This was an interesting photo moment at Whole Foods--this Valentine's Day huggy bear sitting among all the apples.
Sort of how I felt after synagogue today and at other times.
I've learned the importance as my father had so often tried to teach me of going to synagogue.
Yes, the prayer and service to Hashem.
But also the community.
We all need people.
None of us is an island.
At synagogue, aside from the opportunity to speak and be close with G-d, I appreciate the hearty calls of "Shabbat Shalom," the embracing handshakes, hugs and occasional kisses, the chance to see and kiss the holy Torah, and being among friends.
Like the apples, we're all sort of the same, yet unique, and we stand together.
As apples, we all have our glowing and shiny outsides, a sweet inner core, and also plenty of juicy meat.
People too put on their best clothes, shoes, and do themselves to look their best going to synagogue, and inside they are there to express their goodness with G-d and the community.
Also though, you hear plenty of the heartbreaking stories about what is happening to them as families and individuals.
Sure, there are the lovely smachot (happy occasions) in their and our lives to celebrate, but there is also plenty of adversity and challenges faced daily.
One member passed away this week, another is getting cancer treatments, and someone got hit by a car crossing the street and is in the hospital with literally 79 screws holding their ribs together!
Then there are those out looking for work, others suffering from bad marriages or getting divorced, someone with a sick child that needs lifelong care, and someone who even got robbed this week.
Yes, shiny on the outside and with the sweetness of souls and hearts, and yet everyone has their baskets of challenges to deal with.
For someone like me, I literally feel it inside for people--it's like I can almost imagine what it must be like to be in their shoes.
Obviously, I can't--no one really can--but I imagine myself and ask myself OMG what in the world would I do--and of course, I have no real idea.
Synagogue is I guess the most perfect place to experience all this--since we are before G-d, asking for his blessings and mercy, and with others, we bond to who are all in the same boat paddling and trying to survive and live a full and meaningful life. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 10, 2018
Among All The Apples
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February 9, 2018
The Bright Side
My daughter, Minna Blumenthal, received this beautiful and hopeful message online, and I want to thank her for sharing it with me.
In turn, I am paying it forward to you all, and hope that you enjoy it's meaning, which is really quite profound and inspiring.
In turn, I am paying it forward to you all, and hope that you enjoy it's meaning, which is really quite profound and inspiring.
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her,’ Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.
Life is a gift.
Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to Almighty G-d for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too young.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one Maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank G-d you're alive and still around.(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Bright Side
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February 8, 2018
Adversity Is Not What You Think
This TEDx video is truly WOW!
Definitely worth watching in full.
So many takeaways from this that I want to remember.
- Three things can happen in life:
1. What you hope will happen
2. What you fear will happen
3. What actually happens
- There is not always a tomorrow!
Think if you were paralyzed from the neck down, what would you wish you had done differently, and go do it.
- See adversity as a gift:
1. It is harsh and ruthless.
2. It shows up unannounced.
3. It doesn't care what you want.
4. It doesn't give a darn how you feel.
5. It doesn't take no for an answer.
6. It hates your weakness.
7. It is your best teacher.
8. It is the most honest person you will ever encounter.
9. It forces you to up your game.
10. It knows your true potential even if you don't.
11. It offers you no other choice, so the choice is simple.
12. At the end of the day, we are only as strong as the adversity we overcome!
13. It will recede, but the lessons will always remain.
14. It will strengthen you to endure your next battle, stronger and wiser than before.
15. How we overcome adversity is by facing it head on. (If you try to avoid it, it can crush you; and if you try to go around it, you will never avoid it's grasp.)
My absolute congratulations and gratitude to Marcus Aurelius Anderson on this magnificent and brilliant talk and lessons for all of us!
And thank you Minna Blumenthal for sharing this wisdom with me!
Adversity Is Not What You Think
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February 7, 2018
Cross The Street
I like this saying by life coach Iyanla Vanzant"
I remember learning similarly from experts that the first lesson in self defense is always:
That doesn't mean your not strong or courageous.
It's just common sense to try to avoid trouble if you can.
When people seriously fight, both usually can end up with a black eye or worse.
And there are truly a lot of crazies out there.
Peace is always desired.
But strength (and preparedness) is always required.
This makes sense as well in the larger context of the USA upgrading it's nuke arsenal and other weapons systems and platforms to deter enemy aggression.
Thus, peace through strength and of course, prayer! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
"When you see crazy coming, cross the street!"
I remember learning similarly from experts that the first lesson in self defense is always:
"If you can run, run!"
That doesn't mean your not strong or courageous.
It's just common sense to try to avoid trouble if you can.
When people seriously fight, both usually can end up with a black eye or worse.
And there are truly a lot of crazies out there.
Peace is always desired.
But strength (and preparedness) is always required.
This makes sense as well in the larger context of the USA upgrading it's nuke arsenal and other weapons systems and platforms to deter enemy aggression.
Thus, peace through strength and of course, prayer! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Cross The Street
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February 6, 2018
Sexual Harassment No, No, No
So I took this training about sexual harassment etc.
There were some good general tips for managers confronting these challenging situations:
1) Address it quickly
2) Discuss it privately
3) Specify the problem behaviors
4) Get commitment that it won't happen again
5) Document what occurred
It's not rocket science, but thought this was useful guidance.
Unfortunately, people don't always behave appropriately, but hopefully, individuals and society as a whole can learn to do much better. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
There were some good general tips for managers confronting these challenging situations:
1) Address it quickly
2) Discuss it privately
3) Specify the problem behaviors
4) Get commitment that it won't happen again
5) Document what occurred
It's not rocket science, but thought this was useful guidance.
Unfortunately, people don't always behave appropriately, but hopefully, individuals and society as a whole can learn to do much better. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Sexual Harassment No, No, No
February 5, 2018
Strong Coffee People
This was great when they drew this muscle guy on my coffee cup.
Two arms and a big "A" in the middle.
Need to remain strong despite whatever life throws at us.
So it's not just strong coffee or biceps!
But rather strong character, integrity, spirit, and faith that's really important.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal with compliments to the artist)
Two arms and a big "A" in the middle.
Need to remain strong despite whatever life throws at us.
So it's not just strong coffee or biceps!
But rather strong character, integrity, spirit, and faith that's really important.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal with compliments to the artist)
Strong Coffee People
February 3, 2018
Good People And Bad
So what is one of the hardest lessons in life to learn?
There are really good and holy people out there, but there are also truly bad and evil ones.
It's not such a difficult concept, except if you just don't think that way.
I think some of us just want to believe that at the heart of it all, people are fundamentally good--or at the very least they struggle in order to fight off the evil impulse.
They are created by G-d.
They have parents and families.
They have challenges and disappointments.
They have a good soul.
Or do they?
Perhaps like everything in life--G-d created everything and it's opposite.
- There is life and death.
- There is light and dark.
- There is cold and hot.
- There is land and water.
- There is male and female.
- There is pleasure and pain.
- There is work and rest.
- There is holy and profane.
Everything has it's counterpart.
- In this respect then, there are good people and there are bad.
Not that there aren't people who are both--they do some good things and some bad.
Just like with everything, you can have greys or mixtures--some of this AND some of that.
But still, G-d created everything and its opposite.
- Again, there is heaven and hell.
And yes, there are some people that are perhaps truly good and others that are very bad.
The really good ones--they are holy, they give, they love, they inspire.
The really bad ones--they are vicious devil wolves.
That doesn't mean anyone is completely perfect or imperfect, but as with everything, there are people as there are inanimate objects that function at the extremes.
Most of us don't live in the extreme, yet we do see those that we know are examples of each:
We recognize the best and these are people with a heart of gold and a soul that shines light, love, and gives to others.
Similarly, the worst ones are with a heart that is selfish and greedy and a soul that is dark, hateful. and violent.
We don't like to think of the extremes.
They either are too perfect or too frighteningly evil, but yet they do exist and we know it just as we know life and death, light and dark, cold and hot, land and water, male and female, pleasure and pain, work and rest, holy and profane, and even the destinations of heaven and hell. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
There are really good and holy people out there, but there are also truly bad and evil ones.
It's not such a difficult concept, except if you just don't think that way.
I think some of us just want to believe that at the heart of it all, people are fundamentally good--or at the very least they struggle in order to fight off the evil impulse.
They are created by G-d.
They have parents and families.
They have challenges and disappointments.
They have a good soul.
Or do they?
Perhaps like everything in life--G-d created everything and it's opposite.
- There is life and death.
- There is light and dark.
- There is cold and hot.
- There is land and water.
- There is male and female.
- There is pleasure and pain.
- There is work and rest.
- There is holy and profane.
Everything has it's counterpart.
- In this respect then, there are good people and there are bad.
Not that there aren't people who are both--they do some good things and some bad.
Just like with everything, you can have greys or mixtures--some of this AND some of that.
But still, G-d created everything and its opposite.
- Again, there is heaven and hell.
And yes, there are some people that are perhaps truly good and others that are very bad.
The really good ones--they are holy, they give, they love, they inspire.
The really bad ones--they are vicious devil wolves.
That doesn't mean anyone is completely perfect or imperfect, but as with everything, there are people as there are inanimate objects that function at the extremes.
Most of us don't live in the extreme, yet we do see those that we know are examples of each:
We recognize the best and these are people with a heart of gold and a soul that shines light, love, and gives to others.
Similarly, the worst ones are with a heart that is selfish and greedy and a soul that is dark, hateful. and violent.
We don't like to think of the extremes.
They either are too perfect or too frighteningly evil, but yet they do exist and we know it just as we know life and death, light and dark, cold and hot, land and water, male and female, pleasure and pain, work and rest, holy and profane, and even the destinations of heaven and hell. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Good People And Bad
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February 2, 2018
The Hunted Becomes Hunters
I was on the treadmill and on the TV was the movie Rambo First Blood with Sylvester Stallone--he's incredible.
There is an amazing scene where he is running, outnumbered, outgunned, and being literally hunted in the woods.
But as he is a special forces trained warrior, he turns the tables on the bad guys.
- The hunted become the hunter!
Life is not Hollywood.
Yet, miracles do happen, and good can overcome evil.
Like the more than 150 brave women of the USA Olympics Gymnastics Team who testified and put the creep Larry Nassar away for the rest of his disgusting life.
The hunted can be empowered through the justice system and do what is right and put the bad guys away--where they should stay and rot out their miserable days.
The innocent women who suffered at his dirty hands prevail! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
There is an amazing scene where he is running, outnumbered, outgunned, and being literally hunted in the woods.
But as he is a special forces trained warrior, he turns the tables on the bad guys.
- The hunted become the hunter!
Life is not Hollywood.
Yet, miracles do happen, and good can overcome evil.
Like the more than 150 brave women of the USA Olympics Gymnastics Team who testified and put the creep Larry Nassar away for the rest of his disgusting life.
The hunted can be empowered through the justice system and do what is right and put the bad guys away--where they should stay and rot out their miserable days.
The innocent women who suffered at his dirty hands prevail! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Hunted Becomes Hunters
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February 1, 2018
Happiness Is Serving G-d
Times may be tough.
But I have faith in G-d.
I turn to Him in whatever challenge or enemy arises.
My heart is singing to Him.
Hashem Melech.
Hashem Malach.
Hashem Yimloch L'Olam VaEd
In English:
G-d is king.
G-d was king.
G-d will be king forever.
What other reassurance in life could we ever want or need.
My heart is singing.
Hashem is G-d.
Hashem is One.
Yes, it is singing.
I have faith that all will be well.
- Peace, Health, Happiness, Prosperity.
Because it is G-d who rules now and forever and ever! ;-)
Happiness Is Serving G-d
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January 31, 2018
Birthday of Trees
That is the Birthday for (fruit) Trees!
It's when Jewish people celebrate and plant trees around the world and especially in the Holy Land.
Last night, we celebrated with Chabad Israeli Center of Rockville where they had not only of the "7 Fruits" of Israel (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates), but they also had some very nice wine and cheese, delicious bourekas, and pastries.
We learned about the biblical meaning of the "7 Species of Fruits" and the flourishing of the land of Israel, celebrated with music and song, and played a trivia game with our smartphones using a cool new gaming and learning application, called Kahoot.
A special thank you to Chabad Rabbi Shlomo Beitsh and to Samy Ymar for sponsoring the event.
Overall, a beautiful evening to meet new people and celebrate a very happy birthday to the beautiful trees and mother nature that G-d has so benevolently bestowed on us. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Birthday of Trees
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January 30, 2018
Take Off The Halo and Horn
Thought this was a learning moment.
The halo and horn effects.
This has to do with generalizing about people, things, places, or events.
With the halo effect, if we like (are positive) about one or a few things about it, we may put a proverbial halo on it and treat or rate everything about it as great.
Similarly, with the horn effect, if we dislike (are negative) about one or a few things about it, we may put a proverbial horn on it and treat or rate everything about it as horrible.
This means we're not really being objective or balanced in our assessment.
Usually, it's not all just good or bad, black or white--but good AND bad, black AND white.
And obviously, this can cause us to make bad decisions based on poor analysis and judgment.
Therefore, the importance of taking a step back, looking holistically at all the facts, and evaluating things for what they really are, rather than making snap calls to judgment--and poor ones at that! ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to darksouls1)
The halo and horn effects.
This has to do with generalizing about people, things, places, or events.
With the halo effect, if we like (are positive) about one or a few things about it, we may put a proverbial halo on it and treat or rate everything about it as great.
Similarly, with the horn effect, if we dislike (are negative) about one or a few things about it, we may put a proverbial horn on it and treat or rate everything about it as horrible.
This means we're not really being objective or balanced in our assessment.
Usually, it's not all just good or bad, black or white--but good AND bad, black AND white.
And obviously, this can cause us to make bad decisions based on poor analysis and judgment.
Therefore, the importance of taking a step back, looking holistically at all the facts, and evaluating things for what they really are, rather than making snap calls to judgment--and poor ones at that! ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to darksouls1)
Take Off The Halo and Horn
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January 28, 2018
The Devil Wolf Attack
So I had one of the scariest dreams that I've ever experienced--and it is a true story from just last evening.
It was so completely real, I can't even tell you.
There was a devil wolf that attacked me from the the back and literally jumped on me.
It's claws were wrapped around my neck and I could tell that with any movement whatsoever, they would immediately slice and sever my arteries completely.
His huge jaws were at the backside of my head, it's hot breath searing my flesh, and his sharp gnawing teeth were ready at any moment to snap into my neck.
His full weight, incredible strength, and evil presence were heavy on me and ripping into my back and shoulders.
It was clear how close I was to the very end of it all.
The pure evil of this devil wolf being and the ferociousness of the attack was the most fearsome that I could ever imagine.
What happened next I will never tell anyone, except that I am alive to tell the story.
But this experience of undeniable and terrible evil so close and foreboding has left me a different person forever.
There are forces of true evil out there--for sure--and we must never let our guard down for a second.
But as Rabbi Nachman says, it is a narrow bridge, but with the good of G-d, we must never fear at all. ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Efraim Stochter)
It was so completely real, I can't even tell you.
There was a devil wolf that attacked me from the the back and literally jumped on me.
It's claws were wrapped around my neck and I could tell that with any movement whatsoever, they would immediately slice and sever my arteries completely.
His huge jaws were at the backside of my head, it's hot breath searing my flesh, and his sharp gnawing teeth were ready at any moment to snap into my neck.
His full weight, incredible strength, and evil presence were heavy on me and ripping into my back and shoulders.
It was clear how close I was to the very end of it all.
The pure evil of this devil wolf being and the ferociousness of the attack was the most fearsome that I could ever imagine.
What happened next I will never tell anyone, except that I am alive to tell the story.
But this experience of undeniable and terrible evil so close and foreboding has left me a different person forever.
There are forces of true evil out there--for sure--and we must never let our guard down for a second.
But as Rabbi Nachman says, it is a narrow bridge, but with the good of G-d, we must never fear at all. ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Efraim Stochter)
The Devil Wolf Attack
January 27, 2018
The Most Precious and Beautiful Song
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from the Earth.
Sing throughout all the Heavens.
Sing from the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from the People.
Sing throughout all the Angelic Host.
Sing from the Animals, the Fish, and the Fowl.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from the Begining of Time.
Sing throughout the End of Time.
Sing in the Morning, the Noon, and the Night.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing from the Earth.
Sing throughout all the Heavens.
Sing from the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from the People.
Sing throughout all the Angelic Host.
Sing from the Animals, the Fish, and the Fowl.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from the Begining of Time.
Sing throughout the End of Time.
Sing in the Morning, the Noon, and the Night.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from the Mountains.
Sing throughout the rolling Valleys.
Sing in the Forests, the Cities, and the Seas.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from every Tree.
Sing throughout the sprawling blades of grass.
Sing from every drop of dew, pouring of rain, and howling of wind.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from each Word.
Sing throughout all your Deeds.
Sing in the Thinking, the Doing, and the Speaking.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from every beating Heartbeat.
Sing throughout all your Breaths.
Sing in your Comings, your Goings, and Wherever you are.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing with your Material wealth.
Sing throughout all your Spiritual awakenings.
Sing during your Journey, at your Milestones, and when you arrive at your Destination.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from your successes.
Sing throughout all your failures.
Sing during your tryings, your learnings, and your growing.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
(Note 1: Incredibly, this is my first song and it came to me early on the Shabbat where we read the portion of the Torah when G-d miraculously led the Israelites through the split sea and they sang the "Shirah" (song) of thanksgiving to G-d for saving and redeeming them from slavery to freedom, and I didn't even know it was this Shabbat!)
(Note 2: I would love if someone can put this to music and make this into an amazing song to G-d.)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Sing from the Mountains.
Sing throughout the rolling Valleys.
Sing in the Forests, the Cities, and the Seas.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from every Tree.
Sing throughout the sprawling blades of grass.
Sing from every drop of dew, pouring of rain, and howling of wind.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from each Word.
Sing throughout all your Deeds.
Sing in the Thinking, the Doing, and the Speaking.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from every beating Heartbeat.
Sing throughout all your Breaths.
Sing in your Comings, your Goings, and Wherever you are.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing with your Material wealth.
Sing throughout all your Spiritual awakenings.
Sing during your Journey, at your Milestones, and when you arrive at your Destination.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
Sing the most precious and beautiful song to the King of Kings.
Sing from your successes.
Sing throughout all your failures.
Sing during your tryings, your learnings, and your growing.
Sing with all your heart and soul to the Almighty G-d.
(Note 1: Incredibly, this is my first song and it came to me early on the Shabbat where we read the portion of the Torah when G-d miraculously led the Israelites through the split sea and they sang the "Shirah" (song) of thanksgiving to G-d for saving and redeeming them from slavery to freedom, and I didn't even know it was this Shabbat!)
(Note 2: I would love if someone can put this to music and make this into an amazing song to G-d.)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Most Precious and Beautiful Song
January 25, 2018
Messed Up By Norton Clean
So I got this message on my computer that it's time to run Norton Clean.
Oy, what a mistake.
This tool is not ready for prime time.
It's supposed to optimize memory and clean up duplicate and residual files.
But in my experience, it swept up more good files than junk files.
And I ended up having to pull my files back from the trash and manually restore them to their file structure.
What a pain in the you know what!
Artificial intelligence--not way the I see this utility/tool.
If you don't pay attention, you can lose a lot of important information.
Yes, it gives you a chance to review the files, but then what do you really need this cleaning tool to begin with.
Maybe you have a different experience, I can only speak for myself.
But a little human intelligence goes a long way to sift through the wheat from the chaff--that's what your files really need anyway. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Oy, what a mistake.
This tool is not ready for prime time.
It's supposed to optimize memory and clean up duplicate and residual files.
But in my experience, it swept up more good files than junk files.
And I ended up having to pull my files back from the trash and manually restore them to their file structure.
What a pain in the you know what!
Artificial intelligence--not way the I see this utility/tool.
If you don't pay attention, you can lose a lot of important information.
Yes, it gives you a chance to review the files, but then what do you really need this cleaning tool to begin with.
Maybe you have a different experience, I can only speak for myself.
But a little human intelligence goes a long way to sift through the wheat from the chaff--that's what your files really need anyway. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Messed Up By Norton Clean
January 24, 2018
If G-d Is With Me
I love this photo and caption that I saw on Facebook.
Basically it translates from Hebrew as:
And it's a picture of someone walking through the split sea like in the exodus from Egypt.
G-d can truly make miracles.
What G-d decrees no man can stand against it.
We need to merit G-d's standing with us.
You have to do right, speak right, and have the right intentions.
Only G-d can judge whether we are there!
But how amazing things can be for us if we look to the Heavens and merit G-d being with us.
Then no man can stand against us! ;-)
(Source photo: Tali-Cohen Saban)
Basically it translates from Hebrew as:
"If G-d is with me
Who can stand against me."
And it's a picture of someone walking through the split sea like in the exodus from Egypt.
G-d can truly make miracles.
What G-d decrees no man can stand against it.
We need to merit G-d's standing with us.
You have to do right, speak right, and have the right intentions.
Only G-d can judge whether we are there!
But how amazing things can be for us if we look to the Heavens and merit G-d being with us.
Then no man can stand against us! ;-)
(Source photo: Tali-Cohen Saban)
If G-d Is With Me
Labels:
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January 23, 2018
Until My Last Breath
The Shema Yisrael.
The most sacred and fundamental of prayers in Judaism.
Declaring our monotheistic belief and faith in the One Above who has created and sustains us daily.
These are words we call out from the depths of our heart and soul--in joy, in suffering, in life, and ultimately as we leave this world.
No one can take this from us.
Only G-d decrees who shall live and who shall die...who shall be exalted and who shall be made low.
People may rise against us and situations may look dire.
But in the realm of G-d, these are all fleeting like the dust that blows in the wind.
So too shall G-d remove our troubles and bring us comfort.
It is a test; it is all a test--remember, Hear O' Israel--and pass it with flying colors. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Hear O' Israel. The L-rd our G-d. The L-rd is one.
The most sacred and fundamental of prayers in Judaism.
Declaring our monotheistic belief and faith in the One Above who has created and sustains us daily.
These are words we call out from the depths of our heart and soul--in joy, in suffering, in life, and ultimately as we leave this world.
No one can take this from us.
Only G-d decrees who shall live and who shall die...who shall be exalted and who shall be made low.
Hear O' Israel.Everything is life is given true perspective by this.
The L-rd our G-d.
The L-rd is one.
People may rise against us and situations may look dire.
But in the realm of G-d, these are all fleeting like the dust that blows in the wind.
So too shall G-d remove our troubles and bring us comfort.
It is a test; it is all a test--remember, Hear O' Israel--and pass it with flying colors. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Until My Last Breath
Labels:
Comfort,
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Dust,
Enemies,
Faith,
Jewish,
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Troubles
January 22, 2018
Worth The Squeeze
I like this saying that I heard.
It's a little like the corollary to "If something is worth doing, then it's worth doing right."
Spending time and effort has to show commensurate meaningful results or why the heck are you doing it?
Probably always good to reevaluate where you're getting the "most bang for the buck," so you're not "just spinning your wheels."
With all the sayings about what we do and whether it's really worth it, there is probably some good reason to be concerned about whether or not you spending your time productively or just acting insane, because:
Results matter--so make sure your achieving them or go do something else you enjoy and that's ultimately worth the squeeze! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
"The juice has to be worth the squeeze."
It's a little like the corollary to "If something is worth doing, then it's worth doing right."
Spending time and effort has to show commensurate meaningful results or why the heck are you doing it?
Probably always good to reevaluate where you're getting the "most bang for the buck," so you're not "just spinning your wheels."
With all the sayings about what we do and whether it's really worth it, there is probably some good reason to be concerned about whether or not you spending your time productively or just acting insane, because:
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Results matter--so make sure your achieving them or go do something else you enjoy and that's ultimately worth the squeeze! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Worth The Squeeze
Labels:
Accomplishments,
Achievement,
Effort,
Insanity,
Juice,
Meaningful,
Mission,
Orange,
Performance Management,
Photo,
Reevaluate,
Results,
Time,
Time Management,
Useful,
Worthwhile
January 21, 2018
1-2-3-4 Open Up The Government's Doors
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Let our nation operate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Fix our broken directorate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's Doors
5-6-7-8 Better for us to negotiate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Get things done for Goodness sake
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 We have no more time to cogitate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Get the employees back to progress the state
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Blaming each other only exasperate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Democracy means we must work it out
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Polarized politics destroys our clout
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 The people are sick and tired of this useless way
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Terms limits are needed to sway
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Dysfunctional government can't continue unabate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 We're sick and tired of ignoring realpolitik
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Grow up and show some unifying leadership
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Finally put people's needs first
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Stop playing with our country's fate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 National security and our economy depend on it
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 It's time to get things done and not wait
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Serve the people and cut out the hate
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
5-6-7-8 Let our nation operate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Fix our broken directorate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's Doors
5-6-7-8 Better for us to negotiate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Get things done for Goodness sake
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 We have no more time to cogitate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Get the employees back to progress the state
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Blaming each other only exasperate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Democracy means we must work it out
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Polarized politics destroys our clout
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 The people are sick and tired of this useless way
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Terms limits are needed to sway
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Dysfunctional government can't continue unabate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 We're sick and tired of ignoring realpolitik
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Grow up and show some unifying leadership
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Finally put people's needs first
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Stop playing with our country's fate
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 National security and our economy depend on it
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 It's time to get things done and not wait
1-2-3-4 Open up the government's doors
5-6-7-8 Serve the people and cut out the hate
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
1-2-3-4 Open Up The Government's Doors
January 20, 2018
Fulfilling Dying Children's Wishes
I am just so impressed with this charity...the Make A Wish Foundation.
They grant the wishes of children diagnosed with terminal illness--and in the U.S. alone, they grant a wish every 34 minutes!
What nobler and giving act can there be, especially when it comes to an innocent child who never even had the chance to live their lives and try to make their dreams come true.
Whether it's letting the child meet a famous world wrestler and actor, John Cena (featured in the video above)--who has granted more wishes than any other celebrity in the history of the foundation--to taking a child to a special travel destination or helping them be that incredible superhero for a day.
Seeing the joy on the faces of these children--despite the pain of their illnesses and their dire situations--seems like one of the holiest and most incredible things that we can do.
I really want to acknowledge the famous people, like Cena and others, who take the time and effort to really give back--and with a loving and caring heart to these kids.
Again, there are truly good people out there--who don't just live for themselves--but who think about and give generously to others.
Life is not just about "I" but about all the people we can reach and uplift.
Cena isn't just a champion wrestler, but he has a champion heart.
And the Make A Wish Foundation is an incredible organization composed of thousands of incredible people doing righteous work that I believe makes G-d smile down at us from the Heavens above.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Fulfilling Dying Children's Wishes
Labels:
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