Both are reprehensible!
When you don't condemn evil and wrong-doing, there is no room for reform and progress.
Good must win over evil and righteousness will reign over the Earth.
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
August 17, 2017
Ok To Be Ourselves!
While perhaps normally I wouldn't just post this to my blog...
I thought that in light of the report that came out of 917 hate groups operating right now in the United States, that I would take this as an opportunity to be me.
To hell with all the haters out there!
- The more they hate us, the more I will love my Jewishness.
- The more they try to stamp out our religious freedom, the more I will relish in it.
- The more they try to kill us, the more I will live as a Jew.
No more Holocausts...no more bigotry...no more hate--it is enough! ;-)
August 16, 2017
Rain Spill On Building
The way the rain splattered down the side of this building.
The water hitting only on top and then trickling down the side like a big spill.
"The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain," but in Washington, D.C., it falls down the side of the buildings in these weird artistic patterns.
When I was a kid, I remember when it rained, my father would tell me positively and jokingly, "Ah, we're getting a free car wash today!"
Isn't it amazing how G-d made the world where it rains, and provides us not only the water to drink and sustain ourselves, but literally a shower to clean our cities and wash away the dirty excesses.
The ecosystem is just an amazing array of literally everything we need and with checks and balances to keep the goings-on of the world suitable for His children. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 15, 2017
Happy Summer Shoes
People throw off the thick winter coats and heavy boots and wear some nice sandals.
I saw this one lady wearing these happy, colorful sandals on the Metro.
I'd expect to see these more in Florida or California than in stodgy Washington, D.C.
They were pretty awesome--trendy, stylish, even comfortable looking.
Fashion is self-expression and freedom.
It's also artistic and a reflection of our culture and our desires.
We need more color, more chance, more futurism from our fashion.
The clothes can shape not only our bodies, but the times we live in. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 14, 2017
A Very Dirty Swiss Hotel
"To our Jewish GuestsWow, more blatant anti-Semitism in Europe.
Women, Men and Children
Please take a shower before you go swimming and although after swimming.
If you break the rules, I'm forced to close the swimming pool to you.
Thank you for understanding: Ruth Thomann"
What a darn shame that after only 72 years since Hitler (may his evil name be erased) that this disgusting hatred of Jews rears its ugly head again.
- What killing 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust wasn't enough for you???
- Or maybe you preferred the blood libels, pogroms, Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, auto-da-fe, and expulsions of Jews???
Good people of Europe and their elected governments: Please speak out and shut down this sick, hateful hotel establishment.
Do you believe in G-d? Do you think he's watching what you do now?
Europe and the rest of the world--wake up and cure what ails you--it's not the Jews, but the evil in your bigoted hearts.
(Source Photo: Facebook)
August 13, 2017
@McKee Besher Wildlife Preserve
Derangement Of Conscience
They represent the worst of what human beings have to offer--hate, bigotry, and violence.
The event was culminated when a car driven by one of these hate-mongers apparently intentionally slammed into a crowd of anti-protester and killed a 32-year old woman and injured 19 others--what a sick, sick soul!
This miserable event just 2 days shy of 2-months from when Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and 4 others were shot at a baseball field in Alexandria, VA by another nut job from the alt-left.
Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) said it right when he stated on national TV last evening:
"The hate and division must stop, and it must stop right now."
But as we face large, looming enemies on the international scene -- like dangerous Axis of Evil, North Korea and Iran -- with weapons of mass destruction aimed at our shores and cities, all we can do is hate and fight internally.
What is wrong with this country now -- when so many seem to have abandoned personal integrity and national unity -- and shoot verbally and physically at each other instead of at the real enemies that seek to lay waste to our beloved homeland of the free and the brave?
Soon the missiles will reign down and the hate will smelter in the derangement of conscience.
(Source Photo: Twitter)
August 12, 2017
Wide Load @McDonald's
It just seemed so perfect.
With this SUV parked right between the McDonald's arches.
And on the SUV are two red warning flags sticking out from the sides with a sign on top that says:
"Wide Load"And in the McDonald's window is a smiley face and a $2.99 Happy Meal special.
With the "fast food" unhealthy eating culture that McDonald's has so long represented, what is there really to smile about except the cheap fixings.
If you eat at McDonald's too much or too long then like Morgan Spurlock in the documentary "Super Size Me," who ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days and gained almost 25 pounds and felt crappy...unfortunately the sign "Wide Load" may be descriptive of what can happen.
This isn't a dig at McDonald's per se (there are many fast food joints and things that we know aren't necessarily good for us)...moderation in life is really key.
Healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness, work-life balance, and generally taking good care of yourself is not just a nice to have, but important to our well-being.
Genetics aside, it's the "Battle of the Bulge," and it's a lifelong pursuit to be healthy
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 11, 2017
Like Removing A Nail
Ouch!
So this week when I had a ingrown toenail removed, I said jokingly to the podiatrist:
"Do you do waterboarding also?"
Ok, funny, not-funny. Still got a chuckle!
But in removing the nail, the technique is really so amazing.
They inject the toe with a local anesthetic, but hey even the injections into a sensitive toe could be pretty uncomfortable.
So before the injection, they spray you toe with a freezing spray, so you don't even feel the injections.
When he actually removed the nail and chemically destroyed the nailbed so it wouldn't come back, I didn't feel a thing.
I mean, I literally didn't feel a thing!
It was a wonderful feeling--whatever he did, however much it would've hurt--it didn't.
I thought to myself in a wave of anesthetic and freeze-numbed delight, this is absolutely wonderful.
No pain, not even a pinch.
I could sense everything going on around me, take it in, think about it, even mull it over again and again, and just smile.
In a way, I thought how wonderful life would be to have the ability to think in the head and feel from the heart, but have no pain or suffering in the body.
Yes, there are plenty of damning and painful thoughts, memories, and heartaches, but for the body to be numb (even momentarily) to all the bad stuff that actually felt pretty good.
How would it feel if the mind and heart also felt no pain and only bliss--I smiled even more. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 10, 2017
Face The Fear
She said something to me the other day that was really profound and had a deep impact on me.
Something bad had happened and honestly, it was a truly frightening situation.
At first, it seemed like one of those negative surprises in life that brings bad news and you are at first sort of shocked.
As things progress though and the news unfortunately doesn't get better, but in fact gets worse, the shock turns to fear and maybe even panic.
Oh shit, what do I do now?
Turn this way..no good.
Turn that way...no good.
Retreat...not an option.
So I speak to my wife, and at first she says:
"Just look away."But I can't look away...I can't ignore a problem...my instinct is that I have to plan for it, deal with it, solve it.
I go back to my wife, and she says to me:
"Face the fear, and walk through it."And I had to stop in my tracks at that.
She was right--there is no use being fearful or worrying--I would face it and walk through it, and come out the other side better for it.
That was some of the best advice anyone I think has ever given to me.
Got to be strong, have courage, face the challenges in life, and "walk through it!"
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Have to have emunah (faith), and realize it's just a test.
And the Almighty G-d is my shield and protector.
It's a test, but I can pass it with G-d's help, and everything will be alright. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 9, 2017
Nuke Fear Turning To Action?
Currently, there are about 15,000 nukes either stockpiled or poised to strike around the world.
Enough deadly weapons to kill the entire planet!
After a frightening series of 5 nukes tests since 2006 plus 18 technologically progressive ballistic missiles tests over the last 6 months, things are escalating after new sanctions imposed to try to contain the threat--with North Korea rattling it's nuclear arsenal with a shrill threat of attack moving to "physical action" and the U.S. shooting back "fire and fury,"
As to further North Korean mad progress, it was reported that they are developing a powerful new H-bomb with immense destructive power, especially towards our density killing fields:
- If such a weapon would strike, G-d forbid, Washington D.C., it could mean 500,000 dead and another 900,000 injured--let alone what this would mean in terms of a destructive decapitation to the very functioning and continuity of our government and country.
- Even worse fatalities would occur should it strike our financial capital, New York City, with estimates of 1.7 million dead.
Hence, the news that this is no joking matter anymore (as if it really ever was).
Fears typically first get expressed in rhetoric, but then with greater and ever potent means for them to become reality, the risks increase for them to actually make the horrific leap.
What happens next with the ever menacing dangers from rogue Axis of Evil nations, North Korea and Iran--and will we ever feel and be safe again, absent any meaningful social progress while they continue to absolutely and speedily advance their ever more deadly weapons programs and the means to deliver them, first class. ;-0
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 8, 2017
Tiny Houses Old Style
It simulates the route and challenges that runaway slaves had to face in seeking their freedom.
While I am certain that the suffering endured was in no way captured here, I thought it was still beneficial to have people sensitized and thinking about these horrible historical events around slavery.
Aside from the hiking trail, there were these amazing tiny houses from the 1800's.
The wood cabins and stone houses were so cute, but also so inviting.
If I had to live in a Tiny House, these looked sort of incredibly charming.
HGTV tiny living spaces--like the one we saw last night that had only 200 feet and was really awkward--have nothing on these tiny gems.
The matching tiny trees were also a very nice effect. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 7, 2017
Flower 4 Monday
I have never seen a flower with pedals of pink and white candy stripes like this.
Like a candy cane or perhaps the outfits that volunteers helping people at some hospitals wear.
It also has these yellow buds in the center, which add to it's eloquence.
What magnificent creations that G-d has bestowed on us to enjoy.
Hope this is a little something to cheer up your Monday and make you even more productive this week. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 6, 2017
What A Nuclear War Looks Like
Wow, wow, wow!
Great job Hashem Al-Ghaili on this video depicting the implicit horror of nuclear war.
16,000 nuclear weapons...2,000 ready to launch at a moment's notice.
Wake up world!
It just takes one numbskull to kill it for everybody.
"Few people laughed.
Few people cried.
Most people were silent.
Now I am become death.
The destroyer of worlds."
We need to pray to G-d and do everything to protect this amazing world and our people for the future.
There has got to be a tomorrow! ;-)
Best of the Caribbean
This one is called "Best of the Caribbean"--and I think it really is!
The colors and style he uses is so amazing.
Someone else I know had one his artworks called, "Island Living" and it was so spectacular.
Somehow it feels like being there...almost.
Baptiste has a website where you can see and shop from some of his other originals and lithographs.
I am so glad I found this...it really makes me happy.
Thank you G-d for the beauty of life and in art!
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Alix Baptiste)
August 5, 2017
Thou Shalt Not
What stood out to me was when he talked about the Ten Commandments, particularly the 2nd set of five.
And how some people hear what they want to hear.
All of the 2nd five start with "Thou shalt not," but there are those people that only hear the part that comes after those words.
So for example: Thou shalt not kill...steal...commit adultery...lie...desire.
But not everyone listens to the "Thou shalt not" and instead they just hear--selectively:
- Kill
- Steal
- Commit adultery
- Lie
- Desire
If you take out the "Thou shalt nots," you are left with a list of terrible and evil deeds.
How convenient for those who are looking for the upper hand and pleasures in life--get rich quick, get and maintain power, take whatever and whomever you want and when you want it--no matter who it belongs to or how they feel.
Like the good angel and bad angel sitting over our shoulders and one says don't do the bad thing and the other encourages us to do!
Who you going to listen to?
Not everyone seems to care--they live for today and forget about tomorrow.
Yet every misdeed leaves a tarnish on our soul, while every good deed adds a merit.
And if there is no justice in the end then who the hell wants to be in such a world anyway. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 4, 2017
Two-Faced Monsters
And no, we're not talking about people making funny faces or googly eyes.
My father use to joke:
"If that person was two-faced, they would never use that face {the one they are wearing now}!"
But many people really do have two-faces (and sometimes more).
- The seeming friend, but backstabber if they get the chance.
- The "goodie two-shoes," but what a real mischievous side to them.
- The "nice boy/girl," but what an unbelievable mean streak.
- The calm, quiet person, but what an explosive temper they really have.
- The person who it seems "would never hurt a fly," but what an abuser and bully they are.
This is not about multiple personality disorder, but rather people who either are truly this AND that, or who "fake it to make it."
Many people do have multiple "normal" sides to their personality (like hardworking, but playful).
However, others more malevolently, use a cover up (and it's not mascara) to hide their inner bad natures/behaviors and demons.
These are the people that are really scary dudes (and dudettes).
You see one thing on the surface (superficially), but beneath it is a type of molten lava ready to explode and do very bad things.
Sure, everyone alternates between good and bad days, happy and sad, more loving or less, etc.
But when people are fundamentally insincere phonies who are deceiving others until they can but strike and do bad things to them, then they are not just two-faced, but seriously f*cked up!
This is all part of the fight in this world of good over evil--it goes on everyday with the monsters out there that are allowed to roam free and prey on others--perhaps some of afraid or even others are covering for them.
How long can they keep up their heinous act?
Often way too long, until those good people of faith and conscience ask when will they be unmasked and held accountable--when will justice prevail. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 3, 2017
DC Lights It Up - Just Physical or More
They are all sort of magnificent!
But even while I am marveling at them, my mind is tearing another way...
I am thinking, there is physical light, yet in so many ways the world seems dark.
We have lots technological progress to be proud of, and yet there are big problems all over the horizon.
- Nuclear and missile proliferation, and rising cyber threats.
- Rising global terrorism and potential for military conflicts
- Spiraling national debt and the trust funds for social entitlements running out
- Rising discrimination and associated hate crimes
- Family strains and the decline of marriage
- Challenges in confidence with organized religion
- World leadership at a crossroads.
We need light--but not just the physical type.
Transparency, enlightenment to solve big problems and a spiritual awakening to ensure good wins out over evil are all on order. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
August 2, 2017
Watch A Terrorist In His Evil Action
This is an incredible disturbing video from today's terror attack in Israel.
A Palestinian terrorist is caught on surveillance camera committing his vile deed.
The terrorist in the brown t-shirt comes down the grocery store aisle.
But he is not there shopping for groceries.
Rather, the terrorist is stalking his prey--an innocent Jewish man working in the store stocking shelves for customers.
The terrorist at first takes a pass by the man checking things out.
Then he suddenly circles back pulling a deadly knife from his waist and starts viciously stabbing and beating the Jewish worker.
The mortally wounded victim desperately tries to fend off the terrorist attacker as he comes again and again at him.
Fortunately, others nearby chased the terrorist who was apprehended by police, while the victim remains in critical condition in the hospital fighting for his life.
Unfortunately, this is daily life in the Holy Land, where bombings, shootings, stabbings, vehicular rammings, Molotov cocktails and rocks are used to kill Jews in their one homeland, Israel.
From Paris and London to New York, Orlando, Jerusalem, and all over the world, terrorists continue to plot and murder innocents.
Yet, how often do we make excuses for them--it's not their fault, it's just a minority, they're brainwashed, if only we gave in to their demands, etc. etc. etc.
But does anything really seem to make a difference--more people, more land, more palaces and oil wealth, more respect, more morally corrupt votes at the UN, more, more, more...and still the global radical terrorism and human rights abuses continue.
What happens when one day the terrorist attack becomes one employing true weapons of mass destruction--will anyone really be surprised?
We pray to G-d for peace and security for your people and for evil to be utterly destroyed.
Oh L-rd, how long will you let these murderous, vile terrorists attack your children...how long before justice is done. ;-)
Greatest Museum of Them All
The Museum of the Bible.
Right here in Washington, D.C.--a few blocks from the Capitol.
There is a wonderful video on their website.
It's 430,000 square feet and 8 stories floors.
With two 40-feet-high bronze doors that look like the Ten Commandments.
And an overall tall and narrow shape with a curved roof that reminds me of Noah's Ark.
It encompasses:
Religion.
History.
Art.
It all comes together here.
There is an interesting display of all the different versions of the Bible.
But what it all points to is how similar we all really are.
The emergence of faith in The One G-d who created us all--his children--and the foundation in the words of His book.
Yes, we share in common much more than what separates us.
If we can just see ourselves in His eyes and be the people we can be and were meant to be.
The museum should be an inspiration to be better, to be brothers, to have peace, to partner and progress to the future.
With our faith sustaining us, and the Bible and our conscience as our guides, we can overcome. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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