09
March

Is this bizarre

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, funny - No Comments

food shopping

THAT WOULD BE ME AS A WOMAN.

I’m making a confession for the whole world to see “I love food shopping”.  Wow that was a relief to get that off my chest! I love it so much that I’m willing to skip a Saturday night plan just to find the latest flavor that will hit the Supermarket Aisles. Whether its’ the new brand of Oreo’s (can you belief they now have cookie and creme flavor for a limited time) or the newest fruit (I just tried bloody oranges); I just can’t wait to walk down that aisle.

The truth is food shopping is one of my great escapes where I discover a need world with a different flavor.  I guess I would be the perfect house husband if only I liked to clean and fold the laundry. Come to think of it the laundry isn’t so bad especially when you find that missing pair of socks. So the next time you don’t feel like going to Stop and Shop to pick up the milk give me a call and I’ll help but just note I’ll have to buy the newest variety of Oreo’s with that milk.

09
March

Daylight savings in half

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daylight saving sucks

I hate losing an hour in one day! It’s that an hour you can never get back unless we decide enough is enough. How about instead we set our clocks back a 1/2 hour one week then another 1/2 back the following week? We would still achieve the same goal but at least we would feel more productive.  It wouldn’t be that difficult because most of our clocks are set automatically anyway today.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

 

 

08
March

Wall Street Journal Review- 3-08-14

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Wall Street Journal

 

At least I had 40 minutes to concentrate. Here is what I took (see below) from this weeks reading.

(1) Russia threatened to cut off Natural Gas to Ukraine because it claims they haven’t paid past bills.

(2) Ukraine Leaders have said the west has not lived up to it’s agreement when it gave up Nuclear Weapons in return that their territory would be respected.

(3) One Paper maker faced with difficult economic times has switched from standard paper to the “Fine Stationary” business and it has resulted in growth  for this compny.

(4) Massachusetts has banned up skirts as previous court rulings revealed it wasn’t illegal.

(5 Less federal government monies are going to the up keep of historic places forcing many of them to sell their properties to the private market.

(6) Political Consultants belief a March 11th Congressional race may help determine which way the elections of 2014 might go.

(7) Russia will have to pump billions into Crimea if they want to continue to hold it.

(8) Italy’s new premier is fighting a difficult battle as he seeks to make the government smaller.

(9) The German economy did well according to economist because of a mild winter.

(10) Peggy Noonan wrote a scathing piece concerning Mayor De blasio’s Anti-Charter school stance.

(11) Their is a new book on Menachem Begin that explores his legacy for the people of Israel.

(12) A humorist piece was written on how people who claim they are humbled by such an award or action aren’t telling the truth

08
March

Wait your turn… wait until…. just wait

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, Philosophy - No Comments

waiting

I recently was on a radio show discussing the difference between those who believe we should act now no matter what the consequences or wait until conditions get better, until it’s our turn, until….  I guess you can understand my perspective on this issue from my initial statement. Time passes in a blink of any eye and therefore you can’t always wait to act.  Don’t get me wrong I spent many years building up to accomplish many of the successes and failures I have developed but other times I jumped right in the frozen water which can be either quite refreshing or hurt a hell of a lot. It is failure to act that frustrates many a voter, stock holder or consumer yet they’ll complain with the other side of your mouth that you should have considered…  So how do you decide when to act? Here are some factors I would consider? PLEASE ADD YOUR POINTS

1. Opportunity – The door might be open for a short time and you must jump in before it closes. Make sure it’s the right door some doors are too tight to fit through.

2. Morality- You must act because your faith and values command your action.

3.  Harm- By not acting you will permanently or semi-permanently physical or mental harm to an individual.

4. Commitment-  You would be remiss in your commitment to those that have supported you.

5. Benefits outweigh Losses long term- You might suffer a setback by acting in the short-term but the long term benefits will out weigh the short term loss.

6. Respect- Your action will enable you to gain respect from those around you for taking a bold and decisive action.

7. Who you are – It is a significant factor in who you are as an individual and if you didn’t act then you would be denying an important characteristic of the wonderful individual G-D has created.

8. Fun & Living- You can’t wait forever to enjoy life and explore the wonders you’re drawn to.

08
March

Talking to myself but still sane.

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earphones

It appears everywhere I go individuals are more locked in their own world and I find out that I talking to myself.  Whether I go to the gym and try to exchange pleasantries with my fellow neighbor, go home and try to talk with my children or even walk down the street the world appears to be deaf to what I’m saying.

Some of these earpieces are so small you can’t see them or hidden behind someone’s hair so my conversations with myself can sometimes be excused but other times it’s just I guess I’m living in the past.  A time long ago when people actually exchanged pleasantries with each other when entering a building or even held a conversation or discussion during a long car ride. It was a time when you couldn’t just pick the song you want from any device and play it but actually put in something like a tape, CD, or even a record to actually hear your music.  You could still zone people out but usually it was by slamming your bedroom door closed.   Maybe I’m wrong but I believe that we in society today could use a few more minutes of listening to each other instead of a listening to a song by ourselves.

08
March

Jewish Faith Healing- Update- 3-08-14

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Jewish Faith Healing 

 I’ve decided to pursue a study in “Jewish Faith Healing” because it’s something that could truly come in handy. This pursuit will start later today and consist of standard research as well as deeper research which might involve purchasing items and traveling to various locations. This journey might be something that ends fairly shortly or continues throughout my lifetime.  I hope to update my discoveries with you on a regular basis in case this becomes helpful in your own daily life or of your loved ones.  

Please note I will be throwing pieces of information on the wall in all different directions so you can pick and choose to explore the information as you deem important in your life. Once I’ve completed  my initial research I will come up with some personal notes on this information but will continue to search and then from time to time add to that thesis.  I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS DURING THIS EXPLORATION.

 

2/23/2014- It appears that many of the notes I have taken have been accidently deleted I will try to restore them ASAP-From Jewish Science-Divine Healing in Judiasm by Alfred Geiger Moses.  Mr. Moses claims that Jewish Science will fill a gap because it shows the art of genuine prayer in it’s real influence on everyday life.   The religion of Jewish Science is based on several principles which I summarize below.

 

(1) Body is a creation of all wise and good G-D

 

(2)  Sickness is violation of the laws of nature

 

(3) Health depends largely on the use of the body by individuals or the misuse or abuse which brings upon sickness.

 

(4) Worry, anxiety and similar states cause physical weakness and impairment. Good cheer and optimism promotes well being.

 

(5) Faith or religion is the highest form of optimism. Therefore religious faith heals & fights sickness.

 

(6) Religion in all forms has been the chief means of bring about cheerfulness and optimism.

 

(7) Hash-m is absolutely good.

 

(8) Prayers and devotion to heal sick.

 

(9) Therefore Jewish Science should play a large role in healing the sick.

 

Subconscious mind more effective than the pure idea of faith. 

 

Jewish healing has occurred in the Torah through prophets such as Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Isiah, and Jeremiah.

Chasidim-Faith healers in their day. Zaddik or mediator modern Chasidism profess curative power from higher source.

Founder of Chasidism. Elizer Baal Shem Tob- Emotion above law.  They claim to have cured the sick by prayer, ecstasies, and gesticulations.  Love of G-D with faith and belief in prayer

Serve G-D with a cheerful and happy mind. Sadness and sorrow darken the soul. By constant communion, one may acquire the gift of prophesy and become Zadik.  Chasidism was very popular in early day.

Positive convictions- Health & Happiness – drives out every thought that disturbs body or mind.

 

In the tents of Israel the spiritual truth has been taught that the ills of the flesh and the sins of the soul can be overcome by the divine power of prayer and good deeds

Two principals have contended in spiritual life- Law vs the Spirit

Meshanneh- Hasshem- “The change of name”-  Those that are suffering could be saved from death. The “Angel of Death” would be confused.  This would occur at the end of a regular service.  The author performed this act on an individual first named Rebecca and changed to Ruth. Moses claims to have witnessed her healing.

EXODUS 15-22-26 – Sickness removed by serving G-D

NUMBER 12-  Moses prays for Miriam to be healed from Leprosy

KINGS CHAPTER 17 8-24- Elijah by faith heals widows son.

And he cried unto the Lord. And he stretched upon the child 3 times and said “O Lord my G-D I pray there let this child soul come into him again”.

KINGS 4 8-37  Elisha by faith heals son

He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain and prayed unto the lord. And he went up and lay upon the child and put his mouth upon his mouth and his eyes upon his eyes and his hands upon his hands and he stretched himself upon him and the flesh of the child warmed. Then he returned and walked in the house once to and fro and went up and stretched himself upon him and the child sneezed seven times and the child opened his eyes.

JEREMAIH 17 12-17

Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed save me and I shall be saved for thou art my praise .

 

MAGIC OF HEBREW CHANT by Rabbi Shefa Gold -ADDED 3-08-14

CHANTING- Is a few short words simply repeated with sweet passion, deliberate intention, and refined beauty. Chanting can unlock treasure upon treasure of healing, wisdom and love.  Chanting awakens places inside self which you need. Songs entertain while chants transform.

Each repletion of a sacred phrase can clear away another layer of extraneous clutter and destruction until we are stripped clean, fresh and newly awakened.

Sing to G-D a new song G-D’s praise is found in a community of lovers  (Psalms 149:1)

Chanting helps to create habits that lead to peace and express themselves as love

Rabbi Kushner said to Rabbi Gold when she felt overwhelmed and I paraphrase don’t worry about learning every little bit but learn a bit at a time.

Each little bit is like a microsm of the whole and held within it is the overwhelming infinite blessing of our inheritance.

CHANTING PHASES  A. Study Text  B.  Melody  C. Harmony D. Rhythm E. Movement  F. Visualization G. Meditation H. Repetition

COMPONENTS OF CHANT  A. Meaning of sacred phrase B. Breath C. Intention D. Sound Vowel & Consonant  E. Melodic story and harmonic intervals F. Tone & Rhythm G. Visualization imposed or discovered H. Context which sacred phrase is drawn  I. Balance of will and surrender  J. Vertical and Horizontal access,  Sterescopic consciousness

VERTICAL – Grounds us and connects to  higher guidance of G-D

HORIZONTAL-  Openness  of  heart and everyone in chanting circle (souls in prayer)

Steroscopic – Focus simultaneously on our depest center and energy in group.

Silence between chant   A. Gentle breath in heart  B. Explore inner space C. Notice shifts of consciousness  D. Surrender to G-D

Jonathen Goldman- (Sound Healing) 95 % intention

     Intention- not what I want but what G-D wants for me or through me. She believes that the will of     G-D moving inside her  is calling her toward the realization of her potential.  From small mind to large mind . Direct heart to a specific purpose

 

  

 

 

EXPLORE ZADDIK, GESTICULATIONS,

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/beliefs/Theology/Kabbalah_and_Mysticism/Kabbalah_and_Hasidism/Hasidic_Mysticism/Hasidic_Ideas/The_Zaddik.shtml

 

Zaddik is a person who has a special more direct path to Hash-m.

MORE TO COME

 

 

 

This article (below) disputes the notion of Jewish Faith healing especially those that claim to Jewish Faith Healers.

 

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/practices/Ethics/Our_Bodies/Health_and_Healing/Medicine_and_Healing/Faith_Healing.shtml

 

 

This article describes a Hasadic Rabbi who claims to be a faith healer.

 

http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/05/06/psychic-faith-healers-belie-jewish-tradition/

07
March

Maybe it pays to Gamble

Posted by Bruce - in arts and entertainment, Blog, Philosophy, travel - No Comments

If you truly want to save monies and have great time maybe it’s better to go to a gambling resort with your family then go on a cruise or  the Caribbean. I would just go to Vegas, Atlantic City or similar location with the same monies I would have spent on a cruise or a Caribbean Vacation. You might say I’ve got the gambling fever but here’s a few reasons (below) why this might be a better bet. PLEASE TELL ME WHY I’M WRONG

(1) Either way  the money you spent is  going to crap but at least this way you have an opportunity to make your monies back.

(2) Gambling is a fun evening activity.

(3) You can receive additional discounts on further trips if you’re shown to gamble for a certain amount of time and/or money on the initial trip

(4) Even if you don’t get comped for a room or airline tickets you can get discounts for great shows or other events that would cost you additional monies.

(5) The hotel accommodations  are generally relatively inexpensive at casino’s compared to other hotels even if you’re not comped.

(6) They’ll give you as many free drinks as you can handle as long as your on the casino floor. Has anyone heard of penny slot machines?

(7) There is usually great free (tips appreciated) local entertainment found just walking the strip or boardwalk.

One final note it’s best to gamble when the rest of the family is sleeping or doing another activity like the pool. WARNING -Gamble with your head not your heart.

07
March

Adrenaline Rush!

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, Business - No Comments

 

We all crave some excitement from what appears to be our predictable lives which results on us spending monies on wild vacations, expensive toys (cars, fancy clothes,) crazy investment and or top class restaurants but just like an adrenaline rush you get a quick high then a steep decline into reality. What if you had the opportunity to be involved in an exclusive club that not only gave you that rush for today but continued for the future to even the next generation? Wouldn’t it be amazing if that rush gave you the opportunity to make money as well. I believe I’m on the verge of creating such “Exclusive Opportunities” (see below). These will be opportunities that many will be able to participate (if accepted) with only a few that will represent on their prospective boards.

(1) PPC- An exclusive location(s) where those members and their certified guest can escape to learn basic survival skills while enjoying the great outdoors in a beautiful setting.  “Prime Members” will of course have such special privileges (ex voting rights, storage and maintenance of firearms,  use of all facilities, right of inheritance,  discounts etc) while other members will gain many of  those rights over-time and with their commitment to the clubs goals.

(2) FMA- Is an exclusive Film Making Association where those members will be involved in all the factors in producing and distributing a film.  Those that commit the greatest resources to FMA will become part of the board which will determine the top choices of scripts we will consider producing, pre-production planning, and be involved in the intricacies of the film-making business. All members will have voting rights to determine which film is to be produced, a pre-audition for casting and production for such a film, invitation to red carpet screening, invitation to parties after production, and credit in film.  FMA will work with or own a part of a distribution company to insure all it’s productions will be distributed.

 

07
March

Great Vacation ….. but

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traveling confusion

I’m trying to plan a family get away for a few days but the more I think the more confused I get.  It started simple with a plan for an inclusive trip but then all the variable starting hitting me.

1) Should we go back to a place we had a great time at or should we say life’s too short and go somewhere different?

2) Do we want a peaceful trip or do we want a trip with crazy activities all day?

3) Do we want to save monies of do we want to go all out and be treated 1st class?

It’s so confusing I think I’ll stay home and just watch the travel channel.

07
March

I’ll buy that bridge …. please

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, Philosophy, Political - No Comments

 

They are going to take down the “Tappan Zee Bridge” at a cost of millions to the hard working NY’s  which makes absolutely no sense.  They could sell this bridge to a private consortium or if they like I’ll buy it from them even I paid them 10 dollars it still would save the taxpayers millions.  There is no logical reason I can find that they have to spend our monies to tear down this bridge. PLEASE HELP ME FIND ONE. Here are just a few ways this bridge could be used.

(1) As a private option for those traveling from Rockland to Westchester. This way the public option will have to be top notch or the consumers can take the private option. Imagine less traffic on bridges because of competition reduces the carbon footprint (for my green friends) makes travel more efficient (for my business friends) and enables you to spend more time with your family or friends (helps those in the mental health industry lol)

(2) If the bridge can’t be sustained for car traffic it can be used as walking, bicycle and or motorcycle bridge with nice small restaurants and stores on the side.

(3) It could also become a green bridge with grass and trees planted as well as small boutiques and restaurants along the side.