CURRENT EVENTS

Where am I?

Lost Civilizations takes us on a journey through time from the oldest civilization, the little-known Natufian culture of 12,500 years ago, to the mysterious disappearance of the colonists on Roanoke Island, in the United States, in the 16th century. (Source: Barnes & Nobles)

The Book of Leadership & Strategy

Translated by Thomas Cleary

This little book is packed with a lot of good advice like, “Asking for fire is not as good as getting the means to make fire.”

Another piece of advice I liked was, “No one stumbles over a mountain, but people do trip over ant hills.”  In other words, over looking small problems is often the reason for many regrets.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

If you enjoyed the series that was on PBS, I’m sure you will want to see the movie.  

Downton Abbey

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Conga

By Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine

ART OF THE WEEK

I don’t smoke cigars, but the process of hand rolling cigars is considered an art form. I found the process interesting and perhaps you will also find it interesting.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Barbara Baer Capitman

Barbara Baer Capitman (April 29, 1920 – March 29, 1990) was a community activist and author who led the effort to preserve Miami Beach’s historic art deco district and helped create the Miami Design Preservation League.

In 1976, Capitman and a group of historic preservationists formed the Miami Design Preservation League. They began a fight to save the long-neglected art deco buildings in Miami Beach. She lobbied politicians and developers with her forceful personality.

She and her supporters held candlelight vigils, protest marches and stood in front of bulldozers that were about to demolish buildings. Several of the buildings the group sought to preserve were torn down including the Senator and New Yorker Hotels. However, many more were saved.

The group’s efforts were rewarded when Miami Beach’s Art Deco District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The renewed interest in the area led to an economic and cultural rebirth in the city with new investments in hotels, apartments and restaurants. It became a favorite destination of tourists, artists and moviemakers.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Those who quit eating two or three hours before bedtime are more successful losing weight and keeping it off than late night eaters.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Taking Ownership of Your Situation?

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Art Deco

Art Deco is a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France just before World War I. Art Deco influenced the design of buildings, furniture, jewelry, fashion, cars, movie theaters, trains, ocean liners, and everyday objects such as radios and vacuum cleaners. It took its name, short for Arts Décoratifs, from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925. It combined modern styles with fine craftsmanship and rich materials. During its heyday, Art Deco represented luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress.

Art Deco was a pastiche of many different styles, sometimes contradictory, united by a desire to be modern. From its outset, Art Deco was influenced by the bold geometric forms of Cubism and the Vienna Secession; the bright colors of Fauvism and of the Ballets Russes; the updated craftsmanship of the furniture of the eras of Louis Philippe I and Louis XVI; and the exotic styles of China and Japan, India, Persia, ancient Egypt and Maya art. It featured rare and expensive materials, such as ebony and ivory, and exquisite craftsmanship. The Chrysler Building and other skyscrapers of New York built during the 1920s and 1930s are monuments of the Art Deco style. (Source: Wikipedia)

 

MISCELLANEOUS

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The year 2020 has arrived, so let’s get started making 2020 great.

And if you are looking for ways to make 2020 great,

perhaps this will help.

Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington

By Richard Brookhiser

I first read this book back in 1998 and I have reviewed it a couple of times since including last week and still find it a worthwhile read.

In this thought-provoking look at George Washington as soldier and statesman, Richard Brookhiser traces the astonishing achievements of Washington’s career and illuminates how his character and his values shaped the beginnings of American politics. (Source: Amazon)

Underworld

By Roman Martin

Switching gears, I finished almost 500 page book last week. Normally, I can’t make it through a book with this many pages, but this one was a bit of a treat to read. If you enjoyed The Godfather movies, The Sopranos, etc.; you might enjoy this book.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Last week I mentioned that I had finished watching Season 1 and I have now finished Season 2 and 3 of the Amazon Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.  

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Season 2)

I’ve watch all seven seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer years ago. While on the treadmill, I started watching the series again and just finished Season 1. I found watching the show was just as interesting as years ago.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 1)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Detroit Symphony Orchestras

William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series

at

Congregation Shaarey Zedek

I attended a DSO concert last Thursday at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Among the music played was Georges Bizet’s Suite No. 1 from Carmen. If you think classical music is boring, listen to this. However, listening to it is nothing like seeing it performed live with Mei-Ann Chen conducting.

ART OF THE WEEK

I have no idea who this family is or where I even came across this photo, but I thought it was very clever.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Just Look In The Mirror

When I first wrote my book, I’m Tired of Being Ordinary, Are You?; I was shocked at how many people told me that they just wanted to be ordinary. But, I feel it is their right to that decision, plus for a few it could be a significant advancement.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

 

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

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CURRENT EVENTS

The year 2020 has arrived, so let’s get started making 2020 great.

And what better way to get started, then with

The Rolling Stones

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I watched Season 1 and I am now on Season 2 of the Amazon Prime Video. I thought it was better than many things available to watch.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Season 1)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Take It Easy

The Eagles

ART OF THE WEEK

I loved my motorcycles and considered them works of art, although, it may be hard to tell from these old photos. I needed two of them, since I wanted to always be on the road. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine (born Thomas Pain) (February 9, 1737 – June 8, 1809) was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary.

He authored the two most influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution and inspired the patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain.  

Paine migrated to the British American colonies in 1774 with the help of Benjamin Franklin, arriving just in time to participate in the American Revolution. Virtually every rebel read (or listened to a reading of) his powerful pamphlet Common Sense (1776), proportionally the all-time best-selling American title, which crystallized the rebellious demand for independence from Great Britain. His The American Crisis (1776–1783) was a pro-revolutionary pamphlet series.

Paine lived in France for most of the 1790s, becoming deeply involved in the French Revolution. He wrote Rights of Man (1791), in part a defense of the French Revolution against its critics. 

The British government of William Pitt the Younger, worried by the possibility that the French Revolution might spread to England, had begun suppressing works that espoused radical philosophies. Paine’s work, which advocated the right of the people to overthrow their government, was duly targeted, with a writ for his arrest issued in early 1792. Paine fled to France in September where, despite not being able to speak French, he was quickly elected to the French National Convention.

The Girondists regarded him as an ally. Consequently, the Montagnards, especially Maximilien Robespierre, regarded him as an enemy. In December 1793, he was arrested and was taken to Luxembourg Prison in Paris. While in prison, he continued to work on The Age of Reason (1793–1794). James Monroe, a future President of the United States, used his diplomatic connections to get Paine released in November 1794.

Paine became notorious because of his pamphlets. The Age of Reason, in which he advocated deism, promoted reason and free thought and argued against institutionalized religion in general and Christian doctrine in particular. He published the pamphlet Agrarian Justice (1797), discussing the origins of property and introduced the concept of a guaranteed minimum income through a one-time inheritance tax on landowners.

In 1802, he returned to the U.S. where he died on June 8, 1809. Only six people attended his funeral as he had been ostracized for his ridicule of Christianity.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If Santa can get in shape, you can too.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

People you know, like or love may be gone before you know it. 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

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CURRENT EVENTS

Are you wondering what the year 2020 will bring to you. Well, here is the answer.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Here is a movie I saw last week that I thought was pretty good.

Jumanji: Next Level

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I just finished watching all four seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise and I really liked the theme song and the visuals that went along with it.

Faith of the Heart

Star Trek: Enterprise

ART OF THE WEEK

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Father Time

Father Time is usually depicted as an elderly bearded man […], dressed in a robe and carrying a scythe and an hourglass or other timekeeping device (which represents time’s constant one-way movement).

Around New Year’s Eve, the media uses Father Time as the personification of the previous year (or “the Old Year”) who typically “hands over” the duties of time to the equally allegorical Baby New Year (or “the New Year”).

I like the above versions of Father Time; however, my favorite is still 

Father Time-and-a-Half

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

This isn’t about your appearance, it is about your health.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A decade from now, roughly half of U.S. adults will be obese — with nearly one-quarter severely so, a new study projects.

The predictions by researchers at Harvard University paint a grim picture: By 2030, the prevalence of adult obesity will be at least 35% in every U.S. state, and in 29 states, the figure will top 50%.

CHARACTER TRAITS

There is an old saying that “those convinced against their will, remain unconvinced still.” Sometimes, rather than argue; it is better to just step away.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

I messed up the first poll

So here is a revised poll

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No doubt many of you have seen this marvelous movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, which came out in 1946.

For those of you that don’t have time to watch this film again or have never watched this film, a friend of mine made this less than two-minute version of the film that I think you will enjoy.

Even Santa reads.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

If you are a devoted Star Wars fan, you may like this film or if you are an action film junkie. As for the rest of us, I would avoid it. It was just action, and more action; much of the action totally unbelievable regardless of how much you suspend disbelief. 

Critics Consensus (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker suffers from a frustrating lack of imagination, but concludes this beloved saga with fan-focused devotion.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

By Dean Martin

ART OF THE WEEK

Many malls decorate for Christmas. Somerset Mall in Troy, MI; has a display where children can visit Santa.

Here are some big kids waiting to visit Santa.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Although I often name Santa Claus as the person of the week, I thought I would like to include some details about Santa this week.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on the night of Christmas Eve (24 December) or during the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December). 

The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas (a fourth-century Greek bishop and gift-giver of Myra), the British figure of Father Christmas, and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas (himself also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession through the sky.

Santa Claus is generally depicted as a portly, jolly, white-bearded man—sometimes with spectacles—wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, red hat with white fur, and black leather belt and boots and carrying a bag full of gifts for children. This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, children’s books, films, and advertising.

Santa Claus is said to make lists of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior, and to deliver presents, including toys and candy, to all of the well-behaved children in the world, and coal to all the misbehaving children, on the night of Christmas Eve. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of his elves, who make the toys in his workshop at the North Pole, and his flying reindeer, who pull his sleigh. He is commonly portrayed as living at the North Pole, and laughing in a way that sounds like “ho ho ho”.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Santa spent most of 2019 at the gym.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

The best gift you can give someone is your time.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Y para mis amigos de habla hispana, Feliz Navidad.

און צו מיין אידישע פרענדז איך ווינטשן איר אַ גליקלעך חנוכה

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Who is looking at this blog, we don’t know unless they click “Like” or make a comment. However, I thought it would be interesting to find out from what countries over the last year that the viewers of this blog are from. Here is a list of those top ten countries.

If this is difficult to see, just click on the chart below and it will become larger.

Be Cool – Read

 

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Star Trek: enterprise

It has taken me a long time to get around to watching this particular Star Trek series, although I consider myself a Star Trek fan. It just never appealed to me. I am just about finished viewing season three of this four season or 98 episodes series that was aired from 2001 to 2005.

Although I am not really thrilled with the series, Dr. Phlox helps makes it more interesting to watch.

Dr. Phlox

Dr. Phlox is my favorite on the show, perhaps the clip below will help you understand why.

And Vulcan T’Pol adds logic for watching the show.

T’Pol

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Sorry I couldn’t find a video of Chuck performing this song live.

Run Rudolph Run

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

Christmas Trees Everywhere

Big, small, natural, artificial, whatever; they are the best form of art at this time of the year.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who else this week, but

Santa Claus

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

There are a lot of jokes about fruit cake, but do people really like fruit cake. Let’s find out.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I participated in the Shelby Township Jingle Bell Run yesterday with my friend Scott.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

If you are a female, don’t be like this and if you are a male–shame on you.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Classic Starts: The Odyssey

Retold From The Original Homer

Homer’s epic tale of the warrior Odysseus’s decades-long struggle to return home after the Trojan War is simply and beautifully retold, with all the drama intact. Young readers will thrill at Odysseus’s adventures with the man-eating Cyclops; the enchantress Circe, who turns his crew into pigs; and the angry sea god Poseidon. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I really enjoy this Canadian Show that has been running for 13 seasons. The last few years around this time, I make it a point to watch this episode.

Once Upon A Murdock Christmas

At a Christmas charity gala for sick children, the host, dressed as Santa Claus, is found with a broken neck and all the presents are stolen. When witnesses report hearing a wild animal near the scene, Crabtree suspects the legendary creature Krampus.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Listen to this song and you will understand why Elvis is the King.

Here Comes Santa Claus

By Elvis

ART OF THE WEEK

Rene Magritte Exhibitions

I’ve been a long-time fan of the surrealistic paintings of Rene Magritte. The above photo was when I attended the The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) exhibition in the early 1990s.

A few years ago, another exhibition of his work was put together and I saw it at the Chicago Institute of Art.

I believe Magritte considered himself a philosopher who communicated through paintings. Below are a few examples of his work.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Paladin

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Some people are so quick to sacrifice their health and their wealth for others. They just can’t seem to understand that if you don’t take care of yourself, you will as time goes on not be able to help others and you will likely become a burden to someone else.

MISCELLANEOUS

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