Man’s Best Friend: The Good, the Bad and the Noisy

Thursdays are my busiest days. It really distracts my flow of thought when people call me on Thursdays for the most trivial of reasons. So it really bothered me when Tonka and Tinker were unusually noisy today. Our corgis were in a Thursday barking mood. The slightest sound, would trigger one to yip! and the other would yap! and the cycle would continue forever. If I grow deaf early I will blame them.

At one point, I wondered if there really was something I needed to pay attention to, so I poked outside the door and they ran outside to check the parameters.

“Nope! No thieves! Check! No postman, check! No neighborhood dogs — all’s clear!”

They were barking for nothing. Nothing!!! I looked at their puppy eyes and pointed my finger at them “Quiet! No barking!I” With their ears rolled back and their saddened eyes I was pretty sure they got the message. Professor Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, would have been proud of my discipline technique.

I go back upstairs and continue my work. A few minutes later they go at it again. Ayayay!!! Give me a break!!

Then I remembered a conversation I just had with my wife last Sunday. I said, “One of the reasons why I don’t think people should neuter their dogs is because their lives are so short. Having offspring would mean having a successor to carry the baton.”

And then my wife said something I didn’t expect. She said “Oh no, these two are the last. I will be too old to care for any dog when that time comes.”

Her remark hit me like a brick. I got nostalgic.

I remembered the unbearable grief my sister and her husband went through when their restless little monster of a shih tzu (Boris) passed away. I could see their funeral procession a mile away. I remember my good friend Ed and his wife Debbie. They had 2 dalmatians (Delphine and Cedric) that died a few years apart. I remember the last one had incontinence and pooped all over their beautiful home. I could not understand then their devotion to these animals. And how could I forget Zoe, our own shih tzu who never learned to poop outside and would eat her own poop to hide the evidence. Boy! I still miss that smelly pup. I remember his wide eyes asking me to play while his mouth dribbled with poop.

Thank God for our dogs, our cats, our birds, our lizards — why did God create them? Because He wanted to demonstrate the meaning of unconditional devotion … something even our people friends fall short of. We don’t deserve their loyalty. Yet we treat them like … like … dogs! I never thought I’d say this but with all the love they give us — we should really treat them like kings.

I guess the next time Tonka and Tinker shatter my eardrums, I should just bow down and say — long live the king!

Am I making sense?

TGIF people!

Raoul

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Joe of Los Angeles

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Joe of Los Angeles, CA

Long live the king!

PARTING SHOTS

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Hannah of South Dakota

Thanks to Maling of New Manila

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

I found these

THE TRAVELING BOY

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

The post Counseling Breakthrough appeared first on Traveling Archive.

It’s been a while since I’ve had so many deep conversations with so many people in disconnected settings. It’s the season I guess. Late October seems to do that all the time. Next week promises to be just as busy — I’m meeting with an old friend from Australia whom I haven’t seen in 20 years. I’m meeting with 2 of my neighbors for a small business opportunity. Then I will be starting a Bible study with a group of young men who are in career limbo. At the end of the week I will be practicing with a new set of musicians.

This weekend, we’re having our grand kids over for their second “indoor camping.” They’re excited. We’re excited. We’ve been looking forward to this for some time. I plan to bring them to an Asian grocery store and teach them to buy fish and delicacies. We will cook calamari and bake brownies. We will be having a music session: drums, electric guitars, and keyboard are already set up (don’t be too impressed … we don’t know how to use them). I wrote a new song to record entitled “Welcome Home” — a song for the lost and weary travelers of life. Like last time, we will have some Bible Study time. This time around I will share the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Then we will be “Trick or Treating” in the neighborhood. Even our Corgis have their costumes ready.

Now that I look back at all these events, I realize that every single one of these appointments were/are self-imposed. Running my own businesses, I didn’t have to arrange any of them. I also remember that I prayed that God would use me to touch as many lives as I can. Boy, did He deliver. These appointments are like seeds that I planted and now they’re starting to spread roots. I don’t know where they will lead to. I just know this feels right. This is what I’m supposed to do. It’s also scary because what I do will affect so many lives.

In the Parable of the Talents, a rich master is on his way to a long journey. Before he leaves, he entrusts 3 servants with different amounts of gold (ie. talents or responsibilities) and he expects them to make the most of what they are given. The first 2 servants invested their gold and made a profit for their master.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” declared the master. “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

But the 3rd servant said he was given the least and was afraid of his master’s wrath and the servant simply buried it in sand. (We’ve heard that excuse so many times, haven’t we?).

The master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant! The least you could have done was invest it in a bank to earn interest.” (Obviously, banks don’t give interest anymore today.) “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even (the little) what they have will be taken from them Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

I’ve accepted the reality that God did not endow me with the face to grace the cover of a magazine. Nor did he give me the arm muscles to raise mountains of money. But He gave me a heart of compassion and the hands to reach out and touch lives. I’m not even doing it for a reward. Joy comes when I see lives changed.

What’s your talent, good and faithful servant?

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

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

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA. for these English puns.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA. I guess the season has started.

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena for these gems from Calvin and Hobbes.

The post The Problem With Abernathy appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Flow is Low

When was the last time you gave blood? This is a question especially to the Universal Blood Donors out there.  There is a blood shortage. I’m serious. In this age of high tech everything, no one had developed artificial blood yet. The Red Cross needs your blood.

Did you know that the greatest source of blood donors is the High School? Unfortunately, ever since the school lock-down, only the “oldies” have been the constant blood donors. In all the years I’ve donated blood, I must have seen less than a handful of teenagers giving blood. Wouldn’t it be so unfair if the blood supply runs out for the people who have given so much of their blood?

I’m donating blood this morning. Will you consider doing the same?

Here is a cool website that explains the different blood types: RED CROSS BLOOD

I’m tired. Wish I could, but today I have no clever ideas to dazzle and stimulate your mind (as if I ever did) except to say that:
a little prick,
a few minutes drip,
will bloody save someone sick.

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA and Don of Kelowna, BC for sharing these puns.

Video: Grown Man’s First Injection

Thanks to Ed of the Philippines

Video: Life Story of Mr. Bean

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Video: Transforming into Mona Lisa

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
This Chinese lady dabs on makeup to turn into a living masterpiece. She has other videos where she transforms into other famous people.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

Thanks to Betty of Australia

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA for the last 3 gags.

The post More Amazing Puns appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Covid Survivor

It was the second sleepless night for my sister. What started as a mild fever had escalated to a classic case of Covid 19. Her doctor was no help. He was textbook-trained but he had no first-hand experience with the disease. Sis couldn’t sleep in a normal postion because of the constriction in her lungs. She was told to lay on her stomach but that didn’t work. Standing up was not a solution either. How can you sleep while standing up? Heading for a third night of difficulty she got a phone call from my daughter (a nurse who works in the red zone). My daughter told her about flowler’s position — sleeping at an angle. (SEE DIAGRAM). That’s what saved the day…. (I mean) the night. Later on, my daughter gave her more tips that led to her full recovery. I’m so glad for my sister’s health and so proud of my daughter. You can read my sister’s full testimony as well as her husband’s at TravelingBoy.com. Pass this on. This may save someone’s life.

I’d like to salute our frontliners in this pandemic. I can only speak about my daughter but I’m sure this is the routine of every frontliner. She’s on her feet all day wearing her full plastic armor of face mask, plastic shield, cap and gloves. She trained herself not to scratch her nose or wipe her eyes. There are 60 doctors and nurses where she works. Despite their precaution, only my daughter and 2 other nurses have not yet had Covid. (I guess masks are good but it is the vaccines that are the game changers). She goes home after a full shift but she does not enter the house yet. She has to change in the garage, wrap her scrubs in a bag, go inside to take a bath. Only then, can she hug her kids and her husband.

You are blessed if you live here in America. The vaccines have reached millions already. Infection rates have dipped. My heart goes out to many more countries that still wait for the vaccines to arrive on their shores. Americans get the dosage free. In other countries people have to purchase it (if they are available at all). At least there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Let’s continue to pray for this generation.

TGIF people!

Raoul

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
 his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
 great is your faithfulness.  — Lamentation 3:22-23

BTW, if you need an oximeter, please let me know. A subscriber of my TGIF emails bought one and was given a spare. He is selling the other one cheap.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for sharing this pun.

Video: Aging Wife

Thanks to Lee of Alhambra, CA and Craig of Texas

Video: Dolly Parton’s Assault

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Erratum: According to Snopes, last week’s video of a VW Korea Flying car was fake. Sorry about that. Thanks to Rey of Simi Valley, CA for pointing it out to me.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tony of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

The post Amazing Puns appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Words are everywhere. The floor you walk upon reveals the development of language from cave dwellings to hieroglyphics to alphabets from around the world. Elevators resemble libraries. No admonishments to use your inside voices here; but definitely use your words. The museum is divided into the foundations of language; all the cool things you can do with words, and ultimately why words matter.

So first, you see how babies acquire language skills. We initially babble a lot of sounds, but only retain those that find a home in our native tongue. A massive word wall houses over 1000 words that visitors call out to see how they were developed, relate to each other or integrate with other languages. The explanations of the visuals are enchanting. Everything is interactive; everything is entertaining; everything is fun.

The many side experiences in every gallery are fascinating in themselves but so easy to overlook. You might miss the signs above the entrance to the Joking Around Room: “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Bada boom.

At the Visual Puns exhibit, check out the large picture, among many, of two suitcases, one laughing and one crying. The tag line? Emotional Baggage. Move on to a table with two computers where you and a friend get to read jokes to each other and try to make each other laugh – or not. Yes, they’re corny but you’ll laugh out loud anyway. What’s the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? One’s heavy and the other is a little lighter….  See? Very hard to keep a straight face.

The Word World offers word paintings using adjectives. Pick up the Hibernal brush and snow appears over the nature scene on the wall; the Nocturnal brush brings darkness, Tempestuous, rain and wind. Ah, but the Magical brush elicits great whimsy. Paint the deer on the wall and it becomes a unicorn; splash it across the airplane and it turns into a magic carpet. Are you smiling yet?

In the Magical Library, people appear to walk on the ceiling. Read a descriptive plaque to a wall mirror and a 3-D diorama pops up before you – open the drawer below to find the book from which the scene is taken. I shook my head in further disbelief when I opened a random book to a designated page and the book lit up as a narrator read the story and relevant images kept re-appearing next to the book. Who thinks of these things????  It all feels very surreal.  Always a good word….

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Find the secret room – no help from me here – that takes you to the poetry nook – a quiet space in a very sensory-overload environment in which you get to sit back, relax, breathe out and let a sonorous voice reciting poetry re-vitalize you.

Want some tips on public speaking? Head to the Lend Me Your Ears Auditory Gallery. Learn when to effectively pause in your remarks. When repetition reinforces your message. Or how the use of metaphor may better convey your meaning. Then you can go into a private recording booth and deliver your own speech. Fortunately, I presume, without any hecklers in the audience.

Beware of the I’m Sold Gallery where you may have to come to terms with how susceptible you are to advertising. Here you’ll encounter how words are used to persuade and change people’s minds through ads, videos and social media. Subtle but very effective to the easily gullible. That would probably be all of us. With, of course, deference paid to those slogans that have become part of the English lexicon: Where’s the Beef? What’s in your Wallet? Melts in your Mouth…

And think about this. What do you say when you drink something refreshing? Ahhh, yes?  So it’s no accident that three major bottled water companies are named Evian, Aquafina and Dasani. All have the Ahhh sound. Coincidence?

The final gallery is devoted to How Words matter. People, known and unknown, talk about how words have changed their lives, how the power of certain words, expressions, stories significantly impacted them.

Well, maybe not the final gallery should you choose to go to the bathroom before you leave. Not surprisingly, more relevant words that’s not your usual bathroom graffiti…   Heed the call of nature. See a man about a horse. Take a whiz. Tinkle. Gives whole new meaning to potty humor.

I left the museum with a smile on my face, thinking to myself: What a wonderful place! Four little words. One declarative sentence. And yet it says so much. Words are funny that way…

The museum is free though donations are encouraged. For more information, visit Planet Word Museum.

The post Planet Word: Where the World of Words Rule the Universe appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I Love Lucid

I’m no dream expert but I watched a video (Thoughty2) that explained what lucid dreams are about. The host said that you can actually tap a high potential of your mind when you reach that sleep stage. It’s the place where a fountain of ideas come from. It’s where the outliers in your thought patterns solve problems you could not otherwise accomplish in your waking moments. I hope that what I share today will make you aware of your hidden super power.

Most of the time, we don’t know we are dreaming. But there are golden opportunities when we do know. This explains why I’ve solved programming problems, composed songs, designed logos, remembered people and places when I was half awake. Ever since I watched that video I have been consciously looking out for that “lucid moment” (where I am conscious I am in a dream) and I try and solve problems or brainstorm with myself. Of course the biggest problem is remembering what transpired when I wake up. I do try to jot down these ideas in a little notebook.

Not all dreams are serious. I had a most enjoyable dream last night. I watched some clever and humorous animations just before I went to bed and that set the stage of my dream. I don’t remember a lot but the last dream sequence showed the importance of accents in a dramatic movie. In my dream, I was approaching God’s throne MGM style. There was a glorious choir of angels in the background. The clouds parted and this blinding light flashed in front of me. Then I heard a thundering voice with a strong Italian accent:
“Bow down!  I ema yo-ra Gaaad!”

That just killed the moment. And I couldn’t stop laughing. Why an Italian accent? I don’t know. It was my lucid mind who wrote the script. Isn’t it fascinating how our brains can keep the rest of our body in suspense?

Don’t miss your opportunity. Remember, Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh’s dream and he saved humanity. Martin Luther King Jr had a dream and changed American culture. What’s your lucid dream? Instead of molehills, why not climb the mountaintop?

TGIF people!

Raoul

“Don’t put limits on yourself. Not every dream will come true, and not every dream is from God. But when your dreams connect with God’s plans, you’ll find open doors that you never thought you’d see.” – Max Lucado

“We are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, so the good that He planned for us a long time ago may become our way of life.” — Ephesians 2:10

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Chuck of Whittier, CA for sharing this pun.

Video: Sophisticated Dancing Boy

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C. for this confident little fella.
He’s gonna break a lot of hearts when he grows older.

Video: VW Korea’s Flying Car

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA for this sci-fi technology that blew my mind.
What’s really amazing is it’s already into production.
This is gonna give Tesla a run for its money.

The Latest In Personal Transportation. Can you imagine a million of these on the road? This is real. Prototypes have been delivered to several Asian countries. It’s made by VW in Korea. It will be in Europe and Asia by the end of 2022. In addition, it doesn’t use magnets….It uses ducted air jets.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

Thanks to Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA
Not a joke but it makes you wonder what our pets are thinking.

Another one from Debbie

Last one from Debbie

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Last one from Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post Off Color Joke appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Other Ones

In a few days is Valentines day so let’s talk about relationships. Obviously, my wife is the most important person in my life. When I cook a meal, I always give her the best part. She may not even realize this and that’s not important to me. Making her happy is. If that isn’t love, what is?

But I confess I have another relationship going right now… two of them. I spend more hours with them than I do with my wife. They’re constantly with me everyday. When I close my eyes to sleep, they’re there. When I open my eyes, they’re there. My wife knows this. She doesn’t mind. She’s understanding this way. Actually, she was the one who brought them into my life. I warned her that something like this was going to happen but she insisted. Maybe she knew someone at my age needed something she could not provide. I told her the reason I didn’t want them was because I would get too attached and… well, it’s too late now.

When my wife goes to work, it’s just me… and them! Many times I’m in the middle of my work I can sense them beckoning for attention. Sometimes the temptation is so great I give in. Okay… okay… yes, I’m weak. I give in.

A simple touch, a simple massage and they are assured of my affection. Often, I tell them to let me go do my work but they want more of my touch… especially the little one.

And they’re very jealous. Whenever the phone rings, that’s when they decide to break their silence and compete with the person on the other line. “Can you please be quiet!” I shout. But they’re not that smart. They look at me quizzically wondering why I’m adding to the noise.

Life has never been the same. I’ve learned to live with the guilt of spending too much time with them. My wife knows I spend more time with them. The three cats know I spend more time with them.

But time is never enough for the two. What can you expect from Tonka and Tinker? They’re just two dogs.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Chinese New Year!

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

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

Video: My Husband’s Guilty

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for this amusing court video.
There’s a lesson at the end for you husbands.

Video: Everyone Should Have an Elephant

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA for this cute video

Video: Extraordinary Man

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
Art is a Singaporean American who is proud of his motherland. LKY was a true leader — country first before self. We need more like him.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Ding of Vancouver, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC.

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Another one from Peter Paul

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post You’re an EXTREME Redneck When…. appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Doctor

Over two years ago I had pain coming from my lower abdomen. I started to wear a stomach belt hoping it would eventually go away. Wrong! On my next checkup, my doctor felt the bulge and told me I had a hernia — a hole in my stomach. If you have been reading my TGIF joke email for a while, you might recall I shared my appointment with Doc Hollywood who put a mesh on that sucker. This is a follow up story.

The operation went well. Unfortunately, the pain returned after the anesthesia wore off. My doctor said my discomfort was normal and that the pain would go away after a few weeks. Months rolled by but the pain got worse and I went back to wearing that stomach brace.

I went back to my regular doctor who felt the same hernia plus another one on the other side of my stomach — “you have a double hernia!” he declared. He said I should get an ultrasound before the surgery.

Because of the Covid situation, I never had the appointment made until a few weeks ago. All the while, the pain was on my side and I was wearing this band around my mid section for fear that hole would tear all the way open.

At the ultra sound room, the two attendants jabbed their probe up, down and side to side around my belly It took almost an hour. All the while I’m pointing where the pain was but all the while also wondering why it didn’t hurt anymore.

Back at home, I’m telling my wife I didn’t feel any pain anymore … maybe I should cancel the surgery. She looked at me strangely. The next day I get a confirmation from the doctor who analyzed the ultra sound images.

“I don’t know what to tell you Mr. Pascual … I do not see any hernia.”

“Doc, you may be right because I don’t feel any pain anymore.”

He couldn’t explain it. I couldn’t explain it. Dare I say I experienced a miracle?

The Pharisees (the religious leaders) asked the the blind man:  “how can this Jesus, a sinner who did not follow our religious laws, perform a miracle that made you see?” It was illogical, unbelievable, impossible. All the blind man could say was “I was blind but now I see.” (John 9)

I have no explanation. “I had a hernia … but now it’s gone.”

Miracles still exist. There is no formula. It is nothing we can boast of. God just gifts it to us. Please don’t minimize the miracles in your life. When we recognize these heavenly presents, we gain a greater understanding of how amazing HE is and how undeserving WE are. Count your blessings (your family, your work, your health … I’m sure there are a lot of them), bask in his warm embrace and share your joy and give hope to those who need it. We have an awesome God.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“Jesus said ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’ ”  — John 9:39

Joke of the Week

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

Video: It’s Friday Mufasa

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines
I never saw someone so happy that it’s Friday.

Video: Getting a Room

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for this very quick video

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Another one from Peter Paul

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post It Snowed this Morning appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Bazza Kat

“Bazza-kat?!?” asked the Korean hairdresser as she tried to understand my sign language.

“Buzz cut! Buzz cut!” I said in exasperation. “I want a buzz cut!”

This was the 4th occasion I tried to explain how my wife wanted my hair cut. The previous 3 attempts, I thought she understood my instruction but to my disappointment, I didn’t get what I wanted. I could have told her to continue to cut till she got it right but I hated to spoil her “masterpiece.” It wasn’t bad really. I mean, I could live with it … I kinda liked it … well, actually I didn’t like buzz cuts. I liked what Miss Kim did.

But this time I wanted to please my wife. This day I decided to put my foot down … my head was literally on the line and it was hands down the obvious choice because of my thinning hair. (What a weird set of body part metaphors).

Fortunately, there was a bi-lingual Korean guy on the chair beside me and he explained it to her. He even showed her a downloaded photo and she seemed to finally get it.

So she started to “buzz” my sides away. But when she started combing my top, I realized what was really going on. Little Miss Kim had understood me even during the very first time I asked for a buzz cut. This sneaky lady really wanted to preserve my top curls at all cost. In her mind, I looked better with bangs. So I had to say “No! Enough! What you did to my sides, you do to the top!”

Some people are so opinionated … so narrow-minded, that they refuse to listen to the other side. (Even when their opinion is about someone else’s property). No matter the facts, no matter the logic, they refuse to entertain other views. They don’t realize that the other person may be right. I should know because when I looked at my new buzz cut in the mirror, that person who liked the buzz cut was me. Be honest … is it you?

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Holographic Whale

Thanks to Evie of Woodland Hills and Jeff of Pasadena, CA

Video: Virtual Holographic Technology

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC for these two gags.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for these last two jokes.

The post Three Thoughts appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A New Day in America

First of all, thanks for your concern about my health last week. The short of it was my blood pressure went up and the meds took it down too fast for my body to adjust and got me nauseus. I was bed-ridden from Friday afternoon until Monday evening. Even now I still feel woozy. Not used to this because I rarely get sick. Anyway, getting better everyday.

The mood in the White House changed on Inauguration day. The smiles and grimaces in people’s mouths 4 years ago switched places. The mainstream media was filled with festivity while the alternative news outlets were relatively quiet and behaved.

I listened to the speeches with objectivity (at least I think I did). And I realized inaugural speeches have some things in common.

1. All incoming Presidents are in disbelief that they are actually going to control the world.
2. They have generous hearts and promise they will be the President of all people and not just the ones who voted for them. And they promise to unite the parties.
3. They promise complete transparency.
4. The whole family of the elected officials are there in attendance and sometimes we get to see the whole kaboodle for the first time and in all their fashion statements.
5. The first family’s dirty laundry are not usually displayed … yet. No one wants to spoil the party.
6. It’s mostly always cold and the sun only starts warming the place near the end of the ceremonies. I ask myself, why not choose a warmer season? Why does it have to be in the first month?
7. But above all, despite the hostility of the elections, there is awe that America’s constitution is still preserved. Few countries can say they have a peaceful coup d’etat.

I for one wish all the best for the new President. I think everyone should give him a chance. Whether one is in the winning or the losing side, we are all still Americans. I like to believe we love our country and want what’s best for future generations. Our facts and our approach to success is just different.

Some say a good egg is cooked “over easy” and some like it “sunny side up.”  If you’re the cook, you decide what’s for breakfast. And if you don’t eat the food, you starve.

I like the video Don shares below. It shows how one instrument and different skills can create beautiful music.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: Cooperation is always more powerful than competition. TGIF people! God bless America!

Raoul

“If GRACE depends on our cooperation, then it is no longer GRACE.”
— Martin Luther

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC  for sharing this joke.

Video: The Operation

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC

The memories this video invokes.

When I was lying on the gurney while being wheeled into the operating theater at 7 am for my quad bypass the anesthesiologist was standing at the door and stopped me to ask what my name was.  After I replied he said. “Good morning, Mr. Copeland.”  Then, looking down at his clipboard, he continued, “Ah, yes, you’re in for the sex change operation.”

I didn’t really laugh at that moment but have done so many times since.  And I’ve often wondered whether he was trying to gauge by my reaction just how much juice to put into my drip. –– Don

Video: Bolero On One Cello

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC

Never really cared for Ravel’s Bolero. It became so popular after it was featured in the movie “10” with Bo Derek that I cringed every time I heard it. I once read that it is being played somewhere in the world every 15 seconds.

So I was surprised that this clever single-instrument performance could capture my interest, but perhaps it’s because it’s a parody and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Hope you like it. –– Don

Parting Shots

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

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

The post Supermarket Conspiracy appeared first on Traveling Archive.