BLAINESWORLD
#709
5.3.2010
In this issue:
1. Reflections
2. FYI
3. Very short story
4. Reviews . . . CITY ISLAND, etc.
5. TV alert
6. Now you know
7. Websites
8. Computer tip
9. Four friends
10. A quote I like
11. Thought for the day
12. Advance planning department
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1. Reflections
A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I saw a delightful production of ANNIE
at the Skyland Performing Arts Center in Hendersonvile . . . it was a lot
of fun, and we were amazed at how the cast of 36 managed to all fit
on the very small stage . . . Louise Cummins as Annie, James Alexander
as Daddy Warbucks and Angela Whelchel as Miss Hannigan were particularly
outstanding, as was Belle as Sandy the Dog.
On another night, we went to the home of our neighbors Kristi and Bill for
a barbecue. . . the food was great; even better was the camaraderie.
(l-r: Cyndi, Marilynne, Blaine, Cynthia and Bill; Kristi is "missing in action"
because she was busy taking the picture)
***** HELP REQUEST DEPARTMENT *****
We'll be hosting an upcoming Friday night social at our community's clubhouse . . . the
theme is a horse-racing one, given that it's the Triple Crown season . . . any ideas
for an outfit/costume to wear? (In particular, I'd like to see if I could locate a jockey
outfit--particularly if there's a one that I could fit into.) . . . also, any other suggestions
for music and/or food? Please advise ASAP.
B. I attended an interesting meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism
Development Authority . . . among the items that were discussed:
* Bob Moog Foundation is planning to develop a museum in Asheville, called the
Moogesum, to honor his work.
* The Asheville-Buncombe Sports Commission was established and is now working
to bring larger-scale sporting events to the community; e.g., basketball tournaments,
ballroom dancing competition, etc.
C. My Leadership Asheville team completed its year-long project, in which we
attempted to determine how accessible Asheville is for people with disabilities . . . we
specifically considered whether parking met or exceeded guidelines established by the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Overall, 75% of all the respondents are meeting or exceeding ADA guidelines with respect
to the number of accessible spaces provided. For van accessible spaces, the figure
remains 75%.
Signage is another story . . . many public facilities could do a much better job of providing
appropriate signs for cars; in the case of vans, signs were often non-existent.
KUDOS to my fellow Leadership Asheville team members for all their work in putting
the above together . . . it was an enjoyable experience working with Susan Garrett, Dena
Gettleman, Jeremy Jordan and Hayley Roper, and I'll miss getting together with them at
our many meetings.
FOR THE FULL REPORT:
If you'd like to see a copy of the full report, along with our recommendations, send an
email to bginbc@aol.com and put LA REPORT in the subject line.
D. CONGRATULATIONS to:
* Berta Ditillo, a Senior Technical Support Representative with UPS, who was
recently awarded the Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) Award--the highest award
Toastmasters International bestows upon its members . . . to quote Dave Dello Monaco,
the past president of the Motown SpeakUPS Toastmaster's Club in Morris Twp., NJ,
"In her final speech that earned her the award, Berta spoke about items she found in her
cubicle while going through things. It was a typical Berta speech, filled with humor and
passion. She received a rousing applause and standing ovation when she finished."
* Kimberly Ross, an Asheville dance teacher extraordinaire . . . she recently danced in her
first ballroom dance competition as a "Professional" with her "Amateur" student, Richard
Cicchetti. This was also Richard's first ballroom dance competition. He has been taking
dance lessons from for the past seven months in the Silver level Smooth dances.
Richard will be 65 years old this year , once again proving that you are never too old
to start dancing!
* Roberta A. Mayer, Associate Professor, Art History, Department of the Arts,
Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA . . . in March, as part
of the lecture series sponsored by the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
of American Art in Winter Haven, FL, she spoke on "Lockwood de Forest:
Bringing India to America in the Gilded Age."
* Bob Butcher on the creation of his new band MoTwang . . . gigs are slated
for July, but in the meantime, become a Facebook fan by clicking:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MoTwang/117210638301434
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Bart Floyd--Vice Chair for the Mayor's Committee for Citizens
with Disabilities and Advocacy Coordinator, Western Alliance for Independent Living.
Bart is the person who helped our Leadership Asheville team (see also Section 1C)
develop its project . . . he then worked with us on the collection of data. In
addition, he assisted us in reviewing the final report.
Over the past several months, I've been impressed with his helpfulness, enthusiasm
and knowledge . . . he has also opened my eyes with respect to making Asheville
a more welcoming environment for people with disabilities.
I've also been impressed by the fact that Bart in his "spare" time serves as
a volunteer for the Parks & Recreation's Therapeutic Advisory Board.
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2. FYI
Did you have a little chat with the receptionist or with the secretary while you were waiting
for one of your interviews today? Write down that name and send a thank-you note recalling
the conversation. Of course, you can email your appreciation, and that counts for something.
But, disregarding the fact that I hawk envelopes by trade, a handwritten note really bursts
through today’s electronic clutter. It'll help differentiate you from the pack when you call that firm,
and it won't hurt your chances of having those calls put through, either. And, of course, the
interviewer and anyone else you may have met at the company are musts on your list, as are
any of the contacts you made during the day. For the past forty years I have strongly
recommended you mail your thank-you notes back to the interviewers the same day.
SOURCE:
USE YOUR HEAD TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR (see also Sections
4C, 10 and 11) by Harvey Mackay
MY TWO CENTS:
Use this idea for a lot more than thank-you notes on interviews . . . obviously, whenever
you get a gift, send such a note . . . but also do so when a friend or even stranger
helps you out, somebody provides you with exceptional service, etc. . . . I know that
whenever I send a note, I feel better afterward.
FYI, part 2
* Here's a follow-up to something that appeared last week about President
Obama's visit to Asheville . . . he stopped by 12 Bones, the well-known
(and great) rib place a few minutes away from us and can be heard
saying "I love Asheville" . . . you also have to admire a guy who
doesn't cut in line, nor take a freebie when he could have done so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeFTZ1xyLpU
In addition, I loved some of the comments that were posted on Facebook
by those who saw the picture of me with the Prez:
Jeff in Pennsylvania:
Careful, Blaine, his right hand is picking your pocket!
John in New Jersey:
Looks like Blaine is trying to slip something into Obama's pocket . . . perhaps
a copy of BLAINESWORLD?
Jeff:
I think you're right. Blaine never misses a marketing opportunity.
Carol in Florida:
Blaine, are you frisking Obama?
Mark in New Jersey:
Dancing with the Devil?
John:
Mark, that's not nice. Blaine may be a lot of things, but I would not go
as far as calling him the devil
* Michelle Obama also said "we love it here" and that "we're even looking
at houses" . . . wow, maybe the Obamas will become one of my neighbors . . . to read
more, please click this link and go to the blog piece of April 25 (that begins with the words
"Ashvegas reader"):
http://ashvegas.squarespace.com/journal/?currentPage=2
* Maria in Pennsylvania:
I read with interest Sue's perspective on being in the park and people saying hi. I always
acknowledge anyone I walk past, even if it's just with a nod. Some people reciprocate, some
do not. When someone says hello, it's just a way to connect. When I want to meditate or just
be quiet in the park, I find a bench or area where I'm more removed from the main trails and
concentrate on the beauty around me. Maybe that's Sue's answer. Also, if Sue has the
opportunity to go on "off times," the parks can be a wonderful experience.
* Cynthia in North Carolina (see also Section 1A):
I see Sue's point about boasting about how Asheville is better than any other
area . . . that can make the other person feel bad and want to compete . . . as in,
my area is just as good--if not better . . . it can also make the other person feel that what he
or she has isn't as good . . . maybe a better approach: to encourage everybody to see
the best in where they live now . . . similar to what you often do with where we live.
* Carole in North Carolina:
I have recently discovered this wonderful tasting, good for you reasonably
priced nutritional drink. Thought that you may be interested in seeing
my website:
http://www.shopgbg.com/biro
And I wanted to let you know about a 15 -minute call by Dr. Carol Hellerstein
about this great product. The number is 218.862.1300, and the access code
is 656722.
* Tod in New Jersey:
There's a deli in Newtown called Moish and Itzy's . . . perhaps you've heard of it . .. in
the Summit Trace Shopping Center on the Newtown Bypass. Pretty good food. They opened
a second place on Route 1 in Lawrenceville across from Quakerbridge Mall in what used to
be a Denny's. And they carry Goodnoe's Ice Cream, of which you are the world's biggest fan.
THANKS, TOD:
I certainly have heard of the above deli and go to it often . . . however, I did not know
of the new location and so you now have me looking forward to my next visit up North!
* Lana in Ohio:
Hiccups cure . .. just like the song "a teaspoonful of sugar make the medicine go down" will
also stop hiccups . . . 1 teaspoon of sugar put on the tongue and let sit till it dissolves . . . I think
all it does is force nasal breathing and the hiccups stop . . . must be like the remedy of drinking
a glass of water from the wrong side of the glass as a cure.
* Natalie in Pennsylvania:
Wanted to let you know we watched Rory O’Shea last night. I'm so grateful you told us about it.
The acting was unbelievable, especially from the actor who portrayed, Michael. James McAvoy
was wonderful also. Can't remember what else I've seen him in lately, but I know I have.
WHAT ELSE:
McAvoy was in THE LAST STATION most recently . . . I liked him in that, as well as in
WANTED (though it was very violent), THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND and WIMBLDON.
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3. Very short story
Man driving down road.
Woman driving up same road.
They pass each other.
The woman yells out the window, PIG!
Man yells out window, BIT*H!
Man rounds next curve.
Man crashes into a HUGE PIG in middle of road and dies.
Thought for the day: If man would just listen!
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4. Reviews
A. Saw CITY ISLAND, a quirky comedy that I enjoyed very much . . . it's the
story of a correctional officer who, secretly, wants to become an actor . . . but
for that to happen, he must deal with a family that has its own secrets . . . Andy
Garcia is excellent in the leading roles, and he's aided by a fine ensemble
cast . . . this is a small independent film that unfortunately won't be around for too long
in the theaters, even though it got very good reviews from the critics . . . rated PG-13.
B. PIRATE RADIO is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD
#687 follows:
Enjoyed PIRATE RADIO (aka BOAT THAT ROCKED), a quirky comedy about a group
of British DJs who challenged Rock and Roll listening habits in the 1960s . . . though
there were a whole host of groups making headlines at the time (think Beatles, Rolling
Stones, etc.), the BBC would not give them air time . . . so some stations challenged
this monopoly by playing music from the middle of the Northern Atlantic . . . this drove
the government crazy . . . Philip S. Hoffman, Bill Nighy (always one of my favorite actors),
Rhys Ifans and Kenneth Branaugh are all excellent, along with many others in the large
cast that were new to me . . . the best part of the movie, however, was the
soundtrack . . . it featured music from such performers as The Kinks, Martha Reeves
and the Vandellas, Cat Stevens, Moody Blues, Dustry Springfield, The Who and two songs
from arguably the greatest rock group of all time, The Turtles . . . rated R.
TO LISTEN TO CLIPS FROM ALL 32 SONGS:
http://tinyurl.com/ye6u6nc
AND FOR THE REAL STORY:
After I saw PIRATE RADIO, I wanted to find out if any of it was true . . . apparently
it is; see for yourself by clicking:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120358447
***** CONTEST #2 OF THE YEAR *****
One lucky reader will get a CD version of the book, LAW OF ATTRACTION
by Michael J. Losier . . . to quote from my initial review, [the author] "explains the
concept in a clear, concise fashion that is as good as anything else I've seen."
If you'd like to be entered in the drawing, send an email to bginbc@aol.com and
put CONTEST #2 in subject line . . . then in the body of the email, include
your snail mail address . . . entries must be received on or before Monday,
May 12 . . . a winner be announced in next week's issue.
C. Two words will make me automatically want to read a book: Harvey Mackay . . . whenever I see
that he has authored something, I make it a point to read it as soon as possible . . .his stuff
is that good.
Mackay, chairman of Mackay Mitchell Envelopes and a nationally syndicated columnist, has
managed to come with another winner in USE YOUR HEAD TO GET YOUR FOOT
IN THE DOOR (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11) . . . his latest tells you what you need to get
and keep a job that you truly love--regardless of your age.
Its subtitle says you'll get JOB SEARCH SECRETS NO ONE ELSE WILL TELL YOU . . . while
that may come across as boasting to some, I personally was amazed at how much I
learned as a result of reading.
For example, here's something that I never thought about previously:
* When you lose a job, consider the first thing we say to a lost customer at Mackay Mitchell
Envelope Company: “Thank you for giving us your business all these years.” And we say it
with sincerity and mean it. The next is: “What can we do to make it an easy transition for you?
And finally: “If things don't work out, we're ready, willing, and able to consider stepping right back
in. We sure would love to keep in touch with you from time to time.” And we do.
Then there was this great tidbit:
* A friend of mine, a New England recruiter, likes to ask this question, “Well, what did you do
today?” She tells me she eliminates more prospects on the basis of their answer to this
question than any other in her arsenal.
What I especially liked about the book was the author's frequent use of humor
to make his point, such as with this story:
* One still-employed job seeker took his efforts at changing careers so seriously that each
evening he was frozen in front of his screen for hours to bone up for the next day’s interviews.
His little daughter couldn't understand, and one day asked, “Mommy, why does Daddy stare
at those dumb articles all night? I want him to teach me how to play Guitar Hero!” Her mother
explained to the tot, “Well, darling, you see, Daddy has so much work to do, he has to log on
and finish it at home.” Well, responded the daughter, “Why don't they put him in a slower group?”
I strongly recommend USE YOUR HEAD to anybody seeking employment and/or
looking to switch jobs . . . in addition, with graduation season approaching, this
is the perfect gift to give.
D. Tom Hopkins wrote HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF SELLING, one of my favorite books
on the subject.
I think I've read or heard everything by him since then, including his most recent effort
that I just finished listening to: SELLING IN TOUGH TIMES: SECRTS TO SELLING
WHEN NO ONE IS BUYING.
You may not be able to turn things completely around, but the key is to stop
complaining that times are rough and people aren't buying anymore . . . instead,
change your attitude.
If you do so and utilize just some of the techniques that the author recommends
you'll be on your way . . . for instance:
* To keep moving ahead, I recommend that you allocate 5% of your time to professional
improvement. If you work 40 hours a week, that's 2 hours of your time.
* Forget the ads for credit cards. A library card is the single most important card
you can carry in your wallet or purse.
* Never forget these three important words in selling: Keep in touch.
* One of my goals is to send 10 [handwritten] thank-you notes every single day.
* Each of your clients should hear from you a minimum of six times a year.
* If you have a good physician, you believe that he or she is totally focused on you.
This is what you should be doing [as a salesperson) with each and every client.
* Service clients as they wish to be serviced; e.g., calls, email, etc.
* End every client meeting by asking "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
* If you find yourself worrying about something, ask yourself: Is there anything
I can do about it?
* Develop trust by saying: I'm here for you.
My only disappointment in SELLING IN TOUGH TIMES was that I've heard
much if not most of it before in other stuff from Hopkins . . . however, I
still found it to be a good review of sales basics . . . and if you've never been
exposed to his useful ideas, this book will prove to be an excellent introduction.
_________________________________________________________
5. TV alert
A. Celebrities compete all week on JEOPARDY! . . . they hope to raise money
for their favorite charities . . . semifinals air from May 3-5; the two-day
final round runs from May 6-7 . . . Cheech Marin, the very first celebrity champion
back in 1992, thought his chances of winning this year would be increased
if one thing happened . . . as he noted in TV GUIDE, "I wish they had a 'Cheech
and Chong Movies' category." . . . check local listings for the time and station near
you . . . or you can always click:
http://www.tvguide.com/Listings/
B. One of my favorite shows returns: PRIMETIME on Friday at 9 p.m.
on ABC . . . hidden cameras catch the reactions of people when put in
ethical--and often--uncomfortable dilemmas . . . for example, this week
you'll see a bicycle theft in progress. a drunk woman in a bar and black
teenagers in an un upscale boutique.
C. Betty White hosts SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE on Saturday at 11:30 p.m.
on NBC . . . I liked what she had to say when asked by TV GUIDE if she
thought heaven is a funny place where one day she'll get to laugh with
her friends Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty (both of whom died in the last
couple of years):
I certainly hope so. I don't know how you can get along without laughing. It
sure beats the alternative. You've got to count your blessings and appreciate
the good stuff while it happens. And when they carry me off feet first, I'll
still be trying to learn a script.
D. JESS STONE: NO REMORSE is the sixth movie inspired by the late
Robert P. Parker's books . . . this one again stars Tom Selleck as a flawed
police chief . . . it airs on Sunday at 9 p.m. on CBS.
_________________________________________________________
6. Now you know
"And thus, dear students, we have arrived at the formula for understanding women!"
_________________________________________________________
7. Websites
A. Want to revisit where you lived as a kid? Please click:
http://www.vpike.com/
You can do a lot more here, too . . . quoting from the website:
vPike.com provides Google street views, area photos, local traffic conditions, area webcams,
local news, home valuations (USA) and driving directions. Use vPike to acquaint yourself
with an area before you go there or you can call up places from your past to see what they look
like now. vPike also has a driving simulator that enables you to simulate a drive-by of an area
while you watch the scenery.
It's pretty amazing . . . I was impressed; you will be too.
B. SEINFELD lives . . . or at least you can see what one YouTube genius thinks might
have happened had George's character been made into a movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Crw85HvIFs
For more information about the above and for a version of SEINFELD as a horror
movie, please click:
http://www.popeater.com/2010/04/30/seinfeld-george-jason-alexander/
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net
If you'd like to get some recommendations on books to read, see "Blaine's
Best" to the left and then the second paragraph in letter "O" . . . I am now
#359 in amazon.com's list of classic reviewers . . . to help me move up in the rankings,
here's all you need to do.
1. Choose any book I have recently reviewed; e.g., MIND YOUR OWN WELLNESS
by Alex Ong.
2. Go to this website to find it:
http://www.amazon.com
3. Use the Search engine at the top to find this book.
4. Locate my review . . . the last time I checked, it was the third from the top on the right.
5. Hoping you found what I wrote helpful, check "yes" when given that option at the end.
Much obliged!
D. Are you on Facebook? In the unlikely event we have not yet contacted
as friends there, please feel free to send me an invite by clicking:
www.facebook.com/blainegreenfield
_________________________________________________________
8. Computer tip
If any offer sounds too good to be true, chances are that it won't be legitimate.
I mention that because I received several invitations over the past few weeks from
trusted Facebook friends who wanted me to get a free $500 gift card from
Whole Foods for simply becoming a fan of the site . . . there's no way that
Whole Foods or any other company would be giving out cards that large.
For more information, please click:
http://tinyurl.com/3x2hepj
This scam is actually an update of what has been around for far too long--on the
Internet and actually, long before the Internet was even conceived. The key thing
to remember, paraphrasing the old HILL STREET BLUES TV show: You gotta
be careful out there!
_________________________________________________________
9. Four friends
Four friends spend weeks planning the perfect girls getaway
trip--shopping, casinos, massages and facials.
Two days before the group is to leave Mary's husband puts his foot down
and tells her she isn't going. Mary's friends are very upset that she can't
go, but can't do anything about it.
Two days later the three get to the hotel, only to find Mary sitting in the
bar and drinking a glass of wine. They ask her, "Wow, how long you
been here and how did you talk your husband into letting you go?"
"Well, I've been here since last night," Mary said. "Yesterday evening, I was
sitting on the couch and my husband came up behind me and put his hands
over my eyes and asked, 'Guess who?'
"I pulled his hands off to find all he was wearing was his birthday suit.
He took my hand and lead me to our bedroom. The room was scented with
perfume, had two dozen candles and rose petals all over. On the
bed, he had handcuffs and ropes! He told me to tie and cuff him to the
bed, so I did. And then he said, 'Now, you can do whatever you want.'
"So here I am."
_________________________________________________________
10. A quote I like
When it comes to how many hours per day you choose to work, consider
this observation from Harvey Mackay in USE YOUR HEAD TO GET YOUR
FOOT IN THE DOOR (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11):
Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson always believed you could get by working
half days, and it didn't matter much if you worked the first twelve hours of the day
or the second. If the hours for your job are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., clock in at 7 a.m. and out
at 6 p.m. And really spend that extra time working. There will be few others there for you
to waste your precious minutes jawing.
_________________________________________________________
11. Thought for the day
A young job candidate was in the reception area of a major company on a hot,
humid day after an interview. He stopped to make a call on his iPhone and
apparently got some bad news. Not quite under his breath, he rattled off a string
of unrepeatable words.
The receptionist could sense all the other visitors in the waiting area were embarrassed
by the outburst of profanity. Realizing his gaffe, the angry job seeker tiptoed to the exit.
As he pushed the elegant brass-paneled door open, the receptionist calmly said, “Sir,
I believe you are leaving something behind.”
He quickly turned and asked innocently, “Oh, what’s that?”
“A very bad impression,” the receptionist responded.
SOURCE:
USE YOUR HEAD TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR (see also Sections
2, 4C and 10) by Harvey Mackay, a book you can tell I really liked as evidenced
by its fourth mention in this week's newsletter
_________________________________________________________
12. Advance planning department
A. North Carolina events:
* Yours truly is presenting a seminar on: Positioning: How to Differentiate Yourself
from the Competition
Successful companies utilize the concept of positioning; i.e., they make themselves
different from the competition. Come to this informative and engaging seminar
to learn how this is done. In addition, you will gain specific techniques for how
you can learn to differentiate yourself as a business and/or individual. (3 hrs)
SPECIAL BONUS FOR ATTENDING:
One lucky attendee will have a CHANCE TO WIN $500. In addition, you'll learn
the difference between a right- and left-handed pencil.
Thursday, May 06, 6-9 p.m.
ABTech, Enka campus, Room 2046
To register, please click:
http://www.abtech.edu/ce/registration/default.asp
Or if you get this too late to preregister, just stop by that evening.
* Asheville SCORE is presenting its final workshop of the spring on Wednesday, May
12, from 6-9 p.m. on:
Social Marketing
"wanna b my friend?"
That's the question heard 'round the world . . . over 400 million times every
day! There is a stampede occurring right now as businesses are attempting
to capitalize on the power of social networking over the Internet. No one knows
for certain where all this will ultimately lead, but in light of the fact that Facebook
has grown to over 400 MILLIION users (called "friends" in the Facebook
cyber-world) the trend seems to be more than just a "flash in the pan." And
Facebook is just one such site. Accordingly, the modern small business owner
needs to be aware of the potential power of this rapidly evolving technology.
Registration is $30; save $5 by pre-registering. Do so now by clicking:
http://www.ashevillescore.org/SocialMedia.htm
Registration is limited to 16 students.
* THANKS to Mary Lou in North Carolina for sharing information about
this exciting FREE event:
Dan Buettner, author of BLUE ZONES: THE SECRET TO LONG LIFE,
will be speaking at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Tuesday,
May 25, at 6 p.m. . . . to get your eticket, please click:
http://orig.citizen-times.com/webforms/bluezones/
B. Pennsylvania/New Jersey events:
* Glen in Pennsylvania:
This Saturday, May 8, 2010 will be the biannual Roast beef dinner
at the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company, 5064 Stump Road,
Plumsteadville, PA, located just north of Doylestown in Central Bucks County.
The Roast Beef Dinner is the only fundraising food event now prepared
by the fire fighters. It is held the second Saturday in May and October
from 3:00 to 7:30, but they can run out of food by 6:30, if the weather is nice.
The dinner is cooked at the fire house by mostly fire fighters, their spouses,
children and grandchildren, and a handful of community volunteers. This is one
of a dying breed--of all volunteer fire companies and of local community dinners.
I volunteer as part of a team that prepares the mashed potatoes; usually 1000
pounds of them in the course of the dinner. I am not a fire fighter but want to do
something to support those willing to run inside burning buildings to save the
lives of others. The fire company has expanded services to the community
beyond just fire fighting to emergency management and traffic control, search
and rescue, hazardous material incidents and fire prevention education. More
about the fire company is at:
http://www.pvfc2420.org/
* On Wednesday, May, 19, 2010, BuxMont Coalition for Peace Action
will host State Representative Steve Santarsiero (D.-Bucks) for a speaking
engagement at Pennswood Village. Rep. Santarsiero will be speaking
on legislation he has introduced calling for a federal convention to amend
the U.S. Constitution in order to limit campaign contributions and expenditures.
Rep. Santarsiero explains:
"The Supreme Court's ruling that government may not ban political spending
by corporations in candidate elections is essentially a victory for corporations
and special interest groups that have the wealth and power to overpower
the voices of ordinary citizens like you and me," Santarsiero said. "The
influence of these powerful entities on politics is a growing concern and
threatens political participation and our democracy."
For more information, contact Bill Deckhart at 215.380.6804 or via
email: billdeckhart@verizon.net
C. National event:
* Patricia invites you to a viral workshop on "Overcoming Procrastination"
on Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m.
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://tinyurl.com/2fy9paz
_________________________________________________________
PS. If you're like me and celebrate ALL holidays (more great food, time with friends, etc.),
then Happy Cinco de Mayo to you and yours on Wednesday . . . however, I must
admit to doubts about this event that Arizona will be hosting--according to
Jimmy Kimmell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfPiuxh_5u8
On Sunday, here's hope you get to spend Mother's Day with your mom . . . I will
miss mine, but as I often do, I'll be thinking of her. . . and what better way
to remember her than by sharing all the things that a mother says to
her children in this three-minute song from Anita Renfroe called "Momism" set
to the William Tell Overture:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYukEAmoMCQ&feature=fvst
Also, methinks that we all need to pray for the folks affected
by the earthquake in Haiti, as well as for our remaining soldiers
in both Iraq and Afghanistan . . . while we're at it, include those in Israel
and her neighbors who are seeking peace . . . and perhaps most
importantly: Make it a great week, too!
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