June 30, 2019
June 29, 2019
Using Drones To Stop Terror Balloons and Kites
It is not hard to imagine Israel developing drones that can effectively deal with the terror balloons and kites. If a drone, can hover for extended periods overhead, go on GPS or remote-controlled operational missions, and can even be used to “take out” terrorist targets or other drones, then certainly they can intercept, capture, redirect, or destroy the flaming balloons and kites that the terrorists are sending to kill and destroy.
Israel and the IDF not only have the fundamental technical and scientific knowhow with both drones and missile defense, but also they have the motivation, with G-d’s help, to save the lives of the Israeli people as well as the beautiful and holy land of Israel. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 28, 2019
Rubik's Cube On Speed
That's a total of 54 moving squares to order by color on each side.
This Rubik's Cube On Speed is 7x7 by 6 sides.
So this cube has 294 squares to figure out.
(I did find another cube on eBay that was even larger, 15x15, called "Professional Level" selling for $384.40)
I'm sure there are some real whiz kids out there that can do these puzzles.
And probably in under 3 minutes...
For me, I admire the dexterity and spatial skills. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 27, 2019
Is Beer A Color?
It's titled "Colors".
And it has the typical ones you'd expect: blue, red, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, grey, brown, and tan.
But thrown into the mix is beer (and Summer)--maybe these go together!
Perhaps, someone had a little too much beer when asked about colors.
On second thought, maybe beer is a color. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 26, 2019
Amazing - They Go In And See
It is so amazing that they can go in with camera and everything.
Look around and if necessary, cut out anything bad.
Years ago, people just felt sick or pain and maybe saw some symptoms from outside.
But they had no idea what was happening inside.
So grateful to G-d for the technology and doctors that can make sure all is okay.
We are truly living in miraculous times.
They even send you home with some pictures afterward.
It's interesting to see, but maybe a little TMI. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 25, 2019
Life = Growth
It says behind the cash registers:
People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. - Eleanor Roosevelt
The background has this serene river flow--along with some obvious whitewater.
But in front of it, the cash register area is hopping crazy and messy.
It's a contradiction--not unlike life itself which is full of it's own ups and downs that challenge us routinely.
Life is where we get the experience that shapes us and strengthens us, as long as it does not break us.
Life = Growth
Why else would we be here?
G-d is the best teacher. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 24, 2019
The Goal is Automagically
Automagically.
I thought my colleague was using it as a gag.
But when I asked Dr. Google, there it was.
Automagically - Automatically + Magical
It refers to the use of computer automation and how when well-implemented it seems almost like the process is magical, ingenious, and oh, so easy.
So this is the goal for us that all our processes and efforts should be poof--automagically done and there it is! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 23, 2019
Trying To Be A Plumber
It's wonderful when we try to help others.
Isn't that one of the reasons we're here?
But sometimes we are trying to help and it's really something beyond our capabilities.
My mother-in-law said something funny about this:
Sometimes you're an electrician, but you're trying to be a plumber.
Isn't that true, we are really one thing, but we are often trying to be something else that we're really not.
We can't help someone that needs a plumber, if we're an electrician.
We have to know who we are and what we can do--as well as what we can't.
No one can do everything, no matter how smart, strong, or able they think they are.
Each person has strengths and weaknesses.
We need an electrician and a plumber.
And you can't be what you're not. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 22, 2019
Four Types of Desire
There are four types of greed/jealousy:
- I want what I’m missing
- I want what I had
- I want what you have
- I want you to not have what you have
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 21, 2019
UNDERpromise + OVERdeliver
It's sound planning and good risk management to plan for contingencies--and certainly these do happen.
Build in some buffer time and resources into your estimates, because reality bites and you need to have the ammunition to respond.
My father used to tell me:
"A word is a word!"
When you say something, promise something, commit to something then that is it!"
To do otherwise is to have no honor, no character, and no fear of G-d.
Similarly, when you overpromise and underdeliver, you fail yourself and your customers.
People commit time, resources, and faith in you, so you owe it to them to set realistic goals and plans to accomplish them.
To do otherwise, you risk damage to the longterm relationship, you hurt your credibility, and maybe most importantly, you hurt the chances of genuine progress.
The philosophy that I believe works best is: Be thoughtful. Be strategic. Be direct. Be honest.
That's what I would want from others and that's also what I strive to be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 20, 2019
Around The Corner
While I still don't really like the plain cinderblock underneath...harsh, boring.
The colorful, Jenga-type pieces stacked interestingly on each side makes a nice inviting presentation.
So I guess you would say this is an acceptable way to cut corners. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 19, 2019
Everyone Loves A Good Massage Chair
Yes, ah, that feels so good!
Seriously, you know you want to try it.
Yes, you do.
And you even want to take one home.
Costco's got these.
You've seen others at Sharper Image at the Mall.
They're not cheap.
This one was like $4,299.
Can you resist the urge to splurge on the ultimate in comfort and relaxation?
Take off your shoes. close your eyes, let yourself drift away.
It's a better place. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 18, 2019
Beautiful Architecture, Washington DC
This fine exquisite pattern is all around this building by Metro Center.
I think this must've been restored over the last few years, because I don't remember it being this colorful and awesome in the past.
Civilization can still create some amazing works...whether technology, medical cures, and even beautiful pieces of artwork.
Now we just need to proceed with the positives of creativity and productivity without destroying ourselves with indifference, dysfunction, and mismanagement in the process. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 17, 2019
Wrong and Wrong
I'd agree with you but then we'd both be wrong!
He said that he actually liked it so much that he got a sign with it and put it in his office.
As they say, "Two wrongs don't make right."
If you think something is wrong, hold your ground--otherwise no one will be right. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
June 16, 2019
Never Alone Or Meaningless
Instead of feeling alone, aimless, and sad, we can delight in our oneness with G-d and the cosmos and in knowing the everything we do can have a positive impact on everything else. ;-)
- We are never alone, because G-d is always right there with us, and in us!
- And what we do is never meaningless, because everything we do affects the G-dliness of everything else--everything and everyone are wholly intertwined and connected.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 15, 2019
Don't Call Me Sir!
In a split second, the officer zeros in on me and admonishingly says: "I’m not a Sir!" I’m taken aback, as I watch the officer speak, their face hardened and angular and their full mustache rising and falling with their words.
It's Pride Month, and I learned a valuable lesson in sensitivity, respect, and diversity and that in short:
Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, Jewish Lives Matter, All Lives Matter! We are all children of G-d. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 14, 2019
Leading Change
Some highlights I really liked:
- U.S. Army War College in developing high performance leaders seeks to develop competency to operate in an "VUCA" environment:
Volatile
Uncertain
Complex
Ambigious
- The key is NOT to get "emotionally/amygdala hijacked" where our "reptilian brain" in response to threats jumps to:
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
- Instead, we need to manage change methodically as "transitions" (which are personal and emotional) so that we understand that:
Every Ending is a New Beginning
(G-d does not close one door without opening a new one for us.)
- When one thing in life comes to an end, this is where there is enormous potential for growth in:
The Reinvention of Ourselves
Release the emotions and be ready to move on!
- In short, it can be difficult to accept change unless we realize that:
Problems = Opportunities
And this is the critical place where we can try new things and learn and grow.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 13, 2019
Monument To The Homeless
From a distance, it looked like another homeless person sleeping on the bench in Washington., D.C.
But as I got closer, I realized this was a statue of a homeless person.
And the only thing real about it was the empty cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee next to it.
Honestly, I am not sure what the point of this statue is.
There are enough REAL homeless people to remind us of their serious plight and the critical need to help them.
The money that went into creating this monument would've been far better spent on helping these real people in need. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 12, 2019
June 10, 2019
Long Nails
Couldn't help but notice the nails.
She told me she's been growing them like this for 29 years!
I asked if she had any difficulty typing, driving, or anything.
And she told me she does everything with them.
No, I don't think that I want to touch these things.
I'm only getting as close as the camera. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Why Only Two, Daddy?
The father goes on to explain that these are the commandments that G-d gave to the Jews (when they were redeemed from slavery in Egypt). He enumerates just two examples: keeping the Shabbat and honoring your mother and father. The son asks, 'What are the other commandments?' The father hesitates either not knowing any of the other commandments or simply unable to remember any more of them on the spot. And all of a sudden, the little boy starts wailing to his father: 'Daddy, why do you know only two, why?'
Knowing the Torah and commandments is not only for ourselves to do what's rights, but also to pass on the torch to the next generation. It's not always easy to be good examples, but it's the challenge we all face. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 8, 2019
G-d Counts On Us
Israel with just over 6.5 million Jews could not simply defeat the surrounding Arabs numbering over 400 million by sheer military might alone–the pure numbers just don’t bear that out–and that’s why any sane person knows that the miraculous hand of G-d is at work here, and that we are living in the times of Mashiach.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 7, 2019
Panorama: Ocean and Beach
Panorama of Ocean and Beach.
Made it look the the ocean is in between the beach.
Love the "special effect."
Feels a little like Moshes who led the Israelites through the (Red) Sea.
Anyway, nice to get away a little and see life through a different lens. ;-)
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 6, 2019
Amazing Cuban Art
They treated us like royalty and gave us a personal guided tour of two buildings filled with works by Cuban artists still at home in Cuba and here in exile.
This was better than many museums that I've been too.
I just want to thank the gallery owners and our guide for a wonderful showing and tell them how impressed we were with the art there.
Even while the Cuban people are repressed by their dictatorial leaders, there is so much of interest in Cuba: from their colorful colonial architecture to their cool "oldie cars", renown cigar smokes, some pretty talented artists, and I'm sure much more.
Cuba is only 485 miles from the USA!
I pray for the freedom of the Cuban people. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 5, 2019
Swimming In Florida
Hit the swimming pool.
About to do my laps.
I got my gear and ready to rock and roll.
Please G-d, we'll spend the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (commemorating when we got the Torah) together here as a family.
What more can I ask.
Happy and grateful. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dossy Blumenthal)
June 4, 2019
Wig and Taped Mouth
Aside from the disheveled hair covering her head and half her face.
You can see that her mouth and nose is taped over with clear masking tape!
Clearly she looks like she has been abused or worse, and the image is that she can't even scream for help.
Why anyone would advertise women's fashion in this misogynist way should be beyond all of us.
There are a lot of crazy nuts out there.
This photo is a small reminder of what we face in terms of ugliness in this world.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 3, 2019
Finding Our Innerspace
Innerspace
There is outer space.
And there is innerspace.
Outer space is the universe, the cosmos, the galaxies, the solar systems, the stars, and the planets--it's the big picture of what is all around us.
Innerspace is the our soul, conscience, thoughts, feelings, who we are, and what we're all about--it's the infinity of what makes us up and what's inside each of us.
The perspective is infinitely big as we look upward and outward to the heavens, and infinitely small as we zoom inside ourselves to the subatomic levels.
The innerspace makes me think of mindfulness, meditation, and finding purpose, meaning, truth, and inner peace.
Our search for self is really the intersection of outer- and innerspace.
We are but a speck of dust and yet we have the power to do such immense good.
It's a contradiction that is so powerful--for who are we that G-d is mindful of us and cares for us and gives us the power to choose good from evil.
Yet that is exactly our world and our place in it--and this is where we find innerspace in all of outer space. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 2, 2019
Kosher Cheeseburger, Finally
I keep kosher.
And we don't mix milk and meat together.
Tough watching all the fast food commercials from McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, and more.
So lo' and behold, my surprise when they introduced the kosher cheeseburger.
It uses the Impossible Burger made from plants--and it's advertised as having more protein, less fat, no cholesterol, and fewer calories than meat.
So we got two bags of food from Goldberg's bagels.
One bag had breakfast with bagels and egg salad.
The other bag had the kosher cheeseburgers for lunch (after the morning's activity)
We ate the egg salad bagels and they were good.
But we were really looking forward to the cheeseburgers.
Finally, after all these years of waiting...
But what happens, Dossy threw out the garbage from breakfast and...
She accidentally threw out the Impossible Burgers with it.
So when we got back to the car, salivating for the cheeseburgers...
We look in the front, in the back, in the compartments--and nothing!
It's gone! It's all gone!
No freakin cheeseburger for me.
Not then, not now, and I'm afraid not ever. :-(
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 1, 2019
Harassholes Y'all
It says:
Stop Harassholes Y'all
Not bad.
Harassment plus as*holes = Harassholes.
Thank G-d, there are some very good people and managers out there.
But unfortunately not everyone is, and so there are also some real stinkin' abusers too.
These types of people should never be in power, since they misuse it!
They do not use the power they have been entrusted with to advance progress, and do good for the organization and its people, but rather they clumsily wield power for their own selfish, personal pleasures and vendettas--bullying and harassing others--and simply because they can.
Belittling others, making them feel stupid and worthless, and then going after them for whatever they want.
Through intimidation, they keep others from talking...shhh! hush!
Emotional, verbal, and even physical abuse can be common.
I remember one colleague telling me how their boss would literally throw things at them in their office while they had to sit there "taking it."
Another has a boss that makes them do the stupidest, most trivial tasks--completely worthless stuff--just to prove a point...that they're in charge.
Marginalization, threats, bullying, abuse, harassment...it goes on and it shouldn't!
In some cases, the harassholes are even protected from someone above.
Money, power, honor...more, more, more!
But G-d sees these people too and eventually cuts the bad ones down to size.
My father used to say:
G-d does not let any tree grow into the heavens!
Eventually, I am pretty sure that harassholes end up getting some very BIG hemorrhoids or something from above that teaches them to use G-d's gifts for the good, and to properly love, care, and empathize for other human beings--G-d's children!
I never knew why hemorrhoids existed in this world, but there is a purpose to everything under the heavens. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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