Tag: Studio Ghibli

Eleanor Roosevelt, The Diamond Age, The Boy and the Heron, Logic, and a Quran Passage

Eleanor Roosevelt, The Diamond Age, The Boy and the Heron, Logic, and a Quran Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 1, 2024

Sunday Supplement #186 (December 1st, 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:

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. That is how character is built.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Book of the Week:

The Diamond Age – Neal Stephenson

I featured Neal Stephenson in one other previous Sunday Supplement. He is a Hugo, Locus, and Clarke-award-winning author whose works have been classified as Science Fiction and Cyberpunk.

The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer is a coming-of-age story about a girl named Nell set in a future where nanotechnology affects all areas of everyday life—the novel deals with themes of artificial intelligence, education, social class, ethnicity, and education.

I only recently read The Diamond Age, and I picked it up because I remembered Neal Stephenson’s work as a truly unique experience.

This novel won both the Hugo and Locus Awards for Best Novel and Best Science Fiction Novel, respectively, and it certainly delivered a unique experience.

Movie of the Week:

The Boy and the Heron

I’ve featured several Studio Ghibli films in previous Sunday Supplements. I continue to highlight the animation company’s work because it is of the highest quality.

The Boy and the Heron was director/writer Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film for the prestigious animation company.

The film is set during World War II in Japan and follows a headstrong boy who ventures into a dreamlike world shared by the living and the dead after the death of his mother and his father’s remarriage.

Check out the Studio Ghibli catalog and pick a movie from their list that calls to you. I believe their films are a special experience that you shouldn’t skip over.

Brainfood of the Week:

Confident Ignorance with Logic and Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast

Logic is a Grammy-nominated platinum-selling rapper, songwriter, New York Times bestselling author, and filmmaker.

Simon Sinek, who I have featured in several previous Sunday Supplements, is a bestselling author and speaker on leadership.

On this episode of Sinek’s A Bit of Optimism Podcast, the two discuss how confident ignorance allows you to acknowledge your deficiencies while creating the opportunity to learn and grow.

I only recently stumbled upon Sinek’s podcast, but I’ve found it to be worthwhile for those interested in listening to an hour-long conversation with leaders across various industries.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Do you think you will be admitted into Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so shaken that even the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, “When will Allah’s help come?” Indeed, Allah’s help is [always] near.”

– Surah Al-Baqarah 214

This Quran passage prompts me to reflect on difficult times in my life when it seemed like there would be no relief in sight.

Everyone has their own difficult periods in life, and I believe that relief does eventually come in some way or form.

Navigating these difficult times isn’t easy, but I think the experience we gain from them can help us learn and grow and prepare us to face tough times in the future.

Reflect on your experiences, continue to move forward, and have a blessed week ahead!

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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Arthur Ashe, The Martian, Whisper of the Heart, The Art of Improvement, and an African Proverb

Arthur Ashe, The Martian, Whisper of the Heart, The Art of Improvement, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on January 29, 2023

Sunday Supplement #90 (January 29th, 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.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“One important key to success is confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”

-Arthur Ashe

Book of the Week:

The Martian – Andy Weir

Andy Weir’s The Martian is probably most recognizable from the 2015 Ridley Scott movie starring Matt Damon.

The screenplay was adapted from Andy Weir’s bestseller about astronaut Mark Watney being left behind on Mars and his fight for survival using his skills and the supplies left to him.

Weir initially published the book in serial format on his website. He had a small following from his previous self-published stories and comics.

When Weir finished the novel, he listed it on Kindle for $.99. The book’s success and the subsequent film allowed him to pursue writing full-time.

I featured the film version of The Martian in Sunday Supplement #7. If you’re interested, I go into greater detail in the post about the movie and why I love the story.

Movie of the Week:

Whisper of the Heart

Studio Ghibli is one of the top animation companies in the movie business. Their films have been continuously recognized by critics and audiences over the years.

While Studio Ghibli’s most famous films often feature a significant setting or background of fantasy, Whisper of the Heart is one of their more grounded films.

The film is based on a manga and follows Shizuku, a young girl who’s an avid reader and wants to be a writer. One day she notices all of her books have been previously taken out by the same boy, and she attempts to find that boy while she navigates her own journey.

There are many lessons from this film, and one of the things I value in Studio Ghibli’s films is that the female characters aren’t solely relying/focused on male counterparts.

I’ve featured Studio Ghibli movies in six previous Sunday Supplement. I highly recommend all their films. Check out the other posts if you want to see more of their catalog.

Brainfood of the Week:

How to Plan Your Week Effectively | The Art of Improvement

In this video, The Art of Improvement breaks down Ryder Carroll’s celebrated book, The Bullet Journal Method.

The principles explained in the video can aid your current planning systems or help you create new ones to maximize how you want to use your days.

An example of one of the tips highlighted in the video is taking a mental inventory of anything and everything you want to accomplish.

This exercise helps combat decision fatigue when we have too many choices of how to spend our time and no organization around what we want to accomplish.

Check out the video if you want to hear the other tips. I’ve also featured The Art of Improvement in previous Sunday Supplements if you want more recommendations.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“He who doesn’t know where he is going doesn’t know whether or when he will arrive.”

– African Proverb

At first, I thought this proverb was pretty straightforward. Preparing a road map of where you want to go is vital to know if you have arrived.

However, I thought more about the wording of when in the proverb. I thought about how I’ve set goals in the past but haven’t always given myself a timeline for them.

This proverb reminds me of the importance of setting a course and giving yourself a timeline.

That doesn’t mean you have to achieve the goal by that time, but it allows you to check in and see if you need to make any alterations to your plan.

Prepare how you want your life to be, work on those plans, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Rachel Wolchin, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Castle in the Sky, Jamie Foxx, and Dhammapada Ch 5

Rachel Wolchin, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Castle in the Sky, Jamie Foxx, and Dhammapada Ch 5

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 11, 2022

Sunday Supplement #83 (December 11th, 2022)

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.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.”

– Rachel Wolchin

Book of the Week:

Journey to the Center of the Earth – Jules Verne

Journey to the Center of the Earth follows a geology professor Otto Lidenbrock who finds a manuscript claiming a route to the earth’s core.

Lidenbrock embarks on a journey with his nephew Axel and native Icelandic guide Hans Bjelke into the depths of an extinct volcano.

Jules Verne is the second most translated author of all time. His bestselling literary works of the 18th century inspired literature and film well beyond his years.

Journey to the Center of the Earth is a wonderful combination of imagination and adventure. For being written in the 1860s, the prose holds up magnificently.

There’s much to appreciate from Verne’s novel, and it’s worth checking out for its vast history in storytelling.

Movie of the Week:

Castle in the Sky

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a Studio Ghibli film. Their studio has one of the best catalogs of movies I’ve seen, and there are many worth recommending.

Studio Ghibli is solely an animation company, however, their movies have themes and stories that all ages can appreciate.

Castle in the Sky follows a young girl, Sheeta, who possesses a magic crystal that is the key to finding a legendary lost city in the clouds.

Multiple parties search for the lost city, including pirates and government agencies. Sheeta, with help from a young boy, Pazu, attempts to reach the city first.

The animation, music, and story combine beautifully for a fantastic film. Castle in the Sky marks the first official film in Studio Ghibli’s incredible roster and is one of its best.

Brainfood of the Week:

Jamie Foxx Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show

I frequently featured Tim Ferriss’s podcast when I started this blog. I haven’t used a full episode for the Brainfood of the Week in a while, but this is a good one to revisit.

Tim is famous for his top-rated podcast, bestselling self-help books, and lifestyle blog. In this podcast episode, he interviews actor, comedian, and musician Jamie Foxx.

The interview with Jamie Foxx is one of my favorite interviews I’ve come across. One of the top benefits of Ferriss’s podcasts is the long-form format and insightful questions.

Foxx delves into his life growing up in Texas, successful habits, and untold Hollywood stories. There is much wisdom in his stories and answers.

The podcast episode runs for a little over two and a half hours, but if you can check it out in full, it’s worth it.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Perform those actions you will never regret: actions that will ripen into future joy and delight. Why do what you will regret? Why bring tears upon yourself? Do only what you do not regret, and fill yourself with joy.”

– Dhammapada Ch 5

The Dhammapada is one of the most well-known Buddhist scriptures. It contains sayings of the Buddha in verse form.

This passage from the Dhammapada shows me where my internal compass should always point.

I think back on times when I regretted my actions or indecision, but I’ve used those experiences as a chance to learn.

When I face new choices, I try to remember this verse’s message and make the decision that I will not regret and take joy from knowing I did my best.

Look for the choices you won’t regret, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Thomas Merton, The Man’s Guide to Women, The Wind Rises, TED-Ed, and 1 John 4:18

Thomas Merton, The Man’s Guide to Women, The Wind Rises, TED-Ed, and 1 John 4:18

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on September 4, 2022

Sunday Supplement #69 (September 4th, 2022)

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.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise, we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”

– Thomas Merton

Book of the Week:

The Man’s Guide to Women – John Gottman, PhD & Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD

John and Julie Gottman’s book is based on 40 years of research. John is a world-renowned relationship expert, and his wife Julie is a clinical psychologist and researcher.

Their combined knowledge, along with co-authors Rachel and Doug Adams – best-selling authors about intimacy and passion – culminated in The Man’s Guide to Women.

The book addresses how men can make or break relationships, how to approach a woman and build a connection with her, and how to navigate relationships.

I don’t think relationship advice can be summed up in one book, but The Man’s Guide to Women provided many interesting findings and pointers.

Relationship books are a fascinating section of self-help literature and worth delving into. Check this one out and see if it resonates with you.

Movie of the Week:

The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is a fictionalized biographical film about Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of two prestigious aircraft models used by the Empire of Japan during World War II.

Jiro’s journey starts with ambitions of becoming a pilot. However, due to his poor vision, he cannot fly, but he quickly finds himself dreaming of building his own planes.

What fascinated me with The Wind Rises was the exploration of Jiro’s dreams and how the government’s agenda created much adversity around pursuing that dream.

The relationship between Jiro and Naoko and the challenges they faced in their lives was also beautifully depicted.

The Wind Rises was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

I haven’t featured a Studio Ghibli movie in a while, but I’m glad I have the chance to recommend another one of their brilliant films.

Brainfood of the Week:

3 Tips to Boost Your Confidence | TED-Ed

This short presentation is an animated video that dissects confidence and explains three easy tips for how to boost your own.

The video discusses confidence as self-worth— believing you are valuable, worthwhile, and capable. Add optimism, self-esteem, empowerment, and courage, and you have confidence.

Several factors that impact confidence are genes, how you’re treated, and the choices you make in your life.

The three tips the video goes over are quick fixes, belief in your ability to improve, and practicing failure.

TED-Ed goes over each of these tips in detail and provides examples of why and how these tips can help boost your confidence.

There are many short videos that provide helpful information, and this TED-Ed video is one worth checking out.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

– 1 John 4:18

This Bible passage reminds me of the power of love.

In my first Sunday Supplement, I discussed Matthew 22:39 and how you pour from an empty cup if you don’t have love for yourself.

I believe this sentiment comes up in this passage as well. If you do not have love for yourself, you will have doubts about your value and your actions.

There can be pain if things don’t turn out the way you wanted them to, but when you know you acted out of love, you know you did your best.

Do your best to act from love, and have a blessed week ahead!

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