CURRENT EVENTS

If you are feeling troubled

Perhaps this will also help

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

This is for anyone who is feeling less than positive about their body image.  Just try to be as healthy as possible and sing this song to yourself any time you aren’t feeling good about yourself.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Before you play, you should ask yourself if you have made any progress on your  priorities.

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

To me, books are a way of learning directly from someone, who you may never have the opportunity to meet.

And of course, some read simply for the pure enjoyment of reading

I have no idea what the woman above is reading, but she does seem to be enjoying her book.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

La La Land

La La Land is a 2016 American romantic musical comedy-drama film starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as a musician and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. The film’s title refers both to the city of Los Angeles and to the idiom for being out of touch with reality (Source: Wikipedia)

I enjoyed the film from an entertainment perspective, but I’m not sure it will hold up as well as the other musical comedy that I saw last week.

A Hard Days Night

A Hard Day’s Night is a 1964 British musical comedy film directed by Richard Lester and starring the Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—during the height of Beatlemania. The film portrays several days in the lives of the group.

The film was a financial and critical success. Time magazine rated it as one of the all-time great 100 films. British critic Leslie Halliwell described it as a “comic fantasia with music; an enormous commercial success with the director trying every cinematic gag in the book” and awarded it a full four stars.

The film is credited as being one of the most influential musical films of all time, inspiring many spy films, the Monkees’ television show and pop music videos.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Downtown

Petula Clark

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Easy Way or the Hard Way?

Do you believe things of value usually or mostly can only be obtained by hard work & effort?

87.5% – Believe it takes effort

12.5% – Believe you just need to be open to letting things of value come into your life

Whatever your definition of success, how successful do you feel compared to others?

56% feel they are more successful than others

44% feel they are less successful than others

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Tattoos?

ART OF THE WEEK

In The ****Heights

Baldwin Theater in Royal Oak, MI, USA

January 26-29, February 2-5, 10-12, 2017

New York City’s Washington Heights is a vibrant neighborhood on the brink of change where dreams are big, ambition is strong, and money is hard to come by. A winning lottery ticket could potentially change the livelihood of the community forever. This exhilarating bi-lingual sensation pulsates with Latin rhythms and hip-hop, and electrifies with exuberant street-dance thus deserving of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical. (Source: Program)

Mom’s Gift

Meadow Brook Theater, Rochester, MI, USA

Through January 29, 2017 

In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings. Only what the task actually is, is a mystery. There are so many things to fix. The problem is complicated by the fact that the only person who can hear or see Mom is her daughter who has been ordered by the court to spend Dad’s birthday with him as part of her Anger Management Program. One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost. (Source: Program)

These are a couple of S.E. Michigan plays, which I have seen, that are still running.  

There are a number of other plays going on in S.E. Michigan and if you live elsewhere, it is likely that there is a play within driving distance.  

If you haven’t seen live theater you should experience it.  

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Richard Chacon

I met Chacon back in 1981 and I thought he was one of the most extraordinary people I have come across, an artist and a philosopher.  He died a number of years ago, but I still remember him.

I have no idea who is in the above picture with my friend Chacon.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER 

If you reached this point, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so.

My thanks to Carol, Blue, Broad Blogs, Linda, Mirna, Samantha & Unexpected Common Hours, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Jean, Mathew, Mureen, Patty, Paula, Shawn, Susan & United Notions Peace Makers,  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Angela, Anna Rose, Denzil, Hjmhbo, Linda, Simple Insights, Smit & Unexpected Common Hours, who started following my blog (Currently 149 followers) and Kelly, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 216 people)

MY BOOK

If you are enjoying this book and find it useful, perhaps you will find that is also true for “I’m Tired of Being Ordinary, Are You?”

And if you have read this book, please say a couple of words about it in an Amazon evaluation.

The book is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

CURRENT EVENTS

2017

Some of you believe you can make this a wonderful year for yourself and others of you believe you can’t. Its like the old saying, “If you think you can or if you think you can’t, either way, you are going to be right.

I hope this blog as well help you make 2017 a wonderful year for yourself. Please consider clicking on the “Follow Harmony Books & Films, LLC” box on the side bar to your right.

And you may want to consider encouraging others to check out this blog.  I only update it once a week, on Mondays; and it doesn’t take long to go through it.

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

When it comes to quick fix diets, this is the only one that works.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

It was rightfully pointed to be that the above place setting was out of date.

Perhaps, this is a bit more straightforward version of the above.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Mind Gym

by Gary Mack with David Casstevens

This book provides useful insights on the mental game, which can be applied to situations outside of sports.  

For instance, if you are a perfectionist; you may find this helpful.

“Do you know how gemologists tell a fake emerald from a real one?  The fakes are perfect. Real emeralds have flaws.”

Real people have flaws.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Being There

with Peter Sellers & Shirley MacLaine

This movie is worth seeing and if you have seen it before, see it again.  I have no idea how many times I have watched it and always found it both entertaining as well as a learning experience.

Hailed as a genius for his simplistic approach to life, an aging gardener with a childlike naïveté rises, by accident, into the game of politics. The man is soon presented as a possible Presidential candidate although no one knows his true background. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

It Don’t Come Easy

Ringo Starr

LAST WEEK’S POLL -What is your Zodiac Sign?

My Zodiac sign

33% – Libra

22% – Scorpio

11% Gemini

11% Cancer

11% Leo

6% Aquarius

6% Virgo

I check my horoscope

76% – Rarely if ever

12% – Frequently

12% – Every so often

The reason I check my horoscope

84% – Fun

8% – Guidance

8% – Other reasons

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Easy Way or the Hard Way?

  

ART OF THE WEEK

I thought this is  worth repeating, since there is still time for those of you in S.E. Michigan to see this play.  And if you live elsewhere, I still urge you to see a live play.

I think you are missing out on an experience, if you don’t see live theater every so often.  

Regarding this particular play, I thought it had just the right touch of comedy and sentiment, and the two sisters in the play were absolutely charming.  If you do happen to live in southeastern Michigan, I hope you catch this play.

Mom’s Gift

By Phil Olsen (A Michigan Premier)

being performed at Meadow Brook Theater

January 4 – January 29, 2017 in Rochester, Michigan

In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings. Only what the task actually is, is a mystery. There are so many things to fix. The problem is complicated by the fact that the only person who can hear or see Mom is her daughter who has been ordered by the court to spend Dad’s birthday with him as part of her Anger Management Program. One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes in a 1904 illustration by Sidney Paget.

Known as a “consulting detective” in the stories, Holmes is known for a skill with observation, forensic science, and logical reasoning that borders on the fantastic, which he employs when investigating cases for a variety of clients, including Scotland Yard.

The Guinness World Records lists him as the “most portrayed movie character” in history. (Source: Wikipedia)

If you would like to know more about Sherlock Holmes, this book covers the territory, but I would not call it an easy read.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER 

If you reached this point, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so.

My thanks to Chris, Daal, Samantha & Quirky Girl, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Cynthia, Debra & Donna,  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Aanchal, Abi, Alisa, Lily, Maggie & Sam, who started following my blog (Currently 142 followers) and Daniela, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 214 people)

MY BOOK

If you are enjoying this book and find it useful, perhaps you will find that is also true for “I’m Tired of Being Ordinary, Are You?”

And if you have read this book, please say a couple of words about it in an Amazon evaluation.

The book is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

CURRENT EVENTS

Last week’s post talked about new beginnings.

So it is time to get started on your new and extraordinary life and what better way to get started then with The Rolling Stones singing Start me Up.

Be Extraordinary in 2017

There is still time to start your new year off by making up your mind to be extraordinary in 2017 and this blog as well as this book can help you.  Please consider clicking on the “Follow Harmony Books & Films, LLC” box on the side bar to your right.

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Feeling stressed?

There are many ways to reduce stress and here are four ways that will work for about everyone.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

What Would Machiavelli Do?

by Stanley Bing

Don’t feel like reading Machiavelli and understanding Machiavelli for yourself. Perhaps this book may be what you are looking for if you want to understand more about what goes on in the business world.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Collateral

with Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx

It says on the DVD box that the hit man and the cab driver were never the same after the events that took place. Well, neither was I after watching this movie.

A cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

All American Boy

Bill Parsons

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Were you successful in making your dreams come true?

Were you successful in making your dreams come true in 2016?

59% – Yes

41% – No

Will you be successful in making your dreams come true in 2017?

63% – Yes

31% – Maybe

6% – No

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What is your Zodiac Sign?

  

ART OF THE WEEK

I saw a play yesterday afternoon that confirmed my opinion that you are really missing out on an experience, if you don’t see live theater every so often.  And I would be surprised to learn that there isn’t a live theater within reasonable distance, regardless of where you happen to live.  I thought this particular play had just the right touch of comedy and sentiment, and the two sisters in the play were absolutely charming.  If you do happen to live in southeastern Michigan, I hope you catch this play.

Mom’s Gift

By Phil Olsen (A Michigan Premier)

being performed at Meadow Brook Theater

January 4 – January 29, 2017 in Rochester, Michigan

In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings. Only what the task actually is, is a mystery. There are so many things to fix. The problem is complicated by the fact that the only person who can hear or see Mom is her daughter who has been ordered by the court to spend Dad’s birthday with him as part of her Anger Management Program. One by one the family’s secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Capt. Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard was born to Maurice and Yvette Picard in La Barre, France, on 13 July 2305.

The young Picard failed his first Starfleet Academy entrance exam, and, upon admission, met with many ethical/scholastic difficulties during his cadet career, but went on to flourish.

Deeply moral, highly logical, and intelligent, Picard is a master of diplomacy and debate who resolves seemingly intractable issues between multiple, sometimes implacable parties with a Solomon-like wisdom. Though such resolutions are usually peaceful, Picard is also shown using his remarkable tactical cunning in situations when it is required. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER 

Surely, if you have gotten this far on this blog, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so.

My thanks to Chris, Renxkyoko, Samantha, Spiritual Journey & Tony, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Antoinette, Carol, Charlene, Debra, Dee, Donna, Kelly, Kim, Linda, Marilyn, Nicole, Norma, Shirley & Tammy for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Abi, CurryNCode & Lacie, who started following my blog (Currently 138 followers) and the 212 people, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page 

MY BOOK

Looking to change your life, perhaps you will consider “I’m Tired of Being Ordinary, Are You?

If you enjoyed the book, why not say a couple of words about it in an Amazon evaluation.

The book is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

CURRENT EVENTS

New Beginnings

There is just way too much disharmony in the world.

I hope Capt. Picard doesn’t have to say, “Make it so” too many times for us all to start getting along.

PLEASE CONSIDER

 Why not share your opinions with all of us by making a blog comment.  

My thanks to Andrea, Bernice, Roxie, Samantha & Sue, for commenting on last week’s post.  To leave a comment, just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click on the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Autumn, Cynthia, Dave, Donna, Howie, Kelly, Kim, Nicole, Paula, Phillip, Robert, Sharon, Shirley & Valeria for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

Be Extraordinary in 2017

There is still time to start your new year off by making up your mind to be extraordinary in 2017 and this blog as well as this book can help you..

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

We all have good excuses for making bad food choices and not exercising.  Next time you come up with an excuse, envision yourself telling the guy below your excuse.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

“No” is a complete sentence and how often we forget this.  Saying “No” expands your ability to say “Yes” to more important things.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

The Best Advice I Ever Got

by Katie Couric

This book gives advice about life, success, happiness, taking chances, following one’s passions, overcoming adversity and more from various well-known personalities.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

The Lion Speech

by Christopher Walken

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Hey, if 2016 wasn’t so great for you; then you must make 2017 better.

A Hard Day’s Night

The Beatles

LAST WEEK’S POLL -What are you going to make of 2017?

100% – Better than 2016

0% – Same as 2016

0% – Worse than 2016

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Were you successful in making your dreams come true?

  

ART OF THE WEEK

Christmas Lights

by Everyone

Many of us are starting to take down our Christmas decorations. Christmas lights is one of the key ingredients to making this time of the year so festive.

I consider them a form of art, that each of us can be proud of since even the most modest Christmas lighting brings a measure of joy to all viewers.

On New Year’s Eve, we went to the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights and it was an amazing lighting display. I urge you next year to attend any similar event that happens to be near you.

  

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Ed Barszcz

For several weeks now, I have said if you look, you will see that you are likely surrounded by extraordinary people, you just need to take the time to notice their good points and not focus on flaws.  Babe Ruth is remembered as the home run king and Elvis is remembered as the King of Rock n’ Roll.  

Ed was a good friend of mine, I wish I had been a better friend to him.

Ed was as fun-loving and good-hearted as they came; plus was always willing to help those in need of help.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Alicia, Ezza & Phoebe, who started following my blog (Currently 135 followers) and Eva & Sandra, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 212 likes).

MY BOOK

Looking to change your life, perhaps you will consider my book.

If you enjoyed my book, why not say a couple of words about it in an Amazon evaluation.

My book is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692