Category: Learning Traits

07/27/25 – Productive Procrastination

Wm. Allen6 Comments

Current Events

Productive Procrastination

I’ve been guilty of this many times.

Book of the Week

This is an extremely easy to read. thought provoking, little book.

Master’s Meditation Mantras – Vol. 1

By Bill FitzPatrick

Here is an example of what you will find in this little book: 

Do it before you’re asked.

Or

The greater your fortune, the greater your obligation.

Movie of the Week

I think this is really worth watching. 

Burn After Reading (2008)

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/jksnxStXol0?si=2ozMIxLTD-QBVaxb

Music of the Week

This week’s song was inspired by:

867-5309/Jenny (1981)

By Tommy Tutone

Please click on the link below to see the music video:

https://youtu.be/6WTdTwcmxyo?si=YmO470sjspb0mFOO

Add’d Info

Not surprisingly, the song led to people prank calling unsuspecting victims by dialing 867-5309 and asking for “Jenny”

Extraordinary Person of the Week

As sorry as I am to learn this week of the passing of

Hulk Hogan;

however, this truly saddens me.

It was at Jeff’s retirement party a month or so ago, and he seemed fine. He was such as creative guy, I thought he would really do something amazing during his retirement.

Not only did we work together, but one summer we were on the same bowling league, he was in one of my short films, and came to a number of parties I had put on; plus he brought his “Barbershop Quartet” to my retirement party.

Art of the Week

Backyard Pond

Pond created by my friend Leroy

The Guy Outdoor Services, LLC

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

I have to keep reminding myself

that the fork always trumps exercise.

 Character Traits

Discipline

I know discipline is the key

to accomplishing anything I want in life.

There are many more lions, that you don’t see:

procrastination,

lack of motivation

the allure of instant gratification,

many others fueled by social media and other distractions.

Social Traits

Here is an example of what happens

when we don’t communicate clearly

Learning Traits

Cosmology is the study of  the universe. It explores the origin, evolution, structure, and future of the universe, drawing on principles from physics, astronomy, and other scientific disciplines. 

This is something we should all have some familiarity with and so I am passing this bit of info on to you.

Miscellaneous

I can relate to this, as many of you can.

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

And if you let me know

that you bought a copy of the Uncle Tony Book “from” Schuler Books, I will mail you a free copy of:

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

07/20/25 – Addictions, Fears, etc.

Wm. Allen10 Comments

Current Events

Addictions, Fears, etc.

Click on the link below for a solution.

https://youtu.be/aAhA7KfbJgg?si=foa7f32uvbe6IDP4

Book of the Week

It’s a children’s book, but is it really?

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

and

Through the Looking Glass

By Lewis Carol

The book talks about very few things being really impossible.

About giving oneself very good advice,  

but seldom following it.

Waking up as one person and changing throughout the day.

Everything has a moral, if only you can find it. 

Movie of the Week

I think this is worth watching. 

Sirens is an American dark comedy limited Netflix series. Set over the course of a single weekend at a luxurious beach estate, the series explores themes of gender, power, and social class. It premiered on May 22, 2025, and received generally positive reviews from critics.

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/nxSpZ9khchU?si=HA5KbDO0OkmCHT2N

Music of the Week

This week’s song was inspired by:

Walk Like an Egyptian (1986)

By The Bangles

Please click on the link below to see the music video:

https://youtu.be/Cv6tuzHUuuk?si=vLbwdzm4HVx5m-4S

Extraordinary Person of the Week

I’ve known Michele for over 35 years and watched her career go from a supervisor to a senior vice-president in a large corporation. She is proof that it is possible for really nice people to rise to the top.

Michele Samuels

Art of the Week

Backyard Fairy Garden

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

 Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

I believe we can all be more creative, 

if we would just try.

Miscellaneous

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

And if you let me know

that you bought a copy of the Uncle Tony Book “from” Schuler Books, I will mail you a free copy of:

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

07/13/25 – Passwords Can Drive You Crazy

Wm. Allen8 Comments

Current Events

Passwords Can Drive You Crazy

Book of the Week

I believe this book was written to help young girls become more self-confident, develop a strong body image, develop and practice healthy lifestyle habits and successfully manage times of transition. With that said, I think anyone would benefit from this book.

Strong Beauty – Power Up The Champion Within

By Karen Furneaux

Karen Furneaux, world champion, Sports Hall-of-Famer and international speaker, shares her deepest insights and the golden nuggets that it takes to succeed at your goals.

I’ve had a few email exchanges with Karen over the years and she is an absolutely wonderful person, who wrote a wonderful book. I first read it in 2018 and never does a year go by that I don’t review the book and get inspired again. 

Movie of the Week

I don’t have a movie suggestion for you this week. However, I did go to a Rolling Stones tribute band concert by Jumping Jack Flash.

Jumping Jack Flash

From the video, you can tell it is an old crowd.

But than, so are the Stones

Music of the Week

Those of you who have gotten to know me, probably expected I would be playing a Rolling Stone’s song, well!

Soul Time (1967)

By Madeline Bell

Please click on the link below to see the music video:

https://youtu.be/5k-iuUNwGuw?si=JkPQsY2Eiq6Kg_VC

Extraordinary Person of the Week

The Dalai Lama

Art of the Week

Crochet Creatures

Penguin & Yeti

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

I can’t think of a better cafe to go to.

 Character Traits

Social Traits

Ladies, Please!

Learning Traits

Not sure what to make for dinner.

Perhaps, this will help.

Miscellaneous

I’m not sure this new chess piece will improve the game of chess.

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

And if you let me know

that you bought a copy of the Uncle Tony Book “from” Schuler Books, I will mail you a free copy of:

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

07/06/25 – Sign

Wm. Allen2 Comments

Current Events

Sign

It all depends upon how you read it.

Book of the Week

I think you will find this readable book most helpful. 

Letters From a Stoic

By Seneca

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy focused on virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. It emphasizes distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, and cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. By focusing on these virtues and accepting what we cannot change, Stoics aim to achieve happiness. 

Movie of the Week

This film is very interesting, I just wished they had shown more of some of her actual interviews with people like Fidel Castro, Colonel Gaddafi, etc.

Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything

Streaming June 23 on Hulu

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/4u8UCNCDszM?si=4GMCvP_LoEe7qbg9

Music of the Week

Girl Watcher (1968)

By The O’Kaysions

This song is dedicated to Gene.

Why the dedication, let’s just say Gene’s wife wasn’t happy.

Walter, Me, y Gene

Please click on the link below to see the music video:

https://youtu.be/TGuNIS-n6Q8?si=zhFq-BcGQsCzYt1i

Extraordinary Person of the Week

People You Haven’t Yet Met

Art of the Week

Fourth of July Decorating

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

Don’t wait until you get old to try and get rid of it.

 Character Traits

Social Traits

On a more serious side, more than a few people care,

even if you can’t see that at the moment.

Learning Traits

You should write and speak

to express, not to impress.

Miscellaneous

To whoever it was in Australia, who bought an

Uncle Tony book.

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

And if you let me know

that you bought a copy of the Uncle Tony Book “from” Schuler Books, I will mail you a free copy of:

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

06/29/25 – Staying Positive During A Heat Wave

Wm. Allen8 Comments

Current Events

Staying Positive During A Heat Wave

Book of the Week

This is a fun and very quick read, that contains many helpful insights. 

Really Important Stuff

My Cat Has Taught Me

By Cynthia L. Copeland

Movie of the Week

I enjoyed watching the first six of this ten episode Apple TV series. Episode 7 will be available on July 2. The show is about a washed-up professional golfer, who turns towards a rising young star in the game to turn things around for himself. I find Owen Wilson is good in whatever role he is playing. Mariana Treviño Ortiz, who plays the mother is a joy to watch.

Stick (June 2025)

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/UPayOdeUPfk?si=ghgtg6Usd33EWMGp

Music of the Week

Summer Time Blues (1958)

By Eddie Cochran

Please click on the link below to see the music video:

https://youtu.be/zdIqME_JLaU?si=4rrmi-pcpMR6UziT

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Don Quixote

Don Quixote does not see the world for what it is and prefers to imagine that he is living out a knightly story meant for the annals of all time.

Perhaps more of us should be

“tilting at windmills”

The above is a 1955 sketch by Pablo Picasso

of the Spanish literary hero and his sidekick, Sancho Panza.

Art of the Week

The Healer (1937)

By Réne Magritte

The Cloaked Figure:

The figure’s anonymity, enhanced by the cloak, invites interpretation while obscuring identity, a common Magrittean technique. 

The Birdcage:

The birdcage, often a symbol of confinement or hidden truths, juxtaposed with the birds (symbols of freedom) creates a paradox, suggesting both restriction and potential for liberation.

Healing and Mystery:

The title “The Healer” suggests a focus on restoration or guidance, but the unsettling imagery hints at a deeper, perhaps more complex, exploration of the human condition.

Existential Ambiguity:

The painting can be interpreted as a meditation on the nature of healing, both physical and emotional, and the inherent mysteries of life and the human mind.

Summary

Magritte’s work often challenges viewers to question their perceptions of reality and the relationship between the visible and the invisible, and “The Healer” exemplifies this approach.

Joke of the Week

Physical Traits

One of the competitors at the recent APF/AAPF National Powerlifting competition was 90 years old.

How to you envision yourself at 90?

 Character Traits

This can be a little scary.

Guard your thoughts.

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Learning a foreign language is

 helpful in keeping one mentally sharp.

Plus you never know when it could come in handy.

Miscellaneous

What are you putting off?

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

And if you let me know

that you bought a copy of the Uncle Tony Book “from” Schuler Books, I will mail you a free copy of:

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

06/22/25 – Backyard Visitors

Wm. Allen7 Comments

Current Events

Backyard Visitors

Book of the Week

I just re-read this book and the advice has stood the test of time, even if some of the suggested movies didn’t. 

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

By Wm. Allen

Movie of the Week

My Old Ass is a 2024 coming-of-age comedy drama film. It stars Maisy Stella in her film debut, and Aubrey Plaza. The plot follows Elliott, an 18-year-old girl who encounters her 39-year-old self (portrayed by Stella and Plaza, respectively) during a mushroom trip (Wikipedia). I found the film entertaining, but I was disappointed that Aubrey Plaza wasn’t on the screen more.  However, I would probably say that about every film Aubrey Plaza is in 🙂.

My Old Ass (2024)

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/zscHD496Qas?si=jjoqhf0IMyci93Os

Music of the Week

How about some soft, sweet and refined music.

Hot Hot Hot

By Buster Poindexter

Please click on the link below to see the music video:

https://youtu.be/EhZba-P7R18?si=Lr0ay0SijHEJwaTA

Extraordinary Person of the Week

Night Witches

I had to check this out on Wikipedia, before I posted.

Please click on the link below to go to Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Witches

Art of the Week

Cat Shadow

I thought this rather clever.

Joke of the Week

Uncle Tony has a great sense of humor, that I included at the end of each of his topics. This particular Uncle Tony story was at the end of his Topic 6: Arguments.

Speaking of arguments, Uncle Tony told me that one time he got into an argument with his furnace.

I asked, “What happened?”

Uncle Tony said, “Well, things got a little heated.”

Physical Traits

The follow may not be 100% accurate; however, I think it generally says a lot about the average American.

 Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Thank you, if you like my posts

Books

Uncle Tony’s

Management Tips & Jokes

By Wm. Allen

Paperback $15.00

Ebook $5.00

Click on Link below to go directly to Amazon

Uncle Tony’s Management Tips & Jokes

The Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of

Schuler Books is located at the Gateway Center, 7260 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322.

Their phone number is (248) 956-1515.

And if you let me know

that you bought a copy of the Uncle Tony Book “from” Schuler Books, I will mail you a free copy of:

Also, the Uncle Tony Book can also be found on the shelves of the

Self Esteem Shop LLC

9568 Marine City Highway, Building A

Casco, MI  48064

Phone (248) 549-9900

The Uncle Tony book  can also be found on the website of

Pages & Paws Bookshop

https://www.pagesandpawsbookshop.com/

Environmental Animals

https://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Animals-Harmony-Jann/dp/B0BW2GFPDM/ref=sr_1_16?

I’m Tired of Being Ordinary,

Are You?

My Final Cover The Kindle version of this book is free, and the paperback version is $10 However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, only you can do that. This book can be ordered from Amazon

06/08/25 – Be Like Pluto

Gallery Wm. Allen5 Comments

Current Events Be Like Pluto No, not that Pluto. This Pluto Book of the Week This book is packed with good advice. The Keys By DJ Khaled Play of the Week I saw this play years ago in Chicago and I just saw it again last Sunday. It is as fresh and funny as ever […]

05/25/25 – Memorial Day

Gallery Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events Book of the Week Penguin Books Great Ideas How to Be a Stoic These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers – Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius – offer ancient wisdom on how to face life’s adversities and live well in the world. Movie of the Week A Mission […]