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
By Noah Lukeman
I first read this book in 2001 and I have just recently reviewed it again and I think it is still of great value. It is designed to help a writer stay out of a publisher’s rejection pile.
Well, you are still going to be rejected by a major publisher unless you are already famous.
Nevertheless, this book is helpful to the self-publisher or as some like to say, the independent publisher. Because, what turns off a reviewer for a major publishing house is what will also turn off a potential buyer/reader of your book.
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
No, but I knew people who served during WWII 64.29% (18 votes)
Yes 21.43% (6 votes)
No one in WWII or Korea but did serve in Vietnam 7.14% (2 votes)
No one in WWII, but did serve in Korea 3.57% (1 votes)
No one in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam, but in other wars 3.57% (1 votes)
No one who served in a war 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 28
This is the first that I have heard of this book 82.61% (19 votes)
I have heard of this book, but have not read it 13.04% (3 votes)
Yes, I have read this book 4.35% (1 votes)
No 75% (15 votes)
Yes 25% (5 votes)
Yes, but not this year due to the Coronavirus 0% (0 votes)
Total Votes: 20
Yes and I do not have a gym membership 65.22% (15 votes)
Yes and I have a gym membership 17.39% (4 votes)
No and I have a gym membership 13.04% (3 votes)
No and I do not have a gym membership 4.35% (1 votes)
No 81.82% (18 votes)
Maybe 13.64% (3 votes)
Yes 4.54% (1 votes)
Book
If you have ever been curious about this book, the Kindle version of this book has now been reduced to $1.00 and the paperback version has been reduced to $10.00
However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life,
only you can do that.
This book can be ordered from Amazon or Barnes & Nobles.
I’m glad to have found you today. Thought-provoking, humorous, interesting.,…a trifecta of talent. I enjoy your posts! 🤍
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Thank you very much K.L. for your encouraging words
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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I loved First Five Pages. It had plenty of invaluable advice for writers neatly collected into one place. Still have my copy, too!
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I glad to hear someone thinks the same way as I do about that book. Thank you Jaya for commenting.
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I still have my copy as well!
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Liz, thank you for mentioning that. I’m glad to hear that you and others found the book as helpful as I have.
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Love that Benjamin Franklin quotation. So very apt for what we’re going through right now.
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Thank you for commenting Annie and the quote still applies even to today
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Looks like some good writing advice. Thanks for the recommendation.
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The book is ten years old, but I noticed that several other of my readers still keep it around. I’m now in the process of reviewing another book I have written and have gone back to consulting this book on editing tips. Best wishes for your writing Georgia.
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I always find something meaningful in your posts. This time, it’s Benjamin Franklin’s quote. I read his autobiography and enjoyed every page. I recommend it highly to you and to your readers. (Available free on Internet’s Gutenburg Project.) A worthwhile read. Take care….
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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and I am glad you continue to enjoy the posts. I’m a fan of the American Revolutionaries and have read Franklin’s autobiography as well as many books about him.
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