CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Rev. Billy Graham

The Rev. Billy Graham, a North Carolina farmer’s son who preached to millions in stadium events he called crusades, becoming a pastor to presidents and the nation’s best-known Christian evangelist for more than 60 years, died on Wednesday at his home in North Carolina. He was 99.

Billy Graham in Vietnam

I met a lot of interesting people when I was in Vietnam back in 1966-67 and here is a photo I took of Billy Graham on his visit to Vietnam.  In addition, I got to speak to him and shake hands with him.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

If you think clothes don’t matter, you are mistaken.

Our clothing choices not only reflect our self-image, but other people judge us by our clothing choices.  Clothing has the power to make us appear extraordinary.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

I can’t think of a better way to be extraordinary than this.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

In most cases, the following is true.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

I thought this was worth repeating.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding, as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This is the official companion to the MasterPiece presentation on PBS.

Lots of pictures, including some of Victoria’s own writing.  It reads fast and it is very informative.  I just started reading it and I am already on page 80. If you liked the series, you will like this book.

Victoria

by Helen Rappaport

 

The official companion to the Masterpiece presentation on PBS, Victoria delves into the private writings of the young Queen Victoria, painting a vivid picture of the personal life of one of England’s greatest monarchs. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Last night I just finished watching the final episode of Season 2 of this well series.  It really is enjoyable.

Victoria Season 2 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Sorry folks, I just could not pass this song up.  Oh, I had this song selected before I learned of the death of Rev. Billy Graham–not connect at all with him.

As for a connection with me, I’m not saying anything.

Billy

By Kathy Linden

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Happiness

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – How Do You Treat the Day?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Roadside Stand Art

I was around the Mammoth Cave  area, when I saw this giant suit of armor.  

I bought a smaller version, which is in our alcove this very day.

  

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Albert Einstein

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

Years ago, I heard someone say when was the last time you met anyone after 11 p.m. that did you any good.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Cheryl, Darlene, Judy & Tania for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Bette & Victoria,  who started following my blog.  And thank you Bashir, Kathy, Jessica, Marycarol & Stacy for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page and Carol, Darlene, Donna, Freda, Gabrielle, Karen, Kathleen, Kellie, Klassie, Laurie, Nandini, Patty, Ray & Tammy, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Since the winter Olympics are still going on, I thought some of you may be wondering who was the most successful Olympic competitor ever. Here is the answer.

Roman Emperor Nero

In AD 67, Nero took part in the Olympic Games and became the only competitor in history to win all the events.  As outstanding as this accomplish was, it was even more impressive since he did not even enter some events.  And other events, like the chariot races, Nero did not finish the event. Nero was thrown from his chariot and did not finish the race, yet he was still proclaimed the winner on the grounds that he would have won had he been able to complete the race.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

What has happened to people, it seems so many claim they can’t eat this or that due to an allergy. No doubt true for a few, but is it possible to be true for so many.  I hope not.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn another language.  It helps keep your mind sharp and it goes over well when one is visiting a foreign country.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

Most people are their own biggest obstacle to having what they want.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This is definitely not an easy read, so please skip down to “Movie of the Week.”

In The Name of Rome

by Adrian Goldsworthy

 

The Roman Empire was created and maintained by military might. As a consequence, generals were immensely important figures throughout Rome’s history. Often the same men who commanded the legions in battle dominated the State in peacetime.

From Scipio Africanus, who combined apparent mysticism with iron determination, to Caesar, the aggressive and charismatic aristocrat, Adrian Goldsworthy looks at Rome’s greatest generals and at how and why they won their victories. At the same time he tells the story of Roman warfare, from the bitter struggle with Carthage and the brilliant Hannibal in the third century BC to the last desperate attempt to win back the Western Empire in the sixth century AD. He also traces the evolution of the Roman army and the Roman political system which directed it. (Source: Adrian Goldsworthy)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I’m now in the 13 and final season of this wonderful series.  

Poirot Series 13 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I miss this version of Taylor Swift compared to today’s version.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

By Taylor Swift

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Valentine’s Day

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – Happiness

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Here are photos of the outside of the Colosseum and the inside, that I took while Carol and I were on a visit to Rome.

Colosseum

  

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built. 

Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.

Although partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

It seems to me that today, the media refers to a lot of people as heroes, who are victims.  However, Aaron Feist isn’t a victim, he is a true hero in every sense of the word.

They say that the best way to die is in your sleep and that is a pretty good way to die.  But I believe a hero’s death is a far better way to leave Earth.

Aaron Feist

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Carol, Darlene, Quirky Girl, Roijoyeux & Spiritual Journey for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Aarti, Ankandas, Experimental Film Festival & Mabm,  who started following my blog.

BOOK (LIBRO)

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

In honor of Valentine’s Day, this week’s post is dedicated to love.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

Normally, I discourage addictions; but since Valentine’s Day is coming up,

I think this addition is ok for this week.

Addicted to Love

By Robert Palmer

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Can one love another, if they don’t love themselves?

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

In addition to being one of the greatest love song I have ever heard, this song provides some wisdom about telling someone you will love them forever.  You could end up wishing for the end of time.

Paradise By The Dashboard

By Meat Loaf

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Here are some Valentine’s Day tips for the ladies.  Oh, if you are wondering, I’ve read every book that I have ever mentioned in this blog, including this one.

Simply Irresistible

by Ellen T. White

 

It’s said if you want to succeed, watch successful people and do what they do. Simply Irresistible is a humorous manual of case studies that show how the greatest sirens of history did what they did and got what they wanted, nearly all the time.

Our role models-many of whom are still weaving their charms today – include Eva Peron, Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, Nigella Lawson, Angelina Jolie, Edith Piaf, Lucretia Borgia, Anne Boleyn, Mata Hari, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Simply Irresistible gives practical, sexy, and sometimes downright outrageous advice on modern seduction. It exalts the siren archetypes of the Companion, Competitor, Goddess, Mother, and Sex Kitten.

The cheeky histories of the iconic real-life women are paired with a fun array of quizzes, quotes, photos, tongue-in-cheek captions, and personal stories of triumph and tragedy. Mata Hari and Anne Boleyn were, after all, both executed.  (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

If you want to watch a movie for Valentine’s Day, this is a good choice.

Don Juan DeMarco 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

This is a Valentine song to get your temperature rising.

Burning Love

By Elvis Presley

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Super Bowl

Did you watch the Super Bowl?

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – Valentine’s Day

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

What better art for this particular week, than the statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.  Known to the Romans, as Venus. 

Venus de Milo

  

Aphrodite of Milos, better known as the Venus de Milo, is an ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture. Created sometime between 130 and 100 BC, the statue is believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty (Venus to the Romans).

It is a marble sculpture, slightly larger than life-size at 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) high. Part of an arm and the original plinth were lost following its discovery. It is currently on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The statue is named after the Greek island of Milos, where it was discovered. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Since this week contains Valentine’s Day, who else but Don Juan.  Some may criticize my choice of a famous seducer of woman, but please note the description below that Don Juan prided himself on being an equal opportunity seducer of women.

Don Juan

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Carol, Melissa, J.B., Judy, Reocochran & Tania for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carol, Darlene, Gabrielle, Mwendwa & Reocochran for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Angela, Enni, Lili, Nathi, Noor, Luis, Piyali, Rudra & Vinayak, started following my blog and to Bill & Suzanne, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

As you know, the Groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter,  

protests have broken out everywhere. 

The Groundhog issued the following in response to these protests.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

The Barbell Prescription

Strength Training for Life After 40

By Jonathon M. Sullivan & Andy Baker

This book is not an easy read and at times can seem like you are reading a Ph.D. Thesis.  However, there is no doubt these guys know their way around a gym.  And they have some good solid advice for those who wish to participate in the extreme sport of “aging”.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Being trustworthy is so important for being extraordinary. People must be able to trust you.  Don’t be one of those people who always seems to have something up their sleeve.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

Something to keep in mind.

(Algo a tener en cuenta.)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I first read this book in 1985, when it first came out.  I recently reviewed it and find it still provides a lot of worthwhile advice about how to be happy in the workplace.  

I would add, please be reasonable in your expectations.  There is a reason you are being paid to show up.  It the experience was going to be great, you would be charged admission.

The Joy of Working

by Denis Waitley, Ph.D. and Reni L. Witt

 

Now everyone, from secretaries to CEOs, from house painters to housewives, can learn to mix business with pleasure and make every job a labor of love. Here is a practical, down-to-earth guide that gives you a step-by-step, day-by-day unique 30-point program that will teach you how to take stock of your talents, avoid routine, take on greater challenges, and come to understand the true joy of working. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I’m now into Series 11 of this great series.

Poirot – Series 11 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

The suspect The Rolling Stones are singing about the key to happiness.

(El sospechoso que los Rolling Stones están cantando sobre la clave de la felicidad.)

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

By The Rolling Stones

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Strength Training

Do you do any strength training with weights?

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Super Bowl

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

If you have ever been to Roma, you will see statutes everywhere.  Here is a photo of a statue of Billino, The Roman.

Billino

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

I thought since Valentine Day is approaching, I would try to shed a little light on the person this holiday is named after.

Saint Valentine

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I think this would be funny, if it weren’t so true.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Candace, Nick, Rene & Sunaina, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carmen, Denise, Donna, Mary, Nandini, Tammy & Walter for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Cross-fit Mom, Inessa, J.B., Jen, Nikita, Tabitha, The Little Rebel & Twalha, started following my blog and to Amy, Anita, Cathy, Jan, Lori, Michele, Paulina, Sarah, Sylvia & Theresa, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

Warning:  This book will not change your life, only you can do that.