October 29, 2020

Someone's Always Watching

These days someone is always watching.

Whether someone is peering at you from upstairs or around the corner.

Or there is a surveillance camera.

Or someone is recording you on their smartphone. 

You are never really alone. 

And even IF, and that's a big if, that no one person is watching.

Remember that G-d above still sees everything!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 


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October 28, 2020

Overwhelming Public Fatigue

China Fatigue

Covid Fatigue

Election Fatigue

Exaggerations Fatigue

Extremism Fatigue

Fear Fatigue

Facebook Waste of Time Fatigue

Lies and Corruption Fatigue

Media Manipulation Fatigue

Power Politics Fatigue

Racism and Hate Fatigue

Riots and Looting Fatigue

Fatigue Fatigue ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 27, 2020

Meat On A Spit

Nothing like loads of meat roasting on the spit over a fire.

The fat drips and the meat is smoking and juicy hot. 

Is it the animal in us or do we just know good food when we see it?

Schwarma or a BBQ, you can taste it!

And it hits the spot right on like nothing else can.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 


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October 26, 2020

Chucky Rules The Road


This was a scary mother of a truck. 

It had Chucky perched spread-eagle over the front crash bumper. 

Imagine looking in your rearview mirror and seeing this barreling down on you. 

Chucky rules the road and he's coming for you.

It's too late to run and hide. 

He's gonna get you!

Consider yourself dead meat and it's not even Friday the 13th. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 25, 2020

@Sandy Spring Sculpture Garden

 





 (Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

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October 24, 2020

The Elections: Perfecting Our Imperfections

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "The Elections: Perfecting Our Imperfections."

Clearly, from the President on down to each and every one of us, we can be certain that none of us is perfect. However, G-d put us here, precisely, to have the opportunity to repair our imperfections. In this earthly world, our soul is tested, and we thereby have the opportunity to come out stronger and better because of it. The challenges in this world provide the "purification by fire" that our souls need to elevate themselves from past mistakes or imperfections. In essence, G-d in his ultimate benevolence — of love, kindness, and giving — bestows on us, His children, the chance to learn and grow and to realize our potential!

In short, while our elections leave us a lot to be desired in terms of the candidates for the highest office of this great land, we can see from the presidential candidates on down to the citizens of this country and to those around the world that there is both shortcomings and the potential for becoming the people that G-d knows we can really be.

(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
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October 22, 2020

Swingers Swinging!

He and She. 

Swinging on the swing.

Arms around the other. 

There's love between these two. 

It's fun to swing together. 

Caring and sharing. 

Two is always better than one!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 21, 2020

Watch Where You Stick Your Nose

This was an interesting sign:

We love it when you stick you nose in our business...

Gee, I sure hope this isn't referring to a manure business.  LOL

In short, be careful into what stink you stick you nose in or know when to mind your own business!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 20, 2020

Best Looking Bees


These are some of the best looking bees that I've ever seen.

They almost look friendly. 

No stinging, please!

Go ahead and pollinate the beautiful flowers. 

Then go back to the hive and make us some delicious, sweet honey. 

Bees bees bees. Buzz buzz buzz.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 19, 2020

Magical Blue Pendant

Thought this blue pendant was just magical!

Beautiful blue color and love the inlaid design over it. 

Middle eastern style and it's a standout!

There is mystery, eloquence, and even some unapologetic sexiness to it.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 18, 2020

Two Terms In Office

Funny sign in store. 

Limit Politicians to 2 Terms:  

One in Office.  

One in Prison. 

Now this doesn't speak very well of our leadership.

What about the one's that have decades in office, and the time is used for their own selfish purposes and not for the people?

Where power and money is the purpose rather than advancing social well-being.

Where personal and party agendas are the playbill rather than doing what is right, plain and simple.

Where scoring points against your adversary or completely taking them down is the strategy rather than reaching out and working hand-in-hand to achieve our nation's greatness. 

We have fallen a long way from what I would imagine the founding fathers had in mind for this great democracy. 

Perhaps, the biggest problem is that we have stopped even trying. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 17, 2020

Don't Forget To Brush

How's that for a great reminder to brush your teeth.

Not so subtle though, right?

Man, what a pair of choppers!

I'm brushing. Believe me.  

Don't have to show me twice!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 16, 2020

Face It!

Wow, it only takes a little to show a lot. 

The brilliance of capturing the essence while leaving out the extraneous. 

A person is clearly there even though it's just his face. 

What is hidden is also revealed. 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

Yet, I don't miss him, because he's right there.

It looks like he's about to say something!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 15, 2020

Artsy Bike

This is an artistic bike in Washington, D.C. 

Like a newspaper, it's black and white and "read" or actually rode all over. 

How much time do you give a bike like this before it gets stolen on the streets downtown?

D.C. seems to be getting even worse than before, now with Coronavirus and the riots. 

Doesn't feel safe, and it's in definite need of an urban makeover from all the horrible poverty and homelessness.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 14, 2020

Sweet Little Bunny

Wow, what a sweet little bunny. 

Surprised s/he let me get so close without hopping away. 

The eyes seemed a little bugged out. 

Nothing to be afraid of little bunny. 

We're not on the survival TV show Alone, so no one here is going to eat you. 

Run free and enjoy the garden little bunny. 

Life is good for you. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 13, 2020

Born or Trained In Crazy


 This was a funny sign at the store:

You don't have to be crazy to work here, we'll train you.

Some places they hire the crazies and other they train them to be crazy. 

Perhaps, it's a bad culture or some bad applies, but either way they can turn good, caring employees into some more crazies to add to the office's bunch of bananas. 

Fortunate is s/he who works in a normal, good workplace and can do "a decent day's work for a decent day's pay."  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 12, 2020

Sleep Number Got My Number

I am very excited about ordering a Sleep Number bed. 

My good friend got one and recommended it!

Went to the store today and tried them out. 

I was really amazed, especially since I have some significant back pain that I am dealing with. 

I am hoping, G-d willing, for some pain relief and some extra Zzz sleep! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 11, 2020

Andy Blumenthal Does Some Hip Funk

Andy Blumenthal doing a little Hip Funk with the song/prayer Oseh Shalom:

He who makes peace in his high places
He shall make peace upon us
And upon all of Israel
And say Amen

Soundcloud song is recorded here.  

https://soundcloud.com/dannielleblumenthal/osehshalom-remix-andy-blumenthal

Enjoy the vibes!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 10, 2020

Forever Together: Peace and Security

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Forever Together: Peace and Security."

For Israel, we’re turning the corner towards peace and how wonderful it is, yet even as we do, we must never relax on the safety and security of our people.

Yes, in earnest, we hope for peace, we crave it, and we even sacrifice (sometimes painfully) for it, but also we know that we must safeguard that peace and our lives though the best, most advanced and relentless security, in case that often illusive and miraculously achieved peace at any time fails or falters. Strength, along with undying faith in the Almighty, is the constant and enduring safeguard of the peace that we so yearn for with our every fiber. This is why peace and security must always go hand-in-hand together.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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October 9, 2020

@The Mariachi Brothers

The Mariachi Brothers came to Rockville, Maryland.

A nice Covid-19 cheer up today.

What a beautiful musical treat.  

Serenade me! ;-)

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

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Sunflowers For Shabbat Shalom

Love these beautiful sunflowers. 

Perfect for enhancing the Shabbat and holidays!

The sunflowers provide warmth and happiness for the honor of these special and spiritual days!

May Hashem in His abundant mercy grant us a full healing and peace to welcome the Shabbat and to celebrate this weekend a joyous Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 8, 2020

Abstract Golden Art

Thought this was a standout abstract painting. 

Gold, orange, blue, pink and the geometric circles. 

What does it all mean?

IDK. 

But it catches my eye. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 7, 2020

The Vise of Migraines

This guy has his head in the grips of a vise.

Yet it's, perhaps, not as bad as your typical horrible migraine. 

Actually, the pressure of a vise-like feeling may actually provide some sort of sick relief.   

Migraine headaches can be so incredibly debilitating. 

This guy looks like he needs to close the lights and lay down before his head pops! 

Consider taking some medication as per your doctor, ice packs also helpful, close your eyes, and say a prayer.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 6, 2020

Awesome Hot Air Balloons


Hot Air Balloons are so awesome!

Dreamy, drifting into the sky. 

Flying away with a birds-eye view.

Looking near and far across the landscape.

To the sunrise and the sunset. 

Calm, coasting, and carried by the wind. 

Fire breathing into the balloon. 

Up, up, and away.

My beautiful, my beautiful balloon! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 5, 2020

What Type of Sick Puppy

What type of sick puppy puts a girl in a caged pen with the dog?

This was in a woman's clothing/fashion store in the local mall. 

There is something really screwed up with people's thinking and our culture. 

Even if this lady likes to pet the dog, this is horrible messaging!

We need a serious reset on how to treat women and show them proper respect!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 3, 2020

The Power of Life and Death

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "The Power of Life and Death."
It’s so important to develop mastery over the whole life sequence: think nice thoughts, speak kind words, do good deeds, and develop positive habits. This is one of the secrets to life itself.

Life is often in the hands of our tongue–one stupid word and it can mean your head, and one smart thing and it can be, with G-d’s help, your ride to the stars!

Indeed, controlling your words, like controlling your desires, temper, and so on is a constant challenge we all face throughout life. Yes, it’s easy to just let oneself go, but the consequences can be severe for shooting off your mouth, acting stupid, or getting angry. We can get better with patience, time, and practice. We can become better, stronger people. We can learn to guard not only our tongue, but our temperament and deeds, and live a better, and perhaps even a longer life for it. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dossy Blumenthal)


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October 2, 2020

Sukkot: A Time of Divine Protection

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Sukkot: A Time of Divine Protection."

Sukkot is the Jewish Festival of Shelter and of Ingathering.  

In these challenging times of coronavirus and before this eventful election, more than usual, we need G-d’s blessings to shelter and protect us, and to bless both the United States of America and the State of Israel that they should be safe for all of us and that the “ingathering” be not only of the harvest, but of all the exiles from the four corners of the earth to G-d’s Promised Land for the final redemption.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 1, 2020

Beautiful Japanese Pagoda

Japanese pagoda signifying the elements of earth, air/sky, fire and water.

Beautiful integration of stone into natural surroundings. 

Centered, self-reflection, mindfulness, enlightenment, peace. 

You can see this at Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden in Delray Beach, Florida. 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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