CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I just could not put this book down, once I started reading Thoreau’s Wound. This is the second book by Danny Kuhn that I have read, the other being Fezziwig.

Thoreau’s Wound

WRITTEN BY DANNY KUHN
REVIEW BY EILEEN CHARBONNEAU

Laconic Irishman Finbar Laverty is the unlikely hero of this rollicking, picturesque novel set in Ireland, London and New England from the Tithe Wars of the 1830s to after the American Civil War. A mix of iconic figures, both historic and fictional, ranging from Jacob Marley just as he’s about to become Marley’s Ghost, to antecedents of Oscar Wilde and Walt Disney, to the titular Henry David Thoreau, join Finn for the journey.

After Ireland’s troubles and family treachery, the teenaged Finn, his wife Maggie, and their lame son flee to inherited land in New Hampshire. But Maggie longs for her Celtic religion and spirit-infused homeland and is eaten by her secrets. She disappears until evidence of her body is found. The mystery surrounding her death spur anti-Irish, Know-Nothing sentiments that put Finn and his son in danger. They seek more tolerant pastures among the Transcendentalists in Concord, Massachusetts, who introduce them to Abolitionist activism and open a world of learning for young Colman. But old country family enmity continues to plague them until secrets are revealed and debts are paid.

Written with verve and power, this wild ride of a novel clips along, guided by the deft hand of author Kuhn, who does for A Christmas Carol what Tom Stoppard did for Hamlet… a wild dance around and through history and literature. Enjoy!

(Source: Historical Novel Society)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Sherlock Holmes

Starring Basil Rathbone

Although I have enjoyed the Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, it is hard to beat Basil Rathbone’s performances as Sherlock Holmes. 

This one-of-a-kind collection features the dozen Holmes movies digitally restored and remastered by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

South African-born British actor Basil Rathbone [ achieved] screen immortality playing Arthur Conan Doyle’s brilliant Holmes, beginning with The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in 1939. Those instant hits led to 12 more mind-bending mysteries over the next seven years, each also starring Nigel Bruce [ ] as Holmes loyal, if often befuddled, friend Dr. Watson.

While several of the Rathbone movies were based on Conan Doyle’s original stories, others pitted Holmes against contemporary villains, including the Nazis. But Rathbone’s personification of literatures most famous crime solver remained a constant source of wonder and delight throughout the series. (Source: Amazon)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

No matter how may times I have seen this scene, I still enjoy it and hope you do also.

John Travolta Dance Scene

From the 1996 Film “Michael“

ART OF THE WEEK

The Topiary Cat

A tribute of British artist and photographer Richard Saunders to his grey cat Tolly. After Tolly’s death, Richard decided to pay tribute to him with a series of fantastic Photoshop collages featuring the cat silhouette onto topiaries in his favourite landscapes.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSONS OF THE WEEK

Dick The Bruiser

I took the above photo myself

William Fritz Afflis (June 27, 1929 – November 10, 1991) was an American professional wrestler and football player, better known by his ring name, Dick the Bruiser.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

In case you feel people are putting too much pressure on you, here is something that may help.

LEARNING TRAITS

Since there is so much debate about “Pro Life” and “Pro Choice”, I thought it was important to see this actual footage of a Canadian being born.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Today’s smart phones, social media, etc. are not necessarily bad, it is how you use them that determines whether they are good or bad.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

Peter Tork

Monkees bassist and singer Peter Tork, who played with the group from their earliest days as a made-for-TV band in the sixties through their recent reunion tours, died Thursday of unknown causes. He was 77. Tork’s sister, Anne Thorkelson confirmed the affable musician’s death to The Washington Post.

“I am told he slipped away peacefully,” his Monkee band mate Michael Nesmith said in a statement. “Yet, as I write this my tears are awash, and my heart is broken. Even though I am clinging to the idea that we all continue, the pain that attends these passings has no cure.” (Source: RollingStone)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

What Reading Can Do For You

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Sherlock Holmes

Starring Jeremy Brett

I’ve seen about every film portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and Jeremy Brett’s performance rivals that of Basil Rathbone’s performances. 

Sherlock Holmes is the overall title given to the series of Sherlock Holmes adaptations produced by the British television company Granada Television between 1984 and 1994.

The series was broadcast on the ITV network in the UK and starred Jeremy Brett as the famous detective. His portrayal remains very popular and is accepted by some as the definitive on-screen version of Sherlock Holmes.

In addition, Holmes’s faithful friend and companion Dr. Watson is portrayed as the kind of thoroughly competent sidekick that Holmes would want. Initially, Watson was portrayed by David Burke. Burke appeared in the first year of the Adventures series before leaving to join the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was replaced by Edward Hardwicke, (who played Watson for the remainder of the run.

Of the 60 Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 42 were adapted in the series spanning 36 one-hour episodes and five feature-length specials. (The elements of two stories were combined in one episode, accounting for the different numbers.) (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

If I recall correctly, The Monkees had a tv show that aired on Saturday mornings. I was working midnights in a factory and when I got home Saturday morning from work, I made sure to watch their show.

I’m A Believer

By The Monkees

ART OF THE WEEK

Tired Buddha

I really don’t know the name of this work of art or who created it, so I went ahead and named it Tired Buddha.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSONS OF THE WEEK

Cab Calloway & Nicholas Brothers

Jumpin Jive

Fred Astaire said it was ‘the greatest dancing he had ever seen on film’. In a dance performance for the ages, the Nicholas Brothers, Fayard (1914–2006) and Harold (1921–2000), dazzled audiences with their acrobatic routine to Cab Calloway’s hit song, Jumpin’ Jive. Not only that, but the routine was unrehearsed and what you see was the first take!

The performance was from the 1943 musical film, Stormy Weather. In 2001, Stormy Weather was selected for the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” (Source: Twisted Sifter)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

I have a hunch Martina Navratilova would approve of Iron.

“Whoever said, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose that counts,’

probably lost”

Source: Martina Navratilova

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

I think most of us who are on Facebook have received so many requests promising this or that, if we would just forward the message within a certain time frame. To the best of my knowledge, the following it the only message of that type, which has actually delivered.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Here is proof that you English teacher was correct about the importance of punctuation.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The 30-Day Plan to Whip Your Career Into Submission

By Karen Salmansohn

I read this book back in 1999 and I have reviewed it periodically ever since and even today it still stands the test of time. It is also a fun and easy to read book. 

Feeling enslaved by pointless meetings, overflowing “in” boxes, and endless phone calls? Shackled by mindless busy work and jealous colleagues that keep you from landing the corner office and the recognition you deserve? If so, now is the time to break free from the chains of job slavery and whip your career into submission!

In this frank and witty rescue manual, Karen Salmansohn–the highly successful, award-winning advertising veteran of corporate wars is on a mission to liberate you.  For everyone who is into S&M (Success and Money, that is), Whip Your Career Into Submission offers an easy-to-follow, 30-day plan for taking control of your career–instead of letting circumstances take control of you.  (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Isn’t It Romantic

This is the film we saw on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps, not an award-winning film, but at least it was entertaining.

Take a minute to watch this trailer and see what you think.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song was featured in Isn’t It Romantic, and I remembered how much I liked it. I hope you also like it.

A Thousand Miles

By Vanessa Carlton

ART OF THE WEEK

It never fails to amaze me how creative people can be.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Rene Descartes

René Descartes (31 March 1596 – 11 February 1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. A native of the Kingdom of France, he spent about 20 years (1629–49) of his life in the Dutch Republic.  He is generally considered one of the most notable intellectual figures of the Dutch Golden Age.

Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy (1641) continues to be a standard text at most university philosophy departments. Descartes’ influence in mathematics is equally apparent; the Cartesian coordinate system was named after him. He is credited as the father of analytical geometry, the bridge between algebra and geometry, used in the discovery of infinitesimal calculus and analysis. Descartes was also one of the key figures in the Scientific Revolution.

Descartes refused to accept the authority of previous philosophers. He frequently set his views apart from those of his predecessors. In the opening section of the Passions of the Soul, an early modern treatise on emotions, Descartes goes so far as to assert that he will write on this topic “as if no one had written on these matters before”. His best known philosophical statement is “I think, therefore I am” (Source: Wikipedia)

I think; therefore I am – A statement by the seventeenth-century French philosopher René Descartes. “I think; therefore I am” was the end of the search Descartes conducted for a statement that could not be doubted. He found that he could not doubt that he himself existed, as he was the one doing the doubting in the first place. In Latin (the language in which Descartes wrote), the phrase is “Cogito, ergo sum.” (Source: Dictionary.com)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Because of the way, the human body is made, one area of the body can have an impact on different parts of the body. For example, take the mouth and teeth. If you have problem with your teeth and gum, this can pose problems with other areas. Poor oral hygiene can lead to problems with diabetes, heart disease and other health issues. (Source: American Dental Center)

Here is tip on how to take care of your teeth.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Painful?

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS 

If you dog isn’t a regular reader of this blog, you may want to show your dog this.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Simplify Your Workday

By Barbara Hemphill & Pamela Quinn Gibbard

This book came out in 1998.  I read it many years ago and every so often I review the sections I highlighted. I still think it is a fantastic book and so easy to read. I wish I had written it.

Offers advice on managing time, streamlining one’s work routine, organizing one’s office, utilizing technology, handling stress, and working at home (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

What Men Want

I just saw this film and it certainly isn’t a great film, but it is entertaining and has some nice messages.

Take a minute to watch this trailer and see what you think.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Normally, I discourage addictions. But since Valentine’s Day is coming up, you  may as well face it; you are:

Addicted to Love

By Robert Palmer

ART OF THE WEEK

The Lovers

By René Magritte

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Cupid

In classical mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus and the war-god Mars.

His Greek counterpart is Eros. Although Eros is generally portrayed as a slender winged youth in Classical Greek art, during the Hellenistic period, he was increasingly portrayed as a chubby boy. During this time, his iconography acquired the bow and arrow that represent his source of power: a person, or even a deity, who is shot by Cupid’s arrow is filled with uncontrollable desire.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Well, 50 euros is a lot of money.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Please don’t let drugs and alcohol destroy your life, like it did this great actor.

CHARACTER TRAITS

I understand what Trent is saying and I believe it is true for the majority of us, but it is certainly more challenging for a few people.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

There are some people who never learn this, please don’t be one of them.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Just in case you ever start thinking to highly of yourself, remember this.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Rich Dad Poor Dad

By Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter C.P.A.

This book came out in 1997. I feel it is as relevant today as it was decades ago. Like so many things, I don’t agree with everything in this book, but it does present things that you should think about.

Robert Kiyosaki reveals how he developed his unique economic perspective from his two fathers: his real father, who was highly educated but fiscally poor; and the father of his best friend – an eighth-grade drop-out who became a self-made multi-millionaire.

This book lays out his philosophy and aims to open readers eyes by: exploding the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich; challenging the belief that your house is an asset; showing parents why they can’t rely on schools to teach their children about money; defining once and for all an asset versus a liability; and explaining what to teach your children about money for their future financial success. (Source: thrifbooks)

MOVIE OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

Kim’s Convenience

I am now watching season three of this delightful Canadian (CBC) sitcom.

Take a minute to watch this trailer and see what you think.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I think this country western song has a few years on it, but I still enjoy watching this video.  Some of you will also and some of you will think it is terrible.  That is the way of things that aren’t bland. 

Save a Horse

By Big & Rich

ART OF THE WEEK

I can’t believe I actually own this painting.  I saw it in Metro Times and went to the gallery displaying the painting. I had no idea at the time, I would be able to buy it; I just went to see it in person.  As it turned, I was talking to the gallery about how much I liked it and they sold it to me.

Some Days I Remember Some Things I Forget

By Kurt Halsey

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress, who became known for playing the role of the vicious and ill-mannered Ling Woo in the television series Ally McBeal (1998–2002), for which she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series.

Liu’s film work includes starring as one of the heroines (Alex Munday) in Charlie’s Angels (2000), portraying O-Ishii in Kill Bill (2003).

She is currently co-starring in the Sherlock Holmes–inspired crime drama series Elementary as Joan Watson for which she won the Seoul International Drama Award for Best Actress.

Lucy Liu was born on December 2, 1968, in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City, New York. She is the youngest of three children born to Cecilia, who worked as a biochemist, and Tom Liu, a trained civil engineer. Liu’s parents originally came from Beijing and Shanghai and immigrated to Taiwan as adults before meeting in New York. She has an older brother, Alex, and an older sister, Jenny. 

Liu has stated that she grew up in a diverse neighborhood. She learned to speak Mandarin at home and began studying English when she was 5. She studied the martial art kali-eskrima-silat as a hobby when she was young.

She enrolled at New York University and transferred to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Liu earned a bachelor’s degree in Asian languages and cultures. Liu worked as a waitress at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase club circa 1988–89. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

Caution:  Any of you single guys who are going to be in Paris, need to be aware of this.

LEARNING TRAITS

I have heard it said, that most people are about as happy as they wish to be.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Just in case you didn’t know.

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Star Trek Memories

By William Shatner with Chris Kreski

This book came out in 1993 and if you are a Star Trek fan, you have probably already read it.  But if you haven’t and are a Star Trek fan, I urge you to read this book. 

Star Trek Memories is Shatner’s classic behind-the-scenes look at the legendary series that continues to put forth movies, books, and series spin-offs decades after the last episode aired.

A television phenomenon that suffered from shaky ratings from its first broadcast in 1966 through its entire run, Star Trek nevertheless exploded into a worldwide, billion-dollar industry.

Avid Trekkers who were onboard at the launch, as well as fans of the later Trek incarnations, will be delighted with this eye-opening, eminently fascinating “captain’s log” from James Kirk himself.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

For a number of weeks now, I have been reading Agatha Christie’s short stories and watching films about the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, Inspector Japp, Captain Hastings and Miss Lemon.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

John Belushi as Beethoven

ART OF THE WEEK

Art & Logos

The False Mirror (1928)

By René Magritte

CBS Eye (1952)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Franco Columbu

Francesco Columbu (born August 7, 1941)

Columbu was born in Sardinia (Italy). Starting his athletic career as a boxer, Columbu progressed into Olympic Weightlifting, powerlifting, and later bodybuilding, winning the title of Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981. At 5′ 2″, though shorter than most of his competitors, his height did not prevent him from achieving widespread success.

Columbu is a longtime friend of Schwarzenegger, whom he met in Stuttgart in 1965 and against whom he competed in several international-level bodybuilding competitions. Arnold and Franco were inseparable friends and training partners during the late 60s to mid-1970s.

Columbu served as Schwarzenegger’s best man at his wedding to Maria Shriver in 1986. Columbu and Schwarzenegger had been encouraged to come to America by bodybuilding guru Joe Weider in 1969; Weider sponsored them with an $65/week stipend. They arrived in America and began a bricklaying and patio business called European Brick Works in 1969.

Since 1969, Franco Columbu was considered one of the world’s strongest men. He held a number of powerlifting world records. He deadlifted over 320 kg (700 lbs). (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Maybe you have heard that phrase, “Food trumps exercise”.  If you think you can exercise off poor food choices, here is something to think about.

“A pound of fat contains roughly 3,500 calories.  This is the equivalent to running (or walking) 35 miles” per Franco Columbu

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

This list may help you recognize the symptoms of laziness.

MISCELLANEOUS 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A Short Guide to a Long Life

By David B Agus, MD

 This book may be a bit dated, having come out in 2014.  And I certainly don’t agree with everything in this book, but it does give you a lot of things to think about and it is easy to read. 

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Season 2 of Victoria is now playing on PBS at 9 p.m. EST on Sundays.

Victoria Season 3

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

By  Elton John & Kiki Dee

ART OF THE WEEK

Clothing As Art

Clothing has always been a form of art and one really needs to dress for the occasion.  For instance here is a person properly dressed for using a snow thrower.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Alley Oop

Alley Oop, was a sturdy citizen in the prehistoric kingdom of Moo. He rode his pet dinosaur Dinny, carried a stone war hammer, and wore only a fur loincloth. He would rather fight dinosaurs in the jungle than deal with his fellow countrymen in Moo’s capital and sole cave-town. (Source: Wikipedia)

However, I think the following will give you a far better idea of this extraordinary individual.

Alley Oop

By The Hollywood Argyles

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

You are going to pay a high price for not finding time to exercise.

CHARACTER TRAITS

If this isn’t true, it should be.

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

If you are going to be interviewing, make sure you test your answers to common interview questions, such as “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

MISCELLANEOUS 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

Yahoo Finance

Who is the Biggest Bozo

Jeff Bezos

Bozo The Clown

BOOK OF THE WEEK

For most of us, it is a little too cold for gardening, but perfect weather for a library.

MOVIE (PLAY) OF THE WEEK

I saw this play yesterday and I thought it was one of the most entertaining plays I have seen and I have seen a lot of play. Oh, and I don’t care for golf.  Golf is the backdrop of this play, but the play isn’t about golf in my mind.

A tribute from Ken Ludwig to the great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s, A Fox On the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp, which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club. Filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors, and over-the-top romantic shenanigans, it’s a charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with…golf.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

The William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series

I’ve attended a number of symphony concerts over the years and I thought this one was one of the best.  I urge all of you to at least experience a classical concert once in your life.

And as much as I was enjoying the concert, I simply could not get this out of my mind.

ART OF THE WEEK

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe with an eye to expansion.

Several walls were being built as early as the 7th century BC; these, later joined together and made bigger and stronger, are collectively referred to as the Great Wall. The Great Wall has been rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced over various dynasties; the majority of the existing wall is from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

Apart from defense, other purposes of the Great Wall have included border controls, allowing the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road, regulation or encouragement of trade and the control of immigration and emigration. Furthermore, the defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watch towers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, and the fact that the path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor.

Today, the Great Wall is generally recognized as one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. (Source: Wikipedia)

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

I was fortunate to see Chuck Berry perform in person.

Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry in 1957

Charles Edward Anderson Berry (October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as “Maybellene” (1955), “Roll Over Beethoven” (1956), “Rock and Roll Music” (1957) and “Johnny B. Goode” (1958), Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive. Writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism, and developing a music style that included guitar solos and showmanship, Berry was a major influence on subsequent rock music.

Berry was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1986; he was cited for having “laid the groundwork for not only a rock and roll sound but a rock and roll stance.”Berry is included in several of Rolling Stone magazine’s “greatest of all time” lists; he was ranked fifth on its 2004 and 2011 list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll includes three of Berry’s: “Johnny B. Goode”, “Maybellene”, and “Rock and Roll Music”.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Think Powerlifting is just for huge, young males, well you are mistaken I know a number of world champion powerlifters in their 70s, both males and females. As you get older, you don’t have to become feeble. 

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

I wish people would put some thought into the posts they share, such as is it really true, is it kind and respectful, etc.

LEARNING TRAITS

Many of you from an early time when air for your tires was provided free at every gas station have perhaps wondered why we now have to pay for air.  I hope this will answer your question.

MISCELLANEOUS 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

CNN’s Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I could not put this book down, once I started reading it.  I did find it difficult to obtain and eventually had to reach out to the author, Danny Kuhn, for a copy.

In the midst of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, one of Charles Dickens’ most beloved characters is living a full life, adventurous and lusty, but touched by scandal.

Born in rural Lincolnshire in 1721, as a boy, William Fezziwig is displaced from his impoverished home through treachery and left alone in the world. Against the odds, Fezziwig rises to a prominent position in 18th century London when opportunities are presented by a respectable gentleman smuggler who sees promise in the waif.

Prominence brings peril and Fezziwig must brave the War of Jenkins’ Ear in order to pursue trade in Barbados and colonial Charleston, South Carolina.  In the Americas there are threats on many fronts, from Spanish warships to his conflicted feelings toward the beguiling Eliza Lucas, heiress to one of the largest plantations in the Carolinas.

Quixotic American Benjamin Franklin and a bevy of eccentric characters destined to become some of history’s most influential figures upend Fezziwig’s desire for a quieter life. Fezziwig finds himself in the position of mentor to his famous friend, as well as a certain ambitious young apprentice in need of lessons on life…and love. Social, political, intellectual, and economic revolution is in the air, and an old mystery resurfaces that could change the course of Fezziwig’s and Franklin’s careers. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

A month ago I asked readers who they thought was the best Sherlock Holmes and Robert Downey Jr. came in second behind Jermey Brett, so I thought I should check out this film and I found it was pretty good.  Still, Robert Downey Jr. is no Jermey Brett when it comes to portraying Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Captain Hollywood Project – More and More

ART OF THE WEEK

Some of the malls had very nice Christmas displays

This is Somerset Mall in Troy, MI

Marshall Fields Walnut Room (Now Macy’s) in Chicago

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

King Henry VIII of England

I would be surprised if any of you have not heard of King Henry VIII of England. However, there are probably some misconceptions about him and I will try to clear them up with these two versions.  

The first version is a song that is believed to be actually written by King Henry the VIII.

This second version, prepared by the noted team of historian scholars, Herman and the Hermits; is probably the more recognized version of the life of Henry the VIII.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Adequate sleep is so important.

It is recommended adults get 7 to 8 hours a night

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS 

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

I thought it was an interesting and fun read; but I could not help wishing it was more about The Most Interesting Man in the World and less about Jonathan Goldsmith.

A memoir told through a series of adventures and the lessons he’s learned and wants to pass on, Stay Interesting is a truly daring and bold tale, and a manifesto about taking chances, not giving up, making courageous choices, and living a truly adventurous, and always interesting life. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I thought this movie was very appropriate for this week, plus it is clever and entertaining.

New Year’s Eve (2011)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’ve checked out a number of songs for starting out the new year and for me, I can’t find one better than this to start our 2019.  It has stood the test of time.

1999

By Prince

ART OF THE WEEK

I think nature is one of the best artists.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

This isn’t the first time that I have made Father Time the extraordinary person of the week, but I thought why not do it again.

Father Time

Father Time is usually depicted as an elderly bearded man […], dressed in a robe and carrying a scythe and an hourglass or other timekeeping device (which represents time’s constant one-way movement).

Around New Year’s Eve, the media uses Father Time as the personification of the previous year (or “the Old Year”) who typically “hands over” the duties of time to the equally allegorical Baby New Year (or “the New Year”) or who otherwise characterizes the preceding year.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

The beginning of the year is a good time for reflection.

LEARNING TRAITS

Just in case you didn’t already know this.

MISCELLANEOUS 

When it is all said and done, the only thing that matters is what you have done, not what your ancestors have done.  

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK 

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.