11/27/22 – Deer Hunting

AudioNovember 27, 2022 Wm. Allen7 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS Deer Hunting I’m not a fan of deer hunting and enjoy seeing them in my backyard. But in the interest of fairness, there are some valid reasons for deer hunting, such as helping the environment because a higher deer population can impact the reproduction, growth, and survival of different plants that have both economic […]

10/12/15 – Johnny B. Goode

October 12, 2015October 20, 2015 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.

SELF-HELP BOOKS

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

CNN Democratic Primary Debate

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

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

Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Race

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

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

Today isn’t that day.”

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Back to the Future (1985)

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

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

The Intern

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

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

LAST WEEK POLL – Your Favorite Season of the Year

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

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

SONG OF THE WEEK

Johnny B Goode

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

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 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.

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

October 5, 2015 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

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

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

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

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

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

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

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

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

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

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

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

Strive to be happy.

CURRENT EVENTS

Oregon College Shooting Tragedy

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

We are commanded to seek out those who are lost.

We are to be our brother’s keeper.

Source: Joseph B. Wirthlin

MOVIE OF THE WEEK – Great Balls of Fire

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

LAST WEEK POLL – The Best Decade of Your Life

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

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

30 through 39

60 through 69

Next came 50 through 59 with two votes.

The following decades received one vote each

20 through 29

70 through 79

80 through 89

90 through 89

90 through 99

100 or greater

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

Less than 9

10 through 19

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

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

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.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Bruce Lee

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

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.

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

September 28, 2015 Wm. Allen5 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

Yoga Berra

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

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

St. Ignace, MI

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

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

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

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.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK – Moneyball

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

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

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

LAST WEEK POLL – What You Plan to Do for Halloween

Give out treats – 26%

Decorate your house – 24%

Go to a Halloween party – 21%

Ignore Halloween – 13%

Wear a costume – 11%

Watch a scary movie – 5%

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

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.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – Little Richard

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

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

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

Little Richard has been honored by many institutions, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters 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.

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

09/21/15 – Spiritual Practice

September 21, 2015 Wm. Allen5 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS – Tour de Troit

What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday (9/19/15) and my compliments to the riders who braved Saturday’s weather to participate in this extraordinary event.

https://www.facebook.com/TourdeTroit

The mission of the Tour de Troit is to promote and encourage bicycling and bicycle safety through education, public events, collaboration with community and government organizations and support for non-motorized infrastructure. The Tour de Troit, the city’s largest cycling event, raises awareness of biking as a mode of transportation and publicizes the growing greenways network in the City of Detroit and all of Southeastern Michigan. Tour de Troit also produces and supports other events that promote a healthy lifestyle and city, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bike Ride, PaczKi Run, Run du Nain Rouge and Cycle Into Spring.

http://www.tour-de-troit.org/about

SELF-HELP BOOKS – The Tao of Elvis

I know I have suggested this book in the past; but if you give this easy to read book a chance, you will find it contains much spiritual guidance.

“The Tao is great, the king is also great.”–Lao Tzu

Elvis Presley was an intensely spiritual man. Gospel was his music of choice, and his life–from innocence to addiction, from obscurity to fame, from “Hound Dog” to “Love Me Tender”–was one long quest to balance opposites. The Tao of Elvis is the first attempt to illustrate Elvis’s Taoist nature and interpret his never-ending search for purpose and meaning. Highlighting Elvis’s journey from light into dark, Jungian expert and Elvis scholar David Rosen explores and examines his life through the structure of the Tao Te Ching. In reflections on forty-two Taoist concepts–one for each year of Elvis’s life–Rosen reveals how the Tao, a mysterious force, was and is operating through America’s king. Like the Tao, Elvis is everywhere. (Source: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK – When the Moors Ruled in Europe

If you are Amazon Prime, you can watch this film for free or if you have a Netflix DVD subscription and I was surprised that you can find it on Youtube, also for free. In today’s troubled times, it is something that you owe to yourself to look at how things could be rather than how they are. It is a well done documentary of how people thrive when they are tolerant of one another. As I mentioned in my posts from Spain this year, I have been to many of the cities and buildings mentioned in the film (Alhambra, Cordova, Seville, Toledo, etc.). I wish I have viewed this film before my trip.

Bettany Hughes traces the story of the mysterious and misunderstood Moors, the Islamic society that ruled in Spain for 700 years, but whose legacy was virtually erased from Western history. In 711 AD, a tribe of newly converted Muslims from North Africa crossed the straits of Gibraltar and invaded Spain. Known as The Moors, they went on to build a rich and powerful society. Its capital, Cordoba, was the largest and most civilised city in Europe, with hospitals, libraries and a public infrastructure. Amongst the many things that were introduced to Europe by Muslims at this time were: a huge body of classical Greek texts that had been lost to the rest of Europe for centuries (kick-starting the Renaissance); mathematics and the numbers we use today; advanced astronomy and medical practices; fine dining; the concept of romantic love; and paper. (Source: http://www.infocobuild.com/books-and-films/social-science/when-the-moors-ruled-in-europe.html )

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK – Chapter 19 of my book discusses “Change”, but the quote below will certainly do if you don’t have a chance to read that chapter in my book.

LAST WEEK POLL – Your Health Habits in Regards to Others

Since I permitted multiple voting, I have no idea how many people participated in last week’s poll, but there were 68 votes. The highest number of votes went to;

One or less alcohol drinks a day – 11 votes

I exercise more than most people – 9 votes

On average I get less than 7 hours sleep a night – 9 votes

My diet is better than most peoples – 8 votes

THIS WEEK’S POLL – Chapter 20 of my book discusses the importance of celebrating successes (yours and your friends & associates) as well as various holidays. So this week’s poll is related to the various ways one might celebrate Halloween, if they care to do so. Again, you can vote for more than one item.

SONG OF THE WEEK – Folks, here is another dance video for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnSm_d2ll4

THIS WEEK’S JOKE – In chapter 30 of my book, I talk about how important it is to avoid arguments with people. One sure way of avoiding arguments is to not talk about religion.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE – Lao Tzu

Little is truly known about the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu [ ], who is a guiding figure in [ ] Taoism [ ]. He is said to have been a record keeper in the court of the central Chinese Zhou Dynasty in the 6th century B.C., and an older contemporary of Confucius. This could be true, but he may also have been entirely mythical [ ].

Lao Tzu is said to have tired of life in the Zhou court as it grew increasingly morally corrupt. So he left and rode on a water buffalo to the western border of the Chinese empire. Although he was dressed as a farmer, the border official recognised him and asked him to write down his wisdom. According to this legend, what Lao Tzu wrote became the sacred text called the Tao Te Ching. After writing this piece, Lao Tzu is said to have crossed the border and disappeared from history, perhaps to become a hermit. In reality, the Tao Te Ching is likely the compilation of the works of many authors over time. But stories about Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching itself passed down through different Chinese philosophical schools for over two thousand years. (Source: The Philosophers’ Mail)

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

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

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

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

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

MY BOOK & BLOG

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

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

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

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

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

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

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

http://shakespeareroyaloak.com/

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

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

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

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

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

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

LAST WEEK POLL

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIS WEEK’S POLL

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

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

07/13/15 – WORK

July 13, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: WORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Work should ennoble,

not kill,

the human spirit.

Source: George Lois

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

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

Two antennas met on a roof.

The Ceremony wasn’t much,

but the reception was excellent

CONCLUSION

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

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

06/15/15 – Armageddon

June 15, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: EATING & EXERCISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

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

Source: David Suzuki

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

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

“Have you tried to diet”, says Julie

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

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

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

Harmony Books & Films, LLC

Tired of being ordinary, then here are some tips for becoming extraordinary.

Tag: NetFlix

10/12/15 – Johnny B. Goode

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

SELF-HELP BOOKS

CURRENT EVENTS

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Back to the Future (1985)

THIS WEEK’S POLL

SONG OF THE WEEK

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

BLOG

MY BOOK

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

09/28/15 – St. Ignace

09/21/15 – Spiritual Practice

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

07/13/15 – WORK

06/15/15 – Armageddon