Happy New Year

Another year comes to an end. Is it just me or are things getting worse every year? Sure, I could list the craziness out there but why spoil the party, huh? Instead, let’s thank God for the good that happened.

• Covid cases have not been as deadly
• China’s Zero lock down policy has stopped.
  (No more senseless killings)
• Faucci is no longer in charge of the NIH.
  (No need to trust his science)
• Although airports are still sorting out the stranded travelers, at least there have been no plane crashes
• Gas prices are starting to go below $5 a gallon
  (from an all time high of $7)
• There are 3 million potential new workers due to the open borders
• Twitter is helping sort out truth from conjectures
  (unless of course you believe truth to be subjective)
• Media networks have revamped their staff and policies
  (hope this ends wild biased conjectures)
• Ukraine is still alive and kicking.
  (I do wonder why it’s so hard for Putin To catch Zelensky … I mean, is he really trying?).
• The Johnny Deaf Amber Hearst … I mean Johnny Depp Amber Heard trial is over.
  (They said the main problem of their marriage was weak communication —- Amber HEARD but Johnny was DEAF).
• The January 6 Trial is over
  (now they can start focusing on laws and running the country)
• The election commercials are over
  (no more mud slinging)
• The Fusion Energy breakthrough gives us avenues of hope for clean and abundant energy
  (this is amazing news)
• Finally, God is still in charge. This is all part of His plan. As long as we are on His side, we have nothing to fear.

So take out your glasses and here’s a toast to 2023 — may we continue to survive the craziness of the world and maximize the borrowed time we are blessed with.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Jose of LA county

Videos of the Week

Thanks to Rene of Cavite, Philippines for this encouraging lesson.

Thanks to Wyne of Mandaluyong, Philippines for this look at the past.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA who is still in the Christmas mode.

I found these

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

The post New Year’s Resolution 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.

The Lesser of Two Evils

Joke of the Week

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

Video: School Teacher’s Corona Virus Song

Thanks to Ray of Burbank, Ca, USA.
The News Reporters break down with laughter when they hear her original composition.

Video: Pizza Slices

Thanks to Roger of Greater Manila, Philippines.
This is why we have to open our schools again.

Video: Eating Twinkies With God

Thanks to Nani of San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines.
A feel good video.

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 Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

The post The $30 Suit appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Doc Hollywood

Last week I shared about Doctor Ka-Ching! This week it was Doc Hollywood.

The minute he entered, his radiance filled the room. This surgeon who was assigned to open my tummy looked like one of those gorgeous TV doctors. He had the proper wavy peppered hair that went slow motion when he flipped his head. Behind him were 2 female interns who were shadowing him that day. Actually, they looked more like 2 groovy backup singers following their rock -n-roll superstar. They didn’t say a word. They just smiled … and swooned at Doc Hollywood’s every breath.

“Drop your pants!” he barked. I looked at the 2 ladies and I thought “no way was I dropping my pants all the way down there.” I think Doc Hollywood understood my hesitancy and he also didn’t want anything to outshine his glory. So he examined me at “half mast.” I couldn’t look at the ladies but I could feel their stares.

“Cough! Aha! there it is! You definitely have a hernia… it’s alive! It’s alive!!! Nyah ha ha!” he declared while poking my lower abdomen like his little play-thing. And then it happened: He opened his mouth to begin his Academy award winning speech. The women’s jaws dropped as they savored the moment in unbridled ecstasy. Doc Hollywood delivered his doctoral dissertation of a hernia … something he probably recites 10 times a day. “Like the interior tube of a car tire,” he said, “hernias develop at the softest tissues of your internal organs. The “tube” jots out of your stomach whenever you exert pressure on it. There is no emergency. Some people live with hernias for years without even knowing it.” 

That was the last I remember because  the whole time he’s talking, I’m thinking “what kind of a car does he drive? I bet it’s a Porsche. I bet he golfs every day … has a different woman assigned for every night of the week and takes a Martini on the rocks  … shaken, not stirred.” At the end of his spiel I could have sworn I heard clapping and cheering from the balcony. He took a bow and he was gone… the two adoring fans dancing behind him. It was surreal.

So sometime mid-April I will have my appointment with destiny. Can you pray for me? I’ve never had an operation like this in my life. I’m not scared … more curious than scared. What would be real cool is if God were to grant me a miracle. How cool would that be if Doc Hollywood pokes around and doesn’t see any hernia?  We’ve got over 5 weeks to make this happen. Can I count on you?

TGIF people!

“I’m not suffering from insanity … I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
— Anonymous

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for sending this old favorite joke.

Video of the Week

Archie Bunker Meets His Doctor
Sent by Mike of New York

Here’s a classic from the famous sitcom of the 70s. For those who are not familiar, Archie was the epitome of a prejudiced ultra right blue collar simpleton.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Parting Shot

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

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