July 11, 2020
Super Cufflinks
These will definitely make you feel special.
Maybe like a quasi Superhero.
Some may think you're a little arrogant and all that.
But maybe you just are hoping to be super at whatever you do.
It's good to have an imagination and aspiration, and maybe a little sense of humor and fun.
As long as you don't let it go to your head or to your pompous a**. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumetnhal)
July 10, 2020
Yesterday a Dog, Today a Cat!
It only takes a day to change from a dog to cat.
Downs and ups of life.
Shabbat is the up, thank G-d! ;-)
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Yesterday a Dog, Today a Cat!
July 9, 2020
Man's Best Friend
Little fur ball.
Ready to play.
Love for the family.
A companion and friend.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Man's Best Friend
July 8, 2020
Controversy, Yet Agreement
One thing that we can probably all agree on:
Make Falafel Not War
Words to live by.
And to eat by. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Controversy, Yet Agreement
July 7, 2020
The Purge
PURGE the things that no longer bring PURPOSE!
Yikes! I wonder who or what got purged from this person's life recently.
Yet, perhaps it is a good lesson against hoarding and just accumulating junk (things and certain people) along the way of life.
When things have a deeply negative impact on your life (or they're just dead weight), perhaps it is time to consider letting go.
I'm not talking about relationships of commitment (e.g. family), which have a stronger and timeless bond in my mind, but of those that earn their right into your life by virtue of being ongoing positive, productive forces.
There is no blessing in gluttony or hoarding--stay trim and fit, travel light and with what is truly meaningful and necessary. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Purge
July 6, 2020
We Are Family!
Family means NOBODY gets left behind.
We take care of each other.
No matter what.
My father used to say:
Blood is thicker than water.
It's not just from the battlefield that we make sure to bring everyone home.
Home is where the heart is. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
We Are Family!
July 5, 2020
Targeting Israel: A Distraction From Real Threats
While the world unfortunately focuses again on Israel (a state the size of New Jersey), they continue to unfortunately be asleep at the wheel when Russia invaded Crimea and annexed it from a sovereign country of Ukraine in 2014, and again now in 2020 as China is taking critical steps that restrict freedom and human rights in Hong Kong.
The question is why we are constantly being diverted to blame and attack Israel and to not look at the real threats to world peace? Yet again, it’s another modern-day blood libel! While the superpowers play Risk with the world order, we should not be fooled by others trying to tell Israel what to do. Nothing should stop Israel from annexing the 30% of the West Bank under the Middle East Peace Plan that is vital to their lasting peace and security. Today is July 4th and the U.S. and Israel stand united in their commitment to that future.
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Targeting Israel: A Distraction From Real Threats
July 3, 2020
July 2, 2020
Forgot To Bring Blood
Lady pokes my arm, and nothing comes out.
She moves the point of the needle around and around-- still no blood.
She says: "Hey, it's your fault!"
I say:
You're right, no one told me that I was supposed to bring blood with me today.
She looks up and says, "Okay let's try the other arm!"
Then she spanks the arm...and I blurt out laughing, "hey do that again!"
Then poke, poke, and the blood easily fills a half dozen tubes.
She's said, "You see that worked!"
I said:
I only brought blood in my right arm today!
If I could read her mind: "Ok, get the F*** out of the office."
But she was nice and actually says, "You can get your results in about 3 days." ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Forgot To Bring Blood
July 1, 2020
When All The World Is Going Crazy
The best thing you can do is stay CALM.
- Calm is where good energy enters and bad doesn't.
- Calm is where rational thinking gets done.
- Calm is where positive action happens.
- Calm is where our inner faith is sustained.
- Calm is where we can inspire and lead ourselves and others to do good.
Calm is where we all yearn to be. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
When All The World Is Going Crazy
June 29, 2020
Tunnel of Luggage
No, tunnel of luggage.
Nothing comes out the same on the other side.
This is called bumps and bruises.
Still it's a long way to paradise. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Tunnel of Luggage
June 28, 2020
Too Much Violence
Physical violence.
Verbal violence.
Emotional violence.
When there aren't body sores.
There are emotional and mental ones.
So much suffering.
The silent masses.
Their doors close.
But behind them.
And outside.
In the chaos of the streets and on the subways.
You can see it in the eyes.
And hear it in their voices.
Maybe they are black and blue.
The people are troubled.
The world is insane.
The children are especially innocent.
The weak at the hands of the strong.
Anarchy reigns where G-dliness is absent.
Why? Why? Why?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Too Much Violence
June 27, 2020
The Only Fixer
I’m reading the famous book, The Fixer by Bernard Malamud. It’s about the horrible pogroms in Russia and the blood libels where the Jews would be ridiculously accused of sorcery and witchcraft, and the killing of Christian children for their blood to put in Passover matzah!
In short, hate and hurt can’t be excused because you can. Wielding power gives you authority, but also the extra responsibility. There is such a thing as acting justly. And then there isn’t. Usually, when someone is acting justly, they can explain themselves in a balanced, calm, and rationale way. It makes sense! When they are doing wrong, it’s usually extreme, abrupt, and ultimately inexplicable and therefore can’t be articulated. Hence, that’s the way it is, Fixer. Who is The Fixer? Again, I don’t care!
(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)
The Only Fixer
June 26, 2020
Recliner Stuck
After a bolt or two that must have hit our power line, ALL the power went out.
That was not fun when sitting in an La-Z-Boy electric recliner chair.
Where the f*** is the safety release on this thing when there is no power? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Recliner Stuck
June 25, 2020
Grass Not Always Greener
Instead the grass grows in beautiful multi-colors.
The grass art in this garden looks a lot better than the grass itself.
The only real green is money and envy!
When comparing your lot with others, make sure you're comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges.
Even then you'll never know the person's real "package" (or basket) in life.
Be sure that everyone has their share of good and bad, so never be jealous of anyone. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Grass Not Always Greener
June 24, 2020
Copper Pots, Pans, and Bowls
Copper Pots, Pans, and Bowls
June 23, 2020
Merry-Go-Round and Round
Merry-go-round and round.
Bobbing up and down, up and down.
Faster and faster and slower and slower.
Animal figures, colorful props, mirrors that reflect it all up.
Children smiling, children happy, what can be more satisfactory. ;-)
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
Merry-Go-Round and Round
June 22, 2020
Never Any Rest In Life
Dick's Sporting Goods was open, but still not much else.
It was refreshing to look around again.
Nearly all the bicycles were cleaned out with people forced to do their own exercise routines these days.
People walking around mostly like they were on Mars.
Had some restaurants with just their patios open and people are sitting outside in the good weather.
Also, some eateries open for takeout.
Best part is still nature, and all the closures have brought us back to it.
This turtle was tanning in the warm sun on the rocks and swatting the snake away with its rear foot.
Sort of funny that even a turtle can never get any rest in life. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Never Any Rest In Life
June 21, 2020
No Matter How Much You Prepare
Highly trained professionals (military and otherwise) with ALL the skills, experience, and confidence setting out to survive in the arctic, alone.
Each one thinks they can make it and outlast the others.
And watching these folks, you think to yourself, wow, these people can fish, hunt, build shelters, survive off of the land, and know how to survive.
Yet, usually well before 100 days, (virtually) all the contestants are out:
No matter how well prepared they are, life happens!
- They get hugely sick, often from the gross food they are eating.
-They fall down and hurt or break something.
- They cut or stab themselves.
- They lose one or more of their essential survival tools.
- They inadvertently burn down their own shelters.
- Animals steal their food or attack them.
- They starve and their bodies start to break down critical fat stores in their heart or other vital organs.
- They start to lose their minds from the lack of nutrition and mind-numbing loneliness.
It seems like no matter how well trained and prepared they are, they can't outrun, outwit, out-survive what life eventually throws at them.
Even the last person "standing" is still usually more dead than alive.
Anything other than self-control is ultimately an illusion.
Remember, life happens, and eventually everyone needs help from someone.
No man is an island even if you are living on one. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
No Matter How Much You Prepare
June 20, 2020
When We Were Kids
Many moons ago.
Television with rabbit ears in the background.
That's when we all we had were 4 stations ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS.
We called it the "Zombie Box" because you could just stay glued to it for hours and tune the world out mesmerized at the moving pictures.
Everyone knew what was on every station, every hour of the day and still there was a TV Guide published weekly to check.
When the TV went fuzzy, you had to give it a clop on the side and magically the picture cleared up for a few minutes if you were lucky.
Those were the days. ;-)
(Thank you to my sister, Roz, for refreshing a copy of this to me)
When We Were Kids
June 19, 2020
A Smooth Jazz Shabbat Shalom!
A Smooth Jazz Shabbat Shalom!
June 18, 2020
Freedom But Disparity
The freedom, rights, and opportunities we have is exceptional and enviable in the world and history.
But the disparity between rich and poor, majorities and minorities is grotesque.
On one side of the street are the mansions, and on the other are the slums.
One on side of the train station are those going off to work, and on the other side are the homeless lying in the gutter.
On one side of the scale are people fat with money and power, and on the other side are people hungry and decaying.
Wealth is overflowing for those that are the fortunate, but also corruption runs systematically deep.
This isn't an issue of political party, but one of the righteousness of men's hearts.
G-d watches and man disappoints, but the the future is still wide open. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Freedom But Disparity
June 17, 2020
Frog Ready To Spring
You can really see his leg muscles in action.
It's amazing all the different and wonderful creatures that Hashem has created.
Thank you G-d for this amazing world you have created for us. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Frog Ready To Spring
June 16, 2020
Just One Punch
It reminds of a childhood friend who was a fighter type.
Whenever somebody got on his nerves, he would bellow out in his machismo way:
I kill your whole family with one punch!
Honestly, it wasn't all that scary a threat even as it echoed.
But it was comical when everyone else would mimic the saying at the slightest annoyance.
Kids are people too, wakadoo wakadoo! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Just One Punch
June 15, 2020
C Stands For Couch
C stands for Couch.
And a big red one one it is.
Some blue chairs on the periphery.
And a little dot coffee table in the center.
The fake greenery on the wall is kludgy, but we know what they were trying to say.
Overall, a nice welcoming space. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
C Stands For Couch
June 14, 2020
Never Too Young To Train
The little boy holding his mom's hand and running around the track.
While many kids would cry and resist the exercise, this kid actually ran after his mom to go with her.
It was nice to see!
Never too young to train!
This is how excellence is born. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Never Too Young To Train
June 12, 2020
Defunding The Police Is STUPID!
This time to defund or dismantle the police!
While I am completely against corruption, racism, and police brutality, it is a BIG and STUPID mistake to hyper-generalize from some bad actors to the overwhelming number of good people that serve in law enforcement, who put their lives on the line to protect us everyday.
As with the health workers that protect us from Coronavirus and other horrible illnesses, so too with our police, we should be grateful for their protection and that they ensure some semblance of law and order and security in our society!
Yes the bad apples should be weeded out and punished, absolutely!
Also, after the latest incident with George Floyd, certainly reform is needed in terms of training and additional protections for the public.
But going alt-left crazy with proposals to defund and disband the police is completely over-the-top, irresponsible and destructive.
Hopefully, all the "normal" people out there will see the progressive folly for what it is and support the police in doing their critical mission, while also holding them accountable to do it with the integrity that they must. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Defunding The Police Is STUPID!
June 11, 2020
I'm Still Alive!
600 Holocaust Survivors and their descendants sing "Chai" (Life) by Ofra Haza.
Hope is not yet lost.
I live. I live. I live.
I cried my eyes out watching this.
The Jewish people not only survived the Holocaust as most of the world sat by and watched the genocide of six million men, women, and children with a soulless indifference, but G-d has kept his promise and restored the Jewish people and returned them to the Holy Land and made it flourish again!
(Thank you to my sister, Roz, for sharing this with me)
I'm Still Alive!
June 10, 2020
Her Bike, His Tires
The pink frame for her.
The blue tires for him.
This bike is unisex and a standout!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Her Bike, His Tires
June 9, 2020
Girl With Rose
Peace, happiness, and life. ;-)
(Credit Art: Rebecca Ochayon)
Girl With Rose
June 8, 2020
Holding Back The Tide
They are also standing the test of time.
We all need to push back against the tide when wrong is pushing forward.
Whether its corruption or violence.
Be like a rock!
Choose good over evil in every situation. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Holding Back The Tide
June 7, 2020
Prickly Like The People
Say or do something that rubs them the wrong way and you got a sharp aching thorn in your side.
Hence the saying about handling them with "kid gloves" made from fine soft kid leather.
Handle tactfully and with special consideration or else get stung badly and suffer the pain and consequences. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Prickly Like The People
June 5, 2020
We Have To Pray Just To Make It One Day
We pray.
We weep.
We bless.
We request.
We thank.
We only control what we say and do.
The rest is in G-d's merciful, blessed hands. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
We Have To Pray Just To Make It One Day
June 3, 2020
Still Fighting For Our Rights
I can not believe I still have to protest this crap!!
Just went you thought humanity (at least Western civilization) had mostly evolved past all the discrimination, biases, bigotry, prejudice, and racisms.
We arrive in time only to find out that HATE is still brewing in our societies and people's evil hearts.
What a shame--that we misinterpret what divides us as taking precedence over what unites us!
What a pity--that we misjudge people by the color of their skin, their race, their religion, etc. instead of by the worthiness of their deeds.
What a disgrace--that we mistreat our fellow man simply because they are different from us and in the most superficial of ways.
With all our scientific advances and technological progress, we are still in stone ages of the evolution of our humanity. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Still Fighting For Our Rights
June 2, 2020
You've Got To Do It
Imagine all the wonderful things that will never happen if you do not do them.
You've got to get up and get out there and try.
Never say never.
Success is within reach.
Rocky, Rocky, Rocky! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
You've Got To Do It
June 1, 2020
Our Cities Are Burning
Discipline equals freedom.
The opposite is true too:
From the violent riots across the country the last week, even a modicum of discipline has gone out the window, and with that comes a curtailment of freedom through deployment of the National Guard, Military, and imposition of curfews and more.
There was a time that peaceful protests led by leaders with integrity held sway...but now it's anarchy out there!
Today, the cities are burning, the stores are being looted, people are afraid, and our republic is being torn asunder by racism and filthy election politics. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Our Cities Are Burning
May 31, 2020
Freedom USA!
Vroom Vroom!
Super fun and a perhaps little more stability for your butt.
If the air is clear and the road empty, you can let the wind blow through your hair and the whole world go by.
F*** everything!
Life was made for living. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dossy and Andy Blumenthal)
Freedom USA!
May 30, 2020
A Neck Is Not Something To Step On
Justice for George Floyd!
Murder is murder.
While I greatly respect and admire our law enforcement for the difficult jobs that they have, police brutality and racism is not something that can be tolerated.
Our law enforcement is better than that!
Hold the responsible officers accountable, but also bring peace and civility back to our cities and streets. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
A Neck Is Not Something To Step On
May 29, 2020
Boots Of Many Colors
Boots Of Many Colors
May 28, 2020
Chag Sameach - Happy Shavuot!
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
Chag Sameach - Happy Shavuot!
May 27, 2020
The Nail That Stands Out
It gets hammered down!
Deviation from the norm or the groupthink is met with a resounding klop on the head.
You conform or you face the guillotine.
Way too dystopian.
Freedom, individuality, diversity, self-expression—these are the engines of innovation and growth.
If every nail gets hammered down, you have a society that implodes with inbreeders and Stone Age stale ideas.
Tradition is one thing, a closed mind is something that is an extinction level event. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Nail That Stands Out