CURRENT EVENTS

2019 APF Nationals in Grand Rapids, MI

I received first place in the Masters 7 (70 to 74 years old) 90 Kg (198 lbs.) raw bench press and raw deadlift. I’m really not much of a deadlifter, but it seems to help my shoulder from a 2004 operation. Plus, I enjoy being part of the competition.  Better still, getting a liftoff from my trainer and long-time friend Art.

When it comes to the deadlift, for my age I am a serious lifter. My final lift was 363.7 lbs. and in August I hope to break the AWPC world’s raw deadlift record for my age and weight.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’ve read or reviewed my highlight notes in this book many times over the years and again before the APF Nationals last week.

Samurai Strategies

By Boyé Lafayette De Mente

The most famous combat strategist in Japanese history was Musashi Miyamoto, a warrior who lived from 1584 to 1645. Just before he died, Musashi recorded his philosophy, strategies, and tactics in a short treatise entitled Go Rin Sho “The Book of Five Rings”.

Samurai Strategies has extracted the fundamentals of Musashi’s tactics and explains them here in the modern context. Musashi’s strategies for winning are as valid today as they were in seventeenth century Japan and provide valuable insights for anyone in any field of endeavor–from business, war, and sports to the fields of art, love, and politics.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you have been looking at this blog very much, you are aware that I have been on a Spartacus kick for a while now. I just finished watching the first of this miniseries and I thought it was very well done.

Spartacus 2004 TV miniseries (Disc 1 of 2)

Goran Visnjic stars as the gladiator in this TV miniseries that’s adapted from the same 1951 Howard Fast novel that spawned Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 film classic. Living as a slave in Egypt, Spartacus is bought by gladiator trainer Lentulas Agrippa (Alan Bates, in his final screen role), and forced to fight for the amusement of the Roman masses. But he soon spearheads a slave uprising that rocks the very foundations of Rome.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I think all of us can use some “Happy”

Happy

By Pharrell Williams

ART OF THE WEEK

It has been years since I’ve been to the Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip, where I saw a fine collection of Chihuly glass sculptures, so it was nice last week to see some Chihuly Glass Sculptures at Meijer Gardens y Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Chihuly Glass Sculptures

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Dale Chihuly (born September 20, 1941) is an American glass sculptor and entrepreneur. His works are considered to possess outstanding artistic merit in the field of blown glass, “moving it into the realm of large-scale sculpture.” The technical difficulties of working with glass forms are considerable, yet Chihuly uses it as the primary medium for installations and environmental artwork.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I could say more about this person, but the following was what made me decide Keanu Reeves should be the extraordinary person this week. I verified enough of the following to just accept what I didn’t verify.

Keanu Reeves

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

So many aliments can be prevented and sometimes cured by lifestyle changes.

CHARACTER TRAITS

This a great way to handle criticism.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

What could be better than having some friends come out to support your efforts.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

I finally found the answer to something I have been wondering about for a very long time. 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

If you have a koi pond like I do, you certainly don’t want Blue Herons visiting your pond. However, they are a magnificent bird, something that appears to be from prehistoric times when you see them flying above you.

I have some plastic Blue Herons around my pond to indicate to the real Blue Herons that the pond is already taken.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Longest Trek

By Grace Lee Whitney with Jim Denney

I almost stopped reading this book because of Grace’s description of the assault she experienced as well as other bad experiences. But there is enough interesting material in this book to make it of interest to a Star Trek fan. If you are not a Star Trek fan, you may want to pass on this book.

She opened for jazz great Billie Holiday, shared the set with Marilyn Monroe, and flirted on-screen with Jack Lemmon. In her dream role, Gene Roddenberry beamed her aboard the Starship Enterprise as Yeoman Janice Rand in the original “Star Trek” series. But a terrifying sexual assault on the studio lot and her lifelong feelings of emptiness and isolation would soon combine to turn her starry dream into a nightmare.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’ve watch thee episodes of this series and found it entertaining, although like most films they either take some liberties with the facts or simply make some up if we don’t know what actually took place. Still, I found it entertaining.

THE Spanish Princess

The Spanish Princess is a British-American historical period drama television limited series developed by Emma Frost and Matthew Graham for Starz.

It is based on the novels The Constant Princess and The King’s Curse by Philippa Gregory and it is a sequel to the miniseries The White Queen and The White Princess.

The series premiered on May 5, 2019, with an initial eight episode order. On June 3, 2019, Starz ordered an additional eight episodes to premiere in 2020 and conclude the story. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Let’s Dance

By Chris Montez

Here is an early 1960s version from American Bandstand

ART OF THE WEEK

I think it isn’t art, unless it says something. I took these photos of these chairs while I was recently in Krakow.

Memorial to victims of the Krakow ghetto

The Memorial shown in the above photos, was designed by Krakow architects Piotr Lewicki and Kazimierz Latak, and opened on 8 December 2005.

This square was the place where the Jews had to assemble before being transported to the concentration/death camps.  The Jews who were able to work were sent to the Plaszow forced labor camp just outside the city of Krakow, and the rest were sent to the death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

According to information given by the Auschwitz Museum, March 13, 1943 was the day that the gas chamber in Krema II at Birkenau was first used when 1,492 women, children and elderly Jews from the Podgorze Ghetto were put to death immediately upon arrival and their bodies were burned in the ovens.

 As horrible as you can imagine these camps to be, seeing them was even more horrible than anything I could have imagined. I think everyone should see these absolutely horrible places one, but I never want to see such places again.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Willie Nelson

Willie Hugh Nelson(born April 29, 1933) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, producer, author, poet, and activist.Nelson [is] one of the most recognized artists in country music. He was one of the main figures of outlaw country, a subgenre of country music that developed in the late 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. Nelson has acted in over 30 films, co-authored several books, and has been involved in activism for the use of biofuels and the legalization of marijuana.

In 1990, Nelson’s assets were seized by the Internal Revenue Service, which claimed that he owed $32 million. The difficulty of paying his outstanding debt was aggravated by weak investments he had made during the 1980s. In 1992, Nelson released The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?; the profits of the double album—destined to the IRS—and the auction of Nelson’s assets cleared his debt. (Source: Wikipedia)

Last Man Standing

By Willie Nelson

I wish I did not understand so well what Willie is singing;

on second thought, maybe I do.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I’ll be benching and deadlifting this Thursday, June 13.

Here I am with my Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar that I was taking to the gym to use for the first time. It worked great, I did a 345 lbs. deadlift with it and put the big wheels on it to do a 365 lbs. deadlift.

Just in case you don’t know what big wheels are, here is a photo I took a couple of years ago.

CHARACTER TRAITS

I think one is always better off in the long run being honest on their resume.

You certainly don’t want this to happen to you.

In addition to being honest, some student advisors tell their students to try to figure out what the interviewer is looking for and try to position yourself as that kind of person. Personally, I think this is a mistake because you will either have to  be someone you are not your entire career or you will disappoint your employer. Neither is a winning outcome.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Corrective lens can be so annoying.

LEARNING TRAITS

Advertisers and politicians know the importance of selecting a clever name or phrase, so try not to be fooled by them.

MISCELLANEOUS

Not only does it feel better, but often your attitude can influence the outcome.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Spartacus War

By Barry Strauss

I’ve watched several films related to Spartacus and they were all misleading, some a lot, and others not so bad. I don’t know why film makers feel they have to embellish the real story of Spartacus, which is an amazing tale.

An authoritative account from an expert author: The Spartacus War is the first popular history of the revolt in English. A leading authority on classical military history, Barry Strauss has used recent archaeological discoveries, ancient documents, and on-site investigations to create the most accurate and detailed account of the Spartacus rebellion ever written—and it reads like a first-rate novel.

PLAY OF THE WEEK

I saw this play yesterday at Meadow Brook Theater, in Rochester, Michigan, USA. I thought it was extremely well done.

THE IT GIRL

By BT McNicholl – Michael Small – Paul McKibbins

Here is a lighthearted tribute to silent movies and Clara Bow that reinvents her 1927 Paramount Picture “IT.”  Betty is a sassy department store sales clerk who wins an advertising contest held to find the girl with the elusive, thrilling quality known as “IT”. Among those she enchants with sexy charm is the heir to the retail empire that employs her.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I thought you might fine this a little different.

Clips of Clara Bow’s hit movie “It” (1927) set to a song written about her called ‘She’s Got It’ by Harry Reaser.

ART OF THE WEEK

Malbork Castle

Me & Carol at Malbork Castle

The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is a 13th-century Teutonic castle and fortress located near the town of Malbork, Poland. It is the largest castle in the world measured by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was originally constructed by the Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic religious order of crusaders.  In 1457, it was sold by the Bohemian mercenaries to King Casimir IV of Poland and it since served as one of the several Polish royal residences, interrupted by several years of Swedish occupation, and fulfilling this function until the First Partition of Poland in 1772.

From then on the castle came back to German rule for over 170 years. Following Germany’s defeat in World War II in 1945, the land was assigned to Poland by the Allies. Heavily damaged, the castle was renovated under the auspices of modern-day Poland in the second half of the 20th century and most recently in 2016. Nowadays, the castle hosts exhibitions and serves as a museum. (Source: Wikipedia)

Seat of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order

This 13th-century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order was substantially enlarged and embellished after 1309, when the seat of the Grand Master moved here from Venice. A particularly fine example of a medieval brick castle, it later fell into decay, but was meticulously restored in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the conservation techniques now accepted as standard were evolved here. Following severe damage in the Second World War it was once again restored, using the detailed documentation prepared by earlier conservators.

I could not resist sitting in the seat of the Grand Master

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone, the perpetually anachronistic, famously mysterious artist who rose to prominence as a performer on Toronto’s folk circuit in the early ’70s, died Thursday while in hospice care in Bucks County, Pa.

Redbone’s family confirmed his death through a publicist. No cause was given, and Redbone’s age was a subject of speculation for decades.

“I’ve heard he’s anywhere from 25 to 60,” Bob Dylan told Rolling Stone in 1974, “and I can’t tell, but you gotta see him.” That same year, when asked about his age by Rolling Stone, Redbone replied: “Of course I don’t know. It’s just something I vaguely recall. I can’t say for sure.” In the news release announcing his death, Redbone’s age was cited as 127.

The only things known — ostensibly — of Redbone’s origins were revealed by Toronto Star columnist George Gamester in the 1980s: that he was a Cypriot named Dickran Gobalian, who emigrated to Ontario in the 1960s and changed his name after arriving in Canada.

Redbone’s obscurantist tendencies, including his ever-present, masking uniform of sunglasses, bushy mustache and Panama hat, gave Redbone the aura of a quixotic time-traveler, someone who simply stepped onto the stage fully formed.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

There were those who never came home

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Beam Me Up, Scotty

By James Doohan with Peter David

I’ve read most of the books by the crew of the Starship Enterprise, but somehow missed this one. If you are a fan of Star Trek, you probably should read this book; otherwise, I doubt it will hold much interest for you. 

All around the world, everyone knows “Scotty” — but far fewer know the true story of actor James Doohan, who has brought Starfleet’s legendary “miracle worker” to life for three seasons on television and in seven major motion pictures.

The actor who brought to life Star Trek’s engineering officer Montgomery Scott discusses his army service during World War II, his career, and relationships with his co-stars

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

The last season of one of my favorite shows.

Elementary Season 7

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I saw this video and it made me proud that I live in the USA.

Old Town Road

Lil Nas X(Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus)

ART OF THE WEEK

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Location: Near Kraków, Poland

I was recently in this amazing mine and saw the unground lake, chapels and statues carved out of salt by the miners. Here are a few photos, which in no way conveys how marvelous this place is. I’m hoping these and other photos I have posted will encouraging you to travel somewhere you have never been. This was  my first trip to Poland and I thought the entire country was amazing.

Underground Lake

Various carvings

Huge Gallery Deep in the Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, lies within the Kraków metropolitan area. Sodium chloride (table salt) was formerly produced there and had been since Neolithic times. The Wieliczka salt mine, excavated from the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines. Commercial salt mining was discontinued in 1996 owing to falling salt prices and mine flooding.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is now an official Polish Historic Monument. Its attractions include the shafts and labyrinthine passageways, displays of historic salt-mining technology, an underground lake, four chapels and numerous statues carved by miners out of the rock salt, and more recent sculptures by contemporary artists. (Source: Wikipedia)

As much as I like traveling, it is always nice to have someone waiting for you when you return from a trip.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Nicolaus Copernicus

Mikolaj Kopernik (Polish Spelling)

Nicolaus Copernicus (aka Mikolaj Kopernik (19 February 1473 – 24 May 1543) was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer, who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at the center of the universe.

The publication of Copernicus’ model in his book (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), just before his death in 1543, was a major event in the history of science. 

Copernicus was born and died in Royal Prussia, a region that had been part of the Kingdom of Poland since 1466. He obtained a doctorate in canon law and was also a mathematician, astronomer, physician, classics scholar, translator, governor, diplomat, and economist. 

This is a picture I took of Mikolaj Kopernik’s actual house in Toruñ, Poland.

Our guide (Picture below) who told us she was a small child during the time of Kopernik, but remembered this story.

When Napoleon came to Toruñ, he asked the city leaders to show him Kopernik’s house. The city leaders had no idea where Kopernik had lived, since hundreds of years had passed. So they found an empty house, brought in some furniture and even a telescope (which had yet to be invited during Kopernik’s time). Napoleon was satisfied.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

This lady certainly models the behavior of a caring and courageous person.

Adina Emilia De Zavala

You can read more about her on Wikipedia, by searching for Adina Emilia De Zavala.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

These are the top ten countries in the last year who have looked at this blog.

LEARNING TRAITS

My homework was never eaten.

If I had it to do over again, I would have paid more attention when I was in school to grammar and spelling.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

This Week’s Post Is Coming To You From The Following Polish Cities:

Gdañsk

Warclaw

(Famous for its Gnomes)

and

Krakow

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The First Triumvirate

By Clifford Alexander

Last week I mentioned a book titled The Second Triumvirate by Clifford Alexander. I liked the book so much and I obtained and read this book.

The First Century BC was a century characterized by warfare and political strife in Rome, and was beginning to undergo an uneasy transition from Republic to Imperial Power.

Central in this change were the actions of the First Triumvirate: an alliance between the most powerful men in Rome. The Triumvirate was composed of Gnaeus Pompey Magnus, Marcus Licinius Crassus, and Gaius Julius Caesar, and together these individuals combined their vast political influence to reduce the Roman Senate to a mere charade.

Soon, it too began to show signs of corruption, and each man started to suspect the other of looming betrayal. These misgivings would seep through the alliance until the poison had successfully turned the members of the First Triumvirate against one another. The political tension, and the ensuing war, would fundamentally alter the very fabric of the Roman state forever. From the chaos of the Triumvirate, a new form of government would take root: the Roman monarchy we now know as the Empire.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I watched a couple of movies this week, but I don’t want to mention what they were because I am afraid you might simply take a look at them out of curiosity. Trust me, the majority of you will be disappointed. I was crossing the Atlantic Ocean and could not sleep; which is the only reason I watched them.

If you have a movie suggestion, please mention it in the comment section of this blog.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

If you have never been exposed to classical music, you should give it a try.

Kensho Watanabe was the conductor and what an amazing performance he put on.

We got there early and was able to sit in the first row. When Kensho walked by us he said, “You guys are really close.” I thought that was cool, first time a conductor ever spoke to us.

After intermission, Kensho came by again and said, “Thank you for staying.” I thought he was really cool.

ART OF THE WEEK

Neptune Fountain

Location: Gdansk, Poland

The focal point of Długi Targ, the Long Market, is the Neptune Fountain, a bronze statue of the sea god erected in 1549 and converted to a fountain in 1633 and restored in 2011/12.

During WWII, this symbol of Gdańsk was dismantled and hidden with many of the city’s other treasures. It was only returned to its rightful place in 1954. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Lech Walesa

Lech Wałęsa (Born 29 September 1943) is a Polish retired politician and labour activist. He co-founded and headed Solidarity, the Soviet bloc’s first independent trade union, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, and served as President of Poland from 1990 to 1995.

While working at the Lenin Shipyard (now Gdańsk Shipyard), Wałęsa, an electrician, became a trade-union activist, for which he was persecuted by the Communist authorities, placed under surveillance, fired in 1976, and arrested several times. In August 1980 he was instrumental in political negotiations that led to the ground-breaking Gdańsk Agreement between striking workers and the government. He co-founded the Solidarity trade-union movement.

After martial law was imposed in Poland and Solidarity was outlawed, Wałęsa was again arrested. Released from custody, he continued his activism and was prominent in the establishment of the 1989 Round Table Agreement that led to semi-free parliamentary elections in June 1989 and to a Solidarity-led government.

In the Polish general election of 1990, Wałęsa successfully ran for the newly re-established office of President of Poland. He presided over Poland’s transition from communism to a post-communist state.

I was at the Gdañsk Shipyards and took this photo.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Last week I mentioned that Józef Pitsudski, the great Polish patriot, was more of a “My Way Or Prison” type guy than a “My Way Or The Highway” type guys.

Here I am in prision.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

My “Age/Weight” national raw deadlift record arrived.

I am actually going to be lifting in the AWPC world powerlifting championships on my birthday, August 16. And on my birthday, I am going to try in my “Age/Weight” category to win the raw bench press & raw deadlift championships, plus break the current AWPC world’s raw deadlift record. The record is currently held by a Russian, who set it in Moscow on June 15, 2013. It will be a nice birthday present for a 73 year-old. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

Auschwitz

I was at this horrible place, but did not what to take many pictures. The camp commandants were publicly hung, but I was told the guards were typically given one to three years prison. I think they should have all been hung.

I was just following orders is never an excuse.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Poor Choices

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

This Week’s Post Is Coming To You From Warsaw, Poland

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Second Triumvirate

By Clifford Alexander

If you don’t know anything about The First Triumvirate, than this book probably isn’t for you. However, if you do know about The First Triumvirate; I think you will enjoy this easy to read book.

With the murder of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March 44 BC, a new political constellation seized control of the city of Rome. Known as the Second Triumvirate, this alliance between Gaius Octavius (Augustus), Marc Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus formed in the year 43 BC and saw the three most powerful men in Rome overcome their own personal differences to bring about a new stability to their tumultuous city. 

Gradually emerging victorious over the assassins, the Second Triumvirate attempted to consolidate their hold on the Roman Empire by partitioning its vast expanse amongst themselves.  In what followed, political intrigue pitted each member of the Triumvirate against one another, as all attempted to seize absolute power.

This contest between the greatest Roman politicians mobilized vast armies from across the world, and featured battles that stretched from the sands of the Persian heartlands to the Spanish steppes. From the ashes of the Second Triumvirate emerged a new form of government that we now know as the Empire. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Green Book (2018)

This movie is both very entertaining and also very educational. I took college classes until my mid-50s and I am still trying to wake up as so many classes were boring.

Education should be engaging and entertaining. If it isn’t, I’m not sure what you are being taught; but, it probably isn’t to think for yourself.

I thought this movie was excellent

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I enjoy watching this video, it is both music and a story. I hope you enjoy it too.

Beer For My Horses

By Toby Keith & Featuring Willie Nelson

ART OF THE WEEK

The Nut Gatherers (1887)

By William Adolphe Bouguereau

Location: Detroit Institute of Arts

Bouguereau shows us two innocent girls posing in a glade, unaware of the dangers of life. The fresh faces, smooth skin, and bare feet remind us of the vulnerability of youth and of that privileged world of simple pleasures and intense youthful friendship before the responsibilities of adult life begin. Bouguereau was a teacher who upheld traditional values in painting at the Académie des Beaux Arts in Paris.

What a surprise when I stopped by our local library and saw a replica of this famous painting on the building’s wall.

Since, I have a copy of this same painting in my hallway.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Józef Pitsudski

I was really impressed with this guy. Not only is he a great Polish patriot, but he looks like someone you would be better off not messing with. 

Perhaps, you hear the saying, “My way or the highway.” Well this is more of a “My way or prison” type guy.

Józef Klemens Piłsudski, (5 December 1867 – 12 May 1935) was a Polish statesman who served as the Chief of State (1918–22) and First Marshal of Poland (from 1920).

He was considered the de facto leader (1926–35) of the Second Polish Republic as the Minister of Military Affairs. From World War I he had great power in Polish politics and was a distinguished figure on the international scene.

He is viewed as a father of the Second Polish Republic re-established in 1918, 123 years after the 1795 Partitions of Polandby Austria, Prussia and Russia

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

I grew up in a neighborhood that was predominantly Hill Billy, Italian and Polish; so I think I should be allowed to tell a couple of ethnic jokes.

I remember when I first got married, my family was so upset with me. I recall them saying, “What is the matter. Ain’t your own kin good enough for you.”

One of my hill billy friends went to a doctor and told the doctor he just had to be Polish. The doctor warned him, that he was going to have to have half of his brain removed. My hill billy friend said, “That’s okay, I’ve got to be Polish.”

After the operation, the doctor came in and told my friend that there had been a horrible mistake. Instead of removing half of his brain, they accidentally removed his entire brain.

My friend said “Mamma Mia!”

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I would not recommend anyone start drinking, if they don’t currently drink. However, I suspect one or two drinks a day may be helpful.

So for you drinkers out there, check out this Warsaw restaurant menu.  How about that, “Brzeski” on their menu. And I love the way they spell “Alkohole”.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw

This Memorial is dedicated to people who did not die fighting for freedom. These people died “fighting for an honorable death.” They knew they had absolutely no chance of surviving, if they rose up against the Nazis; since, they were surrounded by Nazis and vastly outgunned. They just didn’t want to go to their deaths without a fight. They died a noble death, they were truly extraordinary.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Poor Choices

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

The above is a rather strange image, but it should make you think.  After seeing this, I would be reluctant to put off things I wanted to do and things I wanted to say to people.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Spring time and the bunnies are helping me mow my lawn.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

Quest for the Best

By Stanley Marcus

I had the privilege of meeting Stanley Marcus October 13, 1992 and he signed his book for me. Although I was only with him a minute or so, I walked away knowing I had just met someone who was truly extraordinary. As for the book, Stanley Marcus wrote it, so the book has to be remarkable. I’ve read it and reviewed it a number of times over the last quarter century that I have had it. 

Who better to know what is “the best” than the man who made Neiman Marcus synonymous with excellence for more than fifty years? Quest for the Best outlines Marcus’s philosophy of what constitutes the best in goods and services and how to receive it.

Marcus describes how increased labor costs and the disappearance of family owned businesses into the pockets of corporate giants have led to an institutionalized indifference to quality. “I have observed,” he writes, “that when you talk with an independent fine-quality maker, he speaks with pride about his product; when you talk with the chairman of a large corporation, he refers with pride to its net profit and balance sheet.”

Quest for the Best is not just a nostalgic look, however, at the age of handcrafted elegance. Marcus gives good advice on how consumers can educate themselves about the best, demand it, and get it. He describes his own experiences with the best in chapters such as “The Things You Love to Touch,” and “Bed and Board.” Witty, urbane, but always accessible, Marcus is a joy to read.

PLAY & MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I saw this play on April 28 at Meadow Brook Theater, in Rochester, Michigan; and I thought it was excellent. I didn’t look at my watch even once, the time just flew by with some comedy and a lot of great songs.

If you live in the Detroit area, it will be running through May 19, 2019.

This hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “Stupid Cupid.” When the girls reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion we learn about the past decade’s highs and lows.

Bohemian Rhapsody

It has taken me a while to get around to watching this film. I found it well worth watching and the acting was superb.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Given the movie of the week, it seems appropriate to feature some music by Queen.

We Will Rock You

By Queen

ART OF THE WEEK

Bird’s Eye View of Niagara Falls

This week I wanted to provide a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls; however, Bird photo bombed my shot of the Falls.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Stanley Marcus

Harold Stanley Marcus (April 20, 1905 – January 22, 2002) was president (1950–1972) and later chairman of the board (1972–1976) of the luxury retailer Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas.

During his tenure at the company, he also became a published author, writing his memoir Minding the Store and also a regular column in The Dallas Morning News.

Marcus introduced many of the innovations for which Neiman-Marcus became known, creating a national award for service in fashion and hosting art exhibitions in the store itself, as well as weekly fashion shows and an annual Fortnight event highlighting a different foreign country for two weeks each year.

He established the Neiman-Marcus Christmas Catalogue, which became famous for extravagant “His and Hers” gifts such as airplanes and camels. Marcus prided himself on his staff’s ability to provide service and value for each client, often citing his father’s dictum, “There is never a good sale for Neiman Marcus unless it’s a good buy for the customer.”

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

There are so many mysteries is the world, with the help of numerous friends, this blog is trying to give you a greater understanding of the world we live in. 

LEARNING TRAITS

I’m getting the impression that the majority of American colleges and universities are at best trade school and for many not even that. 

MISCELLANEOUS

Guys, here is some advice on how to flirt with girls.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Since my last day of work, December 31, 2009,  I have just been sliding through life as you can see.

It is my hope that this blog will in some small way, help you also slide through life.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

When Paris Sizzled

By Mary McAuliffe

Overall, this is not an easy book to read. Unless you are familiar with many of the people below, I think you would be better served by watching the film Midnight in Paris. However, if you are familiar with the majority of people mention in this book, you may find after reading this book you will know much more about this period in history.

When Paris Sizzled vividly portrays the City of Light during the fabulous 1920s, that saw seismic change on almost every front, from art and architecture to music, literature, fashion, entertainment, transportation, and, most notably, behavior.

Major figures on the Paris scene—such as Gertrude Stein, Jean Cocteau, Picasso, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, and Proust—continued to hold sway, while others now came to prominence—including Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, Cole Porter, and Josephine Baker, as well as André Citroën, Le Corbusier, Man Ray, Sylvia Beach, James Joyce, and the irrepressible Kiki of Montparnasse.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

At times a touching film, but with enough comedy to keep it from being a real tear jerker.

Instant Family (2018)

Adopting three foster children at once thinking that it’s a perfect way to start a family, Pete and Ellie fail to consider that their new charges may be hellions — which they are. Not only do the kids flout the rules, they see no reason for parents.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

I have no idea how many times I have watched this film, but it is still one of the funniest films I have ever seen.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Love Shack

By The B-52’s

ART OF THE WEEK

Family photos are a common tradition and I believe practically all of you have had one or more of them taken over the years. My family certainly isn’t large, but I think the artist, Lindsey; has done an excellent job of capturing our inner uniqueness far more than any photographer could.  Below is me, Bear and Carol.

Thank you Lindsey

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Mike

Mike was one of the most fun people I have ever encountered. We were friends in high school. I went into the Army after high school and Mike went into the Navy. The world was a much different place when we got out of the service and we hung out together in the late 1960 and early 1970s. It was an interesting time and we did a lot of interesting things.

I think the character Steve Martin played in the film My Blue Heaven captures Mike’s fun-loving personality. After I watched this film, I telephoned Mike and told him that I had just seen him in this film.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Every woman should learn to iron.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

I believe many of you have had a hard time trying to figure out how to fold a fitted sheet. I hope this helps.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

What a terrible tragedy to this 850-year-old Paris landmark. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited this historical site years ago as one of the many millions who visit Notre Dame de Paris each year.

Notre Dame Cathedral Fire

Notre Dame’s Spire

Spire on Fire

Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral in Paris, France. The cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Its innovative use of the rib vault and flying buttress, its enormous and colourful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration set it apart from the earlier Romanesque style.

The cathedral was begun in 1160 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was largely complete by 1260, though it was modified frequently in the following centuries. In the 1790s, Notre-Dame suffered desecration during the French Revolution; much of its religious imagery was damaged or destroyed.

In 1804, the cathedral was the site of the Coronation of Napoleon I as Emperor of France. Popular interest in the cathedral blossomed soon after the publication, in 1831, of Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. This led to a major restoration project between 1844 and 1864, supervised by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who added the cathedral’s iconic spire.

The cathedral is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the city of Paris and the French nation. Approximately 12 million people visit Notre-Dame annually, making it the most visited monument in Paris.

While undergoing renovation and restoration, the roof of Notre-Dame caught fire on the evening of 15 April 2019. Burning for around 15 hours, the cathedral sustained serious damage, including the destruction of the spire and most of the lead-covered wooden roof above the stone vaulted ceiling. (Source: Wikipedia) 

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

By John C. Maxwell

I read this book a couple of years ago and found it interesting. If you like history, you may like this book.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World (2004) is a history book written by Jack Weatherford, Dewitt Wallace Professor of Anthropology at Macalester College. It is a narrative of the rise and influence of Genghis Khan and his successors, and their influence on European civilization. Weatherford provides a different slant on Genghis Khan than has been typical in most Western accounts, attributing positive cultural effects to his rule. (Source: Wikipedia)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I saw this movie a long time ago, but just watched it again last week. It is very interesting, thought provoking and has stood the test of time.

The Man From Earth (2007)

An impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman becomes a mysterious interrogation after the retiring scholar reveals to his colleagues he has a longer and stranger past than they can imagine. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

How about some Mogul music this week.

Yuve Yuve Yu

By The Hu

ART OF THE WEEK

I bought the Black Cat (It is actually soap) and Carol bought the little green bathtub in Myrtle Beach. Carol put the cat in the bathtub and that was the art. Creating something new out of two existing objects, which have an affinity to one another (i.e.; soap & a bathtub).

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan (c. 1162 – August 18, 1227) was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death.

After founding the Empire and being proclaimed “Genghis Khan”, he launched the Mongol invasions that conquered most of Eurasia. By the end of his life, the Mongol Empire occupied a substantial portion of Central Asia and China.

Genghis Khan died in 1227 after defeating the Western Xia. By his request, his body was buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in Mongolia. His descendants extended the Mongol Empire across most of Eurasia by conquering or creating vassal states in all of modern-day China, Korea, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and substantial portions of Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia.

Many of these invasions repeated the earlier large-scale slaughters of local populations. As a result, Genghis Khan and his empire have a fearsome reputation in local histories.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Genghis Khan also advanced the Mongol Empire in other ways. He decreed the adoption of the Uyghur script as the Mongol Empire’s writing system. He also practiced meritocracy and encouraged religious tolerance in the Mongol Empire, and unified the nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia. Present-day Mongolians regard him as the founding father of Mongolia.

Genghis Khan was known for the brutality of his campaigns, and is considered by many to have been a genocidal ruler. However, he is also credited with bringing the Silk Road under one cohesive political environment. This brought relatively easy communication and trade between Northeast Asia, Muslim Southwest Asia, and Christian Europe, expanding the cultural horizons of all three areas. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

I lifted in the raw bench press and raw deadlift, 181.7 to 198 lbs. category, aged 70 to 74.

In my age/weight category, I took first place in both the raw bench press and raw deadlift. In the deadlift, I set a new AAPF age/weight national record of 363.7 lbs.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader

By John C. Maxwell

This book is a bit old, it came out in 1999 and although the title indicates it is about leadership; in a sense all of us are leaders in one way or another, even if we don’t bear the official title indicating we are a leader.

What struck me was the part of the book’s description that reads, “John C. Maxwell provides a concise, accessible leadership book that helps readers become more effective leaders from the inside out.” Who doesn’t need to work of their insides or to gain a deeper understanding of humans.

I first read this book long ago and have recently taken a second look at it and found insights such as, “It’s hard for a person to be generous when [they] are not satisfied with what [they have]. And if you’re not generous with little, you won’t suddenly change if you become wealthy.”

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I thought this ad was better than the movies I watched this week.

Step Jamie – Progressive Insurance Ad

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I certainly didn’t work as hard getting ready for the AAPF National Powerlifting competition as Rocky did getting ready for his fight, but since November I have worked harder at the gym than I ever have to get ready for the AAPF Nationals.

Rocky Theme Song

ART OF THE WEEK

I’d say this tree is a bit of an artist.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Pericles

Pericles (495 – 429 BC) was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator and general of Athens during its golden age. Pericles led his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War. The period during which he led Athens, roughly from 461 to 429 BC, is sometimes known as the “Age of Pericles”.

Pericles promoted the arts and literature; it is principally through his efforts that Athens acquired the reputation of being the educational and cultural center of the ancient Greek world.

He started an ambitious project that generated most of the surviving structures on the Acropolis (including the Parthenon). This project beautified and protected the city, exhibited its glory, and gave work to the people.

Bill & Carol at the Acropolis

Pericles also fostered Athenian democracy. He, along with several members of his family, succumbed to the Plague of Athens in 429 BC, which weakened the city-state during a protracted conflict with Sparta. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

This answers the question.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Other than some terrible accident or birth defect, I don’t understand why anyone would want to change the interesting features that nature provides and are often the thing that makes you both interesting and unique.

CHARACTER TRAITS

It was the great Athenian leader, Pericles, who said that there was nothing wrong with poverty. It could be caused by so many things—a business failure, the sudden loss of a family’s breadwinner, theft, even just plain old back luck. Like the Stoics, he knew that Fortune could swoop in, and, in the blink of an eye, undo years of hard work and careful planning.

But Pericles would not have said, as religious leaders and populist demagogues have tried to argue for thousands of years, that there was anything special or holy about poverty. While it wasn’t necessarily someone’s fault they were poor, and so they shouldn’t be judged for it, Pericles said, there was “real shame…in not taking steps to escape it.” (Source: Daily Stoic)

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS