Pelican on Pier

So nice at the Dania Beach Marina.

Long fishing pier into the ocean.

This pelican was enjoying the sun! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Pelican on Pier

Waffle On Over This Hanukkah

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Waffle On Over This Hanukkah."

If you love fresh waffles and you love chicken and beef, you’ll love Mordy Menkes and his new South Florida kosher food truck business called Wild Flour Waffles.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Waffle On Over This Hanukkah

Giving the World a Hand

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Giving the World a Helping Hand."

While we ourselves can do positive things to learn and grow as individuals, it’s a bigger and greater mitzvah when it’s shared with others! Just like Joseph, who rose above being a slave and prisoner to save the world, we can all rise above ourselves and our life predicaments to do good that spreads far and wide, perhaps even beyond our wildest imagination.

(Source Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-world-map-global-earth-600497/)

Giving the World a Hand

Vibrant Merrell Hydro Mocs

Mocs better than Crocs!

IMHO.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Vibrant Merrell Hydro Mocs

Tent on Beach

 

Cool tent on the beach.

Will look even better once the sparkling lights are up around it. 

Sort of like a big jellyfish, but a party will be happening here.

And buffet will be served shortly.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tent on Beach

Holiday Cheer @Trader Joes

Getting serious about the holidays. 

Gotta love that hat! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Holiday Cheer @Trader Joes

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

Facing Hardship, Finding Humility

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Facing Hardship, Finding Humility."

Like Celine Dion, no matter how much fame, fortune, or power any of us amass in our lifetimes, none of these things make an iota of difference in the time of G-d's eternal judgment of us. The only thing that matters and carries on are our good deeds!

When we are young and vibrant and the world seems so small in a way, we can tend to think we are invincible, but as we get older and more mature, we learn that everything we do in life that strays from the Almighty's path for us has a price to be paid and a humbling before our Maker.

(Credit Photo: Anirudh Koul via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine_Dion#/media/File:Celine_Dion_Concert_Singing_Taking_Chances_2008.jpg)

Facing Hardship, Finding Humility

Correct Name?

What type of question is that:

Do you have the correct name?

No, I was given the incorrect name at birth and want to change it to the correct one!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Correct Name?

Just Hang on!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Just Hang on!

Bandolier of Fragrant Oils

 

Not exactly the wild west of fragrant oils. 

But it's effective anyway.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bandolier of Fragrant Oils

A Little Joker

 

Oh no!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

A Little Joker

A Hanukkah Gnome

Judeo-Christian blending of some sort here. 

Nice in terms of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and all that. 

But something about this doesn't look exactly kosher.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

A Hanukkah Gnome

Hanukkah Is About Fortifying the Family

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hanukkah is about Fortifying the Family."
 
Modern Hellenism is when Judaism becomes less and less Jewish and more and more like another “value system” that is “politically correct” or “in style.”

To be clear, not every Jew is going to be “religious” in the same way, but still, each of us can contribute to the welfare of the whole. The point of Hanukkah is that Torah-true Judaism exists, even if we as individuals struggle to fulfill it. The task at hand is for each family and each of us to model proper behavior (thought, word, and deed) and to educate our children in the same so that the Greeks of our time do not win.

(Credit Photo: The National Guard via https://flic.kr/p/BBXA4R)

Hanukkah Is About Fortifying the Family

Playing Some Beautiful Music Together

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Playing Some Beautiful Music Together

Light Pole @Capitol

@Capitol

Nice lights in Washington, D.C.

That's some serious intricate handiwork. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Light Pole @Capitol

Cool Muscle Car

Check out the cool design with the head and snakes over the rear wheel.  

Just that touch of flair! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

Cool Muscle Car

Brain Overload

Coffee mug says:

My brain has too many tabs open

How do you shut it off to get some rest? 

Then again, maybe you need a better microprocessor! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Brain Overload

It's All The Angle

Check out this guys head. 

It's all in the angle. ;-)

(Source Photo: Itzchak's friend)

It's All The Angle

Chutzpah Dating

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Chutzpah Dating."

It used to be that young men and women went on dates and generally treated each other respectfully and civilly as they explored whether there was a spark between them and potentially a match to be made. But somewhere along the lines, too many Prince Charmings have turned into real ugly toads.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chutzpah Dating

Hippo Head Water Fountain

I guess it's better than taking a sip from an alligator head! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hippo Head Water Fountain

Happy Turkey Day

Actually, unhappy turkey day.

But Happy Thanksgiving.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Happy Turkey Day

Stained Glass Mr. Sun

Beautiful stained glass. 

Oh, Mr. Sun, please shine down on me!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Stained Glass Mr. Sun

Happy, Charming Doll

A little Sesame Street at Barnes and Noble.

Let's read together.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 

Happy, Charming Doll

Buffalo Six Feet

This sort of reminds me of the record six feet of snow in Upstate New York this last week.

Snow, ice...it's cold, same thing!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Buffalo Six Feet

Say Hi to Bentley

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Say Hi to Bentley

Mutual and Eternal Love

Please see my new poem in The Times of Israel called "Mutual and Eternal Love."

Like Abraham, we are tested to do "what is right and just," and history is our witness.

For "we are dust and will return to dust," but our souls will rise to heaven and be reunited with our everlasting, loving Father.

(Also, please remember to listen to the Jewish music video as you read the poetry.)

Mutual and Eternal Love

Shabbat Shalom Everyone!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Shabbat Shalom Everyone!

No Bathroom Breaks

This is an interesting sign to put on the bathroom door.

Please do not use when meeting is in progress

Hmmm, no bathroom breaks allowed. 

Sure hope that meeting is over soon. 

In the meantime, got to hold on tight!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

No Bathroom Breaks

Thanksgiving Ice Cream Cake

Wait three (or six) hours after the turkey.

And then you can eat the ice cream cake. 

Now it's all kosher!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Thanksgiving Ice Cream Cake

From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism."

What is striking to me is that when it comes to hate against the Jews as opposed to hate against other groups, we continually see that “their” rights are immediately supported, while we have to prove that it’s really hate.

Hopefully, our community leaders, police, FBI, and Homeland Security are paying close attention and will take appropriate preventive action so that we can avoid another incident like the shooting just four years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We need more intelligence, surveillance, officers, patrols, data-driven policing, self-defense and emergency medical training, synagogue protection, community outreach, beefed-up reporting systems, and tougher penalties to start with. We can’t expect the people who hate to stop, but we do need to keep raising the bar on how to keep our communities safe and stop hate crimes.

(Credit Photo: Laura Rosenberg Hosid)

From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism

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