Tag: books

Kristin Armstrong, Gone Baby Gone, True Detective, Headspace, and a Chinese Proverb

Kristin Armstrong, Gone Baby Gone, True Detective, Headspace, and a Chinese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 23, 2024

Sunday Supplement #163 (June 23rd, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“It’s not only moving that creates new starting points. Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities.”

– Kristin Armstrong

Book of the Week:

Gone, Baby, Gone – Dennis Lehane

Dennis Lehane is an award-winning, best-selling novelist and screenwriter. His works include Mystic River, Shutter Island, and Black Bird.

Gone, Baby, Gone might be more well known to film lovers as the 2007 film directed by Ben Affleck starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, and Morgan Freeman. However, I found the novel’s world much more richly constructed, despite enjoying the film.

The novel is the fourth in his series featuring Boston private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. I highly recommend the series, but reading them in order is not strictly necessary.

Gone, Baby, Gone follows Kenzie and Gennaro’s attempts to investigate the case of a missing child despite some reluctance from the girls’ uncle.

Lehane’s prose is gripping, and his storytelling raises issues that will leave you remembering the characters and their dilemmas long after you read about them.

Movie of the Week:

True Detective (Season 1)

I rarely deviate from the movie of the week recommendation. The only times I haven’t recommended a movie were for Sunday Supplement #14 and Sunday Supplement #153, and #153 was a Broadway recording.

I stick with movies because I find them a better medium for storytelling. I love miniseries, but television series can wander after their first seasons. I’d rather give a recommendation for a movie, which is a small ask, than a larger one for a show.

True Detective somewhat breaks the mold, but I’m keeping my recommendation to the first standalone season.

The show stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. It takes place in Louisiana over 17 years and follows two detectives in their pursuit of a serial killer with occult links. I haven’t seen the other seasons, but the first is some of the best television I’ve ever watched.

Brainfood of the Week:

Headspace | Meditation | Changing Perspective

Headspace is a content provider that teaches about meditation and offers guided meditations. It has over 70 million subscribers in more than 190 countries.

In this video, Headspace provides an excellent example of how we can let passing thoughts dominate our perspectives.

This video is only a minute long, and it’s worth taking a brief moment out of your day to give it a watch.

I’ve featured an intention-setting guide and meditation from Headspace in Sunday Supplement #41. Check it out if you enjoyed this short video.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived.”

– Chinese Proverb

I first saw this Chinese Proverb posted on Jan Grobler’s page. Grobler is a Life & Transformation Coach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Psychological Kinesiologist, and Teacher. I featured his book in Sunday Supplement #76.

The proverb reminded me of the times I would blame others or situations outside myself as the reason for the results of my actions.

Another attractive path was to look at myself and blame myself for the results. I liked putting the responsibility in my hands.

This proverb reminds me that you can still take responsibility for your actions without placing unnecessary blame. For me, this is best represented by being present.

Try to let go of your usual judgments, be aware of your thoughts, look at different perspectives, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Margaret Fuller, Dopamine Nation, Dallas Buyers Club, Philosophy Tube, and a Tao Te Ching Verse

Margaret Fuller, Dopamine Nation, Dallas Buyers Club, Philosophy Tube, and a Tao Te Ching Verse

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 9, 2024

Sunday Supplement #161 (June 9th, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”

– Margaret Fuller

Book of the Week:

Dopamine Nation – Anna Lembke, MD

In Dopamine Nation, Stamford University professor of psychiatry Dr. Anna Lembke discusses our modern-day culture steeped in unprecedented access to high-dopamine stimuli.

Lembke shares stories from patients from her practice (provided with consent) that reflect the various pitfalls of addiction and paths to redemption and balance.

So much of society is geared toward seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Lembke’s book shows the scientific studies of how the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain.

I found the book incredibly insightful on addiction and how prevalent it is in our lives. Left unchecked, we can move through our days on autopilot, trying to avoid pain and seek comfort without questioning our actions or understanding their consequences.

Movie of the Week:

Dallas Buyers Club

The 2013 biographical film Dallas Buyers Club tells the story of Ron Woodroof, a cowboy who contracted AIDS in the mid-1980s.

Woodroof is told he has thirty days to live. He tries AZT, a drug approved for testing in the United States to combat the AIDS virus, but finds it doesn’t help.

The stigmatization of AIDS and those who contracted it during this time period resulted in Woodroof being ostracized by those he knew and developing friendships with people he ostracized himself.

Woodroof travels to Mexico in search of drugs to combat the AIDS virus. He finds success and makes trips to bring back the drugs to help others but faces pushback from the FDA.

Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, and Jared Leto star in the Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack written script directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. I highly recommend this Academy Award-winning film.

Brainfood of the Week:

Knowledge Explained | Philosophy Tube ft. Animalogic

Philosophy Tube is a YouTube Channel that dissects philosophical concepts with entertaining videos. Their channel has over 1.5 million subscribers and over 100 million views.

In this video, Philosophy Tube goes over two types of knowledge: knowledge – that and knowledge – how.

Knowledge – That is based on justified true beliefs. Knowledge – How is based on understanding the connection between results and your actions.

A part of the video I really enjoyed was learning about the Gettier Problem, which involves holding a justified true belief and later learning that it was wrong. Pluto is used as an example.

I thought this was a fun video that came across my YouTube feed. Check it out and check out Philosophy Tube’s channel if you are interested.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Those who seek knowledge, Collect something every day. Those who seek the Way, Let go of something every day.”

– Tao Te Ching (Verse 48)

The Tao Te Ching is a central Taoist text associated with the philosopher Lao Tzu. Taoism holds that humans and animals should live in balance with the universe (the Tao – The Way).

In this verse from the Tao Te Ching, I’m reminded to let go of beliefs (knowledge) that hold me back from being my best self or blind me from being open to seeing other perspectives.

I think knowledge can be good when used to better yourself or in service of others, but it can also be often used as a tool of belittling or control.

I featured Ursula K. Le Guin’s translation of the Tao Te Ching in Sunday Supplement #143. I highly recommend perusing this text if you are interested.

Think about how you use the knowledge you’ve obtained, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Douglas Adams, The Green Mile, Lord of War, Brainy Dose, and a Yiddish Proverb

Douglas Adams, The Green Mile, Lord of War, Brainy Dose, and a Yiddish Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 2, 2024

Sunday Supplement #160 (June 2nd, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

– Douglas Adams

Book of the Week:

The Green Mile – Stephen King

By now, I’ve featured Stephen King in at least a dozen Sunday Supplements. He’s one of my favorite authors and a writer who I believe is often misconceived as just a horror author.

The Green Mile follows the first-person narrative of Paul Edgecombe. In 1996, Paul is an old man in a nursing home, writing about his time in 1932 as the block supervisor of Cold Mountain Penitentiary’s death row.

Edgecombe dealt with a variety of prisoners during his time at Cold Mountain, but the year John Coffey came to him, Paul was forced to witness events that challenged his beliefs.

The Green Mile is another King novel that goes against the typecast. It was originally published serially in six volumes over six months.

You may have seen or heard about the movie. It’s one of the best adaptations of King’s work, but the novel captures a bit more of the story and is well worth checking out.

Movie of the Week:

Lord of War

Andrew Niccol (The Truman Show, Gattaca) wrote and directed the 2005 film Lord of War, starring Nicholas Cage, Jared Leto, Bridget Moynahan, Eamonn Walker, Ethan Hawke, and Ian Holm.

The story follows an arms dealer (Cage) as he confronts the morality of his work while being chased by an INTERPOL Agent (Hawke).

I remember seeing this movie when it came out, and even though the 2006 award season was packed with many excellent films, I was surprised Lord of War missed out on nominations.

Lord of War navigates a topic not often covered in film with a point of view that shows both sides of a story and lets you decide how to view it.

Brainfood of the Week:

7 Revealing Traits of an Honest Person | Brainy Dose

Brainy Dose is an educational YouTube channel with over 2.5 million subscribers. The channel features topics ranging from self-improvement and psychology to health and interesting facts.

In this video, Brainy Dose discusses seven traits of honesty. The starting prompt is to apply the litmus test to yourself and others.

I found the video an interesting insight into what their research came up with regarding the qualities of an honest person.

I was surprised to see some qualities in the video, like maintaining strong beliefs and thick skin, but for me, the most important was owning up to your mistakes.

Brainy Dose’s content piqued my interest, and I look forward to delving into their library. If you enjoyed this one, check out their other videos.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“A half-truth is a whole lie.”

– Yiddish Proverb

When I came across this proverb, I thought about the concept of a “white lie.” I think by omitting our honest opinions, we belittle ourselves and others.

If you are concerned about upsetting someone, there are ways to check in with them before giving feedback. Asking the question, “What kind of feedback are you looking for?” can help you fully understand what support another person needs.

Another half-truth scenario is when someone asks you a question, and you don’t give all the details when you know what the person is really asking.

This proverb reminds me to make sure that I’m in alignment with who I want to be. If that’s the case, my actions should reflect that, and I should be able to be honest in all situations and handle how the situation unfolds.

Think about who you want to be, bring awareness to how honest you’re being, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Edward R. Murrow, The Day of the Locust, Frost/Nixon, TED-Ed, and a Japanese Proverb

Edward R. Murrow, The Day of the Locust, Frost/Nixon, TED-Ed, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on May 26, 2024

Sunday Supplement #159 (May 26th, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Difficulty is the excuse history never accepts.”

– Edward R. Murrow

Book of the Week:

The Day of the Locust – Nathanael West

Nathanael West was an American writer and screenwriter. Although his works didn’t receive the most acclaim during his lifetime, they received greater praise as the years passed.

The Day of the Locust follows Tod Hackett, a young artist from the Yale School of Fine Arts hired to design scenes and paint for a Hollywood studio in the 1930s.

Hackett meets a variety of Hollywood stereotypes and navigates the Hollywood American Dream while meditating on those who slipped through the cracks and were disillusioned.

West’s prose is excellent, and the novel brilliantly sheds light on the darker side of human nature with a haunting narrative of chasing glamour.

Movie of the Week:

Frost/Nixon

The Ron Howard-directed Peter Morgan-written Frost/Nixon received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Directing, and Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay.

Frost/Nixon is a dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former President Richard Nixon.

The cast of Frank Langella (Oscar-nominated for his role as Nixon), Michael Sheen (as Frost), Sam Rockwell, Rebecca Hall, Kevin Bacon, Matthew Macfadyen, Toby Jones, and Oliver Platt all put in stellar performances.

I feel like many people haven’t seen Frost/Nixon, and it has so much to appreciate. Some historical films can be overdone or miss their mark. Check out this one.

Brainfood of the Week:

3 Tips on How to Study Effectively | TED-Ed

The TED-Ed video starts by providing the example of medical students’ studies being vital to saving lives, then teases research on effective study techniques, and then moves into understanding how the brain stores information.

TED-Ed’s mission is to create lessons worth sharing through their award-winning animated shorts.

I’m a big fan of these short videos, and they tend to pack a few key learning points in each video that are worth checking out.

I don’t want to spoil too much of the video since it’s only five minutes, but I’ll mention the overview of how making mistakes can improve long-term memorization.

It reminds me not to be afraid of failure and to constantly test and update my current pool of knowledge. Check out the video and see what you pick up!

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Time flies like an arrow.” (光陰矢の如し)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb emphasizes that life is short, goes by quickly, and doesn’t wait for anyone. It reminds us to make the best of each day.

I like breaking the proverb down further and thinking about how shooting an arrow has many components. The one that sticks out for me in this proverb is picking a target.

It’s vital to look ahead at where we’re aiming. Time goes by quickly, and if you are unaware of your direction, it can be harder to change your target the longer you wait.

Minor degrees of change each day compound and affect the direction of your life negatively or positively.

Choose how you write the chapters of your life’s story, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Confucius, The White Album, Donnie Darko, Tim Ferriss, and an Islamic Saying

Confucius, The White Album, Donnie Darko, Tim Ferriss, and an Islamic Saying

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on May 19, 2024

Sunday Supplement #158 (May 19th, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“By three methods may we learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

– Confucius

Book of the Week:

The White Album – Joan Didion

Joan Didion was a journalist, writer, and screenwriter. She is considered a pioneer of the New Journalism school along with the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Gay Tales, and Tom Wolfe.

The White Album is Didion’s look at the aftermath of the 1960s in America in the realms of counterculture, the Hollywood lifestyle, and the history and culture of California.

I never heard of Joan Didion or her works, but a friend passed along her book and told me about her screenplays. I found both areas intriguing.

Didion’s examination of the era from her perspective is balanced with a memoir-esc reporting of personal events she was going through.

I found it interesting to experience a view of a turbulent time in America through the eyes of a journalist living in the midst of many of the historical events.

Movie of the Week:

Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko is a bizarre film about a troubled teenager who escapes an unexplained accident and becomes plagued by visions of a man in a bunny suit, who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes in his suburban town.

That brief description tries to encapsulate the plot of Donnie Darko, but the story excellently explores the human experience of the different ways of navigating life.

The main character, Donnie, finds that many in his community focus on outward appearance and put on a face that everything is good and life is lovely. He attempts to understand his own fears and challenge those who act as if negative emotions should be ignored.

A young Jake Gyllenhaal stars in the leading role, and the supporting cast has many excellent performances, including Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, and Jena Malone.

I found Donnie Darko to be one of the few movies about adolescence that addresses the awkward and scary experiences their world can be. The film isn’t all doom and gloom, though, and I highly recommend it if it piques your interest.

Brainfood of the Week:

The Lessons, Hacks & Books That Changed My Life – Tim Ferriss | Chris Williamson

Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, top-rated podcaster, and lifestyle blogger. I’ve featured his podcast interviews, books, and quotes in previous Sunday Supplements.

Chris Williamson hosts the podcast Modern Wisdom, where he interviews leaders across various fields and discusses current events, politics, philosophy, science, and hobbies.

Tim’s podcast has recently passed one billion downloads. In this episode of Chris Williamson’s podcast, Tim discusses his biggest lessons from two decades in the self-improvement arena.

I find interviews and podcasts like these amazing brainfood. Hearing someone speak about the wisdom they’ve picked up along their journeys is a worthwhile addition to your routine.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Whoever knows himself knows his Lord.”

– Islamic Saying

I could find an exact source for this Islamic saying. Some attested it to a Hadith, while other sources stated it was a message pulled from various Quran passages.

Regardless of the source, I found this passage a powerful reminder of how important it is to reflect on your beliefs and actions.

When first reading this quote, it can automatically trigger religious beliefs or a higher power. I like to think about the rightful actions these higher powers and spiritual texts refer to.

Reflecting on this, I ask myself if my thoughts and actions align with my beliefs and who I want to be.

Reflect on who you want to be, act in accordance with those answers, and have a blessed week ahead!

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