In the cold war of the 70s the U.S. and Russia pointed nuclear missiles at each other. Fortunately, there was a sober FEAR that  no one would survive after a single launch. A healthy respect for each other’s strength held them at bay.

I was in a breakfast meeting last Tuesday and someone reminded me of a destructive epidemic in society today. I too had been noticing this phenomenon but I didn’t realize how fast it is spreading. I felt I needed to address this. Disagreements and debates have always been the hallmark of a free society but today the respectful  exchange of ideas has been replaced by a juvenile shouting match. This modern warfare may not have a nuclear payload but it is just as destructive and should be prevented from spreading.

Where did all this hostility come from? I blame the Puppet Masters of hate. They’re in the news media who gives us a daily dose of new reasons to hate and be angry … and they rarely admit their mistakes because scandals sell advertising. They’re among our leaders who model the way to bratty behavior. Many live on THEORIES and faulty stereotypes rather than HISTORY. They’re in the schools that do not prepare their students to respect other opinions. The students were taught to question but they were never taught to provide concrete answers. What good is complaining without a solution? They’re in the courtrooms that emphasize subjective justice over kindness and common sense. Puppet Masters walk among the greedy tech giants who experiment with people’s lifestyles. Remember, not everything NEW is good and not everything OLD is bad. And Puppet Masters are the hypocrites who only see things from their side of the telescope. News flash! We ALL can play the victim. That’s why I admire those who just work harder with the challenges they are given.

Have you ever seen male animals battle for their females? First come the beating of the chest, or the display of colorful feathers, or the resonating arias. Then come the heckling. Then the push … the interlocking of horns. The macho contest crescendo until one of the males wakes up from the spell and looks at the giggling Female Puppet Master in the sideline and realizes how she has been manipulating the confrontation. What’s really  interesting is animal fights rarely lead to death. Only man, with his huge dangerous ego, does this. Think of Helen of Troy and the 1000 ships launched to satisfy one Puppet Master’s testosterone.

The pride of man (and woman) mixed with immaturity prevents common courtesy. Are we blinded by hate? Is it hard for us to listen to other opinions? Let’s snap out of it! Let’s listen to the other side. Look up and see the giggling Puppet Manipulator above us!

Of course, this is just me.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself.” 
— Philippians 2:3

TGIF people!

One Day at the Nunnery

Shared by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Oops! There Goes the Ball Boy
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

I admit I found it funny at first but then I realized it could have been a serious accident. I love how he composed himself and pretended that nothing happened. Glad he’s okay.

WATCH VIDEO

They May Be Seniors But Boy They Can Still Boogie
Sent by Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA

I can only guess how many parties over the decades these two have danced with each other. They put the young dancers to shame. No arthritis here.

WATCH VIDEO

Just When You Thought Your Day Was Going So Well
Sent by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

Some days you should have just stayed in bed. Better still, don’t go to a bull ring.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA who shared this photo

The post Tired of Chardonnay appeared first on Traveling Archive.

You know it’s going to be a good day when your mailman delivers a big fat CD right to your front door. And it’s extra special when it comes from the reigning Queen of Boogie, Sue Palmer. Sue has put together a collection of 20 songs that she says are “particular favorites” from an immense archive that dates back almost 40 years. With an extended musical cast of peers, old friends and special guests, GEMS Volume One is a snapshot into the life and career of this gifted performer.

From the moment the disc opens, the left hand of Sue gives notice that Boogie Woogie is where her heart beats. The remaining 19 tracks show how prolific and versatile the woman can be. The homage to Duke Ellington with Sue’s Motel Swing Orchestra is stellar as are all the straight ahead jazz elements found in this recording, and there are many.

Janiva Magness makes a surprise appearance with 2000 LBS of Blues in a cajun-flavored ‘Why Did You Go Last Night?’ This Clifton Chenier classic is a pure West Coast stroll with Sue’s accordion skills being offset by Roger Baldwin’s thick, nasty harmonica!

The years Sue spent working with Candye Kane are lovingly preserved here so expect an abundance of fun and quirkiness. Their version of ‘These Boots are made for Walkin’ prove accordions, banjo’s and Nancy Sinatra rock. ‘Motel Mambo’ evokes the golden days of Johnny Otis’ Barrelhouse and Central Avenue’s Club Alabam. ‘Git it’ by Suaro is from Sue’s earliest recordings when she was part of Ms. B. Haven “an all women’s rock band from the late 70s.” Each track seems to capture a moment in time and that is reinforced on ‘Aloha Oe.’ Adrian Demain is a monster on the lap steel and when Sue breaks out a ukulele you can almost feel the North Shore breeze.

There are so many other vocalists, Deejha Marie, Sharifah Muhammad, Missy Andersen, Preston Coleman, Earl Thomas, Molly Stone, David Mosby… and guitarists, Steve Wilcox, Jimmy Woodard, Heine Andersen, Laura Chavez… and an unbelievable horn and rhythm section, Sharon Shufelt, Jonny Viau, April West, Pete Harrison, Thomas Yearsley, Daniel Jackson, Gilbert Castellanos, Rob Thorsen… and a cast of thousands.

If you want the complete lineup, pick up your own copy at the CD Release party for Sue Palmer’s GEMS Volume One, Tuesday July 3^rd, 2018. Bring your friends and your dancing shoes to Tio Leo’s at 5302 Napa Street in San Diego. Show starts at 7:30PM, don’t be late.

The post Sue Palmer Drops a Few GEMS appeared first on Traveling Archive.