Nice Country Hats

Men and women of many religions cover their hair for modesty.

On display were some nice, colorful, country-style hats for women.   

Head coverings in church, mosque or synagogue, are a way to express modesty and humbleness before G-d. 

Also, we cover our hair/head, more generally, to remember that G-d is above us, watching and guiding us always. 

Modest, humble, and G-d fearing–a hat is a potent symbol of faith.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Nice Country Hats

Much To Be Afraid Of

Life size scary-looking Jack In The Box at Home Depot. 

When this clown dude pops out, you'll sh*t your pants. 

And who really wants to be more scared in this world anyway?

With Covid, Cancer, Corruption, Cyber Attacks, Identity Theft, Radicalism, Terrorism, War, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Loss and Death, Environmental issues, and the Economy don't we have enough to be afraid of already?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Much To Be Afraid Of

Shoes That Go With Everything

Ok, so these are shoes that go with everything. 

They got color, the got height, and they got pizazz! 

But can you walk in them and not fall on your face?

Only the graceful survive!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Shoes That Go With Everything

There Is No Zionism Without G-d

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "There Is No Zionism Without G-d."

For two thousand years, the Jewish people exiled from their land, widely dispersed, and inhumanly persecuted among the nations developed passivity and learned helplessness. They eagerly awaited, year after year, G-d’s salvation and redemption. As a tiny minority attempting to hold firm to their religious beliefs amongst the world’s powerful majorities, the Jews found themselves a convenient scapegoat, suffering landlessness and joblessness, taxation to the point of near-starvation, conscription of their Jewish children for military service of 25-years, forced conversion on pain of torture and death, horrible violent pogroms that sparred no one, and expulsions from country after country. During these times, the Jewish people learned passivity in the hope of not inflaming the hate and anger of the goyim that would make things “even worse!”

Certainly, there is no mitzvah to being passive and helpless, and this was undoubtedly in large measure a result of being homeless and suffering under the weight of relentless and brutal anti-Semitism for 2,000 years. Yet, as we each roll up our sleeves to actively work and fight for the modern State of Israel, our independence, and our right to practice our religion freely, we must do so with full knowledge and thanksgiving to G-d, our creator and sustainer! Whether King David against the giant Goliath, Samson against the mighty Philistines, or our modern-day strong and brave soldiers in the IDF defending the borders of Israel from historical enemies’ roundabout, they stand strong against all the natural odds, because G-d stands right there with them and us.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

There Is No Zionism Without G-d

That's Severe

I know in the olden days they would chop off people's hands for stealing. 

But this sign in a modern day store in America seemed just a little severe:

Shoplifters will be amputated

The worst part of it maybe is that they don't say what part of the shoplifter will be amputated. 

So much for compassion and helping the needy. 

L-rd have mercy! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

That's Severe

Automation By Gloves

Everything is so automated these days.

Here's a hydraulic oil machine.

And you see no people.

Just some blue gloves.

If you look long enough, perhaps you'll see the gloves move and work the machine all by themselves. 

That's the magic of automation and computerization. 

Say hi gloves!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumnethal)

Automation By Gloves

Take Me To Your Leader

Is there a leader in the house?

Anyone, anyone a leader here...

I need to find a leader.

Someone who I can look up to.

Who feels deeply, compassionately, and honestly cares about others. 

With faith and integrity, and who does the right thing, regardless. 

They inspire, rarely tire, and seek to make us all more than we otherwise are. 

Imbued with discerning insight and an ageless wisdom. 

Carrying forth a great vision, and a path and passion to get us there. 

They bring unity, and stand alongside each and every one of us. 

Never an autocrat, a bureaucrat, or a stinkin' rat. 

Just someone who is a genuine leader.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Take Me To Your Leader

Garden of 5 Senses

Garden of Five Senses in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

I hear it and I see it, but I can barely believe it.  

I can touch it, and I can even taste it, but that's going too far. 

I can smell it, but in a good way.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Garden of 5 Senses

Best Bread Pudding

This bread pudding was to die for. 

So much rich sweet cinnamon sauce and cream. 

OMG!  If you only eat one of these in your life...

A little heaven here on earth. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Best Bread Pudding

Purple Thingamajig

You can dance if you want to. 

Even if you're a purple thingamajig. 

You can leave your friends behind. 

Cause your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance.

Then they're no friends of mine. 

Dance purple thingamajig, dance! ;-)

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

Purple Thingamajig

Thank You President Trump For Supporting Israel

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, Thank You President Trump For Supporting Israel. 

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we know that everything is in the hands of G-d, including life and death, but there is no question that President Trump has been an instrument of the Almighty in delivering genuine and consistent support—recognition, annexation, aid, sanctioning our enemies, fighting BDS, anti-Semitism, and biased resolutions, and the advancement of peace—to Israel and for the Jewish people.

What the New Year and the upcoming election brings, no one knows, but Hashem. However, let us recognize the good and thank President Trump for everything that he has done for Israel and the Jewish people, and let us pray that G-d brings us continued blessings for the upcoming Jewish year of 5781 and beyond towards our final redemption.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Thank You President Trump For Supporting Israel

Ghostbusters Mobile

Look what car I found today in Lancaster County.

The Ghostbusters Mobile.

The hood ornament is even a little ghost!

From the looks of the downtown, there very possibly could've been some ghosts around. 

Life and death are just a hairbreadth away. 

And when you die in one life, you pass over to the next. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Ghostbusters Mobile

@The Amish Experience

It was a fun time at The Amish Experience today in Lancaster Country, Pennsylvania. 

One and a half hour bus tour of Amish country. 

45 Minute movie about Jacob, an Amish teen, trying to decide whether he wants to be in the outside world or in the Amish one.

And another hour of so tour of an Amish school house and home. 

Felt like I learned a lot about their culture (including no TV, internet, electricity [just batteries and solar], and education only through 8th grade). 

Honestly, it doesn't seem like they really have much a choice in whether to choose the church and become Amish or leave, because if they choose to leave they are shunned (i.e. excommunicated)!

So you either choose you family, church, community, and a wife (and there is no divorce) or you run off to G-d knows where completely alone and "divorced" from everything you know. 

The video is when we stopped at an Amish farm and I went in to the big barn with all the cows.  

After so much time on the bus, I needed to ham it up a little and have fun with:

"How now brown cow. It is so nice to eat you! You are beautiful animals.  And thank you Hashem for making you!" ;-)

(Credit Video: Andy and Dossy Blumenthal)

@The Amish Experience

Duracell Vs Energizer Showdown

This display in Home Depot was like the Duracell vs. Energizer dual to the death for batteries. 

Which one wins?

The whisper is that Duracell beats Energizer close to 2 to 1 for most things. 

Whether or not that's true, the Energizer rabbit "keeps going and going" while the Duracell is copper-topped.

Copper? Bunny? Bunny is cuter!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Duracell Vs Energizer Showdown

Laundry is a Colorful Cleaning Affair

It's great when laundry goes from smelly and dirty to fresh and clean!

Some nice refreshing laundry detergent is just what's needed. 

When the detergent comes in big, bright bottles like here, then it's even a more inviting experience. 

Clean laundry, clean mind, clean mouth way to go! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Laundry is a Colorful Cleaning Affair

Shabbat Shalom From DC Duck!

Shabbat Shalom from this DC Duck!

Shabbat is something to look forward to ALL week long. 

Time to stop everything. 

Look heavenward. 

And inward! 

Remember why we're here. 

Rest and rejuvenate for the next week.

Wash, rinse, repeat.  

Need to balance and get our lives right. 

It's what we do! ;-)

(Credit Graphic:  Andy Blumenthal)

Shabbat Shalom From DC Duck!

Earning Respect!

Great Under Armour Shirt!

From the saying of Dwight Johnson, "The Rock":

Blood, sweat, and respect.  First two you give.  Last one you earn.

Yes, we respect all people in a humanistic way, but real respect is earned based on what a person does!

Blood and sweat means you're putting out, and trying your best to achieve something.

Make sure your efforts are going to something worthwhile.  

Helping people!

Doing your responsibilities!

Being a good influence!

Honoring the Master of the Universe!  

That's how you earn R-e-s-p-e-c-t. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Earning Respect!

Romance Watch

What an awesome watch from Van Clef & Arpels.

Couple meet on a bridge in Paris. 

Lady with umbrella on the left tells the hour. 

Man on the right tells the minute. 

They move together towards a kiss. 

Very romantic!

Beautifully done with fairytale theme. 

This Pont Des Amoureux Jour watch in rose gold and diamonds is only $122,000 (excluding sales tax). 

What a bargain!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Romance Watch

Best Wardrobe

Love this choice of clothing!

You can choose a white shirt, a white shirt, or a white shirt. 

Decisions, Decisions!

Great thing is simplicity and that you can dress in the dark in the morning. 

Bad thing is you are a lifeless, colorless buffoon.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Best Wardrobe

Just Call It By My Name

People often give money for "charity" but then force the institutions to call the buildings or parts thereof by their donor's names.

It a matter of Quid Pro Quo!

Just a few examples of naming after people:

Carnegie Hall

Rockefeller Center

Whitney Museum

If you call it by their names, then they feel like they are somebody!

Even the rich and mighty people know they are going to die, but they want to be remembered long after.

Everyone should say their names!

But honestly, it's not only completely egotistical, but also idolatrous.

The wealth that G-d grants us is for us to live and do good in the world--not to glorify ourselves.

Having your name on a building, museum, hospital, university or stadium doesn't demonstrate you're charitableness as much as your narcissism and desire for some sort of immortality.

However, there is only one G-d and it's by Him that we should give honor, credit, and thanks!

Giving charity is what you do because you can and it's the right thing to help others, especially when you have an overabundance.

Donating to put your name in lights and on people's tongues is nothing but self worship.

All building should be stripped of the names of these people.

Recognize and raise up G-d.  Man is just his servant.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Just Call It By My Name