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

CURRENT EVENTS

Pulling Into September

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Sophocles said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” 

This book is one the easier and entertaining ways that I know of to examine your life.

The 15-Minute Philosopher

By Anne Rooney

The 15-Minute Philosopher introduces the reader to the main ideas of philosophy, showing how the subject has a clear practical purpose vital to our day-to-day lives and thinking. A fun introduction to the subject of philosophy…

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

OSCARS

For many years now The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences best picture award (Oscars) seems to be more interested in political correctness than entertaining and thought provoking films.

This year the Academy has gone a step further by announcing their  new standards of representation and inclusion that will gradually be put in place for the 94th (2022) and 95th (2023) Oscars but in full effect beginning with the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’m In A Hurry

By Alabama

My car will do 0 to 60 in 5.2

ART OF THE WEEK

Recycle Container

Even recycle containers can be art. I saw these in Machu Picchu City, Peru; back in 2017, and had to take a picture of them.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Thanks to school lunches in the 1950s, I could not stand the thought of eating vegetables.

All that changed, once I was introduced to Birdseye vegetables. 

We can thank Clarence Birdseye for 

Making Vegetables Great Again

Clarence Frank Birdseye II (December 9, 1886 – October 7, 1956) was an American inventor, entrepreneur, and naturalist, considered the founder of the modern frozen food industry.

  WEEK’S JOKE

Good thing Jesus wasn’t here in 2020

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

This is an over 7 minute long video. I think entertaining, but so many have lost their sense of humor, if they ever hand one. But more important than entertaining, I think this video has a lot to say about the great American Melting Pot.

Chappelle’s Show – The Racial Draft

Uncensored

LEARNING TRAITS

This is something that should be asked of everyone making political comments.

MISCELLANEOUS

Do you really want career politicians deciding your fate, whether Democrat or Republican?

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Opinions

Many people are getting upset about differences of opinions, which is causing disharmony among friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.  

                                              Is it really worth it?

To help you put things in to perspective, here are photos of the earth before and after your opinion.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is an extremely readable a practical philosophy book and I think has helped me with my thinking. 

I recall Uncle Tony told me once that the only attribute the Lord distributed fairly was intelligence, not looks, strength, etc. I asked Uncle Tony why he would say that. Uncle Tony said, “Because intelligence in the only attribute that everyone thinks they received more than their fair share.”

Philosophy for Everyday Life

By Trevor Curnow

 

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Collateral (2004)

I just watched this movie again, possibly my third or fourth time, and I found this movie just as intriguing as when I saw it the first time.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Maybellene

By Chuck Berry

Here I am in my V8 Ford trying to catch Maybellene in that Cadillac.

ART OF THE WEEK

This is the art of an internet friend of mine, Francisco Cabrera of Spain

Este es el arte de un amigo mío en internet, Francisco Cabrera de España.

THE ART OF FRANCISCO BRAVO CABRERA

Francisco Bravo Cabrera, is an international artist based in Spain. His work has been exhibited (and collected) in Europe, Asia and North America. He has just celebrated his 20th year as a professional artist.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I was fortunate to know Greg for a number of decades and I believe the world is in need of people like Greg.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Be Brave

For decades now the media and so many other people have been pushing fear. It has got so bad that people driving in a car by themselves are seen wearing a mask. 

The USA was the land of the free and the home of the brave. If we aren’t brave, how long do you think we will be free?

Try the above, you will be surprised to lear that it actually works.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I have found this book most helpful over the years in my quest to be a better person.

Living a Life That Matters

By Harold S. Kushner

Drawing on the stories of his own congregants, on literature, current events and, above all, on the Biblical story of Jacob (the worldly trickster who evolves into a man of God), Rabbi Harold S. Kushner addresses some of the most persistent dilemmas of the human condition:

Why do decent people so often violate their moral standards? How can we pursue justice without giving in to the lure of revenge? How can we turn our relationships with family and friends into genuine sources of meaning? Persuasive and sympathetic, filled with humanity and warmth, Living a Life That Matters is a deeply rewarding book.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Agatha Christie’s Poirot

Series 4

I was having a hard time finding anything to watch that I liked, so I went back to Agatha Christie’s Poirot series. I am now into series 4 of the collection. 

If you like Sherlock Holmes, I think you will like Hercule Poirot.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Should’ve Been A Cowboy

By Toby Keith

I started out early in life as a cowboy, but unfortunately lost my way.

ART OF THE WEEK

Liberty Bell

Years ago, when I was in Philadelphia,

I saw the Liberty Bell and took this photo.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Detroit Police James Craig

Look around at our troubled cities such as Seattle, Portland, Chicago and New York. Detroit is calm compared to those cities. Police Chief James Craig is one of the primary reasons for that. 

People tend to do what you allow them to do and Police Chief Craig isn’t allowing what is going on in many of our major cities. 

I think the people in the cities I mentioned made some very poor decisions when they voted and now they are suffering the consequences.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Diets

I suspect in the long-run, most diets don’t work. I believe you might be far better off with small lifestyle changes such as increasing your physical activity and cutting out a few things you are eating, which aren’t helping you reach your weight goals. Nothing drastic, just small little sustainable changes over time.

CHARACTER TRAITS

I hope this thought provides some small comfort to those of us who are suffering. And for those of us that are doing fine, I hope this helps remind us to be grateful for what we have and are experiencing.

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

Social Distancing

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Term Limits

I understand that the Chinese have a saying, white shirts and politicians are best when new.

If you look at how long so many of our key political leaders have held office, do you ever wonder if they are going to fix something, why didn’t they fix it decades ago.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I believe there are no people without flaws, Jefferson had great flaws but he also did great things. There is much more to Thomas Jefferson than you are likely to hear from the media or even today’s schools.

Jefferson

By Saul K. Padover

An abridged version of the classic biography of the U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.

This is a stirring portrait of an extraordinary American—Thomas Jefferson—third President of the United States, architect of freedom and democracy. He began his remarkable career as a lawyer, served in the Virginia House of Delegates and subsequently became Governor of Virginia, Ambassador to France, Secretary of State, and President.

He wrote his own epitaph, because he hoped to be remembered for three of his contributions to the American nation—author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom—and Father of the University of Virginia. Yet, curiously enough, most of Jefferson’s life was a struggle between his desire for a quiet, scholarly life on his plantation at Monticello and the sacrifices he had to make in order to serve his county.

Here, Professor Samuel K. Padover deftly reveals the personality of Jefferson, the devoted husbabnd and father, the farmer and philosopher, as well as the crises and achievements of his brilliant career as a statesman, in this absorbing, highly readable book.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Dancing With The Tsars

If you enjoy Dancing With The Stars, perhaps you will enjoy this show.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Beethoven

ART OF THE WEEK

Art From Peru’s Man-Made Floating Islands In Lake Titicaca

I bought this hanging decoration in 2017 from one of the Indians on the floating islands. They, like everyone I saw in Peru; absolutely refused to accept handouts. They want you to buy something from them, not give them something for nothing.

I found the character of the Peruvians more impressive than so many in the USA, who want something for nothing. 

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Inspector Harry Callahan

(aka Dirty Harry)

Inspector Harold Callahan, also known as Dirty Harry, was portrayed in the Dirty Harry film series, which consists of Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), The Enforcer (1976), Sudden Impact (1983) and The Dead Pool (1988). 

From his debut, Callahan became the template for a new kind of cop: an antihero who does not hesitate to cross professional boundaries in pursuit of his own vision of justice, especially when the law is poorly served by an inept, incompetent bureaucracy.

All of the Dirty Harry films feature Callahan killing criminals, mostly in gunfights. Phrases he utters in armed stand-offs, “Go ahead, make my day” and “[…] you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?” have become iconic. 

Dirty Harry in Action

  WEEK’S JOKE

This Week’s Joke Compliments of the BBC

I was told the BBC was trying to be sarcastic.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Quarantine Coffee

This is for those of you who like to try different kinds of coffees or those of you who don’t like coffee at all.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

Adapt

It seems everyone has to adapt to our new environment.

MISCELLANEOUS

Gyms have been closed since mid-March and yet Michigan’s governor has now permitted Detroit’s casinos to be open. I have to wonder about the governor’s motivations, not to mention encouraging nursing homes to take in Coronavirus patients.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Elvis

(January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Tao of Elvis

By David Rosen

This little book is well worth reading.

Elvis Presley was an intensely spiritual man. Gospel was his music of choice, and his life–from innocence to addiction, from obscurity to fame–was one long quest to balance opposites.

The Tao of Elvis is the first attempt to illustrate Elvis’s Taoist nature and interpret his never-ending search for purpose and meaning. Highlighting Elvis’s journey from light into dark, Jungian expert and Elvis scholar David Rosen explores and examines his life through the structure of the Tao Te Ching.

In reflections on forty-two Taoist concepts–one for each year of Elvis’s life–Rosen reveals how the Tao, a mysterious force, was and is operating through America’s king. Like the Tao, Elvis is everywhere.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Unless you really love all things Elvis, you may want to skip this film. (Updated 08/17/20)

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Elvis

Mr. singh (The Sikh Elvis)

ART OF THE WEEK

This is my Elvis hanging tree decoration.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Elvis

(January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977)

Rather than a lot of words about Elvis, the think this Bobby Bare song, The All American Boy covers the life of Elvis very well.

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, called for a nationwide mask mandate on Thursday, drawing a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump, who rarely wears a mask himself and opposes such mandates. 

“Every single American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum,” Biden said at a press appearance in Wilmington, Delaware. “Every governor should mandate mandatory mask wearing.

Three months minimum, is that like just wear a mask until we flatten the curve?

There is a saying that one rule for both the horse and the cow is unfair for both. Generally speaking, if you are a liberal you favor centralize control and if you are a conservative, you favor decentralized control. In November you are going to have to make a choice or not vote.

LEARNING TRAITS

Home Schooling

MISCELLANEOUS

Replacing Police

There has been considerable talk about replacing police officers in some situations with other qualified professionals. Normally, I’m against this idea, but in some instances this could possibly work.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS