Keeping Kids on a Short Leash

Better safe than sorry.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Keeping Kids on a Short Leash

Basket of Gemstones

Grab a handful of colorful gemstones. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Basket of Gemstones

Easter Bunny Plant

What will Home Depot think of next?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Easter Bunny Plant

@Cherry Blossom Kite Festival

 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

@Cherry Blossom Kite Festival

The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed." 

If we acknowledge that we are not willing to lose “our” Main Street, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, the nation’s capital, and more to get into devastating conflicts to liberally protect others (who often aren’t even paying their own fair share), then we can make better decisions about when we should actually “fight the good fight.”

Moreover, it’s not enough to just put up a show of some limited and hollow resistance; rather, when we do fight, it must be with our full determination to win. Unfortunately, too often we have gone in militarily with “shock and awe,” but turned abruptly tail in a politically wishy-washy “shame and retreat.” It’s high time to make U.S. deterrence mean something inescapably formidable once again.

(Source Photo via https://www.pexels.com/photo/soldiers-in-line-to-get-in-a-plane-54098/)

The Doctrine of Deterrence Has Failed

Crayon Fun

Crayons colors of the rainbow.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Crayon Fun

B&Y Crystal Vases

Beautiful dramatic blue and yellow vases. 

Perfect for some red roses!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

B&Y Crystal Vases

May The Force Be With You

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

May The Force Be With You

Dog Bones

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dog Bones

Big Bird Eyes

 (Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Big Bird Eyes

Dragon in Aquarium

 

Instead of fire, he's breathing bubbles. 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dragon in Aquarium

How a Sticky Situation Taught Me Some Empathy

   

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "How a Sticky Situation Taught Me Some Empathy."

Thank G-d, he finished the blood draw, and it was over. But as I reflected afterwards, I thought to myself that this guy is just one of probably millions out there who are unhappy with their jobs, their relationships, their lives, and maybe more broadly, the direction things are going in for them.

To “move the needle” of the world in the right direction, perhaps we must fundamentally change the order of things so that people are paramount while profit and power are not. What that means is that we don’t tolerate the conditions that lead to tyrants, corruption, and endless greed.

(Credit Photo: Anna Shvets via https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-syringe-3786215/)

How a Sticky Situation Taught Me Some Empathy

Not Our World

This is not our utopian world as countries are getting more and more aggressive and dangerous:

• Russia
• China
• Iran
• North Korea

Ever wonder what things will look like tomorrow?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Not Our World

Roll Out the Cable

Here's the spool.

Spin the cable on. 

Yank the cable off. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Roll Out the Cable

Tie Dye Bag and Blue Hair

Tie dye bag

Blue hair

Fashion, it works!  ;-)

Tie Dye Bag and Blue Hair

Kid's Activity Table

Let the playing begin. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Kid's Activity Table

Trader Joe's Printer

That's where all the stickers end up that they give out to the kids. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Trader Joe's Printer

Are Leftists Driving Us Off a Cliff?

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Are Leftists Driving Us Off a Cliff?"

2023 so far has been disastrous for Israel at home and in the public sphere as the world watches the leftists endlessly rally, scream, block highways, burn cars, steal tanks, name call, threaten, refuse military service, take money out of the country, shut down businesses, hurt the economy (check the stock market, currency, etc.), ask for international intervention, and create hate and disunity at a time when we need to work together more than ever.

The left protests that they have the moral high ground, but while they vie for power, they ostensibly don't seem to care whether, in the process, Tel Aviv is reduced to radioactive ash. Instead of being overly focused on power politics, let's listen to each other with respect and work together to constructively solve problems in a good way.

(Credit Photo: SHVETS production via https://www.pexels.com/photo/expressive-bald-woman-shouting-in-studio-7194740/)

Are Leftists Driving Us Off a Cliff?

What a Snake!

Who knew that snakes have teeth and fangs.

Just like some nasty people!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

What a Snake!

Chicken Little

Hilarious chicken. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Minna)

Chicken Little

Gun Control?

Yes to the Second Amendment.

But what war are we going to fight with all these?  ;-)

Gun Control?

Happy Purim @Chabad

https://youtube.com/shorts/NRkY94d3CSU?feature=share

(Credit Photo by Andy Blumenthal and Music by Minna Blumenthal)

Happy Purim @Chabad

Do The Right Thing

My wife said she was inspired by me and something I said over the weekend.

She created this meme based on what I said. 

I couldn't be happier.

And my dear dad would be proud!  ;-)

Do The Right Thing

Shirley Temple

Sweet grenadine, ginger ale, maraschino cherries over ice.

It's completely innocent. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)

Shirley Temple

The Framing of Bibi

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Framing of Bibi."

In light of the radical left’s latest accusations and chants of “Crime Minister” against Bibi, here is a list of no less than a dozen claims made against Bibi over the past 20 years, ranging from the ridiculous to the absurd. All of these allegations so far have been found to be without merit and thus are ostensibly politically motivated versions of ridiculous “bubba maisa” (old wives tales).

This makes them look and sound like they don’t have any new or powerful ideas for building the economy, making peace (with security), or building the future of the state. The sensible people on the left should work together with the right to solve problems instead of trying to make yet another desperate, false accusation.

(Source Photo: Adapted from Kindel Media via https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-person-s-hand-with-a-handcuff-7785048/)

The Framing of Bibi

Beer Balloon

Mug of Beer.

Frosty over the top. 

It's even got feet. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beer Balloon

Fantasy Carousel Horse

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Fantasy Carousel Horse

Scat Cat

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Scat Cat

Stained Glass

Oh let the sun shine in.

Meet it with a grin.

Smilers never lose. 

And frowners never win.

So let the sun shine in.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Stained Glass

Beautiful Hamentaschen

Hamentaschen for Purim in the making.

Minna Blumenthal work of art!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Minna)

Beautiful Hamentaschen

Planet Window Curtain

Planets, bubble gum balls, marbles...which is it?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Planet Window Curtain

Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d."

In short, everything we do in life should be great, but not for our greatness. Everything that we do should be done with passion and determination, but not for our sakes. We are only here by the loving grace of G-d and for as long as He wills it. In our time here, we need to act in a way that means something beyond our finite, selfish mortal selves and instead be selfless for the purpose of our Creator.

If you lived your life for G-d, for good, and for a greater purpose, then your inner spiritual legacy will live on beyond your years and even your name. If you build a sanctuary for G-d, it will have holiness and permanence not only in this world but, more importantly, in the next.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d

Butter Me Up

Butter me up. 

Flavored teas below. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Butter Me Up

Rainbow Cake

Does each color taste different?

Appetizing!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Rainbow Cake

Junk Grafitti

Nothing really Mattress.

Who Chairs!  ;-)

(Shared by Itzchak)

Junk Grafitti

Bubala in Baltimore

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

Bubala in Baltimore

Fruit of the Dragon

AKA Dragon Fruit. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Fruit of the Dragon