BLAINESWORLD
#710
5.10.2010

In this issue:

1. Reflections
2. FYI
3. Confusion
4. Reviews . . . THE BACK-UP PLAN, etc.
5. TV alert
6. Advice
7. Websites
8. Computer tip
9. Final test
10. A quote I like
11. Thought for the day
12. Advance planning department

_________________________________________________________

1. Reflections

A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I saw a marvelous production of LITTLE SHOP
OF HORRORS at the Asheville Community Theatre . . . the music and dancing
were uniformly excellent . . . Michael Sheldon and Kelly Christianson made a cute
leading couple, and Cody Magourik as the dentist had us laughing every time he was
on stage . . . we also loved Audrey II, the mechanical plant; SPECIAL KUDOS to the
technical crew who put her together.

GOOD NEWS DEPARTMENT:

The show runs through this coming weekend . . . for more information and/or to purchase
tickets, please click:

http://www.ashevilletheatre.org

The next day, we went to the Lake Eden Arts Festival in Black Mountain.

This is an event that's held twice each year . . . proceeds go to build a community and
enrich lives through the arts . . . there's plenty of music, events, demonstrations and
good food, including one of our favorites: kettle corn (popcorn with both salt and
sugar) . . . we got to enjoy it that night when back at home and watching a movie.

For information on the October festival that runs from the 14th to the 17th, please click:

http://www.theleaf.com/

1B. We continue to check out many of the area's eateries.

On one night, we went to a rib placed called Louella's BBQ. . . we liked the casual ambience,
as well as our server Marshall . . . . the food was a disappointment, though . . . make that
a big disappointment . . . our ribs were quite fatty, and we did not like how they were prepared
(with a vinegar-type sauce) . . . worse: we had no option to try anything different as a
sauce . . . also, we ordered side salads . . . they were as small as any portion we've ever
seen . . . perhaps the place was having an "off" night . . . if you'd like to find out more,
please click:

http://www.LuellasBBQ.com

We've had much better luck at a place called Beans and Berries . . .  the fruit smoothies
are always outstanding and lately, we've taken to ordering a delicious dish that includes
homemade blueberry granola, vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit . . . for more information,
please click:

http://www.beansandberriesavl.com

One other place I've checked-out is Nona Mia, an Italian restaurant that says it offers
"homemade Italian-American soul food" . . . I had lunch there with my friend Bart
and had a tasty meatball parmigiana sandwich . . . he said his pesto basked salmon  
was excellent . . .our server, Dana, was both friendly and efficient . . .  my only
disappointment with the place: there was no handicapped parking . . . I'm hopeful this
will change in the near future . . . for more information, please call click:

http://www.nonamiaasheville.com

C. Personally, I had my first SCORE counseling session . . . we met with five different clients,
and I was fortunate to get the opportunity to work with two excellent counselors: Greg
Jones and Gustavo Kolmel.

If you're interested in my providing FREE business counseling for your company or organization,
send an email to bginbc@aol.com and put SCORE in the subject line.

I also voted for the first time in North Carolina . . . afterward, I met Dan Hesse in the street; he's
a reporter/anchor with News Radio 570/WWNC, and he interviewed me for a subsequent
news broadcast . . . a few days later, I was surprised when somebody told me that he
heard me being interviewed.

HELP REQUEST DEPARTMENT:

In my "other" New Jersey/Pennsylvania life, I hosted two separate interview-type radio
shows . . . I'm now interested in doing something similar in the Asheville area (and/or getting
a show on a local cable station) . . . should you have any suggestions for me, please send
an email to bginbc@aol.com and put INTERVIEW SHOW in the subject line.

For more information on my on my previous shows and, also, to hear a sample broadcast,
please click:

http://www.blainesworld.net/radio/index.asp

D. CONGRATULATIONS to:

* Marie in New Jersey for having won Contest #2 . . . her copy of LAW OF ATTRACTION
is on the way . . . to all those who didn't win this time around, keep reading future issues
for another chance to win an equally great prize.

* Marilynne in North Carolina for being named "Mom of the Decade" . . . for all
the details, please click:

http://tinyurl.com/29ukqyo

IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE SOMBODY ELSE'S DAY IN A SIMILAR FASHION:

You can name them "Mom of the Decade" by clicking:

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/taf.html?id=&nid=l2vsapeluaZd5806QrZMnTE5NzMwNzI-

My hope is that come Father's Day, I will be able to receive similar recognition . . .  so
Marilynne or any other reader, if you can find that option, do forward my name. (Hint-hint.)

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week it goes to the dedicated employees and volunteers at Pet Harmony--the
pet store for rescued pets.

Pet Harmony is part of the Animal Compassion Network . . . according to Cynthia:

There are a handful of places that you can claim are extra-ordinary . . . beyond
what most places give . . . maybe that "extra" is heart or love or just plain
commitment to making a difference where it is needed.

Pet Harmony is one of those places. It is a no-kill animal shelter that is committed to loving
and caring and finding homes for rescued animals. The animals live in foster homes and take
turns visiting Pet Harmony. The animals are NEVER euthanized. They are safe for life and always
guaranteed a foster space--even if 10 years pass from the date of the adoption.

Pet Harmony also has a store section, which sells pet food and pet supplies, and
all the monies go toward caring for and helping the animals find homes.

What makes this such a special, heart-centered place are the employees and volunteers.
They truly care for the animals. They give much love and care. They are truly committed
and passionate about the cause. If I were a rescued pet and had no home, I would consider
it a blessing to have landed at Pet Harmony.

Anne Jordan has been my main contact as I volunteer with my little sister Amanda Justice 
from the Big Brothers  Big Sisters organization . . . Amanda helped us sponsor two dogs (Hilton
and Heidi) who need a home together as they were found on the streets together and
can't be separated.

Anne has made volunteering a delightful experience. In addition, Amanda and I have found
employees Angie Wilt and Emily Sepik equally friendly and helpful . . . SPECIAL THANKS,
also, to Mark Goldstein--Blaine's friend and Leadership Asheville classmate--for providing
the encouragement to become involved in this outstanding organization.

Keep up the great work, Pet Harmony . . . and if there are any readers interested in a pet, this 
is the place to go!

For more information, please click:

http://www.animalcompassionnetwork.org

MY TWO CENTS:

Shortly after I finished typing the above, Cynthia and Amanda both called me with some 
great news: Hilton and Heidi just got adopted . . . so it's now time for them to find other pets
to help.

_________________________________________________________


2. FYI 

As you've been reading, I have been participating this past year in a group called Leadership
Asheville . . . I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and recommend it strongly; e.g., if
you live in and/or work anywhere near Asheville. 

You'll learn a great deal about what makes this such a great city . . . and how you can help
make it even better . . . for more information, please click:

http://www.leadershipasheville.org/

For an actual application, please click:

http://www.leadershipasheville.org/applicants-to-la-29-2010-2011/

IF I CAN HELP:

If you'd like to get my perspective on what Leadership Asheville is all about and/or to submit a
recommendation on your behalf, please send an email to bginbc@aol.com and put LEADERSHIP
ASHEVILLE in the subject line.

Another option to consider if you qualify: Leadership Asheville for Seniors, offered through the
Center for Creative Retirement . . . this is somewhat similar to the aforementioned Leadership
Asheville, though not quite as long . . . there's also no team project to complete . . . for more
information, please click:

http://www2.unca.edu/ncccr/programs/leadership/las-stewart-article.html

***** CONSIDER OTHER PROGRAMS, too (in your area) *****

When I lived in New Jersey, I was involved in Leadership New Jersey many years ago . . . that was
a great experience, too . . .for more information, please click:

http://www.leadershipnj.org/

I never officially participated in Leadership Bucks County, though I did speak several times
to this group . . . for more information, please click:

http://www.lbccc.org/html/leadership_program.html

Many other cities, counties and states have similar programs . . . just keep your eyes open
for them.

FYI, part 2

* Great blog interview of Michael Gelb, a longtime friend and reader,
on his thoughts on innovation:

http://tinyurl.com/255xl2d

* Lee in Pennsylvania:

I would love to let your readers know that if they are planning on purchasing
a new TV in the near future and are confused by all of the technology, I would
be glad to help them sort it all out. There are so many options available
now . . . plasma, LCD, LED 3D and it can get very confusing. If I can be
of any help please feel free to contact me at lee@starlightdm.com.

* Matt in North Carolina:

I am a reader and SELDOM have the Kindle read to me. Most of the time
that I have heard the Kindle read, it was when I was demoing that feature
to others. But,when I did it, I liked what I heard. The Kindle is certainly better
than the robotic voice in my Garmin GPS. 

* Debbie in New York:
 
You might get some ideas for your [horse racing] get-together from this link:

http://www.horse-races.net/library/links-derbyparty.htm

* Ange in Pennsylvania:

Please let whoever submitted the Tamale Pie recipe in BLAINESWORLD #700  that it's
a keeper. I made it for Cinco de Mayo and got rave reviews. 

* Cheryl in New Jersey (with a REQUEST FOR HELP):

Most of you already know that I had 3 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs),
also known as blood clots, in my arm 2.5 years ago. I was sent home from
an Urgent Care Center and Hospital Emergency Room, and finally the 3rd
Emergency Room diagnosed me and started treatment 24 hours after it
happened.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(2008), DVTs affect an estimated 350,000 to 600,000 Americans each year,
resulting in over 100,000 deaths each year.  
    
I am organizing a kickball tournament in Ocean City, NJ on Saturday,
June 26th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and would love for everyone to be involved. 
My goal for “Kick for Clots” is to promote being active at any age while
having fun, to share information regarding blood clots, and to raise money
to go towards the National Blood Clot Alliance (formerly National Alliance
of Thrombosis & Thrombophilia) to improve healthcare and understanding
in all phases of DVTs: prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the clot,
as well as post-thrombotic management.

To read more, as well as to donate, please click:
 
www.firstgiving.com/cherylfishman 
 
* Pat in Pennsylvania (with something that ALL need to consider):

No joke. This is scary! Plus think of all the quick one or two copies people make of personal
issues like credit card bills, passports, etc. while at work. Yikes!

Maybe this is part of the reason so many people are having their identity stolen? Be sure
to watch the video below:

Copy Machines, a Security Risk?

This should be considered one of the most important things you have learned
in recent times.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6412572n

* Arlene in Pennsylvania:

______________________________________________________

3. Confusion

I don’t get these people who, instead of buying a four-or an eight-pack of toilet
paper, buy the single, individual roll. Are they trying to quit? (I wonder about this, too,
but have to give credit to comic Brian Kiley for having first raised the question!)

For more information about Kiley and to see some of his performances,
please click:

http://comedians.jokes.com/brian-kiley

_________________________________________________________

4. Reviews
 
A. I was pleasantly surprised by THE BACK-UP PLAN, a romantic comedy about
a single women who opts for artificial insemination after dating for years and failing
to find Mr. Right . . . on the day she goes through the procedure, she meets a charming
stranger . . . complications ensue and some of them are quite funny . . . this is a sweet film,
greatly enhanced by the performance of Jennifer Lopez in the leading role . . . Alex
O'Loughlin is also fine at her boyfriend . . . rated PG-13.

B. AVATAR is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD
#694  follows:

If you like playing video games, you'll love AVATAR . . . I don't, so count
me among the minority who don't count the film as one of the year's best . . . the
story, set in the future, involves an ex-Marine who infiltrates the planet Pandora
and finds life better there than anywhere else . . . it was very violent and too
long for my taste . . . the 3D effects were interesting, at first, but I got tired
of them eventually . . . I also didn't feel for any of the characters, though I did
appreciate Stephen Lang's work as a villain . . . rated PG-13.

You'd do much better, in my opinion, renting a non-blockbuster film called
UNCLE NINO that I doubt very few folks ever saw in the theater . . . too bad,
in that it's a charming film about an elderly Italian peasant who barley speaks
English . . . he travels to America to reconnect with his nephew and in
doing so, helps bring the nephew's family together . .. you'll recognize
Joe Mantegna and Anne Archer in the cast, and they're both excellent . . . the
other actors are too . . . rated PG.

C. I loved that was written on the back cover of WOW: A HANDBOOK
FOR LIVING (see also Section 10) by Zen Ohashi and Zono
Kurazono . . . they say that "This book will not change your life.
You will change your life."

The authors then proceed to present, to quote them, "31 revolutionary
methods for change" . . . I'm not so sure about how revolutionary
these methods are; after all, many I've seen most of them before . . . and
a lot of them just seem to rely on nothing more than common sense.

However, don't let that deter you from reading this insightful
book . . . you will still find a tidbit of two that you may not
have thought of before . . . for example:

* Whenever presented with a tough problem, it can be very helpful to try
to answer it in five seconds.

Whenever you try to solve a problem in five seconds, you will answer
with only your intuition.

Whether the solution can actually be carried out is not important.
Sometimes just knowing the solution you would choose is the first step.

Oftentimes, this is the best solution.

* And then there was this spin on dealing with those who may not like
an idea you propose:

* If the person you propose your idea to doesn't like it and says something
like, "Yeah, but it's a bit cold for bicycle riding," you can try asking them
for a different proposal.

"Then what's your idea?"

Lastly, the following point caught my attention because it is oh-so-true:

* If someone promises something to you but does not take the time
to make an appointment, it is unlikely that anything will ever happen.

I do recommend that you read WOW . . . when you do, please don't
feel free to rush through it . . . read bits and pieces of it and then,
when you do, take time to apply the principles by doing the exercise
that accompany each chapter.

Also, make it a point to spend some time looking at the accompanying
black-and-white photos . . . they added to my enjoyment of the book.

D. Heard the CD version of GOD NEVER BLINKS: 50 LESSONS FOR LIFE'S
LITTLE DETOURS--written and read by Regina Brett.

If the name is familiar, it may be because you have read her list of "life lessons"
that have been widely circulated on the Internet (and that I ran in BLAINESWORLD
issues #661 and 662) . . . in this touching book, she takes each one and expands upon
it in a brief essay.

Brett, a CLEVELAND PLAINS DEALER columnist, has certainly lived
an interesting life . . . one of eleven children, she notes that she was a "lost
soul who drank too much at 16," unwed mother at 21, single parent for 18 years,
college graduate at 40, and diagnosed with breast cancer at 41 . . . she brings
each of these experiences into GOD NEVER BLINKS, and you learn from them--seemingly
as she did.

In particular, I liked what she shared about her friend Frank:

* He lives by two words: Get to, instead of have to. He says, "I get to go to work, instead
of I have to go to work."

I also liked this other bit of advice that she got from another friend:

* When in doubt, do the next right thing. So instead of always thinking about the big
picture . . . for example, your career choice . . . just get a college calendar and start
looking at some courses . . . or rather than lose 40 pounds, have a salad for lunch
instead of fries.

Lastly, there was this thought that got me to revisit what I'm doing right now:

* The most important day is the day you're in. So live the hell out of that day.

That's real good advice; in fact, it got me thinking that I now get to finish
this review--and then move on to some other things that I'm looking forward to doing.

_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. What's it like to live in a retirement community? SUNSET DAZE
attempts to answer that question via a new reality show that
features the lives of eight senior citizens who live in Sun City
in Arizona . . . Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on WEtv and repeated
throughout the week . . . for the other times, please click:

http://www.wetv.com/sunsetdaze/episodes/top-gun-and-tiaras

B. WORLD'S TOUGHEST FIXES airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NATIONAL
GEORGRAPHIC . . . upcoming shows include the following:

* Extreme Bridges on May 13: Riley crosses the pond to scale three
iconic bridges in the U.K.  

* Fixing Vegas on May 20: Riley travels to Las Vegas to help high-flying
Cirque du Soleil solve a real showstopper of a problem--one of the world's
largest, most technologically advanced stages is broken. 

C. I'm disappointed to hear that AT THE MOVIES will be going off the
air after this summer . . . that had been my favorite movie review show;
in fact, I had thought it was the only movie review show on the air . . . but
I was wrong, as unlikely as that possibility may sound . . . there's now
another one that you might want to check out: THE ROTTEN TOMATOES
MOVIE REVIEW SHOW on Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. on CURRENT TV 
(the name of the station on AT&T U-Verse) . . . in addition, it can be found
on DIRECTV, DISH Network, Comcast Digital and Time Warner Digital;
check your local listings.

The few episodes I have seen weren't bad . . . I'll check out a few others,
if just because I so much appreciate the Rotten Tomatoes website:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/

The above is the first place I go to check out reviews of movies, present
and past, as well as what's available on DVD.

D. WEEKEND TODAY on Sunday at 8 on NBC features Western North
Carolina and, in particular, my neck of the woods . . . you'll get to see a trip
down the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as a visit to Lake Lure.

_________________________________________________________

6. Advice

A defendant in a $5 million lawsuit told his lawyer, "If I lose this case,
I'll be ruined."
  
"It's in the judge's hands now," answered the lawyer, "but I'll be honest with
you . . . it doesn't look that great for our side."

"Would it help if I sent the judge a box of cigars?" asked the defendant.

"Oh no!" said the lawyer. "This judge is a stickler for ethical behavior. A stunt
like that would prejudice him against you. He might even find you in contempt
of court. In fact, you should not even smile at the judge."

With the course of time, the judge rendered a decision in favor of the defendant.
As the defendant left the courthouse, he said to his lawyer, "Thanks for the tip
about the cigars."

"I'm sure we would have lost the case if you'd sent them," said the lawyer.

"But I did send them," said the defendant.

"What?! You did?"

"Yes, That's how we won the case."

"I don't understand," said the lawyer.

"It's easy. I sent the cheapest cigars that I could find to the judge, but
enclosed the plaintiff's business card."

_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. Pipl is a meta-search engine, meaning that it searches other search engines.
Pipl also mines the "deep Web," meaning it looks for information that other
search engines might not find.

http://www.pipl.com

What makes Pipl so valuable is that it limits its search results
to people information.

I just used it to check on what the website had about me and
was amazed that it had my address, age, a bunch of pictures
and some stuff that I hadn't seen for years . . . if you're single,
I imagine you'll also want to use it to check out who you're dating
(or about to date).

B. I have certain beliefs, as many readers know . . . one of them is
that soldiers belong home . . . that's why I so much enjoyed this clip
that Barbara in Pennsylvania shared with me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkGzqpGx1KU

C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:

http://www.blainesworld.net

THANKS to my fantastic webmaster, Danny Brice, you can now view pictures
of yours truly (as well as my friends and relatives) in an improved format
that will take a lot less time to load . . . click " Blaine's Best" to the left,
then "Pictures" . . . as you're doing so, make sure you have your sound
on so you can listen to what's arguably the greatest rock song of all time.

DANNY'S THE MAN:

If you're having computer problems, want help with your website, etc., then
Danny is the guy to contact . . . he can be reached via email at dnbrice@gmail.com;
his phone number is 828.683.4912 . . . best of all, he can even help you
if you're not in the area via an option that lets him log into your computer remotely.

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:
 
http://www.facebook.com/blainegreenfield

_________________________________________________________

8. Computer tip

To get the latest information about companies (or anything else), use
something called Google Timeline Search.

Type the name of the what you're trying to find about in Google. If the
company name is more than one word, put the name between quotation
marks; e.g., "Blaine Greenfield." On the Google results page, just under
the Google logo on the left side, you'll see a link that says "Show options"
or "Show search tools." Click that link. This allows you to sort your Google
search results using a number of criteria.

One of the options is labeled "Timeline." Click on the Timeline link, and
you'll see a graphic timeline by decade with certain time periods
blocked out. Click one of the blocked-out periods, and you'll see a
graphic timeline by year during the decade with the search results only
showing information about the company from that year. You can then
click a blocked-out year and gets results for specific months during
that year.

I just tried this option and came across some stuff about me that
I had even never seen before.

_________________________________________________________

9. Final test

The CIA had an opening for an assassin. After all the background checks,
interviews and testing were done, there were 3 finalists--2 men and a woman.

For the final test, the CIA agents took one of the men to a large metal door
and handed him a gun. "We must know that you will follow your instructions,
no matter what the circumstances. Inside this room, you will find your wife
sitting in a chair. Kill her." The man said, "You can't be serious. I could never
shoot my wife."

The agent nodded and said, "Then you're not the right man for this job. Take
your wife and go home."

The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went
into the room. All was quiet for about 5 minutes. Then the man came out
with tears in his eyes. "I tried, but I can't kill my wife."

The agent nodded and said, "You don't have what it takes. Take your wife
and go home."

Finally, it was the woman's turn. She was given similar instructions--to kill
her husband. She took the gun and went into the room. Shots rang out,
one after another.

Then they heard screaming, crashing and banging on the walls. The agent
was just about to go in and see what was happening when the door opened
and the woman stepped out, sweating profusely.

"This gun is loaded with blanks," she said. "So I had to beat him to death
with the chair."

_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

Before you complain, try to begin your sentence with following words: “I have
a suggestion.”

SOURCE:

WOW: A HANDBOOK FOR LIVING (see also Section 4C) by Zen Ohashi
and Zono Kurazono

_________________________________________________________

11. Thought for the day 

I thought you'd find this back-and-forth I had recently with Bill,
a teaching colleague of mine at Bucks County Community College
and a friend I respect greatly . . . what follows is a joke I had sent him,
asking for his opinion--followed by his reaction.

THE JOKE:

Read the following two situations. Then see if you can answer the
question. (And don't blame me: It was forwarded from a Canuckian!)

Two patients limp into two different Canadian medical clinics with the
same complaint. Both have trouble walking and appear to require a hip
replacement.

The first patient is examined within the hour, is x-rayed the same day and
has a time booked for surgery the following week.

The second sees his family doctor after waiting a week for an appointment,
then waits eighteen weeks to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray, which isn't
reviewed for another month and finally has his surgery scheduled for a year
from then.

Now the question: Why the different treatment for the two patients?

Answer: The first is a golden retriever; the second is a senior citizen.

BILL'S REACTION:

Let me respond by rewriting your story:
 
Read the following situations. Then see if you can answer the question.
(And don't blame me!)

Two patients limp into two different medical clinics with the same complaint.
The medical clinics appear virtually identical, and are located in two very similar
suburbs of two different major cities. Both patients have trouble bending and
lifting, and appear to require a hernia operation.

The first patient enters the clinic without an appointment. The clinic is staffed
by one nurse and three doctors. He is examined within the hour, is told that
he probably needs a hernia operation, asks around for a good surgeon,
visits the surgeon of his choice and has a time booked for surgery at
a convenient time soon after. The surgery goes well, and he remains
in the hospital resting in a room overnight.  The following day, the surgeon
visits him to see if he needs another night in the hospital, but the patient
is doing well, the surgeon sees his wife is there to drive him home, and
rereleases him. The patient returns home to finish recovering, and in a few
days returns to work with no problems from the surgery.

The second patient sees his family doctor after waiting a week for an
appointment. The clinic is staffed by one nurse, one doctor, and two medical
insurance specialists. The patient is told that he probably needs a hernia
operation, the doctor recommends a surgeon, and the patient visits the
surgeon of the doctor's choice and has a time booked for surgery at a
convenient time soon after. The surgery goes well, and he awakes from
the surgery in an hour or two, and then is visited by a nurse. The nurse asks
if he can walk to the toilet in the room to urinate.  The patient dazedly and
painfully does make it to the bathroom.  The nurse then informs the patient
that he has fulfilled the criterion for release, and that his wife should now drive
him home. The patient feels about to pass out, makes it back to the bed, tells
the nurse he needs more time, and then does pass out in the bed. An hour
or so later, the patient awakes feeling a little better, is again told he can
leave, is driven home by his wife to finish recovering, and in a few days
returns to work with no problems from the surgery.
 
Now, the question: What is most similar in the two situations?

Answer: The patient. The patient is the same patient. Me. Receiving (first
patient) a right side hernia repair in Montreal, Canada, when I lived and
worked there. And (second patient) a left side hernia repair in Newtown, PA. 
The above actually occurred as written. The medical quality was the same
in both cases, and the end result was the same. But I didn't enjoy being
ousted from the hospital hours after major surgery. And it is clear to me
that a major portion of the money that should be going towards patient care
in the US is diverted to insurance administration. There does not seem much
we can do about it;  those who are entrenched in that large money flow
will not leave it, nor will they be truthful about its cause and its effect.
All I can think of when I visit my doctor is "How many Americans does
it take to change a light bulb?"
 
And despite Canadians' willingness to complain (a national pastime), none
of the many Canadians I know prefer the American health system. They are
usually horrified by it.  

_________________________________________________________

12. Advance planning department

A. North Carolina events:

* If you're a Biltmore Lake resident, do come to the Adult Social on Friday night
at 5:30 p.m. . . . Cynthia and I will be hosting, and we'd love to see you . . . an
added bonus: you'll have a chance to win prizes in the Preakness contest
that will be explained that night . . . register on the Intranet or call
David at 670.6103.

* If you are interested in Hypnosis Certification training course
by Sarah Gewanter we still have space available in our upcoming
class starting this Friday, May 14th. Hurry! There are a few spaces
left. Call now: 828.683.6900.

There will also be an advanced hypnosis training course this
summer. Individual instruction and/or supervision is also
available.

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION (a reminder, too):

Sarah is the person who trained me; she's great . . . as for the
reminder . . . if you're interested in having me help you lose
your baggage before you get to the airport (and to kick the
smoking habit, lose weight, stop nail biting, etc.), send an email
to bginbc@aol.com and put HYPNOSIS in the subject line.

I have even been successful with several folks out of the area,
so keep that in mind; e.g., if interested in work over the phone.

* Check out THE HOP for family-oriented entertainment throughout
the summer . . . some upcoming events include Julie Maccarin playing
children's music on May 15 from 3-4 p.m., David Novak telling stories
on May 16 from 1-2 p.m. and a very funny juggling troupe (Forty Fingers
and a Missing Tooth) on May 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

THE HOP also features delicious ice cream.

For more information, please click:

http://www.thehopicecreamcafe.com 

* Asheville Women’s Roundtable Event, presented by Asheville SCORE 

Who: Any Women Business Owner/Operator who’s interested in having
a roundtable discussion on a regular basis with other women to define
ideas, discuss opportunities and brainstorm solutions to everyday
business issues. 

What: This month’s topic . . .  “If you don't budget for a profit, you won't have one” 

Where:  Roux (Hilton Hotel) at Biltmore Park Town Square 

When:  Thursday, May 20th from 7:30-9 a.m.
Breakfast may be purchased at the restaurant 

Why:  To develop business relationships that offer sound advice and ideas! 

Please RSVP to Ashevilleroundtables@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 
Space is limited to the first 15 to register. Hope to see you there!

B. Pennsylvania/New Jersey events:

* MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING IS SOMETHING TO SEE ONSTAGE

William Shakespeare’s immortal comedy about the mishaps of love
is staged by the Actors’ NET of Bucks County, as it continues its
fourteenth season. Produced by Virginia Barrie. Directed by Janet Quartarone. 
Assistant director, Mort Paterson. Starring Carol Thompson and George
Hartpence. 

Admission, $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for children under 13.    

DATES: May 21-June 6, 2010.    

TIMES: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.  

PLACE: The Morrisville Heritage Center, 635 North Delmorr Avenue (Route 32),
Morrisville, PA 19067.    

TO RESERVE:  Call The NET box office at 215-295-3694
or email actorsnet@aol.com

* Tyler Tasting Party

June 4, 2010
7-10 p.m.

Bucks County Community College, Newtown Campus, Tyler Hall
Featuring food, wine and spirits from 40 of Bucks County’s finest restaurants,
wineries, breweries, bakeries and caterers
Silent and live auction featuring national and international trips

For more information and to order tickets, call 215.968.8224 or email: foundation@bucks.edu
or visit:

http://www.bucks.edu/foundation

C. National event:

* FREE TELESEMINAR! Make Any Home Feel More Spacious

Thursday, May 20, 2010

7:30-8:30 p.m.

No matter the size of a home, almost every client at some point faces
a room or rooms that they wish were somehow larger, wider, longer or bigger.
Whether a key space like a family or living room, a kitchen, a dining room
or a bedroom or home office, sometimes you just need more space! Join
for this fascinating seminar that pulls out from the matrix of design principles
the key steps to manipulate an interior in order to make if feel and appear larger.

To register or learn more, go to:

http://tinyurl.com/y4wwf7k

Use the coupon code "SPRING" to register for FREE!

Can't attend? Register anyway so you can be sent the live audio recording
at your leisure. 

_________________________________________________________
PS. 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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