BLAINESWORLD
#718
7.5.2010
In this issue:
1. Reflections
2. FYI
3. Playing golf
4. Reviews . . . PLEASE GIVE, etc.
5. TV alert
6. Pray for Leroy
7. Websites
8. Computer tip
9. Tick warning
10. A quote I like
11. Thought for the day
12. Advance planning department
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1. Reflections
A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I had a fantastic Fourth of July
gathering (actually held the day before) at our community's clubhouse . . . everything
was spectacular, including the weather and music by the Firecracker Jazz
Band . . . nobody went away hungry, thanks to some great barbecue and ribs
from Cruizers:
http://www.mycruizers.com/
Yet our favorite part of the day was being entertained by two of the jugglers
from Forty Fingers & a Missing Tooth . . . we've seen them perform before,
and each time we do, they amaze us . . . so this time, we even got
in the middle of their knife-juggling routine:
But hey, what's fair is fair . . . so we then switched spots:
For more information about Forty Fingers & a Missing Tooth, please click:
http://www.fortyfingersjuggling.com/
I was glad to have been part of the Recreation Committee, the group
that ran the event . . . SPECIAL KUDOS to those others who helped make
it the success that it was: David Berry, Sheldon and Janet Harnash,
Marilynne Herbert, Donna Mills, Shari Mastria, Jim Preish, and Judy Warren,
B. Personally, I was disappointed that I did not get called for jury duty . . . I had
kept the week "open," but when I found out that my services were not needed,
I did manage to:
* Complete my Center for Creative Retirement course; i.e., a behind-the-scenes look
at the making of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE--the current play at SART, the Southern
Regional Repertory Theatre . . . Rob Miller, SART's managing director, is to be
commended for his excellent job in organizing and then running the whole
show . . . he was ably assisted by several individuals who shared their wisdom
with us: Deborah Austin, costume shop manager; Rob Berris, technical director;
Bill Gregg, artistic director; and Maria Mason, publicity/marketing.
MY STRONG RECOMMENDATION:
That you do whatever you can to catch the above show before its limited run
ends on July 18 . . . if you're not familiar with the story, it's an autobiography
about a career-absorbed journalist who visits his retired college professor, where they
find the basic truths of living, dying and what it means to love. Based on the bestseller
book/memoir by Mitch Albom.
I've seen rehearsals and can tell you that you're in for a treat . . . for more information,
please click:
http://sartplays.org/2010.htm
* Meet with Dave Campbell, president of MMS Direct, in regard to a promotional
piece that his firm is helping our Asheville SCORE Chapter develop . . . he then
very graciously took the time to give me a tour of his plant and, also, to teach
me more about QR codes . . . these are popular type two-dimensional barcodes that
are increasingly being used to reach anybody with a smartphone, given that some
statistics indicate that up to 42% of Americans use a smartpohone.
For more information about MMS Direct, a marketing service provider, please click:
http://mailmanllc.com/
C. CONGRATULATIONS to:
* Liz Miller for having an article written about her in the ASHEVILLE
CITIZEN-TIMES . . . please click to read more:
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010307070061
MORE IMPORTANTLY:
Do join Cynthia and me for the fundraiser that's mentioned in the
article . . . it will be held on Thursday, July 15 . . . for more information,
please click:
http://hopeinthehandwriting.com/
* Rita Serotkin on the birth of her grandchild, Zoe Isabella Serotkin,
on July 2.
D. CONDOLENCES to Terry Coleman, son Ron and family on the passing
of Terry's husband Jerry.
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Jason Littrell--our representative with Terminix in Asheville.
We've used that company for pest control services ever since we've moved
into our home . . . from the beginning, Jason was the the person who took
care of what we needed to be done . . . he has always been friendly and
professional . . . even more significantly, he has gotten the job done; i.e.,
taken care of any pests that have appeared both inside and outside.
We have also been appreciative of the fact that he is aware of our cats,
and the need to keep them safe and secure . . . in addition, he is extremely
punctual . . . and whenever we have a so-called emergency (as we did the
other day when we noticed many bees buzzing around), he seemingly
drops everything to make a service call.
You won't go wrong working with Terminix . . . the phone number is 828.232.1338 . .. make
sure you ask to see if you can get Jason to be assigned to your account.
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2. FYI
If you're 60 or over . . . or know somebody who is . . . please read the following:
"Doctor and Patient: Why Patients Aren't Getting the Shingle Vaccine" by
Pauline W. Chen, M.D. . . . according to the article, "Most doctors recommend
immunizations against flu and pneumonia for older patients, but they do
not do the same with the shingles vaccine."
For the rest of this very informative article, please click:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/health/10chen.html?emc=eta1
MY REQUEST:
Please get a shingles vaccine if you qualify from an age standpoint . . . also, please
share this information with friends and relatives who may qualify . . . I know several
people who came down with shingles and had to suffer through what was a
very debilitating illness that could have been avoided.
FYI, part 2
* Ange in Pennsylvania (with a REQUEST FOR HELP):
For your readers who travel to Europe what do they do about calling home.
If they use a pre-paid card do they buy it in the States or wait to buy it in the
foreign country? If they wait until they are in the foreign country, where do they
find them to buy? Do they have a recommended pre-paid card?
If they don't have international dialing on their cellphones do they have
it added?
* Jim in Pennsylvania:
Could I reprint that dessert story on the www.AgelessAndAmazing.com blog?
Of course with a link back to you.
MY ANSWER:
I, of course, told Jim [Donovan] "yes." He's the man. Check out his blog
and other stuff if you've never done so. Also, to ALL others: Always please
feel free to use my stuff . . . and if you do so, kindly tell folks that they can get
their own copy of BLAINESWORLD that you enjoy reading (I'm hoping that
is the case) by just dropping me an email with their request.
* Linda in New Jersey:
Something interesting for your newsletter [how the International Space
Station comes together]:
http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htm
* Marie in New Jersey:
We are all so lucky to have a little Blaine in our lives! Love BLAINESWORLD.
MY RESPONSE:
Hey, I'm not thaaaaat little Marie . . . 5' 7," though a tall 5' 7" . . . in fact,
most folks think I'm at least 5' 7 and 1/4 inches!
* George in Pennsylvania:
Make sure everyone goes out to see the latest movie that I am in, THE LAST
AIRBENDER. I am the little brown dot, fourth from the right, no wait . . . fifth
from the right in the lower left corner of the screen for .12 seconds at 1:25.
I'm the little dot with the flashing bluetooth saying "Hi Mom" and doing the horns
with my left hand.
* Natalie in Pennsylvania:
Thanks for sending [website on opera street festival in Philadelphia].
I loved this. Wish I'd been there too.
IF YOU MISSED THE ABOVE:
Check last week's issue, Section 7A. If and when you can, do click
on the links in this part of the newsletter each week . . . I do think
you'll find them interesting.
* Laura in New Jersey:
I went to the New Jersey Shakespeare Theatre again to see a farce,
"A Servant with Two Masters" and recommend it to your readers. It was
even funnier than "Taming of the Shrew." The young man who played
the servant was so funny and so energetic that he really made the play
special. This one is playing thru August 1. It is the summer production
so it is performed outdoors in an amphitheater at St. Elizabeth's College,
which is just between Madison and Morristown, NJ on Madison Avenue.
The tiers are wide enough to accommodate lawn chairs but bring at least
stadium cushions or lawn chairs. You can bring a picnic, even wine or beer.
The players play out into the audience. I guarantee that it will be a great
night out. The New Jersey Shakespeare Theater is a treasure for New Jersey,
and I am glad it is on the campus of my alma mater. They remodeled the
lecture hall that I sat in, knitted in and tried not to sleep in for four years.
* Mel in Colorado (commenting on a piece about cellphones from last week):
So last night I attended a film opening, the lady sitting beside me had her
cell phone on until the lights dimmed. Then, just as the lights came on again
after the film, EXCATLY 70 MINUTES LATER, first thing she did was to start
her cell phone again! Now what did she think could possibly have happened
in her life over the past 70 minutes???
Every time I'm on a plane, I look around to see who powers up their cell
phone first after the wheels hit the ground. Inevitably, they say: "We just
landed, I'll meet you at baggage." Well 'scuse me, but where the hell else
would they meet???
Oops, gotta go, my mail just arrived, need to put it out there on Facebook
and Twitter. You do want to know, don't you???
* Chris in Pennsylvania:
We are raising funds for a legacy scholarship in memory of our
colleague, Allen Hoey.
Please make a donation.
Make your check out to the BCCC Foundation, with Allen Hoey legacy in
memo, and send the check to Dr. Christopher Bursk, Lang & Lit Dept.,
BCCC, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA. 18940/
Allen's poetry, his teaching, his stewardship of the Bucks County Poet
Laureate program, and his work as editor and publisher had a great impact
on the poetry community in Bucks County and beyond.
At BCCC Allen also made invaluable contributions to the Department
of Language and Literature particularly in his tireless work on curricular
revision.
It is fitting that Allen be remembered with an annual scholarship
established in his name.
More information, contact Chris Bursk at 215.968.8156.
* Devender in California:
Just finished watching the American Movie. Very low key yet quite profound.
Two thumbs up to Borchardt.
http://www.americanmovie.com
* Monica in Pennsylvania:
Animals playing soccer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8xa_tJ62sw&feature=autofb
MY TWO CENTS:
My kind of soccer. Now this is one match that had me watching the
whole thing!
* Monica in North Carolina:
I have a Best Buy card that I frequently use the 3/6 or 12 month same
as cash option when I purchase items. I am always careful to make sure
that I pay the balance due on the same as cash option before it comes due.
I recently had a balance of $550 that had to be paid by 6/14 to avoid any
interest charges. I paid on 6/10. However, when I received my next bill it stated
that $472 in interest had been charged. After checking into it, Best Buy
explained that I had a minimum payment of $12 that was due for that billing
cycle and the $550 balance on the same as cash option. In order to not have
the interest charged, you are required to pay your minimum payment as well
as the balance of the same as cash. Thankfully, they did credit me for the $472
in interest, but I may not be so lucky in the future. Be sure to read statements
carefully when using a 3/6 or 12 months same as cash option. In summary, pay
any minimum payment as well as your pay off amount on the same as cash
purchase. It’s so complicated!!
* Cynthia in North Carolina (see also Section 1A):
Can you put this video in the newsletter? It is powerful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_6iTCo5Ci8&feature=player_embedded
* Berta in New Jersey:
How to change the world in seven days:
http://www.tenmillionclicksforpeace.org/messenger/howtochangetheworld.pdf
* Alyson in Colorado:
In the spirit of posting positive messages, this will make your day Blaine
and bring new fire to all good works . . . a must-watch, inspiring
video-animation on our interconnectedness and the potential for empathy
to heal the world.
Bestselling author, political adviser and social and ethical prophet
Jeremy Rifkin investigates the evolution of empathy and the profound
ways that it has shaped our development and our society
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7AWnfFRc7g
* Lynn in Pennsylvania:
Please go to this link and vote for my daughter [in the Beautiful Babies competition].
You can vote once a day for each valid email address you have. Also, feel free to forward
it to your friends.
http://wphl.tribunepromotions.com/babies/tip_bb_wphl,0,4123676.ugcphotogallery?index=99342
* Lori in Pennsylvania:
Saw Grown Ups save your money. I don't think any of those comics ever
change the characters they play. Did laugh a little. DVD rental.
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3. Playing golf
Moses and Jesus were in a threesome playing golf one day. Moses pulled
up to the tee and drove a long one. The ball landed in the fairway, but
rolled directly toward a water hazard. Quickly Moses raised his club, the
water parted and it rolled to the other side, safe and sound.
Next, Jesus strolled up to the tee and hit a nice long one directly toward
the same water hazard. It landed right in the center of the pond and kind
of hovered over the water. Jesus casually walked out on the pond and
chipped the ball onto the green.
The third guy got up and randomly whacked the ball. It headed out over
the fence and into oncoming traffic on a nearby street. It bounced off a truck
and hit a nearby tree. From there, it bounced onto the roof of a shack close
by and rolled down into the gutter, down the drain spout, out onto the fairway
and straight toward the aforementioned pond. On the way to the pond, the
ball hit a stone and bounced out over the water onto a lily pad, where it rested
quietly. Suddenly a very large bullfrog jumped up on a lily pad and snatched
the ball into his mouth. Just then, an eagle swooped down and grabbed the
frog and flew away. As they passed over the green, the frog squealed with fright
and dropped the ball, which bounced right into the cup for a hole in one.
Moses turned to Jesus and said, "I hate playing with your Dad."
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4. Reviews
A. Enjoyed PLEASE GIVE, a quirky comedy drama, that stars Catherine
Keener and Oliver Platt . . . it's about a couple living in New York City who desire
more space, but they can't get it until their elderly neighbor dies--and nobody
can predict when that will be . . . so they try to make the best of things and,
at the same time, deal with their own daughter and her self-image issues . . . this
is a film that you might miss in the theaters, so if that happens, make sure
you put it on your Netflix or Blockbuster list for a future rental . . . rated R.
B. A SINGLE MAN is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD
#697 follows:
For some reason, I was not rushing out to see A SINGLE MAN . . . big
mistake on my part . . . when I eventually caught up with it, I was floored
by this tender drama of a British college professor who struggles to find
meaning in his life after the death of his long term partner . . . it's one
of the best films I have seen this past year . . . Colin Firth stars and
received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for his work . . . the
accompanying soundtrack added to my enjoyment of this fine
film . . . rated R.
UPDATE:
As you may know, Firth did not win the Best Award; it went instead to Jeff
Bridges . . . and though I'm usually a big fan of Bridges, I did not think
he was that great in CRAZY HEART (nor did I particularly like the film) . . . in my
opinion, Firth should have won the Oscar for his work.
C. To find your hidden wealth, read UNEXPECTED TREASURES by Dr. Mikel
Brown . . . it's a useful handbook with 72 different ways that include such
diverse fields as what to do while facing hardships, how to discover money
in unlikely places and what you need to do to increase the probability
of a successful marriage.
Brown, an author, businessperson and religious leader, is a licensed clinical
professional counselor with more than 27 years of experience . . . he seems
to really know his stuff and best of all, uses many real-life situations that
most any reader should be able to relate to--such as this one involving children:
* Procrastinators are made, not born. Procrastination is learned indirectly in the family
milieu and can be traced back to childhood. When children are not trained to be
responsible for completing certain tasks in a determined timeframe, they are being
groomed to procrastinate. When parents assign household chores to their children
and hold them accountable for the timely completion of those responsibilities, parents
are teaching their children the importance of completing tasks within allotted time
constraints. As children mature, they take into adulthood what they learned, whether
good or bad.
I also liked how he recommended dealing with problems as they arise:
* As we sat on one of only two pieces of furniture in the entire place [after my divorce],
we discussed my situation. Elder Crawford said something to me that I will never forget as
long as I live--something I bring to the forefront of my thoughts whenever I experience the
kind of trials that bring out the skeptics and naysayers. He simply said, “Get up and stop
giving these people something to talk about!” I am certain he said more than that, but these
profound words are the only ones I can recall from his visit. His unexpected visitation and
heart-lifting words were enough to bring me back from the brink of despair to walk once again
among the living. For the first time in along time, I saw a reason to go on living.
Lastly, this suggestion on how to deal with information really struck home to
me personally:
* What you spend the largest percentage of your time doing can often point to what you love.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “You are what you eat?” Well, it is true. It is also true that
you are a product of the information you take in daily, from whatever source. You are a product
of your information! Change your information source and you will change your life.
UNEXPECTED TREASURES might not change your life instantaneously . . . however,
it will give you food for thought that will get you moving in the right direction.
D. Heard the CD version of GET RID OF THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW!--written
by Samuel Culbert with Lawrence Rout and read by Culbert.
Initially, when I heard the title of this book, I thought it would be both dry and
of little interest to me . . . however, its subtitle quickly got me to revisit
my thinking: HOW COMPANIES CAN STOP INTIMIDATING, START MANAGING--AND
FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS.
Wouldn't that be a marvelous alternative if that could take place? And it can, according
to Culbert, through the use of something he calls the performance preview . . . the
author developed this handy concept through his many years of helping large
and small companies.
I gained many useful ideas from this book, but perhaps most useful were these
three questions that managers should ask of their subordinates:
1. What are you getting from me or the system that you like and find helpful?
2. What are you not getting from me or the system that impedes your effectiveness?
3. What are you not getting from me or the system that would enhance your
effectiveness?
In addition, I found these other tidbits thought-provoking:
* HR is the keeper of dirty little secrets.
* Teachers should ask: What was the best part of this course?
* Employers should not assume that their opinion is automatically right.
* Paying somebody more doesn't mean they'll do a better job if they're already
doing their best.
* Interesting approach to try for yourself: Ask for anonymous feedback from your
coworkers.
* After you say congratulations, what do you say to a person who gets a new job.
Ask: What does it mean to you?
* Use the performance preview, rather than review. The goal is to make sure
that every employee excels.
I especially liked the many examples in GET RID OF THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW! . . . in
addition, there were many funny parts in it, such as an imaginary conversation
that took place with Marlon Brando after his role in A STREETCAR NAMED
DESIRE . . . if the wrong manager evaluated Brando and did not like the way
he played the wrong (because of his accent), then we may well have been
deprived of his future greatness.
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5. TV alert
A. TEEN MOVIES--AT THE BEACH features classic 1960s movies, including
Frankie and Annette in GIDGET and Elvis Presley in GIRL HAPPY . . . Thursday,
starting at 8 p.m. on TCM.
B. IFC is airing reruns of FREAKS AND GREEKS, the Judd Apatow-produced
Emmy-winning series about 80s suburban life . . . the show stars James
Franco, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel, and though lasted only one season,
it had a cult following that still exists to this date . . . Fridays at 11 p.m.
C. I DREAMED A DREAM: THE SUSAN BOYLE STORY is a special
one-hour event that celebrates Boyle's extraordinary journey . . . there will
also be selections from her best-selling CD, including her signature song
from BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT . . . Sunday at 8 p.m. on TVGUIDE.
D. THE T.O. SHOW finds Terrell Owens, the flamboyant wide receiver, without
a team as Season 2 opens . . . I'm curious as to what that will mean
and what will happen to him . . . Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on VH1.
_________________________________________________________
6. Pray for Leroy
It was Sunday morning, and the preacher was very satisfied with the good
turnout. He was especially pleased to see Leroy sitting in the front row.
Leroy hadn't been to services in several years.
After his usual lengthy sermon, the preacher made his usual offer: "Anyone
with 'special needs' who wants to be prayed over, please come forward to the
front by the altar."
And Leroy leapt up to be first in line!
"Leroy, what do you want me to pray about for you?" the preacher asked.
Leroy replied, "Preacher, I need you to pray for help with my hearing."
The preacher certainly had experience with that! He put one finger of one
hand in Leroy's ear, placed his other hand on top of Leroy's head, and then
prayed and prayed and prayed. He prayed a "blue streak" for Leroy, and
the whole congregation joined in with great enthusiasm.
After a few minutes, the preacher removed his hands, stood back and
asked, "Leroy, how is your hearing now?"
"I don't know, preacher," Leroy answered. "My public defender sez it ain't
'til next week."
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7. Websites
A. Regardless of how you feel about whether this country
should be involved in fighting wars in other countries, I urge
you to find out how many soldiers have died as a result:
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/
Just take a look at some of these numbers . . . to me, they're
mind-boggling--and unacceptable.
In addition, for an equally powerful look at the effect of war, see the following article:
Spirit Intact, a Soldier Reclaims His Life
by Lizette Alvarex
Brendan Marrocco lost his arms and legs to a bomb in Iraq. A year later, he is walking
again and is an inspiration to hundreds of fellow veterans. For the rest, please click:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/nyregion/04soldier.html?emc=eta1
B. For another inspiring story about how somebody else who has refused to give up
despite a disability, view this clip about Ezra Frech--a little boy in California:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrpO0rkzvHM
THANKS to Arlene in Pennsylvania for sharing the above!
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net
To see a list of books I've read and, for the most part enjoyed, click "Blaine's
Best" on the left and then the second link in Section "O" . . . I'm currently in the Top
reviewers for amazon.com . . . if you'd like to help me move up in the rankings,
all you need to do is:
1. Go to:
www.amazon.com
2. Search at top a book I recently reviewed; e.g., PUT ON YOUR CROWN by
Queen Latifah.
3. Find my review. At the time I wrote this, it was the top one on the right. By
the time you read this, it may have moved down a few slots.
4. Read my review and if you feel it has been helpful, indicate so by clicking
on the "Yes" option at the bottom.
MUCH OBLIGED!
D. Are you on Facebook? In the unlikely event we have not yet contacted
as friends there, please feel free to send me an invite by clicking:
www.facebook.com/blainegreenfield
_________________________________________________________
8. Computer tip
For those using Facebook, here's something to consider about your
phone number--courtesy of both Gregory in Pennsylvania and Jean
in Pennsylvania:
Facebook has changed their security once again and is now publishing phone
numbers and addresses. Click Account, click Edit Friends, go to left side
of your screen and click Phonebook to see.
MY TAKE:
If you don't want others to know your phone number, don't give it to Facebook.
It's as simple as that. Personally, I don't mind Facebook friends and others
seeing my number. I figure if somebody wants to get in touch with me,
then I'll do what I can to make it as easy as possible.
_________________________________________________________
9. Tick warning
I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a few times
unintentionally. But this one is real, and it's important. Please send this warning to everyone
on your email list.
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather
and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!!
THIS IS A SCAM!!
They only want to see you naked. I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid.
_________________________________________________________
10. A quote I like
Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that
you do it.--Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), political and spiritual leader
of India, internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest
_________________________________________________________
11. Thought for the day
Declaring Independence by Edie Weinstein*
I've been sitting with this concept for nearly the past week as July 4th
approached. I'm a big fan of ritual and enjoy engaging in them as a way
of tapping into the Source of All There Is. Since I am a writer, what more
natural means than to put fingers to keyboard for this one? Listening
to popping fireworks outside my window, I am moving through some
incendiary displays of my own.
Although on the surface, I may appear to be a happy go lucky, Energizer
Bunny who has been described by one friend as a "human chakra," and
when wearing glitter, by another with his belief that I don't put it on, but
instead it comes from my pores. As much as I hate to blow my cover, I have
become amply aware of the disturbing presence of a screechingly obnoxious
inner critic. I was telling a friend recently of a memory from grad school in
the 80s. I was in the kitchen with a friend named Alan Moos, who was
cooking dinner while Garrison Keilor waxed profound doing his monologue
on A Prairie Home Companion. I don't even recall the subject matter Alan
and I were discussing, but I made a disapproving statement about something
I had done. His comment was "I have this image of you standing over yourself
with a whip. When are you going to put it down?" Nearly 30 years later, I am still
asking myself that question.
I have noticed a disturbing, almost reflexive reaction when someone praises
me in some way. I express gratitude for their comment, but the voice
of that "pseudo leather-clad whip cracking dom" sneers, "yeah, right. If you're
so (fill in the blank that they say you are) then how come you aren't more
successful, wealthy, better known, in the relationship of your desires, living
in the home of your dreams, doing ONLY work you adore?" It takes conscious
effort to counter her persistent attempts at dimming my joy.
I have been singing Karen Drucker's song: "Taming My Inner Critic" over and
over until I know it in my sleep. She could have written it specifically for me.
So, in this moment, I declare independence
from fear to love
from living in scare-city to doing a-bun-dance
from doubt to knowingness
from not-enough-too-much to just right (a Goldilocks lesson)
from harshly self critical to lovingly self compassionate
from negation to affirmation
from blubbering to bliss
from hesitation to heartening
from loneliness to one-liness
from putting on the brakes to breaking free
from procrastination to determination
from second guessing to certainty
So what's your declaration of independence?
* Reprinted with the gracious permission of Edie Weinstein (a.k.a. Bliss
Mistress). She is a colorfully creative journalist and sought after writer and
speaker who invites people to live rich, full, juicy lives. For more information,
please click:
http://wwwwww.liveinjoy.org
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12. Advance planning department
A. North Carolina events:
* The Hop in Asheville:
Saturday, July 10th from 3-4 p.m., we are hosting a Homemade Ice Cream Competition,
featuring local chefs. Show up for the blind tasting of all the homemade ice creams and vote
on your top choice. At the end of the event we will announce the champion flavor, which will
appear in heavy rotation in our regular selection. The contestants are chefs from Table,
Posana, Sazerac, Zambra and Creme Bakery, as well as the unaffiliated Christopher Smith.
For more information, please click:
http://thehopicecreamcafe.com/The_Hop/the_hop_presents.html
* Mark in North Carolina:
I am sending this because I think that you might benefit greatly from attending this year’s
one-day Philanthropy Institute, which takes place at Blue Ridge Community College
in Hendersonville on Wednesday, July 14. This event is easily the largest and
least-expensive day of fundraising training offered in Western NC each year. I will be
presenting this year, along with many colleagues who are terrific fundraisers and
instructors. Representatives of several grantmaking foundations will also be sharing their
experience. Please join the 80+ fundraisers who have already signed up, if you haven’t already!
To register or learn more, please visit:
http://www.afpwnc.org/philanthropyinstitute.cfm
B. Pennsylvania/New Jersey event:
Glenn in Pennsylvania:
Just a reminder Josh Fox will be screening GASLAND
Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 1.00 p.m.
Yardley-Makefield Free Library
1080 Edgewood Road, Yardley, PA
Meet Josh who made the movie and shares his personal experience as
well as experience of others in PA and elsewhere in the US with gas
drilling companies. Gas drilling permits have been issued in Nockamixon
Township, Bucks County. Josh, Tracy Carluccio (Delaware Riverkeeper
Network) and hopefully PA District 31 House Rep. Steve Santarsiero (PA
House Energy Committee member) will host a panel discussion post
screening.
The program is free and open to all. Voluntary contributions are welcome
to defray costs and to assist families who have suffered as a result of
drilling/fracking catastrophes.
_________________________________________________________
PS. Methinks that we all need to pray for the folks who died in the BP
oil spill, as well as for our remaining soldiers in both Iraq and
Afghanistan . . . while we're at it, include those in Israel and her neighbors
who are seeking peace . . . and perhaps most importantly: Make it
a great week, too!
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