For more information, please click:

http://modestonc.com/

B. Cynthia left the next day to visit New Jersey for her friend Edinah's baby
shower and to spend a few days at the shore. . . I stayed behind; after all,
somebody had to take care of the cats.

I also helped promote SART's upcoming play, AS YOU LIKE IT, by walking
around Asheville in costumes from the show.

For more information about the show (THAT PROMISES TO BE ONE
YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS), please click:

http://sartplays.org/

C. During the week, I also made a presentation to the Mayor's Committee
for Citizens with Disabilities.

I was joined by Hayley Roper Wells, my Leadership Asheville classmate . . . we
spoke on our team's project for the year--an analysis of the availability of handicapped
parking in downtown Asheville . . . to the right of Hayley is Bart Floyd,
another Leadership Asheville graduate and the dynamic Advocacy
Coordinator for the Western Alliance for Independent Living.

D. In addition, I kept busy by:

* Attending a session on "What's New for Small Business in 2010," hosted
by U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler (who also happens to be my Congressman) . . . Lowell
Pearlman and Ron Ashe were on the panel, and they both did a fine job
of representing Asheville SCORE.

* Visiting Biltmore Baptist Church in my continuous desire to learn more . . . I
attended the Sunday service and came away impressed with the magnificent
facility, as well as with how friendly everybody was . . . the regular pastor
was away; in his place was Dr. Sal Sberna, lead pastor at The Metropolitan
Baptist Church in Houston . . . his sermon got everybody's attention
because he delivered it while carrying suitcases and a backpack . . . he
spoke about the baggage we carry in our lives and how this baggage
"prevents you from enjoying all that God has given you." The key:
"You can't run the race if you're carrying the baggage!"

* Seeing comedian Jake Johnanssen, the headline performer at the fourth
annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival . . . he talked
about the economy here, and how it seems that it's "based on everybody bringing
each other to lunch" . . . he also noticed there was a place that makes
sandals and sells an entry-level pair for $300--"like for when Jesus turns pro."

He's a real funny guy who has performed on the Letterman show 35 times . . . to
check him out, please click:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FztVU6swtkM

I'll also remember the night for something that was sold in the lobby:
an oatmeal cranberry white chocolate cookie that was perhaps the
best cookie I have ever had . . . I found out that if you're in the area, you
can get these cookies delivered to you . . . they can also be shipped
anywhere in the country . . . for more information (and about all the other
cookies, too), please click:

http://sugarmommascookies.com/

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

This week, it goes to Liz Miller--an intern with Leadership Asheville.

I got to know Liz this past year as a result of being involved with this
program . . . she was always around, taking pictures and brightening every day
with her smile.

But what has really impressed me with her has been her  involvement with a group called
Helpmate, a domestic violence agency serving both Asheville and Buncombe County . . . she
came up with an idea to write notes of encouragement to the women at Helpmate, and
the idea just grew and grew.

It culminated with a fundraiser this past week at Laury's that raised over $4,700 for
the organization . . . I was able to attend, along with Cynthia, and we had a blast . . . that's
us with Liz on the right.

For more information, please click:

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010307070061

I was pleased that the CITIZEN-TIMES then gave her a well-deserved "A" grade
in its "Report Card" grade feature:

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100709/OPINION01/307090029/The-Report-Card-for-July-9

Unfortunately, Asheville's loss is Denver's gain . . . Liz will soon be moving from the
area to further her education.

And CONGRATULATIONS to her for having just been named the recipient of an Outright
Grant of $1,500 from the Stephan  Bufton Memorial Educational Fund offered by the American
Business Women's Association . . . great choice for a great person!

_________________________________________________________


2. FYI

Affirmations can make a big difference in your life . . . try saying them
out loud, and you'll see for yourself . . . here's one that Keith Harrell, author
of ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11), cites
as one of his favorites:
   
Attitudes
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life.
The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us
and 90 percent how we respond to it.

I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day to day basis is my
choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my
successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me,
my circumstances, or my position. Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress.
It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there’s no barrier
too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.

FYI, part 2

* Rabbi Mel Glazer in Colorado (with a REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK):

What do you think of my next book: "I'm Going to Hell. And You?"
It will have chapters on science and religion, homosexuality, abortion,
Jesus and other topics. I want to show devotees of all religions that there
is a non-fundamentalist way to get Gd's blessings.

What do you think? Would you read it? Would Oprah read it?
Know of an out-of-the-box agent who might like it?

Call me at 719.444.0430 or e-mail me at pikespeakrabbi@aol.com.
Thanks to all!

* Jim in Pennsylvania (with a FREE BOOK for you):

Being herself a voracious happiness seeker, my colleague and
friend, Chantal Beaupre, realized that being happy from the inside
out can be accomplished by learning from the masters--those who have
blazed the trail for others to follow.

After intense research, she has personally and carefully
hand-picked 25 leading experts--including yours truly!--to give you
insights, secrets, and proven tips designed to help you FEEL
happier, BE happier . . . and STAY happier!

As Chantal often says, "We can all experience happiness from the
inside out--no matter what's going on in our lives.  It's just that
sometimes we need help getting off the ground."

In this eBook called "It's The Thought That Counts!," these 25
leading experts disclose the foundational blueprint you need to
experience more unconditional happiness in your life.  They do that
by sharing--in their unique voice and style--various tips, tools,
techniques, and inspiring stories.

Here's the link to follow to claim your FREE eBook:

http://www.itsthethoughtthatcountsebook.com/  

* Sarah in North Carolina:

This is from a dear old friend of mine. I met Meg when we were both doing
our Junior Year abroad program at the Univ. of Bath in England in 1972-3. It is
so amazing and wonderful to know dear ones for so long. Meg has had a special
ability to have come through the sudden death of her daughter (from epilepsy
at age 22). Part of how she did so was by writing what has now become a book.
She is offering part of the profit to a fund that helps others in the Baltimore area.

If you have any interest or know someone else who would be, please buy
her book and/or pass it on.

THE BOOK:

Sunday, July 11, was Maggie Feiss’s birthday.  She would have been 24. In
honor of Maggie and her birthday, I am happy and proud to announce the
arrival and availability of my book: Standing at the Edge: A Year of Days
After Sudden Death.  

It may seem crazy to bring out a book about grief for a birthday, but while
the book begins with my daughter Maggie’s death and chronicles the 365
days that follow, it is also a celebration of her boundless spirit, both in life
and afterward. It is an affirmation of the tenacity of hope and goodness.  
I hope you will read, remember grieving your own losses, but then feel
inspired, once again, to live richly and fully.

* Richardo in New Jersey (for Ange in Pennsylvania)

You can sign in on line and prepay with a credit card and you can call from any
country to any country with a pin number.

http://www.enjoyprepaid.com/

* Julien in Maryland:

Congrats!!! Five years is hard to believe. So happy that the two of you
each found someone special.

* Vickie in Pennsylvania:

Great News!!  Buddy [the dog up for adoption in last week's issue] gets
to stay with his current family!! The offer on the house in Florida  fell
through. My sister was able to find another house in a community that
will allow Buddy to live with them!  Thank you so much, Blaine, for posting
this post haste.

* Barbara in Pennsylvania:

Three great movies to be watched at home:

A TOWN LIKE ALICE, MURDER IN THE FIRST and AS FAR
AS MY FEET WILL TAKE ME.

On the last one . . . in German, so you must read it unless you
understand German . . . a fantastic movie . . . go the bathroom
it starts because you won't want to pause it.

* Mary Lou in North Carolina:

Thanks for the review of Make Way for Tomorrow . . . while the premise
is sad, I'd still like to see it. Nelson and I saw Winter's Bone on Wednesday,
speaking of sad movies!  I would not have given it quite as great a review
as the Citizen-Times gave it, but it was definitely worth seeing. I don't know
where they found the actors--in the Ozark hills I would guess.

* Natalie in Pennsylvania:

We saw “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” this weekend and enjoyed it.  Yesterday,
I watched an oldie but goodie, “The Enchanted Cottage” with Dorothy McGuire
and Robert Young.  Loved it.  Highly recommend it if you want an enchanting
love story and great acting.  Let me know if you’ve seen either of these.

_________________________________________________________

3. What's fair is fair (WARNING: brunette joke alert)

A brunette was visiting Washington, D.C., for the first time. She wanted
to see the Capitol building. Luckily for her, she spotted a cop.

"Excuse me, officer," she said. "How do I get to the Capitol building?"

"Wait here at this bus stop for the number 54 bus," the officer replied.
"It'll take you right there." She thanked the officer and he drove off.

Three hours later the police officer's patrol returned him to the same area
and, sure enough, the brunette is still waiting at the same bus stop. The officer
got out of his car and walked over to her.

"Excuse me," the cop said, "but to get to the Capitol building, I said to wait
here for the number 54 bus. That was three hours ago. Why are you
still waiting?"

"Don't worry, officer," the brunette replied. "It can't be much longer now. The 51st
bus just went by!"

_________________________________________________________

4. Reviews

A. JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK is an engaging documentary that
gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the comedian as she runs from
appearances on CELEBRITY APPRENTICE to gigs throughout the
country . . . along the way, you learn about her friendship with Johnny
Carson that fell apart when she started her own late-night show . . . and
you even get bits and pieces of some of her routines that might be
considered vulgar by some--but they are funny at least in my opinion . . . to
cite just one:

* Do guys like a woman who is smart or has looks? All I know is that
a guy never looked up a woman's dress for a library card.

Rated R for language and sexual humor.

B. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is now out in DVD format . . . my
review from BLAINESWORLD #716 follows:

Catch THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO,  a captivating
Swedish thriller about a disgraced journalist who is hired to find out
what happened to girl who disappeared 40 years ago . . . the acting
is superb, and though it's violent in spots, you'll find yourself caught
up in the tale for all of its 154 minutes . . . an American version comes
out sometime in 2011; what a waste . . . I can't see a single thing
that can be done to make this film better . . . rated R.

C. My cousin had told me that ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING (see
also Sections 2, 10 and 11) by Keith Harrell was one of his
favorite books . . . but I was never able to locate a copy; i.e., until
just recently . . . and I'm glad that I did.

The author, one of the country's top motivational speakers, shares
his personal experiences as he presents--quoting the subtitle--10
LIFE-CHANGING STEPS TO TURNING ATTITUDE INTO ACTION.

What I liked about the book is that it felt like Harrell was talking
directly to me . . . also, his advice is very practical and can
be applied right away:

* I developed a habit of waking up and clapping my hands a few times to welcome
the new day and get myself psyched up for the challenges it presents. Sometimes I feel
a little weird, but I do it anyway because, if nothing else, it makes me laugh at myself,
and laughter is always a good way to start the day.

I also enjoyed his many examples of people with great attitudes, including
this one:

* You can have a positive and lasting impact on another person’s life with small gestures
of thoughtfulness or a few encouraging words. I was alone in an airport terminal somewhere
in the wee hours of the morning waiting for a connecting flight when I heard someone
whistling a cheerful tune that lightened my mood. I looked up to see that the happy whistler
was a cleaning lady emptying trash cans. She looked to be near retirement age, if not older.
I smiled and asked her how she was feeling.

"Brand new!" she said enthusiastically. "Every day I wake up is a brand new day
for me, and for you too."

I was struck by her level of enthusiasm so early in the morning, and also be her
obvious sense of pride in the job she was doing I have no doubts she was feeling
brand new because of her positive approach to life. She brightened my day simply
with a positive feeling.

Lastly, I appreciated this tidbit on what to do when you wake up in the morning:

* Many people program themselves every morning or every evening by reading a newspaper,
which contain both positive and negative articles. Make a habit of finishing your paper
by finding a positive story to program your attitude and your inner dialogue. I’d suggest that
you not read the newspaper first thing in the morning. Save that for later. Instead, feed your
attitude some positive thoughts at that hour. It’s better for your attitude and your self-motivation
to take a moment to be thankful for being blessed with another day before you read about
the latest tragedies that often occupy the front pages of our local and national papers.

In fact, I like that last idea so much that I'll revisit the website I just wrote up in Section 7B
of this week's newsletter (see below) . . . if you do, too, you'll feel a lot better about
your upcoming day!

D. Heard the CD version of LIMITATIONS, a legal thriller by Scott Turow that I had somehow 
missed when it first came out.
 
I had read and enjoyed many of his other books, including PRESUMED INNOCENT and 
PERSONAL INJURIES . . . in this one, he effectively reintroduces some of his earlier
characters and weaves them into a case that involves a complex rape case that has troubling
implications for the presiding judge . . . that same judge is also having to deal with his wife's
illness, along with threatening emails.

There's a lot of plot in this story that initially began as a serial story in the Sunday NEW YORK
TIMES MAGAZINE . . . it's shorter than some of the author's other books, and that's my one
criticism; i.e., it might have been even more enjoyable had it been a full-length novel (with
additional details included).

I very much enjoyed the narration by Stephen Lang, long one of my favorite character actors. 

_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. THE PILLARS OF EARTH, a lavish costume drama based on Ken Follett's
page-turner, premieres on Friday at 10 p.m. on STARZ and runs eight hours
over five more Friday nights . . . TV GUIDE calls it "a case for restoring the
mega miniseries to its former glory."

B. Jennifer Love Hewitt is not speaking to ghosts in THE CLIENT LIST; rather,
she plays a woman who secretly turns to prostitution to support her family . . . soon
thereafter, she finds herself in trouble with the law . . . Saturday at 9 p.m. on LMN.

C. KID IN A CANDY STORE features Adam Gertier screaming for ice cream
after taking a lick of a frozen treats so spicy you have to sign a waiver to eat
it . . . now that's something I want to see . . . Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on FOOD NETWORK.

D. MAD MEN has its season premiere on Sunday at 10 p.m. on AMC . . . if you're
a fan of this show like I am, look at this week's TV GUIDE . . . there's a special
8-page photo album on the show . . . in addition, the show's website has
all sorts of good stuff--quizzes, interactive videos, etc.

http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/

_________________________________________________________

6. Doing community service

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked
about his bill and the barber replied, "I cannot accept money from you.
I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and
left the shop.

When the barber came to open his shop the next morning, there was a
"thank you" card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop came in for a haircut, and when he tried to pay his bill, the
barber again replied, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community
service this week." The cop was happy and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber arrived at the shop, there was a "thank
you" card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor came in for a haircut, and when he tried
to pay his bill, the barber again replied, "I cannot accept money from you.
I'm doing community service this week." The professor was very happy
and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber opened his shop, there was a "thank
you" card and a dozen different books, such as "How to Improve Your
Business" and "Becoming More Successful."

Then, a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he tried to pay
his bill, the barber again replied, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm
doing community service this week." The Congressman was very happy
and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber came to the shop to open up,
there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. If you've ever be in need of a code to get free shipping from an online
company, make sure you check out:

http://www.deallocker.com

Deal Locker also has additional features like the Secret Amazon
Discount Tool that lets you search items being offered on Amazon
by the discount being offered.

Another savings feature is the ability to find products on sites
like eBay via misspelled words.

B. On the joy of dancing . . . please watch this until the very end, even
if you're not a fan of dancing . . . if you view this, you will become one.

Dancing queen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRduro_9Zhs&feature=channel_page

An intimate tribute to the joy of dancing, this short film by Sumit Roy
was shot entirely on a Nokia cell phone--and selected from over 2000
submissions for showcasing on Pangea Day, a day-long global event
aimed at bringing the world together through film. Prepare to be delighted.
(THANKS to Kimberly in North Carolina for sharing this one.)

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

http://www.blainesworld.net

In case you've always been wondering what this website is all about,
please find out for yourself by viewing the box at the very top
of the homepage.

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

When you book a trip to Europe, you no longer have to stay
at a hotel . . . you can stay at somebody's home to get a better
"feel" for what it's like living in the country--and most probably
save money, too . . . THE NEW YORK TIMES recently
had an interesting article on the subject; here are some
of the websites that were mentioned:

AIRBNB.COM

AirBnB.com, founded in 2007 in San Francisco, is the largest
of this new generation of social B&Bs and has the most user reviews.

Where: About 5,378 cities in 146 countries.

Accommodations: Air mattresses to entire villas.

Price: In New York, from $10 for a room to $3,000 for a loft.

ISTOPOVER.COM

IStopOver, founded in 2009 in Toronto, specializes in big events, like
this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

Where: Mostly North America, Europe and South Africa.

Accommodations: Apartments and houses.

Price: $10 to $8,000 a night.

CRASHPADDER.COM

Founded in 2008 in London, Crashpadder.com operates mostly
in Britain, with a surge expected during the 2010 Olympics in London.

Where: 898 cities, including more than 1,000 listings in London.

Accommodations: Bedrooms to houses.

Price: From £15 (about $21 at $1.43 to the pound) a night, plus £3
booking fee.

ROOMORAMA.COM

Founded in 2008, Roomorama.com focuses on higher-end properties,
especially in New York City.

Where: 36 cities, including more than 1,000 listings in New York.

Accommodations: Bedrooms to houses.

Price: From $30 to $5,000, plus an 8 to 12 percent booking fee.

FOR THE ACTUAL ARTICLE:


TRAVEL   | July 18, 2010
Europe Without Hotels
By BENJI LANYADO

A new breed of Web site lets anyone with an apartment or spare room turn
it into an impromptu B&B, and a bargain for travelers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/travel/18couch.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

_________________________________________________________

9. Man's best friend, Part 1 of 2

How dogs are better than men

1. Dogs don't have problems expressing affection in public.
2. Dogs miss you when you are gone.
3. You can train a dog.
4. Dogs are very direct about wanting to go out.
5. Dogs understand what "NO!" means.
6. Dogs mean it when they kiss you.
7. When dogs play "fetch," they don't laugh at how you throw.
8. Dogs are color blind.
9. Dogs understand if some of their friends aren't allowed to come inside.
10. Dogs are less likely to hump your leg.

(To be concluded next week.)

_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

Those with positive attitudes throw off the bed covers each morning,
jump out of bed, throw open a window, take a deep breath, and say, "Good
morning, God." Those with negative attitudes drag themselves out of bed,
stare out the window, and say, "Good God, morning."--Keith Harrell
 in ATTUITUDE IS EVERYTHING (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11)

_________________________________________________________

11. Thought for the day

When I REALLY like a book, I'll mention it four separate times in
a newsletter . . . so I guess you can see how I feel about ATTUTIDE 
IS EVERYTHING (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10), the source 
of this story:

Change your attitude with a change in perspective

A friend told me that it used to drive him crazy when he would drive
home after a hard day through rush hour traffic and find the driveway
to his garage impassable, blocked by his children's bicycles and toys.
Nearly every day he'd have to get out and clear a path. He would lecture
his kids about putting their toys away and keeping them out of the driveway,
but it did no good. He even threatened to run over their toys. The kids would
keep his path clear for a day or two but then fall back into their old habits.
And he would get upset when he couldn't get his car into the garage after
a long day of work and commuting.

Then one evening, my friend came home and once again found the
driveway cluttered with Hot Wheels, sidewalk chalk, Star War figures,
Barbie dolls, bicycles, and tricycles. He left his car at the end of the
driveway, got out, and angrily began clearing a path, getting madder
and madder with each toy he picked up.

At first, he didn't see his retired neighbor walk over and begin cleaning up
toys alongside him. The neighbor's youngest daughter had married a few
weeks earlier and moved to another state. They hadn't talked since the
wedding. When my friend realized that his neighbor had joined him in
the cleanup, he looked at him and muttered, "I'm sick of cleaning up
behind these kids."

"Hope you don't mind if I help," the neighbor responded. "I really miss doing
this now that Jamie's grown up and gone. You should enjoy it while it lasts.
Your kids will be gone before you know it too. It goes so fast."

Without being aware of it--or maybe he was aware of it--the neighbor had
delivered a powerful lesson. After that, my friend, never again got angry
when there were toys in the driveway. In fact, he said that from that point
on, whenever he came home he felt gratitude when he saw bicycles and
Barbie dolls spread out all over his driveway. "The kids are still kids. I've
got more time with them," he now thinks.

The driveway still looks like Toys "R" Us after an earthquake. His children
are not putting their toys away. Nothing has changed but his perspective.
Yet his attitude has changed dramatically. My friend simply learned to
reframe the situation. He substituted gratitude for anger and changed his
attitude for good.

_________________________________________________________

12. Advance planning department

A. North Carolina events:

* Linda in North Carolina:

Park Rhythms at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mt.
Thursdays, 7-9. Bring a  chair. 

7/29: Kellin Watson- Singer/Songwriter

8/5: Swayback Sisters- Singer/Songwriter

* This marks the 32nd Annual Bele Chere Festival. To quote
from the website:

It is a free street festival on the streets of downtown Asheville, North 
Carolina. The festival is produced by the City of Asheville in conjunction
with the Bele Chere  Board of Directors. Aside from the great FREE
entertainment found on any of the stages, we have a  fantastic Food Lion
Children’s Area with performances, ticketed rides, and free crafts. Additionally,
we will feature a Lexington Avenue Performance Area located at Walnut Street
and Lexington Avenue. This is a place where you can learn some new
dance moves and see the Community Drum Circle. We have two food
courts, located at Pack Square and at Pritchard Park as well as a variety
of beer and beverage stations found throughout the festival. For more information,
please click:

http://www.belecherefestival.com/

B. Pennsylvania/New Jersey events:

* Janice in Pennsylvania:

GARDNER'S ANTIQUES
Sizzling Hot Summer Sale!

40% discount
on selected items
July 18th through July 31st.

Since 1934 we carry the finest, personally selected estate quality furniture
and accessories arriving monthly from France. Sold to retail, trade and
designers at wholesale prices.

Contact us: info@gardnersantiques.com
www.gardnersantiques.com
215.794.8616

* Cathy in Pennsylvania:
 
At the Lower Bucks CFPA meeting on August 1, we will be showing the
movie Dr. Strangelove. I will bring the popcorn so please make your plans
to join us and enjoy the showing of this classic film.  The meeting is held
at Pennswood Village in Langhorne at 6:00 p.m. 

_________________________________________________________

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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