CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

This was a unique way to celebrate Halloween.

I didn’t do too bad, given I’m 71

          

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Last year I bought 150 bags of potato chips to give out to 60 to 70 kids.

Well, you can guess how that turned out.

This year I just bought 100 bags of chips to give out (smile)

   

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Halloween is a particularly dangerous times for cats, especially black cats

  

Please be a responsible cat owner and keep your cat indoors

Well, I guess it is ok for my cat to be outside during Halloween

He is a rather large cat.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

When you come to think about it, less tricks and more treats is good advice for getting along with others at any time during the year.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

In Chapter 48 of my book, I talk about the value that comes from travel.  So perhaps you may want to put Romania on your bucket list of travel locations.  And if you are in Romania, of course you will want to see Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle). 

Bran Castle – which perches on a dramatic hilltop near Brasov in central Romania – has long been linked to the toothsome vampire. Constructed in the early 14th century, it is open to the public, who are able to peer into its creaky rooms and dark passageways. 

Sharp-eyed tourists will point out that Dracula did not exist.

And they would – rather obviously – be correct. The most famous vampire of all was, of course, created by the Irish novelist Bram Stoker in his iconic Gothic novel Dracula, published in 1897. (Source: DailyMail.com)

Over half a million visitors a year pass through these dark corridors.

Perhaps, while on your tour you may become tired and wish to take a nap.

Please do so at your own risk (smile)

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

It is always wise to have some options

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I mentioned this graphic novel before, it is fun book to read and so much easier to read than the actual book by Bram Stroker.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

A Graphic Novel

Illustrated By Matt Pagett

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Mummy (2017)

I was looking for scary movies to watch and thought I would try a recent one of the famous classic horror movie “The Mummy”.  Well, it was ok; not as bad as the critics say, but it sure helps if you like Tom Cruise.

Critics Consensus: Lacking the campy fun of the franchise’s most recent entries and failing to deliver many monster-movie thrills, The Mummy suggests a speedy unraveling for the Dark Universe. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Here is a Halloween musical classic for your enjoyment

Ghostbusters Music Video

by Ray Parker, Jr.

LAST WEEK’S POLL – If you could choose any age for the rest of your life?

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What do you think of Black Cats?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Decorating for Halloween can also be an art form.  I have no idea whose house this is, since I found the photo on the internet, but I’ve seen a lot of extravagantly decorated houses in my city of Royal Oak, MI, USA

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Fats Domino

Antoine Dominique “Fats” Domino Jr. (February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017) was an American pianist and singer-songwriter of Louisiana Creole descent. One of the pioneers of rock and roll music, Domino sold more than 65 million records. Between 1955 and 1960, he had eleven Top 10 hits. (Source: Wikipedia)

If you aren’t already aware of this truly great man, now is your chance.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Carol, Darlene, Nanette & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Cynthia, Darlene, Deborah, Donna, Heather, Nicole, Peggy & Shirley for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to AJ, Becka, Bhavana, Celestial, Emily, Jeanie, Kimaya, Lost Girl, Moisy, Morgan, Nanette, Rasma, RJ, Rukhsar & Shalini, started following my blog and to Екатерина, Emily, Felita, Hiran, John, Julie, Lynda, Lynne, Marybeth, Maiki, Mandi, Sharon, Tina & Willie   for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

I sure hope this isn’t how you do your cardio.

   

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is important to have a good self-image.

  

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

Do your best to make everyone feel important and valued.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

You will likely be told at times that you need to have an open mind.

That fine, just remember this: 

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I found this an easy and worthwhile book to read.

Budo Secrets

By John Stevens

Budo Secrets contains the essential teachings of budo’s greatest masters of Kendo, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and other disciplines. Timely and instructive, these writings are not just for martial artists—they’re for anyone who wants to live life more. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Somewhere in Time

This “classic” movie was filmed at The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island.  Since I am going to be staying at The Grand Hotel next week, I thought I should watch it again.

The film stars Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer. Reeve plays Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes obsessed with a photograph of a young woman at the Grand Hotel. Through self-hypnosis, he travels back in time to the year 1912 to find love with actress Elise McKenna, portrayed by Seymour. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Here is a Halloween musical classic for your enjoyment

The Monster Mash

by bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Cryptkickers

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How do you most often watch movies?

44% – Stream

37% – Cable

19% – Movie Theater

 0% – DVD

 0% – VHS Tape

Similar poll in 2016

45% – Stream

22% – Cable

22% – DVD

11% – Movie Theater

 0% – VHS Tape

THIS WEEK’S POLL – If you could choose any age for the rest of your life?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Mackinac Bridge

Photo of Carol in front of the Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan.

Opened in 1957, the 26,372-foot (4.995 mi) bridge is the world’s 19th-longest main span and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere.  The bridge connects the city of St. Ignace on the north end with the village of Mackinaw City on the south.

Envisioned since the 1880s, the bridge was designed by the engineer David B. Steinman and completed in 1957 only after many decades of struggles to begin construction. However the preliminary plans for the bridge were done by an engineer at the firm, Abul Hasnat.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Those of you who follow this blog regularly probably know that I appeared at Leon & Lulu’s yesterday for their Books and Authors event.  Well, one is always likely to meet some extraordinary people at such an event and this event was no exception. Although I was fortunate to meet a number of extraordinary people, this one person really stood out from the rest.  He was what one may call “A Good Egg”.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Dani, Darlene, Ritu & Roijoyeux , for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you  Brenda, Carol, Cynthia, Cindi, Darlene, Heather,  Paula, Sandy, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan & Willie for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Andreea, Brinda, Carrie, Dani, Dave, Didi, Genie, Jayshree, Kurian, M & Roijoyeux, Shalini, started following my blog and to Lisa, Pavita & Rene, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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)

Leon & Lulu’s

For more info, click on the link below.

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

The next Books & Authors will be on

Sunday, October 22, 2017 11-5 pm

If you happen to live anywhere near the Clawson, MI area (near 14 mile & Main Street), I hope you will stop by and say hello to me.  Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with a lot of authors.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

When you say you drink responsibly, I hope this isn’t what you are implying.

   

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

One should celebrate holidays, special occasions, the accomplishments of their friends, as well as their own accomplishments.

Here are several photos from my 2017 Halloween Happy Hour.

  

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is said that those who don’t know history are condemned to repeat it.

One can learn much for history, that is especially helpful when a nation is divided, for instance: 

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This books says so much in so few words.

How to Be Happy, dammit

Guaranteed to perk up even the most cynical spirit, HOW TO BE HAPPY, DAMMIT is the first and only self-help book that merges psychology, biology, eastern and western philosophies, quantum physics, and the Zen of Bazooka Joe. (Source: Back cover of book)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Something to Think About Before Going to the Movies

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

The Devil Went Down To Georgia

by The Charlie Daniel’s Band

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How do you plan to celebrate Halloween in 2017?

38% – Will be giving on treats on Halloween

21% – Don’t celebrate Halloween

14% – Will host or go to a Halloween party

14% – Will watch some scary movies

10% – Will wear a costume

3% – Will go trick or treating

Similar poll in 2016

45% – Will be giving out treats on Halloween

17% – Don’t celebrate Halloween

17% – Will host or go to a Halloween party

17% – Will wear a costume

 4% – Will go trick or treating

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How do you most often watch movies?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Windsor, Canada Hockey Hall of Fame

It isn’t publicized; however, Windsor has an excellent Hockey Hall of Fame.  I was fortunate to be one of a select group of individuals given a tour of the museum last Saturday.  It was a rare treat and my video in no way captures the magnificence of this fine collection of hockey mementos collected over a life time.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Who else, since it is close to Halloween, but:

Bela Lugosi (aka Count Dracula)

Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó (20 October 1882 – 16 August 1956), better known as Bela Lugosi, was a Hungarian-American actor, famous for portraying Count Dracula in the 1931 film and for his roles in various other horror films.

He had been playing small parts on the stage in his native Hungary before making his first film in 1917,… He had roles in several films in Weimar Germany before arriving in the United States as a seaman on a merchant ship.

In 1927, he appeared as Count Dracula in a Broadway adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. He later appeared in the classic 1931 film Dracula by Universal Pictures. Through the 1930s, he occupied an important niche in popular horror films, with their East European setting … (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Chrystal, Georgia, Kathie & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you  Aline, Carol, Cynthia, Daggi, Ellen, Heather, Jess, Justin, Pamela, Stephanie, Teresa & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to K’s Kitchen Chronicles & Middle Class Girl, who started following my blog and to Dana, Holly, Lara, Laurie & Melissa, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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)

Posting Telepathically

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

    

While in Peru, I had some difficulty dealing with the high altitudes.

I was told that some coca tea would help.  I don’t believe it helped, but I was ready to try anything and it tasted rather good.  Eventually I turned to IBUPROFEN 800 MG, which did the trick.

I thought I would go online and order some more tea and to my surprise, I learned 

Legal status

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Sometimes, it seems like this is where we are at with regard to tolerance.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

As for me, I’m grateful for all the wonderful people we met during our tour of Perú.

Here are just a few

And our guide Victor, who is not just a good guide but a really good person

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Leon & Lulu’s

For more info, click on the link below.

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

The next Books & Authors will be on

Sunday, October 22, 2017 11-5 pm

If you happen to live anywhere near the Clawson, MI area (near 14 mile & Main Street), I hope you will stop by and say hello to me.  Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with a lot of authors.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Bendito Infierno (Don’t Tempt Me)

October is Halloween, so why not watch a movie that has a devil in it. He is a cool devil, but he would not allow his staff air conditioning, since he thought it would make them look bad if word ever got out.

I have watched this movie many times and I still enjoy it. The original dialogue is a combination of  Spanish, English and French, but you can also I watched this movie with English Subtitles.  I think it is thought-provoking.

In Heaven, the last ten years have been tough—Hell has been winning the battle between Good and Evil. The managers of Heaven receive a request by a mother to save her son’s soul and see the possibility of winning the soul of a boxer named Manny as an opportunity to shift the balance of power.

Although Manny is severely in debt and is even thinking of suicide, Lola (Victoria Abril), an angel, is sent to Earth to take over the role of the boxer’s wife. To counter this, Hell’s manager Jack Davenport decides to send one of his more troublesome agents, Carmen (Penélope Cruz), to fight back by impersonating Manny’s cousin.  (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I’m really sorry to learn of Tom Petty’s departure for the great unknown.

Stand My Ground

by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Have you ever been to South America?

50% – Yes

29% – No, but I would like to go

21% – No

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How do you plan to celebrate Halloween in 2017

Click on all the boxes that apply to you.

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Machu Picchu, Perú.

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 7,970 ft above sea level. It is in the Cusco Region in Peru, above the Sacred Valley, which is 50 mi northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows.

Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). It is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period and remained unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.

Machu Picchu was built-in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. 

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Michael

Michael is 87 years old and is in absolutely fantastic shape.  He did a part of the Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu, almost all of it in the rain.  I have no idea what his diet is that keeps him in such great shape.  But I am sure his positive outlook also has something to do with it.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Bernice, Dave, Georgia, Quirky Girl & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you  Anni, Bernice, Brenda,  Carmen, Chrystal, Cynthia, Fit For Life, Kristian, Mark, Shirley, Stephen, Susan & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Enlightenment Angels,  Kate & Kiki, who started following my blog and to Alison, Andrea, Bri, Jane, Jess, Leanne, Mamen, Marilyn, Nikki & Rose-Anne for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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)

Puno, Peru Parade

This parade started early in the day and lasted well into the night.

It is impossible for me to give you an idea of the magnificence of this parade

  

    

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

Always good to make new friends, especially if they are a bit different from you.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Leon & Lulu’s

For more info, click on the link below.

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

The next Books & Authors will be on

Sunday, October 22, 2017 11-5 pm

If you happen to live anywhere near the Clawson, MI area (near 14 mile & Main Street), I hope you will stop by and say hello to me.  Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with a lot of authors.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Alice In Wonderland

Great Illustrated Classics

By Scott Douglas

I found this to be an easy and fun to read book.  If you aren’t interested in reading it, perhaps you may want to get it for you child..

A Whole New World! Seeing a rabbit run across a meadow is not so surprising. But when that rabbit is wearing clothes and talking out loud, Alice has to follow him and find out where he’s from. Down the rabbit hole she goes and on to the oddest adventures a little girl has ever had. Come along with Alice and meet some of the most unusual, whimsical, and delightful characters you will ever find in the pages of a book! (Source: Great Illustrated Classics)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Kon Tiki (2012)

I watched this movie last week while I was in Peru.  I’ve seen it before and it was still interesting the second time around.

Legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s epic 4,300-mile crossing of the Pacific on a balsa wood raft in 1947, to prove that it was possible for South Americans to settle in Polynesia in pre-Columbian times. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Traditional Peruvian Andean music

by The Andes

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Have you ever been to Peru?

56% – No

38% – No, but I would like to go

  6% – Yes

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Have you ever been to South America?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

As I keep saying, art comes in many forms.

Here is a photo of some recycle canisters I was while I was in

Machu Picchu City, Perú.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl (October 6, 1914 – April 18, 2002) was a Norwegian adventurer. He became notable for his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947, in which he sailed 8,000 km (5,000 mi) across the Pacific Ocean in a hand-built raft from South America to the Tuamotu Islands.

The expedition was designed to demonstrate that ancient people could have made long sea voyages, creating contacts between separate cultures.

In May 2011, the Thor Heyerdahl Archives were added to UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Register. The Heyerdahl Archives span the years 1937 to 2002 and include his photographic collection, diaries, private letters, expedition plans, articles, newspaper clippings, original book, and article manuscripts. The Heyerdahl Archives are administered by the Kon-Tiki Museum and the National Library of Norway in Oslo. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Bernice, Betty, Judith, Samantha, Sigrid & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you  Darlene & Michelle, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Bonnie, Jessica,  Moonlight Musings, Not So Clever People, Over Dosing News, Rhiannon & Sigrid, who started following my blog and to Jill & Michelle, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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