CURRENT EVENTS

Opinions

Many people are getting upset about differences of opinions, which is causing disharmony among friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.  

                                              Is it really worth it?

To help you put things in to perspective, here are photos of the earth before and after your opinion.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is an extremely readable a practical philosophy book and I think has helped me with my thinking. 

I recall Uncle Tony told me once that the only attribute the Lord distributed fairly was intelligence, not looks, strength, etc. I asked Uncle Tony why he would say that. Uncle Tony said, “Because intelligence in the only attribute that everyone thinks they received more than their fair share.”

Philosophy for Everyday Life

By Trevor Curnow

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Collateral (2004)

I just watched this movie again, possibly my third or fourth time, and I found this movie just as intriguing as when I saw it the first time.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Maybellene

By Chuck Berry

Here I am in my V8 Ford trying to catch Maybellene in that Cadillac.

ART OF THE WEEK

This is the art of an internet friend of mine, Francisco Cabrera of Spain

Este es el arte de un amigo mío en internet, Francisco Cabrera de España.

THE ART OF FRANCISCO BRAVO CABRERA

Francisco Bravo Cabrera, is an international artist based in Spain. His work has been exhibited (and collected) in Europe, Asia and North America. He has just celebrated his 20th year as a professional artist.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I was fortunate to know Greg for a number of decades and I believe the world is in need of people like Greg.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

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Be Brave

For decades now the media and so many other people have been pushing fear. It has got so bad that people driving in a car by themselves are seen wearing a mask. 

The USA was the land of the free and the home of the brave. If we aren’t brave, how long do you think we will be free?

Try the above, you will be surprised to lear that it actually works.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I have found this book most helpful over the years in my quest to be a better person.

Living a Life That Matters

By Harold S. Kushner

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob (the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God), Rabbi Harold S. Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition:

Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Agatha Christie’s Poirot

Series 4

I was having a hard time finding anything to watch that I liked, so I went back to Agatha Christie’s Poirot series. I am now into series 4 of the collection. 

If you like Sherlock Holmes, I think you will like Hercule Poirot.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Should’ve Been A Cowboy

By Toby Keith

I started out early in life as a cowboy, but unfortunately lost my way.

ART OF THE WEEK

Liberty Bell

Years ago, when I was in Philadelphia,

I saw the Liberty Bell and took this photo.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Detroit Police James Craig

Look around at our troubled cities such as Seattle, Portland, Chicago and New York. Detroit is calm compared to those cities. Police Chief James Craig is one of the primary reasons for that. 

People tend to do what you allow them to do and Police Chief Craig isn’t allowing what is going on in many of our major cities. 

I think the people in the cities I mentioned made some very poor decisions when they voted and now they are suffering the consequences.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Diets

I suspect in the long-run, most diets don’t work. I believe you might be far better off with small lifestyle changes such as increasing your physical activity and cutting out a few things you are eating, which aren’t helping you reach your weight goals. Nothing drastic, just small little sustainable changes over time.

CHARACTER TRAITS

I hope this thought provides some small comfort to those of us who are suffering. And for those of us that are doing fine, I hope this helps remind us to be grateful for what we have and are experiencing.

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

Social Distancing

MISCELLANEOUS

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Term Limits

I understand that the Chinese have a saying, white shirts and politicians are best when new.

If you look at how long so many of our key political leaders have held office, do you ever wonder if they are going to fix something, why didn’t they fix it decades ago.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I believe there are no people without flaws, Jefferson had great flaws but he also did great things. There is much more to Thomas Jefferson than you are likely to hear from the media or even today’s schools.

Jefferson

By Saul K. Padover

An abridged version of the classic biography of the U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.

This is a stirring portrait of an extraordinary American—Thomas Jefferson—third President of the United States, architect of freedom and democracy. He began his remarkable career as a lawyer, served in the Virginia House of Delegates and subsequently became Governor of Virginia, Ambassador to France, Secretary of State, and President.

He wrote his own epitaph, because he hoped to be remembered for three of his contributions to the American nation—author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom—and Father of the University of Virginia. Yet, curiously enough, most of Jefferson’s life was a struggle between his desire for a quiet, scholarly life on his plantation at Monticello and the sacrifices he had to make in order to serve his county.

Here, Professor Samuel K. Padover deftly reveals the personality of Jefferson, the devoted husbabnd and father, the farmer and philosopher, as well as the crises and achievements of his brilliant career as a statesman, in this absorbing, highly readable book.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Dancing With The Tsars

If you enjoy Dancing With The Stars, perhaps you will enjoy this show.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Beethoven

ART OF THE WEEK

Art From Peru’s Man-Made Floating Islands In Lake Titicaca

I bought this hanging decoration in 2017 from one of the Indians on the floating islands. They, like everyone I saw in Peru; absolutely refused to accept handouts. They want you to buy something from them, not give them something for nothing.

I found the character of the Peruvians more impressive than so many in the USA, who want something for nothing. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Inspector Harry Callahan

(aka Dirty Harry)

Inspector Harold Callahan, also known as Dirty Harry, was portrayed in the Dirty Harry film series, which consists of Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), The Enforcer (1976), Sudden Impact (1983) and The Dead Pool (1988). 

From his debut, Callahan became the template for a new kind of cop: an antihero who does not hesitate to cross professional boundaries in pursuit of his own vision of justice, especially when the law is poorly served by an inept, incompetent bureaucracy.

All of the Dirty Harry films feature Callahan killing criminals, mostly in gunfights. Phrases he utters in armed stand-offs, “Go ahead, make my day” and “[…] you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?” have become iconic. 

Dirty Harry in Action

  WEEK’S JOKE

This Week’s Joke Compliments of the BBC

I was told the BBC was trying to be sarcastic.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Quarantine Coffee

This is for those of you who like to try different kinds of coffees or those of you who don’t like coffee at all.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

Adapt

It seems everyone has to adapt to our new environment.

MISCELLANEOUS

Gyms have been closed since mid-March and yet Michigan’s governor has now permitted Detroit’s casinos to be open. I have to wonder about the governor’s motivations, not to mention encouraging nursing homes to take in Coronavirus patients.

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Elvis

(January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Tao of Elvis

By David Rosen

This little book is well worth reading.

Elvis Presley was an intensely spiritual man. Gospel was his music of choice, and his life–from innocence to addiction, from obscurity to fame–was one long quest to balance opposites.

The Tao of Elvis is the first attempt to illustrate Elvis’s Taoist nature and interpret his never-ending search for purpose and meaning. Highlighting Elvis’s journey from light into dark, Jungian expert and Elvis scholar David Rosen explores and examines his life through the structure of the Tao Te Ching.

In reflections on forty-two Taoist concepts–one for each year of Elvis’s life–Rosen reveals how the Tao, a mysterious force, was and is operating through America’s king. Like the Tao, Elvis is everywhere.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Unless you really love all things Elvis, you may want to skip this film. (Updated 08/17/20)

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Elvis

Mr. singh (The Sikh Elvis)

ART OF THE WEEK

This is my Elvis hanging tree decoration.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Elvis

(January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977)

Rather than a lot of words about Elvis, the think this Bobby Bare song, The All American Boy covers the life of Elvis very well.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, called for a nationwide mask mandate on Thursday, drawing a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump, who rarely wears a mask himself and opposes such mandates. 

“Every single American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum,” Biden said at a press appearance in Wilmington, Delaware. “Every governor should mandate mandatory mask wearing.

Three months minimum, is that like just wear a mask until we flatten the curve?

There is a saying that one rule for both the horse and the cow is unfair for both. Generally speaking, if you are a liberal you favor centralize control and if you are a conservative, you favor decentralized control. In November you are going to have to make a choice or not vote.

LEARNING TRAITS

Home Schooling

MISCELLANEOUS

Replacing Police

There has been considerable talk about replacing police officers in some situations with other qualified professionals. Normally, I’m against this idea, but in some instances this could possibly work.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

It Is Important To Be Positive

There is absolutely way too much negativity in the world and it seems to be growing worse. In some ways, I’m glad I don’t have that many years remaining to see where all this hate takes us.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Rules For A Knight

By Ethan Hawke

This little book is well worth reading.

A knight, fearing he may not return from battle, writes a letter to his children in an attempt to leave a record of all he knows. In a series of ruminations on solitude, humility, forgiveness, honesty, courage, grace, pride, and patience, he draws on the ancient teachings of Eastern and Western philosophy, and on the great spiritual and political writings of our time. His intent: to give his children a compass for a journey they will have to make alone, a short guide to what gives life meaning and beauty. 

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I just watched this movie again because I heard that the Cancel Culture convinced  the Northwest Film Center (NWFC) in Portland, Oregon to pull this 1990 action comedy from its summer drive-in series. 

I think the concern of the Cancel Culture was that they did not like police officers in schools. 

It is just my own view, but if anything needs cancelling, it is the Cancel Culture.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (1990)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Garden Party

By Rick Nelson

ART OF THE WEEK

Here is a drawing by one of my favorite artists, Kurk Hasley Frederickson. I have three of his originals, but this drawing I grabbed off the internet. I liked the message.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Michelangelo

Michelangelo (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the High Renaissance born in the Republic of Florence, who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art.

His artistic versatility was of such a high order that he is often considered a contender for the title of the archetypal Renaissance man, along with his rival, the fellow Florentine, Leonardo da Vinci. Several scholars have described Michelangelo as the greatest artist of his age and even as the greatest artist of all time.

A number of Michelangelo’s works of painting, sculpture and architecture rank among the most famous in existence. His output in these fields was prodigious. He sculpted two of his best-known works, the Pietà and David, before the age of thirty. Despite holding a low opinion of painting, he also created two of the most influential frescoes in the history of Western art: the scenes from Genesis on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and The Last Judgment on its altar wall. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Probably some of you like me, have been struggling with healthy eating vs. eating bacon. I hope this chart will help you with your decision.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

Stress can age you, as the science of carbon dating shows

MISCELLANEOUS

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Chef Ronaldo’s Cooking Seminar

Saturday, I was fortunate to attend a cooking seminar put on by the world famous Chef Ronaldo. He taught us how to make holy water in your own home kitchen.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Since my movie of the week is Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, which makes fun of Bruce Lee, I thought it only fair that I present another side to Bruce Lee. I found this book well worth reading and have reviewed my highlights and notes I made in this book a number of times.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I’ve seen this film three times now and I still enjoy it. However, to all you Bruce Lee fans, I apologize for making this film again my movie of the week.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Cornershop – Brimful Of Asha (Norman Cook Remix)

“Brimful of Asha” is a single by British alternative rock band Cornershop from their album When I Was Born for the 7th Time. The recording originally reached number 60 on the UK Singles Chart in 1997. After a remixed version by Norman Cook became a radio success, the song was re-released and reached number one on the UK chart and number 16 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

This song is based on the history of film culture in India. Since their beginnings, Indian films have relied heavily on song-and-dance numbers. The singing is almost always performed by background singers while the actors and actresses lip sync. Asha Bhosle is a playback singer who has sung over 12,000 songs. (Source: Wikipedia)

ART OF THE WEEK

Most people take photos when they travel. Here are some of the most popular travel photos of 2020.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Herman Cain

I first became aware of Herman Cain during the Republican Presidential Debates of 2012 (I also watch the Democratic debates). I didn’t know what to think of him, when I first saw him. But as time went on, I thought that I would like to vote for this guy. Unfortunately, I never got the chance.

Herman Cain (December 13, 1945 – July 30, 2020) was an American business executive and syndicated columnist.

Cain grew up in Georgia and graduated from Morehouse College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He then graduated with a master’s degree in computer science at Purdue University, while also working full-time for the U.S. Department of the Navy. In 1977, he joined the Pillsbury Company where he later became vice president. During the 1980s, Cain’s success as a business executive at Burger King prompted Pillsbury to appoint him as chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, in which capacity he served from 1986 to 1996.

Cain was deputy chairman, from 1992 to 1994, and then chairman until 1996, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. From 1996 to 1999, Cain served as president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.

In May 2011, Cain announced his 2012 presidential candidacy. By the fall, his proposed 9–9–9 tax plan and debating performances had made him a serious contender for the Republican nomination.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

So many people say they want to make a difference.

Here is a method that works every time.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Spelling at times, is so important.

For instance, this should have read swallow “whole”

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BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Another older film, but I think as good as many of today’s films.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Here is a song from a different time.

“Where Do You Go To My Lovely”

By Peter Sarstedt

ART OF THE WEEK

Last week, I showed a carved wooden eagle that I bought years ago. On that very same day, I also bought a carved wooded owl that stayed on my front porch until last year. Insects and woodpeckers have taken their toll on the owl, which has now been retired to the back yard.

For holidays, the owl always got into costume. Here he is for Halloween.

And here he is for St. Patrick’s Day

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Our Police Officers

  WEEK’S JOKE

I’m going to have to plead guilty of having done this.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

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I don’t know who wrote this, but I like it.

I’m sick of covid-19.
I’m sick of black vs. white.
I’m sick of Democrats vs. Republicans.
I’m sick of gay vs. straight.
I’m REALLY sick of the media.
I’m sick of the language being used and plastered all over the media…
I’m sick of no one being allowed to think what they want & feel what they do without offending someone.
I am sick of the people who are out there jumping on the bandwagon to protest just to cause mass confusion and more hatred and to riot, loot, and destroy…
I am sick of blaming the world for the sins of a few.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I thought this was a very thought provoking independent film.

It is much more than a simple love story.

Café (2011)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

“Shake Your Tail Feathers”

By The Blues Brothers & Ray Charles

ART OF THE WEEK

This is a carved wooden eagle that I bought and had in my back yard for years.  But unfortunately, like many things in Michigan made of wood it is no more.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I’ve been hosting various happy hour parties for a decade now and it seems like I have lost so many attendees. Elaine was a frequent attendee.

Elaine Belich

Elaine came in first place at my last Halloween Happy Hour

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

There is a school of thought that physical pain is just a manifestation of some psychological trauma.

You can do that.

I recall reading that David Brown said that, “Psychoanalysis isn’t for everyone, certainly not for the financially strapped.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

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Friday, July 10, 2020 demonstrated that there are a lot of outside (people who don’t live in Detroit) agitators trying to destroy Detroit’s comeback. Perhaps, they would have succeeded, were it not for the professionalism of the Detroit Police Force, led by what I believe is the absolute best Police Chief one could ever hope to have leading a major municipal police department with all the challenges such a position faces.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig

This guy is a role model for everyone.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

From what I can tell from Facebook, this has to be one of the most popular books ever.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I just watched this movie again and it is so funny.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song contains some good advice.

“Soak Up The Sun”

By Sheryl Crow

ART OF THE WEEK

Here are a couple of trees hugging

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Charlie Daniels

Oct. 28, 1936 – Jul. 6, 2020

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

One of the key benefits of meditation is stress reduction.

Give it a try by starting with one minute a day.

You can do that.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

The news media, university professors, etc are rewriting history. The thing about being in my 70s is that I personally experienced a number of things that those providing the misinformation are too young to have witness.  Sure, eyewitness accounts vary on details, but on the big things they confirm. For instances, eye witnesses may disagree on who is at fault in a car accident, but they agree that there was a car collision. 

MISCELLANEOUS

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Under Attack

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Everything is so grim and politically correct, I can hardly stand it. I’ve suggested this funny and easy to read self-help book before and thought I would just mention it again.

Attention would-be paesans:  Not sure how to properly accessorize your track suit with gold chains?  Now The Sopranos’ own Bobby Bacala, exposes the inner mysteries of this unique Italian-American hybrid in A Goomba’s Guide to Life so that anyone can walk, talk, and live like a guy “from the neighborhood.” (Source: goodreads)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I saw a lot of great movies this week and it was so hard to just pick one, but even if this movie is 30 years old, I found it still worth watching. Not to mention the lead character in this film, Vinnie Antonelli, always reminded me of my departed friend Mike.

My Blue Heaven (1990)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

“Fortunate Son”

By Creedence Clearwater Revival

The lyrics to the 1969 song reference rich people who orchestrate wars and then draft the poor to fight in them. (Source: John Fogerty)

The well-to-do protected their sons via college deferments. Then they decided to go one better and simply get rid of the draft leaving our military to the poor and those who wish to be warriors, rather than sharing the burden throughout society.

ART OF THE WEEK

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

The American Indian

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Some people feel they don’t have time to exercise.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

There has been some debate about the accuracy of the Covid-19 statistics,

which is basically true for every government statistic.

MISCELLANEOUS

If life is getting you down,

maybe this will help.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS