C. I was glad to finally get some good news from Bucks County Community

College . . . after what seemed to be a battle for well over 10 years, the College's

Board of Trustees finally approved the purchase of a new clock
system . . . so we should finally have clocks that work by
the beginning of the fall semester . . . this might not sound
like a big deal, but believe me, it was . . . it was also
quite an embarrassment to have to tell a guest speaker,
for example, that to figure out how much time he had left,
all he had to do was look at the clock that was being used
and subtract 2 hours and 7 minutes!

And more on the Trustees . . . CONGRATULATIONS to one of this
group's members: Dr. Frederick Breitenfeld, Jr. . . . he was honored
by the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission on June 9 in Baltimore. 
He was named as the first recipient of an award named after him, the
“Frederick Breitenfeld Award for Visionary Leadership in Public Media”. 

The award will be given in the future to "those who provide extraordinary
leadership in support of public television." 

Dr. Breitenfeld was the founding chief exec officer at Maryland Public
Television from 1966 to 1983, and president of WHYY-FM/TV in Philly
from 1983 until his retirement in 1997. He served on the Temporary
Commission on the Alternate Funding of Public Broadcasting organized
by the FCC, and in leadership roles with the Council of State
Telecommunications Authorities and the Philadelphia Regional
Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

D. I've recently switched doctors to somebody closer to where I
live: Dr. Joseph Weinstein with Your Doctors Care (908.685.1887)
in Hillsborough, NJ . . . I was impressed with the way he conducted
my  first physical and especially with something that the practice
does; i.e., it has a nurse record your medical information directly
into a computer . . . since nobody can ever read my writing and probably
the writing of many other folks, this just seems to make a great deal
of sense . . . furthermore, Dr. Weinstein was easily able to both access
and review my file by looking at his monitor.

I also appreciated the fact that I was taken on time and did not
have to wait around for any part of the physical or the blood work
afterwards.

Everything seems to be in fine working order, though I do need to
reduce my overall cholesterol total.

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to  Craig Whitaker--head of Whitaker Brothers
in Bristol, PA.

I've known Craig for quite some time; in fact, he was a student
of mine many years ago . . . it has been my pleasure to watch
how he led his company (along with his brother Kevin) when it
was originally a DJ business . . . he then had it morph into a successful
company that creates unique quality Audio/Visual Environments for
your home, house of worship or place of business.

I just had Whitaker Brothers install a Bose sound system, along
with a Pioneer large screen TV . . . the installation went smoothly, and
I felt the overall price was quite fair.

For more information, please click:
http://www.whitakerbros.com/

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2. FYI

Not too long ago, I heard two people complaining . . . one ended the
discussion by the use of this simple statement: "hey, it's not
cancer" . . . think about it; things could almost always be
worse . . .  so when I get "down," which isn't tooooo often,
I try to keep that perspective in mind.

FYI, part 2

* Jeff Dwokin at villagerstheatre.com:
Thanks again for the nice comments [about CINDERELLA], but you need
to issue a bit of a retraction. It was NOT canned music but an outstanding
live orchestra located in the pit that sits above and behind the stage! 

We all ways use live music, never prerecorded.

MY TWO CENTS:
Sorry 'bout that!

* Sandy in Pennsylvania:
Just a note of thanks for giving DREAMGIRLS a good review
because I am the only one of my friends who bothered to see it. I loved it. 
Then I went out (as you did) and bought the soundtrack, which I am playing
right now over and over in my vehicle.

* Norean in New York: 
THANK YOU for sending the book [THE EASY WAY TO STOP
SMOKING by Allen Carr] so quickly. 

I have to tell you that before I gave it to my sister, I took it to work. My
desk is in an office with two others. One smoker and one not. The adjoining
office has three more desks and two more smokers. All I did was lay the
book on my desk  (where I knew anyone who walked by would see it) and
within minutes, I had my coworkers wanting to know if I was reading it and
asked could they see it? 

So far I have had one request for the book when I receive it back. I am so glad
I thought of doing this as it is extremely difficult to persuade a person to
quit the habit.  I will update you with my success and let you know how
my sister is doing when she finishes the book.

THE OFFER REMAINS:
If any BLAINESWORLD reader still wants a copy of the book for
himself/herself/any friend or relative, just drop me a note to that
effect . . . sent it to bginbc@aol and put "SMOKING" in subject line.

The key: The person you give it to has to want to quit and/or at least
try reading the book . . . ask if that be the case . . . if not, don't
even bother; it won't work.

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3. So this is progress?

Two Eagles, an Indian Chief, was approached by a white government
official: "You have observed the white man for 90 years. You've seen
his wars and his technological advances. You've seen his progress,
and the damage he's done."

The Chief nodded in agreement.

The official continued, "Considering all these events, in your opinion,
where did the white man go wrong?"

The Chief stared at the government official for over a minute and
then calmly replied,  "When white man find land, Indians running it.
No taxes, No debt. Plenty buffalo, plenty beaver. Clean water. Women
did all the work. Medicine man free. Indian man spend all day hunting
and fishing; all night having sex."

Then the Chief leaned back and smiled. And added, "Only white man
dumb enough think he improve system like that."

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4. Reviews

A. I have always loved the music of Edith Piaf and so was looking
forward to LA VIE EN ROSE, the biopic about her life . . . despite
a magnificent performance by Marion Cotillard, the film left me flat . . . it
was way too long, and there wasn't enough singing . . . it's also
very depressing, and I found the story to be too choppy for
my taste . . . I was, however, impressed with both the set design
and cinematography . . . rated PG-13.

B. THE PAINTED VEIL is now out in DVD format . . . my review from
BLAINESWORLD # 539 follows:

Enjoyed THE PAINTED VEIL, an old-fashioned melodrama based
on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham . . . it is the story of the
relationship between two frosty Brits who discover themselves while
in the cholera-ridden China of the 1920s . . . a bit slow moving at
the start, it soon picks up thanks in large part to the acting of
both Naomi Watts and Edward Norton . . . the accompanying musical
score added to my appreciation of this film . . . rated PG-13.

C. Seth Godin seems destined to be one of my favorite business
authors . . . I previously got much out of SMALL IS THE NEW BIG
(reviewed in BLAINESWORLD #533) and so have decided to read
his other books.

That said, ALL MARKETERS ARE LIARS called out to me--if just
for its great title . . . more appropriate might have been ALL  
MARKETERS ARE STORYTELLERS, but as Godin points out,
it would not have caught the attention of most others readers.

And that's what is needed . . . for a company to be successful, it
must catch the attention of its customers . . . this can best be done
by telling stories, as opposed to outright fibbing . . . as an example,
he cites the case of a glass maker who contends that wine tastes
better in glasses . . . this is the story that he tells and people
accept it, and the glasses sell more . . . contrast this with another
company that says you can call anytime to hear its president's
voice . . . not only does it sound implausible, but it turns out the
voice is an actor since the president died over 50 years ago . . . that's
obviously fraud.

What makes ALL MARKETERS so compelling is that Godin
presents many other such examples, all that got me to think
more--always a good sign.

For instance, he talks about how the folks at Banquet
scored a home run by telling a story that got people to played
into the belief that home-cooked meals are better:

* They found an audience with a worldview that matched a product
they had the ability to talk about. It turns out that millions of
Americans feel guilty about the fact that they no longer cook
dinner for their families. They were raised to believe that a
home-cooked meal = love = family = healthy and in our
modern world, they can't find the time or the energy to pull
it off.

A lot of these people own Crock-Pots, the electric slow-
cooking device used for making soups and stews. John
Hanson of Banquet introduced Crock-Pot Classics, saying,
"Banquet Crock-Pot Classics contain all of the high-quality
ingredients needed for a slow-cooked meal-like tender meats,
fresh vegetables, hearty potatoes and perfectly seasoned
sauces-and are ready to cook with less than five minutes
of preparation. At the end of the day, Banquet Crock-Pot
Classics welcome home families with the inviting aromas of
a slow-cooked meal." In other words (if Banquet had stated
the real deal): "Here's a bunch of stuff, preserved by
chemicals and freezing. Dump it all in the pot, turn it on and
you'll end up with something we could have just as easily
precooked for you and sold frozen, ready for the microwave."

I also liked how he used other examples from such diverse fields
as politics, baby food, health clubs, the Internet, restaurants,
retail stores, and organic soap.

Car manufacturers can also sell more product by telling
stories, as evidenced by this tidbit:

* Aston Martin has the new hot $150,000 car of the moment.
The New York Times gave it a twelve on a scale of one to
ten. You can also buy exotic cars from Jaguar, Volvo and
Range Rover. And every one of them is made by Ford-and
you shouldn't be surprised to discover that they even share
parts.

If you're interested in selling more of anything, tell better
stories . . . ALL MARKETERS ARE LIARS shows you
how to accomplish this task.

D. I've long been a Bill Bradley fan . . . his talent on the
basketball court always impressed me, in large part because
he seemed to have to work so much harder than many
other players . . . then when he entered the political
arena, I continued to follow his career with interest . . . my
only regret is that he never got past the Senate . . . I still
think he would have made a fine President.

Hearing his book, VALUES OF THE GAME, impressed me
even more . . . it is not a standard spots autobiography, but
rather a collection of essays by Bradley that deal with such topics as
passion, discipline, responsibility, and resilience . . . he shows
how these all became key parts of his life, citing examples
of such greats as Cousy, Chamberlian, Iverson, and Pippen . . . I
got a particular kick out of what he said about Dennis Rodman: he
admired his rebounding tenacity, but noted that Rodman
"isn't everybody's cup of tea" because of his behavior.

This would be a great gift for any basketball fan, young or
old . . . nevertheless, I'd recommend giving the book rather than the
audio version that I heard . . . though the narration by John Randolph
Jones was fine, I would have much preferred Bradley doing the reading
himself. 

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5. TV alert

A. MEN IN TREES returns on Thursdays at 10:01 p.m. (and
whoever came up with that time?) . . . this week's episode is
a repeat of the September pilot . . . if you haven't caught
this quirky series, this is an ideal time to do so . . . methinks
you'll grow to like it as much as I have.

B. The difficulty of transporting ships over land is addressed
on MEGA MOVERS on HISTORY on Friday at 8 p.m. . . . I'll be
curious to see how the 77,500-ton Queen Mary was moved.

C. Five folks attempt to create an original flavor for Haagen-Dazs on
SCOOP! on FOOD on Saturday at 9 p.m.

D. CONCERT FOR DIANA features Elton John, Duran, Duran, Kanye
West, P. Diddy, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, and Joss Stone, among
others, in a live concert . . . proceeds will go to charities that
were supported by the princess . . . Sunday at 8 p.m. at 8 p.m. on
VHS for five hours of live coverage; Matt Laurer is the host of an hour
of taped highlights at 8 p.m. on NBC.

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6. Southern charm

Two southern ladies are visiting with each other.

The first is describing to her friend how wonderful her husband has
been to her.

First woman: My husband is so wonderful. For our wedding, he bought
me a beautiful diamond wedding band. It is so bright and sparkling.

Second woman (fanning herself): How nice.

First: My husband is so wonderful. For my birthday, he bought me a
beautiful mink coat. It is so soft and warm.

Second (fanning herself): How nice.

First: My husband is so wonderful. For our anniversary, he took me on a
terrific trip to Hawaii. We had a fabulous time.  

Second (fanning herself): How nice.

First: How about you? How wonderful is your husband?

Second: My husband is so wonderful. For no reason at all, he sent me
to etiquette school. It’s there I learned that whenever I want to say
“F you”, I instead say,  “How nice."
 
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7. Websites

A. For the opportunity to get one product at a great discount,
please click:
http://www.woot.com/

Every day starting at midnight, just one item is offered . . . when
it's gone, that's it . . . you can always come back tomorrow to
see what's new.

B. You'll be dazzled by this clip from the British version of AMERICA'S
GOT TALENT: http://www.flicklife.com/b60adb254a8127a6da8e/Britains_Got_Talent_This_guy_is_amazing.html

You're guaranteed to have a lump in your throat as you listen to it!

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

http://www.blainesworld.net

If you want a friend to get a FREE subscription, just refer them to
the above webpage . . . at the very bottom, then direct them to
see the "Special Offer."

Another way to get people on board . . . just forward this issue with a
note to this effect: If you'd want to also subscribe, just drop Blaine
a note at bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIPTION in subject line . . . you'll
then get a weekly missive that has some jokes, hopefully not too
risque; websites; reviews, etc. 

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8. Computer tip

Be forewarned

There is a dangerous virus being passed around electronically, as
well as by hand and orally.
 
This virus has been dubbed by experts in the field the "Worm Overload
Recreational Killer (WORK)" virus. It is highly contagious and spreading
rampantly. Be on your guard!

If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone
else via any means, do not touch it! The consequences are severe: This
virus can wipe out your private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take
two good friends to the nearest retail outlet for either of the two known
antidotes:

Work-Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) or Bothersome Employer
Elimination Rebooter (BEER).Take either or both antidotes repeatedly
until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

Warning: Severe cases can only be cleared out with Liquid Intensely
Quenching Ultimate Obliteration Remedy (LIQUOR), which has multiple
side effects.

Your best remedy, as always, is avoidance. Approach possible WORK
infestations with great care.

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9. London conductors

These came into my inbox, supposedly true examples of what conductors
on the London Tube told passengers. Maybe they are, but it hardly
matters; they're fun either way.

* Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay to your service.
I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you happen to be
married to my ex-wife, in which case you'll want to cross over to the
Westbound and go in the opposite direction.

* Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller suffering from
E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbow from his backside. I'll let you
know any further information as soon as I'm given any.

* Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The good news is that
last Friday was my birthday, and I hit the town and had a great time. The
bad news is that there is a points failure somewhere between Stratford and
East Ham, which means we probably won't reach our destination.

* We are now traveling through Baker Street. As you can see, Baker Street
is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually told me, so I could tell
you earlier, but no, they don't think about things like that.

* Beggars are operating on this train. Please do not encourage these
professional beggars. If you have any spare change, please give it to
a registered charity. Failing that, give it to me.

* Let the passengers off the train first! (Pause). Oh go on then, stuff
yourselves in like sardines, see if I care--I'm going home.

* Please allow the doors to close. Try not to confuse this with Please
hold the doors open. The two are distinct and separate instructions.

* Please note that the beeping noise coming from the doors means
that the doors are about to close. It does not mean throw yourself
or your bags into the doors.

* We can't move off because some idiot has their hand stuck in the
door. To the gentleman wearing the long gray coat trying to get on
the second  carriage: What part of "stand clear of the doors"
don't you understand?

* Please move all baggage away from the doors. (Pause) Please move
all belongings away from the doors. (Pause) This is a personal message
to the man in the brown suit wearing glasses at the rear of the train:
Put the pie down, four-eyes, and move your bloody golf clubs away
from the door before I come down there and shove them up your arse
sideways!

* May I remind all passengers that there is strictly no smoking allowed
on any part of the Underground. However, if you are smoking a joint,
it's only fair that you pass it round the rest of the carriage.

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10. A quote I like

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half
sorrow.--Swedish proverb

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11. Thought for the day 

A little coffee wisdom
 
A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers,
got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation  
soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life
in general.
 
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon  
returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups:
porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal--some plain, some expensive, some
quite exquisite. Quietly, he told them to help themselves to some fresh
coffee.
 
When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old  
professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the  
small gathering:
 
''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up  
first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural  
for you to want only the best for yourselves--that is actually the source  
of much of your stress-related problems.
 
''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee.In fact, the  
cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you
really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the
best cups. Then you began eyeing each other's cups.
 
''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society  
are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the  
type  of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of
the Life we  live.
 
 ''Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee
that  God has provided us. God brews the coffee, but he does not supply
the  cups. Enjoy your coffee!''
 
The happiest people don't HAVE the best of everything; they just MAKE
the  best of everything.
 
So please remember:
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
And leave the rest to God.

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. Information on two exciting programs for children, offered by
the Bristol Riverside Theatre:

* Children's Theatre Starts June 30

Every Friday and Saturday morning beginning this Saturday, June 30,
Theatre Arts Center presents children's theatre at BRT. Theatre Arts
Center has been entertaining Bucks County audiences since 1985!

Whether you are looking for youth group activities or just a special
family outing, you will enjoy these professionally staged productions
performed for youth by youth. Children and adults alike are delighted
with their "all-singing, all-dancing" musicals of your favorite classic
stories.   

First up is Willy Wonka. Tickets are $7 general admission, $6 for BRT
Members.  For a complete schedule visit the Theatre Arts Center Page 
on our website. Tickets are available by visiting the BRT Box office
or calling 215.785.0100.  

* ArtRageous: BRT's Summer Youth Camp

Theatre Arts Center presents theatre for youth, by youth, beginning
June 30.

Did you know BRT is in its THIRD summer of offering a youth camp? 
The camp's goal is to provide an educational program for youth that
offers a creative and positive outlet while building their confidence
and self-esteem, allowing kids to discover the limitless possibilities
within themselves. Students will take classes in improvisation,
voice/singing, acting and movement/dance techniques.

The 6-week camp will culminate in a performance on the BRT stage.   
ArtRageous 2007 runs from July 9-August 16. The cost of the camp
is $600 with some scholarship possibilities available. Read more in
our online newsletter or call 215.785.6664 for more information about
registration or the possibility of your company providing scholarship
contributions.

B. Maria in Pennsylvania: 
Doylestown, Pa.--Baseball fanatics and kids of all ages can meet
the Phillie Phanatic at First Friday Doylestown on July 6 from 7-8 p.m.
at State and Hamilton Sts., thanks to the ALS Association, Greater
Philadelphia Chapter. Remember to bring your camera!
 
At the other end of town on East State Street, Radio Disney (640 AM)
will entertain from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with Radio Disney personality DJ
Mickey!  He will bring his  “party patrol’” and  play music that is
played on the radio station, play games with the kids, hand out
lots of prizes and do some dancing. 
 
It’s perfect for kids age 6 to 14, but it will be fun for the entire family.           

Like all First Fridays, which are sponsored by The Solebury Club,
downtown merchants stay open late and sponsor local artists and
musicians from 6 to 10 p.m. But this First Friday Doylestown is
especially family-friendly.
 
In addition to learning more about ALS--and how they can help--visitors
to the ALS tent at State and Hamilton streets will be able to take a
chance on raffle tickets and also get to enjoy FREE Cracker Jacks,
as well as face painting and music.

There will also be many more fun activities around town.

C. Cynthia in New Jersey (see also Section 1A):
* Move Your Body classes meet every first Saturday of the
month at 1:30 p.m., so the next one is on Saturday, July 7.

Location:
Princeton Center for Yoga and Health
Montgomery Professional Center
50 Vreeland Drive Suite 506--off Route 206
Skillman, New Jersey

There's a nominal charge; for more information, please click:

http://ww.princetonyoga.com

609.924.7294

* There will also be a FREE session in my development (Pike
Run in Belle Meade) on  Sunday, July 8, at 1:30 p.m.

Email me for more information: cgreenfield1001@aol.com

_________________________________________________________

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

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