CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Last Monday (July 24, 2017), I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go on another Detroit Slow Roll.  There were so many people on that ride and I saw some of the coolest bikes. I also got some ideas for making my bike a bit cooler.

The Detroit Police Department did a wonderful job of keeping us all safe by stopping traffic at the intersections.  Overall Detroit looked great and the citizens of Detroit are so welcoming.  Detroit is coming back.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Almost no one can outrun a fork.

Speaking of running, I was in the Bloomfield Hills “Heart of the Hills” 5K with my friends Harmony, Lindsey, Tania and Walter.  We each received a “Finishers” medal.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

 

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Here are ten things anyone can do if they want to increase their likelihood of success.  

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I have read and reviewed this book a number of times over the years and each time I found it worth reading.

Amador

by Fernando Savater

Translated by Alastair Reid

Over the course of nine intensely focused chapters the advice of a father to his son on the art of living become a treatise on ethics, understanding the nature of freedom, and finding the life worth living well. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Here I am watching more Canadian CBC shows and this one is a riot, it is so funny and I suspect you have found yourself in some of these situations.

Kim’s Convenience

The misadventures of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Last week I featured The Big Bopper, who died in that terrible plane crash along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.  I think Ritchie Valens is most noted for singing this song, but I am sorry to I could not find a video of him actually singing La Bamba.

La Bamba

By Ritchie Valens

This is not Ritchie Valens

It is Lou Diamond Phillips from the film La Bamba

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Where do you fall on your list of priorities?

71% – In the middle

21% – At or near the top

 8% – At or near the bottom

THIS WEEK’S POLL – La Bamba

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Back in 2011, I was in a half-marathon race in Arizona and visited Scottsdale.  Here is a sample of some of the wall art I saw while there.  If I recall correctly, this art moved, but I didn’t have a camera at the time that could capture the movement.

Scottsdale Art

   

Purse Art

  

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON (CAT) OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA (GATO) EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Smarty

He lived up to his name.

Why would I make my cat the most extraordinary person (cat) of the week, perhaps this will explain why.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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 Aruna, Christy, Georgia, Storyspiller & Tania,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

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

My thanks to Emilie, Gourmet Tommy, HonorGreenwood, RPR & Tea and Tales, who started following my blog and my thanks to Jacqueline, Kelcey & Rachel, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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 (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

People have shared a lot of warnings about hackers, some true and others seem a bit dubious.  Well, here is a warning that is for real.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

If you live in the northern burbs of Detroit, I recommend you stop in at the Three Cats Cafe in Clawson, MI for breakfast or lunch.  It is a really cool place and what is on the limited menu is excellent.  Plus, you might even see me there.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is important to believe in yourself.  

 

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

The myth of happiness: Happiness is a fleeting moment of a day. It’s not a state of being. If you’re happy all the time, something’s wrong with you. We are put on this earth to toil and to make things. Making the world a better place is not a happy job. (Source: John Mellencamp)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Remember the 80/20 rule, which says that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts, so focus on what is important and don’t let yourself to be distracted, even if the distractions are interesting.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I found this to be worth reading for my training for this September’s AWPC world’s powerlifting competition.

Body Mind Mastery

by Dan Millman

Physically demanding sports [ ] have a lot in common with skills such as playing the piano. In addition to physical training, mastering these activities requires developing mental and emotional talents as well. Drawing on his own experiences, Dan Millman, in this revised and updated edition of The Inner Athlete, offers a regimen to integrate physical training with psychological growth. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I became a fan of Jonny Harris from his role in the Murdock Mysteries on CBC and so I checked out his Still Standing on Canadian TV and found it wonderful to hear about these small towns fighting to survive. 

Still Standing

A hybrid comedy/reality series, the program features actor and comedian Jonny Harris. In each episode, Harris travels to a small Canadian community which is financially struggling but “still standing”, and spends time getting to know the residents and their lifestyle while cutting back to Harris performing a stand-up comedy show for the town’s residents, into which he integrates some of his newfound insights about life in their community. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Also in that terrible plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, was The Big Bopper.  I don’t know if many of you have ever seen photos or films of The Big Bopper, but here he is:

Wedding

By The Big Bopper

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Gratitude

When someone does something for you, do you?

47% -You either say thank you or send them an email or text.

42% – Express the appropriate level (verbal, card, etc.) of appreciate without fail

11% – You usually express a thank you, but sometimes forget or just don’t believe the kindness was that big a deal

When someone goes out of their way for you, you think?

65% -You feel an obligation to return the favor

29% – A thank you is sufficient

6% -They did it because they wanted to do it and you have no obligation to return the favor

The majority of people express gratitude?

44% – The same as you

39% – Less than you

17% – More than you

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Where do you fall on your list of priorities?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

As I have mentioned, art comes in my forms.  If you have ever been on a cruise ship, now doubt you have encountered these creatures created from towels.  This particular came from an Alaskan Inner Passage tour many years ago.

Cruise Ship Creatures

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Arnold Schwarzenegger

I don’t need to say anything about this extraordinary person, he is the role model for everyone who wishes their dreams could come true.

I’ve belonged to a couple of gyms during my life, but I have never belonged to a gym that didn’t have Arnold’s picture on their wall.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I actually got a chance to talk to Sulu at a book signing.  I was the last person in line and he had a little extra time–a very nice fellow.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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, Christy, Georgia & Samantha,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Alina, Amberly, BBrenda, Cindi, Cynthia, Debra, Donna, Kathy, Nandini, Nikki, Sara, Sheryll,  Shirley & Willie,  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Anna, Cheryl, Dream India, Kagenza, Pet Playful & Suzanne, who started following my blog and my thanks to Alina, Chandra, Codi, Jan, Judy Lynn & Terri, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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 (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Diet almost always trumps exercise.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Anybody can work when they feel like it; but to do well in business or sports, you have to work when you don’t feel like it.  

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

You never really win an argument with anyone, so don’t let someone wreck your peace of mind and happiness.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Think you have something to worry about?  Well, here is a flowchart that will help you work through the process of figuring out if you do or do not have something to worry about.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

When I read this book, I felt that La Rochefoucauld saw the world not always as we wish it to be, but as it really is.

Maxims

by La Rochefoucauld

The philosophy of La Rochefoucauld, which influenced French intellectuals as diverse as Voltaire and the Jansenists, is captured here in more than 600 penetrating and pithy aphorisms. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I found Father Brown to be a refreshing and very open minded priest, plus the cases are very clever.

Father Brown

Series inspired by the stories of GK Chesterton; a Catholic priest has a knack for solving mysteries in his English village. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I Feel Lucky Today

By Mary Chapin Carpenter

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you make any attempt to validate things you pass on in the internet?

50% – I don’t pass anything on

44% – If it seems reasonable I pass it on; but if it is questionable, I try to determine its validity

 6% – I pass it on if it is from someone I know regardless of its validity

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Gratitude

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

I have the original painting by Kurt Halsey hanging in our dinning room.  Detroit has been thought some tough times, but I would not count this city out.

Detroit

By Kurt Halsey

This Thursday I was on a special Slow Roll sponsored ride through Detroit and it was a fantastic experience.  Here is a photo of our stop at Hart Plaza.  I urge you, if you live in the Detroit area, to give Slow Roll a try.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Jeanne Louise Calment

Aged 20

Aged 121

Jeanne Louise Calment; 21 February 1875 – 4 August 1997) was a French supercentenarian who has the longest confirmed human lifespan on record, living to the age of 122 years, 164 days. She was born and lived in Arles, France, for her entire life, outliving both her daughter and grandson by several decades. Her lifespan has been extensively verified by census documents. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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 200 Saturdays Until Paris, Alison, Bernice, Christy, Georgia, Lolabees, Samantha & Tania,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Anna, Brad, Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Debra, Kelly, Linda, Maureen, Scot, Sherry, Sheryll,  Susan, Tricia & Willie,  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Alison, Aruna, Grace, Just Me & Savvy, who started following my blog and my thanks to Claire, Joanne, Kimberly, Pauline & Sara, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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 (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

National Record

This just arrived in the mail.

I’m thrilled to accomplish this at my age, but it would never have been possible without the help and encouragement I received over the years.  I thought Powerlifting was all over for me after an injury in 2004.

However, my friend Art and Team Coach, talked me into coming back to powerlifting, so I really owe my National Record to Art, who himself is a World Record Holder.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

You can always find a reason to not exercise; however, you would be better off to find a reason to exercise. But remember that although one can often work around injuries; however, sometimes one just needs to rest.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

I don’t need to use this as my Facebook profile picture, but I think many of you should and especially those of you kind enough to comment on my postings (Smile).

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Have dreams, set goal, make short and long-range plans to achieve those goals and monitor your progress.  Don’t let Satan or anyone else tell you that dreams can’t come true.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

and it’s all small stuff

by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

If you don’t do anything other than just read the title and take it to heart, you will be better off for doing so. 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

It was nice to see the old Star Trek crew, although in different bodies from the 60s.  This film is primarily action and I miss the moral philosophy that was in the original series and later versions.

Star Trek Beyond

Critics Consensus: Star Trek Beyond continues the franchise’s post-reboot hot streak with an epic sci-fi adventure that honors the series’ sci-fi roots without skimping on the blockbuster action. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

With A Little Help From My Friends

By The Beatles

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How Long Do You Expect to Live?

Are you doing the things each day necessary to keep you healthy as you age?

65% – Yes, usually

35% – No, usually

Do you expect to make it to your?

48% – 80s

26% – 90s

16% – 70s

5% – 60s

5% – 100 or longer

What kind of shape do you think you will be in during the last decade of your life?

78% – Healthy and Independent

22% – Weak and frail, but still independent

0% – Dependent

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Do you make any attempt to validate things you pass on in the internet?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

It is raining today where I live and the rain brought back memories of when Carol and I were in Paris on a rainy day, so I just had to again make this my art of the week.

Rainy Day in Paris

By Gustave Caillebotte

Paris Street; Rainy Day is a 1877 oil painting by the French artist Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894), and is his best known work. It shows a number of individuals walking through [ ] Paris.

[The painting is] currently is owned by the Art Institute of Chicago. AIC curator Gloria Groom described the work as “the great picture of urban life in the late 19th century.”

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Why is this general extraordinary to me? Well, when I was leaving Vietnam to return to civilian life, General Rosson asked me what I was going to do.  I said, I was thinking about going to school.”  General Rosson replied, “You are going to school!”  Well, when this guy told you to do it, you did it.  I went to college and didn’t stop going until I was in my mid-50s.  

People truly follow great leaders out of love and respect for them and not because they have power.  Something a lot of people in business and politics could learn.

General William B Rosson

General William Bradford Rosson (August 25, 1918 – December 12, 2004) commanded the U.S. Army, Pacific from October 1970 to January 1973. He was commissioned in 1940 through ROTC and saw combat in World War II, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for valor on the Anzio Beachhead in Italy. He also fought in North Africa, Sicily, France, and Germany.

After retirement from the military he earned a Master of Letters degree in International Relations from New College, Oxford University in England. 

Major command experience for Rosson includes Commanding General for Task Force Oregon (Provisional), Commanding General for I Field Force, and Commanding General, Provisional Corps, for the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Later he was Deputy Commander for the same command. Rosson concluded his career as Commander-in-Chief of the United States Southern Command in Quarry Heights, Panama Canal Zone. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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 Cheryl, Christy, Darlene & Samantha,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Brenda, Cindi, Courtney, Donna, Darlene, Johanna, Julie, Karah, Sheryll & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Andrea, Catherine, Pooja, Sigrid, Sandra, Sarah, Sonia, Trayee, Victoria & Vivian, who started following my blog and my thanks to Ginger, Nicoleta & Rachael, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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 (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Happy Fourth of July

My attempt at Fourth of July decorating.

Bay City, MI Fireworks

Usually, I go over to Windsor, Canada to watch the fireworks on the Detroit River, but this year I went to Bay City, Michigan and they have three days of impressive fireworks.  It may take a minute of this to load, but it will eventually load on your device.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

You may want to think twice about taking your friends for granted.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is surprising how quick you can recognize a person who doesn’t read;

but if you don’t read, this isn’t obvious to you.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Galloway’s 5K/10K Running

by Jeff Galloway

If you want to get into running or resume running this summer, I recommend this book; especially for older runners.  It offers a fun and sensible approach to running the 5K and 10K.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I thought this was worth seeing.

Wonder Woman

Critics Consensus: Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadot’s charismatic performance, Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Courtesy Of The Red, White & Blue

By Toby Keith

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Jokes About Killing a Sitting USA President

Do you believe it is appropriate for celebrities to make jokes about killing the President of the USA?

82% – Never, under any circumstances

14% – Yes, they have the right of free speech

4% – Depends upon the particular president

I usually refrain from comment on poll results and I have lost a couple of blog followers,  but this issue is so important I have to say something.

When it comes to “Free speech”, it is well established that does not include the right to yell “Fire” in a crowded theater.  There are limits on free speech and I believe advocating the killing of a USA President may fall within the limitation.

As for those who think it depends upon the particular president, all I can say is that no president is liked by everyone, so where would that approach lead us.

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How long do you expect to live?

Typically the choices we make every day has more to do with our health than anything else.  And a positive attitude towards getting older plays a major role in how we age.  If you expect to be weak and dependent, you probably will.  And if you expect to be strong, healthy and vital; you likely will.

I read in AARP that a 65-year-old today can expect to live well into their 80s. And that a 10-year-old child today has a 50% chance of living to 104.

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

The Dirty Bird

Sydney Harbor, Cape Breton Island, Canada

Photographer Kris Tynski

www.kristynski.ca

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Walter

I’m not going to say much about this fellow out of respect for his and his family’s privacy, but he is extraordinary on so many levels (Family, business, character, etc.).  But I think this brief clip will give you an idea of  just how extraordinary Walter is in some many ways.  Sure, some of us light up the Fourth of July night with sparklers or fire crackers; Walter uses a flame thrower.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

Given that it is Fourth of July, I thought some English humor may be appropriate

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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 Andrea, Christy, Darlene, Georgia, René & Samantha,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

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

My thanks to Charly, Fascinating Foodie,  Grounded Hito, Janis, Lindsey, Shelley & Quandary Site, who started following my blog and my thanks to Jennie & Pamela, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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