I get that they are wanting to get a tan, but to me their still missing it!
There are always those that will go against the norm.
That's the Bell-Shaped Curve for you in action. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 19, 2021
The Contrarians
May 18, 2021
The Mind's Eye
The mind's eye can see what the real eye's don't.
Perhaps, we see something (or not) and then rationalize it away or use any other of the cognitive biases to not pay attention or distort the facts and the truth.
Not sure why this 3rd eye is off-center and also looks upside down (with the eyelashes on the bottom).
The age old question is whether it would it be better to have the extra eye in the back of your head?
360-degree vision, way cool!
Now if we can add some high-tech sensors to augment our eyes then we could also routinely see at night, in fog, etc.
It isn't true that what you don't see can't hurt you.
Eyes wide open, and pay very good attention! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 17, 2021
How Hashem Was Found
This disabled man was then charged with DUI and spent the next 8 1/2 years in prison. But the Rabbi of the prison helped him to find G-d in all this suffering and slowly he returned to his Jewish roots. Now, for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah to all the Jewish people, he was in synagogue, holding his prayer book and receiving the Ten Commandments with the rest of the congregants.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Fun and Good Exercise
Also, I understand you can get some pretty good exercise paddleboarding.
My only concern would be sharks.
Don't bright colors and strong motion attract them?
You've got to be brave, but not stupid. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 16, 2021
May 15, 2021
Israel's Last Stand
It is the mere fact of our Jewish existence that irks our Anti-Semitic, terrorist enemies. This is why the world does not care, and may actually even cheer while Palestinian terror rockets fly overhead, hundreds at a time, into major population centers in Israel. From 5-year old, Ido Avigal, killed by shrapnel in Sderot to an 87-year old woman killed near Ashdod while running from rocket fire, nowhere seems safe, including in cars, homes, walking down the street, and even "safe rooms."Like it or not, every rocket, every suicide bomber, every attacker will be met and defeated—from north to south and east to west—because the Jewish people will not be driven out; this is our last stand and we will survive.
(Source Photo: Pixabay)
May 14, 2021
Broken Uber and Stupid Airport
Because we needed an Uber early, we used the app to reserve one in advance.
I get an email that Uber charged us and the app says the driver is on the way.
However, it doesn't identify any driver or car.
It turns out that Uber never reserved any driver and no one was coming to get us and we had a flight to catch.
So much for reservations that go unreserved!
So we cancel the darn Uber and instead try to get a Lyft, but after many minutes trying in vain to locate a driver, we gave up on this as well,
Thank goodness, I could still call a regular cab!
The taxi company says he'll be there in 10-20 minutes.
Over 35 minutes later and 3 phones calls and he still hasn't arrived and it's getting late for the flight.
Finally, finally, he shows up and says they called up and he came from bed to pick us up.
Wow, that's pretty amazing--I was impressed and grateful.
He get us to the airport and we run in and through security.
We head to gate 30 for our flight and the picture shows you what we came up against.
Gate 29 and gate 31 in the corner of the airport, but no freakin gate 30 anywhere in sight!
After a swing around the other corners, we finally found it.
Why gate 30 isn't after 29 and before 31, I will never understand!
Moreover, why Uber takes reservations in advance for a car, but doesn't actually arrange a driver is also a complete mystery and a very broken business model. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
May 13, 2021
May 12, 2021
For Mothers Day
May 10, 2021
Hangers: Who Knew
May 8, 2021
Shabbat: Time Vs. Space
When we choose to keep the Sabbath, we mark a day of the week in time, where we reject all the worldly pursuits of space and materialism in lieu of recognizing that there is a higher power, G-d Almighty, and that as Ahmari says 'everything else is ephemeral and passes away with time.'
What we do to make things holy in time rules over what we do purely physically in space, that nothing but G-d is timeless, and everything material reverts back to its origins and is gone from time as if it never even was. In the end, we need to live our lives with the forethought that the spirit goes to the everlasting afterlife, but the body goes to the physical grave.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 7, 2021
May 6, 2021
A Sign To Tell Us This
I am a man.
And I would imagine there is a corollary one to announce if you're a woman.
If people can't tell the difference anymore is that a good or bad thing?
Maybe it's good from an equality and respect standpoint, but also bad in terms some people being confused by it.
Reminds me of Crocodile Dundee when he had to do a hand check to figure things out.
Umm, that's not gonna work in real life! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 5, 2021
From Point A To Point A+
Take it stroke by stroke.
Don't worry about getting all the way from point A to Z.
Instead just focus on getting from point A to point A+.
Just take the first stroke and then another and another.
Like one foot in front of the other.
See how far you've come!
You're on the way to point Z but you don't have to drink the ocean in one gulp to get there. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 4, 2021
Door To Fantasyland
It looks like out of some kid's book where the character disappears into some complete fantasyland.
Maybe this could be the entrance for the movie, Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (although it doesn't look very chocolatey).
And if you're high as a kite, this will fit right into your psychedelic visions for yourself.
Wherever this door takes you, it's gotta be good (if not a little nauseous too).
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 3, 2021
The Centerpiece
May 2, 2021
The Worst Leadership
I must see where my people are going, so that I can lead them.
These are leaders that are much more followers than any sort of leaders.
Or worse yet are leaders that lead people in the wrong (bad) direction.
In fact, these leaders "sin," but also they cause others to sin as well.
They are bad apples and serve as bad examples to others too!
A good leader is a shining example and mentor and these people are gems to find!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 1, 2021
Bubble Bath Bar
Check out this cool Bubble (Bath) Bar in the mall.
It's called "the Comforter."
You break off a piece of what look like a gorgeous pink and white (like bubble gum) Cinnabon roll and throw it in the bath to get a nice aroma and bubbles.
Again, it looks more like a bakery item than a bath one.
But maybe it's the combination that makes it irresistible--although please do not eat it!
Soap is soap, but this is something else entirely (maybe!). ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 30, 2021
Mount Meron and Hating The "Baseless"
We are all reeling from the devastating deaths of 45 Jews on Lag B'Omer at Mount Meron (and many others critically injured) from a stampede during the bonfire celebration near the grave of the holy Kabbalist, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Last night, we were glued to the new as the body count kept going up. I couldn't help thinking to myself that this is something that happens in the masses of people that gather in India or Saudi Arabia, not in the tiny State of Israel. But lo' and behold, tragedy can strike anywhere, anytime. Life is completely tenuous!So can we draw conclusions that in those days there was baseless hate and so too in our times. I think, while we don't know G-d's ways, certainly from experience and observation, we do know that there is not only baseless hate, but also plenty of "hate the baseless". And what I mean by that is that one type of Jew thinks they are better than another whose beliefs, faith, and observance we denigrate and deem baseless, without support and they without real merit...We are forever driven towards a "Better than thou" attitude and lifestyle. To the religious catcalls of "get out of our neighborhood slut" or the throwing of Shabbat rocks at passing cars. This all has got to stop!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 29, 2021
Fight With Umbrella
April 28, 2021
The Feeling of Shaming
April 27, 2021
Motif For The U.S. Economy
April 25, 2021
Justice for Sarah Halimi
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Justice for Sarah Halimi."
The case of the Sarah Halimi is yet another example of the anti-Semitism taking deep root in France, where rather than ensuring Justice for her barbaric murder, a second French court has now absurdly affirmed a lower-court ruling that the alleged perpetrator Traore cannot be held criminally responsible simply because he was on marijuana! Incredibly, these French justices ruled in this completely nonsensical way even as cannabis is being ruled legal for medicinal and even recreational purposes in more and more countries around the world.It is inconceivable that a modern, western nation as France (part of the EU, NATO, the UN, etc.) would allow violent, racist, hate-mongers, and murders completely off the hook simply because they were high on some cannabis or for any other lame excuse like that. This is not rational. It is not human or civilized. And it is certainly not justice. Jewish blood is not cheap and Kolibi Traore cannot be allowed to go free. France needs to make this right because Sarah Halimi, a citizen of France, was butchered there because she was a Jew, and letting radical Islamists commit violence and terror like this is a danger not just to the French, but to everybody.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Inside The Golden Egg
April 24, 2021
Alcohol Coaster Set
April 22, 2021
Here Fishy Fishy
April 21, 2021
April 20, 2021
Demeaning Candlestick Holders
It figures that an extremely rich person would have candlestick holders like this.
They think it's ok to have your "personal servants" bring you and hold your lights.
Even as they are in spiritual darkness enslaving their fellow human beings.
No, their not helping people by giving them a (shitty) job even as they routinely mistreat them.
Where are people's (screwed up) brains?
The wealthy often actually believe they are entitled to their grossly extravagant lifestyles.
Wait they they come back in the next life and they'll see what they are entitled to! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 19, 2021
How Many Is Too Many?
April 18, 2021
Do Three Eyes Help Us See Better?
April 17, 2021
Israel Is Tops
In just 73 years, with G-d’s miraculous help, we have a Jewish State that is top-ranked in the entire world: Israel is ranked overall #30 in Best Countries in the World.
In our 4,000 year history as a people, we suffered long and painful exile at the hands of the Babylonian and Roman Empire, but then in 1948, we were given another miraculous chance for the Jewish State of Israel. So far, we are doing great by all measures; now we have to make sure to keep it up for good.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 16, 2021
Life Is A Big Blue Circle
April 15, 2021
Wow Fast Cars
April 14, 2021
Rubber Ducky You're The One
April 13, 2021
Comfy Legs
Cross, uncross, cross.
Of course, the dress pants and shoes aren't so comfortable.
Do clothes really make the wo/man?
Here, there's no real clothes or should I say person to speak of.
Clothes is better than a fig leaf for Adam and Eve.
Much of clothing is just "look your best" and try to "feel good" vanity.
The soul is what really makes the person. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 11, 2021
Never A Doubt: Not An Inch
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Never A Doubt: Not An Inch."
In an effort to make peace with the Palestinians, some perhaps well-meaning politicians have attempted to negotiate to give away parts of the holy land of Israel, and this is a big mistake. In contrast to these politicians and some diehard “peaceniks” (i.e. who believe in peace at almost any cost), there are many people in Israel, from Zionists and nationalists to settlers, messianists, and the religious who maintain a deep underlying faith that the land of Israel, in its entirety, belongs to the Jewish people. Moreover, they trust that our current and miraculous possession of Israel, after 2,000 years of exile, is anchored in our transition from helpless, stateless, and victimized Jews to instead those of self-reliance, bold action, and faith in the Almighty that we are living in the times of redemption and Mashiach.
It’s not easy to stand firm in the face of delegitimization, boycotts, terrorism, and even war. For Jews, it’s a matter of faith over fear. If we have faith that G-d has brought us back to Israel and that he will not forsake us, then we will neither fear the absurdly biased resolutions of the crooked United Nations or the nations and their terror proxies roundabout that have sought our destruction. In the end, G-d decides, and not man, the fate of Israel and its people, and let it be for blessings only.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 9, 2021
April 8, 2021
Hollow Eyes
April 7, 2021
Her Name Is Coco
April 6, 2021
Gorilla Glass For Smartphones
April 5, 2021
The Bombs Will Fall On Iran’s Nukes
Since Iran has rejected any new negotiations or participants to the Iran nuclear deal, we must assume that the flaws of JCPOA will not be resolved and that Iran’s existential threats remains unabated. Further, Iranian elections this coming June 2021 are forecasted to bring more dangerous Iranian hardliners to power. Therefore, regardless of whether the US reenters the deal with Iran now, it will only mean a short term stopgap for restrictions placed on the Iran’s dangerous program for weapons of mass destruction. The end game for the Ayatollahs has not changed in gaining nuclear destructive capability and threatening Israel, the Sunni Muslim states, and the western world with this.While reentering the Iran nuclear agreement buys the world some time, and not that much frankly, the US, Israel, and other key allies will need to continue planning in earnest for what comes after the failings of the JCPOA deal, and that will most assuredly bring us back to the massive and devastating bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities with the Mother of All Bombs (MOABS) and other highly advanced weapon systems fitted for this.
April 3, 2021
He Ain't Heavy
Reminds me of the song:
"He ain't heavy, he's my brother!"
For some reason, I remember the children back in the day (I grew up at the height of the feminist movement) saying instead: "She's my brother."
I used to think what the heck did that mean?
20/20 hindsight, but I guess a spoof on gender roles already many moons ago.
Now I hear identity as he, she, ze/zir.
Either way, the person ain't heavy. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 2, 2021
Climbing Up, Falling Down
All paths up are different.All paths down are the same.
Climbing up is challenges and we all have to find our determination, strength, and skill to make it up rung after rung on the ladder of life.
Falling down is when the sh*t hits the fan and the walls come crumbling down and we freefall into the abyss.
The key as we usually learn early in life when we take our first falls is to quickly get back up (on the horse).
Life is never just smooth sailing.
It's not meant to be.
You wouldn't learn or grow if it was.
Be prepared for the occasional fall from grace, and get your tushy back in the saddle and ride again. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 1, 2021
Will It Drive Again
March 31, 2021
Covid Ultimate Mr. Clean
Not as good looking as the muscular bald guy.
But I have a feeling this colorful character gets the job done.
I wonder if Mr. Clean was transformed into this guy after he took the vaccine!
I had the first dose yesterday, and I'm feeling horrible today.
Hopefully, it will all be worth it. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 29, 2021
Kustom Cars
What a cool car!
Engine revving and the belts and pistons turning high up in the air.
And the the rest of the car, the body, couldn't get any lower to the ground (not even John Belushi in The Blues Brothers)
As it was driving, the metal was scraping along the street.
I wondered how it was that the pieces didn't actually pull/fall off the car.
The thing has got to be pretty solid despite the rusty looks.
This guy was getting quite a bit of attention along the beach.
Isn't that the point. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 28, 2021
Walk Fort Lauderdale Beach
Eleven minute walk along Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Crazy during Spring Break!
This country in between crises letting off steam amidst:
- Multitude inner city shootings
- Racism and violent riots
- Anarchy at the Capitol
- Our sovereign borders being overrun
- Chaotic Covid pandemic
- Ridiculously out-of-control spiraling national debt
- Deteriorating relations with superpowers Russia and China
- Nuclear escalations with Iran and North Korea
- Another horrible election
Who will save this country from itself? ;-)
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
March 27, 2021
In The Hands of Heaven
From Passover, we learn the Egyptians didn’t earn the riches, but built their wealth on the backs of the starving people of the world and of course that includes their Israelite slaves. As the Egyptians gloated on their arrogance, power and wealth, eventually the Master of the World showed them who is really boss. All the money, materialism, fancy titles, and honors are all just fleeting. In Hashem resides the glory and He has the say over who gets what and when.G-d can redeem 600,000 men, women and children, and a large mixed multitude of people with them and very many flocks and cattle in the Exodus and to Him, it’s just another day on the throne of Heaven. In our own times, we have experienced a miraculous redemption from the death camps of Europe, and have returned like the Israelites to the Promised Land of Israel. G-d decides then and now what the plan is and how it unfolds, and everything we have is by G-d’s grace, and these are Seder lessons worthy of celebrating.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Staying Centered
I tried something new in the pool to tread water using the minimum energy.
At first, my body resisted and I started to flail with my arms and legs.
But then, I centered my mind and started to control my breathing.
My deep focused breaths raised my body above the water almost by itself.
My arms and legs relaxed and just was there for support.
It felt so good to be in a better state of self-control and mindfulness.
Always need to try and keep the mind still, centered, and in control of the body.
Focus, focus, focus! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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