March 29, 2021
Kustom Cars
March 28, 2021
Walk Fort Lauderdale Beach
Walk Fort Lauderdale Beach
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)
In The Hands of Heaven
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)
Staying Centered
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)
The Fallacy of Bitcoin
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)
Dress To Express
March 23, 2021
Mr. Golden Sun
Too bright to look at it.
It enlightens our whole world.
The warm glowing sun is life.
Cold empty darkness is death.
Light drives out the dark.
We need more light in this world. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Mr. Golden Sun
March 22, 2021
Lips on Display
And under it, is says:
Lip Bar
What's a lip bar?
Uh, Chapstick and lip gloss!
Just give your customers a kiss and don't charge them a copay today. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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.
Sheep No More
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)
Graffiti Over Urban Blight
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)
Appreciate Who You Have In Your Life
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. ;-)
Fiery Star of David
March 16, 2021
@Lake Needwood
Lake Needwood last Sunday.
Seems so calm and peaceful.
And unfortunately then comes the storm. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
@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)
Vibrant Fashion Colors
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)
Preparing for The Third Temple
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)
Where Have All The Heroes Gone?
March 10, 2021
Fashion Masks
For the end of the world.
If not Covid then for the next big one!
You want to look you best when the world is destructing.
Always look your best! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Fashion Masks
March 9, 2021
Purple Octopus
Cutest Bath Toy!
Purple Octopus (that looks a lot like Barney the dinosaur).
Silly face with big eyes and tongue.
Catches toy rings on his legs.
Floats and shares the tub with you! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Purple Octopus
March 8, 2021
This Fish Can Swim
Wherever it swims, it makes you look.
Handsome little fish!
That spike in its bottom looks like it must hurt a little.
But this fish is not for catching and eating, but for looking at only. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy blumenthal)
This Fish Can Swim
March 7, 2021
The Beauty of Women
The Beauty of Women
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)
Royalty On An Elephant
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.
The ICC: Latest Salvo In The War Against Israel
March 3, 2021
Artful Window
This is a special window.
Blue and white flowers around it.
Surprised no one thought of that before.
A window isn't just to look out of from inside, but also decor to marvel at from the outside.
Windows work two-ways! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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)
Cycling In Multicolor
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)
Lots of Lenses
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)
Incredible Horses and Wagon
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)
It’s Never About Luck
February 25, 2021
Teach Me To Fish
This photo is perfect with the quote:
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Please G-d, we should all learn to fish and pay it forward to others to teach them as well. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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)
Silly Pink Rabbit
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)
Meatballs Piled High
February 22, 2021
Happy Living Room
I like this painting by Deb Yager.
I call it, Happy Living Room!
Love the blues and pinks and green and other images (starfish, shells, and seahorse) of the big, beautiful ocean.
Definitely, ready to take off my shoes, lay down on that couch, and close my eyes. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Happy Living Room
February 21, 2021
Better Covid Mask
Now that's a better Covid mask.
Full coverage.
Nice golden shine.
No need to brush your hair or put on makeup.
And no one can tell your sleeping in meetings. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Better Covid Mask
February 20, 2021
The Power of Love
When we act up and fight with each other, then in the end, we will really only end up hurting ourselves.Tomorrow can be better than today and yesterday, if we learn to live in peace and brotherhood with each other, and understand that hurting another is really only hurting ourselves in the end. G-d’s holiness dwells among us only when we stop the silly bickering and infighting, and love each other, and Him, with all our heart and soul.
The Power of Love
February 19, 2021
Trashy Advertising
Great advertising by this garbage company.
On the back of the truck, it says:
Let's Talk Trash
And there is a garbage can afterwards for emphasis!
I like this trashy trash company brand because it works. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Trashy Advertising
February 18, 2021
Stretching Cat
The cat extended its paws and started to stretch.
Reminded me of fitness guru, Richard Simmons, but with a far better hairdo! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Stretching Cat
February 16, 2021
Amazing Honey Chicken
Crispy noodles underneath the delicious, sweet, succulent, and crispy chicken.
This was, as they say, "to die for" - so, so delicious.
As my father used to say, "It tastes like more!" :-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Amazing Honey Chicken
February 15, 2021
Hanging Out with Jefe Dinero and Sweetkayy
Awesome photo in Fort Lauderdale today with rapper, Jefe Dinero and model, Sweetkayy
Great meeting these cool folks in hot Florida!
We're rocking the day away. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dossy Blumenthal)
Hanging Out with Jefe Dinero and Sweetkayy
February 14, 2021
Give A Bear A Ride
Give A Bear A Ride
February 13, 2021
A Reason For Everything
Reincarnation actually makes so much sense, especially when you see that G-d can and does bring people back to the world when they still have life lessons to learn and growth to be achieved. It’s part of our preparation and our soul’s purification process to go back to Hashem.Obviously, we are not G-d, and don’t have the time and event perspective of Hashem who was, is, and will be. However, if we understand that G-d has a plan, everything is connected, and there is a reason for everything, then we can go through life inspired to do the right thing ourselves even when we are challenged by our circumstances.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
A Reason For Everything
February 12, 2021
February 11, 2021
Hmm, Different Is Necessary
One of these is that it's okay for us to be different; in fact, it's necessary!
We each have our own personality, experiences, and journey in life.
Celebrate the differences, because we are all here to learn and grow.
Let us each follow his/her own path as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.
Now that makes a lot more sense then everyone do it my way! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Hmm, Different Is Necessary
February 10, 2021
Without a Brain or Soul
A real skull, all hollowed out.
Sockets for the eyes, and a big hole where the nose goes.
The ears are gone too.
The skull is sawed open at the top, where the brain goes.
Not much left of the rotting teeth.
The soul is departed and is somewhere in the afterlife.
This should go a long way to humbling any human being.
What's outside really doesn't count for much, and what's inside is everything. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Without a Brain or Soul
February 9, 2021
Heart Over Head
While many people may occasionally feel head over heels for something or someone, I liked this saying by Miska Ben-David:
The head will make its plans, but the heart will choose its own path.
In other words, we are often driven by our hearts over our heads!
Passion is a powerful motivator, indeed.
When passion calls, do you go running too?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Heart Over Head
February 8, 2021
Eye-Catching Slippers
Doesn't even look like a slipper or footwear!
Reminds me of the Tribbles, fluffy, gentle alien creatures from Star Trek.
Is it alive or should I put my foot in it?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Eye-Catching Slippers
February 7, 2021
Did You Sell Your GameStop?
Well, I couldn't resist.
Around midday today, I peaked my head into the local GameStop.
There wasn't 1 single customer in the store.
Not 1!
There were two workers.
When I asked if they had any GameStop stock.
The manager said he had been offered some when he got promoted, but unfortunately turned it down.
Well the stock was a manic bubble for a short time these last few weeks, and it could've made him a bundle.
Based on what you see today, do you think you should own GameStop? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Did You Sell Your GameStop?
February 5, 2021
Success, Israeli Cuisine Style
This notion of success and failure in life makes you think about not only the imperative to be successful in our lives, but also to question what does that success even mean and look like? Is success really the goal or is the journey with its growing pains and lesson learned the real goal towards purifying our souls?
When we read the Ten Commandments, we are reminded of what the foundational elements of success in life actually are all about: How did we treat others (were we compassionate and giving)? Did we behave as Mensch’s in our lives? Did we try our best to do the “right thing” by our fellow man and by G-d? If you can answer in the positive to these latter questions then maybe you have achieved real success, regardless of what any culinary chef or life maven would tell you!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Success, Israeli Cuisine Style
February 4, 2021
Children (and Fruit) of G-d
Interesting quote I heard on diversity:
It might be apples and oranges, but it's all fruit!
The way towards mutual respect, teamwork, brotherhood, and peace:
- Recognize that our similarities are much greater than our differences.
And ultimately, we are all children (and fruit) of G-d. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Children (and Fruit) of G-d
February 3, 2021
The Sniffer Isn't Working
Someone really had a premonition posting this sign before Covid!
The sign says simply:
Smell Me!!
The response to this now-a-days would be the person with Covid yelling back:
I can't smell (or taste) anything!
Now frustrated, the other person replies:
But please, please smell me.
Second person, tries and tries again:
Sniff, sniff--darn, the sniffer just isn't working.
Get out the smelling salts!
Six months later, I still can't smell a skunk in the same room.
What type of crazy pandemic is this! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Sniffer Isn't Working
February 2, 2021
Little Stinker
Wow, that's a little stinker of a gun.
Looks like someone carved the small-stock wood themselves and attached the barrel, hammer, and trigger.
Now, that's a concealed weapon opportunity.
Leaving the royal red pillow out of it. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Little Stinker
February 1, 2021
Ship in a Bottle
How do they get that ship in a bottle?
Build the ship inside the bottle or blow the glass and shape it around the ship.
Sort of like the chicken and the egg dilemma.
What came first? I dunno!
Someone get me out of these circular, mind-numbing Catch-22s! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Ship in a Bottle