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BLAINESWORLD
#547 3.26.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. My kind of course 4. Reviews . . . THE LIVES OF OTHERS, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Take a look at yourself 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Retirement: What's not to like? 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I are constantly looking for new things to do . . . yet when she suggested horseback riding some time ago, I wasn't too sure 'bout that one . . . it had never been my favorite activity when I was a kid . . . also, I can still remember my having to hold my head up high when I was in my high school's marching band (and in front of us were the horses; well, I think you get the idea). Nevertheless, on one beautiful day this past week, I caved-in to her wishes and took her riding . . . I had hoped that I could get by with just letting her engage in the activity, but she told me "no way," so I too got up on a horse--perhaps for the first time in some 50 years. It became a near death experience that I am sure will change my life forever. Everything was going fine until the horse started bouncing out of control. I tried with all my might to hang on, but was thrown off. Just when things could not possibly get worse, my foot got caught in the stirrup. When this happened, I fell head first to the ground. My head continued to bounce harder as the horse did not stop or even slow down. As I was giving up hope and losing consciousness . . . Cynthia got the Wal-Mart manager to come and unplug it. Just in time, I might add, to wish you a Happy April Fool's Day in advance. (The big day is this coming Sunday!) B. We've had some surprisingly nice visits with my mother as of late . . . I say surprising only because of the location of these visits: the hospital . . . she has amazed us with her good spirits, especially given all the tests she has had to endure. She was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and is slated for an operation this coming Wednesday. C. On Saturday, we wanted to have a candlelit dinner with her . . . we even went so far as to light the candles, only to have several nurses run over to us and say that we couldn't do that in the hospital . . . given that the woman in the bed next door to my mother was on oxygen, in hindsight, that was probably not such a bright idea we had. After eating, Cynthia then gave my mother a foot massage--the first massage of any kind she has ever received . . . her delight in receiving it indicated to us that it won't be the last. D. We somehow even managed to get to two shows this past week. * The first was GODSPELL, presented by the SGS Players & NJRF Players at the Sampson G. Smith School Theatre in Somerset, NJ. Cynthia wanted to see it because several of her past and current students were in it, including Claire Dunden, Kayla Green, Taylor Huffner, Benjamin Michaele, Kristen Paladino, Kristin Seggio, and Sangeetha Sunthebennur. They were all excellent . . . though never one of my favorite shows, this production was done quite well . . . it contained a lot of lively singing and dancing, and we particularly enjoyed the four-piece orchestra. The prices are right, too--just $8/ticket . . . the show runs through April 1 . . . for more information, please click: http://www.njkingdom.com * On Sunday, we went with friends to a superb production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, put on by the Villagers Theatre in Somerset, NJ. I've seen several shows here, and they've all been excellent . . . this one was no exception. The cast was large (18) and included three children . . . all were just about perfect,; that said, I particularly admired the work of Hans Gusustave . . . though he had nothing to say in the first act, his presence was nevertheless most commanding . . . his acting in the second act was equally as impressive . . . Randall McCann was the menacing bad guy in the show . . . that I did not like his character was a tribute to his acting. Afterwards, there was a very informative Talk Back session . . . this is something that Villagers does at least once during the run of each show . . . the actors, as well as the director, come on stage to answer questions from the audience. I loved one response . . . when asked the message about racism that he got from the show, Sam Ricciardi, a sixth grader, replied, "Elect Barack Obama" . . . everybody in attendance roared. MOCKINGBIRD runs through April 1 . . . for more information, please click: http://www.villagerstheatre.com ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Brandon Lee Wolff--a Swarthmore College student and president/founder of a group called SAVE R US (Students Against Violence Everywhere Are Us). This is an anti-violence organization that he started this back in 2001 when he was a student at Council Rock High School . . . it has since grown to include a chapter at Swarthmore. SAVE R US has several programs, including an annual Peace Week run in Bucks County . . . for more information about this year's event that runs from March 26-April 4, please click: http://www.peaceweek.org There will also be a multi-county Peace Week from March 29-April 6 . . . please see the above link and click Tri-Co Peace Week. Lastly, this amazing student is looking to expand SAVE R US . . . if you'd like to find out how you can help assist him, please click: http://www.saverusinternational.org/ Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI When you need to choose a doctor, dentist or any other health professional, consider asking some doctor you use (and respect) for his or her recommendation . . . then ask as a follow-up question if your doctor currently uses the recommended doctor. You can usually bet that if your doctor gives you such a recommendation, it will be somebody that you will enjoy using too. FYI, part 2 * Two readers had this to say about the feedback that I cited in last week's issue from two other readers (about my attending a recent talk given by Elizabeth Holtzman): Bob in New Jersey: I want to compliment you for two things: 1. Printing the emails from the folks who were upset that you mentioned Holtzman's name; and 2. Your very balanced and human response to the emotional emails was really saying "calm down a little" and maybe we can learn from each other Many people would have just let it drop and said nothing. You had the fairness and the courage (and the self-esteem) to let them have their say, fully and unedited. I wish there was more tolerance in our country for the views of others . . . your demonstrated good editorial judgment is one bit of evidence that we really can have a meaningful discourse, still, in America. Here is to free speech! Bravo! Mary in New Jersey: I am so NOT disappointed in you! I thank God that you spoke out! I thank God that we are free to "bash Bush" when we want. Don't let those neat, perfect Republican conservatives stifle you! * Kandi in Arizona: You have probably already seen this--Allen Carr's obituary: http://www.theeasywaytostopsmoking.com/Portals/0/SiteDocuments/BMJArticle.pdf I went to his website to give him feedback that he helped another become a nonsmoker, as suggested in his book. Sorry I was too late. Thanks Blaine for sending his book. It was very helpful in articulating to my brain just how I will succeed at starving that nicotine monster out of me. I look forward to killing that sucker for good! I am a proud nonsmoker, and it feels darn good to be free. Thanks so much! * Joyce in New Jersey shared this recipe for a dessert she recently prepared that was soooo decadent: Coconut Cupcakes Makes 18-20 large cupcakes ¾ lb unsalted butter at room temperature 2 cups sugar 5 extra-large eggs at room temperature 1 ½ tsps. Pure vanilla extract 1 ½ tsps. Pure almond extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup buttermilk 14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut Cream cheese icing (recipe follows) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer running on low, add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In three parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each cup to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely. Frost with cream cheese icing and sprinkle with the remaining coconut. I use an ice cream scoop to fill the muffin cups. Source: THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA COOKBOOK MY TWO CENTS: These cupcakes were as good as they get . . . though anybody can prepare recipes from a book (well, make that, almost anybody can; I certainly can't), Joyce always manages to add that something extra ingredient--love?--that makes whatever she prepares always come out even better than described on the written page. Top _________________________________________________________ 3. My kind of course Suffering from a bad case of the “blahs,” I went down to the adult-education center to see what classes were offered. As I leafed through the brochure, I spotted one that sounded interesting. “Are there any spaces left in the self-motivation class?” I asked the receptionist. “Sorry,” she said. “That course was canceled. No one signed up for it.” Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. THE LIVES OF OTHERS won the Oscar last year for Best Foreign Film, and I can see why . . . it is a riveting political thriller about life in East Berlin, five years before Glasnot and the fall of the Berlin Wall, that takes a series of characters through 1991, in what becomes the reunited Germany . . . the acting is superb . . . I particularly liked the work of Ulrich Muhe (a Rob Corddry lookalike) as the police officer who eventually becomes disillusioned with his job . . . despite the fact that I saw this movie two weeks ago, I can still see it vividly in my mind--often a telltale sign that I really enjoyed it . . . you might have to dig some to find it, but please make the effort . . . I know that as of today, it was still playing at the Montgomery Cinema in Skillman, NJ . . . rated R. B. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #533 follows: I had really looked forward to seeing THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, a film based on the true story of Chris Gardner--a family man struggling to make ends meet . . . when faced with the task of raising his five-year-old boy while being homeless, he manages to somehow survive the ordeal and become a success in life . . . Will Smith was fine in the leading role; his real-life son seemed to be overacting . . . I was touched by the ending; however, overall, PURSUIT was a bit flat . . . rated PG-13. C. If you're a boxing fan, you MUST read TUNNEY: BOXING'S BRAINIEST CHAMP AND HIS UPSET OF THE GREAT JACK DEMPSY by Jack Cavanaugh . . . fans of other sports and history buffs will enjoy it, too. It is the tale of Gene Tunney, the poetry-quoting fighter, who always was overshadowed by Dempsey--even though he beat him twice . . . but what made the book so enjoyable was that it featured tales of many other fighters of the era, including the amazing Harry Greb who fought for several years with just one eye . . . in addition, it gave me a greater appreciation of the role played by sports (and boxing in particular) in the 1920s and 30s. I also got a kick out of finding the story behind such famous quotes as the following: * Even Flynn seemed surprised at the knockout. "Well, it was this way," he explained some years after his most notable victory. "I hit him with a one-two. But just put it down that I didn't exactly knock Dempsey out. He just forgot to duck." * As he had feared, Dempsey was called on to say a few words. Though he had already appeared in movies and on the vaudeville stage, Dempsey was not comfortable speaking in public. But he handled himself well and seemed to win over his audience. "I feel like the Irishman who was asked to do something special for the guests at a very fancy affair," Dempsey said to the assembled guests. "The Irishman said, 'I can't sing, I can't dance, and I can't tell a story. But I will tell you what I will do. I'll fight anybody in the house.' " * Several days after the fight, Dempsey apologized to Firpo for hitting him as soon as he got up, claiming he was so dazed he didn't know what he was doing. To which Firpo, likable and with a wry sense of humor--and whose varied business interests would make him one of the richest men in South America-replied, "There were three of us in the ring, Jack, so if you didn't know what you were doing, why didn't you hit the referee?" I was most impressed by the author's thorough job of research . . . only the ending of the book left me a bit disappointed, in that it didn't contain very much information about Tunney's life after he left the ring . . . that was probably because he was such a private individual; however, he was one great fighter that might now finally get some credit that failed to come his way when he was active in the ring. D. Heard FAITH OF MY FATHERS by John McCain with Mark Salter that details the Arizona senator's life before his political career. It is an engrossing tale about how he followed in the footsteps of both his grandfather and father, the first father and son to be promoted the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy . . . but McCain wasn't as successful; he graduated fifth from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy and was nearly expelled. However, he achieved fame in another way as naval aviator when he was shot down in 1967 and became a POW in North Viet Nam . . . for several years, he endured both physical and mental abuse--yet managed to survive while many others did not. FAITH OF MY FATHERS made me appreciate the sacrifices made by McCain and all the other soldiers who have served and/or continue to serve our great county . . . it also reminded me about the fact that when America is in a country where others don't want us to be, then anything can and does go with respect to how people get treated when captured. I was glad that McCain chose to narrate this book himself . . . it made my listening even more enjoyable. Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. THE GREAT AMERICAN DREAM VOTE, hosted by Donny Osmond, makes the fantasies of ordinary folks come true after viewers choose whose dream is most worthy . . . among the contestants vying for your vote are a student trying to save the family business, an ice-cream salesman struggling to stay afloat and a kindergarten assistant in need of a makeover . . . Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC. B. 1000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE is a new series on TRAVEL on Thursday at both 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. . . . it begins with a trip to Alaska, followed by one to Italy. C. THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED, a documentary about the inner workings of the Motion Picture Association of America, airs on Saturday at 11 p.m. on IFC. D. JERRY SEINFELD: THE COMEDIAN AWARD was taped in Las Vegas at the inaugural Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace . . . Chris Rock, Robert Klein and Gary Shandling are among those participating in the salute . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on HBO. Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Take a look at yourself It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time, and this should help get you started. During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. "Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup?" "No." said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window or close to the door?" Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? You don't even have to watch the FOX show on television; you can see for yourself by clicking: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/newsletter/mu-html/ny-et5thgrade0227-quiz,0,3118508.triviaquiz?coll=orl-middayupdate-utility My score was 21 correct, but then again, I was never very good in math! B. I'm not a big game player, but must admit that this is one of the best I've ever seen: http://hk.promo.yahoo.com/movie/superman/Stop_Press_Game/ Methinks that photography buffs would also like to see it, so feel free to forward it to them as well. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net As always, new subscribers are always welcome . . . feel free to refer your friends, colleagues, students, relatives, students, etc. to the above website . . . at the bottom of the homepage, there's a "Special Offer" that contains all the information needed to subscribe. D. Jessica, a reader and friend, is a most inspiring motivational speaker. She also has an incredible story to tell of how she has survived a massive heart attack, leg amputation and cancer, then managed to survive for nine months on a battery-operated mechanical heart assist device. Find out more about her by clicking: http://www.jessicamelore.com Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip To limit your search to a particular website, type "site:" and then the domain name of the site into your search field before you type the desired phrase . . . for example, use Google: http://www.google.com and type "site:blainesworld.net consulting" . . . you will only find references that apply to consulting that appear on the official blainesworld.net pages. Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Retirement: What's not to like? Question: How many days in a week? Answer: 6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday Question: When is a retiree's bedtime? Answer: Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch. Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb? Answer: Only one, but it might take all day. Question: What's the biggest gripe of retirees? Answer: There is not enough time to get everything done. Question: Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors? Answer: The term comes with a 10% percent discount. Question: Among retirees what is considered formal attire? Answer: Tied shoes. Question: Why do retirees count pennies? Answer: They are the only ones who have the time. Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire? Answer: NUTS! Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage? Answer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there. Question: What is the best way to describe retirement? Answer: The never ending Coffee Break. Question: What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree? Answer: If you cut classes, no one calls your parents. And my favorite one: Question: What do you do all week? Answer: Mon to Fri. Nothing, Sat &Sun I rest! Share this one with all the retirees that you know. I'm sure they can relate to some of them! AND, If you have not yet retired, look what you have to look forward to! Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like I'm addicted to placebos. I'd give them up, but it wouldn't make any difference.--Steven Wright, American comedian Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day In a university commencement address several years ago, Brian Dyson, then CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, spoke of the relation of work to one's other commitments: Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them--work, family, health, friends, and spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls---family, health, friends, and spirit--are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. How? Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as they were your life, for without them, life is meaningless. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each together. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly, and the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Don't run though life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going. Don't forget a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. There are two exciting events this coming Friday. * Robin in Pennsylvania: Newtown Friends Meeting is hosting its Third Annual Lasagna Dinner to raise money for needy children. Here are the details: Cost: $8.00 Date: Friday, March 30th Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Location: 219 Court Street, Newtown, PA Telephone: 215.968.1655 Why not join me for some good eats for a great cause? * Walter in New Jersey: JAMES TWYMAN IS COMING TO NEW JERSEY! I have heard him, and he is good. The Center for Conscious Living is delighted to present an extraordinary evening of beautiful music, deep peace, and shared consciousness of oneness, during this concert for peace with internationally renowned author and musician, James Twyman. James is performing a 64-day concert tour for the 2007 Season for Non-Violence, celebrated from January 30 to April 4, commemorating the memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During this tour, James will perform 64 concerts to honor the lives of these two peacemakers and to raise awareness of peace and non-violence everywhere. James’ music opens the heart to peace. He is a wonderful example of the Gandhi quote: "Be the change we want to see in the world." We have found the energy raised as we come together as peace, truly influences and uplifts consciousness everywhere. Please join us in this concert for peace. The concert takes place on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Moorestown Community House, 16 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 08057. Tickets are $20; children under 12 free. Tickets may be purchased by calling the CCL Church Office at 856.722.5683. B. Tony in Pennsylvania: News on the Net forum On Wednesday, April 4 at 10 a.m., the journalism program at Bucks County Community College and the Centurion will host the forum “News on the Net: The Future of Online Journalism.” This free event in the Library Auditorium will feature talks by: * Jonathan Tannenwald, a producer for Philly.com, the website of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News; * Angelo John Lewis, a corporate convergence editor for Phillyburbs.com, website of the Bucks County Courier Times and Doylestown Intelligencer; and * Eric Redner, a writer and editor for Sportsnetwork.com. Redner is a graduate of the journalism programs at Bucks and Temple University, and a former editor at the Centurion. The speakers will talk about Internet journalism and their careers and spend time answering audience questions. The event marks the eight annual “Media Day” forum at Bucks. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear about Bucks’ programs in journalism and communications and visit the college’s student newspaper newsroom and TV production facilities. More information is available on Bucks’ journalism website at: http:www.bucks.edu/journalism
or e-mail: journalism@bucks.edu C. Cynthia (see also Section 1A): PLEASE JOIN ME AT EITHER AND/OR BOTH OF THESE PROGRAMS: * Saturday, April 7 Move Your Body class. This is a fun, rejuvenating movement experience where you follow simple dance moves to soul-filled music from around the world. FREE. Love donations accepted for the rental space. 1:30-2:45 p.m. at Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Skillman, NJ. For more information, please click: http://www.princetonyoga.com * TREASURE YOURSELF A Woman’s Circle of Discovery and Adventure with Janet StraightArrow and Cynthia Greenfield Saturday, April 21 (rescheduled from March 17 when it had to be postponed because of the snow) 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. Bring friends, sisters, mothers or any fabulous women you know. D. Jean in Pennsylvania: HOLD THE DATE Public Relations for film, From Philadelphia to the Front, to be shown 5.6.07 WINNER: best film, short film, and audience favorite at five film festivals: 2006 Aarhus Festival of Independent Arts, Denmark, LA Jewish Film Festival, Warsaw Jewish Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival of Shorts. From Philadelphia to the Front is an inspiring documentary profiling the experiences of six Jewish American World War II veterans. Co-director Judy Gelles will speak about the 37-minute film on Sunday, May 6, at The George School in the Coffee House in Newtown, PA. This rare film begins at 2:00 p.m. and leaves one wanting more. The film features stunning archival footage, including the first Jewish worship service at Dachau after it was liberated. From Philadelphia to the Front is the first documentary to focus on Jewish Americans who participated in the allied victory of World War II. Tzedek v'Shalom of Newtown, PA sponsors this event. Seating is limited and calling Jean Ryersbach at 215.943.4565 or emailing Ryersbac@bucks.edu reserves $5 tickets. For more information, please click: http://www.fromphiladelphiatothefront.com Top _________________________________________________________ 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! ---------------------------------------------------------- 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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