Great Door Knocker

Nice solid brass door knocker.

They don't make these like they used to. 

More character than a bell any day of the week. 

Knock, knock!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Great Door Knocker

Donut Monday

You feel blue on Monday.

But donuts make you feel green and ready to go!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Donut Monday

Love this Song

Greg Kihn Band. ‎

The Breakup Song.

Love this Song

Hypersonic to a Global Showdown

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hypersonic to a Global Showdown."

While Russia is losing steam and ground in Ukraine, make no mistake that Russia, along with China, Iran, and North Korea, are determined to not only stop but also throw back what they perceive as western imperialism. Instead, they only see more dictatorship and the strengthening of their own authoritarian systems.

While the hype in the news has been all about the proliferation of nuclear weapons, missiles, and drones, perhaps the real story is that we are moving at hypersonic speeds to a most dangerous global showdown between East and West. Blessed be the Holy One who is bringing us to a hopefully merciful final redemption.

(Source Photo: Bicanski; https://pixnio.com/objects/missiles-bombs/rocket-device-military-missile-weapon-airplane-vehicle-air-force#)

Hypersonic to a Global Showdown

Thank You To Our Veterans

This is veterans' sacrifice. 

Words of thank you aren't near enough for their service. 

Everyday is veterans day! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Thank You To Our Veterans

Dog on a Train

This dog is traveling in carrier style.

Not a peep from this pup. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dog on a Train

Lion Bollard, Washington DC

Protection by a lion bollard. 

Washington, D.C. 

Wait, what's he saying? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 

Lion Bollard, Washington DC

That Fits So Many People

It's not just a movie!

It's real people every day. 

"No nuts, no glory!" ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

That Fits So Many People

Blue Stairs, Gold Banister

Step up the blue stairs.

Hold onto the gold banister. 

The top is a bit off-balance. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Blue Stairs, Gold Banister

Dead but on Payroll?

If your sitting at your office desk, but are dead (inside or outside)...

Do you still collect a paycheck?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dead but on Payroll?

Monsters and Humans

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Monsters and Humans."

Ultimately, the litmus test is whether there is a human in that being. If there is that spark of G-d, that soul, that inner conscience weighing right and wrong, that fear and love of G-d and his creations driving decision-making, then there is still hope for that person as well as for mankind.

However, if we are dealing with those who are sadistic animals in human form, then we must be as soldiers of Hashem, taking a firm stand and decisive action, because true evil does not remain dormant for long.

(Source Photo: Aneesh Ans; https://www.pexels.com/photo/painted-face-of-person-portrait-photo-1211966/)

Monsters and Humans

Creepy Crawler

Check out this creepy crawler spider.

He literally came down a thread from the ceiling and landed here on the floor. 

Sort of blends right in!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 

Creepy Crawler

Follow Your Inner Voice

As Steve Jobs said:

Follow your heart and intuition.

Do good!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Follow Your Inner Voice

World's Best Rum Cakes

Who doesn't like rum cake?

Seriously, rum and cake, you can't go wrong. 

But these ladies may actually have the best of the best out there!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

World's Best Rum Cakes

Tires Overload

Do you think there is room for maybe one or two more? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tires Overload

The U.N.’s Double Standard On Nukes

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The U.N.'s Double Standard on Nukes."

As war rages or threatens in hotspots around the world, and the nations responsible are actively pursuing, building, testing, and threatening others with nuclear weapons, it appears that the United Nations is deliberately ignoring the real dangers here.

If only the United Nations would live up to its charter! Then we might truly have a world of tolerance and international peace and security.

Is the United Nations really about bringing the nations of the world together?

Or is it about casting the Jews to the wolves?

(Source Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-standing-near-body-of-water-2244330/)

The U.N.’s Double Standard On Nukes

A “Sign” of Good Synagogue Character

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A 'Sign' of Good Synagogue Character."

I was literally sitting in the synagogue and crying, watching the speaker sign and listening to the voice from the interpreter. I really believe that all our synagogues, schools, work places, and organizations need to better incorporate diversity and disability into the environment, and not just by paying meaningless lip-service to it, but by enabling everyone to come, feel welcome, participate, and be together as all children of G-d naturally should be.

Finally, it was beautiful to have the synagogue let someone who was deaf have the pulpit and the ability to speak to us. It would be so awesome for everyone’s voice to be heard. We take our abilities (such as speaking, hearing, and being mobile) for granted. So let’s design the community with all the people in mind and give everyone a true voice. In the end, it’s not just what they say, but some things are communicated more than words.

(Source Photo: RODNAE Productions; https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-on-heart-sign-done-by-woman-10029313/)

A “Sign” of Good Synagogue Character

“Death Con” NEVER AGAIN

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Death Con NEVER AGAIN."

KanyeWest - I hope that you visit Auschwitz and think deeply about the hurtful, hateful anti-Semitic words that you said. Hopefully, you can change your rhetoric to feelings and words of love and brotherhood.

(Credit Photo: Adapted by Andy Blumenthal from public domain photo; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West#/media/File:Kanye_West_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival_(cropped).jpg

 

“Death Con” NEVER AGAIN

Ice Cream Face

Two scoops.

Green and lime. 

Face in the green ice cream.

Lime is the hat. 

The cone is the body.

Makes you think about weirdness.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Ice Cream Face

Beautiful Cutting Boards

Wow, these cutting boards are a work of art. 

Love the mix of the colorful plastic with the wood and the stylish handles. 

The only problem is that they are too nice to actually cut anything on. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 

Beautiful Cutting Boards

So You Think You Can Dance

Awesome painting of dancer. 

Dancing in an endless tunnel of blue. 

I can see the light!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

So You Think You Can Dance

Old World Refrigerator

Well what can you say about it, it's very red! 

Inside, I'd imagine you'd find stinky sardines, cans of open beer, and some half-eaten slices of pizza.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Old World Refrigerator

Old-Timer Car

Check out this old-timer car. 

And that rusty tanish color, oy!

Who could love this thing? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dossy Blumethal)

Old-Timer Car

Huge Pumpkin Overview

This seems like a pretty cool pumpkin photo!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Huge Pumpkin Overview

The Iranian Malachi Crunch

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Iranian Malachi Crunch."

Aside from the threat of the Iranian nukes themselves, Israel has to contend with the two Iranian terrorist proxy groups, Hamas and Hezbollah, that have set Israel up for the dreaded and violent crunch. Israel needs to avoid being positioned in the middle of the attack that is sure to come. Instead, Israel will have to take out the enemy with strategic pinpoint attacks that disable not their derby cars, but rather their terror rockets and missiles. When the evil Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah are all dealt a staggering blow of epic proportions, then there will be happy days for Israel and the rest of the world, and please G-d, true peace and the arrival of Mashiach.

(Source Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-demolition-derby-event-10634045/)

The Iranian Malachi Crunch

Sandwich Pillow

Funny sandwich pillow. 

It actually looks good enough to eat (if it were kosher).  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Sandwich Pillow

Awesome Red Lamp

Love this awesome red lamp.

And the circular bowl is pretty great too. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Awesome Red Lamp

Halloween Planter Heads

Whole Foods has these plant heads for Halloween. 

These are some spooky succulents for sure. 

Maybe better to repurpose these decorative planters for some yum chocolates for the kids!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Halloween Planter Heads

Beautiful Sunflower Mug

Sunflower splash on the front of the mug.

And sunflower daintily on the top of the handle.

Beautiful and special. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beautiful Sunflower Mug

The Art of Friendship

Please see my article in The Times of Israel called "The Art of Friendship."

My hope and prayer is that this is just a small microcosm of friendship and peace that can spread in all communities, societies, nations, and lands, so that we are no longer black or white, Jew, Muslim, or Christian, or any other divisive label, but rather that we are all children of G-d, and plain and simple, friends.

(Credit Photos: Andy and Dossy Blumenthal)

The Art of Friendship

Israel, Warrior Nation

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel, Warrior Nation."

Israel and the Jewish people must maintain absolute resolve to defend our people, to be sovereign in the land of Israel, and to safeguard our faith and worship of the one true G-d. In the end, we can be assured that all the terrorist attacks, intifadas, missiles, and Iranian nukes in the world will be no match what-so-ever for the IDF and the almighty hand of G-d.

(Source Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_Israel_Defense_Forces_-_Givati_Recon_Company_at_Training.jpg)

Israel, Warrior Nation

Two Superheroes

Superman and Batman. 

Ready for action!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Two Superheroes

Hey, I'm Flexible!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hey, I'm Flexible!

Beautiful Asian Doors

Red metal doors.

Awesome Asian knockers. 

Lock and handle. 

Enter or not? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beautiful Asian Doors

Concrete Faith in a Flimsy Sukkah

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Concrete Faith in a Flimsy Sukkah."

Jews place their faith in G-d rather than massive building structures, the strongest foundations, and incalculable amounts of concrete and rebar. Instead, we sit in the flimsy and temporary sukkah to remember that G-d is our ultimate stronghold.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Concrete Faith in a Flimsy Sukkah

The Apocalypse

This truck is called "The Apocalypse."

It looked like it was ready for just about anything. 

What fun to drive and pretend your "Mad Max" 

Maybe you really are.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Itzchak O.)

The Apocalypse

Putin on the Precipice

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Putin on the Precipice."

Even though Yom Kippur has passed, as Jews, we always believe that there is time to walk back from the precipice. Thus, with the risk of "nuclear Armageddon" now the highest in sixty years since the Cuban Missile Crisis, there is no time for Putin to waste in ending this needless war in Ukraine and the proxy war with the West.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Putin on the Precipice

Customer Service Don'ts

This mug is a definite Customer Service no-no! 

Feels like "Go Away and Come Back Never!" ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Customer Service Don'ts

Good Lookin' Strawberry Licorice

Spaghetti red strawberry licorice. 

Just like we had as kids. 

Yum yum!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Good Lookin' Strawberry Licorice

Saying It Straight

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Saying It Straight

Worried About the Nukes?

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Worried About the Nukes?"

So, while Ukraine has turned the tides and Russia is losing on the battlefield against highly determined Ukrainian troops fighting for their survival with high-tech Western smart weapons, Putin has drawn a line in the sand saying that Russia will never relinquish this land that they now consider part of Mother Russia itself. Thus, Putin has left zero room for negotiation or compromise. If the Ukrainian counterattacks continue to try to regain their land, and Russia has no viable military options left, then they will turn to weapons of mass destruction. Clearly, if Putin doesn’t use everything at his disposal to win (and win he must), then Russia as a superpower will be the true laughing stock of the world, and Putin himself will be toast!

(Source Photo: Source Photo: https://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/)

Worried About the Nukes?

Can Love Be Blind?

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Can Love Be Blind?"

As long as in this material world, the body hides the soul of the person, then love can never be fully blind because people cannot see the true brightness of the soul inside or realize the primacy of people's spiritual inner selves without getting distracted by the physical aspects of the person, including attraction (which as we all know fades over time) and, of course, class, race, and ethnicity. Yes, physical/chemical attraction is an important part of intimate relationships, but at the end of the day, it's what's inside that counts, not only in this world, but for our eternal being and purpose.

(Source Photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-a-lantern-7789180/)

Can Love Be Blind?

Walking the Dog in the Ocean

This definitely helps so you don't need a pooper scooper.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Walking the Dog in the Ocean

Wanted Nice Customers

Wouldn't that be great if we could just ask for nice customers.

And everyone else for that matter.  

Nice, nice, I said it twice!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Wanted Nice Customers

It's A Donut

Donut Art 101. 

Roundish / Squarish.

Hole.

Frosting.

Sprinkles. 

Two Eyes for saying hello!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

It's A Donut

Wall Flowers for Rosh Hashanah

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Wall Flowers for Rosh Hashanah

The Hypocrisy of False Repentance

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Hypocrisy of False Repentance."

We firmly believe that there is true Divine justice by the Almighty (even if not always by our court system), and that if we don’t do good and work at perfecting our deficiencies as is our purpose in Olam Hazeh (this world), then we will suffer the consequences in the World to Come.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Hypocrisy of False Repentance

The Secret Sauce

I think I found where the secret sauce is made. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Secret Sauce

Atypical Superman Hat

Pink hat on green background. 

Superman cloth.

Blue ribbon. 

Get a little attention or a lot!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Atypical Superman Hat

Look Who's Riding The DC Trains

Good to know we have some additional protection for Gotham D.C.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Look Who's Riding The DC Trains

Remembering the 2017 Riots in Washington, D.C.

Post former President Trump inauguration. 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Remembering the 2017 Riots in Washington, D.C.