CURRENT EVENTS

Two weeks in a row, we have a flight into space.

Blue Origin Flight Into Space

Sunday, July 20, 2021

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

No movies to recommend this week.

I finished watching all of the 5th Season of The Avengers and liked it so much that I started watching the 4th Season, which is in black and while.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Since we have been launching people into Space the last couple of weeks:

The Purple People Eater

By Sheb Wooley

ART OF THE WEEK

World Famous Chef Ronaldo 

The famous Chef does it again, turning food into art.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

THE MOTOWN ARTISTS

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Flight Into Space

Sunday, July 11, 2021

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

The 80/20 Principle

By Richard Koch

I think this principle can enhance your life. In some ways, it is simple. For instance, you probably wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time or at least you wear some of your clothes a lot more than others even if it isn’t exactly 80%.

But in some ways, it is very complex. For example 20% of all books published in a year represent 80% all book sales that year. So, if you own a book store, maybe you just want to stock the 20% best sellers–wrong. It may be that 20% of your customers buy 80% of the books you sell and they like books that aren’t commonly best sellers. So, it can be complicated. 

Nevertheless, if you think about things, you can derived considerable benefit from this principle.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I found this film entertaining, which is more than I can say for many of today’s films. 

Get Smart (2008)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Angels in Heaven

By Chris Rodrigues & The Spoon Lady

ART OF THE WEEK

World Famous Chef Ronaldo 

If you have been following this blog, you already know World Famous Chef Ronaldo is an artist when it comes to cooking up exotic dishes for the wealthy and famous and that he is also a recognized artist in the art world.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950) is an English business magnate, investor, author and commercial astronaut. In the 1970s he founded the Virgin Group, which today controls more than 400 companies in various fields.

Branson expressed his desire to become an entrepreneur at a young age. His first business venture, at the age of 16, was a magazine called Student. In 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. He opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records—later known as Virgin Megastores—in 1972.

Branson’s Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he started Virgin Atlantic airline and expanded the Virgin Records music label. In 1997, Branson founded the Virgin Rail Group to bid for passenger rail franchises during the privatisation of British Rail.

 In 2004, he founded spaceflight corporation Virgin Galactic, based at Mojave Air and Space Port in California, noted for the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spaceplane designed for space tourism.

In March 2000, Branson was knighted at Buckingham Palace for “services to entrepreneurship”. For his work in retail, music and transport (with interests in land, air, sea and space travel), his taste for adventure, and for his humanitarian work, he has become a prominent global figure.

In 2007, he was placed in the Time 100 Most Influential People in the World list. In July 2021, Forbes listed Branson’s estimated net worth at US$5.7 billion. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

We have had so much rain around here, that this does not surprise me.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS 

Give some thought to your purpose

SOCIAL TRAITS

So People Like Socialism/Communism And Some Don’t 

LEARNING TRAITS

Here is something worth learning

MISCELLANEOUS

Dream Big

THIS WEEK’S POLLS

Sorry, Crowdsignal did a surprise (at least to me) enhancement and I have not be able to figure out how to create a poll. I contacted them for help a few days ago and they asked for more details regarding my problem.

Results of Last Week’s Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Your Job

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

I like this book in spite of its 30- Day foolishness. My experience gives me the impression one can’t change much of anything about themselves, let alone in 30 days. Also, I find the value of this book has to do with enhancing  one’s character, the tie to work is tenuous at best. Perhaps, because this book was written in 1985 and Denis Waitley was a bit of a work guru.

Anyway, I think what the book has to say is very worthwhile.

The Joy of working

By Waitley and Witt

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I found this to be entertaining, if one doesn’t have too high of expectations.

The Hustle (2019)

Josephine Chesterfield is a glamorous, seductive British woman who has a penchant for defrauding gullible men out of their money. Into her well-ordered, meticulous world comes Penny Rust, a cunning and fun-loving Australian woman who lives to swindle unsuspecting marks. Despite their different methods, the two grifters soon join forces for the ultimate score — a young and naive tech billionaire in the South of France.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I believe I remember seeing this on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964; but, I’m not certain, as it was 57 years ago. 

Twist & Shout

By The Beatles

Later

Who would have predicted early Beatles would evolve into

ART OF THE WEEK

Starship FX6-1995-A

  EXTRAORDINARY FRIEND  OF THE WEEK

Smarty

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

For Those That Don’t Get The Joke

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Packaging

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Happy 4th of July

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

This book came out in 1994 and I first read it in early 1995 and have reviewed it a number of times since, including just last week. I think it is still an interesting read and it is still disturbing, perhaps even more so than I thought it was in 1995. It is only 112 pages readable pages. 

Creating A New Civilization

By Alvin and Heidi Toffler

The book describes society in terms of three waves of the change, and the impact those waves had on the existing social structure. The first wave being the agricultural age, which took thousands of years to play out. The second wave of social change is the industrial age, which is lasting around 300 years and now a third wave has arrived–information age. 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I’ve been watching Season 5 (The first season in color) of The Avengers and find it pretty entertaining. The show is typical of the production values of mid-60s.

The Avengers – Season 5 (1967)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Good Morning Vietnam

By Creedence Clearwater Revival

ART OF THE WEEK

American Flag Baseball Bats

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

Signers of the Constitution of the USA

Jonathan Dayton, aged 26, was the youngest to sign the Constitution, while Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest. Franklin was also the first signer to die, in April 1790, while James Madison was the last, dying in June 1836.

Virtually every signer had taken part in the Revolution; at least 29 had served in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command. All but seven were native to the thirteen colonies: Pierce Butler, Thomas Fitzsimons, James McHenry, and William Paterson were born in Ireland, Robert Morris in England, James Wilson in Scotland, and Alexander Hamilton in the West Indies.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Covid Shots

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

You should subject your educational decisions to cost benefit analysis, rather than hoping the government will tax some one working in a factory to pay for your education so that later you can become their boss, if you are fortunate enough to even get a job.

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Checking on the Elderly

It is so important for you to check on your elderly family members and friends. As for me, 

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

I think you will find a lot of wisdom in this book, and little yoga.

Living Your Yoga

By Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

Using the time-honored wisdom of the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita to steer the course, [this book] serves up off-the-mat practices to guide you in deepening your relationships with yourself, your family and friends, and the world around you. (Source: Book’s back cover)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

This is definitely not a comedy, but I think it is well worth watching.

Everything Must Go (2010)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

As If

By Sara Evans

ART OF THE WEEK

Acropolis of Athens

October 2018

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

The term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. During ancient times it was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king.

While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as far back as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the buildings whose present remains are the site’s most important ones, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.

The Parthenon and the other buildings were seriously damaged during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War when gunpowder being stored in the Parthenon by the Ottomans was hit by a cannonball and exploded. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Emma Peel

Emma Peel is a [British] spy. She was born Emma Knight, the daughter of an industrialist, Sir John Knight. She is the crime-fighting partner of John Steed.

Peel is a strong heroine; she is rarely defeated in fights and is capable of rescuing Steed if he is in trouble. She is a master of martial arts and a formidable fencer. A certified genius, she specialises in chemistry and other sciences. She is often seen engaging in artistic hobbies and had success in industry at the helm of the company of her late father, Sir John Knight.

Her husband, Peter Peel, was a pilot whose plane had disappeared over the Amazonian forest. He was presumed dead for many years, and Peel went on to work with Steed.

She drove a convertible Lotus Elan at high speeds, and convincingly portrayed any series of undercover roles, from nurse to nanny. Her favourite guise was that of a women’s magazine reporter, trying to interview big business tycoons and rich playboys. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

This Is Silly

But it does make the point that many of us believe what we are told unquestionably.

It is just my own opinion, but I think many of the restrictions did far more harm than good. But, I leave it up to you to form your own opinions about all the restrictions that government decided to impose on you rather than letting you decide what is in your own best interests. Please remember that one size rarely fits all.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

How Is 2021 Going?

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Expensive Trips

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

If you wish to live well, I suggest you check out this short  and easy to read book, which provides some insights you may be able to use.

Live Well

By Dr. Trisha Macnair

A medical journalist provides practical tips on all aspects of living a healthy lifestyle, so as you grow older, you can grow better, too. This handy book covers physical, emotional, and environmental wellness, and includes advice on coping with symptoms of illness and avoiding risk factors by making positive choices. Based on the latest scientific research, Live Well will motivate you to take control of your health.

Get tips on:

• Spending time in nature
• Finding your community
• Carry on learning
• Get sporty—safely
• Eat magic minerals
• Have a staycation
• Love like a Buddha
• Welcome new challenges
• Develop positive self-esteem
• Purify with plants
• Keep your brain active

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan

For many years now it has been rough for small independent theaters to stay in business and the pandemic sure hasn’t helped. However, in Royal Oak, landlords have made their contributions to businesses going out such as my friend Ester’s  small independent gym–Fitness Unlimited. I believe her rent was more than doubled.

Even the large book stores like Barnes & Nobles in Main Street in Royal Oak got pushed out in favor of mega-bars that could pay more rent.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

My Boy Lollipop

By Millie Small

ART OF THE WEEK

Beach Art

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Chuck Berry

Charles “Chuck” Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music.

Nicknamed the “Father of Rock and Roll”, he refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive with songs such as “Maybellene” (1955), “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “Rock and Roll Music” (1957) and “Johnny B. Goode” (1958).

Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism, and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock music. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

APF Wolverine Open Results

This was my last contest in the Masters 7 (70 to 74 year-old) category. I wish I could say I finish strong, but I did show up. I’m excited about moving into the Masters 8 (75 to 79) category.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

I’m not sure if anyone born after the 1950s, understand how fear rules practically everything today in a large segment of today’s population.

Fortunately there are still large segments of the USA that do not believe fear is a virtue. 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

You Can Always Find An Excuse Not To Do Something

You Should Do

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Back In the USA

By Chuck Berry

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

This small and easy to read book contains many insights that you may find helpful. For instance, “They are wise who can see what is good in what they dislike and can see what is bad in what they like.”

The Human Element

By Thomas Cleary

Insightful lessons from the great traditions of Asian thought on:

   •  The essentials of wise leadership
   •  Decision-making without prejudice
   •  Inspiring loyalty and maintaining authority
   •  Determining an individual’s true character
   •  Encouraging the best in people
   •  Achieving success without sacrificing happiness

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I was in Shield’s Restaurant Bar Pizzeria in Troy, MI and saw this hockey jersey autographed by the Hanson Brothers hanging on the wall.

So this week’s films are:

Slap Shot (1977)

This film is so good.

Slap Shot 2 (2002)

Not even close to being as good as the first Slap Shot, but you get to see a little of the Hanson Brothers in action.

Slap Shot 3 (2008)

With all respect for the Hanson Brothers, this film is not worth watching.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

She Say (Oom Dooby Doom) (1959)

By The Diamonds

Some of you may be wondering how did these guys do in the music industry. Well, according to Wikipedia: The Diamonds are a Canadian vocal quartet that rose to prominence in the 1950s and early 1960s with 16 Billboard hit records. In a strange way, I think they are pretty cool.

ART OF THE WEEK

Many have not asked how did World Famous Chef Ronaldo got his start. Well, I’m going to tell you anyway.

You may be surprised that Chef Ronaldo did not start out as a chef. He originally started working as a house painter. When he finished his first touch up job on a ceiling, his employer suggested he wasn’t really cut out to be a house painter and that perhaps he should try cooking. 

Well the employer was right and the rest is history. After much effort, I have located a photo of the celling Chef Ronaldo worked on and I thought you folks might be interested in seeing it.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

The Hanson Brothers

The Hanson Brothers are best remembered for:

• starting fights
• interrupting the coach in the locker room during pre-game speeches with overzealous shouting
• wearing extremely thick nerd glasses
• childishly playing with toy cars and trucks in their hotel room, although the brothers range in age from 18 to 20

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

APF Wolverine Open

This will be my last contest in the Masters 7 (70 to 74 year-old) category. I wish I could say I was going to finish strong, but I’m not back to where I was at for the AAPF Nationals in May. However, I want to support local powerlifting contests so I’m in it.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Here is an interesting perspective.

I hope it helps you make minor irritations more bearable.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Comparing

LEARNING TRAITS

Smart vs. Wise

MISCELLANEOUS

George Orwell

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

I was hoping the presidential election would put an end to all the divisiveness, but I think the media, politicians and others have too much to gain from encouraging people to hate one another.

This is for those of you who say no to hate, no to fear and no to separating us from one another.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Source: Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’m in the process of making the final corrections to this manuscript, so I really haven’t done much reading this week.

Uncle Tony’s Tips for Middle Management

By Wm. Allen

I expect to have it published before the end of this year.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’m now on episode 2 of Season 2 of The Good Place and this is one of the consistently funny series I have ever watched. However, I do like Season 1 a bit better than Season 2; nevertheless, I am still enjoying the series.

The Good Place (Season 1)

Follows Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell, “House of Lies,” “Veronica Mars”), an ordinary woman who enters the afterlife, and thanks to some kind of error, is sent to the Good Place instead of the Bad Place (which is definitely where she belongs). While hiding in plain sight from Good Place Architect Michael (Ted Danson — “Cheers,” “CSI” — in an Emmy Award-nominated performance), she’s determined to shed her old way of living and earn her spot.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Now that summer has arrived,

this seemed like a good choice for this week.

Summer Time Blues (1958)

By Eddie Cochran

ART OF THE WEEK

Time to start getting my fountains in working order. Here is my grey fountain, which stands in the middle of my mushroom garden.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

Disciplined People

For decades and decades we have been trying to help the less fortunate by throwing money at them. It seems to me after all this time, we have as many dependent people as ever, if not more.

It takes discipline to eat healthy and exercise.

It takes discipline to not quit your job when you work for a jerk, until you find a better job.

It takes discipline to control your addictive tendencies

It takes discipline to save money and not spend everything you have or worse spend more money than you have.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

Food Philosophy

Another reason why Chef Ronaldo is world famous is because he invented “Food Philosophy”.

Here is a sample of his “Food Philosophy” work.

SOCIAL TRAITS

On-Line Dating

On-line dating may not work out for everyone, but it did for this couple.

LEARNING TRAITS

I’m going to try to force myself to believe that the people who want to defund the police have good intentions; however, I feel they don’t foresee the outcome of their actions.

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Diary of a Napoleonic Foot Soldier

By Jakob Walter

The life of a soldier in an army at war is rather harsh from the stories I have heard first hand from those that fought in WWII. This diary seems very real from what I have heard and it gives you in my opinion a good idea of what being in war can be like. I’m not sure if it is any better today and in my time the Vietnam War experience was horrible for so many.

If you are curious what war time soldiers go through, I think this book will give you an idea.

Eighteen-year-old German stonemason Jakob Walter served in the Grand Army of Napoleon between 1806 and 1813. His diary intimately records his trials: the long, grueling marches in Prussia and Poland, the disastrous Russian campaign, and the demoralizing defeat in a war few supported or understood. It is at once a compelling chronicle of a young soldier’s loss of innocence and an eloquent and moving portrait of the profound effects of all wars on the men who fight them.

“Vivid and gruesome … but also a story of human fortitude. … It reminds us that the troops Napoleon drove so mercilessly were actually more victims than victors—a side of Napoleon that should not be forgotten.”

(Source: Chicago Tribune)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you like quirky films, this is a good one. The only thing that could have made this film better would be a cameo appearance by Bill Murray. If you understand what I meant by the Bill Murray comment, you will really like this film. If not, you may not like the film. 

French Exit

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

In 1967, there were 486,000 American troops in Vietnam, I was one of those 486,000.

Fortunate Son

By Creedence Clearwater Revival

ART OF THE WEEK

We all know World Famous Chef Ronaldo is an artist when it comes to cooking up exotic dishes for the wealthy and famous.

However, I had no idea Chef Ronaldo could create something like this.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

The military personnel who have died

in the performance of their military duties while serving in

the United States Armed Forces.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

Will return next week

PHYSICAL TRAITS

For instances, many health issues are caused by excessive weight, many mental problems are caused by addiction. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

Sarcasm Doesn’t Get You Anywhere

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Losing weight and keeping it off is one of the hardest things I know of to accomplish. And yet being over-weight is believed to be related to heart attacks, need for joint replacements and increased likelihood of harm from diseases such as the Coronavirus.

There are so many approaches to losing weight, many of which are so complicated that most of you will tire of the approach and regain the weight you initially lost, if not gain even more weight than when you started.

This approach by Adam Thrall is rather simple and just may work.

Five Tips for Losing Weight

By Adam Thrall

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Autobiography and Other Writings

By Benjamin Franklin

This is the particular copy of the Franklin autobiography that I have; but, I suspect any Franklin autobiography would be well worth reading whether or not it contained other writings.

There is an incredible amount of good advice in this autobiography that will benefit you and society if you will act upon it.

A fascinating and unconventionally educated man, Benjamin Franklin imparts—in his own words—wisdom and remarkable life lessons on the art of living with great personal integrity (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I just finished watching all 43 episodes of this revival of Rod Serling’s classic show. There are some good episodes in the collection, but I thought many were rather pedestrian.  My favorite was “Memphis”, about a law clerk with six months left to live due to an inoperable brain tumor finds himself transported back in time to Memphis, Tennessee on the day of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

The show was cancelled after its first season and to be honest I was rather glad when I made it through the very last episode. 

The Twilight Zone

Narrated by Forest Whitaker

The Twilight Zone is the second of three revivals of Rod Serling’s original 1959–64 television series. It aired for one season on the UPN network, with actor Forest Whitaker assuming Serling’s role as narrator and on-screen host. It premiered on September 18, 2002, and aired its final episode on May 21, 2003. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I  Want A New Drug

By Huey Lewis and The News

(Ed Sullivan Show – Oct. 28, 1956)

ART OF THE WEEK

We Are All Works of Art

The only question is how good of an artist do you wish to be.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Chef Ronaldo

There is a lot more to being a world famous chef like Chef Ronaldo than many may think. Most people think it is just about hanging out with celebrities and whipping up a few exotic dishes once in a while. Well, yes that is true.

But there is a lot of other more mundane things to being a world class chef such as interviewing people to staff your world-class restaurants. Here is a photo of Chef Ronaldo conducting an interview.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Gyms

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Presidential Candidates

If you have been around very long, you know that politicians and political parties change over time. As these politicians and political parties change, perhaps your allegiance to them should be reconsidered to see if they continue to serve your best interests.

LEARNING TRAITS

In and Out of Your Control

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls