January 19, 2020
@Eastern State Penitentiary
January 18, 2020
Project Governance and Gate Reviews
This aligns the Capital Planning and Investment Controls (CPIC) process of select, control, and evaluate phases with the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
There are 5 notional gate reviews with associated documentation for project conception, initiation, planning, execution, and launch.
Of course, this can be modified as needed based on the project threshold and governance stringency required and seeks to create strategic alignment with the goals of the organization.
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Project Governance and Gate Reviews
Anti-Semitism: Preparedness Can't Be Blind
As I'm standing there, I feel someone coming up behind me and then running into me. Of course, with anti-Semitic attacks prominent and growing, I may have been at a slightly higher state of alert, and I turn around ready for whatever or to give someone a few choice words...And then I see the cane from a blind person.
So even in these times, when there are gangs, drugs, violence, and anti-Semitism, and "we can't be careful enough" (especially given our long, deep history of religious persecution), at the same time, we need to judge our fellow man favorably first and foremost, and still we must be prepared for, G-d forbid, the worst at any time.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Anti-Semitism: Preparedness Can't Be Blind
January 17, 2020
Airplane Art
It would be so much more fun to get on a plane that displayed some pizzaz!
All we hear about are plane delays, cancelled flights, mishandled baggage, and involuntary bumping.
Oh, and don't forget the ever more cramped seating and the entertainment system that is habitually broken.
How does this industry get away with all this crap? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Airplane Art
January 16, 2020
Sucking It Up
It almost looks like we're sucking up the whole ground with it!
After the warmest decade on record, we seem to be having the warmest year on record.
It's 52 degrees out, and we've been reaching up into the high 60's so far this month.
Global warming or the big fires in Australia or action with Iran are heating things up here in Washington, D.C. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Sucking It Up
January 15, 2020
G-d Hears Your Prayers
Even if a sharp sword rests upon a person's neck, he should not refrain from praying for mercy.
One can still hope for mercy from the Almighty even at death's door.
This is truly beautiful and uplifting--we can approach G-d anytime, and as long as we are alive, there is always hope.
The saving from G-d is like "the blink of an eye." ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
G-d Hears Your Prayers
January 14, 2020
I Say Upside Down You Turn Me
Like the faces, the colors, the upside down and right-side up orientations.
Seems cool, hip, with it.
Happy hippie times. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Michelle Blumenthal)
I Say Upside Down You Turn Me
January 13, 2020
Roosters or Homelessness?
Along the way, I saw this colorful artistic rooster.
I appreciate this quick pick-me-up from this.
Yet, all around the streets were homeless people.
One was literally collapsed on a narrow island between the opposing lanes of traffic.
Some horrible-looking food, rags of clothes, and two bottles of liquor lay next to him and one of his arm hang almost into the moving traffic.
This was just one of many that I saw in abject poverty and desperation.
So I really feel conflicted looking at this colorful rooster.
What good is it when the people are homeless, sick, and starving? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Roosters or Homelessness?
January 12, 2020
EMP Attack-->Danger, Danger, Danger
Everyone needs to see this!
The explosion of a nuke(s) in the atmosphere over the country causes an electromagnetic pulse that fries all our electronics.
Nothing would work!!!
Think cyberattack on steroids with everything out of commission and basically little to no chance of recovery.
Prognosis is for mass riots, starvation, and illness that wipes out most of the population.
Easy then for the enemy to swoop in and conquer the country with no resistance and the basic infrastructure still intact for them to build on.
Just having mutually assured destruction is not enough!
We need to genuinely be able to counter these threats and not just say: "You'll die if we die."
How stupid and immature is that thinking?
There are more than a share of radical nuts out there who don't care if they die as long as they take us down.
These are the threats we need to pay attention to before...before...before...it's too late. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
EMP Attack-->Danger, Danger, Danger
January 11, 2020
Traveling Chasidim @AISH Greater Washington DC
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal and Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)
Traveling Chasidim @AISH Greater Washington DC
January 10, 2020
A Vision of Jewish Strength
With the rebirth of the State of Israel came the rebirth of the Jew. No longer the Jew cowering in the face of pogroms, Inquisition, Crusades, persecution, expulsions, and the Holocaust. The new Jew, as epitomized by the brave men and women of IDF, would be remade in the image of Moses who led the Jews out of Egyptian slavery, and King David who vanquished our enemies in our land, as well as the Jews of Purim and Hanukah, who fought ever so valiantly and to victory against the great empires of Persia and Greece or for us, whoever rises against us as the modern day equivalent.
But as important to the new Jew as our physical survival is that of our spiritual wellbeing. The persecution of Jews over thousands of years was not just a physical attack, as horrible as it was, but also a spiritual, religious, and cultural one, where Jews were prohibited from learning Torah, worshiping, and practicing as Jews. Thus, the second point of criticality in having the State of Israel is that it provides for Jewish sovereignty and ensures "the Jew as actor, determiner of his or her own destiny." The Jewish people to truly thrive must be able to express themselves through their own language and history, religiously and culturally, and practically through their own leadership and decision-making to forge their own future.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
A Vision of Jewish Strength
3D Printed Octopus: "Shabbat Shalom"
The bendable legs are cute.
It's sitting on a camera and tripod.
Soon 3D Printed Objects will even talk, and when they do, this one will say:
Shabbat Shalom!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
3D Printed Octopus: "Shabbat Shalom"
January 9, 2020
Pacemaker No-No!
It generates very high voltage electricity.
The guy setting it up asks me:
Do you have a pacemaker?
I respond in the negative and ask what's the danger zone on this thing.
He says:
You probably wouldn't want to get within 10 feet of this!
Good to know. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
(Please note that blog is not to be taken as medical advice.)
Pacemaker No-No!
January 8, 2020
Ballistic Missile Attack A Sham
- The Iranians needed to make a show that they were getting revenge on the United States to appease their radical terrorist base for the killing of arch terrorist, General Soleimani.
- President Trump had already threatened 52 Iranian sites if they retaliated.
- Iran choose a very limited response hitting 2 military bases in Iraq --10 missiles striking one base, 1 missile striking another, and 4 missiles (26%) that failed!
- There were no American causalities!
- Iran immediately stated that the country had taken "and concluded proportionate measures" -- they are not looking for further escalation!
Ballistic Missile Attack A Sham
January 7, 2020
Donuts With Syringe
I get that they use the syringe to put the custard, jelly, and other fillings inside.
But leaving the syringe hanging out of the donuts like that conjures up images of addicts and junkies.
DESPITE that, these incredibly rich and overflowing donuts with gobs of toppings were some of the finest I've ever seen.
Takes more than a good dose of willpower to resist and not become an addict of these carbohydrate powerhouses.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Donuts With Syringe
January 6, 2020
Story About Dressing Modestly
The friend of his daughter was wearing one of those cropped shirts which expose the belly.
She said that her dad told her to throw a party for her clothes, so that her shirt could meet her shorts.
I guess all dads worry about the modesty of their daughters.
This was a good tznius story that hammers home the point and is also pretty funny. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Story About Dressing Modestly
January 5, 2020
January 4, 2020
Gucci Bee Bag
Large decorated bee with expansive wings on the flap.
Beautiful pink with white pearl studs.
Brass chain and red, white, and blue shoulder strap.
Priced around $1500!
Small shoulder bag yet plush oversized and ornate make a big statement.
Nice gift for that special someone or to treat yourself to Gucci! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Gucci Bee Bag
January 2, 2020
'Uncut Gems' Cuts Deep
Yesterday, we went to see the new Adam Sandler movie, Uncut Gems....Ratner's life is full of shlemazel of his own making. While he has a good wife, kids, and extended family (maybe with the exception of his loan shark uncle), a fancy-schmancy home in the suburbs with a newly renovated pool, his own jewelry business that even caters to some big-league sports players, and a shiksa girlfriend on the side (who seems to love him), Ratner is never satisfied or happy and is always pushing for more!
In the movie, Howard Ratner was driven by greed and made bad life choices, and to me, it was a shame that the he was portrayed as a Jew, which can feed the vicious cycle of discrimination and hatred that has often been anchored around money. With the vicious machete attack on Chanukah at a Rabbi's house in Monsey this week (after a slew of other anti-Semitic incidents, including an attack on a student for wearing a yalmulke on the NYC Subway to beatings and tire slashings of Jews in Brooklyn), we are reminded that there is once again a resurgence of prejudice and hate against Jews, but also that it's the light of Chanukah that "drives out the darkness," and that money and materialism are a mere shabby substitute to finding true security and success whether you work in the dense NYC Diamond District or live in the sprawling suburbs of America.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
'Uncut Gems' Cuts Deep
January 1, 2020
Holiday SHOULD BE Giving To Children's Hospital
While it gets your attention (who sees three pink bears lite up on the street at night?), asking people with a small impersonal sign on the floor to remember to login and make the donation later isn't very effective.
People act on the spot, especially when it's an emotional appeal for charity for sick children that need help.
The children deserve for there to be a way for would be donors to actually give on the spot--where they can swipe or tap their credit card, write a check, or drop some money in for giving.
Later, later, later...and unfortunately, it may never happen for the Children.
Come on--it's the new roaring 2020s--we can create some urgency and convenience and do better than this! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Holiday SHOULD BE Giving To Children's Hospital
December 31, 2019
What REALLY Happened to Jeffrey Epstein
He was murdered!
How do I know?
It was on the coffee cup at Starbucks, of course.
Honestly, I don't really care that much how he died, but am just grateful that sick louse is a goner. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal, and no, it's not my coffee!)
What REALLY Happened to Jeffrey Epstein
December 30, 2019
Oh Deer!
Not good for the deer (dead meat!) and not good for your car.
My daughter and son-in-law just gave me Deer Warning Whistles.
They are supposed to emit ultrasonic sound waves that warn the deer away.
Anything that keeps the deer away is welcome in my neck of the woods. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Oh Deer!
December 29, 2019
Crispy Fried Mushroom
They look like worms.
And they are sweet and taste out of this world.
From a local vegan restaurant.
It's one of the best appetizers.
Like candy really. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Crispy Fried Mushroom
December 28, 2019
The Beauty of Tefillin
Like the colorful coat that Jacob gave Joseph to wear, the mitzvah of tefillin that G-d gave us to wear is also filled with spiritual color and the love of Hashem. This is in no way intended as sacrilegious or as trying to change our holy mitzvot. Rather it is an artistic attempt to see the tefillin in a new way that perhaps excites and bring Jews back to this important mitzvah.
Over time, as I continued to learn and grow as a person and as a Jew, I found much of my way back to Yiddishkeit and to wearing my holy tefillin with love and Joy. To me they are forever colorful and full of spiritual energy that are uplifting to me as I pray with them on for Hashem’s everlasting mercy and blessings for all of us.
(Credit Image: Andy Blumenthal)
The Beauty of Tefillin
December 27, 2019
Flowers and Well Wishes 4 Shabbat Shalom!
Flowers and Well Wishes 4 Shabbat Shalom!
December 26, 2019
Aish Kumzitz - Hanukah 2019
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)
Nature Boy
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