Tag: Little Richard

10/12/15 – Johnny B. Goode

Wm. Allen1 Comment

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

I devoted the first section of my book to fitness; since if you don’t have your health,  nothing else much matters.

Your not fat

 

SELF-HELP BOOKS

A very good friend of mine, Reza Ziaee, along with James Bologna, wrote the book below.  I bought a copy of it because I like to support the creative efforts of my friends.  However, I have been retired for almost six years now, so this book will likely do you far more good than me.

If you are in healthcare and believe you and your organization may possibly benefit from this book; I would be glad to give it to you.  Just let me know at mailto:harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

reza's libro

CURRENT EVENTS

CNN Democratic Primary Debate

Tuesday, October 13, 2015
9pm ET (8pm CT, 6pm PT)
Location: Wynn Las Vegas
Sponsors: CNN, Nevada Democratic Party
Moderator: Anderson Cooper
Candidates: Clinton, Sanders, O’Malley, Webb, Chafee

Democratic Debate

Regardless of your party affiliation or lack of an affiliation, to be an informed voter; you should watch this debate.

Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Race

2015 Free Press Race

This coming Sunday is the Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank race and how many races are there where you actually run in two different countries, at least for the marathon and international half-marathon.  I’ve ran the full marathon three times and the international half-marathon four times and I can say one of the greatest thrills of my life is entering the Detroit Windsor tunnel, running through the tunnel and coming out on Woodward Avenue to the roar of the Detroit crowd–it is an experience one never forgets.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK 

“One of these days, you will not be able to do this.

Today isn’t that day.” 

Source:  Sign in the crowd at the 2011 Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

 Back to the Future (1985)

This is a fun movie and I believe it still stands up to the test of time; plus it relates to my song of the week.

Back to the Future

A young man is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, and must make sure his high-school-age parents unite in order to save his own existence. (Source:  IMDB)

The Intern

I saw this film last week and I thought it was great and I want to encourage people to see it.  Perhaps, I liked the film because I so easily relate to the character Ben Whittaker in the film.

The Intern

Starting a new job can be a difficult challenge, especially if you’re already retired. Looking to get back into the game, 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) seizes the opportunity to become a senior intern at an online fashion site. Ben soon becomes popular with his younger co-workers, including Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), the boss and founder of the company. Whittaker’s charm, wisdom and sense of humor help him develop a special bond and growing friendship with Jules.


LAST WEEK POLL – Your Favorite Season of the Year

four-seasons-illustration-tree-representing-spring-summer-autumn-winter-38530675

No real surprises from this poll.  Nine out of 18 or 50% of you preferred Summer.  Fall came in second with six votes and Spring came in third with three votes.  And not surprisingly, no one voted for winter.

THIS WEEK’S POLL 

musical-clipart-MTLLKRaTa

Since I started posting a song of the week, I’ve had a few discussions about music and thought a poll related to music may be interesting to some of you.  I realize I may have bias the poll with some of my recent selections for song of the week, but hopefully that will not distort the results too much.  Again,  you may only vote for one decade.

 

SONG OF THE WEEK

Johnny B Goode

Michael J. Fox does a great job of this song in the video below from the 1985 movie Back to the Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1i5coU-0_Q

I think it will be fun for you to compare Fox’s performance to the real deal, Chuck Berry.  Stay with this video for 1958 a bit and you will see some fantastic entertaining.  Chuck didn’t need fireworks, costumes or anything to keep your attention.  He is just absolutely extraordinary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ROwVrF0Ceg

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Leonardo da Vinci

LEONARDO

[ ] Leonardo da Vinci, [ ] (15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519) [ ] areas of interest included invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. [ ]

Many historians and scholars regard Leonardo as a great exemplar of the “Renaissance Man”, an individual of “unquenchable curiosity” and “feverishly inventive imagination”.[ ] According to art historian Helen Gardner, the scope and depth of his interests were without precedent in recorded history, and “his mind and personality seem to us superhuman, the man himself mysterious and remote”.[ ] 

Born out of wedlock to a notary, Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman, Caterina, in Vinci in the region of Florence, Leonardo was educated in the studio of the renowned Florentine painter Andrea del Verrocchio. Much of his earlier working life was spent in the service of Ludovico il Moro in Milan. He later worked in Rome, Bologna and Venice, and he spent his last years in France at the home awarded him by Francis I.

Leonardo was, and is, renowned primarily as a painter. Among his works, the Mona Lisa is the most famous and most parodied portrait[ ] and The Last Supper the most reproduced religious painting of all time [ ]

Leonardo is revered for his technological ingenuity. He conceptualised flying machines, a type of armoured fighting vehicle, concentrated solar power, an adding machine,[] and the double hull, also outlining a rudimentary theory of plate tectonics. Relatively few of his designs were constructed or were even feasible during his lifetime[ ] 

Today, Leonardo is widely recognised as one of the most diversely talented individuals ever to have lived in the world.[] (Source:  Wikipedia)

BLOG

I always appreciate those that leave comments on my weekly posts.  I wish more of you would do so; since it is so very encouraging.   Leaving a comment is easy, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends.

MY BOOK

My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million.  It is also available in a ebook format.

My Final Cover

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

10/05/15 – Results of Best Decade of Your Life Poll

Wm. Allen2 Comments

SELF-HELP BOOKS

I read a lot of newspapers and news magazines as well as listen and watch the news.  It is rather depressing and so this week instead of suggesting a book; I am posting something I find up lifting and hope you will too.

Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding, as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

CURRENT EVENTS

Oregon College Shooting Tragedy

oregon Killings

I suspect more than a few people knew this sick individual was capable of doing a terrible act like this and they did nothing to get this sick individual help or prevent this tragedy.  I’ve heard it said that a bad person is a good person’s job; well someone did not do their job.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK 

We are commanded to seek out those who are lost. 

We are to be our brother’s keeper.

Source:  Joseph B. Wirthlin

ELDERWORTHLIN

MOVIE OF THE WEEK – Great Balls of Fire

Moving to a lighter note, this week’s movie recommendation is Great Balls of Fire.  The actor Dennis Quaid did a fantastic job of capturing this wild man – Jerry Lee Lewis.  Late in life. I had the privilege of actually seeing Jerry Lee Lewis perform; what a thrill.

Great Balls a Fire

LAST WEEK POLL – The Best Decade of Your Life

Aging

There were 20 votes this week and those voting indicated that they thought the best decade was or will be the years 40 through 49 with five votes.

The following two decades tied with four votes each.  They are:

30 through 39

60 through 69

Next came 50 through 59 with two votes.

The following decades received one vote each

20 through 29

70 through 79

80 through 89

90 through 89

90 through 99

100 or greater

And I found most interesting that the two youngest decades received no votes at all.  They were:

Less than 9

10 through 19

Personally, I’ve always thought of life in terms of the seasons, with the years less 20 being Spring, or a time of growth.  The next two decades, or 21 through 40 being summer, when one is in full bloom.  41 through 60 is a time of Fall and things start falling as those of us who have been in that season know so well.  And finally, we enter Winter, or the final season of life, where one’s hair turns white like snow.

THIS WEEK’S POLL 

four-seasons-illustration-tree-representing-spring-summer-autumn-winter-38530675

Since I just finished speaking of the season of life, I thought you may enjoy a poll where you vote for your favorite season of the year.  Again,  you may only vote for one decade.

 

SONG OF THE WEEK – You have to at least check out this live 1964 performance of Jerry Lee Lewis and I would love to know what you think, so please leave a comment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dC0DseCyYE

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

I’m always trying to keep you informed of the latest health studies.  Here is one you should know about. 

2 or 3 glasses of wine a day

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Bruce Lee

bruce lee

Bruce Lee [ ] November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Hong Kong American martial artist, Hong Kong action film actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, filmmaker,[ ] and the founder of Jeet Kune Do. [ ] He is widely considered by commentators, critics, media and other martial artists to be one of the most influential martial artists of all time,[ ] and a pop culture icon of the 20th century.  [  ] He is often credited with helping to change the way Asians were presented in American films.[ ] (Source:  Wikipedia)

BLOG

Last week, two people left comments.  I hope more of you will start leaving comments.  To leave a comment, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.

If you think this blog has any merit, please pass it on to your friends.

MY BOOK – My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million.  It is also available in a ebook format.

My Final Cover

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

09/28/15 – St. Ignace

Wm. Allen5 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

Yoga Berra

635785744880479153-uscp-yogi-now

Yogi Berra’s baseball exploits as a New York Yankees catching great spoke for themselves. He spoke for himself in a charmingly fractured way that introduced “Yogi-isms” such as “It’s déjà vu all over again” into the American lexicon.

The Hall of Famer died at the of 90 on Tuesday evening, the Yogi Berra Museum announced. He undoubtedly would be reminding people of what he once said: “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”  [ ] In 1999 he was one of 100 players selected to Major League Baseball’s All-Century team. (Source: USA Today)

St. Ignace, MI

Carol and I are in St. Ignace, which is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsular, just on the other side of the Mackinaw Bridge, which is behind us.

best bridge

If you are around this area, I suggest you stop in at Fort Algonquin, as Carol is doing below.

Carol at Trading Post

It isn’t really a fort, but an indian gift shop.  You will find interesting items for sale.  And be sure to ask the proprietor, Lone Wolf Dancing on Thunder, about the history of the Indian tribes of this area.

Lone Wolf

It will soon be closing up for the season, like so many restaurants and stores in this area do.  You can find more specific information about Fort Algonquin in St. Ignace at  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Algonquin/136284709744148?sk=wall

SELF-HELP BOOKS – The Yogi Book

I read this book long ago and like most of the books I recommend, this is a fun and easy to read book.

images

MOVIE OF THE WEEK – Moneyball

Out of respect for Yogi Berra, I wanted to suggest a movie this week that had a baseball theme.  

Money Ball

Based on a true story, Moneyball is a movie for anybody who has ever dreamed of taking on the system. Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s [ ]  The onetime jock teams with Ivy League grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) [ ], recruiting bargain players that the scouts call flawed, but all of whom have an ability to get on base, score runs, and win games. [ ]

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/moneyball/

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK 

I also think that what’s wrong with all of us

is that we don’t show enough love toward each other.

Source:  Little Richard

**FILE** Little Richard performs during halftime at the Liberty Bowl in this Dec. 31, 2004 file photo in Memphis, Tenn. Little Richard built some goodwill in his hometown when he donated almost half of his concert fees to settle concerns over who was paying the tab for his show Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

LAST WEEK POLL – What You Plan to Do for Halloween

Casa 4

Give out treats – 26%

Decorate your house – 24%

Go to a Halloween party – 21%

Ignore Halloween – 13%

Wear a costume – 11%

Watch a scary movie – 5%

THIS WEEK’S POLL 

In chapter 37 of my book, I talk about time in a number of ways.  One of those ways is aging and the importance of not letting your age stop you from starting projects.  So, I thought I would ask in this week’s poll what decade of our live we think was or will be the best.  Sorry, you can vote for only one decade.

Aging

 

SONG OF THE WEEK -I was fortunate to see Little Richard twice in my life.  Once  in the late 1950s and again in the early 21st century.  I am so glad that some of his early performances were captured.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kM1khne_sg

THIS WEEK’S JOKE -Since this truly extraordinary Pope is making his extraordinary visit to the U.S.A. this week, I thought something related to the Bible would be appropriate. 

Hebrew

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – Little Richard

I’ve been fortunate to see Little Richard in person, twice in my life, once when I was very young and once again in my 60s.

little-richard-52c67ca2248af

Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known by his stage name Little Richard, is an American recording artist, songwriter and musician.

An influential figure in popular music and culture for more than six decades, Little Richard’s most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship laid the foundation for rock and roll. [ ]

Little Richard has been honored by many institutions, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” (1955) was included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2010 [ ]. In 2015, the National Museum of African American History and Culture honored Little Richard for his pivotal role in the formation of popular music genres and in helping to shatter the color line on the music charts changing American culture forever. (Source: Wikipedia)

BLOG

I hope more of you will start leaving comments to this post.  To leave a comment, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.

And as important, 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.

My Final Cover

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