CURRENT EVENTS

New Zen Kōan

A kōan is a story, dialogue, question, or statement, which is used in Zen practice to provoke the “great doubt” and test a student’s progress in Zen practice.

I am pleased to announce a new Zen Kōan has been developed that is challenging even the best of our Zen Masters.  Here is your opportunity to test your skills against the best of the best.

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Planning on a morning run with your friend, well don’t let this happen to you.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Take some action every day to make your dreams come true.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

It is such a hard habit to break, but well worth the effort.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Genghis Khan

and the Making of the Modern World

by Jack Weatherford

This book is not an easy read and you may wish to skip parts of it; but it is likely you will learn a number of things you didn’t know. 

The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in twenty-five years than the Romans did in four hundred.

In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization. Vastly more progressive than his European or Asian counterparts, Genghis Khan abolished torture, granted universal religious freedom, and smashed feudal systems of aristocratic privilege.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

The Royals

I found this to be a fun show to watch.

The Royals is about a fictional monarchy in modern-day London, focusing on a dysfunctional, somewhat estranged family in the wake of the loss of the heir to the throne.

Elizabeth Hurley stars as the devilishly delightful Queen Helena, William Moseley plays charming bad boy Prince Liam and Alexandra Park plays Liam’s twin, tabloid fixture Princess Eleanor. (Source: TV Guide)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This one is really worth listening to.

She Drives Me Crazy

Fine Young Cannibals

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you trust the mainstream news media to report honestly and fairly? 

57% – No

26% – Yes

17% – Not sure

THIS WEEK’S POLL – 2017 Academy Awards (aka Oscars) 

ART OF THE WEEK

Last week was Monday Mona Lisa.  Well, this week I am bringing you Mona Lisa, as she is getting ready for a Saturday night date.

Date Night Mona Lisa

She looks considerably different than she did after work at Friday Happy Hour

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Winston Churchill

I like this guy because when a woman told him if she was his wife, she would put poison in his drink.

He replied, “Madam, if I were your husband, I would gladly drink it.

Photographed Dec. 1941 by Yousuf Karsh

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965).

He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his overall, lifetime body of work. In 1963, he was the first of only eight people to be made an honorary citizen of the United States.

As a young army officer, he saw action in British India, the Anglo–Sudan War, and the Second Boer War. 

Following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain on 10 May 1940, Churchill became Prime Minister. His speeches and radio broadcasts helped inspire British resistance, especially during the difficult days of 1940–41 when the British Commonwealth and Empire stood almost alone in its active opposition to Adolf Hitler. He led Britain as Prime Minister until victory over Nazi Germany had been secured.

Named the Greatest Briton of all time in a 2002 poll, Churchill is widely regarded as being among the most influential people in British history, consistently ranking well in opinion polls of Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER 

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

My thanks to Amy, Christy, Georgia & Rose, 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, Cindi, Cynthia, Debra, Elizabeth, Katya, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan, Terry & Willie for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Jennifer & Temple Fitness, who started following my blog (Currently 161 followers) and Elizabeth, Kristen & Jennifer (Currently 222 People), who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which 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

I’m not sure everyone is aware of the original purpose of today’s USA holiday, so here is a little background.

Washington’s Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States, who was born on February 22, 1732. It can occur on the 15th through the 21st of February inclusive.

Colloquially, the day is also now widely known as Presidents’ Day and is often an occasion to honor all persons who have served as president, not just George Washington.

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Please don’t let this happen to you.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is nice to be with someone, but the person you are with the most is yourself.

There are five frogs on a log. One decides to jump off.

How many are left?  

If you responded with four, you’re wrong.

The correct answer is five, because remember—deciding isn’t doing.  

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

I don’t know if this is true or not; but if it isn’t true, it should be.   

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

There are many kinds of addictions.

You can never be extraordinary if you allow yourself to be controlled by something outside of yourself.

SELF-HELP BOOKS

The Accidental Buddhist

by Dinty W. Moore

The Accidental Buddhist the funny, provocative story of how Dinty Moore went looking for the faith he’d lost in what might seem the most unlikely of places: the ancient Eastern tradition of Buddhism. Moore demystifies and explains the contradictions and concepts of this most mystic-seeming of religious traditions.

This plain-spoken, insightful look at the dharma in America will fascinate anyone curious about the wisdom of other cultures and other religions. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

The Girl on the Train

I was a bit disappointed in this movie, perhaps; because my expectations were too high having seen Gone Girl and being a fan of Emily Blunt.

A recent divorcée (Emily Blunt) fantasizes about a couple (Luke Evans and Haley Bennett) whose house she passes each day on her commuter train ride. Soon, she becomes entangled in a mystery involving not only the couple, but her former husband (Justin Theroux) and his new family. A psychiatrist treats a most unusual patient, only to find that the doctor is the one who gains the most from their sessions … (Source: Fandango)

Sense and Sensibility

I watched this 1995 film again and I still enjoy it every time I watch it.

In this costume drama, based on the novel by Jane Austen, Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters are left with almost nothing after Mr. Dashwood’s death. They move into a cottage and sensible eldest daughter Elinor attempts to keep things running smoothly, in spite of her free-spirited sister’s efforts to the contrary. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Marilyn Monroe

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How will or did you spend Valentines Day?

37.5% – Doing something special with someone

37.5% – Giving someone a Valentine card

15% – Giving someone a gift

15% – Doing nothing out of the ordinary

Last year I had a similar  poll regarding your Valentine Day plans.

That poll results were that 49% of us are doing something special with someone, 33% of us are giving someone a card, 11% of us are giving someone a gift and the remaining 7% are doing nothing out of the ordinary.

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Do you trust the mainstream news media to report honestly and fairly? 

ART OF THE WEEK

Ever wonder what Mona Lisa looks like on a Monday morning?  The answer is below.

The Monday Lisa

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

George Washington

by Gilbert Stuart

George Washington was unique among people, he willingly gave up power.

What many do not realize is that Napoleon, who came after Washington, took control of France and made himself Emperor of the French; whereas, earlier Washington stepped down from office.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER 

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

My thanks to Carol, Chris, Georgia & Samantha, 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,  Barbara, Cynthia, Donna & Lynn, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Adorable Playful Animals, Anne & Jes, who started following my blog (Currently 161 followers) and the 218 People, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which 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

Happy Valentines Day & this week’s post is devoted to love.

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Most of us need to get 7 or 8 hours sleep to be at our best.

Paradise By The Dashboard Light

by Meat Loaf

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is nice to be with someone, but the person you are with the most is yourself.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Love is a choice, but if you disagree with this advice, than love isn’t a choice for you and I hope it works out.   

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Much of communications is non-vocal

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Guys, the book you have waited for has arrived.  I urge you to rush out and pick up a copy and read as much as you can before Valentines Day.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Don Juan DeMarco

A psychiatrist treats a most unusual patient, only to find that the doctor is the one who gains the most from their sessions in this philosophical romantic comedy.

A young man in a mask and cape (played by Johnny Depp) is standing atop a billboard, threatening to jump. When the potential suicide is finally talked down, he’s brought to a psychiatric facility where after one doctor washes his hands of the case, he’s placed under the supervision of Dr. Jack Mickler (Marlon Brando), an aging psychiatrist soon to retire.

The patient informs Mickler that he is actually the great lover Don Juan, who has seduced over 1,500 women, but has fallen into a deep depression after being unable to win the hand of the woman of his dreams.

Mickler has ten days to work with “Don Juan,” after which he will either be released on medication or committed to a long-term stay in a mental hospital. As Mickler talks with the young man, who speaks rapturously of the art of love, the doctor finds that his philosophies are helping to kick-start his failing relationship with his wife (Faye Dunaway), and he slowly becomes convinced that his patient might really be Don Juan after all. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Burning Love

Elvis

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Who were you rooting for during Superbowl 2017?

33% – Falcons

27% – Patriots

20% – Commercials

20% – What game

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How will or did you spend Valentines Day?

ART OF THE WEEK

It has been said that “Love is Blind”, it certainly is in the case of these two people

The Lovers

by Rene Magritte

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Casanova

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova (2 April 1725 – 4 June 1798) was an Italian adventurer and author from the Republic of Venice.

He has become so famous for his often complicated and elaborate affairs with women that his name is now synonymous with “womanizer”. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Ok, this doesn’t have anything to do with Valentine Day or Love, but it is funny.

PLEASE CONSIDER 

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

My thanks to Carol, Georgia & Samantha, 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 Amber, Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Donna, Julietta, Lois & Sally, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Eleutheromaverick, Frona, Reignite & Third Eye Disciples, who started following my blog (Currently 158 followers) and the 218 People, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which 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

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Walking is one of the best exercises

Walk Like an Egyptian

by The Bangles

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Take some meaningful action daily to make your dreams come true.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Those convinced against their will, remain unconvinced still.  

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is great to learn to do things yourself, but make sure you are up to the task.  

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Keep a positive self-image by never saying or thinking anything negative about yourself, but don’t use this to keep you from constant self-improvement

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Coffee Is Good for You

by Robert J. Davis, Ph.D.

If you know me, I like books that say coffee is good for you. This book doesn’t say coffee is good for you, it just says there is little evidence that is it harmful.

As for diet soda making you fat, the research is inconclusive.  Here is another one, green tea promotes weight loss.  The research shows that is half-true.  Or how about eggs being bad for your heart.  The research shows they are not.

The book goes on and on telling you what the research shows about various diet claims.  I found this book very interesting 

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Equity

Lots of suspense and Wall Street from a different vantage point.

While veteran investment banker Naomi Bishop has thrived in the cutthroat, male-dominated financial world, her leadership of a technology company’s initial public offering exposes her to intense pressure from colleagues — and a prosecutor. (Source: Netflix)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I know this guy and he is a great guy, plus a great singer and musician.  Please check out his song.

Old Country Folk O’ Mine – 2

by Erik James Rose

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LAST WEEK’S POLL – Political Posts?

What are your feelings about political posts, now that the USA Presidential election is over?

57% – Irritating

29% – Necessary

14% -Indifferent

Are political posts effective in changing opinions?

70% – No

26% – Maybe

4% – Yes

Have you ever unfriended someone because of a political post?

74%  – No

26% – Yes

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Who were you rooting for during Superbowl 2017?

ART OF THE WEEK

If you have ever taken a cruise, you may recognize this art form

Cruise Ship Towel Art

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton (January 4, 1643 – March 31, 1727) was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, inventor, and natural philosopher, who is generally regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential scientists in history.

His law of universal gravitation and three laws of motion laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, which held sway in the physical sciences until the advent of quantum mechanics around the beginning of the twentieth century.

He was the first to show that the motions of bodies on Earth and celestial bodies are governed by the same set of natural laws. 

Among other scientific work, Newton realized that white light is composed of a spectrum of colors and further argued that light consists of particles. 

Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz share the credit for playing major roles in the development of calculus in the Western world. This area of mathematics has since proved of enormous value for the advancement of science and technology. (Source: New World Encyclopedia)

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, Georgia, Ipuna, Joanne & Samantha, 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 Amber, Carol, Cindi, Colleen, Cynthia, Darlene, Denise, Donna, Jeanine, Kelly, Kim, Mary, Maureen, Octavia, Shirley, Terry & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Alysha, Aubrey, Indira, Ipuna, Marlinalicea & Sonyo, who started following my blog (Currently 154 followers) and the 218 People, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which 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