November 18th, 2021
“Myttin da”, or “Good Morning!” in Cornish, a Celtic language spoken mainly in Cornwall in the UK. These phrases are in Common Cornish (Kernewek Kemmyn).
I have had the best success at weight loss when my doctor suggested “intermittent fasting”. Starting out I limited my intake of calories to the hours of 11am to 7pm. He also prescribed an anti-depressant that is often used for smoking cessation. After a month, I had lost measurable weight. So he changed my hours from 11am to 2pm to 7pm to take on calories. He also increased the dosage on my med. I enjoyed the best and longest consistent weight loss in my fatboy career! Then some stuff happened and I stopped the discipline. I also stopped the meds. So you think it would be relatively easy to restart something you know works for you. Not so fast chubby! Its harder or at least it seems much harder for me this time. And go it goes. I sent a note to my doc to give me the same dose as I had before ..maybe that will enable me to return to the healthy discipline I had before. In the meantime, I am trying again.
This week I learned some stuff:
• The iWatch Blood O2 level measuring function, doesn’t seem to work when I am breathless. It seems that when I am breathless I move around too much to get a reading. But when I have caught my breath …usually with in 30-45 seconds.. my readings are ok.
• I was whining about my inability to maintain my fasting discipline to my daughter. She suggested I do a couple of capfuls of apple cider vinegar in some water. She warned it can make you a bit nauseous. Hmmm, it is true I am almost never hungry when I am puking 🙂
• Did you watch the Adele special on Paramount? She still impresses the hell out of me! I really enjoyed both her old songs and the ones from her new album “30”. What a voice!! The show and Oprah interview is streaming of Paramount+ if you missed it on Sunday evening.
• Another new show that I am excited about. Peter Jackson, the director, writer, and producer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit trilogy discovered hundreds of hours of raw footage of the last time The Beatles worked together. They spent 24 days together writing, recording and rehearsing 14 songs that would become the Let It Be album released in 1969. According to those who have seen it, this documentary gives a much clearer picture of the boys as they were preparing for their last performance together. Fourteen months later they formally dissolved the band. The famous New Zealand filmmaker has created a 3 part documentary, “Get Back” using this candid footage. It will be streaming on Disney+ beginning Thanksgiving Day. I can’t wait and now have even more to be thankful for!
• November 18th is the 322th day of 2021. Just 36 days till Christmas! Today in 1626 the new St Peter’s Basilica is consecrated; On this day in 1872, Susan B. Anthony and 14 other women are arrested for voting illegally in the United States presidential election of 1872; In 1928, the animated short Steamboat Willie, the first fully synchronized sound cartoon, directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, featuring the third appearances of cartoon characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse was released. This is considered by the Disney corporation to be Mickey’s birthday; US President, John F. Kennedy sends 18,000 military advisors to South Vietnam.on this day in 1961; Today in 1963, the first push-button telephone goes into service; The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is approved by the House of Representatives today in 1993; Carl Vinson, American judge politician, “Father of America’s 2 Ocean Navy”, and namesake of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)was born today in 1883; Imogene Coca, American actress, comedian, and singer , was born on this day in 1908; Alan Shepard, American admiral, pilot, and astronaut, was born today in 1923; Today in 1939, the very prolific and talented, Margaret Atwood, Canadian novelist, poet, and critic, was born; Wilma Mankiller, American tribal chief, was born today in 1945; Born today in 1953, Kevin Nealon, American comedian, actor, and screenwriter; Owen Wilson, American actor, producer, comedian and screenwriter, was born today in 1968; Chester A. Arthur, American general, lawyer, and politician, 21st President of the United States passed away in 1886; Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., American businessman and diplomat, 44th United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, passed away today in 1969;. Jim Jones, American cult leader, founded Peoples Temple committed suicide with 918 of his coerced followers today in 1978; Cab Calloway, American singer-songwriter and bandleader, passed away on this day in 2016; And finally, Michael Kamen, American composer and conductor passed away on this day in 2003.
Website Update:
This week:
• A New Vocabulary Quiz !! WooHoo!!
• Week 2 for our new Musical Trivia Quiz
• I have a new recipe for you this week – Thai Beef Red Curry. Yum!
• The Home Page quote comes from another of my favorite humans, Nelson Mandela “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Writing, Ceramics, Stained Glass and Painting Update:
• No change on the painting or stained glass front this week.
• Grandpa Stories is once again making progress towards being republished. I had a hiccup with my new tool but its ok now. Most of the way past Part 2.
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
• If you missed 60 minutes last Sunday, not only did you miss the Peter Jackson interview about the “Get Back” documentary coming out, but you also missed a discussion with a guy named, Andrey Sullivan. Andrew is a self-confessed conservative author who happens to be gay. I haven’t read any of his books yet but the interview with him intrigued me. Especially his views on conservatism today and how it is being subverted into something almost unrecognizable. Like many of my conservative friends, he longs for a world more like it used to be in “the good old days”. But also like many of my friends he seems to recall only the parts that he misses with any clarity. Taken from a more universal perspective, I am pretty sure there are no good old days per say. Depending on how far you go back, I think the best you can really hope for is, “less bad old days”; If you aren’t white, straight, wealthy and educated. A forgivable trait but he is clearly a very thoughtful and I think insightful man. Have you read any of his books? I am going to take one for a ride soon. I will tell you want I think and hopefully what I learned.
Music Update:
Once again, yours truly takes you on another meander through the dusty cobwebs of my music library.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
• The Allman Borthers Band – Jessica – This is a over seven minute incremental recorded and released in 1973. It was their second single off of Bothers and Sisters. Written and played by Dickie Betts for his babygirl, Jessica. It’s just a great song! Chuck Leaval plays the amazing keyboards. I have seen them do it live and it was a joyful experience that I relive every time I hear this tune.
• Talking Heads — Burning Down the House — This was a huge hit for this very eclectic band. David Byrne , nuff said! This song blew up the sky in 1983. It comes from their, “Speaking in Tongues” album released that year.
• Al Stewart — On the Border — I just love this song and in particular the guitar work. The interesting thing is it was provided by Peter White who was brought in the play piano. First time he was ever recorded playing guitar. This is from his great album, “Year of the Cat” released in 1976.
• Sting — Desert Rose — This one is a truly beautiful song from his, “Brand New Day” album release in 1999. This is a wonderful example of Sting’s experimenting with a multitude of sounds and cultures.
• Steve Winwood – Valerie — From his, “Chronicles” album released in 1987. Just a great song done greatly.
• Barcelona — It’s About Tine — I just love these guys. Their music is just so tight!! This is a deep cut from thier, “Absolutes” album released in 2007. Enjoy.
That’s it… Do the best you can; Laugh every chance you get; Always remember… The best is yet to come! As always, thank you for being my friend!