A Beautiful Story of Love and True Joy

True Joy

A person who has mastered the quality of serenity (menuchah) and has true peace of mind, will feel inner peace and intense joy when going through any life-test. He does not even label the situation 'a test.' Rather, he calls it 'living.'

He utilizes all of his strength and power in any difficult situation. His trust in the Almighty is manifest on a practical level, and this is the goal of his life.

Even though the life-test might persist for a long time (or new ones may arise), he still does not perceive the situation as a burden or misfortune. On the contrary, in such situations his spirit of life becomes aroused because he derives pleasure from being able to rise above his instincts. He does not allow himself to be defeated by anger or despair, and there is no greater pleasure in life than this.

Love Yehuda

Lucky Dog....

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself towhatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box..

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease.....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn'twant to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap..

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

 

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong.  She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.

He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky, he still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Maryremains his greatest treasure..

Remember......live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget.....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply.. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer.

Amen

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"What Does the Kabbalah Say About This?" and no time limit on Gratitude

There Is No Time Limit On Gratitude

There is no time limit on gratitude. If you realize in the present that you hadn't expressed gratitude to someone for something that he did for you a long time ago, don't think that it's too late to express gratitude. Whenever you remember past kindnesses and favors done, express your thoughts and feelings of gratitude now.

Love Yehuda

This piece is from my friend Gil Lox. with some editing from me 

 

"What Does the Kabbalah Say About This?"

 

     A young, new student stopped me on the way to the Kotel. "Do you study Kabbalah?" he wanted to know.

 

   "Why? What's the question?" I asked.

 

    "It's not me, but a friend of mine. He has a question, and he needs to know what the Kabbalah says about it."

 

    He called over his friend and told him to ask me his question.

 

    The friend looked concerned as he spoke. He pointed to the area under his nose, and moving his finger right to left and back again, he said,. "My teeth have suddenly started to hurt me here. What does the Kabbalah say about this?"

 

     I looked at him with a very serious look and said, "The Kabbalah says that you should go to a dentist."

 

    They both laughed.

 

    What is the point of this story?

 

   A young religious couple, both of them are from very large families, so we were expecting good news (read: babies) right away. But thier hopes were not fulfilled; month after month went by, and no good news. 

 

    Finally after two years, the prayer call went out. They went to the Rebbe's Ohel (grave site) from which many miracles have been reported, but nothing happened. The months turned into long years. She wrote asking me to pray for them, and three times a day at the Kotel, I started asking G-d to send them this all important blessing. Many people were beseeching Heaven on their behalf, but still no good news. We began to wonder, "How severe of a test is this going to be?"

 

     Then, after having apparently exhausted all spiritual means, she went to a fertility doctor. "Oh, I see by the lab reports that your cycle is out of line with the Jewish laws of permitted times. Here, take these pills and you will be in line with that schedule."

 

     One year later we all celebrated the birth of a brand new baby girl. Mazal tov! Mazal tov!

 

    What is the obvious point to this story? When your teeth hurt, of course you should pray, but don't forget to go to the dentist.

 

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Treasure Trove of Color Footage of Israel from Black and White Era, starting in 1947

Take a Mental Note

It is easy to take mental capabilities for granted. Don't.

Try to feel pleasure in your ability to speak and think. I know this for sure, becasue yesterday I could not speak, today my voice returned

 

.Appreciate that you can study wisdom. Even the greatest scholar should appreciate his ability to pronounce words, to read sentences, and to study the basics.

A person who masters this appreciation will live a life of joy.

 

No only did I lose my voice, I lost my computer becasue we are switching providers as we move into our new home..I am sending this message out as the day wanes, as I am using my office computer at 10:00 at night.

 

Tommorow, I should be back on line, but not at my usual 5:00 am but about 12:00.

 

Love Yehuda

This is incredible, beautiful and very moving....   The story of this film starts here: A Bostonian named  Fred Monosson came to Israel beginning in 1947 with the latest model COLOR movie camera.     His son recently discovered reel upon reel of film stored in an attic and was about to throw it away when he happened to mention it to an Israeli ... film director.    The trove was saved. No other color film of this era is known to exist.  Click on the link below and turn up your volume           Click here: Monosson in the News http://www.blip.tv/file/2915188

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My Lucky Day -- Too good!!! and all's well that ends well

All's Well That Ends Well

 

In his later years, Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein wrote that those situations which initially caused him suffering were ultimately the cause of good fortune.

 

We can never really be certain that any event will actually be bad for us. Why assess an event as definitely negative, when it can turn out in a way that you will clearly see is for your benefit?

 

Love Yehuda

 

To test this theory some up this morning with no voice for the first time in my life. Let me hope this is also for the good!

 

Click on the 'My lucky Day' below to see people with "good luck"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

 

 

            My Lucky Day <http://www.flixxy.com/lucky-day.htm>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How to plant your garden and enjoy your blessings

Enjoy Your Blessings

The moment a poor person gains great wealth, he feels tremendous joy and is sincerely grateful to the Almighty. After a while, he usually forgets the initial joy and no longer takes pleasure in what he has. His focus shifts to trying to obtain more wealth. Regardless of what he has now, it is not considered sufficient.

Contrast this with the person who is aware that every single moment he and his wealth are entirely dependent on the will of the Creator. He constantly feels the original joy anew -- because this moment is not dependent on the previous one.

Love Yehuda

Subject: How to plant your garden

How To Plant Your Garden First, you  Come to the garden alone,                         while the dew is still on the roses.... FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,           PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS: 1. Peace of mind                 2. Peace of heart                                  3. Peace of  soul      PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH: 1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash grumbling 4. Squash selfishness PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE: 1. Lettuce be faithful    2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient 4. Lettuce really love one another NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS: 1. Turnip for meetings                    2. Turnip for service                                3. Turnip to help one another TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME: 1. Thyme for each other                    2.. Thyme for family                                3. Thyme for friends WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE.   THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU  SOW.  NOT BAD, HUH?!

 

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Kulula is a low-cost South-African airline that doesn't take itself too seriously, and do your mission with Joy

Do Your Mission With Joy

The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, said, "The Almighty has sent you into this world on an appointed errand. It is His will that you accomplish your errand in a state of joy."

Today, view yourself as on a special mission from G-d. Think of the way you are unique and special. Experience the joy that is beginning to permeate your entire being as you reflect on this

Love Yehuda

Kulula is a low-cost South-African airline that doesn't take itself too seriously. Check out their new plane.                                                                                           http://www.chrisrawlinson.com/2010/02/kulula-airlines-flying-101-livery/

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Beautiful falls. ..and Wake up with Joy

Wake Up With Joy

What are your first thoughts when you wake up in the morning? Regardless of the past, from here on choose thoughts of gratitude. The more joy you experience in your life, the more gratitude you will have and the easier this will be for you.

When you first wake up in the morning, express your profound gratitude for the gift of life. Getting off to a good start sets the tone for the rest of the day. Many traditional spiritual practices take advantage of this ides.  Traditional Judaism has a first thing in the morning prayer as the first mitzvah of the day.

 

The prayer is called Modeh Ani. This is the power of saying the Modeh Ani prayer the first moment you are awake: Here is the prayer:  "I express my gratitude to You, the King Who is alive and always exists, for returning my soul to me, with compassion. Great is your trustworthiness."

 

Love Yehuda

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Unbelievable bridges in China and do Mitzvahs with Joy

Do Mitzvahs with Joy

Every mitzvah should be performed with joy. One aspect of "mitzvah joy" is to do the good deed with all your energy and ability.

For example: Rather than offer a needy person a morsel of food, serve him a hearty meal!

Love Yehuda

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Driving in China and Be Patient in Your Growth

Be Patient In Your Growth

Be patient in your efforts to integrate and internalize new ideas, tools, and patterns. It is normal to experience ups and downs. Don't let difficulties discourage you. Growth and change are lifetime processes. Feel joy with every degree of improvement.

 

Love Yehuda

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Driving in China :  <http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=QESfEd180rQ> http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=QESfEd180rQ

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As Rodney Dangerfield would say, the economy is so bad that...and an Ethical Will

There is one guarantee for every one of us in life - we are going to die. (Though it sounds so final, don't worry - our Bible teaches that there is a World to Come, a life after this life.) When your time on this earth is complete, what is it that you would like to leave to your children?

Most people think about transferring their wealth. however there is  a study that unless parents transfer "5 Capitals" -Financial, Social, Human, Intellectual and Spiritual - to their children, 70% of their wealth will dissipate within 2 generations and 90% will disappear within 3 generations!

(Social capital - philanthropy and community leadership. Human capital -pursuing one's own calling. Intellectual capital - getting the best possible education, working hard and challenging oneself. Spiritual -sharing common beliefs and value systems.

Part of the Spiritual Capital is what you have learned about life - what is truly valuable, insights into people, how to use your time. Would that be something that you would like to leave to your children? It's called an Ethical Will. For centuries and probably for thousands of years, Spiritual People have left an Ethical Will for their children. Perhaps the most famous is Moshe Nachmanides' (Ramban) Letter to his son

ETHICAL WILL

"All of you are familiar with a legal will, in which you dispose of all your property and designate the beneficiary of each asset. An ethical will is your reflection on your life as a spiritual person. What the prime motivating values governing your life are - and how through the prism of your own experience, G-d's laws are enacted and validated.

"Make a commitment, and get thee a spouse - a lone person is nothing but lonely - but with a spouse, and with God's help, children can be a reality. A family is formed, and you are at the beginning of the future. A family leads to being part of a community, and within a community, you are a force and you have strength. As a community you claim kinship with your people, its collective experience and its collective memory - roots and a past.

"Make your family home an oasis of faith, tranquility, light and warmth so that it becomes an example worthy of emulation.

"Share - share your feelings, your joys, your sorrows, and your blessings. Sharing is caring and its material implementation is Charity (righteousness - philanthropy). Everything you have is not only a result of your own efforts, but by and large, it is Providential. When trouble strikes, we all ask 'Why me?' Similarly, when you have abundance, you should ask 'Why me?' Share your earnings, your income, and your assets with your community and its institutions.

"This must be planned, not only on a current basis, but on an endowment basis, for continuity of support. A balance must be struck between competing needs, between institutions and individuals, between impersonal-giving and one-on-one interacting, and between the mature and the new, the innovated, the untried.

"Be alive. Learn to let yourself feel. Learn the language of emotion. Learn to savor each moment even if it does not last - in fact savor it because it does not last.

"Learn to thank G-d for creating emotions and feelings. Each day let one person feel comfort because of you. Each day let one person see hope because of you.

"Do not be indifferent. Indifference is a greater danger than evil, because it precedes evil and allows it to flourish. The Holocaust is the prime example in my lifetime.

"Learn and practice the absolute standards taught in our Bible in our relationships with others so that our society can continue to function smoothly. Do not associate with those who do not adhere to a high level of conduct.

"Communicate not only by speaking, but also by listening. Listen for silences and for pauses - for these express as much as words.

"Do it now - act now. Each day must be planned, and its results must be evaluated and measured each evening.

"Ask questions - question everything, not from a destructive standpoint, but rather to understand and to improve. Question yourself, your institutions, and your society.

"Have faith - Establish a relationship with God.

Love Yehuda

As Rodney Dangerfield would say, the economy is so bad that...

 

I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

African television stations are now showing 'Sponsor an American Child' commercials! 

I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"

CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

B.P. laid off 25 Congressmen.

My ATM gave me an IOU! 

I saw a Mormon polygamist with only one wife.

McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

My cousin had an exorcism but couldn't afford to pay for it, and they re-possessed her!

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.  

A picture is now only worth 200 words.

They renamed Wall Street "Curb Street ."

When Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

The Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas is now managed by Somali pirates.

And finally.....

I bought a toaster oven and my free gift with the purchase was a bank.

 

 

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Amazing David Copperfield e-mail and the Spiritual morning day of Tish B'Av, tomorrow 7/20/10

MOST  AMAZING EMAIL EVER!

WHAT HAPPENED ON THE NINTH OF AV? (Tisha B'Av)

On Tisha B'Av, five national calamities occurred:

• During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 10 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)

• The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)

• The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)

• The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar -- the Jews' last stand against the Romans -- was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 CE)

• The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city -- renamed Aelia Capitolina -- and access was forbidden to Jews. 

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:

1. The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.

2. World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.

3. On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.

ASPECTS OF MOURNING: THE AFTERNOON BEFORE TISHA B'Av

During the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av, it is customary to eat a full meal in preparation for the fast.

At the end of the afternoon, we eat the Seudah Hamaf-seket -- a meal consisting only of bread, water, and a hard-boiled egg.

The egg has two symbols: The round shape reminds us of a sign of the cycle of life. Also, the egg is the only food which gets harder the more it is cooked -- a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to withstand persecution.

Food eaten at the Seudah Hamaf-seket is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning. The meal should preferably be eaten alone, while seated on the ground in mourner's fashion.

When the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av occurs on Shabbat, there is no Seudah Hamaf-seket with eggs and ashes. Rather, the regular Shabbat "third meal" is eaten, albeit without guests and fanfare.

RESTRICTIONS ON TISHA B'Av

Upon sundown, the laws of Tisha B'Av commence -- consisting of the following expressions of mourning:

1. No eating or drinking until nightfall the following evening.

• Pregnant and nursing women are also required to fast. If one suspects it could be harmful to the baby or mother, a rabbi should be consulted.
• A woman within 30 days after birth need not fast.
• Others who are old, weak, or ill should consult with a rabbi. (MB 554:11)
• Medicine may be taken on Tisha B'Av, preferably without water.
• In case of great discomfort, the mouth may be rinsed with water. Great care should be taken not to swallow anything. (MB 567:11)

2. Other prohibitions include:

• Any bathing or washing, except for removing specific dirt -- e.g. gook in the eyes / (Upon rising in the morning, before prayers, or after using the bathroom, one washes only the fingers.
  
• Anointing oneself for pleasure. (Deodorant is permitted.)
• Having marital relations.
• Wearing leather shoes. (Leather belts may be worn.)
• Learning Torah, since this is a joyful activity. It is permitted to learn texts relevant to Tisha B'Av and mourning -- e.g. the Book of Lamentations, Book of Job, parts of Tractate Moed Katan, Gittin 56-58, Sanhedrin 104, Yerushalmi end of Ta'anis, and the Laws of Mourning. In-depth study should be avoided. (MB 554:4)

3. Other mourning practices include:

• Sitting no higher than a foot off the ground. After midday, one may sit on a chair.
• Not engaging in business or other distracting labors, unless it will result in a substantial loss. (
• Refraining from greeting others or offering gifts.
  
• Avoiding idle chatter or leisure activities.
• Following Tisha B'Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av:
• Haircuts and washing clothes. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, these are permitted immediately following Tisha B'Av, in honor of the coming Shabbat.)
• Bathing. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, bathing is permitted on Friday morning.)
• Eating meat and wine.
• Music and swimming

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The Future? and Our True Inner Worth

Our True Inner Worth

"How precious is man, created in the image of God." (Talmud - Pirkei Avot 3:18)

The inherent value of every person - regardless of accomplishments, wealth, or fame, - is beyond comprehension.

Someone who internalizes this concept cannot possibly suffer from an inferiority complex. Moreover, he loves and respects all other people

 

Love Yehuda

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Subject: The Future?

Say it won't be so!

Future Technology – Get ready to say farewell to many things that  have been a part of our  lives.

Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to  them.  But, ready or not, here they come!

1. The Post Office. Get ready to imagine a world without the  post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is  probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS  have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post  office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and  bills.

2. The Check. Britain is already laying the groundwork to do  away with checks by 2018.  It costs the financial system billions  of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online  transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check. This  plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid  your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of  business.

3.  The Newspaper. The younger generation simply doesn't read  the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered  print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry  man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.
The Book
4.  .  You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my  hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone. Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most  people keep it simply because they're always had it. But you are  paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes.

6. Music. This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new  music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear  it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels  and the radio conglomerates simply self-destruction. Over 40% of  the music purchased today is "catalog items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit.To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite  for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music  Dies."

7. Television.  Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are  watching TV and movies streamed from their computers.  And they're  playing games and doing all lots of other things that take up the time  that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator.   Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes  and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time  for  the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the  people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.

7. The "Things" That You Own. Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you  can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud  services."  That means that when you turn on a computer, the  Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If  you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may  pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider.

In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your  whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it  all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?"  Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical?  It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book  from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the  insert.

8. Privacy. If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone.   It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the  street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and  cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7 "They" know who you are  and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a  zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. And "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again.

All we will have that can't be changed are Memories.

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Otter Pups Swim Lesson and the Power of Joy

 The Power Of Joy

The Kotzker Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, said:

"With joy, we are able to extricate ourselves from all types of suffering."

Love Yehuda

This is absolutely adorable!  Check out some along the side, too, like baby elephant, or elephant giving birth.  

 

Click here: YouTube - Otter Pups Swim Lesson

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21 rules for life and the Insignificance of Honor

Insignificance Of Honor

Think of how tiny our planet is when viewed from outer space. It is so small and insignificant, that any person who demands honor from others is making a fool of himself.

Think about the leaders of countries who wage wars to gain more honor for themselves. From the perspective of the minuteness of our planet in relation to the entire universe, a person's seeking honor is ridiculous.

Love Yehuda

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ONE.  Give  people more than they expect and do it  cheerfully.   TWO.  Marry  a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get  older, their conversational skills will be as  important as any other.  THREE.  Don't  believe all you hear, spend all you have or  sleep all you want.  FOUR.  When  you say, 'I love you,' mean  it.   FIVE..  When  you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the  eye..  SIX.  Be  engaged at least six months before you get  married.  SEVEN.  Believe  in love at first  sight.   EIGHT.  Never  laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have  dreams don't have much.   NINE....  Love  deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but  it's the only way to live life completely.   TEN..  In  disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.   ELEVEN.  Don't  judge people by their  relatives.   TWELVE.  Talk  slowly but think  quickly.   THIRTEEN. When  someone asks you a question you don't want to  answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to  know?'  FOURTEEN.  Remember  that great love and great achievements involve  great risk.  FIFTEEN.  Say  'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.   SIXTEEN.  When  you lose, don't lose the  lesson.   SEVENTEEN.  Remember  the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for  others; and Responsibility for all your actions.   EIGHTEEN.  Don't  let a little dispute injure a great friendship.   NINETEEN.  When  you realize you've made a mistake, take  immediate steps to correct  it.   TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone.  The caller will hear it in your voice   TWENTY-  ONE. Spend  some time alone.

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Charles Schultz Philosophy and Enter the other's world

Enter The Other's World

When talking to someone who thinks very differently than you, especially when the person is being irrational, enter the other person's world and answer him according to his line of reasoning. If you have any hope of your communication being accepted, you must try to reply in a way consistent with the other's way of thinking -even if you feel it is distorted and illogical.

This is the principle of entering the world of the person you are communicating with.

G-d doesn't waste anything. I have a handicapped daughter who has taught me many lessons. She is many times illogical except to herself. By entering her world I can communicate with her to help ease her pain.

Love Yehuda

Charles Schultz Philosophy




The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz , the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world .

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.






How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.





Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school...

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.





Easier?
I love this!

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.


Share this with those who have made a difference in your life.
I just did!

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.

It's already tomorrow in Australia ..."

Charles Schultz

 

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Infinity pool 55 STORIES above ground opens in Singapore and People are opportunities for kindness

People Are Opportunities For Kindness

View each encounter with a fellow human being as an opportunity to give and help.

When you meet someone, let your first thought be, "What can I do for this person?"

 

Love Yehuda

Infinity pool 55 STORIES above ground opens in Singapore
 
Don't go off the VERY deep end...
 
If you fancy a dip in this pool, you'll need a head for heights - it's 55 storys up.
 
But swimming to the edge won't be quite as risky as it looks. While the water in the infinity pool seems to end in a sheer drop, it actually spills into a catchment area
where it is pumped back into the main pool. At three times the length of an
Olympic pool and 650ft up, it is the largest outdoor pool in the world at that height. 
 
It features in the impressive, boat-shaped 'SkyPark' perched atop the three towers that make up the world's most expensive hotel, the £4billion Marina Bay Sands development in Singapore .

Don't look down: A guest swims in the infinity pool of the Skypark that tops the Marina Bay Sands hotel towers - 55 storeys over the city of Singapore yesterday

To infinity... and beyond! The pool stretches 150 metres, three times the length of an Olympic swimming pool

The view over the side: An artist's impression shows the Skypark that tops the Marina Bay Sands hotel towers, including the infinity pool

The hotel, which has 2,560 rooms costing from £350 a night, was officially opened yesterday with a concert by Diana Ross.

The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi , estimated to have cost £2billion when it opened in 2004, was previously the world's most expensive hotel.

But with its indoor canal, opulent art, casino, outdoor plaza, convention center, theater, crystal pavilion and museum shaped like a lotus flower, the Marina Bay Sands has taken its crown.

The infinity pool on the roof is in the 'SkyPark' which spans the three towers of the hotel. The platform itself is longer than the Eiffel tower laid down and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. 

Infinity pools give the effect that the water extends to the horizon. In reality, the water spills over the edge into a catchment below, and is then pumped back into the pool. The pools have two circulation systems. The first functions like that of a regular pool, filtering and heating the water in the main pool. The second filters the water in the catch basin and returns it to the upper pool.

The resort from across the bay. The three towers were based on a deck of cards, according to designer Moshe Safdie

A skydiver parachutes pass the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands casino resort as part of the venue's opening celebrations yesterday

 

Extreme: Left, relay teams scale one of the towers in a race commemorating the opening yesterday. Right, a newly-wed couple enjoy a canal ride inside the resort's shopping centre

The Marina Sands resort was designed by architect Moshe Safdie who based it on a deck of cards.

Inside shoppers can ride along an indoor canal in Sampan boats styled on traditional Chinese vessels from the 17th century.

The owners have also commissioned five well-known artists to create works of art to 'integrate' with the buildings. Among these is a 40m-long Antony Gormley sculpture made from 16,100 steel rods. The whole thing weighs 14.8 tons and it took 60 people to assemble it in the hotel.

Artist Chongbin Zheng created Rising Forest which is 83 three meter high pots with trees in them. The pots were so big the artist had to build a customized kiln the size of a small building to make them in.

Last night, the world's most expensive hotel was given a launch party befitting it. Singing legend Diana Ross performed for 2,500 VIPs in the resort's Grand Ballroom and pop singer Kelly Rowland headlined an outdoor concert.

Money-maker: Left, the entrance to the casino, which costs nearly £50 to get in and is attracting 25,000 visitors each day. Right, a man looks through a steel web art structure in one of the towers

Just enjoying the sun: Models pose in the pool for journalists at the grand opening yesterday

The opening celebrations also featured a death-defying relay. Seven teams of three participants each scaled the three towers before sprinting across the 340-meter long Sands SkyPark, where the infinity pool is located, to the finish line. 

The resort will employ 10,000 people directly and generate up to £48m each year. Entrance to the casino alone is nearly £50 a day - but an average of 25,000 people have visited the casino daily since its initial phased opening two months ago. 

Thomas Arasi, president and chief executive officer of the resort, said he expects to attract an astonishing 70,000 visitors a day once it is fully open.

It was due to open in 2009, but was delayed thanks to labor and material shortages, and funding problems due to the global financial crisis.

 

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