03/15/26 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Tue., Mar. 17)

Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Tue., Mar. 17)

Book of the Week

This is a very readable version, that will give you something to think about, as you face every day life.

The Bhagavad Gita 101

 The Bhagavad Gita is a story of a regular person, Arjuna, who has become depressed after seeing life as a meaningless, pointless, and never-ending struggle. The struggles Arjuna faced are the same facing us today; so the teachings of the Gita are as relevant today as they were a thousand years ago.

Movie of the Week

I saw this film last week and I thought it was wonderful. It is made up of  video footage of Elvis in his prime, edited so as to make a story.

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (2026)

To see the trailer, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/2s_dCvUgOBI?si=fmMsp7WxyAcLarx3

Music of the Week

Gretchen’s Irish Wedding Dance

To see the video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/PM5uEllr21o?si=jr4VseIvYFA1NuRr

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Given this week, who else but:

Saint Patrick

Stained glass window of St. Patrick from Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Junction City, Ohio

Saint Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland.

Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on 17 March, the supposed date of his death. It is celebrated inside and outside Ireland. (Source: Wikipedia)

Art of the Week

St. Patrick’s Day Decorating

Comedian of the Week

We saw her in person Friday.

To see a short video of one of her comedy routines, click below:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yz83OOhNoK8?feature=share

Physical Traits

Character Traits

Have a dream?

Then, make it so.

Social Traits

Learning Traits

It is often a choice between

objects and experiences.

When I hear mention of the Blarney Stone, it brings back memories of when Carol and I visited Blarney Castle.

Reading about things and seeing pictures and films of things is good, but not the same as actually being there.

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

03/08/26 – Daylight Savings Time

Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

Daylight Savings Time

Book of the Week

Since much of this week’s post is about time:

A Brief History of Time remains highly relevant as a foundational, accessible introduction to cosmology, black holes, and the nature of time for general readers. While some specific cosmological data is outdated—such as the exact age of the universe and accelerating expansion—its core conceptual explanations of physics remain valuable ( AI generated).

Movie of the Week

I’ve watched all of Season 1 and the first three episodes of Season 2. However, as time went on, I didn’t find any of the characters that likable; other than perhaps Hannah’s mother. She appeared in episode 3 of season 2.

The Last Thing He Told Me

The Last Thing He Told Me is an American mystery thriller television series for Apple TV+,  and stars Jennifer Garner as Hannah Hall.

It premiered on April 14, 2023. In March 2024, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on February 20, 2026.

 

To see the trailer, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/9TIZZhFOY6E?si=9M3zH_1dmFMhmite

Music of the Week

Closing Time (1998)

By Semisonic

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

https://youtu.be/xGytDsqkQY8?si=kBlIf3XHWrwqmk9t

Extraordinary People of the Week

Art of the Week

I was fortunate to see this marvelous clock on a visit to Prague.

Prague Clock

The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still operating.

The clock mechanism itself has three main components:

the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details;

“The Walk of the Apostles”, a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time;

and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

Please don’t let Spring Forward stop you,

even if you only do just a little.

Character Traits

If  you are wondering when is a good time to start something, this will help.

Social Traits

What to get along better with others,

then perhaps

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

03/01/26 – APF/AAPF State Meet

Wm. Allen5 Comments

Current Events

APF/AAPF State Meet

I will be lifting Saturday afternoon on March 28th.

Book of the Week

I’ve given up on trying to fix the world,

I’m just working on myself.

Movie & Play of the Week

Murder on The Orient Express

We saw this play performed at

The Baldwin Theater in Royal Oak MI

 

The day before we watched  a film version

staring David Suchet

This is really worth watching.

To see the trailer, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/zqTtKRsyRnY?si=AWxhSWgMfoSGGXGd

Music of the Week

No More Mr. Nice Guy

By Alice Cooper

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

https://youtu.be/KN6ngThqMEs?si=IzBEtvv39T4WIwe_

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, received the Medal of Honor at the State of the Union address, for his bravery during a daring raid to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Art of the Week

A Shopping Basket Car

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

 

A fork always wins over exercise.

Character Traits

Social Traits

You should add angry people to the above list.

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

02/22/26 – Something The World Needs

Wm. Allen10 Comments

Current Events

The Peace Messenger

Please click on the link below to see the video.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ds6PLcqgCwY?si=oEXJihfHfkhe07NW

Book of the Week

There are so many misunderstandings and inaccuracies regarding various religions, you owe it to yourself and society to gain a better understanding of various beliefs.

12 Major World Religions

By Jason Boyett

In an increasingly connected (and often divided) world, understanding the spiritual beliefs of others isn’t just helpful―it’s essential. 12 Major World Religions is the accessible, unbiased guide readers trust to make sense of the beliefs, rituals, and traditions that shape our global society. (Source: Amazon)

Movie of the Week

You probably will not like this series, since it is so weird. Plus, you will likely not understand a lot of what the characters are saying in the eight episode series, unless you are from Ireland. This series is definitely not for everyone, but I enjoyed watching it for the subtle humor.

 

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is a British and Irish comedy thriller series for Netflix. The series premiered on 12 February 2026 (Source: Wikipedia)

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

Please click on the link below to see the video.

https://youtu.be/6flC0y-2iFw?si=t7uGK3XitFsiT8tH

Music of the Week

I hope you enjoy.

Victorious

(Asian Folk Metal | Mongolian Throat Singing)

By NiNi Music x KUULAR

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

https://youtu.be/iew7KEgLqOM?si=MmRbNM_diG7qhVDs

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Alysa Liu

MILAN, ITALY – 19 FEBRUARY 2026: Gold medalist Alysa LIU of Team United States poses for a photo during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Single Skating Free Skating at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy

Art of the Week

Art Deco is definitely on display

in South Beach, FL 

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

Character Traits

Social Traits

Most of us could be better listeners.

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

You can relate to this, if you have a cat.

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

02/15/26 – We All Have Ups and Downs

Wm. Allen6 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