CURRENT EVENTS

Checking on the Elderly

It is so important for you to check on your elderly family members and friends. As for me, 

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

I think you will find a lot of wisdom in this book, and little yoga.

Living Your Yoga

By Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

Using the time-honored wisdom of the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita to steer the course, [this book] serves up off-the-mat practices to guide you in deepening your relationships with yourself, your family and friends, and the world around you. (Source: Book’s back cover)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

This is definitely not a comedy, but I think it is well worth watching.

Everything Must Go (2010)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

As If

By Sara Evans

ART OF THE WEEK

Acropolis of Athens

October 2018

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

The term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. During ancient times it was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king.

While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as far back as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the buildings whose present remains are the site’s most important ones, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.

The Parthenon and the other buildings were seriously damaged during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War when gunpowder being stored in the Parthenon by the Ottomans was hit by a cannonball and exploded. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Emma Peel

Emma Peel is a [British] spy. She was born Emma Knight, the daughter of an industrialist, Sir John Knight. She is the crime-fighting partner of John Steed.

Peel is a strong heroine; she is rarely defeated in fights and is capable of rescuing Steed if he is in trouble. She is a master of martial arts and a formidable fencer. A certified genius, she specialises in chemistry and other sciences. She is often seen engaging in artistic hobbies and had success in industry at the helm of the company of her late father, Sir John Knight.

Her husband, Peter Peel, was a pilot whose plane had disappeared over the Amazonian forest. He was presumed dead for many years, and Peel went on to work with Steed.

She drove a convertible Lotus Elan at high speeds, and convincingly portrayed any series of undercover roles, from nurse to nanny. Her favourite guise was that of a women’s magazine reporter, trying to interview big business tycoons and rich playboys. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

This Is Silly

But it does make the point that many of us believe what we are told unquestionably.

It is just my own opinion, but I think many of the restrictions did far more harm than good. But, I leave it up to you to form your own opinions about all the restrictions that government decided to impose on you rather than letting you decide what is in your own best interests. Please remember that one size rarely fits all.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

How Is 2021 Going?

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Expensive Trips

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

If you wish to live well, I suggest you check out this short  and easy to read book, which provides some insights you may be able to use.

Live Well

By Dr. Trisha Macnair

A medical journalist provides practical tips on all aspects of living a healthy lifestyle, so as you grow older, you can grow better, too. This handy book covers physical, emotional, and environmental wellness, and includes advice on coping with symptoms of illness and avoiding risk factors by making positive choices. Based on the latest scientific research, Live Well will motivate you to take control of your health.

Get tips on:

• Spending time in nature
• Finding your community
• Carry on learning
• Get sporty—safely
• Eat magic minerals
• Have a staycation
• Love like a Buddha
• Welcome new challenges
• Develop positive self-esteem
• Purify with plants
• Keep your brain active

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan

For many years now it has been rough for small independent theaters to stay in business and the pandemic sure hasn’t helped. However, in Royal Oak, landlords have made their contributions to businesses going out such as my friend Ester’s  small independent gym–Fitness Unlimited. I believe her rent was more than doubled.

Even the large book stores like Barnes & Nobles in Main Street in Royal Oak got pushed out in favor of mega-bars that could pay more rent.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

My Boy Lollipop

By Millie Small

ART OF THE WEEK

Beach Art

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Chuck Berry

Charles “Chuck” Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music.

Nicknamed the “Father of Rock and Roll”, he refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive with songs such as “Maybellene” (1955), “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “Rock and Roll Music” (1957) and “Johnny B. Goode” (1958).

Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism, and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock music. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

APF Wolverine Open Results

This was my last contest in the Masters 7 (70 to 74 year-old) category. I wish I could say I finish strong, but I did show up. I’m excited about moving into the Masters 8 (75 to 79) category.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

I’m not sure if anyone born after the 1950s, understand how fear rules practically everything today in a large segment of today’s population.

Fortunately there are still large segments of the USA that do not believe fear is a virtue. 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

You Can Always Find An Excuse Not To Do Something

You Should Do

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Back In the USA

By Chuck Berry

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

This small and easy to read book contains many insights that you may find helpful. For instance, “They are wise who can see what is good in what they dislike and can see what is bad in what they like.”

The Human Element

By Thomas Cleary

Insightful lessons from the great traditions of Asian thought on:

   •  The essentials of wise leadership
   •  Decision-making without prejudice
   •  Inspiring loyalty and maintaining authority
   •  Determining an individual’s true character
   •  Encouraging the best in people
   •  Achieving success without sacrificing happiness

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I was in Shield’s Restaurant Bar Pizzeria in Troy, MI and saw this hockey jersey autographed by the Hanson Brothers hanging on the wall.

So this week’s films are:

Slap Shot (1977)

This film is so good.

Slap Shot 2 (2002)

Not even close to being as good as the first Slap Shot, but you get to see a little of the Hanson Brothers in action.

Slap Shot 3 (2008)

With all respect for the Hanson Brothers, this film is not worth watching.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

She Say (Oom Dooby Doom) (1959)

By The Diamonds

Some of you may be wondering how did these guys do in the music industry. Well, according to Wikipedia: The Diamonds are a Canadian vocal quartet that rose to prominence in the 1950s and early 1960s with 16 Billboard hit records. In a strange way, I think they are pretty cool.

ART OF THE WEEK

Many have not asked how did World Famous Chef Ronaldo got his start. Well, I’m going to tell you anyway.

You may be surprised that Chef Ronaldo did not start out as a chef. He originally started working as a house painter. When he finished his first touch up job on a ceiling, his employer suggested he wasn’t really cut out to be a house painter and that perhaps he should try cooking. 

Well the employer was right and the rest is history. After much effort, I have located a photo of the celling Chef Ronaldo worked on and I thought you folks might be interested in seeing it.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

The Hanson Brothers

The Hanson Brothers are best remembered for:

• starting fights
• interrupting the coach in the locker room during pre-game speeches with overzealous shouting
• wearing extremely thick nerd glasses
• childishly playing with toy cars and trucks in their hotel room, although the brothers range in age from 18 to 20

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

APF Wolverine Open

This will be my last contest in the Masters 7 (70 to 74 year-old) category. I wish I could say I was going to finish strong, but I’m not back to where I was at for the AAPF Nationals in May. However, I want to support local powerlifting contests so I’m in it.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Here is an interesting perspective.

I hope it helps you make minor irritations more bearable.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Comparing

LEARNING TRAITS

Smart vs. Wise

MISCELLANEOUS

George Orwell

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

I was hoping the presidential election would put an end to all the divisiveness, but I think the media, politicians and others have too much to gain from encouraging people to hate one another.

This is for those of you who say no to hate, no to fear and no to separating us from one another.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Source: Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

 BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’m in the process of making the final corrections to this manuscript, so I really haven’t done much reading this week.

Uncle Tony’s Tips for Middle Management

By Wm. Allen

I expect to have it published before the end of this year.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’m now on episode 2 of Season 2 of The Good Place and this is one of the consistently funny series I have ever watched. However, I do like Season 1 a bit better than Season 2; nevertheless, I am still enjoying the series.

The Good Place (Season 1)

Follows Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell, “House of Lies,” “Veronica Mars”), an ordinary woman who enters the afterlife, and thanks to some kind of error, is sent to the Good Place instead of the Bad Place (which is definitely where she belongs). While hiding in plain sight from Good Place Architect Michael (Ted Danson — “Cheers,” “CSI” — in an Emmy Award-nominated performance), she’s determined to shed her old way of living and earn her spot.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Now that summer has arrived,

this seemed like a good choice for this week.

Summer Time Blues (1958)

By Eddie Cochran

ART OF THE WEEK

Time to start getting my fountains in working order. Here is my grey fountain, which stands in the middle of my mushroom garden.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

Disciplined People

For decades and decades we have been trying to help the less fortunate by throwing money at them. It seems to me after all this time, we have as many dependent people as ever, if not more.

It takes discipline to eat healthy and exercise.

It takes discipline to not quit your job when you work for a jerk, until you find a better job.

It takes discipline to control your addictive tendencies

It takes discipline to save money and not spend everything you have or worse spend more money than you have.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

Food Philosophy

Another reason why Chef Ronaldo is world famous is because he invented “Food Philosophy”.

Here is a sample of his “Food Philosophy” work.

SOCIAL TRAITS

On-Line Dating

On-line dating may not work out for everyone, but it did for this couple.

LEARNING TRAITS

I’m going to try to force myself to believe that the people who want to defund the police have good intentions; however, I feel they don’t foresee the outcome of their actions.

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls