November 8, 2021

Joke of a Pumpkin

 

Wow, someone made a real joke(r) out of this pumpkin!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 6, 2021

Jewish Unity Is Strength

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Jewish Unity Is Strength."

It didn’t matter what race or nationality the person who had been hit by the car was, she was a human being in pain and who needed the help of others. We Jews need to remember that this is life in a nutshell. Life can change in split instance for better or G-d forbid, for worse. We need one another. No man is an island. We can’t afford to play holier than thou with anyone else. Only G-d can judge who is really “religious” and who is wanting.

It brought to my mind the irony that with the Jewish people, we are a small minority in the world, and yet we often disagree, fight, and can be intolerant and neglectful of one another despite facing anti-Semitism and other crises. This is far from the ideal of demonstrating love and acceptance, unifying ourselves together, and becoming as strong and effective as a “light unto nations” that we could and should be.

We can have our personal and communal ideals and standards, but at the same time have empathy for the journey that people are on. Therefore, we should strive to treat each other with kindness and tolerance and put aside the lofty and phony airs of personal judgement and exclusivity. Because in the end, no one knows who is laying next on the street waiting for that ambulance to come.

(Credit Painting: Dannielle Blumenthal)
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November 4, 2021

Hatchet Halloweenie

That hatchet says it all. 

You know what they'll do to you if they catch you.

Mohel on steroids. 

Maybe that's what the big scare is on Halloweenie.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 3, 2021

Bath Time Ducks

I'm not sure what's the novelty of all the ducks. 

Yes, they float in the bath tub! 

That's nice, so what.

They make a squeaky noise. 

Again, so what. 

They are not soft and cuddly.

They look sort of goofy.

Why in the world are we proliferating ducks???  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)


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November 2, 2021

Delicious Knafeh

Soft pastry, hot cheese, smooth cream, sweet syrup, crunchy almonds and pistachio.

What a scrumptious treat!

Straight from Jerusalem market. 

It literally melts in your mouth.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Itzchak) 


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November 1, 2021

Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Disorders

The pharmacy now has all these options on display for respiratory disorders (Sleep Apnea, COPD, etc.)

You can get full face, nasal mask (2 versions), or nasal "pillows".

How does one choose? I guess your doctor knows.

Looks challenging to try and sleep with these, but I guess you may have to do what you have to do. 

At least, there are therapeutic options these days, and hopefully many more in the future for all the illnesses out there!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

(Note: Not intended as medical advice in any way!)


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October 31, 2021

What’s Your Kindness

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "What's Your Kindness."

When we are happy, we are able to graciously and generously give to others, and when we give to others, we are able to be happy! All the other pursuits in life such as wealth, ego, good looks, and so on are nothing but vanities (like King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes), and in the end lead to nothing but loss and suffering. However, giving and the happiness and positive spiritual energy it creates endures.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 29, 2021

Japanese Umbrella

Waiting on line with a Japanese Umbrella. 

Anime boy and girl with big eyes

Rain on one side, and sunny on the other. 

Big sunshine in the middle and flowers all around.

Definitely another standout!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 28, 2021

Horse on Blue

Nice horse on blue background. 

Seems so alive and is a real standout!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 27, 2021

Metaverse Arriving Soon

This little guy looks like he's right out of the Metaverse. 

Follow me and let's hang out, play video games, have a meeting, or do a little shopping. 

It's a world within our world and nothing is beyond your imagination!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 26, 2021

Xylophone in Park


Cool instrument.

Lousy musician.  ;-)

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

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October 25, 2021

Looking Up

Took this photo laying under a tree and looking up at the sky. 

Feel the connection between earth and heaven. 

Hi G-d!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 24, 2021

@Watkins Regional Park


 






(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 23, 2021

Love Your Family As The Stranger

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Love Your Family As The Stranger."

When it comes to strangers, it’s almost easier to put on a face, act all proper, and do what’s right because they aren’t our family, thus Avraham could run to help the strangers. Yet, when it comes to our own families, we don’t feel it necessary to keep up pretenses. We sometimes say and do things to family that we would likely never say to or do in front of strangers, like Avraham telling Hagar and Ishmael to get out! We may even betray and hurt the ones we love, like when Avraham said Sarah was his sister putting her at jeopardy with Avimelekh. Further, we “sacrifice” our children and spouses by putting our work (sometimes 24/7), social media, and our own brand and needs first, and don’t adequately pay attention to what’s really going on with our families, their needs, aspirations, and troubles; for example, Avraham was going to sacrifice Isaac, his and Sarah’s only child and “the son of her old age.” We take for granted and even advantage of our families, because we can. And some at the further bad end of the spectrum, “go home and kick the dog!” Yes, the pictures that everyone posts on Facebook and Instagram are what people want you to see and think about them (their personal brand): that everything’s all rosy and they have the perfect lives and families, but I venture to guess that often, it’s far from the reality of what goes on “behind closed doors.”
All of us need to pay attention and do what’s right not only when we want to look good in front of others, but knowing that even in our own homes, G-d is watching what we do and how we treat each other.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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October 22, 2021

Lime Green Bowl

Wow, this is a standout bowl for any table. 

The lime green floating in the waves of this glass is amazing. 

Never thought I'd be mesmerized by anything green that wasn't in nature!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 21, 2021

Buddha Planter

Thought this was a great planter.

Beautiful purple flowers coming right from Buddha's head.

Serene in so many ways! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 20, 2021

Politically Incorrect Ointment

Couldn't believe that this was a real product in CVS.

Didn't think any legitimate product would actually be named "Butt Paste."

Can you imagine going up to the pharmacist and asking:

Do you have any butt paste?

Pharmacist: 

Oh yes, it's in Aisle 7. Do you want me to show you where it is?

Now, we're really going down a rabbit's hole! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 19, 2021

Choose A Doll

Choose a doll, any doll.

Unfortunately, these remind me of Stephen King's Children of the Corn.

Watch out grown ups, they're coming for yoooou! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 18, 2021

Weight Discrepancy

Maybe a little weight discrepancy on this boat.

Net effect is similar to the Titanic.

What is that cute little dog make a poop like that?  

Sh*t flows downhill, as they say.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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October 17, 2021

Moving Me Down The Highway

Beach living!

It's living. 

Sun, sand, and surf. 

And a nice pair of wheels doesn't hurt.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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