To the Loyalists Among Us

Warning: Heavy political stuff. Move on to the jokes if this sickens you. I’ll try to be funny next time.

Can’t believe the price of gas in America. The average price is over $4 per gallon but in Los Angeles (where I live), it’s over $5.50. And I hear in San Francisco it’s over $7. The price has tripled since just a year ago. I’m worried that the regular minimum wage earner won’t be making enough to survive. When that happens, they will join the homeless. When that happens, crime will escalate even more. I believe this blunder is the straw that will break the camel’s back.

Who to blame? Have you noticed that so-called learned political debaters with all their social and moral theories have no defense against the stark disastrous realities of inflation, crime, terrorism, etc. that stare them in the face and hurt them in their wallet? It’s hard to admit one’s bad choices but honesty demands it. When we see gross incompetence (no matter what party), are we obliged to stay loyal to our politics? Why do we have to defend “those” people when their explanations make no sense? How dumb do they think we are?

I just saw the sentencing of disgraced actor Jesse Smolett (who planned his own mugging January 2019). Despite hard evidence and damning testimonies, he defiantly still claims his innocence. A poor actor and/or a classic narcissist … and there are many like him out there.

I hope you’re not one of them. Please don’t hate me if you are, because my war isn’t with you, friend. It’s against the well-paid fake news machinery. Shame on them for blinding intelligent, patriotic people like you. We all make mistakes and our goal shouldn’t be to shove those who have been misled down in disgrace but to help each other return to the truth. We should be fighting on the same side. I admire a few friends who had the guts to change loyalty when they figured out the deception.

The media and the late-night comedians are holding on to their precarious reputation. I’m surprised they still have an audience because the former don’t give out the real and important news while the latter haven’t been funny for a long time. They know the domino establishment their careers are built on has already started toppling down. The smart ones have already jumped ship. Who will be the last proud loyalist? Common sense has left the building and pride is their only friend.

Listen, if you disagree with all I’ve said. Write me. Let’s exchange ideas. I’d love to hear your side.

Let’s continue to pray for our family in Ukraine. So many senseless deaths because of one psychopath. I’m still praying for a miracle.

“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:21

But this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena, CA.

Videos of the week

FUNNY: Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena for this collection of very funny commercials

FUNNY: SNL video from Art of Sierra Madre, CA about seniors and Alexa.

ENJOYABLE MUSIC: Tom of Pasadena,CA sent this video of legendary movie soundtrack composer, John Williams.

Tom of Pasadena, CA used to be part of the Rose Parade organization. He said: “I hosted John Williams when he was Grand Marshall.” When asked what kind of a person John was, Tom said he was a “very regular nice guy, no put on or stand offish ways. He had members of his family with him and was interesting to talk to, responding well to questions and inquiries. Very cooperative in doing what was required and cheerful. He seemed to be enjoying the experience. I had other Grand Marshalls that were great but had personal body guards to ward off people but none I could see for John.”
— Tom of Pasadena

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Mike of New York City

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA
Can you read this?

The post The Offender appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Fourth of July

Nothing much to say today because it’s the end of the 4th of July. Spending time with my lovely wife. We went out for a walk in the park then bought groceries. Lots of people buying at my favorite Mexican grocery store. On the way home I noticed the few cars on the road. Seems like many have left for more “vacationy” spots.

How was your 4th of July? People need to escape from the city, but me … I like staying home with my wife. I must be getting old. How about you?

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Best Commercials of 2018
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

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

The post Cheapskate appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Many of you know that my Mom passed away 2 years ago. I want to share a song I wrote about my Mom. It’s crude and recorded with basic equipment (I cried) but before that, I’d like to introduce her to you.

Mom’s name was Henrietta and by her name alone, you know she came from a different era. She called herself a “Polyanna” (ie. innocent girl) from a far away village in Ganazi, Southern Philippines. Despite her very humble beginnings, she was extremely cultured. She loved to play the piano, and appreciate art in all its forms. Her favorites were the Impressionists. She wrote Haikus and articles about government corruption. She was a key political resource and she testified in front of the US Senate at the Capitol building (personally encouraged by big shot Senators Kerry and Lugar in the 80s). She influenced the eventual fall of the Marcos dictatorship.

Mom loved Broadway and one of her favorite songs was “The Best of Times is Now” from La Cage Aux Follies. She would always want me to sing it with her and I always resisted although now I wish I gave in more. Her interests and compassion trickled down to all her 7 children. But the one trait that I will remember and admire her for the most is her ability to give “GRACE” (ie. give charity where it isn’t deserved).  Even when she was correct, she would give up that right and ask forgiveness. That ability to forgive would almost always put her detractors to shame.

Don’t forget this Sunday is Mother’s Day. To all you Moms out there: Thank you! You guys don’t get enough recognition for all the amazing things you do. Those of you fortunate to have mothers still around, don’t be a shmuck! Go and show Mom how much she means to you while you still can. (I know some of you are estranged … sorry, I hope things get better). For others like me, remember that we are an extension of their lives. As the refrain of my song goes:

And though today no longer with us,
You planted well enough your seeds.
You will always come and visit
In our thoughts and in our deeds.

CLICK HERE to listen to my song. The lyrics of the song are also there.

I would also like to whisper a prayer of encouragement to some of my friends who are going through very difficult times. You know who you are.

Of course, this is just me.

TGIF people!

The Baby Specialist

Shared by Ernie of New York

I wondered if I should include this here because the subject matter is questionable and it is quite lengthy. I hope I made the right decision.

NFL Chip Commercial
Sent by Mike of New York

This commercial needs no introduction. Silly. Funny. Clean.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shots

Thanks to Jennifer of Southern California who shared this photo

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post Baby Specialist: A Mom Day Special appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I have a load of stuff I still have to do before my trip to Nigeria. I leave Thanksgiving Day. As you enjoy your turkey I will probably be stuck in the airport.

Someone wondered why I was going to unfamiliar Nigeria instead of going back to my homeland. My reply is because the opportunity presented itself.

Why did Mother Theresa minister in India instead of her homeland? Why do missionaries go to far away lands instead of helping their own kind? Were they wrong? I don’t think so.

Sometimes one needs to change to a different location to start afresh — away from the the confines of the box that people put them in. This is very true for late bloomers like me. There is a statistic that says traveling increases not only the physical borders but also the borders of one’s imagination and potential. Even Christ preferred to perform miracles away from his birthplace of Nazareth.

Has life stagnated for you? Perhaps it’s time to travel and expand your mind. Be the better person you really are.

BTW, I am not sure if I will have internet access or time to prepare my TGIF emails for the next 3 weeks. I will miss you for sure. Be good! Happy Thanksgiving!

“Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers — James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

— Matthew 13:54-58

TGIF people!

Senior Theater Seats

Contributed by Rick of Chino Hills, CA

An old man lay awkwardly sprawled across three entire seats in the movie theater.

When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the old man, “Sorry sir, but you’re only allowed one seat.”

The old man didn’t budge. The usher became more impatient.

“Sir, if you don’t get up from there I’m going to have to call the manager.”

Once again, the old man just muttered and did nothing.

The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment returned with the manager.

Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the old disheveled man, but with no success.

Finally they summoned the police.

The officer surveyed the situation briefly, then asked, “All right, buddy, what’s your name?”

“Fred,” the old man moaned.

“Where you from, Fred?” asked the police officer.

With a terrible strain in his voice, and without moving, Fred replied;
“The balcony.”

TGIF Videos

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who provided this photo

The post Theater Seats for a Senior appeared first on Traveling Archive.