CURRENT EVENTS

Mask Mandates

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Re-Stocking

Here I am in Tennessee, stocking up on books

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Breathless

By Jerry Lee Lewis

ART OF THE WEEK

Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains National Park 

Nature is an artist

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

SUNDAY’S 2021 AWPC NATIONALS WINNERS

All of the people in the above picture came in first in various AAPF powerlifting categories. You will notice that they are both young and old. The reason there are only a couple of females in the photo is because the females were scheduled to lift on another day. 

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

If you are familiar with Star Trek, I think you will enjoy this.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

World Famous Chef Ronaldo’s

Chef Ronaldo knows that many of you who are trying to lose weight, also love pizza. So, Chef Ronaldo came up with this idea of how you can cut the number of pizza slices you eat in half.

CHARACTER TRAITS

There is a lot that can be learned in a gym.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Human Connections

LEARNING TRAITS

Who hasn’t said or did something in anger, that they later regretted.

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

AAPF Nationals

Sorry

It was my intent to set a new AWPC World’s raw deadlift record for my age and weight. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned as you can see below:

I plan to train harder and smarter to make this 385 lbs. lift at my next contest in mid-June.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Swoly Bible

By Dom Mazzetti

This is a humorous book with a sprinkling of good hardcore gym advice throughout. Even if you aren’t into hardcore weight lifting, you may still find this book funny and if you are into hardcore weight lifting I think you will love this book.

For years bros, meatheads, and gym rats around the world have posed pressing questions: What can you bench? Can I skip leg day? What goes in this protein shake? And, importantly, do you even lift, bro? At long last, answers to these questions and more can be found in one handy volume – The Swoly Bible, written by the Internet’s favorite gym expert/literary genius, Dom Mazzetti. (Source: Back cover of the book)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

The video that goes along with this song, brings back a lot of memories for a person my age, who saw much of this via TV as it was happening

Wonderful World

By Sam Cooke

ART OF THE WEEK

Possible Revision to the Sistine Chapel 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Good People Do Some Bad Things

and

Bad People Do Some Good Things

Al Capone started one of the first soup kitchens. In fact, preceding the passage of the Social Security Act, “soup kitchens” like the one Al Capone founded, provided the only meals that some unemployed Americans had. 

Al Capone was a gangster who made a fortune during the prohibition though bootlegging. He had a bit of the Robin Hood mystique by being charitable from some of the money he made running his criminal enterprise. Being a bootlegger (made/distributed illegal alcohol) during Prohibition during the period in the USA from 1920-1933 when alcohol was illegal) was seen as an acceptable, glamorous, even brave thing to do by the public. But it’s well-known that he had brutal methods murdering enemies, extorting local businesses, bribing public officials, intimidating witnesses.

Al Capone’s intentions were an effort to clean up his image. “120 000 meals are served by Capone Free Soup Kitchen” the Chicago Tribune headlined on December 1931. Al Capone’s soup kitchen became one of the strangest sight Chicagoans had ever seen. An army of ragged, starving men assembled three times a day beside a storefront at 935 South State Street, feasting on the largesse of Al Capone. Toasting his health. Telling the newspapers that Capone was doing more for the poor than the entire U.S. government. He was even offering some of them jobs. Capone milked his good works for all the favorable publicity they were worth. He came down and walked among the men, the wretched of the earth, offering a handshake, a hearty smile, and words of encouragement from the great Al Capone. (Source: RareHistoricalPhotos.com)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

World Famous Chef Ronaldo’s

Quick Recipe for Banana Bread

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

World Famous Chef Ronaldo

Many  people don’t know it, but Chef Ronaldo is also very much into health. This week, Chef Ronaldo shows you how to burn 1,000 calories in just 45 minutes.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Re-reading Books

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

IL Postino (1994)

(The Postman)

If you don’t understand poetry, this entertaining movie should give you some insights. My copy of the movie is in Italian with English subtitles. If  you cannot watch a film with subtitles, you probably will not like this movie even if it were in English.

I understand the lead actor put off a heart operation to make this movie and died just before the movie was completed. Personally, I thought the actor made a wise decision, since through this movie he will live much longer.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’m In A Hurry

By Alabama

ART OF THE WEEK

Mosaics

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Cpl. Pat Tillman, Jr.

I think it is helpful to learn about people like Cpl. Pat Tillman, Jr. He did not let money nor fear keep him from what he felt he needed to do.

Patrick Daniel Tillman Jr. (November 6, 1976 – April 22, 2004) was an American professional football player in the National Football League (NFL) who left his sports career and enlisted in the United States Army in May 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. His service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and subsequent death, were the subject of national attention .(Source: Wikipedia)

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Manipulated

LEARNING TRAITS

Cats Are Great Communicators

MISCELLANEOUS

Backyard Visitor

This deer has been visiting our backyard every week or two since December.

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

World Famous Chef Ronaldo

We are entering grilling season and World Famous Chef Ronaldo wants everyone to participate in grilling season, including those of you that don’t have a grill.

Here is Chef Ronaldo’s solution to grilling for those of you who don’t have a grill.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is a nice little book that might inspire you to live up to your true nature.

The Hero Code (2021)

By Admiral William H. McRaven

THE HERO CODE is Admiral McRaven’s ringing tribute to the real, everyday heroes he’s met over the years, from battlefields to hospitals to college campuses, who are doing their part to save the world. (Source: Book itself)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’m doing my best on this blog to try to be non-political, since I have no desire to offend half my audience, unlike a number of major US corporations that feel they can do nicely with half their customers. Let’s see how that works out for those corporations. 

I was unsuccessful watching a movie or show that I could recommend to you folks, so I would suggest that any show or podcast you can find with one or especially both these individuals will be well worth watching. They are funny and yet make a good deal of sense.

Tyrus & Kat

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Some good advice in this song, such as “It’s not having what you want, it’s having what you got.”

Soak Up The Sun

By Sheryl Crow

ART OF THE WEEK

Shadow Art

Shadow art is a unique form of sculptural art where the 2D shadows cast by a 3D sculpture are essential for the artistic effect.

And you can add images to the shadow

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Detroit Police Chief Craig

and 

The Citizens of Detroit

Detroit has gone through some difficult times over the years and knows something about violence. I spent the entire 1967 riots a few blocks from Woodward and Grand Blvd at Pallister St.

Over the years it has been hard to believe one day Detroit would be the example of reason and responsibility, but I believe it is. The credit goes to Detroit Police Chief Craig and The Citizens of Detroit.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig is responding to comments from US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) made in the wake of the Daunte Wright death at the hands of a white police officer in Brooklyn Center Minnesota.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I didn’t think I was that well prepared for my last contest on March 14, so I added an extra day to my training (four days a week now) and spending two to three hours each training session.

AAPF NATIONALS

I’ll know May 2, if my hard work will get me to where I want to be for this contest. Regardless, it is going to be a great experience.

I strongly recommend strength training, regardless of your age–I’m 74.

Strength training not only adds life to your years, but years to your life.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Economic Systems

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

World Famous Chef Ronaldo

Last week for Easter, Chef Ronaldo taught us how to make holy water. This week Chef Ronaldo is going to share with us his recipe for making tea.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This book is a bit dated in a few parts, but overall it presents some good ideas for achieving a life of peace and well-being by making your life more simple.

If this book is a bit too dated for you, no doubt you can find other more current books on this topic.

Living The Simple Life (1996)

By Elaine St. James

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Watching this entertaining series among other things is a good way to learn about Prince Phillip.

The Crown

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

For your viewing pleasure, I have obtained some rare footage of Beethoven’s Second Fifth.

Beethoven’s Second Fifth

ART OF THE WEEK

Coffee Cups

I thought these coffee cups were interesting

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark; 10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021) was a member of the British royal family as the husband of Elizabeth II.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Overeating

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Photo IDs

Georgia’s new voting law requires a drivers’ license or state ID number be listed to submit an absentee ballot to vote, among other new reforms. The state already required ID to vote in person. It had previously relied on signature matching to verify ballots.

Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey issued a statement Wednesday night saying the company is “disappointed in the outcome of the Georgia voting legislation.”

And yet Coca-Cola required a valid photo ID for admission to their shareholder meeting.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Happy Easter

OTHER CURRENT NEWS

Freighter Stuck In The Suez Canal

Folks, maybe you heard about the freighter that was stuck in the Suez Canal and the harm it was causing. Here is a photo of the freighter being freed. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

There are a number of versions of this book available. My copy came out in 1989, but I think the next time I read this book, I will acquire a more recent version.

The Jefferson Bible

The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth

By Thomas Jefferson

In the early nineteenth century Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, conceived the idea of extracting a gospel purified of what he saw as extraneous philosophical, mythological, and theological elements.

To do so, he took verses from the four canonical gospels and arranged them into a single narrative, focusing on the actual words of Jesus. This work was never published during Jefferson’s lifetime, but was inherited by his grandson and printed for the first time in the early twentieth century.

The original bound manuscript, often referred to as “the Jefferson Bible,” is held by the United States National Museum in Washington.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This film isn’t for everyone, actually I think it is for very few people. I’ve seen it a few times and I still find it extremely interesting and worth trying to figure out what it is saying.

Surviving Desire (1992)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Jokerman (1984)

By Bob Dylan

ART OF THE WEEK

Here is some art with a powerful message.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Since it is Easter, why not.

Bugs Bunny

So far the “Cancel Culture” hasn’t come after Bugs Bunny, at least to the best of my knowledge.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Holy Water

In the past, the World Famous Chef Ronaldo taught us all how to make Holy Water. Given that it is Easter, I thought it might be helpful to bring this back.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

I did some fact checking and found this to be true. I fact check everything on this blog. As for the things I really like but can’t find any factual support, I normally add, “If this isn’t true, it should be.” That phrase wasn’t necessary this time.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Archaeological Discovery Near Stone Henge

I continue to try to keep you up to data on recent discoveries. Here is a recent important archaeological discovery that I believe you should be aware of:

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This book was adapted by James Harris to be extremely easy to read. There is some good advice sprinkled throughout the book.

The Enchiridion: Epictetus

Adapted By James Harris

The Enchiridion or Manual of Epictetus (Enchiridion is Greek for “that which is held in the hand”) is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by the Greek philosopher Epictetus.

This manual has been carefully adapted into modern English to allow for easy reading. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This film isn’t for everyone; nevertheless, I have watched it a few times over the years and each time I have found it interesting. 

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Mulholland Dr. is a 2001 surrealist neo-noir mystery film written and directed by David Lynch. Mulholland Drive is often regarded as one of Lynch’s finest works and was ranked 28th in the 2012 Sight & Sound critics’ poll of the best films ever made, and topped a 2016 poll by BBC Culture of the best films since 2000. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Opening Day is coming up.

Centerfield (1985)

By John Fogerty

ART OF THE WEEK

I thought this bridge spanning the falls is a work of art.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

William Shatner/Capt. James T. Kirk

William Shatner turned 90 years old last week (March 22, 1931). He gained worldwide fame and became a cultural icon for his portrayal of Captain James Tiberius Kirk in the TV series Star Trek.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

Here is a tip for the ladies

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Exercise, The World’s Best Medicine

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Here is something to think about

Now, think about it some more

LEARNING TRAITS

English Grammar Is Important

MISCELLANEOUS

I don’t disagree with the following, I just find it rather scary. However, I suspect some must find it hopeful.

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Why Did The Dinosaurs Become Extinct

There are many theories of why the dinosaurs became extinct, such as climate changes that impacted their supply of food. Other theories were that other animals found dinosaur eggs to be a tasty treat. Still another theory suggests their bodies became too large for their small brains. I could go on and on, with all kinds of theories, but this is the one that most appeals to me:

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’m not sure, but I tend to classify Buddhism as a philosophy, because it does not involve worshipping a supernatural entity. But, it really does not matter what you call it; it is what it is.

I found this a very easy to read and informative book about a philosophy/religon that goes back 2,500 years ago.

Essential Buddhism

By Jacky Sach

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you enjoyed Outlander, and even if you didn’t; I think you will enjoy watching these two exploring Scotland.

Men In Kilts

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I enjoyed the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood so much and when I came across this classical 1964 song that was covered in 1965 by The McCoys, I just had to use it. If you have never seen the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, I strongly recommend it.

By the way, the girl in the film clip below is Margaret Qualley, Andie MacDowell’s daughter.

Hang On Sloopy

By The McCoys

ART OF THE WEEK

I have no idea who came up with this, but I found it very creative.

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE  OF THE WEEK

Team Armageddon 

At of the above individuals came in first in their category at the recent 2021 Michigan APF/AAPF state powerlifting meet and one took best female lifter at the meet. Among the above are four world champions, whose ages are 78, 78. 74 and 65.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If you are wondering how my contest came out last week, I was very please to set a new APF State age/weight raw deadlift record with a lift of 167.5 Kg or 369.2 lbs. with this lift:

CHARACTER TRAITS

I feel bad for anyone who gives up on their dreams.

if you refuse to give up, they often come true.

SOCIAL TRAITS

I read in Austin Kleon’z book, Steal Like An Artist, something I thought was interesting  and wanted to pass it on to you folks. It goes like this:

There’s an economic theory out there

that if you take the incomes of your five closet friends and average them,

the resulting number will be pretty close to your own income.

LEARNING TRAITS

I lot of us are guilty of saying or thinking negative things about ourselves.

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

Happy St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2021)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This extremely easy to read book is worth the little cost and time it takes to acquire and read.  You will not be sorry, even if you already think you are very creative.  And if you don’t think you are creative, you may after reading this book.

Steal Like An Artist

By Austin Kleon

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Ides of March Quiz

Hail, Caesar! (2016)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Clocks Spring Forward Sunday, March 14, 2021

Whip It

By Devo 

ART OF THE WEEK

St. Patrick’s Day Decorations

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Words of Wisdom From Arnold 

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

This is what I also do.

Nevertheless, I think this commercial is very funny.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

This Sunday I will be in a state powerlifting contest.

I’ll update this post Monday for the results

I’m running so far behind, I decided I will just provide the update with next Sunday’s post.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

I read in Alain de Botton’s book, How Proust Can Change Your Life, something I thought was worth trying and wanted to pass it on to you folks. It goes like this:

Whenever he looked at paintings,

Proust had a habit of trying to match the figures depicted on the canvases

with the people he knew from his own life.

LEARNING TRAITS

I think if we all learned this and accepted it in our daily lives, we would all be much happier.

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls

 

CURRENT EVENTS

God Blessed Texas

By Little Texas

BOOK OF THE WEEK

There have been a lot of movies protraying  Davy Crockett. If you would like to know as close as we can come to the real story of this American hero, this book produced by The University of Tennessee Press is as close as it gets.

I found it a very interesting book to read.

A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett

of the State of Tennessee

By David Crockett

Davy Crockett buffs, Tennessee bibliophiles, genealogists, folklorists, historians, and the general reader should find this carefully researched and authoritative edition, which extricates the man from the myth, a valuable addition to the frontier history, biography, and literature of Tennessee and America.”
–Robert E. Dalton, Tennessee Historical Quarterly.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This film is a love story set in a time of a zombie pandemic. It seemed all one needed to do in order to stop a pandemic was to not be fearful of other people and to practice a little love for other people. But, like the “Boneys”, some of you may be too far gone.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Warm Bodies is a 2013 American paranormal romantic zombie comedy film based on Isaac Marion’s novel of the same name, which in turn is inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Analeigh Tipton, and John Malkovich.

The film focuses on the development of the relationship between Julie (Palmer), a young woman, and “R” (Hoult), a zombie, and how their eventual romance develops, causing R to slowly return to human form. The film is noted for displaying human characteristics in zombie characters, and for being told from a zombie’s perspective.

Normally, this is the point where I ask if you have seen the movie and if you liked it. I’m not going to do this, because this movie isn’t for everyone. But if you are a romantic with a sense of humor and can tolerate zombies, you might like it. I myself, was once a zombie, as you can see below (that is me with the tie).

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Tuff Enuff

By Fabulous Thunderbirds 

ART OF THE WEEK

Shredded Angel

I saw this on a FB friend’s page. They didn’t recall where it came from or who is the artist. I gave it a name, “Shredded Angel”. If you know anything about this image, please let us know via the comment section.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Yevgeniy Khudoleev currently holds the WPC World’s Raw Deadlift in the 90 Kg (198.2 lbs.) Masters  7 (Age 70 to 74) category with a deadlift of 200 Kg (440.7 lbs.).

I met him back in 2015 in Maia, Portugal, where I came in second to him. He is a very cool guy and I found him to be an inspiration.

  JOKE OF THE WEEK

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Next Sunday I will be in a state powerlifting contest.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Polls