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