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BLAINESWORLD
# 549 4.9.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Interruptions 4. Reviews . . . MISS POTTER, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Shopping trouble 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Heart warming story 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I have always liked Yogi Berra's classic advice about going to funerals . . . he said, in essence: the more you go to, the more folks will attend yours. I mention that because it is one thing to like the advice; it is another thing to follow it . . . we try to, which reminds me that we are going to too many as of late. Just this past week, we attended the service for the mother of one of Cynthia's friends, and I then learned about the death of the mother of one of our good friends. Our goal this coming week--make that month--even better, year--is to NOT have to attend any more such events. Offseting the aforementioned news was that we had some good things happen . . . on Monday, we attended a lovely Passover seder hosted by my cousins Grace and David . . . we got a particular kick out of seeing many of my other cousins and their respective children and grandchildren. Then, possibly because of everybody's good wishes (and the many cards you have so graciously sent), my mother is making some degree of progress in her recovery from an operation for lung cancer . . . she is also complaining about the rehab facility, which dome to think of it, might be a good sign; i.e., that she wants to get home . . . we are hopeful that this might soon happen. B. About two months ago, I reported that a can of Diet Pepsi had exploded when left overnight in Cynthia's car . . . it created a real mess and, as a result, I learned from the folks at Pepsi that cans should not be stored overnight in cold conditions (though it does say "store in a cool place" on the can) . . . I was also told the same thing for the summer; i.e., not to store cans in a warm place. We thought nothing of it until just recenlty, we started having problems with Cynthia's car . . . turns out that it would not shift out of park . . . we wound up having to replace the shifter assembly, a rather expensive repair. That said, we were very pleased with the service that was done on the car by Somerset Nissan (908.722.3600, ext. 211) in Somerset, NJ . . . they took our car in on short notice, diagnosed it properly, kept us appraised exactly of what was happening, and got it repeaired in a timely fashion. We were also impressed by the fact that our car was also washed for us when we picked it up . . . Cynthia kidded with the service consultant, a very helpful Tom Lewis, that for those prices he should have also had the inside of the car licked clean . . . Tom didn't go quite far, but when I half kiddingly asked for a coupon to have my car washed too, he gave me one with a smile . . . as a result, we'll definitely be back to this dealership for future repairs. C. CONGRATULATIONS to Lynn Bntliff, a BLAINESWORLD reader and administrative assistant, associate degree nuring programs at Bucks County Community College. Lynn has been chosen as the College nominee for the annual YWCA "Salute to Women Who Make a Difference" award. Lynn's contributions to her department, the campus community and the community at large are recognized by this selection. She will honored at an awards dinner to be held on May 10. D. Short notice department: In the unlikely event you don't BLAINESWORLD from top to bottom, I'm including the following invitation here; e.g., if you're around this week and would like to hear/meet me: Career Services is hosting a "Getting Your Foot in the Door" job search workshop at Bucks County Community College in Tyler 128 on Thursday, April 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This workshop is open to all members of the community and will address all aspects of conducting a successful job search. Yours truly is doing the very first session at around 5:45 on "Networking" . . . I'd love to have you join me, even if you can't stay for the whole evening. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Dr. Beth DuPree--medical director and chief executive of the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI Bucks County in Bensalem, PA, the first comprehensive breast care hospital in the United State. This magnficent facility is now up and running . . . surgeries are slated to begin next week. Dr. DuPree believes that using a holistic approach to healing a patient is extremely important. It is her position that marrying both holistic therapies with state-of-the-art, leading-edge technology can lead to better outcomes—even in people with life-threatening disease, such as cancer. She believes that “whatever it takes to help a person find healing and peace within should be an integral part of their treatment process.” Dr. DuPree serves as a member of the Public Relations Committee of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, in addition to serving on the advisory board for The Susan G. Komen Foundation, Gilda’s Club and the Young Survivor’s Coalition. Because of her strong dedication to patients with cancer, Dr. DuPree established a non-profit organization called The Healing Consciousness Foundation. This initiative will fund holistic and wellness therapies for women who would otherwise be denied these services, as they are not covered by health insurance. She has also managed to find the time to write a book entitled THE HEALING CONSCIOUSNESS: A DOCTOR'S JOURNEY TO HEALING (that I reviewed most favorably in BLAINESWORLD #519) . . . for more information about Dr. DuPree, please click: http://www.comprehensivebreastcare.com/ Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI If you know you'll be put on hold for twenty minutes when calling your health insurance carrier, or that visits to the DMV or your doctor require long waits, and you take some action to make these delays less annoying (doing a household chore while you're on hold, or bringing a great book to the waiting room), you're bound to feel less scrooged. You knew it was coming, and hey, you were right. SOURCE: DON'T GET SCROOGED (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) by Richard Carlson FYI, part 2 * Carole in New Jersey: Any volunteers for Saturday, April 14? YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY http://www.ymca.net/about_the_ymca/ymca_healthy_kids_day.html For the past few years, the Mercer County Million Mom March Chapter has distributed gun violence prevention materials and provided a kids’ activity at the TRENTON AREA YMCA on this day. We will again be doing this from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. this coming Saturday. I plan to work at this event. (Help would be appreciated; Free breakfast & lunch!). I also have found out that other YMCAs in the area are listed as hosting events. WOULD YOU BE AVAILABLE to work at any of the following branches IF we are permitted to set up a table? Hamilton, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hopewell Valley, 62 S. Main Street, Pennington Plainfield, 518 Watchung Avenue Princeton, 59 Paul Robeson Place Please let me know ASAP so that I can make the calls and prepare a schedule. Thank you in advance for our consideration in helping at these worthwhile events. My email is: mercermmm@comcast.net; for more information about Million Mom March, pleas click: http://www.millionmommarch.org * Bonnie in Pennsylvania: Your newsletter is wonderful. Just wanted to share this with everyone if possible: Car Show/Flea Market/Car Corral Saturday, May 19 Morrisville Senior Center 31 East Cleveland Ave. Morrisville, PA Best of show, Top 40, stock and modified, dash plaques, etc. Goody bags and door prizes. Pre-registration, $10; day of show: $15. Vendors, $12, Car Corral, $15. Informatino: 215.295.0567. We are sure to have a great time. All are welcome to enter a car or stop in for grilled food and/or funnel cake. We will have raffles, and you you can even get up to sing karaoke if you like. Also, we are in need of a few volunteers if anyone is interested for photography, set up and clean-up crew. * Linda in New Jersey: My sister Lois Quigley is a Holistic Health Counselor; she just issued her first newsletter and has a really cool website. I'm sharing contact information with you just in case there may be something of interest to your readers: Lois Quigley Holistic Health Counselor Intrinsic Well Being loisquigley@aol.com phone 215-547-6448http://www.integrativenutrition.com/graduates/LQuigley.aspx BLAINE'S TWO CENTS: At the above, Lois makes a generous offer to any reader; i.e., a free initial consultation to discuss your health history, your concerns and goals, as well as what you have always imagined for your life. To quote her: This free, one-hour session is a great way for you to get a feel for how I work with clients, and to see if we are a good match. There is no obligation, so I welcome you to consider having this conversation. It could very well be a turning point in your life. Are you in? * Jerry in Pennsylvania: You have any friends who would like to go to work part time for me marketing Gross Financial, say for about 15 hours per week? The person can make up to $15 per hour easily. Ideal person: very organized, great phone skills and great presenter. Contact: Jerry Gross, MBA, CLU, CHFC 1041 Bustleton Pike, suite 4 Feasterville, PA 19053 215-355-4544....Fax 215-355-3676 cell: 215-518-5578 http://www.jerrygrossfinancial.com * Terry in Texas: Blaine, thank you for sending me your newsletter. It's jam-packed to keep and review through time. Please click:http://www.fbcc.org/AngelFoodMinistries/ It is open to everyone (no limits on number of "units" you can order ), and it is a tax write off for food distributors. It is currently in 32 states, and I'm receiving my first order at the end of this month. * Freddie in New Jersey: Perhaps you can mention the following website; it's a cool place to go if you are into message boards . . . it's FREE, of course . . . please click: http://www.nedthetoothpick.com Over 9,000 topics; ver 1,100 members. No spam of popups. Just a regular, very active message board with almost a half million posts. Lot's of folks from New Jersey posting there, but you don't have to be from New Jersey to register and/or post. Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Interruptions It’s tough enough reading some of the news in the paper without a six-year-old constantly interrupting you. Finally, my friend could stand it no longer. “Honey,” he said, “this is the fifth time I’ve read the same sentence.” “What’s the matter?” she asked. “Too many big words?” Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. Seek out MISS POTTER, a touching biopic about Beatrix Potter (author of such children's books as THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT) . . . she was also a woman ahead of her time; in addition to her writing success, she built a famring dynasty . . . Renee Zellweger charmilngly plays the title character . . . Ewen McGregor as her publisher/first love and Emily Watson as his sister also shine . . . rated PG. B. ROCKY BALBOA is now out on DVD . . . don't rush out to rent it . . . the sixth (and hopefully final) installement in the ongoing saga of the Philadelphia fighter left me completely bored until the second half when finally Sylvster Stallone gets into the ring . . . I didn't buy the premise, either; i.e., he would be allowed to fight after being away from the ring for so long . . . rated PG. C. Ever since I read DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF . . . IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF, Richard Carlson has always been one of my favorite authors . . . I believe that I've read just about every book he has written, and I'm amazed how he continually teaches me how to deal with the stress of everyday life. So when I saw his latest, DON'T GET SCROOGED (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11), I was intrigued by the title . . . what a neat concept; i.e., how to avoid being haunted by the Scrooges who come out in full force during the holidays--and then seem to stay all year round. You know who I'm talking about: the salesclerk who ignores you to take a phone call, the customer who cuts in front of you at Starbucks, your in-laws who always invite themselves for a two-week stay at your house, etc. . . . your typical response might be to either compain about these folks or just accept their boorish behavior; however, Carlson often manages to come up with better techniques for handling them. For example, he describes this technique he learned from his father: When you have to be around someone self-centered (Mr. Me) or find yourself waiting for the chronically tardy (late Phil), why not make the best of it with a little spin? My father did this when he was in the army and had a stereo- typically brutal drill sergeant. Instead of griping with the other grunts about what a monster this guy was, my father decided to see him as his helper in getting into the best physical shape of his life. This scrooge went from dreaded drill sergeant to helpful personal trainer in one quick spin. Or here's another idea I liked for dealing with a fully conscious, stone-cold semiprofessional manipulator: When I'm in this position, I sometimes think of a bumper sticker I once saw: "I will not should on myself today." You might even try saying it out loud, with a smile on your face, to the person making you feel like crap. Lastly, Carlson helped me come to this realization: One of the hardest lessons to learn about difficult people is that if they ever do change (and that's a big "if"), it probably won't be as a result of anything you say or do. We'd all love to dish out "aha" moments to our friends and family, but that's not our job-it's Dr. Phil's. Or Dr. Laura's. Or God's. Or somebody else's, but not yours or mine. You might be a wiz at changing tires, lightbulbs, or credit cards, but changing a person--that's a tougher task. DON'T GET SCROOGED is a short, but oh-so-powerful book that I found extremely useful . . . you will, too. D. Loved the taped version of I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE DOING THIS!, written and read by Bob Newhart . . . I laughed out loud many times while listening to it, but also got to appreciate this brilliant comedian even more than I had previously (if that's even possible). Newhart talks about how he failed first as a law student and then as an accountant before discovering that he was meant to be a comedian . . . he traces his career and friendships, and though he mentions a lot of famous names, the book doesn't come across as making him boastful . . . rather, it presents him as a guy you'd like to meet someday. I also liked learning about his personal life and, especially, about his romance with his longstanding marriage of well over 40 years with his wife Virginia . . . he even describes this one day when he came in and found out that she was mad at him . . . he had no idea why; turns out she was made at him because of someting he did in a dream, and though it was only a dream, it was still sounded like something he would do. Perhaps best of all was how he actually read several of his most famous comedy routines, including two of my all-time favorites: "Sir Walter Raleigh" and "Abe Lincoln PR" . . . his response to those not getting his material was also a classic; though much of it was presented as if he were on a telephone conversation, Newhart would say that the microphone was at fault if he ever bombed. Lastly, I enjoyed reading behind-the-scenes accounts of his two most famous TV shows, THE BOB NEWHART SHOW and NEWHART . . . if you recall the closing scene of the latter program, you'll really appreciate his rememberance as to how it came about. I don't typically listen to a book and then go back and read it . . . I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE DOING THIS! is defniitely going to be an exception to that rule! Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. CNN: SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT looks at "Chasing Life" and presents the keys to living a long life . . . according to Sanjay Gupta, CNN chief mecial correspondent, "A lot of what I found . . . shows that relatively simple things [like diet and staying active] not only lenghthen your but prolong your functionality" . . . Saturday at 8 p.m. on CNN. B. AUSTIN CITY LIMITS features John Fogerty performing such Creedence Clearwater Revival classics as "Fortunate Son" and "Born on the Bayou" . . .Saturday at 9 p.m. on PBS . . . please check local listings because PBS time and dates often vary. C. Treat Willaims, Samaire Armstrong and Kevin Pollak star in THE STAIRCASE MURDERS, a true-crime movie based on actual events about a novelist accused of killing his wife . . . CNN's Anderson Cooper called the "just . . . fascinating" . . . Sunday at 8 p.m. on LIFETIME. D. FOOD NETWORK AWARDS is the first annual gala honoring excellence in the culniary world . . . Emeril Lagassee hosts the shindig, which will feature awards for Favorite Comfort Food combo, Funniest Food Festival and Best Ball Park Eats . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on FOOD. Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Shopping trouble (a story told to me by my friend Ivan in Pennsylvania) When I was 18, and living at home, I used to catch a bus in Kingston, NY up to college in Oneonta, NY. I remember one time my father dropped me off, and since I had some time to kill I went into a nearby department store. I was trying on a belt when I was grabbed by a security guard, who apparently thought I was going to steal it. He brought me into the manager’s office and ordered me to wait there while he got the manager. I was scared to death--one, because, I had never been in trouble with the law, and two, because I knew my father would kill me. Impulsively, I decided to climb out the window (which was on the first floor). Just as I was straddling the window sill, the manager came into his office, grabbed my leg and started pulling it . . . just like I’m pulling yours. Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Send yourself an email in the future by clicking: http://www.futureme.org Just imagine the possiblities: your very own capsule . . . a way to check on your progress with something you want to accomplish . . . or even if you want to remember something good that happened to you today! B. Steven Bochco, the creator of hit TV shows like L.A. LAW and NYPD BLUE, is trying a new medium with a series of short, unscripted videos on the Interview . . . to view, please click: http://www.metacafe.com/cc The results are more professional than the average YouTube home video, but the subject matter and style are remarkably similar. The series features real people, many in their 20s, speaking into the camera about topics like their most embarrassing moments or worst dates. Many of the anecdotes have sexual themes, including an entire category devoted to "my first time," and sometimes feature off-color jokes and commentary. Bochco says he was looking for a topic that young people would be "universally attracted to." He is also sponsoring a contest for user-submitted videos in any of the site's six categories. He says he'll continue to roll out a new confessional every day, at least for the next few weeks. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net If you'd like to get your issue delivered to two addresses (say home and work), just go to the homepage of the above website . . . at the bottom, you'll see a way to add an address . . . just follow the instructions. Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip If you have an old computer or printer and want to get rid of it, don't throw it out . . . there are many charitable organizations and schools interested in your oudated equipment . . . you can help them, plus you get a tax break to boot. In addition, faxes are welcome. For more information, please check either or both of the following websites: http://sharetechnology.org http://www.throwplace.com Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Heart warming story I don't normally pass these "feel good" stories around, but this one is special . . . In 1986, Mkele Mbembe was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from college. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Mbembe approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Mbembe worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Mbembe stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away. Mbembe never forgot that elephant or the events of that day. Twenty years later, Mbembe was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenaged son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Mbembe and his son Tapu were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Mbembe, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man. Remembering the encounter in 1986, Mbembe couldn't help wondering if this was the same elephant. Mbembe summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Mbembe's legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly. Probably wasn't the same elephant. Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Would you rather be happy or right? This question is easy for me to answer. I have no problem allowing a wannabe scrooge to feel "right" if it keeps me from getting miserable. I've learned over the years that I'd much rather stay happy than spend even a little bit of time trying to prove I'm right or argue with a turkey with ruffled feathers.--Richard Carlson in DON'T GET SCROOGED (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day You can tell I REALLY like a book if I mention it four separate times in any one issue . . . such is the case with DON'T GET SCROOGED (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) by Richard Carlson . . . it is the source for the following passage: When I described this avoidance technique at a speaking engagement, a woman named Barbara approached me and tried to defend her decision to keep picking up prescriptions at a pharmacy where the woman who had an affair with her husband shopped. And it wasn't just that they both shopped there: somehow it happened that they routinely shopped at the same time and regularly needed refills on the same day. "Why should I change my routine for that ------?!" the woman asked me. "You wouldn't be changing your routine for her," I replied. "You'd be changing your routine for you." She instantly got this, marveling at how she'd been torturing herself for months for no good reason. So stop the madness. Dodge the oddball, avoid the creeps you can, and you might just find yourself going sane. Top ________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Natalie in Pennsylvania: * Filmmaker, actress, writer, and producer Fay Ann Lee is coming to BUCKS to talk about and show her soon-to-be-released movie FALLING TO GRACE on April 12. Lee will discuss her experiences as a filmmaker at 6:30 p.m. in Penn Hall, Room 257. Her independent film, to be shown in the Library Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m., was shot in New York City. It is a romantic comedy about the cultural complications that occur when an Asian-American woman realizes her Cinderella fantasy by dating one of Manhattan's most eligible bachelors. Lee wrote the script for the movie and stars as Grace, a female Wall Street whiz with a Chinatown background. * Cris Groenendaal, the third Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and his wife, conductor of Cats, Sue Anderson will present an evening of Broadway music on Friday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. in the Library Auditorium of Bucks County Community College. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased through Natalie Kaye, 215.579.1836 or online at:http://www.bucks.edu/cultural They are also available in the Student Life office. For anyone who loves the music of Broadway, this is a must-see. B. I'm sooooo looking forward to a production of GEORGE M!, being put on by the Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre . . . here's why: our friends, Chic and Joni Dowburd, are both in it! Performances are on April 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA and on April 21 at 2 p.m. . . . ticket prices are $18 for adults; $12.50 for children/students under 18 with a special $12.50 price for senior citizens at the matinee on April 21. Peformances are at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope on April 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and on April 29 at 2 p.m. . . . ticket prices are $20 for adults; $12.50 for children/students under 18. All seats reserved . . . for more information, call 215.364.4999. Tickets will be available at the door and via online at: http://www.ticketleap.com C. Cynthia (see also Section 1A): 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, see link under April 7 listing. 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. Adrienne in Pennsylvania: HOLD THIS DATE: On Friday, June 8, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., the Bucks County Community College Foundation will be hosting Tyler Tasting’s 19th annual premier food and wine tasting event, along with musical entertainment and a silent and live auction at the Newtown Campus. New in 2007: In addition to sampling food from Bucks County’s finest restaurants, guests will also have an opportunity to sample some of the “Greatest Beers of the World” presented by Gretz Beer Company. Beers such as Rogue, Victory, Michelob, Newcastle, Moretti, Paulaner, Carlsberg Jacobsen, Grolsch, and Warsteiner will be available. Another new vendor this year is Southern Wine and Spirits Portfolio. For your pleasure, they will be serving Absolute, Cruzan, Sauza, the Jim Beam Family, and Starbucks.™ A new and exciting auction item this year: Chef Barry Sexton, who assists Chef Robert Irvine on the Food Network’s “Dinner: Impossible," show will prepare dinner for 12-18 people. For more information or to order tickets, call 215.968.8224 or send an email to: foundation@bucks.edu. 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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