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BLAINESWORLD
#573
9.24.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Bulletin blooper 4. Reviews . . . THE BOURNE UTLIMATUM, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Dieting made simple 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Things could always be worse 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I spent much of the past weekend with my mother . . . she fell, again, and this time fractured her other hip (a few months ago, she had fractured the hip on the opposite side) . . . she was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital, where she presently is--awaiting surgery. My mother had lived a marvelous life until last summer . . . then my father/her husband of 66 years died . . . she bounced back from that or so it seemed and went to visit friends in Florida in February, during which time she was even driving a rented car. However, shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with lung cancer . . . the operation for that was successful, but then she fractured her one hip, lost most of her short-term memory and now her long-term memory too, and then the latest fracture . . . too bad that aging can't be easier--or at least not for her! B. Cynthia and I did manage to rediscover one of our favorite ice cream parlors: Super Sundaes (908.904.4811) in Hillsborough . . . we used to go there all the time, when Cynthia lived in that town, but for some reason, hadn't gone back there for too long a time. We will certainly not make that mistake again . . . the flavors are plentiful and quite tasty, and they also have a wide range of toppings . . . perhaps best of all, the owners--Jayne and Steve Mochnacz--are real friendly, and we are constantly amazed at just how much of a difference that makes when you get ice cream . . . or anything else for that matter. C. We were reminded of what a difference friendly (and competent) service makes with another recent visit . .. this time it was to our house by Stephen Moser, a technician with Cooper Pest Solutions (1.800.949.2667). We had been so blown away by his service the last time we called his company that I awarded him a BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD back in August, 2006 . . . so when we had another pest problem--this time with a few mice that our cats capture, but for some reason don't kill--we called and asked for him specifically. The company, as is always the case, arranged an appointment almost immediately . . . Stephen came, sealing up our house so that the problem would not reoccur . . . we appreciated both his friendliness and thoroughness . . . but what really blew us away was the fact that Stephen went above and beyond what he had to by inspecting our entire property . . . in doing so, he pointed out another problem that needed our immediate attention; i.e., a potential gas leak. Cooper Pest advertises "wow service" . . . yet unlike many firms, they actually do deliver it! D. If you're new to BLAINESWORLD or just never noticed, the usual format is as follows: Section 1: Reflections . . . update on what's happening in my life and some general observations; Section 2: FYI . . . some information that I think you might find useful, as well as some emails received from readers; Sections 3, 6 and 9 . . . jokes; Section 4 . . . reviews of movies and books; Section 5 . . . a heads up on some upcoming TV shows that look interesting; Section 7 . . . websites that you might want to check out, including a link that will take you directly to them . . . I realize some folks may not always check these, but PLEASE DO VISIT Section 7A this week . . . you won't be disappointed; Section 8 . . . computer tips that are written, hopefully, so that anybody can understand them; Section 10 . . . a quote that I enjoy; Section 11 . . . a piece that typically inspires me; and Section 12 . . . some upcoming activities to check out. As always, feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends, relatives, neighbors, etc. . . . if they want to get their own FREE subscription, just tell them to drop me an email (to bginbc@aol.com) and put the word SUBSCRIPTION in the subject line. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Jamunti Jagroo-one of the two aides from Personal Touch (718.468.2500) who has typically been assigned to help my mother. She has provided my mother with much loving care over the past several months, while at the time being most attentive to her every need . . . in addition, she has "covered" several shifts when other aides were not available to come in their regularly scheduled times. However, it was this past week that Jamunti outdid herself. When my mother had to be rushed to the hospital, she went with her and comforted her there until Cynthia and I were able to arrive from New Jersey . . . she helped turn around what could have been an unbearable situation to one that gave my mother as much peace as was possible. Jamunti is just one of many fine individuals who work for Personal Touch . . . I've been impressed with the professionalism of this agency and would strongly recommend it to others. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI Here's an effective and easy tool that will help you reduce and eventually eliminate the use of the words don't, not and no from your vocabulary. Each time you hear yourself using don't, not or no, ask yourself "So, what do I want?" Each time you talk about what you DON'T want, in that moment you are giving it your attention and energy. When you ask yourself what you DO want, the answer will have created a new sentence with new words. When your words change, your vibration changes, and the best news of all is that you can only send out one vibration at a time. SOURCE: LAW OF ATTRACTION (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) by Michael J. Losier FYI, part 2 * Elliot in California: What a great review! You really "got" our book [MISTAKES WERE MADE, reviewed in BLAINESWORLD #570}--and it delights me to read such a clear, smart, on-target review. I can see why you are one of the top 500. You not only wrote a smart review, but you also avoided the common reviewers' trap--that of finding some small flaw to "expose" as a way of showing the reader that the reviewer is at least as smart at the author! Carol and I enjoyed collaborating on this book. The process was both exciting and illuminating for me and, I suspect, for Carol as well--and we are very pleased at the excitement "Mistakes Were Made" is stirring up. I think it is an important book that we hope can have an impact on people's lives. Now, if we could only get the people in the White House to read it and understand it! I very much appreciate your review and everything you are doing to publicize the book. * Roger in New York: Blaine Greenfield's name will be remembered in infamy for corrupting me with his simple comment in BLAINESWORLD some years ago: "NIP/TUCK starts next week. It's my favorite show! Don't miss it!" I can't wait for the new season of NIP/TUCK to start. * Bill in Pennsylvania: I love talking movies . . . I find that almost all of Jodie Foster's films are excellent. She is a fine actress, although I didn't really care for CONTACT all that much. And Andrew Shue is not only a producer, but also an actor . . . remember he was on MELROSE PLACE. I believe that he had the apartment next to Amanda (Heather Locklear) . . . and I will definitely check out ONCE. * Pat in Pennsylvania: To your Realtor friend in OC, NJ. First of all I commend her for living in PA and commuting to OC. I really do respect her for being that committed to a long travel to work!! But, in reference to her note about the ticket, I'm a little confused. I do not dispute what she says when she writes: 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. But, in PA I went to court and had the points taken off by showing up. I paid only a reduced fine by showing up and negotiating the amount of ticket to about 1/2. Second, I did the same thing for my daughter in NJ. We met the prosecutor outside the court room and agreed to pay the fine, and they dropped the points. Both were short easy procedures, and I saved money and got zero points. In both cases I was respectful, polite and did not argue. One was in PA and the other was in NJ. Laughing here . . . maybe its all how you carry yourself ?? So I am a bit confused as to what happened to your friend. Did she try to trash the officer and/or argue in front of the Judge? I do feel for her. Sadly, the reality is that townships love the income they receive from tickets. BIG TIME!!!!! And although in some cases there may be a distant hint of a POSSIBLE safety issue with the moving violation, its all about the money they bring in. I'm not an advocate for wreck less driving. But most of the arguments they use to"claim" that lives are saved by driving slower, are usually based on trumped up massaged statistics. Think about it. if you are driving on the AC expressway, which is a flat, almost straight, well-maintained, paved, road at 75 miles an hour and no one is around, what real potential is there for an accident? The states will trump up statistics to support the income they will receive. Give me a break!! With respect to Corzine and his speeding, from what I understand, his entourage was speeding in a heavily traveled, rush hour, Friday afternoon traffic on the Parkway. Different road, different times, different conditions, different circumstances. Sadly, the statistics usually don't take ALL of the issues into account. Next time, I suggest your friend's friend goes to court and sees the right party "BEFORE" she faces the Judge. Good luck! * And here's the response from Terri in Pennsylvania: Hi! Appreciating the response from Pat, but there is much written based on assumption. I agree that being polite and respectful is always the best policy in any situation. In my previous email, I did not elaborate on what made it such an unpleasant experience, but I can tell you that my friend, while perhaps having a heavy foot (at least in the past) is one of the kindest, most good-natured, respectful, and well-respected people I know. I did not comment on the outcome, good or bad. In the quote provided by Pat, I also stated that my friend was a male. But what is most distressing to me about what Pat wrote is the following: "If you are driving on the AC expressway, which is a flat, almost straight, well-maintained, paved, road at 75 miles an hour and no one is around, what real potential is there for an accident?" Here are a few things that can happen: a blow-out, a deer, another driver with non-functioning back lights, debris on the highway having to be quickly avoided, a bird slamming into your windshield (had this happen,) and I'm sure the list can continue. Be careful, Pat. And fellow drivers. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 3. Bulletin blooper A cookbook is being compiled by the ladies of the church. Please submit your favorite recipe and a short antidote for it. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. I rarely like the second in a series of films, let alone the third . . . but THE BOURNE UTLIMATUM proved to be a rare exception, in that it was probably the best of the trilogy so far--and left me awaiting what I hope will be future episodes . . . there's non-stop action as Bourne (again well-played by Matt Damon) races around the world to uncover secrets of his identity . . . I also liked the work of Joan Allen and David Strathairn as battling CIA directors . . . rated PG-13. B. KNOCKED UP is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #558 follows: Seth Rogen was hilarious in THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN; in fact, for me, he was the best part of the film . . . he again scores in KNOCKED UP, a follow-up that isn't quite as funny--but is more touching. He plays the a slacker with no prospects who has a one-night stand with Katherine Heigl, an up-and-coming TV journalist . . . when she becomes pregnant, they begin dating and the results are anything but smooth . . . by the time the baby comes due, they aren't even together . . . yet (SPOILER ALERT) all ends well, which isn't much of a surprise considering that this is a romantic comedy. I also liked the work of both Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd as Heigl's sister and brother-in-law . . . rated R. C. Much has been written lately about the law of attraction . . . however, LAW OF ATTRACTION (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11) by Michael J. Losier explains the concept in a clear, concise fashion that is as good as anything else I've seen. Losier, naturally, presents a definition of the law of attraction; i.e., I attract my life whatever I give my attention, energy and focus to, whether positive or negative . . . he then reveals a three-step program to take the law and apply it to your life immediately, using examples involving such everyday situations as finding an ideal mate and increasing your personal wealth. I particularly liked the tools he gave for allowing (the absence of negative vibration) . . . one of my favorites was to use the expression "lots can happen" whenever you notice a lack of results . . . consider whether this could happen in the next few days, the next week or in the next 30 days . . . the answer is almost always "yes." Losier also encourages his readers to always say "yes" to money . . . for example, he notes: A lot of people feel challenged to say yes when someone offers to pay for their lunch or buy them a gift or wants to simply give them money. Many people when offered to have their lunch paid for respond with "No that's okay, you don't need to do that," or "Oh no, I'll pay for my own. You don't have to buy me lunch," or "Oh no, I couldn't!" Does this sound like you or someone you know? In all of these statements you can hear resistance to receiving money. The new you, however, will learn to say "Thanks, I would like that," and you'll start to feel good about it. You may experience discomfort at first but as you continue to say yes, it will get easier and you will feel your resistance fading away. This in turn opens up your allowing for more money. So if anybody reading this wants to spring for my lunch or even dinner (hint-hint), I accept. LAW OF ATTRACTION concludes with an excellent section on how parents and teachers can share the concept with children . . . what a marvelous idea! D. Heard EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE, written and read by Dr. David Viscott. The book suggests a way of life, in which we can communicate more freely with the people we love without baggage from our past . . . Viscott discusses the forces that block feelings, and he presents useful techniques for overcoming the obstacles that can create unhappiness and unnecessary tensions in our lives. In some respects, listening was probably better than reading EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE because it felt almost as if the author was speaking to me in a one-on-one therapy session. Among the many insights that I gained were the following: * Express your pain the minute it occurs. * Guilt has no purpose. * People will love you because you're human, not because you're perfect. * What you avoid imprisons you. And these do's and don't at the conclusion: * Stop trying to prove yourself. * Be kind to yourself every day. * Find something to be grateful for. * Don't try, just be. * Don't try to change or fix others. * Don't expect the person who hurt you to apologize. * Don't expect people to be nicer to you than they are to themselves. * Don't expect others to understand you. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert CORRECTION: Oops, my part . . . Bruce Springsteen will be on NBC's TODAY SHOW this coming Friday at 8:30 a.m. . . . he was not on last week, so the good news is that you didn't miss him . . . sorry 'bout that! A. I watched the first episode of BACK TO YOU (Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on FOX) and enjoyed it . . . but to my great surprise, I then continued watching the next show: 'TIL DEATH (Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m., also on FOX) and liked it even more . . . it's a comedy starring Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher that had its debut last year . . . I watched it rarely, but if this year's episodes can match last week's show, I'll be a regular viewer . . . it had me laughing from start to finish as Garrett and Fisher tried to correct each other's imperfections. B. Last week, it was the Democrats . . . this week, it is the Republicans in the first debate that will involve newly-declared candidate Fred Thompson . . . Thursday at 9 p.m. on PBS. C. FUN SHUI is a new series featuring designer Stephanie McWilliams making over a busy bedroom into a serene heaven, using feng shui principles . . . Fridays at 9:30 p.m. on HGTV. D. Daryl Hannah (and whatever became of her?) stars in ALL THE GOOD ONES ARE MARRIED, a 2007-movie about an unlikely friendship between a soon-to-be divorcee and her husband's ex-mistress . . . Saturday at 9 p.m. on LIFETIME. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 6. Dieting made simple Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high, I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot. My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors . . . fill your plate with bright colors . . . greens, yellows, reds, etc. So I went right home and ate an entire bowl of:  And sure enough, I felt better immediately. I never knew eating right could be so easy! Back to top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Randy Pausch, is a computer-science professor at Carnegie Mellon University . . . he is also a 46-year-old father of three who is dying of pancreatic cancer and expects to live only a few months more. As such, he recently gave his last lecture to a packed audience at this school . . . according to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, it was a “rollicking and riveting journey through the lessons of his life" . . . at the same time, he exhibited a mordant humor with when he noted with a smile, “I've experienced a deathbed conversion. I just bought a Macintosh.†To hear just part of this inspirational presentation, please click: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4HqdnjgkExY
If you do, though, be forewarned . . . tissues are a MUST. I'm hopeful that you will then be motivated to want to hear the entire lecture . . . you can do so by clicking: http://www.etc.cmu.edu/global_news/?q=node/42
It lasts over one hour, but it will be one of the best hours you've spent in a long time. And, lastly, for more information about Pausch (best known to the IT word for designing a free software system, Alice, that makes it easy for people to design interactive stories and games), please click: http://chronicle.com/news/index.php?id=3072
B. If you're in the mood for a great song (with catchy lyrics), please click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuBhjBQKrW4&mode=related&search You'll see Ingrid Michaelson performing "The Way I Am" . . . methinks that you'll be as impressed as I was with her; in fact, I'm now going to seek her other songs/CDs. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net If you'd like to get a FREE subscription to one of my favorite online publications, see "Blaine's Best" to the left and then click "This is True" . . . you'll get bizarre-but-true news items from legitimate newspapers from around the word with commentary by Colorado humorist Randy Cassingham. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip Last week's issue mentioned a FREE auto-conversion patch for older versions of Microsoft Office, enabling the new file format extensions in Office 2007 to be recognized. However, since many folks won't bother getting the above, here's my very strong suggestion: When using Word 2007: 1. First click on the round "Office Button" at the top left of Word 2007. 2. Then, at the lower right of the window that appears, click on "Word Options." 3. In the next screen that comes up, click on "Save" in the column at the left. 4. In the panel that appears at the right, you'll notice an option called "Save Files in this format," with a drop-down list of choices next to it. Display the list of choices by clicking on the arrow and select "Word 97-2003 Document (*.doc)". Then, click OK at the bottom of the window. Back to top _________________________________________________________ 9. Things could always be worse Brian is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana. He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs. Below is an email he sent to his sister. She then sent it to radio station 103.2 On FM dial in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, which was sponsoring a Worst Job Experience Contest. Needless to say, she won. Hi Sis, Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother. Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you've been feeling down lately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it's not so bad after all. Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job. As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It's a wetsuit. This time of year the water is quite cool. So what we do to keep warm is this: We have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose. Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I've used it several times with no complaints. What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wetsuit. This floods my whole suit with warm water. It's like working in a Jacuzzi. Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch. So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. Within a few seconds my butt started to burn. I pulled the hose out from my back, but the damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened. The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit. Now, since I don't have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn't stick to it. However, the crack of my butt was not as fortunate. When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into the crack of my butt. I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator. His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along with five other divers, were all laughing hysterically. Needless to say I aborted the dive. I was instructed to make three agonizing in-water decompression stops totaling thirty-five minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression. When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic, with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber. The cream put the fire out, but I couldn't poop for two days because my butt was swollen shut. So, next time you're having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your butt. I hope you have no bad days at the office. But if you do, I hope that thought will make it a little more tolerable. Take care, and I hope to hear form you soon. Love, Brian NOTE: Now repeat to yourself, "I love my job, I love my job, I love my job" . . . and whenever you have what you think is a bad day, ask yourself: Is this a jellyfish bad day? This story has been around for some time and though it probably never happened, it should be noted that there is a diving outfit by the name of Global Industries in Louisiana . . . and whether you believe it actually happened is up to you, but there's no harm in getting a laugh out of it . . . for more information, please click: http://www.snopes.com/humor/letters/diver.asp
Back to top _ ________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like When a client cancels, most people will complain or worry about the cancellation and giving it negative attention. You can change the vibration by saying "I've just created a void to attract a new client," or "I've just created some more room for another project in my business."--Michael J. Losier in LAW OF ATTRACTION (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) Back to top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day Rewording your affirmations to make them feel better Some of you have been taught to always state your affirmations in the current tense. Here, I'm suggesting that you are in the process. "The process" (the process of manifestation), actually starts when you think about your desire, talk about it, write about it, or when you give it ANY kind of attention, energy and focus. So the truth is you ARE in the process. When you say "I'm in the process of…," that sentence becomes true and if it's true for you, it feels good, which is a positive vibration. Let's revisit the statements on the previous page, starting each sentence with the following: I'm in the process of . . . * I'm in the process of creating ideal family relationships. * I'm in the process of enjoying my body more and more. * I'm in the process of becoming more abundant. * I'm in the process of growing my business. * I'm in the process of having ideal health. * I'm in the process of attracting an ideal mate. Now each statement is true for you! When a statement is true for you it feels good. When it feels good, you are sending a positive vibration which the Law of Attraction responds to by bringing you more of the same. SOURCE: LAW OF ATTRACTION (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) by Michael J. Losier, a book I REALLY liked as you can tell by the fact this is the fourth time I've cited it in this week's issue! Back to top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Deborah in New Jersey: Princeton Center for Yoga & Health turns 11 this year, and we invite you to join us in the celebration. On Sunday, September 30, there's a Rhythm, Dance & Drum Circle with Mark Wood at 4:30 p.m., Pot Luck dinner at 5:30 and live Kirtan with Wynne Paris & Karttikeya at 7 p.m. To continue our celebration, longtime PCYH friend and supporter David Brahinksy (appearing at PCYH since the first year we opened!) returns for another remarkable concert: Songs of Greg Brown Saturday, October 6, at 8 p.m. At PCYH, this new season is filled with yoga, meditation, drumming, dance, chanting, self-discovery, healing, bodywork and much more. It is filled with remarkable people, events, and opportunities for improved minds, bodies, and spirits. oved minds, bodies, and spirits. We wish to thank you all for your ongoing support . . . you've helped us earn bragging rights in being named by New Jersey Magazine as one of the Top 5 Traditional Yoga Studios in the State (and, our Drum Circle the best in Central NJ!). For more information, please click: http://www.princetonyoga.com B. Joan in Pennsylvania: Have you ever thought of starting your own business? Do you know someone who is considering their own business? If so, then the following information is for them: Be Your Own Boss A Seminar Series for Business Success Presented by the Small Business Resources Committee of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce Four consecutive Wednesday evenings: October 3, 10, 17, and 24 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce 409 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA This seminar series gives you the information you need to successfully run your own business. Not sure if owning your own business is for you? This seminar will provide you with all the ins and outs of owning and managing a business so you can make an educated decision. Join us for four informative evenings to get you stated on a successful venture! * Expert speakers * Resources you can use * Networking/Questions and answers! To register, visit http://www.lbccc.org
Investment: $50 members; $75 non-members For additional information, call the Chamber at 215.943.7400 or download the flyer: htttp://www.lbccc.org/BYOBflyer2007-5ol.pdf
Think Chamber first! C. Charlotte in Pennsylvania: Invites you to visit her studio: 1627 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, as part of POST--Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (East of Broad)--on Saturday and Sunday, October 20th and 21st. Time: 12-6 p.m. I will also be showing in the POST PREVIEW EXHIBIT on Thursday, October 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Freeman's Auction House, 1808 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. MY TWO CENTS: Charlotte is a very talented artist . . . for more information about her work, please click: http://www.charlotteschatz.com
_________________________________________________________ PS. 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! Back to top ---------------------------------------------------------- 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.
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