“We are proud to recognize the winners of the 2023 New Products Showcase Awards,” said Celeste Powers, President of PIDA. “With more than 1,000 submissions for this year’s awards, voting was extremely competitive amongst some of the pet industry’s best, from newcomers to industry juggernauts. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”

The 45,000-square-foot New Products Showcase space on Global Pet Expo’s show floor recognizes the year’s best creative efforts in new products and point-of-purchase displays. Winners were announced during the pet industry’s premier event from the New Products Showcase “Spotlight Stage.” This year’s event was emceed by Sterling Davis, founder of the nonprofit TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions and social media influencer known as the “cat rapper,” and Nathan Kehn, content creator and social media influencer known as “Nathan the Cat Lady.”

“New Products Showcase is a bright spot amongst the many events offered at Global Pet Expo. It allows us to spotlight revolutionary new products within the industry that are truly reflective of the market. We continue to be impressed by the breadth and innovation displayed at the New Products Showcase,” said APPA President and CEO Peter Scott. “Being selected as a winner gives exhibitors added product visibility among all show attendees, including media and buyers, as well post-show promotional opportunities.”
The New Products Showcase features the latest products and designs hitting the market each year. Out of the more than 1,000 submissions received this year, the following were selected as winners by voters.

Aquatic

Best In Show: AquaSprouts Aquarium Garden, Pet Retail Direct Inc.
Second Place: Low Boy, Zoo Med
Third Place: Betta/Ornamental Shrimp Aquarium Starter Kits, SunnyWay (Oscar)

Bird

Best In Show: Happy Beaks Enhanced Interactive & Humanized Toys, A&E Cage Company LLC
Second Place: Manna Pro Superworm Swarm, Compana Pet Brands
Third Place: Foraging Fun Pack for Pet Birds, Lafeber-EmerAid

Boutique

Best in Show: Wigglin’ Snake, Ethical Products Inc./Fieldcrest Farms
Second Place: Cuppy Cake, Puppy Cake
Third Place: Strawberry Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs, Yak9 Dog Chews

Cat

Best in Show: LickiMat® Riser™, LickiMat
Second Place: Made by Nacho Digestive Support Turkey & Pumpkin, Made by Nacho
Third Place: PETJOA Kitty-Medi-Check, FutureBioWorksUSA Corp.

Dog

Best in Show: PetCakes Complete Baking Kit for Dogs, Lucky Paws Inc.
Second Place: Strawberry Yak Cheese Chews for Dogs, Yak9 Dog Chews
Third Place: Dr. Bob Goldstein’s Wisdom® Original 3-Part Blend, Earth Animal

Natural Pet

Best in Show: Bocce’s Bakery Food Toppers, Bocce’s Bakery
Second Place: Scented Soy Candle for Pet Odors, Project Sudz
Third Place: Roots – The Wolf, Adored Beast Apothecary

Point of Purchase

Best in Show: Birthdays Start Here Tray, Puppy Cake
Second Place: MOON RUNNER, Exotic Nutrition Pet Products
Third Place: PetPlate Gently Cooked Entrées Impulse Freezer, PetPlate

Reptile

Best in Show: Zylafen® for Reptiles, ZYMOX and Oratene by Pet King Brands
Second Place: Josh’s Frogs Dart Frog BioBedding (4 quart), Josh`s Frogs
Third Place: biOrb EARTH Vivarium, OASE Living Water

Small Animal

Best in Show: “NIBBLES” Pride Follow the Rainbow SA Collection, A&E Cage Company LLC
Second Place: Natural Behaviors® Foraging Pellets, FM Brown`s Sons Inc.
Third Place: The Halo, Happy Habitats

Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s premier event, is presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The show features more than 1,000 exhibitors, 3,500 booths and over 3,000 new product launches annually. Each year, the event gathers 6,000+ pet product buyers from around the world. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, media and other qualified professionals. For more information about the New Products Showcase Awards and Global Pet Expo, visit GlobalPetExpo.org.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes nearly 1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following APPA Gives Back initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Pets and Vets Program, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and Pet Care Trust and Pets in the Classroom. Visit AmericanpPetProducts.org.

Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of pet product distributors since 1968. The mission of PIDA is to enhance the well-being of the wholesaler-distributor, to promote partnerships with their suppliers and customers and to work cooperatively with other organizations in fostering the human-companion animal bond. PIDA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and Pet Care Trust and Pets in the Classroom. Visit PIDA.org.

The post Winners of 13th Annual New Products Showcase Awards Recognized in Orlando at Global Pet Expo 2023 appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Age Adjustment

It’s hard to believe the Christmas break is over… hard to believe 2020 is over… hard to believe I’m not as young as my mind thinks I am.

There is a saying that people’s self-image is transfixed on their prime years. We think we can still jump and run like we did back in our twenties. That’s why it’s always a shock to see the old person in front of the mirror. I confess that I often dream about my childhood years and the characters in my dream are people from my youth. In my dreams I still live in my childhood home. How weird is that?

Hollywood is a prime source of age-deniers. Can you blame them?  Maybe they hear me when I watch old movies and point out how much older the actors are today. Maybe that’s why actors are suckers for plastic surgeries.

I admit I too was a denier. When that bald spot started to expand its boundaries I researched for hair solutions. When I started to look like a frog with a bad case of botox because of the puffiness around my eyes, I asked my ophthalmologist to have it removed. But he looked at it and said it would require an expensive plastic surgery.

He uttered a key word — EXPENSIVE. Only Holly-weirdos do that! And that slapped me into accepting the inevitable force of gravity.

I figured out a strange balance of scales: With age, our physical bodies go down but wisdom from experience goes up. (At least we like to think so). We have a choice: 1) to devote our time searching for the fountain of youth or 2) to embrace our age and share our life lessons with friends and the younger generation. Maybe that’s why I love conversations. With older people, I have so much to learn. With younger people, I have so much to share.  Life is exciting no matter what age. How cool is that?

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: You can’t help getting old but you don’t have to get old. TGIF people!

Raoul

“I’m not getting old. I’m getting better!”
— Shirley Bassey

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.  for sharing this joke.

Video: Family Photo Session

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Pun Time

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

The post Covid Cabin Fever appeared first on Traveling Archive.

No Contest Contest

I didn’t think it was possible. There is a reality TV where the judges are as nice and genteel as can be and still manage to keep the pressure on; where the contestants help each other to do their best even if helping the other person eats up their own time; where there is no prize money and yet the contestants give it all they’ve got for a mere recognition. There is tension. There is drama. There is comedy. And there is clean fun.

I was having this ordinary conversation with Peggy, a classmate in church, and somehow the discussion led to this TV show. Suddenly her eyes sparkled and she got really excited sharing it. Another person overheard our talk and she too joined in with excitement.

Who would have thought that people would be so excited about such a subject? It turns out that more and more people I talked to were also “secretly” watching this show in Netflix. I couldn’t believe it. It actually has a cult following.

So I decided to check out what the fuss was all about. Wouldn’t you know it? I started watching one episode after another. I got hooked! Imagine — a macho man like me, enjoying this “sissy” activity — hard to believe, huh? I rarely bake and I am not familiar with some of the jargon (ie. “over proofed” or “more savory than salty”) — yet, I was glued to the show. I got into the different personalities of the contestants. I was sad when people were cut off from the winning circle. And I love the creativity.

And this is my point: With all the sex, violence, horror, decrepit and shallow drama that Netflix dishes out, this refreshing show gives me hope for Netflix. Here we have congenial personalities and clean witty humor.  What a nice escape. Perhaps a downside to watching this is you get really hungry even though you can’t smell, touch or taste the food. If you’ve got a diet problem, move on. This show may not help.

By now you should know the title of the show, right? Right? Good.

TGIF people!

Psssst! …  it’s the Great British Baking Show.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Rodney’s Puns

Funny Video

The Future Politician

Shared by Vanessa of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this:

The post At the Auction House appeared first on Traveling Archive.

One Year Old Cat

It was an uphill battle from the start. Like the heroes of the Star Trek series realized, the Borg were just too powerful — resistance was futile. Similarly, resistance to the charms of that feline was futile. The creature that my wife and daughter connived to bring into our home was out to get me from day one. I knew cat hair would pile up. I knew cat food coming in (feeding) and coming out (pooping) would be a daily routine … so would the expensive visits to the vet. I avoided it for months but it kept coming to me for scratches and massages. It was terrible. I was used. I was manipulated by an expert. Those ever-curious eyes that glowed in the dark, the gentle pushes for attention when we were in bed, the routines of meeting me halfway down the stairs — who could resist?

I dug up this old story that Naomi of N Hollywood sent me back in 2014. It reminded me so much of my predicament today. We’ve all had trouble with our animals but I don’t think anyone can top this one:

The New Cat Toy

Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how legitimate my excuse, I always get the feeling that my boss thinks I’m lying.

On one recent occasion, I had a valid reason but lied anyway, because the truth was just too darned humiliating. I simply mentioned that I had sustained a head injury, and I hoped I would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I reasoned, I could think up a doozy to explain the bandage on the top of my head.

The accident occurred mainly because I had given in to my wife’s wishes to adopt a cute little kitty.

Initially, the new acquisition was no problem …then one morning, I was taking my shower after breakfast when I heard my wife, Deb, call out to me from the kitchen.

“Honey! The garbage disposal is dead again. Please come reset it.”

“You know where the button is,” I protested through the shower pitter-patter and steam. “Reset it yourself!”

“But I’m scared!” she persisted. “What if it starts going and sucks me in?” There was a meaningful pause and then, “C’mon, it’ll only take you a second.”

So out I came, dripping wet and butt naked, hoping that my silent outraged nudity would make a statement about how I perceived her behavior as extremely cowardly.

Sighing loudly, I squatted down and stuck my head under the sink to find the button. It is the last action I remember performing.

It struck without warning, and without any respect to my circumstances. No, it wasn’t the hexed disposal, drawing me into its gnashing metal teeth. It was our new kitty, who discovered the fascinating dangling objects she spied hanging between my legs. She had been poised around the corner and stalked me as I reached under the sink. At the precise moment when I was most vulnerable, she leapt at the toys I unwittingly offered and snagged them with her needle-like claws. I lost all rational thought to control orderly bodily movements, blindly rising at a violent rate of speed, with the full weight of a kitten hanging from my masculine region.

Wild animals are sometimes faced with a “fight or flight” syndrome. Men, in this predicament, choose only the “flight” option. I know this from experience. I was fleeing straight up into the air when the sink and cabinet bluntly and forcefully impeded my ascent. The impact knocked me out cold.

When I awoke, my wife and the paramedics stood over me. Now there are not many things in this life worse than finding oneself lying on the kitchen floor butt naked in front of a group of “been-there, done-that” paramedics.

Even worse, having been fully briefed by my wife, the paramedics were all snorting loudly as they tried to conduct their work, all the while trying to suppress their hysterical laughter … and not succeeding.

Somehow I lived through it all. A few days later I finally made it back in to the office, where colleagues tried to coax an explanation out of me about my head injury. I kept silent, claiming it was too painful to talk about, which it was. “What’s the matter?” They all asked, “Cat got your tongue?”

If they only knew!

If you don’t have pets, take it from me, don’t even consider it. If you already succumed to the temptation, you have my sympathy. May the animals in your home keep you out of trouble! TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Tim Conway: The Dentist
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

One of our favorite comedians passed away this week. Don requested that, in his honor, we share one of his beloved skits. Goodbye Tim. Thanks for all the laughter.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. 

Interesting Video of the Week

Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Watch “How Amazon Spies on Americans with Face-Rekognition.” This is pretty long but this guy presents it with wit and humor.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.

The post Hard Working Children of Israel appeared first on Traveling Archive.

You can surmise from the title that there is a new occupant in our humble abode. Let me establish that I’m not in favor of this permanent visitor. Bloomer is a white Siamese-mix of a cat. This is my wife and my daughter’s idea. Before you accuse me of being an animal hater, let me tell you about our dog.

If you’ve been a subscriber for over 5 years you know about Zoe, our Shi Tzu who I christened “The Dog Who Would Never Die” because she overcame death several times. I never approved of Zoe. But the kids wanted a dog and my wife joined their chorus and their coup to win by majority vote. After a week or so, when the initial cuteness waned, the responsibility of feeding her and bringing her to the vet was thrown to me (as I predicted). What made it even worse was I was the one who was tasked to put him to sleep.

For years they said I shouldn’t feed her human food. But that’s what I fed her because she liked it. She should have died with the diet I gave her but somehow she survived for over 12 years. But one time, Zoe’s fur blocked the passageway of his poop and after crying in pain all evening, the next day I drove her to the Vet for Zoe to be put to sleep. I’m the guy who didn’t want a dog yet I’m the one who had to do the dirty execution alone. Those cowards! On our way,  I remember very clearly Zoe sitting at the passenger seat and staring at me with his teary puppy eyes and whimpering in pain. On the radio a song played “Faithful Friend” by Twila Paris — I kid you not! When I listened to the words, I broke down and cried like a baby. How embarrassing. A few minutes later, I remember the conversation with the Vet. I gave the Vet permission to put my “friend” to sleep. I cried again — in front of the Vet!!! The Vet said he was going to try and save Zoe’s life. Well, that’s what they all say. I left with a heavy cloud. I went home and my daughter hated me because I didn’t even give her an opportunity to say goodbye. The cloud expanded into a thunderstorm throughout the now quiet house.

And then, miracle of miracles! 2 days later, the Vet called and said, Zoe was alive! The Vet gave Zoe a special diet that somehow patched the wound and Zoe returned bald but wagging her tail. It was a joyous time.

Zoe has since passed away. The details are too painful and complicated to explain. The sadness hasn’t left me. And so when my wife said she wanted a cat or another dog, I vehemently refused. Heaven and earth may pass away — but my wife always gets her way. Bloomer arrived when I wasn’t home.

It’s been over a week now and I still have refused to look at The Cat straight in the eye. I don’t even know if it’s a he or a she! I really don’t want to get attached but the darn CAT tries to charm me by sitting on my lap or wrapping around my legs. The worst is when she sleeps beside me. I fear this is going to be a losing battle. Like the Borgs … resistance is futile!

I know I will grow attached to that manipulative animal. I know I will outlive The Creature and I will mourn again. Hurt again. I have every right to be mad at my wife and my daughter. But (and this is a big BUT) when I see my wife doting over that THING, when she comes home excited to see the MONSTER  —- I realize I need to accept The Cat for my wife’s sake. It’s what husbands do. It’s what I do for the one that I love.

“I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It’s not. Mine had me trained in 2 days.”
— Bill Dana

TGIF people!

Romance

Shared by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

Laughing Babies and their Pets
Sent by Naomi of N Hollywood

If you can’t stand cuteness, don’t watch this. Infectious baby laughter and some very intelligent animals.

WATCH VIDEO

Heartwarming Magic
Sent by Naomi of N Hollywood

Mixing warmth and magic is pretty unusual. Watch how he astounds and makes people cry.

WATCH VIDEO

Teens and a Rotary Phone
Sent by Francesca of CA

Wanna feel really old? Watch these teens having a hard time figuring out how to use a rotary phone.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Pun 1:

Pun 2:

There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh.

No pun in ten did.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood who shared this photo

The post In the Mood appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Last Saturday, Martha, an elderly friend of mine, fell down a steep staircase. She fractured a few ribs and I believe a crack on her skull. A split second imbalance caused all of that grief.

Yesterday afternoon I was feeling weird. Either it was a strained muscle on my left chest or it was some heart palpitation. Remembering Martha and the outcome of a wrong decision, I wondered if I should go to the ER just in case. With much hesitation, I dragged myself to the ER and that was the start of an 8 hour ordeal.

Dr. H, came in smiling. He spoke softly and walked softly. Reminded me of a sinister James Bond Villain: “Good afternoon, Mr. Bond. How are you feeling? Palpitations? Hmmm … do you have trouble breathing? Does your chest feel heavy? Have you had an EKG? Hmmm … you’ll love my EKG,” he insisted with a smile.

All they did was give me tests: checked my blood pressure, took blood samples, took an x-ray … but strangely, they did not give me any kind of medication. Not even water.

But I saw through their dastardly grin. I know what they were really thinking: “How much money can we squeeze out of this poor unfortunate soul?”  

I was there since about 4pm. At about 6pm, Dr, H comes back in. “Your tests seem to be pretty normal … except for your blood pressure!” (Thunder clapping in the distance.)

“Great! So … can I go now?” I asked.

Dr, H just looked at me intently … sizing me up from head to toe. Searching for a flaw … a face twitch or a stammer. “Actually,” he said, “I want to have you stay overnight and observe your condition.” (Thunder clapping in the distance.)

“What?!?! No way! I have too much to do.” I shrieked. “Not even for your famous EKG!”

Dr. H just looked at me like a raptor about to snap my heart out. He told me to wait in the ER. And so I did. During my “imprisonment” he would come by but he would never say anything to me. Deliberately avoiding eye contact. I think he was secretly observing me — waiting for me to fall off my chair! But I didn’t. At 1:30 they decided to release me from confinement. Actually, I was having too much fun joking with the other patients — their plan backfired. So $155 and 8 hours later, I finally made it back home.

That’s why I am so tired and sleepy. I only had about 4 hours sleep last night. I can’t go on writing. I certainly don’t want to meet Dr, H again. Good night.

“Do you want to speak to the doctor in charge or the nurse that knows what’s going on? 
—  Anonymous

TGIF people!

The Young Doctor

Shared by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

A woman went to the emergency room, where she was seen by a young new doctor. After about 3 minutes in the examination room, the doctor told her she was pregnant. She burst out of the room and ran down the corridor screaming.

An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was. After listening to her story, he calmed her down and sat her in another room. Then, the doctor marched down the hallway to the first doctor’s room.

“What the hell’s wrong with you?” he demanded. “This woman is 68 years old, she has two grown children and several grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?!!”

The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said, …“Does she still have the hiccups?

Bladder Problem

Shared by Mel of Washington, D.C.

Cats vs. Cucumbers
Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

If you’ve got a cat, have you tried this? Does it really scare them? Poor kitty. I asked my son about it and he said the video’s old and that he would never traumatize his cat like that. What do you think?

WATCH VIDEO

Amazing Heartwarming Magic
Sent by Sent by Tom of Pasadena

Heartwarming Magic? Is that even possible? Decide for yourself.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena who shared this photo

The post The Young Doctor appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Last week, 60 Minutes featured an American who responded to an unsolicited email from a “Liberian scammer.” What started as a mischievous game by the American to outwit the scammer, turned into a real friendship and a start of a business that benefited a poor Liberian village. It turned a Zero into a Hero.

Great story, huh? But you know what’s even better? Knowing that there are many more stories like that that never make it to prime time news. I am actually surrounded by many friends whose generosity and good deeds go unnoticed.  I see it in church, in the streets, in restaurants, business establishments … I see it a lot in non-profit organizations. Most (if not all) of them do it out of genuine concern for others. It’s the HUMBLE ones who are the really GREAT ones. A few of my generous friends passed away early this year. In their lifetime, they wouldn’t want to be honored but I feel I should thank them for their legacy just the same.

I think of Ray Carlson (I mentioned him a few months ago in this TGIF forum) who dedicated his life to promoting entrepreneurship for decades. When I heard he was gone, the picture that flashed in my mind was Ray dancing with Joy, his lifetime sweetheart, who departed 5 years earlier. I miss him pestering me to create flyers and arrange meetings for his entrepreneur program.

I think of Ambassador Vic Lecaros of the Philippines. I always remembered Vic taking leadership positions since College. I have not seen him for decades … only hearing about his good deeds. He was the anti-politician who was a man of integrity. He never enriched himself through his position. When I met the current Philippine Consul a few months ago, I asked if he knew Vic. The Consul looked at me in bewilderment and asked me a question in return — “You mean, Vic, my BOSS?”

I remember Bob Caparas, one of College chums (who I also  talked about in one of my TGIF emails in the beginning of the year). He was a gentle spirit and I knew he had a lofty position at the VA Department of Transportation but I only realized how respected he was when the State of Virginia flew their flags half mast in his honor when he passed away. Bob never bragged about what he did.

In each of their deaths, a feeling of loss overcame me. The world somehow feels incomplete without them. I’m sure you can share similar stories about your own friends … especially the silent heroes.

Thank God for the heroes among us. While we still are able, wouldn’t it be nice if we send them a note of appreciation? (Hint! Hint!) Our words of encouragement may be just the little push they need to keep their spirits going.

“It is not the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.“
— Branch Rickey

TGIF people!

Missing Ex-Wife

Shared by Tom of Pasadena, CA

The day after his ex-wife disappeared in a kayaking accident, Mr. Frykenberg answered his door to find two grim-faced State Troopers.

“We’re sorry Mr. Frykenberg, but we have some information about your ex-wife,” said one of the officers.

“Tell me! Did you find her?!” Frykenberg asked.

The troopers looked at each other.

One said, “We have some bad news, some good news, and some REALLY GREAT news. Which would you like to hear first?”

Fearing the worst, Mr. Frykenberg said, “Give me the bad news first.”

The Trooper said, “I’m sorry to tell you, sir, but this morning we found your ex-wife’s body in the bay.”

“Noooo!! Why?! Why?!!” exclaimed Frykenberg. Swallowing hard, he asked, “What could possibly be the good news?”

The officer continued, “When we pulled her up, she had 12 of the best looking Atlantic lobsters that you have ever seen clinging to her. Haven’t seen lobsters like that since the 1960’s, and we feel you are entitled to a share in the catch.”

Stunned, Mr. Frykenberg demanded, “If that’s the good news, then what’s the GREAT NEWS?”

The Trooper replied, “We’re gonna pull her up again tomorrow.”

Exploding Purse Prank
Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

What would you do if someone left her purse? Would you give it back? Watch!

WATCH VIDEO

What Cats Do for Whiskey
Sent by Sent by Charlie of New Jersey

Cute guy doing the impossible just to get his liquor.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

Don from Kelowna, B.C. has consistently been sending me puns so I think he deserves his own section.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Mel of Washington DC who shared this photo

The post Missing Ex-Wife appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Is it just me, or has music just gotten worse? Am I just being an old fogey? Back when the world stepped into the 21st century, the logo I designed for the GRAMMY awards was posted all over the globe. I have not watched the GRAMMY awards since then so last Sunday I thought I’d see what our current crop of musicians were up to. Boy what a let down.

Is it any surprise that the GRAMMY viewership is at an all time low? There was no redeeming value I got out of that program. The fashion show was flamboyantly trashy, the dancing was an unimaginative jerking line dance, the music was formulaic, everyone was trying to “outcool” each other and the message was more political than musical.

If this is the pinnacle of the industry, that says volumes about our society — the people in power in the industry and the people who feed that cultural machinery. It’s the blind leading the blind — celebrities reassuring each other “not to worry if you have no substance — we don’t have any substance either! Join the party!” A celebration of the almighty Self — Godless is what it boils down to.

And what about the acceptance speeches? “Yo! I thanks mah manejer and mah bros like wow man! Is dis for reals?!?”

A billion dollar budget funneled to America’s education system and these weirdos are the product of that?!? We eez in trouble now!

It’s a celebration of the Kardashian culture of expensive trash and unbelievable stupidity — can’t talk straight, can’t dress straight and can’t think straight.

Am I being too judgmental? Sorry. I just feel that someone has to lay out a truth that most are too polite to mention.

Despite all that, there is hope. I’ve talked to quite a few millennials and you’ll be surprised that they are familiar with our “old songs”. Their parents played them when they were growing up. Many of the youth realize that their current music sucks. What a relief that they aren’t fooled by this charade. (Not that the oldies were perfect … but they’re a notch above the current genre — at least that’s what I think.) The oldies had actual lyrics, a proper bar of notes, with a crescendo, a fortissimo and a positive message. Right?

From one old fogey to another do you think our music was a little better? Let’s not be ashamed of it. Let’s encourage these young people to be musically creative. The GRAMMYs need not dictate who they are. Ask them what they think about the music they are exposed to. Remind them of the alternative sound of respect, decency and well crafted music.

“A family with an old person has a living treasure of gold”
— Chinese proverb

TGIF people!

Aphorisms

Contributed by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

TGIF Videos

When a Cat Crashes His Bicycle in His Sleep?
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Positive proof that animals dream. Pretty cute.

WATCH

Sniper Prank in the Hood
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

“The suspect is in your sight. We’ve been compromised. Take the shot! Take the shot!”

WATCH

Parting Shot

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre who shared this photo

The post More Powerful than Artificial Intelligence appeared first on Traveling Archive.