CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

I guess this is one way to get into the Christmas Spirit.

But another way is to go see a live performance of A Christmas Carol.

That is what we did with some close friends and it was a wonderful experience.

Perhaps, you may want to start a Christmas tradition by getting a group of your friends to go see this play.

If you are fortunate to live near a zoo that puts on a Christmas light show, that would be another possible Christmas tradition.

We live near The Detroit Zoo, that has a fantastic Christmas light show and it is always more fun to go with friends.  I’m so glad that Dean & Linda could join us this year.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

There is a tendency at this time of the year to drink and drive because of the many Christmas and New Years Eve parties.  If you drink, please consider a cab, Uber, Lift or some other way of getting around without getting behind the wheel.

On a lighter note, I thought you might enjoy the following.

Saturday, December 9 Powerlifting Contest

in Royal Oak, MI, USA

If you live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  I think you will be surprised, if you haven’t seen one of these contests or haven’t seen one in a long time.  

Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  I am going to try to break two national age/weight/type of lift records myself.

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just north of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

Here is a tip many of us could use to better get along with others.

“Arguments are Respectful”

by Candace N. Bisram & Jiji Tharayil

Two different individuals [ ] are bound to have differences once a while. However, these differences are discussed with maturity and understanding. Respect for each other is maintained during a disagreement, and the focus is often on finding common ground or reaching a solution, rather than playing the blame game or fighting to win.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is important that you stay up on the latest scientific discoveries.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

If you want a more peaceful life, please keep this in mind.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

What better time is there to read or re-read this classic.

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I decided to give this film a try and really enjoyed it.  Here is a brief clip to see if you might also get a kick out of this film.

Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (2014)

 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

There is so much disharmony in the world and especially in the USA,

wouldn’t it be nice if everyone just stopped fighting.

Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)

By The Ramones

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Which of the following do you think is the best chocolate bar?

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How accurate is this photo of the Corporate world?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Christmas Trees at Navy Pier in Chicago

I have been to Navy Pier in Chicago during Christmas many times  and it is always a thrill to see the Christmas Trees and Santa Clauses from various lands on display at Navy Pier.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Santa Claus

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved (“good” or “nice”) children.  Below is a photo of Santa doing that.

The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop and gift-giver, the British figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas ( also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule.

Santa Claus is generally depicted as a portly, joyous, white-bearded man—sometimes with spectacles—wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots and who carries a bag full of gifts for children. This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

A gift giving tip

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Bernice, Judith, Kathie, Michael, Nanette, Roijoyeux, Samantha & Turning 20 for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Alice, Carmen, Carol, Carole, Darlene, Deborah, Debra, Julietta & Maxime, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Barbara, Christianna, Dhanya, Egyptian, Judy, Julie, Shadow, Shannon & Sree, started following my blog and to Alison, Cora, Elise, Katie, Lidia, Monika, Pallav, Pamela & Sherryl 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)

Keep Your Thanksgiving Happy By Avoiding This Receipt for Disaster

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Chapter One of my book, discusses diet and the importance of eating healthy.  As we near Thanksgiving, we should be thankful for the people who prepare our meals for us.  And especially, those who prepare things from scratch.  It is a lot of work to prepare something from scratch and few understand this as much as Carl Sagan.

“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch,

you must first invent the Universe.”

Source: Carl Sagan

Saturday, December 9 Powerlifting Contest

in Royal Oak, MI, USA

If you live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  I think you will be surprised, if you haven’t seen one of these contests or haven’t seen one in a long time.  

Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  I am going to try to break two national age/weight/type of lift records myself.

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just north of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

• Federation: APF/AAPF
• Date: December 9, 2017
• Location: Royal Oak, MI
• Events: Deadlift Only, Bench Only, Push-Pull
• Divisions: Raw, Equipped Single-ply and Multiply
• Records: State and National records may be set
• Meet Director: Art Little

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

“Apologize”

by Andrea Guerra

In Chapter 22 of my book, I use a quote from Benjamin Franklin.

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse”

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

You can’t be sure of something, until you understand its context.

Source: Time, November 6, 2017

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

A warning from Albert Einstein about

the pursuit of success & constant restlessness.

Source: Time, November 6, 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

If you are a Star Trek fan, like I am, I think you will love this autobiography, written in future tense.

The Autobiography of

Jean-Luc Picard

The Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard tells the story of one of the most celebrated names in Starfleet history. His extraordinary life and career makes for dramatic reading: court-martial, unrequited love, his capture and torture at the hand of the Cardassians, his assimilation with the Borg and countless other encounters as captain of the celebrated Starship Enterprise. (Source: Inside Cover)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Wild Target (2010)

The critics didn’t like it, but how can one not like a movie with Bill Nighy, Rupert Everett and Emily Blunt.  

A hitman tries to retire but a beautiful thief may change his plans. (Source: IMDB)

Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Just saw this at the theater and I thought it was well worth watching and everyone did a great job, but with that said I still miss David Suchet, who played Poirot back in 2011.  If you have seen this current movie, please comment and let us know what you think.

Critics Consensus: Stylish production and an all-star ensemble keep this Murder on the Orient Express from running off the rails, even if it never quite builds up to its classic predecessor’s illustrious head of steam. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

After seeing the 2017 version, I later streamed the 1974 version.  Both the 1974 and the 2017 versions have much to be said for them, but I still thought David Suchet, was the best Poirot.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You (2011)

I liked this film, plus Lucy Liu and Aubrey Plaza appear in supporting roles, which just added to the film.  Aubrey’s character was a real trip.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You is a heart warming, funny and passionate portrait of a confused New York teenager.  (Source: Film’s Official site)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

What A Wonderful World

By Louis Armstrong

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What is your opinion of the quote below?

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.

You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.

Source: Bob Marley

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Which of the following do you think is the best chocolate bar?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Cuzco & Machu Picchu

I thought you might enjoy these photos Carol took during our visit to Machu Picchu.

Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire.  We got up around 4:30 a.m. and took a 2-hour bus ride to a train station.  From there, we took a 2-hour train ride to Machu Picchu city.  From there, we took a half-hour bus ride to get to where we began our climb up and then down into the valley to experience Machu Picchu.  It rained almost the entire time, but was well worth it.  

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Worf, Son of Mogh

Worf, son of Mogh, of the House of Martok, (2340 – ), was one of the single most influential people in Klingon and Federation politics of the late 24th century.

Worf was directly responsible for the ascension of two Chancellors of the Klingon Empire, Gowron in 2367, and Martok in 2375. Worf was also responsible for the installation of Emperor Kahless in 2369.

The first Klingon in Starfleet, Worf served notable tours of duty aboard the USS Enterprise-D, the USS Defiant, IKS Rotarran, and Starbase Deep Space 9 before being appointed Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire in 2375. In 2379, Worf resigned from his ambassadorial post and returned to Starfleet, serving on the USS Enterprise-E. (Source: Fandom)

Worf Speak for Himself

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

Here is a handy guide to what explorers hope to find.

Source: Time, November 20, 2017

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Sheryll & Sofia for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carmen, Carol, Gayle, Jennie, Kevin, Patty, Marian, Michael, Shawn, Shirley & Susan  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Dave, Katie, Luis, Maria, Matiuadex, Samantha & Sujata, started following my blog and to Bonnie, Faithful, KayLyn, Kimber, K.L, Pallav, Sabrina & Shannon 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)

This may come as a newsflash, especially to retailers.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

If you have never seen a powerlifting contest and live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  I think you will be surprised, if you haven’t seen one of these contests or haven’t seen one in a long time.  

Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  I hope to break two national age/weight/type of lift records myself.

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just north of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

• Federation: APF/AAPF
• Date: December 9, 2017
• Location: Royal Oak, MI
• Events: Deadlift Only, Bench Only, Push-Pull
• Divisions: Raw, Equipped Single-ply and Multiply
• Records: State and National records may be set
• Meet Director: Art Little

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

I realize a lot of women have given up on guys because a lot of guys are jerks.

I urge you ladies to please don’t give up on love, Annie Oakley didn’t.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.

Source: Confucius

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

There is a lot of information packed in this little and easy to read book, with lots of drawings.  Since returning from Perú, I’ve developed an interest in visiting this island that is 2,350 west of Chile.  Not sure I will get there, but one never knows.

Where Is Easter Island?

By Megan Stine

Easter Island, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean thousands of miles from anywhere, has intrigued visitors since Europeans first arrived in the 1700s.

How did people first come to live there? How did they build the enormous statues and why? How were they placed around the island without carts or even wheels? Scientists have learned many of the answers, although some things still remain a mystery. Megan Stine reveals it all in a gripping narrative.

This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Playing It Cool (2015)

The critics didn’t like it, but I did.  

Plus, Aubrey Plaza was briefly in a number of scenes.

Netflix Description: Under pressure to produce a romantic comedy rather than action tales, a young screenwriter is hindered by his disdain for the very concept of love–until he meets a beautiful woman who’s engaged and unavailable.

Critics Consensus: Playing It Cool pits Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan’s easy chemistry against a screenplay that tries too hard to be quirky and clever, and the results are disappointingly lukewarm. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

There is a great story behind this video.  

My bowling buddy John has a brother-in-law in Tennessee that has a hot dog stand.  He always calls out $2 dollar hot dog, $1 dollar water.  As he was doing this one day, someone started playing along on a makeshift drum.  Well it caught on and Sony  bought the rights to it.  And this is what came out of it.

$2 Dollar Hot Dog $1 Dollar Water

LAST WEEK’S POLL – America’s Immigration Policy?

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What is your opinion of the quote below?

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.

You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.

Source: Bob Marley

 

It would be great to hear your comments about why you agree or don’t agree with the Bob Marley quote.  Please consider a public comment.

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

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 numerous ethical/scholastic difficulties during his cadet career, but went on to flourish, developing a lifelong passion for archaeology, and he became the first freshman to win the Academy marathon. [Just shows one should never give up on a dream]

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.

Picard has a fondness for detective stories, Shakespearean drama, and archeology. He is frequently shown drinking Earl Grey tea and issuing the order, “Make it so”.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I may have mentioned that I was recently in Michigan’s Upper Peninsular otherwise known as our U.P.

While driving there, I took a quick photo of one of the road signs I passed.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Darlene & Georgia for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Peggy, Sheryll  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Anita, Based Indian, Brit, Healthy Lifestyle, Julie, KP Gym, Mintly, Ortensia, Poet Speaks, Pratibha, Rachael, Samantha, Severus, Shaheryar, Shana, Strong Lotus Yogi, Swati, Tia, Tink The Belle & Tiffany, started following my blog and to Arlene, Arron, Carrie, Cheri, Clare, Crystal, Gayle, Jennifer, Kathleen, Lua, Marian, Mary, Theresa, Tomasz, Trina, Tuanya & Virginia 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)

By now you should all know at NYC was subject to another terrorist attack.  

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed terrorism charges against bike path attack suspect Sayfullo Saipov, who is accused of killing eight people and injuring a dozen more when he drove his car along a bike path in lower Manhattan Tuesday. (Source: CBSN)

The suspect was identified as Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, 29, a Uzbekistan native who came to the US legally in 2010, authorities said. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Wednesday afternoon “that the individual identified in the New York City terror attack was admitted to the U.S. upon presentation of a passport with a valid diversity immigrant visa.”

The Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the green card lottery, is a United States congressionally mandated lottery program for receiving a United States Permanent Resident Card. The Immigration Act of 1990 established the current and permanent Diversity Visa (DV) program.

The lottery is administered by the Department of State and conducted under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as amended by the Immigration Act of 1990. The lottery makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually and aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States, by selecting applicants from countries with low rates of immigration in the five years prior. (Source: Wikipedia)    

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Shalene Flanagan

First American woman to win the NYC Marathon in 40 years

   

An emotional and exuberant Shalane Flanagan came to the finish line of the New York City Marathon and enveloped herself in an American flag, the magnitude of what she had accomplished bringing her to tears and to her knees.

Flanagan became the first American woman since Miki Gorman won the second of her back-to-back NYC marathons in 1977 to win the race, finishing in an unofficial time of 2:26:53.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Don’t be a jerk.

Jerk Out

The Time

Unless you are Morris Day,

then its cool.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.

You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.

Source: Bob Marley

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

There are just so many people that are depressed, depended and just struggling.

Perhaps the advice The Silhouettes offer will not help all those people, but it sure will help many of them.

Get A Job

By The Silhouettes

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

If you like my weekly blog post, please share them with your friends.

I’m going to keep posting, but a larger audience would be nice.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Way of Life

Lao Tuz

Translated By R. B. Blakney

Below is a review I found on Amazon that pretty much sums up my view of this book.  I first read it in 1993 and every so often I go through what I highlighted.

81 short poems – that will change your life…
This is my favorite translation – very poetic
thought provoking
enjoyable short read
written in the 4th century BC
It nails it on the head…
The Tao Te Ching = The Way of Life
You can still get this book for `no money’ [Actually, $3.10 or no money]
even though its been out of print for 53 years!
Buy It………

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

I’ve seen this film several times and I always enjoy it.  I guess it is my kind of film (Science Fiction with a little romance), plus Emily Blunt is in it and for you ladies–Matt Damon.

The Adjustment Bureau is a 2011 American science fiction thriller film loosely based on the Philip K. Dick short story, “Adjustment Team”. The film stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.

The film tells the story of a young man who discovers that what appear to be chance events in his life are controlled by a technologically advanced intelligence network. After an event not planned by these controllers occurs – a romantic encounter with a young dancer – he struggles against their manipulation despite their promise of a great future for him.

The film premiered at the Ziegfeld Theatre on February 14, 2011, and received positive reviews from critics, who praised Damon’s performance and his chemistry with Blunt. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

This song is dedicated to a very good friend of mine who, shall we say, “Left the Party”.  However, if anyone could return, this would be the guy.

Along Came Jones

by Coasters

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

THIS WEEK’S POLL – America’s Immigration Policy?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

As I have mentioned, anything can be art.

Here is a “Black Cat” sculpture in soap.  

Only problem, is that it is too cool to actually use.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American writer, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre.

He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism in the United States and American literature as a whole, and he was one of the country’s earliest practitioners of the short story.

Poe is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction. He was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I had a Halloween joke left over and did not want to wait until next year to post it.

If you have a GPS, you will probably appreciate this joke

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carol, Carole, Darlene &Deborah, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Kristina, Laura, Pajahma, Ritu, The Heart Broken Writer, Weedjee & Yoly, started following my blog and to Agniezka, Amandeep, Dara, Debra, DéMarcus, Gudrun, Pat, Patrizia, Serena & Sunny, 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