Changes in Life

June 2, 2017
The Kids Next Door

All of you who grew up listening to the Carpenters raise your hands! Living here in Southern California, it is inevitable that you bump into people who lived around them. I live about 10 miles away from their old home in Downey.

Saturday I met Ike whose grandfather lived next door to the funeral home where the services for Karen were held. He said on that sad day that street was jam packed with celebrities. It was hard for him to realize that the "kids next door" were so famous.

Back then in the 70s these young prodigies not only embraced music but also the new technology of multi-track recording --- using their own overlapping voices to fill the background choir. And golden-voiced Karen was allowed to join the band if she agreed to play the drums. Her singing was just an after thought. They signed up with the brand new A&M Recording Studio which was owned by Herb Alpert of the Tijuana Brass fame. They were at the right place at the right time and with the right talents. Little did they know that their music would shake the music universe.

I think it was Ike's uncle who was having drinks with Richard shortly after their first hit records. When asked if he was a millionaire, 22 year old Richard nodded affirmatively. When he was asked if he was a multi-millionaire, he just smiled.

Sadly, Richard didn't stay that innocent. If you read up on his life you'll see he battled with drugs and depression. He could have easily shortened his life like Karen. But they say he has mellowed through the years and performs with his kids. I'm happy for him.

That multi-millionaire who lives next door? Don't be too envious. He may have his multi-million dollar struggles too. Whatever card you are dealt with, God gave it for a reason. Make the most of it.

TGIF people!

Changes in Life
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

I dialed a number and got the following recording:

"I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes."

Truthful Renter
Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

A lawyer, who had a wife and 12 children, needed to move because his rental agreement was terminated by the owner who wanted to reoccupy the home.

But he was having a lot of difficulty finding a new house.

When he said he had 12 children, no one would rent a home to him because they felt that the children would destroy the place.

He couldn't say he had no children, because he couldn't lie -- we all know lawyers cannot and do not lie.

So he sent his wife for a walk to the cemetery with 11 of their kids.

He took the remaining one with him to see rental homes with the real estate agent.

He loved one of the homes and the price was right -- the agent asked:

"How many children do you have?

He answered: "Twelve."

The agent asked "Where are the others?"

The lawyer, with his best courtroom sad look answered "They're in the cemetery with their mother."

MORAL: It's not necessary to lie, one only needs to choose the right words… and don't forget, most politicians are, unfortunately, lawyers.

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