CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Puno, Peru Parade

This parade started early in the day and lasted well into the night.

It is impossible for me to give you an idea of the magnificence of this parade

  

    

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

Always good to make new friends, especially if they are a bit different from you.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Leon & Lulu’s

For more info, click on the link below.

http://www.leonandlulu.com/events/books-authors/

The next Books & Authors will be on

Sunday, October 22, 2017 11-5 pm

If you happen to live anywhere near the Clawson, MI area (near 14 mile & Main Street), I hope you will stop by and say hello to me.  Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with a lot of authors.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

Alice In Wonderland

Great Illustrated Classics

By Scott Douglas

I found this to be an easy and fun to read book.  If you aren’t interested in reading it, perhaps you may want to get it for you child..

A Whole New World! Seeing a rabbit run across a meadow is not so surprising. But when that rabbit is wearing clothes and talking out loud, Alice has to follow him and find out where he’s from. Down the rabbit hole she goes and on to the oddest adventures a little girl has ever had. Come along with Alice and meet some of the most unusual, whimsical, and delightful characters you will ever find in the pages of a book! (Source: Great Illustrated Classics)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Kon Tiki (2012)

I watched this movie last week while I was in Peru.  I’ve seen it before and it was still interesting the second time around.

Legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s epic 4,300-mile crossing of the Pacific on a balsa wood raft in 1947, to prove that it was possible for South Americans to settle in Polynesia in pre-Columbian times. (Source: IMDB)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Traditional Peruvian Andean music

by The Andes

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Have you ever been to Peru?

56% – No

38% – No, but I would like to go

  6% – Yes

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Have you ever been to South America?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

As I keep saying, art comes in many forms.

Here is a photo of some recycle canisters I was while I was in

Machu Picchu City, Perú.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl (October 6, 1914 – April 18, 2002) was a Norwegian adventurer. He became notable for his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947, in which he sailed 8,000 km (5,000 mi) across the Pacific Ocean in a hand-built raft from South America to the Tuamotu Islands.

The expedition was designed to demonstrate that ancient people could have made long sea voyages, creating contacts between separate cultures.

In May 2011, the Thor Heyerdahl Archives were added to UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” Register. The Heyerdahl Archives span the years 1937 to 2002 and include his photographic collection, diaries, private letters, expedition plans, articles, newspaper clippings, original book, and article manuscripts. The Heyerdahl Archives are administered by the Kon-Tiki Museum and the National Library of Norway in Oslo. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

Thank you Bernice, Betty, Judith, Samantha, Sigrid & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. 

BLOG & FACEBOOK

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

And my thanks to Bonnie, Jessica,  Moonlight Musings, Not So Clever People, Over Dosing News, Rhiannon & Sigrid, who started following my blog and to Jill & Michelle, 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)

Making Friends (Amigos) in Lima, Peru

I arrived in Peru two days ago and I am finding it to be a unique experience.

Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the central coastal part of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With a population of more than 10 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru and the third-largest city in the Americas, behind São Paulo and Mexico City.

Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as Ciudad de los Reyes. It became the capital and most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Around one-third of the national population lives in the metropolitan area.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Take care of your teeth and they will take care of you.

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER)

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

It is always nice to get together with friends, but it is even better when you can combine getting together with some physical exercise.

Here is a photo from a recent 5K Run.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

If you don’t visit places and cultures you have never experience, are you really growing as a person?  

Saint Francis Monastery in Lima, Peru

Convento de San Francisco is the Spanish name for Saint Francis Monastery in Lima, Peru, The church and convent are part of the Historic Centre of Lima, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. Aside from a church and monastery it also has a library and catacombs [I saw a lot of large bones & skulls. I didn’t want to take a photo, but even if I did, photos were prohibited]. In this church, Jude the Apostle is venerated. At the feast of Saint Jude Tadeus a one and a half ton weighing silver stand [I saw this, but pictures were prohibited] is carried round in procession by 40 people, starting from the convent.

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

The Little Red Book of Running

By Scott Douglas

If you have any interest in running, whether starting out or already an experience running, you really should read this fun and easy to read running book full of helpful tips.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

The Hero (2017)

The main thing this film has going for it is Sam Elliott.

Critics Consensus: The Herorests on Sam Elliott’s understated performance, which proves more than capable of carrying the film through the less inspired moments of its somewhat clichéd story. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

When Will I Be Loved

by Linda Ronstadt

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Who do you think is a Renaissance artist?

Source: Time, Sept. 25, 2017

 7% – Macchiato (Coffee)

30% – Verrocchio (Artist)

  7% – Cortado (Coffee)

  7% – Ristretto (Coffee)

   7% – Masaccio (Artist)

   7% – Affogato (Coffee)

   7% – Carajillo (Coffee)

   7% – Pisanello (Artist)

   7% – Galão (Coffee)

   7% – Tintoretto (Artist)

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Have you ever been to Peru?

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

A few years ago when I was in Lisbon, I thought the bring work in this town square was very artistic.

Town Square in Lisbon

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

José de San Martin

José de San Martín (25 February 1778 – 17 August 1850), was an Argentine general and the prime leader of the southern part of South America’s successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire who served as the Protector of Peru. 

He organized a plan to defeat the Spanish forces that menaced the United Provinces from the north, using an alternative path to the Viceroyalty of Peru. This objective first involved the establishment of a new army, the Army of the Andes, in Cuyo Province, Argentina. From there, he led the Crossing of the Andes to Chile, and triumphed at the Battle of Chacabuco and the Battle of Maipú (1818), thus liberating Chile from royalist rule. Then he sailed to attack the Spanish stronghold of Lima, Peru.

On 12 July 1821, after seizing partial control of Lima, San Martín was appointed Protector of Peru, and Peruvian independence was officially declared on 28 July. On 22 July 1822, after a closed-door meeting with fellow libertador Simón Bolívar at Guayaquil, Ecuador, Bolívar took over the task of fully liberating Peru. San Martín unexpectedly left the country and resigned the command of his army, excluding himself from politics and the military, and moved to France in 1824. The details of the 22 July meeting would be a subject of debate by later historians.

San Martín is regarded as a national hero of Argentina and Peru, and one of the Liberators of Spanish South America. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (BROMA DE LA SEMANA)

TALK TO ME (HÁBLAME)

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

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Thank you  Sheryll & Shirley for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

And my thanks to Age, Darlene,  Diana, Rose,  Sharon & Yazzlus, who started following my blog and to Danielle, Leila, Linda & P Russell, 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)

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