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BLAINESWORLD
#561 7.2.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Unforgettable 4. Reviews . . . EVENING, etc. 5. TV alert 6. To be sure 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. London newspapers 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I are back up and running with respect to our vehicular transportation (for more information, see below for the BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD). As mentioned last week, Cynthia's car was totaled in an accident, but she is fortunately OK . . . she is also most thankful to the Hillsborough Rescue Squad for how promptly and efficiently they got her to Somerset Hospital to be checked out. We did want to use this opportunity to caution everybody when driving on Route 206, going North, in Hillsborough . . . from what we found out after the fact, there are 1-2 accidents each week in the very same spot she had her fender bender. She was making a left turn into the strip mall . . . a truck had even given her the go-ahead to do so, pausing for her . . . however, in the outer lane, another car was going perhaps too quickly and then hit her car. Afterwards, when we asked if anything could be done to prevent future accidents here, we were told that they could ban all left turns--but all the merchants would object. B. On Saturday, we attended a memorial service for our friend Kevin's mother . . . he planned the whole thing, and it was one of the most touching such events we have ever attended. There were songs and stories, as well as several poems . . . one we particularly liked was the following: Loss Now that I am gone remember me with smiles and laughter. And if you need to cry, cry with your brother or sister who walks in grief beside you. And when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give to them what you need to give to me. There are so many who need so much. I want to leave you something - something much better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I've known or helped in some special way. Let me live in your heart as well as in your mind. You can love me most by letting your love reach out to our loved ones, by embracing them and living in their love. Love does not die, people do. So, when all that's left of me is love, give me away as best you can. Author unknown (if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know.) C. Sunday is typically our "M and M" day when we see both our mothers . . . this past weekend, we had two particularly nice visits. In the morning, we saw her mother . . . she was sleeping most of the time, but when Cynthia told her, "You did a good job, Mom. I'm happy, and I turned out well," she all of a sudden opened her eyes and replied, "If you do say so yourself" . . . then she went back to sleep. We went from there to see my mother and take her out for lunch at the Malverne Diner (516.593.3382) . . . my bacon-and-egg sandwich was tasty, and everybody else enjoyed their lunches too . . . the best part of eating there is the fact that the movie theater is right next door, so it was easy for us to catch a flick too . . . see Section 4A for more information. D. MR. CURIOUS HERE: We are just starting to think about our respective retirements . . . though we still have a few years to go, we believe it is never too early to start the process . . . as such, we are also contemplating possible retirement locales--in New Jersey, but in other locales too . . . ideally, we would like warm weather year-round and something overlooking water would be an added plus . . . I wouldn't mind a 55- and over community either . . . any and all suggestions would be much appreciated. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Charles Leonard--head of Bella Motors in Yardley, PA (215.499.5364). Charles is a former student and longtime friend who sold me my Toyota Subaru and the Toyota Avalon we just purchased. See below for a picture of him with Cynthia in front of her new Avalon:  We are quite pleased with it thus far . . . now if we can just figure out how to work the navigation system, we'll be all set. If you want to buy a car, I strongly suggest you contact Charles . . . he knows cars better than anybody else I know. What he does: He finds out what you want, then looks for it at auction and usually within days, finds exactly what you need at a price several thousand dollars less than you can get anywhere else . . . moreover, he takes all the hassle out of the car-buying process, and he's also a real nice guy. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI My seatmate on a dinner flight was a woman from Switzerland. As soon as the meal was served, I noticed that she heavily salted and peppered her dessert-a luscious-looking piece of chocolate cake. The flight attendant, somewhat taken aback, explained that it wasn't necessary to do this. "Oh, but it is," the woman replied, smiling. "It keeps me from eating it."--contributed by Jackie Trotta SOURCE: EVERYDAY GREATNESS: INSPIRATION FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) by Steven R. Covey; compiled by Donald K. Hatch FYI, part 2 * Make my day department--or it is week? . . . I received the following two notes from authors of books I've recently reviewed in this missive: Bob Newhart: Just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for your very positive of my book in your newsletter. Thanks again. Sen. John McCain: Thank you very much for your kind words regarding my book FAITH OF MY FATHERS. I appreciate your encouragement and support. They mean a great deal to me. * Lee in Pennsylvania: A while back, I happened to tell you about my involvement in horse racing. Our horse (Theregoesmyhero) won its second victory by half of a head on Tuesday at Philadelphia Park. MY TWO CENTS: Go, Lee! Go, Theregoesmyhero! I'll be looking for you both in next year's Kentucky Derby. * Dan in New Jersey (with a REQUEST FOR HELP): Any suggestions on singing lessons for my 6-year old daughter? She lives in Robbinsville, NJ. Ideally, the teacher would live near there. We'd prefer somebody who could come to our house, but we'd consider a location close by. We'd like to focus on pop/contemporary-type stuff. * Bettina in New York: I was just reading through your newsletter when it occurred to me that you should see a movie that is playing at the moment. It's called CZECH DRAM and for someone in marketing it is a must! * Craig in Pennsylvania: If you have a second, check out: http://www.myspace.com/quickstepjohn We just posted our new single from up upcoming album coming out 9/4. * Maria in Pennsylvania: You asked for information about the nose inhaler I use when I get stressed and want a smoke. It's called Smoke Less Scent Inhaler. It smells of eucalyptus, lemon and pine and actually calms me down and negates the feeling that I want a smoke. I use it as little or as often as I need. it's made by a company called Earth Solutions out of Atlanta; web site: http://www.earthsolutions.com. I got mine from a friend and have been using it ever since I read the book [THE EASY WAY TO STOP SMOKING by Allen Carr] you recommended and stopped smoking. Sometimes when things get very stressful, I need a little help. On a side note with the book . . . it's really very difficult to try to explain why the book has been the catalyst for me to successfully stop smoking. I think it's also a mind set; I was ready to do this and open to ideas. But the most important thing is the author . . . he speaks the same words that every smoker (or soon to be ex-smoker) has thought. He expresses every one of our fears and faces them head on. He pulls no punches. All of the programs/workshops/clinics I've been to throughout the years were conducted by clinicians who had never smoked. Hard core smokers (those who can't concentrate on their kid's wedding because they need the smoke) need to be understood. These days smokers are considered lepers or parasites in the community. All it does is anger the smoker; it doesn't help at all. I remember someone coming up to me while I was outside having a smoke, looked at me very sternly and said, "don't you know that's no good for you?" I'd been so fed up with people talking to me like that I said, "No, I never heard that!" Needless to say he got the point, but my point is nagging, threatening or any other means like that doesn't work. The book was the first time I'd actually read someone acknowledging that. It was refreshing to finally see it in print and know that someone else understood. ***** THE OFFER REMAINS ***** If you'd like your own FREE copy of this book for yourself, a loved one or friend, just drop me an email to that effect . . . put SMOKING BOOK in subject line and make sure you include your address . . . the only thing I ask is that the book gests read within a month--and then I'm notified whether it was helpful. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Unforgettable Methinks this mom will never forget a recent Sunday sermon she attended. "Dear Lord," the minister began with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter (who was listening!) leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?" Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. EVENING is a romantic drama that could best be classified as a "chick flick" . . . when I saw it with Cynthia, my mother and her aide, I was only one of three guys in attendance in an audience of about 60. It is the story about a woman on her deathbed who reveals a secret about a past love to her two daughters . . . the film then skips back and forth in time as the story unfolds . . . this technique proved distracting and though the film has a fine cast (including Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl Streep, Natasha Richardson, and Toni Collette), the end result was extreme dullness . . . skip it, regardless of your sex . . . rated PG-13. B. However, don't go thinking that I dislike all such films . . . here's one to catch: MRS. PALFREY AT THE CLAREMENT. I missed it when it originally was in the theaters, but because of blockbuster.com, I was able to catch it in the comfort of our home--and via our new large screen TV . . . it is a delightful tale about aging and unexpected friendship, starring Joan Plowright who still is a terrific actress at . . . well, a gentleman never tells . . . but if you must know, you can always find out at this website: http://imdb.com/name/nm0687506/ Recently widowed, Plowright moves to London to be near her grandson . . . when he doesn't return any of her calls, she instead encounters a young writer (an engaging Rupert Friend) who helps her trick the other residents of her hotel into believing that she really does have a grandson . . . nice guy that I am, I won't reveal the ending; however, I will tell you that is a satisfying one . . . you'll enjoy it, along with the cinematography that will make you want to visit England . . . the soundtrack is great, too . . . Not rated, but certainly appropriate for anybody over 12. C. Be forewarned: EVERYDAY GREATNESS: INSPIRATION FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11) by Steven R. Covey; compiled by Donald K. Hatch is not a "typical" Covey book along the lines of his classic THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE. Rather, it is a collection of short pieces that originally appeared in READER'S DIGEST that Covey effectively brings together with running commentary. . . the "Reflections" section after each chapter made me do just that; i.e., think about what life is all about . . . I found the overall effect to be quite powerful. I also liked the "Further Insights" that provided quotes on the topic being discussed . . . among the ones that caused me to pause were these: * What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?---George Eliot; * It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses.--Dag Hammarskjold; and * Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.--Victor Hugo. EVERYDAY GREATNESS is the type book that you'll often want to revisit . . . it would make a great gift for just about anybody . . . furthermore, it can also be a source for short read-aloud stories that can be appreciated by all ages--such as this one [from John Louis Feliciello]: * As a boy I often tackled a task full of enthusiasm, only to become discouraged quickly. One bright summer day my father showed me an experiment with a magnifying glass and a newspaper. When he moved the glass over the paper from one place to another, nothing happened. But when he held it motionless in one spot for a while, focusing the sun's rays, a hole appeared. I was fascinated, but didn't grasp the significance of the procedure. Father explained that the same principle applied in everything we do: That to make a success of our lives we must learn to concentrate all our efforts on the undertaking in hand until it is finished. D. Heard and thoroughly enjoyed SECRETS OF TEN GREAT GENUISES--written and read by Tony Alessandra, one of my favorite motivational speakers/authors. In this program, he takes a look at some of the greatest minds of all times and analyzes what makes them tick . . . he does so by presenting short, interesting summaries of their lives and then shows you how you can personally relate this information to your own life. Some of the names featured you would expect: Einstein, Edison, da Vinci, etc. . . . but I also liked hearing about the physical genius of hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky and the financial genius of Peter Lynch, who built the Magellan Fund into the world's largest mutual fund. Among the many tidbits I gained from the program were these: * A genius does difficult things easily. * A genius sees things that others don't see. (This is also known as visionary genius.) * Take a vacation from the details. * You may not always be able to control the outcome of what you desire, but you can always control your responses to the outcome. * Every time Lincoln failed to win an election, he succeeded in the next one. * Lynch: Don't invest in anything you can't draw with a crayon. (In other words, you have to understand the investment.) * Listen to the other person's view, then restate it to that person's satisfaction. Then reverse this process. * The best way to impress an impress an audience is to be brief. * Almost all geniuses read a lot. Alessandra then concludes this program with a great review . . . in doing so, he shares this bit of advice from his friend Jim Cathcart: Consider how the person I'd like to be do the thing I'm about to do. This fine program is available for purchase or rental . . . if you want to get it, please click: http://www.achievementlibrary.com/ Above is the tape rental club I belong to; i.e., the Achievement Tape Library . . . this a great way to hear CDs and/or audio cassette tapes, view videos, etc.--all for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them . . . call the head of the firm (Paul Arroyo) directly at 1.800.735.3660 and mention my name . . . that way, you'll be sure to pay even higher prices . . . NOT. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert OOPS! Last week, I mentioned MEN IN TREES as a show that you'll like to watch . . . but I forgot to mention the station that airs it: ABC . . . Thursdays at 10:01 p.m. A. LIVE EARTH: THE CONCERTS FOR A CLIMATE IN CRISIS features more than 100 musicians, including Madonna, James Blunt, the reunited Spinal Tap and The Police . . . SUNDANCE has the most coverage--22 hours--beginning at 4 a.m. on Saturday. . . . BRAVO has 18 hours starting at 4 a.m., CNBC's seven hours of coverage begins at 7 and NBC presents three hours in prime time at 8 p.m. B. AVENGING ANGEL stars Kevin Sobo as a preacher-turned bounty hunter on AVENGING ANGEL . . . Saturday at 9 p.m. on HALLMARK. C. ASSUME THE POSITION 201 WITH MR. WUHL is a follow-up to last year's special with Robert Wuhl looking at the sway pop culture has over history . . . Saturday at 10 p.m. on HBO. D. SPEEDOLOGY is about things that are done quickly . . . the opener looks at speed-eaters and the risks they face when they stuff their stomachs . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on National GEOGRAPHIC. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 6. To be sure My friend Sharon adopted a stray cat and took it to the vet to be neutered. “I'm about 90 percent certain he’s been fixed,” the vet said. “How can I be 100 percent?” Sharon asked. “Watch to see if he does any ‘male’ things.” “He already lies on the couch all day,” she said. “If he starts hogging the remote, I'll bring him in.” Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. To help you put a price on how much you'll save by trading up for something with better mileage, please click: http://www.MPGoMatic.com In addition, the website is info-packed with details about high-mileage cars, trucks, SUVs, etc. B. To see an amazing painter in action, please click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIJtKxdRQzY Watch the entire clip and when you do, put your speakers on! C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net To see pictures of yours truly, Cynthia, my daughter Risa, etc., go to "Blaine's Best" on left, then "Pictures" . . . make sure your sound is on! Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip If you want to send information about a virus that you KNOW is true, make sure you don't include the actual link that came in the original virus warning. For example, let's say I wanted to tell you to make sure you didn't clink a link to amazon.com . . . what I would do is put three XXXs both in front and back of it, so you'd instead see something like this: XXXamazon.comXXX . . . so even if you wanted to click it on, you couldn't. Equally important, pay heed to the suggestion I have made in the past; i.e., don't forward anything without first checking if it's true by clicking: http://www.snopes.com Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 9. London newspapers These supposedly are true. Regardless, I thought you'd get a kick out of them; I did. * Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, "We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.--LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH * Police reveal that a woman arrested for shoplifting had a whole salami in her underwear. When asked why, she said it was because she was missing her Italian boyfriend.--MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS * Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van because they cannot issue a description. It's a Special Branch vehicle, and they don't want the public to know what it looks like.--MANCHESTER GUARDIAN * A young girl who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster. A coast guard spokesman commented, "This sort of thing is all too common".--LONDON TIMES * At the height of the gale, the harbourmaster radioed a coastguard and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry, but he didn't have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover off the cliff. ABERDEEN EVENING EXPRESS * Mrs. Irene Graham of Thorpe Avenue, Boscombe, delighted the audience with her reminiscence of the German prisoner of war who was sent each week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the end of 1945, she recalled. "He'd always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the crocuses came up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out 'Heil Hitler.' "--BOURNEMOUTH EVENING ECHO Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.--Vesta M. Kelly in EVERYDAY GREATNESS: INSPIRATION FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) by Steven R. Covey; compiled by Donald K. Hatch BY CHANCE: Does anybody recognize Vesta M. Kelly? If anybody knows who she is, please let me know . . . that way, I'll know who she is too . . . and will then share this information with other readers. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day When I REALLY like a book, I mention it in four different sections of BLAINESWORLD . . . such is the case with EVERYDAY GREATNESS: INSPIRATION FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) by Steven R. Covey; compiled by Donald K. Hatch . . . see below for still another passage from it: A peasant circulated slander about a friend, only to find out later that it was not true. He came to a wise old monk for advice. "To make peace with your conscience," said the monk, "you must fill a bag with chicken down, go to each house in the village, and place one feather at the threshold." The peasant did as he was told and returned announcing he had completed his penance. "Not yet!: said the monk. "Take up your bag and gather each feather that you have dropped!" "But the wind must have blown them all away." "Yes," replied the monk. "And so it is with gossip. Words are easily spread, but no matter how hard you try, you can never get them all back again."--Merle Crowell, THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Joe in Pennsylvania: Now playing at The Actors' NET: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN . . . a terrific cast is having a ball with teens and a ten year old in the roles, all performing like seasoned pros. Plays through July 8th. For more information, please click: http://www.actorsnetbucks.org B. 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 FREE to try out the class; for more information, please click: http://www.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 C. Janet in New York: AWAKENING VENUS: WOMEN'S WEEKEND A Woman's Weekend of Ceremony, Celebration, Learning and Love, July 27-29, 2007 Oasis For The Soul 18 Orchard Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498 The FEMININE DIVINE is waking in our hearts, in our souls, to enlighten the world with love. To bring joy into our lives is one of the most essential actions that we can do in these times of extraordinary consciousness shift. This weekend is the perfect time to explore the deeper dimensions of the feminine, as Venus as high in the sky as she gets, turning back toward the Sun and her renewal in the light. Kelley, Janet and Oonaja have decades of experience and teachings to share, experience deep awakening, transformation, and fun! Information and Registration: http://www.oasisforthesoul.com/schedule.php
_________________________________________________________ PS. Please join me in celebrating a joyous Fourth of July with your friends and loved ones . . . to help add to your enjoyment, please click: http://www.kidskonnect.com/FourthofJuly/LadyLiberty/liberty_dl.htm Also, make it a great Fifth, too; in fact, rest of the week . . . and let's pray that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel. Back To Top ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION If you or somebody you know wants to subscribe to BLAINESWORLD, have them drop me an e-mail to that effect . . . new readers are always welcome . . . my address is: bginbc@aol.com In the unlikely event you wish to unsubscribe, notify me at the same email address. |
