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

CURRENT EVENTS

Atlantic Hurricanes

Hurricane Dorian has caused so much damage and suffering, that I thought we should know more about these Atlantic Hurricanes

An Atlantic hurricane or tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that forms in the Atlantic Ocean, usually between the months of June and November.

A hurricane differs from a cyclone or typhoon only on the basis of location. A hurricane is a storm that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean, a typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, and a cyclone occurs in the south Pacific or Indian Ocean.

Tropical cyclones can be categorized by intensity. Tropical storms have one-minute maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph, while hurricanes have one-minute maximum sustained winds exceeding 74 mph.

Most North Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes form between June 1 and November 30. 

In recent times, tropical disturbances that reach tropical storm intensity are named from a predetermined list. Hurricanes that result in significant damage or casualties may have their names retired from the list at the request of the affected nations in order to prevent confusion should a subsequent storm be given the same name.

On average, in the North Atlantic basin (from 1966 to 2009) 11.3 named storms occur each season, with an average of 6.2 becoming hurricanes and 2.3 becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or greater). The climatological peak of activity is around September 10 each season. (Source: Wikipedia)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I’ve written a rough copy of another book that is  currently being reviewed by  subject matter experts that I personally know to be the best at what they do. I also have a couple of professionals helping me clean up my grammar. I hope to have it available sometime next year.

When I came across this cartoon below, I felt I just had to pass it on to you folks..

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I’ve been re-watching this entire seven season series consisting of 178 episodes, each about 45 minutes. I am current into season six. It is my favorite of all the various Star Treks. 

Star Trek: The Next Generation

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I wish this song was a little bit longer.

Stay

By Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

“Stay” is a doo-wop song written by Maurice Williams and first recorded in 1960 by Williams with his group the Zodiacs. Commercially successful versions were later also issued by The Hollies, The Four Seasons and Jackson Browne. (Source: Wikipedia)

ART OF THE WEEK

Eagle Carved Out of Wood

Unfortunately, my eagle is no more. I made a big mistake placing it on that old tree stump and eventually the ants had their way with my eagle. It was truly a thing of beauty for many years.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 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 American Indian opponents that the United States Army faced in its mission to occupy the western territories, leading a successful campaign in 1866–68 known as Red Cloud’s War 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 Army soldiers killed, and was the worst military defeat suffered by the army on the Great Plains until the Battle of the Little Bighorn ten years later.

Red Cloud became an important leader of the Lakota as they transitioned from the freedom of the plains to the confinement of the reservation system. His trip to Washington, DC had convinced him of the number and power of European Americans, and he believed the Oglala had to seek peace.

Outliving all the other major Lakota leaders of the Indian Wars, Red Cloud died on Pine Ridge Reservation in 1909 at the age of 87, and was buried there in the cemetery now bearing his name. In old age, he is quoted as having said, “They made us many promises, more than I can remember. But they kept but one — They promised to take our land … and they took it.” (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Guys, you may want to give this a try; especially you bad boys.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Thoughts About Going Back To School

Children

Moms

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I believe this book first came out in 1982. I bought and read it in 1993 and I still have it today and over the years I look it over every so often. I just learned of Franco Columbu’s death and so I thought I would make his book my Book of the Week.

Franco Columbu’s Complete Book of Bodybuilding

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This is one of my favorite movies, it is funny and provides a lot of lessons in leadership. I had the students in one of the college classes I taught, do their term paper on all the leadership principles they observed in this film.

Back To School

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

School Days

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

How many of these ladies to you recognize

from other paintings?

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Franco Columbu

Franco Columbu suffered a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and subsequently drowned just off the coast of San Teodoro, Sardinia, Italy, on August 30, 2019. He was 78 years old.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

There are still four months remaining this year.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Remember Cecil The Lion

 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A True Warrior Reads

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Another disappointing week of movies, so I went back to watching Josh Gates on the Travel Channel. He really takes you to some interesting places.

Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates

On The Travel Channel

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I found this intriguing and I hope you do also.

Shadows

By Lindsey Sterling

ART OF THE WEEK

Lions of the Chicago Art Institute

Here I am by the North Lion

Iconic guardians of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lions have stood at the Michigan Avenue entrance since the building’s inaugural year. The site became the museum’s permanent home at the conclusion of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, where the new structure had hosted lectures and other events for fairgoers.

Modeled by Edward Kemeys, an essentially self-taught artist and the nation’s first great sculptor of animals, the lion pair was unveiled on May 10, 1894. 

For the Art Institute, he modeled larger-than-life African lions, the one positioned north of the steps “on the prowl” and the lion to the south “in an attitude of defiance,” in Kemeys’s words. These behavioral distinctions are visible in the variation of head, tail, and stance. Each weighing in at more than two tons, the Lions were cast in Chicago by the American Bronze Founding Company.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley (August 13, 1860 – November 3, 1926), born Phoebe Ann Mosey, was an American sharpshooter. She was a star in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

Oakley was born in Ohio to Jacob and Susan Mosey. On June 20, 1882 she married Frank E. Butler, another skilled shooter. The couple joined Buffalo Bill’s show in 1885. Oakley performed before several European heads of state, including Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm II. She left the show in 1902 and began acting.

Oakley died in 1926 of pernicious anemia (a type of blood disorder). She was buried in Greenville, Ohio. Frank Butler died 18 days later. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

If you are a Star Trek fan, I think you will really enjoy this.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

You may not get this, if you haven’t seen a lot of Star Trek

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Best to just keep one’s hands to themselves. 

LEARNING TRAITS

I believe everyone can make something of themselves, if they would only try.

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

AWPC World Powerlifting Competition

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Mind Gym

By Gary Mack with David Casstevens

I can’t even recall how many times I have tried Visualization without success. This time, I read this book over and over and I spent a month or so daily visualizing throughout the day every aspect of what I was going to do at the AWPC World’s from my warmup lifts through my three competitive attempts.

This book was written for athletes, but I think you can apply it just as well to other situations.

In Mind Gym, noted sports psychology consultant Gary Mack explains how your mind influences your performance on the field or on the court as much as your physical skill does, if not more so. Through forty accessible lessons and inspirational anecdotes from prominent athletes–many of whom he has worked with–you will learn the same techniques and exercises Mack uses to help elite athletes build mental “muscle.” Mind Gym will give you the “head edge” over the competition. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I tried to watch a number of movies this week, but they were all so bad that I ended up making this film the movie of the week. In my defense, I was trapped in an airplane and had already seen any sort of worthwhile movie they had to offer.

As for this movie, I think the title says it all. Unless you really like Sam Elliot, I would pass on this one too.

The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then Bigfoot (2018)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

All Shook Up

By Elvis

ART OF THE WEEK

This is definitely a classic photo. Although I have never been to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, I understand you can purchase the picture there.

The President and The King

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

 Elvis

(Jan. 8, 1935 – Aug. 16, 1977)

I think the following video does an excellent job of letting you know about Elvis, The King Of Rock N’ Roll.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

It is important to eat right and here is an opportunity for you see see Elvis actually making is fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Queen wrote Crazy Little Thing Called Love as a tribute song to Elvis.

Elvis liked the song so much he recorded it with Freddie Mercury right there in the studio.

CHARACTER TRAITS

It is so hard for me to believe, but there are people out there with the attitude that if you lend them money, it means you don’t need it back.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

AWPC World Powerlifting Competition

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Power: A Scientific Approach

By Frederick C. Hatfield, Ph.D.

I read this book back in 2002, when I started competitive powerlifting. The book came out in 1989, so it was a bit dated when I first read it. Every so often I look it over and although 30 years have gone by since this book first came out, obviously some of the information is dated, but others parts of the book are as valid today as back in 1989. Plus, the book is very readable.

Dr. Fred Hatfield, presents Power, his most advanced, most comprehensive book to date on the science of strength training. Revealing the latest discoveries and techniques, Power translates these findings into relevant, understandable training advice.

Dr. Hatfield delves into the intricacies of strength–its eleven types and seventeen sources. He explains how the body builds strength and how scientific methods can improve it. He considers issues both physical–fatigue factors, recovery times–and mental–concentration, motivation, and stress.

He also explores the crucial role of diet and nutrition, providing programs for integrating training with proper diet and supplementation schedules and giving sound advice on pre-contest and performance diets.  (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I almost went with the film Rocky, but I suggested that film before so I thought I would suggest something a bit different. This film can create a lot of emotions in a person, so if you are looking for something light, you may want to pass on this one.

The Wrestler (2008 film)

Mickey Rourke gives a performance for the ages in The Wrestler, a richly affecting, heart-wrenching yet ultimately rewarding drama. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I was going to use the theme song from the movie Rocky,

but I decided to go with this instead.

Tuff Enuff

By The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Sorry, I tried not to use the Rocky Theme song,

but could not help myself

ART OF THE WEEK

Monument to Joe Louis

Also Known as The Fist, is a memorial to the boxer at Detroit’s Hart Plaza. Dedicated on October 16, 1986, the sculpture, commissioned by Sports Illustrated magazine from the Mexican-American sculptor Robert Graham, and poured by the legendary bronze artist, Rolf Kriken, is a 24-foot-long (7.3 m) arm with a fisted hand suspended by a 24-foot-high (7.3 m) pyramidal framework.

It represents the power of his punch both inside and outside the ring. Because of Louis’ efforts to fight Jim Crow laws, the fist was symbolically aimed toward racial injustice. Graham referred to the sculpture as a “battering ram”. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I would be reluctant to be a member of any gym that did not have a picture of Arnold on its walls.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (Born July 30, 1947) is an Austrian-American politician, actor, filmmaker, and former professional bodybuilder. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

Schwarzenegger began lifting weights at the age of 15. He won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 and went on to win the Mr. Olympia contest seven times, remaining a prominent presence in bodybuilding and writing many books and articles on the sport. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, as well as the sport’s most charismatic ambassador.(Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

¿Qué Pasa? or What’s Happening?

Picture taken of Gun Map at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, MI a few years ago.

Waco, Texas

Twenty people were killed and dozens more injured on Saturday morning in a massacre at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart that was packed with back-to-school shoppers, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, officials said. (Source: ABC News)

Dayton, Ohio

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Anger

By Thich Nhat Hanh

I read this book back in 2008 and although I am a fan of self-help books and even wrote one myself. I’m sorry to say that like all the many diet books, nothing can help you until you are ready to help yourself. Still I think such books are  motivators for those who really do want to change.

It was under the bodhi tree in India twenty-five centuries ago that Buddha achieved the insight that three states of mind were the source of all our unhappiness: wrong knowing, obsessive desire, and anger.

All are difficult, but in one instant of anger—one of the most powerful emotions—lives can be ruined, and health and spiritual development can be destroyed.

With exquisite simplicity, Buddhist monk and Vietnam refugee Thich Nhat Hanh gives tools and advice for transforming relationships, focusing energy, and rejuvenating those parts of ourselves that have been laid waste by anger. His extraordinary wisdom can transform your life and the lives of the people you love, and in the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, can give each reader the power to “change everything.” (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Medici The Magnificent

Netflix Season 2

If you have been following this blog, you know that I watched Season 1 of the Medici, so it is no surprised that I have just finished watching Season 2. Season 3 of the Medici has already been filmed and will be released on Netflix in early 2020.

I

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I came across this video and liked it. I hope you do too.

Km Music’s Brimful of Asha (Norman Cook Remix)

By Cornershop

“Brimful of Asha” is a 1997 single by British alternative rock band Cornershop. The recording originally reached number 60 on the UK Singles Chart in 1997. After a remixed version by Norman Cook became a radio and critical success, the song was re-released and reached number one on the UK chart in February 1998 and number 16 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The lyrics are a tribute to Asha Bhosle. (Wikipedia)

ART OF THE WEEK

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Here is another play that I saw at the LookingGlass Theater on Michigan Ave. while I was recently in Chicago. I have no idea how many plays I have seen in my life since I’ve been a season ticket holder for several decades at various theaters. However, this play was certainly memorable. If you are in Chicago, I urge you to see it.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Mary Shelley

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (30 August 1797 – 1 February 1851) was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818). Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin, and her mother was the philosopher and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft.

After Wollstonecraft’s death less than a month after her daughter Mary was born, Mary was raised by Godwin, who was able to provide his daughter with a rich, if informal, education, encouraging her to adhere to his own anarchist political theories. When Mary was four, her father married a neighbor, with whom, as her stepmother, Mary came to have a troubled relationship.

In 1814, Mary began a romance with one of her father’s political followers, Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was already married. Together with Mary’s stepsister Claire Clairmont, Mary and Shelley left for France and travelled through Europe. Upon their return to England, Mary was pregnant with Percy’s child. Over the next two years, she and Percy faced ostracism, constant debt, and the death of their prematurely born daughter. They married in late 1816, after the suicide of Percy Shelley’s first wife, Harriet.

In 1816, the couple famously spent a summer with Lord Byron, John William Polidori, and Claire Clairmont near Geneva, Switzerland, where Mary conceived the idea for her novel Frankenstein.

The Shelleys left Britain in 1818 for Italy, where their second and third children died before Mary Shelley gave birth to her last and only surviving child, Percy Florence Shelley. In 1822, her husband drowned when his sailing boat sank during a storm near Viareggio. A year later, Mary Shelley returned to England and from then on devoted herself to the upbringing of her son and a career as a professional author. The last decade of her life was dogged by illness, most likely caused by the brain tumor which killed her at age 53. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Here is some advice for us older guys.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

What city is this?

I was on a vacation last week and filmed this activity at a city park.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Expect The Unexpected

(Or You Won’t Find It)

By Roger Von Oech

I first read this book back in 2001 and I just finished reviewing it again last week.  I find it just as interesting and thought provoking as when I first read it and the various times over the years that I have reviewed it.

Heraclitus lived 2,500 years ago, but his adages, including “You can’t step in the same river twice” and “Dogs bark at what they don’t understand, ” remain surprisingly relevant today. Expect the Unexpected or You Won’t Find It uses 30 of Heraclitus’s epigrams to unleash creativity (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

I just saw this film and it brought back some memories.

Even if you aren’t from my time

I think you will enjoy this movie.

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)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This is strange, but I found it rather captivating.

Kenzo World (2016)

Music

Message

ART OF THE WEEK

Hamilton (The Play)

I saw Hamilton last week and thought it was absolutely terrific and lived up to all I had heard about it.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 – July 12, 1804) was a statesman, a political theoristand an economist. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Hamilton was the United States’ first Secretary of the Treasury. He was known for the creation of a national bank.

Born on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean, Hamilton moved to New York. When the American Revolutionary War started, Hamilton served in the Continental Army. He was a close aide to General George Washington. After leaving the military he started a bank. He was one of the framers of the United States Constitution. Along with James Madison and John Jay, he wrote the Federalist Papers, which supported the new Constitution.

Hamilton became the Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington. He helped set up the United States’ financial system. Hamilton supported a national bank as well as the funding of the national debt. A leader of the Federalist Party, he was a long time rival of Thomas Jefferson. He was killed in a duel with political rival Aaron Burr in 1804.

Today, Hamilton is usually thought of as one of the most important of the early leaders. Hamilton’s portrait appears on the United States ten-dollar bill. 

Hamilton’s Early Life

Hamilton was not born in the United States. He was from the Caribbean island of Nevis. His father was James Hamilton and his mother was Rachel Fawcett Lavien. Hamilton’s mother had a child from a previous marriage that she left behind when she moved to Nevis. At the time, she was still married to another man. This meant that Hamilton was illegitimate. He was very sensitive about this fact. His father had left him as a child. Two years after this tragedy both Hamilton and his mother became sick. Hamilton recovered, but unfortunately his mother died. He was grief-stricken and moved in with his cousin. His cousin committed suicide.

In 1772 Hamilton went to New York to continue his education. He attended Kings College, now called Columbia University, until 1776.

Anti-Slavery

Hamilton was very anti-slavery. Along with John Jay he was a leader of the New York Manumission Society. The society worked to end slavery in New York and supported manumission, which is the practice of slave owners freeing their slaves. The society would get slavery abolished in New York. Hamilton also had great respect for the small Jewish community in America and was a major supporter of religious freedom.

(Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I was going to ask for french toast,

but instead I think I will have an egg white omelet.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS