CURRENT EVENTS

There Is Still Time

If you haven’t already made 2021 a great year, you still have the 4th quarter to do so–don’t give up.

Unfortunately, for some folks this year has been so terrible and nothing can be done to make this a great year. I wish those of you who have found yourself in this situation the strength to carry on as best you can.

For the rest of us, please follow Captain Picard’s orders.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I review this book every time before I have a powerlifting contest.

I did it again this week and I believe it will make a difference, even this close to my contest this Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.

Nevertheless, a book can only do so much.

Mind Gym

By Gary Mack with David Casstevens

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I found this four-part PBS series extremely interesting. I recall seeing the first Liston/Clay fight on close circuit TV at the Fox Theater in Detroit in 1964 and I was once third row ring side for one of George Foreman’s early “come back” fights and recall seeing Archie Moore in Foreman’s corner that night.

Even if you are not a fight fan, there is a good chance you will find the life of Muhammad Ali very interesting and if you are a fight fan, you have to see this four-part series.

For those of you who believe boxing should be banned–well, I cannot argue against you. I will say that they need to stop fights much sooner than they do, which would do much to limit the harm being done to fighters.

Muhammad Ali: A Film

by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns & David McMahon

Muhammad Ali: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns & David McMahon brings to life one of the best-known and most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who insisted on being himself unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration to people everywhere. This eight-hour series is the first-ever comprehensive documentary biography of Muhammad Ali, arguably America’s greatest athlete and a monumental cultural icon whose unflinching insistence that he be unabashedly himself, at all times, made him a beacon for generations of people around the world seeking to express their own humanity. (Source: PBS)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

The song was prominently featured in the film Rocky IV. In the film, Brown sings the song during Apollo Creed’s ring entrance (Source: Wikipedia)

Living in America

by James Brown

ART OF THE WEEK

Okay, I know this isn’t great art.

However, it is creative.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated figures of the 20th century, and is frequently ranked as the best heavyweight boxer of all time. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

AWPC Worlds & WPC CanAm

This Friday, Oct. 1; I will be raw deadlifting in both of these events. I will for the first time be in the 75 to 79 age group category and the 181.7 lbs. and under weight category.

I’ve prepared as well as possible for this contest. If I win, I hope to be an inspiration to others in this age category. If I don’t, it just means I need and will work harder.

CHARACTER TRAITS 

Ouch!

SOCIAL TRAITS

Compare the fear and division preached by the media

with what you see and experience in your actual life.

 

If that isn’t enough for you to give up on the media,

ask yourself to you really enjoy those almost non-stop ads.

LEARNING TRAITS

One should be skeptical of those who know all the answers.

MISCELLANEOUS

I Don’t Think So!

 

CURRENT EVENTS

In Boxes and To Do Lists

I know it isn’t easy for many of us to ignore our in boxes and to do lists; but, please don’t let it prevent you from enjoying life or cause to to miss out on  special moments.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is not an easy read, consisting of over 400 pages. However, it is an interesting read and you can learn a lot about power.

The 48 Laws of Power

By Robert Greene & Joost Elffers

Some laws teach the need for prudence (“Law 1: Never Outshine the Master”), others teach the value of confidence (“Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness”), and many recommend absolute self-preservation (“Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally”). Every law, though, has one thing in common: an interest in total domination. The 48 Laws of Power is ideal whether your aim is conquest, self-defense, or simply to understand the rules of the game. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I have watched all of the first three seasons of this show and a fourth season is scheduled to come out in 2022.

Manifest

Manifest is an American supernatural drama television series that premiered on September 24, 2018, on NBC. It centers on the passengers and crew of a commercial airliner who suddenly reappear after being presumed dead for more than five years. 

In October 2018, NBC ordered further episodes for the first season, and subsequently renewed the show for a second season that aired in 2020, and again for a third in 2021. In June 2021, the series was canceled by NBC after three seasons.

The series was added to Netflix in June 2021 and immediately topped the viewing charts, persuading Netflix to renew Manifest for a fourth and final season consisting of 20 episodes.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Book of Love

by The Monotones

“Book of Love” (also titled “(Who Wrote) The Book of Love“) is a rock and roll / doo-wop song, originally by The Monotones. It was written by three members of the group, Warren Davis, George Malone and Charles Patrick.

Lead singer Charles Patrick heard a Pepsodent toothpaste commercial with the line “you’ll wonder where the yellow went”/ when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent”, which inspired him to come up with, “I wonder, wonder, wonder who, who wrote the book of love”. He worked it up into a song with Davis and Malone. The “boom” part of the song was a result of a kid kicking a ball against the garage while they were rehearsing. It sounded good, so they added it to the song.

In September 1957, the Monotones recorded “The Book of Love”; it was released on the Mascot label in December that year. The small record company could not cope with its popularity, and it was reissued on Chess Records’ subsidiary Argo label in February 1958. On the Billboard charts, “The Book of Love” peaked at No. 5 on the pop chart and No. 3 on the R&B chart

ART OF THE WEEK

Vincent van Gogh’s Coffee Cup

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

I watched on TV a review of Clint Eastwood’s new film Cry Macho. The film received a thumb’s down. I thought in part because Clint Eastwood is 91 yeas old and to the reviewers some of his scenes weren’t believable.

Now, I absolutely have to see this film.

Clint Eastwood

Clinton Eastwood Jr. (born May 31, 1930) is an American actor, film director, composer, and producer. After achieving success in the Western TV series Rawhide, he rose to international fame with his role as the “Man with No Name” in Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy” of Spaghetti Westerns during the mid-1960s, and as antihero cop Harry Callahan in the five Dirty Harry films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. 

An Academy Award nominee for Best Actor, Eastwood won Best Director and Best Picture for his Western film Unforgiven (1992) and his sports drama Million Dollar Baby (2004). His greatest commercial successes are the adventure comedy Every Which Way but Loose (1978) and its action comedy sequel Any Which Way You Can (1980). 

Other popular Eastwood films include the Westerns Hang ‘Em High (1968) and Pale Rider (1985), the action-war film Where Eagles Dare (1968), the prison film Escape from Alcatraz (1979), the war film Heartbreak Ridge (1986), the action film In the Line of Fire (1993), and the romantic drama The Bridges of Madison County (1995). More recent works are Gran Torino (2008), The Mule (2018), and Cry Macho (2021). 

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Lifestyle vs A Pill or Shot

I know it is so much easier to get a shot or take a pill than it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle; but, is it the better choice?

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Fairy Tales

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This books says so much in so few words.

How To Be Happy, Dammit

By Karen Salmansohn

Guaranteed to perk up even the most cynical spirit, HOW TO BE HAPPY, DAMMIT is the first and only self-help book that merges psychology, biology, eastern and western philosophies, quantum physics, and the Zen of Bazooka Joe. (Source: Back cover of book)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I thought this was an interesting film.

Secondhand Lions (2003)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I saw this music video on my friend Samantha’s blog (hearttofollow.wordpress.com)  and wanted to pass it on. For some reason, I’m not able to post a hyper-link to her blog, but I can send it to you via email if you wish.

Symphony

by Sheppard

Sheppard is an Australian indie pop band from Brisbane,

formed in 2009

ART OF THE WEEK

City Hall in Bay City, MI

The original settlers in what now is Bay City arrived in the 1830s. By 1857, fourteen sawmills were located along the Saginaw River, and after the Civil War both lumbering and shipbuilding continued strongly. In 1889, voters approved the construction of a new city hall. In 1892, local architects Leverett A. Pratt and Walter Koeppe were hired to design the structure, and the cornerstone was laid in 1894. The building was completed by the summer of 1897 at a cost of $175,000.

The building was used by the city through the 20th century, with a major renovation in 1975. In 2010, a major re-tiling of the roof was undertaken, but a construction incident caused a large fire. The building was closed for 3 years, and an extensive, $10 million renovation performed. It was reopened in 2013, and still serves the city.

The Bay City Hall is a Richardsonian Romanesque building constructed of Indiana limestone, sandstone, and granite, measuring approximately 120 feet by 200 feet. The multi-gabled roof is tiled, and a large sandstone tower, nearly 180 feet high, is located at the southeast corner. The tower is topped with a gable roof with spires, and contains a large clock with separate dial faces on each of its four sides. The windows in the building are flat-headed units set in round arches, and are divided by heavy stone mullions. The entrance is through a huge double Romanesque arch, decorated with an elaborate stucco bas-relief, and sheltered with an arched porch supported by polished stone columns.

The interior is dominated by a large central stairwell, illuminated by skylights, with an elaborately scrolled cast iron banister.

There are four ornate floors 

With a replica of the Liberty Bell on one of the floors

Carol and I climbed the Clock Tower stairs to the top

Pictures cannot do justice to this magnificent structure. Bay City made a choice, they could have build a new city hall or restore this magnificent building–they choose wisely and restored the building which is still functioning as their city hall.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

 These two have some funny and astute political commentary.

TYRUS & KAT TIMPT

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Potato Chips

Chips are not the healthiest thing to eat,

but at least there aren’t too many in a bag. 

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

I wish this didn’t seem so true to me.

MISCELLANEOUS

It seems to me that the media likes to divide us and loves to preach fear.

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Happy Labor Day

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Recently, I have watched a number of film versions of this book, so I decided to read the book. It is actually, a fairly easy book to read.

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

I suspect many of you have either read the book or seen a movie version of the book, so you folks may find the following of interest.

American socialite and heiress Ginevra King pictured on the July 1918 cover of Town & Country magazine. In January 1915, a 16-year-old King met future novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Love-struck at first sight, Fitzgerald courted King for several years. He visited her father’s estate several times, and Ginevra wrote in her diary that she was “madly in love with him.” However, Ginevra’s upper-class family openly discouraged Fitzgerald’s courtship of their daughter because of his lower-class status, and her father purportedly told him that “poor boys shouldn’t think of marrying rich girls”.

Rejected by Ginevra’s family as a suitor because of his lack of financial prospects, a suicidal Fitzgerald enlisted in the United States Army amid World War I. Ginevra King later served as the inspiration for the character of Daisy Buchanan in Fitzgerald’s literary masterwork The Great Gatsby. (Source: Wikipedia)

 

 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

In August of this year, I watched all four of these film versions of The Great Gatsby and found it a rewarding experience. Oh hindsight, I wish I had read the book first, rather than last. 

 

 

 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

The Great Gatsby Charleston Swing Party

by DJ Electro Swingable Mix

ART OF THE WEEK

The Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco skyscraper on the East Side of Manhattan, New York City. At 1,046 feet, it is the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework, and was the world’s tallest building for 11 months after its completion in 1930. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940) was an American novelist, essayist, short story and screenwriter. He was best known for his novels depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age—a term he popularized.

During his lifetime, he published four novels, four collections of short stories, and 164 short stories. Although he achieved temporary popular success and fortune in the 1920s, Fitzgerald received critical acclaim only after his death, and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.

Born into a middle-class family in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald was raised primarily in New York. He attended Princeton University, but owing to a failed relationship with socialite Ginevra King and a preoccupation with writing, he dropped out in 1917 to join the United States Army.

While stationed in Alabama, he romanced Zelda Sayre, a Southern debutante who belonged to Montgomery’s exclusive country-club set. Although she rejected Fitzgerald initially, because of his lack of financial prospects, Zelda agreed to marry him after he published the commercially successful This Side of Paradise (1920). The novel became a cultural sensation and cemented his reputation as one of the eminent writers of the decade.

His second novel, The Beautiful and Damned (1922), propelled him further into the cultural elite. To maintain his affluent lifestyle, he wrote numerous stories for popular magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s Weekly, and Esquire. During this period, Fitzgerald frequented Europe, where he befriended modernist writers and artists of the “Lost Generation” expatriate community, including Ernest Hemingway.

His third novel, The Great Gatsby (1925), received generally favorable reviews but was a commercial failure, selling fewer than 23,000 copies in its first year. Despite its lackluster debut, The Great Gatsby is now widely praised, with some labeling it the “Great American Novel”.

Following the deterioration of his wife’s mental health and her placement in a mental institute for schizophrenia, Fitzgerald completed his final novel, Tender Is the Night (1934).

Struggling financially because of the declining popularity of his works amid the Great Depression, Fitzgerald turned to Hollywood, writing and revising screenplays. While living in Hollywood, he cohabited with columnist Sheilah Graham, his final companion before his death. After a long struggle with alcoholism, he attained sobriety only to die of a heart attack in 1940, at 44.

His friend Edmund Wilson completed and published an unfinished fifth novel, The Last Tycoon (1941), after Fitzgerald’s death.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Tips From World Famous Chef Ronaldo

Here is this week’s tip from Chef Ronaldo

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS