CURRENT EVENTS (RECIENTES ACONTECIMIENTOS)

Cinco de Mayo  (Spanish for “Fifth of May”). The date commemorates the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. In the U.S., the date has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle continues to be mostly ceremonial, such as through military parades.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken to be Mexico’s Independence Day—the most important national holiday in Mexico—which is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the war of Mexican independence from Spain.

PHYSICAL TRAITS (RASGOS FÍSICOS)

Honor Thy Temple

Please don’t let this be your diet plan!

CHARACTER TRAITS (RASGOS DE CARÁCTER

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS (RASGOS SOCIALES)

Getting Along with Others

Here is a tip, when you have a conversation with a friend.

LEARNING TRAITS

(CARACTERÍSTICAS DE APRENDIZAJE)

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

It seems so many people are determined to be poor, so I thought I would pass on some information that will help these people achieve their goal.

Improve your life with credit cards

Buy a big house

Take the eight-year car loan

Implement a flawed savings strategy

Pay Uncle Sam too much

Get divorced

Take the Jones to the woodshed

Co-sign for someone … or anyone

Take a pass on insurance

If you would like to know more about any of the above ideas for making yourself broke, just click on the link below.

https://www.legion.org/magazine/237078/road-brokesville

MISCELLANEOUS (VARIADO)

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK (LIBRO DE LA SEMANA)

This Year I Will

by M.J. Ryan

This is an easy to read inspirational book about change.  

You can find quotes in it like Goethe’s “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.”

There is a lot of good advice on getting rid of clutter.  Especially when it comes to clothing, just ask yourself “Does this look like it belongs to the person I want to be?”

MOVIES OF THE WEEK (PELÍCULAS DE LA SEMANA)

Wolf Hall

I am now watching this series for the second time and it is every bit as interesting as the first time I watched it on PBS.

After the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey, his secretary, Thomas Cromwell, finds himself amongst the treachery and intrigue of King Henry VIII’s court and soon becomes a close advisor to the King, a role fraught with danger. (Source: IMDB)

Arrival

Regardless of what the critics say below, I pronounce this film DOA

Arrival delivers a must-see experience for fans of thinking person’s sci-fi that anchors its heady themes with genuinely affecting emotion and a terrific performance from Amy Adams. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK (MÚSICA DE LA SEMANA)

Come A Little Bit Closer

By Jay and the Americans

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Leftovers

How long do you keep leftovers until you eat or discard them? 

50% – Less than a week

22% – Less than 5 days

17% – Less than two weeks

11% – Until I have created a new life form

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Mexico y Spanish

ART OF THE WEEK (ARTE DE LA SEMANA)

Detroit Industry Murals 

 

The Detroit Industry Murals are a series of frescoes by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera, consisting of twenty-seven panels depicting industry at the Ford Motor Company. Together they surround the Rivera Court in the Detroit Institute of Arts. Painted between 1932 and 1933, they were considered by Rivera to be his most successful work. On April 23, 2014, the Detroit Industry Murals were given National Historic Landmark Status.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

(PERSONA EXTRAORDINARIA DE LA SEMANA)

Emiliano Zapata

Emiliano Zapata was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), during which he formed and commanded the Liberation Army of the South, an important revolutionary brigade. Followers of Zapata were known as Zapatistas. (Source: Biography.com)

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 Christy, Dan, Darlene, Georgia, Jo, Samantha & Sheryll, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Cindi, Cynthia, Darlene, Elizabeth, Maureen, Nicole, Sheryll, Sheila & Willie for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Dark Soul, Health in Your Hands, Queen of Hearts, Rhythm in Life, Robin Write On, Safira & Yassy, who started following my blog and my thanks to  Barbie, Dave, Карина, Michael & PeggyLee, who liked  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

I started working with Sue in 1987, until I left the company in 2009. I don’t think one could find a smarter, more dedicated or loyal to the company team member.  Last week after 30 years of service, she retired.  Every large corporation has its public faces, but it is people like Sue who really make a great corporation great.

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Please don’t let this be your diet plan!

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

I’ve seen people so many times talk themselves out of doing something and someone with less ability taking advantage of the opportunity.  Often, we are our own worse enemy. 

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Want to know how to be a friend?

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

No one becomes anything, let alone extraordinary, without some help along the way.  It is easy to take that help for granted, which is a mistake one may regret .

Richard Fachini was a very cool guy.  He was a manager and I was a newly hired staff auditor when I went with him on my first speaking engagement at a University.  I’ve done my share of speaking engagements since, but Rich got me off to a good start.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Bike Snob

by Bike Snob NYC

I found this to be a fun, informative and easy to read book.

BikeSnobNYC—cycling’s most prolific, well-known, hilarious, and anonymous blogger—brings a fresh and humorous perspective to the most important vehicle to hit personal transportation since the horse.

Bike Snob treats readers to a laugh-out-loud rant and rave about the world of bikes and their riders, and offers a unique look at the ins and outs of cycling, from its history and hallmarks to its wide range of bizarre practitioners. Throughout, the author lampoons the missteps, pretensions, and absurdities of bike culture while maintaining a contagious enthusiasm for cycling itself.

Bike Snob is an essential volume for anyone who knows, is, or wants to become a cyclist. (Source: iTunes)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

The critics didn’t like this film, but it is a Jack Reacher film; so I thought it was ok.

Bedazzled (2000)

As many times as I have seen this great film

Bedazzled (1967)

It wasn’t until this past week, that I saw the original 1967 version.  I liked the 2000 version better, but if you liked the 2000 version, you really ought to take a look at this 1967 version.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Beethoven / Ray Charles

John Belushi

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Becoming a Better Person

Have you become a better person this year than you were in 2016?

64% – Same

32% – Better

4% – Worse

Before the end of 2017, will you become a better person than you were in 2016?

62% – Yes

19% – No

19% – I don’t know

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Leftovers

ART OF THE WEEK

Nature is perhaps the greatest of all artists and I urge you to see one of Nature’s most impressive creations, the Buffalo.  And there is no where better in my opinion, to see Buffalo than Yellowstone Park.

There are signs every where warning you that these buffalo are wild and dangerous animals and to stay in your car.  

However, like most tourists, I couldn’t resist getting out of my car and having my picture taken next to a buffalo.  It was a very risky and foolish act on my part, but I guess I am just a risk taker.

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

World’s Greatest Hockey Fan

If Hockey had a Hall of Fame category for its greatest fan, Dan would be in it

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

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, Erika, Georgia, Michael, Samantha,Spiritual Journey & Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Carol, Cynthia, Darlene, Joan, Nandini & Maria for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Cheryl, Jeyran, Melissa  & Sarah, who started following my blog and my thanks to  Anne, Bonnie & Helene, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

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

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

J. Geils Gone

Musician J. Geils, best known for founding The J. Geils Band, was found dead in his home in Groton, Massachusetts, on Tuesday.

I saw him and his band perform a number of times and it isn’t lost on me that he was only a year older than me.

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

This guy is 80 years old

This woman is 86 years old

No doubt these two people are genetically gifted, but still there is much that we can do to keep ourselves vibrate into our  80s?

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Last week I posted a picture of the bunnies in my front yard.

Well to my surprise some unknown kind person added three little bunnies to my two large one.  What an amazing act of kindness and an example to all of us.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

I don’t know why this is so hard to learn.

I guess because “da Nile” ain’t just a river in Egypt.

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

We all make stupid decisions once in a while, but please do not to be one of those people who make good decisions only “once in a while”.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Runner’s World Complete Book of

Beginning Running

by Amby Burfoot

The weather is getting nice for most of us, so if you are thinking about running for fun, health or simply weight loss, you may want to check this book out.  I found it to be very readable.

Recognizing that newcomers to a sport need all the help they can get, Runner’s World now devotes an entire book to guiding the beginning runner through those challenging first days, weeks, and months. Peppered throughout with motivating tips and advice from those who have been there, this much-needed volume presents a can’t-fail program that is sure to help new runners feel and look better and have more energy and less stress. (Source: Goodreads)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Push-ups

If you ever wonder how some people can do so many push-ups, you really need to watch this video all the way to the end. It only takes 30 seconds and I think you will find it a good investment of 30 seconds of your time.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Best Day of My Life

American Authors

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Doctors

Do you know the cost of medical procedures before they are preformed?

71% – Usually do not

29% – Usually do

How do you primarily view your relationship with your medical doctor?

78% – Are a patient

22% – Are a customer

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Becoming a Better Person

ART OF THE WEEK

We were at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland a few years ago and took some photos of  these Hanging or Floating Heads.

   

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Indian Superman with Spider Woman

Superman in all his many forms, is still Superman.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

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 Carol, Chris, Quirky Girl, Samantha &  Spiritual Journey, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Alexandra, Cindi, Cynthia, Donna, Dianne & Shirley for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Adorable Pet Animals, Priestess  & Pondering Life Too who started following my blog and my thanks to  Ally, Amy, Adelle, Cindy, Dana, Diane, Erika, Rosa & Suzanne, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

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

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

Bunnies in the Day

  

Bunnies at Night

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Dieting is not a quick fix, but a long slow lifestyle change.

Quick fix diets don’t work, other that this one.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

It is important to celebrate your large and even small successes.  And it is even more important to celebrate the large and small successes of your friends as well as their birthdays and anniversaries.  Also, we should never neglect to celebrate holidays.

Here I am celebrating Easter with the Easter Bunny.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

It is important to do things with your family and friends.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Some guys just never learn, don’t be foolish.

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Living Your Yoga

by Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P.T.

Of course, if you are into yoga you will want to read this book; but even if you aren’t into yoga this book has something to say.

Using the time-honored wisdom of the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita to steer the course, she serves up off-the-mat practices to guide you in deepening your relationships with yourself, your family and friends, and the world around you. 

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

Allied

I didn’t stop watching Allied, but I tend to agree with the critics below.

Critics Consensus: Allied has its moments, but doesn’t quite achieve epic wartime romance status — a disappointment made more profound by the dazzling talent assembled on either side of the camera. [Source: Rotten Tomatoes] 

Melinda and Melinda

This 2005 film is a bit complicated to follow, but I enjoyed it and liked it much more than I did Allied

Two alternating stories, one comedy and the other tragedy, about Melinda’s attempts to straighten out her life.
Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Stars: Will Ferrell, Vinessa Shaw, Chiwetel Ejiofor

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I fell for this song the very first time I heard it.  It took me a few years, but I finally got the privilege of seeing Loudon Wainwright III perform it in person.

Daughter

Loudon Wainwright III

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Bicycles

35% – More than a year since they have ridden a bicycle

30% – Rode a bicycle in 2017

26% – More than 5 years since they have ridden a bicycle

9% – More than 20 years since they have ridden a bicycle

0% – Never ridden a bicycle

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Doctors

ART OF THE WEEK

Art comes in many forms.

    

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Who says the most extraordinary person of the week has to be human.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs.

Originating among German Lutherans, the “Easter Hare” originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behaviour at the start of the season of Eastertide.

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

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 Chris, Christy, Darlene, Georgia, Samantha, Spiritual Journey and Tania, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Cynthia, Darlene, Jenny, Sheryll, Shirley & Willie  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Cats That Post, who started following my blog and my thanks to  Mary, Natasha, Olya & Simone, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

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

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

My New Bike

And if you live in the Royal Oak, MI, USA area, I recommend you see John at

http://www.albes.com/

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Don’t let this be you.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Relationships can be complicated.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Death of Caesar

by Barry Strauss

I thought I knew a lot about the events surrounding the murder of Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C.; but this very readable book if full of information, much of which I did not know.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

The Edge of Seventeen

I saw this film last week and rather than use words to tell you how much I liked this film, I thought I would just show you one scene, so you could decide for yourself if it would be a film you would like.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Last week I featured Alison Krauss singing When You Say Nothing at All (1995), which was a sweet song.  This week I thought I would change things up a bit with one of my favorites, the Wicked Mr. Pickett.

In The Midnight Hour

Wilson Pickett

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Health Insurance

42% – Believe their health insurance situation is worse compared to 7 years ago.

42% – Believe their health insurance situation is the same compared to 7 years ago.

 16% – Believe their health insurance situation is better compared to 7 years ago.

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Bicycles

ART OF THE WEEK

Art comes in many forms, some even on two wheels.

    

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Not many people had a rougher start in life than Mr. T; yet he still made something of himself and we can follow his example.

Mr. T

Mr. T was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest son in a family with twelve children. His father, Nathaniel Tureaud, Sr., was a minister. Mr. T, with his four sisters and seven brothers, grew up in a three-room apartment in one of the city’s housing projects, in a poorly constructed building, in an area with high levels of environmental pollutants and the largest concentration of poverty in America. While growing up, Mr. T regularly witnessed murder, rape, and other crimes, but attributes his survival and later success to his will to do well and his mother’s love. (Source: Wikipedia)

Check out Mr. T on this season’s Dancing with the Stars

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

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 Carol, Chris, Christy, Darlene, Georgia & Samantha for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Cynthia, Donna, Melissa, Rose, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan & Valeria  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Lindsay & , who started following my blog and my thanks to Joann,  Laurie, Mary & Michele, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

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

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

A Positive Post

If you are on Facebook very often, I suspect you can use this.

A Reminder in Case You Are Interested

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  Click on the link below to see who will be there, and if you look closely you see me there also. I  would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello.  Please let me know if you think you might stop by.

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

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Investing your time and money in your own health is the best investment you can make.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Please don’t be one of these people who suck the nice out of others.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Powerlifting Over 50

by Richard Schuller

You do not have to be weak when you are old, I know a number of world powerlifting champions, who are over 60 and some over 70.

Besides for exercise and eating advice, this book has some good solid advice about life in general.

For instance, the author says we all know people who are always extremely busy, and yet they never seem to get anywhere.  It is more like they are too busy to do anything important.

And of course, if you are a powerlifter, you will definitely want to read this book.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I saw this movie and knew I had to go to Barcelona.  I’ve been twice, since I’ve seen this movie.  I hope this film or another film will create a desire in you for adventure.

Vicky Christina Barcelona

Vicky and Cristina, these two young Americans spend a summer in Spain and meet a flamboyant artist and his beautiful but insane ex-wife. Vicky is straight-laced and about to be married. Cristina is a sexually adventurous free spirit. When they all become amorously entangled, both comedic and harrowing results ensue. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes) 

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

I’ve always liked this version of When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss, whose version was her first solo top-10 country hit in 1995

When You Say Nothing at All (1995)

Alison Krauss

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Gratitude

56% – Believe people are less likely to express gratitude than in earlier times.

46% – Believe people are as likely to express gratitude as people in earlier times.

  0% – Believe people are more likely to express gratitude than in earlier times.

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Health Insurance

ART OF THE WEEK

If you are ever in Barcelona, please make sure you go inside the Sagrada Familia, it is an unfordable experience. Best to order your tickets online.

Sagrada Familia

    

I never took a photo that did the outside of the church justice, so here is a photo I grabbed off the internet

EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Christopher Walken

Often I provide info on the “Extraordinary Person of the Week”, but I think this video says more than words ever could about Christopher Walken.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

I sure hope none of us are this foolish.

TALK TO ME

If  you have a suggestion for a poll, or anything else, please leave me a comment. 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 Carol, Darlene, Georgia, Judith, Kathy, Quirky Girl, Samantha & Suezway for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Cheryl, Cindi, Cynthia, Darlene, Debbie, Diana, Donna, John, Julie, Rodney, Shirley & Susan  for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Andrea, Anne, Ashanti, Emma, Mitch & Nildamacedopaulino, who started following my blog and my thanks to Amanda, Jessica & Tiffany, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

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

Death of Chuck Berry

Today, many recording stars use all kinds of special effects to make them interesting.  This guy didn’t need anything to be interesting, he was interesting.

Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile Road
Clawson, MI 48017

(Northern suburbs of Detroit)

If you like books or if you have ever thought of writing a book, Sunday April 30th, 2017, from 11 am to 5 pm at Leon & Lulu’s in Clawson, Michigan; you will have a chance to talk to a lot of authors.  

In addition to all these interesting people who will be there to talk to you (click on the link below to see who will specifically be there), I’ll also be there (I just found out they will have me back) and would be delighted if you would stop by and say hello 

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

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Please make wise food choices, because we are what we eat.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

There is nothing so ordinary today as people who don’t show gratitude.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

Don’t Give Up

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Historical Heartthrobs

by Kelly Murphy with Hallie Fryd

The publisher says, “This book compiles photos and life stories of 50 of the sexiest men and women from history and asks the essential question: Would you really want to date them?”

I would probably describe this book as 50 somewhat interesting people and as ask the essential question, would you really want to buy this book.  I did and found the book somewhat interesting.   

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I’ve been assigned to Table 19 so many times, so I was eagerly looking forward to seeing this movie, especially since it stars two of my favorite actresses, Anna Kendrick and Lisa Kudrow.  After seeing this film recently at the movie theater, I’m afraid I have to assign this film to table 19.

Table 19

Eloise McGarry is invited to a wedding, and finds herself seated at Table 19, a table intended for guests who were only reluctantly invited … (Source: Wikipedia) 

Get Out

This film is in theaters now.  I would call it a suspense film, not usually the type of film I would watch but it is well done and I think you will have more respect for the TSA after watching this film.

Bedazzled

This is an extremely entertaining film and delivers a wonderful message at the end.  It came out in 2000, but I think it stands the test of time.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Sorry folks, I seem to be stuck in the 50s and 60s.

Imagination (1961)

The Quotations

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Daylight Savings Time

58% – Should end

21% – Should continue

21% – Indifferent or no opinion

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Gratitude

ART OF THE WEEK

Since St. Patrick’s Day was last week, you probably heard mention of the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.  Well, this is what the castle looks like.

Blarney Castle

  

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Albert Einstein

Ok, we all know Albert Einstein was a genius.  But perhaps here are a couple of things you didn’t know about him. I hope they will encourage you in your own life.

Einstein Had Speech Difficulty as a Child – As a child, Einstein seldom spoke. When he did, he spoke very slowly – indeed, he tried out entire sentences in his head (or muttered them under his breath) until he got them right before he spoke aloud. According to accounts, Einstein did this until he was nine years old. Einstein’s parents were fearful that he was retarded – of course, their fear was completely unfounded!

Einstein Failed his University Entrance Exam – In 1895, at the age of 17, Albert Einstein applied for early admission into the Swiss Federal Polytechnical School. He passed the math and science sections of the entrance exam, but failed the rest (history, languages, geography, etc.)! Einstein had to go to a trade school before he retook the exam and was finally admitted to ETH a year later. (Source: Neatorama)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

TALK TO ME

If you reached this point, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so. To leave a comment, just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box. Type in your comment and then click on the “Post Comment” box or you can do it the easy way and click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Georgia, Gill & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Carol, Cheryl, Cradle Meditation, Cynthia, Jennifer, Katherine, Sheila, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan, Valeria & Willie for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

My thanks to Gill, Hiroshi, Kitten Meowing, Sammy & Sweta, who started following my blog and my thanks to Audrey, Bonnie, Carol, Char, Cassandra, Jill, John, Elizabeth, Kris, Shawn, Sheila & Sophia, who liked  my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

BOOK

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

Daylight Savings Time

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Ok, you can skip the gym this one time

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

This is for all of you out there who are into Zen.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Want to get along better with people, then perhaps

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

If case you are wondering when is a good time to start something.

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

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

you must first invent the Universe.”

Source: Carl Sagan

SELF-HELP BOOKS

A Brief History of Time

by Stephen W. Hawking

I have read and re-read the original 1988 version of this book and it is very readable and could expand your mind.  I understand there is an updated 2005 edition.

In A Brief History of Time, Hawking writes in non-technical terms about the structure, origin, development and eventual fate of the universe, which is the object of study of astronomy and modern physics. (Source: Wikipedia)

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

The Accountant

If you believe accounting has to be a boring profession, you should check out this film.  I thought Anna Kendrick was perfect for her role.

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) is a math savant with more affinity for numbers than people. Behind the cover of a small-town CPA office, he works as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations.

With the Treasury Department’s Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King (J.K. Simmons), starting to close in, Christian takes on a legitimate client: a state-of-the-art robotics company where an accounting clerk (Anna Kendrick) has discovered a discrepancy involving millions of dollars. But as Christian uncooks the books and gets closer to the truth, it is the body count that starts to rise. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Anything Else

I enjoyed this rather old (2003) film with Woody Allen, Jason Biggs and Christine Ricci (who is a trip).

Jerry Falk is an aspiring writer in New York, who falls in love at first sight with a free-spirited young woman named Amanda. Jerry has heard the phrase that life is like “anything else,” but he soon finds that life with the unpredictable Amanda isn’t like anything else at all. (Source: Rotten Tomatoes)

Sun Records

If you like early rock ‘n’ roll, you are going to like this show.  I’ve seen the first three episodes and thought they were all well done and the actors resemble the characters they play, which makes this CMT TV show even better.

Set in Memphis during the tumultuous early days of the civil rights movement, Sun Records tells the untold story of nothing less than the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

Guided by Sam Phillips, young musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis combined the styles of hillbilly country with the 1950s R&B sound created by artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino and Ike Turner, and changed the course of music forever. The series chronicles these young artists’ often jarring and sudden meteoric rise to fame in the face of sweeping political change and social unrest. (Source: CMT)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Apparently Cher didn’t hear that it was Spring Forward and not Fall Back

If I Could Turn Back Time

Cher

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Dreams

Do you believe dreams can come true?

86% – Yes

14% – No

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Daylight Savings Time

ART OF THE WEEK

I was fortunate to see this marvelous clock a few years ago on a visit to Prague.

Prague Clock

The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still operating.

The clock mechanism itself has three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; “The Walk of the Apostles”, a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Father Time

Typically pictured as an old man with a white beard and cloak, often carrying a scythe and hourglass. In ancient times he was known as Chronos or Saturn.

He symbolizes the flow of time and its effects. His old body is a reminder that time is the devourer of all things and that, like the sand in the hourglass he often carries, his life will run out, as all good things come to an end. (Source: Urban Dictionary)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER

If you reached this point, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so. To leave a comment, just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box. Type in your comment and then click on the “Post Comment” box or you can do it the easy way and click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Christy, Georgia, Jan, Rose & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Carol, Faye, Halli, Marlene, Posie, Roni, Sandra & True Self Coaching for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Azra, Mrinalini, Risty, Rosie, Shez & Utesmile, who started following my blog (Currently 171 followers) and currently 223 people like my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

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

Dreams

Nikos Kazantzakis, in Report to Greco, asking his grandfather’s ghost for a command.

His grandfather answered, “Reach what you can, my child.”

But Kazantzakis refused that command and asked for a more difficult command.

The ghost then thundered, “Reach for what you cannot.” (Source: Running & Being by Dr. George Sheehan

I urge all you to please don’t settle, reach for the impossible; who knows what you will accomplish.

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

If you are like me,

you can only dream that meditation will resolve your stress issues.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

You must have dreams and goals if you are ever going to achieve anything in this world.

Source: Lou Holtz

Be the dream

Source: John Chaney

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Never underestimate the impact you are having, you probably have a greater impact than you realize.

Sociologists tell us that even the most introverted person will impact 10,000 people in his or her lifetime.

Source: “Developing the Leader Within You” by John Maxwell.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Here is an organizing tip that really works

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Running & Being

by Dr. George Sheehan

Think this book is just about running, well you are so mistaken.

Here are a few examples of what you will find in this book:

The clock makes every hour just an hour.  The artist, especially the poet, has always known this to be wrong.

Study the lives of those who sought . . . the meaning of the cosmos. . . . The common denominator of these people is asceticism, which comes from the Greek ascesis, meaning rigorous training, self-discipline and self-restraint.

“The next major advance in the health of the American people,” said Dr. John Knowles of the Rockefeller Foundation, “will result only from what the individual is willing to do for himself.”

Picasso. When asked, “What is art?” he replied, “What is not?”

Well, I hope from the above you get the point that this book is about far more than just running.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

I saw so many movies this week that I want to share with you.  The price will be my very concise opinion of each movie.

Neighbors (1981)

This is an old film and it is so weird, but it really appealed to me.  Others of you will no doubt not care much for it.

Mulholland Dr.

Did I say Neighbors (1981) was weird; well not all compared with Mulholland Dr.  What can I say, I have some weird tastes.

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

Action, action and action; oh by the way this film has a lot of action–I didn’t have a stop watch with me, but I estimate the thinking was less than a minute

Fist Fight

If you can get past the foul language, off beat sex, drugs and violence, this movie is pretty funny and it actually has a message.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This song makes me wonder if times are really better today than back in the late 60s.  This song  hit the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1967, remaining there for four weeks

Daydream Believer

The Monkees

LAST WEEK’S POLL – 2017 Academy Awards (aka Oscars)

Did you watch the 2017 Academy Awards (aka Oscars)

60% – No

25% – Yes

15% – Portion

If you did not watch or stopped watching, it was because

60% – Boring

27% – Political Statements

13% – Pulled away from watching by other things

THIS WEEK’S POLL –  Dreams

ART OF THE WEEK

Castle of the Pyrenees

by Rene Magritte

Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.

Source: Henry David Thoreau

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Martin Luther King Jr.

When it comes to having dreams, I cannot think of anyone who tops Martin Luther King Jr.

And remember, he said, “I have a dream.”

He did not say, “I have a good idea.”

Source: Mind Gym by Gary Mack with David Casstevens

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BROMA DE LA SEMANA

How do Mexicans feel about Trumps Wall?

¿Cómo se siente mexicanos sobre pared de triunfos?

Don’t worry, we will get over it.

No te preocupes, nos pondremos sobre él.

PLEASE CONSIDER 

If you reached this point, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so. To leave a comment, just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box. Type in your comment and then click on the “Post Comment” box or you can do it the easy way and click on the box in the side bar which will take you directly to the comment box.

My thanks to Carol, Chris, Darlene, Georgia & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Donna, Joel, Linda, Nandini, Sherlly & Thayer for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to College Mate, Janet, Sheryl & Sunaina, who started following my blog (Currently 166 followers) and currently 223 people like my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

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

New Zen Kōan

A kōan is a story, dialogue, question, or statement, which is used in Zen practice to provoke the “great doubt” and test a student’s progress in Zen practice.

I am pleased to announce a new Zen Kōan has been developed that is challenging even the best of our Zen Masters.  Here is your opportunity to test your skills against the best of the best.

   

PHYSICAL TRAITS 

Honor Thy Temple

Planning on a morning run with your friend, well don’t let this happen to you.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Take some action every day to make your dreams come true.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

It is such a hard habit to break, but well worth the effort.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS 

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Genghis Khan

and the Making of the Modern World

by Jack Weatherford

This book is not an easy read and you may wish to skip parts of it; but it is likely you will learn a number of things you didn’t know. 

The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in twenty-five years than the Romans did in four hundred.

In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization. Vastly more progressive than his European or Asian counterparts, Genghis Khan abolished torture, granted universal religious freedom, and smashed feudal systems of aristocratic privilege.

MOVIES OF THE WEEK

The Royals

I found this to be a fun show to watch.

The Royals is about a fictional monarchy in modern-day London, focusing on a dysfunctional, somewhat estranged family in the wake of the loss of the heir to the throne.

Elizabeth Hurley stars as the devilishly delightful Queen Helena, William Moseley plays charming bad boy Prince Liam and Alexandra Park plays Liam’s twin, tabloid fixture Princess Eleanor. (Source: TV Guide)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

This one is really worth listening to.

She Drives Me Crazy

Fine Young Cannibals

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you trust the mainstream news media to report honestly and fairly? 

57% – No

26% – Yes

17% – Not sure

THIS WEEK’S POLL – 2017 Academy Awards (aka Oscars) 

ART OF THE WEEK

Last week was Monday Mona Lisa.  Well, this week I am bringing you Mona Lisa, as she is getting ready for a Saturday night date.

Date Night Mona Lisa

She looks considerably different than she did after work at Friday Happy Hour

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Winston Churchill

I like this guy because when a woman told him if she was his wife, she would put poison in his drink.

He replied, “Madam, if I were your husband, I would gladly drink it.

Photographed Dec. 1941 by Yousuf Karsh

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965).

He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his overall, lifetime body of work. In 1963, he was the first of only eight people to be made an honorary citizen of the United States.

As a young army officer, he saw action in British India, the Anglo–Sudan War, and the Second Boer War. 

Following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain on 10 May 1940, Churchill became Prime Minister. His speeches and radio broadcasts helped inspire British resistance, especially during the difficult days of 1940–41 when the British Commonwealth and Empire stood almost alone in its active opposition to Adolf Hitler. He led Britain as Prime Minister until victory over Nazi Germany had been secured.

Named the Greatest Briton of all time in a 2002 poll, Churchill is widely regarded as being among the most influential people in British history, consistently ranking well in opinion polls of Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

PLEASE CONSIDER 

If you reached this point, you must have seen something you wish to comment on; please do so. To leave a comment, just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box. Type in your comment and then click on the “Post Comment” box.

My thanks to Amy, Christy, Georgia & Rose, for commenting on last week’s post. All you have to do is just click on “Comment”, scroll down to the “Leave a Comment” box.  Type in your comment and then click the “Post Comment” box.

Also, please consider passing this blog on to others. My thanks to Annette, Antoinette, Cindi, Cynthia, Debra, Elizabeth, Katya, Sheryll, Shirley, Susan, Terry & Willie for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

BLOG & FACEBOOK

My thanks to Jennifer & Temple Fitness, who started following my blog (Currently 161 followers) and Elizabeth, Kristen & Jennifer (Currently 222 People), who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page.

If you are enjoying this blog and find it useful, please click on follow and also please pass it on to your friends.

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