Friday Funnies

Hi,

Yesterday's adventure was a big success. All of our visits were great, and we only got lost once.

Those of you who have been humming "Killer Queen" by Queen were right on track. For the weekend try this:
"Got a good reason, for taking the easy way out (repeat). She was a __ __, one way ticket, yeah. I took me so long to find out. And I found out." Clues: More from across the pond. It's an easy one but if you get stumped, keep reading. Hmm.

Up before dawn is not my idea of how to start a day. We took a cab to LAX and I must say, the streets are very different at 5am. The flight north was quick. After flying for a day to get to the states, 50 minutes feels quick. The air was cold when we arrived in San Jose. They have this 'Welcome to SJ' torture test if you rent a car. You have to walk through an open garage and then sit on a cold bus stop and wait for the shuttle to the rental car lot. I figured out a solution but no one was listening. (Ha)

It was very nice to be able to get off the shuttle, look at the 'Gold' board and go right to our car. This time we got a Mazda 5. I don't think I've ever seen one before. (there are a lot of cars I've never seen) It's kind of a station wagon. After a few adjustments and a quick check-out, we headed north to Palo Alto.

Every time we visit Joe we go to this really nice, quiet restaurant for breakfast. This time things were different. They were closed. There was a sign with new hours and it appears that breakfast was something they could do without. That put us in search mode. We cruised the main drag until we finally found someplace to eat and visit.

After a delicious breakfast we returned to the house for a visit to Joe's art studio. We never know what to expect when we enter the studio. Joe is constantly trying new things and experimenting. This visit was no exception. The whole thing is quite stimulating to the senses and imagination. While Lisa and Joe discussed technical aspects of the art process, I had some interesting conversations with Joe's wife Eva. I also searched Mapquest and got directions to our next two visits. This time we'd do it right.

We arrived at the border of Oakland and Berkeley a little early so we settled in the local library and read our mail. We were only a block from Soi 4, our lunch destination. When we finally walked in to the restaurant, Trudye and Skip were already there. It turns out they got to the area early and were also 'killing time', like us. We had good conversations while waiting for a table. This trip we had our camera and a laptop so we could share photos of Lisa's art and the doggies. Eunice and a friend, Dee Dee, join us and we hung out until it was time to head south. We had one of the best Thai meals we've had during this entire trip. If you're ever in Oakland, and you want a nice Thai meal look up Soi 4. Yum.

Our directions took us to Peet's Coffee in San Jose without a problem. The timing of arrivals was perfect and even though it was brief, we had a wonderful little visit with the Athas family. Cordelia (aka Coco) was on her way to swim class, but was very happy with her 'grown up' Thai purse. We have to have a longer visit next time. Two coffee shop drive-bys don't leave enough time to really share what's been happening.

We should have printed driving instructions from Peet's to the airport. We went around and around, but finally found the right access road and got checked in with time to spare. San Jose airport is what I call a commuter airport. There are a lot of business travelers who are 'Day Trippers', coming in for a day, and then leaving on the late flight. We kept hearing snippets of phone calls relating to the job of the day or when they'd be home. It became a little joke for us. When someone would say 'Hi baby', we'd look at one another and respond. What a way to pass the time.

Anna picked us up at LAX and we got an update of her day in LA. There was still time to hang out with the boys for awhile. C-Bass beat Lisa in a game of Chess and then we hit the wall. Lack of sleep can attack like a monster.

I'm awake now and it's time for the 'Funnies'. Thank you to our friend Alan for the laughs. Have a Sunny WeekEnd.

Peace,
Danny

The Washington Post's Style Invitational asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it
by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's winners:

Bozone (n): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone
layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

Giraffiti (n): Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

Sarchasm (n): The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

Inoculatte (v): To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

Hipatitis (n): Terminal coolness.

Osteopornosis (n): A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit).

Karmageddon (n): its like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And
then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

Decafalon (n): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good
for you.

Glibido (v): All talk and no action.

Dopeler effect (n): The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Write

Hi,

 We just left for the airport. We're taking the first flight of the day on our way to San Jose.  (sound familiar?)

A few of you got the song right away.  Maybe the chorus will help jar your memory.  Maybe not.  Give it a try:
"She's a __ __, gunpowder, gelatine, dynamite with a laser beam, guaranteed to blow your mind.  Anytime"  Hint: It's about a 'she' (obviously) who has assumed a state of royalty with her presence and behavior.  Hmm.  
This morning we went out and picked up a few items for one of our friends back home.  Then we went to Chinatown again, this time with Anna and the boys.  We had Dim Sum for lunch and then wandered through some shops and stores.  One of the big laughs of the afternoon was a bottle of ice tea that I bought.  The label read: Iced Ted.  OK.  C-Bass told us about a web site he found where people post misspelled English words.  He's going to post a picture of the label.  We have many good examples we'll be sending him from LOS.
The August Chronicles:  After dinner Lisa got another tattoo from Mr. August.  This time he made a house call.  He has a sign on his door with all his services listed.  He goes through an elaborate prep on the skin and then breaks out the marking pens to work his magic.  When we were downtown he got very excited when he spotted a glass elevator shaft.  He could see the whole workings and the inside of the safety doors.  He could have stayed there for hours watching that thing.  It was pretty cool.
This evening there was ping-pong of course.  C-Bass is the reigning champion.  Everybody plays everybody at one time or another and the table is a big hit.  (Ha)
Have a Groovy Thursday.
               Peace,
                         Danny

"Write injuries in sand,
kindnesses in marble."
~French Proverb


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Believe

Hi,

A week from today we will be flying across the water to Thailand. The 16 of July will disappear for us. Hmm. The mystery continues.

Easy Monday was a breeze. The song was "My Girl" by The Temptations. Here's a mid-week challenge for you:
"She keeps her Moet et Chandon in her pretty cabinet. 'Let them eat cake' she says just like Marie Antoinette..." Clue: This is by a group that came from across the water. Their name is in the title of the song. Hmm.

I just realized that sports have a season here and we just have football all year. Of course we don't really look for anything else, except for Formula One racing. It would be nice if we could watch World Cup Ski racing but I don't think there would be much interest in LOS. (Ha)

Yesterday was busy. Eastside, Westside, all around the town (to quote a song older than all of you). We went from the USC area to the Marina and then to Westwood. My this is a big place. You can tell that you've been away when you start to forget the order of streets in parts of town you thought you remembered.

Meanwhile, back in Thailand, work continues on the translations for the catalog for Lisa's art show. Of course the whole thing is complicated when you add more than 8,400 miles between us and the translator, not to mention words we can't read. It's actually going to be just fine, but the process does have it's moments.

Tomorrow we fly up to Palo Alto for a visit with Joe (Lisa's Dad) and lunch with the Oakland Cousins. On the way to the airport and the flight home we'll have coffee the the Athas family. It's a whirlwind day but worth it.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"To accomplish great things,
we must not only act, but also dream;
not only plan, but also believe."
~Anatole France

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Travel

Hi,

How was your weekend? Mine was busy dining with friends, getting to know a high tech ping-pong table, and hanging out with old friends.

The weekend song was supposed to be easy but I guess most of you were starting your holiday early. The song was "Thousand Miles Away" by The Heartbeats. It was actually a hit in 1957. Now you get a really easy one:
"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day" Clue: If you need one, then we have a problem. This is 'Easy Monday'.

The weekend is over and so are the fireworks. I couldn't help thinking that things would be a bit different in Thailand. Over there, major holidays bring out fireworks of every size and description. They usually begin going off a week before the actual day being celebrated, and continue for several days after. Everything from small popping sounds to explosions that make the neighborhood sound like a war zone. Not for the faint of heart.
What we heard this weekend has been very 'polite'.

Saturday Jeff and August started work on assembling a new ping-pong table. This table is made of aluminum, has wheels, a permanent net and folds up with a cover. The table was a two day project that had us all pulling our hair on several occasions. Trying to make sense of plans was an ongoing challenge. Yesterday, as Jeff and I got to the final phase of putting up the net, we opened the bag and found wrenches that would have been very helpful from the beginning. Ugh. Anyway, there's ping-pong in the driveway and all is well.

We've been in touch with the folks back home and Boot says that the dogs are just fine. Daku is getting fatter and we hope she means bigger. We kinda figured that would happen. It's been raining a lot and there hasn't been much sunshine. That makes whatever sun we get here feel real good.

Today we're going down to China Town and then to Altadena to have a 'Tech Day' with my Mom.

Have a Fantastic Week.

Peace,
Danny

"Though we travel the world to find the beautiful,
we must carry it within us or we will find it not."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

This is one of those mornings where everything is getting condensed. If you stay up late, and get up late, there's less time to play. Hmm, why didn't I know this sooner. (Ha)

You seem to be getting better at this song thing. Yes, it was Billy Joel and "Just The Way You Are". For the weekend we're going easy again, I think. "You're a __ __ __ but I still have your love to remember you by..." Hint: This is a classic ballad from '60s R&B. It even had an answer song. If you're old you'll remember. (Ha) If you're young, you should know this.

Yesterday morning we went to 'Kids' Day' at the institute where Jeff works. DJ August was pumping out the music when we arrived. There were lots of different activities going on in the same room, plus a movie theater and a 'Be a Rock Star' room where they could record vocals to their favorite song. August is very business like when he's 'working'. He has a knack for keeping the beat going and always puts his discs away after they play. So neat. Hmm. On one song where the singer called out dance instructions, they requested that he play it over so they could learn the steps. The DJ complied and the party was rockin'.

I had lunch with my dear friend Seth (Godfather Workout) and among the things we talked about was the possible renewal of the show. Lisa and I were genuine groupies and followed his one-man show all the way to New York. Now we'll have to figure out how to get from Thailand to Vegas. (Just thinkin' ahead)

We have a breakfast, and a lunch today. Maybe there will be time for a nap this afternoon. As it is, I have to run but I'll be posting some new photos over the weekend so stay tuned.

It's time for the 'Funnies'. It's a repeat, but it still makes me laugh. You must laugh too. (Ha)

Have a 'Safe and Sane' holiday and try not to blow anything up.

Peace,
Danny

A contestant on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" had reached the final
plateau. If she answered the next question correctly, she would win
the $1,000,000. If she answered incorrectly, she would pocket only
the $32,000 milestone money.

As she suspected it would be, the million dollar question was no
pushover. It was, "Which of the following species of birds does not
build its own nest, but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other
birds?

Is it:
A) the condor
the buzzard
C) the cuckoo
D) the vulture

The woman was on the spot. She did not know the answer. And she was
doubly on the spot because she had used up her 50/50 Lifeline and her
Audience Poll Lifeline. All that remained was her Phone-a-Friend
Lifeline. The woman hoped she would not have to use it because her
friend was, well… blonde.

She had no alternative. She called her friend and gave her the
question and the four choices. The blonde responded unhesitatingly:
"That's easy. The answer is C: the cuckoo."

The contestant had to make a decision and make it fast. She considered
employing a reverse strategy and giving Regis any answer except the
one that her friend had given her. And considering that her friend was
a blonde, that would seem to be the logical thing to do. But her
friend had responded with such confidence, such certitude, that the
contestant could not help but be persuaded.

"I need an answer," said Regis.

Crossing her fingers, the contestant said, "C: The cuckoo."

"Is that your final answer?"

"Yes, that is my final answer."

Two minutes later, Regis said, "That answer is… Absolutely correct!!
You are now a millionaire!"

Three days later, the contestant hosted a party for her family and
friends, including the blonde who had helped her win the million
dollars.
"Jeni, I just do not know how to thank you," said the contestant. "How
did you happen to know the right answer?"

"Oh, come on," said the blonde. "Everybody knows cuckoos don't build
nests. They live in clocks."


Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Cave

Hi,

Yesterday we went to the beach. I went to swim class and Lisa hit the gym. It was a semi busy day in L.A.

I guess I'll have to dig deeper if I want to challenge you all with a tough song. So many of you knew what it was.
"I said I love you and that's forever, and this I promise from the heart. I could not love you any better, I love you __ __ __ __ __." Hint: This is the last verse. I'm out of hints. Looks like you really don't need any.

So the big plan was to hit the beach. Looking west, I had my doubts about the weather. We packed up the van anyway. There was Anna and Lisa in the front, August and I were in the second row and C-Bass had the very back seat. Behind him was all the gear for a day in the sand. When we arrived at Santa Monica beach, it was overcast, windy and cold. With hope for a change we stayed low. August went to work on his famous beach drain. This requires him to dig a hole (what else?), insert a small bucket, run down to the surf and fill a second bucket, fill the buried bucket and I think you get the picture. Around 1pm the clouds left and the warmth of the sun was our new best friend. The wind didn't stop so there was still that cool blast, but the sun felt great. We'll be back.

Back in town, there were things to be done. August had a swimming class in the afternoon. Anna and Lisa wanted to go to Curves so I took Mr. August to the pool. I'd been there before, a long time ago. Each child gets a half hour private lesson. There must have been seven or eight private lessons going on at the same time. It was quite a sight. On top of all that, there was a tiny new 'swimmer' getting her first taste of the pool and all she could do was scream. August made sure I was watching when he jumped off the diving board and went down the slide. It all made me a little homesick for the pool.

This morning we're going to watch DJ August work a gig he has at Jeff's work. Last night he worked for about an hour getting all his gear together. He focuses in and knows exactly what he's doing. When he came to visit last night he let me know that he had all his machines and music together and he was ready to go. It's so interesting to watch him go from this little kid watching Sponge Bob to the professional DJ techno wizard.

On with the show. Have a Cool Day.

Peace,
Danny

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek."
~Joseph Campbell

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Need

Hi,

It's been a week since we landed here. (that sounds funny) A lot has been accomplished and there is more to be done. Silly me, I had this misconception that this was a vacation. (Ha)

If you were humming The Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself" then you were right on track. Now for a challenge:
"Don't go tryin', some new fashion. Don't change the color of your hair..." Clue: Major hit by a piano man. Lots of covers to this one. He's happy with what is. Hmm.

The August Chronicles: Time once again to look in on the creative activities of our resident prodigy. Mr. August is now nine. Even though he's been on vacation with the family, when they arrived Monday night he hit the ground running. Connections were checked, batteries changed and I was given a brief description of a machine he would soon dismantle. 'Dance, Dance Revolution' was a big array of speakers, screens and controllers. It's parts have now become a special place to play 'Wii' games. August loves Wii and he now has a two person attraction, like a carnival game. We were given tickets to play any game we like. Last night Lisa took the plunge and played several games. It's not just playing a Wii game, but a sensory experience. The sound from the TV goes through a bunch of speakers August set up on the floor. There are spotlights and effects and he has a mic to welcome you to the games. He also assembles what he calls the 'world's biggest remote'. He took a shoe box and put all the remotes inside and labeled them. You simply pick up the box and activate whichever device you want to use. I think there are about six of them. Now there's no problem finding a remote. (at least for the time being) Who knows what today will bring? Stay tuned for another episode next week.

Coming to America, part 2: When we left Thailand we were having internet problems. I just knew that all our troubles would be over for the time we were here. High speed broadband heaven was what I envisioned. (Ha) The service provider for the area we're in is having problems and hopes to have them cleared up in a few days. That just sounds way too familiar. When it works, it really works so I'm waiting patiently for the return. As it is, it's just like home. Signal, no signal. Not the most important thing in life. What?

Today the plan is to go to the beach. Hmm, right now it's not looking like a beach day but that's how it always looks in the morning. It could burn off and be beautiful at the shore. We haven't been to the beach since last summer. I saw the ocean yesterday when we were in the Marina. The beach is so different. Feeling the sand between your toes, the smell of the ocean air... Can you tell I miss it?

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” ~Jane Howard

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com