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BLAINESWORLD
#544 3.5.2007 ***** FREE TICKET CONTEST CONTINUED; see Section 12B ***** In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Exam question 4. Reviews . . . VENUS, etc. 5. TV alert 6. For the love of music 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Proverbs (slightly altered) 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 a performance of LES MISERABLES put on the Performing Arts students of Notre Dame High School in Lawarenceville, NJ . . . we were all blown away by how fine it was; in fact, it was as good as anything we've seen (community or professional) in quite some time. You could feel the excitement just coming into the theater . . . there was a standing-room only crowd of I'd say well over 1,000 people . . . when the lights went out, you knew you were in for quite an evening when the 35+-piece orchestra began playing . . . it sounded just like the music from the original Broadway show. Then when the play began, we were spellbound . . . every performer acted, danced and sang up a song . . . we kept listening for anybody who was the remote bit "pitchy," to quote Randy Jackson on AMERICAN IDOL, but couldn't find even one person who might fit that description. Gigi Gibilisco, Dan Zubrzycki, Lauren Poole, Heather Wiese, Chelsea Cortes, and Michael Niederer were just a few of the many fine performers who caught our attention . . . we also very much liked the work of Nora Boronkay and Zachary Hines (who reminded us of a young Paul Lynde) for providing some comic relief . . . all totaled, there were over 75 students in the production. SPECIAL KUDOS to Louis Gibilisco, the artistic/music director, and his wife Debby, choreographer/costume designer, for their role in making this show the hit it was. I only regret that you won't be able to see it for yourself . . . unfortunately, there was only a very limited two week run, and we saw it on the last night . . . however, be rest assured that we will be at next year's Notre Dame musical . . . it is already in my book to order tickets, regardless of what show is put on. B. From there, we were disappointed that Cold Stone Creamery was closed, so we couldn't get ice cream . . . we had to instead "settle" on the Starbucks in the Mercer Mall (609.987.1020) in Lawrenceville, NJ . . . Cynthia and I are not big coffee drinkers, so we tried the baked goods there for a change . . . I had a chocolate-covered macaroon and let me just say that while it can't quite replace ice cream, I definitely wouldn't be opposed to ordering it again . . . Cynthia wanted to order an oatmeal/nut cookie, but it was thrown out just as she was about to order it (the person in charge said it wasn't fresh enough to be sold), so she instead had to settle for a piece of banana nut cake that she said was only fair . . . the place was closing as we got there, so we wound up eating in the car of our friends and had a lot of fun exchanging both stories and jokes. C. My mother has been in Florida for the past month, so it was good to see her on Sunday upon her return . . . we went for lunch to Dairy King (516.437.7100), a kosher dairy restaurant that I like in New Hyde Park, NY . . . my favorite there is matzo brei, a dish I always like how they prepare . . . my mother enjoyed her bagel with lox, and Cynthia said her tuna fish platter was fine . . . on the way out, we saw other people had ordered blintzes--one of the place's specialties--and they truly looked delicious . . . methinks that is what we will order the next time we're there. Nancy, our server, was pleasant . . . we also like the service provided by Joan, another waitress there, who frequently is the person who takes our order . . . she is excellent at what she does. D. Recently, I was recognized at a Dean's Reception at Bucks County Community College as one of the winners in a Writing to Learn contest . . . faculty members were asked to submit their ideas on successful things they do in the classroom to get students to write . . . here was my entry: JOURNALING: Weekly Journals on Marketing: Each week students have to choose one article from The Wall Street Journal. They then must write one paragraph on that article indicating what they have learned about marketing from reading the article. At the end of the paragraph, they include a full citation of the article. They also have to write one additional paragraph in their journals each week noted something that they have observed about marketing. This can be based on school, work or leisure activities including watching television. MY TWO CENTS: I'm very appreciative of the cash prize ($50) that I received from the College . . . it immediately went toward purchasing more of THE EASY WAY TO STOP SMOKING books; see Section 2, part 2 for more information on how to obtain a copy. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Mark Frantz--a longtime friend and head of two firms: Frantz Contracting and, also, Heating Dynamics. If you need help with contracting work, home improvements or customized heating systems, Mark could well be your guy. He knows his stuff, and he's a real nice guy too. He primarily works in North and Central New Jersey, as well as in parts of Eastern Pennsylvania . . . your best bet to reach him is by phone: 973.663.6068. Cynthia and I, though, have been especially pleased with other help Mark has given us in getting her wireless microphone going . . . the manuals were virtually useless, as were calls to the company where we bought it . . . in fact, the latter kept giving us wrong information on what equipment we needed to buy to hook up to an Apple HiFi we recently purchased. So in desperation we called Mark, and within minutes, he got everything going . . . plus, he did a great job teaching Cynthia what she needed to know for the future. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI In the years since I "made the deal" with that woman [allowing her to leave a job is she would begin to devote 20 hours a week to some kind of community service], I have treated many patients who seem terribly self-absorbed and isolated with their problems. For the sake of their mental health, I often give them advice that takes them far away from the office where we're sitting. Typically, I may ask them to devote two hours a week to help a person or animal. They might volunteer at an animal shelter, daycare center or old-age home. The choice is theirs. But usually when people accept this deal, and follow through, they tell me the experience has changed their lives. SOURCE: LETTERS TO SAM (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) by Daniel Gottlieb FYI, part 2 * Jean in Pennsylvania (with a REQUEST FOR HELP): My nephew Jesse Ponnock has bested thousands of bands to make it to the top 25 of MTV’s Best Music on Campus competition. We need your help in getting him through the next round. Please go to the link below and click on “vote.” You can vote every time you go on line. Please forward this link to anyone and everyone. Thank you in advance for all the support and enthusiasm. [When there] Jesse has 3 songs loaded there for your listening pleasure. http://www.bestmusiconcampus.com/band/default.aspx?bandID=885# * Maria in Pennsylvania: Please subscribe me to your positive newsletter. For your information: Altavista translations into Spanish are not reliable at all. My old church in NJ used Altavista to write to a church in Latin America. Altavista's translation ended up saying that the NJ missionary team was going to "ruin their city" when they got there (instead of helping them out, as in the English text). That was a very short letter, and I can attest the translation was a disaster. I do not know what it does with other languages, but its translations into Spanish are not only inaccurate and vague, they are plain dangerous. * Carol in Pennsylvania [regarding the telephone tax information in last week's issue]: Thank you, thank you, thank you. * Kathy in Pennsylvania: Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for sending Tim the [stop smoking] book. I am also going to read it this weekend to see where I can apply this to my clients who come to me for hypnosis. ***** UPDATE ***** Some 22 BLAINESWORLD readers have requested a FREE copy of THE EASY WAY TO STOP SMOKING, and another 22 staffers and/or students from Bucks County Community College have done so too. If you're a smoker and would still like your own copy, send an email to: hughesbr@bucks.edu put in subject line: FREE SMOKING BOOK and include in body of your email: Your name Campus address, if employed at Bucks Full name and address Phone number Email address You only need to agree to read the book within the next month. For more information about what this giveaway is all about, please click: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-02242007-1304107.html Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Exam question Included in a high school religion exam was the following question: "What is a sin of omission?" One student's answer wasn't exactly on target, but it was close. He wrote: "A sin I should have committed but didn't." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. I didn't quite get all the critical acclaim for VENUS, a May-December romance about an aging actor and the teenage girl he befriends . . . to me, it was plodding and I didn't particularly like the camera work . . . Peter O'Toole was fine in the leading rule, but I didn't see his work as being worthy of an Oscar . . . if anything, Jodie Whitaker as the teenager was the more interesting character, and I was impressed with her acting . . . rated R. B. BORAT is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #528 follows: Loved BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN, a comic documentary about a reporter who leaves his country to discover the culture of America . . . Sacha Baron Cohen, the star and creator of HBO's DA ALI G SHOW, brings his character to the big screen with hilarious results. He is funny, offensive and simple-minded--all at the same time . . . I found myself laughing out loud at many parts of the film, and one scene--involving a wrestling match--was one of the funniest I have ever seen . . . rated R, but be forewarned . . . if you're easily offended, then BORAT is not for you. C. I was enthralled by LETTERS TO SAM (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11) by Daniel Gottlieb, a short but moving book that contained a series of letters that the author wrote to his grandson. Gottlieb, a practicing psychologist and family therapist, has been paralyzed from the neck down since a nearly fatal accident 25 years ago . . . his grandson Sam was diagnosed at the age of 14 months with Pervasive Developmental Disability, a severe from of autism. Yet despite these setbacks, Gottlieb has managed to stay upbeat and positive about life . . . and in doing so, he has helped to teach me to see things differently, such as in this one passage: * A couple of weeks after my accident, I was lying in my hospital bed and I heard my doctor in the hallway saying, "That quad in 301-did he get his medications?" Just a couple of weeks earlier I had been Dr. Gottlieb in some circles. In other circles, Dan. In others, Daddy. And now I was "the quad?" Well, Sam, over the years I have learned that I am not a quadriplegic. I have quadriplegia. You are not autistic. You have autism. Because of our labels, some people will be afraid to approach us. Others will be cautious about talking to us or trusting us. With my spinal cord injury and your autism, we look different and act different. But we can also teach people, as Norma taught me, that no matter what happens to our bodies or our minds, our souls remain whole. Gottlieb also had me laughing out loud, particularly when he described a presentation he had been asked to make: * Recently, I was invited to address a group at a religious institution on the topic of meditation. As part of my discussion, I decided to do some instruction, so I brought some Tibetan Buddhist bells with me as a way to begin the practice. I started talking to the group about mindfulness and meditation. And as I do with most discussions, I opened with a story: "You know, I told a colleague of mine that I was going to lead you in a meditation exercise. And he said to me, 'Man, you need a set of brass bells to do that !'" I held up my Tibetan bells. "So I ordered a pair on eBay!'" That's my mind. It doesn't even take mindfulness seriously. LETTERS TO SAM is a book that must be read by anybody wanting to know about autism and/or psychotherapy . . . but I'd add to that list that it is perfect for others, too, particularly if they want to know more about life. For example, as Gottlieb notes: * When I was learning about family therapy, I had a great teacher, Carl Whitaker, who felt strongly about the importance of confusion. To him, knowing was a lot less important than searching. "Confusion is like fertilizer," he said. "It feels like crap when it happens, but nothing grows without it." D. Heard SUCCESS SECRETS OF SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRES, written and read by Brian Tracy. He's a renowned author, lecturer and trainer who cranks out a lot of programs . . . this CD program wasn't brilliantly original, but that said, I did find a lot of information in it that could be applied to most any individual. And though Tracy does little more than speak in front of a camera, I liked his passion for the topic and how he came across . . . it was almost as if he was speaking directly to me. There were many worthwhile tidbits of information I gained from listening . . . among them: * Treat your company like you own it. * Spend at least as much time on yourself as you do on your job. * If you ask successful people for help, they'll help you. If you ask unsuccessful people, they'll try to hold you back. * Take something that's been done and doe it better; e.g., the way McDonald's did. * More people have become wealthily by running dry cleaning establishments than any other field. * Focus on continuous personal development. * One hour of study per day for five years will make you one of the greatest experts in the world. * Your rewards in life will be equal to the value of your service. * Develop the ability to do what's most important and then do it quickly. Only 2% of the nation has any sense of urgency. This fine program is available for purchase or rental . . . if you want to get it, please click:http://www.achievementlibrary.com/ Above is the tape rental club I belong to; i.e., the Achievement Tape Library . . . this a great way to hear CDs and/or audio cassette tapes, view videos, etc.--all for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them . . . call the head of the firm (Paul Arroyo) directly at 1.800.735.3660 and mention my name . . . that way, you'll be sure to pay even higher prices . . . NOT. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. THE AGENCY, a new docu-reality series, goes inside the brutal world of the high-profile Wilhelmina modeling agency . . . it is supposed to be excellent . . . Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on VH1. In the event you're most likely reading this after the above date has passed, you can see additional show times this week by clicking: http://www.vh1.com/shows/schedule/series_sched.jhtml?seriesID=21534 B. WEDDING BELLS is the latest comedy-drama from David E. Kelley, the producer behind ALLY MCBEAL, THE PRACTICE AND BOSTON LEGAL . . . this one is about two sisters who become wedding consultants . . . Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX. C. 30 ROCK has Nathan Lane guest starring as Jack's sad-sack brother . . . Thursday at 9:31 p.m. on NBC. D. LIFE SUPPORT stars Queen Latifah . . . according to TV GUIDE, she "sparkles in a compassionate 2007 cable film about an HIV-positive recovering addict who channels her energy into working for an AIDS outreach group in Brooklyn" . . . Saturday at 8 p.m. on HBO. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. For the love of music Since my aunt had always loved music, my uncle surprised her and bought a piano for her birthday. Several weeks later, I asked him how she was doing with it. "Oh," he said, "I persuaded her to switch to the clarinet." "How come?" I asked. "Because with the clarinet she can't sing." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Ever wonder how many calories in a potato or McDonald's Big Mac? If so, please click: http://www.NutritionData.com You can also get estimates of glycemic loads, trans fats and much more . . . Nutrition Data provides a complete nutrient analysis for many foods and recipes, and helps you select foods that best match your dietary needs. B. For a fun video/music performance, please click: http://www.biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=721%20 You'll hear Natalie Imbruglia singing "Torn," but what makes this such a great performance is the person with her. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net On the left, you'll see "Radio Show" . . . go to that link if you want to see a history of my radio career . . . you can also hear one of my shows. As you may have read in a past issue, a recent management change at WWFM has resulted in my show being taken off the air . . . but, hopefully, I'll resurface soon again . . . on another station and/or even with my own cable show. Please do keep me in mind if you have any media contacts for me to pursue with respect to the above possibilities. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip The change in the date for Daylight Saving Time could cause computer problems, so if you're a Microsoft user, please click:http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_dst If you don't install the proper updates, all your computer devices will be an hour behind. Installing the above is pretty simple . . . if you're using Macs, cellphones, blackberries, digital camcorders, security systems, etc., make sure that you have the right time on them; e.g., after March 11 . . . if you're an hour behind, then go to each respective manufacturer's website for information on what you need to do. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Proverbs (slightly altered) Proverbs are often words to live by, but they are sometimes mocked as exemplified by these: "Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone." Dorothy Parker "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a delay of about three hours." Milton Berle "If God wanted us to fly, he would have given us tickets." Mel Brooks "Show me a man with both feet on the ground, and I'll show you a man who can't put his pants on." Joe E. Lewis "Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself." Rita Mae Brown Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like A friend of mine recently told me she had so many difficulties in her life that she felt like she was living in a nightmare and didn't know what to do. I told her to find the bus station and wait for the bus! She looked at me like I was crazy. I explained that all emotions are temporary, and we can wait for them to pass as though we were waiting for a bus. We can wait with frustration, anger, or feelings of victimhood, but that won't make the bus come any faster. We could wait with patience and relaxation, but that wouldn't make the bus come faster either! Like all buses, it comes when it comes. We just have to have faith that it's coming.--Daniel Gottlieb in LETTERS TO SAM (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day I'll mention a book four times in BLAINESWORLD if I REALLY like it . . . that's certainly the case with LETTERS TO SAM (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) by Daniel Gottlieb . . . the following passage came from it: These were some of my thoughts as I addressed the parents who had come to see their children graduate from college. I told them they had done their job, they had paid their dues, and their reward-their children-sat in front of them. "Your job now," I said to the parents, "is to enjoy the benefits, tolerate your children's failures, have faith in their resilience, and never, ever offer advice without being asked for it." (That brought a round of applause from their children.) Then I turned to the students and said, "This is the time when the commencement speaker tells you what to do. So I'm going to tell you. Find someone you love, and feel that love in every pore of your body. Love that person even more tomorrow. And then the next day, love one additional person; and every day after that, increase the number of people you love." I told them the longer the list of people they love fully, the happier they will be. That, I said, is true success. That is an essential adult responsibility. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Natalie in Pennsylvania: * Bucks County Community College celebrates Women's History Month For more information, contact Natalie Kaye, Coordinator of the Women’s Center, at 215.968.8015 or kayen@bucks.edu. Join us for informative and fun programs and events. Events are free, unless otherwise noted, and open to all. Saturday, March 10, 10 a.m. Gallery talk by Susan Hagen: "Looking Closely: Contemporary Artists and the Natural World" Saturday, March 10, 10–11:30 a.m., Hicks 100. Pre-registration required. Call 215-504-8531. Family workshop–-Drawing natural specimens in pen, colored pencil and watercolor using microscopes and magnifying glasses. Co-facilitated by Cayrn Babaian and Susan Hagen. * Also--from my friend Gayle in Pennsylvania: Hi, everybody! I hope this almost-spring day finds you well! I just wanted to drop a quick note inviting you to MY MARCH SINGLES EVENTS . . . details about all of these are on my website: http://www.healthylifeplanning.com SAT MAR 10, 7-10 PM - Singles Mingle, Furlong PA - Snacks, drinks & wine plus my help with introductions during & after the party - $20 (CLOSED TO WOMEN; OPEN TO MEN). I look forward to seeing you at an event in the near future! All the best, Gayle Gayle P. Crist, M.S., Life Coach, Matchmaker, Motivational Speaker Bucks County's Dating Coach & Singles Social Director Producer, Relationship Channel: http://www.newcenturytv.com HealthyLife Planning Helping you plan & live a healthier, happier life! 215.489.0225 http://www.healthylifeplanning.com B. Harry Paul, co-author of REVVED! and FISH!, will be speaking at Bucks County Community College on March 12, 2007 at the annual "Meet the Author" Business Seminar . . . you won't want to miss him; he is great. Fulton Bank (Premier Division) has graciously stepped forward as the Presenting Sponsor . . . but there are still several opportunities for other corporate sponsors for this outstanding event, so if you'd like more information, call the Foundation Office at 215.968.8224. At the same time, make sure you order your individual ticket . . . one can be purchased for just $50, and it includes a continental breakfast. For more information, please click:http://www.bucks.edu/foundation/events.html#author ***** FREE TICKET CONTEST CONTINUED ***** To date, 11 readers have won a FREE TICKET to this exciting event . . . (if you entered the contest, you should have already received notification that you were a winner; if not, please let me know immediately) . . . I still have a few more tickets to give out . . . if you'd like to join me as my guest, all you need to do is send an email to: hughesbr@bucks.edu put in subject line: FREE TICKET contest in body of email, include this information: Your name Home address Phone number Email address How you know me (Blaine Greenfield) All winners will be notified on or before March 9 and tickets will be left for you at the registration desk in front of the Library Auditorium C. Cynthia (see also Section 1A): SAVE THE DATE! TREASURE YOURSELF A Woman’s Circle of Discovery and Adventure ith Janet StraightArrow and Cynthia Greenfield Saturday March 17, 2007 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Princeton Center for Yoga 50 Vreeland Drive, Suite 506, Skillman, NJ 08558 609.924.7294 For directions go to: http://www.princetonyoga.com Cost: Free. Love donations accepted for the rental space. Bring your little girl self and wise woman self. Be ready for mystery, magic and fun! Woman of all ages welcomed and appreciated! Janet holds a circle of Love, Laughter and Joy: * Rediscover who you are as a soul, as a woman and as a magnificent being. * Increase your energy, awareness, memory and connection to self, spirit and others. * Janet teaches you tools she has gathered--to awaken, empower and live your gifts and your dreams. Move Your Body with Cynthia: * A fun, rejuvenating movement experience where you follow simple dance moves to soul-filled music from around the world. * Let go and drop expectations of looking any particular way while dancing. * Moving in this class honors your self, enjoying pleasure in movement, letting go of your mind and allowing free expression from your soul. * Enjoy! Have Fun! Experience spiritual renewal and healing. Community is an important aspect of the gathering. We learn from each other as mirrors and teachers. Future programs will be available for the group to deepen their connection to themselves, soul, spirit, your life and purpose. Please call or email Cynthia or Janet and let us know if you will join us. Bring friends, sisters, mothers or any fabulous women you know. Enjoy the gift of this day. Cynthia: 609:731: 0808cgreenfield1001@aol.com Janet: 845.6797175 Janetoasis@aol.com For more information about Janet and her work, please click:http://www.oasisforthesoul.com Bring your beautiful self, water, and snack. Janet StraightArrow is a gifted Spiritual teacher honoring the uniqueness of each person. StraightArrow’s devotion and extensive training offers you an opportunity to open your heart to new life and deep love. Her upcoming book and work Be The Medicine brings you deeper into yourself and gifts in powerful new ways. Cynthia Greenfield is a certified Dancekinetics Instructor from Kripalu Institute and has training in Expressive Movement Therapy. Cynthia is a certified Massage Therapist, and works as an elementary guidance counselor. Her intention for the Move Your Body classes and her life is to create, empower and share in a space of acceptance, freedom and fun. D. Wendy in Pennsylvania: My daughter Shelley is involved in an organization called the Friendship Circle. It is a national organization sponsored by Chabad-Lubavitch, which matches teen volunteers with special needs children. The teens assist the families of these special needs children by coming for weekly social visits with the child and being their friend and mentor. Our local Lubavith of Bucks County in Newtown, PA, also holds special get-togethers for the teens and their buddies around many Jewish holidays and gives all of the kids an opportunity to have warm and fulfilling social experiences in a very caring and non-judgmental environment. On Sunday, March 18, a special reception and awards presentation for the teen volunteers will be taking place at the Glazier Jewish Center in Newtown. Then, Marc Salem, an incredible mind reader, who has appeared on Broadway and on 60 MINUTES, will be performing at the historic Newtown Theater on North State Street in Newtown at 7:30 p.m. This awesome show, which will help to benefit of the Friendship Circle, should not be missed. Tickets to the show alone are $35 and $47.50. If you would like to attend the light dinner reception and awards ceremony prior to the show and have preferred seating, tickets are $75. For tickets, to make reservations or additional information, please call: 215.497.1003 or click:http://www.fcpa.info (Be sure to mention that you read about it in BLAINESWORLD.) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ PS. Don't forget that the new date for Daylight Saving Time (see also Section 8) is now March 11, so make sure all your clocks spring forward an hour at 2 a.m. . . .when you do so, please also change your batteries in your smoke detectors (one-third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries) . . . and kindly join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . make it a great week, too! ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION If you or somebody you know wants to subscribe to BLAINESWORLD, have them drop me an e-mail to that effect . . . new readers are always welcome . . . my address is: bginbc@aol.com In the unlikely event you wish to unsubscribe, notify me at the same email address.
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