In case of emergency...
Break glass and eat chocolate.
Always keep a large Hershey's Chocolate around just in case! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 20, 2021
September 19, 2021
Unstoppable Fear Meets Immovable Humiliation
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is really about fear vs. humiliation. The Jews are fearful of the Palestinians and the Palestinians feel humiliated by the Jews. The Jewish people collectively suffer post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders after millennia of persecution culminating in the Holocaust and multiple Wars in Israel against far greater Arab forces. Further, this has been perpetuated by decades of terrorism and Intifadas that have left the Jews feeling vulnerable in their own land of Israel. The net effect of this Jewish history and of being surrounded by hundreds of millions of Arabs, many resentful and angry, is that Jews are naturally afraid. At the same time, the Palestinians, as part of the greater Arabs, feel humiliated after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the carving up of their lands by the West and the colonialism and occupation that followed by Britain and France. More recently, the Palestinians feel humiliated by the founding of the State of Israel amidst the multitude of Arab lands of the Middle of East, as well as by the barrier wall and regular checkpoints that protects Israel from terrorist intruders, by the West Bank settlements (and actually by Jews anywhere in Israel), and by general Israeli military control over the territories.There is hope that in time and with G-d's help, the opposing forces of fear and humiliation will weaken and thereby become less oppositional. At that miraculous time, please G-d in the near future, the factors that prior resulted in a cosmic explosion of war, terror, Jihad, and Intifada will dissipate. Then instead of suicide bombers and terror tunnels and walls and checkpoints, we can have hope for the arrival of a beautiful white dove with an olive branch of peace that knows no bitter boundaries of Jew or Palestinian anymore.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 17, 2021
Watch Your Feet
September 15, 2021
Virtual Car Driving Into Garage
September 14, 2021
That's Such Bull
September 13, 2021
All The Presidents Men
September 12, 2021
More Daring than a Prison Break
Unlike the Jews that came as refugees from the horrors of the concentration camps and expelled from a multitude of the Arab nations, the Palestinians have been supported all this time by the Arab League, the United Nations, and the West capitulating to Arab oil dependence and ongoing fight against an encroaching Russia in the Middle East. There is no question that the Palestinians have squandered billions of dollars in aid, spent decades engrossed in terror, maintained unrealistic goals to “have it all,” and passed over many chances for achieving their people’s autonomy. If only their efforts at building tunnels to escape from prison as well as to get into Israel and attack, murder, and kidnap innocents would be channeled instead toward building solid institutions to advance the governing of their people, educating and growing prosperity, and living in freedom and peace, side-by-side with their neighbor, Israel.
While I am sure that there are many good Palestinians who are deserving of autonomy and opportunity, unfortunately, their corrupt leaders and terrorists have been brainwashed by radical Islam and have used the Palestinian people as political pawns leaving many still languishing in refugee camps today. In stark contrast, the Jewish freedom fighters, who also endured incredible hardships, focused their efforts towards their independence, and even those taken prisoner managed to escape again and again until they made their way back to Israel to celebrate the achievement of the independence of their people. Like many things in life, setting the right goal is half the battle, and a goal of life and freedom is a much more compelling vision and driving force than ever hate and terror will be.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 10, 2021
Georgetown View
Like the stone and red brick, the neat little bridges, and the cool retaining wall.
Have Pinstripes bowling on side, "Church" beer garden on the other, and across the street is an AMC movie theater and a promenade along the Potomac River.
On M Street, of course, is all the shopping. Go crazy!
Lot's of people. Tough to park. Nice to visit. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 9, 2021
Upside Down Car
Car ended up flipping over!
What was really weird was that the advertisement on the side of the car was for a personal injury lawyer.
Hopefully, the person(s) in the car came out okay and didn't need to call the "hurtline" listed. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy and Dannielle Blumenthal)
September 7, 2021
Deep In Meditation
September 6, 2021
On a Wink and a Prayer
September 5, 2021
The Last Kiss Goodnight
Certainly, every human being has the desire to live and goes about fighting for life. It’s part of our genetic makeup and our very survival instinct. Yet, we all know that the cycle of life brings us from the beginnings of infancy to growth, the maturity of adulthood, then decline, old age and ultimately death itself. Truly, we all know the end from the very beginning, and with that we can achieve a greater awareness that what’s good in living isn’t the materialism and chasing the next “high,” but rather the ability to choose to do good and to be on a higher spiritual plane.Life is choice and having control over how we respond to life’s circumstances. Death is simply observing and being. Therefore, even if we merit being in the Divine presence in the afterlife, we still can’t actively help anyone, like those we love, any longer. This is why we want to merit life where we can continue to work on ourselves and help others. Thus, despite all the pain and suffering associated with life, it is more than offset by the opportunity to learn, grow, and transform our very essence in a purification process of our souls.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 3, 2021
Shabbat Shalom + Shana Tova
September 2, 2021
Join U.S. Space Force
September 1, 2021
Vase With Tongue Out
Very creative, but also a little gross.
I remember some crazy elders who used to say to put that tongue away or you'll get it cut right off.
At least the flowers will still remain and grow in the sunlight! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 31, 2021
Fox Tails Rainbow
Ok, they're colored but still from fox.
I asked the lady where the rest of the foxes where.
She pointed to the face masks in the tray (again real skinned faces from the foxes).
Then she pointed me to the inside of the store, and said the rest of the foxes are in there. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 30, 2021
Cane Giraffe
August 29, 2021
Israeli Determination and the Afghanistan Debacle
It’s not always the largest, strongest, fastest, and best financed that wins. Like with the story of David and Goliath or even one of my modern-day heroes, Rocky, the determination of the little guy can overcome the biggest and the best of them. The Taliban were patient and over twenty years continued to wage their struggle against us, but more than that they knew that our patience was limited and that eventually we would leave, and they took the long view and planned for the overthrow of the government and the return of their rule after we were gone. They waited us out and that can be an incredibly successful strategy!Israel is the Jewish homeland and the Biblical Promised Land from G-d. What the Palestinians haven’t understood in all these years, since the State’s founding in 1948, is that no matter how long they try to wait us out, we have more determination than they have patience! The Jewish people will never give up our historical and legitimate rights to be a sovereign nation in our land, Israel. In the end, the Palestinians may be very patient, but we are the ones who are utterly determined: whether Ashkenazi or Mizrachi, Labor or Likud, Tel Avivian or Jerusalemite, one thing that we all fundamentally agree on is our sheer and utter determination as the Jewish people to survive and be a free nation in our land.
(Source Photo: Pixabay)
August 27, 2021
Cycle of Life - From Birth to Death
August 26, 2021
Anti-Dentite, Like Pulling Teeth
Notice the dentist has his foot up to get some leverage to pull out the teeth, yikes!
I guess this is how things were in the "olden days."
No Anesthesia either!
I'm sure in a hundred years from now, they'll look at our state of healthcare and laugh too.
Progress is a great thing! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 25, 2021
Israel and Our Forefathers
It shows that the Hebrew word for Israel is actually made up of the first letters of all the names of our forefathers and mothers:
Isaac - יצחק
Jacob - יעקב
Sarah - שרה
Rebecca - רבקה
Rachel - רחל
Abraham - אברהם
Leah - לאה
Like the Bible says, we are truly the "children of Israel" (ישראל)! ;-)
(Credit Photo: RavDror via Facebook)
August 24, 2021
Awesome Designer Jeans
August 23, 2021
Giraffe Lady
She's got the makeup, nice hat and jewelry and is relaxing with her back to the mirror.
Life is good!
On second thought, why the heck is a neck as long as a giraffe?
What is this another version of Pinocchio or something!
Wake up lady, you've got problems to deal with here. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 22, 2021
G-d Doesn't Ask Us
Truly, in whatever situations we find ourselves in life, and the pain and suffering that we may have to endure, we really don’t have a choice of our circumstance, but only in how we choose to respond to it. In life, G-d puts us right where he wants us and in situations that are personalized and best for us, whether it feels that way at the moment or not. G-d tries us, and we have to respond with the “right” thoughts, words, and deeds—always remaining a mensch and choosing holiness and righteousness, no matter how difficult it may be. That’s our ultimate challenge, to find holiness even in the depths of despair.Everyone is confronted with levels of pain and suffering, as I heard said that: “there aren’t enough people for all the pain in the world!” The challenge is to resist hopelessness and the loss of one’s integrity, and nevertheless to choose to do good. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we have the opportunity to do teshuva and to try to influence G-d’s decree for us for the new year, but in the end, G-d is the ultimate Judge. He doesn’t ask us; He tells us what will be for us. Of course, we have the opportunity to answer G-d’s call to us and the responsibility to choose righteousness even in a distressed world and in trying times. In essence, the underlying test of it all is not only to survive the challenges we must face, but also to emerge from them as better people with purified souls.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 20, 2021
Invasion USA
August 19, 2021
Beautiful Building Architecture
August 18, 2021
Y'All Crazy
August 17, 2021
Disastrous Politics
- 20 years of blood and treasure: $2,000,000,000,000, and 2,500 lost US military personal and G-d knows how many casualties (oh, about another 20,000)!
Now complete and utter chaos, and a turnover to terrorism.
Reminiscent of Iran's overthrow of the Shah and the U.S. hostage crisis for 444 days and when we lost Vietnam and the helicopters frantically evacuating US embassy personnel from the rooftop.
BTW, what happened to our "Red Lines" on chemical weapons in Syria?
Where are our inherent values and the dependability of who we are and what we stand for?
Now we are once again emboldening Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia.
Moreover, US Admiral says China is within 6 years of potentially taking Taiwan (guess where most of the computer chips are made and we already have a shortage)!!!
On top of this we have the Delta variant of Covid (and fears of worse coming) for this 1.5 year long pandemic with the CDC mask on again/off again non-sensical guidance.
Then we have a $1,200,000,000,000 infrastructure bill and a $3,500,000,000,000 social welfare bill in the works to put on top of the US already almost $29,000,000,0000,000 national debt.
Any ideas what that will do to the value of the US currency in the world and inflation rearing its ugly head.
I am starting to see a run on food and home stables in the stores again with items sold out.
Consumer confidence is shaking and the stock market is teetering off at a very high precipice.
Oh, don't forget the border crisis which is getting out of control again.
What the F*** is going on here? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 16, 2021
Claw Tub on Pedestal
Why is it filled with pillows?
Maybe it makes it more luxurious to bath in.
Only problem is there's no room for the person.
Reminds me of a funny poster from when I was a kid:
Save water. Bath with a friend! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 15, 2021
Paradoxically Jewish
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Paradoxically Jewish."
While Israel and the Jews are filled with paradoxes from our forefather Abraham to the modern State of Israel, we are a people who try to wear these paradoxes well. We relish our commonalties even as we are proud of our differences and uniqueness. We argue and fight with each to try to get to “the truth of the matter,” and we negotiate, compromise, threaten and cajole to that sometimes elusive end. Paradox is just another word for our survival against all odds and our determination to overcome the blind hate, anti-Semitism, and scapegoating of Jews throughout history. We Jews are individually broken, but together, we are a beautiful, paradoxical mosaic—a little meshuggah (crazy) and with an unfortunate dose of PTSD, but fundamentally good in intent and deed—working to fulfill our optimism, hope, and mission to usher in the universality of G-d in the world and of betterment for humankind.(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 13, 2021
Shabbat Shalom Flower Painting
August 11, 2021
50 Kilos of Weed
Not just street corner, back alley, and black market, but also:
- Medicinal
- Recreational
If you just take the crime out of it, perhaps more people can get a little relaxed.
I've never tried it (seriously!), but I would imagine that perhaps there would be less anxiety, less discontent, less bickering, and less aggression.
What's the argument against legalization?
Sure, there's got to be some responsibility and self-control or else you end up hurting yourself by being a glutton and overdoing it.
But otherwise, here's 50 kilos just hanging around for the taking. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 10, 2021
Who Let the Dogs Out
No idea what made me think of the song for this:
Who Let The Dogs Out, Who Who.
Even the dogs party hearty! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 9, 2021
Nice Log Sitting Area
August 8, 2021
No Talking To A Terrorist
The fact of the matter is that when a terrorist who hates you and wants to kill you talks, they are telling you that homicidal action is soon forthcoming. It starts with words of disdain, loathing, threats, and hostility, but make no mistake, that those words end in terror and death. Terrorists, like the radical Iranian mullahs are not someone you can sit down with for tea, have a nice conversation, and work out a meaningful or binding diplomatic agreement. Unfortunately, the only thing that a murderous, racist terrorist understands is a punch in the nose! Accordingly, no amount of talking with Iran is going to lead to them ceasing their pursuit of weapons of mass destruction to use against the Jewish State and the United States. In their own very distorted “religious” minds, the irrational Iranian mullahs hate us and want us dead, period. To them, we are the scorned infidels, and they are the holy jihadists on a mission of murder. As much as we want peace with all our neighbors, in this case, a military response is not only necessary, but required.The Jewish people have learned very well the hard and painful lessons from tyrannical madmen who have sought to destroy us over the centuries. The Holocaust is seared into our present-day consciousness like the tattooed numbers were into their victim’s flesh. We have learned to never let our guard down, to expect the unexpected, and to fight like hell when we have to. I am confident that with G-d’s help, Israel and the United States will not wait until it’s too late or stand by for a genocide to happen again! What Iran “says,” it means, but what Israel “does,” it expertly succeeds at.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 6, 2021
Sign Of The Times
So much for having the masks off for a couple of weeks, which was at least a taste of fresh air and freedom.
But backwards we go...
A sign of the times in Covid is to park your bicycle in front of the couch, so no one can actually sit down on it and spreads any germs.
Any bets on what happens from here with all the variants and how this is gonna impact our daily lives for time to come?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 5, 2021
Being A Gentleman
How To Be A Gentleman
Now sure how many people even think in those nostalgic terms of ladies and gentlemen anymore, but it seems like it would have some good tips.
Dress (speak and act) for success!
I'm not sure about all the prim and proper stuff, but being a mensch is certainly key to it all. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 4, 2021
Manifest Peacock
Certainly, the peacock is a most amazing and beautiful of birds.
But does anyone know what the peacock actually represents in the show?
Maybe we'll find out in Season 4, along with what does Noah's ark have to do with any of it.
A strange show with constantly more questions than answers. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 3, 2021
You Got To Make It!
You do not find the happy life.
You make it!
Too many people seem to wait for miracles, like manna from Heaven to give them what they need or want.
They don't realize that G-d has gifts us what we need (including strength and determination) to work towards these things ourselves.
We are not the Israelites stuck in the barren desert for 40 years that we need it to rain manna.
Of course, it's nice every once in a while when a miracle shows up and we are given an extra hand (or maybe even a full arm).
But day-to-day, we have to at least try to be self-reliant--as well as work with others--to work towards our goals and fulfill our missions in life.
You got to make it happen if you want it bad enough. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 2, 2021
Tie Dye Crocs
August 1, 2021
Peace In The Home, Always
If the husband and wife—with Hashem’s help as the third partner—create a peaceful, loving, caring, and harmonious home then they can have the likes of Shabbat all week long.I realized why we say the blessing for the food before we eat and bless G-d for the land after we eat: before we eat, we don’t know how it will taste or whether it will sit well with us in our stomachs, but we imagine when we are hungry that all the good-looking food and drink will be great and so we bless G-d based on the perception of the coming food. However, after we eat, we make the blessing for the source of the food (the land, the food chain, and over wives for preparing it) for the sake of Shalom Bayit, because whether the meal was so good or not so good, we say thanks to Hashem and to our wives, because that contributes to Shabbat and peace in the home, always!
(Source Photo: Pixabay)
July 30, 2021
Social Media and Life Guidance
Today is the Yesterday you will be embarrassed about Tomorrow.
It's good to always consider tomorrow (or the future) when you do or say something.
What may seem like a good idea today may put you in very bad stead another day and under closer, clearer inspection.
Think about the consequences for tomorrow and stop the stupid stuff today, online and in real life.
That is if you care about your long term image and reputation. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 29, 2021
Cat On A Leash
Apparently, this is a very special breed of cat called Ragdoll (because they tend to go limp/relax when you pick them up).
Aside from being large, soft and beautiful animals, they are known as "dog-like cats" and actually follow people around like a dog on a leash.
Maybe less like a dog and more like a mini lion in perceived size, this is one incredible cat! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 28, 2021
Flags and Rugs, Odd Combo Platter
We sell Flags and Rugs
Maybe like Michelle Obama said:
When they go low [with rugs], we go high [with flags].
Oh, that's what she meant!
If the store ever expands, they can add:
And we sell everything in between (like furniture).
Low, high, it's all making me a little dizzy today. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 27, 2021
Wise Old Tree
July 25, 2021
Let Freedom Ring
I saw this van with all this messaging about "Communist China."
Guy from the truck asks me:
Do you know what CCP is?
Not having heard that acronym, I started to mumble something about communism, and before I could finish, he goes:
It stands for Chinese Communist Party.
He continued:
That's dictatorship. Do you know what that is?
I responded:
Of course, and the people want to be free.
He goes:
Yes, freedom! We want freedom.
It's hard to believe that a generation ago the Cold War ended, but here we are still with people battling Communism and repression of basic rights.
How lucky we are in America, Israel, and other western countries to live in freedom and have basic human rights.
People around the world fight and die trying to earn their freedom, and we wake up with it every day, and it's just there for us.
It's an incredible blessing to be free to think, speak, worship, and live how we choose.
We have to safeguard freedom and even fight for it: to have it, to keep it; and we should use it wisely to do and grow good in the world. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
If G-d Wouldn't Let Moshe In, Who Am I?
Sure, we may not fully understand G-d’s decision on not letting Moshe into the land of Israel (or decisions that affect our lives today), still we can affirm our faith that G-d is a just and merciful Judge.In the end, none of us are the level of Moshe Rabbeinu, and if G-d didn’t let him in, well who are we? This is a frightening thought to me. Yet at the same time, I believe that if we as the Jewish people collectively put our heartfelt yearnings and prayers together to be able to go and settle the land of Israel then perhaps G-d will answer us in the affirmative!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 23, 2021
My Big Kahuna
Kahuna LM-7000 in this amazing red color.
It was awesome how the chair came completely assembled.
Just plugged it in, jumped on, and started it up.
I was lying back in a spaceship reclining position getting kneaded, tapped, knocked, and shiatsu'ed.
This was better than I had imagined it would be.
I am hoping this helps with aches, pains, and sleep.
I've got my big Kahuna now! ;-)
(Source Photo: Massage Chair Heaven)
July 22, 2021
Don't Follow Haters and Liars
Truth does not mind being questioned.
A lie does not like being challenged.
This seems like truth to me!
People who push an agenda and their propaganda never like to discuss it or answer questions about it. It's usually prejudice in some way and they just want to ram it down people's throats.
Questioning and shedding light on things that don't seem right is part of our moral and civic duty.
Of course, the haters and liars would rather that we just accept the falsehoods they are peddling like stupid sheep who blindly follow them down the road to perdition. ;-)
(Source Photo: Friend)
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