I’m amazed at the valiant Ukrainians who, despite their meager arsenal, have held on to their freedom beyond everyone’s expectations. Sadly, even as we cheer their courage, the reality of accommodating millions of refugees and bracing for the energy shortage is already setting in. What will Europe be like when this war is over?

I just watched the news about the Russian attack of Ukraine. Someone scoffed when I predicted this would happen months ago. I'm sorry it's finally here. I was planning to write about some exciting business opportunities and some fun activities but how can I switch off this concern for the brave citizens of Ukraine? I have never met any Ukrainian, never been there, only vaguely know where it is situated in the global map yet my heart goes out to them like they are my next of kin.

For the past few nights, I've been taking care of our 2 corgis because my wife (who usually does this) is visiting family in New York. I never realized how high maintenance these creatures are. They're the complete opposite of independent cats. Corgis need to be pampered. And those puppy eyes get me all the time. I've had to wake up several times at night to let them out to the bathroom. Because of this, I'm tired when I get up in the morning and I'm half asleep during the day … including right now. So if I don't make sense, blame it on the corgis.

But it's not fair! Did you realize that women have 2 birthdays a year … and one of them is Valentine's Day? And for the married Mrs., they have a third birthday. What about us men? Don't we deserve a rose too? Why do we guys have to always (not only remember these special occasions but also) come up with a surprise to prove our undying love? Where's the equality? Where's the justice?

You probably know that I love to sing and play my guitar. One of my happiest college memories was with a group of fellow musicians singing in parties, weddings and even in a few concerts. Through the years I've been practicing alone hoping one day I'd find a group just like that one. Well, I think I've finally got my band. I have a lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboard player, drummer, and a female vocalist. We're definitely amateurs but I'm imagining the possibilities. We're so ambitious, we're practicing a variety of songs by the Eagles, Toto, Mama Cass, Linda Rondstat, America, Hall 'n Oates, Dean Martin, Fleetwood Mack, Neil Young, James Taylor … at least that's the plan. I'm as giddy as a kid opening his Christmas present.

Thirty five years ago (January 27, 1987) there was a coup attempt in the Philippines. In the early morning, a rogue Colonel Oscar Canlas led his loyal hundred men to take control of a TV station and an Air Force base … a first phase in an elaborate strategy to derail the newly-seated President Cory Aquino.  That same day, a man and a woman were getting ready for their 6pm wedding day.

There I was --- waiting for a new set of tires to be installed on my car. I loitered in Sam's Club to kill the time. I wasn't planning on buying anything but temptation was staring at me on aisle number 25 --- a package of raw, juicy, glistening marbleized steak. "Buy me! Buy me!" it said.

Raoul’s Two Cents: January 14, 2022Common SenseWARNING: Some spiritual stuffCan you guess what my wife and I are watching nowadays? Clues: It’s a mystery between who’s good and who’s evil. Aside from 4 regular participants, each episode brings in a new set of prime characters — whose intelligence range from smart to real dumb. Most are just simple folk who …

My first responsibility was to inform everyone I had contact with since New Year. Of course that started a chain of concern among my friends. Then I worried about confinement. Wondered if I needed to wear a facemask even inside the house ... even while I slept. Wondered about touching the door handles, the dishes, the refrigerator, etc. I thought about setting up a fan directed out the window to blow out any Covid particles in her room.

Congratulations! You're here at the end of 2021. These are the highlights of the news that I remember: The Capitol Building was attacked. Many of the perpetrators are still locked up. Gas prices went up and Biden started to import even from Russia.