The Airhead and the Crocodile Shoes

A WEEK OF DISCOVERY

Last week I challenged you to listen to people outside your comfort circle. Did you do it? Lest you think I merely spit out philosophicals, I heeded my own recommendations this week.

As I was doing caricatures last weekend, I had never seen so many lesbians in one place. First time I had a long conversation with them. Nice, friendly people. Two of the couples were together for over 25 years.

I listened to an Egyptian Muslim turned Christian. He was imprisoned for 8 months for his beliefs. He said we are living in historical times and God is shaking the nations to a spiritual revival primarily with the Muslims and the Jews. Back in the 80s he only knew 8 other Christians in Egypt. Today there are 3 Million of them ... 1 Million in Iraq and 6 Million in Africa. His source? Not mainstream media but Al Jazeera. He showed us videos of packed auditoriums of Egyptians singing praises. He showed a clip of a Nigerian Imam warning his congregation that Christianity is spreading so fast that in 2 years, Islam will disappear. I didn't know this but he said 80% of the Quran was borrowed from the Bible. Muslims believe in Adam and Eve, Joseph, Moses, Abraham, etc. He told us not to be afraid of Muslims just because they wear their Hijab. Many only wear their traditional garb fearing ostracization. Talk to them! Learn from each other.

Someone showed me a political blog that praised Obama's little known accomplishments. More interesting than the blog was the heated exchange in the feedback section. What began as respectful exchange turned into a brawl of words. No one was listening. Each one claimed to have the facts.

Talked to a recovering drunk who says his life has changed since he accepted Christ. It was just me and him and he had his guitar and he sang to me several of his gospel songs.

Even at my age, there's still so much to discover. But more than any place ... more than any science, I am most fascinated by the lives of people around me.

"The more I know, the more I know I do not know " --- Socrates

Wisdom from Don of Kewlona, B.C.

Guys Wearing Hoodies
sent by Alan of Pasadena, CA

Saint Peter is sitting at the Pearly Gates when two guys wearing dark hoodies, and sagging pants, arrive.

St. Peter looked out through the Gates and said, "Wait here. I'll be right back."

St. Peter goes over to God's chambers and tells him who is waiting for entrance.

God says to Peter: "How many times do I have to tell you? You can't be judgmental here. This is heaven. All are loved. All are brothers. Go back and let them in!"

St. Peter goes back to the Gates, looks around, and lets out a heavy sigh. He returns to God's chambers and says, "Well, they're gone."

"The guys wearing hoodies?" asked God.

"No. The Pearly Gates!"

The Airhead and the Crocodile Shoes
sent by Ernie of New York passing on a joke from his friend Esther

An airhead was on holiday and driving through Darwin. She desperately wanted to take home a pair of genuine crocodile shoes but was very reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were asking. After becoming very frustrated with the "no haggle on prices" attitude of one of the shopkeepers, the airhead shouted, "Well then, maybe I'll just go out and catch my own crocodile, so I can get a pair of shoes for free."

The shopkeeper said with a sly, knowing smile, "Little lady, just go and give it a try!"

The airhead headed out toward the river, determined to catch a crocodile! Later in the day, as the shopkeeper is driving home, he pulls over to the side of the river bank where he spots the same airhead woman standing waist deep in the murky water, a shotgun in her hand.

Just then, he spots a huge 3 meter croc swimming rapidly toward her. With lightning speed, she takes aim, kills the creature and hauls it onto the slimy banks of the river.

Lying nearby were 7 more of the dead creatures, all lying on their backs. The shopkeeper stood on the bank, watching in silent amazement.

The airhead struggled and flipped the Croc onto it's back. --- Rolling her eyes heavenward and screaming in great frustration, she shouts out....

"DANG! DANG! DANG! THIS ONE'S BAREFOOT, TOO"!

Videos of the week: (click on the picture)

Crazy Filipino Chef
Contributed by JR of Dalipuga, Philippines

Charlie of Benihana in London entertains like no other. It doesn't look like what he prepares is all that delicious but who cares? You go for the show and not for the food.

Prank it Forward
Contributed by Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA

I'm such a baby. I got teary eyed with this one. One line that really hit me was "we're people too." For a person to have to insist that she is part of the human race makes you wonder how bad we've treated our brothers and sisters.

BRAND NEW APP WARNING (no joke)
Contributed by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

This is brand new and scary. I'm going to have to reset my own smartphone. I hoped this was just a joke but it doesn't seem like it. And I'm not taking any chances. If you have a flashlight app installed, watch this video. This is the Snoop Wall website. Spread the word!

Vivaldi's Four Season by Carmel A-Capella
Contributed by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

A unique style by 5 classy ladies. After you're done, look around the Youtube page. The group has several other renditions of your favorites.

Bizarre Vintage Halloween Costumes
Contributed by Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA (sent last year)

When Debbie sent this last year, Halloween season had just passed so I've kept this for you to enjoy. It's not a video but a collection of strange costumes of yesteryear. Truth be told, I'm not a fan of this scary tradition. I enjoy the costumes but not the gory stuff. TGIF People!