05/04/15 – DISCARD

May 3, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON THE 80/20 RULE

The vast majority of you, over 60%, have heard of the 80/20 rule, believe it works and have or will apply the rule.

A large number of you, 25%, had never heard of the rule; so I am glad something new has been brought to your attention whether or not you care to make use of it.

And around 12% of you don’t believe it works.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DISCARD

I was reading the April 20th edition of USA Today and in the Money section of the paper, there was an interesting article on de-cluttering, plus this season is noted for Spring Cleaning, so this week’s theme is on discarding.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A teacher, a garbage collector, and a lawyer were told by Saint Peter that to get into Heaven, they would each have to answer one question.

Saint Peter asked the teacher, “What was the name of the ship that crashed into the iceberg? They just made a movie about it.”

The teacher answered, “Titanic.”

Saint Peter let her through the gate.

Next, Saint Peter turned to the garbage man thinking Heaven didn’t really need all the odors that this guy would bring with him, so Saint Peter decided to make the question a little harder. Saint Peter asked, “How many people died on the ship?”

The garbage man, having recently seen the movie and answered, “about 1,500.”

“That’s right! You may enter.”

Saint Peter then turned to the lawyer, “Name them.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 22: DISCARD – REDUCE CLUTTER IN YOUR LIFE

Clutter is the enemy of the extraordinary person. You have to learn to let go of material objects, ideas, memories and sometimes people that are stopping you from being the person you want to become.

It is easy to acquire so many material objects, that you can’t find what you are looking for and have to buy it again. You may have so much paper laying around that a important bill gets lost and you have to pay a late fee.

When young, we are sometimes programmed to think in certain ways. As we grow older and learn more about the world or society changes, these old ways of thinking just hold us back from experiencing all the wonder the world is offering us.

As for memories, some inspire us, but others just sadden us. If we live in our memories, we will neglect the opportunities of the presence.

As for people, as we evolve and grow; some of the people in our lives will feel we are betraying them. They may become jealous of the new and extraordinary life we are creating for ourselves by getting an education or training, giving up bad habits, accepting a promotion, etc.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I’ve mentioned before, I would never suggest a book if I had not read it and found value in it. This week’s recommendation has some good tips on clearing clutter.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

As with books, I also never suggest a movie I have not watched at least one time, if not more. I think this week’s movie will give you a good appreciation of the value of all those material objects you have spent your life accumulating.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“When every possession is special,

none of them are.”

Source: Kathi Lipp

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. For the second week in a row, I had another three people liked my Facebook page, bringing the total up to 43. I sent each one of them a “Thank You”.

You can help make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. It would make things so much more interesting and informative for all, if you would post your feelings on the trait, movie, book, quote or anything at all.

All you have to do to leave a reply 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.

I mentioned last week that I donated two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. I also ran in the race Saturday morning, and I hope some of you did also. If not, hopefully you will next year. It is a very nice and relaxed race, with plenty of walkers.

http://www.momrace.org/

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

04/27/15 80/20 Rule

April 27, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON LIMITATIONS

Around 12% of you said you never tried so hard to accomplish something that the opposite took place. And 5% of you frequently try so hard to achieve something that the opposite takes place.

Well, I’m thinking the 80+% of us who rarely or occasionally try too hard to achieve something that we cause the opposite to occur, are more in tune with last week’s quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said, “Moderation in all things, especially moderation.” Sometimes, we try too hard, but we try.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle

When thinking about accomplishing something, it is helpful to keep the 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle in mind, which says that 80% of our results come from a mere 20% of our efforts. I wouldn’t get hung up on the exact percentages, but just keep in mind that the major portion of our outcomes result from a small percentage of our inputs.

On a grand level, I think this is being demonstrated by the public’s respect for police. A friend of mine pointed out to me that after 9/11, the acts of NYC police officers raised the public image of all police officers throughout the country.

Now, we are seeing the opposite, where the acts of a few rogue police officers are lowering the public image of all police officers throughout the country.

On a personal level, if we keep the 80/20 rule in mind as we go through our lives each day, it can help us in our quest to become more than just ordinary by making us more efficient.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A female union leader was attending a convention in Las Vegas and decided to check out the new brothels that provide women with male prostitutes.

She asked the manager of the first brothel she visited, “Is this a union house?”

When told it wasn’t, she asked, “If I pay you $100, what cut do the male prostitutes get?”

She was told that the house gets $80 and the boys get $20.

She thought this unfair and went in search of a more equitable, unionized brothel. Eventually, she found a unionized brothel.

She asked, “If I pay $100, what cut do the male prostitutes get?”

She was told the boys get $80 and the house gets $20.

“That’s more like it!” she said, looking around the room, she pointed to an attractive young man saying she would like him.

“I’m sure you would,” said was the brothel manager, but pointing to an 85 year old man in the corner, “but Bill here has seniority.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 11: 80 PERCENT OF YOUR OUTCOMES COME FROM 20 PERCENT OF YOUR INPUTS

Again, don’t get hung up on the percentages, but you need to keep this idea in mind as you go through you day. Ordinary people tend to focus on their exertion rather than their output. They can look busy, work late, and skip lunch; but if they produce a lot less than the person who is relaxed at work, leaves on time and rarely skips a lunch, who would you rather have working for you?

Regarding our friends, should we invest an equal amount of time and attention on each one, or do we get together more often, have more contact and fun with a smaller number of friends?

When it comes to going to the gym, do we spend hours doing a variety of exercises; when possibly doing a few key exercises yield the majority of benefits.

Are our closets full of clothes we rarely wear, because we only wear a small percentage of clothes we really like.

I believe if you think about the Pareto Principle as you go through your daily life you will find many ways where you can be far more efficient and gain more satisfaction with a lot less effort.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I’ve mentioned before, I would never suggest a book if I had not read it and found value in it. Most of my recommendations are “easy reads”, but sometimes a book calls for more effort, but it is still very worthwhile. If you want to know more about the 80/20 principle and how to apply it, I suggest the following book which I read back in 1999.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I watched this movie back in 2005, when I was starting to learn how to make films. I enjoyed the film, but the reason I watched it was because I had heard and read the stories about how Robert Rodriguez made this film from limited funds he had obtained from being a volunteer drug tester. I understand some of the actors were just people who happened by and some of the guns used in the film were just toy guns or water pistols.

A traveling mariachi is mistaken for a murderous criminal and must hide from a gang bent on killing him. (Source of Film Description: IMDB)

If you watch the film and want to learn more about how it was made, I recommend Robert Rodriguez’s book, Rebel Without a Crew.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Nothing is less productive

than to make more efficient

what should not be done at all.”

Source: Peter Drucker

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Last week three more people liked my Facebook page, bring the total up to 40. Thank you.

You can help make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a reply 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 left a reply.

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 friends, Judith, Betty and Carolyn have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

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.

As I mentioned last week, I donate two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, which will be this coming Saturday morning, May 2 in Royal Oak, Michigan. There is still time to enter and support mental health and awareness and suicide prevention. For more information about this organization and the race, please click on the link below:

http://www.momrace.org/

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

04/20/15 LIMITATIONS

April 20, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON CHANGE

Almost 60% of you plan to make changes impacting three or more of your traits. I hope this blog as well as my book helps you.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: LIMITATIONS

I’m disturbed by the harm being done to the social fabric of the USA by the images and stories of police brutality. I believe most law enforcement officers live by a code of “to defend and to serve”. However, we seem to be seeing and hearing of many police officers who are exceeding the limitations of their role and becoming judge, jury and in some cases executioner.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (Source: The New York Times, Sunday, April 12, 2015, The Strip by Brian McFadden)

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 11: LIMITATIONS – EXTREMES ARE HARMFUL

Sometimes, those in positions of authority, exceed the authority they have been granted, and end up either losing that authority or having limitations placed upon that authority. This certainly happens in management and it is starting to happen with our police, as one hears more and more demand for additional citizen oversight over our police departments.

On a more personal level, each of us needs to keep our natural limitations in mind. For instance, in an effort to become strong, one may try lifting so much weight that they hurt themselves and end up weaker than when they started out.

However, I am not saying practice moderation in everything you do, as I have been told that yes it can lead to a long life, but also a boring life. So, occasionally the extraordinary person goes right up to the edge of a cliff, but is wise enough to not go over the edge.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’ve actually have read every book that I recommend and if the book isn’t a fairly easy to read book, which is my favorite kind of book, I point that out.

Below is a book I have read and reviewed often in the last 15+ years and I believe you will find many valuable lessons among its pages.

For anyone tired of chasing ever–elusive desires, of doing more only to find that more needs doing, and of making more money only to need more money, best–selling author Chin–Ning Chu shows you that life was meant to be easy, if you know the secrets. (Source of Description: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Dirty Harry is on the trail of vigilante cops who are not above going beyond the law to kill the city’s undesirables. (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Moderation in all things, especially moderation.”

Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 37 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page.

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 friends, Judith and Betty, have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

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.

I was able this past week to donate two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, which will be Saturday morning, May 2 in Royal Oak, Michigan. For more information about this organization and the race, please click on the link below:

http://www.momrace.org/

I will also being giving a very brief talk at the May 21 BCBSM Retiree Luncheon and I will be donating $7.00 of each book sold at the lunch to that organization.

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

04/13/15 CHANGE

April 13, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON FRIENDS

Congratulations to the more than 60% of you who believe you will be more extraordinary by the end of this year. However, that also means that almost 40% of you believe you will be about like you are now, or just an average person or even less extraordinary.

After looking at the poll’s results, the first thing that came to my mind was a saying by Henry Ford, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

THIS WEEK’S THEME: CHANGE

Since I am concerned about the almost 40% of you that may not be optimistic about what this year holds for you, this week’s theme will be change.

I realize, that despite your best efforts; sometimes fate can be insensitive. But for most of us, we are masters of our own destiny.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?

One, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 19: CHANGE – EMBRACE ALL CHANGES FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY CAN PROVIDE

Change is inevitable and if you are trying to cling to the past, you are fighting a losing battle. Being inflexible is a sign of aging and demise. I’m not saying you should like change, but I am saying that you need to adapt to change.

I was at a seminar Saturday and the speaker told us that 85% of all diseases are caused by lifestyle choices. Except for some rare exceptions, everything (not just your health) in your life, good or bad, is a reflection of choices you have made. If you want something in your life to be different, you have to change and do something different.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Today, I am suggesting a book written by someone I believe is truly extraordinary, George Foreman. When it comes to change, this gentleman has shown us all the way. His book is my kind of book, very easy to read.

Unfortunately, I cannot say I ever had the opportunity to actually meet George Foreman, but I was second row ringside for one of his fights during his return to the ring in pursuit of a second heavy weight championship. However, he is so much more than a boxer. Below is a brief description of George that I copied from Wikipedia.

“Although he did not formally retire from boxing, Foreman stopped fighting and became an ordained minister, initially preaching on street corners before becoming the reverend at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston and devoting himself to his family and his congregation. He also opened a youth center that bears his name.” [Source: Wikipedia]

And who hasn’t heard of the George Foreman Grill.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think my favorite movie of all time is Groundhog Day, which is a movie about a guy who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right. It is a great movie and if you haven’t seen it, you really should.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If you do not change direction,

you may end up where you are heading.

Source: Lao Tzu

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 36 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page. Also, a number of you have “liked” my posts and I appreciate that very much. Perhaps, you may also consider liking my Facebook page.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a reply 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 where Mary Ellen left a comment and I replied with a photo of two very large bunnies I found in my yard.

And for those of you who have read my book, and I do believe there are a couple of you who have read it, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

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

My friends, Judith and Betty, have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

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. This past week, I offered three organizations copies of my book and I am waiting to hear back from them. 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

04/06/15 EASTER/OPTIMISM

April 5, 2015 Wm. Allen3 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON FRIENDS

Half of you (50%) indicated you have 3 or 4 true friends, which to be sounds about right. Fortunately, none of you thought they had no true friends.

Also, I appreciate the private comments I received regarding my weightlifting friends mentioned in last week’s post.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: OPTIMISM

Since yesterday was Easter, I thought this week’s theme should be one of optimism.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter and got to share the day with family or friends.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Top ten reasons the Easter bunny brings eggs:

10. Tax write-off.

9. Who ever heard of bringing Easter Oatmeal?

8. More likely to be well received since eggs come in many varieties: scrambled, over easy, hard boiled.

7. Local chickens give him a good deal on eggs.

6. Has stock in companies manufacturing cholesterol lowering statin medications.

5. Pressure from the Egg marketing firms.

4. Because if he brought fireworks, he would be the Independence Day Bunny.

3. Would you want to hunt for oatmeal?

2. Attempt to help guys get chicks at least once a year.

1. Because the Energizer rabbit got the better job.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 10: OPTIMISM – NEVER LOSE HOPE

One of the earmarks of many ordinary people is negativity. And not only do they believe that their dreams will not come true, they will be delighted to explain why your dreams will also not come true.

Extraordinary people are optimistic about their dreams as well as your dreams. When the extraordinary person experiences a setback, they reassess their goals and if they still believe the goal is worthy, they continue their efforts looking for more effective ways to accomplish their goals.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

If you are feeling down on your luck, and who hasn’t, perhaps you may want to check out Joan Rivers book, Bouncing Back. I first read this book back in 1998 and I continued to review it over the years and found it to be helpful. I do have to admit that I haven’t looked at it since I left the corporate world at the end of 2009, but keep it handy just in case.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

For those of you that have read my book, it is easy to see that I like treating heavy topics with a light touch. And so to find a film related to both Easter and to Optimism, I selected Bruce Almighty as a film that uses a light touch to illustrates some heavy issues.

A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. (Description source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If Thomas Edison didn’t actually say this, he should have.

“I have not failed 1,000 times.
I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb.”

Source: Thomas Edison

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 33 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page. Also, a number of you have “liked” my posts and I appreciate very much. Perhaps, you may also consider liking my Facebook page.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”

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

A big thank you to my friend Betty, who this week gave my book a review on Amazon, in addition to the one Judith left sometime earlier.

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

03/30/15 FRIENDS

March 30, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON THE DIVERSITY IN YOUR LIFE

I seems like most of us (56%) would like to increase the diversity in our lives a little, which I think is good. And 31% of you are satisfied with the diversity in your life. I’ll stay positive and assume that they are satisfied with the diversity in their lives because they have a diverse group of people in their life. I am really impressed by the 13% of you that think the diversity in your life should be increased a lot. One can’t cure anything, if one refuses to recognize the need for a cure or change.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: FRIENDS

Last Friday, I was in Grand Rapids for the Michigan APF (American Powerlifting Federation) meet and I took first place in two categories as well as set state records in those categories pending approval of my “record” request. I was the oldest lifter that day, so I was in categories by myself. Notice that I said I was the oldest lifter of the day, I was not the oldest lifter in the 2-day contest. My friend Nora, who is 72 lifted the following day.

So often when I mention exercise to people, I immediate hear about some sort of aliment that prevents them from exercising. Well, if Nora can power lift, you can exercise. And it you don’t exercise, visualize what you will be like at 72. It is never too late to start some type of exercise.

Although I was the only one in my category, that did not diminish my pride in returning to competition–it felt absolutely fantastic and I am anxious to do better next contest. Now, you may be wondering what does my powerlifting experience have to do with this week’s theme–Friends.

I would never have got into powerlifting, had I not started training with my childhood friend, Tony Mangino.

I lost one of the best friends a person could ever hope to have when Tony died.

I had another good friend who was my coach and training partner, who got me to enter my first powerlifting contest. He was Walter Crescentini, the fellow on the left as you look at the photo below.

In 2013, Walter died and I miss him. I work out alone today at the gym, but I still sense Tony and Walter’s encouragement.

I had quit competition back in 2003 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. I never thought I would be in competition again, until Art Little, a most extraordinary trainer as well as all around great person, convinced me that I still had a little something left in me. I would never had been at that contest last week, if it were not for Art; nor would I have been permitted to lift had Art not rushed up and saved the day.

So what does powerlifting have to do with friends. Well, friends are never jealous of your success, in fact, they encourage you to be successful and occasionally insist upon it.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Sorry for reusing a joke from my book, but I just really like this joke and wanted to share it with all the readers of this blog.

Friendship Between Women:

A woman didn’t come home one night.

The next day she told her husband that she had slept over at a friend’s house.

The man called his wife’s 10 best friends.

None of them knew about it.

Friendship Between Men:

A man didn’t come home one night.

The next day he told his wife that he had slept over at a friend’s house.

The woman called her husband’s 10 best friends.

Eight of them confirmed that he had slept over…

Two claimed that he was still there.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 27: FRIENDS – BE A FRIEND AND YOU WILL HAVE FRIENDS

As I mentioned, a true friend is one who is not jealous of your success and even encourages you to be successful. They will even risk their friendship with you to try to stop you from making a big mistake.

We may have a number of acquaintances and some we may even call friends and such people can add to our lives. But, they are not the same as true friends and one should not expect much from them unless it somehow serves their purposes and not yours. That is a fine and useful arrangement, just don’t mistake them for true friends.

A true friend is an extraordinary gift that you should treasure. And it you want true friends, you have to be one.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I read Choosing Civility back in 2004 and have reviewed it a number of times since then. It contains a lot of advice on connecting with people, which will help you on your quest to surround yourself with true friends.

http://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Civility-Twenty-five-Considerate-Conduct/dp/0312302509/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I got a kick out of watching Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and believe you also enjoy this very funny film.

Two dense, inseparable friends hit the road for their 10-year high school reunion and concoct an elaborate lie about their lives in order to impress their classmates. (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

Source: Thomas Aquinas

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 32 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page.

Also, you can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply. My last post, I received one comment–it was from my wife Carol. Thank you Carol.

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

So far, I have received one review. Thank you Judith.

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

03/23/15 Diversity

March 23, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON TRAVEL TO OTHER COUNTRIES

I find it amazing that 13% of you have been to 11 or more countries and that another 52% of you have been to three or more countries. For those of you that haven’t traveled much, if you are physically able to do so, I urge you give it a try.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DIVERSITY

As you know, I’ve been in Spain for a little while and didn’t return to the U.S.A. until Wednesday. Travel certainly has a impact on a person, for example below is a photo of me when I first arrived in Spain.

And the photo below was taken towards the end of my trip.

I don’t really know if you will experience the dramatic change I did, but travel changes you by bringing you into contact with folks different from yourself. I met fellow travelers from Australia, Israel and other places in addition to the Spanish people I came into contact with and of course our most extraordinary tour guide from Portugal, Rui

Rui managed to get us on another plane home, when the Lufthansa Airline pilots went on strike the morning of our scheduled departure.

So this week’s post is dedicated to “Diversity” in all the many forms that it may take.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

What’s the difference between a tornado and a redneck divorce?

Either way someone’s going to lose a trailer

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

The Nook version of my book can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V2E038W

WEEK 28: TRAVEL – GROW BY SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM YOURSELF

It has been said that we don’t see the world as it is, but as we are. So if you want to broaden your perspective, you need to enlarge your circle of friends to include people different in any number of ways from yourself. This will result in your growth, because every interaction leaves a trace on you.

When I was in Cordoba last week, I visited the “Mezquita de Cordoba”, which was once the largest masque in the world. During the 16th century, it was turned into a cathedral.

The site is believed to be originally a temple to the Roman god, Janus.

Those columns in the above photo are reclaimed Roman columns gathered from various places to build this mosque.

After the re-conquest of Cordoba, in the center of the mosque was built a beautiful cathedral.

As we were walking about this beautiful and inspiring structure, we came to an area where the floor was removed so that you see below to a place of worship that was created by the Visigoths who seized Corboba in 572, I believe from the Romans.

How I look at all this is that a diverse group of people, unwillingly of course, each contributed to something marvelous. Just imagine what people could create if they would put their differences aside.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’m really not much of a sports fan, but I read Charles Barkley’s book back in April 2006 and have reviewed it a number of times over the years. I found it to be an enjoyable book to read and contains many insights.

http://www.amazon.com/Afraid-Large-Black-Reprint-Paperback/dp/B00RWSMXXU/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I still think Crash is one of the best diversity films I have ever watched, but if you know of a film that represents diversity as well or better, please let all of us know about it by commenting.

http://www.amazon.com/Crash-Widescreen-Don-Cheadle/dp/B000A3XY5A/

Los Angeles citizens with vastly separated lives collide in interweaving stories of race, loss and redemption. (Description source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“A lot of different flowers make a bouquet.”

Source: Muslim Origin

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Also, you can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply.

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

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

03/16/15 SPAIN

March 16, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON YOUR SITUATION AT THE AGE OF 65

Last week poll was about an analysis I came across early in life that said that out of 100 young people aged 25, at 65:

36% have died

1% are rich

4% are financially & physically independent

5% are working

54% are dependent

Once again, those who take these polls are an extraordinary group. The results were:

0% percent of you expected to be dead–of course if you died before taking this poll, you probably would not have participated in the poll.

5% of you are or expect to be rich–extraordinarily well done.

90% of you are or expect to be financially & physically independent–the goal.

5% of you are or expect to be working–excellent, so long as you find joy and meaning in your work.

0% of you are or expect to be dependent–which is why I believe those of you who take this poll are an extraordinary group.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: SPAIN

I am writing this blog as I travel through Spain, visiting Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Serville, Cordoba y Barcelona; so what better theme for this week’s posting than Spain. And if you are following along in my book, it is Week 48: Travel – see Your Country as Well as the Rest of the World..

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An American touring Spain stopped at a local restaurant following a day of sightseeing. He noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table.

He asked the waiter, “What is that you just served?”

The waiter replied, “Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are bulls balls from the bull fight this morning. A delicacy!”

The American said, “What the heck, I’m on vacation! Bring me an order!”

The waiter replied, “I am so sorry senor. There is only one serving per day, because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early tomorrow and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy!”

The next morning, the American returned, placed his order, and then that evening he was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, and looking at his plate, he called to the waiter and said, “These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday!”

The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Señor, sometimes the bull wins.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 48: TRAVEL – SEE YOUR COUNTRY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE WORLD

When it comes to money, you can either spend it on things or spend it on experiences.

I suspect you will find that the more things you own, the more those things end up owning you; since they require your attention in so many different ways.

If you do decide to travel, you may want to occasionally visit some place you have never been to before. There is nothing like seeing a place for the first time to give you that childhood sense of amazement.

My book is again available on Amazon as work continues turning it into an ebook. I expect the eBook version will be available in about a week.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I listened to our tour guide, Rui Miguell, describe Cervantes’ book about Don Quixote, and how it is as relevant about the human condition today as it was when Cervantes wrote in the early 1600s; I realized I have once again encountered an extraordinary individual.

I have listened to the book years ago on cassette tapes, but after hearing Rui talk about the book as we were traveling across the land once roamed by Don Quixote, I feel I should actually read the book or at least listen to it again.

http://www.amazon.com/Don-Quixote/dp/B000054704/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since this week’s theme is Spain and I am ending my tour through Spain in Barcelona, what better movie to suggestion than the one that initially inspired me to visit Barcelona in 2013. Below is the IMDB description of that movie; Vicky Christina Barcelona.

Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.

Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen
Stars: Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, …

(Source: IMDB)

http://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Cristina-Barcelona-Javier-Bardem/dp/B001DJ7PR8/

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps.

The sleeper must awaken.”

Source: Frank Herbert

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

I continue trying to make this blog better in hopes that you will like it enough to pass it on your friends.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply.

Also, if you like this blog, please show you do by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

And for those of you who have read my book, please comment about the book on Amazon at:

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

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

03/09/15 RETIREMENT

March 8, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON STAR TREK

What a surprise, it seems that 70% of you watched the show when it was originally aired. Also, I understand some of you got a kick out of my putting the book, Baby and Child Care as an option.

And again, if you are looking for a fun and easy to read self-help book, I strongly suggest Dave Marinaccio’s book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Watching Star Trek.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: RETIREMENT

I was reading an article in USA Today (3/4/15) and was shocked to read that one in four retired Americans have no source of income beyond Social Security. It is unlikely you are going to be extraordinary in your retirement years if all you have to live on is social security. In fact, you will be lucky to be ordinary.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A young man asked an elderly rich man how he made his money.

The elderly man said, “Well, son, it was 1932, the depth of the Great Depression and I was down to my last nickel.”

“I invested that nickel in an apple and spent the entire day polishing the apple. At the end of the day, I sold that apple for ten cents.”

“The next morning, I invested those ten cents in two apples. I spent the entire day polishing them and sold for 20 cents.”

“I did this for a month and accumulated a $1.37.”

“Then my wife’s father died and left us two million dollars.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 10: MONEY – SAVE 10% OF WHAT YOU EARN

I once tried to encourage a friend to stop smoking. He held up his package of cigarettes and said, “This is a poor man’s retirement package.”

There are two avenues to a comfortable, if not extraordinary retirement. One is to earn a lot of money, the second and most certain way is to save and live below your means.

There are many good reasons why you can’t save right now–SAVE REGARDLESS. There are also many noble reasons why you must tap into your savings–DON’T DO THAT.

As I mentioned in my book, I came across the following very early in life and it made such an impression on me, that I have retained it all these years. Hopefully, it will also make an impression on you.

Out of one hundred young people of 25 years of age, at 65:

36 have died

1 is rich

4 are independent

5 are working

54 are dependent

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

My book is again available on Amazon as work continues turning it into an ebook. I expect the eBook version will be available in about two weeks.

The book I am recommending this week, I read a long time ago and have given it to a few people I wanted to help. It can be obtained from Amazon for practically nothing. Below is a Wikipedia description of the book.

The Richest Man in Babylon is a book by George Samuel Clason, which dispenses financial advice through a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon. Through their experiences in business and managing household finance, the characters in the parables learn simple lessons in financial wisdom. Originally, a series of separate informational pamphlets distributed by banks and insurance companies, the pamphlets were bound together and published in book form in 1926. (Source: Wikipedia)

http://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Babylon-George-Clason/dp/0451205367/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since this week’s theme is retirement, I thought a movie about a recently retired guy would be appropriate.

A man upon retirement embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter’s wedding only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Retirement is a great opportunity to become the person you have always wanted to be—but have never been.

Source: Dave Erhard

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

I continue trying to make this blog better in hopes that you will like it enough to pass it on your friends.

Any public or private feedback would be most welcomed.

Also, if you like this blog, please show you do by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

And for those of you who have read my book, please comment about the book on Amazon at:

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

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

03/02/15 Live Long and Prosper

March 1, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

By now, you as well as every one else, in all the various universes have heard of the death of Spock (Here on Earth, sometimes referred to as Leonard Nimoy). Spock was without doubt one of the most extraordinary persons to have ever existed.

Rather than say anything about Spock myself, I will let another extraordinary individual sum up what Spock was about:

Star Trek actor George Takei (Better known as Mr. Sulu, Helmsman on the Starship Enterprise, who I was fortunate to meet back on May 20, 1965), said to CNN:

“Leonard was a very dear friend. One extraordinary thing about him I remember: When Star Trek was going to be done as an animated series, they cast Leonard, Bill Shatner, Majel Barrett and Jimmy Doohan only for the voice acting on that. And when he discovered that Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig and I were not cast because of budgetary considerations, he said, Star Trek is about diversity, and if the two people that represent diversity to most, Nichelle and George, then I’m not interested in doing it. … That was an extraordinary thing for an actor, to give up a gig on behalf of other actors. And because Leonard was so necessary to the project, they cast Nichelle and me and offered Walter an opportunity to write a script. He was really an amazing man.”

It has been 20 years since I first acquired I Am Spock by Leonard Nimoy on cassette tapes and I listened to it again in 2006 and finished listening to it again today. It is a 4-hour journey into the life of Leonard Nimoy and Spock. I thought listening to Leonard Nimoy read the book, I Am Spock was a great way to honor these two extraordinary individuals. If you read the book or listen to the tapes, you will know why I refer to them in the plural.

http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Spock-Leonard-Nimoy/dp/0786861827/

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON EXERCISING

I think it is wonderful that 75% of you engage in some type of exercise, but on the other hand I am worried to think that 25% of you don’t really exercise. I wish I knew how to convince you that just a small investment in your health would add years to your life and life to your years.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Question:

How many Vulcans does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Answer:

Approximately 1.00000000000000000000000000000000

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

A life is like a garden.

Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved,

except in memory.

Source: Leonard Nimoy’s Final Tweet

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

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

WEEK 51: DEATH – CONSIDER DEATH EVERY DAY SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY

Start the day mindful that this could be your last day and act accordingly.

Also be mindful that today could be the last day of someone you come in contact with so again act accordingly.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

You will find for the moment, my book is listed as out of print on Amazon. That is because I am in the process of turning it into an ebook. I hope to have my book as well as the ebook available soon. I have copies of the book, if you would like to purchase one and don’t want to wait until it again becomes available on Amazon.

I was in the University of Chicago’s Book Store back in 1994, when the book below caught my eye. It is a 128 page easy read, but contains so many insights that I believe will be beneficial to you in your quest to become extraordinary. I have read and reviewed it so many times over the years. Those of you who know me, may wonder if the book is so good, why am I like I am. I think Oscar Wilde can explain, when he said, “I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.”

http://www.amazon.com/Marinaccio-Learned-Watching-Reprint-Paperback/dp/B00RWRKCE8/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

There are many who think Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan was the best of the Star Trek movies. And if you are old enough to like fine “corinthian leather“, this movie stars Ricardo Montalban.

http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-II-Wrath-Khan/dp/B000I3SYEI/

CONCLUSION

Each week I keep trying to make this blog better in hopes that you will like it enough to pass it on your friends. Also, if you like this blog, please show you do by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. And for those of you who have read my book, it you would care to comment about the book on Amazon that would be most welcomed.

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

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

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Harmony Books & Films, LLC

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

Tag: Self-Help Books

05/04/15 – DISCARD

04/27/15 80/20 Rule

04/20/15 LIMITATIONS

04/13/15 CHANGE

04/06/15 EASTER/OPTIMISM

03/16/15 SPAIN

WEEK 48: TRAVEL – SEE YOUR COUNTRY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE WORLD

03/02/15 Live Long and Prosper

WEEK 51: DEATH – CONSIDER DEATH EVERY DAY SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY