November 28, 2019
November 27, 2019
Graffiti Art
Went to Wynwood Walls in Miami.
The art is just fantastic.
Better than the typical museum.
So creative.
So big.
So colorful.
So full of life.
They took a whole rundown neighborhood and made it cool and great.
On December 5, they will be opening the Museum of Graffiti.
Can't wait to go back and immerse myself in it! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Graffiti Art
November 26, 2019
A Song of Saul and David
Great song: David and Shaul from Ehud Banay's third album, ”The Third/Hashlishi”
The song is about the "bipolar" feelings of King Saul toward David (then the next king of Israel).
Here are the lyrics:
כולם מזמן הלכו לישון
רק שאול ער, קודר
מרים לדוד טלפון
נפשי אגם שחור
תביא איתך את הגיטרה
כי באצבעותיך אור
דוד בא מיד רגוע,
מתיישב ומכוון
את המלאכה היטב יודע
עוצם עיניים, מנגן
עשר אצבעות לדוד
קצה כל אצבע - קרן אור
כשהוא פורט על המיתר
הזמן זורם לו לאחור
קרבות בתוך בטנו
אוהב-שונא, ומקנא
מכור לחברו
השד חוזר להשתולל
סכין נזרקת באוויר
פתאום יש בין השנים קיר
דוד שוכח וסולח
כששאול מתקשר
קח אותי לכוכבים
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה
שיר געגועים
בוא שוב לנגן הלילה...
שיר געגועים...
A Song of Saul and David
Birds Dropping In For Lunch
Birds Dropping In For Lunch
November 25, 2019
Surfing USA Beach
Even when you fall down, you should always rise up again!
(Credit Videos: Andy Blumenthal)
Surfing USA Beach
November 24, 2019
Ferrari Motor Furniture
The first is a coffee table for the living room.
The second is half of a nice desk.
Both are made out of working Ferrari engines.
The coffee table goes for $50,000.
And the desk goes for $75,000.
I will told that this is a bargain based on what a working Ferrari engine goes for.
In a sense you can take your table for a spin around the block...LOL.
Truly the engine (and not just design of the car) is a work of art.
It merits being a centerpiece of your office or home. ;-)
(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Ferrari Motor Furniture
November 23, 2019
The Life and Legacy of Sarah
The Rebbetzin explained beautifully that when we live a good life, not only does our soul live on in the afterlife, but our good deeds continue to have an influence in this world even after we, ourselves, have passed.
We should never underestimate our influence in this world, and that what we say and do reverberates like concentric circles that spread out from the source farther and farther. Moreover, while you might not think that what you do matters all that much or is a big deal, you never really know the outsize impact that it can have. Therefore, even while Sarah had passed and Abraham mourned her, the truth is that her legacy of the great Jewish nation was only just beginning!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Life and Legacy of Sarah
November 22, 2019
Tuna Salad - Eating Healthy
When I broke my fast today, I had a healthy salad with tuna fish.
Dieting and eating healthy, and feeling good about it!
All the processed food is completely addictive and 100% poison!
Broke the addiction and I don't plan to go back to the corrupt food industry fools that don't care for atom about the people, but rather just the profits.
Fruit, vegetables fish, nuts, seeds, and tea.
The fleecing of America by all the processed food players--it's disgusting.
I'm detoxing and I am grateful to G-d for helping me through this and showing me the way! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Tuna Salad - Eating Healthy
November 21, 2019
Not WHO They Seem
But they are not all the same.
It's NOT a matter of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, etc. that is important.
But rather it's what is inside people's hearts.
Some hearts are pure in intent (even if not in every deed).
Others are sullied with hate and abuse of others just because they can.
But why hurt others when you can help them?
People are not all the same.
Inside they are different.
Luckily G-d looks at the inside; the outside is just the packaging. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Not WHO They Seem
November 20, 2019
Plea For A Wireless World
There has got to be a better way.
One day people are going to laugh their heads off at they way we did technology.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Plea For A Wireless World
November 19, 2019
Pool Poop Galore
It was very busy there with lots of people of all ages.
All of a sudden, I hear some screaming.
Then the guards come over and tell people they have to get out of the pool, pronto!
There's been an accident.
No, not someone getting hurt.
Someone had a bathroom accident in the pool.
The director of the pool is going around explaining to the inconvenienced swimmers that:
"Someone pooped in the pool."
Not exactly an eloquent way to say it, but it gets the point across.
What is worse, it was on the side of the pool where the adults were swimming!
Next come the lifeguards with the nets and they are literally scooping swathes of this sh*t out of the pool.
I see it literally spans almost a half length of this olympic pool.
What a crappin' mess.
Luckily I got almost all my swim in--yes, I am dedicated!
And then took a long hot shower with tons and tons of soap. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Pool Poop Galore
November 18, 2019
Types of Project Management Office
- Enabling (Supportive) — Provides best practices, templates, and tools “as needed,” and compliance is voluntary.
- Delivery (Controlling) — Adopts framework or methodology, policy, and repeatable procedures, and a certain level of the standards are enforced.
- Compliance (Directive) — Establishes strict standards, measures, and control over projects, and these are highly regulated.
A good place to start is with an enabling/supportive PMO and then progress to a more delivery/controlling model. Generally, a compliance/directive PMO is for more highly regulated organizations.
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal and concept via CIO Magazine and Gartner)
Types of Project Management Office
November 17, 2019
OPTIMISM vs pessimism
As Joel Rosenberg put it in his book The Ezekiel Option, "In the long run everything would turn out fine...but tomorrow could be a disaster."
In short, this equates to:
I'm a strategic optimist, but a tactical pessimist.
My mom used to say, "If I am pessimistic, I'll never be disappointed." LOL
I think though when we have faith then we know that truly, in the end everything is for the best and will be okay.
In the short term though, there are challenges to face and these can be tough indeed.
- Strategically an optimist.
- Tactically a pessimist.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
OPTIMISM vs pessimism
November 16, 2019
Avraham, The Ultimate Mensch
The Rabbi asked why did Hashem who is omnipotent even need to create us? And he answered because in G-d being the ultimate good, He “had to create us”—this in essence being the ultimate expression of good by sharing that goodness with us to learn and be good as well. In short, what could be a greater good than extending that opportunity to be be good to others.
Like our forefather, my Hebrew name is Avraham, and for me personally, this has been a critical life lesson: learning to see challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and consistently be a person that tries to do what is right even when it is hard or the lines seem to be grey. In the end, I believe that G-d put us in this world in order for us to choose good over evil and demonstrate kindness to others. With the Torah as our blueprint, and Avraham, our forefather, as our role model, we must apply the great teachings of the Torah and always strive to act as a proper mensch!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Avraham, The Ultimate Mensch
November 15, 2019
Pelican Shabbos
Shabbat Shalom says Leo The Lion.
Shabbat Shalom says the Gefilte Fish.
Shabbat Shalom says the Long Beak Pelican.
(Photo Credit: Andy Blumenthal)
Pelican Shabbos
November 14, 2019
D.C. Living
More like Florida.
All we need is a palm tree or two.
Plus a little pool in the back.
And we're good! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
D.C. Living
November 13, 2019
Weird Face Bag
Not a man and not an animal--it's some sort of beast.
It has a crazy face on it with a gnarly mouth and green bug-eyes.
Is it watching for pickpockets?
Wonder if it bites the hand that tries to go inside the purse.
I can't look at this thing anymore.
Make it go away! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Weird Face Bag
November 12, 2019
Spider Man D.C.
Spider Man, Spider Man, Does Whatever A Spider Can.
Veterans Day must be a great day to get your windows washed.
Or to spin a web of intricate proportions in D.C. politics.
Either way aside from the windows, what of significance is actually getting resolved in our partisan capital?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Spider Man D.C.
November 11, 2019
Artechouse = Art + Tech + House
This place was really cool in Washington, D.C.
Artechouse = Art + Tech + House.
Great immersive technology, art, music, dance, and light show.
Highly recommend it!
This exhibit "Lucid Motion" was by Japanese artist Daito Manabe X Rhizomatiks Research.
They also had a nice augmented reality display.
Had fun with the clan.
Hope you enjoy!
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
Artechouse = Art + Tech + House
November 10, 2019
Harriet And The Underground Railroad
Obviously, it was about Harriet Tubman and her rescuing the slaves through the Underground Railroad of secret routes and safe houses.
She was an amazing heroine that they even called her "Moses" for her rescuing the black slaves from the southern plantation where they were sorely abused in every way.
Even though she herself was a runaway slave who made it though a100 treacherous miles from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Freedom, she went back over and over again to save others.
The movie said she saved 70 other through the underground railroad and then in the civil war led the black troops to free another 750 slaves!
Her courage and faith through it all was truly inspirational.
I was so glad when she carried a gun and shot at her nemesis who enslaved her and her family before he could kill or capture and torture her.
She didn't kill him, but she told him in no uncertain terms that people were not meant by G-d to own and enslave other people!
We need more people like Harriet Tubman in the world who fight for what's right and clearly know the difference between good and evil. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Harriet And The Underground Railroad
November 9, 2019
Making The Impossible, Possible
Even though the Jewish people are a tiny minority in the world, through our faith, determination, and the help of G-d, we are able to survive against all odds, contribute to the world far beyond our mere numbers, and succeed in truly incredible ways. From Einstein, Freud, and Marx to Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison, we are a people that punches way above our weight.
I believe the lessons of faith and determination is one that we can all take away from the tests of our forefathers in the Bible to the flourishing modern State of Israel and to how we live our own lives today. G-d tests all of us, and if we go forward and answer His calling with a full heart and perseverance, G-d will help us to succeed above our wildest of dreams and even beyond the very laws of nature.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Making The Impossible, Possible
November 8, 2019
Chocolate Dreaming
"Chocolate Dream"
Chocolate cream, whipped cream, and chocolate cookie.
Now, how could that be bad?
Dreaming chocolate...
It reminds me of the other day when I saw someone daydreaming.
I said to him, "Are you okay?"
He replies, "I am far away!"
It sounded good, so I said, "Can you take me with you?"
Got a good laugh from him. ;-)
(Photo Credit: Andy Blumenthal)
Chocolate Dreaming
Righting Wrongs To Sephardim
The initial waves of Aliyah beginning in 1882 were driven by the persecution and pogroms, and later the Holocaust, in Europe. Thus, Israeli society initially built up their institutions and power centers around these Ashkenazi pioneers. Immediately after 1948, when Sephardic refugees were expelled from the Arab countries en masse, Israel was overwhelmed with as immigration influx that virtually doubled the Jewish population in Israel in the first three years of its existence. Unfortunately, the newly arrived Sephardim were relegated to a substandard housing and economic situation, which then persisted for many decades.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Righting Wrongs To Sephardim
November 6, 2019
Beautiful Moroccan Chandelier
Thought this really adds life, color, and culture to any room.
I love the mosaic of glass pieces and their vibrant colors and interesting shapes.
Set into the brass holders this stunning chandelier is a standout and lights up not only the room, but also perhaps even our lives. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Beautiful Moroccan Chandelier
November 5, 2019
Hearts and Stones
There are people with hearts of stone, and there are stones with hearts of people.The people know who they are, and the stones reside where has G-d set them.
In the final redemption, the peoples' hearts will turn back to Hashem and the stones with hearts will rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Hearts and Stones
November 4, 2019
Prevent Problems From Becoming Crises
I heard this saying and thought it was good:
Problems that are left unattended have a habit of becoming crises.
I suppose problems exist for us to confront and deal with them, so we can grow ourselves.
- There is no running from problems.
- There is no hiding from problems.
Problems can follow you with better than laser-guided GPS and they will find you out.
The only option is it face the challenge head-on and the earlier and more productively the better. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Prevent Problems From Becoming Crises
November 3, 2019
Key Federal Financial Management Terms
- Authorization: Act of Congress that permits Federal programs or activities to exist and recommends funding levels.
- Appropriation: Act of Congress to provide Federal agencies with budget authority to obligate government to future outlay of cash for a specific purposes and period of time.
- Commitment: An administrative reservation of funds by the financial controller or resource manager triggered by a procurement or purchase request.
- Obligation: A legal reservation of funds that binds government to future expenditure and outlay of cash from the Treasury triggered by the signing of a contract, travel order, credit card transaction, etc.
- Expenditure: Issuance of a payment disbursement by electronic funds transfer, check, etc.
- Outlay: Payment of cash from Treasury to vendor to liquidate a financial obligation.
Key Federal Financial Management Terms
November 2, 2019
Pyramid of Emotional Intelligence
It starts at the bottom with your own personal self-awareness--knowing who you are, including your beliefs, values, priorities, needs, and dreams, and being able to express this.
Next level is your personal self-control--being able to manage your feelings, control your actions, and cope with challenges and adversity.
Moving to the social level is then social awareness--having a consciousness and respect of others, their feelings, thoughts, motivations, needs, desires, and rights.
Finally, at the top is relationship management--the ability to actively listen and empathize, assert and influence, be patience and unconditionally accept differences, develop trust, give and take, collaborate, and manage conflict.
Most people work on developing these areas of the EI their whole life, and it is definitely a pyramid worthy of the climb. ;-)
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Pyramid of Emotional Intelligence
November 1, 2019
Give Me That Fridge Handle
A cause for celebration!
It get's delivered and afterwards, I notice that the door handles are installed unevenly.
I call the store and they agree to send their guys out to us again to fix it.
Well, the handles were on the wrong doors and they switch it so that now they look even, but in the process, they break the handle on one of the doors so that only the top is attached to the door and the bottom is blowing in the wind (and ready to scratch the door).
With this second installation debacle, I call the store again and not a happy camper!
Three calls later, the store agrees for me to come over and literally take the handle of the fridge on the showroom floor to replace my broken one--which I promptly did!
Third times the charm...no more broken door handle.
As for the one in the store, let's just say you can only open the left door for now. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Give Me That Fridge Handle
October 31, 2019
Square Watermelons
A square watermelon.
Why do you need a square watermelon?
It was created to make transportation easier and to fit on the tight shelves of small stores in Japan.
How do you make a round/oval watermelon square?
Why of course, you put a box around it while it's still small and on the vine.
Ah, I think they broke the mold on this innovative idea. LOL
The problem is that that because they are harvested before they are ripe, they are inedible.
So the Japanese use them for decorations, and they can last about a year.
They are so unique, they cost roughly $100 for one.
Why be square, when you can be round? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Defense Acquisition University)
Square Watermelons
October 30, 2019
Healing The Spine
From the top:
Normal DiscThe spinal disc was described to me as a jelly donut between the vertebrae.
Degenerative Disc
Bulging Disc
Herniated Disc
Thinning Disc
Disc Degeneration with Osteophyte Formation
The jelly can bulge in the disc or actually herniate/rupture and spill out pressing painfully against the nerve--that's the scary red that you see!
The disc degeneration and osteophytes are also a pretty frightening looking deterioration of the disc and cartilage.
No wonder
- "31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time...[and] back pain is the single leading cause of disability."
- And "80 percent of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lifetimes...[and] leading contributor to missed workdays"
When we have our health, we don't always realize how incredibly fortunate we are. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Healing The Spine
October 29, 2019
Robot Warriors Kick Human A*s
This is one incredible parody video of what robotic warriors of the future will be able to do.
The robot takes an incredible beating and never misses a shot!
They even hit him numerous times with a battering ram for Pete's sake.
Also, amazed that none of the actors in this video ended up taking a bullet or two.
Wow, the future is going to be amazing. ;-)
(Thank you to my wonderful son-in-law for sending this to me)
Robot Warriors Kick Human A*s
October 28, 2019
Card Ya
They have a digital calendar with the date from 21 years ago.
It says:
To Purchase Tobacco Products You Must Have Been Born On Or Before This Date.
Thank you for showing you I.D.
Ah, easy to match the DOB on the I.D. presented to the date on the calendar.
Nothing to calculate, no mistakes.
They raised the age for smoking (cigarettes and vaping) in Maryland to 21 on October 1, so it's the same requirement as for drinking alcohol.
Luckily for me (even though I'm over 21), I don't really do either--definitely not the smoking, and the drinking limited primarily to the Kiddush prayer on Shabbat. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Card Ya
October 27, 2019
You're Driving Me Nuts
Homer is mad as h*ll and has Bart by throat!
Bart is screaming for help.
It so funny how art imitates life.
Where people drive others $%#&^*)* crazy.
And the other person just wants to wring their freakin' neck.
Yeah, this never really happens. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
You're Driving Me Nuts
October 26, 2019
Don't Trust Your Gut Alone
The truth is, following one’s gut feelings alone is a way to avoid confronting or dealing with real data about what’s going on. While it’s true that information can be tough to get as well as to interpret, we certainly have to look not only at people’s words, but also at their deeds. We have to see them over an extended period of time, so we see whether there is consistency and if their integrity holds up under different situations and stressors.
We have hearts and minds and we need to make sure we are using both in making important decisions. Otherwise, see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil—and what do you think you are precisely going to get?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Don't Trust Your Gut Alone
October 25, 2019
Sizzle Is Not Steak
It was about how the stock brokers all too often hawked hot stocks to their unsuspecting and foolish clients:
You sold the sizzle, not the steak!
Wow, isn't this all too often what happens with products and services in the marketplace?
People get you hyped up on all the excitement of something.
The latest and greatest widget or whatever.
It's gonna revolutionize the world!
Even when the thing itself may not be all that it's cracked up to be.
Or in fact, it may be a complete dud!
But whatever sells goes, unfortunately, whether it's right or wrong
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle.
Doesn't that sizzle really make you want to buy the steak?
The Greater Fool Theory in full blossom. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Sizzle Is Not Steak
October 24, 2019
Can't Sit, Can't Stand
I literally cannot sit or stand without shooting pain.
When I sit, it hurts the lower back so much to get up.
And when I stand, all I want to do is relieve the pressure and sit down.
I feel like the warning from G-d in the Torah where He says (Deuteronomy 28:67):
In the morning you will say '"If only it were evening!" and in the evening "If only it were morning!"The only real relief so far is lying down or going in the pool.
Planning to see the doctor to check it out and hopefully with G-d's mercy it will be better very soon. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Can't Sit, Can't Stand
October 23, 2019
When Do We Get The Replicators
Not sure that we're nearly there yet in terms of the Star Trek vision for the Replicators that could make food and other items on demand.
But things are slowly taking shape.
Someone wake me up when I can order up a pizza from this thing. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
When Do We Get The Replicators
October 22, 2019
The Red Door
Love the red.
Love the spikes on the door.
Would like a little tougher handle on this.
But overall that's a door! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Red Door
October 21, 2019
3 Types of Dumping
"No Dumping"
Dumping can refer to at last 3 different types of things and none of them are any good:
1) Dogs - When people are inconsiderate with the animals and they take a "dump" and people don't clean up after them (leaving the messy stink for you to step in).
2) Trash - When people throw their trash in the dump or what they consider to be a convenient dumping ground and they make a huge mess of the surroundings (like the used mattress on the side of the road).
3) Emotions - When people dump their emotions and problems on others; they just sort of let it all out and while they may feel better (i.e. a nice catharsis), now you feel like sh*t!
Overall, I can't think of any good connotation to dumping, so maybe people should stop doing it--dogs, trash, and problems. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
3 Types of Dumping
October 20, 2019
Having Each Other
Incredibly painful.
Difficult getting up from sitting or laying position.
Today, I was trying to walk it off a little.
One of my kids was walking with me taking good care of me.
We ran into a neighbor.
She was nice and asked about what happened.
I told her in brief and said how grateful I was for my daughter taking me for a little walk while I try to heal with G-d's help.
She smiled and said how lucky I was (which I acknowledged).
I asked if she had any kids, thinking that she did.
But she goes to me:
I have no one!
I was a little surprised that she didn't have anyone and how she said it.
I sort of repeated it quizzically.
She goes:
Well I did have a cat but she was 19 years old and I had to put her down.
I felt really bad for her, especially since I know she had an operation this last year and is planned for another one coming up.
I said that we're her neighbors and friends and that she can call on us whenever she needs someone.
This whole thing just made me so upset--no one should be so alone.
I really pray that G-d has mercy on his children and that no one should be alone and that we should all have caring and loving people around us always. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Having Each Other