|
|
|
BLAINESWORLD
#569 8.27.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Friends 4. Reviews . . . THE NANNY DIARIES, etc. 5. TV alert 6. I'm not making this one up 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Being prepared 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I saw ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor, NJ: http://www.mccc.edu/kelseytheatre It's an enchanting musical about a couple who fall in love, but must deal with much opposition because of the girl's background . . . the choreography was the best I've seen for quite some time . . . my regret is that we saw the last show of the run, so the only thing I can suggest is that you see some future production at Kelsey . . . we've never been disappointed! From there, we went to the nearby Little Szechuan restaurant (609.443.5023) in West Windsor, NJ . . . our spare ribs and steamed vegetables were both excellent, and we also liked the pork fried rice that was prepared with brown rice . . . another reason we really like going there is because of Francis Chung, the owner . . . he never fails to greet us by name and ask how Risa, my daughter, is doing. B. We also got to continue what has become almost a weekly tradition; i.e., joining my mother and her aide Dora for a movie and meal . . . on Sunday, we did just that (see also Section 4A) . . . our lunch at the Fratelli Iavarone Cafe (516.488.4500) in New Hyde Park, NY was most enjoyable . . . my mother and Dora split an order of baked ziti and said it was excellent, Cynthia had a delicious salad, and I liked my meatball parmigiana sandwich. C. The fall semester at Bucks County Community College officially begins on Tuesday, though it seems like I've been there the entire summer dealing with Union matters that have become surprisingly contentious . . . I've also recently made presentations to part-time faculty members at various off-campus locations, one of the parts of my job as Union president that I most enjoy. ***** SPECIAL OFFER ***** As many readers know, I'm a big fan of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL . . . it is superb--not just for business tips, but also for articles on personal finance, education, success, etc. . . . I contend that half of what I've learned in life has come from reading THE JOURNAL over the last 20 years. If you're a student, faculty member or staffer . . or if you want to mail a gift to anybody in these categories, I can get you a GREATLY REDUCED RATE . . . it is as follows:15 week, $29.95; 26 weeks, $49.95; and 52 weeks, $99 . . . this also includes FREE online access to the electronic version. To subscribe, all you need to do is send an email to my assistant Bridget at this address: hughesbr@bucks.edu Put in subject line: FREE SUSCRIPTION Then in the body of your email, please include this information: Name, Address, city, state zip Phone number Email address (Home or at school) How many weeks for subscription D. BEST WISHES for a speedy recovery to Lisa Gable, a good friend . . . and yes, the same woman who I recently reported as being named New Jersey's "Top Older Worker." When hailing a cab in New York City, some guy--make that bum--pushed her out of the way . . . as a result, she suffered a broken hip. Cynthia and I got to visit her both in person (she is currently rehabbing at the St. Lawrence Rehab Center in Lawrenceville, NJ) and on the phone . . . it seems the more we come in contact with her, the more we are amazed at her attitude. Cynthia, in fact, took notes on just some of the wise idea that Lisa has shared with her; among them: * We are here on Earth to make each other feel good about ourselves, not to make each other feel bad. * [She says to her son] I love you, but even more important than that is that I like you! * Family is what happens when you have the same biology. That doesn't always mean they will be your friends. * If you're looking for perfection, it can be found under "P" in the dictionary. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Felice Rothenberg-Saprio--manager at my mother's Chase bank . . . Felice is what banking should be all about . . . she is both friendly and enthusiastic, as well as extremely helpful. What a pleasure to have her there to help my mother . . . and to answer my numerous questions . . . I'm particularly impressed with her thoroughness with respect to follow-up. Should you live anywhere near the Floral Park, NY area, I'd strongly recommend that you contact Felice about having you banking done with Chase . . . she can be reached at 718.423.4342. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI Too often, I've seen friends taking digital pictures only to have them stop because their camera's batteries have become run down. To prevent that from happening, here's what I have done: Bought an extra battery and charger . . . then, when I'm done using my camera on any particular day or night, I take out the old battery and put it in my charger . . . at the same time, I put the new battery into the camera. This has been so successful that I can't tell you when I have had to deal with a deal battery when taking pictures. FYI, part 2 * Jean in Pennsylvania: Thank you so much for publishing Cathy in PA's reaction to Alla in NJ. Because I am also of Ukrainian descent, I, too, was hurt by Alla’s comments labeling Ukrainians as descendants of “murderers.” Cathy’s letter was eloquent and captured my emotions, but I had been afraid to speak out for fear of being labeled anti-Semitic. My ancestors were starved and possibly murdered in Ukraine, although they were not Jewish. There’s a lot of heartbreak among Ukrainian family history, for both Gentiles and Jews. If my Ukrainian grandmother had not run away from home at age 16 to come to America, I would not be here today. Christians were also persecuted and not allowed to practice their faith under Soviet rule. The murderers who killed Alla’s grandparents were likely not Ukrainian at all, since Russians held the power. The Ukrainians who gave the gift of a concert in Israel were therefore not “descendants of murderers.” However, since nearly every country has waged war and killed others, in Alla’s reasoning, we are all--each and every one of us--“descendants of murderers.” Must we perpetuate hate for the current generation for sins of the past? * Christine in Pennsylvania (with a REQUEST FOR HELP): As you know, I am a former student (and current fan). I was recently part of a corporate down-size. I am a locally recognized business leader and am immediately available to add a potent, competitive force to grow a company's market share. Specializing in Client Services, I am a polished business professional in Account Management, Business Development, and Process Improvement. With more than 20 years experience in diverse industries including Pharmaceutical, Staffing, Training, Insurance, and Services, I consistently deliver superb client support and customer centric service solutions. My passion, enthusiasm, and focus on innovative business improvements have earned me praise and recognition from well known Pharmaceutical Clients and simultaneously increased sales and revenue growth for the other businesses I have supported. I am eager to be hired to show what I can do for clients and company relationships. Contact information: 267.337.3561; cleehess@comcast.net * Debbie in New York: I saw that you mentioned the Elvis special . . . well, here's my story . . . I always try to take something away with me whenever I visit out of town . . . I had just finished work in the Memphis area this past Friday and although I've been there two other times, I had never gone to Graceland. Anyway, the first time I discovered the best hot dogs there ever were, and I still stand by that . . . the second time I found some great chocolate and this time, I had planned on going to Graceland out of curiosity it didn't happen because the place was hotter than hell and unbeknownst to me, it was Elvis week . . all I can say is: I am so happy I was there . . . despite the weather because I came back with a new appreciation of the guy.....they played Elvis all the time . . it was on the news, it was in the papers . . . it couldn't be avoided, and the more I saw about him, the more I watched, the more I read, the more I think he was truly a special guy . . . and you got be special if you can attract 75K people --30 years later . . . and so, I actually bought a CD of his and his 1968 comeback TV special (my God, he looks irresistibly sexy). I think what a lot of people who don't realize is that he was a really spiritual down to earth guy . . . I never knew any of that about him. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. * Marie in Indiana: Jimmy Kennedy (James B Kennedy III) was named the top middle school volunteer in Indiana and awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. This included a trip to Washington D. C., and the keynote speaker was Peyton Manning. This was an exciting trip for all of us. Chooch and I are very proud of Jimmy and his accomplishments. The photo at the bottom of the following website shows Jimmy and Peyton shaking hands at the awards ceremony in Washington D.C. (The taller boy is the high school winner from Indiana.) http://www.MarieKennedy.com
MY TWO CENTS: I reviewed Marie's excellent book, MY PERFECT SON HAS CEREBRAL PALSY, a few years ago . . . it got me interested in her son Jimmy, and it been my pleasure to see him continue to grow into such a fine young man. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Friends Two psychic friends meet. The first one says, "You are fine. How am I ?" Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. THE NANNY DIARIES, the story of a woman who serves as a nanny for an affluent couple, was barely watchable . . . it just didn't seem "real," though the acting by Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti was quite good . . . Scarlett Johansson had the leading role; her performance simply didn't grab my attention . . . rated PG-13. B. BLADES OF GLORY is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #550 follows: BLADES OF GLORY is a goofy comedy that had me laughing from the very first scene . . . it is the tale of two male ice-skaters who when banned from competition for fighting with each other, team up to make a comeback in the pair-skating program . . . Will Ferrell and Jon Heder are equally funny as the two main characters, and I also liked Craig T. Nelson--and how come you don't see him more often?--as their coach . . . rated PG-13. C. I laughed when I read ONLY JOKING by Jimmy Carr and Lucy Greeves, but I'd recommend that you read it because the answer to the book's subtitle--WHAT'S SO FUNNY ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH?--is what made it more than just a collection of jokes. The authors take an in-depth look at humor and view it from several perspectives, including a discussion of why jokes are important, the science of laughter, offensive jokes and why we laugh at them, and why we need political jokes. One chapter alone made it worth reading to me; i.e., Chapter 6, " No way to make a living" (How to be a professional jokester). Here were the five basic rules for telling a joke: 1. Pick your moments. It's easiest, of course, to tell a joke when everyone's relaxed and enjoying himself. Telling a joke to relieve tension is a high-risk strategy, but potentially hilarious. besides, there'll be other funerals. 2. Know where you're going before you start. Hopefully, in the direction of the punch line. It sounds obvious, but it's amazing how often people embark blithely on a joke they think they know without rehearsing the all-important ending, only to find themselves completely lost. 3. Don't be tempted to over-elaborate-using fewer words often works better. Eddie Izzard makes it look easy, but remember that one man's surreal flight of fancy is another man's rambling incoherent humiliation. 4. Project a demeanor of relaxed confidence-it gives your listener permission to laugh. You can try deadpan if you like, but normal social joke-telling usually requires the teller to laugh too. 5. Enjoy it. If you're all tense and competitive about sharing a joke with friends, if your entire self-esteem is resting on the outcome, then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. On the other hand, you are showing signs of the borderline personality disorder that characterizes all the best comedians; perhaps you should consider doing this for a living? Carr and Greeves also presented a compilation of jokes that can be seen throughout the book . . . I particularly liked this joke from Carr: * My dad used to say, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Until the accident. There were hundreds of other quips from such comic geniuses as Steve Martin, Sarah Silverman, Gary Shandling, and Jay Leno . . . in addition, there were these jokes that at least had me chuckling: * I was a ballerina, but I had to quit after I injured a groin muscle. It wasn't mine.--Rita Rudner; * I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve immortality through not dying.--Woody Allen; * I was on a date with this really attractive model. Well, it wasn't really a date date. We just ate dinner and saw a movie. Then the plane landed.--Dave Attell; and * I never believed in Santa Claus because I knew no white dude would come into a black neighborhood after dark.--Dick Gregory. You'll like ONLY JOKING. And that's no joke! D. I heard a full-length version of LOST IN YONKERS, Neil Simon's Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play--produced by L.A. Theatre Works. Both the play and the production were excellent . . . consequently, because it got and maintained my attention, I'm now going to rent the DVD version from blockbuster.com. The story involves two boys, ages 13 and 16, who must spend one year together with their demanding grandmother in Yonkers . . . they come in contact with a whole host of other characters, including their crafty Uncle Louie and his sister Bella (movingly played by Roxanne Hart). LOST IN YONKERS was surprisingly moving, but it also had some nice bits of humor thrown in . . . listening to it made me want to listen to more shows that come from L.A. Theatre Works . . . for more information, please click http://www.latw.org
Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. IMAGINE . . . THE BEATLES IN LOVE is a behind-the-scenes documentary of Cirque du Soleil's Beatles-based LOVE show . . . 11 p.m. on Thursday on SUNDANCE. B. THE HENRY ROLLINS SHOW has quite a combination this Friday at 11 p.m. on IFC . . . political commentator Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post website, appears, as does polarizing singer Sinead O'Connor. C. A lot of folks say I look like Will Smith . . . or is it that he looks like me? . . . in case you're wondering how so, just consider the fact that we're both so very tall . . . see for yourself by watching a five-hour marathon of THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, his popular 1990-96 sitcom, on Sunday at 8 a.m. on TBS. D. Even if it's just for a few minutes, I always like to tune-in to the JERRY LEWIS TELETHON . . . the legendary comic is back for his 42nd annual fund-raiser for Muscular Dystrophy in Las Vegas . . . Celine Dion, the Commodores, and the Muppets are among the many acts slated to appear . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on various syndicated stations; check your local listings. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. I'm not making this one up On MISS TEEN USA, shown on NBC-TV this past weekend, they ask questions to prove that contestants are more than just a pretty face. (And Lauren Caitlin, Miss Teen South Carolina, certainly has one.) When it was down to the last five finalists, here's the question that was asked to help determine the winner: Recent polls have shown a fifth of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is? To quote from the actual transcript taken from the TV broadcast, here was Miss Teen South Carolina's reply: "I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some, uh . . . people out there in our nation don't have maps, and, uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq everywhere like, such as and . . . I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., err, uh, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future for our . . . " Fortunately, the moderator stepped in and took the microphone away from her. UPDATE: Hilary Carol Cruz, Miss Colorado, was the winner. Lauren was the second runner-up. I only wonder how the others answered their question! Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. The Phrase Finder has the meanings and origins of over 1,200 English sayings, phrases, and idioms . . . to view it, please click: http://www.phrases.org.uk One of the most popular phrases last week, "hasta la vista," has
been in everyday use in Spanish-speaking countries for some time. It means, "See you later" as fans of TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY know only too well as the result of a famous exchange between two of the film's characters: John Connor (Edward Furlong) and "The Terminator" (Arnold Schwarzenegger) . . . should you want to learn more, go the website and you can actually read the entire passage. B. Every once in a while, I come across a truly great website . . . this one enables you to make your own customized road signs: http://www.customroadsign.com/menu.php It is sooooo neat; in fact, as you can see (below), I am using it to
provide you with information as to why you may not be able to reach me by phone or email over the next few days:  C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net If you'd like me to someday speak to your company, club or organization,
drop me an email . . . I truly enjoy making such presentations . . . for more information on my background, please click "Speaking" at the above homepage. D. Art in Pennsylvania: For the past five years, I have hosted a Shofar website, which gets about 6,000 hits around Rosh Hashanah. The website focuses on the history, Jewish law, techniques and how to get the smell out of the horn. To see if, please click: http://w.geocities.com/afinkle221/ I sell nothing. My only wish is for you to prepare yourself for the upcoming
year by satisfying your curiosity about the Shofar. For more information, please also click: http://www.geocities.com/shofar221/ Back to Top
__ __________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip A new feature in GoogleEarth, the company’s satellite imagery-based mapping software allows users to view the sky from their computers. To access it, please click: http://earth.google.com The software works on computers running Microsoft Corp.’s
Windows, Apple Inc.’s Mac OS X and Linus operating systems. The tool provides information about various celestial bodies, from stars to planets, and includes imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope and other sources. It also allows users to take virtual tours through galaxies, including the Milky Way. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Being prepared (what women need to know, but methinks guys will enjoy too) Isn't the truth? You may need to stop at the women's restroom; be prepared! When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern "seat covers" (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't--so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume "The Stance." In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance." To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake more. You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday--the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time.) That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail . Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. "Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too. At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks. You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting. You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it?) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this." As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?" This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restrooms. (Rest? You've GOT to be kidding!) It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door! This HAD to be written by a woman. No one else could describe it so accurately! And in closing, keep in mind: A friend Is like a good bra . . . Hard to find Supportive Comfortable Always lifts you up Never lets you down or leaves you hanging And is always Close to your heart! Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.--James Allen (1864-1912), English writer whose AS A MAN THINKETH is now considered a classic self-help book Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day Mindset for the Class of 2011 For a decade, Beloit College has been helping out with its annual Mindset List of gentle reminders of what new students grew up with, and what they never experienced. The list is the creation of Tom McBride, Beloit’s Keefer Professor of the Humanities, and Ron Nief, the public affairs director. See below for some highlights from the 2007 list: What Berlin wall? They never “rolled down” a car window. They have grown up with bottled water. Nelson Mandela has always been free and a force in South Africa. Pete Rose has never played baseball. Russia has always had a multi-party political system. No one has ever been able to sit down comfortably to a meal of “liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.” Wal-Mart has always been a larger retailer than Sears and has always employed more workers than GM. When all else fails, the Prozac defense has always been a possibility. They grew up in Wayne’s World. U2 has always been more than a spy plane. Fox has always been a major network. Women’s studies majors have always been offered on campus. Being a latchkey kid has never been a big deal. They learned about JFK from Oliver Stone and Malcolm X from Spike Lee. China has always been more interested in making money than in reeducation. The space program has never really caught their attention except in disasters. They’re always texting 1 n other. They will encounter roughly equal numbers of female and male professors in the classroom. Avatars have nothing to do with Hindu deities. The World Wide Web has been an online tool since they were born. SOURCE: http://www.idehighered.com/news/2007/08/21/mindset Back to Top ___________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Please feel free to accept my invitation to one of my upcoming Marketing classes on Tuesday, September 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Bucks County Community College . . . I'll be presenting on "Four-mula 4 Success," the four simple things that you can do to become successful in marketing and/or in life . . . location: Penn 410 . . . NO CHARGE, but please email to let me know if you'll be coming in case there's any change in plans. SPECIAL INCENTIVE FOR ATTENDING: One lucky participant will have the chance to win $500 for just participating in the above! B. Barbara in Pennsylvania: I am helping to host this local workshop along with the Peace Center in Langhorne, PA, and we are fortunate to have them offer it locally in our area! The Institute for Humane Education offers its acclaimed: Sowing Seeds Humane Education Workshop September 15 & 16, 2007 Hosted by: The Peace Center, Langhorne, Pennsylvania You have shown me I can do anything; you are changing the world, and make me feel like I can, too.--Sowing Seeds Participant http://www.humaneeducation.org Sowing Seeds is an intensive, two-day training designed to help
participants effectively and creatively teach about the most important issues of our time. Discover how to humanely address the pressing issues of our time and promote positive choices on behalf of people, animals, and the Earth. Network with others of like-mind. Learn to nurture the 3 Rs of reverence, respect and responsibility, to help build a sustainable and just society. REGISTER HERE: http://umaneeducation.org/events/view/11 Early bird registration: $120.00
After Sept. 6: $150.00 Student rate: $55.00 Registration fee includes lunch both days, catered by The Kind Café, and a copy of THE POWER AND PROMISE OF HUMAN EDUCATION by Zoe Weil. FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE! To request a financial aid form, please contact: Amy Morley, Sowing Seeds Coordinator, 207.667.1025 sowingseeds@HumaneEducation.org PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS ACT 48:(tba) C. Cynthia (see also Section 1A) in New Jersey: Just wanted to describe this new form of dance that I will be teaching. JourneyDance/Move Your Body is a transformative, freeing movement experience. Using inspiring music from around the world, you are softly led into easy-to-follow movements. At times, you follow, you move intuitively on your own, or you may choose to lead only if you are comfortable. For more information, see below for upcoming programs; also: cgreenfield1001@aol.com 609.731.0808 Princeton Center for Yoga and Health 50 Vreeland Drive Suite 506 Skillman, NJ http://www.princetonyoga.com 609.924.7794 * Sunday, September 16: 11:00 a.m.-12:30; $15 drop-in fee * Sunday, September 23: 2:00-5:00 p.m.; Fundraiser for children at St. Jude's Hospital Other activities also: yoga, pilates, etc. Contact Center for more information and what you need to do to participate. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ Please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . also, make it a great week! ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION If you or somebody you know wants to subscribe to BLAINESWORLD, have them drop me an e-mail to that effect . . . new readers are always welcome . . . my address is: bginbc@aol.com In the unlikely event you wish to unsubscribe, notify me at the same email address.
|
