B. We presently have a queen-sized bed, but are in the process
of getting a king-sized one . . . the other night, we began our
shopping at a local Sleepy's.

***** PLEASE HELP DEPARTMENT *****

* Have you ever dealt with Sleepy's? And, if so, what was your
experience?

Sleepy's says it doesn't discount on price; that true?

* Any store recommendations, other than Sleepy's? 

* You familiar with Tempur-Pedic beds? If so, what's your reaction
to them? Is there a problem when you first get them (with respect
to smell)? And how long does this problem exist?

* What model to get; i.e., Original? Celebrity? Grand? Any other?

* They have an adjustable option. Is the extra expense worth it?

* If we don't get and/or you don't recommend the Tempur-Pedic line,
what else might you suggest?

C. During the week, I attended an interesting discussion
of GOOD NEIGHBORS, BAD TIMES by Mimi Schwartz,
the book's author, at Barnes & Noble in West Windsor, NJ.

This true story is about the rescue of a Torah by Christians from
her father's village of Benheim in 1938 . . . I particularly liked
what Schwartz had to say about her 12-year quest for answers
about what really happened . . . it got her to think about
whether she willing be willing to rescue a Torah and, also,
whether she would help another family if her family was
in danger . . . she further acknowledged that "the book has
made me more of an activist."

I'm constantly amazed by the range of authors and programs
offered by this particular Barnes & Noble . . . for example, this
Tuesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m., Julia Cameron (the best-selling
author of THE ARTIST'S WAY) will be discussing her latest
book--MOZART'S GHOST--a romantic comedy that's also a love
story . . . for more information, please call 609.716.1570 . . . or for
more event listings in your area and nationwide, please click:
http://www.bn.com

D. I also got to visit the Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol, PA . . . there
I met with Robert Mercer, naturalist, and PattiAnn Cutter, environmental
educator/public relations coordinator, about an exciting thing that they
will be doing; i.e., hiring a marketing-type intern . . . this is a great
opportunity for any college student (or recent graduate) interested
in working some 25-35 hours per week for pay . . . in addition, the
person hired would have the opportunity to live in free housing provided
by the Center . . . I'll have full details in the near future, but if you
can't wait, drop me an email and put the words NATURE CENTER
in your subject line so I can get you more information as soon as it
becomes available to me.

Should you want to find out more about the Silver Lake Nature Center,
please click:
http://www.silverlakenaturecenter.org

You'll find out about such programs as bird watching, fly fishing and 
a whole host of others--all of which appear to be very interesting . . . there
are numerous activities for kids, too.

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Bruce Baggot--an usher at the Market Fair
movie theater in West Windsor, NJ.

He never fails to greet me with an enthusiastic greeting and
his kind words always manage to enhance my movie-going
experience.

I've had the pleasure of coming into contact with Bruce
for the past several years . . . consequently, I've come
the conclusion that United Artists is fortunate to have him
as an employee!

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2. FYI

How donations stack up by income

Individuals in the top tax brackets are likely to donate more. This chart
shows an annual breakdown, based on IRS data for 2004 (the last
time such figures seem to be available).

Share this information with your accountants. Also, use it to
review your donations and to consider whether you should possibly
consider donating more--or even less. And whether what you
put down will be a "red flag" for the IRS.

Adjusted gross income: Under $60,000
Avg. total donations: $2,128
Avg. cash gifts: $1,737
Avg. noncash gifts: $391
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 18%

Adjusted gross income: $60,000-$75,000
Avg. total donations: $2,672
Avg. cash gifts: $2,209
Avg. noncash gifts: $462
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 17%

Adjusted gross income: $75,000-$100,000
Avg. total donations: $2,804
Avg. cash gifts: $2,257
Avg. noncash gifts: $547
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 20%

Adjusted gross income: $100,000-$200,000
Avg. total donations: $4,110
Avg. cash gifts: $3,301
Avg. noncash gifts: $809
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 20%

Adjusted gross income: $200,000-$500,000
Avg. total donations: $8,720
Avg. cash gifts: $6,766
Avg. noncash gifts: $1,954
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 22%

Adjusted gross income: $500,000-$1 million
Avg. total donations: $22,104
Avg. cash gifts: $15,776
Avg. noncash gifts: $6,327
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 29%

Adjusted gross income: $1 million-$5 million
Avg. total donations: $75,490
Avg. cash gifts: $41,821
Avg. noncash gifts: $33,669
Pct. Non-cash gifts: 45%

SOURCE: 
THE COURIER NEWS, 12.7.2007 

FYI, part 2

* Kandi in Arizona:
I have to share my good news! Blaine it's been ONE YEAR on March 1st
since that ugly green monster who was sucking the life out of me got fed!

Thanks for suggesting a workable way to kick "that awful butt" out of my life!  
That green thing is officially starved to death, and I feel great! It was so much
easier than other methods! Another lesson on "perception" that changed my
world. I will NEVER walk that smoky path again.
 
Thanks for caring enough to share that book with me. I am smoke free and
feeling wonderful. Zero relapses!  I hope your good deed comes back at
you ten fold for every person you have sent the book too!  I can't believe
how easy it was, and that it has already been one year!! I sure don't miss
that monster! 
 
Most appreciative to you! Thanks!

THE OFFER REMAINS:
If you'd like a FREE copy of THE EASY WAY TO STOP SMOKING
by Allen Carr--sent with my compliments--just send an email to
my assistant Bridget: hughesbr@bucks.edu . . . put STOP SMOKING
BOOK in the subject line . . . in the body of your email, include
your name, snail mail address, email address, and phone numbers . . . I
only ask that you did what Kandi did; i.e., keep me informed
of your progress.

* Cynthia in New Jersey (also see Section 1A)
Strap-Mate is great . . . never realized how I kept pulling on my bra straps
to keep them in place. Not only does it keep the bra straps in place, but it
also gives better support to the bra in general. Wish I had a pair for all
of my bras. Great invention!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
This was just one of the inventions that Lisa Gable, my good friend,
has brought to the market over the past several years . . . this
work enabled her to be named New Jersey's Outstanding Older
Worker . . . for more information and/or to order, please click:
http://strapmate.com/

* Pat in Pennsylvania: 
You may have seen this already? Not sure.. But if you have not, 
you simply MUST watch this video. I have been humbled. Be sure to
watch it all the way through. This really IS one of the best things I have
ever sent. Maybe a good motivational tool to show your students?

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

MY TWO CENTS:
As is often the case, I agree with Pat . . . the above is a fantastic
video . . . it contains a presentation by Randy Pausch, a dying
46-year old college professor, delivered on OPRAH . . . I first
reported on it in BLAINESWORLD #573.

* Alla in New Jersey (looking to find a NJ dentist):
Do you know a good NJ dentist in who accepts Aetna insurance?

* Marsha in New Jersey (on IN TREATMENT on HBO):
Beyond excellent. Best portrayal of a therapist and his clients and
supervision thus far in any media I've seen. The half hour of focused
human emotions and dynamics is so intense, without commercial
interruption, it leaves you breathless. The emotional drama is raw,
real, and some of the best acting I've seen. In summary, I would highly
recommend seeing this series.

TO GET CAUGHT UP:
Here's the schedule of some past episodes that you may have missed:http://www.hbo.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?CHANNEL=All+Channels&ACTION_SEARCH=SEARCH&KEY=TITLE&VALUE=in+treatment

* Sharon in New Jersey:
I happened to be in a doctor's office and one of the secretaries
indicated her son was a part of the cast (of BEAUTY AND THE BEST).
She was quite excited about the play, and I am glad it was a wonderful
production. 

* Barbara in Pennsylvania (with a Florida condo for sale):
2-bedroom, 1 bath condo for sale in Delray Beach, FL. Corner unit in a
quiet, over-55 bedroom community. Listed at under $100K; will entertain
all reasonable offers. Contact Barbara at teacherinhere@mindspring.com
for more information. Please use “Delray condo” in the subject line.

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3. Relating to the common man

President Bush recently visited a Burger King so that he could relate
to the common man.

He asked the kid behind the counter for a Whopper.

In response, President Bush was told, "You're the most intelligent
President we had ever had and the most beloved!"

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4. Reviews

A. MRS. PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY was, for me, a very long
day and one that I could have done without . . . it's supposedly
a madcap comedy about a woman in London in 1939 who intercepts
an employment assignment for a position she isn't qualified to take;
i.e., to become a "social secretary" . . . over the next 24 hours, she
guides her employer among the various men in her professional
and social life . . . I don't think I laughed once during the entire
film . . . Frances McDormand was OK as Mrs. Pettigrew; Amy
Adams (so fine in ENCHANTED) was only fair, at best, in the
other leading role . . . rated PG-13.

B. DAN IN REAL LIFE is now out in DVD format . . . my review
from BLAINESWORLD #579 follows:

DAN IN REAL LIFE is a pleasing romantic comedy about an advice
columnist struggling to raise three daughters by himself . . . though
it won't have you rolling in the aisles with laughter, you'll find yourself
both smiling in spots and being touched in others . . . Steve
Carrell is his usual funny self in the main role, and I liked the
work of comedian Dane Cook as his brother . . . the always
watchable Juliette Binoche plays the woman who comes between
the two of them . . . it's a shame we don't see her in more
movies . . . rated PG-13.

SAVE YOURSELF MONEY DEPARTMENT:
Whatever you do, don't bother renting NO COUNTRY FOR OLD
MEN . . . despite the fact that it won the Oscar for Best Picture
of last year, it's both very violent and not overly interesting . . . rated R.

That said, I think Javier Bardem deserved his Oscar for Best Supporting
Actor . . . yet he's even better in THE SEA WITHIN, the winner of the
2005 Oscar for Best Foreign Film . . . it is the true story of a Spaniard
who fought a 30-year campaign to end his life with dignity . . . though
the premise may seem downbeat, you'll actually find yourself uplifted
after watching this one . . . rated PG-13.

C. I'm sorry that Stephen Colbert was not allowed to run
for President . . . he would have injected some much-needed
humor into the campaign, and you would certainly know
how he stands on any political issue.

Take the issue of laws being passed that would require
dogs to wear seatbelts:

* What's next, Massachusetts? Making dogs wear hard hats
when they chase the ball? Or life vests when they swim in a lake?
Or safety goggles when they spot-weld?

Colbert in I AM AMERICA (AND SO CAN YOU!) wrote this
bestseller, according to the book jacket, over a three-day
weekend . . . it contains his most deeply held knee-jerk
beliefs on such topics as the American family, race, religion
and even such sports as:

* Cycling: It seems a colossal waste to me to have a dozen cyclists,
in peak condition, furiously pedaling their sleek carbon-fiber machines
at mind-boggling speeds . . . and not a single one of them is carrying
a takeout order of Chinese food. Because once you're past the age
of 12, the only legitimate reason I can think of to get on a bicycle
is to deliver someone's steamy container of moo shu pork. I say we
limit the cycling events to professional delivery boys and bike
messengers, and here's a thrilling twist I came up with the other night
while watching THE ROAD TO PERDITION: Each contestant is
carrying an envelope he's supposed to deliver to the judge. Inside that
envelope: an order to shoot the cyclist dead. The spectators know what's
in the notes--the athletes have no idea!!!!

If you don't get the chance to watch THE COLBERT REPORT, his
highly rated television show, this book will help you fill the other
23 1/2 hours of your day . . . it will certainly have you laughing
in many spots, such as when he considers the role played
by your aunts and uncles:

* PRO: They have a hilarious childhood story about how Mom
got that scar.

CON: They are under the impression you should still be excited to see them
even after they stop bringing presents.

Be forewarned that you'll certainly find something offensive in
I AM AMERICA, regardless of your political persuasion or sexual
leaning . . . Colbert is tough on homosexuals, as well as on
immigrants, and I even cringed at parts of the book . . . yet
overall, you'll find yourself drawn to it as I was when I saw
the cover and this one tribute on the back:

* A great read! I laughed, I cried, I lost 15 pounds! I cannot
recommend this book highly enough.

The fact that Colbert wrote the blurb did little to take away
my enjoyment, other than to say I was disappointed that
I didn't lose any weight when reading it.

D. Heard LIVING FAITH, a spiritual autobiography read and written by
President Jimmy Carter . . . it helped me understand this remarkable man
who has perhaps accomplished more since he left office--in large part
because of his religious beliefs.

You don't have to be Baptist, either, to enjoy this book . . . it contains
lessons from the Bible that apply to any faith, and you'll also enjoy
hearing about the many experiences, friends and family members who
have affected Carter's life.

For example, he credits Miss Judy Coleman (one of his former teachers)
for teaching him that "We must adjust to changing times, but hold
to unchanging principles."

And from a Pastor Cruz, he learned the following: "You only have
to have two loves in your life: 1. For God; and 2. For the person in front
of you at any particular point in time."

Lastly, I liked these guidelines he shared for praying: "When I pray,
I ask: Am I pursuing the right goals? Am I holding to my personal
code? And have I done my best?"

This was the first book I have read by President Carter . . . I'm now
tempted to seek out some others he have written, particularly
if I can hear his soothing voice do the narration.

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_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. Society's pet peeves are targeted in LEWIS BLACK'S ROOT
OF ALL EVIL . . . to quote Black, "We pick two things from life.
Two comedians are charged with explaining why, let's say, [in
tonight's opener] Oprah or the Catholic Church is more evil.
I ask questions and goad the comics" . . . Wednesdays
at 10:30 p.m. on COMEDY CENTRAL.

B. Parker Posey (so good in many independent films that she
was named "Queen of the Indies" by TIME) has her very own
sitcom, THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES . . . Fridays
at 8 p.m. on FOX.

C. Alyssa Minano and James Caan appear in WISEGAL, the
story of a good woman gone bad in a Mafia-run neighborhood . . . Saturday
at 9 p.m. on LIFETIME.

D. Paul Giamatti stars as JOHN ADAMS in a seven-part
miniseries adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning
biography . . .  David Morse and Laura Linney also star . . . debuts
Sunday at 9:10 on HBO.

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6. Missing piece

A few days ago, I was having some work done at my local garage. A
blonde came in and asked for a seven-hundred-ten.

We all looked at each other and another customer asked, "What is a
seven-hundred-ten?"

She replied, "You know, the little piece in the middle of the engine. I have
lost it and need a new one."

She replied that she did not know exactly what it was, but this piece had always
been there.

The mechanic gave her a piece of paper and a pen and asked her to draw what the piece looked like.

She drew a circle and in the middle of it wrote 710. He then took her over to another
car, which had its hood up, and asked "Is there a 710 on this car?"

She pointed and said, "Of course, its right there."

If you're not sure what a 710 is:
Click Here

or if that doesn't work, please click:
http://www.hotautoweb.com/cogifs/710.jpg
 
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_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. So you think you can do a better job of running our country (or any
other one) better than the politicians currently do . . . if so, please click:
http://www.NationStates.net

To quote from the homepage:
NationStates is a free nation simulation game. Build a nation and run it
according to your own warped political ideals. Create a Utopian paradise
for society's less fortunate or a totalitarian corporate police state. Care
for your people or deliberately oppress them. Join the United Nations
or remain a rogue state. It's really up to you.

B. If you would like to send someone very special a virtual gift
of flowers AT NO COST, please click:
http://www.flowers2mail.com

This website is easy to follow, and it allows you to give several different
options when choosing flowers for that special someone. After picking
out the flowers and choosing a vase, you will also be given the option
of writing a note to that person. 

The flowers are then sent via email to that person. Overall, this is a fun
website that is easy to follow and is a great way to show that special
someone just how much you care about them with the simple gift
of flowers.   

C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net

In the unlikely event you've never seen this before, go to above and
look at my picture (on the right) . . . take your cursor and shift
to one of the categories on the left . . . make sure you look at my
eyes as you do this . . . neat, huh?

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_________________________________________________________

8. Computer tip

To make information clearer on your computer, go to Start in the
bottom left part of your monitor, then Control Panel . . . next
click Accessibility Options followed by the Display tab (at the
top) . . . when you open that, check the "Use High Contrast"
box . . . this will tell Windows to use colors and fonts designed
for easy reading.

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_________________________________________________________

9. Talking Pennsylvanian, Part 1 of 2

You'll be able to relate to this if you're from Pennsylvania, you've lived
there or even if you know somebody who does. Methinks those even
wanting to live in the state will be able to appreciate the following:

You've never referred to Philadelphia as anything but "Philly" and New 
Jersey has always been "Jersey."

You refer to Pennsylvania as "PA" (pronounced Pee-ay). How many
other states do that?

"You guys" is a perfectly acceptable reference to a group of men
and women

You know how to respond to this question:
"Djeetyet?"
(Did you eat yet?)

You learned to pronounce Bryn Mawr, Wilkes-Barre, Schuylkill, the
Poconos, Tamaqua, Tunkannock, Bala Cynwyd, Duquesne, and
Monongahela.

And you know Lancaster is pronounced Lank aster, not Lan kaster.

You know what a "Mummer" is and are disappointed if you can't catch
at least highlights of the parade.

You know who "Punxsutawney Phil" is and what it means if he sees
his shadow.

The first day of buck and the first day of doe season are school holidays.

At least five people on your block have electric "candles" in all or most
of their windows all year long.

You know what a "State Store" is, and your out-of-state friends find it
incredulous that you can't purchase liquor at the mini-mart.

Words like "hoagie," "crick," "chipped ham," "dippy eggs," "sticky buns,"
"shoo-fly pie," "lemon sponge pie", "pierogies," and "pocketbook"
actually mean something to you.

The latter term is PA slang for purse!

(to be concluded next week)

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_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

We all get report cards in many different ways, but the real
excitement of what you're doing is in the doing of it. It's not what
you're gonna get in the end--it's not the final curtain--it's
really in the doing it, and loving what I'm doing.--Ralph Lauren,
American fashion designer

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_________________________________________________________

11. Thought for the day 

Brighten your corner

We cannot all be famous
or be listed in "Who's Who,"
But every person, great or small,
has important work to do.

For seldom do we realize
the importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
unnoticed kindness leads.

For it's not the big celebrity
in a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
in an undistinguished way.

The work that God assigned to us,
unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
and brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish
for wider, new dimensions
where you can put into practice,
your many good intentions.

But at the spot God placed you
begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
the lives surrounding you.

If everybody brightened up
the spot where their standing,
By being more considerate,
and a little less demanding.

This dark old world would very soon
eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
the corner where they are!

Author unknown
(if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know)

PLEASE NOTE:
It sounds like it could have been written by Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981),
an American writer of writer of religious and inspirational poetry . . . yet
try as I might, I was not able to get absolutely confirmation that she
was the actual author of this piece. 

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_________________________________________________________

12. Advance planning department

A. Take advantage of these exciting free programs and events
planned for Women's History Month to provide great opportunities
to enhance Student Engagement through Creative Learning
Opportunities. All are offered at Bucks County Community College
and are FREE.

"The Car Bomb Series:  New Work by Selma Bortner," an
exhibition in the Library from March 4 through April 7.

Wednesday, March 19, 12:00 p.m.
"The Myth of Beauty" series begins with screening of
"Killing Us Softly" in Faculty Center.

Wednesday, March 19, 7:00 p.m.
"I Am Woman" performance by students celebrating "Women in Art: 
Women of Vision" through drama, dance and music. In Library
Auditorium.

Wednesday, March 26, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
"Reading/Writing Women" poetry and literature readings. In
Library Auditorium.

B. On Thursday, I'll be speaking at the annual Municipal Mediation
Training session on "Dealing with Difficult People" at the Lawrence
Township Municipal Court . . . I'm sorry that this session is not
open to the general public; however, if you'd like me to speak to
your company and/or organization on this or such other topics as
Marketing, Time Management, etc., drop me an email at
bginbc@aol.com . . . also, for more information, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net

and then see click "Speaking" on the left.

C. Michael in Pennsylvania:
Tickets available for August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON

I have a number of tickets for the 2 p.m. on March 23 show of the
Pulitzer Prize winning play being produced by the Arden Theatre
in Philadelphia. 

August Wilson died in 2005 after completing ten plays chronicling the
African-American experience in the 20th century, decade by decade. 

THE PIANO LESSON is set in 1936 Pittsburgh, where Boy Willie and
his sister Berniece battle over the future of a treasured heirloom: a piano
with unique ancestral carvings by their grandfather, an enslaved plantation
carpenter.  He wants to sell the piano to buy land. She insists that the
instrument carries too much history to cast aside. In a home haunted
by memories, the issue of whether or not to sell cuts deeply and raises
questions about honoring the past or moving into the future.

Ticket prices are just $20 or 50% off face value. They're available
to students, faculty and friends. Contact me by phone, 215.968.8164
or by email (hennesse@bucks.edu).

D. Friends Natalie Kaye and Ivan Winegar will be singing and
dancing up a storm in OKLAHOMA . . . it runs for one week only
from April 10-April 16 at the Newtown Theatre in Newtown, PA . . . for
more information, please click:
http://www.newtownartscompany.com

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_________________________________________________________

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!

----------------------------------------------------------

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