CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

This week, instead of starting out with a current event, I want to pass on a story I heard and hope you might find it interesting.

 A cowboy rode into town and stopped at a saloon for a drink. Unfortunately, the locals always had a habit of picking on strangers, which he was. The cowboy found his horse missing, after he finished his drink.

He went back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head without even looking and fired a shot into the ceiling. “Which one of you sidewinders stole my horse?” he yelled with surprising forcefulness.

No one answered. “Alright, I’m gonna have another beer, and if my horse ain’t back outside by the time I finish, I’m gonna do what I dun in Texas! And I don’t like to have to do what I dun in Texas!”

Some of the locals shifted restlessly. The man, true to his word, had another beer, walked outside, and his horse has been returned to the post. He saddled up and started to ride out of town.

The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, “Say partner, before you go… what happened in Texas?”

The cowboy turned back and said, “I had to walk home.”

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

No matter how much you exercise, food is always going to trump exercise.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

People really need to do some fact checking.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

One of the most important decisions you will ever make is your marriage partner. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I just finished this book a couple of weeks ago and I think it would be helpful to anyone who wants to do a bit more with their life.

You don’t need to have been born under a lucky star, or with incredible wealth, or with terrific contacts and connections, or even special skills…but what you do need to succeed in any of your life goals is self-discipline. Unfortunately, most people give in to the two worst enemies of success: they take the path of least resistance (in other words, they’re lazy) and/or they want immediate gratification (Source: Goodreads.com)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Shape of Water (2017)

This film won Best Picture at the 90th Academy Awards, but then the Academy is so out of touch with the average person.  I would not bother watching this film, unless you really want to see Sally Hawkins.  I like her, but I was a little disappointed to see so much of her.

The Big Sick (2017)

This was an entertaining film with a lot to say.  

Critics Consensus: Funny, heartfelt, and intelligent, The Big Sick uses its appealing leads and cross-cultural themes to prove the standard romance comedy formula still has some fresh angles left to explore. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

The Death of Stalin

I thought this movie was well worth watching, but it was certainly far from riotous.

Critics Consensus: The Death of Stalin finds director/co-writer Arnando Iannucci in riotous form, bringing his scabrous political humor to bear on a chapter in history with painfully timely parallels. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Steel Magnolias (1989)

I just watched this film because I saw the play last week.  I thought the play was better than the movie.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

59th Street Bridge Song (1967)

By Harpers Bizarre

If you weren’t hanging out in 1967, you missed some of the most interesting times.  I think it was like the Roaring 20s–just wild.

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you think there are a lot of  people who expect everything and appreciate nothing?

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – Do you think Oscar Wilde was correct?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

I’ve always wanted to have a Zen Garden.  I was at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids this month and just had to check out their zen garden.

I’m not sure where to start in creating my own zen garden.  

Perhaps, I will have to go to zen gardening school.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Davy Crockett

Place of His Birth

David “Davy” Crockett (August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) was a 19th-century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician. He is commonly referred to in popular culture by the epithet “King of the Wild Frontier”. 

Crockett grew up in East Tennessee, where he gained a reputation for hunting and storytelling. He was made a colonel in the militia of Lawrence County, Tennessee and was elected to the Tennessee state legislature in 1821. In 1827, he was elected to the U.S. Congress where he vehemently opposed many of the policies of President Andrew Jackson, especially the Indian Removal Act. Crockett’s opposition to Jackson’s policies led to his defeat in the 1831 elections. He was re-elected in 1833, then narrowly lost in 1835. In early 1836, he took part in the Texas Revolution and was killed at the Battle of the Alamo in March. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Andrea, Mónica & Nanette, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Ali, Ash, Best Wp Cats, Catherine, Inmate Blogger, L.R. & Neelaanjana, who started following my blog.  

And thank you Alexandria & Andrea, for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Bri, Christian, Gabrielle, Jo Ann, Maureen & Mary, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Stephen Hawking

What a loss to humanity.

  

Stephen Hawking, an award-winning physicist and influential author, died early Wednesday morning, a family spokesperson told ABC News. He was 76.

Hawking, whose books included “A Brief History of Time” and “The Universe in a Nutshell,” was diagnosed in 1962 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Hawking was considered one of the leading voices in science because of his extensive research and work related to understanding the universe. (Source: ABC News)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

Whether you want to be healthy, strong or simply more composed and relaxed, it is important to get enough rest.  It is amazing how many people are always running around and are so busy, and yet often there isn’t a lot they have to show for all that activity.

There is a zen saying, “When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.” You have to remember you can do anything you want to do, you just can’t do everything you want to do.

And for any powerlifters who happen to be reading this, here is some useful advice

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

I see people driving one-handed while on their cell phones, I see them on their phones in supermarkets, walking their dogs, everywhere and I wonder what to they have to say that is so important.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

I can never say enough about the importance of getting a good education.  However, a good education comes in many forms.

Working Man’s Ph.D

By Aaron Tippin

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

Most people are about as happy as they want to be.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This extremely easy to read book is worth the little cost and time it takes to acquire and read.  You will not be sorry, even if you already think you are very creative.  And if you don’t think you are creative, you may after reading this book.

Steal Like An Artist

by Austin Kleon

 

Here is an idea of what the book covers

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Royals Season 4

Too many commercials, even with me DVRing it and fast forwarding through therm, but since I watched the first 3 seasons I thought why not.

I’ve suggested in the past that if you haven’t seen a play since high school, you should try the experience.  Yesterday, I saw Steel Magnolias at the Baldwin Theater in Royal Oak, MI, USA.  I thought it was pretty good.

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling

Strong as steel, fragile as magnolias. The six Southern women of Chinquapin, Louisiana, show more steel than delicacy as they face life’s ups and downs together. Truvy’s home beauty parlor is their gathering place, where they gossip, needle, and jab each other with good-humored zingers. But when push comes to shove, these friends are there for one another, especially in the darkest of times. An unforgettable story about the saving power of friendship.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

The Girl Can’t Help it

By Little Richard

In addition to classic rock, I also listen to classical music

I enjoy watching the conductor.

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Tattoos

Do you have a tattoo?

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – Do you think there are a lot of  people who expect everything and appreciate nothing?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Years ago I saw The Creation of Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

The Creation of Adam 

When I saw the picture below on the internet, I thought if the Sistine Chapel  was created today, we might see something like this on the ceiling.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Gustave Flaubert

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

This joke is very Zen

If you don’t know anything about Zen,

you should look into it.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Judy, Nanette, Sue & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Caliath, Carly, Emma, Sunset & Vanessa,  who started following my blog.  

And thank you Maia, for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Brenda, Carol, Laurie, Patty, Sheryll & Shirley, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

March Michigan State Meet in Grand Rapids, MI

Although I have won several age/weight world titles (2016 WPC & 2017 AWPC), as well as some state records back in 2004, yesterday was the most amazing day in my powerlifting career.  Not only did I break an age/weight AAPF national raw deadlift record, but I was awarded best light-weight (198 Lbs. & under) raw deadlifter at the meet. The award is based upon age/weight & how much you lift)

  

Below is a film clip of my final deadlift (358 lbs.)

I don’t believe anyone ever accomplishes anything without some help and I have mentions by buddies and trainers Freddy and Walter over the years.  But this particular accomplish is thanks to Art, who got me to come back to Powerlifting in 2015 and started coaching me towards the end of 2017.  I didn’t believe I could do this, but Art did believe.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

Henry Ford used to say, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are going to be right.”  Many thought the 4 minute mile barrier was impossible to break until Roger Bannister broke it in May 6, 1954.  Since then, it has been broken many times, now due to improved equipment and training, but initially because people started believing it was possible.

Roger Bannister, the British runner who acquired legendary status for being the first person to run a mile faster than four minutes in 1954, died on March 3 in Oxford, England. He was 88 (Source: Runners World)

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

I’m not sure what to say about Gandhi’s words of wisdom.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

It is important to visit places you have never been to

in both your own country as well as other countries.

  

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Since we are close to the date (March 15) of the assignation of Julius Caesar, spokesperson for the ordinary people of Rome, I thought I should again suggest this very interesting book on the life of Julius Caesar. He began his career as a priest, was a writer, orator and best known as a general who defeated the Gauls.

Julius Caesar

by Philip Freeman

 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Darkest Hour

During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds. (Source: IMDB)

I don’t want to give away the ending, regarding who won WWII; and neither did the film.

Beauty and the Beast

I found this version interesting,

but the George C. Scott 1976 version remains one of my favorites.

Critics Consensus: With an enchanting cast, beautifully crafted songs, and a painterly eye for detail, Beauty and the Beast offers a faithful yet fresh retelling that honors its beloved source material. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

What can I say about this dance scene, is it possible to get any cooler than this? 

Michael 1996 John Travolta Dance scene

LAST WEEK’S POLL – People You Spend Time With?

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – Tattoos

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Pablo Ruiz Picasso

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Candace, Darlene, Empty Nest Adventures, Monica, Nanette, Nick & Ron, for commenting on last week’s post. 

Surely, more than three people will have something to say this week.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Alexi, Nikki, Rdwlker & Rohan,  who started following my blog.  

And thank you Amanda, Crissy, Holly, Laura & Silke, for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Carmen, Cindi, Darlene, Debra, Domino Thinking, Donna, Gaby, Jean, Jill & Sharon, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Ginny Austin

I am sorry to announce the passing of Ginny Austin, wife of Andy Austin.  For those that have attended my happy hour parties (2 to 4 a year since 2010), you will probably recall Andy and Ginny, since I can’t remember a happy hour party that they weren’t able to make.

Andy, Ginny & Marlene in the above photo

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

This reminds me, I’m going to try to break the Amateur American Powerlifting national record for the raw deadlift in the Masters 7 & 198 lbs. category this coming Sunday.  Perhaps, you will wish me luck.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

Here is something to reflect on.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This is a very easy book to read with lots and lots of fluff.  Nevertheless, this book has helped me get into meditation.  Meditation is something I always felt I should do, but I could never pull it off–probably because I would never start.  This book has me at least started and it may help you get started with meditation. 

Just Sit

by Sukey & Elizabeth Novogratz

 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Space Between us

Critics Consensus: The Space Between Us strands its star-crossed young lovers in a mind-numbingly vast expanse of shameless cheese that will send all but the most forgiving viewers eye-rolling for the exits. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

I didn’t think it was much of a movie, but it certainly wasn’t as bad as the Rotten Tomatoes Critics described.

Black Panther

This movie is so much more than the typical action film, it has a story and it has a lot of things for you to think about.  I strongly recommend it.

Game Night

I thought this was a very funny movie.

Into The Woods

I saw a live performance of Into The Woods and I thought the live performance was much more interesting than the movie, which was ok.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I had  to reach way back to 1957 for this song, but I think it just might bring a smile to your face.

I’m Available

By Margie Rayburn

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

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – People You Spend Time With

Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Here are 5 types of people to surround ourselves with:

1. The Inspired
2. The Passionate
3. The Motivated
4. The Grateful
5. The Open minded

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, with each standing stone around 13 feet high, 7 feet wide and weighing around 25 tons. 

Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the first bluestones were raised between 2400 and 2200 BC,although they may have been at the site as early as 3000 BC.

One of the most famous landmarks in the UK, Stonehenge is regarded as a British cultural icon.

Stonehenge could have been a burial ground from its earliest beginnings. Deposits containing human bone date from as early as 3000 BC, when the ditch and bank were first dug, and continued for at least another five hundred years.

Here is a photo I took of Carol, when we were visiting Stonehenge.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Leonardo da Vinci

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

Here is a joke from “Chapter 10 – Optimism” of my book.

Three friends had a good friend named Joe and he was by nature an eternal optimist.

At every bad situation, he would always say, ”It could have been worse.”

His friends hated that quality about him, so they came up with a story so horrible that not even Joe could come up with a bright side.

The next day, only two of his friends showed up for a golf date.

Joe asked, ”Where’s Gary?”

And one of his friends said, ”Didn’t you hear? Yesterday, Gary found his wife in bed with another man, shot them both, and then turned the gun on himself.”

Joe says, ‘Well it could have been worse.”

Both his friends said, ”How could it be worse? Your best friend just killed himself!”

Joe replies, ”If it had happened two days ago, I’d be dead now!”

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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

Surely, more than three people will have something to say this week.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Charlotte, Laviniadiane, Ron, Sheila, Tammy & The Burning Heart,  who started following my blog.  

And thank you Barb, Debra, Donna, Elisa, Grant’s Nutrition & Wellness, Laurie, Patty & Tammy, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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