B. I was also glad to be able to visit my friend Bill Lewis . . . he
is making remarkable progress from his accident last August and
to update you on just how far he has come, I thought you'd like
to read this email I received from his wife Diane:
 
Many of you have been emailing me asking how Bill is doing. Don't worry,
there is no truth to the rumor that I am treating him like Kathy Bates
from the movie MISERY.
 
Well let's see, where do I begin?  It has been almost 10 months since
Bill's accident back on August 10th, 2008. Bill has tackled many obstacles
since being home last November. Sometimes it feels like a never-ending 
long and winding road. However, we have learned to handle most
of the bumps along the way.
 
Besides our primary doctor and the medical doctor he sees at Magee
for a follow-up once  month, he has a series of specialists that include
a cardiologist, urologist, podiatrist, spinal cord specialist, orthopedic
specialist, infectious disease specialist, wound care specialist, and an 
ears, nose and throat specialist. I think Bill has every specialist covered
with the exception of a psychologist, and we are saving that one for me!
 
Even though it has been "baby steps" for Bill, everything is moving
in the right direction. Bill has started driving lessons at Moss and 
is eager to start driving again.  When he is done all his courses, we will
be getting our van modified for him to meet his needs so he can drive
by himself and will not need his chaperone (ME) anymore. I will let
everyone know when he is driving so we can all stay off the sidewalk!
 
Bill went back to work in January but has been working at home
on the laptop: billl@steen.com, and he goes in  the office once a
week for his sales meeting. He goes to see his clients, takes photos
and does his light rides as much as he can. He also goes
to all the Chamber business events.  As you all know, he is a very social
person and this is all very good medicine for him. So you can see, he
has come a long way.  They say it takes  two years for  paraplegics
to adjust to their "new life" . . . however, I think Bill is ahead of the game
as he has a lot of determination!
 
One thing I am sure that we can all agree on is that Bill has made
tremendous progress given his condition 10 months ago.  I don't think
he realizes how far he has come as he does not remember a good month
while being first admitted to Jefferson.
 
I want to thank everyone for your continued prayers, support. and
concern for our family. 
 
Please feel free to call Bill anytime to say hi: 215.953.5288.

C. THE APOLOGY:

Due to a mistake on my part, apparently two completely
different issues numbered #658 were sent out . . . the correct
one was dated 5.11.2009 . . . the incorrect one (called
a SPECIAL EDITION) was also dated 5.11.2009 . . . that
should have been dated 5.18.2009 and numbered #659 . . . I
only mention this to you so you don't go looking for any
missing issues . . . we are back on track with #660 that
you are reading now.

And to hopefully make amends, please feel free to take
advantage of the SPECIAL OFFER that follows in the
next section.

D. SPECIAL OFFER:

I'm a fan of the Ruby Tuesday chain . . . for some reason, the food there
seems different than similar chain-type operations . . . there's always
a great salad bar, and I really enjoy the tilapia.

See below for a coupon that enables you to one FREE entree through
June 2:

http://tinyurl.com/o3dzhp

With all such offers that you see on the Internet, I recommend that
you first check to make sure that your local Ruby Tuesday will honor
this particular coupon.

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****

This week, it goes to Ed Kohlhepp --owner and president of Kohlhepp
Investment Advisors in Doylestown, PA:

 

http://www.kohlheppadvisors.com/

Ed is a longtime friend who just happens to be my investing
guru . . . he is not only highly qualified to give advice (see above
for more information about his background), but he does it
with a smile and with great patience for my many questions . . . also,
perhaps most importantly, what he has recommended has
often worked out well for me.

As one example: He got me into annuities several years
ago . . . consequently, even with the problems in the market,
I am still going to be able to receive a guaranteed income
in the future--thus enabling me to move into the rewirement
phase of my life.

In addition, I like how Ed returns both calls and emails promptly.

Cynthia and I got to see him on our aforementioned visit
"up North" . . . our only disappointment was that his son (Ed, Jr.)
wasn't able to join us for the meeting . . . the latter Kohlhepp
is a vice president with the firm, and he too has been
a big help to us.

And I'd be remiss in failing to mention the work of Joann Huffnagle
and Mary Beth Kohlhepp, other staffers at the firm . . . they also
contribute to making this a firm that I recommend strongly.

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2. FYI

Paying a price for loving red meat
by Jane E. Brody

There was a time when red meat was a luxury for ordinary Americans,
or was at least something special: cooking a roast for Sunday dinner,
ordering a steak at a restaurant. Not anymore. Meat consumption has
more than doubled in the United States in the last 50 years.

Now a new study of more than 500,000 Americans has provided the best
evidence yet that our affinity for red meat has exacted a hefty price on
our health and limited our longevity.

The study found that, other things being equal, the men and women who
consumed the most red and processed meat were likely to die sooner,
especially from one of our two leading killers, heart disease and cancer
than people who consumed much smaller amounts of these foods. . . .

The increase in mortality risk tied to the higher levels of meat consumption
was described as “modest,” ranging from about 20 percent to nearly
40 percent. But the number of excess deaths that could be attributed
to high meat consumption is quite large given the size of the American
population.

Extrapolated to all Americans in the age group studied, the new findings
suggest that over the course of a decade, the deaths of one million men
and perhaps half a million women could be prevented just by eating less red
and processed meats, according to estimates prepared by Dr. Barry Popkin,
who wrote an editorial accompanying the report.

To prevent premature deaths related to red and processed meats,
Dr. Popkin suggested in an interview that people should eat a hamburger
only once or twice a week instead of every day, a small steak once a
week instead of every other day, and a hot dog every month and a half
instead of once a week.

In place of red meat, nonvegetarians might consider poultry and fish. In the
study, the largest consumers of “white” meat from poultry and fish had
a slight survival advantage. Likewise, those who ate the most fruits
and vegetables also tended to live longer.

Anyone who worries about global well-being has yet another reason
to consume less red meat. Dr. Popkin, an epidemiologist at the
University of North Carolina, said that a reduced dependence on livestock
for food could help to save the planet from the ravaging effects of
environmental pollution, global warning and the depletion of potable
water. . . .

Choosing protein from sources other than meat has also been linked
to lower rates of cancer. When meat is cooked, especially grilled or
broiled at high temperatures, carcinogens can form on the surface
of the meat. And processed meats like sausages, salami and bologna
usually contain nitrosamines, although there are products now available
that are free of these carcinogens.

SOURCE:

4.28.2009 "Personal Health" column in THE NEW YORK TIMES . . . for
the whole article, please click:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/health/28brod.html?em

FYI, part 2

* Sandy in Pennsylvania:

I have known Blaine as a colleague at BCCC since 1976. At the
post-graduation faculty union gathering on Thursday, I finally had
the honor and extreme pleasure of actually meeting Blaine’s beautiful
bride Cynthia.

Well, if you ever wonder why he continues to call her that after several
years of marriage, it is because she is STUNNING!  The photos you see
on the newsletter are very good of Blaine because he is highly
photogenic. On the other hand, photos do not capture the beauty
and radiance of MBB Cynthia. We were all riveted by her.

What a great couple--they bring tears to my eyes. These two people
deserve all the happiness and joy in the world, as that is what they bring
to you when you have the privilege of being in their company.

Much love and admiration.

MY TWO CENTS:

Awwwww!

* Bob in Florida:

You know Blaine, in the 1950's and early 60's, Life Mag and Look Mag
would do special issues centered mostly around photos. (Science, Truman,
Elections, natural disasters, a new Pope, Rocket launches, JFK, Beatles,
Viet Nam) These issues always outsold every other issue because people
(without color TV and Internet) cherished the finely printed, full-color pages.

That is how I look at this issue of BLAINESWORLD.  It was like the "Victory
Tour" of visits to the college, old friends, old friendly restaurants, new friends,
the parrot, the cartoon. It was just a nice fresh Spring issue that I could breeze
through and enjoy more of the fragrance of your life and how it is changing.
 
So, thanks for the snaps . . . they are always fun. You might save a pic
or two for further down in the next edition. For your readers not to know
where the photos will be . . . well, it will make them stay to the end. 
(I always stay for the last credit in a film because I don't know what kind
of reward the Director has saved for the intrepid souls who stick it out.)
 
Thanks for a great issue.

* Tricia in Texas:

Thanks for the prayer for our men and woman in Iraq. My son will soon
be there. He is a Specialist with Psych Ops. I had hoped we would pull
out before he goes, but it isn't looking good for that. I also pray peace
for Israel and continued freedom for her people. Also, add to your list
our President and wisdom as the choices made now effect us now
and our future families. Thanks so much for BLAINESWORLD. I always
enjoy it.

* Barbara in Pennsylvania:

Terrific newsletter, as always! The pics were great!! 

By the way, we have a "gold capped Conure."  Very friendly and very
talkative. Our Conure's name is "Macho."  Funny story of how we
acquired him . . . Michael, our son in Las Vegas, always had Conures
and when we were there about 7 years ago, I became friendly with Macho. 
For whatever reason, they couldn't have him anymore and he asked us if we
would like to adopt him . . . I said "yes," and we now have had him for 7 yrs. 
He says "night night" at 8 p.m. every night, and we put the cover on his cage
and he goes to sleep. He says "kiss" and makes a kissing sound. 
And I could go on and on. He is very affectionate.

* Roger in Pennsylvania:
 
This issue is wonderful because of the numerous images, photographs
and the cartoon is a hoot. It is amazing the added interest pictures make
in a publication. Because I'm a graphic artist, I pick up on things like this. 
Your publications would be enhanced by including more pictures. Please
consider this as a NEW and IMPROVED UPGRADE of BLAINESWORLD.
 
Your newsletter is filled with humor and wit already, but a few cartoons
and visual humor. I liked the girl on the phone in this one; it would be
a great feature in the future.
 
Keep up the GREAT work. And enjoy your new life in North Carolina.   

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3. Shepherding basics

Two shepherds were leaning on their crooks at the end of a long hard day
of shepherding. The first shepherd asked the second, "So, how's it going?"

The second one sighed and shook his head, "Not good. I can't pay my bills,
my health isn't good, my kids don't respect me, and my wife is leaving me."

The first one replied, "That's too bad, but don't lose any sheep over it."

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4. Reviews

A. Getting old is movingly portrayed in IS ANYBODY THERE? . . . it's
a film about an aging magician who strikes up an unlikely friendship
with the boy whose parents own the old-age home where he
resides . .. Michael Caine is excellent in the title role, and
I also liked the work of Bill Milner as the youngster . . . the
ending is particularly touching . . . I did find that the English accents
were a bit difficult to follow in the beginning, but eventually
got used to them . .. rated PG-13.

B. Out on CD is THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON,
a tale about a guy who ages backward . .. the premise--based on an
F. Scott Fitzgerald story--was an interesting one . . . yet
surprisingly, the execution left me cold . . . I just couldn't get
into the story as some others apparently did . . . that said,
Brad Pitt was fine in the leading role . .. and I always like
Cate Blanchett in anything she's in; she doesn't disappoint here,
either . . . rated PG-13.

C. Enjoyed THE GOLD STANDARD: BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS
TEAM by Mike Krzyzewski with Jamie K. Spatola, which
was an account of how the 2008 Olympic basketball team
brought glory back to this country.

Krzyzewski, Duke's successful coach, had never handled
professionals before . . . it was interesting to learn how
he made the transition and, in doing so, managed
to get superstar athletes like Kobe Bryant and LeBron
James to submerge their egos for the overall good of the team.

I especially liked his description of the role played by Jason
Kidd (long one of my favorite players) . . . for example:

* Before I could even complete my request, Jason said, "Yeah Coach,
we should all have our hands over our hearts. I'll take care of it." It was
simple. It was easy. I just turned it over to Jason Kidd. I don't know what
he said or did, and it really doesn't matter, but before our next game I
witnessed a beautiful thing: all twelve guys listening to "The Star-Spangled
Banner" with their hands over their hearts.

Krzyzewski also got me thinking about how his techniques could
be applied to non-sports situations such as when there's a
need to establish a foundation for trusting relationships:

* Take the time to conduct personal interviews, face-to-face when possible.
Lay everything on the line. Be forthright about what is expected, and don't
be afraid to let your people know a little about who are and why you believe
in the team cause. These initial meetings are the first indication of how
your team members will communicate with one another.

I only wish that these had been indicated more clearly . . . to find
such nuggets, you often had to dig for them . . . yet when found,
they often got me thinking about how much they made sense
for any team and/or organization . . . to cite another one:

* In concluding the meeting, I invoked an analogy I commonly use: the
fist. Five guys playing as one, like a fist instead of five outstretched fingers,
are stronger than any of us could ever be individually.

My other complaint about the THE GOLD STANDARD was that
the it was not chronological . . . there was much skipping around
with dates and this did nothing to add to my reading enjoyment.

Yet, overall, I'd recommend the book . . . and if you're a basketball
fan, then methinks you'll really like it.

D. Bill Maher is one of my favorite comedians . . . I try to catch
his HBO television show, REAL TIME, whenever possible.

One popular segment of the show became the basis of his
latest book: NEW RULES; POLITE MUSINGS FROM A
TIMID OBSERVER--also read by the author on the CD version
that I heard.

It had me laughing out loud, but at the same time, I was
thinking about how much of what Maher had to say made
sense . . . such as what he had to say about the war:

* The people who were most in favor of the war in Iraq must
go there and fight it.

Though much of NEW RULES dealt with politics, it also
took on many industries:

* I don't need my cellphone to take pictures or access the Internet.
I just need it to make a phone call. From everywhere! Not just the
places it likes!"

And publishing:

* Enough with the "for dummies" series. The last straw was this
week when I say NASCAR for dummies. Let me save you the $12.99. It's
rednecks drinking beer and watching other rednecks turn left.

This book is probably not for everybody . . . and its subtitle is somewhat
misleading; i.e., Maher is anything but a timid observer . . . yet I
carp . . . read NEW RULES if you want some thought-provoking laughs.

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_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. I was surprised that Kris Allen beat out Adam Lambert
on AMERICAN IDOL . . . but I was entertained by the competition
and plan to again watch them both as they perform on Thursday
on TODAY . . . 8:30 a.m. on NBC.

B. Tom Bergeron hosts the final rounds of the NATIONAL SPELLING
BEE on Thursday at 8 p.m. on ABC . . . this is a great show
to watch with any children and/or grandchildren.

C. Conan O'Brien will be Jay Leno's last guest on his final
night as host of THE TONIGHT SHOW . . . Talking about his final show,
Leno told reporters, "I have something really unusual and different planned,
something really out of left field that we're going to end on. It's something
really personal . . . and I think it'll make people smile" . . . Friday
at 11:35 p.m. on NBC.

D. INTO THE STORM is a Winston Churchill docudrama
about his resolve to defeat Hitler's Germany . . . Brendan
Gleeson and Janet McTeer (so fine in two movies that you
should seek out, SONGCATHER and TUMBLEWEED)
star . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on HBO.

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6. Curiosity

A 6-year-old boy comes in from playing and asks his mom, "Mom,
what is it called when someone sleeps on top of someone else?"

Mom is embarrassed by the question but decides that honesty is her
best bet, so she answers, "That's called sex."

The little boy smiles and says "Thanks!"

He goes back out to play. About a half an hour later he comes in and says,
"Mom, it isn't called sex, it's bunkbeds. And Jimmy's mom wants to talk
to you."

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_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. THE STORY OF STUFF is a 20-minute video about the effects
of human consumption that has become a sleeper hit in classrooms
across the nation . . . to see it for yourself, please click:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBE5QAYXp8

The video is a cheerful but brutal assessment of how much Americans
waste. It has been embraced by teachers eager to supplement textbooks
that lag behind scientific findings on climate change and pollution.

Yet there are detractors to the message; in fact, in January, a school board
in Missoula County, Mont., decided that screening the video treaded
on academic freedom after a parent complained that its message
was anticapitalist.

B. If you're following the career of Susan Boyle on BRITAIN'S GOT
TALENT, you can see her second appearance by clicking:

http://mashable.com/2009/05/24/susan-boyle-memory/

I'll be curious if the upcoming American version of this show can match
such a performance.

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

http://www.blainesworld.net

If you'd like to see a listing of books I have read and generally enjoyed,
go to "Blaine's Best" on the left, then letter "O" and click the link
at the end of the second paragraph . . . to help me move up in the
rankings (I'm currently #366 in the Top 500 of all amazon.com reviewers):

1. Go to amazon.com and at the search box at the top, type the
name of a book I recently reviewed; e.g., CHILDRENS' PICTURE
BOOKS: HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS!
by Shari Donahue.

2. You will be taken to a screen where you will see more information
about the book, along with my review (toward the top).

3. Read my review.

4. If you find it is helpful to you, please click "Yes."

5. Thanks in advance!

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_________________________________________________________

8. Computer tip

Did you send me that link?
by Jon Richardson*

So how do you know when you get a message if it really came
from your Facebook friend or if it's some sort of viral email going around?

Oh, and while we're on the topic, please! Please! Christopher Butterfield
is not a hacker. Ok? He's just some poor Facebook schmuck like you
and me whose name has been used in a new round of social engineering
viral emails.

Ok, now that's off my chest.

I look at messages I receive and ask myself, does this have the feel
of my friend? Or does it feel like some sort of automated response.

The last viral email I got had the subject line: "Hey, look at this!" and it
looked like a Facebook login page. I think there was some text inside
that implied a doorway to view the old Facebook interface. They always
try to craft a message that will push us to click or accept before our
brain has a chance to question.

Of course, I wanted to see, and I trusted the person who it came from
(part of the ploy). As soon as I logged in to what appeared to be the
Facebook login, all of my Facebook friends got an email from me that
had the same subject as the one I'd just received. Then my brain
said. "You? You clicked on that link? You moron! You know better!"

So now when I receive an email from one of my friends, I slow down and
ask myself, "Does this sound like my friend's voice?" Then I hover my mouse
over the link and see where I'll be going if I click on it: it may look like a
YouTube video link, but the url is somewhere in .cn (China).

Just as a side note, yesterday I posted a note on one of the game forums
I play about ads that spawn or in this case entirely redirect my browser page
to a non-Facebook, non-application website and this one insisted my
computer was infected with malware and I just had to click here to scan
my computer and clean it.

Not on your life.

I say . . . be savvy . . . be wary . . . take your time.. . . there's no rush.
Leave poor Mr. Butterfield alone; he's probably a good guy.

* Reprinted with gracious permission from the author . . . for other
"Technology Notes," please check Jon's Facebook Fan page:

http://bit.ly/RTFan

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9. UCLA study 

Here's a study worth sharing with friends both male and female:

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed
that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ
depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.

For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and
masculine features. However, if she is menstruating, or menopausal, she
tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a
spear lodged in his chest while he's on fire.

No further studies are expected.

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_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

There’s no right path except for where your feet are today.--Janet
Straightarrow, author of BE THE MEDICINE (an upcoming
book)  . . . for more information, please click:

http://www.oasisforthesoul.com/

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11. Thought for the day 

Attitude is everything

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.  "Well," she said, "I think
I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day when woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had
only two hairs on her head. "Hmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair
down the middle today." So she did, and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had
only one hair on her head.  "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear
my hair in a pony tail." So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there
wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEAH!" she exclaimed. "I don't have
to fix my hair today!"

Author unknown
(if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know)

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12. Advance planning department

A. George in Pennsylvania:

ATTENTION MEN:

Saturday May 30th, 8 a.m.

First United Methodist Church in PERKASIE,  PA @ 5th &
Market . . . our kick-off men's ministry breakfast starts
with a great breakfast then a talk by my friend, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Chaplain Rich Sparling, on what a MLB Chaplain does. IT'S FREE. I
am coordinating this event. (Ladies, send your boyfriends and hubbies.)
All my Facebook dudes will be there! Ends promptly at 9:30 a.m.

B. Tyler Tasting Party

21st annual event presented by the First National Bank and Trust
Company of Newtown  

Join us on June 5, 2009, for one of Bucks County's premier social events.
Enjoy food, wine and spirits from Bucks County's finest establishments
and network with other business and community leaders at the 21st annual
Tyler Tasting Party. Proceeds benefit the students in the College's Historic
Preservation Program and the restoration of historic Tyler Hall.  
 
Featuring:
Musical Entertainment
Valet Parking
Silent & Live AuctionEvent Info

Bucks County Community College
275 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940
June 5, 2009
7-11 p.m.

Tickets: $125 pp

For more information, please call 215.968.8244.

C. Natalie in Pennsylvania with information on an event that
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS:

A musical tour of Elvis Presley's world with Art Kistler, a top Elvis
impersonator . . . featured appearances by Sister Sledge of
"We Are Family" fame and others. A fun-filled family event.
Tickets are $20 adults, $10 seniors; $7 children (5 and over).
Early-bird rate through June 1: Just  $10!

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2009

Time: 3-5 p.m.

Location: Auditorium of Neshaminy Middle School

Street: 1200 Newtown-Langhorne Road, Langhorne, PA

For ticket information, call 215.579.1836 or send email to:
natkaye@starlinx.com

_________________________________________________________

PS. Please join me this Memorial Day by commemorating U.S.
men and women who died while in military service . . . one way
to do so is by flying a flag; I understand that Home Depot is
selling them for just 78 cents . . . or if you don't want
to spring for such big bucks, then here's one that won't cost
you anything: