#571
9.10.2007

In this issue:
1. Reflections
2. FYI
3. Swept away
4. Reviews . . . BECOMING JANE, etc.
5. TV alert
6. Retirement
7. Websites
8. Computer tip
9. Dog vs. cat . . . the diaries
10. A quote I like
11. Thought for the day
12. Advance planning department

_________________________________________________________

1. Reflections

A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I love our home and calling ourselves
"the Greenfields of Belle Mead" . . . yet we don't see ourselves staying
in this area for the rest of our lives and so have begun our search
for our next locale . . . when we decide that, we'll then start
looking for a home, though we still have some two years to go in
that we don't see ourselves retiring and/or moving before then.

On Saturday, we got a lot of ideas at an expo in Parsippany, NJ
run by a company called Live South . . . there were many
builders from such states as North Carolina (a real possibility for us?),
South Carolina and Florida . . . if you'd like more information,
please click:
http://www.livesouth.com

Please DO keep us in mind if you come across similar information
particularly as it involves retirement-type communities that
have a lot of activities . . . we'd probably be most interested
in something in a warm weather climate.

B. From there, we went to the wedding of our friends Lois and Hank
in Ridgewood, NJ . . . Cynthia was one of the bridesmaids . . . see
below for how beautiful she looked, as did Lois:
 

 

(l-r: Blaine, Cynthia, Lois, and Hank)

Perhaps the high spot of the evening for us was the blessing of the
couple . . . it was sung by another good friend, Charlie Ianni, who
did something similar for us a few months back when she blessed
our home . . . she has a voice that moves anybody who listens
to it . . . in addition, she's also a talented gospel singer . . . should you
want to book her yourself, she can be reached at 609.323.7873;
her email address is: mscharlie7@yahoo.com.

C. On Sunday, we saw ONCE UPON A MATTRESS--put on
by the Somerset Valley Players in Hillsborough, NJ.

It's a cute musical that featured a fine performance from
Laurie Hardy as Queen Aggravain . . . we also liked the work
of Diana Barkman as Winnifred, especially given the fact she
was serving as a stand-in for the actress who had the
part originally (but who wasn't available for matinees).

Though there were only three musicians, they were
all excellent and greatly added to our enjoyment of the show.

MATRESS runs through September 7 on weekends . . . if
you bring your kids or grandkids, you're sure to have a good
time . . . for more information, please click:
http://www.svptheatre.org

D. FOR SALE:
As you may recall, my father had a scooter that we were going
to sell after he died last year . . . we withdrew it from sale, thinking
that my mother might be able to use it.

Sadly, that has not been the case; i.e., she just isn't up to using
it . . . so with that in mind, here are the specifics:

One motorized Rascal 600 scooter, less than two years
old and hardly used by my father . . . it is a three--wheeled vehicle
that is in perfect condition and great for any person who needs help in
getting around . . . he paid nearly $4,000 for it, but we'd consider
any reasonable offer from anybody willing to get it from where it now
is in Floral Park, NY . . . e-mail me at bginbc@aol.com if interested
in this item.

Naturally, feel free to forward this information to anybody else who
you think may be interested in such a scooter.

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to John Bencivengo, former Hamilton Township
(NJ) Republican Chairman and longtime entrepreneur, who is
running for Hamilton mayor in this year's election.

I got to know John when he was the executive director of
the Hamilton Partnership, a private/public partnership created
to provide a better forum for area business and industry to air their
concerns and work more effectively with government and the people.

He did a fine job in this position . . . several times, he put on
informative programs that were open to the community, and I
was honored to have been chosen by him to speak at several
of these events.

John is an enthusiastic, bright guy who will serve the residents
of Hamilton well, if they hopefully choose to elect him . . . my
regret is that I don't live there because if I did, he'd certainly have
my vote!

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________


2. FYI

Writing letters began for me when I was elected to Congress.
I had a rule that every letter I received had to receive a
substantive reply from the office staff within two weeks. As I
recall, the office received thousands of letters in some weeks,
so the replies had to be brief. Many people who wrote raised
a number of topics in their letters. My way to deal with the
letters to which I personally responded was to select the most
important or interesting issue they raised and give it prime
attention, responding briefly or not at all to the other, lesser
issues.

SOURCE:
BUZZ (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) by Edward I. Koch and
Christy Heady

FYI, part 2

* Moe in Pennsylvania:
The proposed widening of Swamp Road [in Bucks County, PA) is a
major SAFETY concern. To send us comments and to subscribe to our
newsletter on the subject, please send an email to me at:
moesood@takemehome.info

* Terri in Pennsylvania: 
With regard to the NJ Troopers and speeding tickets . . .
 
I live in PA and work in Ocean City, NJ as a realtor. Needless to say,
I am back and forth on the AC Expressway and GSP often. There is never
a time that I don't see someone pulled over, or the troopers hiding in the
center, or an unmarked car flying past me to catch up with a speeder
ahead. 
 
While what you included in a recent newsletter may have circulated often,
true or untrue, it is a fact that these troopers are out there and ticketing.
 
A friend of mine was pulled over twice. The second time, he went to fight the
ticket in Williamstown, NJ. That was one of the most unpleasant
experiences of his life and an all day event.
 
My advice: Set the cruise control and take your time!
 
Oh, yes . . . if you are planning a trip to Ocean City, please give
me a call! 

Terri
Ocean City Realty
c: 215.450.0396 
(Let's face it . . . I did attend a class with BG of Belle Meade!)

* Bill in Pennsylvania: 
In previous issues of BLAINESWORLD, you have touted the use
of 1-800-FREE-411.  Since I like the word FREE, I have been using it
for the past several months with mixed results. 

Over the weekend, I had an experience that almost made me drive
off the road. The automated telephone operator asks you for the city
and state that you are looking for. I think that I speak relatively clear; after
all, I speak publicly both at church on Sunday and at Chamber of
Commerce meetings. I was looking for a telephone number of a store
in Feasterville, PA.  So I said that I was looking for Feasterville, PA. 

The automated telephone operator said "East Pittsburgh, PA, is that
correct?" I said no and it said try again. I said Feasterville, PA,
and it said "Douglasville, PA, is that correct?'' 

Once again, I said no and it said try again. This time, I accentuated
each syllable and it said are you looking for Centre Hall, PA? 

I screamed in the phone some obscenities and hung up. I figured that
I would arrive at the store before I finally found the telephone number
using 1-800-FREE-411. 

I love the concept of the service being free and I do not mind listening
to the brief advertisement before you get to ask for the number you are
looking for (that's what makes it free) . . . however, if the system is that
(un)user-friendly, then in my opinion it is not worth the trouble.

MY TWO CENTS:
Whenever asked a question, I just calmly reply, "Operator please" . . . after
two such responses, I can usually get through to a live operator.

* Dan in Pennsylvania:
On September 11, 1994, my father died. That is one reason I don't want
to fly the flag on 9/11.

The other reason is that flying the flag seems to be an empty gesture (to
me), when we Americans don't seem to want to display the important
things that epitomize being Americans. One of those things is the idea
of defending one's self rather than attacking without provocation.

It is unacceptable to go and hit Jimmy, who did not hit me. We may not like
Jimmy, but that is no reason to hit him, even if I think he is contemplating
hitting me.

Another thing we do not seem to want to do is listen to those who disagree
with us. All we seem to do is vilify and question their motives. That is
unAmerican.

We do not respect those who can actually make things. For some reason,
we discourage that financially, but we reward the ones who sell the goods.

We trust our most valuable resource, our children, with teachers, and then
we begrudge those same teachers when they want to get paid for it.

Flying the flag is too easy and is a cop out. We should DO something
really American on 9/11. Show what our values are by example.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

3. Swept away

A Jewish grandma and her grandson are at the beach. He's playing in the
water, and she is standing on the shore not wanting to get her feet wet.
All of a sudden, a huge wave appears from nowhere and crashes directly
onto the spot where the boy is wading.

The water recedes, and the boy is no longer there. He was swept away.

The grandma holds her hands to the sky, screams and cries: "Lord, My
God, how could you?

"Haven't I been a wonderful grandmother?
Haven't I been a wonderful mother?
Haven't I kept a kosher home?
Haven't I given to charity?
Haven't I lit candles every Friday night?
Haven't I tried my very best to live a life that you would be proud of?"

A voice booms from the sky, "All right already!"

A moment later another huge wave appears out of nowhere and crashes
on the beach. As the water recedes , the boy is standing there. He is
smiling and splashing around as if nothing had ever happened.

The voice booms again. "I have returned your grandson. Are you satisfied?"

She responds, "He had a hat."

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

4. Reviews

A. BECOMING JANE follows the real-life romance of beloved writer
Jane Austin . . . it is a period piece that's well-filmed but overall,
surprisingly flat . . . that said, Anne Hathaway is fine as Jane, and
James McAvoy as the Irish rogue she chooses to pursue continues
his impressive string of performances (do try to find one of his
RORY O'SHEA WAS HERE, one of his first films; he is superb in
it) . . . rated PG.

B. AWAY FROM HER is now out in DVD format . . . my
review from BLAINESWORLD #555 follows:

AWAY FROM HER touched me somewhat when I saw it--but
surprisingly is growing on me as I review it in my mind . . .it is the
story of a couple, married for a long time, that must deal with the
fact that the wife has Alzheimer's disease . . . when the wife
goes into a nursing home for the first time and must go through
a period of 30 days without seeing her husband, I felt for
her--and appreciated the magnificent acting done by Julie
Christie . . .  I also felt for her husband (an equally fine Gordon
Pinsent) who makes an act of self-sacrifice at the end.

I only wish that the nursing home wasn't presented in quite
the idyllic form that it was . . . lately, I've been in too many such
facilities, and I've never seen one that came even close to
what was shown in the film . . . rated PG-13.

C. To separate yourself from the crowd, read BUZZ (see also Sections
2, 10 and 11) by Edward I. Koch and Christy Heady.

Koch was the 105th mayor of New York City and served for
three terms . . . though no longer an elected political official,
it seems he is as busy as ever--serving as a partner in the law
firm of Bryan Cave LLP, the host of a Friday evening radio and
a newspaper columnist . . . as such, he consequently manages
to generate a lot of press about himself . . .and he shows
how you can do the same in this lively, informative book.

What I particularly liked about it was that much of the advice
he gives can be applied to many different situations . . . for
example, with respect to decision-making, he writes:

* Decision-making is a melding of both rationality and intuition.
In advance of publishing a Commentary, I always send it to
four of my friends and ask for their opinion or criticism. Many
times they will suggest changes, which I accept and then
insert in my own language, or sometimes I reject the suggestions.
Advice and criticism from others is very important.

When it comes to dealing with the press, he suggests
the following:

*  If a reporter calls you, ask him or her for a description of
the story and the deadline first before answering their
questions. This way, if you need time to research something,
you can do so and tell them you'll get back to them as soon
as possible. Also, ask them to read your quotes back to you
to ensure accuracy. I began the practice, followed by many
today, to tape the interview-in effect, two dueling tape
recorders.

Lastly, I appreciated that while he said it "is important to tell the
truth," he was honest enough to point out that there are two
situations where you can lie and have no regrets:

* One is when someone is dying of cancer. To comfort them I believe
it is okay to say, "No, you don't have cancer, you only have jaundice,
and you are getting well." That is what we told my mother, but I think
she really knew.

The second situation . . . is when you fire someone. It is okay to
say that he or she resigned to do other things, so as to not
injure their career, unless they are being fired fro criminality.

Reading BUZZ won't necessarily enable you to remain in the
public eye as Koch has done for the past five decades . . . yet
it will give you valuable insights into crafting your image, attracting
media attention, and perfecting your skills as a public speaker.

D. Heard a taped version of PURE DRIVEL, written and read by Steve Martin, and
I liked parts of it very much . . . the book is a collection of his short stories,
many of which first appeared in THE NEW YORKER.

If you're going to get hold of it, I strongly suggest that this is one
time where the audio version far succeeds the written copy . . . by
listening to it, you'll almost feel like you are getting to hear Steve
Martin in a private performance--given just for you.

One piece, in particular, had me laughing out loud . . . it described
the breakup of a couple who had been dating for only a few
months . . . yet the guy kept writing after the relationship
was over and each time he did, his letters became increasingly
stupider . . . the amazing thing about this tale is that it is sooooo
true; i.e., I've actually seen both men and women do something similar.

I also liked this passage from a piece that announced a shortage
of periods in the Times Roman font:

Most vulnerable are writers who work in short, choppy sentences,"
said a spokesperson for Times Roman, who continued, "We are trying
to remedy the situation and have suggested alternatives, like umlauts,
since we have plenty of umlauts--and, in fact, have more umlauts than
we could possibly use in a lifetime!  Don't forget, umlauts can really
spice up a page with their delicate symmetry--resting often midway
in a word, letters spilling on either side--and not only indicate the
pronunciation of a word but also contribute to a writer's greater glory
because they're fancy, not to mention that they even look like periods,
indeed, are indistinguishable from periods, and will lead casual readers
to believe that the article actually contains periods!

DRIVEL does have a few clinkers, though fortunately, there aren't
many of them.

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. Derek Jacobi stars as Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in
PINOCHET'S LAST STAND, a 2007 cable film on Thursday at
9:30 a.m. on HBO2E . . . it is repeated on the same station on
the same day at 7:30 p.m.

B. Norman Jewison has directed such critically acclaimed films as
THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING,
MOONSTRUCK and IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT . . . he sits
down for an interview with Robert Osbourne on PRIVATE SCREENINGS
on Thursday at 8 p.m. on TCM.

C. IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA returns for its second
season on Thursday at 10 p.m. on FX . . . Danny DeVito is one
of the stars in this comedy that I very much enjoyed in its first
season last year.

D. THE 59TH ANNUAL EMMY AWARDS airs on Sunday at 8 p.m.
on FOX . . . I'll be rooting for KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST
to take the award for best Reality Program.

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

6. Retirement

A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the
parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation was
chosen to make the presentation and give a little speech at the dinner. 
He was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words while
they waited:

"I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. 
I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person that
entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and,
when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had
stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair
with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his sister. I was
appalled. But as the days went on I knew that my people were not all like
that, and I had indeed come to a fine parish full of good and loving people."

Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies
at being late.  He immediately began to make the presentation and gave
his talk:

"I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived," said the politician. 
"In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him
for confession."

Moral: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER BE LATE!

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. Dr. Gary Chapman has served over 30 years as a pastor
and marriage counselor . . . it shows in his work . . . see for
yourself by clicking:
http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/learn.html

You'll learn all about the Five Love Languages, as well as about the
Five Apology Languages . . . make sure you also take the 30-second
assessments to determine your Primary Love Language--and what
it says about you. 

B. If you want to be inspired, please click:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=p6cOp6EDFlI

You'll hear the true story of a boy who refused to let his autism pull
him down.

C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net

if you ever don't get an issue and/or accidentally delete one, go to
the left and click "Newsletter" . . . then "Past Issues" . . . presently,
I have archived some two years of back issues.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Typically, issues should come out sometime around Monday of
each week . . . if you haven't received your copy by Thursday a.m.,
please notify me at once.

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

8. Computer tip

If you're concerned about the security of your computer, please click:
http://www.commonsensesecurity.info/

You'll get an overview of what we can do to keep our computers safer
and more secure from spyware, viruses, worms, trojans, and a whole
lot more.

There's also excellent information on how we can both avoid and fix
problems that arise because of the above.

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

9. Dog vs. cat . . . the diaries!

The dog's diary

8:00 a.m. - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 a.m. - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 a.m. - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 a.m. - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 p.m.. - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 p.m. - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 p.m. - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 p.m. - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 p.m. - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 p.m. - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 p.m. - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The cat's diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed
hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the
rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to
keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt
to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a
mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would
strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities.
However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good
little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I
could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement
was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how
to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems
to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must
be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am
certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective
custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

Pick a dozen issues. If you agree with me on eight out of twelve,
you should vote for me. If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve,
see a psychiatrist.--Ed Koch, as quoted in one of Joe Klein's books

SOURCE:
BUZZ (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) by Edward I. Koch and
Christy Heady
 
Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

11. Thought for the day 

As can be seen by the fact that what follows is the fourth time I have
mentioned the same book in any one issue of BLAINESWORLD,
you can tell that I REALLY liked BUZZ (see also Sections 2, 4C and
10) by Edward I. Koch and Christy Heady:

If you are having a tough time trusting your gut, consider
using one of the following three tests developed by
Harvard Business School professors.

1. The Newspaper Test. If your final decision were to appear
on the front page of your local paper in the morning, what
would the consequences be?

2. The Golden Rule Test. Walk a mile in the other person's shoes.
How would you feel if your decision were enacted?

3. The Best Friend Test. Talk with people who know you well and
respect you. They will understand your character and how the
decision will affect you.

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

12. Advance planning department

A. Two events at Bucks County Community of College that I thought
might be of interest:

* John in Pennsylvania:
Public Forum on Health Care Reform
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Bucks County Community College Library Auditorium
275 Swamp Rd.
Newtown, PA

9:30 am. to 12:30 p.m.

FREE and open to the public.

The purpose of the forum is (1) to establish basic principles that Bucks
County residents want to see incorporated in any health care reform
developed at the state or national level, (2) and to inaugurate a network
of Bucks County residents ready to respond and work for those principles.

Dr.  Walter Tsou, past President of the American Public Health Association
and Former Philadelphia Commissioner of Public Health, will speak about
the problems with our current health care system.  Congressman Patrick
Murphy and State Representative David Steil will talk about the process
of how legislation becomes law and how citizens can be effective
in their advocacy.

The participants of the forum will decide what basic principles need to be
included in any current or future health care reform legislation.

Sponsored by Bucks County League of Women Voters and many others.

For information, contact Dr. Henry D'Silva at 215.860.7442.

* Please feel free to accept my invitation to one of my upcoming
Marketing classes on Tuesday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Bucks
County Community College . . . I'll be presenting on "Positioning:
How to differentiate yourself from the competition"   . . . 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.

B. Barbara in Pennsylvania:
The Institute for Humane Education offers its acclaimed
Sowing Seeds Humane Education Workshop

Dates: September 15 and 16, 2007
Location: Peace Center in Langhorne, PA

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
Sowing Seeds is an intensive, two-day training designed to help
participants effectively and creatively teach about the most important
issues of our time. The workshop is designed for educators, parents, 
human rights activists, animal welfare and advocates of humane and
sustainable living, and anyone wishing to develop their teaching and
communication abilities to work for positive social change. Humane
education addresses the pressing issues of our time and promotes
positive choice-making on behalf of people, animal welfare, and the Earth.
Network and make contact with other active participants to make our 
world a better place.

REGISTER HERE:
http://humaneeducation.org/events/view/11

REGISTRATION FEE: $150.00 (includes lunches)
STUDENTS: Student rate: $35.00 . . .
email: sowingseeds@HumaneEducation.org to
request a student registration form.

FINANCIAL AID:
Financial aid is available.  Please contact:
sowingseeds@HumaneEducation.org

CONTACT INFO:
Amy Morley, Sowing Seeds Coordinator
sowingseeds@HumaneEducation.org
207.667.1025

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.  

D. Natalie in Pennsylvania:
Bucks County Committee For Interracial Harmony presents:
"Defining The Line - When Do We Cross It?"

Community Dialogue Pot Luck Dinner
(Bring a covered dish to share)

Monday, September 17, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Join in a community dialogue which will continue to address the issues
of racism and injustices demonstrated by the spoken word. Discuss who
defines the line and when/how we cross it in our everyday society. The
format will consist of small group dialogues addressing issues of negative
speech brought to the forefront by the comments of Don Imus.

St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church
136 N. Congress Street
Newtown, PA 18940
215-579-9295

Please call 215.579.1836 for additional information or visit our website at:

http://www.bccih.org

_________________________________________________________


PS. If you're Jewish, here's wishing you a happy, healthy New
Year . . . regardless of your religion, consider doing what a
non-Jewish friend of mine used to do to make some big bucks; i.e.,
bet any Jewish person that he or she doesn't know the actual year
of the Jewish New Year . . . I lost many a nickel to him; however, that fate
won't happen to you because as a result of being a BLAINESWORLD reader,
you'll now know that as of Wednesday night, it will be 5768.

Also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers
back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . and make it
a great week!

Back to Top