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BLAINESWORLD
#643 1.26.2009 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Update 4. Reviews . . . LAST CHANCE HARVEY, etc. 5. TV alert 6. New evidence 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Innovative supermarket marketing 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I were glad to be reunited after an 11-day absence when I was in Pennsylvania for some work-related stuff . . . we quickly resumed our exploration of the area, seeing a dance program at the beautiful Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville . . . it featured a group called Galumpha, which to quote from the program, combines "stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy and inventive choreography" to present a "sensory feast of images ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime" . . . what we saw was certainly different, though I'm not sure either of us was crazy about this particular evening's entertainment . . . it was a little too much of the same thing, after we saw the first few numbers, and the modernistic music was not quite to our liking. The next night we went to a book talk at the clubhouse of the association where we live . . . LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS by Richard Louv was being discussed, and we found it interesting to learn how children are being negatively impacted by the absence of nature in their lives. We also had an excellent dinner at Stone Ridge Tavern . . . my herb-crusted tilapia was excellent, and Cynthia said the same thing about her ribeye steak . . . I also enjoyed the salad, particularly because of the tasty raspberry vinaigrette dressing that accompanied it . . . we had a fine server, Nicholas, too . . . for more information, please click: http://thestoneridgetavern.com/
B. When not at Bucks County Community College, I'm hard at work on my next career . . . since I may not see you for a bit, please see below for my business card in case you want to contact me for more information about exactly what I'll be doing:  As for the "Important Telephone Numbers," yes they are real . . . yet
don't just believe me . . . call them yourself, on your dime, and if there are any mistakes, please do let me know. AN ASIDE: If you have a business card (something I believe all folks should have), do what I do; i.e., use both sides . . . otherwise, you're wasting valuable space that could provide additional information about you and/or what you do. I was fortunate to find a good local printer for my cards: Kwik Kopy Printing in Asheville; 828.274.5945 . . . prices were reasonable, and there was a quick turnaround time. C. Personally, I received some good news on the health scene . . . as you may recall, the last time I had blood work done, my cholesterol had gone way high . . . before recommending any medication, my doctor had me see a nutritionist. As a result, I made several changes in my diet . . . some six months later, I've lost 15 pounds, an inch from my waist and one jacket size . . . as for my cholesterol readings, they were as follows: Total: 253 (down from 271) Triglycerides: 65 (down from 92) LDL: 163 (down from 191) HDL, the good stuff: 77 (up from 62) Those results are still not quite what I want them to be, but I'm making progress . . . and will continue to do so, especially given the fact that I'm no longer on a diet per se . . . rather, I'm eating healthier as a way of life. D. Andy Wargo, my longtime friend, has had some medical setbacks . . . but he is now doing better and has been moved to the following short-time assisted living facility: Springfield Residence 551 East Evergreen Avenue (intersection of Evergreen & Stenton) Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Room B-214 Please feel free to send him a card or even better, visit him . . . the best way to contact him is by cellphone at 215.498.7394. I was fortunate to be able to see Andy during my most recent visit "up North" . . . his attitude, as always, was great . . .and almost like old times, we went out for a bite to eat at a fun place called the Trolley Car Diner on Germantown Ave. in Philadelphia . . . going there is almost like returning to the 50s . . . our sandwiches were OK, but next time we'll order their famous burgers and delicious milkshakes . . . for more information, please click: http://www.trolleycardiner.com/
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Josh Rubinsky--the attorney for our teacher's union at Bucks County Community College. I, along with my other officers, have spent quite a bit of time lately with Josh as we prepare for two upcoming arbitration cases . . . one involves the fact that the College is nowhere close to the 60/40 ratio (full-timers to part-timers) that is required by our contact . . . the other is concerned with the issue of salary inequities . . . we contend there are some that need to be addressed; the College doesn't believe this to be the case. Josh has helped us win many "battles" in the past with the administration . . . he is always well-prepared, and he has the useful abilility of being able to see all sides of most any issue. In 1997, he helped employees at Total Health Home Care Corp. win a $2.2 million settlement . . . though we're not shooting for quite that much money, we're hopeful he can continue with his magic in the aforementioned grievances . . . the result would mean life at the College would be a lot better for folks who will be there long past the time I'm gone. Josh's office is on Broad Street in Philadelphia; his number is 215.925.1470. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI There's still time for you to enter the contest for the world's best job! Hundreds of people have already applied from across the globe for the chance to be paid $150,000 to blog about the virtues of a tropical island. The job is expected to attract thousands of applications. Tourism Queensland has put out a worldwide call for the dream job that will see the successful applicant live on the Great Barrier Reef's Hamilton Island for six months. “The global response in the first 24 hours has outstripped even our expectations,” Australia’s Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said. Boyle said the campaign had already reached some 29 million people through television and print media coverage--the equivalent of nearly $10 million in publicity. The winner will be required to explore the reef's islands, swim, snorkel, make friends with the locals and enjoy Queensland's climate and lifestyle. The winner must also post the experiences, photos and video diaries on a weekly blog. It is hoped the unique job will draw more thrillseekers to the Sunshine State. Applications are open until February 22 and 11 short-listed candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process. For more information and an application, please click: http://www.islandreefjob.com/
FYI, part 2 * Marianne in Pennsylvania: Many of us experience high stress levels in our daily lives, and with the current economic situation, our stress levels have only intensified. Marianne Kepler, a full-time faculty member of Bucks County Community College who teaches stress management, has her own private practice where she helps people deal with the stress in their lives. If you would like to rejuvenate your life, please contact Marianne. Marianne’s office is located in Buckingham Green on Route 263, and she can be reached at 267.218.6207 for an appointment. MY TWO CENTS: You won't go wrong by working with Marianne . . . she really knows her stuff! * Dotty in New Jersey (with a great idea for Valentine's Day): Less than THREE WEEKS until Valentine's Day!! Do you need ideas to make the day special for someone? Here's a suggestion for a wonderfully unique and memorable Valentine's gift: a SINGING TELEGRAM by The Tritones! By telephone (for loved ones at a distance: $15) or in person (Princeton/Montgomery/Hopewell NJ area: $50). For details, contact me directly at 609.683.0563 or SingingTelegrams4u@yahoo.com. HERE'S ANOTHER PLACE YOU WON'T GO WRONG: I've personally used Dotty's services in the past . . . the result was fantastic--or at least according to Cynthia. * Frank in New Jersey [commenting on the Lee Iacocca piece in the last two issue]: Politics is an interesting topic and all views are certainly worth discussing. Character assassination and name calling on the other hand is not. Surely there were parts of the book that described the flaws of other leaders, (Carter, Bill, Hillary, Obama or any Democrat for that matter) or better yet, discussed the traits of good leaders. While you have in the past printed other less than favorable opinions about President Bush, what struck me this time was that you seemed to jump on the "Bash Bush Bandwagon" in hopes of getting in a final parting shot. Not everyone thinks that President Bush was the incompetent boob that Lee Iacocca is trying to make him out to be. I'm certain that you have other readers who were also offended by these excerpts. PS. In spite of our differences of opinion, I still enjoy the newsletter (and obviously I read the whole thing). IN RESPONSE: The comments Frank was upset about were not mine, but rather from a book by Lee Iacocca . . . it should be noted that Iacocca has supported both Democrats and Republicans in the past, and I'm sure he will be critical of Obama if and when he feels the need . . . I also made every attempt to not take shots at Bush on his way out; in fact, if anything, I think I ran more negative things about the Democrats than the Republicans. * Pat in Pennsylvania: Nice but not sure I will EVER need any of the vendors, stores etc you mention in detail in Asheville. And I suspect few of your readers are from Asheville that could benefit. Granted, I couldn't use many if any of the vendors in New Jersey you've mentioned, but I suspect lots of your New Jersey friends could? Same for Bucks/Philly people. So not sure of the benefit to us Yankees about Asheville vendors? POINT WELL TAKEN: That's why, in general, I'm trying to run less information about every single Asheville visit . . . however, it is my hope that my reports may encourage at least some readers to give Asheville a look . . . based on my early experiences here, I do believe that you won't be disappointed. * Carole in New Jersey: My husband's "card" isn't quite so classy [as yours]. His just reads, "I'm retired. Don't call me. I'll call you." Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Update Last year I entered the New York City Marathon. The race started and immediately I was the last of the runners. It was embarrassing. The guy who was in front of me, second to last, was making fun of me. He said, "Hey buddy, how does it feel to be last?" I replied: "You really want to know?" Then I dropped out of the race. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. LAST CHANCE HARVEY is a rare romantic comedy that features stars who are not teenagers . . . so that alone made me appreciate the unlikely coupling of Dustin Hoffman with Emma Thompson as two lonely singles who spend most of the film adrift in London . . . the scenery is beautiful, and so is the cinematography . . . I also liked the story, and though you had a pretty good idea about how it would end, it still kept me interested until the very last scene . . . rated PG-13. B. Now out on DVD is LAKEVIEW TERRACE, a thriller a menacing cop who threatens the new couple in the neighborhood . . . the first half of the film was suspenseful; unfortunately, it tailed off to a rather predictable finish . . . Samuel L. Jackson certainly gets me vote as the "neighbor from hell," the guy you most certainly wouldn't want to have live next to you . . . he's excellent . . . rated PG-13, though this is one case where I think that young teenagers should not watch. Methinks you'd do much better renting HEAVEN CAN WAIT, the 1978 remake of 1941's HERE COMES MR. JORDAN . . . I liked the original; that said, this is one instance where the remake was even better . . . it is the story about a football player who is taken too early from the Earth by an overzealous angel . . . Warren Beatty, the actor-director-star, does a terrific job in all three roles . . . Julie Christie also shines, as does Jack Warden (who I think should have won an Oscar for his work here) . . . rated PG, though probably of not much interest to younger children. C. I consider myself a happy guy . . . this belief was confirmed when I read THE HOW OF HAPPINESS (see also Section 10) by Sonja Lyubomirsky. The author, a professor of psychology, began her book with a short diagnostic quiz that helped me to first quantify and then understand my "happiness set point" . . . she then explains that just 50 percent of happiness can be explained by this set point, while a mere 10 percent can be attributed to differences in life circumstances or situations. This leaves the remaining 40 percent of our capacity for happiness within our power to change . . . though I never had that exact number in mind, I always have believed this to be true. Lyubomirsky then presents a series of happiness strategies designed to help you achieve a happier life. . . . while I've done (or at least thought about) a bunch of these, I realize that I could still do a better job in this area. Furthermore, what made THE HOW OF HAPPINESS such an interesting book for me was the fact that the author backs up her suggestions with actual research . . . for example: * Since then my students and I have conducted many more studies showing essentially the same result: that the happier the person, the less attention she pays to how others around her are doing. Once again the research tenders an example of what we can learn from the habits of a happy person. Indeed, the practice of incessantly comparing ourselves with others is part of the wider-ranging habit of overthinking. Then there was this finding: * In a recent study, my graduate students and I showed that the practice of repetitively replaying your happiest life events serves to prolong and reinforce positive emotions and make you happier. So think about one of your happiest days--commencement day (yours or your child's), the first time you heard, "I love you," the first day of your European vacation, the day your brought home a puppy--and replay it in your mind as though you were rewinding a videotape and playing it back. Think about the events of the day, and remember what happened in as much detail as you can. What exactly did you (or other people involved) say or do? What were the thoughts and emotions running through your head at the time? Don't analyze this day; just replay and revel in it. We found that people who performed this exercise right for eight minutes per day on three consecutive days felt more intense positive emotions four weeks later And perhaps my favorite, which I had never realized before: * A University of Scranton study found that people who made public New Year's resolutions were a remarkable ten times more likely to succeed at their goal (e.g., quitting smoking, improving their relationships, becoming a vegetarian, etc.) than those who had not. Making public our commitment to a particular goal raises the likelihood that we will carry through that goal, in part because we want to appear consistent to ourselves and others (e.g., "I claimed I'd apply for the managerial position, and so I did") and avoid embarrassment or awkwardness. So with that in mind, I'll end this review now so that I can continue my plan to read or listen to two books per week. D. Enjoyed the CD version of LOSING JULIA, a debut novel by Jonathan Hull. It is the story of a 19-year old soldier from New Jersey off to fight the Great War, told in the form of a diary that looks back at the defining periods of his life . . . there's skipping back and forth between his various ages (up through his time in a nursing home) that's confusing at first . . . but once you get into the head of Patrick Delaney, the main character, you'll never want the story to end. You'll be moved by the love story that he tells, as well as his graphic accounts of what it's like to fight in war. The ending left me wanting to read the author's next book, a 1994 novel entitled THE DISTANCE FROM NORMANDY . . . I'm frankly surprised that he does not seem to have written anything since, nor that LOSING JULIA wasn't ever made into a movie. Ralph Waite's narration added to my enjoyment of the book. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. THE TRIALS OF TED HAGGARD has the antigay evangelist talking about his sexual immorality and battle to stay straight . . . Thursday at 8:15 p.m. on HBO. B. B.B. King performs on SOUNDSTAGE on Thursday at 10 p.m. on PBS . . . because PBS times and dates often vary, check local listings. C. SUPER BOWL'S GREATEST COMMERCIALS features some of viewers' all-time favorites . . . Jim Nantz and Daisy Fuentes host . . . Saturday at 8 p.m. on CBS. D. SUPER BOWL XLIII airs on Sunday at 6 p.m. on NBC . . . since I'm not a big fan of either team, I'll probably watch for the halftime featuring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 6. New evidence Lawyer: "Judge, I wish to appeal my client's case on the basis of newly discovered evidence." Judge: "And what is the nature of the new evidence?" Lawyer: "Judge, I discovered that my client still has $500 left." Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Just start typing and you can get an almost instantaneous translation into 34 different languages: http://www.nicetranslator.com/lowres.php
So to check it out, I typed "Thanks for reading BLAINESWORLD, my online newsletter" . . . here's what I got in: French: Merci de lire BLAINESWORLD, mon bulletin d'information en ligne. Spanish: Gracias por leer BLAINESWORLD, mi boletín en línea. And in Italian: Grazie per la lettura BLAINESWORLD, la mia newsletter online. B. If you're in the mood for a laugh, please click: http://able2laff.com/
This is a website run by Papa Thon, an online California friend . . . you'll find jokes galore and can even sign-up to get them emailed to you FREE . . . for example, here's a recent one: Last day A man sat at a bar, drinking slowly. On his face was the saddest hangdog expression. The bartender asked, “What’s the matter? Are you having troubles with your wife?” The man said, “We had a fight and she told me that she wasn't going to speak to me for a month.” The bartender said, “That should make you happy.” The man sadly shook his head, “Not when the month is up today!” BONUS WEBSITE offered by Papa Thorn: If you're a listmaster, please click: http://able2laff.com/EZ/rules.html
You'll find an array of good stuff that will be of interest to your readers, plus there's a great way to advertise your own list without a lot of the hassle. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net
I do appreciate the fact that there are now over 900 subscribers to this missive--and the number is growing . . . this has happened, thanks in large part, to your efforts in inviting others to come on board . . . it's also easy to have your friends, colleagues and relatives sign up . . . all you need to do is go the left of the homepage, then "Newsletter" and then "Subscribe." Another option that works even better is to forward this issue to anybody you think would like to receive it . . .the more the merrier . . . if the recipient likes the forwarded email, encourage him or her to send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and to subscribe, just put the these words in the subject line: FREE SUBSCRIPTION. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip If you choose to download a pirated version of any software, beware that it could come with a virus . . . that's what recently happened to some 20,000 folks who thought they'd get a copy of iWork '09 without paying for it . . . they also got a Trojan Horse called OSX.Trojan.iServices.A, which allows malicious users to take charge of their computers remotely . . . for more information, please click: http://www.switched.com/2009/01/23/iwork-09-trojan-virus-infects-at-least-20-000-machines/?icid=200100397x1216761477x1201100825
At the bottom of the report, you'll also find a link to an interesting report on other Internet threats. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Innovative supermarket marketing Many supermarkets have an automatic water mister that keeps the produce fresh. Just before it turns on, you hear the sound of distant thunder, and the misters produce the smell of fresh rain. Unfortunately, a new store near my house has taken the concept too far. At this new place, when you pass the milk cases you hear cows mooing and you experience the scent of fresh hay. In the meat department, there's a sizzling sound, and the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks with onions. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying. The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread and cookies. Sounds great, right? But they've gone too far. Let's just say I don't go down the toilet paper aisle anymore. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Express admiration, appreciation and affection. One of the key conclusions of two decades of research on marriages is that happy relationships are characterized by a ration of positive to negative affect of five to one. This means that for every negative statement or behavior-criticizing, nagging, lecturing- -there are five positive ones. Make your weekly goal to raise your positive affect ratio. You can do this, first, by increasing the number of times you show affection to your partner-- verbally (e.g., saying or e-mailing, "I love you," more often), physically (no need to explain this) or through other behaviors (like kindness). I once heard a family expert say, "A spontaneous kiss while doing house-hold chores can do wonders."--Sonja Clubroom, author of THE HOW OF HAPPINESS (see also Section 4C) Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day Kurtis, the stock boy, and Brenda, the checkout girl . In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for carry out help at the register. Kurtis was almost finished and wanted to get some fresh air, but decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand, a distant smile caught his eye; the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26 and he was only 22). It was love for him at first sight. Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card: Brenda. He walked out, only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible. He pressed, and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night, he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us." She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally, Brenda brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son who was in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down's Syndrome. Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities--just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary; he had a different mindset. That evening, Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything, Kurtis took care of him.When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with. A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids. So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the upcoming Super Bowl. It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. What this story doesn't tell you is that Kurt was working in the grocery store (11 years ago) to help support his Mom. Last year as well as this past Christmas, Kurt and Brenda totally renovated a home and completely furnished it for a needy family or a single Mom . He is humble and never seeks the spotlight. Even if you don't like football, you gotta pull for those Cards on Super Bowl Sunday. No one gave them a chance. The only reason Kurt was/is playing is because Matt Lienert got injured. Kurt was the backup quarterback. Author unknown (if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know) THE REST OF THE STORY: The above story has a basis in truth, despite the fact that there are many inaccuracies. If you can believe it, the actual story is even more inspiring . . . to read it for yourself, please click: http://www.snopes.com/glurge/warner.asp
Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Cathy in Pennsylvania: I just wanted to send out a reminder for the Healthcare Town Hall that is happening this Thursday. Please pass this on to your email lists and tell all your friends. Topic: The Health Care Crisis in Bucks County and the Way Forward Thursday, January 29 - 7:00 p.m. United Christian Church 8525 New Falls Rd., Levittown Come share your thoughts in a public discussion about what's needed to reform America's and Pennsylvania's broken health care systems. Hear from health care experts and find out how to take action to make sure that 2009 is the year that reform happens on the statewide and national levels. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and networking. Program starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Featured Speakers: Chuck Pennacchio of Health Care for All PA and Dr. Henry D’Silva, Advocate for National Health Care Reform. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help the Emergency Relief Association Food Pantry, which assists families who are struggling during this difficult time. Brought to you by BuxMont Coalition for Peace Action, OpEdNews.com, United Christian Church and Penn Action For more information, call Robin Stelly at 267.240.9819. B. Janet in New York: The Women's Heart Foundation invites one and all to a gala luncheon and celebration WEAR RED FOR WOMEN to kick off Women's Heart Week. Marriott Lafayette Yard Hotel, Trenton, Sunday February 1st, 12 Noon-3 p.m. Luncheon, Health Screenings, well-stocked guests' gift bags, raffles, camaraderie, entertainment and more! $25.00. For more information, call 609.771.9600. C. Rick in Pennsylvania: Our Next TV TAPING FOR THE COMEDY CABARET will be Friday, Feb. 20th in Bucks County. (We are working on an April TV taping for South Jersey or DE and we will let you know in a few weeks.) For more information, please click: http://www.comedycabaret.com/classes.html _________________________________________________________ PS. Please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . also, 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. |
