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

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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.

Greetings from a plane headed towards the East coast for vacation time and to have “fun”. I’m a bit apprehensive though because it’s supposed to be freezing out there. Brrrrr! I never got used to the cold. I’d rather sweat like a penguin in Africa than freeze like an iguana in Virginia.

My first experience with snow was traumatic. I had just started college in GWU and my big brother invited me to join him for the holidays and visit his girlfriend in upstate New York. Although I was covered from head to toe except for my eyes I was still frozen inside. Imagine a Popsicle wearing a coat and that would be me.

The girlfriend’s family treated us as part of the clan. Then one of the gals got this great idea to go cross country sledding. I never knew there was even a term for this winter torture. “It’s easy,” she said. “Just slide one foot after the other.” You kidding me? After my 10th slide, my thigh muscles seemed to be sliding down my ankles. While the girls were giggling and having so much fun frolicking in the wintry wonderland I was struggling to keep up. But the macho man in me would not accept defeat. So I endured the pain, the cold, the damp puddle inside my shoes. After the ordeal, everybody went for the hot cocoa waiting in the kitchen. I went for the soft bed in my room.

Since that day, I have never been friends with frozen water. I will face my demons in a few hours and I know I’m gonna die. I will be meeting my college friends and I will be meeting my son and his New York family. I’m praying for a miracle that the warmth of people will overcome the cold of winter.

Oh the things we do for our loved ones … and the things we do for fun!

TGIF people!

Friday Bike Ride

Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

I went to the liquor store Friday afternoon on my bicycle, bought a bottle of whiskey and put it in the bicycle basket.

As I was about to leave, I thought to myself that if I fell off the bicycle, the bottle would break.

So I drank all the whiskey before I cycled home.

It turned out to be a very good decision …

… because I fell off my bicycle seven times on the way home.

TGIF Videos

Staring Ice Cream Man
Drexel of Covina, California

So you’re enjoying your meal at the mall. Suddenly, you feel a strange sensation. Someone’s staring at you! What do you do?

This is a good video to understand body language.

WATCH

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who provided this photo
From a Conservative Blog that can make fun of themselves. CLICK below for complete article

Baron Trump Gets Hold of Dad’s Phone, Sends Numerous Tweets, No One Notices the Difference

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