08/09/15 – Format, Debates, Dream Cruise, Emmy’s Post, Career Warfare, Holmes & Riki + Jokes

August 9, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

MY BLOG

I changed the format this week to add a side bar with an archive of past posts so it will be easier for you to see old posts. And to make it easier to comment on these posts, I now have a box at the bottom of the post where you can type in a reply.

As always, please send me your jokes, thoughts, movie & book suggestions as well as anything you believe may be interesting and thought provoking for the readers of this blog, to this address: harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

CURRENT EVENTS

Regardless of your political orientation, I think the first night of the 2015 Republican Debates was a good way to learn a little about the people, who want to be the leader of the U.S.A.; besides, it was very entertaining. Your chance to see the next round of these debates will be September 16.

Source of above photos: Getty Images

The Woodward Dream Cruise is proud to present the fourth annual Cruise In Shoes™ 5K Fun Run/Walk presented by PNC Bank. The run/walk will take place the morning of August 15, 2015, the same day as the 21st annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

The run/walk will begin at 7:30 am on Yorba Linda Blvd, continue with a rare opportunity to run on historic Woodward Avenue, wind through several Royal Oak neighborhood streets and finish at Shrine High School.

Anyone interested in participating in the Cruise In Shoes™ can register online by going to http://www.cruiseinshoes.com/registration until August 12. Participants can also sign up for the event the day of the run at Royal Oak Shrine High School.

NEW STORE IN ROYAL OAK

There is a new boutique store in Royal Oak, MI on 6th street between Main and Washington streets. It has some fantastic clothes for girls of all ages at very reasonable prices. If you would like to know more about the store, please clink on the link below to see an article in the Royal Oak Review about the store.

http://www.candgnews.com/news/new-boutique-focuses-power-positivity-84690

Here are two of my friends, Tania and Lindsey, who are visiting the store.

SELF-HELP BOOKS:

I just reviewed a book that I read back in 2004 and oh my gosh was it painful to hear all the advice I should have heeded, but didn’t. If you still have hopes of building a career, I recommend you take a look at this book. It has so much good advice and is very readable. Although my corporate career is over; I’m embarking on a new career as an author, speaker and blogger; and this time I’m going to pay closer attention to the advice in this book.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since I am a long time fan of Sherlock Holmes, I had to see the recent movie, “Mr. Holmes”. I found the story ok, but not up to the Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett productions, but still the acting was amazing.

And this story didn’t do much for me; but Meryl Streep was absolutely amazing.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

LAST WEEK POLL

Only 12 people voted in last week’s poll. Four of you thought about writing a book and another four of your started writing a book, but never finished. So 2/3s of us wanted to write a book but didn’t.

Of the remaining four, 1 never wanted to write a book, two wrote and published a book; but the book did not sell over 100 copies. And congratulations to the one of us who wrote, published and sold more than 100 copies of their book. Well done. My understanding is that 93% of all books published, sell less than 100 copies so this is an extraordinary accomplishment.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

If you work for an organization where it is difficult for you to take a day off from work because you don’t feel well; perhaps, this joke will cheer you up.

And if you think you have a bad job; well look below and perhaps you will reconsider.

MY BOOK

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

08/03/15 – Cecil, 20 Minutes to Health, Thinking About Writing a Book, Validation, Advice for Husbands & Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road

August 2, 2015August 3, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

MY BOOK & BLOG

A big thank you to Detroit’s Premier Auditor, John Quaine, for his very kind review of my book and me on Amazon. Thank you very much John.

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

I’m also pleased to announce that for last week’s posting, I had 88 views. To all of you, thank you very much for checking out my blog and as always; please send me your jokes, thoughts, movie & book suggestions.

CURRENT EVENTS

By now you have all heard of the cowardly act of the Minnesota dentist, Walter James Palmer of Eden Prairie, MN; who murdered Cecil by luring Cecil out of the Hwange National Park to an unprotected area by strapping a dead animal to their vehicle. Once off national park land, a light was shined on Cecil and he was shot with an arrow. Wounded Cecil was tracked for 40 hours and then shot, beheaded and skinned.

Here is what Arnold Schwarzenegger had to say: Stop killing big cats. Killing a lion isn’t ballsy. Going into the octagon or joining the military – that’s ballsy. Try that before you kill a lion. Protecting big cats is also ballsy.

The Highlander Games were held this weekend in Livonia and it is a great place to watch some tests of strength as well as Celtic music, dancing & beer. Below is a clip of an event called, The Farmers Walk, where you hold 200 lbs. in each hand and see how far you can walk.

And today through August 9, if you want to see terrific modern versions of two of Shakespeare’s plays, check out:

http://shakespeareroyaloak.com/

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

This week I finished reading The First 20 Minutes” by Gretchen Reynolds. I had to skim a little here and there; but overall the book delivered the latest findings regarding exercise.

Life expectancy in the U.S. and in Europe is expected to drop because too many of us smoke, eat too much and exercise too little. For instance, the book recommends you should walk or work out lightly for 150 minutes a week, and that most of the benefits come in the first 20 minutes of exercise. Are you willing to invest 20 or so minutes a day into staying healthy?

Over the years, I have heard many people talk about wanting to write; well in this time of limited attention spans, I think this book can help you. I must admit I did a lot of skimming this week to finish this book, but I think you can find some helpful tips in the book for writing in today’s world.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I really hoped you took at least a quick glance at last week’s recommend film, called, “Validation“. I think if you just watch the first 20 seconds, you will want to watch the entire 16 minutes. Just click on on the link below to view last week’s film.

http://crackyouregg.com/heartfelt-video/

My friend Mary Ellen sent me a link to this video. It is great advice for husbands as well as an extremely funny four minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyduncFpzl4

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

LAST WEEK POLL

Of the 25 votes (you could vote more than once), the poll is the most popular feature of this blog. I’ve had a number of you that tell me you like to see how your choices compare to those of others.

Five of you indicated that you have passed on jokes that you first saw on this blog. Thank you, I try to find funny stuff that also sometimes has a moral.

Three of you indicated you have commented on a posting. I’ve had so many people mention they don’t know how to comment. If you want to leave a comment, all you have to do is click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. There isn’t anything more to it; if you are still having trouble; drop me an email at: mailto:harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Two of you mentioned that you bought or read a book recommended on this blog. I hope the books were everything you expected. Most of the books I suggest are very easy reads and if not, I say so.

Only one of you indicated you watched a movie because it was recommended on this blog (I assume that doesn’t include the short videos). I hope that is because you have already watched these terrific movies, if not; you may want to rethink that via Netflix or Amazon streaming.

Also, only one of you have indicated that you have passed my blog on to someone else. If you enjoy this blog, I wish you would tell others. And if you don’t like it that much, please tell me what I can do to make it better.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Folks, in answer to the age old question of why did the chicken cross the road, I offer the following:

07/27/15 – Sad News, Attila the Hun, Validation, Steve Jobs, Religion & Barnes & Nobles

July 27, 2015July 27, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

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

SAD NEWS: Christy Arboscello

It is always sad to report a death and especially when the person is so young herself and leaving behind two very young children and her husband, Angelo.

Some of you who attended my summer happy hour parties may remember Christy and her young son Dorian.

If you are interesting in knowing more about the life of this extraordinary young woman, please click on the link below.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/obituary/2015/07/20/ex-free-press-reporter-christy-arboscello-dies/30443639/

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I just finished reviewing my recommended book for this week, “Victory Secrets of Attila the Hun” by Wess Roberts, Ph.D. and it is every bit the meaningful and easy to read book that it was in 2007, when I first read the book.

Although it was written in 1993, the advice it gives out stands up to the test of time in this very easy to read book.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This week’s movie is an extraordinary film that was recommended to me by Judith, an extraordinary woman herself. The film is called, “Validation” and it is 16 minutes long.

I am just asking that you watch just 20 seconds of the film and let me know if you are able to stop watching it. I honestly believe this film is a good investment of 16 minutes of your life.

To view the film, just click on the link below.

http://crackyouregg.com/heartfelt-video/

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

LAST WEEK POLL

The vast majority of you like the new format better than when I stuck to a single trait so I will continue trying to keep the blog current and covering a number of traits that I hope will be helpful to you as well as to me.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Folks, I have been cautioned to be careful of making political jokes because they can unintentionally start arguments. Therefore, I thought I would switch to a safer topic.

CONCLUSION

Although I mention many times that my book is available on Amazon, I should let you know that my book is also available on the Barnes & Nobles website. Just click on:

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

For those of you that have supported me by purchasing a copy of my book, please do me another favor and let others know what you thought of it at Amazon. Currently, I have over 100 copies of my book floating around out there somewhere and I have five reviews–any chance of making it six reviews?

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

Thanks to a very nice lady, Annette Foster, my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC now has 52 likes. Any chance we could make it 53 Facebook page likes this week?

I think comments make this blog so much more interesting and helpful, so why not start a conversation? All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”.

And finally, please send me any of your suggestions for books, films, quotes, jokes, polls or anything else you think will make this blog more interesting and helpful to people. Thank you.

07/20/15 – Change, Emmy’s Post, Detroit Free Press, Iran, Caesars, Terminator, Drug Lord, the Skimm, Poll, a Bear & a Short Video

July 19, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

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

THIS WEEK’S THEME:

I’m changing my weekly post by including more current events, in hopes they will be more interesting to you.

Also, I am asking you to submit quotes, movies, self-help books, short film clips you took yourself, current news items or anything else you come across that is entertaining and better yet if it can help a person improve themselves. You can let me know via comments or send to:

mailto:harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

NEW STORE IN ROYAL OAK

I’m delighted to announce that a new teen boutique is now in Royal Oak on 210 W. Sixth Street, called Emmy’s Post. I just love the store’s philosophy. Judy Lewis, one of the store’s owners said, “It has to be positive, and it has to be outward focused. It can’t just be about making money. It has to be about helping people.” I really hope if you are around Royal Oak, you will stop in at this store. It is really a cool store. If you told them that you heard about the store from Bill, that would be nice; but not necessary 🙂

INSPIRING NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

If you don’t believe the American Dream still exists, you may want to read this inspiring Detroit Free Press article by Susan Selasky about the National Coney Island restaurants, celebrating 50 years.

http://www.freep.com/story/life/food/2015/07/16/national-coney-island-fiftieth/30132533/

IRAN

I was in the U.S. Army, I lived in Iranian hotels and apartments for well over a year.

The vast majority of Iranians I met were very nice to me and some went out of their way to help me get along in this very different world. Of course, I was there during the time of the Shah, so our two countries were not at odds with one another. It was just people relating to people.

I tend to think that maybe it is the governments and the media that gets people to hate one another. For instance, I believe the average Russian would be reasonably friendly with any Americans they encountered; and wouldn’t most of you be helpful to a Russian tourtist trying to find his way in our city.

I believe the more diversity we have in our lives, the more sensitive we will be to the needs and concerns of people different from ourselves. I suspect diversity is a pathway to peace both inside and outside our borders.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Surprise, I don’t always read self-help books, but any reasonably well written book can enhance your perspective. I just finishing reading The Twelve Caesars by Matthew Dennison. I’m not suggesting you read this book, but I am suggesting you read a book if you are serious about improving yourself.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I saw Terminator Genisys in 3D. Sure, Arnold is older than when he made the first Terminator movie back in 1984; but as he says many times throughout the movie about himself, “Old, but not obsolete”.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK (Obtained from the Skimm)

If you want to be extraordinary, you cannot constantly play it safe. As for advice, I would be less concerned about the quality of the advice giver and more concerned about the quality of the advice.

“In this life, he who risks nothing cannot win”

Source:The son of El Chapo — aka the escaped Mexican drug lord — getting philosophical about his dad’s prison break.

Quote from: http://www.theskimm.com/

The Skimm is a very cool website that gives you the latest news updates Monday through Friday and is very brief. Check it out and see if you don’t like it as much as I do.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

I found this on the internet and I think it was intended as a joke. But I thought about it and decided that this was a very wise bear because this bear focuses on the similarities among people; rather than their differences.

SHORT VIDEO – THE DEADLIFT

CONCLUSION

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

Also, if you enjoy this blog, why not pass it on to your friends as well as consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. So far, 51 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page.

07/13/15 – WORK

July 13, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: WORK

This week’s theme is work from Chapter 45 of my book. By the way, if you have read my book; please do me a favor by letting others know what you thought of it at Amazon address below.

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

Although I am no longer in the traditional work world, I earned W2 wages from the age of 17 until I was 63. I’ve had 5 1/2 years to reflect on these work years and realize I made many mistakes during those years, but I also did a few things right. More importantly, I had the opportunity to observe a number of people who did a whole lot of things right. So here are a few suggestions you may find of value.

Don’t work for the money, work for the love of the task you are doing.

Do not quit your job until you have found an equal or hopefully better job.

Speak bad of no one, control your anger and accept difficult situations as learning opportunities and stay positive regardless.

Try to lift up everyone you come into contact with be they in a low position or a high position. You are spending the better part of your day with your co-workers, treat them like family. Here is a photo of my family:

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

This week I am recommending an extremely easy to read book with lots and lots of cool pictures and very few words. However, less is more as a fellow named Edward Everett, who spoke for two hours at Gettysburg before Lincoln gave his less than 3-minute speech.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think you will find Horrible Bosses really funny. However, I have to warn you that it lives up to its “R” rating.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Work should ennoble,

not kill,

the human spirit.

Source: George Lois

THIS WEEK’S POLL

You can find the results of last week’s poll by scrolling down to the prior week’s post and clicking on “view results” of that poll.

However, here is a poll that I believe you will find most interesting

THIS WEEK’S JOKE FROM THE DAYS BEFORE CABLE & SATELLITE, WHEN WE HOPED OUR ANTENNAS WOULD WORK.

Two antennas met on a roof.

The Ceremony wasn’t much,

but the reception was excellent

CONCLUSION

Talking about getting something to work, I brought down an old 1953 Lionel train from that attic. I don’t want to say how long it took me or what it cost; but I finally got the train working as you can see from the video below.

Something else I need to make work is this blog. If you have any suggestions as to what I can do to make it both more helpful and entertaining, please let me know at harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net or leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”.

07/06/15 – DISCULPARSE

July 5, 2015July 5, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DISCULPARSE

I used the Spanish word for apologize because I know so many are apology challenged and I didn’t want to scare those of you that are nonapologists away from my blog.

I read an interesting article in the Sunday, June 28, 2015 New York Times by Laura Zigman. The article was titled, Sorry – A Nonapologist’s Apology.

The article made some interesting points about people with fragile self-esteem preferring to offer explanations (aka excuses) to admitting they were wrong and offering a sincere apology without an excuse.

I cover the topic of apologizing in Chapter 32 of my book, Apologize–Without Being Asked, and Never Ask for an Apology.

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

This week’s recommendation is a book that I have possessed for over 20 years. It is George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior. It doesn’t really address the need to apologize; but given that the Fourth of July weekend just ended and it was written by George Washington when he was 14 years old, I think it says a lot more than what it actually says.

Copied out by hand as a young man aspiring to the status of Gentleman, the 110 precepts which make up this work were based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595. The first English edition of these rules was available in Francis Hawkins’ Youths Behavior, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men, which appeared in 1640, and it is from this work that George Washington seems to have copied. However much he may have simplified them, these precepts had a strong influence on Washington, who aimed to always live by them. The rules focus on self-respect and respect for others through details of etiquette and offer pointers on such issues as how to dress, walk, eat in public, and address one’s superiors. (Source: Amazon / Barnes & Nobles)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I found some great “apology” scenes, but I just didn’t feel the scene was worth the viewing of the entire movie, so instead I am going to apologize and recommend you watch one of the four Pirates of the Caribbean films. Surely, there are some apologies somewhere in these films. My favorite still being the first one, The Curse of the Black Pearl. I understand a fifth film is to be released July 7, 2017; titled Dead Men Tell No Tails.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”

Source: Benjamin Franklin

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON USA RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES

Over 50% of you believe the USA tries to be fair in its dealings with other countries, but makes many mistakes. However, there is a sizable number of you (35%) that believe the USA is more interested in advancing its own interests than letting other countries follow their own course.

THIS WEEK’S JOKES

CONCLUSION

Since we are wrapping up the Fourth of July weekend here in the USA, I thought I would post a video of this year’s International Freedom Festival fireworks display on the Detroit River between Canada and the USA.

For those of you that have supported me by purchasing a copy of my book, please do me another favor and let others know what you thought of it at Amazon:

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

06/29/15 – Día de la Independencia

June 28, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: Día de la Independencia

Since 4th of July is Independence Day in the United States, I thought it would be a good theme for this week’s post. Although this is a United States holiday, I wish more people in the world would think of it as their holiday also. Back in the 18th Century, many expected the United States to be a beacon of freedom and also to welcome all in search of a better life to our shores.

I feel at times like we have lost our way, but then something happens to reassure me we are on the right course. I guess it is a couple of steps forward and a step backwards, before we advance again.

I believe the more we can do to eliminate ignorance, the fewer backwards steps will be taken. I devoted Chapter 44 of my book to the importance of taking time to study and to become more open to considering new approaches to every thing we encounter.

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

This week’s recommendation is the book Common Sense, by Thomas Paine. I really like the Editor’s Introduction in the Penguin Classics edition of the book, since it tells the history of Thomas Paine, one of founders of the United States of America.

As for the importance of this book, John Adams, our second president, says it far better than I can. John Adams said, “Without the pen of the author of Common Sense, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain.”

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I just had to recommend Independence Day.

The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind’s best weapon is the will to survive. (Description Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

I know the quote below is generally taken out of context and a couple of words are missing, but I believe Ben would have approved.

Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither.

Source: Benjamin Franklin

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL – No poll last week

THIS WEEK’S JOKES

What did one flag say to the other flag?
Nothing. It just waved!
From Eloise, age 9, Charlottesville, VA

Teacher: “Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?”
Student: “On the bottom!”
From Christy, age 14, Denver, CO

What did King George think of the American colonists?
He thought they were revolting!
From Scott, age 11, Colorado

Source: Jokes by Kids

CONCLUSION

For those of you that have supported me by purchasing a copy of my book, please do me a favor and let others know what you thought of it at Amazon:

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

If you have ideas how I can make this blog more valuable to you and others, or if you wish to be placed on my weekly distribution email, please let me know at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Also, if you enjoy this blog, why not pass it on to your friends as well as consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

06/22/15 – Desiderata

June 21, 2015June 22, 2015 Wm. Allen8 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: FINAL THOUGHT “DESIDERATA” BY MAX EHRMANN

Regarding the terrible events that took place in South Carolina, I will just say that this kid is as dumb as dumb can be and there are just too many other kids and adults just like him. Plus, I understand in China parents are treated like their children. If the children earn respect, than the parent is accorded that same level of respect. If the child deserves no respect or worse, so is the fate of the parents. So why did the parents permit this dummy to be so darn dumb. I suspect he could have been stopped way sooner, when he was very young if the parents did a respectable job of raising their little monster. This was a crime against all people of good will. I have no forgiveness in me for acts this terrible against innocent people just trying to be good people.

Unrelated to the above, I learned Friday that a good friend of mine died that morning. He was Bryant Greene and he was extraordinary in every sense of the word because he was simply one of the best people you could ever hope to meet. Consequently, this week’s posting is going to be different and I will return to the usual format next week.

Here is a department photo taken a long time ago of us celebrating meeting our department goal for the year. Interestingly, Bryant (the fellow on the right) wasn’t part of our department, but he was such a good friend to all of us and helped us to reach our goal that he had to be including in our photo.

I thought Bryant was such an excellent example of what leadership should be like, that I named one of the bosses in the film “Smokers Choice” – Bryant Greene.

In another film, “Perceptions”, Bryant actually played the boss in the film.

In “Perceptions”, we actually held table top rehearsals; however, the film never received much play.

But it was still fun to make a film and we had a few back yard celebrations.

Bryant Greene

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

Desiderata

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.

Source: Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

If you want to comment, just click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”.

06/15/15 – Armageddon

June 15, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: EATING & EXERCISE

I was reading a Panera Bread advertisement in Sunday’s (6-14-15) New York Times that 1/3 of our kids are overweight or obese and 1/3 of adults are obese. Ok, I understand that a genetic medical condition may cause some to fall into the overweight or obese category. But I believe that for many, it is the result of poor food choices and failing to make some time to exercise.

I have no desire to offend any of you; which means I am. Isn’t it true that every time someone walks up to you and says they don’t want to offend you–you are going to get offended.

I am willing to offend some of you, because I care about your health and want you to have a long, healthy and active life. Please start making better food choices and carve out some time in your busy life for exercise.

I don’t believe it is ever too late to change; you just have to start and it is best to start right now.

Here is Art, who is the founder of Team Armageddon (a powerlifting team), setting a world record Friday (6/12/15). By the way, Art is 60 years old.

Here is another member of Team Armageddon. Nora is 72 years old and like Art, she has set numerous records.

I’m 68 years old and on Friday lifted 44 pounds more than the Michigan state record.

In my book, I devoted my first chapter on diet and my second chapter on exercise, I think being healthy goes a long ways towards helping one to live an extraordinary life. In case you don’t read my book, please remember that eating trumps exercise–my waistline is proof of that.

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I mentioned food typically trumps exercise but remember being slim is not the same as being fit. I’ve read Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin’s book, Skinny Bastard and afterwards found it difficult to look at food the same way as before I read their book. Although I have not read their other book, Skinny Bitch, I believe it says much of the same stuff just with a female orientation.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Shallow Hal is a very funny movie and an excellent reminder that there is a whole lot more to a person than just their mere physical appearance.

After a chance encounter with a self-help guru, obnoxiously superficial Hal is unknowingly hypnotized to see women’s inner beauty. Soon he falls in love with lithe sweetheart Rosemary, blissfully unaware that she weighs 400 pounds. (Description Source: Netflix)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

The medical literature tells us that the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and many more problems are through healthy diet and exercise.

Source: David Suzuki

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN SINCE YOU HAVE PREPARED YOURSELF TO WIN SOMETHING

The results of last week’s poll imply that many of you are not challenging ourselves, when 30% of you indicate that it has been more than five years since you have prepared to win anything. Fortunately, at least 60% of you have tried to win something (contest, job, etc.) within the last 12 months.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

“I’m embarrassed by how much my stomach sticks out”, says Bill

“Have you tried to diet”, says Julie

“Yes, but no matter what color I try, it still looks like it is sticking out”, said Bill

CONCLUSION

For those of you that have supported me by purchasing a copy of my book, if you have gotten around to reading it, please do me a favor and let others know what you thought of it at Amazon:

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

If you have ideas how I can make this blog more valuable to you and others, or if you wish to be placed on my weekly distribution email, please let me know at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Also, if you enjoy this blog, why not pass it on to your friends as well as consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

06/08/15 – Raw

June 8, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: WINNING

This Friday, I will be in the National Raw (without wraps or similar items) Deadlift Competition for my category (Men, 65 to 69, weighing 198 or a little less). So this week’s theme comes from Chapter 52 – “Winning” from my book.

But I didn’t select the theme because I expect to win in my category, although at my age I am often the only one who shows up. I selected the theme because in my book, I start this chapter’s narrative with the sentence, “You will never ever be extraordinary until you stop being concerned with becoming a winner …”

I can’t recall the gang that said this to me years ago, when I expressed my doubts as to my being up to their standards, but I do recall what I was told. You don’t have to win; you just have to fight.

Strange, where good advice comes from and the circumstances that bring it forth, but good advice is good advice period. I long since modified that last line to say, “You just have to try.”

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be” by Paul Arden is one of the most easy to read books I have come across, and it makes a strong case in my opinion for trying–you just may succeed. I will say one thing for certain, if you don’t try; you will definitely not succeed.

If you are at all interested in being extraordinary, this super easy and fun to read book will help you. I have read and reviewed it many times.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think Bedazzled is a fantastic film and I urge you to watch it and find out for yourself how this film relates to this week’s theme.

I took my own advice and watched last week’s film recommendation again and each time I see this film I become more and more impressed with it for so many reasons. You should check this film out.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“What good is being the best,

if it brings out the worst in you.”

Source: Rodney Dangerfield

I couldn’t have more respect for anyone than this guy who always claimed, “I don’t get no respect.”

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON SEEING AND HEARING

It seems that a third of us question what we see and are told. If you wish more details, you can scroll down to last week’s post and view the complete results.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Sam was about to lose his small business, so she went to the church and prayed to win the lotto; but didn’t win.

The next day he was about to lose both his business and his car, so he went to the church and prayed he would win the lotto; but he still didn’t win.

On the third day, he was about to lose his business, his car and his house and prayed that he would win the lotto.

Suddenly he was surrounded by a blinding white light, and he heard the booming voice of God declare, “Hey, you have to meet me half way and at least buy a ticket.”

CONCLUSION

If you have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

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

If you have ideas how I can make this blog more valuable to you and others, or if you wish to be placed on my weekly distribution email, please let me know at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Also, if you enjoy this blog, please pass it on to others as well as consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

I especially appreciate those of you who leave comments. Carolyn, thank you for leaving a comment last week. Folks, remember all you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”.