Tag: movie

Dalai Lama, Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Positive Thinking, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Tony Robbins, and a Bible Passage

Dalai Lama, Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Positive Thinking, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Tony Robbins, and a Bible Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on July 7, 2024

Sunday Supplement #165 (July 7th, 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:

“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”

– Dalai Lama

Book of the Week:

Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Positive Thinking – Michael J. Ritt Jr.

I featured Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich in Sunday Supplement #85. The title might throw some people off, but I found some of its advice invaluable.

Napoleon Hill’s journey involved discovering the commonalities between the most successful people in various fields and compiling them to present to the public.

Napoleon Hill’s Keys to Positive Thinking is a compilation of some of the best principles from Hill’s best works.

Michael J. Ritt Jr. worked for Napoleon Hill, and his compilation was released as an official publication of the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

It is a short read, and at least one worthwhile tip is waiting for you to pick up in this book. I found the book an enjoyable read and one I’ll revisit in the future.

Movie of the Week:

Searching for Bobby Fischer

The 1993 film Searching for Bobby Fischer, written and directed by Steve Zaillian, was based on the story of child chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin.

The book on which the film was based was written by Josh’s dad, Fred Waitzkin. It follows Josh’s journey in the competitive chess world as he’s encouraged to harden himself to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.

The film features brilliant performances from Max Pomeranc as Josh, Joe Mantegna as Fred, Joan Allen as Josh’s Mom, Joan, Ben Kingsley as Josh’s coach Bruce, and Lawrence Fishburne as Josh’s coach Vinnie.

Searching for Bobby Fischer was nominated for one Oscar (Best Cinematography), but I think it deserved many more.

The film is an excellent exploration of childhood, parenting, teaching, and the pursuit of success. Even if you don’t like or know much about chess, add this movie to your watchlist.

Brainfood of the Week:

These 3 Questions Will Change How You Do EVERYTHING! | Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and leading life and business strategist.

This video is a clip from one of Robbins’s seminars. In the video, Robbins discusses three questions and how they affect our lives.

The three questions are: What are you going to focus on? What does this mean? What am I going to do?

Robbins breaks down how we shape our experience of life based on our answers to these questions (consciously or subconsciously).

I’ve featured three Tony Robbins books in previous Sunday Supplements. Check out this short video and see if you’re interested in checking out more of Tony Robbins’s work.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

– Matthew 5:8

The Ten Commandments from the Bible are often highlighted, but I find the Beatitudes a more interesting guide to living a good life. Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount is a powerful message, and I highly encourage you to read it at some point.

Matthew 5:8 is a verse from this passage, and I find you can take a lot from just this verse. I’ll start with the latter, “for they will see God.” I’m reminded of the verse John 4:8, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

As for the beginning of the above verse, “Blessed are the pure in heart,” I think of the Bible’s description of purity relating to guiltless, blameless, or innocent behavior.

For me, Matthew 5:8 reminds us to be honest, uplifting, and loving; in turn, we will see the love in this world.

Stay positive, move forward with positivity, and have a blessed week ahead!

Comments closed

Crystal Paine, Jaws, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Andrew Huberman Ph.D., and a Bhagavad Gita Verse

Crystal Paine, Jaws, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Andrew Huberman Ph.D., and a Bhagavad Gita Verse

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 30, 2024

Sunday Supplement #164 (June 30th, 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:

“Living with intention means saying no to the things that aren’t important so we can say yes to what matters most.”

– Crystal Paine

Book of the Week:

Jaws – Peter Benchley

Most people have seen or at least heard of Stephen Spielberg’s film Jaws, which is often described as the original Summer Blockbuster movie.

That movie was based on Peter Benchley’s horror novel. After watching the film, I was curious to read the book. I was surprised to find the differences between the two.

The story follows the fictional seaside town of Amity as it becomes plagued by the attacks of a great white shark.

Chief Brody leads the attempts to kill the shark, with help from Quint, a shark hunter, and Hooper, an ichthyologist.

Mafia ties, affairs, and who dies are a few differences between the book and the film. I recommend Jaws for summer reading if it piques your interest.

Movie of the Week:

The Bridge on the River Kwai

The 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai is based on the 1952 novel. It follows a group of British POWS who are forced to build a railway bridge for their Japanese captors in Burma.

A standoff ensues between officers and camp commandant Colonel Saito. Neither party knows that a commando raid is planned to destroy the bridge.

Without spoiling too much of the film, the last thing I’ll say is that its leading characters are excellently written. The intentions and ambitions of both dominate the story.

The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Alec Guinness won Best Actor in a Leading Role for Colonel Nicholson, and Sessue Hayakawa was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Colonel Saito.

There’s some great history behind the making of the film, including McCarthy-era reasons for the screenwriters (Carl Foreman and Michael Wilson) not receiving credit.

I love it when old films stand up to modern viewing; some even cast shadows over what’s made today. The Bridge on the River Kwai looms large in Cinema history and deservedly so.

Brainfood of the Week:

The Optimal Morning Routine – Andrew Huberman | After Skool

Andrew Huberman, Ph. D., a neuroscientist and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, provides examples of practical tools for optimizing your morning routine.

In this video, Huberman discusses how sunlight in the morning affects your circadian rhythm, how caffeine intake can cause crashes depending on when you have your first cup of coffee, and how exercise and cool showers can benefit and kickstart your day.

The video is 16 minutes long and will surely provide a useful tip for you to add to aid your morning routine. If you enjoyed this video, check out my other Sunday Supplement featuring Andrew Huberman.

After Skool animates the background for videos of various life lessons presented by individuals and texts. I’ve featured their channel in a few previous Sunday Supplements.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Free from expectations and the sense of ownership, with the mind and intellect fully controlled, they incur no sin even though performing actions by their body.”

– Bhagavad Gita 4:21

I found this Bhagavad Gita verse an interesting look at intention and how we view the results of our actions.

This verse speaks to the idea that if we do our best and have just intentions, a bad result does not add negative karma to our lives.

An example would be telling someone a harsh truth. If someone takes this poorly, it is not your fault. However, the delivery of a harsh truth must be done with the best intentions, genuinely seeking to help.

It’s easy to think your intentions are pure while not reflecting on your actions. For me, this verse is a reminder to diligently observe your thoughts and intentions before acting.

Align your thoughts and intentions with your actions, and have a blessed week ahead!

Comments closed

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!

Comments closed

Pele, The Wheel of Time, Creed, Simon Sinek, and an African Proverb

Pele, The Wheel of Time, Creed, Simon Sinek, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 16, 2024

Sunday Supplement #162 (June 16th, 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:

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

– Pele

Book of the Week:

The Wheel of Time – Robert Jordan

I recommend The Wheel of Time with a grain of salt. On one hand, it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever read. On the other hand, it has 14 novels, many of which have long, tedious sections.

The series is epic fantasy. It follows the journey of five young people from a small village as they get drawn into the battle of good versus evil in the land.

Robert Jordan created one of the best magic systems I’ve ever read, and the world and its history are amazing.

Unfortunately, Jordan died before completing the series. However, he left detailed notes, and Brandon Sanderson was chosen to finish the series.

The last seven novels in the series were number-one New York Times bestsellers. After its completion, the series was nominated for a Hugo Award.

Movie of the Week:

Creed

Rocky, which I featured in Sunday Supplement #72, is one of my favorite movies. When I learned Ryan Coogler wrote and was set to direct this series continuation, I knew it was in good hands.

I featured Coogler’s feature debut, Fruitvale Station,in Sunday Supplement #110. This movie convinced Sylvester Stallone to let Coogler take over the series.

Creed follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed— an opponent and friend of Rocky Balboa from the original series.

Apollo’s wife, Mary Anne, adopted Adonis after the former heavyweight champion passed away. While growing up with other opportunities, Adonis decides to pursue a career in boxing.

The film perfectly captures the spirit of the Rocky franchise while having Rocky play a vital role in Adonis’s journey. It’s a fun movie with a lot of heart.

Brainfood of the Week:

Simon Sinek on Intensity vs Consistency | RSA

RSA’s (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce) YouTube page has many brilliant videos sharing knowledge from various leaders across various fields.

I’ve featured Sinek, bestselling author and speaker on leadership, in many previous Sunday Supplements. While I try to vary the content each week, Sinek’s work is well worth revisiting.

In this video, Simon Sinek discusses intensity and consistency. He discusses the difference between short-term crunching and long-term efforts.

Many people and businesses try to cram in intense work periods, expecting tremendous outcomes when taking incremental steps forward each day is often better.

Check out this short video if it piques your interest, and check out Sinek’s work or other RSA videos if you’re interested.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“The road to success is always under construction.”

– African Proverb

I came across this African proverb on a couple of websites (although some sources credit other people with the quote), and it captured a powerful message.

In the past, I’ve worked toward a goal and, upon reaching it, promptly eased my foot off the gas. The most straightforward example has been working out for a period and then stopping.

What I see in this proverb is the lesson that you must always continue to work on yourself and your goals if you want to be successful constantly. And the journey only ends when you do.

I think it’s helped me to think about what journeys I’d want to continue for the rest of my life. That way, I’m happy to pursue them consistently.

Think about the things you want to work on for the rest of your life, persevere, and have a blessed week ahead!

Comments closed

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!

Comments closed