CURRENT EVENTS

Coronavirus and A History Lesson

The Black Death, was the most fatal pandemic recorded in human history, resulting in the deaths of up to 75–200 million people in Eurasia and North Africa, peaking in Europe from 1347 to 1351.  The plague created religious, social, and economic upheavals, with profound effects on the course of European history.

The Black Death most likely originated in Central Asia or East Asia.

The Black Death is estimated to have killed 30% to 60% of Europe’s population. In total, the plague may have reduced the world population from an estimated 475 million to 350–375 million in the 14th century. There were further outbreaks throughout the Late Middle Ages, and with other contributing factors it took until 1500 for the European population to regain the levels of 1300. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The First Five Pages reveals the necessary elements of good writing, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry, and points out errors to be avoided, such as
* A weak opening hook
* Overuse of adjectives and adverbs
* Flat or forced metaphors or similes
* Melodramatic, commonplace or confusing dialogue
* Undeveloped characterizations and lifeless settings
* Uneven pacing and lack of progression

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Once again, I have watched all seven seasons of Buffy and I enjoyed it just as much as ever. I think this is a wonderful series for young people to watch or older people who remain young at heart. There are a lot of life lessons here for the observant. 

Buffy

The Vampire Slayer

Despite the fact that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was almost entirely ignored by major award shows during its run, the series was nominated for the American Film Institute Award for Drama Series of the Year, Gellar was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her performance in the show, and the series was nominated five times for Television Critics Association Awards, winning once in 2003 for the Television Critics Association Heritage Award. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song is dedicated to social distancing–old style.

Don’t Stand So Close To Me

By The Police

ART OF THE WEEK

There is a debate going on whether or not many of the masks being used are helpful or harmful. But lately, I have been hearing that masks are a symbolic show of support for the restrictions being placed upon all of us. I thought this particular drawing was thought provoking.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I used to watch The Lone Ranger show in the 1950s.

The Lone Ranger

The [  ] story line maintains that a patrol of six Texas Rangers is massacred, with only one member surviving. The “lone” survivor thereafter disguises himself with a black mask and travels with Tonto throughout Texas and the American West to assist those challenged by the lawless elements.

A silver mine supplies The Lone Ranger with the name of his horse as well as the funds required to finance his wandering lifestyle and the raw material for his signature bullets.

At the end of most episodes, after the Lone Ranger and Tonto leave, someone asks the sheriff or other person of authority who the masked man was. The person then responds that it was the Lone Ranger, who is then heard yelling “Hi-Yo Silver, away!” as he and Tonto ride away on their horses. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

The Difference Between Dogs and Cats

 

PHYSICAL TRAITS

The secret to getting fit is to consistently take little steps.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Murder in Minneapolis?

Watch the video and you decide for yourself. I don’t understand why it took three days and violent protests/riots before this officer was arrested.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS