Captain Bravo

The Mess We're In

   Very troublesome news lately. I've deliberately avoided listening to the news but somehow I heard about BrExit, Explosions in Bangladesh, and a baffling FBI judgment, cop shootings --- all 4 have wide repurcussions.

    So I'm flicking through the video choices in Netflix and one title caught my eye. It was a Disaster Movie and the title was "Where Was God?"

   Excuse me? Where did the notion that God only provides pleasantries come from?

   Several walk amongst us who envision an ideal lifestyle where there is total equality between genders, finances, free time, luxury, education, and opportunities. Their mantra: "We should share everything!" --- I don't think it's realistic. I don't think it's ever existed in history. Why? There's Greed, Comparison, Bias --- just to name a few reasons. On the other extreme we have those who are highly gifted and hard working. They accuse the less fortunate as being lazy. Their mantra: "This is mine. I worked for it. I deserve to do what I want with it." -- I don't think that's right either.

    I believe we should put ourselves somewhere in the middle. And we will find ourselves in different points within that middle. We should stick to the rules so we play fair. And, where inevitable conflict will arise, we should offer a lot of grace and forgiveness. It's the only way we can live together in a semblance of harmony.

   It may seem like we're in one helluva mess. And to the question "Where is God in all of this?" The answer is "He's here!" It may not be our plan but I bet it's His. Getting a spanking when we misbehave is never fun but a loving father does that to instill discipline and to correct our bent for a better future. Heavy stuff today, huh? A little heavy stuff won't kill ya! TGIF people!

Wisdom from Tom of Pasadena, CA

Captain Bravo
Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Long ago there lived a seaman named Captain Bravo. He was a manly man who showed no fear in facing his enemies. One day, while sailing the seven seas, a lookout spotted a pirate ship and the crew became frantic. Captain Bravo bellowed, ''Bring me my red shirt!'' The first mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt. And whilst wearing the bright red frock, Bravo led his men into battle and defeated the pirates.

Later on that day, the lookout spotted not one, but two pirate ships. The captain again called for his red shirt. And once again, though the fighting was fierce, they were victorious over the two ships.

That evening, all the men sat around on the deck recounting the day's triumphs and one of them asked the captain, ''Sir, why do you call for your red shirt before battle?" The captain replied, ''If I am wounded in the attack, the shirt will not show my blood and thus, you men will continue to fight, unafraid.''

All of the men sat in silence and marveled at the courage of such a manly man as Captain Bravo.

As dawn came the next morning, the lookout spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirates ships approaching from the horizon. The first mate asked, "Shall I bring your red shirt?"

"No." Captain Bravo calmly replied, ''Get me my brown pants.''

Public Announcement: La Habra Art Walk Tomorrow
If you are in the La Habra area on Saturday, come and drop by the Art Walk near the Corner Bakery along Imperial Highway from 5 to 9pm. Some of my Art will be displayed as well as art by some of the other local artists. I will also be doing my quickie caricatures. It's all free!

Videos of the week:

Dad Pranks Son With Fake Hand
Contributor: Janet of South Pasadena, CA

Love the reaction of the little boy. Watch his shaking hands.

Colonel Sanders: The Ultimate Late Bloomer
Contributor: Art of Sierra Madre, CA

You're never too old to improve your legacy. Made a wrong turn? Everybody does. There are many paths. Just jump on another one.

Unbelievable! This Vietnamese baby eats like a Sumo wrestler. It'a good thing it's mostly veggies.

Ginger Lemonade
Contributor: Art of Sierra Madre, CA

This looks so refreshing. The ingredients seem simple. I'm gonna try this out. I think this will be great for the hot summer here in Los Angeles.

Chameleon With Glasses
Contributor: Jun of Quezon City, Philippines

Reminds me of Boy George: "Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma Chameloon! You come and go! You come and go!" Some talent this chameleon has!

Beaver in the Bridge
Contributor: Art of Sierra Madre, CA

One of the Super Bowl commercials. Pretty funny! TGIF people! Remember to drop by in the La Habra Art Walk!