10/17/16 – If You Live in the Detroit Area

October 17, 2016October 17, 2016 Wm. Allen13 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

Leon & Lulu’s

If you live in the Detroit area, I will hope you stop by Leon & Lulu’s this Sunday, October 23 to meet and talk with local authors. For more info, including the authors that will be there, click on the link below.

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

I would love to have the opportunity to talk to readers of this blog, plus I usually tell a few jokes throughout the day at scheduled times.

Our last Presidential Debate is this Wednesday–thank heavens. If you have not made up your mind or you are having doubts about your initial choice, you may want to watch this debate. Otherwise, you may be making your decision on who to vote for based upon what the media tells you.

And for those of you who can’t stand our political situation, you may watch simply for the entertainment value. Who knows, maybe there will be a limbo bar on the debate stage to see how low the candidates can go.

PLEASE CONSIDER COMMENTING

My thanks to Dave & Renxkyoko, for commenting on last week’s post. Surely, more of you can find something to add to the material presented.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

For those of you who think you are too old to deal with technology, please study the instructions below on “Fixing the router”.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

The Romans

By R.H. Barrow

I do not recommend this book, unless you enjoy sitting in a college lecture hall listening to a professor talk about Roman civilization.

However, you should take it upon yourself to learn something of Roman history and civilization, since it is the basis for the western civilization. Many famous European cities were originally founded by the Romans and English Common Law has its basis in Roman Law.

There are more readable books than this one available, as well as recordings and there are some films that are both entertaining and informative.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I, Claudius

I, Claudius follows the history of the early Roman Empire, narrated by the elderly Emperor Claudius.

The series opens with Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, attempting to find an heir, and his wife, Livia, plotting to elevate her own son Tiberius to this position, through the covert assassination and betrayal of any rivals.

The plotting and double-crossing continue for many decades, through the reign of Tiberius, the political conspiracy of his Praetorian Prefect Sejanus and the rule of the lunatic emperor Caligula, culminating in the accidental rise to power of his uncle Claudius.

Claudius’ enlightened reign is marred by the betrayals of his adulterous wife Messalina and his boyhood friend Herod Agrippa. Eventually, Claudius comes to accept the inevitability of his own assassination and consents to marrying his scheming niece, Agrippina the Younger, clearing the way for the ascension of his mad stepson, Nero. (Source: Wikipedia)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

by Rolling Stones

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What was or do you think will be the best decade of your life?

The results:

23% – 60 through 69

21% – 40 through 49

16% – 30 through 39

13% – 20 through 29

11% – 50 through 59

8% – 70 through 79

5% – 80 through 89

3% – 90 through 99

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Is about satisfaction.

ART OF THE WEEK

Somedays

by Kurt Halsey

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Mick Jagger

Sir Michael Philip “Mick” Jagger, (born 26 July 1943) is an English singer, songwriter and actor, best known as the lead singer and a co-founder of the Rolling Stones.

Jagger’s career has spanned over 50 years, and he has been described as “one of the most popular and influential frontmen in the history of Rock & Roll”.

Jagger’s distinctive voice and performance, along with Keith Richards’ guitar style, have been the trademark of the Rolling Stones throughout the career of the band.

In 1989 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2004 into the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones. In 2003, he was knighted for his services to popular music. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG

My thanks to Clark & Louise who started following my blog (Currently 88 followers) and Jacqueline, Louise, Marian & Ruth who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 113 likes).

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends. Hopefully, more of you will continue to share this blog with others. My thanks to Annette, Barbara, Carol, Carrie, Cynthia, Kim, Linda, Lisa, Marian, Paula, Ruth, Shirley, Tude Vox & Victoria, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

MY BOOK

If you enjoyed my book, why not say a couple of words about it in an Amazon evaluation.

My book is available on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

10/10/16 – War

October 10, 2016October 10, 2016 Wm. Allen4 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

Folks, I was unable to fact check this to my satisfaction and I suspect unofficially declared wars may be included. But what I do know, is that in my 70 years, it seems true.

I suspect one reason today that we (i.e. The USA) are always in a war is because we have eliminated the draft. Today, only warriors and those with limited options fight in our wars and not the children of the majority of our decision makers.

PLEASE CONSIDER COMMENTING

My thanks to Renxkyoko, Ron, Samantha & Spiritual Journey, for commenting on last week’s post. For the rest of you looking at this blog, please consider leaving a comment. I believe we would all find interesting what you have to say on various items in this week’s post.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Honor Thy Temple

I try never to miss taking my flu shot

Last Friday, I believe I set two raw National deadlift records in my new age (70 – 74) and weight (Under 181.7 lbs.) categories

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

I hope this is true for all of us looking at this blog.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Everyday Serenity

By David Kundtz

This book is for people who do too much. I first read it back in 2002 and have reviewed it a number of times over the years.

Leon & Lulu’s

Please don’t forget that Sunday, October 23 at Leon & Lulu, you will have the opportunity to speak with many authors, including myself. For more info, including the authors that will be there, click on the link below.

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Actually, this is a play that I saw yesterday at Meadow Brook Theater in Rochester, Michigan, USA. I’ve seen many movies and TV shows involving the character Sherlock Holmes, but a play is another way of seeing the great detective. This play is a comedy, but stays reasonably true to the story given it is a comedy.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Time to get in the mood for Halloween.

Ghostbusters

by Ray Parker Jr.

LAST WEEK’S POLL – How will you celebrate Halloween?

The results:

45% – will be giving out treats on Halloween

17% – don’t celebrate Halloween

17% – will host or go to a Halloween party

17% – will wear a costume

4% – will go trick or treating

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What was or do you think will be the best decade of your life.

ART OF THE WEEK

Here is something I saw last week at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, MI, USA that caught my eye.

Blosson Among Dragons

by Alan Brown

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Oscar Wilde

I thought I would just let the extraordinary Oscar Wilde speak for himself.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG

My thanks to 200 Saturdays Until Paris, Quirky Girl & Happy of Life, who started following my blog (Currently 89 followers) and Holly, Julietta, Kimmy, Lisa, Susan & Zeenab who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 109 likes).

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends. Hopefully, more of you will continue to share this blog with others. My thanks to Anni, Carol, Cynthia, Joanne, Mansoor, Susan & Willie, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

MY BOOK

If you are one of the 100 to 150 people who have read my book, please consider posting an evaluation of it on Amazon.

My book is available on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

10/03/16 – Breaking News

October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 Wm. Allen15 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

PLEASE CONSIDER COMMENTING

My thanks to Michael, Samantha & Sue, for commenting on last week’s post. For the rest of you looking at this blog, please consider leaving a comment. It would be interesting to me and everyone to know what you think about the various items in this week’s post.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Honor Thy Temple

We work so hard to maintain our health, please don’t offset that effort with dangerous driving habits.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

In Chapter 6 of my book, I talk about courage. It takes a lot of courage to follow your own path as Steve Jobs says below.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Source: Steve Jobs

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

In chapter 40 of my book, I talk about seeing and hearing what is there, and not what you want to be there.

I believe cooking tips should fall under this category, so here is a cooking tip that you may find useful.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

The Creative Habit

By Twyla Tharp

If you want to keep your creativity fine-tuned, you may want to check this book out.

Leon & Lulu’s

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Elementary

This TV series has just started its 5th season and if you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, as am I, you really need to watch this show. Nigel Bruce was a great Dr. Watson, but Lucy Liu brings a new dimension to the character of Dr. Watson.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Time to get in the mood for Halloween.

Monster Mash

by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

Jessie’s Girl

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Do you wish to be extraordinary?

The results:

37% – thought they were already extraordinary

32% – wanted to be like the two guys pictured above

21% – Wanted to try to be extraordinary so that they would at least become more than they were.

10% – Didn’t want to be extraordinary.

THIS WEEK’S POLL – How will you celebrate Halloween?

ART OF THE WEEK

Bird Girl

Sculpted in 1936, by Sylvia Shaw

Sculpted in 1936, “Bird Girl” by Sylvia Shaw Judson stood in obscurity for decades in Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery, where it was named “Little Wendy” by the family that paid for it.

That ended in 1994, when a photo of the statue appeared on the cover of the bestselling “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” book cover and acquired its new Bird Girl name.

Fans flocked to the cemetery. Some began chipping off pieces of the statue’s base for souvenirs. The family grabbed their statue and moved it into Savannah’s fancy Telfair Museum of Art, where no chipping or photos are allowed. There’s already one on the book cover….

Sylvia Shaw Judson was dead long before the book was published. She had made several exact duplicates of her statue, so there are a handful of Bird Girls floating around out there, but the one in Savannah is the famous one. (Source: http://www.roadsideamerica.com)

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Tony Bennett

Anthony Dominick Benedetto (born August 3, 1926, which makes him 90 years old), known professionally as Tony Bennett, is an American singer of traditional pop standards, big band, show tunes, and jazz.

He is also a painter, having created works under the name Anthony Benedetto that are on permanent public display in several institutions. He is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York.

He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with “Because of You” in 1951.

In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. His career and his personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era.

Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV Generation while keeping his musical style intact.

He has won 19 Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in 2001) and two Emmy Awards, and was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide. (Source: Wikipedia)

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG

My thanks to Michael & Sierramarks, who started following my blog (Currently 86 followers) and Samantha, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 101 likes).

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends. Hopefully, more of you will continue to share this blog with others. My thanks to Cynthia, Elizabeth & Joanne, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

MY BOOK

If you are one of the 100 to 150 people who have read my book, please consider posting an evaluation of it on Amazon.

My book is available on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

09/26/16 – Presidential Debate Night

September 26, 2016 Wm. Allen6 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

Greed is destroying our country. Mylan CEO’s Pay Rose Over 600 Percent as EpiPen Price Rose 400 Percent per NBC News. Wells Fargo CEO. Now we have Wells Fargo CEO John enriching himself at the expense of the people.

First Presidential Debate

Don’t forget to watch, this is important

Monday, September 26, 2016 from 9-10:30 p.m. ET
Moderator: Lester Holt, Anchor, NBC Nightly News

Source: Thos. Robinson/ Getty Images

PLEASE CONSIDER COMMENTING

My thanks to Carol and Samantha for commenting on last week’s post. For the rest of you looking at this blog, please consider leaving a comment. It would be interesting to me and everyone to know what you think about the various items in this week’s post.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Honor Thy Temple

Having trouble controlling your diet or following your exercise program, well today is the start of a new week.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

In chapter 17 of my book I talk about the importance of being honest. Below is an example of honesty.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Try very hard to never pass up the opportunity to get together with family and friends. They will not always be there, when you finally get around to making time for them. Here is a “Cousins Dinner” last Friday that I was fortunate to get to attend as a spouse of a cousin. I am no relatives of my own, that I know of so I don’t take such events for granted.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

As you can see, I have developed my woodworking skills and I am making use of those skills.

No doubt you too have skills you can develop and use.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Give It Some Thought

By Bret Nicholaus & Paul Lowrie

If you like short little books of motivational thought, here is one that is ok.

Leon & Lulu’s

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Murdoch Mysteries

I’ve watched two seasons of this 9 season murder mystery series and it seems to get better with each passing episode, bringing in all sorts of famous people for that era, such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Buffalo Bill, Harry Houdini and H.G. Wells, just to name a few.

In Victorian-era Toronto, Inspector William Murdoch uses unconventional scientific methods to crack complex murder cases.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Sorry folks for this week’s selection, but I just could not resist.

Jessie’s Girl

by Rick Springfield

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Should a photo ID be required to vote?

The results:

78% – thought a photo ID should be required to vote

18% – did not think a photo ID should be required to vote

4% – were undecided

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Do you wish to be extraordinary?

ART OF THE WEEK

I Keep Smelling Things to See If They Smell Like You

by Kurt Halsey Fredrickson

I bought the original of this years ago and still enjoy it every day.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp (Born July 1, 1941) is an American dancer, choreographer, and author who lives and works in New York City. In 1966, she formed her own company Twyla Tharp Dance. Her work often uses classical music, jazz, and contemporary pop music.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG

My thanks to Cuteness for Days, who started following my blog (Currently 85 followers) and Theresa, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 100 likes).

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends. Hopefully, more of you will continue to share this blog with others. My thanks to Andrena, Carol, Cynthia, Joanne & Nandini, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

MY BOOK

If you are one of the 100 to 150 people who have read my book, please consider posting an evaluation of it on Amazon.

My book is available on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

09/19/16 – Reminders

September 19, 2016September 19, 2016 Wm. Allen6 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

First Presidential Debate

Monday, September 26, 2016 from 9-10:30 p.m. ET
Moderator: Lester Holt, Anchor, NBC Nightly News

Source: Thos. Robinson/ Getty Images

At least a week before the debate, Lester will select six major topics that will get 15 minutes each. He will ask a question about each topic, and then each candidate will have two minutes to respond. He’ll then fill the rest of the time with follow-up questions.

Here is another reminder, not nearly as important as the Presidential Debate reminder, but you will have a chance to speak to various authors, including myself on Sunday, October 23 at Leon & Lulu in Clawson, MI. For more info, including the authors that will be there, click on the link below.

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

PLEASE CONSIDER COMMENTING

Please consider leaving a comment, I’m curious about what you think. I have from 100 to 200 people view this blog each week, but very few comments.

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Honor Thy Temple

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

Think about the people you associate with, are they lifting you up or dragging you down?

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

MISCELLANEOUS

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

If only we could all believe this.

SELF-HELP BOOKS

Steal Like an Artist

By Austin Kleon

If you wish to be extraordinary, this fun to read book is worthwhile.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Back to School

It is the back to school time of the year, so what better way to get into the swing of the school year than by watching this terrific film.

When I taught at a local university, I used to have my management students write a report on all the good business practices they observed in this movie.

This movie is both informative and entertaining. I feel one without the other is not a good use of one’s limited time on earth.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

We need more of this, oh how we need more of this today. I feel so fortunate to have been around during these times.

Daydream Believer

By The Monkees

LAST WEEK’S POLL – What is your party preference?

Out of the nine parties you could vote for in last week’s poll, here are the results:

41% – Cocktail Party

23.5% – Democratic Party

23.5% – Republican Party

6% – Libertarian Party

6% – Marijuana Party

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Should a photo ID be required to vote?

ART OF THE WEEK

Mona Lisa

I think we are all familiar with Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The following my not be true, but rumor has it that after the painting was finished, Da Vinci and Mona Lisa held a celebration and here is a photo taken by a paparazzo.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Richard Branson

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950) is an English business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies.

At the age of sixteen, his first business venture was a magazine called Student. In 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores. Branson’s Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he set up Virgin Atlantic and expanded the Virgin Records music label.

In March 2000, Branson was knighted at Buckingham Palace for “services to entrepreneurship”. In July 2015, Forbes listed Branson’s estimated net worth at US $5.2 billion.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG

Thanks to Kelly & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. I urge you to let me know what you are thinking via a blog comment.

My thanks to 84 people following my blog and Ann, Cindy, Harmony, Maureen, Mike & Junko, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 99 likes).

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends. Hopefully, more of you will continue to share this blog with others. My thanks to Antoinette, Carol, Joanne, Linda & Susan, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

MY BOOK

If you are one of the 100 to 150 people who have read my book, please consider posting an evaluation of it on Amazon.

My book is available on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

09/12/16 – Let’s See Who Reads This

September 12, 2016September 12, 2016 Wm. Allen4 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

Sorry, I just could not resist.

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo

I ran my first race in my new 70-year-old plus bracket at the Detroit Zoo Run Wild event, held Sunday (9/11). In the 5K race, there was 13 of us in the 70 and over category. I came in 4th out of the males and females in that category and I was the 1200 finisher out of the 2,157 people finishing the race.

9 / 11

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Honor Thy Temple

Moderation in all things, especially at the table.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The Foundation for Being Extraordinary

Often we are our own worse enemy.

SOCIAL TRAITS

Getting Along with Others

The extraordinary person never forgets to show gratitude of even the smallest acts of kindness.

As for those generic thanks, such as, “You may have donated a million dollars, got your friends to give hundreds or dollars or merely wish me luck. I just wanted to let you know I appreciate the gesture.” are a lazy person’s way of expressing gratitude, at least for the first two categories of donators.

LEARNING TRAITS

Growth Keeps You Extraordinary

Ladies, it is important for you to develop a few maintenance skills, so you will not always be dependent upon a guy. And guys, very few things impress a woman more than a few handyman skills.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Odds & Ends of Being Extraordinary

SELF-HELP BOOKS

The 15-Minute Philosopher

By Anne Rooney

I don’t agree with everything I found in this book, but that is to be expected in a thought-provoking book. I liked the style of presenting much of the material as questions that thought-provoking people need to be asking themselves.

I would definitely recommend you read this easy to read book and allow it to challenge your beliefs.

Leon & Lulu’s

Sunday, October 23, 2016

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

If you live around the Detroit area and like books, this is a great opportunity to meet and talk to authors, including me.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Tyrant

This three-year television series will give you a feeling of how complex the Middle East issues are and why it is so difficult to resolve matters to everyone’s satisfaction.

I had the opportunity to live in the middle east for over a year, most of that time in an apartment. And even with that experience, I still feel I gained some sensitivities to the situation thanks to this excellent show.

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Beer for My Horses

By Toby Keith with Willie Nelson

LAST WEEK’S POLL – Alley Opp vs. Helikopter

Voting was way down, so I am going to drop the music video challenge. Nevertheless, here are the results:

50% – Preferred Ally Opp

37.5% – Preferred neither

12.5% – Preferred both

THIS WEEK’S POLL – What is your party preference?

Since most everyone is talking or thinking politics, with the USA Presidential election so close, I thought it would be interesting to know the party affiliation of the readers of this blog. I realize some of you live overseas, so just select the party you like best. And as always, I don’t know who answers what.

ART OF THE WEEK

Versailles, France

This photo goes back many years; here I am outside of famous French Place at Versailles.

It has been said that Versailles was built by Louis XIV, enjoyed by Louis VX, and paid for by Louis XVI (along with his wife Marie Antoinette).

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, who actually became the motion picture version of the comic book superhero he portrayed – Superman.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

BLOG

Thanks to Carolyn, Dave & Samantha, for commenting on last week’s post. I urge you to let me know what you are thinking via a blog comment.

My thanks to Jordan, who started following my blog (Currently 84 followers) and Eli & Fiona, who liked my Harmony Books & Films Facebook page (Currently 93 likes).

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends. Hopefully, more of you will continue to share this blog with others. My thanks to Adaku, Amber, Anni, Carol, Cheryl, Cynthia, Ginny Jean, Joanne, Kimmy, Lynn, Marian, Maureen, Nicole, Shelia, Shirley & Susan, for sharing my post last week on Facebook.

MY BOOK

If you have read my book, please consider posting an evaluation of it on Amazon.

My book is available on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. The Kindle version of my book is $4.95.

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

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

10/26/15 – Willie, Leon & Lulu, Erik and Gandhi

October 26, 2015October 26, 2015 Wm. Allen6 Comments

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

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]

https://www.facebook.com/serbevents/videos/10153731161177125/

SELF-HELP BOOKS

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.

https://www.facebook.com/erik.loszewski/videos/10203989856018410/

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Gandhi

[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.

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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.

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885

10/19/15 – All Over the Place

October 19, 2015October 20, 2015 Wm. Allen7 Comments

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

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.

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4_oSGmhPAc

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Geronimo

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

[For more information, see source: Biographies for Kids: Geronimo

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.

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

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885