CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

What Makes Your Day?

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

I know December 9th is a long ways off, but I thought I would mention it now; plus I just entered this contest so it was on my mind.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

The only way you can live your dreams is to take action.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Older Testament: An Origin Story

Source: Esquire, October 2017

I found this story interesting and I hope you do too.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

You absolutely have to watch this video

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Born to Fly

by Sara Evans

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Which button would you press?

27% – Lose weight

21% – More money

 13% – Sleep better

13% – More energy

 13% – Less body fat

 13% – More muscle

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Renaissance artist or coffee?

Source: Time, Sept. 25, 2017

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Ships can also be works of arts, and perhaps none more so than the old wooden ships of yesterday.  I was in Boston in 1994 and had a chance to go on the USS Constitution.  Below is a photo I took before going on the ship.

USS Constitution

USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy, named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America. She is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

What I liked best about George Washington is that he is also known as the man who did not want to be king.  In fact, he did not want a second term as President, but Adams and Jefferson argued him into accepting a second term as President.

Napoleon, who came after Washington, made himself Emperor.  In that context, you see how extraordinary was George Washington.

George Washington

George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was [ ] the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797 and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and later presided over the 1787 convention that drafted the United States Constitution. He is popularly considered the driving force behind the nation’s establishment and came to be known as the “father of the country,” both during his lifetime and to this day. 

(Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Judith, René, Spirtual Journey, Sue & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Cynthia, Donna, Sandra, Sheryll, Shirley  & Tammy, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Ashley, Cátia, Donna, Kruti, Pamela, Rough Bandit,  Tanveer & Tonia, who started following my blog and to Amy, Christine, Irina, Sandy & Sarah, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

AWPC World Championships

Folks, last week I mentioned I was going to be competing in the AWPC World Championships.  In case you are wondering how I did; I am the AWPC Raw Deadlift world champion for my age and weight.

And if you are wondering what is a deadlift, here is a clip of my second lift of the day–325 lbs.  The video looks like it is sideways, but if you click on it; it will straighten out.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

It is important to express gratitude to those that help you out along the way.  The three most important people that helped me along in my powerlifting journey are:

Freddy

Walter

Art

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is important to always at least look over the instructions.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

T

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I recall reading this book long ago (before calendar year 1984), after reading the books 1984 and Brave New World. I really have to read it again.

We

by Yevgeny Zamyatin

We is a dystopian novel by Russian writer Yevgeny Zamyatin, completed in 1921.

Dystopian society

The dystopian society depicted in We is presided over by the Benefactor and is surrounded by a giant Green Wall to separate the citizens from primitive untamed nature. All citizens are known as “numbers”. Every hour in one’s life is directed by “The Table”.

The action of We is set at some time after the Two Hundred Years’ War, which has wiped out all but “0.2 of the earth’s population”. The war was over a rare substance only mentioned in the book through a biblical metaphor; the substance was called “bread”. The war only ended after the use of weapons of mass destruction, so that the One State is surrounded with a post-apocalyptic landscape.

Allusions and references

Many of the names and numbers in We are allusions to personal experiences of Zamyatin or to culture and literature. For example, “Auditorium 112” refers to cell number 112, where Zamyatin was twice imprisoned, … (Source: Wikipedia)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

This film was action, more action and more action.  I understand there was a storyline somewhere in this film, but I must have blinked and missed it.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard

Critics Consensus: The Hitman’s Bodyguard coasts on Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds’ banter — but doesn’t get enough mileage to power past an overabundance of action-comedy clichés. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Rocky III – Eye of the Tiger

by Survivor

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What do you think of gray hair?

32% – Better than no hair.

32% – Other

 16% – Wise

10% – Strong

 5% – Sexy

 5% – Wealthy

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Which button would you press?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

I’ve noticed as I travel around I see more and more unusual art in airports.

Here is something I came across at the Phoenix Airport a few years ago. It looks to me like a family enjoying a day swimming in sand.  I’m sorry now that I did not read up on it.

Airport Art

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

I remember these ads in the comic books I was reading when I was young, do you?

Charles Atlas

Charles Atlas (born Angelo Siciliano; October 30, 1892 – December 24, 1972) was an Italian-American bodybuilder best remembered as the developer of a bodybuilding method and its associated exercise program which spawned a landmark advertising campaign featuring his name and likeness; it has been described as one of the longest-lasting and most memorable ad campaigns of all time.

Atlas trained himself to develop his body from that of a “scrawny weakling”, eventually becoming the most popular bodybuilder of his day.

He took the name “Charles Atlas” after a friend told him that he resembled the statue of Atlas on top of a hotel in Coney Island and legally changed his name in 1922.

He marketed his first bodybuilding course with health and fitness writer Dr. Frederick Tilney in November 1922. Tilney wrote the original course “Health & Strength by Charles Atlas” and the duo ran the company out of Tilney’s home for the first six months.

In 1929, Tilney sold his half of the business to advertising man Charles P. Roman. Charles Atlas Ltd. was founded in 1929 and, as of 2015, continues to market a fitness program for the “97-pound weakling”. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Darlene, Georgia, Kathy, Monica, Réne & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Anni, Carmen, Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Darlene, Donna, Hussein, MaryAnn, Sheryll, Shirley, Willie & Yuiana, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Barbara, Festival Reviews, Jungkesun, Liz, Monica, Reethu, Roos, Soiba & Zensational, who started following my blog and to Kendell, Lizrette, Melina & Therese, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Labor Day Weekend

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

There are a lot of people out there (gurus, financial advisors, various kinds of coaches, etc.) willing to give you advice for a fee.  Be cautious by checking their background and look for demonstrated successes, especially success in their own lives.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

This is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder

by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Douglas Kent Hall

I understand, if you aren’t into fitness; you probably aren’t interested in this book.

There is more to this book than just fitness. Here is a sentence from this book, “The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I saw this film last week and I adore Aubrey Plaza.  She not only starred in this film, but was also one of the producers.  As for my opinion of the film, well it is a good thing I adore Aubrey Plaza.

Ingrid Goes West

Critics Consensus: Led by strong performances from Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen, Ingrid Goes West delivers smart, topical humor underlined by timely social observations. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Rocky Theme Song – Gonna Fly Now

by Bill Conti

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Are you a better person?

Have you become a better person since the beginning of this year?

37% – Yes

25% – No, I like how I am now

 19% – No, I was already a fantastic person

19% – Tried, but failed

In the remaining four months of 2017, I am going to

72% – Become a better person

22% – Stay the same

 6% – Become a worse person

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What do you think of gray hair?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Here I am at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, standing by one of de Chirico’s paintings

Plaza d’Italia

by Giorgio de Chirico

Giorgio de Chirico (10 July 1888 – 20 November 1978) was an Italian artist and writer. In the years before World War I, he founded the scuola metafisica art movement, which profoundly influenced the surrealists.

De Chirico won praise for his work almost immediately from the writer Guillaume Apollinaire, who helped to introduce his work to the later Surrealists. De Chirico strongly influenced the Surrealist movement: Yves Tanguy wrote how one day in 1922 he saw one of de Chirico’s paintings in an art dealer’s window, and was so impressed by it he resolved on the spot to become an artist—although he had never even held a brush. Other Surrealists who acknowledged de Chirico’s influence include Max Ernst, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte. (Source: Wikipedia)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Franco Columbu

Francesco Columbu (born August 7, 1941) is an Italian actor, author, former champion bodybuilder and World’s Strongest Man competitor.

Columbu started his athletic career as a boxer, Columbu progressed into Olympic Weightlifting, powerlifting, and later bodybuilding, winning the title of Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981. At 5’4″, though shorter than most of his competitors, his height did not prevent him from achieving widespread success.

Columbu is a longtime friend of Schwarzenegger, whom he met in Stuttgart in 1965 and against whom he competed in several international-level bodybuilding competitions. For the Mr. Olympia competitions however, he competed in the under-200 lb (90.7 kg) category, whereas Schwarzenegger was in the over-200 lb category. The IFBB has since abandoned weight classes.

Arnold and Franco were inseparable friends and training partners during the late 60s to mid-1970s. Columbu served as Schwarzenegger’s best man at his wedding to Maria Shriver in 1986. Columbu and Schwarzenegger had been encouraged to come to America by bodybuilding guru Joe Weider in 1969; Weider sponsored them with an $80/week stipend. They arrived in America and began a bricklaying and patio business called European Brick Works in 1969. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Crystal, Darlene, Quirky Girl, Samantha & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Darlene, Donna & Melissa, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Eugenia, Hussein, Jac, Jim, Lindsay, Lost Soul, Madhulika, MC Clark, Moushmi, Mrs. Master Mind, Mystic Writer, Pradita, Sanoberkhan & Twiiti, who started following my blog and to Isabella, Mariana & Stacy, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

August 23, 2017 Powerball Drawing

I don’t gamble, unless you consider the stock market a form of gambling, but I simply had to buy a $2 ticket for this drawing.  I knew it was a long shot.

The second largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history was won Wednesday night, when a winning ticket for the $758 million jackpot was sold in Massachusetts. A single winning ticket was sold for the jackpot.

Thanks to such a large jackpot, lottery fever captured the country this week and it paid off for some folks as $1 million winners were sold in 22 states. (Source: MLive)

Please don’t ask for loans or offer investment opportunities, I didn’t win.  When someone says it is a long shot, it is.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

I think it is amazing the different types of people you can meet online that you would probably never even come into contact with otherwise.  I now have over 3,500 Facebook friends and many of the ideas and graphics I post in this blog come from that group of Facebook friends.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

The scientific community and general public were excited about the solar eclipse last week.

I do hope everyone viewed the eclipse safely.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Most Dangerous Man in America

by Catherine Drinker Bowen

For some of you, this book may not have been about who you thought it was going to be about.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

A Million Ways to Die in the West

As a cowardly farmer begins to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, he must put his new-found courage to the test when her husband, a notorious gun-slinger, announces his arrival. (Source: IMDB)

I thought the movie was a bit stupid, but fun.  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think?

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Where Do You Go To My Lovely

by Peter Sarstedt

In case you are wondering, the fellow below is not Peter Sarstedt, or is he?

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How Did The Barcelona Terrorist Attack Make You Feel?

  

69% – Angry

 25% – Sad

  6% – Afraid

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Are You a Better Person?

We are wrapping up two-thirds of 2017, with four months remaining.  

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

You ever have that feeling that a cloud was hanging over your head?

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has a fantastic exhibit going on.  It is titled “Revolution” and has been seen my over 90,000 visitors, including yours truly.

***

To say the late 1960s altered how we see and think about the world is something of an understatement, as a new exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts makes graphically clear.

Movements led by predominantly young activists for peace, black civil rights, women’s rights, gay rights and environmental rights turned people power into a political force for equality, freedom and justice.

Originally curated by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the 700-piece, multimedia exhibit explores the interplay between music, fashion, photography, film, art, design and literature alongside the social upheaval of the years spanning 1966 to 1970. (Source: CBC News)

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Although many of her films in my opinion were terrible, she was still the number one star.  I understand she was in so many bad films because her criteria for deciding what films to be in was whether her friends were involved in the film.  And that trait is why I think she is so extraordinary, plus she loves animals and in later years married a vet–how cool is that. 

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot (born 28 September 1934) is a French actress, singer, dancer and fashion model, who later became an animal rights activist. She was one of the best known sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s and was widely referred to by her initials, B.B. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

If I were more controversial, would I hear from more than one person?   

Thank you Georgia, for commenting on last week’s post. I just want to say:

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you Bear Mountain Yoga, Cindi, Cindy, Cynthia, Darlene, Desiree, Donna, Eva-Lisa, Evelyn, Josie, Sheryll, Shirley & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Adedeji, Allan, Cornelius, Daisymae, Elizabeth, Image Earth Travel, Indishe, Jenna, Kip, Lemanshots, Mandy, Maxim, Oh Sweet Chaos, Rambles & Rosé, Sheryl, Shinning Gem, Super Wife and Mummy, Swati, Tanya, Vinnieh y Yashika who started following my blog and to Ann, Chris, Nabila & Pat, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

August 17, 2017 Barcelona Terrorist Attack

This is so absolutely wrong and shame on all the people who knew about these plans and didn’t tell the authorities.  Barcelona is one of the world’s truly great cosmopolitan cities and Spain is extremely respectful of its Muslin heritage.

We have been to Spain and twice to Barcelona, even staying on La Rambia. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona may be the most emotionally stirring structure ever created by humans.  

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Looking for a good doctor, here are a few good ones.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Here is some useful career advice.  

Remember, your life doesn’t start when you leave work

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Scrappy Little Nobody

by Anna Kendrick

I’ve only read about half to this book so far, but it is a delight to read.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

If you enjoy clever detective stories and a rather unusual detective, you really have to check out this series.

Agatha Christie’s Poirot

From England to Egypt, accompanied by his elegant and trustworthy sidekicks, the intelligent yet eccentrically refined Belgian detective Hercule Poirot pits his wits against a collection of first class deceptions. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Weapon Of Choice

by Fatboy Slim

You just have to check out Christopher Walken in this video.

He is always cool, but perhaps more so in this video.

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you believe Elvis is alive?

88% – No

  6% – Yes

  6% – Don’t care

 0% – Don’t know

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How Did The Barcelona Terrorist Attack Make You Feel?

  

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Outside

Inside

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Isabella I

Isabella I (22 April 1451 – 26 November 1504) was Queen of Castile. She was married to Ferdinand II of Aragon. Their marriage became the basis for the political unification of Spain under their grandson, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

After a struggle to claim her right to the throne, she reorganized the governmental system, brought the crime rate to the lowest it had been in years, and unburdened the kingdom of the enormous debt her brother had left behind. Her reforms and those she made with her husband had an influence that extended well beyond the borders of their united kingdoms.

Isabella and Ferdinand are known for completing the Reconquista, ordering conversion or exile of their Muslim and Jewish subjects in the Spanish Inquisition, and for supporting and financing Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage and to the establishment of Spain as the first global power which dominated Europe and much of the world for more than a century.

Isabella was granted the title Servant of God by the Catholic Church in 1974.

(Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

To Georgia, Judith, Kate & Quirky Girl,  for commenting on last week’s post. I just want to say:

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And thank youJulietta, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And finally My thanks to Animalista Untamed, Carolanne, Festival for Romance, Janie, Kendall, Lacey, Marina, Mark, Resa, Smitha, Student Feedback Festival & Suraj, who started following my blog and to Justine, Laura & Sarah, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

This was the news on August 16, 1977.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

No matter who you are, you really need to give some thought to your eating habits.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Elvis didn’t give up and neither should you.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

It is important to say thank you.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

I recall attending a conference and hearing Tom Peters say something close to most everyone recognizes a good idea.  The problem with a great idea, is that it is hard to tell if from  a crazy idea.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Adversity is sometimes hard upon a [person];

but for one [person] who can stand prosperity,

there are a hundred that will stand adversity.

Source: Elvis Presley

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Tao of Elvis

by David Rosen

Elvis Presley was an intensely spiritual man. Gospel was his music of choice, and his life–from innocence to addiction, from obscurity to fame, from “Hound Dog” to “Love Me Tender”–was one long quest to balance opposites.

The Tao of Elvis is the first attempt to illustrate Elvis’s Taoist nature and interpret his never-ending search for purpose and meaning. Highlighting Elvis’s journey from light into dark, Jungian expert and Elvis scholar David Rosen explores and examines his life through the structure of the Tao Te Ching.

In reflections on forty-two Taoist concepts–one for each year of Elvis’s life–Rosen reveals how the Tao, a mysterious force, was and is operating through America’s king. Like the Tao, Elvis is everywhere. (Source: Barnes & Noble description)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Elvis and JFK, both alive and in a nursing home, fight for the souls of their fellow residents as they battle an ancient Egyptian Mummy. (Source: IMDB)

After the above, how can you not want to watch this film?

Bubba Ho-Tep

Critics Consensus: The best movie to star both the King and JFK. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Which version of the “Locomotion” did you like best?

45% – Little Eva

33% – Japanese

 22% – Australian by Kylie Minogue

 0% – French by Sylvie Vartan

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Is Elvis Alive or Dead?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

When the King Met the President

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

To Darlene, Georgia, René & Samantha,  for commenting on last week’s post. I just want to say:

BLOG & FACEBOOK

And to Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Darlene, Don, Donna & Sheryll, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And finally My thanks to Artist by Beauty, Black Bean Queen, Invisibly Me, Mary Lou, Matthew, Simmi & Trip Ambitions, who started following my blog and to Kim, Lynne,  Lisa, Melanie & Micheline, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

If you would rather watch music videos than watch the news, 

you have come to the right site.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

One of the best exercises and one that anyone can do, is walking.

So why not take a stroll?

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Ultimately, you are responsible for your own destiny.

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

Looking for a gift for someone, why not this.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It is so important to get a good education, but there are a lot of educational opportunities available and Arron Tippin suggests one of the best educational opportunities.

Working Man’s Ph.D.

By Arron Tippin

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Ladies, be careful with these really romantic guys.  

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Folks, the book I recommended this week came out in 2002 and there has been so many changes in what we know about food that although some of the info in the recommend book is good, there are simply too many things in the book that I cannot support.  So I have deleted my recommended book for this week and apologize for my choice of books this week.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I think this film is not only entertaining, but has an important message.

McFarland, USA

Jim White, a football coach, loses his job and moves with his family to take a new job at McFarland High School in McFarland, California, which is predominantly Latino. Discovering that some of his students are strong runners, he organizes a boys’ cross country team with seven members who have little hope for their future. They become a close-knit, mutually supportive unit. Under White’s guidance the team becomes outstandingly successful, winning 11 state titles over the years, with many members escaping poverty and being first in their families to go to college or into military careers. Some members continue to attend practice even after graduation from college. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

French is one of the most beautiful languages

Le Locomotion (1962)

by Sylvie Vartan

I have to give this Japanese artist an A+ for effort

The Locomotion

By a Japanese Singer

Kylie Minogue, from Australia, does a very nice job with the song.

The Locomotion (1988)

By Kylie Minogue

But no one does it for me like Little Eva.

The Locomotion (1962)

By Little Eva

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Did You See The Movie La Bamba?

47% – No

43% – Yes

 5% – Yes and plan to watch it again

 5% – Yes and plan to watch it again

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Which version of the “Locomotion” did you like best?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Since  I mentioned Locomotion so many times this week, I thought some early 1950s Lionel train art should be this week’s art.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Dick Clark and his American Bandstand used to be on Mondays through Fridays and I recall watching it when I got home from school.

Dick Clark

Richard Wagstaff Clark (November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012) was an American radio and television personality, as well as a cultural icon who remains best known for hosting American Bandstand from 1957 to 1987.

As host of American Bandstand, Clark introduced rock & roll to many Americans. The show gave many new music artists their first exposure to national audiences, including Ike and Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Talking Heads and Simon & Garfunkel. Episodes he hosted were among the first in which blacks and whites performed on the same stage and among the first in which the live studio audience sat without racial segregation. Singer Paul Anka claimed that Bandstand was responsible for creating a “youth culture.” Due to his perennial youthful appearance and his fame as the host of American Bandstand, Clark was often referred to as “America’s oldest teenager” or “the world’s oldest teenager”. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Catherine, Georgia, Samantha & Tania,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Darlene, Donna, Melissa, Nandini, , Sheryll, Shirley & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Catherine, Jan, Kim, Princess Blabbermouth, Runaway Nuns and Leprechauns, Storyspiller and Tania, who started following my blog and my thanks to Edwina & Nancy, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Last Monday (July 24, 2017), I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go on another Detroit Slow Roll.  There were so many people on that ride and I saw some of the coolest bikes. I also got some ideas for making my bike a bit cooler.

The Detroit Police Department did a wonderful job of keeping us all safe by stopping traffic at the intersections.  Overall Detroit looked great and the citizens of Detroit are so welcoming.  Detroit is coming back.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Almost no one can outrun a fork.

Speaking of running, I was in the Bloomfield Hills “Heart of the Hills” 5K with my friends Harmony, Lindsey, Tania and Walter.  We each received a “Finishers” medal.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

 

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Here are ten things anyone can do if they want to increase their likelihood of success.  

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I have read and reviewed this book a number of times over the years and each time I found it worth reading.

Amador

by Fernando Savater

Translated by Alastair Reid

Over the course of nine intensely focused chapters the advice of a father to his son on the art of living become a treatise on ethics, understanding the nature of freedom, and finding the life worth living well. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Here I am watching more Canadian CBC shows and this one is a riot, it is so funny and I suspect you have found yourself in some of these situations.

Kim’s Convenience

The misadventures of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Last week I featured The Big Bopper, who died in that terrible plane crash along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.  I think Ritchie Valens is most noted for singing this song, but I am sorry to I could not find a video of him actually singing La Bamba.

La Bamba

By Ritchie Valens

This is not Ritchie Valens

It is Lou Diamond Phillips from the film La Bamba

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Where do you fall on your list of priorities?

71% – In the middle

21% – At or near the top

 8% – At or near the bottom

THIS WEEK’S POLL – La Bamba

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Back in 2011, I was in a half-marathon race in Arizona and visited Scottsdale.  Here is a sample of some of the wall art I saw while there.  If I recall correctly, this art moved, but I didn’t have a camera at the time that could capture the movement.

Scottsdale Art

   

Purse Art

  

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON (CAT) OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA (GATO) EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Smarty

He lived up to his name.

Why would I make my cat the most extraordinary person (cat) of the week, perhaps this will explain why.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Aruna, Christy, Georgia, Storyspiller & Tania,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Brenda, Chelsea, Cindi, Cynthia & Debra, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Emilie, Gourmet Tommy, HonorGreenwood, RPR & Tea and Tales, who started following my blog and my thanks to Jacqueline, Kelcey & Rachel, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

People have shared a lot of warnings about hackers, some true and others seem a bit dubious.  Well, here is a warning that is for real.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

If you live in the northern burbs of Detroit, I recommend you stop in at the Three Cats Cafe in Clawson, MI for breakfast or lunch.  It is a really cool place and what is on the limited menu is excellent.  Plus, you might even see me there.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is important to believe in yourself.  

 

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

The myth of happiness: Happiness is a fleeting moment of a day. It’s not a state of being. If you’re happy all the time, something’s wrong with you. We are put on this earth to toil and to make things. Making the world a better place is not a happy job. (Source: John Mellencamp)

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Remember the 80/20 rule, which says that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts, so focus on what is important and don’t let yourself to be distracted, even if the distractions are interesting.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

I found this to be worth reading for my training for this September’s AWPC world’s powerlifting competition.

Body Mind Mastery

by Dan Millman

Physically demanding sports [ ] have a lot in common with skills such as playing the piano. In addition to physical training, mastering these activities requires developing mental and emotional talents as well. Drawing on his own experiences, Dan Millman, in this revised and updated edition of The Inner Athlete, offers a regimen to integrate physical training with psychological growth. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I became a fan of Jonny Harris from his role in the Murdock Mysteries on CBC and so I checked out his Still Standing on Canadian TV and found it wonderful to hear about these small towns fighting to survive. 

Still Standing

A hybrid comedy/reality series, the program features actor and comedian Jonny Harris. In each episode, Harris travels to a small Canadian community which is financially struggling but “still standing”, and spends time getting to know the residents and their lifestyle while cutting back to Harris performing a stand-up comedy show for the town’s residents, into which he integrates some of his newfound insights about life in their community. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Also in that terrible plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, was The Big Bopper.  I don’t know if many of you have ever seen photos or films of The Big Bopper, but here he is:

Wedding

By The Big Bopper

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Gratitude

When someone does something for you, do you?

47% -You either say thank you or send them an email or text.

42% – Express the appropriate level (verbal, card, etc.) of appreciate without fail

11% – You usually express a thank you, but sometimes forget or just don’t believe the kindness was that big a deal

When someone goes out of their way for you, you think?

65% -You feel an obligation to return the favor

29% – A thank you is sufficient

6% -They did it because they wanted to do it and you have no obligation to return the favor

The majority of people express gratitude?

44% – The same as you

39% – Less than you

17% – More than you

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Where do you fall on your list of priorities?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

As I have mentioned, art comes in my forms.  If you have ever been on a cruise ship, now doubt you have encountered these creatures created from towels.  This particular came from an Alaskan Inner Passage tour many years ago.

Cruise Ship Creatures

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Arnold Schwarzenegger

I don’t need to say anything about this extraordinary person, he is the role model for everyone who wishes their dreams could come true.

I’ve belonged to a couple of gyms during my life, but I have never belonged to a gym that didn’t have Arnold’s picture on their wall.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

I actually got a chance to talk to Sulu at a book signing.  I was the last person in line and he had a little extra time–a very nice fellow.

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Darlene, Christy, Georgia & Samantha,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Alina, Amberly, BBrenda, Cindi, Cynthia, Debra, Donna, Kathy, Nandini, Nikki, Sara, Sheryll,  Shirley & Willie,  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Anna, Cheryl, Dream India, Kagenza, Pet Playful & Suzanne, who started following my blog and my thanks to Alina, Chandra, Codi, Jan, Judy Lynn & Terri, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Diet almost always trumps exercise.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Anybody can work when they feel like it; but to do well in business or sports, you have to work when you don’t feel like it.  

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

You never really win an argument with anyone, so don’t let someone wreck your peace of mind and happiness.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Think you have something to worry about?  Well, here is a flowchart that will help you work through the process of figuring out if you do or do not have something to worry about.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

When I read this book, I felt that La Rochefoucauld saw the world not always as we wish it to be, but as it really is.

Maxims

by La Rochefoucauld

The philosophy of La Rochefoucauld, which influenced French intellectuals as diverse as Voltaire and the Jansenists, is captured here in more than 600 penetrating and pithy aphorisms. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

I found Father Brown to be a refreshing and very open minded priest, plus the cases are very clever.

Father Brown

Series inspired by the stories of GK Chesterton; a Catholic priest has a knack for solving mysteries in his English village. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

I Feel Lucky Today

By Mary Chapin Carpenter

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you make any attempt to validate things you pass on in the internet?

50% – I don’t pass anything on

44% – If it seems reasonable I pass it on; but if it is questionable, I try to determine its validity

 6% – I pass it on if it is from someone I know regardless of its validity

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Gratitude

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

I have the original painting by Kurt Halsey hanging in our dinning room.  Detroit has been thought some tough times, but I would not count this city out.

Detroit

By Kurt Halsey

This Thursday I was on a special Slow Roll sponsored ride through Detroit and it was a fantastic experience.  Here is a photo of our stop at Hart Plaza.  I urge you, if you live in the Detroit area, to give Slow Roll a try.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Jeanne Louise Calment

Aged 20

Aged 121

Jeanne Louise Calment; 21 February 1875 – 4 August 1997) was a French supercentenarian who has the longest confirmed human lifespan on record, living to the age of 122 years, 164 days. She was born and lived in Arles, France, for her entire life, outliving both her daughter and grandson by several decades. Her lifespan has been extensively verified by census documents. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

To leave a comment, just click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to 200 Saturdays Until Paris, Alison, Bernice, Christy, Georgia, Lolabees, Samantha & Tania,  for commenting on last week’s post. I find blog comments so encouraging, so I am especially appreciative when anyone takes the time to comment.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Anna, Brad, Carol, Cindi, Cynthia, Debra, Kelly, Linda, Maureen, Scot, Sherry, Sheryll,  Susan, Tricia & Willie,  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Alison, Aruna, Grace, Just Me & Savvy, who started following my blog and my thanks to Claire, Joanne, Kimberly, Pauline & Sara, for liking  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK (LIBRO)

The basis of this blog sprung from my book, which is available on-line from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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