02/15/26 – We All Have Ups and Downs

Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

We All Have Ups and Downs

I think we need the downs

to better appreciate the ups

and to build our character.

Book of the Week

Regardless of what your positions and beliefs are, you will likely find some of the author’s assessments and predictions disturbing.  

I enjoyed reading the early part of the book about pre-history, but as time went on the author and I had to part ways.  

Still, the book has many important things to say, that a well informed person should be aware of, even if they disagree with the author.

Sapiens

By Yuval Noah Harari

Movie of the Week

The ‘Burbs is an eight episode comedy series created for Peacock.

If you watch a couple of episodes, I think you will be hooked and end up watching all eight episodes.

The ‘Burbs (Feb. 8, 2026)

Please click on the link below to see the video.

https://youtu.be/HS-w5BqRB-I?si=_ebUgf6APd7_Vw44

Music of the Week

I hope you enjoy.

Let’s Dance (1962)

By Chris Montez

To see the music video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/q0NOAUCwrwI?si=j6dafwN4rrEZrxQE

Extraordinary People of the Week

Friends

Pictures from 2026 Valentine’s Day Brunch

Art of the Week

I’m not sure the caption,

captures the artist’s intent. 

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

Please click on the link below to see the video.

https://youtu.be/n4F4yZhmMho?si=cbzfreWZEwGDrYgc

Character Traits

The above may sting some of us a bit.

Social Traits

How much of our environment, relationships, health, etc.,

have suffered in of our pursuit of MORE.

Learning Traits

You are going to:

write a book, get together with a friend, travel somewhere, 

exercise, eat healthier, break a bad habit,

the list goes on and on.

Miscellaneous

Lindsey Vonn

After seeing this courageous person,

perhaps most of us could try a little harder,

to reach out goals.

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

02/01/26 – If You Are Seeking Serenity

Wm. Allen2 Comments

Current Events

If you are seeking serenity,

this may be a good start:

Book of the Week

If you read this fun and easy to read book; and applied it to your life, you would likely have a better life.

The Rest of Your Life

is

The Best of Your Life

By David Brown

Movie of the Week

This eight episode Peacock series is fantastically complex. This is so worth watching, compared to the endless stream of comic book action movies. 

All Her Fault (Nov. 2025)

To see the trailer, please click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/J9y_QvRwu64?si=4R2p3dgqZ9ZdUK4L

Music of the Week

This song is for Groundhog Day, Feb. 2

I Got You, Babe – Groundhog Day

By Sonny & Cher

Sonny & Cher in 1966

To see the music video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/OyBSrBqogPY?si=HxottXEDHYsAl62X

Extraordinary Groundhog of the Week

The Italian Groundhog

When asked about the weather, he said:

“I didn’t hear or see nothin’ “

Art of the Week

Savannah’s Bird Girl Statute

Sculpted by American artist Sylvia Shaw Judson in 1936, the wistful Bird Girl became famous overnight when she was featured on the cover of John Berendt’s best-selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (and later appeared in the movie).

 

Of course, this is a small copy of that famous statute and it was enhanced with two yellow ducks and a green alligator by the artist Lindsey.

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

If you know your way around a gym,

this makes perfect sense.

 Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Aren’t we often our own worst enemy?

Miscellaneous

I bet a lot of us are guilty of that.

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

01/25/26 – Winter Weather Alert

Wm. Allen10 Comments

Current Events

Winter Weather Alert

Book of the Week

Although this book came out in 2010, it is still relevant. A few of the specific scientific details may be dated, but their core arguments are still worthy of understanding. Acceptance of those arguments is of course up to the reader.

The Grand Design

By Stephen Hawking

&

Leonard Mlodinow

Movie of the Week

This film had the potential to be an amazing movie. Had it been a shorter movie, it would have been a good movie. As it is, it is an okay movie, better than most of today’s films. 

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

https://youtu.be/xdKP22EaAuU?si=REp03_uygKRRVvz3

Music of the Week

I came across this lucky guy

which reminded me of this song:

I Feel Lucky (1992)

By Mary Chapin Carpenter

To see the music video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/eLMkMfYJe4w?si=Zk0AhfePZ0NgcLTP

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Sergei Krikalev

I cannot vouch for the exactness of this translation. I suspect Sergei would find this message a bit shocking.

Krikalev in 2022

Krikalev is sometimes referred to as the “last Soviet citizen,” having been aboard Mir during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. With the country that launched him no longer existing, his return was delayed, and he remained in space for 311 days—twice as long as planned. (Source: Wikipedia)

Art of the Week

The Creation of Adam is a fresco painting by Italian artist Michelangelo, which forms part of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, painted c. 1508–1512. It illustrates the Biblical creation narrative from the Book of Genesis in which God gives life to Adam, the first man.

There are  those that believe this was Michelangelo’s initial draft :

Joke of the Week

I suspect a lot of people could use one of those devices.

Physical Traits

 Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

01/18/26 – Bears vs. Rams

Wm. Allen2 Comments

Current Events

Bears vs. Rams

Book of the Week

I read a number of descriptions about this book and found none of them satisfying. However, I cannot provide a better description. So I will just suggest you read this short and very interesting book. 

God’s Debris

By Scott Adams

Play of the Week

I saw that play last Sunday, at Meadow Brook Theater, in Rochester, Michigan. I really enjoyed it. 

All Shook Up 

This crowd-pleasing musical is inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel”.

Music of the Week

Somethin’ Else 

By Eddie Cochran

To see the music video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/pCDOHrjPkSQ?si=FSBNXTZA_dZDJb1p

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Scott Adams

If you ever lived in the Corporate World,

you know the above two.

Art of the Week

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

 Character Traits

I cannot vouch for the complete accuracy of this quote, but I have heard many times that Bardot said she left movies, before they left her.

I do know that it is important that people leave when they are on top. I feel a bit of sadness for those that stay so long, people start wishing them gone.

Social Traits

I suspect this is true.

Please don’t be a victim to people who don’t value your time.

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

01/11/26 – Trouble with Your New Year Resolutions

Wm. Allen5 Comments

Current Events

Trouble with Your New Year’s Resolutions

If you are already having trouble keeping your

New Year Resolutions

Maybe this will help

But, please don’t be like this

Book of the Week

Here is a writing tip.

Movie of the Week

This is an entertaining film. As for time traveling, although that topic is too deep for me, I understand it is consistent with scientific thinking on the subject.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1988) 

To see the trailer, please click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/oUDIBzecP1I?si=QZlUljh2U3a5Lnxx

Interesting Comment Associated With This Film

The film makers’ intention was to have Eddie Van Halen as Rufus, given the frequency of Van Halen references in the screenplay, but this was not possible because of the low budget for the film.

Music of the Week

It’s Not Unusual 

By Tom Jones

To see the music video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/nagjPyNMu9Q?si=rCio1E8nP3prax50

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Marco Rubio

Why: He has been given so many jobs

Art of the Week

I thought this was rather clever.

But you have to know something about art

to appreciate it.

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

 Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

I’m amazed at how many people simply pass something on that they see on social media.

You should question what you see and hear, searching for evidence, rather than blindly believing and passing it on.

It is especially important to identify and question personal biases and emotional responses. 

It is also a good idea to reflect on things you were told in the past and see if those items has stood the test of time.

Miscellaneous

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

01/04/26 – Brigitte Bardot

Wm. Allen7 Comments

Current Events

Book of the Week

I’ve read a number of books on Brigitte Bardot. If you have an interest, I’m sure you can find one.

Movie of the Week

In 1956, this film was considered shocking. The world has changed a lot since 1956. You may want to at least look at the trailer below.

And God Created Woman (1956) 

To see the trailer, please click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/Kmqv88jWhyE?si=Vi_bp1_aU3YjU59k

Music of the Week

C”est Rigolo (It’s Funny)

By Brigitte Bardot

https://youtu.be/R8EyhW_Cphk?si=75sC-QlJWCgFqcWQ

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot (28 September 1934 – 28 December 2025), often referred to by her initials B.B., was a French actress, singer, model, and animal rights activist.

She became one of the best-known symbols of the sexual revolution and gained international fame. Although she withdrew from the entertainment industry in 1973, she remained a major pop culture icon.

 She appeared in 47 films, performed in several musicals, and recorded more than 60 songs. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1985.

Art of the Week

Fashion is An Art Form

I cannot stop myself from thinking:

Who wore it better!

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

 Character Traits

There seems to be a lot of people, who have made a career of accepting help from well intentioned people.

Good intentions do not guarantee good results.

Social Traits

Please don’t just accept what your favorite news source tells you.

And please don’t pass it on based upon blind faith, until you have researched it.

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

12/28/25 – Happy New Year Everyone

Wm. Allen18 Comments

Current Events

Happy New Year Everyone

and

Book of the Week

Tired of being ordinary and you want to change things up for 2026.  If so, this is the book for you.

Some of the recommended films are dated, but the advice is as good now as when it was first published in 2014.

However, I must warn you that this book

will not change your life, 

only you can do that.

Movie of the Week

This film is a modern take on the Christmas classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Scrooged 

To see the trailer, please click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/jjTWPyhUwkM?si=utBGHV2BjnwoYW3m

Music of the Week

Start Me Up (1981)

By The Rolling Stones

https://youtu.be/SGyOaCXr8Lw?si=MImC8vjvu2SjfUqQ

Extraordinary Person of the Week

You

Art of the Week

It is amazing how you can create art with snow.

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

 Character Traits

If  you weren’t successful in 2025,

2026 is another opportunity.

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Thank you for looking at this blog this year.

Top ten countries in 2025 that viewed this blog.

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

12/21/25 – Merry Christmas to Everyone

Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

Merry Christmas to Everyone

And let’s not forget our Jewish friends

Book of the Week

There is still a little time for you to order someone a copy of Uncle Tony’s management advice book.

It isn’t your typical boring management advice book.

Movie of the Week

This film was made for me when I retired in December 2009 or 16 years ago. It has been an exciting 16 years. I still treasure the time I spent with my work friends, many of whom I still see, my wife who has stuck it out with me for many decades and I always remember my cat Smarty.

My Version of It’s a Wonderful Life

Music of the Week

Merry Merry Christmas

By Keb’ Mo’

https://youtu.be/Bq82UFxLtrM?si=nK95Y2uBQditysn-

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Sump’n Claus

https://youtu.be/jWnP2jO06gc?si=SVeK_vfQn8qbEyoV

Art of the Week

Theater is an ancient art form.

I have made it a tradition for many years to see 

A Christmas Carol

This year, we took Scott, Julie, & Claire

Joke of the Week

There is always a bit of truth in humor.

Physical Traits

This time next year, you can be an entirely different person.

Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, & think positive.

 Character Traits

If  you Stay positive, something wonderful

will happen.

Social Traits

Don’t let materialism over shadow the spirit of Christmas.

The best gift you can give anyone is your time.

Learning Traits

I think it is interesting to learn the history behind

various famous phrases.

Miscellaneous

Merry Christmas Everyone

from Uncle Tony

Even if you didn’t buy his book

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

12/14/25 – You Never Know What You Have

Wm. Allen8 Comments

Current Events

You Never Know What You Have

Book of the Week

Movie of the Week

A Man on the Inside is an American comedy television series  starring Ted Danson as a retiree-turned-amateur private investigator. 

The series premiered on November 21, 2024, receiving critical acclaim. It was renewed for a second season in December of that year, with the second season then being released on November 20, 2025

A Man on the Inside

Season Two

Please click on the link below to see a trailer:

https://youtu.be/Y6UXdDbuNFc?si=w1LKfZ8pcq41m5ON

Music of the Week

Look under extraordinary people of the week for this week’s music.

Extraordinary People of the Week

I hope no one feels this way.

Unfortunately, no doubt some of you do.

Here is a song about someone who gets knocked down, and gets back up.

https://youtu.be/2H5uWRjFsGc?si=z_c-TmQYDupAF2jm

Guitarist Boff Whalley said, “Let me be clear: the song “Tubthumping” was written to celebrate the resilience and tenacity of working-class folk who keep fighting when the chips are down.

Art of the Week

Christmas Decorating 

Inside

and

Outside

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

I had a good day yesterday at the 9th annual Raise The Bar

charity contest at the 

Rochester Performance Gym

I receive Best Deadlifter and Best Wagon Wheel lifter

Best Lifter awards are based upon body weight, how much you pick up and your age.

I think everyone could lift more than me,

but I don’t believe anyone came close to being 79 years old.

The video below is my third wagon wheel attempt.

I appreciate all my friends who came out to support 

my lifting efforts

Here is a photo of a few of them

 Character Traits

If you wish to be happy,

stay positive regardless of the circumstances.

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon