CURRENT EVENTS

A Goomba’s Guide to Life

By Steven R. Schirripa

Attention would-be paesans: Can’t distinguish “gabagool” from “pasta fazool”? Not sure how to properly accessorize your track suit with gold chains? Does the phrase “go to the mattresses” make you sleepy? Now Steven R. Schirripa, The Sopranos’ own Bobby Bacala, exposes the inner mysteries of this unique Italian-American hybrid in A Goomba’s Guide to Life so that anyone can walk, talk, and live like a guy “from the neighborhood.” (Source: goodreads)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

A nice way to start the Christmas Season is by seeing the play, “A Christmas Carol“.  I’ve been doing this for a very long time. But if for one reason or another you can’t, then perhaps you will want to watch one of the various “A Christmas Carol” films.  My favorite is the one starring George C. Scott. Or perhaps, you might like a more current version, such as Bill Murray’s “Scrooged”.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I remember listening to this a lot while I was in Vietnam, back in 1966-67

Nashville Cats

By Lovin’ Spoonfull

ART OF THE WEEK

They had some pretty cool designs back in 1946. 

The Spacelander

This bicycle, designed by Benjamin Bowden, was included in the “Britain Can Make It Better” exhibition of 1946. Known simply as the Classic (and later the Spacelander), Bowden’s initial design for the bicycle included a motor that gave riders a little extra oomph while traveling uphill. (Source: themindcircle)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I remember this being reported in the news. I think it was a bit of a shock to most of us here in the USA. But without the Russians, the USA would not have been inspired to to what it did regarding landing people on the moon. Your competition isn’t always your enemy; often, they are your inspiration. 

In powerlifting, they have been my inspiration

Yuri Gagarin

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin  (9 March 1934 – 27 March 1968) was a Soviet Air Forces pilot and cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space, achieving a major milestone in the Space Race; his capsule Vostok 1 completed one orbit of Earth on 12 April 1961. Gagarin became an international celebrity and was awarded many medals and titles, including Hero of the Soviet Union, his nation’s highest honor. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Why You So Crazy?

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

When it comes to politicians, who do you think they serve?

Themselves  94.74%  (18 votes) 

The people  5.26%  (1 votes) 

Total Votes: 19

What do you think of all the paper coupons you receive when you check out at a CVS drug store?

Way too much paper  56.52%  (13 votes)

I’ve never been into a CVS store  26.09%  (6 votes)

I like getting all those coupons  17.39%  (4 votes)

I didn’t notice a lot of paper coupons as I check out  0%  (0 votes)

Total Votes: 23

Do you agree or disagree with the above?

Agree  94.44%  (17 votes) 

Disagree  5.56%  (1 votes)  

Total Votes: 18

Book

If you have ever been curious about this book, the Kindle version of this book has now been reduced to $1.00 and the paperback version has been reduced to $10.00

However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, 

only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

Franklin of Philadelphia

By Esmond Wright

The most original and most delightful of the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin was publisher and printer, essayist and author, businessman and “general,” scientist and philologist, politician and diplomat, moralist and sage―and a thoroughly rational patriot who was a major force in winning his country’s independence and securing its life in the Constitution.

Born poor in Cotton Mather’s Boston, he was soon at ease in Quaker Philadelphia, and later in royal London, and in elegant Paris. Born with no advantages, he died wealthy and esteemed. He was the quintessential American, almost totally free of the limits of his environment, ready to accept any challenge, to speculate, experiment, and question. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I’ve been watching old Twilight episodes and came across this one, that I saw back when it was first aired. It really has something to say.

A Game of Pool 

Twilight Zone (Oct. 13, 1961)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Last week’s poll indicated that two-thirds of us often feel we are in too much of a hurry and need to slow down. I hope this song helps.

I’m in a Hurry

By Alabama

ART OF THE WEEK

I was in Scotland back in 2014 to run a half-marathon in Edinburg. Afterwards, I visited a few other areas of Scotland, but so disappointed I miss seeing this. I will have to return to Scotland. 

The Kelpies in Falkirk, Scotland

The Kelpies are 30-metre-high (almost 30 yards) horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies (shape-shifting water spirits).

The sculptures were designed by sculptor Andy Scott and were completed in October 2013. The sculptures form a gateway at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal, and the new canal extension built as part of The Helix land transformation project. The Kelpies are a monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland.

The sculptures were opened to the public in October 2013 . As part of the project, they will have their own visitor centre, and sit beside a newly developed canal turning pool and extension. This canal extension reconnects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the River Forth. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I actually saw him in person, once when I was rather young. 

Dwight “Ike” 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 was 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.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I had to replace my initial video of the cat, with this one (11/11/19 @ 9:00 a.m.)

Will The Cowboys Sign This Cat

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Running & Being

By Dr. George Sheehan

Tells of the author’s midlife return to the world of exercise, play and competition, in which he found “a world beyond sweat” that proved to be a source of great revelation and personal growth. This title provides an outline for a lifetime program of fitness and joy, showing how the body helps determine our mental and spiritual energies. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OR PLAY OF THE WEEK

I believe the horror films have given us a mistaken view of this very moving story.  I was fortunate to have some front row seats for this play two Sundays ago. You may not be able to find the play near you, especially now that we are in November, but the actual story by Mary Shelly is well worth reading.

Frankenstein (A play)

Playwright A. S. Peterson

Baldwin Theater Cast 2019

Brilliant scientist Victor Frankenstein unlocks the mysteries of life itself and creates a monster that he cannot control. A mesmerizing gothic tale of horror and humanity, this exciting new adaptation was written in honor of the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s classic novel and holds true to the author’s original vision. One of the most enduring monster stories of all time, Frankenstein explores what it means to be human, what it means to belong, and how we are shaped by our scars.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Kung Fu Panda Music Video

I thought you might find the above Kung Fu Panda Music Video more entertaining to look at; but in all fairness, I wanted to present Carl Douglas performing his song.

Kung Fu Fighting

By Carl Douglas

ART OF THE WEEK

Decorating one’s home for holidays is an art from. Here is our house decorated last year for Halloween.

Due to porch construction, our Halloween decorating had deteriorated, but we still managed to give out treats during the cold and rainy weather.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

It is wonderful to see women pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

Laura Smith

I was there at the AWPC World Competition in Orlando, Florida this August and saw Laura receive her recognition as Outstanding Lifter.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

I do not share anything that I have not tried to verify. I found that a generic version of Sovaldi sells in India for $4.00. I also heard that there is no generic version of Sovaldi. Regardless, if it is generic or actual Sovaldi, the going price in India is $4.00. I confirmed to the best of my ability that the price of Sovaldi in the USA is $1,000.

I don’t think it is any secret that drug companies price their products on ability to pay. The is a cliché saying politicians and white shirts are both best when new. The establishment doesn’t like term limits because they value the experience of long-time legislators. I guess they feel the USA has the best politicians money can buy.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Here is another graphic novel appropriate for Halloween. 

Robert Louis Steven’s 

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

& The Body Snatcher

Graphic novels are a good way to get young people interested in reading. Here is a page out of the above book.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Since this is the week of Halloween, I feel obligated to mention what I think is a very scary movie.

Night of the Living Dead (1990)

I was once in a zombie movie. That’s me on the cover 14 years ago.

The Dead Walk The Earth

Yet They Live And They Kill (2005)

But if all these zombie movies are two much for you, here is a nice uplifting movie made back in 2000.

The Kid (2000)

An unhappy and disliked image consultant gets a second shot at life when he is mysteriously confronted by an eight-year-old version of himself. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Monster Mash

By Bobby Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

I thought you might find it interesting to see Bobby Pickett perform the song on American Bandstand.

ART OF THE WEEK

For the sixth straight year, the Troy Historical Society is hosting an annual scarecrow row along Livernois road in Troy, MI. Local businesses sponsor each scarecrow and the scarecrows will be left there for the entire month of October. The Oakland Press reports, “This eye-catching Scarecrow Row is viewed by 10,000 cars traveling by the Troy Historic Village each day. That’s 300,000 views in one month.”

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who else, given this is the week of Halloween

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Cassandra Peterson

Cassandra Peterson, May 2011

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.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If you have followed my posts for any length of time, you know I am against any unnecessary surgeries and actually I’m not that thrilled with necessary ones either. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

I wish more people in management understood this.

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

Just a reminder that we turn back our clocks this coming Sunday

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Halloween Support Group

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Frankenstein

By Mary Shelley

Illustrated by Pete Katz

As I mentioned last week, I think graphic novels are a terrific way to introduce young people to some classic literature.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Here is another one of these scary old black and white films that are so worth watching at this time of the year.

Frankenstein (1931)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This is month is Halloween, so here is another song with a bit of a Halloween theme.

Dead Man’s Party

By Oingo Boingo

ART OF THE WEEK

Ever think of decorating your van for Halloween?

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Vincent Price

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) was an American actor best known for his performances in horror films, although his career spanned other genres, including film noir, drama, mystery, thriller, and comedy.

He appeared on stage, television, and radio, and in more than 100 films. He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for motion pictures and one for television. He was born and raised near St. Louis, Missouri and has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

He was an art collector and arts consultant with a degree in art history, and he lectured and wrote books on the subject. The Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College is named in his honor. He was also a noted gourmet cook.(Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Having A Hard Time Finding A Halloween Costume

I know the following does not apply to all of us, but it does to some of us.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Dracula

By Bram Stoker

Illustrated by Matt Pagett

I think graphic novels are terrific. The are a great way to introduce young people to some classic literature.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

These scary old black and white films are so worth watching at this time of the year.

Dracula (1931)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This is month is Halloween, I thought the music of the week should have a Halloween theme.

I’m In Love With A Monster (From Hotel Transylvania 2)

By Fifth Harmony

ART OF THE WEEK

I thought this was very creative, plus a good use of old tires.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON 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).

His mother’s maternal aunt was Anna Leonowens, whose tales about life in the royal court of Siam (now Thailand) were the basis of the musical The King and I. Pratt was bow-legged, had a lisp, and stuttered as a young boy. He conquered his stutter, but not his lisp, which was noticeable throughout his career in the film industry. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

(Note: You may have to enlarge the photo below)

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

So many live in a world of immediate gratification,

without realizing the price they will pay in the future.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

l’ve had days like this.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’ve been watching the seven seasons (I’m wrapping up season six) of Star Trek: The Next Generation, when I decided to watch the four Next Generation feature films. I liked each one better than the prior one.

Star Trek Generations (1994)

Capt. Jean-Luc Picard commands the newest incarnation of the U.S.S. Enterprise, investigating a disaster at an outlying settlement. The catastrophe’s sole survivor is Dr. Tolian Soran, who has malevolent plans to use an energy field called the Nexus. (Source: Netflix)

Star Trek First Contact (1996)

The Borg have time-traveled to Earth’s past to prevent the first contact between humans and Vulcans, which resulted in the Federation’s birth. Bent on revenge, Picard follows the Borg to the 21st century. (Source: Netflix)

Star Trek Insurrection (1998)

Capt. Picard and the Enterprise crew head to a mysterious world where metaphasic radiation has halted the aging process of its citizens. There, they work to unravel a conspiracy that would harness the planet’s power. (Source: Netflix)

Star Trek Nemesis (2002)

With longtime foes the Romulans at last willing to negotiate peace with the Federation, the Enterprise and its crew are dispatched on a diplomatic mission. But it’s all a ruse that will pit them against a wily villain with a sinister agenda. (Source: Netflix)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This is month is Halloween, I thought the music of the week should have a Halloween theme.

Werewolves of London (1978)

By Warren Zevon

ART OF THE WEEK

The Ohio Deadlift bar is truly a work of art and arguably the world’s best deadlift bar. I’m pleased to say that there are four of them, all privately owned, at the Royal Oak gym, where I work out.

One of those four deadlift bars is mine.

Privately owned bars are kept under lock and key.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Bela Lugosi

Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó (20 October 1882 – 16 August 1956), better known as Bela Lugosi, was a Hungarian-American actor best remembered for portraying Count Dracula in the 1931 film and for his roles in other horror films.

In 1927, he appeared as Count Dracula in a Broadway adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. He later appeared in the 1931 film Dracula directed by Tod Browning and produced by Universal Pictures. Through the 1930s, he occupied an important niche in horror films, with their East European setting, but his Hungarian accent limited his potential casting, and he unsuccessfully tried to avoid typecasting. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

If you believe the 80/20 rule, we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, but the following does make a point.

CHARACTER TRAITS

It’s a Great Day to Be Alive

By Travis Tritt

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Drug Testing Is Getting More and More Common

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

So many parents pick their children up from school or wait at the school bus stop for their child. I thought that family love of their children was so touching that I decided to post a clip of such a situation.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I found this Malcolm Gladwell book, like his other books, worth reading; although to me it was not his best book. If you have never read Malcolm Gladwell, you may want to start with some of his earlier books.

Talking to Strangers

By Malcolm Gladwell

How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Do television sitcoms teach us something about the way we relate to each other that isn’t true? 

He revisits the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, the trial of Amanda Knox, the suicide of Sylvia Plath, the Jerry Sandusky pedophilia scandal at Penn State University, and the death of Sandra Bland – throwing our understanding of these and other stories into doubt. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I normally don’t care for animated films, plus this is a very strange movie. Regardless, I am glad I watched this film.

Waking Life

Director Richard Linklater’s animated film follows a young man as he floats in and out of philosophical discussions with a succession of eccentrics and passionate thinkers, all the while uncertain whether he’s conscious or dreaming. (Source: Netflix)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Burning Love

By Elvis with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

ART OF THE WEEK

This may be the most impressive building I have ever been in.

Basilica de la Sagrada Famila in Barcelona

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona, Catalonia. Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926).

On 19 March 1882, construction of the Sagrada Família began under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883, when Villar resigned, Gaudí took over as chief architect, transforming the project with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted the remainder of his life to the project, and he is buried in the crypt. At the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete.

Relying solely on private donations, the Sagrada Família’s construction progressed slowly and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. In July 1936, revolutionaries set fire to the crypt and broke their way into the workshop, partially destroying Gaudí’s original plans, drawings and plaster models, which led to 16 years work to piece together the fragments of the master model. Construction resumed to intermittent progress in the 1950s. Advancements in technologies have since enabled faster progress and construction passed the midpoint in 2010. It is anticipated that the building can be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s death. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Ken Shelton

That is Ken in the blue shirt to the right of me. I don’t think there was ever a better guy than Ken. After he retired from the company, I taped up a picture of him behind my desk so that he would be looking over my shoulder and remind me to treat people like he would have treated them. I didn’t live up to his standard, but I was better for trying.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

I’ve used this video before. but I just cannot help myself. Especially since the Song of The Week is by Elvis, so here it is again. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all go through life without hurtin nobody.

Ain’t Hurtin Nobody

John Price

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Unfaithful

I’m dedicating this week’s topic under Social Traits to all your folks out there who have experienced the pain of an unfaithful spouse.

My second wife ran off with my best friend.

I don’t think I ever got over it.

I still miss that guy.

LEARNING TRAITS

This is an example of creativity.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Who Is This Guy?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’ve mentioned this book a little over three years ago. Last week I was reviewing it again, and I still find it contains some very good advice.

Winning By Losing

By Jillian Michaels

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I started watching this series and thought it was interesting. Perhaps, you might also find it interesting; if you like country music.

Country Music

A Film by Ken Burns

Explore the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings, to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the 20th century, as it eventually emerged to become America’s music. Country Music features never-before-seen footage and photographs, plus interviews with more than 80 country music artists. The eight-part 16-hour series is directed and produced by Ken Burns; written and produced by Dayton Duncan; and produced by Julie Dunfey.

Country Music explores questions –– such as “What is country music?” and “Where did it come from?“–– while focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created and shaped it — from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more — as well as the times in which they lived. Much like the music itself, the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people. (Source: PBS)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I had forgotten all about this song until I saw it in my friend Samantha’s Playlist on her blog. Thanks Samantha.

Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car

By Billy Ocean

ART OF THE WEEK

Windmill Lawn decoration that I assembled.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Sam Walton

Samuel Moore Walton (March 29, 1918 – April 5, 1992) was an American businessman and entrepreneur best known for founding the retailers Walmart and Sam’s Club. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. grew to be the world’s largest corporation by revenue as well as the biggest private employer in the world. In 1998, Walton was included in Time‘s list of 100 most influential people of the 20th Century. Forbes ranked Sam Walton as the richest person in the United States from 1982-88.

Growing up during the Great Depression, he did chores to help make financial ends meet for his family as was common at the time. He milked the family cow, bottled the surplus, and drove it to customers. Afterwards, he would deliver Columbia Daily Tribune newspapers on a paper route. In addition, he sold magazine subscriptions. Upon graduating from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, he was voted “Most Versatile Boy”.

After high school, Walton attended the University of Missouri as an ROTC cadet. During this time, he worked various odd jobs, including waiting tables in exchange for meals. Upon graduating in 1940 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he was voted “permanent president” of the class.

He elaborated that he learned from a very early age that it was important for them as kids to help provide for the home, to be contributors rather than takers. 

Walton joined J. C. Penney as a management trainee in Des Moines, Iowa, three days after graduating from college. Walton spent approximately 18 months with J. C. Penney. He resigned in 1942 in anticipation of being inducted into the military for service in World War II. Walton joined the military in the U.S. Army. He eventually reached the rank of captain.

(Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

In addition, keep in mind that when you describe others; you are often  describing yourself.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

I encourage you to see your own country as well as the rest of the world. Here is a video clip of pictures that Carol took when we visited Ireland, back in 2016. I hope it encourages you to visit places, especially somewhere you haven’t been to before. I hope to return to Ireland next year for the AWPC world powerlifting competition.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Eddie Money

(March 21, 1949 – September 13, 2019)

Eddie Money, the prolific singer and songwriter whose songs “Baby Hold On,” “Two Tickets to Paradise,” and “Take Me Home Tonight” soundtracked popular music in the 1980s, has died after being diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer (Source: Variety on Twitter)

Take Me Home Tonight

By Eddie Money with Ronnie Spector

perform on Late Show with David Letterman on October 6, 1988.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

If you want to participate in the extreme sport of aging, I recommend you read this book or some other book about strength training for older people. Personally, I think 40 is a bit young; but if you are 60 or older you really need to make sure you are strong. 

The Barbell Prescription

Strength Training for Life After 40

By Jonathon M. Sullivan & Andy Baker

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’ve watched or more accurately, I’ve tried to watch, some films so I could recommend one to you; but, I was only able to finish one of the films. I certainly couldn’t recommend it to you. I would have never watched it; except that Snoop Dog was in the film. So, perhaps you want to check out some travel videos.

Rick Steves’ Travel Videos

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Another great loss this week.

Ric Ocasek

Lead Singer of The Cars

Shake It Up

By The Cars

ART OF THE WEEK

The Many Faces of Mona Lisa

#1 Before & After Mona

#2 Public Transportation Mona

#3 Vulcan Mona

#4 Relaxing Mona

#5 Monday Mona

#6 Sexy Mona

#7 Pirate Mona

#8 Traveling Mona

#9 Drinking Mona

#10 Actual Mona

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Quanah Parker

Quanah Parker (c. 1845 or 1852 – February 20, 1911) was a war leader of the Quahadi (“Antelope”) band of the Comanche Nation. He was the son of Comanche chief Peta Nocona and Cynthia Ann Parker, an Anglo-American, who had been kidnapped as a child and assimilated into the tribe.

Following the apprehension of several Kiowa chiefs in 1871, Quanah emerged as a dominant figure in the Red River War. With European-Americans deliberately hunting American bison, the Comanches’ primary sustenance, into extinction, Quanah eventually surrendered and peaceably led the Quahadi to the reservation at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Quanah Parker was never elected chief by his people but was appointed by the federal government as principal chief of the entire Comanche Nation, and became a primary emissary of southwest indigenous Americans to the United States legislature.

In civilian life, he gained wealth as a rancher, settling near Cache, Oklahoma. Though he encouraged Christianization of Comanche people, he also advocated the Native American Church alternative, and passionately fought for the legal use of peyote in the movement’s religious practices. He was elected deputy sheriff of Lawton in 1902. After his death in 1911, the leadership title of Chief was replaced with Chairman; Quanah is thereby described as the “Last Chief of the Comanche”.

He is buried at Chief’s Knoll on Fort Sill. Many cities and highway systems in southwest Oklahoma and north Texas, once southern Comancheria, bear references to his name. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

You may have to be a Star Trek fan to get this one.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

This may be unpleasant to some, but it is something you need to think about.

Ain’t The Way to Die

By Eminem/Rihanna/ZDoggMD.com

An advance healthcare directive, also known as living will, personal directive, advance directive, medical directive or advance decision, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity. In the U.S. it has a legal status in itself, whereas in some countries it is legally persuasive without being a legal document. (Source: Wikipedia)

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

I encourage you to see your own country as well as the rest of the world. Here is a video clip of pictures that Carol took when we visited San Antonio, Texas, back in 2017. I hope it encourages you to visit places, especially somewhere you haven’t been to before. 

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS