CURRENT EVENTS

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone can be thankful for something this Thanksgiving.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

There is an absolute wealth of advice in this little and easy to read book.

The Art of Living

By Epictetus

Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 ce in the eastern outreaches of the Roman Empire. Once freed, he established an influential school of Stoic philosophy, stressing that human beings cannot control life, only their responses to it. By putting into practice the ninety-three witty, wise, and razor-sharp instructions that make up The Art of Living, readers learn to meet the challenges of everyday life successfully and to face life’s inevitable losses and disappointments with grace. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I have watched the first three seasons of The Crown and Season 4 is now available. I’ve seen the first three of the ten Season 4 episodes. I’m glad to hear that in 2021 they plan to start filming Season 5 and the series will end with Season 6.

The Crown Season 4

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

YMCA

By Village People

ART OF THE WEEK

Surrealist Joke

Over the years, I’ve tried to explain as well as shown pictures of my favorite art style–surrealism. But it came to me that perhaps I can explain surrealism even better with a surrealist joke.

Question: How many surrealists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

Answer: A rhinoceros

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

John Nelson

My friend and boss.

Obituary for John Adrian Nelson

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I do my best to keep all of you up to date on the latest health and physical studies. Here is one that I thought would be of interest.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Reactions

This cannot be said often enough.

SOCIAL TRAITS

This is something you should keep in mind.

LEARNING TRAITS

When it comes to criticism, I can’t help thinking of a story my Uncle Tony told me. He was just about finished with a project when someone came up to him and said, “Mind if I give you some advice?”

Uncle Tony said, “Okay.”

The advisor said, “It’s worthless.”

Uncle Tony replied, “Let’s hear your advice anyway?”

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Take Me To Your Leader

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Jail House Strong

The Successful Mindset Manual

By Josh Bryant & Adam benShea

This is a short (35 pages) guide to mental training that I read to help me with my powerlifting. At a certain point, lifting heavy weights moves from  physical strength to mental strength. As Henry Ford said, “If you think you can or if you think you can’t, either way you are going to be right.” That is so true when it comes to lifting heavy weights.

However, even if you aren’t a powerlifter (you probably aren’t), I believe a strong mindset can assist you with anything you want to accomplish.

CAUTION: Please note that I am only suggesting “Jail House Strong – The Successful Mindset Manual” and not “Jail House Strong” by the same authors

Bryant and benShea, share the blue print, explained in layman’s terms, for taking your mental game to the next level. The Successful Mindset is for the competitive athlete, the entrepreneur, or anyone that strives to get better and be the best. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I don’t know how good this movie is, but I have watched it twice now over the years. I think it is worth watching just to see how severe Christopher Lambert can be.

Beowulf (1999)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Boogie Woogie Country Girl

By Micke Muster

ART OF THE WEEK

Cup For The Photographer

I saw this being advertised and thought it was really cool.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

Dick Clark

Richard Wagstaff Clark (November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012) was an American radio and television personality, television producer and film actor, as well as a cultural icon who remains best known for hosting American Bandstand from 1956 to 1989. He also hosted Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, which transmitted Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

As host of American Bandstand, Clark introduced rock & roll to many Americans. The show gave many new music artists their first exposure to national audiences, including Iggy Pop, Ike & Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Talking Heads, Simon & Garfunkel and Madonna.

Episodes he hosted were among the first in which blacks and whites performed on the same stage, and likewise among the first in which the live studio audience sat without racial segregation. Singer Paul Anka claimed that Bandstand was responsible for creating a “youth culture”. Due to his perennially youthful appearance and his largely teenaged audience of American Bandstand, Clark was often referred to as “America’s oldest teenager” or “the world’s oldest teenager”.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

There is so much fake data being circulated that I thought I should provide you with an accurate pie chart.

MISCELLANEOUS

I don’t know if this is good advice or not, I guess everyone has to decide for themselves.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

America

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is a humorous book with a sprinkling of good hardcore gym advice throughout. However, I’m not sure you can appreciate this book unless you have gone to a hardcore gym or plan to go to a hardcore gym.

What is a hardcore gym? For starters there must be at least one picture of Arnold, preferably more. And there must be deadlift platforms.

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

We watched this film Halloween night and found it entertaining and far from being super scary, plus Alice Cooper appears in the film.

Dark Shadows (2012)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

On August 1, 1981, MTV: Music Television goes on the air for the first time ever, with the words (spoken by one of MTV’s creators, John Lack): “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the first music video to air on the new cable television channel, which initially was available only to households in parts of New Jersey. (Source: http://www.history.com)

Video Killed The Radio Star (1979)

By the Buggles

ART OF THE WEEK

Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula Flowers

I was in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula a few weeks back and had to stop to take a photo of these unusual flowers. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON  OF THE WEEK

I once sat second row ringside and saw George Foreman box and I also saw the great Archie Moore, who was in George’s corner during this particular fight in the Detroit area.

Although one of the best boxers of all time, he was so much more than just a boxer. Foreman stopped fighting and became an ordained minister, initially preaching on street corners before becoming the reverend at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, and devoting himself to his family and his congregation. He also opened a youth center that bears his name.

Rev. George Foreman

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

When I was taking yoga classes before the pandemic hit, we did this towards the end of every session. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

This seems like a good approach.

MISCELLANEOUS

I don’t think anyone should have a billion dollars, because it is way too much unchecked power. However, the vast majority of people who are successful have worked very hard and made great sacrifices to achieve that success. 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Election Yard Sign Warning

Please don’t let this happen to you.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

If you ever decided to write a book, you may want to check out a book similar to this one.

Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook is the first step-by-step guide to the legal issues of self-publishing. Attorney and published author Helen Sedwick uses 30 years of legal experience to cut through the legalese and show writers how to stay out of court and at their desks. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

This is the first of a three film series, with the second film coming out nine years later or in 2004. The third film came out another nine years later or in 2013.

Before Sunrise (1995)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Daylight Savings Time

If I Could Turn Back Time

By Cher

ART OF THE WEEK

Dance Is A Performing Art Form

There is a new dance craze called “The Trump Dance”. This craze may only last a couple more days or it may last four more years. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON & PEOPLE OF THE WEEK

Francisco Bravo Cabrera

And

Police Officers Everywhere

I believe my friend’s poem says it all.

I was a cop…

In a city where the violence was brewing,

where I knew so well the job that I was doing

that I spent some thirty years without a thought.

But I did see such brutality around me,

people changing,

people growing wild around me,

without a care

for those who dare to put a uniform and risk their lives

facing those whose only mantra is “I’ll fight”,

and caring nothing for the lives in deep despair,

found anywhere.

I am a cop and my life matters,

this is the job I do

so you can live in peace among those who would threaten you.

And all lives matter to me,

but it’s not my brothers that wear a uniform like me who are the problem.

It’s the vulgar, disrespectful that surround you…

I fought battles way before I was a cop,

but once I took that oath and swore,

I fought no more,

for those I serve are not my enemy,

they are instead those who need folks that serve like me.

C.2020, Francisco Bravo Cabrera, 17 OCT 2020, Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

 

SOCIAL TRAITS

James Bond (Agent 007)

(25 August 1930 – 31 October 2020)

(aka Sir Thomas Sean Connery)

What a loss to society.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Trick or Treat

Or

Turned him into a glass of wine

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Check out these graphic novels, they are easy and fun to read with drawings illustrating everything. Plus, you get a good understanding of the story.

Graphic Novel Example

(The actual image in the book is much sharper)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

This is always one of the top scary movies of all time.

Night of the Living Dead

But for those of you looking for something a bit lighter, I strongly recommend Emily In Paris.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Monster Mash

By Bobby Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

I was amazed at how much Bobby Pickett could change his appearance.

ART OF THE WEEK

Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle)

Bran Castle – which perches on a dramatic hilltop near Brasov in central Romania – has long been linked to the toothsome vampire. Constructed in the early 14th century, it is open to the public, who are able to peer into its creaky rooms and dark passageways. 

Sharp-eyed tourists will point out that Dracula did not exist.

And they would – rather obviously – be correct. The most famous vampire of all was, of course, created by the Irish novelist Bram Stoker in his iconic Gothic novel Dracula, published in 1897. (Source: DailyMail.com)

Over half a million visitors a year pass through these dark corridors.

Perhaps, while on your tour you may become tired and wish to take a nap.

Please do so at your own risk (smile)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who else, given this is the week of Halloween

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Cassandra Peterson

Cassandra Peterson (born September 17, 1951) is an American actress best known for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She gained fame on Los Angeles television station KHJ-TV wearing a revealing, black, gothic, cleavage-enhancing gown as host of Elvira’s Movie Macabre, a weekly horror movie presentation. Her wickedly vampish appearance is offset by her comical character, quirky and quick-witted personality, and Valley girl-type speech.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I suspect for many of you, there will be far fewer children coming to your door this Halloween. You may want to take that into consideration when you purchase your Halloween treats to give out; otherwise, you may end up like our friend below.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

This is good advice any time of the year and given the political climate of the last four years, perhaps we can add less hatred and more tolerance for views different than our own.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Black Cats

Halloween is a particularly dangerous times for cats, especially black cats

Please be a responsible cat owner and keep your cat indoors

And I keep my cat “Bear” indoors for the protection of others

LEARNING TRAITS

It is always a good idea to have some options.

MISCELLANEOUS

Communication Is So Important

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Presidential Candidates

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Everyone should read some version of the Tao Te Ching at least once during their life.

The Illustrated Tao Te Ching

By Lao Tzu

Translated by Man-Ho Kwok, Martin Palmer & Jay Ramsay

Calligraphy by Kwok-Lap Chan

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

If you can’t watch a film with English subtitles, than this film isn’t for you. In fact, it isn’t for everyone. It has probably been at least ten years since I’ve watched it and I just watched it again the other day. I wasn’t disappointed. 

The Seventh Seal

Returning exhausted from the Crusades to find medieval Sweden gripped by the Plague, a knight (Max von Sydow) suddenly comes face-to-face with the hooded figure of Death, and challenges him to a game of chess. As the fateful game progresses, and the knight and his squire encounter a gallery of outcasts from a society in despair, Bergman mounts a profound inquiry into the nature of faith and the torment of mortality. One of the most influential films of its time, The Seventh Seal is a stunning allegory of man’s search for meaning and a work of stark visual poetry. (Source of film description: The Criterion Collection)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’m sorry if I am turning any of you off with this presidential campaign speech, but since so many are posting political messages I thought why not.

Never Gonna Give You Up

By Rick Astley

ART OF THE WEEK

Designing trophies is an art form. Here are the awards we gave out for best Halloween costumes in various categories.

Hopefully, next year the Halloween parties will resume.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OR ANIMAL OF THE WEEK

SHARK

Nothing more needs to be said.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Recent Archaeological Find

I have no idea why we aren’t hearing more about this recent extraordinary archaeological find, so I thought I should at least let the readers of this blog know about this discovery. (Thanks Carmen for bringing this to my attention).

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

If you aren’t paying for the product, you are the product.

Did I get your attention? I really didn’t enjoy watching this film. But like Uncle Tony used to say, “It’s like a lot of medicine, it may not taste good; but it is good for you.

I don’t buy into this whole The Social Dilemma thing, but the film does present things for one to consider. 

The Social Dilemma

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Dance of Lurch & Wednesday Addams

ART OF THE WEEK

Dancing is an art form and here is a form of dance that you may not be ware of and here is a video of three national champions.

Buck Dancing

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSONS OF THE WEEK

Boris Karloff

William Henry Pratt (23 November 1887 – 2 February 1969), better known by his stage name Boris Karloff), was an English actor who was primarily known for his roles in horror films. He portrayed Frankenstein’s monster in Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein(1935) and Son of Frankenstein (1939). He also appeared as Imhotep in The Mummy (1932).

For his contribution to film and television, Karloff was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Perceptions

Do we really hear what is being said?

Watch the short film and take the poll

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Difference Between Men and Women

I believe the purchase of shampoo describes the difference between many men and women.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Although not the typical Halloween scary movie, it is still very interesting.

Cards on the Table

Agatha Christie Poirot, Series 10, Episode 2

The enigmatic, sinister Mr. Shaitana, one of London’s richest men, invites 8 guests, 4 of them possible murderers and 4 ‘detectives’ to his opulent apartment.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

How about some Halloween dancing.

Nobody But Me

A Monster Groove

ART OF THE WEEK

Grey Fountains

I’ve been closing up my backyard fountains in preparation for winter. Here is another one that I just closed up.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSONS OF THE WEEK

December 2017

The fellow in the center is the team founder and trainer,

Art Little

I’m looking forward to Team Armageddon being back in action in 2021, stronger than ever. They may not look it, but there are a number of world record holders in that photo.

  WEEK’S JOKE

Fellows, if you aren’t having any luck with online dating sites.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Cause of The Coin Shortage Identified

Or

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This book is expected to be available in early 2021.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

It will soon be October, so time to start watching some scary movies.This one was made by my friend Mike Kinnunen, in 2005 [Has it really been that long ago–does time fly].  I’m not sure how to obtain a copy of it; but if you contact me, I will pass your email or comment on to Mike.

The Dead Walk the Earth, Yet They Live and They Kill

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’m dedicating this week’s song to the Corona Virus.

A Hard Day’s Night

By The Beatles

ART OF THE WEEK

Wizard

Carol made this Wizard back in 1988 and gave it to me. This resulted in us getting married a few years later. One can never underestimate the power of ART or the power of a WIZARD. I just took this photo this morning. Both the Wizard and Carol and still with me.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Amy Coney Barrett, age 48

– A judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals nominated by President Donald Trump in 2017 and considered once before by Trump for a high court seat; her three-year judicial record shows a clear and consistent conservative bent.

– A graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and Rhodes College who has taught law at Notre Dame, worked for a Washington law firm and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

– A devout Catholic mother of seven and Louisiana native born in 1972, she would be the youngest justice on the current court if confirmed. (Source: AP)

  WEEK’S JOKE

You may not get this joke, unless you remember your Sunday School lessons.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

I don’t know if it is true or not, but I understand in some countries in the far east, parents are treated with the same respect or disrespect given to their grown children because they raised those children.

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Steps Towards Peace in The Middle East

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Anyone who wants to change something in their life, will likely benefit from this book.

Small Move, Big Change

By Caroline L. Arnold

Arguing that determination and willpower alone are insufficient to overcoming deeply ingrained habits, a guide to focusing one’s self-control on precise behavioral targets to enable meaningful change draws on the author’s own successes and failures as case-study examples of effective “microresolution” practices.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Triple X

I’m not a fan of action films and I cannot recommend you watch this film, unless you are a Vin Diesel fan. But I enjoyed this film when it came out and decided after watching it that I had to go to Prague. Well, I didn’t get to Prague until 2014, but Prague was certainly worth the trip.

I just watch this film again this week and I still enjoyed it.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I Saw The Light

Cover By: Hillary Klug

ART OF THE WEEK

Grey Fountain

I bought this fountain back in 1988 or 32 years ago on the advice of Uncle Tony. I was going to buy a one of a kind nymph fountain. Nymphs are nature goddesses, so they were au naturel or for those of you who don’t speak French, they were naked.

Uncle Tony cautioned me that when I have visitors (I was single at the time), it might give the ladies the wrong impression of me. So I bought the fountain in the video that Uncle Tony suggest.

Later that week, I stopped by Uncle Tony’s house and what did I see. He had gone back to the store and bought the Nymphs Fountain that he had talked me out of buying. Sorry I don’t have a picture of the Nymphs Fountain, but I try to keep this blog PG rated.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (March 15, 1933 – September 18, 2020), also known by her initials RBG, was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton and was generally viewed as belonging to the liberal wing of the Court. Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, after Sandra Day O’Connor.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS