March 31, 2021

Covid Ultimate Mr. Clean

Check out the ultimate Mr. Clean.

Not as good looking as the muscular bald guy.

But I have a feeling this colorful character gets the job done.

I wonder if Mr. Clean was transformed into this guy after he took the vaccine!  

I had the first dose yesterday, and I'm feeling horrible today.

Hopefully, it will all be worth it. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 29, 2021

Kustom Cars


What a cool car!

Engine revving and the belts and pistons turning high up in the air.

And the the rest of the car, the body, couldn't get any lower to the ground (not even John Belushi in The Blues Brothers)

As it was driving, the metal was scraping along the street. 

I wondered how it was that the pieces didn't actually pull/fall off the car. 

The thing has got to be pretty solid despite the rusty looks.

This guy was getting quite a bit of attention along the beach.

Isn't that the point. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 28, 2021

Walk Fort Lauderdale Beach

Eleven minute walk along Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Crazy during Spring Break!

This country in between crises letting off steam amidst:
- Multitude inner city shootings
- Racism and violent riots
- Anarchy at the Capitol
- Our sovereign borders being overrun
- Chaotic Covid pandemic
- Ridiculously out-of-control spiraling national debt
- Deteriorating relations with superpowers Russia and China
- Nuclear escalations with Iran and North Korea
- Another horrible election

Who will save this country from itself? ;-)

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

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March 27, 2021

In The Hands of Heaven

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "In The Hands of Heaven."

From Passover, we learn the Egyptians didn’t earn the riches, but built their wealth on the backs of the starving people of the world and of course that includes their Israelite slaves. As the Egyptians gloated on their arrogance, power and wealth, eventually the Master of the World showed them who is really boss. All the money, materialism, fancy titles, and honors are all just fleeting. In Hashem resides the glory and He has the say over who gets what and when.
G-d can redeem 600,000 men, women and children, and a large mixed multitude of people with them and very many flocks and cattle in the Exodus and to Him, it’s just another day on the throne of Heaven. In our own times, we have experienced a miraculous redemption from the death camps of Europe, and have returned like the Israelites to the Promised Land of Israel. G-d decides then and now what the plan is and how it unfolds, and everything we have is by G-d’s grace, and these are Seder lessons worthy of celebrating.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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Staying Centered

So important to keep the mind centered.

I tried something new in the pool to tread water using the minimum energy.

At first, my body resisted and I started to flail with my arms and legs.

But then, I centered my mind and started to control my breathing.

My deep focused breaths raised my body above the water almost by itself.

My arms and legs relaxed and just was there for support.

It felt so good to be in a better state of self-control and mindfulness.

Always need to try and keep the mind still, centered, and in control of the body.

Focus, focus, focus!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 26, 2021

The Fallacy of Bitcoin

 


Bitcoin is a failure waiting to happen.

It is being sold as a hedge against not only inflation, but also doomsday!

However, Bitcoin is not gold which can be sold or bartered in a true doomsday scenario.

Bitcoin is a digital cryptocurrency and as such it is dependent on technology.

In a doomsday scenario, there is a great chance for the interruption for extended periods of time of our technical infrastructure whether through terrorism, war, cyber attack, or an electromagnetic pulse. 

Even with Blockchain distributed ledger, there is a high probability that you will NOT be able to access or trade Bitcoin from any digital wallet if the infrastructure is severely or broadly damaged. 

Your gold watch, ring, or coins will still hold value as currency, but your Bitcoins will be useless!

If you think losing your password to access Bitcoin is a problem, what happens where you can't access the Internet.

A digital doomsday is not as far fetched as you may think and the vulnerability of Western Civilization, in particular high-tech countries like America have much at stake. 

If you think Bitcoin will be your hedge again a major disruption in our way of life you are caught in the greater fool theory.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Pixabay


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March 24, 2021

Dress To Express

What a cool cartoon dress!

I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone where something like this before. 

But I'd like to!

It seems colorful, bold, and exciting. 

The awesome cartoon makes it youthful and alive.

We need to be more expressive, unique, and alive.

There is only one life to live, and it passes too quickly. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 23, 2021

Mr. Golden Sun

There's nothing like the hot sun.

Too bright to look at it. 

It enlightens our whole world.

The warm glowing sun is life.

Cold empty darkness is death. 

Light drives out the dark. 

We need more light in this world. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 22, 2021

Lips on Display

Thought this was an interesting lip display at the pharmacy. 

And under it, is says:

Lip Bar

What's a lip bar?

Uh, Chapstick and lip gloss! 

Just give your customers a kiss and don't charge them a copay today.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 21, 2021

Sheep No More

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, Sheep No More

In thinking about sacrifices as animal substitution for consequences to man, we can also reverse this logic to explore what sacrifices can teach us about consequences to man in their relationship to the Jewish people. In this particular case, I am thinking about Jewish responses to those who desire to be our friends and want to build kind and productive relationships with us or the opposite, to our enemies, who seek to persecute, attack us, and make the Jews their korban, victims.
In short, traditional korbanot in the Temple can teach us not only about how animals can substitute for people in our sacrifices to G-d for thanksgiving, communion, and acknowledging of consequences and teshuva (repentance) for our wrongdoing, but also how the Jewish people can relate to the nations of the world in everything from full peace, positive engagement, acts of guilt and sin against us, and even full-fledged war. Sacrifices teach us that while peace is always the desired state and fiery war a last resort in our self-defense and preservation, we know that after thousands of years of anti-Semitism, persecution, and Holocaust, we are no longer the sacrificial lamb on anyone’s Temple altar.

(Source Photo: Pixabay Free Image)

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March 19, 2021

Graffiti Over Urban Blight

What can one really say about Baltimore?

It's a city in gross decay and it needs help.

"This land is your land. This land is my land."

This land needs a serious helping hand. 

A wealthy country where "the roads are paved in gold."

But the inner cities are crying out in poverty, crime, and neglect.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 18, 2021

Appreciate Who You Have In Your Life


Thought this was a brilliant depiction of appreciating the invaluable people in our lives.

You don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore. 

Often, people become lazy in their relationships or they stop appreciating what/who they have--we end up taking them for granted, not paying them our loving attention or worse mistreating them.

But one day, those people won't necessarily be there for us anymore. 

That's when our eyes are opened to what we've done, but then it's too late to go back and undo the mistakes we made. 

One good friend told me that marriage is not like Hollywood; it's not all loving all the time:

"There are good days and bad, but it's better to have 5 even really bad days a month with your partner than 30 bad days a month by yourself, alone."

Don't wait until it's too late to love and care for your spouse, children, grandchildren, etc. 

Eventually, the clock runs out and regret won't bring anyone back. 

(Source Photo: Millionaire Tutor via Facebook)


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March 17, 2021

Fiery Star of David

Sharing this beautiful Magen David (Star of David). 

Saw it on Facebook and thought it's really dazzling!

Man, we're on fire  and in a good way--rebirth after the horrors of the Holocaust, redemption to and flourishing of the Promised Land of Israel, and what looks like many more incredible things to come.

Hence, my reading of the three stars: our past, present, and future. 

G-d's plan for the world is happening, and it's hopefully very bright indeed.  ;-)


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March 16, 2021

@Lake Needwood


Lake Needwood last Sunday. 

Seems so calm and peaceful. 

And unfortunately then comes the storm.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 15, 2021

Vibrant Fashion Colors

Wow, what a vibrant fashion display of color at Macy's!

This is bold. 

This is fun.

This is exciting. 

This is alive. 

We're coming from the Covid dead back to the pre-pandemic life!  

Take out your stimulus checks and get ready to spend. 

There is still hope for humankind.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 14, 2021

Preparing for The Third Temple

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Preparing for the Third Temple."
In essence, the Jewish Temples have been not only physically buried over, but also the site has been historically Islamicized despite the Temple Mount’s intrinsic holiness to all three major religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism). In short, this is a very sensitive issue that is likely anchored in facets of intolerance and religious rivalry, as well as pretenses of superiority and dominance, rather than ultimately on the shared connection we have through both our genetic and spiritual lineage as Abraham’s decedents.
We absolutely want to have a peaceful and productive coexistence with all people, but just as Israel has risen from the Valley of Dry Bones, so too the day is coming soon when the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt in shinning glory and we can worship G-d just as we did in times before. What will be special about the 3rd Temple is that it will not only be for the Jewish people, but for all the world’s people to come together harmoniously to recognize and worship the one true and faithful G-d of us all.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 11, 2021

Where Have All The Heroes Gone?

Art imitates life. 

When we had heroes in the real world there were also superheroes on television, movies, video games, toys, and more. 

But alas leadership in our times has seriously fallen short.

Who is there to really look up to as a model for us to respect and follow? 

It seems like everywhere these days we are confronted by: 

- Failing leadership 

- Poor decision-making

- Party politics

- Obstructionism

- Finger-pointing

- Fraud, waste, and abuse

- Bullying and sexual harassment

- Bribery and kleptocracy

- Big time narcissism 

There are few if any heroes these days!

It's sad for us as well as for our children.

I hope we see Batman and Superman and other superheroes again: strong in the physical sense but primarily a symbol for strength of character/integrity and for the fight of good over evil in this world. 

The void is painful for our times and is going to impact our near term future as well.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 10, 2021

Fashion Masks

Fashion Masks.

For the end of the world. 

If not Covid then for the next big one! 

You want to look you best when the world is destructing. 

Always look your best!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 9, 2021

Purple Octopus


Cutest Bath Toy!

Purple Octopus (that looks a lot like Barney the dinosaur).

Silly face with big eyes and tongue.

Catches toy rings on his legs. 

Floats and shares the tub with you!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 8, 2021

This Fish Can Swim

Wow, this fish apparently can swim in or out of water. 

Wherever it swims, it makes you look. 

Handsome little fish!

That spike in its bottom looks like it must hurt a little. 

But this fish is not for catching and eating, but for looking at only.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy blumenthal)


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March 7, 2021

The Beauty of Women

Great artistic depiction of the beauty of women. 

Simple yet elegant. 

Mysterious yet familiar. 

Intense yet tender and caring. 

Thoughtful yet expressive. 

Dark yet full of light. 

Natural yet sensual. 

Fantasy yet reality. 

A best friend, a partner, a lover.

Together a home.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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March 6, 2021

Royalty On An Elephant

Wow, this is so regal. 

This princess in a beautiful overflowing pink gown. 

Riding on a golden throne on the back of an huge elephant. 

The elephant with white tusks is covered in royal red robes with a blue, green, and orange emblem of a serpent. 

Fairy tale maybe, but this seems so real to me. 

I want to wave and jump up and down and say, "your majesty!"  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 5, 2021

The ICC: Latest Salvo In The War Against Israel

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel, called "The ICC: Latest Salvo In The War Against Israel."

From Palestinian riots to revolts, from Palestinians engaging in a civil war against Jews to the Arab League nation-states waging an all-out war against Israel, from Palestinian organized terrorism to raging intifadas, from the Palestinians driving United Nations resolutions to International Criminal Court investigations of Israel, the Palestinians are waging an endless war against Israel, rejecting numerous offers of peace for their people’s autonomy and self-determination.
Through never-ending Palestinian rejection of one peace proposal after another, and instead choosing to have “all or nothing” of Palestine, the Palestinians have embraced armed and violent struggle as well as economic, political, and judicial warfare against Israel. Unfortunately, the Jewish people will need to continue in their ultimate struggle for survival. After 2,000 years of Jewish exile, and suffering under incessant persecution, inquisitions, expulsions, pogroms, the Holocaust, even now with the State of Israel, the one Jewish homeland and our refuge, the attacks continue against us from Palestinians choosing to wage an endless, bitter war instead of looking to make a lasting, beautiful peace.

(Credit Photo: Pixabay Free Images)

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March 3, 2021

Artful Window


This is a special window.

Blue and white flowers around it. 

Surprised no one thought of that before. 

A window isn't just to look out of from inside, but also decor to marvel at from the outside. 

Windows work two-ways!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 2, 2021

Cycling In Multicolor


Something about this drawing at a local kosher restaurant really stood out. 

The weird cycle with the exaggerated extra big wheel in front.

The crazy looking skinny bodied person with long arms and legs and wild hair sitting on top.

The bright green, blue, orange, and yellow colors. 

It just made me laugh at the whole thing. 

It's not exactly art, but it sort of is.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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March 1, 2021

Lots of Lenses

Wow, each of these are different eyeglass lenses. 

So many prescription strengths. 

Trial and error to figure out what is the right one. 

Hold it up to your eye or flip it into the machine. 

How's things looking now?

A little stronger, no a little weaker. 

Wait, stronger.

No, weaker.

Ah this is nuts. 

How can I even see what the heck I am choosing. 

Seeing is believing.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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