CURRENT EVENTS

Return of USA Korean War Dead

On Wednesday, the US military held a repatriation ceremony at Osan air base in South Korea, where the boxes had arrived the previous week.

“There’s no reason at this point to doubt that they do relate to Korean War losses,” said John Byrd, a forensic anthropologist working for the Hawaii-based agency in charge of identifying the remains. (Source: BBC)

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

You may find it difficult to obtain this book, but what an opportunity to learn something of the people who shaped the world during their time.

Richard Nixon knew virtually every major foreign leader since World War II–some at the pinnacle of power, some during their “years in the wilderness” out of power, and still others toward the end of their lives. His was an unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into the nature of the powerful and qualities of leadership.

In “Leaders, “Nixon shares these insights and experiences. He illustrates these leaders in private, assesses their careers, recalls words of wisdom, and brings to bear his own judgments.

We meet the co-architects of the New Japan, Douglas MacArthur and Shigeru Yoshida. Encountering the legendary leaders of China–Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Chiang Kai-shek–we see the men behind the events. We see the intensely private Charles DeGaulle; explore the philosophies of Konraud Adenauer; confront Leonid Brezhnev; and delight in the company of Winston Churchill–not to mention Nixon’s analyses of interactions with dozens of other leaders.

No one but Richard Nixon could have written this book. It is at once as personal as a hand clasp and as objective as only so earnest a student of history could have made it. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Critics Consensus: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets uses sheer kinetic energy and visual thrills to overcome narrative obstacles and offer a viewing experience whose surreal pleasures often outweigh its flaws. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

It wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Can’t Stop The Feeling

By Justin Timberlake

ART OF THE WEEK

I suspect most of you recognize the inspiration for this piece of art

  EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE OF THE WEEK

APOLLO 11 ASTRONAUTS

Apollo 11 blasted off on July 16, 1969. Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins were the astronauts on Apollo 11.

Four days later, Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon. They landed on the moon in the Lunar Module. It was called the Eagle. Collins stayed in orbit around the moon, [doing] experiments and [taking] pictures.

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon. He and Aldrin walked around for three hours, [doing] experiments [and picking] up bits of moon dirt and rocks.

They put a U.S. flag on the moon. They also left a sign on the moon.

The two astronauts returned to orbit, joining Collins. On July 24, 1969, all three astronauts came back to Earth safely. (Source: NASA)

Another Version of the Landing

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

This was one of the many favorite sayings of one of bosses, that I was fortunate to work for and to learn from during my career.

MISCELLANEOUS 

BOOK 

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

CURRENT EVENTS

Sergio Marchionne

Auto legend Sergio Marchionne, the charismatic executive who turned Fiat and Chrysler around before combining the companies as a profitable business, died Wednesday. He was 66.

“I don’t care what a tough guy he was to work for, he saved our company,” said Cass Burch, a Chrysler and Jeep dealer in Georgia. “He deserves a bronze statue.”

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Illustrated Classic Editions is a painless way to read the classics.  Every other page contains a drawing of the page you just read.  I just finished reading the Sherlock Holmes classic, The Case of the Hound of the Baskervilles.  

This is a perfect way to expose your children to the classics or if you are like me, the perfect way to expose yourself to the classics.

Illustrated Classic Editions

Sherlock Holmes

and the Case of the Hound of the Baskervilles

By A. Conan Doyle

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

If you have never seen this movie, you really should.  And it you have seen it before, you may want to watch it again.  It is great.

Before Sunrise (1995)

I

Critics Consensus: Thought-provoking and beautifully filmed, Before Sunrise is an intelligent, unabashedly romantic look at modern love, led by marvelously natural performances from Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

The Talkin’ Song Repair

By Alan Jackson

ART OF THE WEEK

Here is some backyard art.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger was so named [for being] the sole survivor of a group of six Texas Rangers.

A posse of six members of the Texas Ranger Division pursuing a band of outlaws led by Bartholomew “Butch” Cavendish is betrayed by a civilian guide and is ambushed in a canyon.

Later, an Indian named Tonto, stumbles onto the scene and discovers one ranger is barely alive, and he nurses the man back to health. 

Among the Rangers killed was the survivor’s older brother, Daniel Reid, who was a captain in the Texas Rangers and the leader of the ambushed group. To conceal his identity and honor his fallen brother, Reid fashions a black domino mask using cloth from his late brother’s vest. To aid in the deception, Tonto digs a sixth grave and places at its head a cross bearing Reid’s name so that Cavendish and his gang would believe that all of the Rangers had been killed.

Reid continues fighting for justice as The Lone Ranger even after the Cavendish gang is captured. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

CHARACTER TRAITS 

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

MISCELLANEOUS 

BOOK 

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

CURRENT EVENTS

How to Start Your Day

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

BOOK OF THE WEEK

You may never have heard of Tip O’Neill and you may think this book is about politics.

However, anyone reading this book will find the lessons most useful.  For instance, the book says it is alright to change your position on something because it is more important to be right than consistent.

All Politics Is Local

By Tip O’Neill with Gary Hymel

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This is a very strange movie, but I sort of enjoyed it, plus I don’t want to mention the three other movies that I watched this week because they  were so disappointing.

The Party (2018)

Critics Consensus: Old-fashioned charm meets sharp wit and modern social satire in The Party, a biting comedy carried by a shining performance from Patricia Clarkson. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I saw Sara Evans a few years ago at a concert.

As If

By Sara Evans

ART OF THE WEEK

Here is a unique form of art, turning a stable into a bar.

Well, that is what someone did in Bay City. Michigan.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Marcus Antonius

Marcus Antonius (14 January 83 BC – 1 August 30 BC), was a Roman politician and general.Antony was a supporter of Julius Caesar, and served as one of his generals during the conquest of Gaul and the Civil War. 

After Caesar’s death in 44 BC, Antony joined forces with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, another of Caesar’s generals, and Octavian, Caesar’s great-nephew and adopted son, forming a three-man dictatorship. The Triumvirs defeated Caesar’s murderers, the Liberatores, at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, and divided the government of the Republic between themselves. Antony was assigned Rome’s eastern provinces, including the client kingdom of Egypt, then ruled by Cleopatra.

Relations among the triumvirs were strained as the various members sought greater political power. Civil war between Antony and Octavian was averted in 40 BC, when Antony married Octavian’s sister, Octavia. Despite this marriage, Antony carried on a love affair with Cleopatra, who bore him three children, further straining Antony’s relations with Octavian.

Disagreements between Antony and Octavian erupted into civil war in 31 BC. Later that year, Antony was defeated by Octavian’s forces at the Battle of Actium. Antony and Cleopatra fled to Egypt, where they committed suicide. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE 

PHYSICAL TRAITS

The recommended maximum daily consumption of alcoholic is two drinks for me and one drink for woman.

Exceeding this recommend amounts could result in the following:

CHARACTER TRAITS 

Many people are superstitious, especially when it comes to black cats

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

This is something we all need to learn.

MISCELLANEOUS 

BOOK 

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

The Never Ending Search for Intelligent Life

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

Ever want to write a book?

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Unless you are Benjamin Button and growing younger, you may want to take a look at a book on aging like the one below.  And it you are young, you will be amazed at how quickly the time passes.

This particular book is very readable and talks about passive and active aging. You do not want to be a passive ager, but probably will be if you don’t exercise, have a lot of interest, involved in lifelong learning and connect with people different than yourself.

The Gift of Years

By Joan Chittister

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

This was a very suspenseful movie, but it kept my attention.  The acting by Liam Neeson and Vera Farmiga is extraordinary.

The Commuter (2018)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Russian Rammstein – Du riechst So Gut

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

The first weekend of July, Bay City, Michigan, USA has several days of fireworks climaxing on Saturday evening.  I’ve been there the last two years and it is marvelous.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Sgt. Saman Kunan

A former Thai navy SEAL died early Friday morning trying to free a stranded soccer team from a cave in Thailand,where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23.  

Former Sgt. Saman Kunan, who was working as a volunteer alongside rescuers, died between 1 and 2 a.m. Friday local time. 

SEAL commander Arpakorn Yookongkaew said Kunan died placing oxygen canisters underwater along the route to the stranded boys. (Source: USA Today)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

Your diet will always trump exercise,

which is why I try to bring you the latest research on food.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

(Llevarse Bien con Otros)

Every significant relationship in your life

has their fingerprints all over you.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

This one is for you fellows having a hard time meeting the ladies.

I Got My Game On

By Trace Adkins

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

Well, I guess if it doesn’t kill you; it will make you stronger.

It is just so hard to remember this, when you are facing challenges.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

I think their doctor gave them some good advice.

[Creo que su médico les dio buenos consejos.]

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

(Llevarse Bien con Otros)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

Change sometimes come painfully slow, but change cannot be stopped.

[El cambio a veces viene dolorosamente lento, pero el cambio no puede ser detenido.]

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I’ve heard so many people say they want to write a book, but rarely have I met someone who has actually written a book.

[He oído que muchas personas dicen que quieren escribir un libro, pero rara vez he conocido a alguien que realmente ha escrito un libro.]

This is one of the many books I read before publishing my book.  If you are serious about wanting to write a book, there are plenty of books available to help you.

[Este es uno de los muchos libros que leí antes de publicar mi propio libro.  Si usted es serio acerca de querer escribir un libro, hay un montón de libros disponibles para ayudarle.]

APE – How to Publish a Book

By Guy Kawasaki & Shawn Welch

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I really enjoyed this movie.

[Me gustó mucho esta película.]

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Critics Consensus:Critics Consensus: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle uses a charming cast and a humorous twist to offer an undemanding yet solidly entertaining update on its source material. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Goody Two Shoes

By Adam Ant

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How Long Has It Been Since You Have Worked Out In A Gym?

Please select all answers in the poll that apply to you.

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Here is a birthday cake in the shape of a football that Carol made for my friend Coach Jo.

[Aquí está una tarta de cumpleaños en la forma de un balón de fútbol que Carol hizo para mi amigo Coach Jo.]

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

After all these years, people are still falling for schemes of the nature used by Carlo Ponzi. The victims want to make money without a much effort.  Most fraud schemes depend upon the personal weaknesses of their victims.

[Después de todos estos años, la gente sigue cayendo por esquemas de la naturaleza usada por Carlo Ponzi. Las víctimas quieren ganar dinero sin mucho esfuerzo.  La mayoría de los esquemas de fraude dependen de las debilidades personales de sus víctimas.]

Carlo Ponzi

Charles Ponzi, (born Carlo Pietro Giovanni Guglielmo Tebaldo Ponzi; March 3, 1882 – January 18, 1949), was an Italian swindler and con artist in the U.S. and Canada. His aliases include Charles Ponci, Carlo, and Charles P. Bianchi.

Born and raised in Italy, he became known in the early 1920s as a swindler in North America for his money-making scheme. He promised clients a 50% profit within 45 days, or 100% profit within 90 days, by buying discounted postal reply coupons in other countries and redeeming them at face value in the United States as a form of arbitrage. 

In reality, Ponzi was paying earlier investors using the investments of later investors. While this type of fraudulent investment scheme was not originally invented by Ponzi, it became so identified with him that it now is referred to as a Ponzi scheme. His scheme ran for over a year before it collapsed, costing his “investors” $20 million. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Here is a Heatwave I don’t mind experiencing.

Heatwave

Martha & The Vandellas

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

I have my reservations about The Newbeats dietary choices,

but it is a good video.

[Tengo mis reservas sobre las opciones dietéticas Newbeats,

pero es un buen video.]

Bread And Butter (1964)

The Newbeats

Bike Safari at Detroit Zoo

What a wonderful experience Carol and I had riding our bikes on the grounds of the Detroit Zoo, where you could stop here and there to look at giraffes, grizzly bears, buffalos, etc.  And it was even better riding with our friends Walter, Tania and Harmony.

[Lo que una experiencia maravillosa Carol y yo teníamos a caballo nuestras bicicletas en los jardines el Detroit Zoo, donde se puede parar aquí y allá para mirar jirafas, osos pardos, búfalos, etc.  Y fue incluso mejor cabalgar con nuestros amigos Walter, Tania y Harmony.]

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

(Llevarse Bien con Otros)

People, without the interference of governments & political parties, tend to get along with one another; at least that has been my experience.

[La gente, sin la interferencia de los gobiernos y partidos políticos, tienden a llegar junto con el uno al otro; al menos esa ha sido mi experiencia.]

The Snake Charmer

Drowsy Maggie – Scottish Indian Punjabi

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

I tried to keep all of you aware of recent scientific studies.  Here is another one that just came out.

[Traté de mantenerlos al tanto de los estudios científicos recientes.  Aquí hay otro que acaba de salir.]

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This book came out in 2012 (I believe there is an updated version) and I first read it in 2013.  I recently reviewed it again and I think it contains some very worthwhile things to consider.

The Great Cholesterol Myth

By Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., CNS & Stephen Sinatra, MD, FACC

Heart disease is the #1 killer. However, traditional heart disease protocols–with their emphasis on lowering cholesterol–have it all wrong. Emerging science is showing that cholesterol levels are a poor predictor of heart disease and that standard prescriptions for lowering it, such as ineffective low-fat/high-carb diets and serious, side-effect-causing statin drugs, obscure the real causes of heart disease. Even doctors at leading institutions have been misled for years based on creative reporting of research results from pharmaceutical companies intent on supporting the $31-billion-a-year cholesterol-lowering drug industry.

The Great Cholesterol Myth reveals the real culprits of heart disease, including:

– Inflammation

– Fibrinogen

– Triglycerides

– Homocysteine

– Belly fat

– Triglyceride to HCL ratios

– High glycemic levels

Bestselling health authors Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., and Stephen Sinatra, M.D. give readers a 4-part strategy based on the latest studies and clinical findings for effectively preventing, managing, and reversing heart disease, focusing on diet, exercise, supplements, and stress and anger management. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Learning to Drive (2015)

This is an enjoyable movie that will result in a better understanding of different cultures.

[Esta es una película agradable que dará lugar a una mejor comprensión de las diferentes culturas.]

Critics Consensus: The story’s a bit predictable, but Learning to Drive is elevated by typically strong work from stars Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

I wanted to watch this last December, but didn’t get around to it until last week. I recommend you make it part of your next Christmas activities.  

[Quería ver esto en diciembre pasado, pero no pude hasta la semana pasada. Te recomiendo que lo hagas parte de tus próximas actividades navideñas.]

Critics Consensus: The Man Who Invented Christmas adds holiday magic to the writing of A Christmas Carol, putting a sweetly revisionist spin on the story behind a classic yuletide tale. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I recall reading about an Apache warrior explaining to a historian that he had heard that there were people in Europe, who were like Apaches.  He believed they lived in a place called Scotland.  

[Recuerdo leer sobre un Apache warrior explicando a un historiador que había oído que había gente en Europa, que eran como los Apaches. Creía que vivía en un lugar llamado Escocia.]

And although I love the sound of bagpipes, I recall hearing the definition of a gentleman as being someone who knows how to play the bagpipes, but doesn’t.

[Y aunque me encanta el sonido de las gaitas, Recuerdo escuchar la definición de un caballero como alguien que sabe cómo tocar la gaita, pero no lo hace.]

Dueling Pipers

By College of Piping

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Apologies

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Set Decorating

[Decoración del Juego]

Decorating for the holidays is always a fun thing to do.

[Decorar para las vacaciones es siempre una cosa divertida de hacer.]

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Willis Carrier

Given the heat wave we have experienced, there should be no doubt why Willis Carrier is this week’s extraordinary person.

[Dada la ola de calor que hemos sufrido, no debe existir ninguna duda de por qué Willis Carrier es esta semana la persona extraordinaria.]

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you  Nick, Sheryll & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Liz & Sneha, who started following my blog. Also, thank you Amber & Viswarupa, who liked my Facebook page.

And thank you Carol, Darlene, Doug, Jager, Patty & Shirley, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Facebook Court

[Tribunal de Facebook]

I wonder if Facebook Court will ever end, I can hardly stand it.

[Me pregunto si la corte de Facebook terminará, apenas puedo soportarlo.]

Why Not Try JFK’s Approach

[Por qué no probar el JFK’s Enfoque]

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

It isn’t easy to eat healthy.

[No es fácil comer sano.]

Someday This Pain Will be Useful – James Orders Salad

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

(Llevarse Bien con Otros)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Learn something about this great writer from a book that is easy to read and has a lot of great pictures.  My kind of book.

[Aprender algo acerca de este gran escritor de un libro que es fácil de leer y tiene un montón de grandes imágenes.  Mi tipo de libro.]

Edgar Allan Poe:

The Strange Man Standing Deep In The Shadows

By Charlotte Montague

Poe is viewed as the ultimate doomed romantic whose last days are shrouded in sordid mystery. His life was a disaster, but his achievements in writing are amazing. He is widely recognized as father of the modern short story, inventor of the detective story and the master of horror.

150 years after his death, Charlotte Montague has written a fascinating account of Poe’s life and times. In the process, she uncovers a strange man, standing deep in the shadows, whose macabre stories and twisted plots changed literature forever. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I may lose readers, but I am tired of all the hate and a lot of it comes from Hollywood.  I want to be entertained, not indoctrinated.

[Probablemente voy a perder lectores, pero estoy cansado de todo el odio y mucho de lo que viene de Hollywood.  Quiero ser entretenido, no adoctrinado.]

I thought this was fake news, that no way would Peter Fonda say something so horrible.  I checked it out on snopes.com and this is what I found:

Did Peter Fonda Suggest That Barron Trump Should Be Kidnapped?

The actor has apologized for saying Donald Trump’s 12-year-old son should be put in “a cage with pedophiles” as a protest against the president’s immigration policy.

I would accept his apology.  I’ve said some things in my life in anger that don’t really reflect my true feelings and actions.  I believe he is sorry he said that about the President’s child.

[Yo aceptaría sus disculpas. He dicho algunas cosas en mi vida en la ira que no reflejaba realmente mis verdaderos sentimientos. Creo que es triste que haya dicho eso.]

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I was going to feature Doin’ The Math by Loudon Wainwright III, whom I saw perform in Ann Arbor a few years back, but it was just too depressing.  So here is something a little more upbeat by a fellow I also saw preform a few years back.

Yo iba a función Doin’ las Matemáticas por Loudon Wainwright III, a quien he visto realizar en Ann Arbor de unos pocos años atrás, pero era demasiado deprimente. Así que aquí hay algo un poco más animado por un compañero también vi la preforma de unos pocos años atrás.

Breathless

By Jerry Lee Lewis

As in the past, I encourage you to check out some classical music.  Last week, I saw the Detroit Symphony Orchestra perform at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.

[Como en el pasado, le animo a que consulte algunos de música clásica. La semana pasada, he visto la Detroit Symphony Orchestra realice en Congregación Shaarey Zedek.]

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Splitting Up California

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Set Decorating

[Decoración del Juego]

Decorating a set for a play is another form of art.  I took this photo of the set at Meadow Brook Theater, for their June 3, 2018 performance of Burt & Me.

[Decorar un set para una obra de teatro es otra forma de arte.  Tomé esta foto del plató en el teatro Meadow Brook para el 3 de junio de 2018 de Burt & Me.]

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Curious about who is this week’s most interesting person?

Look in the mirror.

It’s You

And here are a few tips by Eric Barker to keep you interesting:

1. First, don’t be boring.

We’re all terrible at realizing when we bore others because, well, we all think we’re just fascinating.  If you’re always to the point and stay upbeat, it’s extremely hard for anyone to accuse you of being poor company. The Art of Civilized Conversation offers another good tip: Is anyone asking you questions about what you’re saying? If not, maybe it’s time to end the story or ask the other person a question.

2. The most captivating people are often good listeners.

Let the other person talk.

3. Talk about the other person’s interests.

Ask people what they’ve been up to or what their hobbies are. Then talk about that.

4. Have three good stories.

Comedians don’t just talk about anything when they’re onstage. They have their act rehearsed. You don’t just trot into a job interview and say whatever’s on your mind. Always have three good stories on hand that reliably entertain, inform, or engage. Drama, gossip, and reality TV are successful for a reason. We all find human behavior fascinating. On the other hand, most people don’t want to hear about the features on your new iPhone.

5. Don’t forget charisma.

It’s not all about the words. When you’re speaking emotionally, the words only account for 7 percent of what get conveyed. Voice tone and body language are far more important.

6. Be somewhere interesting.

Pick someplace stimulating. Research shows excitement from any source is often associated with the person you’re with — even if they’re not the cause of it.

7. And most importantly: Live an interesting life.

The friends you spend time with dramatically affect your behavior — whether you like it or not. The groups you associate with often determine the type of person you become. In The Start-up of You, Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha talk about how the best way to improve particular qualities in yourself is to spend time with people who are already like that. The best and most reliable way to appear interesting is to live an interesting life. And to pursue that ends up being far more rewarding than merely making a good impression on others.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you  Darlene & Nicole, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Debashree, Felt Thoughts, Kristian, Lynette, Macs Books, Penfila & Stef, who started following my blog.

And thank you Annette, Barb, Carol, Darlene, Diane, John, Micheline, Peggy, Susan & William, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Bob Kleven

Died June 16, 2018

For many years, we were the best of friends, we had a lot of adventures and later in life went our separate ways for decades. I am so grateful I got back in touch with Bob this year, although we never got around to actually meeting.  Here is a photo he sent me of some of the old gang

When I received the above photo, I sent him a photo (below) I had hanging on my office wall.

If for some reason you have lost touch with someone, who was an important part of a chapter in your life, I urge you to renew the friendship while you can.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

So many of us push ourselves too hard.  It could do you a lot of good if you just take a few minutes out of your busy day to relax.  Perhaps, the following may help you do that.

(Muchos de uso exigirnos demasiado. Se podría hacer un montón de buenas si se toma unos minutos de su ocupado día para relajarse. Quizás, lo siguiente puede ayudarle a hacerlo.)

59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy)

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

(Llevarse Bien con Otros)

Why would anyone ever be jealous of another person?

(¿Por qué habría alguien de cada ser celoso de otra persona?}

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

If you ever wondered what this famous mathematical formula means, here is the answer.

(Si alguna vez te preguntaste qué significa esta famosa fórmula matemática, aquí está la respuesta.)

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I found this book well worth reading and it has information on some of the other famous Apache chiefs.  It is easy to read, interesting and has some worthwhile pictures.

(Encontré este libro bien digno lectura y tiene la información sobre algunos otros jefes apaches famosos. Es fácil a leer, interesante y tiene algunos cuadros que vale la pena.)

I Fought with Geronimo

By Jason Betzinez with Wilbur Sturtevant Nye

The cousin and lifelong associate of Geronimo, Jason Betzinez relived his years on the warpath with the Apache chief. He participates in Geronimo’s eventual surrender to the U.S. Army, goes to Florida as a prisoner of war, attends the Carlisle Indian school in Pennsylvania, and in 1900 joins his people at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where they had been moved by the government six years earlier.  (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I almost always enjoy an Agatha Christie mystery and this film was no exception.

(Yo casi siempre gozan de una Agatha Christie misterio y esta película no fue la excepción.)

Crooked House (2017)

In Agatha Christie’s most twisted tale, the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a wealthy patriarch is investigated by spy-turned-private-detective Charles Hayward (Max Irons), who is lured by his former lover to catch her grandfather’s murderer before Scotland Yard exposes dark family secrets.

On the sprawling estate, amidst a poisonous atmosphere of bitterness, resentment and jealousy in a truly crooked house, Hayward encounters three generations of the dynasty, including a theater actress (Gillian Anderson), the old man’s widow 50 years his junior (Christina Hendricks), and the family matriarch Lady Edith de Haviland (Glenn Close).

 (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Keep on dancing (1965)

By The Gentrys

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Cosmetic Procedures

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

I was at a 75 year-old lady’s birthday party and they had the most interesting table settings.  It was her picture taken at various stages in her life.  Here are two examples.

(Yo estaba en una fiesta de cumpleaños de una señora de 75 años y tenían los ajustes más interesantes de la mesa.  Fue aquí la foto tomada en varias etapas de su vida.  Aquí hay dos ejemplos.)

Birthday Table Settings

Birthday Wine

And how would you like to have your own brand of wine to celebrate your birthday?

¿Y cómo quisiera usted tener su propia marca de vino para celebrar su cumpleaños?

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

What an example that you can be different, and yet still do great things.  An inspiration to those who aren’t like the typical person.  Thank you Dennis.

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Keith Rodman (born May 13, 1961)^[2] is an American retired professional basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association. [Wikipedia needs to update to include “diplomat extraordinaire”]

Rodman earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice. He also led the NBA in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and won five NBA championships. His biography at NBA.com states that he is “arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history”. On April 1, 2011, the Pistons retired Rodman’s No. 10 jersey, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later that year.

Rodman experienced an unhappy childhood and was shy and introverted in his early years. After aborting a suicide attempt in 1993, he reinvented himself as a “bad boy” and became notorious for numerous controversial antics. He repeatedly dyed his hair in artificial colors, had many piercings and tattoos, and regularly disrupted games by clashing with opposing players and officials. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you  Darlene, JoAnna & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Eva, Kitten & Vaishali, who started following my blog and to Helene, Maria & Nancy, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Barb, Carol, Colleen, Darlene, JoAnne, John, Phillip, NewVision, Sandy,  & Sheryll, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Phone Call Duration Study

In an effort to keep everyone up to date on the latest scientific studies, I found this information which you may find useful.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

You can tell a lot about a person by watching how they drink wine.  Some people just raise the glass and drink it down.  But to truly appreciate wine, you need to look at the wine in your glass closely, swirl it around and then sniff its fragrance.

Below is a gentleman who is properly drinking wine.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

(Llevarse Bien con Otros)

I think we would all be better off, the more we all followed this advice.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

This one is for all you young techies, who think old folks don’t know anything about technology.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Although I feel this book is written for the hardcore bike enthusiast, there is still a lot in this book for the average pleasure bike rider.

The Rules

By Velominati

• Wickedly Funny – road riding guidelines
• The Velominati embrace cycling as a way of life, as obsessed with style, heritage, authenticity, and wisdom as with performance. This is their bible.
• Are you a rider or a poser? No matter – This book will be enjoyed by anyone with an ironic sense of humor
• 95 Rules to help you be a better road biker
• Hard Core Road Biking Rules to live by – see where you stand

 (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The first time I watched this film, I turned it off after about five minutes.  I thought the quality of the acting didn’t even come close to matching that of my own short films.

The Room (2003)

On a flight, I ended up watching The Disaster Artist and had forgotten all about The Room.  To my surprise, towards the end of The Disaster Artist, I learned at it was about the making of The Room.  I think The Disaster Artist was a great film and I went back and watched The Room, which was interesting this time because I knew the back story.

The Disaster Artist (2017)

Critics Consensus: The Disaster Artist is a surprisingly poignant and charming movie-about-a-movie that explores the creative process with unexpected delicacy. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

I saw Ocean’s 8 yesterday and thought it was very entertaining and well worth watching.

Ocean’s 8

Ocean’s 8 is a 2018 American heist comedy film spin-off from Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s trilogy and features Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter. The plot follows a group of women, led by Debbie Ocean, who plan on robbing the Met Gala. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

If you are young, you may not get all the references in this marvelous song, but you will probably still like it.  As for me, I think it is a great song.

Where Do You Go To My Lovely (1969)

By Peter Sarstedt

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Shania vs. Robert Palmer

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Art comes in so many forms, such as ponds with waterfalls.  Here is one such work of art made by my brother-in-laws Ron and Tim

Pond with Waterfall

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Buddy Holly

Charles Hardin Holley, (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known as Buddy Holly, was an American musician, singer-songwriter and record producer who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. (Source: Wikipedia)

But rather than use a lot to words to describe Buddy Holly, just glance at a couple of video recordings of him and his band.

Oh Boy

Buddy Holly & The Crickets

That’ll Be The Day

Buddy Holly & His Crickets

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you  Darlene, Rene, Samantha & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to DM, Laura Beth, Patsy & The Type-writer, who started following my blog and to Margaret, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Ballistic Kettlebell Fitness, Carmen, Carolyn, Cindi, Cynthia, Dale, Debra, Denise, Flavia, Gabrielle, Heather,  Helli, Kathleen, Kristie, Lenore, Lois, Olesya, Samantha, Sandy, Sheryll, Tammy & Victoria for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Look at the size of that envelope. I wouldn’t want to be a mail carrier in North Korea; although this carrier seems particularly well dressed.

President Trump met with the number two-man in North Korea, Kim Jong Chol, at the White House today in anticipation of a summit meeting with his boss Kim Jong-un in Singapore later this month.

Kim Jong Chol, the former North Korean head spy, brought along a letter from Kim Jong-un to hand deliver to Trump and the two posed for a publicity photo with the oversized envelope that the letter was sealed within. (Source: Washington Press)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

What we eat is so important to your health and well-being.

So this week, I am providing you with a cooking show.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I have read a lot of self-help books and this one is worth mentioning.  It takes a very light approach to the topic. I don’t agree with everything in the book, but overall I thought it was worthwhile.

Where’s My F**king Unicorn

By Michelle Gordon

Are your bookshelves filled with self-help books? Do you keep following paths to enlightenment that lead to the same dead ends? You’ve read the books, attended the seminars, and done the chanting, but you’re still waiting for your f**king unicorn to come along!

Michelle Gordon explains why, in spite of all your best efforts, your life still doesn’t live up to your vision of what it should be, and tells you exactly what you can do about it. Beautifully illustrated and delightfully different, Where’s My F**king Unicorn takes a light-hearted approach to a serious subject. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I saw parts of several movies this week, but they were so bad I didn’t want to mention them, so here is a play that I saw yesterday.  I thought the play was really funny.

For me, Jason Williams stole the show, although he wasn’t one of the lead actors. He was so funny.  Perhaps not the funniest thing he said during the performance, but it caught my attention.

He told this girl, “She reminded him of the last speeding ticket he received.”

She asked, “Why?”

He said, “Because you have “fine” written all over you.”

Jason Williams

Burt & Me

In this romantic musical comedy, Joe and Lacey were high school sweethearts who drifted apart when they attended different colleges after graduation. Years later, their paths cross again as Joe devises a clever plan to win Lacey back… with the help of one Burt Bacharach.  With songs from the Bacharach and David songbook such as Wishin’ & Hopin’ , Walk On By, I Say A Little Prayer, and many more.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Let’s Dance (1962)

By Chris Montez

LAST WEEK’S POLL – War?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Art comes in so many forms.

Topiaries at The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

William Shakespeare

I don’t know if Shakespeare actually said the above;

but, if he didn’t; he should have

William Shakespeare (26 April 1564 (baptised) – 23 April 1616), widely regarded as both the greatest writer in the English language, and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. His works are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.

Some time between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of a playing company. At age 49 (around 1613), he appears to have retired to Stratford, where he died three years later.

Few records of Shakespeare’s private life survive; this has stimulated considerable speculation about such matters as his physical appearance, his sexuality, his religious beliefs, and whether the works attributed to him were.

Here are a couple of photos of Shakespeare’s house,

that I took when we visited Stratford on the Avon.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

This is a joke for math students

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you  Darlene, Geet, Nanette & Samantha for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Ashley, Floating Thoughts, Geet, Heidi & Rageshree, who started following my blog and to Céline, David, Jennifer, Tracey & Veronica, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you  Barb, Carmen, Cindi, Colleen, Darlene, Ernie, Gabrielle, Jamie, Jenni, Kelly, Nabila, Patty, Sandy, Sheryll & Tammy, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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