CURRENT EVENTS

I lifted in the raw bench press and raw deadlift, 181.7 to 198 lbs. category, aged 70 to 74.

In my age/weight category, I took first place in both the raw bench press and raw deadlift. In the deadlift, I set a new AAPF age/weight national record of 363.7 lbs.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader

By John C. Maxwell

This book is a bit old, it came out in 1999 and although the title indicates it is about leadership; in a sense all of us are leaders in one way or another, even if we don’t bear the official title indicating we are a leader.

What struck me was the part of the book’s description that reads, “John C. Maxwell provides a concise, accessible leadership book that helps readers become more effective leaders from the inside out.” Who doesn’t need to work of their insides or to gain a deeper understanding of humans.

I first read this book long ago and have recently taken a second look at it and found insights such as, “It’s hard for a person to be generous when [they] are not satisfied with what [they have]. And if you’re not generous with little, you won’t suddenly change if you become wealthy.”

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I thought this ad was better than the movies I watched this week.

Step Jamie – Progressive Insurance Ad

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I certainly didn’t work as hard getting ready for the AAPF National Powerlifting competition as Rocky did getting ready for his fight, but since November I have worked harder at the gym than I ever have to get ready for the AAPF Nationals.

Rocky Theme Song

ART OF THE WEEK

I’d say this tree is a bit of an artist.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Pericles

Pericles (495 – 429 BC) was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator and general of Athens during its golden age. Pericles led his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War. The period during which he led Athens, roughly from 461 to 429 BC, is sometimes known as the “Age of Pericles”.

Pericles promoted the arts and literature; it is principally through his efforts that Athens acquired the reputation of being the educational and cultural center of the ancient Greek world.

He started an ambitious project that generated most of the surviving structures on the Acropolis (including the Parthenon). This project beautified and protected the city, exhibited its glory, and gave work to the people.

Bill & Carol at the Acropolis

Pericles also fostered Athenian democracy. He, along with several members of his family, succumbed to the Plague of Athens in 429 BC, which weakened the city-state during a protracted conflict with Sparta. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

This answers the question.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Other than some terrible accident or birth defect, I don’t understand why anyone would want to change the interesting features that nature provides and are often the thing that makes you both interesting and unique.

CHARACTER TRAITS

It was the great Athenian leader, Pericles, who said that there was nothing wrong with poverty. It could be caused by so many things—a business failure, the sudden loss of a family’s breadwinner, theft, even just plain old back luck. Like the Stoics, he knew that Fortune could swoop in, and, in the blink of an eye, undo years of hard work and careful planning.

But Pericles would not have said, as religious leaders and populist demagogues have tried to argue for thousands of years, that there was anything special or holy about poverty. While it wasn’t necessarily someone’s fault they were poor, and so they shouldn’t be judged for it, Pericles said, there was “real shame…in not taking steps to escape it.” (Source: Daily Stoic)

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

I’ll be there, lifting in the raw bench press and raw deadlift, 181.7 to 198 lbs. category, aged 70 to 74.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

This week I am suggesting two poetry books. All I know about poetry, I learned from watching this movie:

If like me, you don’t understand poetry; why not open yourself up to something different by watching this movie.

If you haven’t read a poetry book or if you like poetry, here are two books that you may want to consider. One is written by my good friend Chris Doka.

An Unfamiliar Ache

By Chris Doka

And the other is written by my wonderful wife, Carol Gammicchia (now Carol Allen)

Love Life

By Carol Gammicchia

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

As you can see below, I have been on a Great Expectation binge.

Great Expectations (1974)

Here is what a critic had to say about this 1974 version: The Listener – ‘Everything is wrong about it with a sort of dedicated, inspired wrongness that, in itself, is breath-taking’.

I just saw it and really liked it. Sarah Mills did a fantastic job as both young and older Estella. Michael York was as good a Pip as any I’ve seen. Anthony Quayle was impressive in the role of the attorney Jaggers. 

This 1988 version of Great Expectations took considerable liberties with the story and was my least favorite version. The fantastic character attorney Jaggers, is played as if Jaggers was a mafia bag man. On the plus side, it is always a joy to watch Gwyneth Paltrow.

Great Expectations (1988)

This 2011 PBS version of Great Expectations may be the best that I have seen to date. David Suchet brings attorney Jaggers to life. 

As for someone leaving Miss Havisham standing at the altar, not believable if the role is played by Gillian Anderson

PBS Great Expectations (2011)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I heard this song on the radio the other day, it came out in 1964, the year I graduated and the world was still normal. Things were soon to change with Viet Nam and riots. But for a couple of minutes, let’s let Millie Small take us back to 1964.

My Boy Lollipop (1964)

Millie small

ART OF THE WEEK

I always enjoy these pictures that force one to think about perspective. Like so many things in life, there is little absolute truth. So much simply depends upon your perspective.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Carolyn Cruse

That’s Carolyn between Jerome and Me,  shortly before I retired

Carolyn was the best all around corporate middle managers I ever encountered. She is now retired from the corporate world like me, but she certainly isn’t retired from life.

It is rare to find someone who cared so much for the welfare of her team members, had the respect of everyone she came in contact with, was so fair even when it perhaps was not always in her best interest to be fair. And as wise as they come. I can’t say enough good things about her.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If you go for the quick fix, the easy way; in the end I believe you are going to be disappointed. Losing weight and getting into shape is not easy–it is hard, very hard.

If all you had to do was drink something, take a pill or do this or that exercise for a few minutes, the whole world would be in great shape. Look around you, is that what you see–I don’t think so.

If you want it, you have to work hard for it, very hard and it takes time. You didn’t get in your present shape overnight, so don’t expect changes to take place overnight either.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

As much as possible, one should try to withhold judgement regarding someone until you get to know them. You could be pleasantly surprised.

LEARNING TRAITS

There are a few good reasons for putting your stuff in a storage unit temporarily; but for most people it is a very expensive option for delaying the discarding you or whoever inherits your stuff will have to do.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Don’t Let This Happen To You

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I found this to be a very enjoyable read, plus lots of pictures.

How The Barbarian Invasions Shaped The Modern World

By Thomas J. Craughwell

How the Barbarian Invasions Shaped the Modern World is a richly detailed chronicle that brings to life the personalities of Attila the Hun, Alaric the Goth, Genghis Khan, and many other barbarian kings and chieftains whose rampages across Europe, Asia, and North Africa changed the course of history.

In this highly readable and authoritative book, author Thomas J. Craughwell draws upon the latest historical and archaeological research to reveal the impact of the barbarian invasions on the modern world, including the establishment of the English language, the foundation of world capitals such as Dublin, and the introduction of gunpowder to Europe. The book is Illustrated with more than 100 archival images gathered from around the world. The text is written in a narrative fashion, with anecdotes and vignettes to engage the reader’s imagination. 

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I’ve seen this film a couple of times and watched it again last week and it is still pretty funny.

Paul (2011)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

No More Mr. Nice Guy

Alice Cooper

ART OF THE WEEK

This reminds me of the time I had a “rim cabin” at the Grand Canyon. Although I was on vacation, I had a document I needed to review and comment on. I was sitting there reading and highlighting the document with a large blue highlighter and glancing at the Canyon every so often.

A lady walked by and I remember her words. She said, “Is it permissible to look at your work?” Since it wasn’t a confidential document, I said ok. She walked up to where I was sitting, looked at my work, and just walked away. I never forgot the disgusted look she had on her face.

Only then, did it occur to me that she thought I was an artist, especially as I was holding a large blue highlighter.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Don’t believe that Alice Cooper song, No More Mr. Nice Guy. He is a really good guy. He was in the local Royal Oak, Michigan National Coney Island with his family. As they were leaving, a fan came up to him. Alice Cooper stopped and took time for a photo with his fan.  How many celebrities would do that, in fact how many celebrities would be an a local coney without security and their entourage.

ALICE COOPER

Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor whose career spans over fifty years. With his distinctive raspy voice and a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, deadly snakes, baby dolls, and dueling swords, Cooper is considered by music journalists and peers alike to be “The Godfather of Shock Rock”. 

Originating in Phoenix, Arizona, in the late 1960s after he moved to Detroit, Michigan, “Alice Cooper” was originally a band consisting of Furnier on vocals and harmonica. In 2011, the original Alice Cooper band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Furnier adopted the band’s name as his own name in the 1970s and began a solo career with the 1975 concept album Welcome to My Nightmare. Expanding from his Detroit rock roots, Cooper has experimented with a number of musical styles, including art rock, hard rock, heavy metal, new wave, glam metal, and industrial rock.

Cooper is known for his sociable and witty personality offstage, with The Rolling Stone Album Guide calling him the world’s most “beloved heavy metal entertainer”. He is credited with helping to shape the sound and look of heavy metal, and has been described as the artist who “first introduced horror imagery to rock’n’roll, and whose stagecraft and showmanship have permanently transformed the genre”. Away from music, Cooper is a film actor, a golfing celebrity, a restaurateur, and, since 2004, a popular radio DJ with his classic rock show Nights with Alice Cooper. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Isn’t this the truth.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’ve read a lot of books on the fall of the Roman Republic and the key personalities of that period. I wish this book provided more details about some of these key people, but overall I enjoyed the book.

In Mortal Republic, prizewinning historian Edward J. Watts offers a new history of the fall of the Roman Republic that explains why Rome exchanged freedom for autocracy.

For centuries, even as Rome grew into the Mediterranean’s premier military and political power, its governing institutions, parliamentary rules, and political customs successfully fostered negotiation and compromise.

By the 130s BC, however, Rome’s leaders increasingly used these same tools to cynically pursue individual gain and obstruct their opponents. As the center decayed and dysfunction grew, arguments between politicians gave way to political violence in the streets. The stage was set for destructive civil wars–and ultimately the imperial reign of Augustus.

The death of Rome’s Republic was not inevitable. In Mortal Republic, Watts shows it died because it was allowed to, from thousands of small wounds inflicted by Romans who assumed that it would last forever. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I’ve seen this film a couple of times and watched it again last week and it is still pretty good. Unfortunately, I could not find a trailer that had decent sound, but the sound is fine on both a VCR and a DVD that I have watched.

Terror By Night (1946)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

ART OF THE WEEK

Sometimes, art can be so confusing.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE OF THE WEEK

I always feel sorry for people who think you can’t have friends at work. Bryant and Ken were two of the best people I ever met in my life and I worked with them for years. They are both gone now, but I always remember Ken’s birthday on March 29 and Bryant’s birthday on March 31.

Happy Birthday Bryant and Ken.

Bryant Green

Ken Shelton

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Just in case some of you are feeling sad because you aren’t always running around doing things with people.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I debated with myself all week-long as to whether I should mention this book or not. Frankly, it contains a lot of X rated comments and I have tried to keep this blog PG. Another reason I hesitated to mention this book is because he believes 80% of white people are devils. 

However, on the plus side Charlamagne is willing to consider all white people he encounters are in the 20%, until they prove otherwise. I think this is a good approach for all you folks out there that have it in for one group or another, and if you think 100% of any group are devils, I don’t think there is any hope for you. Also, Charlamagne presents some excellent advice that I found very compelling.

What I like about books is that they allow you to learn from and about people who you will never have any contact with because they are either from the past, the future some distant land, or from a circle you don’t travel in, yet you can still get to know them through their writings.

In Black Privilege, Charlamagne presents his often controversial and always brutally honest insights on how living an authentic life is the quickest path to success. This journey to truth begins in the small town of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and leads to New York and headline-grabbing interviews and insights from celebrities like Kanye West, Kevin Hart, Malcolm Gladwell, Lena Dunham, Jay Z, and Hillary Clinton.

Black Privilege lays out all the great wisdom Charlamagne’s been given from many mentors, and tells the uncensored story of how he turned around his troubled early life by owning his (many) mistakes and refusing to give up on his dreams, even after his controversial opinions got him fired from several on-air jobs. These life-learned principles include:

-There are no losses in life, only lessons
-Give people the credit they deserve for being stupid—starting with yourself
-It’s not the size of the pond but the hustle in the fish
-When you live your truth, no one can use it against you
-We all have privilege, we just need to access it (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

All this week I have just been watching the TV shows or movies that I have mentioned. If you found a movie or TV show that you found particularly interesting, why not mention it in the comments session so that we can all check it out.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

By The Rolling Stones

ART OF THE WEEK

I understand that on the planet Vulcan, they have a painting very much like the Mona Lisa that is in Paris.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

William Harvey Carney

William Harvey Carney (February 29, 1840 – December 9, 1908) was an African-American soldier during the American Civil War. Born as a slave, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his gallantry in saving the regimental colors (American Flag) during the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. Because his actions preceded those of other medal honorees, he is considered to be the first African-American to be granted the Medal of Honor.

Carney joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in March 1863 as a sergeant. He took part in the July 18, 1863, assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina. His actions there ultimately earned him the Medal of Honor.

When the color guard was killed, Carney retrieved the U.S. flag and marched forward with it, despite multiple serious wounds. When the Union troops were forced to retreat under fire, he struggled back across the battlefield, eventually returning to his own lines and turning over the colors to another survivor of the 54th, saying, “Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!” He received an honorable discharge due to disability from his wounds in June 1864. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Escalators vs. Stairs

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Just in case you are having a hard time getting someone to go camping with you, perhaps here is an idea that will help.

LEARNING TRAITS

Some support of evolution

MISCELLANEOUS

I think this is so absolutely clever

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Yesterday was spring forward and it got me thinking about time. I find it painful to reflect on how much time I have wasted in my life.

St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday, Mar. 17)

This coming Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day.  Please don’t drink and drive.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

If you like to travel, you may want to check out this TV show that is on PBS.

Samantha Brown’s Places to Love

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Here is a band that appeared in Samantha Brown’s travel video of “Naples, Florida.” I thought the band had an unusual sound and wanted to share it with you folks.

Care Less

By The Woodwork

ART OF THE WEEK

I know nothing about this, but it seemed very surrealistic to me, so I thought I would share it with you folks.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSONS OF THE WEEK

St. Patrick

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland [and ] is the primary patron saint of Ireland.

Early medieval tradition credits him [ ] as the founder of Christianity in Ireland, converting a society practicing a form of Celtic polytheism. He has been generally so regarded ever since, despite evidence of some earlier Christian presence in Ireland.

According to Patrick’s autobiographical account, known as the Confessio, when he was about sixteen years old, he was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland, looking after animals; by his account, he lived there for six years before escaping and returning to his family in Britain, where he became a cleric.

Patrick eventually returned to Ireland, probably settling in the west of the island, where, in later life, he became a bishop and ordained subordinate clerics.

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If you are into quick fixes, this one actually works.

However, if you want real change, you are going to have to work for it, there is no easy way. However, the results will be well worth your efforts.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Ides of March

During the coming week, some of you may hear the phrase “Ides of March”, so if you aren’t already aware of this reference, this may help you to understand the phrase.

The Ides of March is a day on the Roman calendar that corresponds to 15 March. It was marked by several religious observances and became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The death of Caesar made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman history, as one of the events that marked the transition from the historical period known as the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. (Source: Wikipedia)

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I just could not put this book down, once I started reading Thoreau’s Wound. This is the second book by Danny Kuhn that I have read, the other being Fezziwig.

Thoreau’s Wound

WRITTEN BY DANNY KUHN
REVIEW BY EILEEN CHARBONNEAU

Laconic Irishman Finbar Laverty is the unlikely hero of this rollicking, picturesque novel set in Ireland, London and New England from the Tithe Wars of the 1830s to after the American Civil War. A mix of iconic figures, both historic and fictional, ranging from Jacob Marley just as he’s about to become Marley’s Ghost, to antecedents of Oscar Wilde and Walt Disney, to the titular Henry David Thoreau, join Finn for the journey.

After Ireland’s troubles and family treachery, the teenaged Finn, his wife Maggie, and their lame son flee to inherited land in New Hampshire. But Maggie longs for her Celtic religion and spirit-infused homeland and is eaten by her secrets. She disappears until evidence of her body is found. The mystery surrounding her death spur anti-Irish, Know-Nothing sentiments that put Finn and his son in danger. They seek more tolerant pastures among the Transcendentalists in Concord, Massachusetts, who introduce them to Abolitionist activism and open a world of learning for young Colman. But old country family enmity continues to plague them until secrets are revealed and debts are paid.

Written with verve and power, this wild ride of a novel clips along, guided by the deft hand of author Kuhn, who does for A Christmas Carol what Tom Stoppard did for Hamlet… a wild dance around and through history and literature. Enjoy!

(Source: Historical Novel Society)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Sherlock Holmes

Starring Basil Rathbone

Although I have enjoyed the Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, it is hard to beat Basil Rathbone’s performances as Sherlock Holmes. 

This one-of-a-kind collection features the dozen Holmes movies digitally restored and remastered by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

South African-born British actor Basil Rathbone [ achieved] screen immortality playing Arthur Conan Doyle’s brilliant Holmes, beginning with The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in 1939. Those instant hits led to 12 more mind-bending mysteries over the next seven years, each also starring Nigel Bruce [ ] as Holmes loyal, if often befuddled, friend Dr. Watson.

While several of the Rathbone movies were based on Conan Doyle’s original stories, others pitted Holmes against contemporary villains, including the Nazis. But Rathbone’s personification of literatures most famous crime solver remained a constant source of wonder and delight throughout the series. (Source: Amazon)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

No matter how may times I have seen this scene, I still enjoy it and hope you do also.

John Travolta Dance Scene

From the 1996 Film “Michael“

ART OF THE WEEK

The Topiary Cat

A tribute of British artist and photographer Richard Saunders to his grey cat Tolly. After Tolly’s death, Richard decided to pay tribute to him with a series of fantastic Photoshop collages featuring the cat silhouette onto topiaries in his favourite landscapes.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSONS OF THE WEEK

Dick The Bruiser

I took the above photo myself

William Fritz Afflis (June 27, 1929 – November 10, 1991) was an American professional wrestler and football player, better known by his ring name, Dick the Bruiser.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

In case you feel people are putting too much pressure on you, here is something that may help.

LEARNING TRAITS

Since there is so much debate about “Pro Life” and “Pro Choice”, I thought it was important to see this actual footage of a Canadian being born.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Today’s smart phones, social media, etc. are not necessarily bad, it is how you use them that determines whether they are good or bad.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS