CURRENT EVENTS

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This book was first published in 1997 or 25 years ago. I think it is as relevant today as it was in 1997, and perhaps more so.

It you would like to stop driving yourself crazy, this book may help.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff…

and It’s All Small Stuff

By Richard Carlson, Ph.D

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff is a book that tells you how to keep from letting the little things in life drive you crazy. In thoughtful and insightful language, author Richard Carlson reveals ways to calm down in the midst of your incredibly hurried, stress-filled life. (Source: Amazon)

PLAY OF THE WEEK

I saw this play, with some wonderful friends, opening night (Friday (November 18) at Meadow Brook Theater in Rochester, Michigan on the campus of Oakland University.

What a fantastic way to put one in the holiday spirit. If you don’t have a live theater in your area that is putting on this play, you may want to consider watching one the various film versions of this story.

A Christmas Carol

 at Meadow Brook Theater in Rochester, Michigan

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song certainly fits into the Thanksgiving theme of being thankful.

What A Wonderful World (1967)

By Louis Armstrong

Background About The Song

Armstrong was at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, so he chose to record the song nearby at Bill Porter’s United Recording studio. The session was scheduled to follow Armstrong’s midnight show, and by 2 am the musicians were settled and tape was rolling.

Arranger Artie Butler was there with songwriters Weiss and Thiele, and Armstrong was in the studio singing with the orchestra. Armstrong had recently signed to ABC Records, and ABC president Larry Newton showed up to photograph Armstrong.

Newton wanted a swingy pop song like “Hello, Dolly!”, a big hit for Armstrong when he was with Kapp Records, so when Newton heard the slow pace of “What a Wonderful World”, he tried to stop the session. Newton was physically removed and locked out of the studio for his disruption, but a second problem arose: Nearby freight train whistles interrupted the session twice, forcing the recording to start over. Armstrong shook his head and laughed off the distractions, keeping his composure.

The session ended around 6 am, going longer than expected. To be sure the orchestra members were paid extra for their overtime, Armstrong accepted only $250 musicians’ union scale for his work. (Source: Wikipedia)

ART OF THE WEEK

Malls often do an excellent job of decorating. Here are a few photos I took last week, while at Somerset Mall, in Troy, Michigan.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis (September 29, 1935 – October 28, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. […] He was described as “rock & roll’s first great wild man”. A pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly music. (Source: Wikipedia)

But rather than say a lot about Jerry Lee, I’m rather just show you.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

You ever get that feeling something isn’t right. It is often a good idea to pay attention to those feelings.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Give exercise a chance, you will not be sorry you did.

“The next major advance in the health of the American people, will result only from what the individual is willing to do for himself.” (Source: Dr. John Knowles of the Rockefeller Foundation.)

CHARACTER TRAITS

Recipes

World Famous Cher Ronaldo knows a lot about recipes.

Here is a recipe that he suggests you avoid this holiday.

SOCIAL TRAITS

As much as possible, it is a good idea to hang on to your traditions and/or develop new traditions.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

If you want to know what a person values, 

don’t listen to their words.

Instead, watch how they spend their time.