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.

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The post Illegal Immigrant Solution 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.

War

I’m having issues with my neighbor. One little thing led to a bigger thing and now it’s a full blown mess. Ayayay! Where’s the United Nations when you need it?

It’s easy to shout “make love not war” and flash the peace sign when you’re not involved. But when bullets whiz past you and you call in for back up, all bets are off. It’s a fight for survival.

WWJD
It’s the perfect time to ask “What Would Jesus Do?” Well, he certainly had his enemies … enemies that actually orchestrated problems like … I dunno … maybe something called a “crucifixion?” He was compassionate with the little guys who had nothing. But, boy, did he berate the powerful and the entitled — calling them a “brood of vipers!” He shared the story of the Good Samaritan teaching that sworn enemies (blinded by hate) should (instead) open their eyes to a fellow human being in need.

There is also the story of the prostitute who was caught in the act and dragged in front of Jesus. But instead of stoning her, as was legally required, he challenged them: “those of you who are without sin, cast the first stone.” I imagine these macho self-righteous men picking up their stone. Then Jesus starts writing on the ground with his fingers (obviously the roads weren’t paved). Upon reading (whatever it was he wrote), one by one (from the oldest to the youngest) they put down their stone and walked away. Then Jesus, alone with the woman (who was probably staring at the pile of rocks that should have been on top of her), asked her “where are your accusers?” She doesn’t see anyone … except Jesus. Was Jesus going to cast the stone? Nah! To her surprise, he says “Go on home … sin no more.” Oooooh!

Just because you could, doesn’t mean you should. Just because it’s the law, doesn’t mean you cannot be compassionate. Just because my neighbor is a complete, total, certified jerk doesn’t mean I should blast him off the face of the earth … maybe squirt him a bit with a Holy Water pistol … Wait! Wait! Do I really have to do that?! Boy! It’s tough when you’re a Christian, huh? We are to follow the beat of a different drummer.

School Brawl
Did I tell you that I got into a fight when I was a kid? Back in the days, the teacher would appoint a handful of the students to clean the blackboards, mop and wax the floors (yup! you better believe we did that!). I don’t remember exactly why … I think my classmate and I were just in a bad mood … but I remember we were fighting over who got to use the coconut husk to polish the floor and we were rolling on the floor trying to out-wrestle each other. As in most fights, we both walked out of the room with our soiled white uniform shirts holding on to the little pride that was left. I remember my Mom looking at my disheveled appearance when I got home and asking me if I got into a fight. I lied and said I was just playing. I know she knew better but even I knew, at that age, we boys were sworn into secrecy. Seeing my classmate the next day was a little awkward. Did he report me to his Mom? Was I going to get into trouble? Fortunately, days of peace passed and we both surmised neither of us squealed. The next thing I remember we were hanging out and we never ever talked about it. To this day we are in touch and are still friends. In fact, I greeted him a happy birthday a few days ago.

Conclusion
Life is full of conflicts. The lines have been drawn between good and evil. No one wants to be on the bad side but obviously one has to be on the wrong side. Take your pick: Republicans vs. Democrats. Abortionists vs. Pro-Lifers. LGBTQ warriors vs. Rabid Homozexuals. Gun controllers vs 2nd Amendment Freedom Fighters. Those who hang their roll of toilet paper over vs those who hang the roll under. Difficult as it may be, I think we are placed here in this world to learn to deal with conflicts and practice tolerance and compassion. (Of course there still has to be justice and of course, we should ‘sin” no more — but that’s for another story.) Once the stone is cast, both sides lose.

We aren’t perfect … we may actually be wrong. And, as the brawl with my classmate taught me, foes can turn into our best friends.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

“Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.” — Anonymous

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” — John 8:11

“On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” – Romans 12:20

“People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes.” — Abigail Van Buren

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Video of the Week

Thanks to Bryce of Rhode Island for this hilarious prank

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago

There isn’t a joke. I just thought it was interesting for you Beatles fans.

Thanks to Thomas of Australia

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
(Not a joke. Just an interesting trivia)

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 Senior Facebook appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Balancing World Views

I watched a short video of a Buddhist monk explaining the cycle of success and failure. At the outset it sounded so accurate and profound but something bothered me. It was missing something.

The monk said that there is a perpetual balance. The sun goes up, the sun goes down. We inhale 50% of the time and we exhale the other 50% of the time. Our heart sucks in the blood 50% of the time and releases the blood 50% of the time. It’s always 50/50. There is ALWAYS the exchange — up and down, right and left, bright and dark, in and out, success and failure. It’s about giving and receiving. It’s about relaxing and doing. It’s about constant change. Exchange coming from the word “change” means there is a transformation.

What I realized is the difference of world views. (Yup! Here we go again with world views.) His world view reminds me of life in an ecosphere. Everything is self-contained and goes in a cycle: the plant is eaten by the animal, the animal poops, the poop feeds the plant — hakuna matata! Everything is balanced. Perhaps this explains why Buddhist monks (at least the stereotypes that I know) rarely show much emotion. They live a life of constant meditation that leads to contentment. Even keeled Mr. Spock would have made an excellent Buddhist. Have you ever heard of a Buddhist standup comedian? A Buddhist drama queen? Neither have I.

So I ask myself, how do you explain miracles? Where is the exuberant joy of receiving a gift or a blessing that keeps on giving? How do you account for a mother’s love that has no bounds? Life is full of spikes that spill out of the balance scales. How do you explain that?

Something about world views — two people may look at the same situation but their difference in attitude determines their joy in life. Life is either half empty or half full. Life is confined or life shatters the glass ceiling. It’s Eeyore vs. Tigger.

The Christian world view is so different. Christians are supposed to give and not expect anything in return. We make mistakes but through Christ, we enjoy grace and blessings we do not deserve. And we are supposed to extend grace as well — we are to forgive and not expect an apology. We love with no limits. As a friend who studied Buddhism told me — “In Buddhist literature, the absence of love is striking.” Yeah, yeah, most of us struggle to do these thankless good deeds but that’s our goal because Jesus told us to follow his example. Instead of meditation we pray and strive for attainment. The best among us never reach perfection but the beautiful adventure is towards the maturity of our faith. We are encouraged to climb that mountain of faith because there is a hope of an indescribable heavenly final destination.

I admit I’m no expert when it comes to Buddhism but these are just my simple observations and I welcome your corrections. Did I miss something?

Again. this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

“There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.” — Jim Lovell

“From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon. It’s not a miracle; we just decided to go.” – Jim Lovell

“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

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Thomas of Australia

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, 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 Spare Tire Inventor appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Boys Will Be Boys

I was driving along my neighborhood when I spotted a couple of boys running around all drenched and brandishing huge water pistols. Upon closer inspection, one of the boys turned out to be my grandson.

“Hi grandpa!.” he shouted, wiping the water squirt from his eyes.

We laughed.

As I drove away, I realized that was the first time I saw kids playing around like that. Playing outside is not very common anymore, is it? A majority of the kids play video games inside the secured fortress of their homes.

When I was a boy, I would run out into the grassy fields like a deer and never seemed to get tired. I would walk all by myself, wearing my slippers to my cousin’s house which was about a mile away. The thought of being kidnapped or hit by a car never crossed my mind. I would be gone for hours unsupervised and no one would worry where I was.

I would play in the rain. I would play in the beach. I would build little houses made out of scrap furniture and old blankets. I would shoot cans down with my slingshot. I would climb mango trees like a monkey, snap the fruits from the branches and eat them up there. I built war zones with my plastic soldiers and toy trucks. At night, I would hunt rats with my BB rifle. I played basketball and other rough games … sprained both my ankles, several fingers … but I accepted these accidents as part of boyhood.

We played with spiders, beetles, ants, worms, cards, marbles, rubber bands, toy tops, kites, cars, rockets, firecrackers, fire, ate lots and lots of candies … I enjoyed being a boy.

I wanted to make sure my grand kids would experience the same thrills so the next day, I encouraged them to play outside and meet new friends. Since then I’ve seen them driving around with their helmets on their motorized scooters. They’d let their friends play with them too.

Modern America doesn’t seem to be neighborhood friendly anymore … at least not for city folks. There is a fear of some nefarious stranger lurking on the shadows or an unmarked van pulling up beside your child to kidnap him/her. But as long as the kids are taught to pair up and observe the proper precautions, we should set them free to explore.

But this is just me. How was your childhood?

TGIF people!

“Older people sit down and ask, ‘What is it?’ but the boy asks, ‘What can I do with it?’.” — Steve Jobs

“One of the best things in the world to be is a boy; it requires no experience, but needs some practice to be a good one.” — Charles Dudley Warner

“And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets ” – Zechariah 8:5

“ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” — 3 John 1-4

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA and Oscar of La Mirada, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Benny of Chicago

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 Me Too appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Twitterpated

WARNING: Just my opinion. Move on to the jokes if you’re not interested.

I enjoy watching my grandsons grow up.

Yesterday on our way to basketball practice, we passed by two teens exchanging (what appeared to be) their first kiss on the steps of a fenced community. “What was that?!” I exclaimed. “I don’t know,” my grandson giggled and both their eyes grew wide and shocked. But, as soon as we turned the corner, they were back to their basketball conversation like nothing had happened … such innocent kids!

During my preteen years, I didn’t know what girls were like. Sure I had sisters and cousins but they didn’t count — they weren’t real girls. Growing up in an all-boy Catholic school, my batch mates were clueless about these “heavenly creatures.” What do they eat? What do they talk about? How do you start a conversation? What do they smell like? Are they soft like a Teddy Bear? I was fascinated by almost every girl I met. If any girl would talk to me, I would fall in love.

I asked my grandsons if they had any lady friends and they said NO! — almost like saying “why would you even ask a dumb question like that?” Think about this — these boys go to school with girls everyday but they never speak to them unless they are required to. It’s exactly like the scene in Bambi where the boy animals get “twitterpated” by the more mature damsels who lay traps with their alluring glances and seductive poses.

Men, do you remember those years? Wasn’t life so wonderfully exciting? Where did all the chivalry go? I think when we lost our innocence, we started to objectify our women. Not good!

Women, instead of competing with you, would you rather that your man love you, be delicate with your hearts and treat you like the weaker vessels (physically) that you really are?

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.” — Genesis 2: 21-23

There is so much talk today about gender rights, equality and respect. Let’s get this straight: Men and women are different but we are equal in God’s eyes and we were made to complement and not compete with each other. It’s important to understand our roles. God is a God of order and this is His beautiful plan. Let’s not mess it up. We still have so much to learn from each other, don’t we?

But this is just me. And I’m preaching to myself.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“Those who have never known the deep intimacy and the intense companionship of mutual love have missed the best thing that life has to give.” – Bertrand Russell

“He showed me his scars, and in return he let me pretend that I had none.” – Madeline Miller

“Intimacy is the capacity to be rather weird with someone – and finding that that’s ok with them.” – Alain de Botton

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Nani of San Juan, Philippines

Thanks to Drake of Washington, DC

Thanks to Mike of New York

I found these:

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

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The post Spartacus, A Lion is Eating Your Wife! appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Worlds Apart

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

And now the Unbelievable Headline News:

• NPR Chief, Katherine Maher, in a TED Talk in 2021, essentially believes there is no such thing as truth and that we can make up our own truth.
• The illegal refugees in New York are demanding better accommodations despite the $77 Million that has already been allocated for them.
• Former CBS News Reporter, Katherine Herridge, tells Congress she endured ‘A Journalistic Rape’ when fired for pursuing Hunter Biden Allegations
• Did Biden really fly 33K migrants ‘straight to New York’?
• Denver Migrants who are already getting 6 Months of Free Rent complained it was still ‘Insufficient’

I used to be so frustrated when highly intelligent people couldn’t understand why I opposed their political and religious positions. But that toned down when I understood the phenomenon of differing World Views. Now it’s easier for me to accept our differences.

What are the consequences of a person’s World View?

You can google what it means but this is my simple explanation: A person’s world view blinds him to critical facts. It explains why a mother only sees the good of a child who is a serial killer. Or why they say love is blind — when a boy only sees the goddess in the woman he adores.

I think it’s egotistical of the NPR Chief to refuse to believe a truth because it requires adjusting her reality. And to force others to accept her insecurity is a desperate attempt to affirm her sanity.

Some people say “You need to believe my obesity is healthy and beautiful” — nope! Not buyin’ it. Sorry lady, you’re fat and you’ve got major health and mental issues.

If you want to see a clash between 2 world views, go to John 8:12 which starts a passage I call the Great Debate. Jesus declared that he was the Son of God and the Pharisees would not accept it. If you follow the debate, you will see how Jesus is speaking spiritual truths while the religious leaders were speaking from their limited understanding. Both sides gave convincing declarations but since he could not convince them by word, then Jesus did it by performing a miracle in His defense — he made a blind man see. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was so revealing because they refused to believe the evidence of the blind man that was standing right in front of them: “It’s Impossible! You’re impossible! You do not exist! My world view will not allow me to believe you can now see.”

A wise man said: “You don’t have to defend the Truth. It just is.”

The next time someone fails to understand something so obvious, it may not be because he’s stupid or has evil intentions. Chances are, he is coming from a different world view. And don’t try to convince him. If a miracle couldn’t convince the Pharisees, do you think your logic will?

But this is just me.

TGIF people!
Raoul

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Drake of Washington, DC

I found these:

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

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The post Eucalyptus Street appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Sick as a Dog

I’m sick.

I have been coughing and have been feeling weak since Sunday. I suspect some hyperactive kid laced the stair rail with some virus. I was actually conscious about touching the rails but I (being the old geezer that I am) figured I’d rather get sick than fall down the stairs. So, here I am sick as a refugee in a Sanctuary City. I should have washed my hands when I got to the top of the floor but I was already late.

The doctor who attended to me said I caught a virus and I had an allergy. I’m concerned that the allergy is from our fluffy corgis who shed their hair like desert tumbleweeds. He gave me three meds. So I’m drowsy, weak and developing a runny nose. I guess I won’t be donning my superhero costume tonight. Those feeble old ladies will have to fend for themselves this evening — Superman needs to rest.

In the national news: there was a solar eclipse. OJ Simpson is dead. The minimum wage of Fast Food workers is now $20 an hour. Several stores have filed bankcruptcy.

In the local news: I have a new granddaughter. She’s in New York so I can’t visit her just yet. She was so in a hurry to get out, she plopped into humanity right there at the hospital curb just as Mom stepped out of the Uber car. All’s fine. Mother and daughter are safe and sound at their Manhattan apartment. God is good.

Feeling sleepy. I need to rest.

You guys have a fun Friday.

TGIF people!
Raoul

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Drake of Washington, DC

I found these:

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

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The post Global Sex Facts appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Mechanical Failure

I was worried about my friend “Barry” who needed to get a new car battery. I was also watching some infuriating videos about the politicians in different parts of the country. I fell asleep. Then I woke up from a silly dream that was influenced by my friend and the videos; so I thought I’d share it with you. Honest! This situation really was in my dream. Hope you like it.

* * START of DREAM * * *

Barry’s car breaks down in the middle of the road and he calls out for help. Adang Sheet, the mechanic from Triple-Bypass A is the first to show up.

Barry: Thanks for coming! I’m glad I subscribed to your Free Car Assistance Program. But before you work your magic, I want you to know that I have a very tight budget. So knowing this, can you still get my car to start running?

Adang: Sure can pardner, they don’t call me “Adang Shifty Sheet” for nothin’.

Hearing that nickname, Barry gets very anxious about the idiot before him but he lets Adang figure out what’s wrong.

A few minutes later …

Adang: Well, looks like you have a dead battery, mister. I have a BRAND NEW one in my truck. I can sell it to you for $500.

Barry: $500?!? Batteries in Walmart only cost $300 at the most!

Adang: Sure they do. But they don’t sparkle as good as mine. I painted ‘em muhself.

Barry: I don’t really care for sparkles. I just want my car to run.

Adang: Tell you what, since you look like an honest feller, I can sell it to you for $350. It’ll save you a trip to Walmart.

Barry: Gee thanks for the offer but I can’t afford anything over $100 now. Do you have any other solution?

Realizing he’s dealing with a smart man, Adang says: Lesse now, I can sell you an OLD battery at the back. I’ll sell it for $100. It doesn’t charge anymore but I can exchange it and at least get your car running fer ya!

Barry: So you could get my car running if we use an old battery?

Adang: Sure can.

Barry: So why can’t you use MY old battery instead of YOUR old battery to get my car running?

Adang looks at Barry with disgust and, without another word, he jumps the car and Adang successfully starts Barry’s car.

Barry: Thanks for getting my car running again. Sorry you didn’t make any money this time.

Adang: Before you go, can I ask a little donation for the LMA, which is a non-profit organization I just started?

Barry: LMA? What does that stand for?

Adang: Lousy Mechanics of America — someone’s gotta stand up for people like me.

Barry laughs uncontrollably while Adamn wonders what’s so funny.

Barry: You aren’t very good at this, are you?

Adang: I guess not. That’s why I’m the president of the LMA.

Barry (laughing even more): Well, you’re a good mechanic but a lousy salesman … but you’re kinda honest, and you’ve got ambition … I’ve got connections in the government. How’d you like a change of career? How’d you like to run for the Senate?!?

Adang: Dang! Hot digity dawg! Let’s go pardner!

And that’s how Adang wound up in the Senate floor.

* * END of DREAM * * *

When you think of many politicians, do you wonder if they got their start as a member of the LMA? I certainly do … but that’s just me.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” — Albert Einstein

“Stupidity is personal achievement which transcends national boundaries.” — Albert Einstein

“An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought.” — Simon Cameron

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Butch of Amarillo, Texas

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Video of the Week

Thanks to Butch of Amarillo, Texas

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Wyne of Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

I found these:

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

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The post Difference Between Right and Left appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Political Pyramid

Warning: A whole lot of politics! Move on to the jokes if you’re not in the mood. I mean it!

Remember the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines? He transitioned from a legally-elected President to a pretentious democratic president when he declared Martial Law at 7:15 p.m. on September 23, 1972. Prior to this, he orchestrated a crime wave that justified this declaration to place himself as the gatekeeper of freedom. Smart move, Mr. Ferdinand.

Not many know this, but in his first years, the Philippines actually made progress. Gone were the bickering among the power-grabbing political low-lifes. Illegal firearms were confiscated and there was less crime for a while. If you bickered too much without “the big guy’s” blessing, you would simply “disappear.” So what caused his downfall? Greed among his cronies.

Marcos was a golfer and his golfing buddies eventually became his cronies. He gave them power — positions in high places. Competence was trumped by loyalty. Among them was Imelda, his idiotic wife of a thousand shoes and a million sob stories. Even a comparatively untrained soldier who came from the same province became the head of his army.

Like a pyramid scheme, only the people at the top of the pyramid benefited. The lower you were in that structure, the less influence you had. At the lower levels, you had wanna-bes who abandoned decency and common sense for power and money and followed orders without question; trusting that they would be recognized and pulled up higher in the pyramid. They were notoriously called loyalists.

TV, radio and printed media were afraid to report the honest news. Comedians, musicians, and even a Marcos impersonator, would make occasional jabs at the administration but there was always the fear of stepping out of line. An imaginary dagger hung precariously above everyone who lived in that country.

When the dictatorship crumbled in 1986, it was no longer fashionable to be a loyalist. A new term was given to them. They were now called balimbings (carambola or star fruit) — because this Philippine fruit has many sides. And these human balimbings had many “faces” — they changed political sides when convenient … they had no backbone. They were disgusting. Many wealthy balimbings left the country in shame. Know any super wealthy Filipinos? Ask if they were loyalists. (However, not all loyalists are guilty. Wanna Ver, General Ver’s innocent daughter, grew up unaware of her father’s behavior and has since tried to reconcile with her past.)

Of course I am simplifying the events of the Marcos regime. As in many history books, this is just my personal assessment. I lived through it.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.” — John 15:18-19

I am sharing this now because I was reading the book of John. And it sent up chills as I am seeing history being repeated. It now makes sense why the peaceful, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens are ridiculed and treated disproportionately from the 10 million new illegal refugees (many in New York and Southern California are housed in hotels while American citizens and veterans are homeless in the streets). I can see why the media, the comedians, and other influencers espouse blatant lies … why the judicial system allows crime to flourish. No, they’re not that stupid. They’re afraid. The loyalists in New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and other so-called sanctuary cities are the mid-level cronies who hope to be pulled up the pyramid. Let’s not get played by these shouting “Karens.” We’re better than that.

“Speak softly but carry a big stick!” — Theodore Roosevelt

Loyalty to a party, should never be above loyalty to country. If your party falters … if your party changes direction … if your party forgets your rights, that party will crumble and there won’t be a pyramid to hold on to.

But this is just me.

TGIF people!

Raoul

” If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing. “ — Henry Kravis

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Pasadena. CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tyrel of Chicago

Thanks to Ted of Philadelphia

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Larry of La Habra, CA

I found these:

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

SUBSCRIBE

The post Tax Loophole appeared first on Traveling Archive.