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

This week, it goes to Sutra--the server at one of our favorite
restaurants in the area: Sushi Thai in Asheville; 225.8885.

Sutra always has a warm greeting for us whenever we
arrive . . . she also has a great smile and knows
just what we want--and how we want it prepared.

Our only regret is that she will soon be leaving the area
to return to her family in Bali . . . we will miss her, but
shall continue going to the restaurant for my favorite dish:
coconut chicken . . . Cynthia likes that and, also, the
ginger pepper steak that she recently ordered.

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2. FYI

See Asheville for yourself!

As you know, we're loving Asheville . . . for one thing, the
weather is delightful . . . you get all four seasons, and the
winters are milder than they were in New Jersey . . . the
summers are also milder.

Folks are friendly, taxes are lower and the cost of living is about 20%
lower than where we used to live in Central New Jersey (source:
WHERE TO RETIRE, July/August 2009, p. 134).

To find out more yourself, consider viewing and/or all of the
following websites:

1. A short but informative profile that was run on CBS in May, 2009:

http://tinyurl.com/ks376s

I believe it opens to the story tab; for video, just click the
tab to the left.

2. For a more comprehensive overview, go to:

http://www.exploreasheville.com

You'll get information on places to eat, things going on in the
area, and some great pictures and videos.

3. To get an overall feel and perhaps the best pictures of
Asheville, please click:  

http://tinyurl.com/lagqjw

4. To truly see how beautiful the mountains are (and for some
nice music), please click: 

http://tinyurl.com/nox3gq

5. I could do without the narration in the beginning, but the fall
pictures are magnificent here: 

http://tinyurl.com/rchebb

6. And for pictures of the Biltmore Estate (a place I'm sure you
will want to visit):

http://tinyurl.com/lwy7fg

TWO ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

Should you become seriously interested in joining us
in Asheville, our realtor and friend is the absolute
best . . . you won't go wrong by working with her . . . her name
is Suzanne Smith . . . she can be reached by phone, 828.551.4609
or via email: suzannesmith54@gmail.com.

Then, to get your mortgage, make sure you contact Michael Phelan
at 828.654.6402 or via email: michael_phelan@beverly-hanks.com . . . he's
a guy who really knows his stuff, and you'll be impressed by both
his friendliness and creativity.

FYI, part 2

* SPECIAL THANKS to Joann Corn for sharing her remarks
from our Union's recent end-of-year party:

When we met, I was green behind the ears, and I learned so much from
you during our time together.

You must have thought I needed a lot of help because you were always
lending me books; e.g., on spirituality, on self-help, etc. I still have some
to return (which I still have and will read; I'm just deciding on which one
to start first). 

I learned YOMBER from you. And something even from your father; i.e., if
one person tells you that you have a problem, don't worry about it; if two
people tell you  that you have a problem, think about it; and if three or
more tell you that you have a problem, deal with it.

I learned some self-promotion: If you don't toot your own horn, someone else
will use it as a spittoon

And we all know you come from a marketing background and that not
only were you your own best cheerleader, you were everyone’s best
cheerleader. 

Finally, from you I learned that there were left-handed and right-handed
pencils, and I thought you might like some with your new title:
rewirement expert-in-training. [She then proceeded to give me a bunch.]

* Ruth in Pennsylvania (responding to a question I raised about the
good work that she does in the community):

Twilight [the group I asked about] honors seniors and makes dreams
come true --over 1,000 nationwide to date since this Doylestown, PA
non-profit started a couple years ago.

You can volunteer, donate funds or buy one of the wishes
granted--an adorable cat and mouse children's book my company,
Thriving Artist, Press published:

 

http://thrivingartistpress.com/TWF/

* Pat in Pennsylvania:

I'm still getting sign-ups for my cartoons; I think it's because of your
newsletter because I'm not recognizing the email addresses.

IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS FROM LAST WEEK:

You can get a FREE cartoon every Monday by clicking:

 

http://www.achillesportfolio.com/freecartoonsignup.htm

My thinking is that this will put a smile on your face . . .  at the
very least, that would then make folks wonder what you're up to!

* Carole in North Carolina:

I would like to introduce you to Xocai, The Healthy Chocolate. MXI Corp
and their manufacturer of raw, unprocessed cocoa invented a patented
"Cold Press Process" in the creation of dark Belgian Chocolate,
which keeps ALL the antioxidants, flavonoids and nutrients intact.
This guilt-free chocolate contains no preservatives, bad fats, waxes,
fillers, nor bad sugars!

MXI also combines the world's #2 highest rated antioxidant; the Acai Berry
superfood from the Amazon Rain Forest. The resulting product has a higher
antioxidant level of any plant or fruit known to man, with amazing health
benefits. Don't let the great taste fool you. Clinical studies show that the
unprocessed (un-heated) cocoa bean is full of flavanoids and other nutrients
that can have many health benefits!  Now, you can finally "have your chocolate
and eat it too!"

Contact me at 828.681.0969 for information on how to order and learn
about Healthy Chocolate.

MY TWO CENTS:

As I write this, I'm having a square of the dark chocolate . . . it is
sooooo good . . . and if it's healthy for me, too, so much the better!

* Brian in Pennsylvania:

My sister's unit at the Sea Watch Condo is available at reduced weekly
rates on the following dates: 6-27 thru 7-4 for $1500; 7-4 thru 7-11 for
$1500; 8-15 through 8-22 for $1500; and 8-22 thru 8-29 for $1,300.

Prices listed are all inclusive . . . no additional fees . . . includes free parking.
Unit has just been remodeled inside to include a third bedroom and various
other upgrades. 3 bedrooms, sleeps up to 8.

To see what amenities the condo has to offer, visit:

http://www.century21newhorizon.com/

To see the unit #1812 (prior to the remodeling), visit:

http://www.century21newhorizon.com/rental/house.html?ID=331

NOTE: The above prices are available only by contacting the owners
directly. If you contact Century 21, you'll pay more. 

For additional information or to make reservations call Mary Beth or Bill Baltz
at 267.394.2501 . . . or email baltz4@verizon.net.

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3. Bedside wish

An old man was on his death bed, and wanted to be buried with his money.
He called his priest, his doctor and his lawyer to his bedside. "Here's
$30,000 cash to be held by each of you. I trust you to put this in
my coffin when I die so I can take all my money with me."

At the funeral, each man put an envelope in the coffin. Riding away
in a limousine, the priest suddenly broke into tears and confessed,
"I only put $20,000 into the envelope because I needed $10,000
to repair the roof of the church."

"Well, since we're confiding in each other," said the doctor, "I only put
$10,000 in the envelope because we needed a new X-ray machine
for the pediatrics ward at the hospital which cost $20,000."

The lawyer was aghast. "I'm ashamed of both of you," he exclaimed.
"I want it known that when I put my envelope in that coffin, I enclosed
a check for the full $30,000."

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4. Reviews

A. PARIS 36 is an interesting but not great musical about a troupe 
of French performers who attempt to reopen their beloved hall
that had recently closed . . . a lot happens in the two hours,
and that was my problem with the film . . . I would have also enjoyed
seeing more full versions of the songs, as opposed to the various
snippets . . . yet I did find myself drawn into the political
subplot . . . and I really liked the work of Nora Arnezeder as
the attractive young singer . . . rated PG-13.

B. GRAN TORINO is now out in DVD format . . . my review
from BLAINESWORLD #644 follows:

I'm a bit surprised that Clint Eastwood did not receive any Oscar
nominations for GRAN TORINO, a film he both directed and stars in . . .it's
the story of a Korean War vet's reluctant friendship with a Hmong teenage
boy and his immigrant family . . . Eastwood is funny at times;
at other times, he'll remind you of his famous Dirty Harry
character . . . the ending is as good at it gets . . . stick around
for the credits, and you'll even get to hear Eastwood sing . . . rated R.

C. I love living in Asheville . . . however that said, I must admit
to the fact that I miss having any great Jewish delicatessens
in the location.

So when a friend gave me a copy of HOW TO FEED
FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE by Milton Parker and
Allyn Freeman, I was in seventh heaven because it's the story
of New York's famous Carnegie Deli . . . reading it was
almost but not quite as good as devouring a corned beef sandwich.

I got a kick out of reading how this particular Deli managed to grow
from a nondescript hole in the wall to the establishment of choice
for presidents, celebrities,at least one sultan and millions of other
hungry diners from around the world . . .it has done so by following
a set of sound business practices without spending any money
on advertising or promotions . . . instead, word-of-mouth
has always been the key to its success:

* The decision to add two extra inches to the pastrami, corned beef
and tongue sandwiches represented Parker's smart way of thinking
that when people from Pasadena, or from Jacksonville, or from wherever,
returned home after a visit to the Carnegie Deli, they would recount
the eating of the humongous sandwich. The diners would retell of their
ordering and fun dining adventure. Yesterday's Carnegie Deli diners
would advertise the restaurant to tomorrow's New York City visitors--at
no expense to the Carnegie Deli.

I particularly got a kick out of reading about the visits of such
comics as Henny Youngman:

* Youngman asked the couple, "Would you like to see a photograph
of my pride and joy?" When the Siegels nodded yes, Youngman
handed them a picture of Pride furniture polish and Joy dishwashing
liquid. Another time, Youngman said to Jane, "You're a pretty lady.
I'm going to give you a diam-ond pin." He handed her a dime on a pin!

And I enjoyed the accounts of actual customers, one of whom was
the writer Michael Kramer:

* Kramer was sent to Israel to do a story and the group decided to send
him a Carnegie Deli salami to keep his spirits up. When Kramer went
to the post office in Tel Aviv to pick up this treat, he discovered
an empty brown wrapper and no salami. An Israeli postal worker said,
"Even in Israel, we recognized the name of New York's famous Carnegie
Deli. We knew from the shape what was inside, so we ate it. Delicious."

I also liked the inclusion of several original recipes from the Deli's
kitchen, including chopped liver, Brooklyn egg cream, brisket
of beef and matzoh ball soup . . . methinks, though, I'll pass
on trying them out myself and instead visit the Carnegie Deli
the next time I'm in New York.

My only regret is that I won't be able to get the free slice of
cheesecake that the authors offered with all purchasers of
the book (there's a coupon in the back), in that my friend had
the unmitigated gall to rip that out before giving me HOW
TO FEED FRIENDS!

D. Tyler Perry amazes me . . . he writes, directs, produces and often
stars in his own movies . . . he put together a successful TV
show . . . and in his spare time, he somehow managed to write
a bestseller: DON'T MAKE A BLACK WOMAN TAKE OFF
HER EARINGS.

It features the character he has invented, Medea, giving advice
on a variety of topics . . . I recently got to hear the CD version of
this book, and I'm glad I did because Perry also did
the narration--and so I got to hear him "doing" Medea, which
was an added plus.

I'll admit that I did not get all the humor . . . according to Meda, that's
no problem:

* If you don't understand something I'm saying here and you're not black,
you will have to ask somebody who is.

Fortunately, that was only a very small percentage of the material
that is presented . . . and I'm glad that I was able to grasp
perhaps the book's most valuable tip:

* To keep visitors from outstaying their welcome, give them
an uncomfortable bed. And make sure you give them some nice
candles. (Just carve out the inside first and put a dead fish
there instead.)

In addition, I laughed when I heard such other tidbits as:

* The grass is always greener on the other side, but the water bill
is higher.

* Have to go through a rough neighborhood? Look crazy (e.g., . wear a wig),
but don't go to sleep.

You'll have a fun time with DON'T MAKE A BLACK WOMAN
TAKE OFF HER EARRINGS, particularly if you're not looking
for anything too profound.

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5. TV alert

A. KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST returns for Season
Five on BRAVO on Mondays at 10 p.m. . . . over the next few
episodes, you'll see her seek tips from some of her A-List celebrity
friends on how they obtained their status . . . included will be a visit
to Palm Springs to visit Suzanne Somers' compound, where Griffin
prays that Barry Manilow shows up.

I get a kick out of this show . . . to get a feel for it, please click
these clips from the fourth season:

http://tinyurl.com/mymkje

B. DON'T BE DENIED, according to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL,
"may not be the meatiest documentary ever made about the rock/
folk musician Neil Young, " [but] "it is tasty just the same" . . . Wednesday
at 9 p.m.. on PBS . . . check local listings because PBS times and
dates often vary.

C. TOSH.0 is a weekly, topical series that takes on everything
the Internet has to offer through comedian Daniel Tosh's sarcastic
and biting point-of-view . . . Thursdays at 10 p.m. on COMEDY CENTRAL.

D. Fridays at 8:30 a.m. catch the TODAY SHOW on NBC for its
summer-concert series, featuring Peas on June 12, Jonas Brothers
on June 19 and The Fray on June 26 . . . the series runs through
August 21.

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6. Geography question (WARNING: Brunette joke alert!)

A married couple was asleep when the phone rang at 2 in the morning.
The wife (a brunette) picked up the phone, listened a moment and said,
"How should I know, that’s 200 miles from here!" and hung up.

The husband said, "Who was that?"

The wife said, "I don't know, some woman wanting to know "if the coast
was clear."

IS IT JUST ME?

I don't know about you, but I personally feel that there are just too
many of such brunette jokes around . . . I mean, why don't "they" pick
on some other group; e.g., redheads? Or even blondes?

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7. Websites

A. You can watch current TV shows, feature films and documentaries
on the Internet . . . for no charge, too . .. for example, you'll find MEDIUM,
BASIC INSTINCT, SUPER SIZE ME, etc. by clicking:

http://www.hulu.com/

Make sure you click the option (to right of screen) that enables you
to see the films on your full computer screen.

B. Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On it)" can be viewed
by clicking:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g

For a very funny spin on the above, check out her appearance on
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBC7pilGoPc

And for perhaps the funniest version, check out the Joe Jonas version:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcPeQwxTqDo

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

http://www.blainesworld.net

If you're new to this missive or just want to revisit some pictures
of yours truly, my family and friends, etc., click "Blaine's Best" to
the left and then "Pictures" . . . when you do, make sure you
have your speakers on so you can hear what's arguably the
greatest rock song of all time.

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8. Computer tip

Beware getting Tagged. Or even responding to anything from friends
you know, inviting you to be Tagged.

I've been getting a lot of such stuff lately, often from people I know
(and respect) . . . yet what seems to be happening is that they
sign-up for the Tagged service, which seems to be like Facebook.

They then try to send pictures and/or messages . . . however,
what often happens if that the pictures don't go through . . . instead,
Tagged seems to capture all address book names--even some
that are quite outdated--and sends out the aforementioned invitation.

For more information, please click:

 

http://www.snopes.com/computer/internet/Tagged.asp

By the way, there are other companies out there that follow
similar practices . . . in fact, I just got an invite from one
of them today--something called FanIQ . . . to quote Sergeant
Phil Esterhaus from HILL STREET BLUES, "Let's be careful out there."

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9. The economy is so bad . . .

CEO's are now playing miniature golf. 

Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administration
aren't paying their taxes.

HotWheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package:
GE, Pfizer and Citigroup.

McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

A truckload of Americans got caught sneaking into Mexico .

The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.

People in Africa are donating money to Americans.

Motel Six won't leave the light on.

The Mafia is laying off judges.

And finally . . .

Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Hey,
great idea . . . the guy who made $50 billion disappear is being investigated
by the people who made $750 billion disappear.

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10. A quote I like

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile,
nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes
to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and
is willing to trust him with his friendship.--Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803-1882), American essayist, philosopher and poet

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11. Thought for the day 

45 life lessons and 5 to grow on, part 2 of 2
by Regina Brett, CLEVELAND PLAINS DEALER columnist

(concluded from last week)

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything
you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

AN UPDATE:

Readers of the column added their comments; in particular, I liked
the last one:

* Jshiff:

We all have a story to tell based on our life experiences. Tell it.
It might help someone.

Take time to encourage a kid.

Take time to listen to a kid.

Give a kid some work to do.

Teach a kid to work.

Don't yell at your children. It hurts.

Listen to your heart and trust what it is saying.

Remember: what the enemy meant for evil, God can use for good.
Share your story.

Use your God-given gifts and talents and serve people.

A gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1.

* Filosufer:

Never hire an electrician whose nickname is Sparky.

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12. Advance planning department

A. Vilasi in New Jersey:
 
I want to invite you to a special date this Friday, June 12:
Foods of love and how they heal

* conversations under the trees, to the scent of the flowers
* with the dusting of the rose and lavender skies with confetti of stars
* tasting the Foods of Love and the experience of how they make you feel 

While the smile is still on your face, come back on Saturday evening:
Inspired living . . . reset your heart 

* Before you leave, you will effortlessly reset your heart for that different
kind of love
* If you have love . .  .what new heights!
* if you are looking for love . .  .what an extraordinary beginning. 

My friend Avi has opened his beautiful farm to us called The Hope
Hill Farm (in Asbury, NJ) to host this series.

6:30-8:30 p.m. both dates.

Cost: $50 per evening.

To reserve your seat, please call 908.358.3908.

B. Somerset Valley Players are proud to announce a wonderful show,
THE ODD COUPLE (female version), is currently on the SVP stage. 
The show opened to rave reviews; see below:

 

http://tinyurl.com/kqpefu

Even closer to our heart is our fundraiser on Sunday, June 14th. We were
approached by Alex's Lemonade Stand to help them find a cure for cancer. 
The Lemonade Stand was started by a little girl named Alex who bravely
battled neuroblastoma. Unfortunately, Alex lost her fight a few years ago. 
Because of wonderful doctors, advances in research and constant prayers
and love, other children have been able to survive this horrible disease.

To honor that brave little girl, and the many more like her, we will be
donating 100% of the proceeds to Sunday's performance to Alex's
Lemonade Stand.

Please consider coming to see this very funny show, supporting our
wonderful cast and contributing to a very worthy cause.

To order tickets to the show, please visit our website:

 

http://www.svptheatre.org

C. Rick in Pennsylvania:

My Mom says she enjoys coming out to the Comedy Cabaret to laugh,
but she is not crazy about the 4-letter words, so we have 2 special shows
coming that have zero profanity. We also have an X-rated show scheduled
if your Mom likes to use the f -word a lot . . . it's your choice!

HBO COMEDY STAR BOB NELSON in Bucks County & South Jersey.

Star Search Champ & Ventriloquist  Taylor Mason in Bucks and
South Jersey.

Or  X-rated comic from The Howard Stern Show, Jim Florentine, in Northeast
Philly and South Jersey.

Also, COMEDY COMPETITION WEEKEND in BUCKS COUNTY
JUNE 19th & 20th.

For more information, please click:

http://www.comedycabaret.com/news.html

D. Cathy in Pennsylvania:

CFPA's Mainline, PA Chapter also hosting Cindy Sheehan, peace activist,
for a Workshop on War, Peace, and Your Money from 11:30 AM-2:00 p.m.
on Saturday, June 20 at Penn Wynne Presbyterian Church, 130 Haverford Road,

Wynnewood, PA. For details, please click:

http://www.peacecoalition.org/action/chapters/CindySheehan.aspx

She will also be appearing  from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 21
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road
(just up the hill from the light at the intersection with Route 206). For details,
please click:

http://www.peacecoalition.org/action/cfpa/CindySheehanJune21.aspx

Please help us spread the word; the goal is to reinvigorate the
peace movement.

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PS. Please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers
back from Iraq and Afghanistan and, also, that peace comes to Israel
and her neighbors. . .  make it a great week, too!

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