She captured me doing my laps.
Enjoying the sunshine.
Breathing in the fresh air.
Appreciating the beautiful flowers.
Loving the pool and water.
Thank you so much for this great picture!
(Source Cartoon: the Talented Anastasia)
July 28, 2018
Andy The Swimmer
She captured me doing my laps.
Enjoying the sunshine.
Breathing in the fresh air.
Appreciating the beautiful flowers.
Loving the pool and water.
Thank you so much for this great picture!
(Source Cartoon: the Talented Anastasia)
July 27, 2018
Calling An ELMO
Sometimes people get carried away in meetings either as broken records, spinning wheels, naysayers, or ever with verbal attacks.
In these case, either the facilitator or any of the other participants, can have permission to "call an ELMO."
What that stands for is:
Enough,
Let's
Move
On
When someone at the meeting calls an ELMO the meeting is redirected and focused back to the agenda and meeting objectives.
There are also times, you need a "parking lot" for good ideas that are a little offtrack or for sidebars that you want to come back to later.
At other times, you just need to say, "Let's take it offline."
Focused meetings should generate ideas (brainstorm), exchange points of view, surface problems, discuss issues, and make decisions.
A good meeting leaves people feeling energized, valued, informed, and productive. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 26, 2018
Pet Rock 2018
One, cool idea, looks nice and fun to make.
Two, it reminded me of the Pet Rocks in the 1970s that made millions (this one was hippie even though those back then weren't actually even colored).
A business guy came up with the idea to sell smooth rocks from Mexico beach and market them as pets.
Yeah, they are so lovable and easy to care for!
It was one of the great branding and marketing events of the 20th century.
Who would think people would actually spend money on a plain dumb rock that you could basically pick up off the street?
But incredibly, putting the rock in a box with holes (so the rock could breath) and sitting it on a little stack of hay with an joke of instruction book for caring for your rock, SOLD.
And in fact, over 1,500,000 rocks were sold at a pop of $4 each.
The guy became a millionaire and got rid of a truckload of worthless rocks.
Yes, "One man's garbage is another man's treasure!"
But surely this was getting a little ridiculous.
Hey, I'll give you a nickle for the shinny painted rock in the photo here. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 25, 2018
In the Know Or Dark
They can help either to keep you "in the know" or "in the dark."
As we all know by now, information is power!
When you're in the know--you are a trusted agent and a valuable resource; you have more dots and more connections between the dots to make; you are able to analyze what's happening and make better decision going forward; you can lead with knowledge, wisdom, and hopefully understanding. People come to you for advice, guidance, and because you are a true asset to the team, your superiors, and the organization.
When you're in the dark--you are untrusted and unvalued, you may actually be seen as the enemy who needs to be marginalized, put out or taken out! You are kept out of meetings, uninformed or misinformed, and so you become more and more intellectually worthless. Further, others are implicitly or explicitly told that you are poisonous and not to get caught up in the pending slaughter. A colleague of mine put it this way: "Don't get between a man and his firing squad."
So with others, there can be information alliances as well as information warfare.
To a great extent, you are responsible for keeping yourself in the know. You need to build relationships, bridges, and networks. You need to read, observe, and talk to lots of people. You need time to digest and analyze what you learn. And you must build your information store so that it is ready and actionable.
But to another extent, there are others--superiors, competitors, bullies, abusers--who just might seek to keep you in the dark and bring you down. Not everyone is your friend...some maybe just the opposite. (Wouldn't it be nice, if we all were just friends!) But showing you the intellectual ass of the group is a powerful nut that once superimposed as an image, cannot be easily distilled. There is plenty of groupthink to go around. And taking out a perceived enemy diffuses their power to everyone else. What a lousy coup by some nasty f*ckers!
Why some friend and others foe you--who the heck knows. Perhaps some is chemistry; some is tit for tat; some is personal bias and bigotry; and some just the crapshoot of fate.
In the end, keep doing your part to enhance your value, your friendships, and your integrity. The rest, you have to be vigilant about and realize not everyone wants the lights kept on. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 24, 2018
Bored Meetings
The result is that the hot Summer July temperatures are down in the cool 70's and the rain is flooding everywhere.
When I got in the elevator this morning, someone goes to me:
"Did you see the leak in the hallway? They are watering the tree with it."
And sure enough, there it was!
When all this rain finally stops, there is going to be a lot of cleanup and repairs to do.
The other thing was yesterday, we were on the way to a board meeting in our synagogue.
In the elevator, are two other people--a man and women--carrying binders.
They say to us:
"Are you going to the board meeting?"
Surprised, because I didn't recognize them from our synagogue, I respond affirmatively and ask to clarify:
"Oh, you're going to the board meeting too? I don't recall seeing you there before."
Then the elevator stops and they start to get off--but it's to a different board meeting for the building.
When they see that we're going to a different floor, they start laughing:
"I guess we're going to different board meetings!"
I say:
"Yeah that's right, different board meetings, but we'll all probably be bored!
Another laugh by everyone, and we we're all off to the races. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 23, 2018
Tisha B'Av @Kotel - Ushering In The Redemption
1) The singing of Ani Ma'Amin at the Kotel yesterday in 2018.
2) An amazing NCSY kumzitz, including at the beginning, the singing of Kol Berama Nishma/Rachel Mivakah at the Kotel a few years ago in 2015.
"A voice is heard in the Heavens, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not. Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. And there is hope for thy future, saith the Lord; and thy children shall return to their own border. "
Both are so beautiful, and we imagined G-d looking down from the Heavens and being moved to rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and bring his amazing presence closer to us once again on Earth.
Oh let it be! ;-)
July 22, 2018
Monopoly Yerushalmi
The properties of obviously from famous places in the Holy City of Jerusalem, such as The Kenneset, Mount Olives, Mount Herzl, Hebrew University, Montefiore Windmill, Mahane Yehuda Market, The Biblical Zoo, The Israel Museum, Tower of David, and of course, The Western Wall, and more.
The cards are in both Hebrew and English so I can continue to improve my Hebrew language skills.
I think this is a perfect topic to be thinking about today, which is Tisha B'Av (the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av).
This is a perfect Shabbat game for after Shul and Kiddish, and I am looking forward to the family sitting down to play Monopoly Jerusalem style.
I want to also note that Jerusalem along with the Holy Temple (may it be rebuilt speedily in our day) is a perfect topic to be thinking about today, because this is the day on the Hebrew calendar when the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in both 586 BCE by the Babylonians as well as in 70 CE by the Romans after they had laid siege to the city--the exact same day of the calendar year over 650 years apart--and so this is a day of commemoration, mourning, and introspection for the Jewish people. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 21, 2018
Israel On Fire
When the Hamas terrorist's from Gaza are trying to burn the State of Israel, Israel needs to make sure it's the terrorists are the ones getting burnt. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 20, 2018
How Angry Do You Get?
Hence, the term anger management!
The Talmud teaches that there are 3 ways to know a person's real character:
- Koso, Kiso, and Ka'aso.
From Aramaic to English it translates as:
- Cup, Purse, and Anger.
In other words...
Cup--When a person "drinks," this is how they handle their alcohol and how they act when physically (or perhaps emotionally) inebriated or as we say, "When the wine goes in, the secrets come out!" Are they jumping on the bar, ripping it all off and saying and doing the inappropriate and profane or are they able to recognize their point of weakness and ask someone for a ride safely home.
Purse--This is how a person handles money (and power). Materialism of people speaks volumes. Are they cheap, misery, and narcissistic or compassionate, caring, and giving to others.
Anger--When a person is angry, this is often when their "true colors" show. Do they get mean, bullying, abusive, and violent--do they go for the throat and the kill or are they situationally aware, measured, and do they listen, understand, and are they able to cope well when "under the gun."
Focusing on the anger piece...
It's easy to get angry, and it's also easy to look for a scapegoat and let it out on people that really have nothing to do with why you're really angry.
Maybe people can't always address their anger with the true source, maybe they don't even recognize their feelings fully, or have no idea how to safely release and reset.
In any case, anger is a dangerous emotion if not dealt with.
Many mistakes are made that cannot be undone when people lose their cool (or sh*t, as now seems more commonly said).
Thoughts on this...
Take a breath, slow down.
Evaluate what's really going on.
Think about whether it's truly the end of the world or not.
Assess the options for coping with it.
Look for ways to deescalate and resolve.
If necessary, seek help from others.
Finally, where possible be compassionate and forgiving.
And where not, cope, cope, cope--and survive another day! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 19, 2018
Boiling A Frog
A colleague yesterday told me this great simile:
It's like when you put a frog in a pot of water and turn up the heat, the frog doesn't know what's happening until it's too late, and he ends up being boiled alive!
With better knowledge of the context, of course, you can have the foresight to act, to fight, to get out, whatever.
Similarly with the frog, if you throw him into an already boiling pot of water, he immediately jumps out, and viola he's saved.
It's really important to have good situational and political awareness.
Not everyone out there is so innocent--even when they have a good act and pretend, "Who me?"
Many of them know how to work the system, so that the system works for them.
G-d forbid, when you're in the way, they'll often turn up the heat.
And if you don't realize what going on, you'll be the frog that's a not so tasty dinner. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 18, 2018
Rain From Heaven
It is the first time that I was actually able to see the rain almost in a slow motion.
They weren't drops, but literally streaks of water zipping down from the sky.
The feeling was so pure and refreshing to clean the air and the ground.
To replenish our reservoirs, ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
To nourish the fruit of the Earth and make it grow.
We use up and make dirty, but G-d replenishes and makes clean! ;-)
(Source photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 17, 2018
From Mouth To Friendship
They get angry about something having nothing even to do with you.
They say things they probably don't even mean, and in turn you may say things you don't even mean.
Often you say things just to bring the other person to their senses.
But sometimes they don't come to their senses.
They need to let out on someone and you're the convenient scapegoat.
Before you know it, they throw your friendship under a bus.
Personally, I'm not one to make friends that easily or quickly--there needs to be some real chemistry and the building of trust--but then I am one who is an eternally loyal friend.
Yet, I see others, they kiss and hug and say you're like family, but then when they get angry, oh boy, you are gone like the wind.
Maybe that's not what real friendship is.
To me, friendship surpasses dumb deeds and words and stupid fights, it's about being there through thick and thin.
Take the false teeth out and put some permanent ones in--they last much longer. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 16, 2018
Israel's Border Security
Israel should consider use of landmines to secure its border from tens of thousands of Hamas terrorists that seek daily to overrun the border and murder the citizens of the sovereign State of Israel.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 14, 2018
When Do You Become Old?
Some people seem to get old before their time.
They go about echting and kretzching--at 40 and 50, they are saying this hurts and I feel crummy about that! Nu, I'm not 18 anymore!
Other people never, literally almost never seem to get old.
One lady I know is going to be 94 this month and she is going strong mentally, emotionally, and physically. It almost seems impossible.
This guy in the photo has a funny shirt on that says:
"I thought growing old would take longer."
Yeah, it does sort of creep up on you, but really, really fast. Like where the heck did that come from!
I know inside for me, I always still feel like a kid.
I have the same funny side, playful side, and curious side; the desire to be productive and accomplish something meaningful with my life and time, and to love and be loved.
Yeah, things hurt a little more than they did years ago--can't believe the things I used to be able to do--Yes, at one time, I use to break cinder blocks with my bare hands, true!
But now, I can do other things like swim and hike and I love to write things that I am passionate about or to be a little creative too!
Maybe we do not get old...maybe we are just like caterpillars that morph into something else like butterflies during this life and into the life beyond.
Age is experience, learning, growth--lots of mistakes--and then recovering and trying again and harder.
Life is wonderment and excitement and appreciation for every amazing beautiful thing.
No, life does not get old.
Suffering and loss gets old quick and wish it never was.
But we are physical bodies with eternal souls, so we go on and on into the wild blue yonder. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 13, 2018
The Love Truck
Some may associate the "Love Truck" with human trafficking or something horrible.
But this truck in Washington D.C. really fitted the name with messages on the windows and sides like:
Love not hate.
Peace on planet Earth.
One race, the human race.
Left, right, make America unite again through love.
2 wrongs don't make it right.
Stop bombing, start educating.
Smile, life is short.
Be kind to your fellow man.
I almost got to wonder what's on the other side of this truck???
Anyway, I know it's more than kind of kooky to graffiti up your own vehicle this way, but I still rather see these messages and actions than those of hate and violence in this world.
Happy Friday folks! ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
July 12, 2018
Israel To Space
So proud of Israel's planning to join the Big 3 countries (U.S., Russia, and China) to land on the moon.
Amazing what even a relatively small in size and new nation like Israel can set their sights on and please G-d accomplish with G-d's help.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 11, 2018
Not A Kiss
Sometimes, a kiss is not a kiss.
It could be a phony show.
Like a snake.
It slithers and fools people into complacency.
Kiss kiss!
Hug hug!
But around the back is a hand holding a dangerous dagger.
It stands ready to swing and plunge into your soft unsuspecting tissue.
The more kisses, perhaps the more hiding of their true intentions.
People are complex and sometimes malevolent.
They want what they want, and when they want it.
When the time comes, a kiss can turn into a sharp knife.
You wonder how is it that person has no more kisses. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 10, 2018
Cool Car DC
Definitely a standout, you think.
Although it seems like the people crossing the street don't even notice it.
Ah, wake up people!
Anyway, where do you park a car like that?
It's nice to look at, but between people wanting to steal it or deface it, I think it's probably more trouble than it's worth.
There are enough loonies out there...why give them a reason.
Then again, if you tether yourself to it, maybe it's good for a joy ride around the Capital especially before the new tariffs kick in. ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
July 9, 2018
Know Before Whom You Are Standing
It says, translated into English:
"Know before who you are standing (i.e. G-d)."
The idea is to remember when you are in the holy place of worship that you are standing and praying before G-d and should conduct yourself appropriately and with respect and reverence.
While certainly there are times when people forget themselves in the synagogue and say or do something not completely appropriate (e.g. socializing, talking, or even telling jokes to their neighbors during the service), usually it is not intended to be disrespectful, but rather to be friendly with their neighbors and community.
However, this past Shabbat I witnessed behavior in the synagogue (name withheld) that was truly a chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d).
Out of respect for the Rabbi (and Rabbabite), I will neither mention their names or go into the details about what happened except to say that it involved the politics surrounding the end of the Rabbi's 3-year term and the inability for him and the board to come to terms on a new agreement (even though one had apparently been signed and reneged on).
This did not belong in the synagogue on the holy Shabbat, period.
Those embracing and kissing the Rabbi in his support and going against the President and the board that is elected to represent the congregation was disgraceful.
Further, while I support the Rabbi saying his farewells, demanding to speak without the permission of the President and the board, and even before the President gave his regular announcements was inexcusable.
And when the fighting between the Rabbi and President brought yelling and fighting to the congregants, this should have been a sign for that behavior to immediately cease.
The desecration of the "peace" of the Shabbat with the politics, money, and contract issues and the ensuing fighting (almost civil war between those supporting the Rabbi and those the President and the board) before the Holy Ark filled with the Torahs was reprehensible.
For the spiritual leadership to behave in such a crude and disrespectful fashion was a mark of utter disgrace in the synagogue before G-d.
I have never seen anything like this before and hope never to have to witness anything so irreverent again.
This was a most traumatic event for the community and I hope we will recover in time and have a complete healing.
Moreover, I pray that G-d forgives the behavior that happened and has mercy on this congregation because things got out of control and I think they forgot before whom they were standing. ;-)
(Source Photo and not of the synagogue under discussion: Andy Blumenthal)
Persuasion x 3
- Ethos: Appeals to a sense of ethics, morals, and character.
- Logos: Appeals to a sense of logic, reason, and rationality.
- Pathos: Appeals to a sense of emotion, empathy, and passion.
I don't know about most people, but I don't get convinced easily.
You need to show me, prove it to me, or convince me it's right.
Some others, and I don't know why--it's like you can sell them the Brooklyn Bridge, as they say.
I think that's dangerous!
Without critical thinking and evaluation, people can get led astray to do the wrong things...a perfect example is Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler (may his memory be forever cursed).
Hitler appealed to the Germans people at the time:
- Emotionally to bring them back from the loss, destruction, and destitution that World War I inflicted and of course, to scapegoat the Jews, Gypsies, and political opponents and send them to the death camps.
- Logically, that they were a strong and powerful people, the "Aryan nation," and they therefore, deserved to conquer and rule Europe and the World.
- Ethically--let's just say, this one didn't really apply to Hitler, probably the most evil and destructive man this world has ever known, except that even Hitler tried to fool his people falsely proclaiming, "G-d is with us!"
It's a war of good over evil out there, and we need to make our arguments to influence and persuade for the good, but we also have to be careful not to let others, who are not so good, manipulate us for their own selfish and depraved ends.
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos--potent tools or weapons in the direction of mankind and civilization. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 8, 2018
Every Time I Go Mexico
First, we went for a nice kayak boat ride around the lake.
Then I couldn't help stopping and listening to this relaxing and peaceful music.
These guys were great--I'd pay to listen to them.
Just a bunch of friends getting together to play beautiful music.
This is life as it should be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 7, 2018
Supporting Israel is Right
Israel is not only the biblical and historical homeland for the Jewish people, but it is the only Jewish country in the entire world.
Nations and terrorists have attacked, again and again, denying the United Nations declaration for the State of Israel and the modern-day geopolitical reality of its existence--and it is flourishing!
The State of Israel has successfully made peace with its neighbors Egypt and Jordan, and they seek the same with the Palestinians.
Let us hope and pray for coexistence speedily in our times.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 6, 2018
The Diversity Tapestry
"We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value, no matter what their color [or race, or origin, or religion, or age, or gender, or sexual orientation, or disability]."
Ok, I added the "or" statements at the end.
But the point is the same and important.
Discrimination, bigotry, prejudice, and bias are stupid.
They are a function of ignorance.
- We learn from diversity.
- Life is richer with diversity.
If everything was in monocolor...if life was homogeneous...if there was only one type of everything, then what type of humdrum, monotonous, and boring place would this be?
Value the variety. Value the diversity. Value the differences.
They make us better and stronger than we could ever otherwise be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 5, 2018
Calories Extreme!
They said they bought a slice of cheesecake.
I asked: "Was it the Oreo Cheesecake?"
They said, "yeah!"
But they went on, "It was too much for one person to eat."
Uh, you think?
Check out how many calories are in one piece of this "Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake" -->>1,630!
Yes, that's one slice, not the whole cake!!!
And over 50% is from fat!
Take all this in context: The calories for an average female and male is just 1,900 and 2,500, respectively, if your moderately active.
So one slice of cheesecake like this Oreo flavor is around 86% or 65% of the total recommended calorie intake for a women or man for the entire day!
What the heck do they put into this cheesecake--butter, cream cheese, sugar by the truckload!
I know it must be good, but does it also have to be this deadly! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 4, 2018
July 3, 2018
Going Back To Ulpan
It was 2.5 hours and it was such a joy for me and my wife and one of my daughter to have the wonderful opportunity to participate in this.
It wasn't like in Yeshiva where we focused on learning the Biblical and prayer book Hebrew, and on Aramaic from the Talmud, but was more focused on modern-day conversational Hebrew.
I loved learning and speaking the words, for example to describe a large cosmopolitan city like Tel Aviv.
We also listened to recordings of others speaking, read the text, and learned verbs.
It reminded me of my mom, who also used to love to take Ulpan, and carried around her notebook with the Hebrew words and their translation and the many descriptive verbs--she was so happy learning and practicing.
Given my horrible language skills, it was funny for me that I was asked if I wanted to join the advanced class...ah, no! (or at least not yet...)
While so many languages (and cultures) have died over the ages, Hebrew and the modern State of Israel is a complete revival--it's truly miraculous!
There were people in the class from Asia, South America, and all over the world!
And from all the people there, I felt a tremendous love not only for the language, but for the land of Israel, and the Jewish people.
I wish like this beautiful language we all embraced, everyone could love and not hate us anymore!
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 2, 2018
How Do I Choose?
It was about how we are confronted in life with whether to follow our impulses or our values.
I think there is a lot to this topic...
Some may see it as the little good angel standing over one shoulder and another bad angel standing over the other trying to convince us what to do when it's decision time.
Others may be perpetually torn between temptations or pleasures of materialism and the flesh versus of pursuing what you know to be spiritually good and right in this world.
Either way, as human beings, we are a complex make-up of both body and soul.
Do we give in to temptation and do what feels good--more money, more food, more clothes and jewelry, more houses, cars, and yachts, more vacations, more carnal pleasures from the proverbial "wine, women, and song" or do we pursue the path of spirituality, serving our maker, caring and giving and doing good for others and the world?
It sounds simple, but our impulses tell us one thing and our values tell us another.
Are we being selfish or selfless?
Perhaps, too much of anything is bad for us--even too much giving and selflessness--we need to care for ourselves too--we are mortal, we have needs, we have to nourish ourselves, and we need to live.
But you can't be a glutton or a slave to your impulses--you can't take and not give, your can't indulge until you make yourself sick, or take at the expense of and harm to others.
Like all things in life, there is a need for balance.
Certainly our spirit should guide our animal.
If and when our animal is dictating to our spirit then we are in real trouble. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 1, 2018
An Arrogant Model Who Defiles The Holy Temple
"In such a G-dly place [as the Kotel], where we are all spiritually naked for our actions before our Maker, [Belgian model,] Ms. Papen displayed not soul, but her haughty flesh."
And like the Sotah in the bible, who drinks of "the bitter waters" for defiling the sanctity of her marriage, Ms. Papen will most certainly come to see the consequences for her defilement of the most sacred place of Judaism.
I wouldn't want to be her, seriously! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 29, 2018
What A Beautiful Song - To Forgive and to Forget
Don't Worry--Be Happy!
Yesterday, someone gave me a couple of these bright yellow smileys--one on the back of each of my hands.
I was going around waving these happy faces all day.
Of course, sitting in meetings was a little weird with these on, but then again, maybe that is part of setting a colorful and happy tone.
It's funny how a little smile sticker can make the whole world seem right again.
Maybe we can learn to live life, love life, and make the most of every single day.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 28, 2018
Chief Critic
They are the critics in chief.
You have to wonder what their own value-add is.
While other people are doing the work, the chief critic is saying everything is terrible, horrible, tragic, almost the end of the universe as we all know it.
Yes, there is nothing wrong with well-intentioned and constructive criticism, especially by a supervisor or people sincerely trying to help.
But then there are just those who just look to find something--anything--to fault others, almost as if they are bigger if others are smaller!
This is no good.
That is no good.
I would do it this way.
You need to do it that way.
It's almost like a hobby, but it comes with plenty of nastygrams and miserable monologues.
If only you would do X!
How come you didn't do Y?
Next time make sure you do Z!!!
OMG, yes we are not perfect angels, but most of us try to work smart, do good, contribute, and get positive results!
Even failure is acceptable if everyone gave it their best effort and it leads to learning and growth.
Maybe the people on the sidelines who are yelling at the players need to get off the bench and actually worry about what they need to be doing, and doing it, instead of criticizing those in the trenches.
Teamwork means we succeed or fail together!
Non-attribution is about not getting personal and blaming others, especially when they are working their butts off.
Rather, roll up your sleeves everyone and get in the trenches and start pulling your own weight instead of putting down and making fun of the others.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 27, 2018
Keep A Cool Temperament
I was working with someone for a number of weeks/months.
All of a sudden, I got a complete blow off email from them that said they are done and they wished me well in a sort of very sarcastic and even contemptuous way--like a real f*ck off!
Were they just being nasty or trying to pick a fight or something?
First, I was taken aback and honestly hurt--like what the heck happened that they showed their true strips...did I miss it all along.
I showed my wife their email, and she read it the same way, and said "What an asshole!"
I continued to hold my mouthpiece and feelings as I contemplated how I would respond.
I have to admit that some choice words and wishes back to them definitely came to mind.
But I said to myself, "Hold, hold, hold!"
It wasn't easy not to respond in kind--lash back out at them--and even then some for good measure.
No, that isn't the way.
You can rise above this.
I kept my mouth shut and literally controlled my reactions.
Well, lo' and behold, I thought I would never hear from this person again the way they spoke to me, but then a few days later, I received another email where apparently they rethought what they did.
It didn't have to come from me to them to "set them straight!"
Their own conscience seemed to have played on them and they came to their own senses about how they behaved and spoke.
I learned from this that it is critical to maintain your composure and keep your cool under all circumstances, no matter how trying.
Don't stoop to their level--you rise above it!
Sometimes, the other person may just surprise you and rise back up too and do the right thing in the end. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 26, 2018
Super Cool Military Wheels
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has come up with a Reconfigurable Wheel Track (RWT).
The tires can switch shape from round tires for flat terrain to triangular tracks for soft or rugged terrain in just 2-seconds!
You can see in the screenshot the rear wheels in tire formation and the front wheels changed to tracks.
The agility of this technology makes for better maneuverability and survivability for our troops and their transports and combat vehicles.
I wonder if someday soon, they will commercialize this technology so rather than all season/year tires or snow tires on our cars, we have these gorgeous ruggedized military grade babies.
I for one would gladly pay extra! ;-)
(Source Screenshot: Andy Blumenthal from here)
Never Forget # Never Again
As much as we have to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and how so-called, human beings can descend into the depth of evilness inflicting hell against their fellow man, it is most critical to ensure it never happens again.
But remembering can be extremely painful, especially for the next generation that perhaps wants to forget all the terrible tragedy and for everything to be seemingly "normal" again.
But in the ageless war of good over evil, we must continuously fight to defend a peaceful and secure future for us and our children.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 24, 2018
Longing For The Slow and Happy Bungalow Days
And today, I heard from a wonderful young Ukrainian woman whose family does the equivalent in the mountains there in the summer.
When I listen to the stories, it sounds so good to get away with your family and friends for the summer to the countryside.
Just live simply in a cabin, stay up late by the campfire singing songs, get up lazily in the morning, and during the day play sports, go fishing, and swim in the lake.
I can't imagine talking 3 months a year and actually being able to do this...so natural, so carefree, so back to living!
Yes as kids, we went to camp, but it's not the same as living communally like this in such freedom and fun.
Honestly, listening to the stories about this, left me amazingly jealous!
Perhaps, it's a lesson about life these days...we're adults, we're responsible, we have to earn a living and take care of the bills and all of life's responsibilities.
But maybe, just maybe, there is something--a lot--to be said for letting loose a little, and just being with your loved ones, and living, really living again.
Why do we have to wait until we're old...too old to work anymore...and maybe too old to appreciate life as life was meant to be.
We can't run from our responsibilities but isn't it worth looking for ways in life to enjoy more than a long weekend or a week vacation.
Life is too short to let it get away from us.
Balancing the contributions of our hard labor with the enjoyment of family, friends, and fun...those are the memories that last a lifetime and beyond.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 23, 2018
That Look On Their Face
The other day when I got a haircut, the barber lady was talking to me (BTW, she's a very nice person).
At one point, she says something about my hair being a little different on each side.
So I blurt out something like:
"Well, that's because my brains are pushing it out!"
I got the funniest look from her...yes, it was priceless.
First, she's like right, of course, your brains are pushing out your hair!
Then, she looks at me, and I start smirking, and she gives me the big eyes and raised eyebrows, like a combination of that's funny and now don't be such a wise guy.
Then, we both started laughing.
I love that.
I love doing that with people.
Being alive.
Getting a reaction.
Making them wonder for a second.
Getting them to smile and laugh.
Maybe my brains are pushing my hair out! ;-)
(Source Art: Sean M., 8th Grade Montgomery County and Photo by Andy Blumenthal)
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