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BLAINESWORLD
#658
5.11.2009 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Impossibility 4. Reviews . . .SHALL WE KISS?, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Flowers 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Political one-liners 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I enjoyed a production of DEATHTRAP that we saw at the Hendersonville Little Theatre in North Carolina . . . it's a comedy thriller, and though the acting by the entire cast was excellent, special recognition goes to Linda Brooks for stealing almost every scene she was in as psychic Helga Ten Dorp . . . we also liked the work of Z. Joseph Guice (so fine in another production we recently saw there, THE KITCHEN WIVES) . . . Bruce Schlueter as Sidney Bruhl almost made us forget how Michael Caine handled the role in the movie of the same name . . . kudos, also, to Annette Hobbs for her role in directing the play . . . and to Leslie Christoffel, set designer, for a set that was as impressive as we've seen in any community theater we've ever attended. At the end of shows here, the actors do something else that is not done at too many other places; i.e., they come out to thank you for coming . . . it's a nice touch. DEATHTRAP runs through May 24, so do try to catch it if you can . . . for more information, please click: http://www.hendersonvillelittletheatre.org B. I attended and participated (for the first time) in a campus-wide retirement celebration at Bucks County Community College . . . it was a bit surreal being one of those honored, but there I was . . . in particular, I did appreciate the beautiful framed picture of Tyler Hall that I was given. Here's a picture of yours truly on the right, next to Gary Brandt--another retiree who was a former student and has been a longtime friend and reader of BLAINESWORLD:  Other retirees, many of them are also readers of this missive, included Walter Alvey, Jo Ellen Winters, Merritt Whitman, Ken Crowther, Virginia Manning, Linda Primavera, Carol Watson, Greg McClendon, Charleen McDole, Phyllis Kubacke, Linda MacGregor, Rhea Edgil, Dolores Heff, Betty Hughes and Chris Leonard . . . it has been my pleasure to have worked with all of them! C. WELCOME ABOARD (as new readers of BLAINESWORLD) to many of the participants who just completed the smoke-cessation programs I ran at both the College and the BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES . . . I'm still compiling final statistics, but it appears that we have had 10 folks quit completely and 20 others who have greatly reduced their smoking--and are well on their way to becoming non-smokers. SPECIAL THANKS to the following individuals for their help in making the above run as smoothly as it did: * Patty DiIenno for handling the hypnotherapy portion; * Sue Hinkle for conducting the book discussion sessions; * Natalie Kaye for allowing the Women's Center to be one of the sponsors; * Matt Cipriano and Justene Cieslak for helping get the word out; * Monica Hester and Bridget Hughes for making reminder calls; and
* Carol Shapcott and Matt Conturso for assisting with all the logistical arrangements. D. CONDOLENCES to the family of John E. Long Jr. John died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Monday, May 4 . . . I had the pleasure of serving with John for several years on the Bucks County Community College Foundation Board . . . he then moved on to become a member of the College's Board of Trustees. He was a kind, gentle man, very much interested in helping others . . . he always had a warm greeting for me and anybody else who came in contact with him, and he will be missed.
John was a true community activist . . . he gave both his time and support to numerous organizations in Bucks County . . . if you would like to remember this remarkable man, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Pearl S. Bucks International, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Joye Harrison--a cashier in the Harris Teeter supermarket in Asheville, North Carolina. She always greets customers with a great smile and is most friendly . . . but what's really great about her (and all employees at this location) is that if you have a question about where something is located and if she is not busy with other customers, she'll walk you over to the aisle and help you find it. Wouldn't that be great if all stores did that? Cynthia and I also like the wide aisles in the Asheville store, as well as its cleanliness . . . and we are becoming fans of the Harris Teeter store brand, which we have often found to be as good if not better than many national brands. We also like the fact that they often have folks offering sampling of items on sale . . . recently, that's how we became fans of the store's excellent chicken salad. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI FREE TV GIVEAWAY for you, a member of your family or even a non-profit group you might assist . . . all you need to do is be able to pick it up from where I'm staying when in Pennsylvania this coming week (Wrightstown in Bucks County) on or around May 21. It is a Magnavox MS2730u that the has served me well, and I've had it for about seven years . . . it is NOT a flat-screen model; its dimensions are as follows: Width = 26" Height = 23" Depth =19" Screen = 27" (Diagonal) I will give it to the first person who contacts me and can pick it up . . . if interested, respond by email to: bginbc@aol.com and put FREE TV GIVEAWAY in subject line. FYI, part 2 * Cynthia in North Carolina (see also Section 1A) said she has found a fantastic massage therapist in the Asheville area: Grace Scarbrough; 828.551.1644. . . she has told me that Grace is kind, caring and inspirational Cynthia also received this list of thought-provoking questions from Grace: 1. As a result of you being here, who is being served? 2. Who feels more capable, more confident, because of your presence in their lives? 3. What difference are you making? 4. Where are you casting your light? 5. What joy is being created out of your service? 6. What deep desire do you have for your life? SOURCE: THE ART OF ORIGINAL THINKING by Jan Phillips * Betty in Pennsylvania: I loved the SOUND OF MUSIC website (people dancing at the train station). Waiting for a train can be anxious and boring; why not dance with the music and put a smile and some exercise in our life? MY HOPE: Thanks, also, to Kathy in Florida and Barbara in Pennsylvania for commenting on the above . . . I hope that everybody does at least skim the websites I mention in Section 7 each week (7B this week is particularly touching) . . . in the unlikely event that you missed the SOUND OF MUSIC website, here it is again: http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4816051?fr=yvmtf
* George in Pennsylvania graciously gave me permission to run the following definition that I saw on his Facebook page: Personal trainer: Someone who makes you inflict pain on yourself, then you thank him and ask "When can we do that again?" * Jean in Pennsylvania also wrote about an entry on her Facebook page: Fodder for your newsletter? MY TWO CENTS: I agree . . . she had posted a very interesting piece about a blog warning she had received: AMC theaters are running FAKE IMAX's and charging $5 extra for a slightly bigger screen. Boycott IMAX, AMC, and Regal. Don't let them fool you. Has anybody else noticed this? After I read the above piece, I realized that I had the same feeling about some film I had seen at AMC . . . the extra bucks were a complete waste . . . to read the entire post, please click: http://tinyurl.com/p42e6d * John in Pennsylvania: The Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau Tuesday announced its “My Bucks Is . . . ” video contest, an initiative to lure budding filmmakers and amateur videographers to create a one-minute video featuring Bucks County and post it to YouTube. The videos must include the phrase “My Bucks Is . . ” and they must share a place or pastime that Bucks County “is” to them. Submissions will be judged primarily on originality and creativity. Prizes will be awarded for the best submissions and include dinner at Bristol’s King George II Inn, an overnight stay at the Golden Plough Inn in Buckingham and a glider ride at the Van Sant Airport in Tinicum. The submissions deadline is Sept. 14. The Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer are co-sponsoring the contest. To enter, all you have to do is post it on YouTube and complete this short form: http://visitbuckscounty.com/video_contest_form.asp * Sandy in Pennsylvania: It works, Blaine! There are a few irritating players in our MahJongg group that drive us nuts. Now that we have The Perfect Club [mentioned in last week's newsletter], it is easier to handle and has halted complaining. THANKS FOR A GREAT TOOL! * Janet in New York: As many people do, I enjoy reading your newsletter. I do not always read it the day it arrives, but I do read it. The last week of April, I was dealing with the imminent passage of Bentley Taupe Paws, my adorable tiger stripe cat. Although he had observed his 17th birthday in January, in the interim, his health had deteriorated dramatically. He was euthanized on Thursday morning, April 30th. I was heartbroken. Taking him to the vet was a most difficult task, but returning alone was worse. It was that morning, amid my tears, when I was reading issue #654 in which you pay tribute to your Shanti and include the poetry about rescuing and caring for pets. I think God was looking out for me, as I found reading the cat portions of this issue very comforting. * Lee in Pennsylvania: I wanted to tell your readers about a 7-year-old's birthday party that I recently attended with my daughter. The party was held at Cradles to Crayons in Horsham, PA. Cradles to Crayons is an organization that collects gently used clothing, toys, books and other stuff that children have outgrown and in turn they provide these items to these children in need. At the party, we sorted and inspected these items for proper distribution. In addition, instead of gifts for the birthday girl, we brought donations. Not only did we have a great time but the children learned a valuable lesson. My daughter and I are going to go back and volunteer as anyone can do. If anyone is interested in donating items or time, please click: http://www.cradlestocrayons.org/2/index.php * Freddie in New Jersey: My mom, the Holocaust survivor, had a front page news story in the Sunday TAMPA TRIBUNE. Please feel free to include the following link in your newsletter; it is quite a read: http://tinyurl.com/r6cb6z
Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Impossibility A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal, its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven, I will ask Jonah." The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. SHALL WE KISS? is French romantic comedy that I found utterly charming . . . it is about a chance encounter that ends with the request for a "kiss without consequences" . . . or actually, that is just the beginning because it is then that the woman proceeds to tell a story--via flashbacks--why this wouldn't be possible . . . the ending will surprise you . . . NR, though
methinks it would not be of much interest to anybody younger than 16.
B. FROST/NIXON is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #646 follows: I saw FROST/NIXON, in part, because I wanted to have seen all the top picture nominations before Sunday's Academy Awards show . . . I left with the feeling that the film was well-deserving of much of the critical praise it has received. Frank Langella, who won a Tony for his portrayal of Nixon on stage, was magnificent as the disgraced president who tries to save his legacy via series of interviews with British journalist Frost (portrayed by Michael Sheen in an equally impressive performance) . . . director Ron Howard also deserves kudos for making sure the film never dragged . . . I also liked the fact that it was surprisingly funny in spots. Rated R, though I'm not really quite sure why . . . it would certainly be appropriate for any mature teenager. C. Imagine being able to do less, but at the same time, getting more done . . . that's the premise behind THE POWER OF LESS, a short but powerful book by Leo Babaura. Its subtitle tells you that this is possible when you learn THE FINE ART OF LIMITING YOURSELF . . . IN BUISNESS AND IN LIFE. As the author points out: * The simplicity I seek in my life is simplicity in what I do. . . . it [simplicity] boils down to two steps: 1. Identify the essential. 2. Eliminate the rest. Babaura then proceeds to show how he actually did this by concentrating on one goal and at a time--and not trying to accomplish everything at once . . . this simple technique enabled him to train for and run two marathons, complete two triathlons, start a successful blog, completely eliminate his debt, lose 44 pounds, write and sell two successful ebooks, write the first draft of a novel, and many other things--all within the span of the past several years . . . in addition, he raised and made time for his six wonderful kids. To do anything even remotely similar, you must first be able to beat the procrastination hurdle . . . here's how: * Anytime you find yourself procrastinating on an important task, see if you can break it into something smaller. Then just get started. Don't procrastinate, but just get started. Once you've gotten started, you will gain momentum, and will have broken through the initial resistance barrier, and you'll be much more likely to continue to the next small task and the next one until the large task is completed. Of perhaps the greatest value was the advice on handling email, one of my biggest problems: * How many times you check email per day is a function of the kind of work you do. If you can get away with checking email just once per day, that would be ideal--you'd have very few e-mail interruptions, and your email habits would be most efficient. However, for many people, twice a day is probably more realistic. Others, who need to be able to get email more often because their job orders are sent through email (customer service, for example), might want to limit their email checking to once per hour (perhaps ten minutes at the top of the hour). Still others might be able to get away with checking e-mail less than once a day--every other day, twice a week or ever once a week. If you can count yourself among these people, take advantage of this and limit yourself to the bare minimum. I'd write more about this fine book . . . however, if less is truly more, it is now time for me to devote my attention to some other task that will help move me closer to one of my weekly or yearly goals. D. I didn't realize how much I missed the late Tim Russert, who had been moderator of MEET THE PRESS, until I heard him narrate an excellent book he had written: WISDOM OF OUR FATHERS.
This was a follow-up to his earlier bestseller, BIG RUSS & ME, in which he described his father . . . shortly after it was published, Russert began receiving an avalanche of letters from daughters and sons who wanted to tell him out their own fathers . . . most of the stories were about ordinary men who were remembered for such things as their advice, tenderness, strength, discipline and love. I was moved by virtually every tale, though in particular, what he had to say about his own role of father moved me most . . . he called it: * the best job I've ever had and [as part of it, he advised his son] to study hard, laugh often and keep your honor. Russsert also told of the time that he discovered that his son had gotten a tattoo . . . he was not a happy camper, until he discovered that it read: * TJR [and was under his son Luke's arm] so he could have his father and grandfather, who had the same initials, on his side . . . Russert vowed never to again complain about the tattoo. Among the other statements that moved me were the following: * The most precious things a father can provide are time, attention and love. * Every moment that you spend with your child could be the one that really matters. * If you are a father, let your kids know in plain English that you love them. * 99% of parenting consists of just being there. With Father's Day approaching, WISDOM OF OUR FATHERS will make the perfect gift for your father or grandfather if you're lucky enough to have him around . . . or if not, you'll find it a great way to remember somebody that is no longer around--but you still think about often . . . I know it had that effect on me. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. DON'T TELL THE BRIDES has grooms being given $20,000 to pull of their weddings without help from their brides . . . as TV GUIDE notes, the brides, "we presume, will plan the divorces if their guys screw up" . . . Friday at 8 p.m. on BBC AMERICA. B. TAKEN IN BROAD DAYLIGHT stars James Van Der Beck as kidnapper of a 17-year-old girl, proving there is light after DAWSON'S CREEK . . . Saturday at 9 p.m. on LIFETIME. C. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE features Will Ferrell in only his second hosting gig of his former show . . . Saturday at 11:29 p.m. on NBC. D. SNL: JUST SHORTS, hosted by Andy Samberg, is a salute to SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE'S silliest digital shorts. . . . Sunday at 9 on NBC. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Flowers Bill figured out a way to remember his wife’s birthday and their wedding anniversary. He opened an account with a florist and told him to send flowers to his wife on those dates, along with a note signed “Your loving husband.” His wife was thrilled by the attention and all was great until one anniversary, Bill came home, saw the bouquet, kissed his wife and said, “Nice flowers. Where'd you get them?” Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Discover your dream job. Look before you leap by test-driving it on a VocationVacation . . .for more information, please click: http://vocationvacations.com/ Imagine being an actor, baseball announcer, ice cream shop owner, restaurant critic or even wine sommelier . . . these are just a few of the many possibilities! B. Music can make a difference in the lives of people . . . to see for yourself, please click: http://tinyurl.com/cj8dlw You just have to love the exuberance of these two folks! C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net Have you ever wondered what I do with your name; e.g., if you subscribe to BLAINESWORLD? Please see for yourself by clicking Newsletter to the left, then Privacy Statement. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip Imagine being able to prepare for any of the following exams on your computer: TOEIC, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, GRE, MCAT, PCAT or ASVB? You can do so by clicking: http://www.english-test.net You can't beat the price; it's FREE . . . this is also a great website for ESL students looking for help in learning English . . . also, I liked the various dictionaries . . . one contained some 5,010 SAT vocabulary words, including zeitgeist (noun) . . . know what it means? if you give up, be grateful that you no longer have to answer such questions in order to get into college! You also don't have to look up the definition, in that yours truly will provide you with the answer: "The intellectual and moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Political one-liners President Obama got a bunch of them off at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Association dinner, including these: * Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton: He noted that they had been political rivals, but he assured the audience "these days, we could not be closer. In fact the second she got back from Mexico, she pulled me into a hug," the president said, playing off the threat of a spreading swine flu virus that has targeted Mexico the most. * Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel: "This is a tough holiday for Rahm. He's not used to saying the word 'day' after 'mother.' " * Former Vice President Dick Cheney couldn't make the dinner, Obama joked, because he was writing his memoir, "How to shoot friends and interrogate people." It was a reference to Cheney's support of harsh interrogation and his accidental shooting of a hunting companion. * The president directly addressed Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who was "in the house tonight. Or as he would say, 'In the heezy.' " * He then added, "Michael for the last time, the Republican Party does not qualify for a bailout. Rush Limbaugh does not count as a troubled asset, I'm sorry," said Obama, referring to recent economic steps of the White House and the radio personality's public criticism of the GOP party leader. * About the Democratic party, he said his administration has helped in "bringing in fresh, young faces--like Arlen Specter." The 79-year-old Pennsylvania senator switched parties last month. And these about himself: * "No president in history has ever named three commerce secretaries this quickly," Obama said. The president's two top choices for the position dropped out. * "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days." * And: "My next 100 days will be so successful, I will complete them in 72 days. And on the 73rd day, I will rest." The mistress of ceremonies for the evening was comedian Wanda Sykes . . . she commented: * "It's funny to me that [photographers] have never caught you smoking," Sykes told the president, "but they always catch you with your shirt off. I know you're into this transparency thing, but I don't need to see your nipples." * She also poked fun at Obama giving the Queen of England an iPhone during a recent visit. "What are you going to give the pope, a Bluetooth," asked Sykes. And she questioned first lady Michelle Obama having patted the queen on the back "like she just slid into home plate--way to go, queen!" Her jab at Limbaugh for suggesting that he wants Obama to fail sparked some controversy. * She said Limbaugh's view was essentially the same as al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden's. She suggested Obama might want to look into the matter "because I think Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker." Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs, when asked for President Obama's reaction to the joke, said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is a topic "better for serious reflection than comedy." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.--William Penn (1644-1718), founder of the English North American colony that eventually became Pennsylvania Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day What I have learned by Janet StraightArrow* I have learned to slow down and appreciate each moment, each person, each opportunity. I have learned to stop fighting what is, and surrender to the pain and the pleasure. I have learned that balance, aligning and being creates amazing, easy doing. I know that love never dies and life goes on. I learned that living truth, once discovered, is easier than suffering the lies. I am so far from alone in the deepest cave and highest mountain of seclusion. The ones who travel with me support my truth and challenge my illusions. I have learned that gratitude, compassion and love are more real when you have lost all you thought was real, and survived, and then thrived again. I have learned that the reason for all pain, disease and suffering in the world is from not living your truth. I have learned that the highest spiritual teachings are the only wisdoms and truths that explain the world and all of us. I have learned that the riches you take with you, are the ones of heartfelt loving and living in each moment. I have learned that we have to stop often and say, "Where am I in this?" I have learned that people of service, healers, teachers and leaders have to learn to receive love, support and gifts of sharing in order to really give something of value to others. I have learned that the people who challenge me most have offered me precious gifts of awakening truth and healing illusions. I have learned it is not selfish to know, value and honor myself; it is essential to being a valuable asset to society. Loving and seeing others clearly comes from loving and seeing yourself clearly. We are never totally cleared or healed. Life is a journey. Better if I allow the lessons to be learned the first time they show up. Question everything. Know truth. No doubt. No fear. No blame. Be love. * Reprinted with permission of Janet StraightArrow , a Spiritual Mentor-Coach-Healer who teaches people to Be The Medicine for themselves in all areas of their lives. Forty-two years of experience offers you ways to deepen your walk with yourself and enjoy life from the inside out. You can reach Janet via phone, 973.647.2500 or email, Janetoasis@aol.com.
Also, feel free to visit her website by clicking: http://www.oasisforthesoul.com Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. John Sheridan, my talented Bucks County Community College colleague, plays jazz every Wednesday at the Temperance House in Newtown from 7:30-10:30 p.m. . . . in addition, he is part of a 17-piece jazz band that will be playing Upstairs at Poco's Comedy Cabaret in Doylestown on Thursday, May 28 at 8 p.m. . . . $10 cover . . . for more information about this latter gig, call 215.348.3424. B. Delve into fascinating books in by dropping in on the Bucks County Community College Book Discussion Group. The free, informal gatherings take place the second Thursday of each month during the academic year on the college's Newtown campus. Michael Hennessey, the BCCC literature professor who convenes the meetings, says group members come from a variety of backgrounds, but share a love of reading. "We love to read and consider it a social activity; by that I mean reading is a conversation, first between reader and text," says Hennessey. "We like to share our thoughts with others to verify how well (or not) we understand the text and its relation to ourselves and the larger world. [The group is] pretty much readers engaging the world through particular lenses or texts that intrigue us." The intriguing stories are chosen by the group, Hennessey says. "At the last meeting each semester, participants suggest and 'sell' titles they'd like to discuss next semester. We vote on the suggestions. It's very democratic this way." Titles include LITTLE HEATHENS by Mildred Armstrong Kalish, which will be discussed on Thursday, May 14, and LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan, which will be discussed on Thursday, June 11. Founded in 1988, the BCCC Book Discussion Group meets from 7:30 9:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month in the Rollins Center. For more information, contact Michael Hennessey via email, hennesse@bucks.edu or call 215.968.8164. C. FREE Web Resources To TurboCharge Your Business, featuring Lorraine Allen Visit some super WOW websites and website ideas that will shortcut your time and costs to help you generate your revenues. DATE: Monday, May 18; TIME: 12-1 p.m. LOCATION: Online Webinar Learn from Your Home or Office or on the Road from Your Cell Phone FEE: $9.95 To register: http://tinyurl.com/pf7jxe D. If you're depressed: Attend our free intro to Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression. Learn about this innovative, effective program and meet the program leaders. Bring your questions and begin to travel the path to brighter days. NEXT Wednesday, May 20, 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health in Skillman, NJ. LIMITED ENROLLMENT - register now by clicking: http://tinyurl.com/p4nkpf
Back to Top _________________________________________________________ PS. Please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and, also, that peace comes to Israel and her neighbors. . . make it a great week, too! ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION To subscribe to this publication, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE in subject line . . . if you wish to unsubscribe, just send an email to same address and put UNSUBSCRIBE in subject line. |
