(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 18, 2019
February 17, 2019
You Can't See Yourself
But what is really interesting to me is that when you stand in front of it (like I was literally doing here), you can't see yourself.
It made me wonder how you can look at yourself and yet not see yourself.
And I thought of this as being a bigger lesson in life.
When we are looking at ourself and there is a big donut whole in the mirror of ourselves then we are left blind to what should be reflecting back at us.
No matter how hard we try to see ourselves and what we are doing right and wrong, it's like a ghost out there--we are blind to it.
To really see ourselves, our heart and mind have to be receptive to seeing the full picture.
That means looking at ourselves as we really are, even when there seems to be a piece missing to the puzzle, and we have trouble being honest about what we see.
To change, learn, grow--to become a better person, we need to look full on and be willing to see what we will see.
You can't see yourself until you can. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 16, 2019
Getting Rid Of The "Farting Cows"
When politicians are extremists (Alt-left or -right) and want to get rid of "farting cows" and airplanes, then who knows what or who is next on their genocidal list (and with the elimination of cows being all too reminiscent of the notion of Jews going “like sheep to the slaughter.”)
Bigotry, hate and extremism is unbecoming of a Congressional Representative like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and they should be resolutely rejected-- it hurts an important environmental cause and needs to be rejected for the cows and for us. ;-)
(Source Photo: Pixabay)
February 15, 2019
Shabbat Shalom!
February 14, 2019
Diamonds Under Pressure
They said:
Pressure makes diamonds.
Diamonds are of the most beautiful and precious items in the world that we give to our loved ones as a symbol of our tremendous love for them.
Diamonds are crystals made of pure carbon that formed under high temperature and extreme pressure.
People too are often under extreme pressure in life from all sorts of demands and challenges whether it be work, family, threats, or illness.
But just like from pressure comes diamonds, so too can pressure make us from rough and imperfect human beings into smooth, polished, and spectacular people.
Rather than crack under pressure, we need to cope with it and let it strengthen us and shape us to be the gems we can be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 13, 2019
Colleagues That Care
When things got a little tough in the office, I came in the next day to 6 smiley faces lined up on my desk.
This is something that I really appreciate from some people:
Their HUMANITY.
Even though my colleague faced the same tough day, she was thoughtful of others and the impact on them (not herself).
There are some amazing people out there, and I thank G-d for putting them in my orbit. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 12, 2019
Beautiful Teapot (Just For Looking)
Love all the shapes--the pyramid base, the curly spout, the circular handle, and the little round ball at the top.
Like most nice things, it's too beautiful to actually use.
(Almost like a million outfits in my closet that I never wear, because I don't want to mess them up...)
This is where design trumps functions--and I would rather look at this and enjoy it as art more than drinking another cup of tea! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 11, 2019
The New Faces Of Hate
"It's all about the Benjamins baby".
"They forget what country they represent."
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated about Israel's defending their sovereign border with Gaza amidst terrorist organization, Hamas-led violent protests, terror attacks, and infiltrations into Israel:
"This is a massacre. I hope my peers have the moral courage to call it such. No state is absolved of the mass shooting of protesters."
"Silence" around the Palestinian cause "has been a little interesting to me."
Perhaps, the most concerning thing is where is the Democratic Party leadership in calling out these anti-Semitic hate-mongers in their ranks?
February 10, 2019
The Not So Civil Service
The Civil Service was not only a term, but also a reality filled with honor, dedication, and devotion to one's country.
Working for the Federal government meant interesting and exciting work opportunities not only defending our great nation, but in making it just and prosperous, and literally a beacon of freedom for the world.
While no one became rich working for the government, you could make a stable living, build tenure over your service, and finally receive a pension upon retirement.
Over the course of almost 20-years of my federal career, I have had the opportunity to serve in positions that I only could have dreamed about as a child, and to feel such pride in serving.
But it seems like times have taken a turn for the worse either willfully or through neglect:
- From Capitol Hill to the Executive Department, we see the extremus of polarization and endless obstacles to getting anything done.
- With each change in administration, aside from a change of leadership and direction at the top of each Department, the workforce is seemingly accused of subversion for the other side and turned on itself.
- Just recently, we've seen the longest federal government shutdown lasting 35 days and with hundreds of thousands of Federal workers required to work without pay at the time.
- We have also seen many years of pay freezes--with not even a meager cost of living adjustment (COLA), while the overall economy is booming!
- The pay for grades at the upper levels are hitting up against the Congressional limits with multiple pay steps being the same pay and no increase for career advancement or growth of responsibilities.
- Employees have been forced to endure the A-76 outsourcings, threats of disbanding entire agencies, demands to reduce the size of government, and hiring freezes even while serving a larger population requiring ever more services.
- There have been limitations on the power of employee unions, and an ongoing series of tightening of benefits from CERS to FERS and continuing thereafter requiring greater employee contributions and what feels like ever less benefit payouts.
- Staff are threatened with firing in a short(er) period of time for making a small number of mistakes to a host of "conduct" issues that may or may not be true, and may at times be the outcome of poor leadership rather than problematic employees.
- The system for employment grievances and judging these has gone without a quorum for the longest period on the books and the backlog of cases continues to build.
While no system is perfect, and there are bad apples on every side, there clearly seems to be a devolution of the federal service, and what this means for governing and for our defense and prosperity is yet to be fully felt.
For me, serving the Federal government has been one of the greatest honors and has been many of the best years of my life. My wish is for others going forward to have a positive and productive experience as well.
Perhaps with an appreciation and true respect for the millions of good men and women that serve our country--from the front lines to the back offices--we can once again create a system that is equitable, fair, and just and that inspires the world-class results we needs for our nation and our people.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 9, 2019
Choosing Good Over Vice
But yet, if everyone would just act out on each other based on their unbridled wants and desires, oy vey what a truly terrible world that would be...From uncontrolled desires for food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, honor, money, power, sex, and more–it seems like everyone has their little secret fetish. Whether it's coming from their head, their heart, or down below...the key questions is how much can they control themselves.
However, inside us, our soul, like the Ten Commandments in the Holy Ark, guide us so that we aren't just animals chasing game or tail, but are human beings trying to become angels.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 7, 2019
Birthing An IT System
You've got to get the requirements right.
Technical issues need to be resolved.
Dependencies have to be lined up.
Integrations need to work.
Design should be user-friendly and intuitive.
Change management takes real leadership.
And so much more.
A lot needs to go right for the project to be a success.
While of course, just one or two bad apples in the project equation can quickly make for a failure if not controlled for.
But you can't let it...the show must go on, progress is waiting to be made, and the systems need to be delivered for the benefit of the organization.
This is where real strength and determination by so many good people come in.
Keep moving things forward--one step at a time--don't stop!!!---another step and another--heave ho, heave, ho--until one day soon a beautiful and efficient IT system is born. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 6, 2019
State Of Our Politicians
But this morning, I still can't help thinking about the State of our Politicians.
The picture from Virginia governor, Ralph Northam medical school yearbook is outrageous, and yet he refuses to step down.
This didn't happen when he was kid, but as a responsible adult.
And even for those of us who believe in personnel change and forgiveness, there has to be accountability for something this callous, hurtful, bigoted and offensive.
What happened to our politicians being true patriots, looking out for our good and the best interests of our nation?
One lady said to a group of us last evening:
I know who I am going to vote for in the next elections, and it's NO ONE currently in political office!
To which another gentleman replied:
It doesn't matter who you vote for, a politician always wins.
Somehow, I still have faith that there are people who can rise to the occasion and be the leaders that they must be. ;-)
February 5, 2019
Not Caring or Worse
There are a lot of good people out there, but there are probably more in your orbit that simply don't care or worse.
You can have this problem or that.
If they even "give you the time of day," people will nod, tell you how sorry they are, and probably relate some of their own misery.
The good people try to see if and how they may be able to help.
The others really don't want to know, certainly don't care, and just see you as baggage in the way.
But everyone has their problems!
If only people could look with compassion on each other.
We all struggle with our demons in this world.
Of course, we can't let troubles get in the way of our doing what we need to do.
But people can make all the difference in just providing a compassionate ear and being willing to open themselves up to understanding others and helping each other or making reasonable accommodations so people can help themselves.
Listen, we all have our day--wouldn't it be nice to be that person who is kind and generous to others and have others treat us that way too.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 4, 2019
Monday Signs
February 3, 2019
Tag Lines Deliver
Unlike Your Boyfriend, We Deliver.
That certainly has a sharp bite to it, but you know what? It works.
Witty, funny, and maybe even true.
It's the old adage that "sex sells."
That's a delivery service that I'm sure many would nod their heads to. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 2, 2019
Moses' Handicap
In truth, we are all handicapped in one way or another. One person comes from a meager financial background, another has no education, and yet another has any of a host of physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Essentially, we all have something that rightfully can hold us back. But still G-d chooses us to do His bidding. Whether it’s leading the Jews out of Egypt or standing up and doing what’s right in situations that we are confronted with every day, we are asked to go beyond our handicap.
We can't let our handicaps prevent us from fulfilling our purpose in life--we need to meet the challenges head on with G-d's help. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 1, 2019
The Photo Every Man Fears
That is one mighty large scissors that lady is holding.
Uh, she looks a little commando-ish with the jump suit, cap, and sunglasses.
Is she ready for war or for punishing some bad men?
I don't believe there is a man out there that isn't spooked by this lady.
My *** hurts just looking at this. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 31, 2019
Respecting Native Americans
People claiming all sorts of racism and hate, and others saying nothing happened--usually the truth is somewhere in between.
In light of this, I wanted to share this awesome painting, and say we should absolutely respect the Native Americans and do everything we can to help them.
These are the indigenous people that were here long before we ever were, and let's just say that they suffered and lost a lot when the first Europeans arrived on these shores.
We are all G-d's children, and no one acting with integrity and peacefully should ever be mistreated or disrespected, no one! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 30, 2019
Slavery Touches Us All
Coming out of the museum, my daughter asked how anyone could actually do something like this to another human being. I had no answer to this...just like I have none to the Holocaust or any of the other incredibly cruel, sick, and wicked things that people do to each other.
Hopefully we can all have a brighter future without slavery and without genocide. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 29, 2019
How Some People Cope With Stress
Thought this was incredible.
Someone opened up a "Rage Room" in Maryland.
I know the atmosphere in D.C. is polarized and sort of toxic lately, and there is lot's of identity politics, obstruction, and even people hating on each other, but this really shows how things have degenerated.
And let's face it, it's not just the politics that people are stressed out about--how about stress from family, work, and bills. We're on 24/7 these days and a lot of stress can build up in people that way.
But now, people can actually pay money to go to into a room, wrap themselves in safety clothing, and spend their time smashing things.
Almost like when they put crazy people in a padded room in a straight jacket and let them hit their heads against the wall for a while.
In the Rage Room:
You can break 10 glass items for just $25!
Or throw in a medium printer in the starter pack and it's $35.
You can even BYOB (Bring Your Own Breakables) and have at it for $15.
Group packages and even gift cards are available.
Fun maybe, a little crazy for sure. ;-)
January 28, 2019
Welcome Back - Leadership and Donuts
Really impressed today going back to work after the 5-week Federal government shutdown...
And who is at the front gate, in the dark and freezing cold welcoming every single person back?
The director of the agency!
And not only that, but he is handing out morning donuts to the crew.
This was a truly spectacular display of leadership.
I've seen this only one other time in my 30-year career and that was at the Secret Service, where the director stood behind the dessert table at the agency holiday party serving out the ice cream.
Humility and giving are what true leadership is all about.
I am proud to serve under such leaders as these. ;-)
(Source Photo--not from today--by Andy Blumenthal)
January 27, 2019
@Sandy Spring Museum Music Jam
Impotency of our Democracy
The U.S. democracy is severely broken.
We are supposed to be "one out of many," but instead we are many out of one.
There is a tearing at our nation's fabric.
Resistance. Obstruction. Polarization. Gridlock. Shutdown. Identity Politics. Hating on each other. Can't get anything done.
Legislatively we're at an impasse.
It's not just the border wall...
- No full year (let alone multi-year) budgets for all Federal agencies.
- No Healthcare Fix
- No Immigration Reform
- No Education (STEM) Improvement
- No USA Infrastructure Bill
- We are losing our edge to a resurgent Russia and a China taking world stage militarily and economically.
Executive Branch has its hands tied.
Special Counsels. Congressional Inquiries. Judicial injunctions. Media Lynchings.
Alone. Thwarted. Unable to lead or act.
Presidential hand tied by mommy Pelosi and Daddy Schumer.
State of the Union cancelled.
Presidency is compromised in the eyes of every national competitor and demagogue in the world.
Without a strong leadership reestablished and permitted to act, we are running a very strong risk of losing our superpower status and becoming just another has-been nation.
Don't think it can't happen.
The three branches of the government should be working together and helping each other to strengthen our nation's survival, prosperity, and success.
If we don't stop the madness, then we will implode and it won't be a pretty or a happy day for anyone--Democrats or Republicans.
Last chance for E. Pluribus Unum. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 26, 2019
The Beauty Of Words
Before Amos Oz could read the words themselves (by sounding our the letters), he learned to read by shapes! Amazingly, he saw the words in a whole new way. The "S" in "Snake" looks like a snake. Similarly the "F" in "Flag" looks like a flag on a pole. Again, an "eye" looks like a pair of eyes with the bridge of a nose between them.
"Language arts" really is an art that is poetic in sound, meaningful in thought, and even beautiful to look at--no different than a work of art by Picasso or Mozart. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
January 25, 2019
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