Photo of fish in tank at restaurant.
Almost looks like the fish is floating through the air.
Is he next on someone's plate?
Don't worry Ms. Fish, all will be tasty and well! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 22, 2021
April 21, 2021
April 20, 2021
Demeaning Candlestick Holders
It figures that an extremely rich person would have candlestick holders like this.
They think it's ok to have your "personal servants" bring you and hold your lights.
Even as they are in spiritual darkness enslaving their fellow human beings.
No, their not helping people by giving them a (shitty) job even as they routinely mistreat them.
Where are people's (screwed up) brains?
The wealthy often actually believe they are entitled to their grossly extravagant lifestyles.
Wait they they come back in the next life and they'll see what they are entitled to! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 19, 2021
How Many Is Too Many?
April 18, 2021
Do Three Eyes Help Us See Better?
April 17, 2021
Israel Is Tops
In just 73 years, with G-d’s miraculous help, we have a Jewish State that is top-ranked in the entire world: Israel is ranked overall #30 in Best Countries in the World.
In our 4,000 year history as a people, we suffered long and painful exile at the hands of the Babylonian and Roman Empire, but then in 1948, we were given another miraculous chance for the Jewish State of Israel. So far, we are doing great by all measures; now we have to make sure to keep it up for good.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 16, 2021
Life Is A Big Blue Circle
April 15, 2021
Wow Fast Cars
April 14, 2021
Rubber Ducky You're The One
April 13, 2021
Comfy Legs
Cross, uncross, cross.
Of course, the dress pants and shoes aren't so comfortable.
Do clothes really make the wo/man?
Here, there's no real clothes or should I say person to speak of.
Clothes is better than a fig leaf for Adam and Eve.
Much of clothing is just "look your best" and try to "feel good" vanity.
The soul is what really makes the person. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 11, 2021
Never A Doubt: Not An Inch
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Never A Doubt: Not An Inch."
In an effort to make peace with the Palestinians, some perhaps well-meaning politicians have attempted to negotiate to give away parts of the holy land of Israel, and this is a big mistake. In contrast to these politicians and some diehard “peaceniks” (i.e. who believe in peace at almost any cost), there are many people in Israel, from Zionists and nationalists to settlers, messianists, and the religious who maintain a deep underlying faith that the land of Israel, in its entirety, belongs to the Jewish people. Moreover, they trust that our current and miraculous possession of Israel, after 2,000 years of exile, is anchored in our transition from helpless, stateless, and victimized Jews to instead those of self-reliance, bold action, and faith in the Almighty that we are living in the times of redemption and Mashiach.
It’s not easy to stand firm in the face of delegitimization, boycotts, terrorism, and even war. For Jews, it’s a matter of faith over fear. If we have faith that G-d has brought us back to Israel and that he will not forsake us, then we will neither fear the absurdly biased resolutions of the crooked United Nations or the nations and their terror proxies roundabout that have sought our destruction. In the end, G-d decides, and not man, the fate of Israel and its people, and let it be for blessings only.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 9, 2021
April 8, 2021
Hollow Eyes
April 7, 2021
Her Name Is Coco
April 6, 2021
Gorilla Glass For Smartphones
April 5, 2021
The Bombs Will Fall On Iran’s Nukes
Since Iran has rejected any new negotiations or participants to the Iran nuclear deal, we must assume that the flaws of JCPOA will not be resolved and that Iran’s existential threats remains unabated. Further, Iranian elections this coming June 2021 are forecasted to bring more dangerous Iranian hardliners to power. Therefore, regardless of whether the US reenters the deal with Iran now, it will only mean a short term stopgap for restrictions placed on the Iran’s dangerous program for weapons of mass destruction. The end game for the Ayatollahs has not changed in gaining nuclear destructive capability and threatening Israel, the Sunni Muslim states, and the western world with this.While reentering the Iran nuclear agreement buys the world some time, and not that much frankly, the US, Israel, and other key allies will need to continue planning in earnest for what comes after the failings of the JCPOA deal, and that will most assuredly bring us back to the massive and devastating bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities with the Mother of All Bombs (MOABS) and other highly advanced weapon systems fitted for this.
April 3, 2021
He Ain't Heavy
Reminds me of the song:
"He ain't heavy, he's my brother!"
For some reason, I remember the children back in the day (I grew up at the height of the feminist movement) saying instead: "She's my brother."
I used to think what the heck did that mean?
20/20 hindsight, but I guess a spoof on gender roles already many moons ago.
Now I hear identity as he, she, ze/zir.
Either way, the person ain't heavy. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 2, 2021
Climbing Up, Falling Down
All paths up are different.All paths down are the same.
Climbing up is challenges and we all have to find our determination, strength, and skill to make it up rung after rung on the ladder of life.
Falling down is when the sh*t hits the fan and the walls come crumbling down and we freefall into the abyss.
The key as we usually learn early in life when we take our first falls is to quickly get back up (on the horse).
Life is never just smooth sailing.
It's not meant to be.
You wouldn't learn or grow if it was.
Be prepared for the occasional fall from grace, and get your tushy back in the saddle and ride again. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 1, 2021
Will It Drive Again
March 31, 2021
Covid Ultimate Mr. Clean
Not as good looking as the muscular bald guy.
But I have a feeling this colorful character gets the job done.
I wonder if Mr. Clean was transformed into this guy after he took the vaccine!
I had the first dose yesterday, and I'm feeling horrible today.
Hopefully, it will all be worth it. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 29, 2021
Kustom Cars
What a cool car!
Engine revving and the belts and pistons turning high up in the air.
And the the rest of the car, the body, couldn't get any lower to the ground (not even John Belushi in The Blues Brothers)
As it was driving, the metal was scraping along the street.
I wondered how it was that the pieces didn't actually pull/fall off the car.
The thing has got to be pretty solid despite the rusty looks.
This guy was getting quite a bit of attention along the beach.
Isn't that the point. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 28, 2021
Walk Fort Lauderdale Beach
Eleven minute walk along Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Crazy during Spring Break!
This country in between crises letting off steam amidst:
- Multitude inner city shootings
- Racism and violent riots
- Anarchy at the Capitol
- Our sovereign borders being overrun
- Chaotic Covid pandemic
- Ridiculously out-of-control spiraling national debt
- Deteriorating relations with superpowers Russia and China
- Nuclear escalations with Iran and North Korea
- Another horrible election
Who will save this country from itself? ;-)
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
March 27, 2021
In The Hands of Heaven
From Passover, we learn the Egyptians didn’t earn the riches, but built their wealth on the backs of the starving people of the world and of course that includes their Israelite slaves. As the Egyptians gloated on their arrogance, power and wealth, eventually the Master of the World showed them who is really boss. All the money, materialism, fancy titles, and honors are all just fleeting. In Hashem resides the glory and He has the say over who gets what and when.G-d can redeem 600,000 men, women and children, and a large mixed multitude of people with them and very many flocks and cattle in the Exodus and to Him, it’s just another day on the throne of Heaven. In our own times, we have experienced a miraculous redemption from the death camps of Europe, and have returned like the Israelites to the Promised Land of Israel. G-d decides then and now what the plan is and how it unfolds, and everything we have is by G-d’s grace, and these are Seder lessons worthy of celebrating.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Staying Centered
I tried something new in the pool to tread water using the minimum energy.
At first, my body resisted and I started to flail with my arms and legs.
But then, I centered my mind and started to control my breathing.
My deep focused breaths raised my body above the water almost by itself.
My arms and legs relaxed and just was there for support.
It felt so good to be in a better state of self-control and mindfulness.
Always need to try and keep the mind still, centered, and in control of the body.
Focus, focus, focus! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 26, 2021
The Fallacy of Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a failure waiting to happen.
It is being sold as a hedge against not only inflation, but also doomsday!
However, Bitcoin is not gold which can be sold or bartered in a true doomsday scenario.
Bitcoin is a digital cryptocurrency and as such it is dependent on technology.
In a doomsday scenario, there is a great chance for the interruption for extended periods of time of our technical infrastructure whether through terrorism, war, cyber attack, or an electromagnetic pulse.
Even with Blockchain distributed ledger, there is a high probability that you will NOT be able to access or trade Bitcoin from any digital wallet if the infrastructure is severely or broadly damaged.
Your gold watch, ring, or coins will still hold value as currency, but your Bitcoins will be useless!
If you think losing your password to access Bitcoin is a problem, what happens where you can't access the Internet.
A digital doomsday is not as far fetched as you may think and the vulnerability of Western Civilization, in particular high-tech countries like America have much at stake.
If you think Bitcoin will be your hedge again a major disruption in our way of life you are caught in the greater fool theory. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Pixabay)
March 24, 2021
Dress To Express
I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone where something like this before.
But I'd like to!
It seems colorful, bold, and exciting.
The awesome cartoon makes it youthful and alive.
We need to be more expressive, unique, and alive.
There is only one life to live, and it passes too quickly. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 23, 2021
Mr. Golden Sun
March 22, 2021
Lips on Display
March 21, 2021
Sheep No More
In thinking about sacrifices as animal substitution for consequences to man, we can also reverse this logic to explore what sacrifices can teach us about consequences to man in their relationship to the Jewish people. In this particular case, I am thinking about Jewish responses to those who desire to be our friends and want to build kind and productive relationships with us or the opposite, to our enemies, who seek to persecute, attack us, and make the Jews their korban, victims.In short, traditional korbanot in the Temple can teach us not only about how animals can substitute for people in our sacrifices to G-d for thanksgiving, communion, and acknowledging of consequences and teshuva (repentance) for our wrongdoing, but also how the Jewish people can relate to the nations of the world in everything from full peace, positive engagement, acts of guilt and sin against us, and even full-fledged war. Sacrifices teach us that while peace is always the desired state and fiery war a last resort in our self-defense and preservation, we know that after thousands of years of anti-Semitism, persecution, and Holocaust, we are no longer the sacrificial lamb on anyone’s Temple altar.
March 19, 2021
Graffiti Over Urban Blight
It's a city in gross decay and it needs help.
"This land is your land. This land is my land."
This land needs a serious helping hand.
A wealthy country where "the roads are paved in gold."
But the inner cities are crying out in poverty, crime, and neglect. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 18, 2021
Appreciate Who You Have In Your Life
Thought this was a brilliant depiction of appreciating the invaluable people in our lives.
You don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore.
Often, people become lazy in their relationships or they stop appreciating what/who they have--we end up taking them for granted, not paying them our loving attention or worse mistreating them.
But one day, those people won't necessarily be there for us anymore.
That's when our eyes are opened to what we've done, but then it's too late to go back and undo the mistakes we made.
One good friend told me that marriage is not like Hollywood; it's not all loving all the time:
"There are good days and bad, but it's better to have 5 even really bad days a month with your partner than 30 bad days a month by yourself, alone."
Don't wait until it's too late to love and care for your spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.
Eventually, the clock runs out and regret won't bring anyone back.
(Source Photo: Millionaire Tutor via Facebook)
March 17, 2021
Fiery Star of David
Saw it on Facebook and thought it's really dazzling!
Man, we're on fire and in a good way--rebirth after the horrors of the Holocaust, redemption to and flourishing of the Promised Land of Israel, and what looks like many more incredible things to come.
Hence, my reading of the three stars: our past, present, and future.
G-d's plan for the world is happening, and it's hopefully very bright indeed. ;-)
March 16, 2021
@Lake Needwood
March 15, 2021
Vibrant Fashion Colors
Wow, what a vibrant fashion display of color at Macy's!
This is bold.
This is fun.
This is exciting.
This is alive.
We're coming from the Covid dead back to the pre-pandemic life!
Take out your stimulus checks and get ready to spend.
There is still hope for humankind. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 14, 2021
Preparing for The Third Temple
In essence, the Jewish Temples have been not only physically buried over, but also the site has been historically Islamicized despite the Temple Mount’s intrinsic holiness to all three major religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism). In short, this is a very sensitive issue that is likely anchored in facets of intolerance and religious rivalry, as well as pretenses of superiority and dominance, rather than ultimately on the shared connection we have through both our genetic and spiritual lineage as Abraham’s decedents.We absolutely want to have a peaceful and productive coexistence with all people, but just as Israel has risen from the Valley of Dry Bones, so too the day is coming soon when the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt in shinning glory and we can worship G-d just as we did in times before. What will be special about the 3rd Temple is that it will not only be for the Jewish people, but for all the world’s people to come together harmoniously to recognize and worship the one true and faithful G-d of us all. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 11, 2021
Where Have All The Heroes Gone?
When we had heroes in the real world there were also superheroes on television, movies, video games, toys, and more.
But alas leadership in our times has seriously fallen short.
Who is there to really look up to as a model for us to respect and follow?
It seems like everywhere these days we are confronted by:
- Failing leadership
- Poor decision-making
- Party politics
- Obstructionism
- Finger-pointing
- Fraud, waste, and abuse
- Bullying and sexual harassment
- Bribery and kleptocracy
- Big time narcissism
There are few if any heroes these days!
It's sad for us as well as for our children.
I hope we see Batman and Superman and other superheroes again: strong in the physical sense but primarily a symbol for strength of character/integrity and for the fight of good over evil in this world.
The void is painful for our times and is going to impact our near term future as well. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 10, 2021
Fashion Masks
March 9, 2021
Purple Octopus
March 8, 2021
This Fish Can Swim
March 7, 2021
The Beauty of Women
Simple yet elegant.
Mysterious yet familiar.
Intense yet tender and caring.
Thoughtful yet expressive.
Dark yet full of light.
Natural yet sensual.
Fantasy yet reality.
A best friend, a partner, a lover.
Together a home. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 6, 2021
Royalty On An Elephant
This princess in a beautiful overflowing pink gown.
Riding on a golden throne on the back of an huge elephant.
The elephant with white tusks is covered in royal red robes with a blue, green, and orange emblem of a serpent.
Fairy tale maybe, but this seems so real to me.
I want to wave and jump up and down and say, "your majesty!" ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 5, 2021
The ICC: Latest Salvo In The War Against Israel
From Palestinian riots to revolts, from Palestinians engaging in a civil war against Jews to the Arab League nation-states waging an all-out war against Israel, from Palestinian organized terrorism to raging intifadas, from the Palestinians driving United Nations resolutions to International Criminal Court investigations of Israel, the Palestinians are waging an endless war against Israel, rejecting numerous offers of peace for their people’s autonomy and self-determination.Through never-ending Palestinian rejection of one peace proposal after another, and instead choosing to have “all or nothing” of Palestine, the Palestinians have embraced armed and violent struggle as well as economic, political, and judicial warfare against Israel. Unfortunately, the Jewish people will need to continue in their ultimate struggle for survival. After 2,000 years of Jewish exile, and suffering under incessant persecution, inquisitions, expulsions, pogroms, the Holocaust, even now with the State of Israel, the one Jewish homeland and our refuge, the attacks continue against us from Palestinians choosing to wage an endless, bitter war instead of looking to make a lasting, beautiful peace.
(Credit Photo: Pixabay Free Images)
March 3, 2021
Artful Window
March 2, 2021
Cycling In Multicolor
Something about this drawing at a local kosher restaurant really stood out.
The weird cycle with the exaggerated extra big wheel in front.
The crazy looking skinny bodied person with long arms and legs and wild hair sitting on top.
The bright green, blue, orange, and yellow colors.
It just made me laugh at the whole thing.
It's not exactly art, but it sort of is. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 1, 2021
Lots of Lenses
So many prescription strengths.
Trial and error to figure out what is the right one.
Hold it up to your eye or flip it into the machine.
How's things looking now?
A little stronger, no a little weaker.
Wait, stronger.
No, weaker.
Ah this is nuts.
How can I even see what the heck I am choosing.
Seeing is believing. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 28, 2021
Incredible Horses and Wagon
Wow, thought this was an incredible horses and wagon.
I love how the artist raised the path, so you could see the difficulty of traveling like this.
And the sculpture is so intricate and detailed.
Truly lifelike and makes you feel the times.
In the Wild West, like in the "Old Country" people kept chugging along, even when life was difficult and often miserable.
Not sure how they did it. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 26, 2021
It’s Never About Luck
Today is Purim, when we celebrate the Jewish victory over the evil Haman and his conspiracy to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire. Haman drew a lottery to determine what he thought was a fortuitous day, the 13th of Adar, to murder the Jewish people and pursued this plot through a decree by King Achashverosh. But as we know, G-d made miracles through Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, and Haman and his ten sons ended hanging by the noose that he built for Mordechai.
This has been my personal experience as well, as I can see both now and in 20/20 hindsight that there is a definite Divine method and not just a world of random chance and madness.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 25, 2021
Teach Me To Fish
February 24, 2021
Silly Pink Rabbit
Maybe it's good luck for procreating, since rabbits are known to be specialists at it.
Also people like to carry a rabbit's foot for good luck--where did that practice come from?
If the rabbit lost his foot and it's in your pocket then it doesn't seem like it was very good luck to the rabbit to begin with!
Who knows maybe it's the Easter Bunny?
Honestly, aside from Bugs Bunny
What's up Doc?
And the cereal commercial about:
Silly Rabbit, Trix are for Kids!
I'm not sure who needs a six foot pink rabbit anyway. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 23, 2021
Meatballs Piled High
Probably goes well with some nice long spaghetti and saucy sauce.
Mix it up and serve it steamy hot.
Around the table, everyone dig in.
Oops, don't spill the sauce on your shirt.
Keep some Tums around for any after effects.
It's hearty meatball and spaghetti night. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
