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To everyone regardless of their beliefs

First published in 1880, “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ” by Lew Wallace is considered one of the most important and influential Christian novels of the nineteenth-century.

The novel follows much of the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem living in the time of Christ. Wallace intertwines the lives of Judah and Jesus of Nazareth, beginning the novel with the events of the Nativity and later following the downfall and ensuing hardships of Judah’s life as a Roman slave, charioteer, and later, a convert to Christianity.

The events depicted in the Gospels of the New Testament concerning Jesus are carefully threaded throughout Judah’s story, ultimately finding both Jesus and Judah at the Crucifixion, though in different capacities. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I recently watched this series on PBS and learned something about Christianity. You might find it interesting, whether or not, you consider yourself a Christian.

A History of Christianity is a six-part British television series. The aim of the BBC was to produce “a new ‘landmark’ series which will examine the origins of Christianity and the relevance of the faith in the modern world”. Presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch, Professor of History of the Church at St Cross College Oxford, the series considers the evolution of the Christian faith and its four main forms: Orthodoxy, Oriental Christianity, Western Catholicism and Protestantism. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Jesus Christ Superstar

By Superstar – Carl Anderson – 1973

ART OF THE WEEK

Fabergé Eggs

The Moscow Kremlin egg, 1906.

A Fabergé egg is a jeweled egg created by the House of Fabergé. Virtually all were manufactured under the supervision of Peter Carl Fabergé between 1885 and 1917.

The most famous are those made for the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. The House of Fabergé made 50 such “Imperial” Easter eggs, of which 43 are still existing. Two planned for Easter 1917 were not delivered due to the Russian Revolution in which the Romanov Dynasty was overthrown and all the members of the imperial family executed. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who says the most extraordinary person of the week has to be human.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs.

Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behaviour at the start of the season of Eastertide.

In legend, the creature carries colored eggs in his basket, candy, and sometimes also toys to the homes of children, and as such shows similarities to Santa Claus or the Christkind, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holidays. (Source: Wikipedia)

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PHYSICAL TRAITS

I know the gyms and other exercise facilities are closed due to Coronavirus,  but you can still find ways to exercise. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

For those of you who are into Astrology, I believe you can use this one for April.

LEARNING TRAITS

Because of the Coronavirus, there is a lot more home schooling happening.

School has always been a challenge for some of us.

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Wednesday is April Fools’ Day

Art interprets the visible world. Physics charts its unseen workings. The two realms seem completely opposed. But consider that both strive to reveal truths for which there are no words––with physicists using the language of mathematics and artists using visual images.

In Art & Physics, Leonard Shlain tracks their breakthroughs side by side throughout history to reveal an astonishing correlation of visions. From the classical Greek sculptors to Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, and from Aristotle to Einstein, artists have foreshadowed the discoveries of scientists, such as when Monet and Cezanne intuited the coming upheaval in physics that Einstein would initiate. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

This is a nice movie for the entire family and it isn’t necessary to watch it in 3D.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Stayin Inside

By Corona Virus Bee Gees Parody

ART OF THE WEEK

During this time of coronavirus, there is probably more meals being prepared at home. Think how creative you can be.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Since this is the week of April Fools’ Day, I thought who else but

Derek Zoolander

  WEEK’S JOKE

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I’m Trying to Help

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Try these, they will work.

No, they will not work.

April Fools

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During this period of social distancing,

here are some ideas you may find helpful

How about a wine tour

High Stakes Poker

Home Schooling

No doubt some of you are engaged in home school. A friend of mine sent me this home schooling update:

Browsing Profiles

Born in A.D. 76, Hadrian lived through and ruled during a tempestuous era, a time when the Colosseum was opened to the public and Pompeii was buried under a mountain of lava and ash. Acclaimed author Anthony Everitt vividly recounts Hadrian’s thrilling life, in which the emperor brings a century of disorder and costly warfare to a peaceful conclusion while demonstrating how a monarchy can be compatible with good governance.

What distinguished Hadrian’s rule, according to Everitt, were two insights that inevitably ensured the empire’s long and prosperous future: He ended Rome’s territorial expansion, which had become strategically and economically untenable, by fortifying her boundaries (the many famed Walls of Hadrian), and he effectively “Hellenized” Rome by anointing Athens the empire’s cultural center, thereby making Greek learning and art vastly more prominent in Roman life. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I did some quick research and it appears that drive-in theaters are still open for business. 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

By now you have likely heard about Kenny Rogers.

RIP Kenny Rogers

The Gambler

By Kenny Rogers

ART OF THE WEEK

Art Often Conveys a Message

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I always feel sorry for people who think you can’t have friends at work. Bryant and Ken were two of the best people I ever met in my life and I worked with them for years. They are both gone now, but I always remember Ken’s birthday on March 29 and Bryant’s birthday on March 31.

Happy Birthday Bryant and Ken.

Bryant Green

Ken Shelton

  WEEK’S JOKE

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One has to be careful jumping to conclusions

LEARNING TRAITS

Many of us are having to learn new things because of the Coronavirus. 

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 St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day this year will be a bit different for many of us without some of the parades, foot races and a little less partying. 

I believe next year will be much better.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

This is playing at your local market

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song is just so much fun, I don’t think it will ever get old.

YMCA

By Village People

ART OF THE WEEK

Jewelry as Art

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland [and ] is the primary patron saint of Ireland.

Early medieval tradition credits him [ ] as the founder of Christianity in Ireland, converting a society practicing a form of Celtic polytheism. He has been generally so regarded ever since, despite evidence of some earlier Christian presence in Ireland.

According to Patrick’s autobiographical account, known as the Confessio, when he was about sixteen years old, he was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland, looking after animals; by his account, he lived there for six years before escaping and returning to his family in Britain, where he became a cleric.

Patrick eventually returned to Ireland, probably settling in the west of the island, where, in later life, he became a bishop and ordained subordinate clerics.

Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on 17 March, the supposed date of his death. It is celebrated inside and outside Ireland. (Source: Wikipedia)

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Really?

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 The Obesity Epidemic

Even a statute isn’t immune to this epidemic.

THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a sign that suggests America’s obesity epidemic is far from under control, a new government report shows that more than 40% of people in the United States are obese.And  almost 1 in 10 is severely obese, the researchers added.

“Over the time period from 1999 to 2018, the obesity prevalence increased about 12% — from 30.5% of Americans to 42.4% of Americans. Severe obesity almost doubled,” said study author Dr. Craig Hales. He’s a medical epidemiologist with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Much more than just a cosmetic issue, obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, arthritis, gallbladder disease and more, according to the U.S. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (Source: Serena Gordon, HealthDay Reporter )

If you wish to become more than you are, I suggest you read this book or other versions of his meditations. Not so much because it provides new wisdom, but because it reminds us of what we should strive to be like.

Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire at its height, yet he remained untainted by the incalculable wealth and absolute power that had corrupted many of his predecessors. Marcus knew the secret of how to live the good life amid trying and often catastrophic circumstances, of how to find happiness and peace when surrounded by misery and turmoil, and of how to choose the harder right over the easier wrong without apparent regard for self-interest. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

So far I have seen three episodes of this six-part series and I think it is very good. I learned some new things about the British Royal Family, such as how they came to be known as the Windsors.

Emma

If you like Jane Austin stories, I think you might like this one, which I just saw.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Watch the beginning of this video to see what Rock ‘n Roll was up against

in the early days.

Hound Dog

By Elvis

ART OF THE WEEK

The Creation of Adam

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel 

It has been years since I looked up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but this is what I remember seeing.

But people tell me that I am mistaken, that this is what I must have seen.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Bear

Here is his mug shot, when he was doing hard time.

He was a pretty tough customer, but we adopted him anyways.

Last week made ten-years that he has been with us, so we through him a party and invited some of his friends to the party.

I guess they all had a good time, because a friend of mine said that they all looked stuffed.

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It is time to bring our soldiers home

and I hope this agreement accomplishes that task.

Afghanistan

On Saturday, more than 18 years after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. made a bid to end America’s longest war.

… the United States and the Taliban signed a landmark agreement that paves the way for U.S. troops to begin withdrawing …

“The Taliban will not allow any of its members, other individuals or groups, including Al Qaeda, to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of the United States and its allies,” the agreement states.

Under the pact, the U.S. would reduce its forces to 8,600 from 13,000 in the next three to four months. Remaining U.S. forces would withdraw in 14 months, although a complete pullout would depend on the Taliban meeting commitments to prevent terrorism.

Speaking to reporters, Pompeo said the United States was “realistic” about the deal it signed, but was “seizing the best opportunity for peace in a generation.”

Source: NBC News

Daylight Savings Time – Spring Forward

Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March

Maybe this will help

There are a number of these little Shambhala Pocket Classics around and they are easy to read or give to people as a gift. This particular book was given to be by a friend back in October 1996 and I still have it and review it every so often.

 

These inspirational teachings show that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. Drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular Japanese martial art known as Aikido. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

He was “Mr. Entertainment,” a show-business meteor who blazed across the twentieth century. Sammy Davis, Jr. had the kind of career that was indisputably legendary, yet his life was complex, complicated, and contradictory. (Source: PBS)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I Love Rock ‘n Roll

By Joan Jett

ART OF THE WEEK

Topiary  Art

No doubt most of you have seen this art form, but in addition to an example, I thought I would provide some history on Topiary Art.

Written records about topiary recorded by Pliny the Elder of ancient Rome date to sometime between 38 B.C. and A.D. 14. However, the Topiary Organization notes that the practice probably was adopted from earlier cultures in the Mediterranean and Asia. By the A.D. 1, topiary was a common sight in the gardens of wealthy Romans. Pliny the Younger, who may have lived as late as A.D. 110, wrote about animal-shaped topiary in the gardens of his Roman villa.

The art of topiary survived inside monasteries and walled castles after the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 4th century. It emerged again among wealthy Italians following the chaotic Middle Ages, which ended around 1485, then spread throughout Europe. The practice reached North America by the 1700s. It remains common today, but primarily in public gardens that once were part of private estates. (Source: SFGATE)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Sammy Davis Jr.

Samuel George Davis Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American singer, musician, dancer, actor, vaudevillian, comedian and activist.

 Davis Jr.’s film career began as a child in 1933. In 1960, he appeared in the Rat Pack film Ocean’s 11. In 1966, he had his own TV variety show, titled The Sammy Davis Jr. Show. While Davis’ career slowed in the late 1960s, his biggest hit, “The Candy Man”, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1972, and he became a star in Las Vegas, earning him the nickname “Mister Show Business”.

Davis had a complex relationship with the black community and drew criticism after publicly supporting President Richard Nixon in 1972. One day on a golf course with Jack Benny, he was asked what his handicap was. “Handicap?” he asked. “Talk about handicap. I’m a one-eyed Negro who’s Jewish.”

Davis Jr. was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for his television performances. He was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1987, and in 2001, he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. (Source: Wikipedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

You are never going to resolve a problem,

if you can’t admit what the problem really is.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

I see way too many people on FaceBook sharing things that are simply not true.

LEARNING TRAITS

Even small acts can have huge consequences.

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I thought the following may be helpful to those of you who insist upon talking politics.

Arguments

Germany’s ancient history will explain a lot about Germany during more recent centuries. This book provides that background. 

A country both admired and feared, Germany has been the epicenter of world events time and again: the Reformation, both World Wars, the fall of the Berlin Wall. It did not emerge as a modern nation until 1871—yet today, Germany is the world’s fourth-largest economy and a standard-bearer of liberal democracy. (Source: Amazon)

Emperors of Rome

By David Potter

I first read this book back in 2007 and just reviewed it again last week and still found it fascinating, plus lots of pictures. So much of western culture is built upon Roman culture.

Beginning with the accession of Augustus, this lavishly illustrated survey follows the triumphs, failures, and ultimate decline of the Roman Empire through the lives of its emperors. The highlights of 500 years of Roman history are all addressed, including the defeat in Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, the destruction of Pompeii in AD 79, the vision of Constantine in the early 4th century, and the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410, as are critical themes at the heart of the Roman polity, among them the nature of imperial government and the spread of Roman culture (Source: Barnes & Nobles)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Washington

Washington tells the story of how a fatherless young soldier full of personal ambition becomes a leader of men willing to sacrifice all for the common cause. How a once-loyal British subject rises to battle an empire in a liberty-or-death campaign to forge a new nation. And then how, at the zenith of his power, the victorious general voluntarily steps down, becoming what King George III would call “the greatest man in the world.” Believing his public duty complete, he heads into retirement ready to be a farmer.

But with the young country on the verge of collapse, he is once again called to lead, creating the most powerful and successful democracy in history. You may think you know George Washington, but there’s more to our preeminent founding father than you’ve been told. Washington chips away the marble to reveal the man at the heart of our nation’s story. You’ll never look at George Washington, or the founding of our country, the same way again. (History Channel synopsis)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Okay, perhaps two weeks in a row of Chuck Berry is too much. I’m sorry, I can’t help myself. This guy is so cool.

Johnny B. Goode

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

The Many Forms of  Art

Art can take many forms, for instance.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Celtic Queen Boudicca

Boudicca (d. 61 CE) was the Celtic Queen of the Iceni tribe of modern-day East Anglia, Britain, who led a revolt against Rome in 60/61 CE. The Iceni King, Prasutagus, an independent ally of Rome, divided his estate between his daughters and King Nero of Rome. When Prasutagus died, however, his lands were taken by Rome and the Iceni lost their status as allies.

When his wife, Boudicca, objected to this action she was flogged and her two daughters raped. She mounted a revolt against Rome which left the ancient Roman cities of Camulodunum, Londinium and Verulamium in ruins and over 80,000 Roman citizens of Britain dead. She was defeated at the Battle of Watling Street by the Roman Governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. Boudicca is said to have committed suicide by poisoning herself after her defeat. (Source: Ancient History Encyclopedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

It is easy to mistake thirst for hungry.

Perhaps, better to share a bottle of wine.

CHARACTER TRAITS

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LEARNING TRAITS

Perhaps, you have heard of the story of the Gordian Knot and Alexander the Great. It was said that anyone who could untie the knot would become a great ruler. Problem was that the knot was impossible to untie. Alexander, like the kid above, took a shortcut. It is said by some, that Alexander untied the knot by cutting it with his sword. 

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Just in Case

If Valentine’s Day was a little disappointing, 

perhaps this will help.

This book is about so much more than bowling, it is about the mental game of winning at life.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

The Two Popes

Ford v Ferrari

I found this film to be ok.

Agatha And The Truth of Murder

I was surprised that how good this film was and if you like Agatha Christie mysteries, you will like this film although the story was not written by Agatha Christy.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Back In the USA

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

Political Art

I suspect the people who planted the explosives did not intend to make political art, but it is rare that I have come across any art this powerful. It is a far stronger statement than had the statute toppled into the sea.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I’ve known this guy for some time now and he truly is extraordinary

John with his belt

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Please don’t be like this cat.

CHARACTER TRAITS

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When you are flying around

and suddenly see someone you know.

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Over the years I have presented information about the history and meaning of Valentine’s Day; however, nothing sums it up as well as this:

This book is easy to read and will place you on the path of self-motivation.

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

The Irishman

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Soul Man

By Blues Brothers

ART OF THE WEEK

Giant Whale

Look what nature created

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Brigadier General Charles McGee is 103 years old when last week this picture below was taken. He is an inspiration to everyone.

Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee

Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee (born December 7, 1919) is a retired American fighter pilot and one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was a career officer in the United States Air Force for more than 30 years and flew a three-war total of 409 combat missions in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, one of the highest combat totals and longest active-duty careers by any Air Force fighter pilot in history.

For his service, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star Medal, among several other military honors. In 2007, as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, McGee received the Congressional Gold Medal. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and on February 4, 2020, received an honorary promotion from colonel to brigadier general. (Source: Wikipedia)

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Leave It To Beaver was a TV show that ran from 1957 to 1963

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This probably wasn’t the outcome you were wishing to hear about.

Which Do You Prefer To Watch?

or

This book is not an easy read, but if you are as fascinated by Roman history as I am, you will learn a lot about Crassus and the victory at Carrhae by the Parthians.

In 53 BC the Proconsul Marcus Crassus and 36,000 of his legionaries were crushed by the Parthians at Carrhae in what is now eastern Turkey. Crassus’ defeat and death and the 20,000 casualties his army suffered were an extraordinary disaster for Rome.

The event intensified the bitter, destructive struggle for power in the Roman republic, curtailed the empire’s eastward expansion and had a lasting impact on the history of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

It was also the first clash between two of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. Yet this critical episode has often been neglected by writers on the period who have concentrated on the civil war between Pompey and Caesar. Gareth Sampson, reconstructs the Carrhae campaign in fine detail, reconsiders the policy of imperial expansion and gives a fascinating insight into the opponents the Romans confronted in the East – the Parthians. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I mentioned this movie back in July 2019 and watched it again last week. I enjoyed it and thought it was well worth watching, even a second time.

Here was the poll results from back in 2019:

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles. (Source: IMDB)

Star Trek: Picard

Last week, I watched the second episode of this new Star Trek series and so far I’m a little disapointed. Nevertheless, I will continue to watch because it is good to see Jean-Luc Picard again.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’ve mentioned before, but thought I would again. I’ve seen Little Richard twice. Once when he was young (as was I) and once when he was old (as am I). I’m glad he is still around (And I am to still be around).

Long Tall Sally (1956)

By Little Richard

ART OF THE WEEK

Kerid Volcanic Crater Lake in Iceland

Known as the Eye of the World or Eye of Odin

The Norse god Odin is typically portrayed as having only one eye. The myths which explain this [was …] the result of his pursuit of knowledge, which led him to sacrifice his right eye to gain cosmic knowledge from the mythical well of Mimir.

The myth is mainly concerned with the price of wisdom, and what an individual will pay to gain what they desire. In drinking the waters of Mimir’s Well, Odin is able to see more with one eye than he did previously with two. It establishes Odin’s great desire for wisdom and knowledge, and also emphasizes that the greater the sacrifice, the greater the reward. (Source: Wikipedia)

Located in southern Iceland, Kerid is unique among crater lakes in that its caldera likely didn’t form from an explosion as most do. The Kerid volcano is thought to have formed when the magma in the center simply depleted itself, and the empty chamber beneath caved in. Regardless of the geological minutia that led to the lake’s creation, its bright rainbow of colors look unearthly.

In addition to the bright, sapphire-colored waters, the steep slopes of the caldera’s bowl are almost entirely covered in red volcanic rock. There is one, less-steep side of the slope that is covered in rich green moss. (Source: Atlas Obscura)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Darlene Shibley

If you have enjoyed Downton Abbey as well as other shows featured on PBS Masterpiece, Darlene Shibley deserves some thanks for her donations  to The Masterpiece Trust that makes these wonderful shows possible.

For decades as one of San Diego’s most high-profile and prolific philanthropists, Shiley — with her late husband, heart-valve inventor Donald Shiley — has given away upward of $100 million to science, educational and arts organizations.

But it’s been the one-time actress’ record-breaking gifts to the fundraising Masterpiece Trust, more than $5.2 million to date, that have made Shiley nearly as famous as a Crawley family member.

“Darlene is a wonderful ambassadress for the show. People recognize her everywhere and she handles it with such warmth and grace,” said Rebecca Eaton, executive producer of Masterpiece and one of “Downton’s” executive producers. (Source: The San Diego Union – Tribune)

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If you have a cat, this may be helpful

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