BLAINESWORLD
#712
5.24.2010
In this issue:
1. Reflections
2. FYI
3. It's spring
4. Reviews . . . JUST WRIGHT, etc.
5. TV alert
6. Problem solved
7. Websites
8. Computer tip
9. My kind of music (though sadly, there's nothing from The Turtles)
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 group called The Swell Season
in concert at The Orange Peel . . . if that name doesn't ring a bell, think
about the movie ONCE (one our favorites) . . . the stars, Glen Hansard
and Marketa Inglova, are in this group that had previously been called
The Frames.
We enjoyed the concert, though we had some difficulty hearing the words to the
actual songs (the acoustics left something to be desired) . . . in particular, though,
we loved the rendition of "Falling Slowly" . . . that's Hansard and Irglova's Oscar-winning
song from 2008 . . . to listen to it and see clips from the movie, please click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoSL_qayMCc
A few days later, we also got to see FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE--presented by the Asheville
Center of Performing Arts . . . we primarily went to see Jenna Biro perform; she's
the daughter of our friends Brian and Carole . . . she was outstanding, and we're
confident that she'll continue to be successful at the University of Georgia where
she has been accepted as a dance major.
B. Personally, I had a most eventful week . . . the highlight was my graduation
from Leadership Asheville . . . that's yours truly on the far right, along with the rest
of the dynamic group that worked with me on this year's project: (l-r) Jeremy Jordan,
Susan Garrett, Dena Gettleman and Hayley Roper.
Our last session at the Grove Park Inn was perhaps the best one of the year . . . in addition
to the presentations each team made, we heard from Craig Madison, Grove Park's president
and CEO; Terry Bellamy, Ashevile's mayor; and Ray Bailey, a Buncombe County
commissioner . . . I was also part of an impactful small group session, at which time
classmate Ally Donlan and I met with Ron Storto (VP for Hospitality Development with Hilton
Farms Hotels) to discuss our individual leadership plans for the future.
Also, I attended still another informative session of the Asheville Citizens Police Academy . . . this
one featured Lee Smith on "Property Control" and Brenda Sears, who brought along
an iguana to help her talk about the excellent work done by the Animal Services Unit.
Lastly, I was grateful to be invited by Mission Hospital to attend its Leadership
Retreat with author Leonard Berry (see also Sections 4C and 11) . . . he made me
truly appreciate what a wonderful place the Mayo Clinic is, and I appreciated his
sharing such insights as these:
* The patients become your Marketing Department, one patient at a time.
* A patient said, "Never in my life have I been in the same room with three doctors."
* If you want your name in the headlines, you won't be happy working at Mayo.
* If you use the word "I" more than once or twice in an interview, you probably won't
get the job. Use the term "we."
* Couches only have one arm. They are much more user-friendly that way since
people can lie down if they want. Or sit together with all the members of their family.
* You'll never see Mayo Clinic on a hot air balloon because such advertising
would never be done. It would trivialize the brand name.
C. Last week, I wrote about a positive experience I had at my favorite
downtown restaurant in Asheville: Sushi Thai . . . the eatery again
surprised me the other day when I took at look at my check . . . see how
my order now gets written up; i.e., it is called the "mr. blaine special" . . . it includes
steamed chicken, steamed carrots and snow pea pods, a deliciously
sweet coconut sauce on the side, and brown rice . . . my only regret
in writing about it is that I can't have it--right now!
D. CONGRATULATIONS to Karen Dawkins, Monica Flint., Greg
McClendon, Marilyn Puchalski and Joe Walsh on their retirements
from Bucks County Community College . . . all totaled, they have given
130+ years of service to the institution--and will be missed. It
was my pleasure to have worked individually with each of these
fine folks; that experience was always a joyous one.
Also, to Amy L. Rosenberger, a partner with Willig, Williams &
Davidson in Philadelphia . . . she was appointed to the AFL-CIO Lawyers
Coordinating Committee Board of Directors.
And to Monica and Will Hester, proud parents of Jeffrey . . . he just received
the Barnabas Award from Veritas Christian Academy for being an encourager,
helper and leader . . . in addition, he was recognized for being on the Honor
Roll for the entire year.
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Mission Hospital . . . I received a nomination for this fine
facility from my friend Marilynne in North Carolina . . . she wrote me as follows:
I was recently an in-patient at Mission Hospital here in Asheville where I found the care
on every level outstanding. Everyone I came in contact with from the person who greeted
me at the registration desk, to the pre-op staff, surgeon, nurses on the floor, and the nurse
navigator, were warm, caring and highly professional individuals. They are a remarkable team.
It was very clear on every level that the care is excellent and the needs of the patient came
first at Mission Hospital. Having a beautiful private room with unobstructed mountain views
was an added plus!
See below for a picture taken with my cellphone.
When I was thinking about moving to Asheville, among other criteria, I of course
considered the quality of medical care available. I can assure you from firsthand
experience that this is not an issue here. We are indeed fortunate to have such
an excellent medical center so close by staffed by outstanding local medical
professionals.
For more information about Mission Hospital, please click:
http://www.missionhospitals.org/
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2. FYI
I don't like paying taxes, and I certainly don't like having them
increased . . . yet I also want a fully-staffed police force . . . apparently,
what happened recently in Suffolk County, NY, might well be
the harbinger for what the rest of the country will soon be facing . . . it seems
that three police officers died because a 25-foot police boat had no crew . . . read
the scary details by clicking:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/nyregion/25levy.html?emc=eta1
***** MR. CURIOUS HERE *****
How do you cut government spending while at the same time maintaining
healthy police staffs, vibrant schools without cutbacks in teachers or
programs, beautiful parks, an adequate national defense, Social
Security, etc.?
It's easy to criticize "Washington" as being the culprit; however, I contend
that there are no simple solutions. In addition, I'm reminded of something
my father once told me when I had a big tax bill one year . . . he said
I should be grateful that I had a job when many others did not . . . so as
a result, he was never too perturbed when April 15 came around.
FYI, part 2
* Allen in Pennsylvania:
[in a recent Facebook posting] thinks he'd be a lousy self-help guru. Here's the sum total
advice: "You want to be happy? Do something, however small, to make someone you care
for happy. If that doesn't make you happy, no number of books will succeed. See a shrink;
you're in a really bad way."
* Linda in North Carolina:
I found out today that AAA members only pay $40 for tickets to the Biltmore Estate.
That is less than what a 12-month ticket holder can get them for ($50).
There is a FREE tour behind the scenes for 12 month ticket holders only
(they are usually about $14 to $19 each). It's called Family and Friends
and is good through August. Tours are at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday ; you must reserve a spot and get a ticket. You can make
the reservation and pick up your tickets at the Visitors Center on Montford
and avoid the lines at Biltmore.
Also, use your Biltmore pass to get 15% off at Mast.
And after 5 p.m., you can take friends to the Estate grounds including
Antler Village for free. The driver must be a 12-month ticket holder. You can
fill every legal seat (with a seat belt). So you could take 2 cars and split
husband and wife as drivers. Take a picnic and walk the Lake (check out the goslings).
Get an ice cream cone at Antler Village. The waffle cone was
especially good.
* Michael in California:
Check out my blog [for movie reviews]:
http://blog.themoviereport.com/
MY TWO CENTS:
If you're "into" movies, like I am, you'll want to check out what Michael
has to say about them . . . I find that I often agree with his opinions;
I always find them insightful.
* Dianne in North Carolina:
I add cranraisins to my coleslaw recipe.
* Scott in Pennsylvania:
Free thong:
http://www.americanapparel.net/storefront/free-thong/
* Maryellen in New Jersey:
Not so sure how this plan [described in an email from last week's issue] helps
the Postal Service. Dana says email is cutting into the USPS profits and this plan is what
they need to increase postage costs. Then she closes with "I get very little junk mail anymore."
So exactly where does the Postal Service see any increase in revenue?
* Ken in New York, commenting on a time management idea from last week [about
disappearing for the first 20 minutes of the day]
I'd fire the bas*ard. Let him fool around on his own time--not when he got to work and
on my dime!
* Several readers commented on the picture of me at the shooting range; among the
emails I received were these:
Harry in California:
Glad you liked shooting. I go every Thursday night for target practice. Great
stress reliever.
Donna in Pennsylvania:
It is time to start working on that first original screenplay. Comedy? Or Dramedy?
Pat in Pennsylvania:
I saw the picture of you shooting the gun! Very dynamic!! Looks like you
should be on a police TV show! Ha!!! No joke I have never even fired a real
gun, plus I've never owned one. I am afraid of accidents and especially with kids
being around, the idea of having one in the house scared me.
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3. It's spring
A sign outside an Asheville nursery:
“It’s spring! We're so excited, we wet our plants!”
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4. Reviews
A. Though JUST WRIGHT is a formulaic romantic comedy, you'll like it
because it gives you a just right feeling . . . . you'll also find yourself
caring about the two leading performers, Queen Latifah and Common . . she's
an physical trainer who manages to help him recover from an injury that may
end his NBA All-Star career . . . the basketball action seemed realistic and
added to my enjoyment of this film . . . rated PG.
B. DEAR JOHN is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #699
follows:
I usually like books by Nicholas Sparks, but I wasn't a big fan of DEAR
JOHN . . . so I was surprised to find that I preferred the movie version (a
rarity!) . . . Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried are both watchable as
the soldier and his girlfriend, separated by Tatum's service overseas . . . you
can probably guess how the story will end; however, it still will make you
feel good for the couple . . . rated PG-13.
C. I've always heard about the Mayo Clinic, but knew little about it until
recently . . . that is no longer the case, however, in that I just finished an
excellent book by Leonard L. Berry and Kent D. Seltman: MANAGEMENT LESSONS
FROM MAYO (see also Sections 1C and 11) . . . I now feel that I been
INSIDE ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST ADMIRED SERVICE ORGANIATIONS,
which isn't all that surprising given that's also the subtitle of the book.
Berry and Seltman conducted personal interviews with leaders, clinicians, staff
and patients, as well as observing hundreds of clinician-patient interactions . . . I felt
like many of them taught me, such as this one about how decisions are made:
* Dr. Waller remembers a conversation in the late 1980s with a cardiologist who faced a
patient decision that had financial implications for Mayo Clinic. The patient needed a
pacemaker implanted. Option A was a Medicare-approved pacemaker model that required
a relatively involved surgery and several days of postoperative hospitalization with risks
of complications. Option B was a new pacemaker model that could be implanted in a simple
surgery with no more than one day of hospitalization. However, the Option B pacemaker was
not yet Medicare-approved, and Mayo would receive no reimbursement. Dr. Waller recalled,
“This was a no-brainer—use the pacemaker that is best for the patient.”
I was also impressed by the fact that the Mayo Clinic operates, as well as flourishes,
with only salaried physicians:
* Some patients find comfort in knowing that Mayo Clinic doctors have no financial interest
in any test or treatment that they recommend. Many patients have experience having
a Mayo doctor refer them to a colleague in the same medical specialty because of the
unique expertise of the clinician. For instance, the brother of a Clinic employee arrived
from Kansas with the diagnosis of a large adrenal tumor. The urologist who first consulted
with the patient looked at the CT scan and said, “This is going to be a difficult surgery, and
I have a colleague who has more experience with this type of tumor than I do.” The needs
of the patient were addressed, and neither surgeon’s salary was affected. Dr. Robert Waller,
retired CEO of Mayo Clinic, calls the salaried physician “a key principle of the Mayo culture”
that keeps the focus of the practice on the needs of the patient.
There was one passage, in particular, that got me regretting that MANAGEMENT
LESSONS hadn't been written sooner:
* Similar stories of efficient service are told again and again by Mayo patients and family
members. The owner of a small business in a large Midwestern city explained to a Mayo
administrator why she came several hundred miles with her elderly parents to Mayo for guidance
with their complex medical care. “I can block out a week in my calendar, and we can get
everything needed done for both my mother and my father in that week,” she said. “If we tried
to get this care at home, we would have to go to many different doctors’ offices. Each one would
require that I take at least a half-day off work. It would require more time off work if I stayed
at home. But even more frustrating is the fact that this would be spread over two to three
months.” Mayo Clinic’s efficient care systems enabled this business owner to be more
productive in her own business.
Had I read the above paragraph when my parents were alive, there's no doubt that I would
have considered this to be an option for them . . . instead, I had to run around--along with
my brother--to countless doctors and hospitals, many of them having no idea of what anybody
else was saying.
Things could and should have been different . . . reading this book by Berry and Setlman
will show you just how this can be made possible . . . its ideas are applicable
to just about any other profession--as suggested by the insightful "Lessons for Managers"
at the end of each chapter.
D. Heard HOW I PLAY GOLF by Tiger Woods, written several years before
his current off-the-course difficulties . . . it was read by Walter Franks
and though he did a fine job, I would have much preferred to have heard Woods
provide the narration . . . all you do is hear him briefly at both the beginning
and the end.
Even though I haven't played the sport since I was much younger, I still consider
myself as a fan of the sport . . . consequently, I got a kick out of learning how
he learned the game . . . it seems he learned it backward--from the green to
the tee--and that's the way he recommends teaching it to others.
It was exciting to listen to his accounts of key shots at various tournaments,
and I gained such tidbits from listening as the following:
* [on putting] My back and forward stroke are the same.
* Other golfers may outplay me; they'll never outwork me.
* The road to success if paved with sweat and calluses.
* Do accept the fact that there is such a thing as a good bogey.
Only a statement he made toward the end threw me . . . he said:
* I take my role as a role model very seriously.
The CD version of the book included a bonus file that included photographs
from GOLF DIGEST, illustrating many of the points that Woods made in the book.
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5. TV alert
A. A single woman joins a popular dating service, attempting to find out
why she's still single in 100 QUESTIONS . . . season premiere on Thursday
at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
B. MALL COPS: MAL LOF AMERICA follows mall officers in Minnesota's
sprawling Mall of America as they navigate the madness of Black Friday . . . season
premiere on Thursday at 10 p.m. on TLC.
C. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES airs on Saturday at 8 p.m. on
TCM . . . this William Wyler classic is about World War II veterans trying
to pick up their lives . . . Frederic March and Harold Russell won Oscars.
D. THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP chronicles the high-stakes bond between
Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid) and British prime minister (Michael Sheen) from
the days prior to the Lewinsky scandal though to the humanitarian crisis
in Kosovo . . .Saturday at 9 p.m. on HBO.
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6. Problem solved
Eleven people were hanging on a rope under a helicopter. There were
10 men and 1 woman.
The rope was not strong enough to carry them all so they decided
that one had to leave because otherwise they were all going to fall.
They weren't able to choose that person until the woman gave
a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go
of the rope because, as a woman, she was used to giving up everything
for her husband and kids or for men in general. And she was used
to always making sacrifices with little in return.
As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping . . .
If you understand what happened above, send this email to any other intelligent
women you know. If you don't understand it, then you're likely a guy.
_________________________________________________________
7. Websites
A. Jeff in New Jersey shared this clever way for getting your
camera back if it is ever lost:
http://tinyurl.com/28wht3d
B. THANKS to Janeen in Pennsylvania for sharing this amazing video
from 1944 . . . it features a sister act called the Ross Sisters that I
had never heard about.
The song they sing is about 45 seconds long and is nothing special,
but what they do next is.
I don't think I have ever seen any human being do some of the stunts
they did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNR74UCidBI
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net
Ever wonder how many folks have checked out my website? Look to the
bottom left of the homepage . . . with you, the number is now . . . well,
I'll let you see for yourself by looking!
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
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8. Computer tip
THANKS to Gary in North Carolina for giving me permission to run
the following letter that he also sent to the ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES:
Responding to the recent letter, “Keep pushing for Asheville Google Hub,”
(AC-T, May 23) I too was scammed into voting the first time. Don't be fooled
again. Using Google (the company you're trying to woo) in a simple
WHOIS.com search reveals the “unofficial” voting site is registered by “Pat
Sha” of New Delhi, India. [It can be clearly seen that] this is a site to collect
names, emails and so forth.
Google is a remarkable invention. There are many ways to get reliable
information as well as getting duped. Wouldn't the best incentive for Google
to locate here be for us to show that we know how to use Google effectively?
ADD ME TO LIST:
I was one of those duped by this voting push . . . only when
I kept seeing that there were multiple rounds did I begin to doubt the whole
thing . . . then my friend Alyson in Colorado expressed the belief that
it was just a big PR push . . . I no longer think that's the case, given what
Gary just shared.
And on the subject of sharing, should you want to get in touch with
Gary James for business writing, article marketing or brand strategy help,
he can be reached via his website:
http://jamesgangcreative.com/
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9. My kind of music (though sadly, there's nothing from The Turtles)
Some of the artists of the 60s are revising their hits, with new lyrics
to accommodate aging baby boomer's who can remember doing
the "Limbo" as if it were yesterday. They include:
Bobby Darin: Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' A Flash
Herman's Hermits: Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Walker
Ringo Starr: I Get By With A Little Help From Depends
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Hip?
Roberta Flack: The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face
Johnny Nash: I Can't See Clearly Now
Paul Simon: Fifty Ways To Lose Your Liver
The Commodores: Once, Twice, Three Times To The Bathroom
Procol Harem: A Whiter Shade Of Hair
Leo Sayer: You Make Me Feel Like Napping
The Temptations: Papa's Got A Kidney Stone
Abba: Denture Queen
Tony Orlando: Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall
Helen Reddy: I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore
Leslie Gore: It's My Procedure, And I'll Cry If I Want To
And last but NOT least . . .
Willie Nelson: On the Commode Again
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10. A quote I like
Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today because if you enjoy
it today, you can do it again tomorrow.--James A. Michener (1907-1997),
American author of more than 40 books
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11. Thought for the day
It's amazing how the words we choose can be oh-so-powerful . . . for example,
take this one patient's account of her experience at the Mayo Clinic:
During radiation treatments, I was bolted into a mask so I couldn't move my head.
I remember after one of my last treatments I was feeling pretty rough. I recall saying
to Jamie, the young woman who administered the majority of the treatments, “Jamie,
I sure hope these treatments are going to do some good.” She emphatically replied, “
I don't hope these treatments are going to do some good, I know they're going to do
some good.” She said exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. Physically, I felt
awful, but my morale, attitude, and feelings of hope were soaring.
SOURCE:
MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM MAYO CLINIC (see also Sections 1B and 4C)
by Leonard L. Berry and Kent D. Seltman
_________________________________________________________
12. Advance planning department
A. North Carolina event:
Bob Butcher rocks the house with Unit 50 this Friday night at Tallgary's
College Street Pub. Y'all come! For more information, please click:
http://www.tallgarys.com/Home_Page.html
B. Pennsylvania/New Jersey events:
* Anh in New Jersey, a friend and reader, sings with the Masterwork
Chorus at the Community Theater at the Mayo Center for the Performing
Arts, Morristown on June 8 . . . for more information, please click:
http://www.masterwork.org/
* The History of Popular Music in One Easy Lesson According to Tom Orr
Date: Monday, October 25, 2010
Time: 7-10:30 p.m.
Location: Off-Broadstreet Theatre, Hopewell, NJ
The Pre-Show begins at 7:00 p.m. with music by Christopher Tolomeo
and his band, "Call Me Crazy."
Elegant buffet with hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches, salads, gourmet cheese,
coffee and beverages served by the OBT waiters (BYOB), seated at tables
in the lovely cabaret-style atmosphere of the Off-Broadstreet Theatre.
The show begins at 8:00 p.m., hosted by Tom Orr with special song arrangements
by Christopher Tolomeo, guest performers and live band. Performers will include
Sharon Alexander, Vicky Czarnik, Jennifer Dzama, Joe Flanagan, Susan Fowler,
Mitch Galietta, Meagan Hill, Pam Jorgensen, Charles Leeder, Steve Lobis, Jimmy
Perry, Jim Petro, Dani Tucci-Juraga and MORE SURPRISES!
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION:
http://actorr.com/popmusic
C. National events:
* FREE Organizational Focus Group every Tuesday from 6-6:30 p.m.
You should be on the call if:
You want better organization of your time, desk, appointments and tasks.
You have disorganized areas in your home that frustrate you to look at.
You struggle finding things when you need them.
Your car is a mess.
You fight with your kids to keep a clean room and clean up after themselves.
Your clutter is becoming part of your interior design.
You feel like you can't get the things you need done in your day and you
don't know where the time has gone.
For more information, please click:
http://tinyurl.com/yfvpn4g
* In honor of National Donut Day, on June 4th Dunkin' Donuts will be offering
customers a free doughnut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage.
_________________________________________________________
PS. Take a moment on Memorial Day this coming Monday to think
about members of your family who have served so proudly in the
military . . . I'll do so as I think of my father . . . and thanks to Ginger
in Florida for making that excellent suggestion to me via her Facebook page.
Also, methinks that we all need to pray for the folks who died in the BP
oil spill, 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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