1/08/18 – Dempsey

Wm. Allen32 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Dempsey (I affectionally called him “Pitbull”)

The death of any pet is always a tragedy, but even more so if it is due to a groomers incompetence and neglect.  

A couple of weeks ago Dempsey went to Petsmart to be groomed. He came home burned and cut all over his neck, with some sores elsewhere on his body. A vet said it was from the equipment getting too hot. Dempsey was put on Benadryl, and antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory. For the past couple weeks he’s lived with bandages around his neck, and a cone.

When a complaint was lodge with Petsmart, they refused to acknowledge what happened and said they would have to send everything to corporate. 

A few days later, Dempsey was barely breathing and was rushed to the vet who immediately began working on him. His body temperature dropped, his blood pressure plummeted, and his breathing was weak. He rapidly worsened, and the vet finally said she could tell there had been brain damage. At that point she said there was nothing more she could do. 

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Try to stay positive, you attract what you send out into the world

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

When angry, if at all possible you should let some time pass before you speak.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

One of the most important things to learn is that our time here is limited,

don’t act like you have forever to do things that are important to you.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

In case you are wondering when is the right time to do something,

perhaps this watch will help.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Longevity Book

by Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz wrote The Body Book to help educate young women about how their bodies function, empowering them to make better-informed choices about their health and encouraging them to look beyond the latest health trends to understand their bodies at the cellular level. She interviewed doctors, scientists, nutritionists, and a host of other experts, and shared what she’d learned—and what she wished she’d known twenty years earlier. (Source: Harper Collins Publishers)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I just finished binge watching this on Netflix and I think it is even better than Season 1.  

The Crown Season 2

Critics Consensus: The Crown continues its reign with a self-assured sophomore season that indulges in high drama and sumptuous costumes. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes with a 93% rating)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

When I and others were watching The Beatles in their early days, who knew that Lenin was going to read a book by Marx and try to change the world.  If nothing else, it was the end of innocence.

I Saw Here Standing There

By The Beatles

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Star Wars or Star Trek?

  

Star Trek  45.45%  (10 votes) 

Star Wars  22.73%  (5 votes) 

Both equally good  18.18%  (4 votes) 

Don’t like either  13.64%  (3 votes) 

Total Votes: 22

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What Country are you from?

The following in order, are the top ten countries where most of the readers of this blog live:

USA

Canada

India

United Kingdom

Denmark

Brazil

Germany

Italy

Australia

France

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

This painting recently sold for $450 million

Salvator Mundi

By Leonardo da Vinci

Salvator Mundi is a painting of Christ as Salvator Mundi (Latin for Savior of the World) by Leonardo da Vinci, dated to c. 1500. The painting shows Jesus, in Renaissance dress, giving a benediction with his right hand raised and two fingers extended, while holding a transparent rock crystal orb in his left hand, signaling his role as savior of the world and master of the cosmos, and representing the ‘crystalline sphere’ of the heavens, as it was perceived during the Renaissance.. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Leonardo da Vinci

Portrait by Francesco Meizi

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519), more commonly Leonardo da Vinci or simply Leonardo, was an Italian Renaissance polymath whose areas of interest included invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. Sometimes credited with the inventions of the parachute, helicopter and tank.

Many historians and scholars regard Leonardo as the prime exemplar of the “Universal Genius” or “Renaissance Man”, an individual of “unquenchable curiosity” and “feverishly inventive imagination”, and he is widely considered one of the most diversely talented individuals ever to have lived.

Born out-of-wedlock to a notary, Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman, Caterina, in the region of Florence, Leonardo was educated in the studio of the renowned Florentine painter Andrea del Verrocchio. Much of his earlier working life was spent in the service of Ludovico il Moro in Milan. He later worked in Rome, Bologna and Venice, and he spent his last years in France at the home awarded to him by Francis I of France.

Leonardo was, and is, renowned primarily as a painter. Among his works, the Mona Lisa is the most famous and most parodied portrait and The Last Supper the most reproduced religious painting of all time. Leonardo’s drawing of the Vitruvian Man is also regarded as a cultural icon, being reproduced on items as varied as the euro coin, textbooks, and T-shirts.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Darlene, Michael, Ritu & Swati for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Amber, Bridget, Cindi, Colleen, Curry, Darlene, Donna,  Ian, Marian, Mike, Phillip & Shirley, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Maria & The Movie Geek, started following my blog and to Annabel, Geoffrey, Larry, Peter & Tony, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

My Final Cover

1/01/18 – Happy New Year

Wm. Allen8 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Based upon last week’s poll,

me and a lot of other people are in this same situation.

Below is a part of something that has been showing up on the internet, and it seems like a good way to start 2018.

I declare to walk into 2018 with a clear heart and mind…

If you owe me, don’t worry about it …

If you wronged me – lesson learned…

If you’re angry with me, let it go, you won…

If we aren’t speaking, I ask your forgiveness …

If you feel I wronged you, I truly apologize..

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Don’t be one of those people who are impossible to satisfy.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

When you are searching for that perfect word, it is often a good idea to consult a “Thesaurus”

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Of course you want to use your heart when finding a someone,

but don’t forget to consult your head also.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This is an absolutely fantastic book just for the photographs and drawing alone. Used copies can still easily be acquired for a few dollars.

The Great Chiefs (1975)

by Time Life Books with text by Benjamin Capps

Time Life Books Synopsis: Recreates the valiant struggle of leaders of the Indian tribes of the West to protect their ancestral lands and ways of life from the invasion of the white men

You will learn about and see pictures of great chiefs that you have likely never heard of, such as 69 year-old Sitting Bear of the Kiowa Tribe.

Not uncommon with enemies in war to respect one another afterwards, such as Chief Joseph and General Gibbons.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I just watched this film again and I remain convinced it is the best classical version of this marvelous story.  

A Christmas Carol (1984)

A Christmas Carol is a 1984 British-American made-for-television film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous 1843 novella. The film  stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. It was filmed in the historic medieval county town of Shrewsbury. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Back in the 50s, recording stars travelled around the country playing in high school gyms, recreation buildings and roller skating rinks.  I was a teenage or had just become one, when I saw Brenda Lee perform at the Motor City Skating Rink in Warren, Michigan.

Rockin Around The Christmas Tree

By Brenda Lee

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How have you done?

  

I tried, but I don’t know if I did become a better person  47.62%  (10 votes)

Yes  33.33%  (7 votes) 

 No, I was fine like I was last year, so why change  14.27%  (3 votes) 

No  4.76%  (1 votes) 

Total Votes: 21

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Star Wars or Star Trek?

  

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Ginevra de’ Benci

By Leonardo da Vinci

Ginevra de’ Benci is a portrait painting by Leonardo da Vinci of the 15th-century Florentine aristocrat Ginevra de’ Benci (born c. 1458). 

The oil-on-wood portrait was acquired by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. in 1967 for $5 million —a record price at the time—came from the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund and was paid to the Princely House of Liechtenstein. It is the only painting by Leonardo on public view in the Americas.

The portrait is one of the highlights of the National Gallery of Art, and is admired by many for its portrayal of Ginevra’s temperament. Ginevra is beautiful, but austere; she has no hint of a smile and her gaze, although forward, seems indifferent to the viewer. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

I select Mona Lisa this week because no matter how successful you have been, if you slack off you could be replaced, perhaps by Ginevra de’ Benci

Mona Lisa

By Leonardo da Vinci

The Mona Lisa is a half-length portrait painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci that has been described as “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world”. 

The painting is thought to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, and is in oil on a white Lombardy poplar panel.

The title of the painting, comes from a description by Renaissance art historian Giorgio Vasari, who wrote “Leonardo undertook to paint, for Francesco del Giocondo, the portrait of Mona Lisa, his wife.” Mona in Italian is a polite form of address originating as “ma donna” – similar to “Ma’am” in English. 

Vasari’s account of the Mona Lisa comes from his biography of Leonardo published in 1550, 31 years after the artist’s death. It has long been the best-known source of information on the work and identity of the sitter. Leonardo’s assistant Salaì, at his death in 1524, owned a portrait which in his personal papers was named la Gioconda, a painting bequeathed to him by Leonardo.

That Leonardo painted such a work, and its date, were confirmed in 2005 when a scholar at Heidelberg University discovered a marginal note in a book, the note dated October 1503, was written by Leonardo’s contemporary Agostino Vespucci. This note states that Leonardo was at that time working on a painting of Lisa del Giocondo.

In response to the discovery of this document, Vincent Delieuvin, the Louvre representative, stated “Leonardo da Vinci was painting, in 1503, the portrait of a Florentine lady by the name of Lisa del Giocondo. About this we are now certain. Unfortunately, we cannot be absolutely certain that this portrait of Lisa del Giocondo is the painting of the Louvre.

The consensus of art historians in the 21st century maintains the long-held traditional opinion, that the painting depicts Lisa del Giocondo.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Darlene, Dave, Nanette & Roijoyeux, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Brenda, Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Darlene,  Minnie, Nandini & Shirley, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Shilpi and Abhinandan, started following my blog and to Jessica & Valda, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

My Final Cover

12/25/17 – Christmas Trees

Wm. Allen10 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

If some of you are wondering what happened to your Christmas tree, perhaps this security camera photo will help you (smile).

These security cameras have led to a number of arrests this Christmas Season

Bronner’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan

As part of our Christmas tradition, we spent a couple of days in Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA; where we visited the famous Bronner’s  Christmas store.  It is hard to explain what this huge Christmas store in like inside, but here is a photo I took.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is a retail store in Frankenmuth, Michigan that promotes itself as the “World’s Largest Christmas Store”.

Designed with an Alpine architecture and operating year-round, the building is 7.35 acres in size with landscaped grounds covering 27 acres . Inside, there are approximately 800 animated figurines at various locations throughout the store. 

Bronner’s parking lot can accommodate up to 1,080 cars and 50 buses. Some 100,000 lights illuminate Bronner’s half-mile long Christmas Lane in the evening. Bronner’s employs over 500 people during the holiday season. (Source: Wikipedia)

Father Billino

We had an unexpected surprise this Christmas, Father Billino from the Vatican, was in town.  Here is standing in front of a church with Carol.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

If you live in Michigan, this is probably what your garage gym will end up looking like this winter.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Anger almost never helps resolve a situation – note that I said “almost”

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Want to know what a person values, watch how they use their time.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

I think you will find it worthwhile to know something of the various

Eastern philosophies  

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I think this book has something to say, but I expected more insights into the code of the samurai.

Code of the Samurai

by Inazo Nitobe

This handbook, written after five hundred years of military rule in Japan, was composed to provide practical and moral instruction for warriors, correcting wayward tendencies and outlining the personal, social, and professional standards of conduct characteristic of Bushido, the Japanese chivalric tradition. (Source: Publisher)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

If you like violence, a little more violence and perhaps a bit more violence; this is the film for you.

Charlize Theron plays Lorraine Broughton, a top-level spy for MI6.  She is definitely the Atomic Blonde.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Was there ever a more beautiful piece of music written.  Take a moment to listen to this and you will be transported to heaven.

Canon in D Major

By Johann Pachelbel

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Did you believe in Santa Claus when you were a child?

  

Yes  88.24%  (15 votes) 

No  11.76%  (2 votes) 

Total Votes: 17

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How are you done?

  

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Book binding as an art.

Traditional Chinese Bookbinding

The book below was produced using a method that was developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and remained in use until the adoption of Western binding techniques in the early 1900s.

In traditional Chinese binding, single sheets of paper are printed on one side only, and each sheet is folded in half, with the printed pages on the outside.  The book block is then sandwiched between two boards and sewn together through punched holes close to the cut edges of the folded sheets. (Source: Publisher)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

A recent movie described Charles Dickens as the man who invited Christmas.

Charles Dickens

Charles John Huffam Dickens (7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Chris, Floating Gold & Melissa, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Annette, Carmen, Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Donna, Gwendolyn, Jennifer, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan & Tammy, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to A, Christena,  Elia, Hollie, Jeff, Moonlight and Macaroons & Michelle, started following my blog and to Carol, Karen, Mathew, Mirian & Paula, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

My Final Cover

12/18/17 – Merry Christmas

Wm. Allen8 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Looking for that perfect gift for someone important to you,

I suggest you give them your time.

But, for those of you that didn’t receive the traditional 24 hours a day

On a lighter note, Carol and I visited the Meadow Brook Hall Christmas Walk.

Meadow Brook Hall is a 100 room mansion on the campus of Oakland University

  

Above photos taken by a gentleman who appeared out of nowhere and offered to take our photos.  When I asked him his name, he simply replied, “Santa Claus”.

  

    

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Friends are priceless

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

This is especially true during the Christmas shopping season

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

I’ve always liked this song

Gambler

By Kenny Rogers

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Kirkus Review of this book said, “A touch on the dry side but a feast for classical scholars.”

Well, I am obviously not a classical scholar, but I did find this book a feast.

Rome’s Revolution

by Richard Alston

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

If you like detective stories, these are well worth watching.  I’ve mentioned the brilliant Belgian detective before and now I decided to watch the series from the beginning.  Plus, if you like art deco, you will see a lot of it since the series takes place in Europe during the 1930s.

Agatha Christie Poirot Series

Gone Girl (2014)

“Gone Girl” certainly isn’t a Christmas movie, but what a movie.  I saw it when it first came out and just watched it the other day and I still think it is an absolutely amazing film.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

A lot of people have sung this Christmas favorite and sang it very well, but none of the various versions of this song appeal to me as much as the Elvis version.

One could say I like it so much because my uncle, who was responsible for the shows at the Memphis Fair Grounds, knew Elvis; but, I say because Elvis is The King.

Here Comes Santa Claus

By Elvis

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Which do you prefer?

  

Merry Christmas  65%  (13 votes) 

Happy Holidays  30%  (6 votes) 

Bah Humbug  5%  (1 votes) 

Total Votes: 20

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Did you believe in Santa Claus when you were a child?

  

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Film making is definitely an art and here is a little JibJab film that my friends Sue, Kristi and Kelly made for me when I retired in December 2009.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Ebenezer Scrooge

Thomas D. Hahard, Meadow Brook Theater

Although Scrooge’s name came to represent a miser or person who is reluctant to spend, sometimes to the point of forgoing even basic comforts and some necessities, in order to hoard money, he demonstrated in later years, perhaps through divine intervention, that people can change.

In later years, it was said that no person kept Christmas, better than Ebenezer Scrooge, who used his wealth to benefit others.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Carol, Darlene, Fair Chick, Judy, Nanette & Vera for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Chester, Christine, Cj, Cynthia, Dan, Darlene, Dave, Donna, Frank, Kris, Pamela, Peggy, Robert, Shirley & Susan, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Empty Nest, Hiral, Karen, Just Me, Lexi, Lijo, Rosemary, Trudy & Vera, started following my blog and to Blake, Liliana, Michelle & Ron, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

12/11/17 – Powerlifting Contest Results

Wm. Allen18 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

For those that have followed this blog, you know I wanted to set new APF and AAPF National age/weight raw deadlift records.  

I did with my third final lift of 340 lbs

     

It would never have been possible without the help of one of the best powerlifting coach/trainers in the country – Art

Below is a photo of some of the members of Art’s Powerlifting Team that participated in the contest.

I received a number of well wishes, which I appreciate very much. And I want to add a special thank you Sue, Dan, Mary, Ken, Lisa, Tania and Harmony, as well as my wife Carol, who came out to the contest to support my efforts.

    

And to everyone at the Royal Oak Gym, who are so supportive of older lifters

Thank you, thank you very much

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

One really needs to appreciate one’s enemies, 

since they are only too happy to tell you of your flaws.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

I think a lot of young women need to pay attention to The Shirelles

I Met Him on A Sunday

By The Shirelles 

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Don’t you wish finding the meaning of life was this easy.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could respect the opinions of those who have opinions different from our own, without thinking and saying they are stupid, evil, mean-spirited and worse.

And if you can’t do that, perhaps you should reflect on the saying that when we describe others, we often are actually describing ourselves.

After all, we are all in the same boat.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I have never got the hang of visualization, although I believe it does help.  I’ve read almost half of this book and I am really impressed.  If you are struggling with visualization, you may want to check out this book.

Creative Visualization

by Shakti Gawain

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I’ve watched all of Seasons 4, 5 and 6 of this excellent mystery series.  If you like mysteries, these are good and well done.

Miss Marple is a British television series based on the Miss Marple murder mystery novels by Agatha Christie. It aired from 26 December 1984 to 27 December 1992. All 12 original Miss Marple Christie novels were dramatized.

Agatha Christie Miss Marple TV Series

Jane Marple, usually referred to as Miss Marple, is a fictional character appearing in 12 of Agatha Christie’s crime novels and in 20 short stories. Miss Marple is an elderly spinster who lives in the village of St. Mary Mead and acts as an amateur consulting detective. Alongside Hercule Poirot, she is one of the most loved and famous of Christie’s characters and has been portrayed numerous times on-screen.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

No one announces the arrival of Santa Claus better than Elvis.

Here Comes Santa Claus

By Elvis

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Which type of person are you?

I got this  50%  (7 votes) 

In-between the two options  35.71%  (5 votes) 

OMG, I need to fill up  14.29%  (2 votes) 

Total Votes: 14

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Which do you prefer?

  

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Snow Art

It is surprising the things you can make out of snow.

Especially, if you are creative.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Gaius Marius

Elected as a consul 7 times beginning in 107 B.C. His military success and legacy had a profound impact on the life of his nephew…………… Julius Caesar.

Gaius Marius (157 BC – January 13, 86 BC) was a Roman general and statesman. He held the office of consul an unprecedented seven times during his career.

He was also noted for his important reforms of Roman armies, authorizing recruitment of landless citizens, and reorganizing the structure of the legions into separate cohorts (Cohort being roughly 500 men and 10 cohorts made up a Roman legion of 5,000 men or the equivalent of a modern military battalion).

Marius defeated the invading Germanic tribes (the Teutones, Ambrones, and the Cimbri), for which he was called “the third founder of Rome.” His life and career were significant in Rome’s transformation from Republic to Empire.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Bonnie, Kathie, Lashini & Darlene, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Annette, Carol, Danielle, Darlene, Diane, Donna, Jill, Julietta, Sheryll, Shirley & Susan, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Achayo, Aixa, Be Blogger, Bojana, Bonnie, Every Day Life Girl, Kitty, Lashini, Lass X, Lucy, Lulu, Medi, Mito-Rodriquez, Moira, Mollie, Rosa, Sands of Time, SW08 & Uncertainty, started following my blog and to Danielle, Haven & Janet, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

12/04/17 – City of Rochester Christmas Lights Display

Wm. Allen11 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Many cities have impressive Christmas light displays. The City of Rochester, a suburb of Detroit, has one of the most impressive Christmas light displays I have ever seen.  

Visiting the Christmas light displays of cities near you is another  way to get into the Christmas Spirit.

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Saturday, December 9 Powerlifting Contest

in Royal Oak, MI, USA

If you live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just south of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

Phone Number: 248-543-7100
Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  
I’m not sure if this was my winning age/weight/type of lift at the AWPC World Competition outside of Chicago in September 2017, but it  was one of my three lifts that day.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

I’m just saying.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Often, this is so true.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway
If you are kind, people may accuse you of being selfish, with ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway
If you are successful, you may win false friends and trust enemies.
Succeed anyway
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank, anyway
If you spend years building, they may destroy it overnight.
Build anyway
If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway
If you do them good today, they may forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway
You see in the final analysis it’s between you and Divinity.
It never was between you and them…anyway.

Mother Theresa

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I found this to be an interesting and very easy to read book.  And although much unfairness is described in the book, nobility can also be found here and there, as when Chief He Dog describes four rules to being a chief:

  • Be brave and out-spoken
  • Ambitious
  • Honest at all times
  • Kind to all creatures

If if you aren’t planning on being a chief, those are still some pretty good rules to live by.

The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse

In the year after the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Crazy Horse and his half-starved followers finally surrendered to the U.S. Army near Camp Robinson, Nebraska.

In this book the killing of Crazy Horse is viewed from three widely different perspectives—that of Chief He Dog, the victim’s friend and lifelong companion; that of William Garnett, who was guide and interpreter for Lieutenant William P. Clark, on special assignment to General Crook; and that of Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy, the medical officer who attended Crazy Horse in his last hours.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

If you like mysteries and don’t mind going back a few years, you will probably enjoy this film.

Death on the Nile (1978)

Peter Ustinov plays the intrepid Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot in this star-studded  adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery tale.

On a trip down the Nile, a hateful and arrogant heiress is murdered and any one of a boatload of celebrity suspects, all with motive and something to hide, may have committed the deed.

Amongst the suspects are Angela Lansbury as a ditzy romance novelist; Bette Davis as a snobbish socialite with Maggie Smith in tow as her embittered friend; Jack Warden as a comic Swiss doctor with a music hall accent; and Jon Finch as a rabid Marxist. Also on hand to help out is David Niven as Poirot’s pal, Colonel Race. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

This 1967 songs brings back memories for me.  I was 20/21 and had just returned from U.S. Army tours in Iran and Vietnam.  I had left some unfamiliar worlds to return to the USA, which was now also unfamiliar to me.

59th Street Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy) 1967

By Harpers Bizarre

But perhaps you would prefer something a bit more current.  You really should see the next video all the way to its end, there is a surprise waiting for you.

Don’t Take The Money (2017)

by the Bleachers

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How accurate is this photo of the Corporate world?

How accurate is the above photo of the Corporate World?
Surprisingly accurate  70.59%  (12 votes)
 
Some what accurate  17.65%  (3 votes)
 
Not at all accurate  11.76%  (2 votes) 
Total Votes: 17

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Which type of person are you?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

René Magritte is my favorite painter and I have actually seen most of his works.  If you are ever in Chicago, stop in and see Time Transfixed.

Time Transfixed

By René Magritte

Time Transfixed (La Durée poignardée) is an oil on canvas painting by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte. It is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and is usually on display in the museum’s new Modern Wing (Source: Wikipedia)

I understand his The False Mirror was the basis for the CBS logo

And next time you put on a pair of boots, think about his The Red Model

And here is one for weight lifters like myself, but I’m not sure his Perpetual Motion is very flattering to us.

And his Heart Strings is one of my favorites

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

I think this guy is extraordinary

Defecting North Korean Soldier

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Barbara, Bernice & Nanette, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carmen, Carol, CJ, Darlene, Dani, Dave, Donna, Ellen, Fabiana, Jenny, Lori, Posie, Shirley & Susan, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Kally, Kriti, Rupple & Shardae, started following my blog and to Melissa & Michelle, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

11/27/17 – Christmas Spirit

Wm. Allen8 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

I guess this is one way to get into the Christmas Spirit.

But another way is to go see a live performance of A Christmas Carol.

That is what we did with some close friends and it was a wonderful experience.

Perhaps, you may want to start a Christmas tradition by getting a group of your friends to go see this play.

If you are fortunate to live near a zoo that puts on a Christmas light show, that would be another possible Christmas tradition.

We live near The Detroit Zoo, that has a fantastic Christmas light show and it is always more fun to go with friends.  I’m so glad that Dean & Linda could join us this year.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

There is a tendency at this time of the year to drink and drive because of the many Christmas and New Years Eve parties.  If you drink, please consider a cab, Uber, Lift or some other way of getting around without getting behind the wheel.

On a lighter note, I thought you might enjoy the following.

Saturday, December 9 Powerlifting Contest

in Royal Oak, MI, USA

If you live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  I think you will be surprised, if you haven’t seen one of these contests or haven’t seen one in a long time.  

Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  I am going to try to break two national age/weight/type of lift records myself.

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just north of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

Phone Number: 248-543-7100

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

Here is a tip many of us could use to better get along with others.

“Arguments are Respectful”

by Candace N. Bisram & Jiji Tharayil

Two different individuals [ ] are bound to have differences once a while. However, these differences are discussed with maturity and understanding. Respect for each other is maintained during a disagreement, and the focus is often on finding common ground or reaching a solution, rather than playing the blame game or fighting to win.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is important that you stay up on the latest scientific discoveries.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

If you want a more peaceful life, please keep this in mind.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

What better time is there to read or re-read this classic.

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I decided to give this film a try and really enjoyed it.  Here is a brief clip to see if you might also get a kick out of this film.

Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (2014)

 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

There is so much disharmony in the world and especially in the USA,

wouldn’t it be nice if everyone just stopped fighting.

Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)

By The Ramones

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Which of the following do you think is the best chocolate bar?

Hershey’s  31.25%  (5 votes) 

Snickers  18.75%  (3 votes) 

Mounds  12.5%  (2 votes) 

Reese’s  6.25%  (1 votes) 

Almond Joy  6.25%  (1 votes) 

3 Musketeers  6.25%  (1 votes) 

Kit Kat  6.25%  (1 votes) 

Mr. Goodbar  6.25%  (1 votes) 

Heath  6.25%  (1 votes) 

Baby Ruth  0%  (0 votes) 

Total Votes: 16

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How accurate is this photo of the Corporate world?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Christmas Trees at Navy Pier in Chicago

I have been to Navy Pier in Chicago during Christmas many times  and it is always a thrill to see the Christmas Trees and Santa Clauses from various lands on display at Navy Pier.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Santa Claus

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved (“good” or “nice”) children.  Below is a photo of Santa doing that.

The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop and gift-giver, the British figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas ( also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule.

Santa Claus is generally depicted as a portly, joyous, white-bearded man—sometimes with spectacles—wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots and who carries a bag full of gifts for children. This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

A gift giving tip

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Bernice, Judith, Kathie, Michael, Nanette, Roijoyeux, Samantha & Turning 20 for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Alice, Carmen, Carol, Carole, Darlene, Deborah, Debra, Julietta & Maxime, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Barbara, Christianna, Dhanya, Egyptian, Judy, Julie, Shadow, Shannon & Sree, started following my blog and to Alison, Cora, Elise, Katie, Lidia, Monika, Pallav, Pamela & Sherryl for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

11/20/17 – Happy Thanksgiving

Wm. Allen18 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Keep Your Thanksgiving Happy By Avoiding This Receipt for Disaster

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Chapter One of my book, discusses diet and the importance of eating healthy.  As we near Thanksgiving, we should be thankful for the people who prepare our meals for us.  And especially, those who prepare things from scratch.  It is a lot of work to prepare something from scratch and few understand this as much as Carl Sagan.

“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch,

you must first invent the Universe.”

Source: Carl Sagan

Saturday, December 9 Powerlifting Contest

in Royal Oak, MI, USA

If you live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  I think you will be surprised, if you haven’t seen one of these contests or haven’t seen one in a long time.  

Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  I am going to try to break two national age/weight/type of lift records myself.

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just north of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

  • Federation: APF/AAPF
  • Date: December 9, 2017
  • Location: Royal Oak, MI
  • Events: Deadlift Only, Bench Only, Push-Pull
  • Divisions: Raw, Equipped Single-ply and Multiply
  • Records: State and National records may be set
  • Meet Director: Art Little

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

“Apologize”

by Andrea Guerra

In Chapter 22 of my book, I use a quote from Benjamin Franklin.

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse”

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

You can’t be sure of something, until you understand its context.

Source: Time, November 6, 2017

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

A warning from Albert Einstein about

the pursuit of success & constant restlessness.

Source: Time, November 6, 2017

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

If you are a Star Trek fan, like I am, I think you will love this autobiography, written in future tense.

The Autobiography of

Jean-Luc Picard

The Autobiography of Jean-Luc Picard tells the story of one of the most celebrated names in Starfleet history. His extraordinary life and career makes for dramatic reading: court-martial, unrequited love, his capture and torture at the hand of the Cardassians, his assimilation with the Borg and countless other encounters as captain of the celebrated Starship Enterprise. (Source: Inside Cover)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Wild Target (2010)

The critics didn’t like it, but how can one not like a movie with Bill Nighy, Rupert Everett and Emily Blunt.  

A hitman tries to retire but a beautiful thief may change his plans. (Source: IMDB)

Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Just saw this at the theater and I thought it was well worth watching and everyone did a great job, but with that said I still miss David Suchet, who played Poirot back in 2011.  If you have seen this current movie, please comment and let us know what you think.

Critics Consensus: Stylish production and an all-star ensemble keep this Murder on the Orient Express from running off the rails, even if it never quite builds up to its classic predecessor’s illustrious head of steam. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

After seeing the 2017 version, I later streamed the 1974 version.  Both the 1974 and the 2017 versions have much to be said for them, but I still thought David Suchet, was the best Poirot.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You (2011)

I liked this film, plus Lucy Liu and Aubrey Plaza appear in supporting roles, which just added to the film.  Aubrey’s character was a real trip.

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You is a heart warming, funny and passionate portrait of a confused New York teenager.  (Source: Film’s Official site)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

What A Wonderful World

By Louis Armstrong

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What is your opinion of the quote below?

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.

You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.

Source: Bob Marley

Agree  58.82%  (10 votes) 

Don’t agree  41.18%  (7 votes) 

Total Votes: 17

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Which of the following do you think is the best chocolate bar?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Cuzco & Machu Picchu

I thought you might enjoy these photos Carol took during our visit to Machu Picchu.

Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire.  We got up around 4:30 a.m. and took a 2-hour bus ride to a train station.  From there, we took a 2-hour train ride to Machu Picchu city.  From there, we took a half-hour bus ride to get to where we began our climb up and then down into the valley to experience Machu Picchu.  It rained almost the entire time, but was well worth it.  

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Worf, Son of Mogh

Worf, son of Mogh, of the House of Martok, (2340 – ), was one of the single most influential people in Klingon and Federation politics of the late 24th century.

Worf was directly responsible for the ascension of two Chancellors of the Klingon Empire, Gowron in 2367, and Martok in 2375. Worf was also responsible for the installation of Emperor Kahless in 2369.

The first Klingon in Starfleet, Worf served notable tours of duty aboard the USS Enterprise-D, the USS Defiant, IKS Rotarran, and Starbase Deep Space 9 before being appointed Federation Ambassador to the Klingon Empire in 2375. In 2379, Worf resigned from his ambassadorial post and returned to Starfleet, serving on the USS Enterprise-E. (Source: Fandom)

Worf Speak for Himself

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

Here is a handy guide to what explorers hope to find.

Source: Time, November 20, 2017

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Sheryll & Sofia for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carmen, Carol, Gayle, Jennie, Kevin, Patty, Marian, Michael, Shawn, Shirley & Susan  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Dave, Katie, Luis, Maria, Matiuadex, Samantha & Sujata, started following my blog and to Bonnie, Faithful, KayLyn, Kimber, K.L, Pallav, Sabrina & Shannon for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

11/13/17 – It’s Not Christmas Yet!

Wm. Allen8 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

This may come as a newsflash, especially to retailers.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

If you have never seen a powerlifting contest and live in the Michigan tri-county area, here is an opportunity to see male and female bench and deadlifters of all ages.  I think you will be surprised, if you haven’t seen one of these contests or haven’t seen one in a long time.  

Plus, I believe you will see some national records broken.  I hope to break two national age/weight/type of lift records myself.

1600 N. Stephenson Hwy. (Just north of 12 Mile Rd.)

Royal Oak, MI 48067

  • Federation: APF/AAPF
  • Date: December 9, 2017
  • Location: Royal Oak, MI
  • Events: Deadlift Only, Bench Only, Push-Pull
  • Divisions: Raw, Equipped Single-ply and Multiply
  • Records: State and National records may be set
  • Meet Director: Art Little

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

I realize a lot of women have given up on guys because a lot of guys are jerks.

I urge you ladies to please don’t give up on love, Annie Oakley didn’t.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.

Source: Confucius

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

There is a lot of information packed in this little and easy to read book, with lots of drawings.  Since returning from Perú, I’ve developed an interest in visiting this island that is 2,350 west of Chile.  Not sure I will get there, but one never knows.

Where Is Easter Island?

By Megan Stine

Easter Island, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean thousands of miles from anywhere, has intrigued visitors since Europeans first arrived in the 1700s.

How did people first come to live there? How did they build the enormous statues and why? How were they placed around the island without carts or even wheels? Scientists have learned many of the answers, although some things still remain a mystery. Megan Stine reveals it all in a gripping narrative.

This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Playing It Cool (2015)

The critics didn’t like it, but I did.  

Plus, Aubrey Plaza was briefly in a number of scenes.

Netflix Description: Under pressure to produce a romantic comedy rather than action tales, a young screenwriter is hindered by his disdain for the very concept of love–until he meets a beautiful woman who’s engaged and unavailable.

Critics Consensus: Playing It Cool pits Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan’s easy chemistry against a screenplay that tries too hard to be quirky and clever, and the results are disappointingly lukewarm. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

There is a great story behind this video.  

My bowling buddy John has a brother-in-law in Tennessee that has a hot dog stand.  He always calls out $2 dollar hot dog, $1 dollar water.  As he was doing this one day, someone started playing along on a makeshift drum.  Well it caught on and Sony  bought the rights to it.  And this is what came out of it.

$2 Dollar Hot Dog $1 Dollar Water

LAST WEEK’S POLL – America’s Immigration Policy?

What do you think of America’s Immigration Policy?
Too easy.  75%  (9 votes) 
Just right  16.67%  (2 votes) 
Too hard  8.33%  (1 votes) 

 Total Votes: 12

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What is your opinion of the quote below?

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.

You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.

Source: Bob Marley

 

It would be great to hear your comments about why you agree or don’t agree with the Bob Marley quote.  Please consider a public comment.

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard was born to Maurice and Yvette Picard in La Barre, France, on 13 July 2305.

The young Picard failed his first Starfleet Academy entrance exam, and, upon admission, met with numerous ethical/scholastic difficulties during his cadet career, but went on to flourish, developing a lifelong passion for archaeology, and he became the first freshman to win the Academy marathon. [Just shows one should never give up on a dream]

Deeply moral, highly logical, and intelligent, Picard is a master of diplomacy and debate who resolves seemingly intractable issues between multiple, sometimes implacable parties with a Solomon-like wisdom. Though such resolutions are usually peaceful, Picard is also shown using his remarkable tactical cunning in situations when it is required.

Picard has a fondness for detective stories, Shakespearean drama, and archeology. He is frequently shown drinking Earl Grey tea and issuing the order, “Make it so”.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I may have mentioned that I was recently in Michigan’s Upper Peninsular otherwise known as our U.P.

While driving there, I took a quick photo of one of the road signs I passed.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Darlene & Georgia for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Peggy, Sheryll  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Anita, Based Indian, Brit, Healthy Lifestyle, Julie, KP Gym, Mintly, Ortensia, Poet Speaks, Pratibha, Rachael, Samantha, Severus, Shaheryar, Shana, Strong Lotus Yogi, Swati, Tia, Tink The Belle & Tiffany, started following my blog and to Arlene, Arron, Carrie, Cheri, Clare, Crystal, Gayle, Jennifer, Kathleen, Lua, Marian, Mary, Theresa, Tomasz, Trina, Tuanya & Virginia for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692

11/06/17 – NYC

Wm. Allen7 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

By now you should all know at NYC was subject to another terrorist attack.  

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed terrorism charges against bike path attack suspect Sayfullo Saipov, who is accused of killing eight people and injuring a dozen more when he drove his car along a bike path in lower Manhattan Tuesday. (Source: CBSN)

The suspect was identified as Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, 29, a Uzbekistan native who came to the US legally in 2010, authorities said. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Wednesday afternoon “that the individual identified in the New York City terror attack was admitted to the U.S. upon presentation of a passport with a valid diversity immigrant visa.”

The Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the green card lottery, is a United States congressionally mandated lottery program for receiving a United States Permanent Resident Card. The Immigration Act of 1990 established the current and permanent Diversity Visa (DV) program.

The lottery is administered by the Department of State and conducted under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as amended by the Immigration Act of 1990. The lottery makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually and aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States, by selecting applicants from countries with low rates of immigration in the five years prior. (Source: Wikipedia)    

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Shalene Flanagan

First American woman to win the NYC Marathon in 40 years

   

An emotional and exuberant Shalane Flanagan came to the finish line of the New York City Marathon and enveloped herself in an American flag, the magnitude of what she had accomplished bringing her to tears and to her knees.

Flanagan became the first American woman since Miki Gorman won the second of her back-to-back NYC marathons in 1977 to win the race, finishing in an unofficial time of 2:26:53.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Don’t be a jerk.

Jerk Out

The Time

Unless you are Morris Day,

then its cool.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.

You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.

Source: Bob Marley

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

There are just so many people that are depressed, depended and just struggling.

Perhaps the advice The Silhouettes offer will not help all those people, but it sure will help many of them.

Get A Job

By The Silhouettes

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

If you like my weekly blog post, please share them with your friends.

I’m going to keep posting, but a larger audience would be nice.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Way of Life

Lao Tuz

Translated By R. B. Blakney

Below is a review I found on Amazon that pretty much sums up my view of this book.  I first read it in 1993 and every so often I go through what I highlighted.

81 short poems – that will change your life…
This is my favorite translation – very poetic
thought provoking
enjoyable short read
written in the 4th century BC
It nails it on the head…
The Tao Te Ching = The Way of Life
You can still get this book for `no money’ [Actually, $3.10 or no money]
even though its been out of print for 53 years!
Buy It………

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

I’ve seen this film several times and I always enjoy it.  I guess it is my kind of film (Science Fiction with a little romance), plus Emily Blunt is in it and for you ladies–Matt Damon.

The Adjustment Bureau is a 2011 American science fiction thriller film loosely based on the Philip K. Dick short story, “Adjustment Team”. The film stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.

The film tells the story of a young man who discovers that what appear to be chance events in his life are controlled by a technologically advanced intelligence network. After an event not planned by these controllers occurs – a romantic encounter with a young dancer – he struggles against their manipulation despite their promise of a great future for him.

The film premiered at the Ziegfeld Theatre on February 14, 2011, and received positive reviews from critics, who praised Damon’s performance and his chemistry with Blunt. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

This song is dedicated to a very good friend of mine who, shall we say, “Left the Party”.  However, if anyone could return, this would be the guy.

Along Came Jones

by Coasters

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What do you think of Black Cats?

When it comes to black cats,
I like black cats  85%  (17 votes)
 
I don’t like cats in general  15%  (3 votes)
 
they scare me.  0%  (0 votes)
 
 I like cats; but not black ones  0%  (0 votes) 
Total Votes: 20

THIS WEEK’S POLL – America’s Immigration Policy?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

As I have mentioned, anything can be art.

Here is a “Black Cat” sculpture in soap.  

Only problem, is that it is too cool to actually use.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American writer, editor, and literary critic. Poe is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre.

He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism in the United States and American literature as a whole, and he was one of the country’s earliest practitioners of the short story.

Poe is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre and is further credited with contributing to the emerging genre of science fiction. He was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I had a Halloween joke left over and did not want to wait until next year to post it.

If you have a GPS, you will probably appreciate this joke

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Darlene, Georgia & Nanette, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Carol, Carole, Darlene &Deborah, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Kristina, Laura, Pajahma, Ritu, The Heart Broken Writer, Weedjee & Yoly, started following my blog and to Agniezka, Amandeep, Dara, Debra, DéMarcus, Gudrun, Pat, Patrizia, Serena & Sunny, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

My Final Cover

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

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-tired-of-being-ordinary-are-you-wm-allen/1120528064?ean=9780990388692