CURRENT EVENTS

D-Day Normandy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We is a powerfully inventive vision that has influenced writers from George Orwell to Ayn Rand.

In a glass-enclosed city of absolute straight lines, ruled over by the all-powerful ‘Benefactor’, the citizens of the totalitarian society of OneState live out lives devoid of passion and creativity – until D-503, a mathematician who dreams in numbers, makes a discovery: he has an individual soul.

Set in the twenty-sixth century AD, We is the classic dystopian novel and was the forerunner of works such as George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. It was suppressed for many years in Russia and remains a resounding cry for individual freedom, yet is also a powerful, exciting and vivid work of science fiction.

Clarence Brown’s brilliant translation is based on the corrected text of the novel, first published in Russia in 1988 after more than sixty years’ suppression.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

D-Day Invasion

By The History Channel

We owe a great deal to the American, British and Canadian soldiers 

who landed on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Star Spangled Banner

By Whitney Houston

ART OF THE WEEK

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I was friends with American and Germans, who served in WWII, I knew a sailor who was on the battleship and saw Japan sign their surrender papers. And I actually got to see President Eisenhower once in person.

General Dwight Eisenhower

Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969), was an American army general and statesman who served as the 34th president of the United States from 1953 to 1961.

During World War II, he became a five-star general in the Army and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. He was responsible for planning and supervising the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch in 1942–43 and the successful invasion of Normandy in 1944–45 from the Western Front.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I suspect most of the people who don’t want the gyms to open don’t go to a gym. But it should be a choice, if you would rather not go, then don’t go. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

During the lockdown, many of us are discovering that we have super powers.

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What stage of the quarantine are you in?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Last week I mentioned that some films are getting updated for the Coronavirus, such as The Breakfast Club.

Now I have learned that some states, like Michigan, are coming out with there very own versions of films

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

When governments are issuing stay-at-home orders, I thought this particular song was most appropriate.

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (1965)

By Rolling Stones

ART OF THE WEEK

Here is a tip for young artists

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I remember watching the Ed Sullivan show when I was a kid and it was my first exposure to Elvis (1956) and the Beatles (1964).

Ed Sullivan

Edward Vincent Sullivan (September 28, 1901 – October 13, 1974) was an American television personality, entertainment reporter, and syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune New York News Syndicate.

He is principally remembered as the creator and host of the television variety program The Toast of the Town, later popularly—and, eventually, officially—renamed The Ed Sullivan Show. Broadcast for 23 years from 1948 to 1971, it set a record as the longest-running variety show in US broadcast history. “It was, by almost any measure, the last great TV show,” said television critic David Hinckley. 

Sullivan was a broadcasting pioneer at many levels during television’s infancy. As TV critic David Bianculli wrote, “Before MTV, Sullivan presented rock acts. Before Bravo, he presented jazz and classical music and theater. Before the Comedy Channel, even before there was the Tonight Show, Sullivan discovered, anointed and popularized young comedians. 

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

This is an old Cherokee Tale

Sometimes Science Doesn’t Have All The Answers In Life

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Some of you have been trying to make your own hand sanitizer

MISCELLANEOUS

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Little Richard

Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), better known as Little Richard, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. An influential figure in popular music, Richard’s most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship laid the foundation for rock and roll, leading him to be given the nickname “The Architect of Rock and Roll”. (Source: Wikipedia)

I don’t think you will have any trouble finding thousands of words of tribute to Little Richard, but I think the following video (which of all things I included in last week’s post) sums up the greatness of Little Richard

What a loss.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Brave New World is a dystopian novel by English author Aldous Huxley, written in 1931 and published in 1932.

Largely set in a futuristic World State, whose citizens are environmentally engineered into an intelligence-based social hierarchy, the novel anticipates huge scientific advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation and classical conditioning that are combined to make a dystopian society which is challenged by only a single individual: the story’s protagonist.

Huxley followed this book with a reassessment in essay form, Brave New World Revisited (1958), and with his final novel, Island (1962), the utopian counterpart. The novel is often compared to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four(1949).

In 1999, the Modern Library ranked Brave New World at number 5 on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. (Source: Wikipedia)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Some films are getting updated.

Here is an updated clip from The Breakfast Club

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Another trip down memory lane

Lucille (1957)

By Little Richard

ART OF THE WEEK

Lion at the Art Institute of Chicago

Before the Coronavirus

After the Coronavirus

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Little Richard

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Fellows, during the time of the Coronavirus, we have to learn new ways of showing our appreciation to the ladies. The fellow below is a quick learner.

MISCELLANEOUS

I’m not even going to ask how many of you use your pet’s name as your password or part of your password. I’ll just say, you may want to consider updating your passwords.

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1984 is George Orwell’s haunting prophesy of the future, which has held multiple generations of readers spellbound in its chilling and terrifying vision of life under a totalitarian regime. Powerful and unforgettable, this still-relevant novel explores the obliteration of truth, individuality and liberty in a world where the ruling power seeks to control everything, from information to thought and memory.(Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I was fortunate to have seen Little Richard twice in my life, once when we were both young and once when we were both old.

During this time of social distancing, I thought his song was particularly appropriate .

Keep A-Knockin (1957)

By Little Richard

ART OF THE WEEK

The Sistine Chapel

Before the Coronavirus

After the Coronavirus

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Greg Anderson

Greg Anderson left us Wednesday, April 29. after a month-long battle with the Coronavirus and other complications.

I think he was one of the most noble and courageous persons I ever had the privilege of knowing. 

I took the above photo of Greg at one of my Happy Hour parties, when Ed (back to camera) was telling a joke to Greg and another one of my friends 

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Over the years I have encouraged people to travel, this year is a bit different.

MISCELLANEOUS

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What do you think?

Most people would agree that thoughtful behavior and common decency are in short supply, or simply forgotten in hurried lives of emails, cellphones, and multi-tasking. In Choosing Civility, P. M. Forni identifies the twenty-five rules that are most essential in connecting effectively and happily with others. In clear, witty, and, well…civilized language, Forni covers topics that include: (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Here is a group from the Netherlands performing in home isolation. I thought it was so appropriate given the home isolation people everywhere are experiencing.

Kinda Wanna

By OG3NE

ART OF THE WEEK

Art From Common Tools

I thought this was very clever,

a mother bird feeding its young.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Seven of Nine

Seven of Nine is a former Borg drone who joins the crew of the Federation starship Voyager. Her real name was known to her crewmates, but after joining the Voyager crew she chose to continue to be called Seven of Nine, though she allowed “Seven” to be used informally.

Seven of Nine [is] a foil to Captain Kathryn Janeway, similarly to how Spock [is] to Captain Kirk.

Earlier life [she was] Annika Hansen before she was assimilated by the Borg.  (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

During this time of the Coronavirus, I thought this might help.

The list was developed by Sarah Best of England and I thought it was very comprehensive.

THINGS THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
✨ Natural whole foods
✨ Organic fruits and vegetables
✨ Vitamin A
✨ Vitamin C
✨ Vitamin D
✨ Zinc
✨ Astralagus
✨ Exercise
✨ Sunlight
✨ Fresh air
✨ Being in nature
✨ Joy
✨ Love
✨ Gratitude
✨ Hugs
✨ Orgasms
✨ Deep breathing
✨ Certain essential oils, including frankincense + oregano
✨ Showing up as your authentic self in every situation!

CHARACTER TRAITS

This little video was passed over to me by a friend. I hope you find it helpful and entertaining.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

With just a little bit of technical ability, there is a world of information at your finger tips. For instance, I Googled marine animals.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

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Movie Marquee

Written for the many people whose schedule or skepticism has kept them from trying meditation, Just Sit is an approachable and visually engaging beginner’s guide. Answering questions, and providing real-world information to demystify the process, Sukey and Elizabeth Novogratz provide a hands-on look at what meditation really is, what is does, and how to do it. The authors make clear that meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or follow a specific protocol. The most important part, to “just sit,” can lead to a lifelong practice, tailored to anyone’s lifestyle. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Belgravia is a historical drama television series based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Julian Fellowes—both named after Belgravia, an affluent district of London. 

The series premiered first in the UK on ITV on 15 March 2020 and premiered in the U.S. on 12 April 2020 on Epix. Belgravia begins at the Duchess of Richmond’s ball (night of 15/16 June 1815), which was held in Brussels for the Duke of Wellington on the eve of the Battle of Quatre Bras, two days before the Battle of Waterloo.

Among the guests are James and Anne Trenchard, who are living on the profits of newfound trading success. Their young daughter Sophia has caught the eye of Edmund Bellasis, the son and heir of one of the richest and most prominent families in England. Twenty-five years later, when the two families are settled into the newly developed area of Belgravia, the events of the ball, and the secrets, still resonate. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Given the Coronavirus stay home orders, the streets remind me of the 1950s when there were less cars on the roads. For those of you far younger than I am, I hope you don’t think the 50s were dull. There was Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Elvis and Jerry Lee, but there was also Wanda Jackson.

Hard Headed Woman (Performed 1958)

By Wanda Jackson

Rolling Stone magazine referred to her as the undisputed Queen of Rockabilly Music

Let’s Have A Party (Performed 1958)

By Wanda Jackson

ART OF THE WEEK

Cake Art

I’ve heard it said, that there is a time and place for everything,

perhaps this is the time for a cake like this.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

You might have to be from Detroit to understand just how important Al Kaline was to all of us. I saw him play baseball many times at Briggs Stadium. 

Al Kaline

Albert William Kaline (December 19, 1934 – April 6, 2020), nicknamed “Mr. Tiger“, was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers.

For most of his career, Kaline played in the outfield, mainly as a right fielder where he won ten Gold Glove Awards. He was selected to 18 All-Star Games, including selections each year between 1955 and 1967. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

Now that most of us are spending more time at home, 

we should pay particular attention to one another’s privacy.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If you noticed young people or healthy people tending to avoid you;

perhaps, you should reflect on your conversation.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Ever wonder if spiritual people ever argue, and if they do; how do they argue. Perhaps, the following will enlighten you.

How Spiritual People Argue

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Social distancing is being encouraged.

However, please avoid this type of social distancing.

LEARNING TRAITS

Because of the Coronavirus, many of us are now living less busy lives.

MISCELLANEOUS

Here in Michigan, many stores are prohibited from selling seeds, soils, plants and other gardening supplies. If you are a little creative, you can start a very practical garden with things you find around your home.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Easter Decorations

I hope that everyone had the best Easter possible, given the circumstances.

Rather than describe the above book, I thought it would be more helpful to provide you with some information on the Surrealist Movement.

Surrealism is a cultural movement that started in 1917, best known for its visual art work sand writings and the juxtaposition of uncommon imagery. Artists painted unnerving, illogical scenes, sometimes with photographic precision, creating strange creatures from everyday objects, and developing painting techniques that allowed the unconscious to express itself. Its aim was, according to Breton, to “resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality into an absolute reality, a super-reality”, or surreality. (Source: Wikipedia)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

This movie isn’t for everyone, but I certainly enjoyed it.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American musical drama film based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera of the same name. The film, featuring a cast of Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, [and] Yvonne Elliman, centers on the conflict between Judas and Jesus during the week before the crucifixion of Jesus.

Neeley, Anderson and Elliman were nominated for Golden Globe Awards in 1974 for their portrayals of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene, respectively. Although it attracted criticism from some religious groups, reviews for the film were positive. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This music video is longer than I like to post, but the visuals are interesting.

Jokerman (Released 06/01/84)

By Bob Dylan

ART OF THE WEEK

Even Practical Items Can Be Art

Here is a bench made during the time of the Coronavirus

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I especially like it when I can name someone as extraordinary person of the week, who was born in the same city as I was–Detroit.

Ben Carson

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. (born September 18, 1951) is an American politician, public servant, author and retired neurosurgeon serving as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development since 2017. Prior to his cabinet position under the Trump Administration, Carson was a candidate for President of the United States in the Republican primaries in 2016, at times leading nationwide polls of Republicans.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, and a graduate of Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School, Carson has authored numerous books on his medical career and political stances. He was portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. in a 2009 biographical television drama film.

Carson was the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1984 until his retirement in 2013. [He is a] pioneer in neurosurgery, [wiht many] achievements. He became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the country at age 33. Carson has received more than 60 honorary doctorate degrees, numerous national merit citations, and written over 100 neurosurgical publications.

In 2001, he was named by CNN and TIME magazine as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists, and was selected by the Library of Congress as one of 89 “Living Legends” on its 200th anniversary. In 2008, Carson was bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2010, he was elected into the National Academy of Medicine. He was Professor of Neurosurgery, Oncology, Plastic Surgery and Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

It is a good idea to know about the foods you are eating,

much can be learned from simply reading the labels. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

The Beatles Before The Coronavirus

The Beatles After Coronavirus

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

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To everyone regardless of their beliefs

First published in 1880, “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ” by Lew Wallace is considered one of the most important and influential Christian novels of the nineteenth-century.

The novel follows much of the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem living in the time of Christ. Wallace intertwines the lives of Judah and Jesus of Nazareth, beginning the novel with the events of the Nativity and later following the downfall and ensuing hardships of Judah’s life as a Roman slave, charioteer, and later, a convert to Christianity.

The events depicted in the Gospels of the New Testament concerning Jesus are carefully threaded throughout Judah’s story, ultimately finding both Jesus and Judah at the Crucifixion, though in different capacities. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I recently watched this series on PBS and learned something about Christianity. You might find it interesting, whether or not, you consider yourself a Christian.

A History of Christianity is a six-part British television series. The aim of the BBC was to produce “a new ‘landmark’ series which will examine the origins of Christianity and the relevance of the faith in the modern world”. Presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch, Professor of History of the Church at St Cross College Oxford, the series considers the evolution of the Christian faith and its four main forms: Orthodoxy, Oriental Christianity, Western Catholicism and Protestantism. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Jesus Christ Superstar

By Superstar – Carl Anderson – 1973

ART OF THE WEEK

Fabergé Eggs

The Moscow Kremlin egg, 1906.

A Fabergé egg is a jeweled egg created by the House of Fabergé. Virtually all were manufactured under the supervision of Peter Carl Fabergé between 1885 and 1917.

The most famous are those made for the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. The House of Fabergé made 50 such “Imperial” Easter eggs, of which 43 are still existing. Two planned for Easter 1917 were not delivered due to the Russian Revolution in which the Romanov Dynasty was overthrown and all the members of the imperial family executed. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who says the most extraordinary person of the week has to be human.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs.

Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behaviour at the start of the season of Eastertide.

In legend, the creature carries colored eggs in his basket, candy, and sometimes also toys to the homes of children, and as such shows similarities to Santa Claus or the Christkind, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holidays. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I know the gyms and other exercise facilities are closed due to Coronavirus,  but you can still find ways to exercise. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

For those of you who are into Astrology, I believe you can use this one for April.

LEARNING TRAITS

Because of the Coronavirus, there is a lot more home schooling happening.

School has always been a challenge for some of us.

MISCELLANEOUS

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Wednesday is April Fools’ Day

Art interprets the visible world. Physics charts its unseen workings. The two realms seem completely opposed. But consider that both strive to reveal truths for which there are no words––with physicists using the language of mathematics and artists using visual images.

In Art & Physics, Leonard Shlain tracks their breakthroughs side by side throughout history to reveal an astonishing correlation of visions. From the classical Greek sculptors to Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, and from Aristotle to Einstein, artists have foreshadowed the discoveries of scientists, such as when Monet and Cezanne intuited the coming upheaval in physics that Einstein would initiate. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

This is a nice movie for the entire family and it isn’t necessary to watch it in 3D.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Stayin Inside

By Corona Virus Bee Gees Parody

ART OF THE WEEK

During this time of coronavirus, there is probably more meals being prepared at home. Think how creative you can be.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Since this is the week of April Fools’ Day, I thought who else but

Derek Zoolander

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I’m Trying to Help

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Try these, they will work.

No, they will not work.

April Fools

MISCELLANEOUS

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During this period of social distancing,

here are some ideas you may find helpful

How about a wine tour

High Stakes Poker

Home Schooling

No doubt some of you are engaged in home school. A friend of mine sent me this home schooling update:

Browsing Profiles

Born in A.D. 76, Hadrian lived through and ruled during a tempestuous era, a time when the Colosseum was opened to the public and Pompeii was buried under a mountain of lava and ash. Acclaimed author Anthony Everitt vividly recounts Hadrian’s thrilling life, in which the emperor brings a century of disorder and costly warfare to a peaceful conclusion while demonstrating how a monarchy can be compatible with good governance.

What distinguished Hadrian’s rule, according to Everitt, were two insights that inevitably ensured the empire’s long and prosperous future: He ended Rome’s territorial expansion, which had become strategically and economically untenable, by fortifying her boundaries (the many famed Walls of Hadrian), and he effectively “Hellenized” Rome by anointing Athens the empire’s cultural center, thereby making Greek learning and art vastly more prominent in Roman life. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I did some quick research and it appears that drive-in theaters are still open for business. 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

By now you have likely heard about Kenny Rogers.

RIP Kenny Rogers

The Gambler

By Kenny Rogers

ART OF THE WEEK

Art Often Conveys a Message

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I always feel sorry for people who think you can’t have friends at work. Bryant and Ken were two of the best people I ever met in my life and I worked with them for years. They are both gone now, but I always remember Ken’s birthday on March 29 and Bryant’s birthday on March 31.

Happy Birthday Bryant and Ken.

Bryant Green

Ken Shelton

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

One has to be careful jumping to conclusions

LEARNING TRAITS

Many of us are having to learn new things because of the Coronavirus. 

MISCELLANEOUS

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