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I thought the following may be helpful to those of you who insist upon talking politics.

Arguments

Germany’s ancient history will explain a lot about Germany during more recent centuries. This book provides that background. 

A country both admired and feared, Germany has been the epicenter of world events time and again: the Reformation, both World Wars, the fall of the Berlin Wall. It did not emerge as a modern nation until 1871—yet today, Germany is the world’s fourth-largest economy and a standard-bearer of liberal democracy. (Source: Amazon)

Emperors of Rome

By David Potter

I first read this book back in 2007 and just reviewed it again last week and still found it fascinating, plus lots of pictures. So much of western culture is built upon Roman culture.

Beginning with the accession of Augustus, this lavishly illustrated survey follows the triumphs, failures, and ultimate decline of the Roman Empire through the lives of its emperors. The highlights of 500 years of Roman history are all addressed, including the defeat in Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, the destruction of Pompeii in AD 79, the vision of Constantine in the early 4th century, and the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410, as are critical themes at the heart of the Roman polity, among them the nature of imperial government and the spread of Roman culture (Source: Barnes & Nobles)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Washington

Washington tells the story of how a fatherless young soldier full of personal ambition becomes a leader of men willing to sacrifice all for the common cause. How a once-loyal British subject rises to battle an empire in a liberty-or-death campaign to forge a new nation. And then how, at the zenith of his power, the victorious general voluntarily steps down, becoming what King George III would call “the greatest man in the world.” Believing his public duty complete, he heads into retirement ready to be a farmer.

But with the young country on the verge of collapse, he is once again called to lead, creating the most powerful and successful democracy in history. You may think you know George Washington, but there’s more to our preeminent founding father than you’ve been told. Washington chips away the marble to reveal the man at the heart of our nation’s story. You’ll never look at George Washington, or the founding of our country, the same way again. (History Channel synopsis)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Okay, perhaps two weeks in a row of Chuck Berry is too much. I’m sorry, I can’t help myself. This guy is so cool.

Johnny B. Goode

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

The Many Forms of  Art

Art can take many forms, for instance.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Celtic Queen Boudicca

Boudicca (d. 61 CE) was the Celtic Queen of the Iceni tribe of modern-day East Anglia, Britain, who led a revolt against Rome in 60/61 CE. The Iceni King, Prasutagus, an independent ally of Rome, divided his estate between his daughters and King Nero of Rome. When Prasutagus died, however, his lands were taken by Rome and the Iceni lost their status as allies.

When his wife, Boudicca, objected to this action she was flogged and her two daughters raped. She mounted a revolt against Rome which left the ancient Roman cities of Camulodunum, Londinium and Verulamium in ruins and over 80,000 Roman citizens of Britain dead. She was defeated at the Battle of Watling Street by the Roman Governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. Boudicca is said to have committed suicide by poisoning herself after her defeat. (Source: Ancient History Encyclopedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

It is easy to mistake thirst for hungry.

Perhaps, better to share a bottle of wine.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Perhaps, you have heard of the story of the Gordian Knot and Alexander the Great. It was said that anyone who could untie the knot would become a great ruler. Problem was that the knot was impossible to untie. Alexander, like the kid above, took a shortcut. It is said by some, that Alexander untied the knot by cutting it with his sword. 

MISCELLANEOUS

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Just in Case

If Valentine’s Day was a little disappointing, 

perhaps this will help.

This book is about so much more than bowling, it is about the mental game of winning at life.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

The Two Popes

Ford v Ferrari

I found this film to be ok.

Agatha And The Truth of Murder

I was surprised that how good this film was and if you like Agatha Christie mysteries, you will like this film although the story was not written by Agatha Christy.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Back In the USA

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

Political Art

I suspect the people who planted the explosives did not intend to make political art, but it is rare that I have come across any art this powerful. It is a far stronger statement than had the statute toppled into the sea.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I’ve known this guy for some time now and he truly is extraordinary

John with his belt

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Please don’t be like this cat.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

When you are flying around

and suddenly see someone you know.

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Over the years I have presented information about the history and meaning of Valentine’s Day; however, nothing sums it up as well as this:

This book is easy to read and will place you on the path of self-motivation.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

The Irishman

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Soul Man

By Blues Brothers

ART OF THE WEEK

Giant Whale

Look what nature created

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Brigadier General Charles McGee is 103 years old when last week this picture below was taken. He is an inspiration to everyone.

Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee

Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee (born December 7, 1919) is a retired American fighter pilot and one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was a career officer in the United States Air Force for more than 30 years and flew a three-war total of 409 combat missions in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, one of the highest combat totals and longest active-duty careers by any Air Force fighter pilot in history.

For his service, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star Medal, among several other military honors. In 2007, as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, McGee received the Congressional Gold Medal. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and on February 4, 2020, received an honorary promotion from colonel to brigadier general. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

Leave It To Beaver was a TV show that ran from 1957 to 1963

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

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This probably wasn’t the outcome you were wishing to hear about.

Which Do You Prefer To Watch?

or

This book is not an easy read, but if you are as fascinated by Roman history as I am, you will learn a lot about Crassus and the victory at Carrhae by the Parthians.

In 53 BC the Proconsul Marcus Crassus and 36,000 of his legionaries were crushed by the Parthians at Carrhae in what is now eastern Turkey. Crassus’ defeat and death and the 20,000 casualties his army suffered were an extraordinary disaster for Rome.

The event intensified the bitter, destructive struggle for power in the Roman republic, curtailed the empire’s eastward expansion and had a lasting impact on the history of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

It was also the first clash between two of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. Yet this critical episode has often been neglected by writers on the period who have concentrated on the civil war between Pompey and Caesar. Gareth Sampson, reconstructs the Carrhae campaign in fine detail, reconsiders the policy of imperial expansion and gives a fascinating insight into the opponents the Romans confronted in the East – the Parthians. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I mentioned this movie back in July 2019 and watched it again last week. I enjoyed it and thought it was well worth watching, even a second time.

Here was the poll results from back in 2019:

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles. (Source: IMDB)

Star Trek: Picard

Last week, I watched the second episode of this new Star Trek series and so far I’m a little disapointed. Nevertheless, I will continue to watch because it is good to see Jean-Luc Picard again.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’ve mentioned before, but thought I would again. I’ve seen Little Richard twice. Once when he was young (as was I) and once when he was old (as am I). I’m glad he is still around (And I am to still be around).

Long Tall Sally (1956)

By Little Richard

ART OF THE WEEK

Kerid Volcanic Crater Lake in Iceland

Known as the Eye of the World or Eye of Odin

The Norse god Odin is typically portrayed as having only one eye. The myths which explain this [was …] the result of his pursuit of knowledge, which led him to sacrifice his right eye to gain cosmic knowledge from the mythical well of Mimir.

The myth is mainly concerned with the price of wisdom, and what an individual will pay to gain what they desire. In drinking the waters of Mimir’s Well, Odin is able to see more with one eye than he did previously with two. It establishes Odin’s great desire for wisdom and knowledge, and also emphasizes that the greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward. (Source: Wikipedia)

Located in southern Iceland, Kerid is unique among crater lakes in that its caldera likely didn’t form from an explosion as most do. The Kerid volcano is thought to have formed when the magma in the center simply depleted itself, and the empty chamber beneath caved in. Regardless of the geological minutia that led to the lake’s creation, its bright rainbow of colors look unearthly.

In addition to the bright, sapphire-colored waters, the steep slopes of the caldera’s bowl are almost entirely covered in red volcanic rock. There is one, less-steep side of the slope that is covered in rich green moss. (Source: Atlas Obscura)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Darlene Shibley

If you have enjoyed Downton Abbey as well as other shows featured on PBS Masterpiece, Darlene Shibley deserves some thanks for her donations  to The Masterpiece Trust that makes these wonderful shows possible.

For decades as one of San Diego’s most high-profile and prolific philanthropists, Shiley — with her late husband, heart-valve inventor Donald Shiley — has given away upward of $100 million to science, educational and arts organizations.

But it’s been the one-time actress’ record-breaking gifts to the fundraising Masterpiece Trust, more than $5.2 million to date, that have made Shiley nearly as famous as a Crawley family member.

“Darlene is a wonderful ambassadress for the show. People recognize her everywhere and she handles it with such warmth and grace,” said Rebecca Eaton, executive producer of Masterpiece and one of “Downton’s” executive producers. (Source: The San Diego Union – Tribune)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

If you have a cat, this may be helpful

MISCELLANEOUS

 

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