Wrinkled Wisdom

Drake asked me to speak on Artificial Intelligence at the Rotary Club of West Covina last Wednesday. I spoke on a similar subject last month and I was hoping to use the same material but the rapid growth of the technology in just a month forced me to rewrite my presentation. As expected, there were a lot of questions and a lot of concerns about the future among the audience. What I didn’t expect was who my friend Drake (not his real name) really was.

I met Drake only once, several years ago, in a Rotary meeting where we discussed launching an entrepreneurial program. Sadly (as in many brainstorming sessions) the project never materialized. But I did gain a new friend in Drake. He has been a devoted subscriber of my blog ever since (I bet he’s reading this right now). He would send me calendars and encouragement through the years. And when he heard of my interest in AI, he asked me to speak to his chapter.

As we conversed, I admit it was strange putting a face to a friendship born from emails over the years. I didn’t know he championed so many NGOs and continues to be so energetic even now in his sunset years. He’s the quintessential billion-dollar-deal-maker who knows how to get things done. Like many quiet heroes, he made his money years ago and he volunteered (and still does) most of his services. His 5 kids and 12 grown grand kids are successful in their own right. What an amazing individual. I wish I had more time to learn from him.

A Treasury of Old Friends

You see them everywhere — the Silent Generation and the Boomers. Many walk with arched backs and canes or wheelchairs … way past their prime, dealing with numerous aches … yet carrying treasures of wisdom from decades of experience. It’s a real treat conversing with them. If I were smart, I should write their stories to fit a TV series that will never run out of material. Some of them have passed away but there are still a few who are still influencing my life:

• Every week I hear tales and practical lessons from a joyful widow whose heart is as big as Chicago where she learned to work hard through life’s ups and downs and is blessed with so many wonderful memories of her loving parents and husband. She provides support for grieving families who lost their loved ones —- no charge!
• My business partner (and professor of history) teaches me about Property Management, history and faith. Every once in a while I dip into his pool of facts to help me understand the craziness in our world.
• Another Rotarian shares his adventures growing up as a Mexican American who loves his heritage and ballroom jazz. His wife goes everywhere he goes. Hard to believe that they still organize mission trips to Rosarito — a poor Mexican village they adopted years ago.
• Another widow (with the spunk of a teenager) whom I met at an event at the local Historical society allowed me to help with a children’s book based on a story she made up for her kids when they were still toddlers. She still writes and helps me out with my grammar because she used to edit manuals for USC (University of Southern California).
• I am inspired even as my heart breaks for another couple who both have an incurable disease. For years they have pioneered and assisted people (primarily kids) with their visual problems through the simple use of colored overlays. I asked them to stop working and start enjoying life in their last days but, apparently, this is what they enjoy doing.
• A former pastor (and now a dear friend) loves Christian history and Biblical exegesis. He’s written volumes of scholarly books about Biblical inerrancy. We banter about his perspective on politics and faith. We get into a lot of heavy stuff.
• My long time buddy (back from my early days as a born-again Christian) from Tennessee is a fireman-turned-missionary. He has a joke about everything and an infectious laughter that brightens my day. He is a man of action. In the mid-80s he introduced me to a new program called Adobe Photoshop. This started my path towards the computer graphic arts industry. We’ve made several books together. He’s a cancer survivor who is still writing, designing and producing Bible study materials.
• The last (that I can think of now) are three older friends who live in different ends of America and opposite ends of the political spectrum but they all send me jokes and inspiration that keep me going during the week. Two have volunteered at the Rose Bowl event for decades. The other has encouraged me with my business by sending me documentaries of graphic designers and photographers. He is a proud Dad who shares his daughter’s photographic work for Time, Rolling Stone, GQ and other national magazines.

If you know me, you know that I interfere with other people’s lives — I help wherever I can even when help is afraid to ask. Many have thanked me and wondered why I do what I do. They don’t know that I’m just passing on what my older friends have shared with me. Paying forward — that’s what it’s all about.

Old people: Some people call them the Silent Generation but I call them the Unselfish Generation. They may not say much, they may not look like much … but boy, much can we learn from them. Take a bite of their wisdom before it’s too late.

TGIF people!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
— Proverbs 1:7

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Alex of San Juan, Philippines

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Videos of the Week

Thanks to Chito of Quezon City, Philippines

Thanks to Raffy of Mandaluyong, Philippines

Parting Shots

Thanks to Dean of Vancouver, B.C.

Thanks to Garie of Paranaque, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

Thanks to Jun of Reseda, Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

I found these

The Traveling Boy

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FRIDAY FUN

The post What was Bruce Lee’s favorite drink? appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Get On Board!

Warning: Serious thoughts and religious topic. Please move on to the jokes if you aren’t in the mood.

I had a physical exam the other day. Before seeing the doctor, I was given some standard health questions about smoking, drinking, allergies and family history, etc. but there was a new section that gauged any loneliness and depression — alluding (I assume) to suicidal tendencies. I guess the hospitals are finally addressing the growing epidemic of suicide all over the world. Indeed, more and more people have lost hope in this confusing world. What a tragedy.

John the doctor

John F., my business partner, wasn’t his jolly old self when I called him this afternoon. Apparently, his friend (John P. MD) had just passed away a few hours ago. Doctor John and his wife had just moved in to their new down-sized home when he fell down the stairs, cracked his skull and never recovered. My partner is devastated but I’m sure it doesn’t even compare with the family’s grief. They had just seen the movie “Freedom” and they had plans to help stop child trafficking … but God had a better plan. “Sad. See you again, John,” said my partner in their group chat.

Bob the harmonica player

None of my band members heard from Bob (our harmonica player) all of last week. I only found out from a mutual friend that he had a near-fatal heart attack. Thanks to the doctors who put a stint on his artery on time. I had a long chat with Bob on the phone. I enjoyed sharing ideas with a friend whom I almost lost. I’m looking forward to Bob’s melancholy woodwind in a few weeks.

Jerry the gentle giant

Jerry, was a genuinely nice 6’2” giant with lots of friends and a huge family. In the last 5 years, he had his knees and hip replaced. He battled with chronic pain for months after and practically lived off pain killers. No one realized he was that sick. There was always hope that he would return to our breakfast meetings. Even though I knew Jerry didn’t share the same faith, something prompted me to text him and I sent him a long prayer. “Thank you dear friend,” he said, “I can use all the help you can muster.” The following week he was gone.

“People get ready there’s a train comin’.
You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board.
All you need is faith to keep the diesels humming.
You don’t need no ticket. You just thank the Lord.”
— A song by Curtis Mayfield

If you haven’t guessed it by now, I’m part of the Baby Boom generation. My circle of white haired friends are boarding that Train in record numbers. Life is fleeting.

People came knocking

As I was walking our dogs this morning, a herd of church people entered my community dressed in their Sunday best and with pamphlets in hand. Although I don’t particularly agree with their beliefs, I was open to have a discussion with them; however, when I returned home, they had already knocked at my door and left a pamphlet. Their brochure was an invitation to their upcoming convention on how to “Exercise Patience.” I appreciate the boldness of these well-meaning witnesses but I question their beliefs — do they believe that Jesus is the son of God? May God humble our hearts and guide our path to the truth.

All of this is a reminder of my mission to spread the gospel. Think about it: If being “saved” is all that matters, why didn’t God let the “saved” get on board the train immediately after they accepted Christ? If you are “saved” why aren’t you “saving” others? I believe Christians are here to lead others to the truth before the wrong crowds lead them elsewhere.

Sure, I respect other beliefs and I am willing to listen to other ideas (if you have questions, I have time for you) but so far, the truths in the Bible have answered all my questions without a doubt. Although we’re curious how people die and speculate what could have been, the fact is, the Train is coming for everybody. We just have different scheduled boarding passes. It isn’t about works — it’s nothing we can boast of. It’s about faith. It’s about God’s grace. Do your research, discuss, question, do what you have to do to settle things now. Get your ticket to get on board before it’s too late.

“for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”
— 1Thesolonians 1:5

Blessings to you all. TGIF people!

Raoul

BTW, thanks for all your prayers for my Ai talk. It went very well. People hung around for half an hour in animated discussions. I will be writing an article about this soon for travelingboy.com.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Marilou of Pila Laguna, Philippines

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines.

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 Anger Management appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Tale of Two Cities

Last Saturday I found myself in the middle of a baby shower in Temple City. I was drawing 5 minute caricatures of well-to-do young families. In the process, I got into some very interesting intellectual conversations about career choices and family dynamics. I was being paid by the hour so I was very conscious of the speed I was churning these sketches up. They had fun and I had fun myself. The guests were pleasantly surprised at this unusual treat. The hostess was so proud and happy for her choice of entertainment that she displayed my work on her grand piano and said she was passing my name out to her other friends. I appreciate that.

In direct contrast of scenery, last month, I drew caricatures for the city of Watts [one of the poorest communities in Los Angeles]. To be honest, I was a bit nervous because as we approached the basketball court where I was to set up my easel, our guide pointed out 3 rival gangs to me. This was drive-by-shooting country (I wished I gave my wife a better goodbye when I headed out the door). I was only wearing my T-Shirt in the cold night air. The halogen lamps of the basketball court weren’t the best lighting but the “show had to go on.” The line was relentless. Many never had their portraits done … probably because they couldn’t afford it. They were shocked that I was doing it for free. One young black kid gave me business advice: “Are you rich? Like … do you live in an apartment? You know, [his inventive mind churning] you could make money drawing people for $5 a face.” How could you not love that boy?

I had to wrap up when the kitchen ran out of food. The church that sponsored the Christmas event fed 700 people. When I tried to get up a stabbing pain shot up my legs and backside. I guess I had sat down too long. I was so focused that I didn’t realize I was already shivering from the cold. I couldn’t walk. A good friend helped me to the car. I survived the night — no gun shot wound … but I was still wasted. That’s okay because my heart was full of gladness.

In my pain inside the car, I started to realize that one of these days, I would no longer be able to do face-to-face caricatures. My eyesight will go. My trembling fingers will no longer follow my instructions. My back will hurt so bad I wouldn’t be able to sit still for hours anymore.

I will surely miss doing this. I’ve done this for the dirt poor and the filthy rich. I’ve talked to thousands of strangers who I’ve connected quite intimately as I searched into their eyes for the brief period they were my portrait prisoners. Every one of them created by God so distinctly. Even twins have something different about them. Every one of them — special in God’s eyes. Every one of them loved by God. Maybe next week I will share what goes on my head as I draw people.

If you have a caricature I have made of you, please preserve it. If I get rich and famous, that drawing may cost a lot. If that happens, all these poor people like the citizens of Watts will own something of real value.

I decided long ago, pain or no pain, as long as I still can, I will share this gift of drawing to others. I’m certainly thankful if they pay me, but money should never be the determinant of what I give out freely. Please let others know of my services.

Tomorrow I will be doing caricatures at the Duarte Senior Center. It’s for charity. Do drop by and support the seniors. Perhaps you can still own an original Raoul.

TGIF people!

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own. — Lao Tzu

Joke of the Week

Our Friday joke of the week comes from: Lois of Whittier, CA

Harry Caray was a beloved, colorful Major League sportscaster who was known for the funny stories he would tell about himself. I heard a story about him the other day, which would be much funnier if you could hear the teller of the story imitating Harry’s strange way of talking. It goes like this.

Lois

Video of the Week

Side by Side
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

This is probably the third time I am sharing this but it’s too good not to share again. Besides, there have been so many new subscribers since the last time.

Growing old can be funny.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Parting Shots

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

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