02/23/15 Blog: Exercise

February 23, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

Folks, I know I covered this topic back on 12/8/14; but I just finished reading Time magazine’s special Health double issue, February 23/March 2, 2015; felt compelled to cover Exercise again. Although only a little over 25% of you stated in my last exercise poll that you did no formal exercise, I suspect a number of you who don’t exercise is higher or you truly are an extraordinary group.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that close to 80% of Americans 18 or older get less than 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week or less than one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

On another note, I continue donating to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize. So if you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

As always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends and also like my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. And for those of you, who have read my book, please consider posting your review of my book on Amazon at:

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

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

Most of you (75%) gave or received cards and gifts for Valentine Day. However, 25% of you indicated you did not give or receive anything, but next year will be much better. To make sure next year is better, if you send me your snail mail address, I will mail you a Valentine Day next year. Again, my email address is: harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A very elderly lady goes to a fitness center and asks if she can join an aerobic class.

The instructor says, “I’m not sure that is a good idea for you. How flexible are you?”

The elderly lady replies, “Very, except for Fridays.”

WEEK 2: EXERCISE – THE COMPONENTS OF FITNESS: CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH, AND FLEXIBILITY

At the start of this week’s blog, I mentioned I had just finished reading Time magazine’s special Health double issue, February 23/March 2, 2015. Here are a couple of items that caught my attention.

Starting at the age of 30, lung function begins dropping 1% a year and declines more in people who are sedentary. The antidote is exercise.

At 35, bone mass tends to go downhill at the rate of 1% a year and faster after menopause. Weight-bearing exercise can make a big difference.

At 40, we all start to lose muscle and gain fat. Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director of the National Institute of Aging says, “You need to absolutely insert exercise activity in your routine if you want to avoid muscle decline.”

Just the above should be enough to provide an incentive to exercise, but there are so many more benefits that those listed above.

One common excuse of many people for not exercising is their lack of time; however, I suspect many of those same people may find an hour during their days for a little mindless TV watching and gossiping with friends. Others come up with more noble excuses such as care of a love one; however, it is like the airlines say. Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, before trying to help others. They say this because if you don’t help yourself, you will in time not be able to help others.

Be extraordinary and exercise for a long and active life.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise

will sooner or later have to find time for illness.

Source: Edward Stanley

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

The 100 Simple Secrets of Healthy People by David Niven, PhD; is a very easy read. To me, the vast majority of ideas in the book are far from secrets and more just common sense. Still, I think there are many good reminders in this book that if applied will help us stay healthy. Oh, and did I mention it is an easy read 🙂

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since the focus of this week’s blog is exercise, here is a very funny movie with some bike riding tossed in.

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Away-Jackie-Haley/dp/B008GOG98Y/

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. And for those of you who have read my book, it you would care to comment about the book on Amazon that would be most welcomed.

Week 50: Marriage/Life Partners

February 16, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

Since Saturday was Valentine’s Day, which is a celebration of romance, I thought Marriage/Life Partners would be an appropriate topic.

If you would like to know more about Valentine’s Day, check it out on Wikipedia at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine’s_Day

I’ve also started donating to anyone putting on a charitable fund raiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize. The Royal Oak Youth Assistance group and Bastone’s Brewery each accepted two copies of my book to use for their charity events. So if you know anyone that is holding a charitable fund raiser and could use a couple of copies of my book please tell them about me. I can be reached at

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comast.net

As always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends and also like my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

Well, it seems that the the vast majority of you are avid readers, so it comes as little surprise that you would take a few minutes out of your time to look at a blog about becoming extraordinary. Thank you.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Harry was very excited about his upcoming marriage.

As Harry was leaving the office, his boss came over to him and said, “congratulations Harry, I just wanted to tell you I’ve been married for twenty years, and I am sure that you will always remember this day as the happiest day of your life.”

Harry, “a little bit confused, said; “But sir, I’m not getting married until tomorrow!” “

“Yeah, I know”, said the boss.

WEEK 50: MARRIAGE/LIFE PARTNERS–CHOOSE A SIGNIFICANT OTHER WHO YOU CAN SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE AND WHO CAN SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE YOU

The choice of a life partner is one of the most important factors on whether you will or will not become extraordinary.

And since this post is associated with Valentine’s Day, I certain don’t wish to discourage young love, but please keep in mind that people change a lot from their teens to their mid-30s, so the best advice I can offer for youth is to at least try to grow together; otherwise, I fear you will grow apart.

By the mid-30s, you pretty much know what you are getting. If the person has financial problems, spotty work history or substance abuse problems; odds are that will continue. Of course, there are always exceptions; but nothing is so ordinary as believing you have found the exception.

Be extraordinary by finding someone you respect and encourage and who in turn will respect and encourage you..

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

The heart has its reasons

of which reason knows nothing.

Source: Blaise Pascal

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

Since the focus of this week’s blog is romance, I hope some of you find the book If Love is a Game, These are the Rules helpful.

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MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Again, since the focus of this week’s blog posting is romance, I thought I would suggest The Princess Bride.

I recall seeing this classic film on the big screen at the fabulous Redford Theater.

If you would like to learn more about this theater that opened on January 27, 1928, please check out on wikipedia

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Also, you will notice that the print is black instead of gray and the headings are in blue. This change came about because someone took a moment to mention that this blog could be improved by making the print black. I really appreciate those that take a moment to comment.

Week 46: Reading

February 8, 2015February 8, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

I’ve decided to jump around again, rather than follow my book in strict order.

For those of you who know me, I frequently have a book near by as well as a highlighter to call attention to important passages that I read, since I will eventually return to the book and review the passages I have highlighted.

Back in June 1992, I met author Leonard Shlain and bought his book titled, Art & Physics, Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light. Dr. Slain was kind enough to autograph his book for me and I just finished reviewing it yet another time. I must admit that even after 23 years, I still don’t understand everything he has written, but each time I review it my closed mind opens a little more.

And for those of you who have tried to enlighten me over the years, you’re well aware of how closed minded I can be and sometimes it takes a long time or even a very long time before I get your point. Please be assured that I appreciate your efforts on my behalf, even if at the time I may not have been all that appreciative.

Finally, as always, if you find this blog of any value; please pass it on to your friends. Also, if there is any particular trait from my book that you would like me to cover soon, please just let us all know.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I have to admit that last week’s poll wasn’t my best poll and I appreciate those of you who tried to make sense of what I was asking and voted. Thank you.

Right or wrong, given my faulty poll; I sense none of us celebrate as often as we should, we rarely celebrate the successes of our friends and we rarely celebrate without expecting a gift in return.

If I’m mistaken, in what I gathered from my poorly constructed poll, please let all of us know your view.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

What did one book say to another?

I just wanted to see if we are on the same page.

WEEK 46: READING–YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM OTHERS

It is impossible to overstate the value reading will have on your efforts to become extraordinary.

Plus, as long as there is a worthwhile book nearby, you will never be bored or feel like you are wasting time when you find yourself in a situation where you are just waiting, doing nothing.

It is also a good idea to vary your reading materials so that you are exposed to a wide variety of view points

Be extraordinary and make sure you read and that your reading includes a variety of viewpoints.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“The opposite of a correct statement

is an incorrect one,

but the opposite of a profound truth

is another profound truth.”

Source: Niels Bohr

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

The book below is not an easy read and you should be skeptical as you read it, still I can’t think of a better way to be exposed to art, science and many other issues. It could cause you to think about some of your most cherished beliefs and open up your mind to various possibilities. But again, I say, this is not an easy read, but it is an interesting read.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I selected this movie as a way of illustrating the importance of books and other writings to the shaping of public opinion as well as one’s own opinions.

For instance, Julius Caesar wrote his own account of The Gallic War (Still available), which did cast Caesar in a very positive light, which was important since it came out just before the Roman Civil War, that Caesar was soon to fight.

In more recent times, Benjamin Franklin was the first to write about his own life and no doubt he put himself in a favorable light.

In still more recent times, what serious U.S. Presidential candidate has not come out with a book before his election campaign.

The movie is over 30 years old, but has much to say as did George Orwell’s book by the same title.

George Orwell’s novel of a totalitarian future society in which a man whose daily work is rewriting history tries to rebel by falling in love. (Source: IMDB)

CONCLUSION

Again, if you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 20: Celebrate

February 2, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you will note that I jumped from Week 9: Visualization to Week 20: Celebrate. Hey, what is more ordinary than going in strict order?

In addition to all of yesterday’s SuperBowl parties, for years on and off, I have tried to celebrate Groundhog Day, which falls on February 2 or this year today.

I was fascinated with Groundhog Day because of the movie, which I will discuss in the film section of this blog.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I am surprised to learn that 45% of you use Visualization frequently. The results of the last several polls lead me to believe those most interested in becoming extraordinary are people who already are extraordinary or well on their way to becoming extraordinary.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (I try not to use jokes that I used in my book, but since many of you have not read my book and I thought this joke was just so appropriate for the Celebrate trait, I just had to share with everyone who reads this blog.)

Upon dying, the pope goes to heaven where he meets a reception committee. They tell the pope that he can enjoy any of the many recreations available.

He decides that he wants to read all of the ancient original texts of the holy Scriptures and spends the next eon learning the languages. After becoming a linguistic master, he sits down in the library and begins to read every version of the Bible, working back from the most recent, “Easy Reading,” to the original.

All of a sudden, there is a scream in the library. The angels come running to him, only to find the pope huddled in a chair, crying to himself, and muttering, “An R! They left out the R.”

God takes him aside, offering comfort, and asks him what the problem is. After collecting his wits, the pope sobs again, “It’s the letter R…the word was supposed to be celebrate.”

WEEK 20: CELEBRATE–YOUR OWN SUCCESSES, AND ESPECIALLY THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR FRIENDS

Extraordinary people celebrate a lot and it is easy for the ordinary person to say sure, “That is because they have so much to celebrate.” I ask, is it possible that they have so much to celebrate about because they do celebrate, rather than let even small successes go by unnoticed.

But I believe what makes the extraordinary person truly extraordinary is that they are just as quick to celebrate the large and even small successes of their friends.

Be extraordinary and look for opportunities to celebrate yours and your friends successes, both big and small.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“there is nothing more beautiful in life
than celebrating the talents, dreams,
joys, and accomplishments of another being
to see – and call attention to – the best in someone else…”

Source: Kate Mullane Robertson

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

I wish I could write a self-help book as good as the one David Brown wrote, The Rest of Your Life is The Best of Your Life. He was a gentleman who truly celebrated life and he was also the husband of Helen Gurley Brown.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think this is my favorite movie because it is about a person who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right. Isn’t that what we are all trying to do!

CONCLUSION

If you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 9: Visualization

January 25, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

I really wish I didn’t know so well that sometimes, it is hard to visualize yourself as anything other than “less” than ordinary, let alone extraordinary.

Fortunately, there are many extraordinary people around and because they are extraordinary, they are more than willing to help you and encourage you. I was fortunate enough to meet one such person, Monica Sholar, an up and coming author.

She has given me some very good advice as well as encouragement to continue my writing efforts.

My wife, who is an English Major and a retired Detroit Public School teacher recently started reading one of her books, The 24th Letter, which is part of Monica’s Belle Isle Heights Series, and my wife thought it was very well written.

If you are interested in a good story, please check the following sites

http://www.monicasholar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MonicaSholarAuthor?ref=hl

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I am overjoyed to report that close to 95% of you believe making your dreams come true is within your own power.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (If in your mind’s eye you see yourself as extraordinary, you may also see how this joke relates to the topic–anyway, it was the best I could come up with for this topic)

A man went into a bank to withdraw some money.

The bank teller asked, “Can you identify yourself?”

The man reached into his pocket, pulled out a mirror, looked into it, and said, “Yes, that’s me.”

WEEK 9: VISUALIZATION–IN YOUR MIND’S EYE, SEE YOURSELF AS EXTRAORDINARY

If you can’t imaging something, it is unlikely it will happen. If you want to be extraordinary, you need to spend time visualizing yourself as extraordinary. Before going into situations, you need to visualize yourself over and over as extraordinary in that situation.

If you can’t even imagine yourself as extraordinary, how can you expect to be extraordinary?

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Ordinary people believe only in the possible.
Extraordinary people visualize not what is possible or probable,
but rather what is impossible. And by visualizing the impossible,
they begin to see it as possible.”

Source: Cherie Carter-Scott

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

Back in 1999, I was in Las Vegas and visited the Liberace Museum. While there, I learned of the great influence Claude Bristol’s book had on the extraordinary entertainer, Liberance.

This 1948 self-help book can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Believing-Claude-M-Bristol/dp/0671745212/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Although I try not to suggest movies that I suggested in my book, I just had to suggest this movie again. When it comes to Visualization, well, if you watch it you will see what I’m mean.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1436572/?ref_=nv_sr_4

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And also I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 8: Action

January 19, 2015January 22, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

How extraordinary is it that as I write this blog today about Week 8: Action–Take Some Meaningful Action Daily to Make Your Dreams Come True that it is Martin Luther King Day, a national holiday here in the USA

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering “I Have a Dream” at the 1963 Washington D.C. Civil Rights March. [Source: Wikipedia]

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I’m delighted to report that half of you responded that you believe your level of self-esteem is above that of the average person. You folks are on your way to being extraordinary, if you aren’t already.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

After every flight, pilots fill out a form requesting action on mechanical problems they encountered during the flight. Mechanics take action and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what action they took.

(P = problem logged by the pilot.)
(A = action taken by mechanics.)

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
A: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
A: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
A: That’s what they’re there for.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
A: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
A: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
A: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
A: Cat installed.

WEEK 8: ACTION–TAKE SOME MEANINGFUL ACTION DAILY TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

“I Have a Dream” is a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. [Source: Wikipedia]

What actions are you taking to make your dreams come true?

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic,

it takes sweat, determination and hard work.

Source: Colin Powell

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

If you want to read about the life of a person who made is dreams come true through courage, risk taking, handwork, generosity, forgiveness, etc.; check out this book below.

More than two thousand years after his death, Julius Caesar remains one of the great figures of history. He shaped Rome for generations, and his name became a synonym for “emperor” — not only in Rome but as far away as Germany and Russia. He is best known as the general who defeated the Gauls and doubled the size of Rome’s territories. But, as Philip Freeman describes in this fascinating new biography, Caesar was also a brilliant orator, an accomplished writer, a skilled politician, and much more.

[Source: Amazon]

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This film is a bit old, 1998, but if you like romantic comedies, you might enjoy this film about a geeky high school kid trying to find the courage to act on his feelings for the prom queen. Perhaps, it will inspire you to act on your feelings to make your dream come true.

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And I would be delighted to add any of your friends to my weekly distribution list. Also, if you have ideas on how I can make this blog better, please let me know at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

Week 7: SELF-WORTH

January 11, 2015January 20, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

This blog is about helping both you and I become extraordinary. I believe this is possible, if we want it badly enough to open our minds to new ways of doing things and new beliefs.

I am writing this blog today from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I have met some world travelers on this trip and they appear like ordinary people. However, when you speak to them and listen to the various lands they have visited, you soon realize they are anything but ordinary.

Traveling to other countries to see other cultures is something that I believe most of us can do, if we really want to do it.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I had no idea how last week’s poll was going to turn out. Nelson Mandela and “I Can’t Decide” were the top two choices selected. I can certainly understand why “I Can’t Decide” was selected, since the folks named were extraordinary in such different ways. As for Nelson Mandela, to me here was a person who suffered so much for so long, and yet forgave those that did him wrong to create a better society. What an extraordinary example he is to everyone.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Q: What has two arms, two legs, and a weight more or less proportional to its height?

A: Absolutely nothing.

WEEK 7: SELF-WORTH — BE YOUR OWN PERSON

If you think someone is holding you back from being an extraordinary person, you are definitely correct. The person who is holding you back is yourself.

How do you expect anyone to believe in you, if you don’t believe in yourself first.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Never let the lack of ability stand in your way.

Source: Ken Wasaluski

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Its/dp/1567318797

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

John C. Reilly stars as fictional pop icon Dewey Cox — who, on his hard-knocks road to fame, crosses paths with the likes of Elvis, Buddy Holly and the Beatles — in this spot-on parody of rags-to-riches music biopics. [Source: Netflix]

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And if you have ideas on how to make it better, please let me know at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

WEEK 6: COURAGE

January 4, 2015January 20, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

As you know this blog is about helping you and I both to become extraordinary, which I believe is possible if one wants it badly enough.

If you don’t see extraordinary people all around you, look closer. For instance there was a boy born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. He was likely viewed as just another ordinary child, but he was far from ordinary. He would become the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

Perhaps, not as extraordinary, but still extraordinary are those individuals who ran in the various New Year’s Eve races, such as the 5K race that was held on Belle Island, in Detroit, on New Year’s Eve. It does take a bit of courage to go out and face the wind and cold on a New Year’s Eve in many parts of the country.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

In last week’s poll on clothing the majority, 55%, selected feeling comfortable as the primary reason for their clothing choices. Those who selected “comfort” can feel comfortable that they are in the majority. And for the 20% that selected “looking good”, I thank you for helping to keep the world beautiful 🙂

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A man appears before St. Peter at the pearly gates.

“Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St. Peter asks.

“Well, I can think of one thing,” said the man.

“Once when I was in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I came upon a gang of macho bikers who were threatening a young woman.

I told them to leave her alone, but they wouldn’t stop.

So I went up to the largest and toughest looking biker and ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground, saying, ‘I said to leave her alone.'”

St. Peter was impressed. “Wow, when did this happen?”

“Just a couple minutes ago.”

WEEK 6: COURAGE – DEVELOP BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL COURAGE

Courage comes in so many flavors and it is such an individual act. Something that seems like nothing at all, may take a great deal of courage for some individual. And for still another individual, the courageous act that so many of us applaud may be nothing special to that particular individual. I tried to make this week’s poll an example of the many different flavors of courage.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Courage doesn’t always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,

I will try again tomorrow.

Source: Mary Anne Radmacher

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MINE

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

Since this is the week of Elvis Presley’s birthday, I had to recommend the following book, which like my book is an easy read, entertaining and contains some good advice.

http://www.amazon.com/Tao-Elvis-David-Rosen/dp/0156007371

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. (Source: IMDB)

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And if you have ideas on how to make it better, please let me know at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

Week 5: Clothing

December 29, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

This blog is about helping you as well as myself to become extraordinary. I don’t think any of us should view being extraordinary as something unattainable. If we look closely enough, we will often witness extraordinary acts or actually meet people who have performed extraordinary acts.

For instance, it was only a few weeks ago that I witnessed the bowling of a 300 game by my friend JR, whom I consider an extraordinary individual for a number of reasons in addition to bowling. Bowling a perfect game (i.e.; a 300 game) is an extraordinary act, as any bowler can tell you.

I would appreciate you passing on to me extraordinary acts that you have recently witness or extraordinary people you have recently met. Just email me at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON ALCOHOL

It seems a quarter of us routinely have one or two drinks daily, while at the other end of the spectrum about 12% of us abstain from drinking for religious or health reasons.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

You hear about the guy who was disappointed in the reflective running jacket he had bought?

It just sits around reading works by Proust and Descartes.

WEEK 5: CLOTHING – CHOOSE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

Clothing is a form of communication. So is your clothing saying what you want it to say about you?

Is it saying you want to fit in with a particular social group, profession or trade?

Is it saying that you respect the social conventions surrounding the function you have chosen to attend?

Or, is it saying you don’t care what people think of you?

This posting wraps up the section of my book on the physical traits. I do hope that all of you take these posts on the physical traits very seriously. If you do not watch your diet, do not exercise, short change your sleep, and drink too much; your years after 50 are going to be more and more unpleasant with each passing year.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Clothing is the first step to building a character.

Source: Sylvester Stallone

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MINE

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

I have been using this blog to bring to your attention self-help books in addition to my own, that I think you will find helpful. However, when it comes to clothing advice, I believe current magazines are more helpful than books I can think of, plus just looking around in stores and at people in general and you will likely see clothing very becoming to you.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

The Devil Wears Prada, is an entertaining movie that also says a lot about fashion. If you never saw this film, you should and for those of us that saw it when it first came out in 2006, we may want to watch it again–I think it is that good.

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MONDAY’S POSTING

Next Monday’s posting will be on “Courage – Develop Both Physical and Mental Courage”. If you have suggestions for an inspiring and entertaining joke, poll, quote, book or movie related to “Character”, please send me an email at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

CONCLUSION

As always, if you believe this blog has any value, please pass it on to your friends and people you care about. And if you have suggestions as to how I can make these Monday posts even more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thank you

Week 4: Alcohol

December 22, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

Before I start this week’s posting, I would like to mention the passing of an extraordinary person last Monday at the age of 86. He was Robert Dean Stanley, who among other things created the Chrysler Pentastar logo, when he was employed as a graphic designer for the firm of Lippincott & Margulies in New York City.

Robert Dean Stanley was the father of Dean Stanley, who is a regular attendee at the various happy hour parties, that many of you from the Detroit area have attended. Our condolences go out to Dean and his wife, Mary Ellen.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON SLEEP

A little over half of us typically get less than six hours sleep. I suspect most of us aren’t surprised at that result.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Three guys were sitting at a table in a biker bar.

A drunk came in, staggered to the table, looked the biggest one in the face and said, “I went by your grandma’s house and I saw her in the hallway, naked. Man, she is fine!”

The biker didn’t say a word. His buddies were confused, because he was a bad dude, and would fight at he drop of a hat.

The drunk said, “I got it on with your grandma and she is good!”

The biker still said nothing, but his buddies were starting to get mad.

The drunk then said, “I’ll tell you something else, your grandma liked it!”

The biker having heard enough, stood up, took the drunk by the shoulder and said,

“Grandpa, you’re drunk! Go home!”

WEEK 4: ALCOHOL – DRINK RESPONSIBLY, IF AT ALL

People often have strong feelings when it comes to alcohol and I suspect very few things will change their position on alcohol. There are plenty of reasons and examples that point to how harmful alcohol can be. There is also a lot of evidence that moderate drinking can be beneficial to your health. The key word is “moderation” and for many people, drinking becomes a slippery slope, where moderation often leads to “excess.”

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Here’s to alcohol: the cause of, and answer to, all of life’s problems.

Source: Matt Groening

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MINE

I am using this blog to suggest other self-help books that go into more detail about a trait mentioned in my own book. Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, M.D. in their chapter sixteen “The Drink”; provides a very balanced view of drinking which they sum up by saying, “If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do drink, don’t stop–if you’re able to do it in moderation.”

http://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Strong-Beyond/dp/076114773X

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I couldn’t decide which of these two versions of the famous drinking movie, “Arthur” to suggest, so I decided to suggest both the 1981 version and the 2011 remake. I think you will find either entertaining, and there is a message in this movie. If there is no message, it is just entertainment; but, with a message it becomes Art.

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MONDAY’S POSTING

Next Monday’s posting will be on “Clothing – Choose Appropriate Clothing”. If you have suggestions for an inspiring and entertaining joke, poll, quote, book or movie related to “Clothing”, please send me an email at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

CONCLUSION

If you believe this blog has any value, I urge you to please pass it on to your friends and people you care about. And if you have suggestions as to how I can make these Monday posts even more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thank you