citing the same shutdown.
In this case, The Guardian condemns President Trump stating that he:
- Escalates shutdown row by cancelling Pelosi tripI am not taking sides (seriously), but just can't help but notice the incredible bias in the "Fake News" that we are all being fed in the massive media "echo chamber."
Again, Pelosi cancels Trump and its reported on as she did a great thing, while when Trump responds and cancels Pelosi, then that is reported on as he is escalating the situation.
Something is very wrong in this country--regardless of which politicians and parties you love or hate and whether you agree with a border wall or not--shouldn't we get news that is honest and even-handed.
The system is broken and we are the masses that are being controlled in our thinking and our voting.
This is not democracy--it is social control and b*llsh*t brainwashing! ;-)
Trump Vs. Pelosi -- The Citizens Lose
January 16, 2019
Green Eggs and Ham - דוקטור סוס
I watched this video, and loved it!
It is amazing that this can translate over.
One critique that I have is that the book should've said that the main character didn't want to eat the green eggs and ham, because he is kosher (instead of not being hungry or not loving the food).
But then again, he would've had to stick to his guns and not have eaten it in the end!
One other thing that I learned from this video/book, is that even though I am loving learning Hebrew in Ulpan class, I still have the vocabulary of a 9 year old. LOL
But I'm learning... ;-)
(Thank you to my daughter, Rebecca for sharing this with me.)
Green Eggs and Ham - דוקטור סוס
January 15, 2019
Transcending Suffering and Impermanence
The Budha says:
Life is suffering.
Why? Because life is impermanence--whatever we gain, eventually, we must lose.
- Riches, power, people, health, even our memories perhaps.
In a sense, this is like the saying from "War of the Roses":
There is no winning, only degrees of losing.
However, there is one exception to the impermanence and loss in life:
The only thing that is permanent is our good deeds, and with this we can achieve an everlasting good name for ourselves.
In Judaism, we teach:
A good name is better than fine oil.
Hence, this is the permanence that we strive for in life and in death.
If we can attain a good name through purity of soul then in a sense, we can transcend life's suffering and impermanence.
By becoming non-attached to all of life's temporary things, and instead focusing on perfecting ourselves, we can free ourselves from suffering and from this world, and then we can go on in everlasting-peace to the afterlife.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Transcending Suffering and Impermanence
January 14, 2019
Unbridled Government Spending
The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money.
And from the Wall Street Journal:
The problem with resisting socialism is that until the money runs out free-spending progressive politics are remarkably seductive.
In other words, we love to spend what appears as "free" government money--more and more entitlements, bigger and bigger government...basically, we can't resist the candy in the candy store.
But the problem is that the money eventually runs out and by then we have gone too far and are left eating our own flesh.
Why can't we spend our precious money and scarce resources prudently and also save wisely for a rainy day--why do we have to act like pigs in the poke?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Unbridled Government Spending
January 13, 2019
Upside Down Bird, Black Sheep--Same Thing
There's always one in every family.Really, it should be there is always one (or two) in every family, group, and organization.
Whether it's the upside down bird or the "black sheep"--I think we call it that person a troublemaker!
Is it the attention they crave?
Is it a good fight or argument they are after?
Are they just different and that's okay.
Listen, we are all the same, but we're also all different.
Imagine being completely the same and how boring that would be.
So being the upside bird isn't necessarily a bad thing.
The other birds may look at this upside down bird as cuckoo.
But the bird may not be a cuckoo bird at all.
He may just be acting himself.
To the upside down bird, he probably thinks of himself as being right side up bird, and that it's the other birds that are the cuckoos.
From my experience, there is being different and then there is being cuckoo for real.
There really are one or more cuckoos just about everywhere you look.
Worse yet, if the other 4 birds are sane, then watch out because you may be the cuckoo bird.
And then there was the movie, "One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest." ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Upside Down Bird, Black Sheep--Same Thing
January 12, 2019
Border Security - The Facts
All I hear day-in and -out is that President Trump wants to build a wall or barrier on the Southern border because there is a crisis. And the Democrats in turn say it's not necessary, it's a waste of money, and even that it's immoral, and that they will resist Trump!
But this is not a reasoned debate!
Who cares who wants what and who hates who in politics.
We need to be presented with a solid communication of facts, figures, and why should we support a position or not.
Yes, an endorsement by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is helpful, but the opposition can just claim partisan politics.
So here are some simple facts to inform the discussion:
Gun Trafficking:
- Over 253,000 guns annually cross the border from the U.S. to Mexico.
Drug Trafficking:
- Cartels send $64,000,000,000 of drugs annually from Mexico to U.S.
Human Trafficking:
- Between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked annually into the U.S.
Gang Members:
- Almost 6,000 gang members in 2018 were deported by ICE.
Illegal Immigrants:
- The U.S. and Customer and Border Protection apprehended more than 500,000 illegals trying to enter in 2008, and there are between 12 to 22 million illegals in the U.S, today.
Looking at these numbers, I am not sure how anyone can say that the current border situation is secure--it isn't.
So whatever we are doing with agents, sensors, surveillance, intelligence, inspection, and interdiction --no matter how good it is--it is not enough.
Certainly a request for Border Wall funding for $5 billion out of a $4.4 trillion dollar budget and placing barriers on hundreds of miles out of a 2,000 mile border, does not seem at all extreme!
While I do not like to be on a government shutdown, I certainly don't see why this can't be resolved with some reasoned border security funding that includes among the other security measures, a wall/barrier.
A strategically-placed border barrier only stands to reason in a layered defense/system of systems approach to security.
For some of those that don't want the wall, and only want votes from a broken immigration system, this is a fight for power, rather than a genuine argument on how to help secure the country.
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Border Security - The Facts
January 10, 2019
Hyundai's Great All-Terrain Concept Car
Very impressed with the Hyundai concept "Walking Car."
It can drive, walk, and climb.
I heard that this thing can even climb over walls and jump over gaps!
(Ah, I'm not going to say anything about border security with this--let's just hope the bad guys don't get this).
This is the closest that we've come to Hollywood's Transformers.
This is much more than a vehicle for search and rescue--this is ALL-TERRAIN!
Great job Hyundai--I'd love to test drive this beauty! ;-)
Hyundai's Great All-Terrain Concept Car
January 9, 2019
Government Shutdown or Middle East Peace
"It is day 19 of this p-r-o-l-o-n-g-e-d Federal Government Shutdown. Having plenty of time on my hands today, I am debating which is actually easier to solve--the government shutdown or peace in the Middle East."
We may have to wait for the Messiah for both of these to be peaceful resolved. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Government Shutdown or Middle East Peace
January 8, 2019
What Does A Government Shutdown Feel Like
The first couple of weeks wasn't so bad, because it was the holidays and vacation time ("use or lose"), so I think most people didn't miss work that much.
Also, people got paid at the end of December, since the pay cycle is on a two week lag.
For the first part of the shutdown, there is errands to run and things to catch up on--those things that you always wish you had the time for and well now you do.
But by now, you've already done those errands and cleaned your house and car, shinned up your shoes, and even caught up on some reading.
Then we also have the missed payroll coming at the end of the week. For those families that are on a single income, this is particularly hard, and even where one partner is working, still your income in cut in half.
You can't go out shopping like this!
You also can't go anywhere--like away--because you need to be available to be back at work on a day's notice--whether or not it looks like that day is ever coming or not!
Another concern for those that care about their work and getting things accomplished, is that work is like a moving train, and when there is momentum, things can get done--even at the "pace of government." But when you come to a full stop like this for an extended period of time, then it will definitely take some time to get everyone back on board the train and for it to get moving at a decent clip again. Let's face it, you can't just turn people on and off like a light switch--you're dealing with human beings with feelings, plans, and bills.
Why Congress and the President can't compromise and give the $5 billion for the wall for something in return like immigration reform or even just give half and call it a day is really beyond my comprehension.
Out of our $4.4 trillion a year federal budget, how does it make any sense to begrudge a couple of billion for a wall to bring order to the chaos at our southern border--can anyway say "caravan?"
Let's face it, drug smuggling, human trafficking, dangerous gangs and terrorists, and illegal crossings have no place in a civilized country, especially the United States of America.
At some point, our politicians seem to have lost their passion for and dedication to what's actually good for America and instead replaced it with identity politics and a sick insatiable greed for power, plain and simple.
All sides need to be patriots and not political kingpins, and they need to give a little to get a little for the betterment of our country overall--maybe then we can move forward.
And by the way, it would be great at some point to let us go back to work and do our jobs. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
What Does A Government Shutdown Feel Like
January 7, 2019
No One Cares How You Feel
But it is one full of love and helping your kids.
Sometimes, I remember listening to my kids say that they feel this or that and seeing that it was holding them back from accomplishing their goals.
Often, I would tell them that the only people that really care about how they feel is your mother and father--but generally-speaking, it a tough world out there, and:
"No one [else] cares about how you feel."
I tried to focus them--not on being cold and unfeeling--but rather on being strong inside and focusing on the tasks that need to get done.
Sure, feelings are important, but if you are getting held back from doing what you need to do--then there are times when you need to put the feelings in abeyance and go forward.
Overall, there is plenty of time to feel what you feel, but don't let anger, fear, or anxiety get in the way of you accomplishing your dreams.
In a book that I am reading by Amos Oz, "A Tale of Love and Darkness," he writes:
'I want' and 'I don't want' aren't reasons, they can only be defined as self-indulgence.
Yes, it's a little tough love, but also it is out of true love to help the kids to be willing and determined to try their best and not get held back by anything in the pursuit of the destiny they choose to follow. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
No One Cares How You Feel
January 6, 2019
From Tulips to Cryptocurrency
From the Tulips Mania in 1637, when a tulip went for more than 10x what a skilled workman earned in an entire year!
To Cryptocurrency in 2018, which is down about 80% from its $20,000 peak losing $700,000,000,000.
In between, we had the gold rush, the great depression, the tech/dot-com bubble, and the housing/mortgage crisis, and many more I am sure.
There seems to always be something for people to get excited about in an "irrational exuberance" type of way, as former Federal Reserve Chair, Alan Greenspan put it.
Is it boredom, big dreams, unadulterated greed, the desire to "get rich quick" and easy, the belief that you've discovered the Holy Grail or is it just people being stupid.
Either way, we have a way of getting ourselves in trouble, some "losing their shirts."
Not sure who said it, but there isn't an easy fix to your life.
There are small and big problems, and then there is you trying to fix them (with G-d's help).
As to bitcoins and tulips, they ain't worth what you think they are. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal with photos from Pixabay).
From Tulips to Cryptocurrency
January 5, 2019
Cannibal Soup
The first was a joke my dad always told which was something like:
We had our mother-in-law for dinner...and boy was she good! LOLThe second was something I heard recently about power and politics, which was:
If you're not at the table then you on the menu!Ah, you better have a seat (and welcome voice) at the table or else you may find yourself part of the next batch of beef stew coming out of the kitchen.
Two new ways for us to think of dinner time. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Cannibal Soup
January 4, 2019
Them Tables Always Turn
It is an ancient Mongolian proverb and was in the movie, "Mogul" about the rise of Genghis Khan:
Do not scorn a weak cub; he may become a brutal tiger.I think this is the Asian equivalent of:
1) Don't burn your bridges.
2 Don't start a war you can't win.
The Asian version is better! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Them Tables Always Turn
January 3, 2019
Best Baby Carrier Ever
I have to call this out as the best baby carrier ever.
What a combination between a kangaroo pouch and a cozy snugli.
Anyway, it's comfortable, fun, and good-looking.
Can't you just see your baby in this?
Best Baby Carrier Ever
In The Blink Of An Eye
It all seems to happen in the blink of an eye. Those moments when your life or those of a loved one hang in the balance. It can go either way--you can end up on the road to success or potentially in the morgue.In those pivotal split seconds--your life can go this way or that. Do you recognize who is pushing on the scales of justice and are you ready on where to go from there?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
In The Blink Of An Eye
January 1, 2019
Miracles of Charity and Faith
What better way to welcome in the New Year of 2019 then with some inspirational true stories about amazing people and their faith in G-d and doing what's right. Recently, I saw firsthand from some special people, the miracles that happen when one is charitable and sticks to ones beliefs.
As my father always taught me about G-d and doing what's right: "Stick to your convictions!" ;-)
(Source Photo of this amazing Tzedakah (charity) box in Israel: Minna Blumenthal)
Miracles of Charity and Faith