CURRENT EVENTS

CNN’s Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I could not put this book down, once I started reading it.  I did find it difficult to obtain and eventually had to reach out to the author, Danny Kuhn, for a copy.

In the midst of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, one of Charles Dickens’ most beloved characters is living a full life, adventurous and lusty, but touched by scandal.

Born in rural Lincolnshire in 1721, as a boy, William Fezziwig is displaced from his impoverished home through treachery and left alone in the world. Against the odds, Fezziwig rises to a prominent position in 18th century London when opportunities are presented by a respectable gentleman smuggler who sees promise in the waif.

Prominence brings peril and Fezziwig must brave the War of Jenkins’ Ear in order to pursue trade in Barbados and colonial Charleston, South Carolina.  In the Americas there are threats on many fronts, from Spanish warships to his conflicted feelings toward the beguiling Eliza Lucas, heiress to one of the largest plantations in the Carolinas.

Quixotic American Benjamin Franklin and a bevy of eccentric characters destined to become some of history’s most influential figures upend Fezziwig’s desire for a quieter life. Fezziwig finds himself in the position of mentor to his famous friend, as well as a certain ambitious young apprentice in need of lessons on life…and love. Social, political, intellectual, and economic revolution is in the air, and an old mystery resurfaces that could change the course of Fezziwig’s and Franklin’s careers. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

A month ago I asked readers who they thought was the best Sherlock Holmes and Robert Downey Jr. came in second behind Jermey Brett, so I thought I should check out this film and I found it was pretty good.  Still, Robert Downey Jr. is no Jermey Brett when it comes to portraying Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Captain Hollywood Project – More and More

ART OF THE WEEK

Some of the malls had very nice Christmas displays

This is Somerset Mall in Troy, MI

Marshall Fields Walnut Room (Now Macy’s) in Chicago

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

King Henry VIII of England

I would be surprised if any of you have not heard of King Henry VIII of England. However, there are probably some misconceptions about him and I will try to clear them up with these two versions.  

The first version is a song that is believed to be actually written by King Henry the VIII.

This second version, prepared by the noted team of historian scholars, Herman and the Hermits; is probably the more recognized version of the life of Henry the VIII.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Adequate sleep is so important.

It is recommended adults get 7 to 8 hours a night

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.