December 25, 2019
Nature Boy
Of course, I was always curious why Broccoli was called Andy Boy--what boy or any kid for that matter likes to eat broccoli???
And like most things in life, there really wasn't a good answer except that this company, "Andy Boy" grows and distributes it.
Anyway, I was always a nature boy feeling most at home and at peace in the countryside.
I love being in nature, surrounded by G-d's amazing beauty, and at one with the universe and with G-d.
In building all our great cities, buildings, and structures, aside from the crowding, pollution, crime and traffic that we have consequently, we have also lost something elementary to our lives with the absence of real nature.
A park is not a forest. A pond is not a river. A plant is a not a lush valley. A garden is not a farm. A hill is not a mountain range. A pet is not a teeming ecosystem of diverse life.
The city is man made and fake, but nature is from G-d and real. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 24, 2019
Celebrating The Holidays
The matching suit and tie with all the decorative holiday ornaments.
The bright red shirt.
The tree hat with the star on top.
And the dark glasses.
Wow, standout city!
Where do you get clothing like this?
I wonder if I could do this with a menorah too. LOL
Happy Holidays to all. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Celebrating The Holidays
December 23, 2019
Limp Noodles {SAD}
They are pencils in the museum.
And they are certainly limp, if not completely dead.
Who in the world would use a clown pencil like this?
This is some serious dysfunction.
If I could, I would certainly prescribe some much needed Viagra for these. LOL
They are that sad! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Limp Noodles {SAD}
December 22, 2019
Happy Hanukah Trader Joe's Style
They also have the best edible and good tasting fresh, healthy food.
On top of it, they have a nice gift card for a Happy Hanukah!
I vote that we replace the other crummy supermarkets with Trader Joes instead. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Happy Hanukah Trader Joe's Style
December 21, 2019
Israel Must Leave No Stone Unturned
Over the last decades since 1973, Israel has taken strong actions again to beef up their defenses and leave no stone unturned including taking the bold steps in destroying the menacing nuclear reactors of Iraq in 1981 and the Syrian reactor in 2007. Now Israel is facing a similar decision on action with Iran and their weapons of mass destruction. Israel and the United States need to leave no stone unturned in trying to find a path towards a peaceful resolution with Iran, but if that stone threatens potential annihilation of Israel and other western allies, then there should be no doubt whatever that Israel and other civilized nations must act once more to remove the threat and turn that stone into harmless dust again.
Whether towards peace or G-d forbid to war, Israel must be courageous to act and leave no stone unturned to secure its peace and security, or the ultimate defeat of its unrelenting enemies. Israel must be like Joseph, and be able to interpret the dreams and events unfolding before them, and like Pharaoh to make the decision to act and restore the meticulous butler, hang the negligent and dangerous baker, and save the nation from otherwise assured destruction. May G-d give us the wisdom, courage, and strength to do what we must eventually do and let it be for the good.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Israel Must Leave No Stone Unturned
December 19, 2019
Holiday Earrings With Pizazz
These holiday earrings have loads of pizazz.
Watch them flash red from ear to ear!
The funny thing is no one else even notices.
What an awesome holiday fashion statement from The Nation's Capital. ;-)
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
Holiday Earrings With Pizazz
December 18, 2019
Woman In Gold, Gold, and More Gold
The painting is called the Portrait of Adele Block-Bauer I and was commissioned by her adoring husband.
That face! And surrounded by everything in gold yet you can still clearly make out her stunning dress.
I've never seen anything like this: the vividness and the majesty of it.
Honestly, I think there is a resemblance to my beautiful mother, Gerda Blumenthal who was also from Germany.
The interesting history on this is that it was stolen by the Nazis from the Jewish owners in the Holocaust, but was finally returned to their family in America that succeeded in suing Austria for it back.
This is truly one of the greats! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Gustav Klimt [Public domain])
Woman In Gold, Gold, and More Gold
Beautiful Solar Power
You can have energy.
And you can have art.
Here you can have both.
It's functional to harness the sun's energy and it's designed to look sleek and fit the landscape.
Nice job by Florida Power and Light (FPL)! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Beautiful Solar Power
December 17, 2019
Eyewash Smiley
I suppose this is good if you get something in your eye(s) and need to flush it out.
Are the yellow caps supposed to be for keeping the faucets clean and unobstructed.
Whole thing looks a little like a face: the yellow caps are the eyes, the big center faucet is the nose, and the sink basic the big mouth.
Maybe just my imagination, but I think it's saying "there are too many cooks in this kitchen, get the h*ll out!" :-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Eyewash Smiley
December 16, 2019
Superhero Dress
Superhero dress by D&G.
Comic style with the pow and bam!
I don't get the pig superhero logo on the jacket and other merchandise next to it.
Uh, who wants to wear and look like a pig?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
D&G is off the deep end. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Superhero Dress
December 15, 2019
The Best Jobs 2020 and Beyond
They are not the ones that just pay the most!
Here are the three criteria to look for in your next dream job (aside from the money):
1) Autonomy - Work that is self-directed provides satisfaction that jobs that are closely or micro-managed do not.
2) Mastery - Jobs that allow you get better at them over time (technical proficiency) provide a sense of mastery and self-respect.
3) Purpose - When you have a deep sense of purpose and meaning from your work there is simply no greater motivator and satisfier than this.
I'd also add that the best places to work are the ones with:
- The best bosses and the nicest people
- A solid balance for work and life
Overall, if we can reconnect the profit motive with the purpose motive then we have truly have the best jobs out there. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Best Jobs 2020 and Beyond
December 14, 2019
Another Week, Another Anti-Semitic Attack
From The Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh to the Poway Synagogue shooting in California to the shooting at the kosher market in Jersey City this week. The latest shooting occurred literally just the day before President Trump issued an executive order at a White House Chanukah celebration to cover anti-Semitic acts under the civil rights laws that ban discrimination based on national origin. Yet, despite the Constitution and all the protective laws and orders on the books, we are getting to the point where it is starting to look and feel awfully like there is nowhere safe anymore if you are a Jew, even in this great land of freedom.
What anti-Semitism, G-d forbid, will the next week bring, and the week after that, and after that? This vile behavior coming from people that hate us just because we are Jews, because we are Jacob and not Esau. May our eyes be open to what is happening around us, and may Hashem have an abundance of mercy on us.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Another Week, Another Anti-Semitic Attack
December 13, 2019
December 12, 2019
That's Eggcellent!
December 11, 2019
What I Want to Be When I Grow Up (LOL)
And there is still so much more that I earnestly hope and pray to accomplish with my life.
Perhaps, then, when I am all grown up, I can have some time to be a sun bum too.
Everyone deserves a little fun. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
What I Want to Be When I Grow Up (LOL)
December 10, 2019
Training With Paper Airplanes
Always looking for new best practices and efficiencies for what we are doing in software development.
We did one exercise to compare the old Waterfall methodology with Agile.
And the instructor had us as a team build paper airplanes one way and then the other so see the difference in output and outcome.
Lo and behold, we had almost 40 planes in agile and only 6 in waterfall.
What you see in the photo is the testing phase: we actually had to see if they could fly at least 10 feet without taking a nosedive. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Training With Paper Airplanes
December 8, 2019
Operation Thunderbolt: Fighting Prejudice and Persecution
No people should suffer blatant prejudice and persecution and everyone should be “entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These are part of the foundational values that America and Israel share. We stand as friends and allies for respecting and valuing human rights, always to be underscored by peace and security for our peoples. Isn’t it an amazing “coincidence” that the rescue in Entebbe occurred on America’s 200th anniversary, July 4, 1976!
The raid on Entebbe and the miraculous rescue of the hostages stands as an everlasting symbol of courage and triumph of good over evil. As we continue to work and pray for a genuine peace in the Middle East for all its inhabitants, we also must stand resolutely and say “Never Again.”
(Credit Photo: Government Press Office Israel via Flickr)
Operation Thunderbolt: Fighting Prejudice and Persecution
The Best of Jewish Nigunim
Shlomo Carlebach was a master of Jewish Nigunim (melodies).
With his music he could literally move one's soul to reach for G-d Almighty in the Heavens and on Earth.
Thank you Eitan Katz for bringing this alive again.
I hope you can feel it as I do.
Hashem lives!
The Best of Jewish Nigunim
December 7, 2019
Faith Chases Out The Fear
It’s interesting that faith and fear are incompatible and they cannot coexist. Where one is, the other is not. Just like the light chases away the darkness, so too does faith expel fear from our lives. When we believe that G-d is in charge of everything that happens, and that he loves us and ultimately wants what is good of us then what is there for us to fear?
No matter in what danger we find ourselves and no matter how scared we feel, we are not alone. The Master of the Universe is watching over us, waiting for us to raise our eyes to the heavens in faith, and to take a stand and do what’s right. If we do, then G-d will manifest himself to us and indeed “will carry, and will deliver” us.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Faith Chases Out The Fear
December 6, 2019
Fire Stripes on Buggy
Thought this VW with the fire stripes was pretty cool.
Black, white, and red.
Definitely a standout!
The only thing better is the VW van with the psychedelic hippie colors and fantastical images for hope and love. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Fire Stripes on Buggy
December 5, 2019
Salad and Falafel
This was delicious salad and falafel with Tzatziki sauce and Italian dressing.
It was so fresh and good.
Honestly, I wanted to eat more of this.
Who needs all the junk foods.
This looks good, tastes good, and is good for you! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Salad and Falafel
December 4, 2019
Now Dat's Customer Service
"Suppose we refund your money.
Send you another one without charge.
Close the store.
And have the manager shot...
Would that be satisfactory?"
Actually no, that's not good enough!
While you're at it...
Bow down and kiss my filthy feet.
Flagellate yourself with 40 lashes using a wet noodle.
Give me a complimentary supply of whatever the crap is I was buying for life.
And after you shoot the manager, hang him from the tallest tree for everyone to get the message. LOL
Now dat's customer service! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Now Dat's Customer Service
December 3, 2019
Two Things To Know
- Know-how: That's knowing how to do things yourself.
- Know-who: That's knowing who to go to to get everything else done.
None of us is perfect.
We each have strengths and weaknesses.
No one has all the answers--despite some big egos out there!
That's why we all need each other.
Knowledge is great, but networking magnifies your potential many times over.
These are two things you definitely want to know. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Two Things To Know
December 2, 2019
Ocean Waves Electric
Thought this was pretty cool at the Boca Museum of Art.
Electronic Ocean Waves.
Mesmerizing and calming.
And all in bits and bytes.
They also had a display of black and white photos of the ocean waves.
But it was a little too sterile for me.
I like nature and nurture in perfect harmony. ;-)
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
Ocean Waves Electric
December 1, 2019
Lifeguard Needs A Lifeguard
The guards are required to renew their lifeguard certification every two years.
When I asked if he swims, he said "not regularly" and then when I asked if he exercises, he said half-jokingly: "I sleep, eat, and drink!"
But then he told me about the lifeguard exam and a couple of people who should've never been taking the test.
One lady gets waist deep into the pool, and the proctor tells the lady to swim to the other side of the pool and back. Instead of swimming, she starts crying hysterically that she doesn't know how to swim!
Another guy was swimming funny with his arms flailing and his butt out of the water. When the proctor asked him what was up with that and to show him what was hiding under his trunks, the guy showed him that he was wearing an inflatable plastic band under his pants.
Fail, fail, fail--these are life endangering guards, NOT "lifeguards!" ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Lifeguard Needs A Lifeguard
November 30, 2019
Jews, The People of Thanksgiving
This week was Thanksgiving (חג ההודיה), but for Jews we are already called, "The People of Thanksgiving. "We are named יהודים (Yehudim) after יהודה (Yehudah), the son of Isaac and Leah because Leah said (Genesis 29:35): "הפעם אודה את יהיה." ("This time let me thank G-d"). Also as Jews, we are not just called the People of Thanksgiving, but we are actively supposed to say 100 blessings a day thanking G-d, so in the true sense of the word, everyday is Thanksgiving Day for the Jewish people.
Jews are the People of Thanksgiving not only on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. We are thankful for being the chosen people and for our redemption and return to the Promised Land of Israel; we are thankful for the life and opportunities that G-d has given to us; we are thankful in good times and G-d forbid, in the bad times; and we are thankful because, yes, ultimately everything from G-d is for the good.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Jews, The People of Thanksgiving
November 29, 2019
Impressive Brightline
Impressive Brightline
November 28, 2019
November 27, 2019
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
נפשי אגם שחור
תביא איתך את הגיטרה
כי באצבעותיך אור
דוד בא מיד רגוע,
מתיישב ומכוון
את המלאכה היטב יודע
עוצם עיניים, מנגן
עשר אצבעות לדוד
קצה כל אצבע - קרן אור
כשהוא פורט על המיתר
הזמן זורם לו לאחור
קרבות בתוך בטנו
אוהב-שונא, ומקנא
מכור לחברו
השד חוזר להשתולל
סכין נזרקת באוויר
פתאום יש בין השנים קיר
דוד שוכח וסולח
כששאול מתקשר
קח אותי לכוכבים
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה
שיר געגועים
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה...
שיר געגועים...
A Song of Saul and David
Birds Dropping In For Lunch
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
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
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
November 22, 2019
Tuna Salad - Eating Healthy
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
November 21, 2019
Not WHO They Seem
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
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
November 19, 2019
Pool Poop Galore
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
- 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
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
November 15, 2019
Pelican Shabbos
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