(Credit Video: Dannielle Blumenthal of Andy Blumenthal)
November 28, 2019
November 27, 2019
Graffiti Art
I really love Graffiti Art!
Went to Wynwood Walls in Miami.
The art is just fantastic.
Better than the typical museum.
So creative.
So big.
So colorful.
So full of life.
They took a whole rundown neighborhood and made it cool and great.
On December 5, they will be opening the Museum of Graffiti.
Can't wait to go back and immerse myself in it! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Graffiti Art
November 26, 2019
A Song of Saul and David
Great song: David and Shaul from Ehud Banay's third album, ”The Third/Hashlishi”
The song is about the "bipolar" feelings of King Saul toward David (then the next king of Israel).
Here are the lyrics:
כולם מזמן הלכו לישון
רק שאול ער, קודר
מרים לדוד טלפון
A late-night hour
Everyone is long gone to sleep
Only Shaul is awake, cheerless
He calls David up over the phone
נפשי אגם שחור
תביא איתך את הגיטרה
כי באצבעותיך אור
Maybe you should stop by, Ya David
My soul is a black lake
Bring the guitar with you
For you have light in your fingers
דוד בא מיד רגוע,
מתיישב ומכוון
את המלאכה היטב יודע
עוצם עיניים, מנגן
David comes right away and he is calm
Sit down and tunes (the guitar)
The job he well knows
Closes his eyes, he plays
עשר אצבעות לדוד
קצה כל אצבע - קרן אור
כשהוא פורט על המיתר
הזמן זורם לו לאחור
Ten fingers David has
The tip of each one - a ray of light
When he port on the string
The time is flowing backwards
קרבות בתוך בטנו
אוהב-שונא, ומקנא
מכור לחברו
Shaul is torn inside
Battles in his stomach he has
Love-hate, and jealous he is
Addicted to his friend
השד חוזר להשתולל
סכין נזרקת באוויר
פתאום יש בין השנים קיר
Something dark falls
The demon is back to a rage
A knife is thrown in the air
Suddenly there is a wall between the two
דוד מתחמק משאול
אבל שאול לא מוותר
דוד שוכח וסולח
כששאול מתקשר
דוד שוכח וסולח
כששאול מתקשר
David is avoiding Shaul
But Shaul is not giving up
David forget and forgives
When Shaul call up
בוא שוב לנגן לי דוד
קח אותי לכוכבים
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה
שיר געגועים
קח אותי לכוכבים
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה
שיר געגועים
Come again to play to me David
Take me to the stars
Come again to play tonight
A song of longing
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה...
Come again and play tonight..
שיר געגועים...
Come again and play tonight..
A song of longing..
(Kudos to my Ulpan teacher, Rivka D. for sending me the video and to Izchak, my wonderful son-in-law, for providing the Hebrew/English lyrics)
A Song of Saul and David
Birds Dropping In For Lunch
These birds decided to swoop in for some lunch.
It was funny to see the people go scrambling from the table.
The birds were completely unabashed and took their time over the chow.
One couple in the corner had ordered this truly enormous meal (don't worry, I was good and ate only the salad).
Each of them had a full lunch plate PLUS in the center of their table was "The Volcano" of nachos, cheese, chili, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos.
That was certainly no bird food with The Volcano punching in at 3,500 calories!
I have no idea how any two people could possibly eat that much food.
Probably good that the birds decided to drop in. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Birds Dropping In For Lunch
November 25, 2019
Surfing USA Beach
Even when you fall down, you should always rise up again!
(Credit Videos: Andy Blumenthal)
Surfing USA Beach
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November 24, 2019
Ferrari Motor Furniture
The first is a coffee table for the living room.
The second is half of a nice desk.
Both are made out of working Ferrari engines.
The coffee table goes for $50,000.
And the desk goes for $75,000.
I will told that this is a bargain based on what a working Ferrari engine goes for.
In a sense you can take your table for a spin around the block...LOL.
Truly the engine (and not just design of the car) is a work of art.
It merits being a centerpiece of your office or home. ;-)
(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Ferrari Motor Furniture
November 23, 2019
The Life and Legacy of Sarah
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Life and Legacy of Sarah."
We should never underestimate our influence in this world, and that what we say and do reverberates like concentric circles that spread out from the source farther and farther. Moreover, while you might not think that what you do matters all that much or is a big deal, you never really know the outsize impact that it can have. Therefore, even while Sarah had passed and Abraham mourned her, the truth is that her legacy of the great Jewish nation was only just beginning!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Rebbetzin explained beautifully that when we live a good life, not only does our soul live on in the afterlife, but our good deeds continue to have an influence in this world even after we, ourselves, have passed.
We should never underestimate our influence in this world, and that what we say and do reverberates like concentric circles that spread out from the source farther and farther. Moreover, while you might not think that what you do matters all that much or is a big deal, you never really know the outsize impact that it can have. Therefore, even while Sarah had passed and Abraham mourned her, the truth is that her legacy of the great Jewish nation was only just beginning!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Life and Legacy of Sarah
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November 22, 2019
Tuna Salad - Eating Healthy
Intermittent fasting is going, thank G-d well.
When I broke my fast today, I had a healthy salad with tuna fish.
Dieting and eating healthy, and feeling good about it!
All the processed food is completely addictive and 100% poison!
Broke the addiction and I don't plan to go back to the corrupt food industry fools that don't care for atom about the people, but rather just the profits.
Fruit, vegetables fish, nuts, seeds, and tea.
The fleecing of America by all the processed food players--it's disgusting.
I'm detoxing and I am grateful to G-d for helping me through this and showing me the way! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

When I broke my fast today, I had a healthy salad with tuna fish.
Dieting and eating healthy, and feeling good about it!
All the processed food is completely addictive and 100% poison!
Broke the addiction and I don't plan to go back to the corrupt food industry fools that don't care for atom about the people, but rather just the profits.
Fruit, vegetables fish, nuts, seeds, and tea.
The fleecing of America by all the processed food players--it's disgusting.
I'm detoxing and I am grateful to G-d for helping me through this and showing me the way! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Tuna Salad - Eating Healthy
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November 21, 2019
Not WHO They Seem
People may all sort of look alike.
But they are not all the same.
It's NOT a matter of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, etc. that is important.
But rather it's what is inside people's hearts.
Some hearts are pure in intent (even if not in every deed).
Others are sullied with hate and abuse of others just because they can.
But why hurt others when you can help them?
People are not all the same.
Inside they are different.
Luckily G-d looks at the inside; the outside is just the packaging. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

But they are not all the same.
It's NOT a matter of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, etc. that is important.
But rather it's what is inside people's hearts.
Some hearts are pure in intent (even if not in every deed).
Others are sullied with hate and abuse of others just because they can.
But why hurt others when you can help them?
People are not all the same.
Inside they are different.
Luckily G-d looks at the inside; the outside is just the packaging. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Not WHO They Seem
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November 20, 2019
Plea For A Wireless World
There has got to be a better way.
One day people are going to laugh their heads off at they way we did technology.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Plea For A Wireless World
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November 19, 2019
Pool Poop Galore
So I was at the pool going swimming, doing my laps.
It was very busy there with lots of people of all ages.
All of a sudden, I hear some screaming.
Then the guards come over and tell people they have to get out of the pool, pronto!
There's been an accident.
No, not someone getting hurt.
Someone had a bathroom accident in the pool.
The director of the pool is going around explaining to the inconvenienced swimmers that:
Not exactly an eloquent way to say it, but it gets the point across.
What is worse, it was on the side of the pool where the adults were swimming!
Next come the lifeguards with the nets and they are literally scooping swathes of this sh*t out of the pool.
I see it literally spans almost a half length of this olympic pool.
What a crappin' mess.
Luckily I got almost all my swim in--yes, I am dedicated!
And then took a long hot shower with tons and tons of soap. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

It was very busy there with lots of people of all ages.
All of a sudden, I hear some screaming.
Then the guards come over and tell people they have to get out of the pool, pronto!
There's been an accident.
No, not someone getting hurt.
Someone had a bathroom accident in the pool.
The director of the pool is going around explaining to the inconvenienced swimmers that:
"Someone pooped in the pool."
Not exactly an eloquent way to say it, but it gets the point across.
What is worse, it was on the side of the pool where the adults were swimming!
Next come the lifeguards with the nets and they are literally scooping swathes of this sh*t out of the pool.
I see it literally spans almost a half length of this olympic pool.
What a crappin' mess.
Luckily I got almost all my swim in--yes, I am dedicated!
And then took a long hot shower with tons and tons of soap. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Pool Poop Galore
November 18, 2019
Types of Project Management Office
This is a quick breakdown of the 3 types of Project Management Offices (PMOs).
A good place to start is with an enabling/supportive PMO and then progress to a more delivery/controlling model. Generally, a compliance/directive PMO is for more highly regulated organizations.
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal and concept via CIO Magazine and Gartner)

- Enabling (Supportive) — Provides best practices, templates, and tools “as needed,” and compliance is voluntary.
- Delivery (Controlling) — Adopts framework or methodology, policy, and repeatable procedures, and a certain level of the standards are enforced.
- Compliance (Directive) — Establishes strict standards, measures, and control over projects, and these are highly regulated.
A good place to start is with an enabling/supportive PMO and then progress to a more delivery/controlling model. Generally, a compliance/directive PMO is for more highly regulated organizations.
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal and concept via CIO Magazine and Gartner)
Types of Project Management Office
November 17, 2019
OPTIMISM vs pessimism
As Joel Rosenberg put it in his book The Ezekiel Option, "In the long run everything would turn out fine...but tomorrow could be a disaster."
In short, this equates to:
I'm a strategic optimist, but a tactical pessimist.
My mom used to say, "If I am pessimistic, I'll never be disappointed." LOL
I think though when we have faith then we know that truly, in the end everything is for the best and will be okay.
In the short term though, there are challenges to face and these can be tough indeed.
- Strategically an optimist.
- Tactically a pessimist.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
OPTIMISM vs pessimism
November 16, 2019
Avraham, The Ultimate Mensch
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel, "Avraham, The Ultimate Mensch."
Like our forefather, my Hebrew name is Avraham, and for me personally, this has been a critical life lesson: learning to see challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and consistently be a person that tries to do what is right even when it is hard or the lines seem to be grey. In the end, I believe that G-d put us in this world in order for us to choose good over evil and demonstrate kindness to others. With the Torah as our blueprint, and Avraham, our forefather, as our role model, we must apply the great teachings of the Torah and always strive to act as a proper mensch!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Rabbi asked why did Hashem who is omnipotent even need to create us? And he answered because in G-d being the ultimate good, He “had to create us”—this in essence being the ultimate expression of good by sharing that goodness with us to learn and be good as well. In short, what could be a greater good than extending that opportunity to be be good to others.
Like our forefather, my Hebrew name is Avraham, and for me personally, this has been a critical life lesson: learning to see challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and consistently be a person that tries to do what is right even when it is hard or the lines seem to be grey. In the end, I believe that G-d put us in this world in order for us to choose good over evil and demonstrate kindness to others. With the Torah as our blueprint, and Avraham, our forefather, as our role model, we must apply the great teachings of the Torah and always strive to act as a proper mensch!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Avraham, The Ultimate Mensch
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November 15, 2019
Pelican Shabbos
Shabbat Shalom says the Moo Moo Cow.
Shabbat Shalom says Leo The Lion.
Shabbat Shalom says the Gefilte Fish.
Shabbat Shalom says the Long Beak Pelican.
(Photo Credit: Andy Blumenthal)

Shabbat Shalom says Leo The Lion.
Shabbat Shalom says the Gefilte Fish.
Shabbat Shalom says the Long Beak Pelican.
(Photo Credit: Andy Blumenthal)
Pelican Shabbos
November 14, 2019
D.C. Living
I can't believe this home is in Washington, D.C.
More like Florida.
All we need is a palm tree or two.
Plus a little pool in the back.
And we're good! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

More like Florida.
All we need is a palm tree or two.
Plus a little pool in the back.
And we're good! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
D.C. Living
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November 13, 2019
Weird Face Bag
This bag is too weird.
Not a man and not an animal--it's some sort of beast.
It has a crazy face on it with a gnarly mouth and green bug-eyes.
Is it watching for pickpockets?
Wonder if it bites the hand that tries to go inside the purse.
I can't look at this thing anymore.
Make it go away! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Not a man and not an animal--it's some sort of beast.
It has a crazy face on it with a gnarly mouth and green bug-eyes.
Is it watching for pickpockets?
Wonder if it bites the hand that tries to go inside the purse.
I can't look at this thing anymore.
Make it go away! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Weird Face Bag
November 12, 2019
Spider Man D.C.
Spider Man, Spider Man, Does Whatever A Spider Can.
Veterans Day must be a great day to get your windows washed.
Or to spin a web of intricate proportions in D.C. politics.
Either way aside from the windows, what of significance is actually getting resolved in our partisan capital?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Spider Man D.C.
November 11, 2019
Artechouse = Art + Tech + House
This place was really cool in Washington, D.C.
Artechouse = Art + Tech + House.
Great immersive technology, art, music, dance, and light show.
Highly recommend it!
This exhibit "Lucid Motion" was by Japanese artist Daito Manabe X Rhizomatiks Research.
They also had a nice augmented reality display.
Had fun with the clan.
Hope you enjoy!
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
Artechouse = Art + Tech + House
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November 10, 2019
Harriet And The Underground Railroad
We saw the movie Harriet today.
Obviously, it was about Harriet Tubman and her rescuing the slaves through the Underground Railroad of secret routes and safe houses.
She was an amazing heroine that they even called her "Moses" for her rescuing the black slaves from the southern plantation where they were sorely abused in every way.
Even though she herself was a runaway slave who made it though a100 treacherous miles from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Freedom, she went back over and over again to save others.
The movie said she saved 70 other through the underground railroad and then in the civil war led the black troops to free another 750 slaves!
Her courage and faith through it all was truly inspirational.
I was so glad when she carried a gun and shot at her nemesis who enslaved her and her family before he could kill or capture and torture her.
She didn't kill him, but she told him in no uncertain terms that people were not meant by G-d to own and enslave other people!
We need more people like Harriet Tubman in the world who fight for what's right and clearly know the difference between good and evil. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Obviously, it was about Harriet Tubman and her rescuing the slaves through the Underground Railroad of secret routes and safe houses.
She was an amazing heroine that they even called her "Moses" for her rescuing the black slaves from the southern plantation where they were sorely abused in every way.
Even though she herself was a runaway slave who made it though a100 treacherous miles from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Freedom, she went back over and over again to save others.
The movie said she saved 70 other through the underground railroad and then in the civil war led the black troops to free another 750 slaves!
Her courage and faith through it all was truly inspirational.
I was so glad when she carried a gun and shot at her nemesis who enslaved her and her family before he could kill or capture and torture her.
She didn't kill him, but she told him in no uncertain terms that people were not meant by G-d to own and enslave other people!
We need more people like Harriet Tubman in the world who fight for what's right and clearly know the difference between good and evil. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Harriet And The Underground Railroad
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