BLAINESWORLD
#723
8.9.2010
In this issue:
1. Reflections
2. FYI
3. Wartime romance (an oh-so-touching tale)
4. Reviews . . . THE OTHER GUYS, etc.
5. TV alert
6. Did you know?
7. Websites
8. Computer tip
9. Switching channels
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 attended the opening presentation of TRADIN' PAINT at the Southern Appalachian Regional Theatre in Mars Hill . . . it's a comedy about NASCAR that can be enjoyed by anybody, even though with no knowledge of the sport . . . we went with our friends Bob and Leslie, and we all had a blast . . . for a review of the show, please click:
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100808/ENT05/308080031/1005/ENT
TRADIN' PAINT runs through August 22 . . . to purchase tickets, please click:
http://www.sartplays.org/policy.htm
***** EVEN BETTER *****
Call the box office at 828.689.1239. (See also Section 2 on why this is a good idea.) When you do, make sure you ask about the "special" $18 tickets that are available just through this weekend and selected performances thereafter.
Afterward, there was a reception held by the SART Board . . . KUDOS to Kathie Warner and the other volunteers for making it the success that it was . . . that's us with Z. Joseph Guice, one of the performers in the show . . . he's also an actor we've seen (and enjoyed) in several other local productions.
B. On another night, Cynthia gathered our neighbors together for a demonstration of something known as kettlebells . . . this is an exercise program that uses cast iron weights that look something like a cannonball with a hand . . . for more information about kettlebells, please click:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettlebell
We were impressed, particularly by the person who made the presentation: Pavel Stejskal . . . he did an excellent job; in fact, we are even thinking about taking additional instruction from Pavel . . . that's him along with us and Beatrice Niemann (a person who helped him with the presentation).
Should you want to contact Pavel directly, he can be reached via his website:
http://www.ashevillekettlebells.com/
From there, we went to a bonfire outside our community's clubhouse to celebrate our friend Tammy's birthday.
C. SPECIAL THANKS to Glenn Gleghorn, my fine accountant, and his entire staff for helping me with a tax problem I had with my mother's estate . . . the IRS recently wrote regarding a tax return that she had not filed in 2007 . . . that was bad enough; what's worse, it also involved a rather substantial fine.
Glenn helped me locate the necessary information and within a week, he helped me locate the return and hopefully get the IRS off our back . . . for more information about Glenn's firm, please click:
http://ashevillescpa.com/
***** MY TWO CENTS *****
If you have an aging parent (or you are an aging parent yourself), please make sure that at least somebody
can step in to help with such matters as the above . . . and that all financial matters are in order . . . my folks had done a pretty good job of keeping me in the loop on things; however, when they died, there were unfortunately some other loose ends that my brother and I are still trying to resolve.
D. In case you missed it, I'll be "up North" from August 22-31 . . . for more information, see also Section 12A. It might possibly be a great time to catch up, if you're around and/or interested.
DON'T FORGET, EITHER, IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BEING HYPNOTIZED:
The above could be a great time for me to hypnotize you; e.g., if you're interested in having me help you lose your baggage before you get to the airport . . . I've had success working with folks who wanted to quit smoking, lose weight, stop nail biting, gain more confidence in speaking before groups, etc. . . should you be interested in having me work with you, send an email to bginbc@aol.com and put HYPNOTISM in the subject line.
Naturally, if you live in Western North Carolina and would like for me to work with you, feel free to send me a similar email. And FYI: I've even been successful working with people outside the area--via the phone--so keep that option in mind, too.
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Gary Bien--our neighbor.
We were talking the other day about a panel that Gary and his lovely wife Tena have on the side of their garage . . . it enables them to get into the garage without using their remote control devices . . . this is very helpful when taking a walk and not having to worry about your keys.
A few days later, Gary called to notify me that he had purchased the device for us . . . he then came over to actually install it for us . . . and despite my offer to pay him, he wouldn't take a cent.
We're blessed to have neighbors/friends such as the Biens . . . the fantastic thing is that virtually all the other folks in our Biltmore Lake community are similar; i.e., they'll go out of their way to help you.
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2. FYI
When you make recommendations for a show, consider checking seat availability online and then call to purchase your tickets (vs. getting them online) . . . when you do this, you'll typically save up to
$4/ticket . . . almost all the time, you'll pay less--if not a lot less--by making the call.
To cite just two examples: This is the case at both SART and the Flat Rock Playhouse . . . many times, you won't even have to pay anything extra when making a phone reservation.
And if you qualify, make sure you ask about the availability of discounts; e.g., for seniors (often for those anybody over 59), previews, shows on "off" nights, etc.
FYI, part 2
* Marco in New Jersey:
As always, thanks for your BLAINESWORLD update. I noticed that you are planning to visit Yao's restaurant on your upcoming visit to the "North." Time pending, I'd love to get your opinion on our new store the Thomas Sweet Cafe. It's located in the same shopping center, further down from Yao's.
In addition to our ice cream, we also serve organic coffee that we roast ourselves. Hope to see you there and get your feedback!
* Garney in Pennsylvania:
First annual Golf Annual
Proceeds to benefit the Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Series and the Youth in the Arts Program
Monday, September 20
Bensalem Township Country Club
$600 foursome, $150 individual, $125 hole sponsorship,
$50, dinner only; 50/50 Raffle tickets, $5 for 1 or $20 for 5
For more information, call Jim Bogan at 215.968.5556.
* Sue in Pennsylvania:
I watched Gaslight around a month or so. My first time. I was blown away. Also the young maid was Angela Landsbury. I did not recognize her.
* Edie in Pennsylvania:
My favorite Bill Cosby routine. All of the essential food groups in one convenient yummy package.
Dad is Great - Brings me Chocolate Cake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRmN4KnfPxQ
* Ellie in Florida:
This is amazing!
Hong Kong at Dusk (I haven't a clue how this can happen!)
Place your cursor at the top of the photo. You will notice it is 6:10 p.m. Bring the mouse down slowly over the photo without pressing the button on the mouse. Do not right or left click.
Night time appears, the lights come on, and at 7:40 p.m., it's dark. I think this is photo technology at its best! Click below:
http://61226.com/share/hk.swf
* Ange in Pennsylvania (with a response to another reader's email request for help):
I really don't know much about Ann's Choice, though, I did go to see the facilities with my sister in 2008. She wanted me to see it because it is similar to the place she wants to move to: Seabrook in Tinton Falls. They are an Erickson Retirement Community www.Erickson.com. I've attached some of the information as well as an article that was in the Bucks County Courier Times that gives you some contact info for choosing the right retirement community. I think Ann's Choice was in Chapter 11. You can call them and set up an appointment to see what they are about. Tel: 215-672-2900. They have a lot of activities. Makes me wish I were retired and living there (but I have another 15 yrs to go). And the menus made my mouth water. The cost of the monthly fee includes one meal a day. The monthly fee covers everything. Your mom wouldn't even have to change a light bulb in her apartment. For a specific dollar amount, friends or relatives, can have dinner with her.
You may want to check this website: www.retirement-living.com. I believe they offer a SourceBook that is free on retirement living: where to live, costs, experts, solutions, home care, and help for families.
On a personal note, I think you are very fortunate to have a mom who is being practical about looking into a continuing care facility.Good luck. I'm sure my sister wouldn't mind telling you about Seabrook @ Tinton Falls and what she knows about continuing care facilities and why she has chosen it as the way to go later on down the road.
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3. Wartime romance (an oh-so-touching tale)
My grandmother told me how she ended up marrying grandpa. She was in her 20s and the man she was
dating left for war. "We were in love," she recalled, "and wrote to each other every week. It was during
that time that I discovered how wonderful your grandfather was."
"Did you marry grandpa when he came home from the war?" I asked.
"Oh, I didn't marry the man who wrote the letters. Your grandfather was the mailman."
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4. Reviews
A. I'm a big fan of both Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell . . . that said, I encourage you to skip their latest film, THE OTHER GUYS . . . though billed as a comedy involving two mismatched cops, I didn't find it very funny . . . in retrospect, I'm sorry that I did not walk out on it after the first 15 minutes . . . rated PG-13.
B. DATE NIGHT is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #706 follows:
If you want a film to see on a date night, see DATE NIGHT . . . it's the story of a couple, well-played by Tina Fey and Steve Carell, who when out for an evening away from the kids, use somebody else's name to get a reservation at an exclusive restaurant . . . they then get mistaken for some low-lifers and all hell breaks loose . . . there were some very funny scenes and make sure you stay for ALL of the outtakes as the credits roll . . . rated PG-13.
C. Can each of us make a difference? The answer is "yes," according to authors Edie Fraser and Robyn Spizman in DO YOUR GIVING WHILE YOU ARE LIVING (see also Sections 10 and 11).
Money, of course, helps . . . yet one of the book's many quotes pointed out, there's more you can do because:
* Volunteers are not paid—not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.----Unknown
The authors, to quote the subhead, [present many] INSPIRATIONAL LESSONS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOMORROW . . . these were attained from a wide range of companies
and non-profit organizations, and they all motivated me to want to do more to help others.
This can even be done by just speaking up:
* Someone somewhere once said that when you contribute to a conversation, that simple act of sharing a view or speaking up permanently changes the conversation. This is a very powerful notion: that what we say—or, in the case of taking action, what we do—can change the world around us. We can inspire, motivate, encourage, and we can make someone’s day, just by choosing to give or to act.
It can also be done by just applying your brainpower:
* Think about ways you could give to a nonprofit organization by filing or even answering the telephone. Whether you are a pro on the computer and can volunteer your skills organizing an online database or by designing or improving an organization’s website, your skills will be a welcome contribution. People power, putting our talents to work for others, is one of the best ways to give.
I got a special kick out of DO YOUR GIVING because it featured both Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America and SCORE, groups that mean a lot to, respectively, Cynthia (my wife) and me.
D. I listened to THE CONCISE KING, a collection of some of the speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that helped to inspire our nation to change.
Previously, I had heard bits and pieces of some of these . . . and so this CD gave me the opportunity to listen to many more of them--in longer excerpts . . . he certainly did deliver a powerful message.
In addition, I liked how each speech was introduced by such notable figures as Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Ambassador George McGovern and Andrew Young . . . they also gave useful background information about King's life.
An accompanying PDF file, contained photos, made a nice addition to the program. I wish more publishers included such material.
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5. TV alert
A. Guilty Pleasure Department: DATING IN THE DARK returns to ABC on Mondays at 10 p.m. . . . the lights go out for a second season when six more guys and girls get to know one another in a pitch-black room.
B. I haven't seen COVERT AFFAIRS yet, but make check out this tale about a late-twentysomething beauty who decides, after a shattered romance, to join the CIA . . . according to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, it "falls into the category of unexpected pleasures" . . . Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on USA.
C. HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE NY JETS premieres on Wednesday at 10 p.m. on
HBO . . . it will be repeated on Saturday at 11 p.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m.
D. COMEDY CENTRAL ROST OF DAVID HASSELHOFF, featuring confirmed roasters Pam Anderson, Jerry Spring and roastmaster Seth MacFarlane (FAMILY GUY) . . . Sunday at 10 p.m.. on Comedy Central.
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6. Did you know?
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7. Websites
A. AMERICA'S GOT TALENT certainly has some amazing performances . . . this one by a 10-year-old opera singer (I kid you NOT) is up there in my opinion . . . I'd be curious as to your reaction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPITHzdUUDk
Kristi in North Carolina, after viewing the above, then sent me following clip of another child singing opera . . . she liked it even more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnQ-e1wU0wQ&NR=1
B. There are plenty of sites featuring wacky yearbook photos, but Bad Yearbook Photos is special because some of the images are user-submitted, which allows for hilarious personal anecdotes along with most of the images. For example, there was this one:
14 years old. Sullen. Obsessed with Nirvana. Dared to brush hair over eye during annual school photo. Very angry photographer who insisted there would be no retakes afterwards, regardless of how hard I begged.
Read on to see the wonderful image associated with the above caption, along with a few more of our favorites. http://badyearbookphotos.com/
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net
If you're curious about how many others have viewed the website, check the counter at the bottom left of the homepage . . . pretty impressive, isn't it?
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
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8. Computer tip
I originally mentioned a product called Dropbox in BLAINESWORLD #715 . . . here is more on it from Devender in California (in response to a question I raised about whether it does backup):
Yes, I love it and the free 2GB so far. Once you install it on your home/work machine, it'll automatically sync the files in your folders. It's like having access to your hard drive on the go. Awesome tool.
THINKING OUT LOUD:
I'm going to have to try this out, probably sooner than later . . . it sounds almost too good to be true!
To quote from an email I received from Devender: Dropbox is the easiest way to store, sync, and, share files online. There's no complicated interface to learn. Dropbox works seamlessly with your operating system and automatically makes sure your files are up-to-date. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. For more information, please click:
http://www.dropbox.com/
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9. Switching channels
A man is watching a golf on TV. But he keeps switching channels to a dirty movie, featuring a lusty couple having raucous sex.
"I don't know whether to watch the movie or the golf", he says to his wife.
"For Heaven's sake, watch the movie," his wife says. "You already know how to play golf!"
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10. A quote I like
When people wonder what can they do to make a difference, I believe it’s the smallest things that bring the greatest joy. A smile is one of the kindest things a person can give another—starting with the simple question, “How are you?” That registers with people and I know it makes me feel good when people ask how I am doing or people smile at me. It doesn’t have to be giving away a million dollars, though that might help, but it’s the tiny things that matter, too.--Dionne Warwick American singer and philanthropist, as quoted in
DO YOUR GIVING WHILE YOU ARE LIVING (see also Sections 4C and 11) by Edie Fraser and Robyn Spizman
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11. Thought for the day
When I turned eighty there was big dinner in a prominent ballroom in Lost Angeles where we raised a lot of money for People For the American Way. At the end of the evening I had the last word of course, and I found myself thanking eight hundred people or so who had attended and heard myself saying that I had something to confess to them. Even while I was speaking and expressing my gratitude, I found myself thinking of the taste of coffee the following morning—and that this evening was over. Then I said that perhaps the two least appreciated words in the English language were “over” and “next.” This evening is over, I added, and I am already on to the next. As an afterthought, I commented that the hammock in the middle connecting over and next must be what they mean by “living in the moment.” I’ve realized since that whatever I’m doing at the moment is what I’m deeply committed to, and that is simply the center of my life.
The first time I ever thought about really being in the moment was when I came to know Jean Stapleton while producing All in the Family. I was asked what she was like, and I replied, “She’s always where she is.” I realized later that answer was really something important to strive for. It is so extraordinary to always be where you are. Wouldn’t every child be so fortunate if they were raised by parents who were always there when they were with their children?
SOURCE:
Norman Lear, American television writer/producer and political activist, as quoted in DO YOUR GIVING WHILE YOU ARE LIVING (see also Sections 4C and 10) by Edie Fraser and Robyn Spizman
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12. Advance planning department
A. North Carolina events:
* Jonas Gerard gives a live performance painting demonstration on Saturday, August 14, at 2 p.m. at his studio in the River Arts District. There will also be live music from The River Guerguerian Project. For more information, please click: www.jonasgerard.com.
* Sally in North Carolina:
On Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Bob's band Mo Twang will make their debut here on the lawn at Biltmore Lake. He will be playing the tuba in public for the first time! That should be interesting.
Please join us. You know the drill . . . bring the family and lawn chairs or a blanket and whatever picnic supplies and/or beverages you like.
TO THOSE NOT LIVING IN BILTMORE LAKE:
If you'd like to attend, just let us know--and we'll have you come as our guests. If Bob Butcher is involved in a band, you know it's going to be a good one!
* Gary in North Carolina:
Just about everyone loves pizza. Adding craft beer to the picture and some fall deeper in love. The Asheville Pizza Wars on Saturday, August 14 features 10+ AVL area Pizza Makers and 3 Breweries making this a mini beer fest. Tickets are only $15 and that includes all you can eat and as many samples as you can drink. Music will be by Peace Jones, The Dubber, and Picking for Dimes. Hear from the folks that we are benefiting as well... "Families Pursuing Justice" of Western North Carolina. Great times, cause, pizza, beer and people. Come Join Us! Doors open at 7 p.m. You can purchase tickets by going to the Garage at Biltmore website.
http://thegarageatbiltmore.com/shows.htm
* Cynthia in North Carolina (see also Section 1A):
Come join me for two upcoming Journey Dance sessions that I'll be conducting. Men and women of all ages are welcome. No prior dance experience is necessary.
The first is on Saturday, August 21 at the YMCA in downtown Asheville on 30 Woofin St. It will run from 3-4:30 p.m.
The second is on Monday, August 30 at the YMCA on 40 North Merrimon Ave. It will run from 7:30-9 p.m.
Both of the above have a nominal cost. For more information, call Lynn Trezise at 768.1338 or send her an email: ltrezise@ymcaunc.org.
B. Pennsylvania/New Jersey events:
* SOUTHERN DISCOMFORTS runs at the Off-Broastreet Theatre in Hopewell, NJ from
August 27-October 2 . . . it is the is billed as a beautiful exploration of the intimate workings of a relationship between a widow and a widower who meet later in life and find a way into each other’s
hearts . . . for more information, please click:
http://www.off-broadstreet.com/id16.html
I'm planning to see the evening performance on Saturday, August 28 (going for dinner beforehand at one of my favorite Chinese restaurants): Yao's, which was formerly Mrs. Chow's, in Skillman, NJ . . . it would be great to catch up; if interested, just send an email to bginbc@aol.com and put AUGUST 28 in subject line.
* PLUMSTEAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Founded 2006
P.O. Box 1725
Plumsteadville, PA 18949
Dear Neighbors, Friends & Members:
Please SAVE THE DATE of our upcoming “1st Annual Country Picnic”. This picnic will be a fundraising event (see attached flyer). The event will be Sunday, September 26, 2010 from 2 – p.m. at the Plumsteadville Fire Company (details of food & beverage TBD). We have the opportunity to use the Danboro Community Center for meetings and displays but we need to secure the funds in order to support the use of this building. The primary focus of this fundraiser is to accumulate funds for rent and upkeep of the building in advance of making any business arrangement to insure that we can succeed in such a venture. A successful fundraiser will insure a future home for the Plumstead Historical Society.
The Plumstead Historical Society will hold a SPECIAL MEETING this Monday Evening, August 16, 2010 at Plumstead Township Municipal Building to plan the event. The board of directors has met to begin the process of organizing details and outlining committees. We are asking everyone who is interested in supporting the cause to participate in several ways:
1. Attend the special meeting and volunteer to help
2. Attend the event in September and bring family and friends
3. Buy an ad in our official program for the event
4. Contribute a silent auction item for the event
The Special meeting will be held:
(Date) Monday Evening, August 16, 2010
(Time) 7 p.m.
(Place) Plumstead Township Municipal Building, 5186 Stump Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949
If you should have any questions or comments to share, please contact me at 215.543.5550 or grburd@gmail.com.
* A Town Hall Meeting
Presenting Information and a Discussion on Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas
Focus on Nockamixon Township, Bucks County
Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 1.00 p.m.
The James Michener Free Library
401 West Mill Street, Quakertown, PA 18951-1248
Learn the Impact of Gas Drilling on Gas Drillers & Landowner Lessors, Local Townships and Residents
Water and the Environment
Hear Presentations by Michel Boufadel, Ph.D., P.E., Professor and Chairman
of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Temple University, Philadelphia;
Nancy Janyszeski, Chair of Board of Supervisors, Nockamixon Township; and
Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, The Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Please offer Constructive Criticism as You Express Your Views
This Public Discussion is Free and Open to All
Contact: Henry D'Silva 267-679-0617 or Email: henrydsilva@comcast.net
C. Other event:
Alison in NJ:
DON’T MISS IT! Interior Designer Donna Hoffman is once again inviting my newsletter readers to an information-packed teleseminar, “What Everyone Should Know BEFORE Doing An Addition . . . Get It Right & Avoid the Overwhelm” on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 7:30 p.m. ET.
Move or renovate? That difficult and popular question has caused sleepless nights for thousands of people. Renovation can be overwhelming and a huge project if you don't know where to begin, how to evaluate or how to run and plan smoothly. Bad decisions and incomplete or poor planning are the things I commonly see as a designer and the results can be enormously costly and unendingly frustrating. I've even invited one of my favorite, talented and successful master builders to join us to share his field insights as well. Enjoy live Q&A.
Register before August 31st and you will receive 20% off your registration fee. (Enter the code "TWENTY" when you register.) Refer a friend who registers and get this teleseminar for free! For more information, please email alioxman@optonline.net.
Donna Hoffman is a client-loved and industry-respected interior designer who has been featured in Real Simple, Bucks Living, Better TV, Country Living & Tempo magazines, and whose work has been published in a textbook for new designers. To register or for more information, go to:
http://www.interiorsbydonnahoffman.com/seminars.htm.
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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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