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BLAINESWORLD
#667
7.13.2009 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Warning 4. Reviews . . . PUBLIC ENEMIES, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Tough times 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Things to say in job interviews . . . NOT, Part 2 of 3 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I had the pleasure of spending this past week hosting visitors . . . first up was my daughter Risa and her husband JP . . . we went to many of our favorite local restaurants (12 Bones, Tupelo Honey Cafe, Cruizer's and Sushi Tai) and, also, got to mine for both gems and gold at The Lucky Strike in Marion, North Carolina . . . that's JP and Risa below, hard at work:  For more information about the latter spot, please click: http://www.luckystrikegoldandgem.com B. We also took a comedy tour of Asheville, which was not only fun but informative as well . . . what follows is a picture of us with our tour guide:  If you're going to visit Asheville, we would definitely recommend that you take this tour . . . for information, please click: http://www.lazoomtours.com/ Afterward, we went to the Orange Peel to see a Last Band Standing competition that featured Buster, one of our favorite local bands . .. though the group did not win, it received much favorable praise from the judges . . . and we look forward to seeing the band again when it appears in our local community on August 29. C. The day after Risa and JP left, we were joined by Cynthia's sister Joyce and her husband Marty who helped us celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary on Friday night . . . we had a fantastic dinner at Steak and Wine, at which we all feasted on their steaks . . . for more information, please click: http://www.swsteakandwine.com From there, we walked around town--hitting the Drumming Circle that takes place every Friday night and, of course, stopping by for ice cream at Kilwin's. On Saturday, we toured the River Arts District and got to watch a performance by Jonas Gerard . . . he's an artist who invites you into his studio to watch him paint while he dances to music . . . it's an amazing experience that you'll have to see to believe . . . for more information, please click: http://www.jonasgerard.com We then went for an excellent seafood dinner at Blue Water Seafood in Hendersonville: http://www.bluewaterseafood.net/site/ Cynthia and I will remember the evening because it was the first time we tried fried green tomatoes . . . we liked them, too! We concluded the day with a trip to the Flat Rock Playhouse to see PERFECT WEDDING . . . this was a farce that had us all laughing throughout the performance . . . we've now seen Scott Treadway, the star, in three plays over the past several months . . . he continues to amaze us with his range, as well as his ability to master lengthy roles in such a short period of time. Fortunately, the play runs through July 18, so if you get the chance, do catch it if you can . . . for more information, please click: http://www.flatrockplayhouse.org D. On Sunday, we took a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway . . . the views are magnificent, as can be by the picture below:  We then went to the Pisgah National Park where we saw two local songcatchers who sang, individually and together, Appalachian folk music . . . we went for dinner at the Pisgah Inn . . . Marty and I had meatloaf, which we enjoyed . . . Joyce ordered salmon and Cynthia ordered trout, which they also enjoyed . . . perhaps best was the peach cobbler a la mode for dessert; the only problem was that splitting it four ways was a mistake . . . we should have each ordered our own dish! ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Glenn Gleghorn and his entire staff at Glenn M. Gleghorn, CPA--the accounting firm I'm now using in North Carolina. I have gotten to know Glenn over the past few months and over that time, I've grown to appreciate both his competence and friendly nature . . . in particular, he has asked many insightful questions that helped point out deductions that I would have otherwise missed. Glenn is ably assisted by his wife Aretha, as well as by Diane, Sheena and Jennifer . . . all these fine folks have made what otherwise could have been a difficult transition (switching accounting firms) into one that might even be deemed a pleasure if it involved anything else other than having to deal with my taxes. Should you be in need of an accountant "down South," you certainly won't go wrong by contacting Glenn at 828.254.3943. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI It will take a long time by Dr. Wayne Dyer Is this a valid reason, or an excuse not to proceed? If you wish to elevate your life, it really doesn't matter how long it takes, does it? And this is particularly true when you're conscious that you live your life, every single bit of it, in the present moment and only in the present moment. All you ever get is now. Every thought occurs in the present moment, and every change has a defining moment. Often it takes something or someone outside of you to help you realize that. An entertaining psychiatrist named Dr. Murray Banks does just that with the following little exchange between himself and a woman who has decided not to return to school because she'd be too old when she finished. "How old would you be in five years if you got that degree by starting now?" he asks her. "Forty-nine," she replies. "And how old will you be in five years if you don't go back to school?" "Forty-nine," she answers, seemingly confused . . . but with the look of one who's become conscious of the excuses she created for not elevating her life. However long it took you to create any self-defeating habit, you did it all one day, one moment at a time. There's absolutely no proof that anything will take a long time, since even the idea of "a long time" is an illusion-there is only now. Make this awareness a part of your consciousness. The Tao Te Ching reinforces this in perhaps the most famous line in that masterful work: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Elevate or move on in your life, not by thinking big and in long time periods, but with consciousness focused on the present moment.
SOURCE: EXCUSES BEGONE! (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) FYI, part 2 * Jean in Pennsylvania: My nephew's debut album: http://www.myspace.com/jesseponnock
NOTE: By visiting the above website you can find out all about getting it for free on July 25. And Jean's nephew will be having a CD Release Concert/Party on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Milkboy Coffee in Ardmore . . . for more information about that, please click: http://milkboycoffee.com/home/calendar/ * Rebecca in New Jersey: To view my artwork, please click: http://www.inliquid.com/artist/kelly_rebecca/kelly.php * Barbara in Pennsylvania: This was a "helluva" newsletter this week!! Blaine, you outdid yourself. I loved it, especially the joke about the porno movie/ music/dog! (I laughed out loud at this one). Thanks for sharing--to steal a phrase of yours. * Diane in Pennsylvania (with an update on her husband Bill): A lot of people have been asking me for an update on Bill. As some of you know, Bill has recently been admitted to the hospital for surgery. The surgery was on June 23rd at Roxbourgh Memorial Hospital where he was there for three days. His (flap) surgery required him having a total of over 70 stitches and staples from his hip down to the bottom of his outer thigh. The total recovery period lasts six to eight weeks. He is recovering at a Skilled Nursing Facility in Plymouth Meeting where he will be there for approximately four to five weeks. After that, he will head down to Magee for two weeks for therapy. Thank you for everyone's prayers and concerns. If you would like to write, email or call Bill, here is his information: Meadow Springs Center 845 Germantown Pike Plymouth Meeting Pa 19462 ROOM 230w Cell phone: 267.912.1458 Bill's email address is billl@steen.com. He has his laptop with him so we checks his messages every day. YOU'RE IN FOR A TREAT: If you haven't seen it yet, please view the moving tribute to Bill that was put together by his good friend John Worthington: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJN0Cdbf0lA * Arlene in Pennsylvania: If you remember, I tried to talk you into buying new digs at The Villages, Florida. I so love it there. I think your readers will be interested in a deal they have just offered. Between now and September 30th, offering their newest guest accommodations: the Creekside Cabanas, which opened in February. These spacious homes and villas feature open, 2-bedroom floor plans that allow you to relax or entertain new friends after a day of fun swimming, golfing, shopping or exploring for--get this--$75.00 a night. No tax. I'm going the beginning of September. Can't wait. For more information, please click: http://www.thevillages.com/ComeVisit/lpp.asp MY TWO CENTS: I think Arlene was the first to tell me about this place . . . we visited it and had a fantastic four day mini-vacation . . . there's even a five day option . . . do check it out sometime, even if you're not interested in moving there . . . it is located not too far from the Orlando area . . . you have to be of retirement age to take advantage of this offer, and you are subjected to a non-pushy tour that methinks you'll actually enjoy. * And for more on that state, check out this from Ginger in Florida: See my updated website with some awesome panoramic pictures of Florida: http://www.Eisenrod.com * Patty in Pennsylvania: Good youtube worth watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA
I'm mailing in my teacups! Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Warning I haven't checked snopes.com yet to see if this actually works or not . . . but "they" do say: If you ever get the sudden urge to run around naked, you should sniff some Windex first. It'll keep you from streaking. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. When I was younger, I read every book about gangsters and saw every film about them, too . . . so that's probably why I was disappointed with PUBLIC ENEMIES, in that I knew the whole story about legendary gangster John Dillinger and how he was tracked down by FBI agent Melvin Purvis . . . also, I just didn't feel anything for the main characters--played by Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, respectively . . . and there was just too much action taking place in the dark . . . 140 longish minutes . . . rated R. B. GREY GARDENS , the HBO movie, is now out on DVD . . . it features Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore playing the real-life mother-daughter act of Edith and Edie Bealer, faded East Hampton society belles who are related to Jackie Onasis . . . they are both superb, as is this film, which TV GUIDE calls both "mesmerizing and creepy" . . . I concur . . . though not yet officially rated, I'd say that it would be appropriate viewing for any mature teenager and up. C. Every time I read a book by Dr. Wayne Dyer, it seems I come away thinking that this is his best . . . and that he won't be able to top it. Such is the case with his latest, EXCUSES BEGONE! (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11) . . . just about every page had me nodding while I thought to myself, this applies to me--and others that I care about. Dr. Dyer discusses such classic excuses as the following: If I changed, it would create family dramas . . . I'm too old or too young . . . I'm too busy and tired . . . I can't afford the things I truly want . . . it would be very difficult for me to do anything differently . . . and I've always been this way . . . but what's so great about Dr. Dyer is the fact that he then presents ways to look at these excuses differently, so that you no longer need to be hampered by them in your daily life. For example, when it comes to being too busy: * Change this pattern by never saying or implying that you're too busy. Just drop it, and replace it with the following affirmation I intend to take time for myself to live the life that I came here to live, and to do it without ignoring my responsibilities as a parent, spouse, or employee. I also liked what he had to say with respect to the need to explain your behavior . . . as he notes: * Complaining and explaining are the two huge allies of excuse making. Generally speaking, when you resort to complaining you employ an excuse of one kind or another, placing the responsibility for what's upsetting you on something or someone external to yourself. . . . In addition to putting an end to complaints, I recommend that you never attempt to explain. As I've pursued a no-excuses mentality, I've made it my policy to keep the thing that I wish to accomplish a private matter. By doing so, I'm never forced into a stance of having to explain myself. I'm well aware that many of my personal life missions sound strange and outrageous to others. Consequently, I've learned to avoid sharing my intentions with anyone, outside of a select few whom I know and trust at a spiritual level. (Anything I might say to these individuals wouldn't require me to explain myself in any way.) Lastly, because of my interest in helping others quit smoking, I was blown away by Dr. Dyer's take on the subject: * Decades ago when I decided to give up smoking, for example, I used EXCUSES BEGONE! beliefs. It was encouraging for me to realize how much more difficult it was to smoke than not to smoke. The smoker part of me always had to have a pack of cigarettes and an ashtray within easy reach, carry matches or lighters, dispose of ashes, deal with smelly fingers and stained teeth, earn money to pay for this disgusting habit, be careful exhaling noxious fumes, cough up nicotine residue from my lungs, buy lighter fluid and flints, and on and on. The truth was that continuing to smoke was the real difficulty, and changing my habit involved one simple thing: not smoking. If you have any interest in changing lifelong self-defeating thinking habits, do yourself a favor and buy EXCUSES BEGONE! today . . . if you're not near a store, that's why they invented online retailing--thus taking away any excuse that you might have! D. Heard the CD version of THE TOYOTA WAY by Dr. Jeffrey Liker, a professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan. Dr. Liker has studied Toyota for some 20 years and, in particular, the 14 management principles and philosophy that drive the company's quality and efficiency-obsessed culture . . . he then proceeds to take his research to show how it can be applied to any organization, whether in services or manufacturing. The key is to create a culture of continuous learning and improvement . . . best of all, this isn't rocket science . . . as pointed out in the Preface, Dr. Liker remembers asking Fujio Cho (president of Toyota Motor Company) what was remarkable about his company's success . . . his response was simply: * The key to the Toyota Way and what makes Toyota stand out is not any of the individual elements. . . . But what is important is having all the elements together as a system. It must be practiced every day in a very consistent manner." Given that I own and love a Toyota (the Avalon), I had a particular interest in this book given that I wanted to see what helped make my vehicle as fine a car as it is . . . THE TOYOTA WAY gave me some valuable insights as to why that was the case . . . in addition, it gave me many ideas with respect to how to better assess what other companies need to do to become better and more competitive in the marketplace. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. Tissue alert: NATASHA RICHARDSON; THE E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY airs on Wednesday at 10 p.m. on E! . . . this show will be a look back at the leading lady whose life was cut far too short in a March skiing accident. B. Comedians (and friends of 20 years) Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter star as fictionalized versions of themselves on MICHAEL AND MICHAEL HAVE ISSUES . . . Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. on COMEDY CENTRAL. C. J.K. ROWLING: A YEAR IN THE LIFE opens up about her road from cash-strapped single mom to bestselling author . . . Thursday at 8 p.m. on ABC. D. Check out either of these made-for-TV movies: * Laura Leighton (soon to return as bad girl Sydney Andrews on the CW's MELROSE PLACE fall revival) returns to the screen as Angie Dickinson's prodigal daughter in an attempt to save her family's farm from land developers . . . Saturday at 9 p.m. HALLMARK. * Lindsay Lohan stars as a down-on-her-luck publishing assistant who fakes pregnancy to keep her job . . . Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABS FAMILY. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Tough times I used to work for the unemployment office until they laid me off. The next day I went back to apply for Unemployment Insurance and waited 1.5 hours in line. When I got to the window, the lady apologized, saying they were a little short-handed today (ouch). When she saw that my last job was at her office, she asked, "If we didn't want to pay you while you were working here, what makes you think we want to pay you when you're not working here?" (ouch-ouch) SOURCE: The above was both written and submitted by my friend Les in California . . . fortunately, he reports, it is "totally a recession joke . . . never really happened to me." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. You can find safe, healthy and green products by clicking: http://www.goodguide.com You can also find ratings on ratings on environmental, health and social performance for over 70,000 products. This can be done on items from food, personal care items, toys and household chemicals. Get all the latest news and recalls as well. B. Discuss Cooking is a forum for food lovers and people who love to cook: http://www.DiscussCooking.com
The bulk of the recipes have been contributed by professional chefs. I liked the fact that you didn't have to register to browse these, and I also thought the accompanying comments (and sometimes even pictures) were great. Now if somebody wants to make me some of the Oatmeal Chippers, I'll be in seventh heaven! C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net If you're new to this website . . . or just want to catch up on some pictures of yours truly (along with his friends and relatives), click "Blaine's Best" to the left and then "Pictures" . . . make sure you have your sound on, too, to listen to what's arguably the greatest rock song of all time. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip If you're on Facebook, Linkedin or any other social networking site and want others to join you, I strongly suggest that you always include a note with your invitation . . . remind the person you're inviting of your connection to him or her . . . I get some requests that no matter how hard I try, I don't recall the name or face . . . and in those instances, I typically don't respond that I want to be "connected" with that person until I find out more. TO THOSE READERS ON FACEBOOK: Please do feel free to invite me to be your "friend" or have me do likewise . . . you can reach my there by clicking: www.facebook.com/blainegreenfield Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Things to say in job interviews . . . NOT, Part 2 of 3 More memorable interview responses, according to CareerBuilder.com: 15. "If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?"--Bolzan 16. "When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?"--Bolzan 17. "Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don't plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast feed and would want to use that room."--Bolzan 18. "So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?"--Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting 19. Why are you leaving your current job? "Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building."--Abbe Mortimore, Human Resources Manager, True Textiles, Inc. 20. "I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes."--Smith 21.Why are you looking for a job? "Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job."--Pechstein 22. "My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I'm here."--McGowan 23. Why do you want to work for us? "Just for the benefits."--Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications 24. "My old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!"--Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications 25. "I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?"--Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, Communications Director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity 26. What are your assets? (as in strengths) "Well, I do own a bike."--Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group 27. What are your weaknesses? "I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won't get mad at you."--Pechstein 28. "I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning."--Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach (to be concluded next week) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Make this a motto for your thoughts: Do good things, and don't do bad things! Bad thoughts prompt you to engage in self-limiting behaviors; good thoughts, on the other hand, support your desire and capacity to live at high levels of joy, success and health.--Dr. Wayne Dyer in EXCUSES BEGONE! (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day When I REALLY like a book, I'll cite it four separate times in this newsletter . . . . thus you can tell my reaction to EXCUSES BEGONE! (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) by Dr. Wayne Dyer, which contained the following passage: There is a widely told story that speaks to the value of compassion. It seems that a woman who lived a tao-centered life came upon a precious stone while sitting by the banks of a running stream in the mountains, and she placed this highly valued item in her bag. The next day, a hungry traveler approached the woman and asked for something to eat. As she reached into her bag for a crust of bread, the traveler saw the precious stone and imagined how it would provide him with financial security for the remainder of his life. He asked the woman to give the treasure to him, and she did, along with some food, He left, ecstatic over his good fortune and the knowledge that he was now secure. A few days later the traveler returned and handed back the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he told her. "Although I know how valuable this is, I'm returning it to you in the hopes that you could give me something even more precious." "What would that be?" the woman inquired. "Please give me what you have within yourself that enabled you to give me that stone." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Kathy in New Jersey: Three great shows will be running this summer at the Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College (West Windsor, NJ): * JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT July 10-19 Andrew Lloyd Webber's campus musical version of the Old Testament story presented by The Yardley Players. * ASSASSINS July 24-August 2 Stephen Sondheim's haunting dark musical comedy presented by Cheng/Ferrara Productions. * MUSICAL OF MUSICALS: THE MUSICAL August 14-23 This hilarious musical presented by the Pennington Players is a take off of popular musicals. For more information, please click: http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/ B. Cyndy in Pennsylvania: Dates for the Summer Circles, which Will All Be Held In Landenberg, PA and running from 6:30-9:30 p.m.: July 17, July 24, August 14 and August 28 I am very honored and excited that on July 24th, Morning Star, a Medicine Woman from Australia, will join our circle. To register please contact me at 610.274.3109 or email: snakdancr@aol.com. For more information, please visit: C. Cathy in Pennsylvania: Save the Dates-August 4 and August 6 Hiroshima Day programs There are two programs in the works for Hiroshima Day. On August 4 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. we have an event scheduled at Pennswood Village in Langhorne. We will have two survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings that will be speaking. On August 6, approximate start time will be 6:30 p.m., there is an event being planned at BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Warrington. At this event Ward Wilson, Associate Director of Coalition for Peace Action, will give a presentation about nuclear weapons and then there will be a movie shown. D. Do you know the difference between a right-handed and left-handed pencil? If not, find out more by attending either of the following two Asheville presentations I'll be making in the months to come: * At Congregation Beth HaTephila on August 16 at 1 p.m.; and * At the Biltmore Lake Lecture Series on October 23 at 7 p.m. Details to follow. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 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! ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION To subscribe to this publication, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE in subject line . . . if you wish to unsubscribe, just send an email to same address and put UNSUBSCRIBE in subject line. |
