Category: Character Traits

05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

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.

Gordy Howe

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.

My Final Cover

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.

Running Past 50

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.

poster227x227

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

There is no failure

except in no longer trying.

Source: Elbert Hubbard

220px-Elbert_Hubbard_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_12933

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

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.

My Final Cover

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.

Rules for Aging

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.

Somewhere in Time

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Time is what we want most,

but what we use worst.

Source: William Penn

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

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:

My Final Cover

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.  

Throw Out Fifty Things

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.

Everything Must Go

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“When every possession is special,

none of them are.”

Source: Kathi Lipp

Kathi-Lipp-Clutter-Interrupted-

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

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)

Police 2-1

 

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

My Final Cover

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.

Do Less Achieve More

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)

Magnum Force

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Moderation in all things, especially moderation.”

Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson

 RWEmerson1859

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

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.”

henry_ford.277

 

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:

My Final Cover

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.

George Foreman's Guide to Life

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.

 Groundhog Day

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If you do not change direction,

you may end up where you are heading.

Source:  Lao Tzu

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