Happy New Year!

STREET WARS

   I'm in Manila Philippines right now. Mixing family, friends and a little business.

   Welcome to the War Zone! They celebrate New Year very differently here. Firecrackers, fireworks and all that noisy stuff are bought by individuals. As New Year's eve approaches, you hear little explosions here and there and then they crescendo into one big explosive party. The belief is the louder the better the new year will be. Is it dangerous? You bet it is! People get drunk and yet they are crazy enough to play with matches. Each year brings its toll of blown off fingers. For years the authorities have warned people to refrain from this absurd activity and I think people are finally listening because it isn't as crazy as it used to be.

   (CLICK HERE to view the video I took at midnight here in Metro Manila)

   The festivities taper down by 1 am. Asthmatics take shelter in airconditioned rooms as a thick smog of gunpowder engulfs the countryside. Eardrums are shot and many are plastered from the alcohol.

   It's tamed down since the days of old but if you want to attend a wild New Year's party come to Manila --- where every man can be a kid again. Drink responsively, light your firecrackers carefully and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank God It's 2016!

Wisdom from Tom of Pasadena.

Videos of the week:

The Way They Do it in the Middle East
Contributor: Tom of Pasadena, CA

No explanation needed. Just watch the video.

2015 Had Some Good Moments
Contributor: Tom of Pasadena, CA

There were some good deeds in 2015. This is an uplifting website that shows people helping one another. Let's hope there will be more of these in the future.

China's Largest Mall
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

As malls continue to downsize in the USA, China goes the opposite direction. Impressive is the word. Only time will tell if this mall will turn into a dinosaur or a tourist attraction.

Looking for Adam Part 2
Contributor: Rey of Simi Valley, CA

Remember last week's video of a son creating a video to help find his Mom a husband? Well, here's part 2.

Animal Friends
Contributor: Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

You didn't think we'd start the new year without animals, did you?

Very Creative Christmas Proposal
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

Aww shucks! This made me tearful. Hope 2016 will be full of these pleasant surprises.

Hit Songs Made from Only 4 Chords
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

Hard to believe but some of the greatest hits lend their success to only 4 chords. This proves genius is not in the ingredients but in the way one uses it. Let that thought sit for a while. Let this be the start of a creative 2016. Have a wonderful TGIF and Happy New Year people!