Tag: movie

Leonardo da Vinci, The Richest Man in Babylon, 25th Hour, The School of Life, and a Dhammapada Verse

Leonardo da Vinci, The Richest Man in Babylon, 25th Hour, The School of Life, and a Dhammapada Verse

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 10, 2023

Sunday Supplement #135 (December 10th, 2023)

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:

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.’Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

Book of the Week:

The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason

George S. Clason started a map-making company in the early 1900s and was the first to publish a road atlas of the United States and Canada.

Clason also authored a series of pamphlets distributed by insurance companies and U.S. banks in the early 1920s.

These pamphlets, centered around financial advice in the form of parables set in ancient Babylon, were compiled and became the book edition of The Richest Man in Babylon.

The Richest Man in Babylon has sold over 2 million copies and has been in print for over 90 years. It is considered a classic for wealth management.

While the key lessons in The Richest Man in Babylon are pretty simple, the stories are excellent and might provide a deeper impression for those principles to sink in.

Movie of the Week:

25th Hour

Spike Lee’s 25th Hour follows a convicted New York drug dealer, Montgomery Brogan, as he reevaluates his life in the 24 hours before facing a seven-year jail term.

The film has an all-star cast of Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, and Barry Pepper.

Spike Lee brilliantly directs this film, and it is on the top tier of my list of Spike Lee Joints.

Game of Thrones show writer David Benioff wrote the novel and the script the film is based on. But don’t let that put you off; the novels of his I’ve read are excellent, and this movie is, too.

Brainfood of the Week:

Why Introspection Matters | The School of Life

The School of Life makes content from psychologists, philosophers, and writers devoted to helping people lead calmer and more resilient lives.

This video starts with explaining the parable of Androcles and the Lion. You might have heard of it in some form or another, but the main point is the lion with the thorn in its paw.

In this telling of the story, the video shows how a thorn can cause a significant amount of pain, and we don’t always know how to get it out or need help to get it out.

Without reflection or asking for help, it can be easy to slip into avoidance of the pain or snap out at others.

I’ve featured a number of The School of Life videos. They tend to be short but impactful clips on various topics worth exploring. Check out these other posts if you’ve liked this one.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Speak the truth; yield not to anger; when asked, give even if you only have a little. By these three means can one reach the presence of the gods.”

– Dhammapada 224

This Dhammapada verse reminds me to reflect on the principles I hold. The values this verse implores are ones I find I always take a pause when I’m tested.

I think this is the power of taking a pause and reflecting on your actions. You have a moment to decide what you truly want to do rather than just going along with whatever mood you’re in.

Sometimes, you can find yourself in survival mode, and these moments of reflection can be challenging. But I find that through reflection, you are able to get a better handle on things.

The principles that the verse speaks to are great guides for having bliss in your life, and I think ones that any God would approve of.

Reflect on how you want to show up each day and have a blessed week ahead!

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Carl Jung, Timeline, Fiddler on the Roof, The Rich Roll Podcast, and a Quran Passage

Carl Jung, Timeline, Fiddler on the Roof, The Rich Roll Podcast, and a Quran Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 3, 2023

Sunday Supplement #134 (December 3rd, 2023)

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:

“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate; it oppresses.”

– Carl Jung

Book of the Week:

Timeline – Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton was a legendary author and writer. He wrote 28 novels, and his books have sold over 200 million copies. He also wrote and directed a few films and was the creator of ER.

Crichton’s most famous work is probably Jurassic Park; however, my favorite novel of his is probably Timeline.

Timeline tells the story of a group of history students who travel to 14th-century France to rescue their professor.

The students get wrapped in the workings of a secretive multinational corporation after they find an astounding discovery at a medieval site. What started as a rescue mission turned into a fight for survival over 600 years ago.

Timeline was made into a campy 2003 film starring Paul Walker, Frances O’Connor, and Gerard Butler. While it’s a fun watch, the book is lightyears better, and I recommend it for a fun read.

Movie of the Week:

Fiddler on the Roof

I only recently saw Fiddler on the Roof, and it’s always an amazing experience to see a classic in Cinema and find that it stands the test of time.

The story follows a Jewish peasant with traditional values in pre-revolutionary Russia who contends with marrying off three of his daughters with modern romantic ideals while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens the village.

I’m not a huge musical fan, but the songs and numbers in Fiddler on the Roof were excellently crafted to further the story in a dramatic fashion.

The film won three Oscars (Best Music, Best Sound, and Best Cinematography) and was nominated for another five, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

If you haven’t seen Fiddler on the Roof, you’ve probably inadvertently come across many references to the film. It’s a classic in Cinema history for a reason.

Brainfood of the Week:

Change Your Brain: Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman | Rich Roll Podcast

I’ve featured Rich Roll in a few previous Sunday Supplements, both as an interviewer and an interviewee.

Roll is a vegan ultra-endurance athlete who changed his life at 40 after struggling with drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy living. His podcast has been consistently among the most downloaded/listened to podcasts in recent years.

In this episode, Roll interviews neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman. I just recently featured Huberman’s podcast in Sunday Supplement #131, but this episode was worth another highlight.

Huberman discusses the process of decision-making, addiction, and much more in this episode. The link starts halfway through the episode at a point I think makes a good hook.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

– Quran 13:11

I haven’t repeated a spiritual passage in a Sunday Supplement until this one. I first highlighted this Quran passage in Sunday Supplement #22 in another post about change.

For me, this passage speaks to the necessity to change ourselves first before we can expect things around us to change.

I often think of the metaphor of butting your head into a brick wall when you could find another way around.

Sometimes, you need to break down walls, but reflecting on how you can change yourself first can be the best answer to getting unstuck from a negative perspective.

Look for ways to change yourself that will improve your life, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Vivek Murthy, The Inheritance Cycle, Grave of the Fireflies, Stephanie Briggs, and a Bible Passage

Vivek Murthy, The Inheritance Cycle, Grave of the Fireflies, Stephanie Briggs, and a Bible Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on November 26, 2023

Sunday Supplement #133 (November 26th, 2023)

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:

“Empathy is choosing to see ourselves in another despite our differences. It’s recognizing that the same humanity – the same desire for meaning, fulfillment, and security – exists in each of us, even if it’s expressed uniquely.

– Vivek Murthy

Book of the Week:

The Inheritance Cycle Series – Christopher Paolini

I’ve kept a list of books I’ve read since 7th grade, and despite some laptop crashes and missing periods, the book that started the list was Christopher Paolini’s Eragon.

I read a lot as a kid but fell in love and truly experienced the wonders of what a book could do when I read Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle.

Paolini’s series tells the tale of the fictional world of Alagaësia and a teenage farm boy, Eragon’s journey to overthrow the evil king Galbatorix.

The series has elves, dwarves, Urgals, magic, and dragons, all intricately woven into a tale that soars to the heights of what fantasy and storytelling should be.

I highly recommend the series, especially if you are into fantasy and adventure. The conclusion in the original series is one of the best and most satisfying I’ve read in epic fantasy.

*I’m currently reading the latest addition in Paolini’s world of Alagaësia, Murtagh, and it’s been an excellent read so far!

Movie of the Week:

Grave of the Fireflies

The Studio Ghibli film Grave of the Fireflies is based on the 1967 short story by Akiyuki Nosaka about a young boy and his little sister struggling to survive in Japan during World War II.

I have featured several Studio Ghibli films in the past, and I try not to flood the blog with repetitive recommendations, but Grave of the Fireflies is another gem from their collection well worth highlighting.

In legendary critic Roger Ebert’s review of the film, he states, “Grave of the Fireflies is an emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation… I know what the critic Ernest Sister means when he compares it to “Schindler’s List” and says, “It is the most profoundly human animated film I’ve ever seen.”

Isao Takahata’s masterpiece is a heart-wrenching and harrowing adaptation. If you look up the film, you’ll find many more glowing testimonials from celebrated filmmakers and critics.

Brainfood of the Week:

Developing Empathy as a Practice | Stephanie Briggs | TEDx Talks

Stephanie Briggs is a professor at the Community College of Baltimore County and recipient of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society Building Communities grant for “Practical Empowerment: Building Contemplative Communities with Students of Color.”

Briggs highlights Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness, “Paying attention in a certain way on purpose without judgment,” at the beginning of the TEDx Talks.

She then discusses the different practices around empathy in her classroom and how the students have engaged with them in the past.

One of the exercises Briggs discusses is the assignment of taking four photos in their community, answering the questions, “What is beautiful in my community? What is difficult in my community? What needs to change? And what has shaped me in my community?”

This TEDx Talk has much to take away from it, including some valuable practices and heartfelt stories from Briggs’s students.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

– Luke 6:31

This Bible passage has been called “The Golden Rule” for living, and I think it is a worthwhile verse to remember.

On the surface, I think it’s pretty clear the passage speaks to treating others as you would want to be treated.

Reflecting on the passage, I also see that it’s easy to perpetuate how you’ve been treated or feel you’ve been treated.

The Matthew 5:39 verse about “turning the other cheek” is challenging when treated poorly. But I think the best we can do is to put good out into the world as much as possible.

Try to empathize with others, put good out into the world, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Ginni Rometty, Thinking in Bets, Safety Not Guaranteed, Sprouts, and a Japanese Proverb

Ginni Rometty, Thinking in Bets, Safety Not Guaranteed, Sprouts, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on November 19, 2023

Sunday Supplement #132 (November 19th, 2023)

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:

“Someone once told me growth and comfort do not coexist. And I think it’s a really good thing to remember.”

– Ginni Rometty

Book of the Week:

Thinking in Bets – Annie Duke

Annie Duke went from being awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship after graduating with a double major in English and Psychology at Columbia University to being a World Series of Poker Champion.

Since conquering the poker world, Annie Duke has delved into business consulting, philanthropy, and authored two books, among other notable accomplishments.

Thinking in Bets is Annie Duke’s book about how to make better decisions, moving away from biased thinking, and better vetting of information around you.

In her book, Duke uses business, sports, politics, and poker examples to share tools that will help your decision-making process.

I’ve only recently read Thinking in Bets, but it is a book I know I will come back to. I highly recommend reading it for a solid guide to decision-making.

Movie of the Week:

Safety Not Guaranteed

Colin Trevorrow directed the Derek Connolly script about three magazine employees on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel.

Audrey Plaza stars as the disillusioned intern Darius, who finds a spark when she takes a more active role in the assignment to interview Kenneth, played by Mark Duplass.

The 2012 “Comedy” has some pretty dark moments, but it is an intriguing story that looks at modern society and explores themes of regret, love, and trust.

Safety Not Guaranteed might not be for everyone, but I’d put it in the category of a quirky downer movie that packs a thought-provoking punch.

Brainfood of the Week:

Growth vs. Fixed Mindset | Sprouts

The Sprouts video starts by defining and showing examples of a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset and how we can switch between the two or be one or the other in different areas.

It highlights how a fixed mindset believes that skills and talents are set and avoids failure, while a growth mindset thrives on learning and embraces challenges.

Sprouts highlights Carol S. Dweck’s work in the area of fixed and growth mindsets and shows how each mindset is developed and experienced.

I featured Carol S. Dweck’s book on the subject in Sunday Supplement #97 if you find the Sprouts video interesting and want to delve deeper into the mindsets.

I’ve also featured Sprouts videos in previous Sunday Supplements if you want to check out more. Sprouts makes educational videos about psychology, pedagogy, and child development.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Continuance is power.” (継続は力なり)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese Proverb reminds me of the power of not giving up. If you stop moving forward in a race, you will never get to the finish line.

Sometimes, you need to stop, reflect, and gather your strength, but you should never give up on your goals and dreams.

I think it can be daunting when you look at how far you have to go in whatever journey you decide to undertake, but each step forward counts.

Shifting your perspective from how far you have to go to knowing that each positive action you take will bring you toward achievement is a reminder of the power of continuance.

Work through the uncomfortable moments, continue to grow, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Jen Sincero, Kafka on the Shore, Bedazzled, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and a Bhagavad Gita Passage

Jen Sincero, Kafka on the Shore, Bedazzled, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and a Bhagavad Gita Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on November 12, 2023

Sunday Supplement #131 (November 12th, 2023)

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:

“Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance and allows you to focus on the good in your life, which in turn pulls more goodness into reality.”

– Jen Sincero

Book of the Week:

Kafka on the Shore – Haruki Murakami

I’ve featured Murakami stories in three previous Sunday Supplements but had not covered arguably his most famous novel, Kafka on the Shore.

Kafka on the Shore was listed in “The Best 10 Books of 2005” by The New York Times and received the World Fantasy Award for 2006.

While I wouldn’t consider the book a fantasy novel, I’ve stated before that Murakami’s prose often reads like dreams, and he has many stories that contain elements of magical realism.

Kafka of the Shore follows two characters: a 15-year-old boy who runs away from home and an old disabled man with the uncanny ability to talk to cats.

The themes around metaphysics, music as a communicative medium, and dreams are intriguingly explored. Check out the book if it piques your interest.

Movie of the Week:

Bedazzled

2022’s The Whale, which I highlighted in Sunday Supplement #115, marked the “Brenaissance” of actor Brendan Fraser.

Fraser was a big movie star in the 1990s and 2000s before experiencing debilitating on-set injuries and other setbacks that hampered his career.

Thankfully, he’s experiencing a resurgence in the movie industry. And when looking back at his heyday, it’s hard to pass over the Harold Ramis Comedy Bedazzled.

National Lampoon and Ghostbusters alum Ramis directed and co-wrote the film about a hopeless romantic and absolute dweeb who exchanges his soul to the Devil for seven wishes.

Elizabeth Hurley fantastically plays alongside Fraser as the Devil. They both make an excellent duo for this surprisingly heartfelt, campy 2000s Comedy.

Brainfood of the Week:

The Science of Gratitude & How to Build a Gratitude Practice | Huberman Lab Podcast #47

Dr. Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist and professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

Huberman’s podcast discusses neurosciences and science-based tools, including how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health, as well as existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works.

This video is a deep dive into the science of gratitude and effective gratitude practices. I clipped the podcast to the point where it described receiving gratitude and seeing others expressing gratitude as the most effective gratitude practice.

I thought that was an interesting point in the video worth a quick look, and if you enjoy the content, give the whole episode a watch.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I accept with joy.”

– Bhagavad Gita 9.26

This Bhagavad Gita passage reminds me to look for the good in what I am receiving.

In this case, the Bhagavad Gita passage refers to the joyful acceptance of a gift coming from a place of love.

But I find it interesting how the passage describes the gifts as a leaf, fruit, or water. Some might not think of these as gifts, and it’s a reminder to look for intention when receiving.

Gratitude can be a powerful perspective to operate from and help you look for the good in the situation you’re in.

Find the positives in your life with gratitude, and have a blessed week ahead!

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