CURRENT EVENTS

Dreams

Everyone should have dreams. However, you really need to make a plan for achieving those dreams, with milestones letting you know if you are or are not on target, so that you can take corrective action. Otherwise, your dreams are merely a wish.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is an interesting and very easy to read book which will give you a different perspective on your everyday activities.

Zen 24/7

By Philip Toshio Sudo

If you’re searching for revelation and contentment, look no further than a handshake, a cup of coffee — even your laundry pile. The most mundane details of life contain zen’s profound truths, if you’re of the mind to look for them. (Source: Back cover)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you like or know who Wes Anderson is, you have probably already seen this film. If you are into action films, you want to avoid this film. I’ve seen it a couple of times now.

The Royal Tenenbaums

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Dennis Quaid did a fantastic job of protraying Jerry Lee Lewis in the film 

Great Balls of Fire

Dennis Quaid from the Jerry Lee Lewis Film

Now Here Is The Real Deal – Jerry Lee

On The Steve Allen Show in 1957

ART OF THE WEEK

An ancient olive tree in Puglia, Italy called “The Thinking Tree”

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson (born October 5, 1958) is an American astrophysicist, planetary scientist, author, and science communicator.

Tyson studied at Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University. In 1994, he joined the Hayden Planetarium as a staff scientist and the Princeton faculty as a visiting research scientist and lecturer. In 1996, he became director of the planetarium and oversaw its $210 million reconstruction project, which was completed in 2000.

From 1995 to 2005, Tyson wrote monthly essays in the “Universe” column for Natural History magazine, some of which were later published in his books Death by Black Hole (2007) and Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (2017).  

In 2014, he hosted the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, a successor to Carl Sagan’s 1980 series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences awarded Tyson the Public Welfare Medal in 2015 for his “extraordinary role in exciting the public about the wonders of science”.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

I’ve used it before, but I thought it is still pretty funny. I hope you enjoy it.

When Your Resume Says You Speak Seven Languages

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Life Changes = Shape Changes

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Cats were once considered gods by some.  And I have heard that cats have never forgotten that.  So, perhaps it is worth considering advice from a cat.

LAST WEEK’S POLL

End of Polls

None of the polls worked last week. I did some investigating and it seems I need to pay $180.00 a year to continue with the polls. It didn’t see worth doing, since usually only 20 or less people participate in the polls, plus I already pay $99.00 a year to keep ads off of this blog.

My apologies to those of you who did enjoy participating in the polls.

 

CURRENT EVENTS

I’ve been a fan of Groundhog Day ever since I saw the film, which I will mention in the Movie of the Week section of this post. I even went so far as to start the Royal Oak Groundhog Club. Alas, BlackFinn in Royal Oak is no more and the Royal Oak Groundhog Club has been dormant for years.

I think after this pandemic is behind us, I’m going to see if I can’t give the Royal Oak Groundhog Club some CPR.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This little book (Literally 4 1/4″ X 5″) of less than 100 pages is a treasury of good advice on how to live. If you have any interest in becoming a better person, you should check this book out.

A Manual for Living

By Epictetus

The West’s first and best little instruction book offers thoroughly contemporary and pragmatic reflections on how best to live with serenity and joy. (Source: Back cover)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think this is my favorite movie because it is about a person who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right.  Isn’t that what we all should be trying to do!

Groundhog Day

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Lately, I have been trying to bring you something unusual and entertaining.

I think you may like this. 

Something in the Walter

By Pokey LaFarge

ART OF THE WEEK

If you like the idea of building a snowman; but don’t feel like making the effort,

you may want to give this a try.

Easy To Build Snowman

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Don’t allow other people’s expectations determine how you life your life.

Punxsutawney Phil

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

The Pharmaceutical Industry

Some medications are necessary without a doubt. But, so many are unnecessary without a doubt, if people were willing to make lifestyle changes.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

Assembly Instructions

It is common to buy items that call for assembling before using.  The manufacturer of these items include instructions for putting the item together.  It is important for you to study these instructions before you try to put the item together.  For almost every item I have ever tried to put together, I found I needed a screwdriver.

MISCELLANEOUS

One month down and eleven more months to go.

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Generally, I like short and easy to read books, but once in a while a book comes along with so much to say that it is worth the effort.

This is “not” an easy read (about 500 pages).  But if you want to know something about humans, this book will take you on an unforgettable journey from pre-human times to the French Revolution.

The Origins of Political Order

From Prehuman Times To The French Revolution

By Francis Fukuyama

Francis Fukuyama, provides a sweeping account of how today’s basic political institutions developed. The Origins of Political Order begins with politics among our primate ancestors and follows the story through the emergence of tribal societies, the growth of the first modern state in China, the beginning of the rule of law in India and the Middle East, and the development of political accountability in Europe up until the eve of the French Revolution.

Drawing on a vast body of knowledge―history, evolutionary biology, archaeology, and economics―Fukuyama has produced a brilliant, provocative work that offers fresh insights on the origins of democratic societies and raises essential questions about the nature of politics and its discontents (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you are feeling a little depressed (there are so many reasons to feel depressed today), this film might just give you an appreciation of just how wonderful life is.

Michael

It’s worth watching the movie just to see this dance scene.

Now, you don’t have to watch the movie, unless you want to watch it.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I came across this video and thought it was cool. I hope you do too.

Electro Swing Dance Freestyle: Lone Digger, Caravan Palace

ART OF THE WEEK

Statutes of Rome

Folks, here are some statutes of Rome:

Here is Carol pointing out Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini in Rome

No visit to Rome is complete with out seeing Trevi Fountain and its statutes

Michelangelo’s Moses is another must see statute

My favorite statute in Rome is the famous Billino Statute

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

I recall seeing part of a clip where someone asked Larry King, what would be the first question he would ask God, if he got a chance to interview God.

Larry king replied, “I would ask him if he had a son.”

Larry King

Larry King (born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger; November 19, 1933 – January 23, 2021) was an American television host, radio host, and paid spokesman, whose work was recognized with awards including two Peabodys, an Emmy award, and 10 Cable ACE Awards. (Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

I hope this makes up for me recommending such a challenging read this week under “Book of the Week”.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

American Powerlifting Federation

Michigan, USA

The Michigan APF State Meet will be Saturday (3/13/21) & Sunday (3/14/21)

in Rochester Hills, MI

If you live in S.E. Michigan, this is a good chance to see a powerlifting meet.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Here is some good advice that I borrowed from David Miller’s FaceBook stream

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

In the last thee months, we have had a deer come and visit our suburban back yard. We have lived here for a number of decades and this is so unusual, given that all the yards in our neighborhood are fenced. 

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Who doesn’t want a happier life?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Although this book mentions strength training, it puts more emphasis on aerobic exercise. Although aerobic exercise is important, I don’t think strength training should take a back seat to aerobic training.

Nevertheless, I think this is a very helpful book to prepare you for your later years and there is no time like right now, regardless of your age, to start preparing.

Younger Next Year

By Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, M.D.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I probably would not have done this, were it not for the pandemic. I’ve watched all 26 James Bond films in order starting with the 1962 film Dr. No and ending with the 2015 film Spectre. One cannot help to recognize how much society changed during those years if you watch them in order. 

James Bond is a fictional character created by the novelist Ian Fleming in 1953. Bond is a British secret agent working for MI 6 who also answers to his codename, ”007“. He has been portrayed on film by the actors Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, in twenty-six productions. All the films but two were made by Eon Productions. Eon now holds the full adaptation rights to all of Fleming’s Bond novels.

Eon films

• • 1.1 Dr. No (1962)
  • 1.2 From Russia with Love (1963)
  • 1.3 Goldfinger (1964)
  • 1.4 Thunderball (1965)
  • 1.5 You Only Live Twice (1967)
  • 1.6 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
  • 1.7 Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
  • 1.8 Live and Let Die (1973)
  • 1.9 The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
  • 1.10 The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
  • 1.11 Moonraker (1979)
  • 1.12 For Your Eyes Only (1981)
  • 1.13 Octopussy (1983)
  • 1.14 A View to a Kill (1985)
  • 1.15The Living Daylights (1987)
  • 1.16 License to Kill (1989)
  • 1.17 GoldenEye (1995)
  • 1.18 Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
  • 1.19 The World Is Not Enough (1999)
  • 1.20 Die Another Day (2002)
  • 1.21 Casino Royale (2006)
  • 1.22 Quantum of Solace (2008)
  • 1.23 Skyfall (2012)
  • 1.24 Spectre (2015)

Non-Eon films

• • 2.1 Casino Royale (1967)
  • 2.2 Never Say Never Again (1983)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Last year at this time, we had just returned from staying at the Beacon Hotel (where we always stay) on Ocean Drive in South Beach, FL and this video brought back some good memories.

Orange Blossom Special

By James Last & His Orchestra

ART OF THE WEEK

Art Deco Hotels

In South Beach, Miami

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

You may have noticed for the last few weeks I have been mentioning people I knew, who I thought were truly extraordinary, and who are no longer with us. This week, it is our niece Christy. She was a newspaper reporter and died at 34 from cancer in 2015.

Christy (Oyama) Arboscello

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Last year was a challenging year for many of us.

Please make the best of 2021

CHARACTER TRAITS

Looking for the secret to success, well here it is.

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

We make investments in ourselves by eating well, exercising, learning, associating with uplifting people, avoiding vices, etc.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Time To Get Going

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’m only recommending this book for devoted Star Trek fans.

The Klingon Way: A Warrior’s Guide

By Marc Okrand

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This movie is so funny and I have seen it a few times and it is still funny.

Death At A Funeral (2010)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Here is something a bit different this week. This song comes from the cross-border region of north-east Slovakia, south-east Poland and western Ukraine and performed by the Slovakia band Hrdza

Stephen

By Hrdza

ART OF THE WEEK

Broken Lamp

What do you do when a lamp that you like breaks.

Well, if you are like my very creative friend Carole.

You make a beautiful Christmas decoration out of it.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Bryant Greene

Bryant is no longer with us, but he is one of the best people I ever met. The first film I ever made, I wrote a part for him; but, he was reluctant to appear in a film so my friend Jerome played the role of Bryant Greene in the film. 

Jerome and Bryant did not know one another, but Bryant told me he was once at a meeting where they were both in attendance. Bryant told me he walked up to Jerome and said, “You don’t know me, but I am Bryant Greene.” I wish I could have been there for that meeting.

Anyways, I did get Bryant to appear in another on of my films – Perceptions. If you want to see Bryant in action, check out this short film.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

The following my be an extreme example of thinking positive; nevertheless, it is important to think positive.

SOCIAL TRAITS

I can appreciate the challenges single people face with trying to meet people and date during a pandemic; but, I hope it doesn’t come down to this.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Orders from Captain Picard

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Perhaps you may want to start off the year with this book, since it is comprised of 52 steps (One a week) to take you from ordinary to extraordinary. If nothing else, it contains a fair amount of jokes and few good movie recommendations.

Of course, as I have warned each week; this book will not change your life. Only you can do that.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I have watched this movie a number of times and I think it is excellent.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Where Do You Go To My Lovely

By Peter Sarstedt

The song is about a fictional girl named Marie-Claire who grows up on the poverty-stricken backstreets of Naples, becomes a member of the jet set, and goes on to live in Paris. The lyrics describe her from the perspective of a childhood friend; it is left unclear whether they have remained close. The rhetorical question of the title suggests that her glamorous lifestyle might not have brought Marie-Claire happiness or contentment. (Source: Wikipedia)

ART OF THE WEEK

Sushi Socks

This may look like sushi, but it is really a package of socks.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Clim Seals

I first met Clim (in the white tux) when I was an accounting student at Wayne State University, where he was giving a talk on the Internal Auditing profession. Little did I know at the time that much of my corporate career (1978 to 1999), would be spent as an internal auditor.

Clim and I were the good friends and Clim had some memorable accomplishments such as being President of the Detroit Chapter of Institute of Internal Auditors. I’m sorry he is not longer with us.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Notice that I did not put this under “JOKE OF THE WEEK”, because the cost of health care isn’t funny.

CHARACTER TRAITS

 

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

So many of last year’s political arguments were hateful. Perhaps, we can all learn something from Joseph Joubert and not repeat 2020.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

Thank you for looking at this blog this year.

For 2020, here are the top ten countries that viewed this blog

CURRENT EVENTS

Happy New Year

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Another year is coming to an end and we are all going to be a year older, so maybe you may want to take a look at this book.

This book is very readable and talks about passive and active aging. You do not want to be a passive ager, but probably will be if you don’t exercise, have a lot of interests, be involved in lifelong learning and connect with people different than yourself.

The Gift of Years

By Joan Chittister

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you like A Christmas Carol, but long for something a bit different. You may want to check out this film. I watch it every year. Yes, it gets a little sappy at the end, but it is still a good message with its own share of humor.

Scrooged (19880

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song is for those of you who may have been a bit naughty during 2020 and got yourself crossed off Santa’s list of good boys and girls.

Sump’n Claus

ART OF THE WEEK

Christmas Decoration

I was driving around and saw this house and just had to stop to take a photo. No way does this photo do justice to the effort that went into creating this treasure, but I still want to share it with everyone.

As for me, next year, I am going to have to step up my decorating. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Ed Barszcz

Above is a photo of my first supervisor and friend at the corporation that I starting working for in January 1981 and retired from in December 2009. He was a good supervisor and he was a good friend. And if anyone loved a party, it was Ed.

Ed retired in 2004 and died eight years later in 2012.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

I think it is going to take a lot more sage.

MISCELLANEOUS

December 31, 2020

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Merry Christmas

Y para mis amigos de habla hispana, Feliz Navidad.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

No doubt many of you have seen this marvelous movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, which came out in 1946.

If you are pressed for time, you may want instead to watch this two-minute version of the film that a friend of mine made.

It is my absolute favorite film and I hope you will take a quick look at it.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Some of you really enjoyed last week’s song by Snoop Dogg & Anna Kendrick, and so did I. So here it is again.

Pitch Perfect 2

Winter Wonderland / Here Come Santa Claus

By Snoop Dogg & Anna Kendrick

But I also want to provide a Christmas song/video that I found rather interesting and I hope you do also.

Merry Merry Christmas

By Ken’ Mo’

ART OF THE WEEK

The Christmas Tree

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

At this time of the year, who else would I name as extraordinary person of the week other than:

Santa Claus

Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on the night of Christmas Eve (24 December) or during the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December). 

The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas (a fourth-century Greek bishop and gift-giver of Myra), the British figure of Father Christmas, and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas (himself also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession through the sky.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Michigan currently does not permit indoor dining in restaurants.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

The best gift you can give someone is your time.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Father Billino

Every year around this time, I can’t help but recall years ago the unexpected Christmas surprise, when Father Billino from the Vatican, was in town.  Here he is standing in front of a church with Carol.

I recall everyone liked to take confession with Father Billino, because he loved to say, “Go and sin some more.”

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Today’s Mantra

The Christmas season is often stressful for many and that is probably even more true given 2020 is the year of the pandemic. 

Regardless of the  challenges you are facing, I hope you can say:

BOOK OF THE WEEK

If you are a fan of A Christmas Carol, you may want to check out this book.

Fezziwig: A Life

By Danny Kuhn

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

For a number of years,  I have gone to A Christmas Carol play with friends; but, due to the pandemic this year the performance was cancelled. However, we were able to watch separately one of my favorite versions of this classic film; The George C. Scott version. However, any version you choose to watch will likely put you in the Christmas spirit. 

A Christmas Carol (1984)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Pitch Perfect 2

Winter Wonderland / Here Come Santa Claus

By Snoop Dogg & Anna Kendrick

ART OF THE WEEK

Outside Christmas Decorations

This is my attempt at outside Christmas decorations so far this year.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

This week I chose one of the greatest managers of all time.  One that I tried to emulate myself, but never came close.

Mr. Fezziwig

Here is an exchange one of Mr. Fezziwig’s employees had to say about him in an exchange with a spirit at a Christmas Work Party.  I wish every employee could speak this way about their manager, but unfortunately many can’t.

Spirit, “A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.”

“Small!” echoed Scrooge.

Spirit replies, “Why! Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?”

Scrooge, in defense of Mr. Fezziwig, “It isn’t that, Spirit. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light of burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count ‘em up: what then? The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.”

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Teachers

On one level, I agree that everyone we come into contact with is our teacher.

On another level, I believe we have friends and we have enemies.

But keep in mind that sometimes friends become enemies and enemies become friends.

LEARNING TRAITS

One must know their limitations.

MISCELLANEOUS

Here is some interesting info on the intelligence of dogs and cats

LAST WEEK’S POLL

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Friends

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I think you will find this book very interesting. You will learn something about one of the great comedians, the interesting people he associated with and there is a lot of Rodney Dangerfield humor spread throughout the book.

If you aren’t sure what Rodney Dangerfield humor is like, here is an example:

I told my landlord I wanted to live in a more expensive appartment.

He raised my rent.

It’s Not Easy Being‘ Me

By Rodney Dangerfield

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This continues to be one of my favorite films.

Back To School (1986)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Burning Love

By Elvis

ART OF THE WEEK

If you have any interest in art or would like to acquire a bit of culture, this is a beautifully illustrated book is an excellent source. 

Art of the Western World

By Michael Wood, Bruce Cole and Adelheid Gealt

An illustrated survey of the history of Western art examines the societies, values, and ideals that shaped the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture, from ancient Greece to the present. (Source: Amazon)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Rodney Dangerfield

Jack Roy (born Jacob Rodney Cohen; November 22, 1921 – October 5, 2004), popularly known by the stage name Rodney Dangerfield, was an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, musician and author. He was known for his self-deprecating one-liner humor, his catchphrase “I don’t get no respect!” and his monologues on that theme.

He began his career working as a stand-up comic in the Borscht Belt resorts of the Catskill Mountains northwest of New York City. His act grew in popularity as he became a mainstay on late-night talk shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s, eventually developing into a headlining act on the Las Vegas casino circuit.

His catchphrase “I don’t get no respect!” came from an attempt to improve one of his stand-up jokes. “I played hide and seek; they wouldn’t even look for me.” He thought the joke would be stronger if it used the formulaic “I was so …” beginning (“I was so poor,” “He was so ugly,” “She was so stupid,” etc.). He tried “I get no respect,” and got a much better response with the audience; it became a permanent feature of his act and comedic persona.

  WEEK’S JOKE

I get such a kick out of this, perhaps it is because I spent so many years in the corporate world.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

This year, 2020, is the first year in some time that I have not be in a powerlifting contest, but if there is anyway possible, that is going to change in 2021. Next year will be my last year to compete in the 70 to 74 year category as I will be turning 75 in August of 2021.

I’m primarily a deadlifter (If you don’t know what that is, you can watch the short video below), but once in a while I also benchpress in a contest.

As you get older, maintaining your health is a full time job. Please remember it is never too late to improve your health.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Anger

Anger almost never helps resolve a situation – note that I said “almost”

SOCIAL TRAITS

Actions

Want to know what a person values, watch how they use their time.

LEARNING TRAITS

Happiness

If you seek happiness, you may want to try this approach.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLL