11/08/26 – Veterans Day

November 8, 2026 Wm. Allen2 Comments

Current Events

Veterans Day

November 11

There may be some confusion about Veterans Day

Book of the Week

There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk

Portia Nelson

One of the poems in this book is called, “Autobiography in Five Chapters”. This fantastic poem was written by Portia Nelson.

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost … I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place
but, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit.
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

Movie of the Week

I really enjoyed all the characters in this series.

It will make more sense if you see the first three seasons.

The Diplomate – Season 4 (Oct. 2026)

Warning: Youtube may not be working

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/for_t1ySDvk?si=866KVgd67kLIt0Zu

Season 5 has been approved.

Music of the Week

Every so often I try to bring you something new and different on the music scene.

How about a Slavic Viking War Song.

Warning: It’s a bit intense.

Rus (Nov. 2026)

By Ravnir

Warning: Youtube may not be working

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/mGJO62ORtUo?si=0CsuqCwOTRil4v4l

People of the Week

Those who don’t give up, trying to become a

“Better Person”

Art of the Week

Shame on the architect of this building.

I don’t know if this is an actual building,

or just something someone created with AI.

Joke of The Week

Void In Our Lives

Physical Traits

Character Traits

Sometimes, you just have to say no,

as demonstrated by Christopher Walken

Please click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/9yHYAG01aaY?si=5VQW_INRPfm7_WDA

Social Traits

The tongue has the power of life and death.

“Who are you hurting today?

Who are you bringing back to life?”

Source: Stafford Whiteaker

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Decluttering Tips

Damaged items

Holding on to a favorite mug that’s chipped or a necklace that’s fallen apart? Time to let go. Be honest about what things are damaged and toss them.

If you are planning to sell damaged items, they probably do not have the value you are assuming they have.

The same goes for things that are missing parts. For instance, Tupperware with a missing a lid, should go into the recycling bin.

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

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

11/01/26 – A Candidate You Can Always Count On

November 1, 2026 Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

A Candidate

You Can Always Count On

Book of the Week

The Autobiography of

Jean-Luc Picard

Movie of the Week

It’s entertaining, but will make more sense if you see the first two seasons.

Nobody Wants This – Season 3 (Oct. 2026)

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/XETbiJM2LZ0?si=NAa8qDUBdMmhOAZQ

Music of the Week

I find Politicians to be such a disappointment,

however,

here is one you can count on.

Never Gonna Give You Up (1987)

Rick Astley

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ?si=FlsGrBKeuDEDclUd

Not a Good Week for Star Trek Fans

Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Left us October 28, 2026

Ensign Chekov

Left us on October 25

Art of the Week

Coffin Cake

When I used to be in the Corporate World;

each Halloween, I would bring in a coffin cake

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

If you live around Rochester, Michigan,

come out and see me lift.

Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

It is important to be creative.

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

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

10/25/26 – Happy Halloween

October 25, 2026 Wm. Allen8 Comments

Current Events

Happy Halloween

Book of the Week

Some of you may find this interesting.

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

By Carlo Rovelli

Movie of the Week

Meadow Brook Hall is hosting a screening of the 1954 classic film “Creature from the Black Lagoon” as part of its “Dinner & a Movie” series on October 30, 2026.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/4-KggvOu0i8?si=-VWjRWn1_X3PJehJ

I saw this film back in 1954, when it first came out; and I am looking forward to seeing it again on October 30th.

Music of the Week

Monster Mash (1962)

Bobby “Boris” Picket & The Crypt Kickers

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/2gjkBykpWPE?si=9aZzMvUe-9OYuols

People of the Week

Ukrainians

Art of the Week

Halloween Decorations

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

Well, this is one way to cut carbs; but, don’t expect to lose any weight.

Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

And especially avoid unsolicited advice.

In my experience, it has done me more harm than good.

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

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

10/18/26 – 2026 Detroit Free Press Run

October 18, 2026October 18, 2026 Wm. Allen2 Comments

Current Events

Congratulations to all the Participants,

regardless of the distance they chose to run.

2026 Detroit Free Press Run

I wasn’t very fast in 1984.

Book of the Week

Inner Excellence

By Jim Murphy

I think Henry Ford said it best

Movie of the Week

Meadow Brook Hall hosted a screening of the 1941 classic film “Maltese Falcon“ as part of its “Dinner & a Movie” series on October 14, 2026.

Maltese Falcon (1941)

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/3a9YU1SVbSE?si=1_4OprCQZeJdTVJl

I found the dinner and movie experience a bit like stepping back in time to 1941.

Music of the Week

Breathless (1958)

Jerry Lee Lewis

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/cQUmqxUssZI?si=rEACYcPd4vI9zBWf

People of the Week

Customer Service Representatives

Art of the Week

Theater Stages

I thought this stage for the play “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” at Meadow Brook Theater, in Rochester, MI; was exceptional.

I also recently watched the film, “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”, and thought the play was much better than the film.

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

Character Traits

Cat lovers will understand this is about priorities.

Social Traits

I’m not surprised.

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

In case you are wondering how Saturday’s contest went for me.

I set an APF Masters 9 (80 to 84) raw deadlift record.

And Mike set several Personal Records and came extremely close to being designed Best Power Lifter at the meet.

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

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

10/11/26 – APF AAPF Contest October 17, 2026

October 11, 2026 Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

I not really up to this contest, so I will lift less than what I had planned, and hopefully will not be too much of a disappointment.

APF AAPF Contest

Saturday, October 17, 2026

F3 Fitness

22385 Ecorse Rd. in Taylor, Michigan

Book of the Week

This book contains some good advice.

Movie of the Week

I have read that Mr. T did not like this documentary, that he felt it left a lot of things out and gave a negative impression of him.

Nevertheless, I found Mr. T and this short documentary very inspirational.

Untold Mr. T: I Pity The Fool

Please click on the link below to see the trailer

https://youtu.be/Txk5C-452ak?si=r4FFdAMGUa19lW0v

Music of the Week

This song is a 1910 British music hall song by Fred Murray and R. P. Weston.

**Joe Brown included the song on his first album “A Picture of You” in 1962.**

In 1965, it became the fastest-selling song in history to that point when it was revived by Herman’s Hermits.

(Source: Wikipedia)

I’m Henry The VIII, I Am (1965)

Herman’s Hermits

Peter Noone

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/FFNoDsOmluA?si=85iX5Drl6t-NMrZe

I saw Peter Noone perform this song last Friday night and took this short film clip. I knew I was going to like the songs, but I was surprised by how humorous he was and how he went right into the audience a number of times.

Person of the Week

Mike Ditka

Art of the Week

Stonehenge

Carol, at one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom, Stonehenge is regarded as a British cultural icon.

Stonehenge was constructed in several phases, beginning about 3100 BC and continuing until about 1600 BC. The famous circle of large sarsen stones was placed between 2600 BC and 2400 BC. The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC.

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

When it comes to fitness, or anything for that matter, this is a good approach.

Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

Decluttering: Seasonal items

Still holding onto that outfit or accessory that stayed tucked away last spring, summer, fall or winter? Chances are, you won’t use it for the future seasons either.

“If you have T-shirts you never wore, swimsuits or flip-flops that have seen better days, an inflatable pool that you bought during confinement and haven’t used since, or three sets of picnic dishes when you only really need one … it’s time to let go,”

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

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

10/04/26 – Avoiding Sexual Assault

October 4, 2026 Wm. Allen5 Comments

Current Events

Given the recent reporting of how a Cornell University assault was handled by the University; I wanted to post something aimed at the assaulters, and not the one assaulted.

Avoiding Sexual Assault

Book of the Week

Not only does Uncle Tony offer some solid advice, he was also a pretty good story teller.

In Chapter 14 on celebrating, Uncle Tony told me about the time he took his first wife to a wedding, just before they were to be divorced.

I asked, “What happened?”

Uncle Tony said, “There was some guy on the dance floor doing back flips, the splits, you name it and he was doing it.”

I said, “So?”

Uncle Tony said, “Well, my wife says to me, you know, 15 years ago that guy asked me to marry him and I turned him down.”

I said, “So what did you say to her?”

Uncle Tony said, “I told her that it looks like he is still celebrating.”

Film Clip of the Week

Rather than post a trailer from a film, I thought maybe you would enjoy a video I took of the London street scene, while I was there last month.

Music of the Week

I was came across this blog post:

https://strategicteams.wordpress.com/2026/09/05/operator-listening-for-the-truth-beneath-the-words/

That found so much meaning in this song, that I had to pass it on to you folks.

Operator (1972)

By Jim Croce

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/khYxP7TiFSA?si=HRiKOTKUeFexU22z

People of the Week

People Who Helped You

In Your Career

Ed, my first supervisor at BCBS, who gave me such a good start.

Jim, the manager, who hired me into BCBS.

I am sorry to say they have both passed on.

Art of the Week

Painting

I saw this painting at an acquaintance’s party and it just struck me as interesting. I have no idea who painted it, nor where it is now at. As for my acquaintance, he has long since passed on.

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

I guess when this gym says they are into bodybuilding,

they aren’t kidding.

Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

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

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

09/27/26 – Opportunities

September 27, 2026 Wm. Allen7 Comments

Current Events

Opportunities

Book of the Week

Eat Any Good Books Lately

Please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/lDeC5ifgTM4?si=S6bRjjs1E6hRfqtl

Movie of the Week

I saw this film in 2014, and again for a third time on a flight from London to Detroit.

What a psychological thriller!

Gone Girl (2014)

To see the trailer, click on the link below

https://youtu.be/2-_-1nJf8Vg?si=vQZGHb9sYLqGFnVu

Music of the Week

I was at the British Museum last week and saw all these mummies.

So this was an obvious choice for Music of the Week.

King Tut – SNL

By Steve Martin

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/FYbavuReVF4?si=mjoFtV3O9zT8vW5a

People of the Week

Interesting People You Meet

While Traveling

Born in Madegascar

Educated in Sicily

Lives in England

Born in Sicily

Worked in NYC

Lives in England

Art of the Week

Sculptures

Above in The British Museum

The above in Rome

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

Character Traits

Social Traits

Learning Traits

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

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

09/20/26 – Just Leaving

September 20, 2026 Wm. Allen4 Comments

Current Events

Just Leaving

Actually, I’m not–I’m Still in England

However, I thought the following may be helpful in keeping us from jumping to conclusions.

I bet many of us have been guilty of

jumping to conclusions.

Book of the Week

Plays of the Week

I am really enjoying the London theater scene.

We have seen three plays this week:

Wicked

Mama Mia

Beetle Juice

Music of the Week

Since I’m still in England, how about some more Beatles.

I Want To Hold Your Hand (1963)

By The Beatles

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/jenWdylTtzs?si=JSfBrxCztJDyJdqp

I saw this Ed Sullivan show when it was first broadcast in 1964.

People of the Week

People of England

People in England have been so helpful to a couple of tourists, trying to find their way around.

Art of the Week

Westminster Abbey

Who is that standing by the lamppost?

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

Character Traits

Social Traits

Normally, I think it is good to be a people person.

However, there is an exception to every rule.

Don’t let exceptions be your guide for action.

Learning Traits

Miscellaneous

The above may take a bit of thought.

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

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

09/13/26 – AWPC World Championships 2026

September 13, 2026 Wm. Allen8 Comments

Current Events

AWPC World Championships

2026

Book of the Week

Movie of the Week

As many of you know, I have been watching this 25 season (soon to be 26) series and I am now into Season 22.

Midsomer Murders

Music of the Week

I’m going to Liverpool today, so:

Day Tripper (1965)

By The Beatles

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/AYZlME0mQB8?si=MWH_VyE3oy4zj3mz

People of the Week

Powerlifters

Art of the Week

Award Medals

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

AWPC World Record Deadlift

Masters 9 (80 to 84 years old)

Character Traits

I have set some world powerlifting records and have received some best deadlifter awards.

But I am most proud of my 3rd place in the Open (age not a factor) deadlift at the 2026 AWPC Championships.

Social Traits

I also think that what’s wrong with all of us

is that we don’t show enough love toward each other.

Source: Little Richard

Learning Traits

Even more true today.

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

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

09/06/26 – Happy Labor Day

September 6, 2026September 7, 2026 Wm. Allen7 Comments

Current Events

Happy Labor Day

Monday, September 7

Book of the Week

¿How long has it been since you read a book?

Movie of the Week

I needed a break from

Midsomer Murders

Bull Durham (1988)

Music of the Week

Tuff Enuff (1986)

By The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Please click on the link below for the video

https://youtu.be/EcXT1clXc04?si=344IuhaOhrG-kF8r

People of the Week

American Workers

To see the video, please click on the link below

https://youtu.be/2t7ECnE43QE?si=Xb-YGaqdiyAASIL1

Art of the Week

T-Shirt Art

Joke of The Week

Physical Traits

I lift Saturday, September 12

Character Traits

Be careful what you ask for,

you just may get it.

Social Traits

The Battle of the Overpass was an incident on May 26, 1937, in which Walter Reuther and members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) clashed with Ford Motor Company security guards at the River Rouge Plant complex in Dearborn, Michigan.

The incident at the pedestrian overpass at the River Rouge Plant.

Walter Reuther fifth and Richard Frankensteen sixth from the left, at incident.

Frankensteen attacked by Ford Service Department members.

Learning Traits

Life is easier if one is open to change.

Change is going to happen regardless.

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

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