05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

May 17, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: ENDURANCE

The big news in the Detroit/Windsor area is that the new Detroit-Windsor crossing will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Gordie Howe, known as Mr. Hockey, is one of hockey’s greatest players. He is a Canadian, who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup victories during a 25 year career with the Detroit Red Wings.

To last 25-years in the National Hockey League takes endurance, so this week’s theme is chapter 12 of my book–Endurance. A trait that clearly separates ordinary people from the extraordinary is endurance. If you want to be extraordinary, please don’t give up on your goals.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Road running, not sprinting, is an endurance sport. Typical runs are 5K, 10K, half-marathons (13.1 miles) and marathons (26.2 miles). I’ve read Richard Benyo’s book, Running Past 50 and found it to be a wealth of information.

Please don’t let age keep you from considering this fun and healthy activity. I’m well over 50, 68 to be exact and just a couple of weeks ago I came in first in my age group in a local 5K race. And more interesting, I came in 408 out of 1250 runners who crossed the finish line. I’m only mentioning this because a runner 71 years old was 14 minutes faster than me and another runner 73 years old was five minutes faster.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since the title of this week’s posting is Mr. Hockey; what better movie could I recommend than Slap Shot. I think this is one of the best hockey movies and also one of the funniest movies ever made.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

There is no failure

except in no longer trying.

Source: Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Green Hubbard (June 19, 1856 – May 7, 1915) was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. [Source: Wikipedia]

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON TIME

There was a tie for the top three categories:

You set priorities and have enough time for the important things.

You wish you had more time.

You always have time for a good time.

Each of the above received about 30% of the votes.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Dear Abby,

I really need your advice.

I have suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs; phone rings, I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with “the girls” a lot recently although when I ask their names, she always says, “just some friends from work, you don’t know them”.

I think deep down I just did not want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to hide in the garage behind my hockey equipment so I could get a good view of the whole street when she arrived home from a night out with the girls.

When she got out of the car she was buttoning up her blouse, and she took her panties out of her purse and slipped them on.

It was at that moment, crouching behind my hockey gear, that I noticed a hairline crack where the blade meets the graphite shaft on my new one piece hockey stick.

Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it back to the pro-shop where I bought it?

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, pIease let me know by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. I especially appreciate those of you that show your support my leaving a comment.

All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Carol, Mary Ellen and Marnie left comments.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My thanks to Judith, Betty, Carolyn, Ron & PeterPicker for leaving their reviews on Amazon.

DONATIONS

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/11/15 – TIME

May 11, 2015 Wm. Allen6 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: TIME

I was reading the May 3rd Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times and came across an article about some stars that are not letting age stand in the way of their successful movie careers as action heros and desirable leading men and leading ladies. The following were mentioned: Samuel L. Jackson, 66; Meryl Streep, 65; Denzel Washington, 60; Helen Mirren, 69; and Arnold Schwarzenegger, 67.

As I mention in my book (Week 37: Time) all of us are getting older, but extraordinary people do not let age prevent them from doing exciting things and taking on projects that could take years to finish, because time is going to pass whether you are active and engaged or just sitting around wasting your time.

Be extraordinary by trying to not let go of activities simply because you are getting older and the activities are harder for you to do.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’ve read and reviewed Roger Rosenblatt’s book, Rules for Aging and found it to be a helpful guide to aging as well as an entertaining and easy to read book.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This is an old movie that came out in 1980 and if you haven’t seen it; you really must. And if you have seen it some time ago, I think you will enjoy watching it again. This film stands the test of time.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Time is what we want most,

but what we use worst.

Source: William Penn

William Penn (14 October 1644 – 30 July 1718) was a Quaker who founded the Province of Pennsylvania, the British North American colony that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The democratic and libertarian principles that he set forth served as an inspiration for the United States Constitution. [Source: Wikiquotes]

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON DISCARDING

About 4% of you are cutter free–congratulations, well done.

About 30% of you have clothing in your closet that you will probably never wear.

Over 20% of you have things in your basement or attic that you will likely never use.

Over 20% of you are going to start getting rid of your clutter; good for you folks,

And I’m sad to say that over 5% of you are packrats and don’t care–it is the not caring that is troubling.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An old Italian Mafia Don is dying and calls his grandson to his bed, saying; “Lissin-a me. I wanna for you to take my chrome plated 38 revolver so you remember me.

“But grandfather, I don’t like guns. Maybe you would leave me your Rolex watch instead?”, says the grandson.

“Shuddup an lissin. Somma day you gonna runna da business. You gonna have a beautiful wife, lotsa money, biga home, some bambinos.”

“Somma day you gonna comma home and find you wife inna bed with another man. What you gonna do then–pointa to your watch and say Times Up?”

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, pIease let me know by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. And I especially appreciate the few of you that have left a comment.

All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Mary Ellen again left a reply. Thank you Mary Ellen.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I want to thank my friends, Judith, Betty Carolyn & Ron, along with PeterPicker (I’m not sure who this is) for leaving their reviews on Amazon. I very much appreciate those reviews.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/04/15 – DISCARD

May 3, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON THE 80/20 RULE

The vast majority of you, over 60%, have heard of the 80/20 rule, believe it works and have or will apply the rule.

A large number of you, 25%, had never heard of the rule; so I am glad something new has been brought to your attention whether or not you care to make use of it.

And around 12% of you don’t believe it works.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DISCARD

I was reading the April 20th edition of USA Today and in the Money section of the paper, there was an interesting article on de-cluttering, plus this season is noted for Spring Cleaning, so this week’s theme is on discarding.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A teacher, a garbage collector, and a lawyer were told by Saint Peter that to get into Heaven, they would each have to answer one question.

Saint Peter asked the teacher, “What was the name of the ship that crashed into the iceberg? They just made a movie about it.”

The teacher answered, “Titanic.”

Saint Peter let her through the gate.

Next, Saint Peter turned to the garbage man thinking Heaven didn’t really need all the odors that this guy would bring with him, so Saint Peter decided to make the question a little harder. Saint Peter asked, “How many people died on the ship?”

The garbage man, having recently seen the movie and answered, “about 1,500.”

“That’s right! You may enter.”

Saint Peter then turned to the lawyer, “Name them.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 22: DISCARD – REDUCE CLUTTER IN YOUR LIFE

Clutter is the enemy of the extraordinary person. You have to learn to let go of material objects, ideas, memories and sometimes people that are stopping you from being the person you want to become.

It is easy to acquire so many material objects, that you can’t find what you are looking for and have to buy it again. You may have so much paper laying around that a important bill gets lost and you have to pay a late fee.

When young, we are sometimes programmed to think in certain ways. As we grow older and learn more about the world or society changes, these old ways of thinking just hold us back from experiencing all the wonder the world is offering us.

As for memories, some inspire us, but others just sadden us. If we live in our memories, we will neglect the opportunities of the presence.

As for people, as we evolve and grow; some of the people in our lives will feel we are betraying them. They may become jealous of the new and extraordinary life we are creating for ourselves by getting an education or training, giving up bad habits, accepting a promotion, etc.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I’ve mentioned before, I would never suggest a book if I had not read it and found value in it. This week’s recommendation has some good tips on clearing clutter.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

As with books, I also never suggest a movie I have not watched at least one time, if not more. I think this week’s movie will give you a good appreciation of the value of all those material objects you have spent your life accumulating.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“When every possession is special,

none of them are.”

Source: Kathi Lipp

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. For the second week in a row, I had another three people liked my Facebook page, bringing the total up to 43. I sent each one of them a “Thank You”.

You can help make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. It would make things so much more interesting and informative for all, if you would post your feelings on the trait, movie, book, quote or anything at all.

All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Mary Ellen again left a reply. Thank you Mary Ellen.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I want to thank my friends, Judith, Betty Carolyn & Ron, along with PeterPicker (I’m not sure who this is) for leaving their reviews on Amazon. I very much appreciate those reviews.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

I mentioned last week that I donated two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. I also ran in the race Saturday morning, and I hope some of you did also. If not, hopefully you will next year. It is a very nice and relaxed race, with plenty of walkers.

http://www.momrace.org/

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/20/15 LIMITATIONS

April 20, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON CHANGE

Almost 60% of you plan to make changes impacting three or more of your traits. I hope this blog as well as my book helps you.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: LIMITATIONS

I’m disturbed by the harm being done to the social fabric of the USA by the images and stories of police brutality. I believe most law enforcement officers live by a code of “to defend and to serve”. However, we seem to be seeing and hearing of many police officers who are exceeding the limitations of their role and becoming judge, jury and in some cases executioner.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (Source: The New York Times, Sunday, April 12, 2015, The Strip by Brian McFadden)

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 11: LIMITATIONS – EXTREMES ARE HARMFUL

Sometimes, those in positions of authority, exceed the authority they have been granted, and end up either losing that authority or having limitations placed upon that authority. This certainly happens in management and it is starting to happen with our police, as one hears more and more demand for additional citizen oversight over our police departments.

On a more personal level, each of us needs to keep our natural limitations in mind. For instance, in an effort to become strong, one may try lifting so much weight that they hurt themselves and end up weaker than when they started out.

However, I am not saying practice moderation in everything you do, as I have been told that yes it can lead to a long life, but also a boring life. So, occasionally the extraordinary person goes right up to the edge of a cliff, but is wise enough to not go over the edge.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’ve actually have read every book that I recommend and if the book isn’t a fairly easy to read book, which is my favorite kind of book, I point that out.

Below is a book I have read and reviewed often in the last 15+ years and I believe you will find many valuable lessons among its pages.

For anyone tired of chasing ever–elusive desires, of doing more only to find that more needs doing, and of making more money only to need more money, best–selling author Chin–Ning Chu shows you that life was meant to be easy, if you know the secrets. (Source of Description: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Dirty Harry is on the trail of vigilante cops who are not above going beyond the law to kill the city’s undesirables. (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Moderation in all things, especially moderation.”

Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 37 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page.

You can help make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that author, Monica Sholar and my neighbor, Mary Ellen, both left replies. Monica and Mary Ellen, thank you very much.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My friends, Judith and Betty, have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

I was able this past week to donate two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, which will be Saturday morning, May 2 in Royal Oak, Michigan. For more information about this organization and the race, please click on the link below:

http://www.momrace.org/

I will also being giving a very brief talk at the May 21 BCBSM Retiree Luncheon and I will be donating $7.00 of each book sold at the lunch to that organization.

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/13/15 CHANGE

April 13, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON FRIENDS

Congratulations to the more than 60% of you who believe you will be more extraordinary by the end of this year. However, that also means that almost 40% of you believe you will be about like you are now, or just an average person or even less extraordinary.

After looking at the poll’s results, the first thing that came to my mind was a saying by Henry Ford, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

THIS WEEK’S THEME: CHANGE

Since I am concerned about the almost 40% of you that may not be optimistic about what this year holds for you, this week’s theme will be change.

I realize, that despite your best efforts; sometimes fate can be insensitive. But for most of us, we are masters of our own destiny.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?

One, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 19: CHANGE – EMBRACE ALL CHANGES FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY CAN PROVIDE

Change is inevitable and if you are trying to cling to the past, you are fighting a losing battle. Being inflexible is a sign of aging and demise. I’m not saying you should like change, but I am saying that you need to adapt to change.

I was at a seminar Saturday and the speaker told us that 85% of all diseases are caused by lifestyle choices. Except for some rare exceptions, everything (not just your health) in your life, good or bad, is a reflection of choices you have made. If you want something in your life to be different, you have to change and do something different.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Today, I am suggesting a book written by someone I believe is truly extraordinary, George Foreman. When it comes to change, this gentleman has shown us all the way. His book is my kind of book, very easy to read.

Unfortunately, I cannot say I ever had the opportunity to actually meet George Foreman, but I was second row ringside for one of his fights during his return to the ring in pursuit of a second heavy weight championship. However, he is so much more than a boxer. Below is a brief description of George that I copied from Wikipedia.

“Although he did not formally retire from boxing, Foreman stopped fighting and became an ordained minister, initially preaching on street corners before becoming the reverend at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston and devoting himself to his family and his congregation. He also opened a youth center that bears his name.” [Source: Wikipedia]

And who hasn’t heard of the George Foreman Grill.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think my favorite movie of all time is Groundhog Day, which is a movie about a guy who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right. It is a great movie and if you haven’t seen it, you really should.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If you do not change direction,

you may end up where you are heading.

Source: Lao Tzu

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 36 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page. Also, a number of you have “liked” my posts and I appreciate that very much. Perhaps, you may also consider liking my Facebook page.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see where Mary Ellen left a comment and I replied with a photo of two very large bunnies I found in my yard.

And for those of you who have read my book, and I do believe there are a couple of you who have read it, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My friends, Judith and Betty, have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize. This past week, I offered three organizations copies of my book and I am waiting to hear back from them. If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/06/15 EASTER/OPTIMISM

April 5, 2015 Wm. Allen3 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON FRIENDS

Half of you (50%) indicated you have 3 or 4 true friends, which to be sounds about right. Fortunately, none of you thought they had no true friends.

Also, I appreciate the private comments I received regarding my weightlifting friends mentioned in last week’s post.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: OPTIMISM

Since yesterday was Easter, I thought this week’s theme should be one of optimism.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter and got to share the day with family or friends.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Top ten reasons the Easter bunny brings eggs:

10. Tax write-off.

9. Who ever heard of bringing Easter Oatmeal?

8. More likely to be well received since eggs come in many varieties: scrambled, over easy, hard boiled.

7. Local chickens give him a good deal on eggs.

6. Has stock in companies manufacturing cholesterol lowering statin medications.

5. Pressure from the Egg marketing firms.

4. Because if he brought fireworks, he would be the Independence Day Bunny.

3. Would you want to hunt for oatmeal?

2. Attempt to help guys get chicks at least once a year.

1. Because the Energizer rabbit got the better job.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 10: OPTIMISM – NEVER LOSE HOPE

One of the earmarks of many ordinary people is negativity. And not only do they believe that their dreams will not come true, they will be delighted to explain why your dreams will also not come true.

Extraordinary people are optimistic about their dreams as well as your dreams. When the extraordinary person experiences a setback, they reassess their goals and if they still believe the goal is worthy, they continue their efforts looking for more effective ways to accomplish their goals.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

If you are feeling down on your luck, and who hasn’t, perhaps you may want to check out Joan Rivers book, Bouncing Back. I first read this book back in 1998 and I continued to review it over the years and found it to be helpful. I do have to admit that I haven’t looked at it since I left the corporate world at the end of 2009, but keep it handy just in case.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

For those of you that have read my book, it is easy to see that I like treating heavy topics with a light touch. And so to find a film related to both Easter and to Optimism, I selected Bruce Almighty as a film that uses a light touch to illustrates some heavy issues.

A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. (Description source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If Thomas Edison didn’t actually say this, he should have.

“I have not failed 1,000 times.
I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb.”

Source: Thomas Edison

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 33 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page. Also, a number of you have “liked” my posts and I appreciate very much. Perhaps, you may also consider liking my Facebook page.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

A big thank you to my friend Betty, who this week gave my book a review on Amazon, in addition to the one Judith left sometime earlier.

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

03/16/15 SPAIN

March 16, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON YOUR SITUATION AT THE AGE OF 65

Last week poll was about an analysis I came across early in life that said that out of 100 young people aged 25, at 65:

36% have died

1% are rich

4% are financially & physically independent

5% are working

54% are dependent

Once again, those who take these polls are an extraordinary group. The results were:

0% percent of you expected to be dead–of course if you died before taking this poll, you probably would not have participated in the poll.

5% of you are or expect to be rich–extraordinarily well done.

90% of you are or expect to be financially & physically independent–the goal.

5% of you are or expect to be working–excellent, so long as you find joy and meaning in your work.

0% of you are or expect to be dependent–which is why I believe those of you who take this poll are an extraordinary group.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: SPAIN

I am writing this blog as I travel through Spain, visiting Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Serville, Cordoba y Barcelona; so what better theme for this week’s posting than Spain. And if you are following along in my book, it is Week 48: Travel – see Your Country as Well as the Rest of the World..

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An American touring Spain stopped at a local restaurant following a day of sightseeing. He noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table.

He asked the waiter, “What is that you just served?”

The waiter replied, “Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are bulls balls from the bull fight this morning. A delicacy!”

The American said, “What the heck, I’m on vacation! Bring me an order!”

The waiter replied, “I am so sorry senor. There is only one serving per day, because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early tomorrow and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy!”

The next morning, the American returned, placed his order, and then that evening he was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, and looking at his plate, he called to the waiter and said, “These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday!”

The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Señor, sometimes the bull wins.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 48: TRAVEL – SEE YOUR COUNTRY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE WORLD

When it comes to money, you can either spend it on things or spend it on experiences.

I suspect you will find that the more things you own, the more those things end up owning you; since they require your attention in so many different ways.

If you do decide to travel, you may want to occasionally visit some place you have never been to before. There is nothing like seeing a place for the first time to give you that childhood sense of amazement.

My book is again available on Amazon as work continues turning it into an ebook. I expect the eBook version will be available in about a week.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I listened to our tour guide, Rui Miguell, describe Cervantes’ book about Don Quixote, and how it is as relevant about the human condition today as it was when Cervantes wrote in the early 1600s; I realized I have once again encountered an extraordinary individual.

I have listened to the book years ago on cassette tapes, but after hearing Rui talk about the book as we were traveling across the land once roamed by Don Quixote, I feel I should actually read the book or at least listen to it again.

http://www.amazon.com/Don-Quixote/dp/B000054704/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since this week’s theme is Spain and I am ending my tour through Spain in Barcelona, what better movie to suggestion than the one that initially inspired me to visit Barcelona in 2013. Below is the IMDB description of that movie; Vicky Christina Barcelona.

Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.

Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Stars: Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, …

(Source: IMDB)

http://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Cristina-Barcelona-Javier-Bardem/dp/B001DJ7PR8/

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps.

The sleeper must awaken.”

Source: Frank Herbert

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

I continue trying to make this blog better in hopes that you will like it enough to pass it on your friends.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply.

Also, if you like this blog, please show you do by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

And for those of you who have read my book, please comment about the book on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize. If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

03/09/15 RETIREMENT

March 8, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON STAR TREK

What a surprise, it seems that 70% of you watched the show when it was originally aired. Also, I understand some of you got a kick out of my putting the book, Baby and Child Care as an option.

And again, if you are looking for a fun and easy to read self-help book, I strongly suggest Dave Marinaccio’s book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Watching Star Trek.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: RETIREMENT

I was reading an article in USA Today (3/4/15) and was shocked to read that one in four retired Americans have no source of income beyond Social Security. It is unlikely you are going to be extraordinary in your retirement years if all you have to live on is social security. In fact, you will be lucky to be ordinary.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A young man asked an elderly rich man how he made his money.

The elderly man said, “Well, son, it was 1932, the depth of the Great Depression and I was down to my last nickel.”

“I invested that nickel in an apple and spent the entire day polishing the apple. At the end of the day, I sold that apple for ten cents.”

“The next morning, I invested those ten cents in two apples. I spent the entire day polishing them and sold for 20 cents.”

“I did this for a month and accumulated a $1.37.”

“Then my wife’s father died and left us two million dollars.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 10: MONEY – SAVE 10% OF WHAT YOU EARN

I once tried to encourage a friend to stop smoking. He held up his package of cigarettes and said, “This is a poor man’s retirement package.”

There are two avenues to a comfortable, if not extraordinary retirement. One is to earn a lot of money, the second and most certain way is to save and live below your means.

There are many good reasons why you can’t save right now–SAVE REGARDLESS. There are also many noble reasons why you must tap into your savings–DON’T DO THAT.

As I mentioned in my book, I came across the following very early in life and it made such an impression on me, that I have retained it all these years. Hopefully, it will also make an impression on you.

Out of one hundred young people of 25 years of age, at 65:

36 have died

1 is rich

4 are independent

5 are working

54 are dependent

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

My book is again available on Amazon as work continues turning it into an ebook. I expect the eBook version will be available in about two weeks.

The book I am recommending this week, I read a long time ago and have given it to a few people I wanted to help. It can be obtained from Amazon for practically nothing. Below is a Wikipedia description of the book.

The Richest Man in Babylon is a book by George Samuel Clason, which dispenses financial advice through a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon. Through their experiences in business and managing household finance, the characters in the parables learn simple lessons in financial wisdom. Originally, a series of separate informational pamphlets distributed by banks and insurance companies, the pamphlets were bound together and published in book form in 1926. (Source: Wikipedia)

http://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Babylon-George-Clason/dp/0451205367/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since this week’s theme is retirement, I thought a movie about a recently retired guy would be appropriate.

A man upon retirement embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter’s wedding only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected (Source: IMDB)

http://www.amazon.com/About-Schmidt-Jack-Nicholson/dp/B00005JLSK/

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Retirement is a great opportunity to become the person you have always wanted to be—but have never been.

Source: Dave Erhard

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

I continue trying to make this blog better in hopes that you will like it enough to pass it on your friends.

Any public or private feedback would be most welcomed.

Also, if you like this blog, please show you do by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

And for those of you who have read my book, please comment about the book on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Week 46: Reading

February 8, 2015February 8, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

I’ve decided to jump around again, rather than follow my book in strict order.

For those of you who know me, I frequently have a book near by as well as a highlighter to call attention to important passages that I read, since I will eventually return to the book and review the passages I have highlighted.

Back in June 1992, I met author Leonard Shlain and bought his book titled, Art & Physics, Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light. Dr. Slain was kind enough to autograph his book for me and I just finished reviewing it yet another time. I must admit that even after 23 years, I still don’t understand everything he has written, but each time I review it my closed mind opens a little more.

And for those of you who have tried to enlighten me over the years, you’re well aware of how closed minded I can be and sometimes it takes a long time or even a very long time before I get your point. Please be assured that I appreciate your efforts on my behalf, even if at the time I may not have been all that appreciative.

Finally, as always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends. Also, if there is any particular trait from my book that you would like me to cover soon, please just let us all know.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I have to admit that last week’s poll wasn’t my best poll and I appreciate those of you who tried to make sense of what I was asking and voted. Thank you.

Right or wrong, given my faulty poll; I sense none of us celebrate as often as we should, we rarely celebrate the successes of our friends and we rarely celebrate without expecting a gift in return.

If I’m mistaken, in what I gathered from my poorly constructed poll, please let all of us know your view.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

What did one book say to another?

I just wanted to see if we are on the same page.

WEEK 46: READING–YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM OTHERS

It is impossible to overstate the value reading will have on your efforts to become extraordinary.

Plus, as long as there is a worthwhile book nearby, you will never be bored or feel like you are wasting time when you find yourself in a situation where you are just waiting, doing nothing.

It is also a good idea to vary your reading materials so that you are exposed to a wide variety of view points

Be extraordinary and make sure you read and that your reading includes a variety of viewpoints.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“The opposite of a correct statement

is an incorrect one,

but the opposite of a profound truth

is another profound truth.”

Source: Niels Bohr

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

The book below is not an easy read and you should be skeptical as you read it, still I can’t think of a better way to be exposed to art, science and many other issues. It could cause you to think about some of your most cherished beliefs and open up your mind to various possibilities. But again, I say, this is not an easy read, but it is an interesting read.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I selected this movie as a way of illustrating the importance of books and other writings to the shaping of public opinion as well as one’s own opinions.

For instance, Julius Caesar wrote his own account of The Gallic War (Still available), which did cast Caesar in a very positive light, which was important since it came out just before the Roman Civil War, that Caesar was soon to fight.

In more recent times, Benjamin Franklin was the first to write about his own life and no doubt he put himself in a favorable light.

In still more recent times, what serious U.S. Presidential candidate has not come out with a book before his election campaign.

The movie is over 30 years old, but has much to say as did George Orwell’s book by the same title.

George Orwell’s novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love. (Source: IMDB)

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 20: Celebrate

February 2, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you will note that I jumped from Week 9: Visualization to Week 20: Celebrate. Hey, what is more ordinary than going in strict order?

In addition to all of yesterday’s SuperBowl parties, for years on and off, I have tried to celebrate Groundhog Day, which falls on February 2 or this year today.

I was fascinated with Groundhog Day because of the movie, which I will discuss in the film section of this blog.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I am surprised to learn that 45% of you use Visualization frequently. The results of the last several polls lead me to believe those most interested in becoming extraordinary are people who already are extraordinary or well on their way to becoming extraordinary.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (I try not to use jokes that I used in my book, but since many of you have not read my book and I thought this joke was just so appropriate for the Celebrate trait, I just had to share with everyone who reads this blog.)

Upon dying, the pope goes to heaven where he meets a reception committee. They tell the pope that he can enjoy any of the many recreations available.

He decides that he wants to read all of the ancient original texts of the holy Scriptures and spends the next eon learning the languages. After becoming a linguistic master, he sits down in the library and begins to read every version of the Bible, working back from the most recent, “Easy Reading,” to the original.

All of a sudden, there is a scream in the library. The angels come running to him, only to find the pope huddled in a chair, crying to himself, and muttering, “An R! They left out the R.”

God takes him aside, offering comfort, and asks him what the problem is. After collecting his wits, the pope sobs again, “It’s the letter R…the word was supposed to be celebrate.”

WEEK 20: CELEBRATE–YOUR OWN SUCCESSES, AND ESPECIALLY THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR FRIENDS

Extraordinary people celebrate a lot and it is easy for the ordinary person to say sure, “That is because they have so much to celebrate.” I ask, is it possible that they have so much to celebrate about because they do celebrate, rather than let even small successes go by unnoticed.

But I believe what makes the extraordinary person truly extraordinary is that they are just as quick to celebrate the large and even small successes of their friends.

Be extraordinary and look for opportunities to celebrate yours and your friends successes, both big and small.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“there is nothing more beautiful in life
than celebrating the talents, dreams,
joys, and accomplishments of another being
to see – and call attention to – the best in someone else…”

Source: Kate Mullane Robertson

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I wish I could write a self-help book as good as the one David Brown wrote, The Rest of Your Life is The Best of Your Life. He was a gentleman who truly celebrated life and he was also the husband of Helen Gurley Brown.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think this is my favorite movie because it is about a person who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right. Isn’t that what we are all trying to do!

CONCLUSION

If you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Harmony Books & Films, LLC

Tired of being ordinary, then here are some tips for becoming extraordinary.

Category: Character Traits

05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

05/11/15 – TIME

05/04/15 – DISCARD

04/20/15 LIMITATIONS

04/13/15 CHANGE

04/06/15 EASTER/OPTIMISM

03/16/15 SPAIN

WEEK 48: TRAVEL – SEE YOUR COUNTRY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE WORLD

Week 46: Reading

Week 20: Celebrate