Month: February 2015

02/23/15 Blog: Exercise

Wm. AllenLeave a comment

Folks, I know I covered this topic back on 12/8/14; but I just finished reading  Time magazine’s special Health double issue, February 23/March 2, 2015; felt compelled to cover Exercise again.  Although only a little over 25% of you stated in my last exercise poll that you did no formal exercise, I suspect a number of you who don’t exercise is higher or you truly are an extraordinary group. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that close to 80% of Americans 18 or older get less than 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week or less than one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

On another note, I continue donating to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.  So if you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book please tell them about me.  I can be reached at:

 harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

As always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends and also like my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.  And for those of you, who have read my book, please consider posting your review of my book on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

Most of you (75%) gave or received cards and gifts for Valentine Day.  However, 25% of you indicated you did not give or receive anything, but next year will be much better.  To make sure next year is better, if you send me your snail mail address, I will mail you a Valentine Day next year.  Again, my email address is:  harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

 

 

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A very elderly lady goes to a fitness center and asks if she can join an aerobic class.

The instructor says, “I’m not sure that is a good idea for you. How flexible are you?”

The elderly lady replies, “Very, except for Fridays.”

WEEK 2: EXERCISE – THE COMPONENTS OF FITNESS:  CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH, AND FLEXIBILITY

At the start of this week’s blog, I mentioned I had just finished reading Time magazine’s special Health double issue, February 23/March 2, 2015.  Here are a couple of items that caught my attention.

Starting at the age of 30, lung function begins dropping 1% a year and declines more in people who are sedentary.  The antidote is exercise.

At 35, bone mass tends to go downhill at the rate of 1% a year and faster after menopause.  Weight-bearing exercise can make a big difference.

At 40, we all start to lose muscle and gain fat.  Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director of the National Institute of Aging says, “You need to absolutely insert exercise activity in your routine if you want to avoid muscle decline.”

Just the above should be enough to provide an incentive to exercise, but there are so many more benefits that those listed above.

One common excuse of many people for not exercising is their lack of time; however, I suspect many of those same people may find an hour during their days for a little mindless TV watching and gossiping with friends.  Others come up with more noble excuses such as care of a love one; however, it is like the airlines say.  Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, before trying to help others.  They say this because if you don’t help yourself, you will in time not be able to help others.

Be extraordinary and exercise for a long and active life.

 

THIS WEEK’S POLL

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise

will sooner or later have to find time for illness.

Source: Edward Stanley

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

My Final Cover

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

The 100 Simple Secrets of Healthy People by David Niven, PhD; is a very easy read.  To me, the vast majority of ideas in the book are far from secrets and more just common sense.  Still, I think there are many good reminders in this book that if applied will help us stay healthy.  Oh, and did I mention it is an easy read 🙂

The 100 Simple secrets of Healthy People

http://www.amazon.com/100-Simple-Secrets-Healthy-People/dp/B00066R506/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since the focus of this week’s blog is exercise, here is a very funny movie with some bike riding tossed in.

Breaking Away

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Away-Jackie-Haley/dp/B008GOG98Y/

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends.  Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.  And for those of you who have read my book, it you would care to comment about the book on Amazon that would be most welcomed.

Week 50: Marriage/Life Partners

Wm. AllenLeave a comment

Since Saturday was Valentine’s Day, which is a celebration of romance, I thought Marriage/Life Partners would be an appropriate topic.

If you would like to know more about Valentine’s Day, check it out on Wikipedia at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine’s_Day

I’ve also started donating to anyone putting on a charitable fund raiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.  The Royal Oak Youth Assistance group and Bastone’s Brewery each accepted two copies of my book to use for their charity events.  So if you know anyone that is holding a charitable fund raiser and could use a couple of copies of my book please tell them about me.  I can be reached at

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comast.net

As always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends and also like my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC

 

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

Well, it seems that the the vast majority of you are avid readers, so it comes as little surprise that you would take a few minutes out of your time to look at a blog about becoming extraordinary.  Thank you.

 

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Harry was very excited about his upcoming marriage.

As Harry was leaving the office, his boss came over to him and said, “congratulations Harry, I just wanted to tell you I’ve been married for twenty years, and I am sure that you will always remember this day as the happiest day of your life.”

Harry, “a little bit confused, said; “But sir, I’m not getting married until tomorrow!” “

“Yeah, I know”, said the boss.

 

WEEK 50: MARRIAGE/LIFE PARTNERS–CHOOSE A SIGNIFICANT OTHER WHO YOU CAN SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE AND WHO CAN SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE YOU

The choice of a life partner is one of the most important factors on whether you will or will not become extraordinary.

And since this post is associated with Valentine’s Day, I certain don’t wish to discourage young love, but please keep in mind that people change a lot from their teens to their mid-30s, so the best advice I can offer for youth is to at least try to grow together; otherwise, I fear you will grow apart.

By the mid-30s, you pretty much know what you are getting.  If the person has financial problems, spotty work history or substance abuse problems; odds are that will continue.  Of course, there are always exceptions; but nothing is so ordinary as believing you have found the exception.

Be extraordinary by finding someone you respect and encourage and who in turn will respect and encourage you..

 

THIS WEEK’S POLL

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

The heart has its reasons

of which reason knows nothing.

Source: Blaise Pascal

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

My Final Cover

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

Since the focus of this week’s blog is romance, I hope some of you find the book If Love is a Game, These are the Rules helpful.  

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MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Again, since the focus of this week’s blog posting is romance, I thought I would suggest The Princess Bride.  

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I recall seeing this classic film on the big screen at the fabulous Redford Theater.

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If you would like to learn more about this theater that opened on January 27, 1928, please check out on wikipedia 

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends.  Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.  Also, you will notice that the print is black instead of gray and the headings are in blue.  This change came about because someone took a moment to mention that this blog could be improved by making the print black.  I really appreciate those that take a moment to comment.

Week 46: Reading

Wm. AllenLeave a comment

I’ve decided to jump around again, rather than follow my book in strict order.

For those of you who know me, I frequently have a book near by as well as a highlighter to call attention to important passages that I read, since I will eventually return to the book and review the passages I have highlighted.

Back in June 1992, I met author Leonard Shlain and bought his book titled, Art & Physics, Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light.  Dr. Slain was kind enough to autograph his book for me and I just finished reviewing it yet another time.  I must admit that even after 23 years, I still don’t understand everything he has written, but each time I review it my closed mind opens a little more.

And for those of you who have tried to enlighten me over the years, you’re well aware of how closed minded I can be and sometimes it takes a long time or even a very long time before I get your point.  Please be assured that I appreciate your efforts on my behalf, even if at the time I may not have been all that appreciative.

Finally, as always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends.  Also, if there is any particular trait from my book that you would like me to cover soon, please just let us all know.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I have to admit that last week’s poll wasn’t my best poll and I appreciate those of you who tried to make sense of what I was asking and voted.  Thank you.

Right or wrong, given my faulty poll; I sense none of us celebrate as often as we should, we rarely celebrate the successes of our friends and we rarely celebrate without expecting a gift in return.

If I’m mistaken, in what I gathered from my poorly constructed poll, please let all of us know your view.

 

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

What did one book say to another?

I just wanted to see if we are on the same page.

 

WEEK 46: READING–YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM OTHERS 

It is impossible to overstate the value reading will have on your efforts to become extraordinary.

Plus, as long as there is a worthwhile book nearby, you will never be bored or feel like you are wasting time when you find yourself in a situation where you are just waiting, doing nothing.

It is also a good idea to vary your reading materials so that you are exposed to a wide variety of view points

Be extraordinary and make sure you read and that your reading includes a variety of viewpoints.

 

THIS WEEK’S POLL

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“The opposite of a correct statement

is an incorrect one,

but the opposite of a profound truth

is another profound truth.”

Source: Niels Bohr

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

My Final Cover

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

The book below is not an easy read and you should be skeptical as you read it, still I can’t think of a better way to be exposed to art, science and many other issues.  It could cause you to think about some of your most cherished beliefs and open up your mind to various possibilities.  But again, I say, this is not an easy read, but it is an interesting read.

Art & Physics

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I selected this movie as a way of illustrating the importance of books and other writings to the shaping of public opinion as well as one’s own opinions.

For instance, Julius Caesar wrote his own account of The Gallic War (Still available), which did cast Caesar in a very positive light, which was important since it came out just before the Roman Civil War, that Caesar was soon to fight.

In more recent times, Benjamin Franklin was the first to write about his own life and no doubt he put himself in a favorable light.

In still more recent times, what serious U.S. Presidential candidate has not come out with a book before his election campaign.

The movie is over 30 years old, but has much to say as did George Orwell’s book by the same title.

1984 Poster

George Orwell’s novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love. (Source:  IMDB)

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends.  Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 20: Celebrate

Wm. AllenLeave a comment

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you will note that I jumped from Week 9: Visualization to Week 20: Celebrate.  Hey, what is more ordinary than going in strict order?

In addition to all of yesterday’s SuperBowl parties, for years on and off, I have tried to celebrate Groundhog Day, which falls on February 2 or this year today.

 Bill Allen (3)

I was fascinated with Groundhog Day because of the movie, which I will discuss in the film section of this blog.

 

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I am surprised to learn that 45% of you use Visualization frequently.  The results of the last several polls lead me to believe those most interested in becoming extraordinary are people who already are extraordinary or well on their way to becoming extraordinary.

 

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (I try not to use jokes that I used in my book, but since many of you have not read my book and I thought this joke was just so appropriate for the Celebrate trait, I just had to share with everyone who reads this blog.)

Upon dying, the pope goes to heaven where he meets a reception committee. They tell the pope that he can enjoy any of the many recreations available.

He decides that he wants to read all of the ancient original texts of the holy Scriptures and spends the next eon learning the languages. After becoming a linguistic master, he sits down in the library and begins to read every version of the Bible, working back from the most recent, “Easy Reading,” to the original.

All of a sudden, there is a scream in the library. The angels come running to him, only to find the pope huddled in a chair, crying to himself, and muttering, “An R! They left out the R.”

God takes him aside, offering comfort, and asks him what the problem is. After collecting his wits, the pope sobs again, “It’s the letter R…the word was supposed to be celebrate.”

WEEK 20: CELEBRATE–YOUR OWN SUCCESSES, AND ESPECIALLY THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR FRIENDS

Extraordinary people celebrate a lot and it is easy for the ordinary person to say sure, “That is because they have so much to celebrate.”  I ask, is it possible that they have so much to celebrate about because they do celebrate, rather than let even small successes go by unnoticed.

But I believe what makes the extraordinary person truly extraordinary is that they are just as quick to celebrate the large and even small successes of their friends.

Be extraordinary and look for opportunities to celebrate yours and your friends successes, both big and small.

 

 

THIS WEEK’S POLL

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“there is nothing more beautiful in life
than celebrating the talents, dreams,
joys, and accomplishments of another being
to see – and call attention to – the best in someone else…”

Source: Kate Mullane Robertson

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

My Final Cover

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I wish I could write a self-help book as good as the one David Brown wrote, The Rest of Your Life is The Best of Your Life.  He was a gentleman who truly celebrated life and he was also the husband of Helen Gurley Brown.

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MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Groundhog Day

I think this is my favorite movie because it is about a person who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right.  Isn’t that what we are all trying to do!

CONCLUSION

If you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends.  Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.