I miss you, but I have this great mug ala Starbucks to remind me.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 29, 2014
My New Mug Makes Me Happy
I miss you, but I have this great mug ala Starbucks to remind me.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 28, 2014
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2014
Dr. Munzer was hidden for the first four years of his life from the Nazis by a righteous Indonesian family in the Netherlands.
Earlier this month, Dr. Munzer visited Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, to share his awesome story of humanity and compassion in the face of Nazi brutality and genocide.
Dr. Munzer told his story today through photos of his Jewish and Indonesian family's life during the Holocaust, and related how his father and sisters were murdered by the Nazis; from his immediate family, only he and his mother survived to come to America in 1958.
I was so inspired by Dr. Munzer's story and encourage everyone to hear it at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum where Dr. Munzer volunteers.
When people help other people, even at their own peril, that represents true globalization of the human race and the unity of all mankind. ;-)
April 27, 2014
Heaven To Look Forward To
We were all crying like babies, including me.
Loved it!
When the boy has a near-death experience (NDE) and sees heaven, he comes back with stories about it being like here but more beautiful, where everyone is young, and relatives long gone hug him.
In heaven, there is no hate or fear--only love.
It was eye-opening, when his father, a pastor, goes to the hospital to say the last prayers with a dying man and the pastor asks, "Do you have any regrets?" and the old man answers, "I regret everything!"
While living for our selfish satisfaction and fun may be great for a moment's high, it is certainly not a life of meaning and purpose--and will not open the gates of heaven to us.
That life is hard is portrayed in the movie--with loss, physical hurt, and financial hardships.
But when these are viewed in the bigger picture as tests in life for us to overcome in order to merit a heaven that awaits us--perhaps this gives us some added perspective.
In the movie, as in real life, there are those who are angry at others and G-d for what they lost, and it is our challenge to replace that anger with understanding, forgiveness, and love of each other and the Almighty.
Regretting everything is tragic, but probably not that unrealistic for many of us...particularly in a world where we constantly strive for our individualized versions of perfection.
In the end, I think our failures weigh on us and it's challenging to see past them to appreciate our successes as well--in whatever measure we've achieved them.
Let's face it, it is not easy to maintain 100% purity of heart amidst a world of lust, envy, and sin--but that should not take away from us constantly trying.
Heaven awaits--even the imperfect. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 26, 2014
Luxury Survival
Interesting underground survival shelters by Vivos--and they are built for luxury.
With everything from cushy entertainment theater rooms, indoor swimming pools, upscale kitchens and bathrooms, gyms, and stocked with clothing, bedding, toiletries, survival gear, and food and medical supplies for a year--this is for planning to survive and thrive.
They have dual generators, multiple water systems, airtight nuclear biological and chemical filtration systems, and medical and dental facilities.
This is communal living for 80-5,000 people. Shelters are co-owned--and it costs about $50,000 for an adult and $35,000 for children. Vivos will also make you a private shelter, but obviously this is a more expensive option.
Is this an insurance policy for you and your family to protect against the ultimate catastrophes or is this simply preying on people's worst fears?
You'll have to decide for yourself--and in the end, it's a gamble either way. ;-)
Treat People Nice
The quote is by Maya Angelou and it is very powerful:
"People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel."
As human beings in this world, we come and go.
Our time here is finite.
We will be replaced by others.
What is truly memorable about us is our relationships and how we treat others.
When we show kindness to people or when we are cruel to others--these things are never forgotten.
Our interactions are the mark of who we are inside--do we sincerely care about others and the bigger picture or are we just plain selfish?
How about you--can you remember:
- how that parent who loved you made you feel?
- how that teacher who taught you made you feel?
- how that friend who played with you made you feel?
- how that boss who mentored you made you feel?
- how that clergy who inspired you made you feel?
- how that spouse who was your companion made you feel?
- how those children who looked up to you made you feel?
- how those colleagues who supported your work made you feel?
I'm sure you can also remember times when people made you feel not so good--perhaps, you scowled or even cursed them under your breath.
Getting results in life is not enough--we can't do it by stepping on other people and really being successful that way.
Empathy and kindness or a hard heart and cruelty--you will be remembered one way or another. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 25, 2014
Most Novel Way To Make Hot Dogs
April 22, 2014
Riding The T-Rex
The T-Rex scooter had only 3 wheels, but packed quite a punch.
We navigated Las Olas and the Fort Lauderdale Beach pretty good in this thing.
So low to the ground, my hand could touch it, and no windshield so everything sort of just flies right through.
It was only an hour, but as we in this touristy-way waved at the passerbys and speed around town next to the other hulking vehicles, weaving and beeping on this crazy horn, it was a fun time and a good memory. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Bird Tries Again And Again
We sat on the beach before sunset to enjoy the ocean and sand without the crowds.
It wasn't cold, but the wind was blowing somewhat strong toward the south.
There were four kite surfers enjoying the gusts and gliding over the water at enormous speeds, and curving this way and that.
But this isn't what really got our attention.
Instead, it was this one little white bird...I don't know specifically the type, but if I had to guess I'd say it was a dove.
The dove was flying not with the wind southernly, but against it to the north.
In the heavy wind, it would sort of hold it's position for a little, and then try with all it's might to fly north.
But the wind was too strong, and it kept tiring and then literally nosediving--head first, straight down like off a cliff--into the water, bam!
We watched this and thought at first what is with this crazy bird--and laughed.
But over and over again this played out--I think we watched this for nearly an hour!
After each attempt, the bird would pick itself out of the ocean water again, fly back south a little seemingly to get some momentum--only to try again and end up on it's face in the water.
Reflecting on this, the bird tried again and again to make headway, no matter how many times it fell flat on it's face.
I thought this is a good lesson in life--not to give up even when things seems difficult.
If this little bird could do it--so could we--and eventually succeed at whatever we set our minds to.
If the white little bird really was a dove--the symbol for peace--then what better story to keep trying until you succeed and make flight even against the strong wind. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 21, 2014
Disease Of The Ordinary
I asked the store owner about them, and he said he gets these mostly for (window) display purposes.
But one lady actually bought a pair similar to this for a big event she was going to.
I think these would certainly make a statement (however crazy) when someone walks into the room wearing these.
Maybe that's the point for many people--to stand out!
People want to be noticed, special, and be thought of as something or as somebodies.
Being 1 of 7 billion people is not very satisfying--so how do we differentiate ourselves?
- The fancy house and cars we have
- The clothing and accessories we wear and carry
- The trophy wife or husband that hangs on us
- Our own physical good looks, fitness, and skills
- The prestigious university we went to and the degrees we possess
- Climbing the career ladder and our titles and offices
- Our pedigree from kings, clergy, hollywood, rich, or otherwise famous or successful people
- The children (and grandchildren) that we rear to be smart, successful, well-integrated, etc.?
- How religious we are, how much charity we give, the kindness we show others?
This is something that we all struggle with as human beings--what is a life of purpose, meaning and how do we know that we've achieved it?
I think the problem for many is that we measure ourselves by what we have and not who we are. Perhaps, this is a clear mistaken case of quantity over quality.
Down in Florida, I see so many "haves" and "have nots"--but it's not enough for the haves to have, but if they aren't showing it off, getting stares, having people talk about them, then they seem to feel uncomfortably ordinary.
What is this disease of the ordinary that people must ever run to escape from--and even with the reddest, wildest, wing glasses or whatever--will they ever feel truly happy and satisfied inside?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 20, 2014
Song and Dance in Ft. Lauderdale
Ft. Lauderdale is not quiet and conservative this time of year.
Between Passover, Easter, Spring Break, and the end of the snowbird season--the beach, restaurants, stores, and streets were quite lively.
This one restaurant had some nice entertainment with this guy playing guitar and this lady belly dancing and handling a sword and handkerchief--yeah, don't ask.
At the end of the 2nd video, this weird guy in a large orange cowboy hat sort of just shows up--unfortunately, the cameraman (me) was having some technical difficulty focusing the smartphone. ;-)
Swim ~ Splash ~ Swim
Swimming in the hot sun, I headed straight for the cool splash.
The water was frothing white against the blue background.
As it hit the pool, it created this amazing bubbling beneath the surface.
I swam under it a number of times and came up through the bubbling fresh water.
Sort of felt like I was swimming in a waterfall in the Amazon or something exotic like that.
Hey, I can imagine...but it really was amazing with the water, the sun, the air--felt so alive!
I am thankful to G-d for allowing me this wonderful moment today to feel his beauty in the world.
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
April 19, 2014
Score One For Ocean Rescue
Don't know why this kid almost drowned, but he almost did.
It was interesting to see the various rescue services come to help save him.
The lifeguards went out for him and got him back to shore; the paramedics administrated on scene medical help; and the police kept overall order.
But I think what really struck me was how uninterested most of the beach goers seemed.
Maybe I am expecting too much, but people just seemed at best curious, but not really concerned.
Yet at Spring Break, I have a feeling the booze, drugs, and sex overshadowed this real life and death event for this young man.
I know these kids work hard in college and probably need to blow off some steam, but the callousness was still striking.
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Hooters' Training
This dad took his two kids (twins?) out to eat.
The eatery is Hooters.
The young, attractive, scantily clad waitresses in the orange shorts were serving them.
It may be fine for the adult, but it didn't seem so okay for the little kids.
Not that I'm so Mr. Perfect, but couldn't help reflect that what we teach our children is important.
This wasn't Ronald McDonald's, Subway, or Chipotle.
What was the lessons for these kids?
I remember when I would argue with my dad (still to this day) about religion and seeing seemingly "religious" people do things wrong (sometimes terribly wrong), and he would say to me, "You be the example!"
Maybe that's sort of the point--is that the way we live is the lessons we showcase to others.
Each of us has the opportunity to lead by example...that's what leadership fundamentally is.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 18, 2014
Jewish is Super
In the Kansas City incident, I read how the white supremacist shooter went right up to a lady visiting her mother at the old-age home and asked her "Are you Jewish?" And when she replied in the affirmative (even though she was not), he shoot her dead on the spot.
It turns out this lady was an occupational therapist that helped blind children...what kind of monster would just murder someone (anyone) like this?
Similarly in eastern Ukraine, leaflets are being handed out demanding that Jews register in the government office, pay special taxes, and declare their property or face deportation. Here too, we witness the devilish markings of some that are repetitive of their deplorable past as Nazi collaborators, concentration camp guards, and murders.
I read yesterday, that not only Jews, but Christians are being targeted in the Middle East with churches burned, those of faith being driven from their homes and ruthlessly murdered, except in Israel where the Christian population is actually increasing and thriving.
While Superman may not be Jewish (I know of no Jews on planet Krypton), being Jewish is super--and for that matter being any person of faith and dignity is super! Hate mongers and murders of today, like the evil oppressors of yesteryear--know that truth and justice and the 10 plagues of Egypt are just a {pow!} and {bam!} away--believe it! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 17, 2014
You're Not All That
We get too big for our britches and think we can do whatever we want including stepping on others and defying our maker.
An interesting article in Harvard Business Review reminds us to beware of narcissism and hubris.
Narcissism is a character disorder where because of feelings of inadequancy from childhood, people have to self-promote themselves every which way toSunday--they are "insufferably self-centered."
Hubris is a reactive disorder where due to past success and accolades from others, we become overconfidant, until the luck changes "toppling from their pedestals" and shrinking their ego back down to size."
I like the reminders from HBR cautioning about these:
- "Have more than thou showest; speak less than thou knowest." - Shakespear
- "Humble pie should be the only dessert served."
It's one thing to have decent self-esteem anchored in your knowing right from wrong and acting accordingly, and it's another to think and act like you have all the answers--none of us do.
If your showing it off, it's likely a turn off. ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Jampa)
April 15, 2014
Futuristic Highway
Some really great ideas here for the highway of the future.
These are the inspiration of interactive artist Daan Roosegaarde.
To save energy and increase safety, there are four concepts presented:
- Glow in the dark road markings (i.e. lane dividers) with photo-luminescent paint that charges during the day and lights up at night.
- Weather symbols on the road with temperature-responsive paint, so for example, when the temperature falls below a certain level, the roads show snowflake symbols to indicate that they may be icy.
- Motion-interactive lights on the highway that light up when cars approach and are powered by the draft of the moving cars.
- Induction lanes that can charge car batteries as they run along them and reenergize the cars for further travel.
Already, there is a 500 meter stretch of road in Oss, Netherlands with the glow-in-the-dark road markings--these are almost radioactive green in color and give a futuristic Tron look to the roads.
Now the question is when can we get these high-tech upgrades for I-495?
What an awesome high-tech display befitting our nation's capital and maybe it would help with traffic as well! ;-)
April 14, 2014
NYC at Passover
How Do You Kill A Pothole?
April 12, 2014
Pain Pain Go Away
I saw this ad about controlling back pain.
The wincing face on the back was very effective.
Given that back pain is so common, I am sure many people can empathize with this.
For almost a year, I have been suffering with some arthritic pain although not back-related that has been horrible.
I never realized what this even was!
I'm at the point, where I feel surgery, with G-d's help, is the only answer.
Of course, I am not keen to have surgery and keep thinking how I may be able to put it off.
And then the inflammation flare-up and pain comes back and I rethink this again that I have to go forward and just take care of this.
I feel that I am too young for these problems, but life does not ask when or what.
Certainly, I am thankful it is nothing worse--and there are so many things worse.
And I appreciate that there are modern treatments these days that probably didn't really exist just 20-years ago.
Not sure exactly, what people did "in the olden days" when they had these things and just had to live (or die) with them.
I just want to be pain free and completely healthy again, so I can fully enjoy all the things that I always did.
Please G-d.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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