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BLAINESWORLD
#545 3.12.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Good question 4. Reviews . . . VOLVER, etc. 5. TV alert 6. You look mahvelous 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Reel stinkers 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I had a hectic day on Saturday . . . actually, make that a hectic weekend. On Saturday morning, we went to the Conerly Road Elementary School in Somerset, NJ, where Cynthia ran a "Move Your Body" class for many of the parents and children in attendance there for a Peace Day (see also the part after Section 1D on the BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD). I got a kick out of watching her do her thing . . . she has a blast, and so do those in attendance . . . to see for yourself, see the picture below . . . that's her, second from the right, and her friend Virginia, second from the left: ![]() From there, we went to her the home of her cousins, Carol and
Bob, for a semi-regular meeting of something called the cousins' club . . . this is a group that Cynthia actually helped form with her sister Joyce and Carol a few years back . . . the idea was to get together with cousins and other relatives when everybody is healthy . . . it's always a nice gathering and one we look forward to attending. Carol, as always, did a great job with the cooking . . . another cousin Joyce outdid herself with dessert, making coconut cupcakes there were fantastic . . . I'm trying to get the recipe. On Sunday, we went to North Jersey for the funeral of the father of Cynthia's friend Lois . . . then it was to Long Island to visit my mother, who was taken to the hospital that morning . . . she's not feeling her usual chipper self, so they're having her undertake a series of tests . . . if all goes well, she'll be released sometime in the near future to a rehab facility for a few weeks . . . we then went back to North Jersey for a Shiva call to Lois and her family, followed by one of our favorite ice cram flavors: caramel cone ice cream at a local Haagen-Dazs.
B. During the week, I was fortunate enough to hear former New York Congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman speak at Princeton University . . . she presented the case for impeachment against President George W. Bush, urging the members of the audience to take it upon themselves to protect the Constitution and to call on Congress to investigate the following: * Wiretapping without warrants; * Lying in order the initiate the Iraq war; * Torture incidents in the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad; and * An inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina. As she concluded, "It's up to us. If we are silent, what will that say about us? Will we have done everything we can to keep this democracy a democracy?" MY TWO CENTS: Please don't write me about my being anti-Bush . . . I did not say the above; rather, it came from the mouth of Ms. Holtzman . . . if you'd like to find out more, consider reading this 2006 book that she co-authored: THE IMPEACHMENT OF GEORGE W. BUSH: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR CONCERNED CITIZENS. C. I love sharing good news about friends . . . the fact that they're also readers of this newsletter is even better: * Dr. Emil Matarese was recently named "2006 Physician of the Year" by the National Republican Congressional Committee; and * Bill Kline was just promoted to assistant director of recruitment for LaSalle University . . . as such, he'll be responsible for promoting LaSalle's Bucks County campus . . . if you'd like more information about transfer opportunities, feel free to call Bill at 215.713.3912. D. I was saddened to hear of the death of Jack Gevins, a longtime friend/teaching colleague . . . he passed away on Sunday, March 11th. Jack taught at Bucks County Community College for 33 years and retired in December 2004. There will be a Memorial Service at the Fluehr Funeral Home, Newtown-Richboro Road, on Saturday, March 31st. at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Buxmont Chapter of the American Cancer Society. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Virginia Abu Baker (see also picture in Section 1A)--a guidance counselor at the Conerly Road Elementary School in Somerset, NJ. Virginia was the person who put together the aforementioned Peace Day . . . she got all the speakers, planned the workshops and arranged for exhibits throughout the day . . . what's more, she funded the entire event with her own personal funds . . . as Cynthia describes her, she's an angel. Virginia has run many similar programs over the years . . . she's even had her students in a program involving the United Nations. I just met Virginia Abu Baker for the first time the other day and came away mighty impressed . . . the Franklin Township School System should be proud to have such an employee! Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI When you go to rent a movie, you'll often see independent-type films that you probably missed the first time around in the theaters . . . to determine what ones I want to see, I'll typically make a list of several of them and go home with that list. I'll then go home and check the following two sources: http://www.rottentomatoes.com This is perhaps my favorite website for movie reviews . . . I'll look to see if the critics gave the movie a rating of 50% or higher (plus, I can read a detailed description of what the film is all about in comparison to quickly skimming the back of the DVD box) . . . with that information in hand, I'll next go to: http://www.imdb.com There, I'll see how others like me rated the movie . . . so if I see anything in the 5 range or higher, I'll feel pretty comfortable that I might enjoy the rental--though ratings here tend to bunch toward the 6-7 range. So to take two examples: THE DUKES OF HAZARD (see also Section 9) got 14% at rottentomatoes.com, and imdb.com users gave it a 4.6 . . . I passed on this in the theaters, and methinks I'll also pass on it as a rental. In contrast, THE HOLIDAY (see also Section 4B) got 48% at rottentomatoes.com, and imdb.com users gave it a 6.6 . . . this one I liked; you will too. FYI, part 2 * Jean in Pennsylvania (with a REQUEST FOR HELP): Thanks for your help. My nephew, Jesse Ponnock, is now in the TOP TEN of MTV-U’s contest for the Best Music on Campus! PLEASE VOTE FOR HIM AGAIN--AND OFTEN! Go to this link: http://www.bestmusiconcampus.com/band/default.aspx?bandID=885# In the bottom right, click on the “vote now” button. Then refresh your browser and vote again and again and again! Voting ends Saturday March 17, with the top 5 announced Monday March 19. If he wins, he gets to record an EP and video! * Sue in Pennsylvania: It's official! I am now a nonsmoker. The STOP SMOKING book works. I can hardly believe it's so easy. I really think the book has advice that can be applied to overcoming just about anything. I cannot thank you enough. Your father would be proud! Perhaps you may think it's too soon for me to know for sure. I can't really explain it. But I know without a doubt that I am officially a nonsmoker for the rest of my life. And it is a HUGE RELIEF! My sinuses cannot thank you enough. * Karen in Pennsylvania: As always, I enjoyed your latest newsletter. My husband recently lost his IT job (due to job elimination), and I am taking your advice learned from class and helping him network. If you hear of anyone who is looking for an excellent--OK, I am a little biased--employee with a good amount of computer IT-related experience, please think of my husband. On another note, Brian Tracy is one of my favorite speakers. In the tapes I recently listened to, he mentions subscribing to a tape rental group so as to be able to use your car as a university on wheels. I will be contacting the one you recommended last week. You can never have enough education. * Laura in New Jersey: I do like to share neat things. You and Cynthia might like Plays in the Park in Menlo Park this summer. Tickets are $5.00. The Monmouth County Park System also has good plays in the summer in an empty garage the size of a hangar in Thompson Park. Tickets were $15.00, but the productions are excellent. Also, SKITS in a year-round production system for students. Their plays are usually musicals and of very good quality. Students from all over the state are involved. I think that all of these organizations have websites. I've gone to several concerts featuring Klezmer music at the Somerset County Library system. The fellow who plays the mandolin for also plays in (Red) Hot Tuna and in Silk City among other groups. His aunt is on the committee which picks the groups to book for the concert schedule every year. In addition, they have movies every other week and as some foreign films on Sunday. They purchased a theater sound system, so you get to see the movies on a big screen with good sound. They also serve popcorn and cold drinks, and it is all for free. We went to see THE DEPARTED last Friday. I had seen the second PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN movie there a few weeks ago. You can log on to the Somerset Count library system and keep up with events by clicking: httpp://www.somerset.lib.nj.us My cousin was in New York's Grand Central Terminal on her way http://www.trainingbydesign4u.com
Harvey can be reached by phone, 215.752.5117, and also via email: HMathason@aol.com. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip Easier ways to shop for cars online Here's a listing of some auto websites that are currently undergoing changes: http://www.Edmunds.com
Improved search functionality will allow users to search vehicles based on several features, such as horsepower, fuel economy and towing capacity. http://www.kbb.com
(Kelley Blue Book) Kelley’s website plans a major design revamp with the hopes of better displaying editorial content and becoming more "shopper-friendly.” http://www.Autobytel.com
(Autobytel Network) MyRide.com, launching in the spring, aims to be the online destination for all things cars. The site will employ vertical search technology, which produces more relevant search results. Designers also hope to empower users to share videos, photos and car reviews. http://www.Cars.com
Users can now search vehicles based on four major lifestyle categories: family, play, work, and Eco-friendly. http://www.Autotrader.com
A “Credit Center” aims to quickly tell consumers their credit level and which dealers they can expect to work with based on the result. SOURCE: Adapted from a chart in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3.13.2007, p. D4 Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Reel stinkers Some of these recent films may not sound familiar. And no wonder with reviews like these: INTO THE BLUE: "Not a thriller so much as an extremely violent swimsuit calendar."--Justin Change, variety.com A SOUND OF THUNDER: "(Edward) Burns is the kind actor you cast as the hero when a piece of wood is unavailable."--Jason Anderson, Globe and Mail THE DUKES OF HAZARD: "The film's ambitions are so low that it's hard to imagine how it fell short of them."--Jan Chandrasekhar, tvguide.com ELEKTRA: "The resulting action leads to levels of excitement typically attained by proofreading science textbooks."--Sean O'Connell, filmcritic.com CATWOMAN: "Despite its feline pretensions, CATWOMAN belongs to another family--it's either a dog or a turkey." James Berardinelli, movie-reviews.colossus.net DEUCE BIGELOW, EUROPEN GIGOLO: "There is something to be said for the uncompromising idiocy of the film but that something is unprintable."--Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Everyone needs recognition for his accomplishments, but few people make the need known quite as clearly as the little boy who said to his father: "Let's play darts. I'll throw and you say `Wonderful!' " SOURCE: BITS & PIECES Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day Be thankful Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. Author unknown (if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know.) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Cynthia (see also Section 1A): JOIN ME THIS COMING SATURDAY! TREASURE YOURSELF A Woman’s Circle of Discovery and Adventure with 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 a 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. B. Natalie in Pennsylvania: * Bucks County Community College celebrates Women's History Month continues Tuesday, March 20, 12:30–1:30 p.m., Women’s Center A Holistic Approach to Sexuality: Integrating Body, Mind and Spirit Thursday, March 22, 12:30–1:30 p.m., Women’s Center Brown Bag Program: Growing Younger: Live With Vitality Whatever Your Age! 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. * 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 SUN MAR 18, 6-8 PM - Speed Dating (ages 50-60), Pipersville PA - Five-course buffet dinner & wine sampling plus a chance to go table to table meeting other singles - $35 SUN MAR 25, 3-4 PM - 10 Secrets for Attracting Love seminar, Doylestown PA - Learn about the Law of Attraction and how I attracted new love into my life at age 50 - $25 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
C. HOLD THE DATE: Tuesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Beth DuPree, author of THE HEALING CONSCIOUSNESS: A DOCTOR'S JOURNEY TO HEALING, will be speaking at Bucks County Community College . . . Location: Founders Hall 140 . . . FREE and open to the public . . . if you've never heard her speak, you're in for quite an experience! _________________________________________________________ PS. Please join me in celebrating St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, but don't forget to continue 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 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. |