The View From My Cave

I feel a little better today. More tests are needed but my doctor thinks I’m gonna survive.

Since my illness, I have been hibernating inside my cave so I feel like Rip Van Winkle waking up to a different world. Seems like I haven’t opened my email for weeks. I glimpse at the headlines and popular videos and here’s a random list of what I observe. See if you agree with me.

Media hasn’t changed. Biased reporting and omission are still the same in both sides of American politics. Now that Trump is no longer around, there’s not a lot of shouting (although I hear a little tweak from his small corner in the world). Late night talk is boring (although they try their best to be sensational). Some dare poke fun at Pres. Biden sleeping and falling down the stairs but I want to know how he is really doing. I heard he’s going to build a trillion dollar government infrastructure. That should be good, right? I wonder why VP Kamala is laughing a lot when she is confronted with some serious questions. Isn’t she supposed to be the border czar? Why do I see droves of illegals crossing the border (thousands everyday I heard) … many children in cages? Are they infected? Are they getting vaccinated before the American citizens? I notice gas price is a dollar more than last year. Weren’t we oil independent? Weren’t we even exporting oil? Is it at the expense of Climate Change? Didn’t everybody (from both sides) hate Governors Cuomo and Newsom? What’s the secret to their staying power?

I heard George Floyd’s killer (I could never remember his name) is declared guilty. Last year it was all about White violence against the Blacks. This year it’s about Asian violence … funny that they’re afraid to mention the race that is doing most of the violence. There’s a sale in Aldi’s — blueberries for 99 cents a pack! There are lots of toilet paper! Whoopie! Our butts are saved! The education system is finally holding in-person classes. My grand kids are happy. The restaurants are finally open. I wish I could say the same for other businesses. Many shops around me are bankrupt. The shopping malls are still empty. Local air travel is available. The stock market is in a roller coaster ride. Investment forecasters are contradicting each other. Where do you invest?

Covid in the US is dwindling down but not in Asia including the Philippines, India, Japan and more. There, life has gone from bad to worse as doctors and nurses are dying. The rest are scrambling for less effective vaccines — and they’re even paying good money for it! “It’s better than nothing,” they say. I’m praying for them. There’s a civil war in Myanmar — what a mess! China is extending its borders in the South China sea and about to swallow Taiwan. American battleships are floating close by. Russia is about to pounce on Ukraine. With no restriction, Iran is getting closer to developing their nuclear weapons. Israel has launched several attacks for their survival. Poor Prince Philip passed away but Queen Liz is still alive and kicking. Meanwhile in Hollywood … nah! … who cares about Hollywood?!

Are my perceptions accurate? Am I missing something? You guys decide if things are good or bad. I’m  crawling back to my cave to sleep. Wake me when the war’s over.

TGIF People!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Rodney was one of my closest friends. He was very creative and he would make up his own jokes. Here is one of his jokes.

Video of the Week

Thanks to Don who shared this sad, sad video

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

The post 5 Deadly Sins appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Humor in Sickness

This week, it’s been hard to walk. I’m still sick. But I’m getting better. My doctor adjusted my meds, I’m going to a chiropractor tomorrow and on the 23rd I’m meeting with a cardiologist.

Getting up from a horizontal position to a vertical position takes at least a minute. And I take baby steps when I walk because I ache in different places. This can be a miserable existence but thankfully, I can laugh at myself.

You know the caricature of the old man in the Carol Burnett Show who shuffles and moves in slow motion? That’s me!

The pain wakes me up when I sleep. My wife was switching channels one night and I saw the name: John Malkovich. And I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be so silly and such a waste of my time if I made a poem about John Malkovich?

Wouldn’t you know it? The more I didn’t want to, the more I couldn’t help it and I DID conjure a poem in my head about that actor with the weird name. Here it is:

POOR JOHN MALKOVICH
A wicked witch gave John Malkovich a rotten sandwich.
He twitched and he twitched
Then he fell in a ditch.
Poor John Malkovich.

I’ve been feeling better and I think it’s because of your prayers. Many of you have written that you’ve praying. I read all your letters but was too groggy to respond (you know who you are —  thank you!).

I think I am officially old. All the jokes about old people are suddenly very personal (but funny still). But who am I to complain? This is part of life. And maybe this is why God made people grow old: when you get older, your options are fewer… there are fewer mountains to climb. (I guess I have to give up my dream to dunk that basketball). You get to focus on the things that are most important — sharing instead of competing, loving your friends and (especially) family, and preparing to join the grand party in heaven. I’m really looking forward to it.

TGIF people! See you next week and the week after and several more weeks after.

Raoul

“For I am sure of this very thing: that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.“
— Philippians 1:6

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

Thanks to  Ray of Burbank, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

The post There Was a Man Named Odd 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.

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.

Weak Week

I’m not feeling well. No, I don’t think it’s Covid. I don’t have the usual symptoms like the loss of taste, smell, coughing, difficulty of breathing, high temperature … I just feel weak. Been feeling like this since Saturday. I’m glad I’ll be having a TELE-health appointment via zoom at 9:30 this morning.

I may be a little behind but despite my sluggishness I accomplished a lot of work. But I need to shorten this edition because I need to rest Don’t worry. Life is still good..

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: A good laugh and a good sleep are the two best cures for anything. TGIF people!
Raoul

“Health is not valued until sickness comes.”
— Thomas Fuller

Joke of the Week

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

Video: Colorado Gargoyle

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Pun Time

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

The post Voodoo Doll appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Age Adjustment

It’s hard to believe the Christmas break is over… hard to believe 2020 is over… hard to believe I’m not as young as my mind thinks I am.

There is a saying that people’s self-image is transfixed on their prime years. We think we can still jump and run like we did back in our twenties. That’s why it’s always a shock to see the old person in front of the mirror. I confess that I often dream about my childhood years and the characters in my dream are people from my youth. In my dreams I still live in my childhood home. How weird is that?

Hollywood is a prime source of age-deniers. Can you blame them?  Maybe they hear me when I watch old movies and point out how much older the actors are today. Maybe that’s why actors are suckers for plastic surgeries.

I admit I too was a denier. When that bald spot started to expand its boundaries I researched for hair solutions. When I started to look like a frog with a bad case of botox because of the puffiness around my eyes, I asked my ophthalmologist to have it removed. But he looked at it and said it would require an expensive plastic surgery.

He uttered a key word — EXPENSIVE. Only Holly-weirdos do that! And that slapped me into accepting the inevitable force of gravity.

I figured out a strange balance of scales: With age, our physical bodies go down but wisdom from experience goes up. (At least we like to think so). We have a choice: 1) to devote our time searching for the fountain of youth or 2) to embrace our age and share our life lessons with friends and the younger generation. Maybe that’s why I love conversations. With older people, I have so much to learn. With younger people, I have so much to share.  Life is exciting no matter what age. How cool is that?

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: You can’t help getting old but you don’t have to get old. TGIF people!

Raoul

“I’m not getting old. I’m getting better!”
— Shirley Bassey

Joke of the Week

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

Video: Family Photo Session

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Pun Time

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

The post Covid Cabin Fever appeared first on Traveling Archive.