December 30, 2022

When Unhealthy Sexuality Becomes an Addiction

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "When Unhealthy Sexuality Becomes an Addiction."

Let’s face it, even for those in society who are proponents of pornography, not everyone would admit it if they had an addiction like that. A porn addiction invokes all sorts of social fears and anxieties about “perverts, rapists, and sexual offenders.” In fact, in a Youtube video, The Blessing of Porn Addiction, featuring Beny Schonfeld, as he walks into a recovery meeting, he describes fearing the other people he will meet there and asks, “Is that who I am?”

People in our communities are going through all sorts of problems and addictions. Beny’s message is not to suffer in silence: “If you feel ashamed about what you’re doing, speak up and ask for help.”

(Credit Photo by Charcoal Soul via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/7ZxCPG)
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December 29, 2022

Beautiful Fruit Salad

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 28, 2022

Kissing Pliers

That's handy this tool. 

When you squeeze the pliers closed, the man and woman embrace. 

Pucker up!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 27, 2022

Dossy @Porsche

Dossy enjoying this 50th Anniversary Special Edition Porsche. 

This car was beautiful. 

Cream color. 

Smooth and curvy like a work of art! 

They also had really amazing electric vehicles that put Tesla to shame.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 26, 2022

Peace Tea

Wow, cool packaging for Peace Tea.

The hands in the peace sign are holding the fruit flavor (peace, razzleberry, etc.).

Wonder if it tastes as good as it looks? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 25, 2022

Kosher Attire on Christmas

Hanging out by Holy Chow. 

The line for kosher Chinese food was a 6 hour wait on Christmas!

I didn't get any Chinese food, but did snap this photo of this guy in the hat.  ;-)

Happy Holidays everyone!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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How One “Peacenik” Became Practical

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "How One 'Peacenik' Became Practical.'"

Simplistically, you can say that the Right is right! After almost 2,000 years of Jewish diaspora, pogroms, persecution, and the Holocaust, Jews can no longer, in good conscience, tolerate any existential threats. While Jews initially accepted the UN partition for a two-state solution, Arabs vehemently rejected it and went to war against the then-fledgling State of Israel. Moreover, despite the Arab loss, they continued to mount martial campaigns, intifadas, terrorism, and war against Israel, only to be repeatedly defeated. Each and every chance that Israel gave the Palestinians for mediation, negotiation, compromise, and peace was rejected and met with more cries of Jihad!

In short, the Left is right when it comes to caring about others and the ultimate goal that we all seek, which is genuine and lasting peace and the ability to live side by side as brothers and sisters in peace and prosperity. However, the Left got it all wrong when it comes to the reality on the ground in terms of the radical Islamic groups who want no peace, no negotiation, and no recognition of Israel, period. This is where the hope of the Left met the reality of the Right, and the Left lost all credibility, at least for the time being. Perhaps, just perhaps, reality will change and radical hearts will soften and give peace a fighting chance, allowing the Left to be right as well.

(Source Photo: IDF Editorial Team; https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/palestinian-terrorism/a-soldier-s-letter-to-the-mothers-of-the-kidnapped-teens/)
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December 23, 2022

Hanukkah Custard Donuts

Wow, these were some huge Hanukkah donuts.

They were packed with custard filling.

Frosting and sprinkles on top! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

 


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December 22, 2022

It's Always Frozen Mojito Time

Nothing like a frozen Cuban Mojito with rum, coconut, lime, and mint.

This sign shows that it's practically the answer to everything. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 21, 2022

Splashy Jacket

Never Give Up

All I need is cash.

Go for it.

This splashy jacket says a lot!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 20, 2022

Tie Dye Buddha

 

Tie Dye Buddha on Lincoln Road in Miami,

Always some cool and artsy design going on there. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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December 19, 2022

Pelican on Pier

So nice at the Dania Beach Marina.

Long fishing pier into the ocean.

This pelican was enjoying the sun! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 18, 2022

Waffle On Over This Hanukkah

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Waffle On Over This Hanukkah."

If you love fresh waffles and you love chicken and beef, you’ll love Mordy Menkes and his new South Florida kosher food truck business called Wild Flour Waffles.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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Giving the World a Hand

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Giving the World a Helping Hand."

While we ourselves can do positive things to learn and grow as individuals, it’s a bigger and greater mitzvah when it’s shared with others! Just like Joseph, who rose above being a slave and prisoner to save the world, we can all rise above ourselves and our life predicaments to do good that spreads far and wide, perhaps even beyond our wildest imagination.

(Source Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-world-map-global-earth-600497/)

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December 16, 2022

Vibrant Merrell Hydro Mocs

Mocs better than Crocs!

IMHO.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 15, 2022

Tent on Beach

 

Cool tent on the beach.

Will look even better once the sparkling lights are up around it. 

Sort of like a big jellyfish, but a party will be happening here.

And buffet will be served shortly.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 13, 2022

Holiday Cheer @Trader Joes

Getting serious about the holidays. 

Gotta love that hat! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 12, 2022

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 11, 2022

Facing Hardship, Finding Humility

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Facing Hardship, Finding Humility."

Like Celine Dion, no matter how much fame, fortune, or power any of us amass in our lifetimes, none of these things make an iota of difference in the time of G-d's eternal judgment of us. The only thing that matters and carries on are our good deeds!

When we are young and vibrant and the world seems so small in a way, we can tend to think we are invincible, but as we get older and more mature, we learn that everything we do in life that strays from the Almighty's path for us has a price to be paid and a humbling before our Maker.

(Credit Photo: Anirudh Koul via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine_Dion#/media/File:Celine_Dion_Concert_Singing_Taking_Chances_2008.jpg)
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December 9, 2022

Correct Name?


What type of question is that:

Do you have the correct name?

No, I was given the incorrect name at birth and want to change it to the correct one!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 7, 2022

Just Hang on!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 6, 2022

Bandolier of Fragrant Oils

 

Not exactly the wild west of fragrant oils. 

But it's effective anyway.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 5, 2022

A Little Joker

 

Oh no!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 4, 2022

A Hanukkah Gnome

Judeo-Christian blending of some sort here. 

Nice in terms of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and all that. 

But something about this doesn't look exactly kosher.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 3, 2022

Hanukkah Is About Fortifying the Family

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hanukkah is about Fortifying the Family."
 
Modern Hellenism is when Judaism becomes less and less Jewish and more and more like another “value system” that is “politically correct” or “in style.”

To be clear, not every Jew is going to be “religious” in the same way, but still, each of us can contribute to the welfare of the whole. The point of Hanukkah is that Torah-true Judaism exists, even if we as individuals struggle to fulfill it. The task at hand is for each family and each of us to model proper behavior (thought, word, and deed) and to educate our children in the same so that the Greeks of our time do not win.

(Credit Photo: The National Guard via https://flic.kr/p/BBXA4R)
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December 2, 2022

Playing Some Beautiful Music Together

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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December 1, 2022

Light Pole @Capitol

@Capitol

Nice lights in Washington, D.C.

That's some serious intricate handiwork. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 30, 2022

Cool Muscle Car

Check out the cool design with the head and snakes over the rear wheel.  

Just that touch of flair! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)


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November 29, 2022

Brain Overload

Coffee mug says:

My brain has too many tabs open

How do you shut it off to get some rest? 

Then again, maybe you need a better microprocessor! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 28, 2022

It's All The Angle

Check out this guys head. 

It's all in the angle. ;-)

(Source Photo: Itzchak's friend)


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November 26, 2022

Chutzpah Dating

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Chutzpah Dating."

It used to be that young men and women went on dates and generally treated each other respectfully and civilly as they explored whether there was a spark between them and potentially a match to be made. But somewhere along the lines, too many Prince Charmings have turned into real ugly toads.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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November 25, 2022

Hippo Head Water Fountain

I guess it's better than taking a sip from an alligator head! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 24, 2022

Happy Turkey Day

Actually, unhappy turkey day.

But Happy Thanksgiving.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 23, 2022

Stained Glass Mr. Sun

Beautiful stained glass. 

Oh, Mr. Sun, please shine down on me!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 22, 2022

Happy, Charming Doll


A little Sesame Street at Barnes and Noble.

Let's read together.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 


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November 21, 2022

Buffalo Six Feet

This sort of reminds me of the record six feet of snow in Upstate New York this last week.

Snow, ice...it's cold, same thing!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 20, 2022

Say Hi to Bentley


(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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Mutual and Eternal Love

Please see my new poem in The Times of Israel called "Mutual and Eternal Love."
Like Abraham, we are tested to do "what is right and just," and history is our witness.

For "we are dust and will return to dust," but our souls will rise to heaven and be reunited with our everlasting, loving Father.

(Also, please remember to listen to the Jewish music video as you read the poetry.)


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November 18, 2022

Shabbat Shalom Everyone!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 17, 2022

No Bathroom Breaks

This is an interesting sign to put on the bathroom door.

Please do not use when meeting is in progress

Hmmm, no bathroom breaks allowed. 

Sure hope that meeting is over soon. 

In the meantime, got to hold on tight!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)


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November 16, 2022

Thanksgiving Ice Cream Cake

Wait three (or six) hours after the turkey.

And then you can eat the ice cream cake. 

Now it's all kosher!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism."

What is striking to me is that when it comes to hate against the Jews as opposed to hate against other groups, we continually see that “their” rights are immediately supported, while we have to prove that it’s really hate.
Hopefully, our community leaders, police, FBI, and Homeland Security are paying close attention and will take appropriate preventive action so that we can avoid another incident like the shooting just four years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We need more intelligence, surveillance, officers, patrols, data-driven policing, self-defense and emergency medical training, synagogue protection, community outreach, beefed-up reporting systems, and tougher penalties to start with. We can’t expect the people who hate to stop, but we do need to keep raising the bar on how to keep our communities safe and stop hate crimes.

(Credit Photo: Laura Rosenberg Hosid)

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November 15, 2022

Great Door Knocker

Nice solid brass door knocker.

They don't make these like they used to. 

More character than a bell any day of the week. 

Knock, knock!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 14, 2022

Donut Monday

You feel blue on Monday.

But donuts make you feel green and ready to go!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 13, 2022

Love this Song

Greg Kihn Band. ‎

The Breakup Song.

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November 12, 2022

Hypersonic to a Global Showdown

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hypersonic to a Global Showdown."

While Russia is losing steam and ground in Ukraine, make no mistake that Russia, along with China, Iran, and North Korea, are determined to not only stop but also throw back what they perceive as western imperialism. Instead, they only see more dictatorship and the strengthening of their own authoritarian systems.
While the hype in the news has been all about the proliferation of nuclear weapons, missiles, and drones, perhaps the real story is that we are moving at hypersonic speeds to a most dangerous global showdown between East and West. Blessed be the Holy One who is bringing us to a hopefully merciful final redemption.

(Source Photo: Bicanski; https://pixnio.com/objects/missiles-bombs/rocket-device-military-missile-weapon-airplane-vehicle-air-force#)
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November 11, 2022

Thank You To Our Veterans

This is veterans' sacrifice. 

Words of thank you aren't near enough for their service. 

Everyday is veterans day! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 10, 2022

Dog on a Train

This dog is traveling in carrier style.

Not a peep from this pup. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 9, 2022

Lion Bollard, Washington DC

Protection by a lion bollard. 

Washington, D.C. 

Wait, what's he saying? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 


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November 8, 2022

That Fits So Many People

It's not just a movie!

It's real people every day. 

"No nuts, no glory!" ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 7, 2022

Blue Stairs, Gold Banister

Step up the blue stairs.

Hold onto the gold banister. 

The top is a bit off-balance. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 6, 2022

Dead but on Payroll?

If your sitting at your office desk, but are dead (inside or outside)...

Do you still collect a paycheck?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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