04/24/17 – Who Makes A Corporation Great?

CURRENT EVENTS

I started working with Sue in 1987, until I left the company in 2009. I don’t think one could find a smarter, more dedicated or loyal to the company team member.  Last week after 30 years of service, she retired.  Every large corporation has its public faces, but it is people like Sue who really make a great corporation great.

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Please don’t let this be your diet plan!

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

I’ve seen people so many times talk themselves out of doing something and someone with less ability taking advantage of the opportunity.  Often, we are our own worse enemy. 

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Want to know how to be a friend?

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

No one becomes anything, let alone extraordinary, without some help along the way.  It is easy to take that help for granted, which is a mistake one may regret .

Richard Fachini was a very cool guy.  He was a manager and I was a newly hired staff auditor when I went with him on my first speaking engagement at a University.  I’ve done my share of speaking engagements since, but Rich got me off to a good start.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Bike Snob

by Bike Snob NYC

I found this to be a fun, informative and easy to read book.

BikeSnobNYC—cycling’s most prolific, well-known, hilarious, and anonymous blogger—brings a fresh and humorous perspective to the most important vehicle to hit personal transportation since the horse.

Bike Snob treats readers to a laugh-out-loud rant and rave about the world of bikes and their riders, and offers a unique look at the ins and outs of cycling, from its history and hallmarks to its wide range of bizarre practitioners. Throughout, the author lampoons the missteps, pretensions, and absurdities of bike culture while maintaining a contagious enthusiasm for cycling itself.

Bike Snob is an essential volume for anyone who knows, is, or wants to become a cyclist. (Source: iTunes)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

The critics didn’t like this film, but it is a Jack Reacher film; so I thought it was ok.

Bedazzled (2000)

As many times as I have seen this great film

Bedazzled (1967)

It wasn’t until this past week, that I saw the original 1967 version.  I liked the 2000 version better, but if you liked the 2000 version, you really ought to take a look at this 1967 version.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Beethoven / Ray Charles

John Belushi

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Becoming a Better Person

Have you become a better person this year than you were in 2016?

64% – Same

32% – Better

4% – Worse

Before the end of 2017, will you become a better person than you were in 2016?

62% – Yes

19% – No

19% – I don’t know

THIS WEEK’S POLL   Leftovers

ART OF THE WEEK

Nature is perhaps the greatest of all artists and I urge you to see one of Nature’s most impressive creations, the Buffalo.  And there is no where better in my opinion, to see Buffalo than Yellowstone Park.

There are signs every where warning you that these buffalo are wild and dangerous animals and to stay in your car.  

However, like most tourists, I couldn’t resist getting out of my car and having my picture taken next to a buffalo.  It was a very risky and foolish act on my part, but I guess I am just a risk taker.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

World’s Greatest Hockey Fan

If Hockey had a Hall of Fame category for its greatest fan, Dan would be in it

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Darlene, Erika, Georgia, Michael, Samantha,Spiritual Journey & Tania, 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.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Carol, Cynthia, Darlene, Joan, Nandini & Maria for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Cheryl, Jeyran, Melissa  & Sarah, who started following my blog and my thanks to  Anne, Bonnie & Helene, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

 http://www.leonandlulu.com/events/books-authors/

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.

My Final Cover

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

04/17/17 – J. Geils Gone

CURRENT EVENTS

J. Geils Gone

Musician J. Geils, best known for founding The J. Geils Band, was found dead in his home in Groton, Massachusetts, on Tuesday.

I saw him and his band perform a number of times and it isn’t lost on me that he was only a year older than me.

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

This guy is 80 years old

This woman is 86 years old

No doubt these two people are genetically gifted, but still there is much that we can do to keep ourselves vibrate into our  80s?

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Last week I posted a picture of the bunnies in my front yard.

Well to my surprise some unknown kind person added three little bunnies to my two large one.  What an amazing act of kindness and an example to all of us.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

I don’t know why this is so hard to learn.

I guess because “da Nile” ain’t just a river in Egypt.

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

We all make stupid decisions once in a while, but please do not to be one of those people who make good decisions only “once in a while”.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Runner’s World Complete Book of

Beginning Running

by Amby Burfoot

The weather is getting nice for most of us, so if you are thinking about running for fun, health or simply weight loss, you may want to check this book out.  I found it to be very readable.

Recognizing that newcomers to a sport need all the help they can get, Runner’s World now devotes an entire book to guiding the beginning runner through those challenging first days, weeks, and months. Peppered throughout with motivating tips and advice from those who have been there, this much-needed volume presents a can’t-fail program that is sure to help new runners feel and look better and have more energy and less stress. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Push-ups

If you ever wonder how some people can do so many push-ups, you really need to watch this video all the way to the end. It only takes 30 seconds and I think you will find it a good investment of 30 seconds of your time.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Best Day of My Life

American Authors

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Doctors

Do you know the cost of medical procedures before they are preformed?

71% – Usually do not

29% – Usually do

How do you primarily view your relationship with your medical doctor?

78% – Are a patient

22% – Are a customer

THIS WEEK’S POLL   Becoming a Better Person

ART OF THE WEEK

We were at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland a few years ago and took some photos of  these Hanging or Floating Heads.

   

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Indian Superman with Spider Woman

Superman in all his many forms, is still Superman.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Carol, Chris, Quirky Girl, Samantha &  Spiritual Journey, 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.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

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

My thanks to Adorable Pet Animals, Priestess  & Pondering Life Too who started following my blog and my thanks to  Ally, Amy, Adelle, Cindy, Dana, Diane, Erika, Rosa & Suzanne, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

 http://www.leonandlulu.com/events/books-authors/

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.

My Final Cover

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

04/10/17 – Happy Easter Everyone

CURRENT EVENTS

Bunnies in the Day

  

Bunnies at Night

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Dieting is not a quick fix, but a long slow lifestyle change.

Quick fix diets don’t work, other that this one.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is important to celebrate your large and even small successes.  And it is even more important to celebrate the large and small successes of your friends as well as their birthdays and anniversaries.  Also, we should never neglect to celebrate holidays.

Here I am celebrating Easter with the Easter Bunny.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

It is important to do things with your family and friends.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Some guys just never learn, don’t be foolish.

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Living Your Yoga

by Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

Of course, if you are into yoga you will want to read this book; but even if you aren’t into yoga this book has something to say.

Using the time-honored wisdom of the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita to steer the course, she serves up off-the-mat practices to guide you in deepening your relationships with yourself, your family and friends, and the world around you. 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Allied

I didn’t stop watching Allied, but I tend to agree with the critics below.

Critics Consensus: Allied has its moments, but doesn’t quite achieve epic wartime romance status — a disappointment made more profound by the dazzling talent assembled on either side of the camera. [Source: Rotten Tomatoes] 

Melinda and Melinda

This 2005 film is a bit complicated to follow, but I enjoyed it and liked it much more than I did Allied

Two alternating stories, one comedy and the other tragedy, about Melinda’s attempts to straighten out her life.
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Stars: Will Ferrell, Vinessa Shaw, Chiwetel Ejiofor

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I fell for this song the very first time I heard it.  It took me a few years, but I finally got the privilege of seeing Loudon Wainwright III perform it in person.

Daughter

Loudon Wainwright III

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Bicycles

35% – More than a year since they have ridden a bicycle

30% – Rode a bicycle in 2017

26% – More than 5 years since they have ridden a bicycle

9% – More than 20 years since they have ridden a bicycle

0% – Never ridden a bicycle

THIS WEEK’S POLL   Doctors

ART OF THE WEEK

Art comes in many forms.

    

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who says the most extraordinary person of the week has to be human.

Easter Bunny

A 1907 postcard featuring the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs.

Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behaviour at the start of the season of Eastertide.

In legend, the creature carries colored eggs in his basket, candy, and sometimes also toys to the homes of children, and as such shows similarities to Santa Claus or the Christkind, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holidays. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Chris, Christy, Darlene, Georgia, Samantha, Spiritual Journey and Tania, 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.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Cynthia, Darlene, Jenny, Sheryll, Shirley & Willie  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Cats That Post, who started following my blog and my thanks to  Mary, Natasha, Olya & Simone, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

 http://www.leonandlulu.com/events/books-authors/

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.

My Final Cover

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

04/03/17 – Warm Weather = Bike Riding

CURRENT EVENTS

My New Bike

And if you live in the Royal Oak, MI, USA area, I recommend you see John at

http://www.albes.com/

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Don’t let this be you.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Relationships can be complicated.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Death of Caesar

by Barry Strauss

I thought I knew a lot about the events surrounding the murder of Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C.; but this very readable book if full of information, much of which I did not know.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

The Edge of Seventeen

I saw this film last week and rather than use words to tell you how much I liked this film, I thought I would just show you one scene, so you could decide for yourself if it would be a film you would like.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Last week I featured Alison Krauss singing When You Say Nothing at All (1995), which was a sweet song.  This week I thought I would change things up a bit with one of my favorites, the Wicked Mr. Pickett.

In The Midnight Hour

Wilson Pickett

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Health Insurance

42% – Believe their health insurance situation is worse compared to 7 years ago.

42% – Believe their health insurance situation is the same compared to 7 years ago.

 16% – Believe their health insurance situation is better compared to 7 years ago.

THIS WEEK’S POLL   Bicycles

ART OF THE WEEK

Art comes in many forms, some even on two wheels.

    

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Not many people had a rougher start in life than Mr. T; yet he still made something of himself and we can follow his example.

Mr. T

Mr. T was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest son in a family with twelve children. His father, Nathaniel Tureaud, Sr., was a minister. Mr. T, with his four sisters and seven brothers, grew up in a three-room apartment in one of the city’s housing projects, in a poorly constructed building, in an area with high levels of environmental pollutants and the largest concentration of poverty in America. While growing up, Mr. T regularly witnessed murder, rape, and other crimes, but attributes his survival and later success to his will to do well and his mother’s love. (Source: Wikipedia)

Check out Mr. T on this season’s Dancing with the Stars

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Carol, Chris, Christy, Darlene, 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.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Cynthia, Donna, Melissa, Rose, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan & Valeria  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Lindsay & , who started following my blog and my thanks to Joann,  Laurie, Mary & Michele, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

 http://www.leonandlulu.com/events/books-authors/

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.

My Final Cover

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