CURRENT EVENTS

Please try to question what you have been told. Does it conform to what you have directly experience? This is called critical thinking.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I wrote this book six years ago and  somewhere in those six years, I lost my way. I’m going to re-read the book page by page.

This book will not change your life–only you can do that.

There are five frogs on a log. One decides to jump off. How many are left?

If you responded with four, you’re wrong. The correct answer is five, because remember—deciding isn’t doing.

If you are tired of being ordinary, it’s time to stop thinking about changing your life and start actively pursuing a changed life. And this is just the guide to get you moving. Comprised of fifty-two weekly lessons that all open with a joke or riddle and close with a movie suggestion, this book makes the difficult journey of becoming extraordinary a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. (Source: The book itself)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Michigan’s gyms will now be allowed to open on Monday, June 15. So here is another DVD I had around the house to watch while I’m on the treadmill waiting for Michigan gyms to be permitted to reopen.

Meet Joe Black

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

For those of you a little disappointed in the world, perhaps this video will cheer you up for a few minutes.

Michael 1996 John Travolta Dance Scene

ART OF THE WEEK

Door Art

Our door is a reflection of our many travels.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

These are very stressful times and stress can kill you. So, perhaps some of these tips may help you reduce the stress in your life.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

LEARNING TRAITS

If you watch the unfolding of events in the last week or so, you may want to question the concept social distancing among people without any symptoms.

MISCELLANEOUS

I understand in Michigan we are finally going to be able to return our bottles on June 15, 2020.

Personally, I think there were getting to be a health hazard.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

It seems everything is so divisive, the media, celebrities, politicians, Facebook political postings, etc.; so I tried to find something that we can all agree upon.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Benjamin Franklin’s The Art of Virtue consists of a collection of Franklin’s writings organized around his timeless philosophy on such topics as: goal setting and personal achievement, obtaining wealth and preserving health, human relations and family living, religion and morality, aging and dying, and much, much more. Full of profound insights, delightful humor, quotable quotes, and plenty of common sense; The Art of Virtue provides wonderful reading for both young and old alike. (Source: The book itself)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Since I live in Michigan and am not permitted to go to a gym, I’ve been watching some old DVDs that I have while on the treadmill. 

The Ninth Gate

Lost in Translation

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

If you watch the video you will see just how interesting things were during the mid-1060s. I graduated from high school in 1964, was with the U.S. Army in Iran (1965 – 66) and Vietnam (1966-67) and returned home to civilian life in 1967 for the Detroit riots, where I spent a week on Woodward north of Grand Blvd.

Eve of Destruction (1965)

By Barry McGuire

ART OF THE WEEK

I can’t even begin to estimate the cost of a dress like this.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I once read that Cleopatra was closer to our time today, then she was to when the great pyramids were built. Along those lines, I could say that when I was born, I was closer to the date this photo of Red Cloud was taken (1880) than I am to 2020. 

Red Cloud

Red Cloud (1822 – December 10, 1909) was one of the most important leaders of the Oglala Lakota from 1868 to 1909.

He was one of the most capable Native American opponents that the United States Army faced in its mission to occupy the western territories, defeating the United States during Red Cloud’s War, which was a fight over control of the Powder River Country in northeastern Wyoming and southern Montana.

The largest action of the war was the Fetterman Fight, with 81 U.S soldiers killed, and was the worst military defeat suffered by the United States Army on the Great Plains until the Battle of the Little Bighorn ten years later.

After signing the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), Red Cloud led his people in the important transition to reservation life. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Exercise is a close as one is going to come to the fountain of youth.

CHARACTER TRAITS

Actually, in a long life I have regretted my silence on at least one occasion for certain and probably a few other times; but, overall the point is well taken.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Be More Like Labs

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Coronavirus and A History Lesson

The Black Death, was the most fatal pandemic recorded in human history, resulting in the deaths of up to 75–200 million people in Eurasia and North Africa, peaking in Europe from 1347 to 1351.  The plague created religious, social, and economic upheavals, with profound effects on the course of European history.

The Black Death most likely originated in Central Asia or East Asia.

The Black Death is estimated to have killed 30% to 60% of Europe’s population. In total, the plague may have reduced the world population from an estimated 475 million to 350–375 million in the 14th century. There were further outbreaks throughout the Late Middle Ages, and with other contributing factors it took until 1500 for the European population to regain the levels of 1300. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The First Five Pages reveals the necessary elements of good writing, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry, and points out errors to be avoided, such as
* A weak opening hook
* Overuse of adjectives and adverbs
* Flat or forced metaphors or similes
* Melodramatic, commonplace or confusing dialogue
* Undeveloped characterizations and lifeless settings
* Uneven pacing and lack of progression

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Once again, I have watched all seven seasons of Buffy and I enjoyed it just as much as ever. I think this is a wonderful series for young people to watch or older people who remain young at heart. There are a lot of life lessons here for the observant. 

Buffy

The Vampire Slayer

Despite the fact that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was almost entirely ignored by major award shows during its run, the series was nominated for the American Film Institute Award for Drama Series of the Year, Gellar was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her performance in the show, and the series was nominated five times for Television Critics Association Awards, winning once in 2003 for the Television Critics Association Heritage Award. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song is dedicated to social distancing–old style.

Don’t Stand So Close To Me

By The Police

ART OF THE WEEK

There is a debate going on whether or not many of the masks being used are helpful or harmful. But lately, I have been hearing that masks are a symbolic show of support for the restrictions being placed upon all of us. I thought this particular drawing was thought provoking.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I used to watch The Lone Ranger show in the 1950s.

The Lone Ranger

The [  ] story line maintains that a patrol of six Texas Rangers is massacred, with only one member surviving. The “lone” survivor thereafter disguises himself with a black mask and travels with Tonto throughout Texas and the American West to assist those challenged by the lawless elements.

A silver mine supplies The Lone Ranger with the name of his horse as well as the funds required to finance his wandering lifestyle and the raw material for his signature bullets.

At the end of most episodes, after the Lone Ranger and Tonto leave, someone asks the sheriff or other person of authority who the masked man was. The person then responds that it was the Lone Ranger, who is then heard yelling “Hi-Yo Silver, away!” as he and Tonto ride away on their horses. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

The Difference Between Dogs and Cats

 

PHYSICAL TRAITS

The secret to getting fit is to consistently take little steps.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS

Murder in Minneapolis?

Watch the video and you decide for yourself. I don’t understand why it took three days and violent protests/riots before this officer was arrested.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

 

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.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

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

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

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.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

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

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

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

CURRENT EVENTS

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

LAST WEEK’S POLLS