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.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Illegal Immigrant Solution 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.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Blue Jeans appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Divided Country

WARNING: Very political topic.Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

If you keep up with the news, I betcha you’re just as frustrated as I am. You think you know the truth. The evidence is as clear as day and yet you see people in the “other side” spewing nonsense with authority. You look for people on “your side” to exchange the latest gossip and avoid speaking about politics with the “other side” because it takes too much drama. So each of us sits on our “safe side” and drift further and further apart.

Which is more important — party loyalty or loyalty to country? It’s not the same thing. The winds of political ideology shift with the current party leadership and it takes an objective eye to see the truth. Fight for our country NOT for the party! If we all do that the chasm between us will narrow.

This is how I see America today. The democrats are in panic mode. Despite what people have been saying for years about Biden’s dementia, they are shocked that it’s true. Doesn’t that tell you how far removed they’ve been from reality? Doesn’t that tell you that the news media has been feeding them lies? Even among the stalwarts of media, many of the talking heads are fumbling whether they should continue the narrative. They’re like chickens without a head. Many prominent Democrats are asking Joe to step down but Jill and Hunter Biden are blocking the stampede. And even if Joe steps down, who will carry the Liberal flag? Will there be enough time to create a new narrative for their new hero to appeal to the swing voters? The decision needs to be done soon because the DNC (Democratic National Convention) comes (I think) at the end of the month. What a mess!

On the Republican side they’ve got huge rallies with die-hard Trumpers. Yet their enthusiasm is dampened by their fear of election fraud. All that anticipation is centered around a single individual with major character flaws. The status quo is at stake. Is he capable of uniting the country?

Whichever side wins, half of America will believe this will be the start of the end. America is a country divided even now. An earthquake has shaken the very foundation this nation was built on. What are we to do?

In times of uncertainty, I always look at the Bible. We may not know the details between points A and B but we know where it leads to. Interpretations may vary but the prophecies are never wrong. I’m not an expert in the end times so I listened to Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s exposition of Revelations (the final book of the Bible).

Revelation-Unveiling the End, Act 3: The Final Curtain

There will be a rapture. There will indeed be the battle of Armagedon where nations from all around the world will gather with their forces. The preparation and events leading to this confrontation will be carefully crafted but the actual slaughter will not last long.

Chuck came up with 4 conclusions:

• The absence of America is surprising – ie. America is not a prominent factor in the final battle.
• The presence of demonic activity is frightening
• The resurgence of interest in the Bible – there will be a hunger for the truth
• The influence of Christ is compelling

That’s a lot to unravel and it still left me with a question: So what are we to do in the meantime? I like Chuck’s suggestion:

“The best thing to do to prepare for the coming of Christ is to tell people about Christ. It becomes for them an escape … a rescue from the horrors that remain yet future.” — Chuck Swindoll

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“Fear is often our immediate response to uncertainty. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing fear. They key is not to get stuck in it.” — Gabrielle Bernstein

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. “ — Isaiah 40:31

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Maria of Norwalk, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago

Thanks to Vincent of New Jersey

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

I found these:

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

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The post Annoyances appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Observations of the Debate

WARNING: Political Topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not interested.

The great debate between Biden and Trump is history. You’ll know whose predictions were accurate. And the media will have their analysts massaging the truth to their liking.

I dare not contribute to the confusion so I will just share a few observations about the event.

For me, this is a perfect example of why America is such a great country. To witness polar opposites verbally slug it out yet still being relatively civil to each other is impressive. Few countries have the forum nor the political stamina to stage this.

In the main stage was a battle of ideas, name-calling and lying. But the setting of the battleground itself was beautiful to behold. I think we should be conscious of the forces that try to divide us. That is the real enemy. America, despite all the craziness in today’s politics, is still an amazing country to live in.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

” Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” — Romans 12:14

” The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” — Sun Tzu

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,” – Proverbs 24:17

“If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.” — James Madison

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

I found these:

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

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The post A Forgotten Beatitude appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I’m rushing this issue. Been away from my office for almost the entire week. Had to work remotely and so I put this whole issue in bits and pieces from different places. I’m watching that clock tick towards midnight as I type this intro. I hope I am coherent because I have no time to correct and just about to drop dead.

Bong Bong

WARNING: Silly, Serious, Sad

Thirty six years ago (February 22 1986) a dictator named President Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown by a peaceful revolution called People Power. He and his family were infamously duped into flying to Hawaii where he later died … rejected and embarrassed. It was reported that he had stashed away 10 Billion dollars (must be in the 100 billions today) in Swiss Accounts but years of lawyering did not return a cent back to the coffers of his beleagered country. I believe the Swiss banks have conveniently kept the loot all these years. (Makes me wonder who was the bigger swindler.) When his reign collapsed unruly mobs crashed into his palace and stole precious pens, paper weights, etc. made of gold. They stole everything except the golden toilets. Imelda’s (his wife) three thousand shoes were discovered. Such sickening oppulence when people were starving less than a mile’s radius away.

A year later, February 25 was declared People’s Power Day – (a national holiday to this day) and there were parades and reenactments. But this celebration died down as the attendance dropped. New paper currencies were printed with the face of Benigno Aquino (Marcos’ political nemesis) insulting the dictator’s family every time they used cash. Sadly, corruption in the Philippines was never uprooted. Even the cronies were never brought to justice. Even the “good politicians” were unable to clean up the mess.

The big news this week is Ferdinand Jr, aka. Bong Bong Marcos, did the unthinkable. He ran for president and won. And for his vice president, he has Sara Duterte, the daughter of the current “devil-may-care” president. It’s Dumb and Dumber for the leaders of the country. These uneducated, deceitful, party-going, scoundrels are going to follow both their Dads’ footsteps.

Bong Bong’s strategy was deceit and brainwashing. His family had the ill-gotten money and there was a new generation of poor voters with no memory of the Marcos tyranny. Thanks to the rebranding machinations of social media spearheaded by Cambridge Analytica — yes, the same company that pushed Donald Trump to power — and paid politicians and bureaucrats who legitimized his candidacy, Bong Bong won by a landslide to the horror of the educated elites.

There are many lessons to be learned. Take your pick. None of them are uplifting and inspiring:

• People have short memories
• It pays to buy your way to an election
• Crime actually pays
• Hire Cambridge Analytica if you want to win an election

TRAINWRECK WORLD

We’ve got the leader of the free world who’s got cognitive difficulties, a modern-day Hitler annihilating thousands of innocent Ukrainians, a heavy-handed yet volatile Chinese communist party experimenting with a zero tolerance for a deadly virus … a virus that has already stretched the rest of the world beyond their reserves. If there ever was a volatile time in the history of the human race, it is now.

Strangely, the lyrics of a popular song comes to mind: “Bye bye Miss American Pie … I saw a Satan laughing with delight, the day the music (sanity and common sense) died.” I know it’s out of context to the original meaning of the song but it seems to fit the visual image in my head.

When they took out the Ten Commandments (a symbol of rules to keep us in check and set necessary boundaries) from our schools what did they expect?

But, as always, there is hope. There is always hope. Scripture is full of prophecy of what it will look like in the end times — so this trainwreck is expected. We always knew about the coming Armageddon … we just didn’t think it would happen in our lifetime. Woe to the world. But for those who believe, there is the rapture and there is heaven where joy will be eternal. This intro is already too long and it’s midnight. So if you are interested in more detail, write me.

But this is just me.

TGIF people!

Raoul

Here are some political cartoons that say it all.

Joke of the Week

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of Manila, Philippines

This week, I thought I’d do something different with these memes. Hope you like them.

Thanks to our Sci Fi fan JD of Toronto

Thanks to John of Connecticut

The post What is the Universe Made Of? appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Tonka the Mighty Dog

When our corgi, Tonka, was a puppy, he was an excitable gnawing machine. He’d chew on the legs of the chairs, the walls, my slippers… but most of all he would strangle the necks of our 3 cats just to show them who was boss. This week I was pleasantly surprised to find all 3 cats lying in “Tonka” territory and King Tonka relaxing with them. Tonka has finally matured. They finally get along.

Wouldn’t it be nice if America matured? Instead of reacting to every news item, and stressing everyone out, can we just watch and observe? Don’t be a sucker to the news media’s little game.

Three weeks after the stormy US election day and still no official winner has been declared. Cries of foul play reverberate among the Republicans. The Democrats proceed as if they already won. Sure there are rants from both sides but I do notice “a relative” calm. Why? Campaigning is over. Convincing is over. We’re just waiting for the dust to settle. The political boxing match has transformed into the quiet excitement of a grand master chess tournament. I know we all can get passionate about our politics but no matter who wins, one thing is certain: America is truly divided; It means there are just as many people on the other side of your politics.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: maturity isn’t based on years but based on experience. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.  for sharing these jokes.

So many enjoyed the Jewish Jokes last week that I decided to share some more from clean jokes from the old-time Jewish comedians.

Video: Contagious Laughter

Thanks to Ed of Greater Manila, Philippines

Tom’s Puns

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Joji of Antipolo, Philippines

Thanks Naomi, the animal lover of North Hollywood, CA for this adorable gag

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA. When you look in the mirror, does this thought ever cross your mind?

The post MORE Jewish Jokes appeared first on Traveling Archive.

War of Words

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: Sometimes you just gotta laugh because only in America can a brat grow up to be President.  TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Chuck of Whittier, CA  for sharing this joke. WARNING: This may be offensive to some.

Video: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Let’s start our video with a refreshing version of an ancient hymn

Video: New Police Tool to Stop Car Chase

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Why didn’t I think of this? Simple and effective.

Video: Funny Free Kick Victim

Thanks to Choy of Quezon City, Philippines
This cracked me up.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

One more from Peter Paul

The post Racing Tribe appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Choices

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C. for sharing these COVID gags.

Video: Italian Flash Mob at the Hospital

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA.
If you like opera (and even if you don’t), you’ve gotta hear this singer’s amazing voice.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Chuck of Whittier, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Ray of Burbank, CA

The post Covid Gags appeared first on Traveling Archive.