CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

La Fonda

No, not this Fonda

But this Fonda

La Fonda on the Plaza is a historical luxury hotel, at 100 E. San Francisco Street and Old Santa Fe Trail in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico next to the Plaza. La Fondasimply means “the inn” in Spanish, but the hotel has been described as “the grand dame of Santa Fe’s hotels.” (Source: Wikipedia)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

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)

It is important to visit new places.

Here I am driving around in Santa Fe, New Mexico

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I was touring the Governors Place in Santa Fe and was surprised to learn that a book I read many years ago, Ben Hur, was written there at the Governors Place.

It is a rather long book, so you may want to watch the movie before or instead of trying to read the book.

Ben Hur

by Lew Wallace

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Ben Hur (1959)

I saw this film so long ago, I can’t recall much about it.  Perhaps,  it may be worth taking another look at it; at least before you attempt to tackle the book.

Critics Consensus: Uneven, but in terms of epic scope and grand spectacle, Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood’s finest examples of pure entertainment. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

The Middle

By Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Truth?

Do you believe Thomas Sowell’s statement about truth is

 

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Anything can be art, even bread.

  

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Buffalo Soldiers

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you America on Coffee, Bernice, Darlene, Judy & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Poonam & RCK25, who started following my blog.  

And thank you Angela, Barbara, David & Linda, for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Aaron, Debra, Erika, Gabrielle, Lana, Lisa & Nalomy, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

This Story May or May Not Be True

The Apollo 11 astronauts, who were training in one of the remote deserts of the western USA, came across a Native American.

The Native American asked the astronauts what they were doing and they replied that they were training for a mission to go to the moon.

The Native American asked the astronauts if they would do him a favor.  He said his people believed that holy spirits lived on the moon and would the astronauts pass on a message from his people in their native language to the holy spirits that lived on the moon.

The astronauts memorized the Native American’s words, but the Indian would not tell them what the words meant, when they asked him. 

When the astronauts returned to their base, they found a translator who could tell them the meaning of the words they had memorized.  The translator said the memorized words were.

Don’t believe a single word these people are telling you.

They have come to steal your land.

(Source: Sapiens – A Brief History of Mankind)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

Learn to accept your flaws, they make you unique.

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)

Don’t believe everything you read.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Bill Gates suggested to me and 1 million of his other closes friends, that I read this book.  I’m not going to suggest you read or not read this book.  But you should know first off, it isn’t brief.  Also, I believe regardless of what your positions are, you may find some of the author’s assessments and predictions disturbing.  I did really enjoy reading the early part of the book about pre-history, but as time went on the author and I had to part ways.  Still, the book has many important things to say, so if you do try to tackle this book, you may want to read some of it and skim some of it.

Sapiens – A Brief History of Humankind

by Yuval Noah Harari

Human history has been shaped by three major revolutions: the Cognitive Revolution (70,000 years ago), the Agricultural Revolution (10,000 years ago), and the Scientific Revolution (500 years ago). These revolutions have empowered humans to do something no other form of life has done, which is to create and connect around ideas that do not physically exist (think religion, capitalism, and politics). These shared “myths” have enabled humans to take over the globe and have put humankind on the verge of overcoming the forces of natural selection. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Surviving Desire

This film is way cooler than the reviews make it appear.  In fact, it is so cool that I cannot even describe it, so I will show you a clip.  Of course, most of you will not like it.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Walk Like an Egyptian

By The Bangles

But when it comes to walking like an Egyptian, check this out

King Tut

By SNL – Steve Martin

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What do you do at parties?

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – Truth?

 

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Here is something to think about.

I found this in Part One – The Cognitive Revolutions

of 

Sapiens – A Brief History of Humankind.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Cleopatra

Actually, the above picture is Elizabeth Taylor, portraying Cleopatra 

Cleopatra VII (69 – August 10 or 12, 30 BC) was a queen and last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She was also a diplomat, naval commander, administrator, linguist, and medical author.

As a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, she was a descendant of its founder Ptolemy I, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great.

After the death of Cleopatra, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire, marking the end of the Hellenistic period that had lasted since the reign of Alexander (336–323 BC). (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Carol, Darlene, Poetic Bells, Reocochran & Roijoyeux, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to LA Feedback Film Festival, Melissa, Nanette, Nick, Nidhi, Poetic Bells, Reocochran & Shreya, who started following my blog.  

And thank you Amy, Barbie, Michelle & Taylor, for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Carol, Cindi, Colleen, Darlene, Donna, Kristie, Patty, Richard & Trina, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Happy Easter 

I know, Easter was yesterday.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple (Honra Tu Templo)

I can never say it enough times. 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)

There is a cliché that says, “Birds of a feather flock together.”  

Like it or not, you are going to be judged by the company you keep.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

(El Crecimiento te Mantiene Extraordinario)

The following was for people between 65 and death,

but maybe others might find it useful

It’s time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it.  Don’t just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Warning: This is also a bad time for investments, even if it seems wonderful or foolproof. They only bring problems and worries. This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

(Las Probabilidades y Los Fines de Ser Extraordinarios)

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

If you are going to see the play, Hamilton, I strongly suggest you read this book first.  And if you are just looking for good advice on all the aspects of life, other than dueling, you will find this book most helpful.  And like most of the books I read and recommend, it is definitely an easy read.  

Alexander Hamilton’s Guide to Life

by Jeff Wilser

Two centuries after his death, Alexander Hamilton is headline news again.

He is one of the most compelling of America’s Founding Fathers, an orphan who came to America with little but ambition. He went on to become a General in the Revolutionary War, created the US’s financial system and is immortalised on the $10 bill.

Hamilton’s life is fascinating, and it can serve as an example to us all. For anyone interested in success, romance, money, honour or duelling Hamilton has worthwhile advice.

Combining biography and history with humour, this is advice that has survived for over three hundred years:

Alexander Hamilton is the subject of one of Broadway’s most popular musical ‘Hamilton’. (Source: Goodreads.com)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Bendito Infierno or Don’t Tempt Me (2001)

I think this film is very entertaining and thought provoking.  You can watch it is Spanish with English subtitles or get the English version Don’t Tempt Me.

         

Don’t Tempt Me (Spanish: Bendito Infierno, also known as Sin noticias de Dios in Spanish and No News From God in English) is a 2001 Mexican and Spanish co-production comedy film. The screenplay for the film was written especially for Penélope Cruz and Victoria Abril by the award-winning Spanish writer and director Agustín Díaz Yanes . (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Operator (1972)

By Jim Croce

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

 THIS WEEK’S POLL – What do you do at parties?

Before we start the poll, here is some more advice for people between 65 and death, that may be useful to younger people.

Even if you don’t feel like it, try to accept invitations.  Baptisms, graduations, birthdays, weddings, etc.  Try to go.  Get out of the house, meet people you have seen in a while or even people you have never met before.

 

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Fabergé Eggs

I have not yet seen a Fabergé Egg, but I suspect I will within a few years.

The Moscow Kremlin egg, 1906.

A Fabergé egg is a jeweled egg created by the House of Fabergé. Virtually all were manufactured under the supervision of Peter Carl Fabergé between 1885 and 1917. 

The most famous are those made for the Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. The House of Fabergé made 50 such “Imperial” Easter eggs, of which 43 are still existing. Two planned for Easter 1917 were not delivered due to the Russian Revolution in which the Romanov Dynasty was overthrown and all the members of the imperial family executed. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Easter Bunny

A 1907 postcard featuring the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny (also called the Easter Rabbit or Easter Hare) is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs. Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient.

In legend, the Easter Bunny carries colored eggs in his basket, candy, and sometimes also toys to the homes of children, and as such shows similarities to Santa Claus, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holidays. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And my thanks to Eliza, Empowered Every Day &  Parkashpencia, who started following my blog.  

And thank you Jenny, Jessica & Rachael, for liking my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

And thank you Carol, Donna & Patty, for sharing my FB post.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

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.

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.