Intimate Friends

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

John, my partner in my property management business, is about to undergo a bypass operation in a few hours. I called him up and made sure he was ready for whatever may happen. He was in good cheer. John is a born-again, Bible thumping Christian. He knows that his faith in Christ and not any good deed is his ticket to heaven. He’s ready for anything. We said our goodbyes … hopefully, not the last one.

I remember John’s phone call in 2017: “Raoul, me and other Rotarians are going to Nigeria to teach the locals about entrepreneurship … would you like to join us?” A week later I found myself alone in the humid Nigerian airport — the lone foreigner in a sea of dark-skinned natives. Through a series of unforeseen events, I was separated from the rest of my Rotarian teammates and somehow arrived at the airport hours ahead of the others.

It was only then when I realized that I was completely detached from my world. If some bandit decided to kidnap and murder me, feed my body to wild hyenas … no one would ever know what happened to me. I must have looked like a lost puppy because an airport security guard approached me. “Where are you from? China?” “No,” I said (not wanting to invite a kidnap), “I’m from the Philippines.” “Filipinas! Oh, Paquiao!” he laughed. This boxing enthusiast in faraway Nigeria knew Manny Paquiao, the Filipino champion.

We became instant friends. He led me to a sit-down restaurant inside the airport where I was able to rest. He signaled to the waitress to make sure it was okay for me to sit there. As I watched people come and go, I decided to take out my sketchpad and draw people’s faces. I asked the waitress if she wouldn’t mind posing for me. She was surprised by the proposition but she finally gave in. After a few minutes, I handed her the caricature. She laughed. We laughed. People in the restaurant laughed. Somebody asked if I could do his sketch. Then another. Pretty soon, a crowd formed around my table. The restaurant started getting lots of customers because there was a long line of people laughing at my caricatures.

When my fellow Rotarians finally arrived, they had no trouble finding me in that vast airport. Of course, John was surprised to see all the trouble I had caused in such a short time. John partnered with me the whole time I was in Africa. We taught thousands of college Nigerians in standing-room school auditoriums about starting their own business (I believe about 40% were unemployed). It was between one of those sessions when John shared his idea of starting a partnership with me. That’s when our friendship blossomed.

I wrote more about this in my previous TGIF emails.

John was a lot healthier then. We’ve been through several adventures together (both in Africa and here in the States). As John faced this crucial challenge, I told him to make sure his operation is successful because I planned to visit him in Connecticut this year.

My deep connection with John isn’t unique. I have many intimate friends — friends who have gone below surface level relationships. Some of you who are reading this article know you are one of them. Friends are a true blessing. They make life fun and exciting. But did you notice — the deeper we get in a relationship, the deeper the pain when we lose them? Is that why some avoid the hurt and keep their distance? Have they been hurt so bad that it’s hard for them to trust? I hope this isn’t you. If it is, get in touch with me and I may be able to help.

When my older brother died, I remember my Mom telling me that her loss was so deep; but she learned to survive and carry on because her suffering taught her compassion and to love even deeper.

TGIF People!

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You can read my previous emails in TravelingBoy.com

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Quotes of the Week

“Friends don’t let friends do silly things… alone.” — Anonymous

“There’s nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” — Anonymous

“My friends and I are crazy. That’s the only thing that keeps us sane.” — Matt Schucker

“A good friend will always stab you in the front.” — Oscar Wilde

“I don’t like to commit myself about heaven and hell — you see, I have friends in both places.” — Mark Twain

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Bear with each other and forgive one another; if any of you has a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, California.

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Barbara of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Donna of Whittier, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Bev of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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Jury Duty

This story may be too religious for you so if you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

I need to phone in and report for Jury Duty today. Chances are, I will be going through the screening process at the courthouse on Monday. Most people dread being called to this uniquely American judicial tradition but not me. I hope the trial will last just a few days (5-7 days is the average). I do have a lot of responsibilities … I do have a life. Maybe I should just shout ”off with their heads!” and get it over with.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

I’ve never actually been to a trial before. I came close once but I was filtered out on the first day. Maybe I watch too many trial movies but I’d love to watch the drama of the lawyers badgering the witnesses – “You can’t handle the truth!” Will I display wisdom or idiocy during the closed-door huddle among “twelve angry men?”

Should I bring my laptop to do some work? Will I be able to write notes and do sketches — hmmm, can I do sketches?! Oh boy, I can put on my artist hat and do caricatures! Now you’re talking! This is definitely going to be a “fun” experience. Maybe I’ll be able to sell my sketches to the evening network news and launch a new career as a courtroom caricaturist who makes people laugh.

Kidding aside, I know this is serious business. People’s lives will be in my hands. Will it be a case of murder or some other horrific crime? Will I be able to understand the arguments with my poor hearing? Will I be able to remember the important evidence? Will I be able to determine truth from lies? Will I do my duty with integrity?

RAMON vs DIEGO: A TRUE STORY

Did I ever share my story about Ramon and Diego? This happened during a period when I was transitioning from being an atheist into a God-fearing Christian. My faith was still growing. I prayed that if God was real, He would give me a sign and show himself to me. And He was answering my prayers through little inexplicables.

I was a manager in my grandfather’s marble mining company back in the Philippines and I was in charge of the men in the warehouse. There was a basketball ring at the back of the facility and, after working hours, the men and I would usually do a round of basketball.

One day Ramon, my responsible foreman, confided to me that he was in trouble with Diego. I don’t remember exactly what the issue was but there was an exchange of words and Ramon was concerned about an ambush because Diego, the new hire, was part of a gang. Ramon would be an easy target on his way home. What to do? (What would you have done?)

SHADES OF SOLOMON THE WISE

I pondered this delicate situation. I remembered reading how King Solomon cleverly judged who was the real mother of a baby by offering to split the baby among the two Moms (1 Kings 3:16-28). How would King Solomon appease these two proud men? If I favor Ramon, Diego will murder him for sure. If I favor Diego, Ramon and all the other men would lose respect for me.

I still didn’t know who God was but I prayed. (Isn’t it so typical that atheists pray when they run out of options?) Somehow, I got an inspiration right out of the blue. I told them, I wasn’t going to decide who was at fault. I told them they would play one-on-one basketball at the end of the day. The winner would determine who was right. Surprisingly, they both agreed.

The rest of the day, the men were talking among themselves — some sided with Ramon and others were with Diego. I was dripping sweats of blood as game time approached … praying that this zany idea would work.

I officiated the match and I let them at it. Ramon and Diego banged their bodies like gladiators. No fouls called. In the process, Diego must have seen that Ramon was tough and determined. Ramon wasn’t afraid to die. Diego realized that Ramon was a husband, a father and a fellow human being. Ramon was fighting for his life. The match ended with cheers from the crowd. Ramon was victorious. Drenched in sweat, they looked each other in the eye and shook hands. The respect was evident. Then they all went home.

I was so happy to see Ramon alive and well the next morning. Diego was also in a good mood — they were bros. The crisis was over. Diego disappeared a few weeks later but Ramon stayed loyal to me until I left the company. No one really understood what happened in that game but everyone knew that it worked.

If I am chosen as a juror, I promise to weigh all the evidence and be fair. I pray that all parties involved will come out as better people. I know I may sound a little naive but if I were on trial, I’d expect the same thing from my jurors. Wouldn’t you?

Of course, this is just me.

In case you are interested, I wrote a somber song called Modern Justice (almost 10 years ago). I was inspired to write it because I was frustrated at the courts not dispensing justice as I saw it. It’s a bit dramatic but you may like it. I let AI put it into music just for you.

TGIF People!

If you like my emails, please do me a favor and spread them around. Thank you!

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Quotes of the Week

“When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren’t smart enough to get out of jury duty.” — Anonymous

“If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” – Johnny Corcoran

“There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience.” — Anonymous

“Cases are won on closing arguments only on television, not in a real courtroom.” — Anonymous

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” – Luke 12: 11-12

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” — Matthew 18: 15-17

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. — Matthew 5: 38-42

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, California.

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Donna of Whittier, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Bev of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!
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The post Legal Logic appeared first on Traveling Boy.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

Our dog Tonka swallowed an avocado seed the size of a ping pong ball. He needed an operation because this silly mistake would block his intestine and lead to a painful death. The procedure would be very expensive. What to do?

MANY QUESTIONS

Isn’t it strange how the perception of our pets shift from joyful affection to serious dollar amounts when their lives depend on the money in our bank? How much is a pet’s life worth? Do you save its life no matter the cost? By what standards do we measure life? Is a Great Dane worth more than a chihuahua? A pound of cheese is cheaper than a pound of gold. In the 1630s, a bulb of tulip was worth more than a house. Obviously, life isn’t measured by the measurable metrics. What then?

HUMAN WORTH

To go beyond pets, isn’t it insulting that pet life may be more valuable than human life? Admit it. I’m sure you can name a few people who you’d blast off the face of the earth for free. How do we justify spending thousands of dollars on a pet instead of say … a child suffering with cancer or supporting a starving missionary out in Timbuktu?

Let’s go even further. Do we measure people by their attire, their weight, their gender, their ability to speak, their achievements, their athleticism, their beauty, their skin color? How about a smile? Is the Mona Lisa’s smile worth more than the arm of a baseball pitcher?

Do you look at people with dollar signs and opportunities? What can you get from this person? What’s in it for you to waste your time on this person? What’s your ROI (Return on investment)?

I passed by a homeless woman yesterday. She sat on a discarded sofa on the side of an alley. She was reed thin and dirty but she had put on makeup and lit a cigarette. You could tell she was overjoyed to find a soft comfy couch. I had compassion for her yet I didn’t want to engage because homeless people are supposed to be addicts and mentally ill. Would you have done the same? Is this an excuse?

Each day we face uncomfortable decisions. So many questions. No definitive answers.

WHAT’S YOUR PRICE?

Perhaps the most important question to ask: how much are YOU worth? Is it relative? — and I don’t mean your value to your relatives. When you are depressed and suicidal and the question of your existence comes to the table, please don’t rely on your emotions, it can be fatal. Remember, you are a child of God. Your inherent worth is probably so much greater than you think it is.

To paraphrase my friend, Professor Warren Lamb’s wisdom, he said: “while we may be undeserving of any good thing, deserving and worthy are two very different things. To be deserving of something means we earned it. But worth is not about doing but being and refers to the inherent essence of something.” The inherent precious value of gold doesn’t change simply because it’s covered in mud.

For a Christian like me, I start my assessment from Christ’s perspective (at least I try to). I believe He died for our sins. He died for the homeless woman. Why? Because, muddy or not, we all have inherent worth. The price tag we carry says we are God’s children and Christ considered us worthy enough to die for. When someone is willing to die for you, it isn’t as simple as dedicating a song to somebody on the radio. It means a whole lot more than that. It involves patience, pain and suffering. The grace that you receive comes from the sacrifice of someone else.

As for Tonka, we’re a little poorer because we decided to pay for the ransom — I mean the “operation.” I apologize for my serious tone today. Blame it on Tonka. Tonka may never fully understand the sacrifice we made so that he could live another day but it doesn’t matter. We gave it just the same. We decided his inherent worth was much more than the cost of an operation.

I can hear the Soup Nazi say to Tonka: “No more avocado soup for you!”

Of course, this is just me.

Hey, it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow! Time to give our hearts away! TGIF People!

If you like this website, please do me a favor and spread it around. Thank you!

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Quotes of the Week

“If you don’t know your own worth and value, then don’t expect someone else to calculate it for you.” — Anonymous

“Money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it’ scale.” — Zig Ziglar

“Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.” — Anonymous

“In order to insult me, I must first value your opinion … nice try though.” — Anonymous

“Each and every person — no matter what they have or have not done — has inherent worth because each and every one of us is created in God’s image (imago dei).” — Warren Lamb, from his book Unbound.

“Judge your worth and value by what God says about you in His Word, not by how somebody else treats you.” — Ephesians 2:4-10

“You have been bought with a price.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, California.

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Bev of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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The post Cooking Instructions appeared first on Traveling Boy.

The Final Frontier

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

I watched a few episodes of the original Star Trek series the other night. Did you grow up watching Star Trek? Like many of you, my siblings and I looked forward to the weekly episode back in the 60s. There were no videotapes then, so we were at the mercy of the TV network’s schedule and had to stay up past our early bedtime. We only had black and white TVs so now, watching it in color, I noticed how gaudy and colorfully horrendous the costumes were. Who let that drag queen costume designer out? Why did I stay up for this crap?

Low Budget

The bridge of the Starship Enterprise (where Captain Kirk barked his commands with authority) now looked so tacky. I noticed the painted plywood walls, the Christmas-light circuit boards, the automatic sliding doors — they all looked so cheap from a 21st century perspective. And they used the same high-pitched, quirky, modulated, nauseating, “hi-tech,” sound effects whenever they could.

The limited budget produced background scenes that were small, confining and haphazardly put together with fake trees and fake boulders — which explains why there were a lot of posing, talking and standing — the camera could only move forward and backward and not from left to right. The fight scenes were awkward, studied and laughable. (Now I understand why my jaw dropped when I watched Star Wars for the first time — George Lucas made the costumes and space ships look authentically dirty and used.)

Endearing Characters

I still enjoyed the overly dramatic Captain James T Kirk — the legend, the ever-insightful commander, the ladies man! Despite his lack of acting abilities, you gotta hand it to William Shatner — he made the series fun. And his supporting cast (Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Scott, Lieutenant Uhura, Chekov, Mr. Sulu) all had this amazing camaraderie both on set and in real life. I laughed when I saw the extra/actor who was wearing the red shirt. I knew he was going to die.

Creativity

We may laugh and criticize the low budget production but no one can deny the impact it made to our culture. Somehow, the show challenged the norms of our society. (I believe the first inter-racial kiss between a Caucasian and an African American on TV was between Kirk and Uhura). And if you compare them with many modern AI-generated formulaic movies, Star Trek’s only fault was the package. The message was always brilliant and original.

I still marvel at storylines that tackled profound themes like: duty and responsibility over self, human emotion vs. logic, and appreciation for the diversity of cultures and ideas. The plots have withstood the test of time and are still relevant today. Kudos to the writers and Gene Rodenberry (the Air Force pilot and LAPD cop) who introduced Space as the new frontier and allowed our imagination to “boldly go where no man had gone before.” (I remember my English teacher criticized that phrase: “It should be ‘to go boldly!’” he said. He was right but nobody cared. The bad English sounded better.)

Not everything new is better

I don’t know why but this appreciation for an old TV series reminded me of my Christian faith. Some people cannot understand why Christians believe in the Bible. They say it’s old fashioned. But I think they only see the package. The message within its pages are as vibrant and relevant as they have always been. What could be more profound than the final frontier — discovering the true relationship between God and man?

But this is just me. TGIF people!
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Quotes of the Week

“Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its 5-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.” — Captain Kirk

“Live long and prosper.” — Spock

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” — Spock

“Make it so.” — Captain Picard

“Resistance is futile.” — The Borg

“Highly illogical.” — Spock

“When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” — Spock

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” — Matthew 24:35

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California.

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Richard of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!
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The post Grilled Chicken appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Canine Endearment

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

Tonka and Tinker, our two Corgis, were playing outside in their dog pen and they were having so much fun. I decided to let them play while I went inside to do some work on the computer. After some time, I opened the door and they rushed inside. But just before I shut the door, I noticed there was a dog tail laying outside. A dog tail?! It looked like Tonka’s dog tail! I looked inside and I noticed Tonka’s butt was tailless and his butt bones were sticking out. But wait! His coat was lighter than normal. Tonka was thinner. Hey, that isn’t Tonka! That’s another dog! Somebody stole Tonka!! Who? What? When?!?!

That’s when I woke up! What a strange dream.

As I stared at the ceiling of the dark bedroom, reality set in and I realized how attached I have become to our dogs. The last time I felt this kind of sadness was when Zoe (our previous dog) passed away over 10 years ago. I was so heartbroken I swore I would never have a pet again. It was a total shock when my wife got our 2 corgis. Life changed. I had to interrupt my days to give them short walks. I had to feed them their meals. I had to vacuum their fallen fur. I didn’t want these extra responsibilities, but I reluctantly did it for my wife. As I pondered why I felt so bad about the dream, I realized I had grown to actually like our dogs and I will miss them terribly if they get stolen or when they pass away.

I must be getting soft — we men aren’t supposed to be so mushy gushy. I’ve gotten to know their personalities. Tonka is the escape artist while Tinker is the clinging vine. So when I take them for a walk I tie both of their leashes together. I don’t need to hold the leash. As Tinker follows me, Tonka is forced to follow Tinker. Tinker is quick, impulsive, noisy and unsophisticated — she sleeps on her back with her legs spread wide open. What a slot! Her motto: “Grab and eat now, ask questions later!” Tonka is a cultured gentleman — slow as a turtle, always assessing the current situation; and when he stares at you, it’s as if he’s reading your mind — “What’s that you say? By golly, did you say something?” Whenever Tinker pees, she looks up at me longing for approval and says “How’d you like this, huh? I know you want this. Am I amazing or what?”

They are always hungry; they are always scrounging for food. Surprisingly, they love lettuce and Bok Choy — especially the crunchy root part. Tinker waits for us to settle down in the sofa. Then she sits in front of us like she is about to recite a poem. She starts with a mumble which slowly crescendos to deafening barks: “Outside! I need to go outside! Stop the TV, stop the sleeping, stop everything! I want to go outside now!” Tonka will join in the barking and will grab anything we accidentally drop and will blackmail us for the treats — “Give me those snacks or else this plastic bottle cover gets it!”

They’re part herding dog and part guard dog. Every night, Tonka sleeps near the sofa to protect the upstairs while Tinker snuggles at the entrance door to protect the bottom floor. No matter how quiet I try to walk, they can sense me coming home a block away. With their full-sized body and their little feet, I imagine that any would-be-robber will have difficulty controlling his laughter when he sees how cute our canine sentinels are.

I have no profound insight for you today (I’m so sleepy because of that nightmare). I only want to warn you of the dangerous charms of these adorable creatures. If you already have a pet, you know exactly what I mean. God designed these animals to bring out the best in us humans. With all the angry political shenanigans around us, maybe it’s time we let the dogs out!

And all of the silly pet Owners said — “Amen!” TGIF people!

In case you are interested, I wrote a song about my Corgis several years ago. CLICK HERE.

Did you know there is a Corgi Beach Day? CLICK HERE.
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Mailchimp has been tampering with my email database so you might get cut off. If that ever happens, you can find me here in travelingboy and resubscribe.

Quotes of the Week

“Dog’s lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” — Agnes Slight Turnbull

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” — Andy Rooney

“If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the human I am.” — Charles Yu

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” — Proverbs 12:10

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” — 1 Peter 3:8

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” — Romans 10:15

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California.

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!
Know someone who enjoys a laugh? Share this website.

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The post Phone Verification appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Barber Nightmare

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

I did it again! I cut my hair … all by myself … and it’s bad … really bad!

If you’ve been a subscriber of my silly emails, you’ll remember I shared my harrowing story about this Korean hairdresser who just opened her business and didn’t know what a buzz cut was: “Buzz-a cut? What this Buzz-a cut?” I had to search for a buzz-cut picture on my phone to show her so she could understand. Needless to say, she did an awful job. My wife thought it was awful too and warned me never to return.

Fast forward, here I was again with the same woman. Over the years she had learned how to execute a buzz cut well. But, over the years, her price had doubled. It only took about fifteen minutes and it was done. So I was thinking: “Twenty bucks for this? How difficult would it be if I cut my own hair with a proper trimmer?”

The next day I researched on YouTube how to cut my own hair. According to the expert, equipped with a trimmer and a small mirror, I could stand in front of my bathroom mirror and get it done quickly and cheaply. My friend Oswald even told me he trims his own hair all the time even though his Mom is a hairdresser. He even told me what kind of trimmer to buy.

My hair grew longer and, when it was time for a haircut, I bought a trimmer (which was about the same price as my haircut) but I was too scared to use it. I let it sit beside my bathroom sink. There it sat for a month. Everyday I brushed my teeth, I saw the box smiling at me. “When ya gonna do it, handsome? When ya gonna do it?” The taunting grew louder as my hair grew longer. “What’s the matter? Are you chicken?” the box laughed. The practical side of me was saying I should just get my hair done by the professional Korean lady. But the cheapskate side of me reminded me I already spent money on the trimmer and provoked me to take the challenge.

The Dream

Last Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The words of Dr. King echoed in my head: “I have a dream … to cut my own hair!” I looked out the window for a sign. The birds were chirping love songs, the roses were in bloom, and the clouds parted as the angelic hosts directed the rays of the sun towards the box of my trimmer. “By golly, this is the day that the Lord hath made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!“

I opened the box and I marveled at the engineering of this gadget — imagine this little thing will give me the power to end the careers of many a barber! I started with my sideburns. Zing! I was shocked! My right ear was completely exposed. Dang! I forgot to put on a spacer! I overdid it but I couldn’t stop. Zing! Zing! Zing! Clumps of hair fell on the bathroom tiles. All of my front hair was gone. Even with a mirror, the backside was impossible to see. Deciding what was left and right in the mirror was challenging. Those YouTube experts lied! This was ridiculous! By the time I was done, hair was all over the bathroom … except on my head! This wasn’t a dream. This was a war zone nightmare! My scalp looked like a landmine .. a Killing Field! There were spots that were completely shaved off and spots where strands of hair hung on like rice stalks. I became a captured shaven Nazi prostitute after the war ready to be ridiculed by the world. I was doomed to wearing a hat for the next 2 weeks.

You can tell a lot about a person by his hair. Bald spots say you’re past your youth. White hair announces how old you are. Facial hair says you’re a macho macho man. Manicured eyebrows say you may NOT be a macho macho man. And when your hair looks like the mine-infested Killing Fields, you’re the idiot who should have paid a professional to do his hair. Can you relate to this?

TGIF people!

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Quotes of the Week

“Blessed are the hairstylists, for they bring out the beauty in others.” — Anonymous

“Be nice to your hairstylist. We can ruin your self-esteem for six months in fifteen minutes.” — Anonymous

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” — Proverbs 16:31

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” — Luke 12:7

“But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.” — Samson in the Book of Judges 16:22

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Jackie of Whittier, California for this classic joke.

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA
A true statement.

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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The post Idiot Brother appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Dawn of a New Day

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

The other day I watched my grandsons play Middle School basketball. While I was there, I had a close up look at the current crop of teenagers. I felt like Richard Attenborough observing animals in the wild.

I remember some of the young men from my previous visits but they were a foot taller. And they used Miracle Gro Shampoo on their hair. Many of them are already shaving! The teammates were “jiving” and giving high fives – interesting demonstration of primate coolness.

The young ladies were already wearing makeup. Their hair — meticulously embroidered to frame their budding beauty. Woe to all you virile men who fall trap to their alluring glances! L’amour! L’amour!

Do they appreciate this amazing period of their life? I love their innocence, their joyful exuberance, their respect for elders, their boundless energy. Do you remember those days? In my early teens, I had no clue about the politics around me. I trusted the grownups to take care of the world for me. I trusted the grownups for everything! I trusted my teachers to have my best interest at heart. I believed they taught us Algebra because it was necessary for adulthood. We had to know the origins of species and understand their internal organs because one day we would need to dissect a frog in some strange emergency. We had to appreciate Shakespeare and Charles Dickens because those guys knew how to tell captivating stories which would be useful in campfires and job interviews. Wish I could say something good about Chemistry and Physics but I slept through both of those courses … although somehow, I survived life without needing to alter the rotation of the planets.

The Education System

Some people want to maintain the Education System of our era. But I think it’s time for a revamp in light of the current technology. Who decides what people need to learn? Who decided we needed Taylor Swift courses? Do we still need to calculate square roots in our head? Shouldn’t it be enough to just understand the principles behind these number games? Unless you’re an engineer, why would you need to know a precise value of pi? Do we need to force kids to read the classics? Isn’t it better to tickle their imagination to discover the beauty of the written word on their own? Many complain that the young don’t even know how to spell or write anymore but what if communication has evolved into something simpler? Don’t emojis express what many words cannot? I think technology will be able to determine the natural bent and interests of the young, bypass unnecessary subjects and hone their specific interests. Instead of teaching HOW to live, what if we teach WHY we live and prioritize teaching moral values?

This year, for $30k, Tesla robots are starting to join ordinary lifestyles. Robots are going to cook our meals, balance our budgets, walk our dogs and care for the bed-ridden. In Japan, some robots are already best friends and constant companions. Will robots be better at running a business … perhaps even a country? I’m not sure where all of this is going but nothing’s going to stop the “progress.” We may no longer need to work. So what’s the point in education?

If human society will be dumbed down, what then will be our purpose? Why did God create us in the first place? Maybe that’s where we should start the discussion. Sorry if I wasted your precious time with my silly observations. TGIF people!

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Quotes of the Week

“All of the biggest technological inventions created by man – the airplane, the automobile, the computer – says little about his intelligence, but speaks volumes about his laziness.” – Mark Kennedy

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” – Albert Einstein
“One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.” – Elbert Hubbard

“Humanity is acquiring all the right technology for all the wrong reasons.” — R. Buckminster Fuller

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” — John 3:16-17

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Richard of New Manila, Philippines

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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The post Universal Remote appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Old Age

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

Another year … another grey hair. Another month … another wrinkle. Another workday … another body ache. I decided to write a checklist of what I think about getting old.

You know you’re old if:

• Social Security is your friend.
• Tinnitus follows you wherever you go.
• Your back squeaks.
• Every word you want to say is at the tip of your tongue.
• You are aghast at a group picture of oldies until you realize they were your classmates.
• You wear reading glasses.
• You constantly clean your counter top because of all the dead skin cells that are floating around.
• You have a weekly pill box.
• It takes forever to select your movie for the night because you can’t remember if you’ve watched it already.
• The gym is not your friend.
• Age spots and bald spots pop up everywhere.
• Your gums are receding while your teeth stop whitening.
• You shop at Aldi’s and you love to bargain hunt.
• You are lactose intolerant and you’re shopping for adult diapers.
• You visit your doctor more often than your children.
• You pick up your grandkids after school. And this is the highlight of your day.
• You don’t recognize any music in the top 40s.
• You go to a lot of funerals.
• You stayed home and had a quiet New Year.
• You’re reading this email.

Feeling old? I feel your pain — literally!

I’m older than my Dad when I thought he was old. I’m older than George Washington when he became President at 57. George Burns … well, at least he was way older when he died at 100. Of course there are Mick Jagger and Keith Richards — they’ll never die!

But really, who’s counting? I stopped counting birthdays when I started counting blood pressure. Getting old is just a new skin I’ve slowly adjusted to. And it ain’t bad at all.

Just because I’m old, people think I have wisdom. I get senior discounts without asking for them. I stopped eating like a horse. My wardrobe hasn’t changed for decades. My wife and I date often because our idea of date night is having dinner watching a good movie on TV.

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to live forever. And I certainly don’t want to be a burden to anyone. But I’ll hang around this body as long as God wants me to be here. And while I still can, I’ll maximize the time He has given me. How about you?

TGIF people!

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Quotes of the Week

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old. You grow old when you stop laughing.” — George Bernard Shaw

“You can live to be a hundred if you give up all things that make you want to live to be a hundred.” — Woody Allen

“I’m very pleased to be here. Let’s face it, at my age I’m very pleased to be anywhere.” — George Burns

“I don’t feel old. I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.” — Bob Hope

“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” — Robert Frost

“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” — Walt Disney

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” — Proverbs 16:31

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” — Isaiah 46:4

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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The post Strange Years appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2026. Pardon the mess. I’ve been cleaning my office. Going through my pile of documents and my trash can is full. I’ve got a box full of broken electronic stuff. a box full of art stuff. And piles of other stuff. How about you? Sorting out your closet for your faded wardrobe? How about your email? How many TeraBytes is it now?

I can’t talk long. my wife is waiting for me downstairs.

Here’s wishing you a more relaxing year ahead.

I have so many Christmas puns so I decided to “get rid of them” too instead of saving them for next year. Enjoy!

TGIF people!

If you like my emails, please do me a favor and spread them around. Thank you!

Mailchimp has been tampering with my email database so you might get cut off. If that ever happens, you can find me in travelingboy and resubscribe.

Quotes of the Week

“I make so many beginnings there never will be an end.” — Louisa May Alcott

“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”— L.M. Montgomery

“God is so good to give us new days and New Years since He knows we need so many times to start over.” — Lacey Sturm

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Richard of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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Know someone who enjoys a laugh? Share this website.

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The post The Walls of Jericho appeared first on Traveling Boy.

Unpredictables

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

It’s after Christmas. If you’re like me, you’re still in social limbo. It isn’t really a holiday anymore but neither is it a work day.

This has been a very strange Christmas for me. I know several people who are grieving the loss of a loved one and a few who took a financial hit. Then there are those who are celebrating better health and better wealth — a perfect Yin Yang, Day and Night, Black and White paradox.

As we come to the end of the year, it’s a coin toss of which path to take — the road to optimism or the road to fear and depression? If possible, I’d like to wait at the back of the line and observe what awaits people’s choices, but I know I can’t. We’re all riding the same train of time … always moving forward together. Is life half empty or half full? So I guess it’s that old attitude that makes a difference.

Don McLean’s attitude was quite clear when he wrote Dreidel (a Jewish top) and his lyrics come to mind:

DREIDEL
I feel like a spinning top or a dreidel
The spinning don’t stop when you leave the cradle
You just slow down
Round and around this world you go
Spinning through the lives of the people you know
We all slow down

[Chorus]
How you gonna keep on turnin’ from day to day?
How you gonna keep from turnin’ your life away?

[Post-Chorus]
No days you can borrow, no time you can buy
No trust in tomorrow, it’s a lie

During moments of uneasiness I pick up my Bible and flip through the pages of wisdom. Often, it allows me to take the next step — not always with full confidence in my abilities but with faith knowing that a power beyond myself is there to guide me onward.

But this is just me.

TGIF people!

If you like my emails, please do me a favor and spread them around. Thank you!

Mailchimp has been tampering with my email database so you might get cut off. If that ever happens, you can find me in travelingboy and resubscribe.

Quotes of the Week

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” – Henry Ford

“Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” — Kobe Bryant

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” — Psalm 20:7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Parting Shots

Thanks to James of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Mona of New York

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!
Know someone who enjoys a laugh? Share this website.

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The post Pouched Egg appeared first on Traveling Boy.