In chapter 40 of my book, I briefly talk about paying attention to your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.
SELF-HELP BOOKS
I’ve suggested this book before, but I thought given the circumstances that I am at the World Powerlifting Congress competition in Maia, Portugal; I thought it was particularly appropriate.
CURRENT EVENTS
World Powerlifting Congress
I’m here in Maia, Portugal and as I look at the representatives from other countries, I now realize I should have trained harder and watched my diet far closer. I will not make that mistake at next year’s WPC World Championship.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
The gods help them that help themselves.
Source: Aesop
This was true in Aesop’s time and it is true today. Wishing, hoping and praying will not alone make it happen, you have to take some action.
As I say in my book, there are five frogs on a long. Four decide to jump off the log, how many are left?
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
The Rewrite
Here is a film that I really enjoyed on the plane flying to Portugal.
An Oscar-winning writer in a slump leaves Hollywood to teach screenwriting at a college on the East Coast, where he falls for a single mom taking classes there. (Source: IMDB)
LAST WEEK POLL– Seeing the world
I suspect I poorly worded my poll, since only 27% of us have visited North America. I do have some non-North American readers of this blog, but not that many.
As for the other areas of the world that readers have visited:
Europe 22%
Asia or Australia 17%
South or Central America 17%
Middle East 10%
Africa 8%
North or South Pole 0%
THIS WEEK’S POLL – Health
I hear the typical person living in the USA spends more effort maintaining their car than they do their own bodies. So how do you think the USA as well as yourself fares when compared to other people in the world.
SONG OF THE WEEK
Here is a song about taking care of business, plus I am dedicating this song to all the business women out there.
I can recall watching Jack LaLanne on TV in the morning before I went to school. There weren’t that many people talking about fitness in the 1950s.
LaLanne presented fitness and exercise advice on television for 34 years. The Jack LaLanne Show was the longest-running television exercise program. According to the SF Chronicle TV program archives, it first began on September 28, 1953 as a 15-minute local morning program (sandwiched between the morning news and a cooking show) on San Francisco’s ABC television station, KGO-TV, with LaLanne paying for the airtime himself as a way to promote his gym and related health products. [ ] In 1959, the ABC network picked up the show for nationwide broadcast, which continued until 1985. (Source: Wikipedia)
BLOG
I always appreciate those that leave comments on my weekly posts and last week Sue, Tania and Ron were kind enough to live a comment. Thank you for the encouragement. Leaving a comment is easy, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post. And if instead of seeing “Leave A Comment”, you see “# Comments”, just click on that and scroll down to leave your comment.
If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends, as well as liking my Facebook page.
MY BOOK
My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format. And if you have read my book, please leave an evaluation of it on Amazon. Thank you.
In Chapter 29 of my book I talk about the importance of listening to understand; plus, active listening is one of the greatest compliments you can give someone.
SELF-HELP BOOKS
The Soul’s Whisper by Kimberly Verhamme,is aimed at children and it is a nice book to read to one’s child as well as generating some interesting discussions. With that said, I have enjoyed reading it and found it has a lot of good reminders for adults too.
CURRENT EVENTS
World Powerlifting Congress
Well, it has been a while since I went overseas to represent the United States of America, as you can see from the photo below taken in 1966.
(Major General Rosson promoting me to Specialist 5 while I was in Viet nam and he was the reason I went to college until I was in my mid-50s. When that guy told you to go to college, you went.)
I’ll be leaving for Portugal this week as one of the members of Team USA for the World Powerlifting Congress’s 2015 World Championships in Portugal. I can’t say this was a dream come true since I could never have imagined such an opportunity. The point of all this is the importance of having friends around you to encourage you. I was lucky to have:
Tony Mangino, who got me back in the gym years ago
(Tony’s not with us any longer, but I still have that trophy he is holding & I was with him when he won it)
Walter Crescentini, who got me into competitive power lifting years ago.
(Walter coaching me during a bench press contest. Walter also is no longer with us, but every time I am in a contest, I miss him greatly.)
(Walter, me & Tony’s brother Geno)
Art Little who had more faith in me that I could do this, than I had in myself.
I devoted Chapter 27 of my book to “Friends”. The question for all of us is, “Are we the kind of friend that brings out the best in others, encourages them and are glad for their successes? If we are, then we are extraordinary by helping others to become extraordinary.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
How often have you been told, I’m sorry but I just don’t have enough time. Actually, we all get the same 24 hours a day. Perhaps, those who say this are simply being polite. Since saying they don’t have enough time is far nicer to hear than saying you or your request is not a priority. In chapter 37 of my book, I stress how important it is to make good use of your time as well as mention some time saving tips.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
The Best Offer
Although this isn’t my usual type of movie, I thought this mystery suspense movie was well done. As for lessons to be learned from this movie, it does relate to Chapter 40 of my book that talks about seeing what is there rather than what you want to be there.
A master auctioneer becomes obsessed with an extremely reclusive heiress who collects fine art.d (Source: IMDB)
LAST WEEK POLL – Have you ever spoken to a famous person
It seems like many of us have actually spoken to an entertainer. Close behind are those of us who have spoken to an author or artist, followed closely by those of us who have spoken to some other kind if famous person.
As for the impact of speaking with a famous person, there was a tie between those who thought it had a lasting impact and those who thought there was no impact. However, a number of you thought speaking with a famous person has a impact for a little while.
THIS WEEK’S POLL
In chapter 48 I talk about the importance of seeing the world, so I thought you might find it interesting to learn of all the places your fellow blog readers have been.
I have never trained in a gym that did not have a picture of Arnold on its walls. The discipline of the gym carries over to your outside activities.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger; born July 30, 1947, is an Austrian-American actor, model, producer, director, activist, businessman, investor, writer, philanthropist, former professional bodybuilder, and politician. Schwarzenegger served two terms as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011.
Schwarzenegger began weight training at the age of 15. He won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 and went on to win the Mr. Olympia contest seven times. Schwarzenegger has remained a prominent presence in bodybuilding and has written many books and articles on the sport. He is widely considered to be among the greatest bodybuilders of all times as well as its biggest icon. Schwarzenegger gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. Schwarzenegger’s breakthrough film was the sword-and-sorcery epic Conan the Barbarian in 1982, which was a box-office hit and resulted in a sequel. In 1984, he appeared in James Cameron’s science-fiction thriller film The Terminator, which was a massive critical and box-office success. Schwarzenegger subsequently reprised the Terminator character in the franchise’s later installments in 1991, 2003, and 2015.[3][4][5] He appeared in a number of successful films, such as Commando (1985), The Running Man(1987), Predator (1987), Twins (1988), Total Recall (1990), Kindergarten Cop (1990) and True Lies (1994). He was nicknamed the “Austrian Oak” in his bodybuilding days, “Arnie” during his acting career, and “The Governator” (a portmanteau of “Governor” and “The Terminator”, one of his best-known movie roles).
BLOG
I always appreciate those that leave comments on my weekly posts and last week three of you were kind enough to live a comment. Thank you very much. Leaving a comment is easy, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post. And if instead of seeing “Leave A Comment”, you see “# Comments”, just click on that and scroll down to leave your comment.
If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends, as well as liking my Facebook page.
MY BOOK
My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format. And if you have read my book, please leave an evaluation of it on Amazon. Thank you.
Sometimes things are just so terrible that it helps to find humor in them. I’m hoping this is how everyone will take this short video. However, you will have to stay with the video about 25 seconds to see where it is going.
[Warning: If this isn’t an actual broadcast, it should be]
The Tao of Willie is a fun book to read and provides a great deal of wisdom.
CURRENT EVENTS
Michigan APF Fall Open
Please don’t be too quick to allow your age to prevent you from doing something you want to do.
I was the oldest lifter in the two day powerlifting contest in Grand Rapids last Friday and Saturday. My lift is the deadlift and there were plenty of people there who deadlifted far more than me. Still, I set two state records in the 90 Kg Masters 6 class and I will be representing the USA in world powerlifting competition in Portugal next month.
Here I am lifting 303 pounds for a age group state record.
Books & Authors Event – Leon & Lulu
If you didn’t make it to yesterday’s Books & Authors event at Leon & Lulu in Clawson, MI; you missed the opportunity to talk one-on-one with over 50 authors. Plus, Leon & Lulu is a very cool store with many unique items.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
Never dim yourself for the comfort of others,
make them wear sunglasses
Source: Unknown
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Night of the Living Dead
This 1968 movie is one of the most scary movies that I have ever seen, but if you read below you will learn that it is more than just a scary movie.
[Night of the Living Dead] eventually garnered critical acclaim and has been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, as a film deemed, “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” (Source: Wikipedia)
LAST WEEK POLL – Your Favorite Alcoholic Beverage
Twenty-nine of you voted for your favorite alocholic beverage. Wine was the overwhelming favorite with 12 votes or 41%. Beer came in second with 8 votes, followed by 5 votes for mixed drinks and only one of you preferred liquor. Non-drinkers were only 3 or 10% of those who voted.
As for belief about whether alcohol preferences says something about a person, 60% thought no and 40% thought yes.
THIS WEEK’S POLL
I think all of us have seen famous people, but I thought it would be interesting to hear how many of us have actually spoken with a famous person, even if it was a brief greeting.
Follow-up poll
SONG OF THE WEEK
Your Song
This week’s song is an Elton John classic, titled Your Song and it is performed by my friend Erik Loszewski. I’m not sure what you will be doing October 31, but Erik and his buddies will be at Little Loraine’s in Mt Clemens from 9:30-1:30.
[Warning: If the following isn’t a true story, it should be]
Rather than provide my usual brief bio of the person I have selected as the extraordinary person of the week, I thought the following would tell you so much more about Gandhi than mere dates and events.
When Mahatma Gandhi was studying law at the University College of London, a white professor, whose last name was Peters, disliked him intensely and always displayed prejudice and animosity towards him..
Also, because Gandhi never lowered his head when addressing him as he expected, there were always “arguments” and confrontations. One day, Mr. Peters was having lunch at the dining room of the University, and Gandhi came along with his tray and sat next to the professor. The professor said, “Mr Gandhi, you do not understand. A pig and a bird do not sit together to eat.”
Gandhi looked at him as a parent would a rude child and calmly replied, “You do not worry professor. I’ll fly away,” and he went and sat at another table. Mr. Peters, reddened with rage, decided to take revenge on the next test paper, but Gandhi responded brilliantly to all questions.
Mr. Peters, unhappy and frustrated, asked him the following question. “Mr Gandhi, if you were walking down the street and found a package, and within was a bag of wisdom and another bag with a lot of money, which one would you take?” Without hesitating, Gandhi responded, “The one with the money, of course.”
Mr. Peters, smiling sarcastically said, “I, in your place, would have taken the wisdom, don’t you think?” Gandhi shrugged indifferently and responded, “Each one takes what he doesn’t have.”
Mr. Peters, by this time was fit to be tied. So great was his anger that he wrote on Gandhi’s exam sheet the word “idiot” and gave it to Gandhi.. Gandhi took the exam sheet and sat down at his desk, trying very hard to remain calm while he contemplated his next move.
A few minutes later, Gandhi got up, went to the professor and said to him in a dignified but sarcastically polite tone, “Mr. Peters, you signed the sheet, but you did not give me the grade.”
BLOG
I always appreciate those that leave comments on my weekly posts and last week four of you were kind enough to live a comment. Thank you very much. Leaving a comment is easy, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post. And if instead of seeing “Leave A Comment”, you see “# Comments”, just click on that and scroll down to leave your comment.
If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends, as well as liking my Facebook page.
MY BOOK
My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format.
Chapter 31 of my book discusses the importance of expressing gratitude for even the small things that people do for you. It seems so many people fail to perform this simple courtesy, as illustrated in the joke below.
SELF-HELP BOOKS
My friend, Reza, tells me that although the title of his book says, “for Healthcare” that the concepts and tools mentioned in the book are applicable to any service, manufacturing or construction operation.
If you believe you and your organization may possibly benefit from this book; I would be glad to send it free of charge to you. Just let me know at mailto:harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net
CURRENT EVENTS
Michigan APF Fall Open
In Chapter 2 of my book, I mention the importance of progressive resistance training with weights. No doubt I have carried it to an extreme, as I will again be deadlifting in Grand Rapids this Friday in preparation for world competition in Portugal in November. I’m certainly not recommending anyone take up competitive powerlifting; however, you really need to do some type of weight bearing exercise.
Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Race
The Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank race was yesterday and if any of you were in that race or similar races in the past, perhaps you will enjoy this:
I am also not advocating you run a marathon; however, I am recommending you do some type of cardiovascular exercise at least 30 minutes a day. I know, some of you will say you don’t have time of exercise; well, no one does. They make the time, because it is important.
Books & Authors Event – Leon & Lulu
Folks, this coming Sunday, October 25, from 11 a.m until 5 p.m. I am going to be at Leon and Lulu in Clawson, MI. Please stop by and visit me as well as this really cool store; plus you will get a chance to talk to some interesting authors. For more information, just click on the link below.
The Dead Walk the Earth, Yet They Live and They Kill
Chapter 20 of my book talks about the importance of celebrating not just your own successes, but even more so the successes of your friends. Also, holidays are definitely a reason for celebrations and Halloween is one of the really just pure fun holidays.
Although in a prior poll, only 5% of you planned to watch a scary movie for Halloween, I still thought it appropriate to suggest a Halloween type film. This one was made by my friend Mike Kinnunen, in 2005. I’m not sure how to obtain a copy of it; but if you contact me, I will pass your email or comment on to Mike.
LAST WEEK POLL – Your Favorite Music Decade
I never understand why more of you don’t vote, since I always have at least 70 people check out this blog each week. Anyway, 19 of you voted on your favorite music decade.
Every decade from 1901 through the 1980s received three votes. The 1990s received 2 votes. The earliest (1900 or earlier) and the latest (2000 or later) only received one vote each.
THIS WEEK’S POLL
Given my comments about the importance of celebrating and since alcoholic beverages for so many are part of any celebrations, I thought it may be interesting to have a poll on one’s alcohol preferences.
Follow-up poll
SONG OF THE WEEK
Daughter
Since Halloween is about kids and adults who want to be kids again, I thought this song would be appropriate, plus I really like it. I was fortunate a few years ago to see Loudon perform live in Ann Arbor at The Ark.
Given the recent Columbus Day, I thought I would give some recognition to native Americans
Geronimo was born in eastern Arizona in the year 1829. At the time, his homeland was claimed by both the Mexican government and the Apache people. Geronimo’s family was part of the Bedonkohe band of the Apache.
At around the age of seventeen, Geronimo became an Apache warrior.
One day [ ] the Apache camp was attacked by the Mexicans. Geronimo’s wife, children, and mother were all killed. [ ]
Geronimo then gathered the warriors of his village together and set off to get revenge against the Mexicans. Over the next several years, he led many raids into Mexico. He constantly harassed Mexican settlements, stealing their horses and killing their men.
Geronimo received his name sometime during the revenge battles with the Mexicans. No one is quite sure exactly how he got his name. Many say it was from the Mexican soldiers or from a Spanish officer who thought Geronimo reminded him of a character from a Spanish play.
After the Mexican-American war, the United States claimed control over the land where the Apache lived. Geronimo and the Apache began to fight with the American settlers. [ ]
The U.S. Army [ ] sent thousands of troops to search the hills of Arizona in order to stop him from raiding. In 1886, they finally caught up with him and he was forced to surrender.
Geronimo spent the rest of his life as a prisoner of war. Although he was eventually granted some freedom, he was never allowed to return to his homeland. He became a celebrity and even attended the 1904 World’s Fair.
Geronimo Died: February 17, 1909 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma
I always appreciate those that leave comments on my weekly posts. I wish more of you would do so; since it is so very encouraging. Leaving a comment is easy, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.
If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends.
MY BOOK
My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format.
I devoted the first section of my book to fitness; since if you don’t have your health, nothing else much matters.
SELF-HELP BOOKS
A very good friend of mine, Reza Ziaee, along with James Bologna, wrote the book below. I bought a copy of it because I like to support the creative efforts of my friends. However, I have been retired for almost six years now, so this book will likely do you far more good than me.
If you are in healthcare and believe you and your organization may possibly benefit from this book; I would be glad to give it to you. Just let me know at mailto:harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net
CURRENT EVENTS
CNN Democratic Primary Debate
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 9pm ET (8pm CT, 6pm PT) Location: Wynn Las Vegas Sponsors: CNN, Nevada Democratic Party Moderator: Anderson Cooper Candidates: Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley, Webb, Chafee
Regardless of your party affiliation or lack of an affiliation, to be an informed voter; you should watch this debate.
Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Race
This coming Sunday is the Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank race and how many races are there where you actually run in two different countries, at least for the marathon and international half-marathon. I’ve ran the full marathon three times and the international half-marathon four times and I can say one of the greatest thrills of my life is entering the Detroit Windsor tunnel, running through the tunnel and coming out on Woodward Avenue to the roar of the Detroit crowd–it is an experience one never forgets.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“One of these days, you will not be able to do this.
Today isn’t that day.”
Source: Sign in the crowd at the 2011 Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Back to the Future (1985)
This is a fun movie and I believe it still stands up to the test of time; plus it relates to my song of the week.
A young man is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, and must make sure his high-school-age parents unite in order to save his own existence. (Source: IMDB)
The Intern
I saw this film last week and I thought it was great and I want to encourage people to see it. Perhaps, I liked the film because I so easily relate to the character Ben Whittaker in the film.
Starting a new job can be a difficult challenge, especially if you’re already retired. Looking to get back into the game, 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) seizes the opportunity to become a senior intern at an online fashion site. Ben soon becomes popular with his younger co-workers, including Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), the boss and founder of the company. Whittaker’s charm, wisdom and sense of humor help him develop a special bond and growing friendship with Jules.
LAST WEEK POLL – Your Favorite Season of the Year
No real surprises from this poll. Nine out of 18 or 50% of you preferred Summer. Fall came in second with six votes and Spring came in third with three votes. And not surprisingly, no one voted for winter.
THIS WEEK’S POLL
Since I started posting a song of the week, I’ve had a few discussions about music and thought a poll related to music may be interesting to some of you. I realize I may have bias the poll with some of my recent selections for song of the week, but hopefully that will not distort the results too much. Again, you may only vote for one decade.
SONG OF THE WEEK
Johnny B Goode
Michael J. Fox does a great job of this song in the video below from the 1985 movie Back to the Future
I think it will be fun for you to compare Fox’s performance to the real deal, Chuck Berry. Stay with this video for 1958 a bit and you will see some fantastic entertaining. Chuck didn’t need fireworks, costumes or anything to keep your attention. He is just absolutely extraordinary.
[ ] Leonardo da Vinci, [ ] (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) [ ] areas of interest included invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. [ ]
Many historians and scholars regard Leonardo as a great exemplar of the “Renaissance Man”, an individual of “unquenchable curiosity” and “feverishly inventive imagination”.[ ] According to art historian Helen Gardner, the scope and depth of his interests were without precedent in recorded history, and “his mind and personality seem to us superhuman, the man himself mysterious and remote”.[ ]
Born out of wedlock to a notary, Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman, Caterina, in Vinci in the region of Florence, Leonardo was educated in the studio of the renowned Florentine painter Andrea del Verrocchio. Much of his earlier working life was spent in the service of Ludovico il Moro in Milan. He later worked in Rome, Bologna and Venice, and he spent his last years in France at the home awarded him by Francis I.
Leonardo was, and is, renowned primarily as a painter. Among his works, the Mona Lisa is the most famous and most parodied portrait[ ] and The Last Supper the most reproduced religious painting of all time [ ]
Leonardo is revered for his technological ingenuity. He conceptualised flying machines, a type of armoured fighting vehicle, concentrated solar power, an adding machine,[] and the double hull, also outlining a rudimentary theory of plate tectonics. Relatively few of his designs were constructed or were even feasible during his lifetime[ ]
Today, Leonardo is widely recognised as one of the most diversely talented individuals ever to have lived in the world.[] (Source: Wikipedia)
BLOG
I always appreciate those that leave comments on my weekly posts. I wish more of you would do so; since it is so very encouraging. Leaving a comment is easy, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.
If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends.
MY BOOK
My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format.
I read a lot of newspapers and news magazines as well as listen and watch the news. It is rather depressing and so this week instead of suggesting a book; I am posting something I find up lifting and hope you will too.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding, as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
CURRENT EVENTS
Oregon College Shooting Tragedy
I suspect more than a few people knew this sick individual was capable of doing a terrible act like this and they did nothing to get this sick individual help or prevent this tragedy. I’ve heard it said that a bad person is a good person’s job; well someone did not do their job.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
We are commanded to seek out those who are lost.
We are to be our brother’s keeper.
Source: Joseph B. Wirthlin
MOVIE OF THE WEEK– Great Balls of Fire
Moving to a lighter note, this week’s movie recommendation is Great Balls of Fire. The actor Dennis Quaid did a fantastic job of capturing this wild man – Jerry Lee Lewis. Late in life. I had the privilege of actually seeing Jerry Lee Lewis perform; what a thrill.
LAST WEEK POLL – The Best Decade of Your Life
There were 20 votes this week and those voting indicated that they thought the best decade was or will be the years 40 through 49 with five votes.
The following two decades tied with four votes each. They are:
30 through 39
60 through 69
Next came 50 through 59 with two votes.
The following decades received one vote each
20 through 29
70 through 79
80 through 89
90 through 89
90 through 99
100 or greater
And I found most interesting that the two youngest decades received no votes at all. They were:
Less than 9
10 through 19
Personally, I’ve always thought of life in terms of the seasons, with the years less 20 being Spring, or a time of growth. The next two decades, or 21 through 40 being summer, when one is in full bloom. 41 through 60 is a time of Fall and things start falling as those of us who have been in that season know so well. And finally, we enter Winter, or the final season of life, where one’s hair turns white like snow.
THIS WEEK’S POLL
Since I just finished speaking of the season of life, I thought you may enjoy a poll where you vote for your favorite season of the year. Again, you may only vote for one decade.
SONG OF THE WEEK – You have to at least check out this live 1964 performance of Jerry Lee Lewis and I would love to know what you think, so please leave a comment.
I’m always trying to keep you informed of the latest health studies. Here is one you should know about.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee [ ] November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Hong Kong American martial artist, Hong Kong action film actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, filmmaker,[ ] and the founder of Jeet Kune Do. [ ] He is widely considered by commentators, critics, media and other martial artists to be one of the most influential martial artists of all time,[ ] and a pop culture icon of the 20th century. [ ] He is often credited with helping to change the way Asians were presented in American films.[ ] (Source: Wikipedia)
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Last week, two people left comments. I hope more of you will start leaving comments. To leave a comment, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.
If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends.
MY BOOK – My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format.
Yogi Berra’s baseball exploits as a New York Yankees catching great spoke for themselves. He spoke for himself in a charmingly fractured way that introduced “Yogi-isms” such as “It’s déjà vu all over again” into the American lexicon.
The Hall of Famer died at the of 90 on Tuesday evening, the Yogi Berra Museum announced. He undoubtedly would be reminding people of what he once said: “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.” [ ] In 1999 he was one of 100 players selected to Major League Baseball’s All-Century team. (Source: USA Today)
St. Ignace, MI
Carol and I are in St. Ignace, which is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsular, just on the other side of the Mackinaw Bridge, which is behind us.
If you are around this area, I suggest you stop in at Fort Algonquin, as Carol is doing below.
It isn’t really a fort, but an indian gift shop. You will find interesting items for sale. And be sure to ask the proprietor, Lone Wolf Dancing on Thunder, about the history of the Indian tribes of this area.
I read this book long ago and like most of the books I recommend, this is a fun and easy to read book.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK– Moneyball
Out of respect for Yogi Berra, I wanted to suggest a movie this week that had a baseball theme.
Based on a true story, Moneyball is a movie for anybody who has ever dreamed of taking on the system. Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s [ ] The onetime jock teams with Ivy League grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) [ ], recruiting bargain players that the scouts call flawed, but all of whom have an ability to get on base, score runs, and win games. [ ]
is that we don’t show enough love toward each other.
Source: Little Richard
LAST WEEK POLL – What You Plan to Do for Halloween
Give out treats – 26%
Decorate your house – 24%
Go to a Halloween party – 21%
Ignore Halloween – 13%
Wear a costume – 11%
Watch a scary movie – 5%
THIS WEEK’S POLL
In chapter 37 of my book, I talk about time in a number of ways. One of those ways is aging and the importance of not letting your age stop you from starting projects. So, I thought I would ask in this week’s poll what decade of our live we think was or will be the best. Sorry, you can vote for only one decade.
SONG OF THE WEEK -I was fortunate to see Little Richard twice in my life. Once in the late 1950s and again in the early 21st century. I am so glad that some of his early performances were captured.
THIS WEEK’S JOKE -Since this truly extraordinary Pope is making his extraordinary visit to the U.S.A. this week, I thought something related to the Bible would be appropriate.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – Little Richard
I’ve been fortunate to see Little Richard in person, twice in my life, once when I was very young and once again in my 60s.
Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known by his stage name Little Richard, is an American recording artist, songwriter and musician.
An influential figure in popular music and culture for more than six decades, Little Richard’s most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship laid the foundation for rock and roll. [ ]
Little Richard has been honored by many institutions, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hallof Fame. He is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” (1955) was included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2010 [ ]. In 2015, the National Museum of African American History and Culture honored Little Richard for his pivotal role in the formation of popular music genres and in helping to shatter the color line on the music charts changing American culture forever. (Source: Wikipedia)
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MY BOOK – My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format.
What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday (9/19/15) and my compliments to the riders who braved Saturday’s weather to participate in this extraordinary event.
The mission of the Tour de Troit is to promote and encourage bicycling and bicycle safety through education, public events, collaboration with community and government organizations and support for non-motorized infrastructure. The Tour de Troit, the city’s largest cycling event, raises awareness of biking as a mode of transportation and publicizes the growing greenways network in the City of Detroit and all of Southeastern Michigan. Tour de Troit also produces and supports other events that promote a healthy lifestyle and city, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bike Ride, PaczKi Run, Run du Nain Rouge and Cycle Into Spring.
I know I have suggested this book in the past; but if you give this easy to read book a chance, you will find it contains much spiritual guidance.
“The Tao is great, the king is also great.”–Lao Tzu
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: Amazon)
MOVIE OF THE WEEK – When the Moors Ruled in Europe
If you are Amazon Prime, you can watch this film for free or if you have a Netflix DVD subscription and I was surprised that you can find it on Youtube, also for free. In today’s troubled times, it is something that you owe to yourself to look at how things could be rather than how they are. It is a well done documentary of how people thrive when they are tolerant of one another. As I mentioned in my posts from Spain this year, I have been to many of the cities and buildings mentioned in the film (Alhambra, Cordova, Seville, Toledo, etc.). I wish I have viewed this film before my trip.
Bettany Hughes traces the story of the mysterious and misunderstood Moors, the Islamic society that ruled in Spain for 700 years, but whose legacy was virtually erased from Western history. In 711 AD, a tribe of newly converted Muslims from North Africa crossed the straits of Gibraltar and invaded Spain. Known as The Moors, they went on to build a rich and powerful society. Its capital, Cordoba, was the largest and most civilised city in Europe, with hospitals, libraries and a public infrastructure. Amongst the many things that were introduced to Europe by Muslims at this time were: a huge body of classical Greek texts that had been lost to the rest of Europe for centuries (kick-starting the Renaissance); mathematics and the numbers we use today; advanced astronomy and medical practices; fine dining; the concept of romantic love; and paper. (Source: http://www.infocobuild.com/books-and-films/social-science/when-the-moors-ruled-in-europe.html )
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK – Chapter 19 of my book discusses “Change”, but the quote below will certainly do if you don’t have a chance to read that chapter in my book.
LAST WEEK POLL – Your Health Habits in Regards to Others
Since I permitted multiple voting, I have no idea how many people participated in last week’s poll, but there were 68 votes. The highest number of votes went to;
One or less alcohol drinks a day – 11 votes
I exercise more than most people – 9 votes
On average I get less than 7 hours sleep a night – 9 votes
My diet is better than most peoples – 8 votes
THIS WEEK’S POLL – Chapter 20 of my book discusses the importance of celebrating successes (yours and your friends & associates) as well as various holidays. So this week’s poll is related to the various ways one might celebrate Halloween, if they care to do so. Again, you can vote for more than one item.
SONG OF THE WEEK – Folks, here is another dance video for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy it.
THIS WEEK’S JOKE – In chapter 30 of my book, I talk about how important it is to avoid arguments with people. One sure way of avoiding arguments is to not talk about religion.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – Lao Tzu
Little is truly known about the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu [ ], who is a guiding figure in [ ] Taoism [ ]. He is said to have been a record keeper in the court of the central Chinese Zhou Dynasty in the 6th century B.C., and an older contemporary of Confucius. This could be true, but he may also have been entirely mythical [ ].
Lao Tzu is said to have tired of life in the Zhou court as it grew increasingly morally corrupt. So he left and rode on a water buffalo to the western border of the Chinese empire. Although he was dressed as a farmer, the border official recognised him and asked him to write down his wisdom. According to this legend, what Lao Tzu wrote became the sacred text called the Tao Te Ching. After writing this piece, Lao Tzu is said to have crossed the border and disappeared from history, perhaps to become a hermit. In reality, the Tao Te Ching is likely the compilation of the works of many authors over time. But stories about Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching itself passed down through different Chinese philosophical schools for over two thousand years. (Source: The Philosophers’ Mail)
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Folks, regardless of your party affiliation, you should watch this to either be informed or just for the sake of entertainment.
CNN Republican Primary Debate
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
6pm ET / 3pm PT – First round debate
8pm ET / 5pm PT – Second round primetime debate
Aired On: CNN
Location: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA
Sponsors: Reagan Library Foundation, CNN, Salem Media Group
Moderator(s): Jake Tapper, Dana Bash and Hugh Hewitt
Rules: Split field into Segment B (primetime) and Segment A (remaining candidates getting at least 1% in polls)
Candidates 6pm: Santorum, Jindal, Pataki, Graham
Candidates 8pm: Trump, Bush, Walker, Huckabee, Carson, Cruz, Rubio, Paul, Christie, Kasich, Fiorina
SKELETONS
I was reading the Thursday, September 10, 2015 issue of USA Today and came across an article on page 5A about the discovery of some skeleton remains that could be more than 2.5 million years old. Although I found the article interesting, what interests me more are current skeletons. When you look at the skeletons below, you will see that underneath the skin and superficial differences, we are all the same.
Well at least all of us, except for pirates.
FOOT RACES
I did another 5K race Sunday at the Detroit Zoo. Although I was a little faster (34 minutes & 6 seconds) than last week, I came in 5th out of the ten guys in my 65 to 69 age bracket. But the interesting thing is that the guy who came in first in my age bracket did the 5K in 24 minutes and 10 seconds. However, 71 year-old Monte Piliawksy ran the 5K in 23 minutes and 42 seconds. Actually, there was four guys in the over 70 bracket and they all ran the 5K in less than 30 minutes. Although the over 70 ladies were not as fast, four of them did complete the race. There were 13 women in my age bracket and the winning woman did the 5K in 23 minutes and 28 seconds.
You really need to ask yourself, what are you doing today that will help ensure your physical well being in the years to come. And remember it is never too soon or too late to start doing something to be healthier–please.
SELF-HELP BOOKS:
I don’t agree with everything in this book and most likely neither will you; but still it is well worth reading for the many thought provoking ideas that it provides. I’ve read and reviewed it many times over the years.
Most of us need to feel that we matter in some way; perhaps this explains the high value placed on titles, corner offices, and even fleeting celebrity. But most of us also need to feel that we are good people. In this luminous yet practical book of spiritual advice, Harold Kushner bridges the gap between these seemingly irreconcilable needs, showing us how even our smallest daily actions can become stepping stones toward integrity. (Source: Amazon)
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Here is a short film (Five minutes) that I made back in 2010, called Perceptions. It is a “tongue-in-cheek” view of how people perceive the world around them. There are better films out there, but I made this one with my friends and so I love the film even with all it’s flaws.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK – Chapter 40 of my book talks about seeing and hearing what is there, rather than what you want to be there. As Abraham Lincoln advises below, you may want to fact check some of the things you see on the internet.
LAST WEEK POLL – How well do you use your time.
This week only 19 people voted in the poll. I can never understand why more people don’t vote. I personally find the results interesting.
Anyway, here are the results of the 19 people who voted:
12 felt they used there time better than most people
4 felt they used their time the same as most people
3 felt they used their time worse than most people
THIS WEEK’S POLL – I devoted the first section of my book to good physical traits, since if you aren’t healthy, nothing else really matters, does it? Below is a poll, where you may answer multiple times.
SONG OF THE WEEK – Last week my good friend Carolyn expressed here dissatisfaction with one of the male dancers in last week’s Shania Twain video. I think you will find some extraordinary dancing in this week’s music video – Please check it out.
THIS WEEK’S JOKE – Batman can obviously see what is there, rather than what he wishes were there.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – Anwar Sadat (25 Dec 1918 – 6 Oct 1981)
[ ] As President, he led Egypt in the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to regain Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, which Israel had occupied since the Six-Day War of 1967, making him a hero in Egypt and, for a time, the wider Arab World. Afterwards, he engaged in negotiations with Israel, culminating in the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty; this won him and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin the Nobel Peace Prize, making Sadat the first Muslim Nobel laureate. Though reaction to the treaty—which resulted in the return of Sinai to Egypt—was generally favorable among Egyptians, it was rejected by the country’s Muslim Brotherhood and leftists in particular, who felt Sadat had abandoned efforts to ensure a Palestinian state. With the exception of Sudan, the Arab world and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) strongly opposed Sadat’s efforts to make a separate peace with Israel without prior consultations with the Arab states. His refusal to reconcile with them over the Palestinian issue resulted in Egypt being suspended from the Arab League from 1979 to 1989. The peace treaty was also one of the primary factors that led to his assassination. (Source: Wikipedia)
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In Chapter 22 of my book, I talk about the importance of reducing the clutter in your life. This coming Saturday, September 12, is National Clean Out Your Garage Day and would be a good start to reducing the clutter in your life. [Source: The Detroit News, Friday, August 28, 2015]
FOOT RACES
Saturday, I was in the Arts, Beats & Eats 5K race and came in third in my age group, running 3.1 miles in 34 minutes and 49 seconds.. The two guys in my age group who were faster, were also a bit younger than me. So, I thought next year I should be able to come in first, when I move into the 70 to 74 age group.
Well to my surprised, when I looked at the 70 to 74 year old male runner results, I saw that 71 year old Monte Piliawsky ran the 3.1 miles in an extraordinary 22 minutes and 54 seconds. I look forward to coming in second next year behind this extraordinary individual.
There will be another walk, 5K & 10K race at the Detroit Zoo this coming Sunday, September 13 and most likely you can find similar events wherever you happen to live. So if you are looking for something to do after cleaning out your garage, maybe you want to try a walk or a short race. For more information, click on http://www.detroitzoo.org/Events/run-wild?ref=em-QTN6mtFrDGdE
I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS – People really need to think about the people and companies they support with their hard earned dollars.
Walter Palmer, who has spent more than a month out of sight after becoming the target of protests and threats, intends to return to his suburban Minneapolis dental practice Tuesday. (Source: Interview Sunday evening conducted jointly by The Associated Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune)
CONTRAST – Contrast cowardly Walter Palmer with hero Ben Kuroki, who died Tuesday.
Ben Kuroki, a decorated Japanese-American gunner in the Army Air Forces of World War II, who was hailed on the American homeland at a time when tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans were confined to internment camps as supposed security risks, died on Tuesday in Camarillo, Calif. He was 98.
Many Americans of Japanese descent served with distinction in the Army’s ground forces. But the Air Forces had not wanted Mr. Kuroki, or, for that matter, any Japanese-Americans.
He nonetheless became an airman and received three Distinguished Service Crosses, taking part in raids over Europe and North Africa and then, after receiving special permission from the War Department, in missions over Japan. (Source: NY Times, Sunday, September 6, 2015)
SELF-HELP BOOKS:
I’m currently half-way through Katie Couric’s book, The Best Advice I Ever Got and it definitely lives up to what the back cover says about the book. I particularly like that the wisdom these extraordinary people impart to the reader comes in doses of half-a-page to a few pages. Below is some of what the back cover says about the book.
In this inspiring book, Katie Couric distills the ingenious, hard-won insights of such leaders and visionaries as Maya Angelou, Jimmy Carter, Michael J. Fox, and Ken Burns, who offer advice about life, success, and happiness—how to take chances, follow one’s passions, overcome adversity and inertia, commit to something greater than ourselves, and more.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
This week’s film is a bit different from my usual recommendations. It is a DVD that illustrates creativity, nature, generosity and some courage. It is a documentary DVD about the Pennsylvania house that Frank Lloyd Wright designed. I particularly like this video because it contains the reflections of Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., the son of the couple that asked Mr. Wright to design this extraordinary house. However, this video is difficult to obtain and expensive; but there are many other books & videos on Frank Lloyd Wright and I have been fortunate enough to visit his studio in Oak Park, just outside of Chicago. If you have any time and are in Chicago, it is worth the effort to visit Oak Park after seeing the highlights of downtown Chicago.
If I had it to do over again, I would have included a chapter in my book about the physical aspects of the place that one calls home. I believe one can make any home extraordinary, if one tries. Although money does help, I believe it is the love one puts into the task that can make any physical place you call home extraordinary.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK– In Chapter 17 of my book, I discuss the importance of being meticulous about telling the truth. I know many of us on Facebook have difference of opinion and I think it is good people feel free to express their views. However, if you are using falsehoods to support your views; you are doing your views a disservice.
LAST WEEK POLL – What is your addiction
This week 24 people voted in the poll. I can never understand why more people don’t vote. I get general statistics telling me that about 100 people viewed this blog last week, but perhaps they each viewed the blog four times 🙂
Anyway, here are the results of the 24 people who voted:
6 were addicted to reading – That is wonderful, no doubt they are all extraordinary
4 were addicted to nothing – Well, that is extraordinary
4 were addicted to their cell phone – I’m amazed it was so few
4 were addicted to work – Don’t we wish we could hire these people
2 were addicted to alcohol – You were only permitted to vote once, I’m guessing it was a tough choice between work and alcohol, but perhaps I am saying more about myself than anyone else 🙂
2 were addicted to love – hey, we gotta love these people
1 was addicted to exercise – it wasn’t me 🙂
1 was addicted to television and movies – I can’t blame them, I love movies.
No one was addicted to drugs – I’m thankful to hear that
THIS WEEK’S POLL – In chapter 37 of my book, I stress how important it is to use your time well, so here is a poll on how you use your time.
SONG OF THE WEEK – I hope you enjoyed Robert Palmer’s video last week as much as I did. Well, this week’s song in some ways is the flip side of Robert Palmer’s video – Please check it out.
THIS WEEK’S JOKE – Chapter 40 of my book talks about seeing and hearing what is there, rather than what you want to be there. In other words, if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. For this week’s joke, I decided upon a video that illustrates that point.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – René Magritte (21 Nov 1898 – 15 Aug 1967)
René Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist. He became well known for a number of witty and thought-provoking images that fall under the umbrella of surrealism. His work is known for challenging observers’ preconditioned perceptions of reality. (Source: Wikipedia)
I would like to add that he was a philosopher, who just happened to communicate via paintings. If you wish to think outside the box, you really need to see a number of his works. He is my favorite artist and his paintings (Copies of course), as well as my wife’s paintings, are all over our house.
Here are just a few examples of his work:
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And as always, either leave a comment or send me your suggestions for current events, jokes, thoughts, movies, book, extraordinary people, songs, or anything you believe may be interesting and thought provoking for the readers of this blog. My address:mailto:harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net
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