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#590
1.21.2008 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Hooked on phonics 4. Reviews . . . 27 DRESSES, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Worms 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Rules for paramedics 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I went with friends to Piccolo Trattoria (215.860.4247) in Newtown, PA for dinner on Saturday night . . . the food there is always excellent, and the portions are huge . . . in fact, we packed up our leftovers and have enough for a complete meal for the two of us. I like the fact it is a BYOB place, and that it doesn't charge you extra for the salad.
We shared a very meaty lasagne, but enjoyed most our pasta bolognese . . . it was freshly prepared and the sauce was just right; i.e., not too heavy. The place gets crowded, so our recommendation is that you get there early (as we did) . . . it also gets noisy and for some reason, they play background music that even serves to further drown out conversation . . . however, when we complained about this, the music was quickly turned off. There's a second Piccolo Trattoria in Hopewell, NJ that we haven't checked out--yet . . . its number is 609.737.9050. B. From there, we all went to see GUYS AND DOLLS at Pennsbury High School in Fallsington, PA . . . what a production! It was as good as anything we've seen lately, including community and even professional productions . . . the large cast was energetic, and both the choreography and singing were top notch . . . likewise, the orchestra added to our enjoyment of the evening. Kyle Lanning and Dara Orland shined as Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, respectively, as did Shawn Caven as Nathan Detroit . . . Nicole Acevedo as Miss Adelaide had us laughing and applauding every time she was on stage, and we Tyler Carrigan as Nicely-Nicely Johnson nearly stole every scene he was in . . . kudos to Jason Vodicka for his direction, as well as to everybody else involved behind the scenes.
I only regret that you won't be able to see GUYS AND DOLLS, in that the limited run ended on Sunday . . . however, we already have it down to check on the two musical productions that are slated for next year . . . to do so yourself, please click this website sometime in the fall: http://www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us/mb/phs06/default.htm BAD NEWS DEPARTMENT (for us): We missed Pennsbury's earlier production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS . . . from what I learned, it was so good that it captured honors for best school musical in Pennsylvania and, as a result, the performers will be taking it on the road to national competition in June! C. CONGRATULATIONS to Murray Raphel, my longtime friend/reader/mentor, on his 80th birthday . . . see below for the birthday greeting that I sent him for his party: Some 20 years ago, I was covering the field of direct marketing for one of the industry's leading magazines. Due to a prior commitment, I could not attend one meeting, so I sent a student in my place. He told me that there was this guest speaker, a guy named Murray Raphel, who "was great . . . in fact, almost as good as you are." (Hey, I can only quote what I was told!) Best of all, Murray gave the student an autographed copy of one of his books with instructions that the student should give the book to me. I devoured that book, THE GREAT BRAIN ROBBERY, and immediately wrote Murray a thank you note. He wrote back and that begun what has become a long friendship. Some 15 years ago, Murray invited me to hear him speak in Atlantic City. He then took me out to lunch and to see his office. It was like visiting Disneyland, in that I had heard so much about Gordon's Alley as a result of reading all his books. One of the thrills of my life was to reciprocate; i.e., having Murray hear me speak when I was presenting to a conference in Atlantic City. I sill remember his feedback and how I've used it in much of my teaching. It has been my pleasure to have been associated with Murray. He has taught me a great deal, as well as my students. (For many years, his books were required reading in my marketing classes.) I truly appreciate all his letters and emails . . . and perhaps most importantly, his wisdom. Happy birthday, Murray. I look forward to your continued involvement in BLAINESWORLD--both in my newsletter and life . . . or maybe it's the other way around . . . that you will graciously continue to let me be part of Murray's World! PLEASE NOTE: For more information about Murray or Raphel Marketing, his company, please click: http://raphel.com/ D. CONGRATULATIONS, also, to Tammy Lawlor--the lawyer who has been doing such a fine job in handling my parents' estate . . . she just had a lovely boy named Brian Thomas . . . both she and her son are doing well! ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Jose Lopez--pizza maker extraordinaire at Genteel's Frattoria Pizzeria (609.252.0880) in Skillman, NJ. I often go here for lunch for pizza that is consistently excellent . . . the crust is thin, and the sauce is tasty. On top of that, Jose always greets me with a smile. He's extremely hard working, too, seemingly being there just about all the time. I've also had other food here and have never been disappointed. Jimmy Genteel, the owner, does a fine job running this place that is a pizzeria on the left and an attractive restaurant on the right. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI Years ago my friend Ken taught me a neat way to be of service to strangers. If I see one person in a group taking a picture of all the others, I offer to snap the picture so everybody can be included. SOURCE: THE FRED FACTOR (see also Section 4c) by Mark Sanborn FYI, part 2 A few readers responded to Jean in Pennsylvania's idea [in last week's issue] to have a separate section for offers from readers; among them: * Norean in New York: I think that's a nice idea, but I like your newsletters just as they are. After all I have been receiving them since BLAINESWORLD #1. * Warren in Pennsylvania: I like Jean in PA's suggestion about an Offers From Readers section. * Alex in Florida: I sure think Jean in Pennsylvania suggested a very appropriate idea to you--namely that you gather together requests from your readers for you to promote their interests into a separate section, perhaps entitled OFFERS FROM READERS. Excellent idea for you and for them. And, Blaine, while I'm writing . . . I have sent you, on two occasions, some information on the inspirational 09-11 Memorial that exists in Yardley, PA. To me it was most moving, elegantly executed, and I thought your readers, should they visit it, would find it so for themselves. Obviously you've not visited it even though it is at your doorstep. Ergo. you don't know what you are missing. MY TWO CENTS: Alex is right, as he often is . . . do check out the above, which I first mentioned in November, 2004 when I was hosting a radio show (and do I miss doing that!) . . . for more information, please click: http://www.9-11memorialgarden.org/ I recently mentioned that we are next going to investigate the possibility of moving to North Carolina . . . some feedback that I received on that idea included the following: * Rita in North Carolina: Let me sing the praises of North Carolina, especially the Greensboro area. As you may know, I moved down here about a year ago to become the Dean for Continuing Education (i.e., adult degree programs) at Guilford College. The weather here is great. We have seasons, but without the extremes. Summer is no worse than NJ or PA and winter is no where near as cold. Last winter, I wore a raincoat about a half dozen times, my parka twice, and the rest of the time no more than a sweater or light jacket. This year is about the same. The sun shines about 300 days a year, although often there may be showers overnight or for an hour. Greensboro itself has about 9 colleges within the city limits and if we count Winston Salem (about 20 minutes away) and High Point (about 15 minutes), the number is closer to 20 . . . so there are all sorts of cultural events . . . and you could probably get some adjunct positions pretty easily. Guilford College is the home of the Eastern Music Festival, a 6 week period of daily concerts, many featuring world famous musicians who come to campus to offer master classes to other musicians from around the country . . . and there are other, similar festivals for drama and dance around the area each summer, as well as a large major conference and performance venue that is easy to get into and out of (Cirque du Soleil usually comes every year in January, Springsteen, etc. . . . major performers). Yet there is little traffic and even the downtown area is green everywhere. Charlotte and Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area) is about an hour away, the mountains about 1-1/2 hours, and the beach about three hours. By the way, Greensboro also has its own airport--truly easy in and out, with convenient parking (you can easily walk from long-term to the terminal!)--and just recently, Skybus began offering direct flights to Wilmington, DE and LA, among other destinations, for $10 each way for the first 10 seats sold on each flight! Otherwise, there are frequent US Airways direct flights between Greensboro and Philadelphia. Housing is pretty cheap compared to NJ as well . . . since I haven't yet been able to sell the house in Pennington, I am currently renting a 1300 sq. foot apartment in a gated, luxury development--2 big bedrooms, each with its own full bath, kitchen with pantry, separate dining room with windows on two sides and a door to the covered porch for al fresco dining, a fireplace, laundry room, and lots of closet space--for $820 a month. Garages are available at $50/month additional. There are quite a few new developments going up that are designed for 55+, with condo associations responsible for the landscaping and property care, clubhouse and pool--most are patio homes, but I have my eye on a very nice 2 story in a 64-unit development, midway and walking distance between 2 synagogues. The biggest differences that I have found down here from Mercer-Bucks area are: No NYC or Philly close by; DC, Charleston, and Atlanta are each about 4 hours away. No really good bagel store. (Brueggers is the best they have; Panero's are NOT bagels to my mind!) No kosher delis. The pace of life is definitely slower. People are friendlier and take the time to talk to each other. People also tend to be more gracious and less nasty, abrupt, etc. A whole lot more churches. (They say we don't get bad weather here because there are 400 churches in town and all that prayer . . . ) * Sharon in North Carolina: As for 55 and older communities . . . believe it or not, many people retire to the Asheville/Hendersonville area of NC. It's in the mountains and the summer weather is gorgeous and apparently the winters are not too bad either. Maybe a few days here and there of cold weather and a bit of snow. It has really become a snowbirds' destination. We're in Fayetteville, about 60 miles south of Raleigh & Cary. We're not as "cultured" as those cities and our summers are HOT. Cary is an up and coming city, and you will probably enjoy it. There are several bedroom communities of Raleigh as well that may suit you. * A New York reader: Stop looking for the perfect retirement community. You now live basically where you've been searching for . . . a great retirement spot. Dear friends and family surround you. You have the enormous advantage of being quite near air transportation that can take you anywhere in the world without connection. Cynthia can easily access those interests of hers like Omega within hours. You have all the cultural advantages of New York City and Philadelphia at your doorstep. It takes a friend of mine over eight hours from Lumberton, NC to get to New York to visit his kids . . . drive to Fayetteville, flight to Charlotte, change to LaGuardia and then cab. He has to go to Baltimore for health care. As you're now getting older than dirt, you must also consider failing health. You really owe it to you and Cynthia to be near great health providers. I'm not suggesting that Charlotte or Charleston don't have these facilities, but that a Columbia, SC, Lumberton or Dumbshit, GA might not. Don't bury yourself in the wilderness. Take it from one who knows . . . I've had a home in Charleston, a truly gorgeous home and community. Few friends. Other than the Spoletto Festival in May (in NYC we have Spoletto 365 days a year) . . . virtually without culture . . . anti Yankee... a great place to live (indoors). You're not a golfer, so a golf community will not do. I would pay to see your legs on a tennis court. You want warm weather . . . rent a place for the winter. Travel. Enjoy life. You've been looking for this Nirvana for quite some time. It may be right in your backyard. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Hooked on phonics Zach is 5 and learning to read. He points at a picture in a zoo book and says, "Look Mama! It's a frickin' elephant!" Deep breath . . . "What did you call it?" "It's a frickin' elephant, Mama! It says so on the picture." And so it does . . . " A f r i c a n elephant." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. 27 DRESSES is a predictable romantic comedy, yet that said, I enjoyed it . . . Katherine Heigl plays a young woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times . . . when her boss--the man she secretly loves--becomes engaged to her younger sister, she is faced with the prospect of having to get still another dress that she probably won't be able to wear more than once . . . Heigl is fine in the leading role, as is James Marsden as a reporter who covers the wedding scene . . . Malin Akerman, so fine in the remake of THE HEARTBREAK KID (though not as funny here because of her role), is again watchable . . . Judy Greer has a smallish supporting role, but nevertheless caught my attention in every scene she was in . . . and any film that uses "Happy Together" in the soundtrack deserves to be seen if just for that reason . . . rated PG-13. B. There are no new DVDs that I can recommend that you rent, so instead go back and revisit 1994's THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION . . . this is a great film about a banker unjustly sentenced to prison for a crime he did not commit . . . he slowly earns the respect of his fellow inmates and even most of the prison staff . . . Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are superb in the leading roles . . .and James Whitmore's performance also moved me . . . though SHAWHANK was nominated for seven Oscars in 1994, it surprisingly did not win a single one. The dialogue is as fine as I've ever heard in any film . . . to cite just two examples: * Red [narrating]: I wish I could tell you that Andy fought the good fight, and the Sisters let him be. I wish I could tell you that--but prison is no fairy-tale world. He never said who did it, but we all knew. Things went on like that for awhile--prison life consists of routine, and then more routine. Every so often, Andy would show up with fresh bruises. The Sisters kept at him--sometimes he was able to fight 'em off, sometimes not. And that's how it went for Andy--that was his routine. I do believe those first two years were the worst for him, and I also believe that if things had gone on that way, this place would have got the best of him. * Red [narrating]: I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a gray place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made those walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last man in Shawshank felt free. The film has a great eding . . . rated R. C. Imagine having a postal carrier who greets you the very first day you move into a new neighborhood. He then offers to hold onto your mail if you're going to be out of town. He also moves advertisements that are stuck in doors and picks up newspapers scattered on sidewalks. That's Fred, author Mark Sanborn's mail carrier. Sanborn was so impressed with him that he wrote a marvelous little book telling more about him: THE FRED FACTOR (see also Section 2). Its subtitle--HOW PASSION IN YOUR WORK AND LIFE CAN TRUN THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY--describes what this factor is all about. Can this be accomplished easily? Perhaps not. But in reading about Fred, I was inspired--particularly when I learned how he had mastered the most important job skill of the twenty-first century: * The ability to create value for customers without spending more money to do it. He continually does so by doing little things for his customers. As he notes: * I want to go home at the end of the day feeling like I've taken care of my folks," Fred says. "I don't think of them as postal customers, but as friends who appreciate me for helping make their lives a little easier." What I most liked about this book was how Sanborn gave plenty of examples of how anybody can become a Fred, regardless of his or her job . . . for instance, he mentions his own work background: * I once worked with a hospital that was committed to improving patient relations. One little idea made a big difference: Whenever patients or visitors asked for directions, rather than simply telling them how to get where they wanted to go, the staff member personally escorted them, especially in cases where people were confused or perplexed. THE FRED FACTOR got me thinking--always a good thing . . . when reading it, I kept making lots of notes about things I should start doing more often . . . one, in fact, I've already implemented; i.e., gotten the book to friends who I think might get as much out of it as I did. D. Heard ASK ME AGAIN TOMORROW--read and narrated by Olympia Dukakis, the actress who became an overnight success in MOONSTRUCK (after 28 years of hard work). Dukakis is brutally honest in telling her story . . . in doing so, I got a feel for what it was like growing up as a Greek-American and, also, about the difficulties she faced in helping to run The Whole Theater Company in Montclair, New Jersey, for 19 years. I also was moved by her tale of alimentation from and eventual reconciliation with her mother, who eventually developed Alzheimer's and had to be cared for by Dukakis and her family. There's humor in the story, too . . . she tells of the time when her Oscar was stolen and how she eventually made over $9,900 as a result of the theft . . . in addition, I was laughing out loud when I heard how she "borrowed" a cat to make some money from a commercial . . . all was going well until her mother walked in and asked, "Where'd you get that?" A quick response saved the day: "She always forgets!" This is one book that I'm glad to have heard rather than read, largely because of Dukakis' outstanding narration . . . it left me looking forward to Part 2 of this fascinating woman's life, which seems to have been promised by the subtitle: A LIFE IN PROGRESS. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER is a new series about a third-generation matchmaker who helps wealthy Los Angelenos find compatible women . . . Tuesdays at 11 p.m. on BRAVO. B. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH has folks trying to outwit a polygraph grilling . . . debuts Wednesday at 9 p.m. on FOX. C. I don't know about you, but to me, the best TV right now involves the upcoming presidential election . . . remaining Republican candidates debate on Thursday at 9 p.m. on MSNBC. D. THE RUSSELL GIRL stars Amber Tamblyn as a 23-year-old aspiring med student who finds out she has leukemia . . . Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (an actress that I wish was more often on screen) plays her mother . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on CBS. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Worms A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol . . . dead. Second worm in cigarette smoke . . . dead. Third worm in chocolate syrup . . . dead. Fourth worm in good clean soil . . . alive. So the Minister asked the congregation: What can you learn from this demonstration? Maxine, who was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, "As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!" Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. For an unusual way to get the accurate time, please click: http://www.billychasen.com/clock/ I understand that it works for all time zones. B. If you're a fan of BILLY ELLIOT, the film or show, you'll enjoy this clip: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lz1zHKEsD2Y It tells the true story about a young Arab man who is succeeding in his dream to become a ballet dancer . . . you'll find it inspirational, and it will make you want to see BILLY ELLIOT--either again or for the first time. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net In case you're wondering about what I do with your address (e.g., if you're a subscriber), please see "Newsletter" to the left on the homepage, then "Privacy Statement." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip How to handle irritating seatmates If you are sitting next to someone who irritates you on a plane or train, follow these instructions: 1. Quietly and calmly open up your laptop case. 2. Remove your laptop. 3. Start up . 4. Make sure the guy who is annoying you can see the screen. 5. Close your eyes and tilt your head up to the sky like in prayer. 6. Then hit this link: http://boortz.com/mp3/archive/countdown.swf Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Rules for paramedics All your patients will die . . . eventually. All bleeding stops . . . eventually. If you drop the baby, pick it up. "O's" (oxygen) are good; "Oops" are bad. Don't taste it! It's not your problem; it's the patient's problem. And this one for the public, too: Drive with care or we'll be there. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like We have worked at full speed since May. And that is I'm persuaded the root and source and origin of all health and happiness, provided of course that one rides work as a man rides a great horse, in a spirited and independent way; not a drudge, but a man with spurs to his heels. (Writing in her journal about her life as a publisher and writer.)--Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), English writer Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day When the wind blows Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received A steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew. When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. A friend of mine sent this to me today, and I enjoyed it so much, that I wanted to send it to you. I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well. Author unknown (if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. At Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ: Sunday, January 27, 2008 3 p.m., Princeton Rep Playlab Series FREE Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall In a London psychiatric hospital, an enigmatic patient claims to be the son of exiled African dictator, Idi Amin. As the drama unfolds, his story becomes unnervingly plausible. An incendiary tale about race, madness and a Darwinian power struggle by the British playwright, Blue/Orange won the 2000 Olivier Award for Best New Play. For more information, please click: http://www.princeton.lib.nj.us/ B. YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $500! (I kid you not!!) . . . come to a presentation I'm giving on Tuesday, January 29, at Bucks County Community College . . . time: 6:30 p.m. . . . the topic: Four-mula 4 Success--the 4 Things You Need to do to Market Yourself . . . cost is FREE . . . for location, please email me at bginbc@aol.com. C. At Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Skillman, NJ: David Brahinsky & Friends return in concert with “Canadian Spirits: Songs of Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Stan Rogers” Joining David (guitar and vocals) for this concert will be Sarah Houtz on vocals, Joe Pepitone on bass and Guy DeRosa on harmonica. Join these gifted musicians who produce a rich and varied interpretation of these great singer songwriters. DON'T MISS THIS ONE! Saturday, February 2, at 8:00 p.m. $15 For more information, please click: http://www.princetonyoga.com/ D. At Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA: "Meet the Author" Business Seminar March 12, 2008 at 9 a.m. Best-selling author Lisa Ford is the featured speaker of the 5th annual "Meet the Author" Business Seminar. Her presentation, Exceptional Customer Service--Going Beyond Your Good Service to Exceed the Customer's Expectation, is based on Lisa's best-selling video training program. At this seminar, you will discover how to: * create a positive first - and lasting - impression on customers; * improve your communication skills so you can stay in touch with your customers; * make sure that new technology gives customers what they need; * find new ways to keep your existing customers, while recruiting new ones; and * eliminate the gap between current and world-class service. For more information about Lisa, visit her website: http://www.lisaford.com/index.html Individual tickets: $50, or take advantage of a $495 corporate sponsorship and receive 10 tickets, reserved seating, and the opportunity to promote your organization. To reserve your seats today for this engaging seminar, call 215.968.8224 or click here to order your tickets safely and securely online: https://www.bucks.edu/meettheauthor.php _________________________________________________________ PS. Monday is Martin Luther King Day . . . to help remember his many contributions, check out some of his quotes at this website: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html Here's one of my favorites: Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?" Please also join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . and make it a great week! Back to Top ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION To subscribe to this publication, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE in subject line . . . if you wish to unsubscribe, just send an email to same address and put UNSUBSCRIBE in subject line.
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