Project Suicide

This was sort of a funny scene in a project meeting. 

One person describing the challenges at one point, spontaneously and dramatically motions to take a knife and slit both wrists.

This absolutely got people's attention.

Understanding the struggles the person was expressing, and trying to add a little lightheartedness to the situation, I say:

"This is a tough project, pass around the knife."

This got a good hearty laugh around the table, with one person saying that this was the quote of the day. 

Anyway, we want to make operations as effortless as possible on people, but the project work to get there is definitely making people work for it. 

Let's avoid project or people suicide--be supportive of each other, pace ourselves, team together, and problem-solve to get it successfully over the finish line.

Soon we can celebrate all the challenges we overcame together and from our determined efforts, all the wonderful results. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Project Suicide

Vampire Slayer

So can you believe they actually have this?

It's a vampire killing kit that was really for sale in the 19th century. 

These kits were developed and sold by entrepreneur, Professor Ernst Blomberg.

People were afraid of the blood-sucking beasts, especially in Eastern Europe. 

And so when they traveled, they came prepared.

- Dagger with a ghoulish-looking skeleton for a handle

- Pistol along with several silver bullets

- Wooden stake to thrust into its evil heart

- Cross and Holy Water (or perhaps a Star of David for the Jewish version of the kit) to repel them

Of course, we don't have any evil bloodsucking creatures these days, do we? 

I have a feeling that a lot of people would like to have a kit like this for self-defense to keep the 21st-century version of these bad actors away. 

You think the NRA would be interested in making something like this. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Vampire Slayer

Power of Speech

I loved this magnet on this wonderful old Jewish ladies refrigerator who lives in our community.

"If you have nothing good to say...
Say nothing."

I remember we used to talk about this saying in my house growing up too. 

It is a famous teaching from the holy Chofetz Chaim.

I remember as a bar-mitzvah boy, someone in our community in Riverdale, NY gave me a set of the Chofetz Chaim's books.

And I enjoyed reading from them daily about always being careful with how you use your words:

- Not to hurt anyone.

- Not to speak bad about anyone (i.e. Lashon Hara)

- But rather to use words pointedly and always for the good. 

Kind words.

Gentle words.

Complimentary words.

Words of love and caring. 

Holy words. 

The Chofetz Chaim seemed to have an endless number of wonderful stories to demonstrate the power of speech and the importance of using it for the good. 

The old saying of "The pen is mightier than the sword," can be used replacing the pen with the tongue and power of speech in general. 

Words can cut someone like a knife and even kill or words can create a tremendous healing when it's full of love and caring for others. 

Actions speak louder than words, but words can speak and perform volumes in the eternal fight of good over evil. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Power of Speech

I Love A Strong Woman, But...

Ok, admit it or not.

This is certainly something that every man fears: ~Castration Phobia~

Of course, I don't know what she's planning, but with that huge sickle-shaped knife and that big disarming smile, I definitely don't want to find out. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 

I Love A Strong Woman, But...

The Guardian Angel Handbag

So I took this photo of a Guardian Angel Handbag in Florida.

Back in New York starting in the 1970s, the Guardian Angels were a crime patrol often of martial arts practitioners that rode the dark graffitied trains and stood on the corners in dangerous neighborhoods...they eventually went viral in over 130 chapters around the world.

The handbags of same name are made by Dutch label Vlieger & Vandam and are designed with images of engraved guns or large knives.

The tag stitched inside the bag comes with a warning:

"This is an original Guardian Angel. Do not use it for self-defence purposes. The Weapon feature at the front is fake. To avoid any problems: Do not take this bag on a plane as hand luggage and do not take this bag to the bank to pick up cash. Please do enjoy it!"

When you see the bag, you've got to ask yourself is a person bold enough to wear a bag like this also is packing one too?

As they say, never show or threaten to use a weapon unless you are really ready to use it. 

So is it a bluff, a fashion statement, or is the person really carrying and very dangerous--care to find out? ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Guardian Angel Handbag