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BLAINESWORLD
#676
9.14.2009 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Question (asked by comic Emo Phillips) 4. Reviews . . . TAKING WOODSTOCK, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Doctor's advice 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Tact 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I hosted my brother Ken and his wife Lavelle over the weekend . . . the weather was beautiful, which made it possible for us to take them for a walk around the community where we live (one of our favorite activities): On Saturday night, we went to a new restaurant for us: Table in Asheville . . . the food was OK, though somewhat pricey . . . we all wanted to try the spaetzle; however, the waiter said we could not substitute it in place of the side dish
that came with our respective entrees . . . so we all made do with just one portion
that we shared, and it turns out that was more than enough because we weren't
crazy about it . . . for more information about the restaurant, please click:
http://www.tableasheville.com On Sunday, we went to Tupelo Honey Cafe for breakfast . . . as is just about always the case, we had to wait to be seated . . . yet it was worth it because the food was excellent . . . for more information, please click: http://www.tupelohoneycafe.com From there, we went to Jubilee for the morning service . . . it was both fun and inspiring, in large part because of Howard Hanger--the effervescent minister of ritual and celebration . . . the accompanying band was a nice touch . . . for more information, please click: http://www.jubileecommunity.org/ And our day concluded with a tip to the Biltmore estate . . . the weather cooperated to make for a lovely visit, and we caught a break because it wasn't at all crowded . . . for more information, please click: http://www.biltmore.com/ B. Personally, I got through the removal of a basal cell on my left arm . . . the appointment reminded me to please urge you to: * Use sunscreen if you're in the sun--every day, every time. * Find yourself a good dermatologist and visit him or her on a regular basis. I'm fortunate to have found one in Asheville: Dr. Todd Wilkinson, 828.274.4880. If you're anywhere near East Windsor, NJ, I strongly recommend my previous dermatologist, Dr. Judith Stenn, 609.443.4500. In addition, I'll remember my recent appointment because Cynthia joined me--as she often does . . . it was comforting to have her there with me . . . and I was glad to be there for her when she grew faint as I was being treated . . . it turns out that she was the one who needed to lie down--not yours truly . . . I also got a kick out of the response from Dr. Wilkinson to a question that Cynthia asked about what she should do to prevent scratching her mosquito bites . . . he told her to "wear mittens." C. In the news: * John Anastasi, one of my favorite reporters, quoted me in a story on the state of the economy: http://tinyurl.com/lz29q3 NOTE: If you're on Facebook and want to find out what else John is working on, send him friend request by clicking: http://www.facebook.com/people/John-Anastasi/1770996270 * Lavelle Olexa (see also Section 1A) had her mentoring program spotlighted at: http://tinyurl.com/l2dwbx * Rebecca Kelly got a great mention at this website: http://www.packetinsider.com/blog/art/?p=183 * And to read about Risa Olinsky's successful first triathlon (way to go, Risa!), please click:
http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/vitality-my-first-triathlon/ D. CONGRATULATIONS to two of my friends, Linda Kanner and Rick Pine, who were recently married . . . I wish for them that the best of their past is the worst of their future! ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Dr. Andy Scarpati--hypnotist and friend extraordinaire. I've known Andy for well over 20 years . . . he frequently spoke to my marketing classes at Bucks County Community College and on two separate occasions, allowed me to use his business as a class project for my students . When Andy became a hypnotist, he helped me deal with anxiety that I was having prior to getting bloodwork done . . . and he was the person who first got me interested in becoming a hypnotist and who has continued to encourage me every step of the way. In fact, every time I come "up North," I make it a point to check-in with Andy . . . and he never fails to motivate me and/or lend materials. If you live anywhere near Bucks County, PA, and if you'd like him to hypnotize you to kick any habit, your best bet is to email him for an appointment: dr.scarpati@comcast.net. If his name is familiar, you might also recognize him as being the guy who started Comedy Cabaret . . . that's his other gig; i.e., running highly successful comedy clubs . . . for more information about a locale near you, please click: http://www.comedycabaret.com/main.html Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI When we moved into our home, we were going to buy an intercom system . . .that purchase was made unnecessary because of the phones we bought instead. From Panasonic, they're part of something known as the KX-TGA939 series . . . they include an intercom feature, as well as a very useful locator option for those times when you misplace a phone . . . there's a lot more, too, including an answering machine that we don't even use. For a complete listing of features, as well as stores that carry the item, please click: http://tinyurl.com/n69vzo
Panasonic shows a $79.95 list price, but if you shop around, you'll see you can buy the phones for as low as $56.95 each . . . and even lower if you consider a used one. FYI, part 2 * Jean in Pennsylvania: Angelo is a friend of mine whom I met when he was the web guru for the Courier Times. Help Me Make My 'Message of the Day' Go Viral by Angelo John Lewis Several years ago, I had the idea of sending out a spiritually oriented message of the day via voice message. I record a daily message, and a caller calls 641-715-3800, Code 55310 to hear it and maybe respond back. Now I'd like to try this again and have the intention of continuing this for at least 30 days. Here's where I need your help. Please call 641-715-3800, Code 55310 and listen to the message. If you feel moved, leave me a message. If you like the message, forward this note or share the number with your friends. I'd love to have this whole thing go viral and watch it spread. Being weak, I could use some encouragement to keep this going. So please call the message,listen, and then leave your response. If you want, leave your phone number on your message if you'd like me to call you back. I'd also likes some suggestions as to future topics. Thanks for reading this and being in my life.
http://www.angelojohnlewis.com
* Maya in New Jersey: Folks asked how they can help on all the travails the Delaware is facing. You are all awesome! We have put out anew press release and action alert, exposing the some pretty dirty dealing by the Army Corps. So step one--go to the DelawareRiverkeeper Network website and read it: http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/newsresources/pressrelease.asp?ID=80 * Scott in Pennsylvania with a whole host of great offers: FREE cat food by clicking: http://www.dealcatcher.com/forums/m_652336/tm.htm
FREE subscription to DIME, the basketball lifestyle magazine, by clicking: http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_orderhandbook.shtml
MY TWO CENTS: The above is a very useful booklet published by the Federal Citizen Information Center . . . it is definitely worth obtaining. THANKS to the several readers who responded to my "Mr. Curious" question on their opinions as to President Obama's proposals for health care reform . . . among them: * Debbie in Indiana: Being low income, I'm having a hard time getting the medical care I need just to function as a normal human being. I have been unable to walk very far because of a broken plate in my ankle. When it broke, I adjusted my walking and now my ankle bone is not sitting in the socket right. On top of that, now my ankle is full of arthritis. The doctors say they don't know how I even can walk. I had to quit my job and apply for Medicaid. I was told I need the surgery to fix the plate in my ankle and to fuse my bone into the socket. I would be in a wheelchair for at least eight months, and I would have to learn to walk again. So I say "yes," let's do it. I want to run and play with my grandkids. It has been two years since I quit my job, and I still can't find a doctor that will touch me because I have Medicaid. My ankle has gotten worse and now I can only walk around my very small house. Anywhere else, I have to take a wheelchair. My brother is a cardiologist in Elkart IN. I asked him if he could find a doctor that would take care of me because no one in NW Indiana will touch me. I was told that no doctor in that area will touch me and this is why. Medicaid only pays 20 cents per office visit. Every time they accept a patient with Medicaid, they loose money. They have staff to pay. It costs $18 for a person to pull this patient's chart. The time that the nurse spends with the patient plus the time that the doctor spends . . . all for 20 cents. * Roger in Pennsylvania: I think President Obama is a GREAT President along the same lines as Franklin D. Roosevelt. I have read two of his three books and find him to have the right mix of intelligence and stick-to-it-iveness, guts, and go-get-'m, problem solving that will finally reform a health care system that has needed overhaul for the past 50 years. Yes, I heard his speech in the car while driving from Quakertown to Bristol last evening. This speech presented us with a plan, a schedule, and solutions that will work. I also liked his firm resolve to be the LAST President to face the problem because he is determined to correct the broken health care situation in the U. S. He held out the olive branch and opened the door for members of the Republican Party to present fresh and new ideas and he is willing to sit down and work out details with them. As always, I am emotionally responsive to this man's concern for people and he has a special regard for hard working middle class people and the marginal and poor. This is the sign of a good human being. I like this proposal and if I were to have the opportunity to vote for it, my vote is a resounding YES! * Steve in Pennsylvania: Saw part of President Obama’s presentment to Congress and saw what remained of the U.S. Open--different battles, the first will not be resolved so quickly (referring to the span of time). The games are on in play; that is the important thing. I so liked the comprehensiveness and outline of the President’s view of what was necessary to comprehensively address the totality of an American solution. My hope is that there will be legislative resolve and reform . . . this year; of course, the process will continue . . . but we have to be outspoken, too! Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Question (asked by comic Emo Phillips) How many people here have telekinetic powers? Raise my hand. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. I was looking forward to seeing TAKING WOODSTOCK, a comedy inspired by the true story of a family who wound up playing a key role in the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 . . . was I ever disappointed . . . it wasn't very funny; however, even worse, there seemed to be very little music throughout the whole film . . . the only time it came alive was in the middle, in which it seemed like you were given a behind-the-scenes look at what was needed to make the event a reality . . . I also had no feeling for any of the main characters . . . rated R. B. ADVENTURELAND is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #655 follows: ADVENTURELAND is billed as a coming-of-age comedy, but frankly, I don't recall laughing very much . . . it traces the tale of a recent college grad who takes a summer job as a games attendant at a local amusement park . . . what I did like was the acting of Jesse Eisenberg in the main role, as well as Kristen Stewart's work as the woman who captures his heart . . . though the film got very good reviews, I wouldn't recommend that you rush out to see it . . . rated R. A much better rental would be BABY BOOM, a touching comedy about a management consultant whose life is turned upside down when she inherits a 14-month-old infant from a recently-deceased pair of very distant relatives . . . her life is changed, as you might expect . . . Diane Keaton is outstanding in the leading role . . . rated PG. C. On the jacket of his latest book, THINK LIKE A CHAMPION, Donald Trump notes: * I may be successful already, but I learn something new every day. Though I obviously have not achieved Trump's success, that exactly sums up what I try to do every day; i.e., learn . . . and it is the reason why I liked this book so much. In a collection of short essays, Trump openly shares his ideas and about what works for him--and, also, what doesn't . . . he covers a diverse number of topics, ranging from President Obama to the stock market and including the need to keep the big picture in mind, Stephen King, imagination and building your reputation. Golf, one of his passions, is covered as well: * Most of you know that I'm a golfer. I've always said that golf is a brain game, which it is, but it is a demanding sport technically and is a game of finesse. You cannot play golf halfheartedly and expect to get anywhere with your game. You have to concentrate and you have to have patience. As the legendary golfer Bobby Jones said, "It is nothing new or original to say that golf is played one stroke at a time. But it took me many years to realize it." We win in our daily lives by being careful with every day, by having a champion's view of each moment. However, it was this tidbit that really caught my attention: * Some financial courses are dry-but necessary. I was able to handle them by making them more interesting in my own mind by applying the principles immediately to some imaginary project I would come up with. By doing this, I was already working in the real world while I was in school, which I think saved me a lot of time when I actually got started on my own. I had been multitasking before I knew what multitasking was. What a great idea to apply when it comes to any course, seminar or meeting we attend! I think I've read about all of Trump's 13 book . . . if he keeps coming up with others winners such as THINK LIKE A CHAMPION, I'll remain a fan and look forward to his next one. D. In the bestseller, YOU: ON A DIET, Drs. Roizen and Oz stressed that the key for a weight-loss plan is a daily 30-minute walk . . . a follow-up CD, YOU: ON A WALK, makes this easy to do. They do so by including music for two separate walks, one slower and one faster--both designed to keep you moving at a pace that you can handle comfortably . . . in addition, they include such pointers as the following: * Stretch after every walk. * Share your successes with a partner. * Keep in mind that every 5-10 years, you need to eat less calories than you did previously. This would be a worthwhile purchase for any beginning dieter and/or walker . . . however, that said, I do wish the music was more a bit more interesting . . . it didn't really inspire me; rather, it felt like I was stuck in an elevator. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert From AOL Television, here's information on the shows that need work or are just plain terrible this fall season: NEEDS TUTORING 'The Vampire Diaries' We like vampires -- especially very pretty vampires -- and soapy teen CW dramas as much as the next person, but is it too much to ask for a little levity amidst all the angst? Airs Thurs., 8 p.m. on CW | Premieres Sept. 10 'Three Rivers' It had us at Alex O'Loughlin, but CBS' new medical drama about transplant surgeons felt a bit formulaic. Tone down the melodrama (but keep the tight scrubs). Airs Sun., 9 p.m. on CBS | Premieres Oct. 4 FAILING OUT 'Brothers' This Fox "comedy" is arguably the worst pilot we've seen in years. An NFL player is one of the leads. We're not sure what's more offensive -- the horrendous dialogue or the torture of good actors like CCH Pounder. Airs Fri., 8 p.m. on FOX | Premieres Sept. 25 'Accidentally on Purpose' This sleazy CBS sitcom will simply be known as fall's other new cougar comedy. The premise doesn't seem like it would hold up once the baby is born, but we'll probably never know, since it would be a miracle if the series lasted that long. Airs Mon., 8:30 p.m. on CBS | Premieres Sept. 21 DON'T FORGET: To share your reaction when you see any of these and/or any other new shows . . . what you like, what you dislike--and why. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Doctor's advice Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days after that, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, "You're really doing great, aren't you?" Morris replied, "Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.' " The doctor said, "I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.' " Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Even if you're not a sports fan, I urge you to look at these clips if you haven't seen them already (and even if you have): * Roger Federer with perhaps the greatest tennis shot I have ever seen: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=6663629&c_id=phi&tcid=fb-phi-video1
And for more on that story, please click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RajNvJ3bCU
This is the original Gratitude Dance that methinks you'll be able to master after just one viewing! C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net
In case you've ever wondered how many others have viewed this website, please look at the counter in the bottom left of the homepage. Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip According to Professor Paul Schwartz at the U.C. Berkeley Law School, THE FUTURE OF REPUTATION is "A timely, vivid, and illuminating book that will change the way you think about privacy, reputation and speech on the Internet." You can read it for FREE by clicking: http://docs.law.gwu.edu/facweb/dsolove/Future-of-Reputation/
Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Tact Three guys go in for a job interview at the same company. The first one goes in for his interview and the interviewer says, "What's the first thing you see when you look at me?" The guy says, "That's not too hard, you've got no ears." The interviewer says, "That's it, get out, you'll never be seen around here again." The second man takes his turn and is asked the same question. The applicant replies, "Uh, you've got no ears." The interviewer throws the guy out, cursing and yelling that he'll never get a job with his company. As he is leaving, the second guy warns the third guy, "Listen man, whatever you do, don't say he hasn't got any ears. He's so touchy with the ear thing." "Okay," said the third applicant on his way into the office. Once inside he is told, "Name the first thing you notice when you look at me." The guy answers, "That's easy, you wear contacts." The interviewer was flabbergasted, "How on earth did you know that, son?" "What? Are you kidding? Isn't it obvious . . . you can't wear glasses, you've got no ears!" Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like There's no I in Team, but there is an I win Win.--Michael Jordan in his Hall of Fame induction speech, when chastised by a coach (Tex Winter) about scoring a lot of points toward the end of a game Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day The butterfly's struggle Tony Masiello* What do butterflies have in common with the human spirit? Meet Maggie, a middle-aged wife and mother who was about to find out. Maggie wasn't rich like a millionaire or poor in a manner of being homeless. She was living an average comfortable life. It was made even better when a beautiful baby girl came her way. She and her husband made sure their daughter had her needs met and they were still able to take a yearly vacation by the beach. Maggie was a partner in her husband’s business. They both had a different set of duties which kept everything in balance. One day a devastating blow came to her husband’s business, and over a three year period the business dropped out of site. Her husband had to totally reinvent himself and was yearning to fulfill a dream with a new vocation. She was happy for him and supported him fully, but still the money was not coming in. Maggie began to feel guilty that she wasn't contributing with any kind of income. It had been a long time since she had worked outside the home and had to work for someone else. Needless to say she was scared but still had faith that everything would be okay. She began job hunting and found filling out applications somewhat difficult, especially the part asking for job references. Keep in mind that she was self-employed with her husband for almost 20 years. It felt as though that didn't count for anything as she was never called for an interview. At the time she was job hunting her mom became more ill than she had been and ended up in the hospital for a week. Once Maggie’s mom returned home she became her mom’s helper one day a week. She did the shopping, changed sheets, vacuumed and did other things that her mother was not able to do anymore. Of course her mom would pay her for her time and labor, but she still felt she needed to find another source of income. One of the first applications she had filled out finally came through. She passed the interview with flying colors and was told she was “exactly” what they were looking for. Although it was only part time it was exactly what she wanted. It was important for her to be home when her daughter arrived home from school. She was told they would be in touch when the schedule was ready. Knowing she had the job made her feel contented and productive again. Within a few weeks though, she received an e-mail saying that the company had changed the job into a full time position and she was not qualified. Maggie was devastated. She felt betrayed and felt she had been lied to. That evening she was alone as her husband and daughter had gone out for the night. She welcomed the aloneness and wanted to drown her sorrows in a hot tub of bubbles. As she knew she would, she began to cry, softly at first just from the sheer pain of being rejected. Three long years of struggle had finally caught up with her. Then she became angry; angry at everything from the circumstances that got her there, to God himself. She cried harder and yelled, “What do you want me to do?” She really felt that God had abandoned her. When she was able to cry no more, she became exhausted and gave up. It was at that moment that a silent idea came to her to offer other elderly people home care assistance. Using another talent for computers she printed off some flyers and cards and distributed them to her church, grocery stores and even placed a small ad in the newspaper. Within a week she had procured two new clients. Now, even though she’s not a CEO of a major company or a power player she feels happy and productive again. So, had God really abandoned her? Let’s look at nature for the lessons and the answer. Before a butterfly can emerge out of it’s chrysalis it has to go through a lot of struggling. Yes, struggling. Each time it lunges out to escape, acids are being removed from its wings. If someone were to come along and break the chrysalis open for it then the butterfly would die from those acids. In essence the struggle is necessary for the butterfly to survive. Then in the stillness, when the struggle is over, the butterfly can come out and share its beauty with the world. We as humans are not any different. There are times that we need to struggle, to rid ourselves of the acids that make up sadness, fear, and anger. It is only at this time when we are exhausted and still that we begin to hear the Universe whisper to us. * Reprinted with the gracious permission of Tony Masiello, an Author, and Intuitive Consultant. He is the author of the e-book, WHISPERS FROM THE UNIVERSE, which is a collection of writings that will help you, motivate you, inspire you and guide you along the inner path of your life. For more information, please click: http://www.universalinsight.com
Back To Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. GOD'S FAVORITE, a Neil Simon play, opens at North Carolina's Hendersonville Little Theatre on Friday, September 18 and runs on weekends through October 4 . . . I saw a sneak preview of the show and can tell you that this is one you won't want to miss . . . look for my review in next week's issue, but for more information now, please click: http://www.hendersonvillelittletheatre.org/
B. Invites from readers: * John in Pennsylvania: Yes, folks--I'll be playing acoustic solo at the: Zebra Striped Whale 12 S. State St., Newtown, PA Sunday, Sept. 20 from 4-6 p.m. Come on by; it's free. And the ice cream and coffee are great! Plus, you get to hear me and sing along! * Pat In Pennsylvania: My husband will appear in two small but wacky roles in the hilarious comedy"Are You Being Served?" based on the original British TV series
at the Doylestown Senior Center at the end of this month. My friend
Kim Weidman is directing and also funny in one of the roles, and the rest of the cast is equally zany. September 25, 26, 27, October 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11. The Sept. 27, Oct. 4 and 11 performances are matinees at 2:00 p.m.; all others are evenings at 8:00 p.m. Tickets $18 and sales benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and WLVT Channel 39 Public Television. Believe me, it is FUNNY! For more information, please click: http://www.spencerproductions.org/
* Marie in New Jersey: You may recall that my son was 1st chair in the NJAll-State Orchestra and Regional Orchestras several times . . . he's now appearing with the Rutgers Symphony in its October, 2009 concert at the Nicholas Music Center on the Douglass Campus on Saturday, October 3, from 8-10:30 p.m. . . . tickets: $15-25 . . . for more information, please click: * Allen in Pennsylvania: Join George Drew and Allen Hoey for a book launch for their new poetry collections, American Cool and Once Upon a Time at Blanche's, respectively. John Strauss will begin the festivities by playing a little music.Beer and wine will be available, and please come prepared to buy books! Date: Sunday, October 18 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Location: Triumph Brewing Company, 400 Union Square, New Hope, PA C. Yours truly is peaking to the residents of our development, Biltmore Lake, on Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. . . . the topic: “What's the difference between a left-handed and right-handed pencil?” Come to find out the answer to that burning question and a lot more as I will share my ideas on "Four-mula 4 Success" . . . the four things anybody can do in no more than 15 minutes on a daily basis to be successful. TO RSVP: If you reside in the community, please RSVP via the Intranet by Monday, September 21; if you'd like to attend as my guest, email me at bginbc@aol.com and put SEPTEMBER 21 in subject line. D. The Rotary Club of Bristol's Golf Outing takes place on October 5. The money raised goes to scholarships for Bristol borough residents to attend college and, also, to the Rotary/BCCC scholarship that goes to Borough and Township residents for a full-ride at Bucks County Community College. Sponsors and golfers still welcome. The outing does give folks the opportunity to play on a private course: Yardley Country Club in Yardley, PA . . . for more information, please click: http://www.rotary7450.org/Bristol/golf09_brochure.pdf
_________________________________________________________ PS. If you're Jewish or know Jewish folks, L'shanah tovah . . . or Happy New Year to you and yours . . . to win a bet, go up to virtually any Jew and ask him and/or her to name the upcoming year . . . very few will know the answer: 5070 . . . and it seems like only yesterday it was 5068. Regardless of your religion, my wish for you is as follows: May you enjoy your apples and honey. May you find it easy to give and receive. May you know when to surrender, and do so with grace. May you remember that some people's lives are parched dry . . . and be grateful for the abundance in yours. May you find beauty in unexpected places. May you carry your loads with ease amid sweetness. May you learn and teach well. May you move with as much joy and ease as you can. May your home be filled with fresh air and light. May your tense and angry times be short-lived . . . so that you come back quickly to your comfortable ol' self. May you be startled and delighted by new beginnings. May you find your uniqueness. May you play with friends . . . and hear beautiful music. May you come to the surface for air when you need it. And may everything that hurts you also be a little funny. Also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and Afghanistan . . . and that peace comes to Israel and her neighbors. . . make it a great week, too! Back To Top ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION To subscribe to this publication, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE in subject line . . . if you wish to unsubscribe, just send an email to same address and put UNSUBSCRIBE in subject line. |