07/13/15 – WORK

July 13, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: WORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Work should ennoble,

not kill,

the human spirit.

Source: George Lois

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

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

Two antennas met on a roof.

The Ceremony wasn’t much,

but the reception was excellent

CONCLUSION

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

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

07/06/15 – DISCULPARSE

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

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DISCULPARSE

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”

Source: Benjamin Franklin

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKES

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

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

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”.

06/29/15 – Día de la Independencia

June 28, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: Día de la Independencia

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I just had to recommend Independence Day.

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

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

Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither.

Source: Benjamin Franklin

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKES

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

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

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

Source: Jokes by Kids

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

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

06/22/15 – Desiderata

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bryant Greene

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

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

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

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

Source: Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

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

06/15/15 – Armageddon

June 15, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: EATING & EXERCISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

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

Source: David Suzuki

THIS WEEK’S POLL

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

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

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

“Have you tried to diet”, says Julie

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

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

06/08/15 – Raw

June 8, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: WINNING

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

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

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

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

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

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

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“What good is being the best,

if it brings out the worst in you.”

Source: Rodney Dangerfield

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

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON SEEING AND HEARING

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

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

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

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

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

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

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

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

06/01/15 – SEEING AND HEARING

June 1, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: SEEING AND HEARING

This week’s theme comes from Chapter 40 of my book.

Ordinary people see and hear what they want to believe and rarely recognize things that are contrary to their beliefs. And even when they do recognize contradictions, they tend to make excuses for what they saw and heard.

Whereas, the extraordinary person not only tries to see and hear what is really there, but even more important, the extraordinary person tries to see and hear what isn’t there.

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, was written in 1884 about the culture in the age of Queen Victoria, as well as describing life as viewed from various dimensions. I’ve long since lost my copy, but I believe this book is free on iTunes. The book makes a good argument that we see the world not as it is, but as we are.

This mind-bending early science fiction classic imagines life in a 2-dimensional world. It’s a universe populated by lines, squares, and circles, whose perfect flatness creates all new definitions of life, art, and society. Edwin A. Abbott, writing under the pseudonym of “A Square,” combines scathing social satire with a brilliant examination on how we all accept our limits of perception, and how much people who transcend these perceptions are often met with resistance. [Source: iTunes]

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I found Café to be a really fun and interesting movie that really illustrates this week’s theme so well. I really hope you watch it.

A good-hearted musician struggles to find a way to tell his beautiful barista coworker that he loves her, despite the fact that she is in a relationship. Meanwhile, regulars and customers at the café where they work have their own problems and encounters. A police officer keeps his eye on his wayward cousin, who owes money to a charismatic dealer, and a married man contemplates his relationship with a good-looking new acquaintance. However, one customer learns he is in fact (Spoiler alert, so I stopped the description here).[Source: IMDB]

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“We see the world, not as it is, but as we are──or,

as we are conditioned to see it.”

Source: Stephen Covey

THIS WEEK’S POLL (Please check as many as apply)

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON UNITED STATES WARS SINCE WWII

It seems 85% of you question why the U.S. always seems to be in a war; the remainder of you believe those wars have resulted in the world being a better place.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A man instead of going home like he usually does on Friday afternoons, stayed out the entire weekend hunting with the boys and spending his entire paycheck.

When he comes home, his angry wife yells at him for over an hour.

Finally, his wife stopped yelling and simply asked, “How would you like it if you didn’t see me for two or three days?”

He replied, “That would be fine with me”.

Monday went by and he didn’t see his wife.

Tuesday he didn’t see his wife.

Wednesday he didn’t see his wife.

Finally on Thursday, the swelling went down just enough to where he could see her a little out of the corner of his left eye.

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

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

I especially appreciate those of you that leave comments. 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”.

05/25/15 – Memorial Day

May 24, 2015May 24, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: GRATITUDE

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans — established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. [Source: Wikipedia]

So this week’s theme is gratitude (Chapter 31) for the sacrifice these patriots made on behalf of their country.

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

I think all those who served honorably in the military units of any country deserve respect, whether it be 2,000 years ago in a Roman Legion or sometime in the distance future in Star Fleet.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Since Memorial Day is a day to express our gratitude to fallen warriors that gave their lives, I thought this book would be appropriate. I have read and reviewed it may times and found it provides helpful instructions on life.

Living and dying with bravery and honor is at the heart of Hagakure, a series of texts written by an eighteenth-century samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo. It is a window into the samurai mind, illuminating the concept of bushido (the Way of the Warrior), which dictated how samurai were expected to behave, conduct themselves, live, and die. [Source: Amazon]

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I had a very difficult time selecting a movie that both in my mind addressed the Memorial Day holiday and gratitude or lack of gratitude. I kept coming back to Born on the Fourth of July, but it is such a painful movie to watch. You really may want to skip this recommendation. It took me a number of tries to get through it and I hope I never watch again.

The biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for. (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“War, what is it good for?

Absolutely nothin’!”

Source: Edwin Starr

Check out Edwin Starr’s video “War” on You Tube, there are several versions. The Motown version does a good job of conveying the meaning of the song.

THIS WEEK’S POLL (Please check as many as apply)

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON ENDURANCE

Over 75% of you have stuck with something for 21 years or more.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An American general, a Russian general and a British general are standing on the deck of a ship watching war exercises.

The topic of discussion turns to human courage, and the Russian general boasts, “Russians are the most courageous people on Earth!”

Upon which the American challenges him.

The Russian says, “Yuri! Jump off the deck (into the freezing
Atlantic) and swim around the ship!”

Yuri marches off without a word, and does as he is told. The Russian turns
around and says: “See, there’s an example of courage!”

The American has to top this, so he calls up one of his sailors and gives
him the order: “Jack, Jump off the main mast into the ocean, and swim around the ship seven times!”

Jack goes off without a murmur, and he too does as he is told. The
American general says: “Now top that for courage!”

So they both turn around to the British general who has been standing around watching these antics silently.

They ask him: “What about your people?”

The British guy calls up one of his people and says: “Trevor, jump off the
mast and swim under the keel of the ship, will you, old chap?”

Trevor stares at his general.
“Let me get this right. You want me to jump off the mast.”

“Yes.”

“And swim under the keel”

“Yes.”

“You must be daft!”

And so saying, Trevor turns around and saunters off.

Whereupon the British general turns to the other two and says,
“Now there’s an example of TRUE courage!”

CONCLUSION

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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”. Mary Ellen, thank you for leaving a comment last week.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

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

My thanks to Judith, Betty, Carolyn, Ron & PeterPicker for leaving their reviews on Amazon.

DONATIONS

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harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

May 17, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: ENDURANCE

The big news in the Detroit/Windsor area is that the new Detroit-Windsor crossing will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Gordie Howe, known as Mr. Hockey, is one of hockey’s greatest players. He is a Canadian, who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup victories during a 25 year career with the Detroit Red Wings.

To last 25-years in the National Hockey League takes endurance, so this week’s theme is chapter 12 of my book–Endurance. A trait that clearly separates ordinary people from the extraordinary is endurance. If you want to be extraordinary, please don’t give up on your goals.

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Road running, not sprinting, is an endurance sport. Typical runs are 5K, 10K, half-marathons (13.1 miles) and marathons (26.2 miles). I’ve read Richard Benyo’s book, Running Past 50 and found it to be a wealth of information.

Please don’t let age keep you from considering this fun and healthy activity. I’m well over 50, 68 to be exact and just a couple of weeks ago I came in first in my age group in a local 5K race. And more interesting, I came in 408 out of 1250 runners who crossed the finish line. I’m only mentioning this because a runner 71 years old was 14 minutes faster than me and another runner 73 years old was five minutes faster.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since the title of this week’s posting is Mr. Hockey; what better movie could I recommend than Slap Shot. I think this is one of the best hockey movies and also one of the funniest movies ever made.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

There is no failure

except in no longer trying.

Source: Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Green Hubbard (June 19, 1856 – May 7, 1915) was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. [Source: Wikipedia]

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON TIME

There was a tie for the top three categories:

You set priorities and have enough time for the important things.

You wish you had more time.

You always have time for a good time.

Each of the above received about 30% of the votes.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Dear Abby,

I really need your advice.

I have suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs; phone rings, I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with “the girls” a lot recently although when I ask their names, she always says, “just some friends from work, you don’t know them”.

I think deep down I just did not want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to hide in the garage behind my hockey equipment so I could get a good view of the whole street when she arrived home from a night out with the girls.

When she got out of the car she was buttoning up her blouse, and she took her panties out of her purse and slipped them on.

It was at that moment, crouching behind my hockey gear, that I noticed a hairline crack where the blade meets the graphite shaft on my new one piece hockey stick.

Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it back to the pro-shop where I bought it?

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, pIease let me know by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. I especially appreciate those of you that show your support my leaving 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”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Carol, Mary Ellen and Marnie left comments.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

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

My thanks to Judith, Betty, Carolyn, Ron & PeterPicker for leaving their reviews on Amazon.

DONATIONS

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/11/15 – TIME

May 11, 2015 Wm. Allen6 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: TIME

I was reading the May 3rd Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times and came across an article about some stars that are not letting age stand in the way of their successful movie careers as action heros and desirable leading men and leading ladies. The following were mentioned: Samuel L. Jackson, 66; Meryl Streep, 65; Denzel Washington, 60; Helen Mirren, 69; and Arnold Schwarzenegger, 67.

As I mention in my book (Week 37: Time) all of us are getting older, but extraordinary people do not let age prevent them from doing exciting things and taking on projects that could take years to finish, because time is going to pass whether you are active and engaged or just sitting around wasting your time.

Be extraordinary by trying to not let go of activities simply because you are getting older and the activities are harder for you to do.

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

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’ve read and reviewed Roger Rosenblatt’s book, Rules for Aging and found it to be a helpful guide to aging as well as an entertaining and easy to read book.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This is an old movie that came out in 1980 and if you haven’t seen it; you really must. And if you have seen it some time ago, I think you will enjoy watching it again. This film stands the test of time.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Time is what we want most,

but what we use worst.

Source: William Penn

William Penn (14 October 1644 – 30 July 1718) was a Quaker who founded the Province of Pennsylvania, the British North American colony that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The democratic and libertarian principles that he set forth served as an inspiration for the United States Constitution. [Source: Wikiquotes]

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON DISCARDING

About 4% of you are cutter free–congratulations, well done.

About 30% of you have clothing in your closet that you will probably never wear.

Over 20% of you have things in your basement or attic that you will likely never use.

Over 20% of you are going to start getting rid of your clutter; good for you folks,

And I’m sad to say that over 5% of you are packrats and don’t care–it is the not caring that is troubling.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An old Italian Mafia Don is dying and calls his grandson to his bed, saying; “Lissin-a me. I wanna for you to take my chrome plated 38 revolver so you remember me.

“But grandfather, I don’t like guns. Maybe you would leave me your Rolex watch instead?”, says the grandson.

“Shuddup an lissin. Somma day you gonna runna da business. You gonna have a beautiful wife, lotsa money, biga home, some bambinos.”

“Somma day you gonna comma home and find you wife inna bed with another man. What you gonna do then–pointa to your watch and say Times Up?”

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, pIease let me know by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. And I especially appreciate the few of you that have left 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”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Mary Ellen again left a reply. Thank you Mary Ellen.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

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

I want to thank my friends, Judith, Betty Carolyn & Ron, along with PeterPicker (I’m not sure who this is) for leaving their reviews on Amazon. I very much appreciate those reviews.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Harmony Books & Films, LLC

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

Tag: Self-Help Books

07/13/15 – WORK

06/29/15 – Día de la Independencia

06/22/15 – Desiderata

06/15/15 – Armageddon

05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

05/11/15 – TIME