Nobody Special

And now the news.

Another colorful week in politics just passed. The politicians are still slugging it out and hurling insults and innuendos at each other. One politician (whom we shall name Candidate X) has called for backup, so politicians of yesteryear joined the campaign to wave their flag of allegiance. Unfortunately, some of their negative side comments have garnered more interest than their intended message and this started rumors of a failing campaign. As a result, the racial political demographics have shifted. Many are realizing that their party’s trajectory no longer align with theirs. If this all sounds confusing to you, that’s because this is the ambiguous world of modern politics — where handshakes and prepared speeches mask the evil behind those practiced smiles and the puppet handlers above. Poor Candidate X.

Contrast that to Elon Musk who just unveiled his latest gizmos. This high functioning autistic engineering genius paraded his Optimus humanoid robots who danced, conversed and served drinks to a mesmerized crowd. If all goes well, these robots will be available next year for $20k to $30k. In this same event he introduced his fully automated CyberCab and Robovan (a driverless boxy but sleek electric vehicle that seats 20 passengers). Uber’s CEO sees the writing on the wall and is eager to partner with Tesla. And somewhere in the Florida coastline, the biggest, heaviest, meanest Starlink rocket booster was caught safely in the robotic arms he designed — ready for reuse for the next launch.

Let’s face it, Elon is the neurotic, smarter classmate everyone hates but secretly want to be. If only Candidate X had a fraction of his brain cells. Sadly, Candidate X is trying so hard to sound intelligent but how can one generate brilliance when there’s no gas to start the old noggin running?

Sometimes I feel sorry for Candidate X. I can relate. I always knew that I wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Growing up I struggled with reading and math comprehension while my high-functioning siblings garnered academic honors left and right. I remember my Mom gave us aptitude tests. She was all praises with the others but her forlorn expression (upon seeing my results) told me I was a misfit. But my Mom encouraged me on the little things I did well. I was quite an artist. She would always have me draw her Christmas cards. I was good with my hands — I could fix things. I was the only one who had to climb the 20 foot mango tree and hang up our Christmas lights every year. I was the only one who helped my Dad fix our blue Chevy van almost every weekend while the others played. When I complained why no one else was helping, they said I was “good at it.”

I was swift as a deer and I outran everyone. My coordination was so good, no one could shoot me down in Touchball. I rarely got sick. And I made friends … lots of friends. I guess nobodies like other nobodies. My parents spent on my sisters to have piano lessons, guitar lessons and Hula dancing. They never asked me if I was interested. I had to learn music on my own. I had to borrow my sisters’ guitar. I always felt I was handed the leftovers but that was fine. I didn’t deserve them anyway.

I never thought I was anything special. Lucky at times but never special. And then one day someone explained the Gospel to me. The Bible told me that God loves me … that God wants the best for me … and that I was special in His eyes. And that made all the difference in the world.

If you’re a nobody, welcome to the club. But please remember, you’re also special in His sight.

Of course, this is just me. TGIF people!

p.s. I’m asking a BIG favor.
My little granddaughter, Caela, is a top 5 candidate for Baby of the Year and (if you have a Facebook account) she needs your vote. Log into Facebook first then you can vote once a day so please vote. Some days, your vote is doubled. This is the last week. She’s almost there. Thank you for your support.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE and see my grand kid.

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” — William Shakespeare

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” — Mark Twain

“Nothing is more simple than greatness; indeed, to be simple is to be great.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” — James 1:17

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Brent of Kentucky

Thanks to Brian of Philadelphia

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

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The post Illegal Immigrant Solution appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Hurricane Season

WARNING: Slightly religious topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not interested.

Over 6 million Floridians evacuated their homes to escape the wrath of Hurricane Milton this week. Fortunately, what was expected to be a category 5 storm downgraded to only a category 3. One can imagine how agonizing it must be. A friend of mine was headed for Georgia but the mass exodus birthed traffic congestion and gasoline shortages so he only made it halfway. A million homes are without power. The happiest place on earth, Disney World, may not be too happy today. What a nightmare!

Growing up in Manila, I’ve had my share of natural disasters. My earliest memory of a storm was of Typhoon Dading. In the Philippines they call them typhoons and the female names are alphabetically assigned and the Philippine names are independent of their international names.

We lived in a simple 2 storey, 3 bedroom home. Except for the foundation and the bathroom, the rest of the structure was made of wood. Instead of glass, the sliding wooden windows were made of checkered capiz shells.

We kids were delighted that class had been suspended. In those days, we depended on Mr. Weatherman to declare what grade level (grade school, high school, college or work) should stay home. It’s rather comical for situations where only grade school kids would be exempt from the daily buzz while all the older denizens were expected to tread their way to the school or office: “Goodbye children, stay home and be safe with Mama while Papa goes out to face the storm. Pray that I come back in one piece.”

Often, Mr. Weatherman, an underpaid malnourished government employee, would declare who was exempted too late in the day. So (often) half-drenched souls would arrive at their empty school or workplace only to realize they should have stayed home. I always wondered if Mr. Weatherman should have upgraded his crystal ball. Of course this was before satellites helped predict the weather.

During the night of Typhoon Dading, the electricity went down. Candles and weak flashlights helped us move about. Battery operated radios were our only connection to the outside. All of us kids were tucked in our warm double deck beds. Dad was moving around with the houseboy securing the windows and anything outside that would fly. Mom was scampering with pans and buckets with the housemaid to catch the water dripping down from the holes of the galvanized roof. My grandmother, Lola Nene, was visiting and she was praying her rosary nonstop. Everything was damp. I was reading my DC comic books of Batman, Superman, Doom Patrol and Metal Men (I remember them well) using one of the precious white wax candles until Mom told me to conserve the candle.

It was actually fun. It was like camping. The only time I got scared was during the peak of the storm, when the wind rattled and whistled through the holes of the capiz shells like an invisible demon taunting us of its power. The rickety wooden walls shook but stubbornly held on. Eventually, the constant sound of the deafening wind tunnel accompanied by water splashes lulled us to sleep.

In the morning the storm had passed through. Our outside fish pond overflowed and many of our goldfishes had escaped to the street canals outside. Excited neighborhood kids were catching our colorful fishes and placed their prizes in their jar containers. The streets were immaculately clean of debris. The dark trunks of the surviving trees were drenched. All the banana trees were mangled. Men were walking with their plastic rain coats and rubber slippers checking out the place. Other men were removing galvanized roofing materials that had flown into their properties. It was surreal — someone was playing “The Rite of Spring” in the background — no, just kidding.

Strange as this may sound to Western ears, this is a regular occurrence in South East Asia. It’s a given that several monsoon rains and storms visit every year. The only difference would be the intensity. Every storm steals a hundred souls and abandon cars in the middle of the flooded streets. There would be new stories of people working their way to the top of their roofs and local heroes would emerge to rescue the stranded.

LESSONS
In a rat race lost in pursuit of worldly dreams, hurricanes remind us of our human frailty. Our confidence should never be on our wealth but in our Lord. He controls our ultimate destiny. Shirley McLaine once wrote a book proclaiming that we are all gods. Quite laughable really. Imagine God looking down at the earth and laughing because He spots tiny Shirley McLaine facing a storm declaring in her little high pitched voice: “I am god! I am god! I am god!” What silly arrogance!

No my friends. We are created beings of an amazing, all powerful, yet loving God. You can read all about Him in the Bible. And if you’re too lazy to read, you just have to look at a hurricane to know who’s the boss of us all.

Of course, this is just me. TGIF people!

“’What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?’ For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. He said to them, ‘Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.’ … Therefore they called out to the Lord, ‘O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.’ So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.” — The book of Jonah 1:11-16

“True intimacy with God always brings humility.” — Beth Moore

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Dick of Boston

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Brian of Philadelphia

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

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The post Girl Finds Dead Dog appeared first on Traveling Archive.

My Forever Friends

At the end of this month I will be heading to North Carolina for a college reunion. It’ll be an epic occasion … something I’ve dreamed of for ages. Allow me to share the people who shaped my young adult life.

My college years formed a friendship bubble filled with young adult adventures in the Washington DC area. It was a time when the Vietnamese refugees from the war started their new life in America. The World Bank and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) were hiring immigrants from all over the world. One of those immigrants was my Tita Dolly who invited me to live with her. I consider her my US mom to whom I will be forever grateful.

It was the bell-bottomed disco era of John Travolta. Home computers were about to explode. Gerald Ford just conceded his throne to Jimmy Carter. International students clumped together with fellow strangers. Affirmative action began to fill the universities with African Americans. I partied with Filipinos, Singaporeans, Vietnamese, Egyptians, Israelites, Iranians, Mexicans, White and Black Americans. Many were children of ambassadors and politicians. Central among the rainbow of ethnicities were my closest friends who formed a troubadour band called Kalesa (which means a Filipino horse and buggy).

My Tita Dolly’s house was ground zero for all our activities. In fact, that was where Kalesa was born. Almost every weekend we’d find an excuse to hold a party at that house in Arlington VA. I had always dreamed that one day I would own that house. My heart was crushed when she sold it recently.

I had just arrived stateside and was terribly homesick and needed friends. My cousins, who also lived with me at that house, invited their friends over so I could meet them.

“You should meet Rodney, he plays the guitar like you. He even composes. And you should meet Bernie. He’s got an amazing voice like David Gates of the Bread. Manny also plays the guitar like Paul Simon.”

Saturday night, people poured in and partied. But in the basement, Rodney, Manny, Bernie and I were jamming with our nylon guitars. Something magical happened. We actually sounded good. The 4 of us would become the magnet of the group and many others latched on for the ride.

Weeks and months went by and we practiced after school and we added more songs to our repertoire. There was no formal plan to turn the group into a band, it just happened. Tito Julio had a birthday party where we had our first formal performance. It was an amazing night of affirmation to know we could really entertain a crowd. Later we sang Christmas carols to raise money for poor Catholic churches. We sang for weddings and birthday parties. We were the main event for a concert fund raiser and even an opening act for a Battle of the Bands at the George Washington University. The band never really made serious money. Money was never the intention. We just enjoyed each other’s company.

We were wholesome kids with devilish testosterones. We talked about girls a lot. I can’t say we were womanizers but we did have some fans. Sure we smoked and drank beer but we never got into drugs. Rodney was studying for law school. Manny was preparing for med school. Bernie, Bob and Santi became engineers. JB became the head of computer technology for the military. I was studying Advertising Art hoping to join an Ad firm on Madison Avenue. My claim to international fame was designing the millennial logo for the GRAMMY awards.

I vividly remember a night at the La Pattiserie (a favorite French restaurant in Georgetown). Half drunk but in serious conversation and conscious of the temporary friendship bubble we were in, we knew that bubble was about to pop because of our different career paths. We were growing up and starting our rainbow of life. Raising our beer cans, we gave a toast to be friends forever. These guys were closer than my blood brothers and I was willing to give up my life to save any of them.

Through the happy and sad pages of the calendar and despite separation by states and by countries, we remained in touch. To the credit of our spouses, they understood our golden bond and have always been supportive of our rare and brief reunions.

Today, standing at the end of that rainbow I remember Rodney, Bob, Annie and Loree who have gone ahead of us. What’s left of Kalesa will be camped at Dr. Manny’s North Carolina mansion this October. We plan to record some songs. Why? Does it matter why? We just know we need to do it while we still can.

I’m sure you have your own eternal friends. What a blessing, huh? I’m sure your stories are even more interesting than mine. I’d love to hear them. When our earthly adventures are over, I truly believe we will have eternity to exchange our experiences. How cool is that? Heaven isn’t a silly place where we flutter our wings and strum our harps. It’s so much more and wonderful beyond imagination. When you get there, be sure to look me up. We’ll have so much fun.

I praise God who has been especially kind to me to provide my eternal friends. Let me end with Rodney’s composition about friendship which he sang when he first met me:

I’M LIKE YOU
Have you ever felt like telling stories
Someone told before?
Have you ever built sandcastles
That washed out on the shore?
Have you ever felt like singing songs
People sing no more?
I’m like you. I’m like you.

Have you ever felt like trying
Someone told you not to try?
Have you ever felt like cussing
But could only blow a sigh?
Have you ever felt the answer
Was too high in the sky?
I’m like you. I’m like you.

CHORUS
I need a place to plant my feet,
A place to stand, a place to be!
I have to go, to see, to know!
I have to be set free!

Have you ever seen the mountain
And wished that you were there?
Have you ever tried to reach someone
Who simply wasn’t there?
Have you ever feared
That if you loved,
The one you loved won’t care?
I’m like you. I’m like you.

Have you ever felt that sorrow
Was a way to make you strong
To come back here tomorrow
Just to sing a sadder song?
Have you ever felt you were all alone?
Well, now you know you’re wrong,
For I’m like you. I’m like you.

TGIF people!

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” — Kahil Gibran

“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” — William Butler Yeats

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10: 24-25

“Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” — 1 Samuel 20:42

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Ed of Studio City, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Berong of Mandaluyong, Philippines

Thanks to Brian of Philadelphia

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

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The post A Rabbi in Hawaii appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Dog Fight

Warning: Serious topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

We brought our two corgis (Tonka and Tinker) to a dog swimming pool birthday party last Saturday. The usual gang of fellow corgis was there. The dogs, for the most part, got along with each other … smelling each other’s butt and sharing the latest dog jokes.

But there was one larger half-breed, a corgi-border-colllie mix who had a disproportionately large jaw. He was notorious for pushing his weight around. He already initiated fights between 3 smaller corgis so the others didn’t mingle with him too much. On the other hand, Tonka (a full grown gentle giant who essentially looks like a German Shepherd but with little corgi legs) was making lots of friends. Tonka is sociable and fears no one … not even the bigger dogs.

I was thumbing through my cell phone messages; when suddenly, an ear-piercing growl shattered the sound barrier. I heard my wife scream “Oh nooo!!!” In the middle of a pile of corgis were 2 dogs engaged in a battle to the death. It was our Tonka and the bully dog. The monster had locked its jaws on Tonka’s furry neck and pinned Tonka down. All the other dogs and their masters were staring shocked, helpless and useless. As I rushed closer, my wife grabbed the bully out by his shoulders and as she lifted it up, Tonka’s 45 pound body dangled helplessly underneath. The bully finally let go and was tossed aside. I saw Tonka visibly shaken and looking at me as if to say “What happened Dada? Did I do something wrong?” I cuddled Tonka in my protective arms. Then my wife embraced our precious Tonka while Tinker barked nonstop as if to say “are you alright big brother? Did that big dog hurt you?” We checked for any wounds. Tonka was shaken but he was fine. (Later my wife realized she got a long scratch on her shin.)

My wife was so upset she marched to the owner of the bully and said “that dog should be kept on a leash because this was the 4th incident of the day.” The owner was apologetic. The bully was quiet. The rest of the party was in shock. Needless to say, that was the end of the party. Everyone left in a bad mood feeling sorry for Tonka.

HARD LESSON
The owner of the bully dog must have known about the aggressive behavior yet didn’t do anything to correct it. We and the other dog owners knew there was a problem and we shrugged it aside as long as it didn’t get out of hand … as long as it didn’t affect us. It took a brutal attack to realize the simmering catastrophe of complacency.

Unless you’re totally oblivious of current events or you only watch one-sided news, you know that the world has been on a self-destructive path. Apparently, the craziness has trickled down to our pets.

In Tonka’s little world he will eventually learn to trust again and he will be back to his carefree self. In our human world, we may not be so lucky. This coming election is critical. It may make or break this nation. Let us shun complacency and sift through the false narratives, discuss the issues maturely (especially with those we don’t agree with), and vote the lesser of the two evils. And whatever the results (whether we progress or dive deeper into debt and crime), let’s be honest enough to admit we were right or wrong. Let’s not pretend that we were not aware of the consequences.

ELECTION TRANSPORTATION
Here’s something to consider. If you prefer to vote in person, but have difficulties making it to the poll booths in the Greater Los Angeles Area, contact Ed, Travelingboy.com’s editor at **@tr**********.com and you’ll be transported to and from at the time of your convenience at no cost.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“Complacency is the last hurdle standing between any team and its potential greatness.” — Pat Riley

“Of all the things a leader should fear, complacency heads the list.” — John C. Maxwell

“Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come into my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.” — 2 Kings 19:28

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Laer of Northern California

Thanks to Brian of Philadelphia

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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The post I Run With My Glasses appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Win Win Situation

Warning: Serious topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

This morning, in my sleepy state of mind, I clumsily let my external hard drive drop to the floor. Stupid me. I never gave that little gadget any respect. I tossed that baby around like a leather wallet. I trusted that technology had advanced so much that hard drives were solid state (ie. no breakable moving parts) and would last longer than the Battery Bunny. Big mistake! When I plugged it into my computer, there was no sign of life. I needed to fix it.

I researched and repair prices ranged from $70 to $2k. What a shocker! Thoughts raced through my mind: Do I really need this data? How much is this worth for me to fix? In case you didn’t know, I’m a techie. So I’m going to fix it myself. And even if I fail, I can reconstruct what was there.

Life Lesson
How often do we get a chance to reconstruct our mistakes? Mistakes happen and, as you know, there are big mistakes and little ones. Ones you can fix and ones that are irreversible. You know the old saying: “If at first you don’t succeed, sky diving is not for you.” I used to tell my kids (when they were young) that it was all right to make mistakes and have scars because they will heal and we can learn from them … but I warned them of permanent scars” — scars that will be impossible to change — like murder, losing an arm or a leg, having unwanted pregnancies, etc.

Life Application
In the broader arena, we have the US Presidential elections. In 6 weeks America will decide who will lead the free world. Tension’s rising because (no matter who wins) we know half of the country will think we would have made a mistake. Will we have a chance to reconstruct? Many don’t think so. But, believe it or not, I can accept whatever happens. This is gonna sound weird. Bear with me.

Scenario 1: The next President RECONSTRUCTS and builds — then we have nothing to fear. All will be fine and dandy. That’s good!

Scenario 2: The next President DESTROYS — then more people will suffer BUT when more people suffer, more people turn to God and more people will believe and go to heaven — that’s even better!

So you see either scenario wins. But this is just me. TGIF people!

p.s. I’m asking a BIG favor.
My little granddaughter, Caela, is a candidate for Baby of the Year and (if you have a Facebook account) she needs your vote. Log into Facebook first then you can vote once a day so please vote until this coming Monday. As of this writing she is Number 1 in her category. Thank you for your support.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE and see my grand kid.

“If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t you will see obstacles.” — Wayne Dyer

“Things will work out – maybe just not the way you plan “ — Rick Riordan

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

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Brian of Philadelphia

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

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The post Breakfast Routine appeared first on Traveling Archive.

What Me Worry?

Warning: religious topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

It’s late in the hour and I still have not gathered my thoughts together and I’m so very sleepy. So this TGIF edition is going to be short.

The news and conversations are all about the recent Presidential Debate. The LEFT claim victory claiming that Trump lied, fumbled, went off topic and made outlandish statements and showed his true divisive character. The RIGHT say Trump was still victorious despite being outnumbered 3 to 1 (and a possible 4th aide assisting Kamala via earpiece) and say that she was given the questions beforehand.

You must be worried about the outcome of the election but allow me to hit the PAUSE button.

Jesus was in “training mode” and he knew his disciples were anxious about many things so he told them not to worry in Luke 12:29-32.

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

It’s a pretty popular verse and I think it’s still relevant.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities; an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” — Reginald Mansel

“Peace of mind: The contentment of the man who is too busy to worry by day, and too sleepy to worry at night.” — Woodrow Wilson

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Brian of Philadelphia

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

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The post Blue Jeans appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I’m a Believer

Warning: Heavy topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

She screamed every time she changed her position because her lower back was killing her.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

This is the first time my wife had this problem so she was skeptical when I said she should go to a chiropractor. She was in a lousy mood as we made our way to Dr. Wendy. She was as stiff as a rusty robot that needed a large dose of Windex (WD40). If you were on the other room you’d think she was giving birth or something. She asked me to get her something to eat so I left to get her a snack. When I came back she was done. The disappointed look on her face told me the treatment didn’t help.

However, maybe about 2 hours later, she was surprised that the pain had subsided. Was it the ibuprofen (pain killer) or was it Dr. Wendy? A few more hours later she was in a good mood. “I’m a believer!” she said. Some of the pain came back the next morning but it wasn’t as acute. Her bones were still adjusting I guess. The same thing happened to me when I had my own back problems. She is looking to her next appointment this Friday morning.

Here’s another testament to the wonders of alternative medicine: I became a “believer” years ago when my right wrist experienced the early stage of carpal tunnel syndrome due to the awkward way I held my computer mouse. I called my nurse friend who said I should get a wrist brace and take Motrin to kill the pain, otherwise, I would need to have an operation. I wore that brace for a week. Motrin helped but the pain never really left.

As I entered a BNI (Business Network International) business meeting, my chiropractor friend, Dr. Mark, stared at my wrist guard and asked me why I was wearing that evil contraption. After I explained, he said that was silly; he took off the brace, massaged my wrist — up and down he went while “oooh, oooh, ahhh, ahhh!” I squirmed. Doctor Masochist tortured me for about 3 minutes and then he said it was done and to never wear that brace again. I thought he was crazy. But the next morning (betcha by golly wow!) the pain was gone. The debilitating meta carpal tunnel thingy never came back.

Another time, I woke up with an excruciating pain in my left shoulder. It was so bad I couldn’t lift my elbow past the height of my shoulder. Again western medical experts said I needed to have an operation. I met this Amazonian lady from Hawaii in the same BNI business meeting. She said she did Deep Tissue Massage and that she could help me. This woman had vise grip fingers. She massaged the veins under my shoulder blade like she was flattening the wrinkles of an aluminum foil. She did it in 3 sessions. Just when the sadomasochist in me began to manifest, the pain all but disappeared. And to this day I can still extend my arm to its full capacity.

WESTERN MEDS
Through the years I’ve learned to balance Western and Eastern medicine. (And of course some doctors are better than others). One of my forever friends, Dr. Manny, is a retired oncologist who helps my friends by giving away his free medical opinion (what a guy!). I’ve learned not to trust the highly politicized and corrupted FDA who have legalized dangerous psychotropic drugs. Same goes with the WHO (World Health Organization) who encouraged vaccination over developing immunity and other alternative medications. I only got my vaccinations so I could fly home to visit my sick Dad. Call me a conspiracy theorist but my suspicious mind wants to know who are getting rich over anything these institutions recommend. Yeah, yeah, Mr. Conspiracy Theorist — that’s my middle name. Aw c’mon don’t tell me you trust everything the government tells you.

An old client was a Compounding Pharmacist and she claimed she knew drugs better than the doctors. Doctors learn what meds to use for certain situations. Pharmacists understand why those meds work.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DILEMMA
During the early years of AI, I had hopes that an IBM program named Watson would modernize medical diagnosis because their database is fed with the latest discoveries that human doctors don’t have time to read about. But I didn’t expect that AI would be weaponized like they are now. Ask Alexa why you should vote for Trump and she says she “cannot provide content for a specific candidate.” But ask Alexa why you should vote for Kamala and she has a long list of reasons. (If you have Alexa, go ahead and try it while they still haven’t fixed this bias.) It’s true — the computer is only as smart and honest as the data and the algorithms you feed it. So the real cure may be suppressed to protect the interests of Big Pharma and the shadow government.

TWITTER: A GAME CHANGER
Tik Tok is for mindless entertainment (I don’t trust these guys) but Twitter is for thinkers (pretty humble, huh?). Thank God for Elon Musk who took over Twitter for the sake of Free Speech. I know some of you may not think so but it truly is a platform for (relatively) free speech. (It’s full of good and bad influencers or people who simply regurgitates an idea … it’s still evolving … just be patient with each other). When you get the hang of it, it’s quite obvious who refuse to listen to opposing ideas in order to preserve a dreamlike unrealistic narrative vs. those who are open to discuss alternatives. Thanks to Twitter, it’s a new era where the mainstream media no longer hold a monopoly of the news. The news comes from eyewitness accounts of the ordinary guy.

LAND OF THE FREE
They say Satan is the father of lies and we live in his world where truth and integrity swim in the same pool as deception and ulterior motives. One can be easily disillusioned. But take heart and remain optimistic because “someone else” is more powerful and everything he said was/is true. It was true then and (thankfully) it’s still true now. And you know how the saying goes … “the truth shall set you free.”

Technology and medicine are still evolving. Hold on to your seats. It’s gonna be an interesting ride.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“Isn’t it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do ‘practice’?” — George Carlin

“How do you tell the psychiatrists from the patients in the hospital? The patients get better and leave..” —Lisa Scottoline

“A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.” — Aesop

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Jane of San Diego, CA

–
Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

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The post Senior Thinking appeared first on Traveling Archive.

For the History Buffs

Warning: Spiritual topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

I have been studying one of the least favorite books of the Bible: The book of Chronicles. C’mon, be honest. Even if you say you’ve been a Bible thumper for years, you kinda skip Chronicles dontcha? Can’t say I blame you — pages and pages of difficult names to pronounce. Picture this: a Jewish Mom calling her kids for dinner: “Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, Jobab – dinner time!” And just imagine her calling them by their middle name when she’s really mad.

So here I am wondering why this book was preserved and included in this collection of ancient manuscripts … wondering why I’m even reading this when more interesting social media stuff is beckoning me to indulge in the insanity of the 21st century. So I’m praying for some enlightenment from heaven; and suddenly it hit me — I’m reading an account (a diary) of the struggles and successes of a civilization long gone by. History books often give a big number for people describing an event — like Paramount’s 1956 movie of The Ten Commandments with the headline: “… filmed in Technicolor with a cast of thousands.” And that number is washed away in a long shot of Hollywood extras.

Chronicles puts a magnifying glass to the family photo of millions of ancient Jews and allows us to see individual faces. Each of these faces have a story to tell — a family they cared for, aspirations in life, etc.. Some of the more influential people (like the mighty warriors of King David’s army) are blessed with an extra line describing their accomplishments. It’s like a High School yearbook with pictures of The Guy Most Likely to Succeed and the Prom Queen who broke so many hearts.

NO EXCUSE
How can anyone still doubt the historicity of the Bible when you realize it is filled with so much detail? You can’t make these things up. 1 Chronicles acts as a cross reference for the other books. When they say King David danced half-naked when his people celebrated the return of the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem; meanwhile his wife Michal, the daughter of King Saul, looked at David with contempt; and David got so turned off that he never slept with her again and she remained childless for the rest of her life — you know for sure those events really happened.

And if you can believe this “tiny marital squabble of David” you have to believe the bigger stories and especially the accounts of Jesus. To doubt, despite all the details described in the New Testament, isn’t a problem of faith but a matter of subjective convenience. At least I think so.

RESISTANCE
Before I was a Christian, I did not want to be tied down with so many “THOU SHALT NOTs” even if I knew they were good for me. The crazy thing is, when I became a Christian, this was never an issue because the advantages far outweighed the “inconvenience.” Working hard for something you really want (like a blessed life) is worth the exhilaration of success. Of course there will be ups and downs but without the bad how can we appreciate the good? Problems still arise when one becomes a Christian but now there is meaning and understanding behind the problem.

Chronicles has also made me appreciate the Psalms more. It lists the members of the choir and the musicians. Those guys organized their worship seriously. I mean there were so many singers, that they required first and second assistants to the choir leader.

CONCLUSION
If you’ve never read the Bible, you’re really missing a lot. True, it may be confusing at first but if you want to understand the meaning of life, you don’t need to climb that holy mountain to speak to the all-knowing hermit. The information is contained inside that book. I believe it is the Word of God. He loves us so much he used this ancient database to introduce himself. It’s profound that the creator of this vast universe even wants to communicate with us mere mortals. And it blows my mind that he knows each of us intimately. Through the stories and the instructions we see patterns of who God is, who we are, and the purpose of life. Using the same data, we each see different patterns and it is through our sharing of insights that we form a clearer picture. Isn’t it an amazing never-ending system of discovery and application?

I’m still halfway through 1st Chronicles but I think the seemingly innocuous list will run by me with a little more enthusiasm from here on. And of course (be still my beating heart), there’s a 2nd Chronicles waiting for me to explore. Yaba daba doo!

But this is just me. TGIF people!

BTW, a good place to start is The Bible Project website. It has short videos and simple explanations, in very simple language.

“It is the best Book that ever was or ever will be in the world.” —Charles Dickens

“The Bible is not only a great book of historical reference, but it also is a guide for daily life, and for this reason I respect it and I love it.” —Haile Selassie

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Jane of San Diego, CA

Thanks to Mary of Colorado

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

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

SUBSCRIBE

The post Famous Roman appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Just One of Those Days

Wednesday was a sweet, sour and delicious day for me … a confusing day.

Sweet because I wrote a song for my wife. Sour because I’m very concerned about my friend who opened up to me. Delicious because my college friends said I look like someone in the Fast and the Furious movie.

SWEET

Being human is a juggling act of emotions. I talked about this last week when I shared the movie UP. What is it with that movie? I was so inspired to put words to the theme music because it reminded me of my wife. The melody played in my head for days and one morning the first words came out in my dream. I spent a few days honing the lyrics, the melody and the harmony. It ain’t perfect but my wife loved it and that’s what’s important. The song’s kinda mushy but If my wife will allow me, I’d like to share it with you someday.

SOUR

Not to get into too much detail but my friend is going through a difficult time. I wish I had a magic wand to erase all of the pain and the anxiety. We’ve stepped into the realm of spiritual topics. We could use your prayers.

DELICIOUS

My old chums sent me a picture of an Asian actor/director from the movie Fast and the Furious (I never watched that episode). They said the guy looks like me. I laughed when I saw the picture but I had to make a double take because he really does look like me
… at least when I still had hair that wafted in the summer tropical breeze like Favio … and before my eyes puffed up like Igor in Young Frankenstein … and way before the wrinkles of my shriveled skin. This is the picture they sent me:

I was flattered because I think that guy’s pretty handsome. So if he’s handsome, can I say I am too? Shock!! Honestly, I never thought I was handsome. At one point I thought I was downright ugly when pimples covered my teenage face. I was so ashamed of my looks that I would always look down. But it was my Dad who started to build my confidence when he said not to worry about my pimples because it “made me very manly.” I never cared how I look anyway. Still don’t. It’s not important.

Imagine going through life not knowing I was actually good looking? The only person who said I was handsome was my grandma when she was combing my 5 year old hair with greasy pomade (one of my earliest memories). I never believed her because grandmas are supposed to say sweet things. Even my Mom never said I was handsome … even my wife never said so. In fact, one time I asked her if I was handsome and she said “not really but you’re charming.” Well, whaddayaknow — I’m the ugly duckling who’s been living a lie — I’ve been a swan in duck’s clothing. Very strange to find out this late in life. Send in the clowns baby! Send in the clowns!

So I don’t know what to call Wednesday. Weird day, perhaps. I have no real message today. I can only think of Forrest Gump.

As always, this is just me. Is this you too? Did we connect?
TGIF people!

“Confusion now hath made its masterpiece.” —William Shakespear

“I’m not confused. I’m just well mixed” —Robert Frost

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Jennifer of Denver, Colorado

Thanks to Magda of Boston, Massachusetts

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

Thanks to Rachel of Seattle, Washington

I found these:

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

SUBSCRIBE

The post Kids Clothing appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Aging With Grace

I bumped into one of my favorite movie scenes in YouTube — the opening scenes of the Pixar movie – UP. I love this masterpiece of storytelling that roller-coasters your emotions from happiness to tear-jerking sadness in a span of 4 minutes.

The older I get, the more I see myself in the movie. I think of the plans my wife and I shared and the dragons we feared and conquered. I see God’s blessing surpass many of our dreams. I also see so many of my friends. This past week I reconnected with some of them in their different stage of life.

Pain
I’ve known this couple for over 20 years. We’ve experienced the good and bad. So I was shocked when excruciating pain ran down the wife’s side and her screams worried her husband no end. Wasn’t it yesterday when she promenaded so elegantly at that hip restaurant in Pasadena? How could she fade so quickly? We feared the worst and prayed for a miracle. To our relief, the doctor said it wasn’t cancer and she was going home. Praise God! But it was certainly a close call.

“I don’t let my age define me, but the side effects are getting harder to ignore.” —Unknown

Phone Call
Out of the blue, another (much older friend) gave me a call in the middle of my afternoon movie. Ordinarily, I would have excused myself but I had not talked to him in such a long time I hit the pause button. I thought there was something important he wanted to convey but no, he just wanted to catch up. He said my article “What Life Is All About” made him reflect. We exchanged typical old conversations about health, family and his memories growing up as a Mexican in the Los Angeles of his youth. I should write a book about his life. He knew about landmarks before they were landmarks. We sighed because many of his stories will never be retold when he’s gone … and there are a lot of other stories like his.

Alone
I got a text from another old friend, a hard core Biblical researcher and a prolific writer, who enjoyed last week’s TGIF email about “Man’s Best Friend.” His soft-spoken wife passed away last year. How does he spend his time? Is he writing another book? Who does he share his thoughts with? Who shares his meals? I pray for him. He reminds me of my Dad who survived 6 years after Mom passed away.

Classmate
By some coincidence, an old classmate sent me a very long series of jokes about growing old … too long to share here but I created a special page just for her contribution. CLICK HERE. It brightened up my day; perhaps it will brighten yours.

Weekly Breakfast
Every Monday I have breakfast with many more old friends. We solve the problems of the world without the world even knowing. Come to think of it, I’ve always hung around older friends. They just love to share their opinions and I bask in their overflowing wisdom.

Old friends … aging friends … forever friends.

Conclusion
I never thought I was old until my son told me years ago that I should stop playing basketball because I could hurt myself. He was right. Boom! I was old! It used to bother me but I have since accepted my new role in society. I’m now the token white-haired, wrinkled, slow moving zombie of the neighborhood. Don’t mind me; I’m just one of the boomers … and I’m lovin’ it!

I observe and I share.
I don’t care if they stare.
But if I fall down the stairs,
Please call Medicare! — Raoul

As always, this is just me. Is this you too?
TGIF people!

“By the time you’re eighty years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.” —George Burns (1896-1996)

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” —Robert Browning (1812-1889)

“Those who love deeply never grow old, they may die of old age, but they die young.” —Benjamin Franklin

“You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.” —Ogden Nash

“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

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Richard of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Magda of Boston, Massachusetts

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

Thanks to Rachel of Seattle, Washington

I found these:

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

SUBSCRIBE

The post Truth in Advertising appeared first on Traveling Archive.