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BLAINESWORLD
#680
10.12.2009 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Staggering home 4. Reviews . . . THE INVENTION OF LYING, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Illegal border crossings compared 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Medical advice (that you don't even have to pay for) 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I joined our neighbors for a belated celebration of her birthday . . . we first went for pizza at Mellow
Mushroom and then for ice cream at Kilwin's . . . we also went to a 20th
anniversary party at Jubilee! (a community of faith that's both vital and
creative) . . . the event featured the World Beat Band, several funny
stories told by members and a special once-in-a-lifetime performance
by the "Jubidales" . . . and we went with friends to Forest Blue, a restaurant
where everybody's meal came out just right . . . my smothered tilapia was
excellent, as was Cynthia's hickory salmon . . . our sever, Meg, was both
friendly and efficient . . . for more information, please click:
B. I continue to be amazed by all that Asheville has to offer . . . for example,
I've recently attended:
* A session on EFT, an easy to learn and remarkably effective technique for
relieving and enabling anxiety, guilt, cravings, anger, phobias and self-defeating
patterns . . . it is based on balancing the energy meridians and is an effective
self-help tool that offers lasting change . . . Dr. Gary Schwartz did a fine job
of providing an overview to a subject that I will likely want to learn more
about . . . for more information, please click:
* A discussion of Nordic crime fiction, led by Sallie Hightower at the Center
for Creative Retirement's Book SIG . . . she enthusiastically described
several books that she had read and made recommendations for future reading.
C. KUDOS to the following three individuals: * Kitty Getlik, artistic director of the Kelsy Theatre at Mercer County
Community College (West Windsor, NJ) for receiving a Lifetime Achievement
Award from the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters, one of the
coveted Perry Awards the association hands out annually . . . for more information,
please click:
http://www.mccc.edu/~humphrew/whatsnew/getlikperryaward.htm I bet that's right up there with the BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD that Kitty previously received, back in October of 2005! IF YOU CAN: Catch a performance sometime at Kelsey . . . you won't be disappointed . . . for the current schedule, please click: http://www.kelseyatmccc.org/schedule.shtml * Norm Kent, a high school friend and Florida lawyer, who helped a girl get her baseball back . . . for more information, please click:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/09/florida.baseball.lawsuit/index.html#cnnSTCText * George Komalesky, Vice President at Paist & Noe, Inc. in Richboro, PA, for being
reelected as president of the Foundation Board of Directors at Bucks County
Community College for the 2009-10 fiscal year. This is a very time-consuming task,
and George does it extremely well.
D. MR. CURIOUS HERE (and in need of help): All of a sudden, I'm having difficulty swallowing my rather large vitamin pill . . . I'm also having hard a time with an equally large capsule of fish oil . . . Internet research has come up with some ideas for me to try, but I'd be interested in hearing from you as to what you do . .. thanks, in advance, for any help that you might be able to provide!. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Dave and Judy Blumlo. Cynthia and I first got to know them as a result of my cousin Ruthie . . . she
had been best friends with them when they lived in Florida, and she
suggested that we all get together here in Asheville.
So as a result of that suggestion, they subscribed to BLAINESWORLD . . . shortly
thereafter, Dave contacted us about speaking to L'Chaim--a group he heads with
Judy . . . it meets monthly at Congregation Beth HaTephia and provides a wide
range of informative programs . . . I spoke a few months ago on Networking;
Cynthia conducted a terrific JourneyDance session on Sunday . . . that's her
in the middle, flanked by participants Kelly McKibben on the left and Karen
Mazza on the right:
In addition, both Dave and Judy serve as volunteer ambassadors for Kilwin's Ice
Cream . . . you'll often see them driving their van around with a big sign on the
side that showcases the Asheville and Black Mountain locations (owned by
their daughter Marcy and her husband Tom).
BELATED CONGRATUATIONS:
Dave and Judy recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary . . . here's
hope they have many more healthy, happy ones together.
Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI In my first book, HANDBOOK TO A HAPPIER LIFE, I wrote about a technique I call "Morning Questions." The premise is quite simple. Most people, when they wake up in the morning, begin their day with what I like to refer to as "stupid questions." They ask themselves questions that typically have to answer and only serve to make them feel bad. For example, asking, "Why do I have to get up so early?" will do nothing to help you feel good about your day. On the other hand, asking yourself questions like, "What am I looking forward to today?" or "What am I grateful for in my life?' will shift your attention, and hence, your emotions, in a positive, more empowering direction. I challenge you to a make up a series of two or three questions that, when answered, will help you begin your day on a positive note. Instead of jumping out of bed first thing in the morning, give yourself a minute or two to ask and answer these questions. Do this for thirty days and then decide if, in fact, you feel better and want to keep doing it. SOURCE: DON'T LET AN OLD PERSON MOVE INTO YOUR BODY (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) by Jim Donovan FYI, part 2 * Scott in Pennsylvania (sharing these great offers)
FREE OUST (full size!) Fall has officially arrived, and the holidays are just around the corner.Gear up for the upcoming season with Oust® Air Sanitizer II—for a fresh-smelling home that is ready for entertaining. WomensHealth ~ Free 2010 Calendar (US) Also available in Spanish. Download your free Going Greener Guidebook * Pat in California:
In BLAINESWORLD . . . that Lou Woodruff was conducting the orchestra and Betsy
Sell playing in it? They are both such super people . . . . and I didn't know this side of them!
MY TWO CENTS:
Yes, I was referring to the two folks that Pat mentions, and I agree with her
that they are both super people . . . the good news is that their show, THE
PRODUCERS, hasn't started yet . . . for more information, please click:
* Janet in New York:
As a result of an email conversation I had recently with a friend I became aware of a website
that offers daily motivational statements, quotes, etc. They are not "religious" . . . they are
simply positive, affirmation type remarks that could be helpful to people. Since I know you carry
a number of such statements in your newsletter, and are probably always looking for more, I am
sending a link so you can see for yourself. I know you sometimes want to know where things
came from; the statements all carry an attribution.
No Horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No Steam or gas ever drives anything until it
is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever
grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.--Harry Emerson Fosdick, D.D.
The price that must be paid for mastery is discipline. No one achieves lasting success
without it. So from the moment you awake each day, devote yourself to the perfection
of whatever you pursue. Do this and you will achieve self-mastery. Achieve self-mastery and
you will have the makings of a great leader. . . . Discipline is all about cultivating powerful
habits that become part of your lifestyle.--Robin Crow, ROCK SOLID LEADERSHIP
* Jerry in Pennsylvania:
Nice work! Keith Oberman gave a phenomenal, poignant, talk on the medical reform
situation . . . his father is in hospital . . . very well done.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217296 * Joanne in Pennsylvania
Loved the pictures, Blaine. What is above your head in the picture in section D from
Graceland? It looks like an orb. If so, it could be a spirit form. Possible? I couldn't enlarge
the picture, so I couldn't see it in detail. Could be a very interesting phenomenon in that
picture.
* Elizabeth in Washington:
They (Bed, Bath & Beyond) let you use expired coupons, also. And you can use up to
five if you are purchasing that many things. What a great customer-friendly place!
* Pat in Pennsylvania:
Here is a neat/weird web site for you to check out. People post pictures of their parents when
they were young? Maybe something for your newsletter?
* Bill in Pennsylvania:
Rachel and I saw WHIP IT. I would recommend this movie. It was a very clean movie,
which would be enjoyable for the whole family (very little cursing). I am a huge Drew
Barrymore fan, and she did an outstanding job as her first role as director.
* Kevin in Pennsylvania:
I can highly recommend seeing THE COVE, a disturbing documentary about the slaughter
of dolphins and their heroic champion, the former trainer of Flipper.
* Joey in New Jersey:
Joey Novick competes in the November 1st, 2009 NYC Marathon to fund raise
for Hole in the Wall Gang Camps!
In 1990, the 36-year-old Joey Novick competed in his first New York City Marathon. He likes to
say he “competed” because it sounds better than “walked very slowly.” He is fairly sure that he
passed this guy who at 94 was the world’s oldest marathon runner. His time: 9:07:24. He
traveled through all five boroughs, finishing in 23,761st place.
And in 2009, Joey is planning to come out of retirement, and “compete” once again to help raise money for a great cause. So he again needs you to help him run for the Hole in The
Wall camps.
To make a donation today, please click:
* Steve in Pennsylvania (commenting on a joke in BLAINESWORLD #678):
No joking, my sister-in-law was nicked during a procedure, which then caused a rushing to another hospital for emergency surgery, recovery was painful, slow- lasting for months; there was a long time , when her very life continuing was of real concern. She's fine, ok--I know how to joke: helluva way to lose weight--but considering she looked like death and her weight got down I think into the 80s, it was very scary and it took several years for her to regain to the point of looking and feeling health. That was an Ouch. This is different from your cute story about the patient before surgery, when asked about the cause, and the response was “gravity” . . . that was from one of your older newsletters. Accidents and incidents happen, but every time I have to have the colonoscopy process, there is always the wonder and hope, that there is no cancer. Testing for cancer is important. If a real nurse had said “The lab,” she said, “will call to set a date for your screaming," I probably would have said something like “ I think I am changing labs” I did not order “screaming”--I don't want it. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Staggering home After a night out with the guys, Bob was in no shape to drive his car home. So he decided to walk. As he staggered home, a police officer pulled up beside him. "Where do you think you are going at 1 a.m. in the morning? asked the officer. "I am on my way to a lecture," Bob replied. "And who would be giving a lecture at this time of the night?" the officer asked. "My wife." Bob replied. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. I thoroughly enjoyed THE INVENTION OF LYING, a romantic
comedy about a guy who lives in a world where everybody tells the
truth--all the time . . . and about everything, including a retirement
home that has this sign out front "A Sad Place for Hopeless Old
People" . . . advertising is equally truthful, such as this roadside
sign that promotes a "a cheap hotel for intercourse with a near
stranger" . . . so when this one rather innocuous guy discovers
that he can lie, the world changes . . . there are both funny
and touching moments in this film that effectively teams up
Ricky Gervais with Jennifer Garner . . . rated PG-13.
B. SOMETHING THE LORD MADE is a 2004 made-for-cable drama
that has been out for quite some time, but I only caught up with it recently after a friend recommended it (thanks, Natalie) . . . do get it on DVD if you want to see a moving film based on a true story . . . it's about a heart surgeon, Alan Rickman, who develops a pioneering new technique with the help of his lab assistant, Mos Def, a poor black man who could never afford to go to medical school . . . Def is particularly excellent in his role . . . I also liked the "feel" of the film; it really seemed like the 1930s when the story began . . . no official rating, but certainly appropriate (and interesting) for both teenagers and their parents. C. Jim Donovan's latest, DON'T LET AN OLD PERSON MOVE INTO
YOUR BODY (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11) had me hooked from
the beginning with its catchy title . . . I found myself thinking,
"That's just what I want to avoid in my life."
Donovan then shows you how to make the rest of your life the best
of your life--regardless of your present age . . . he does so with
many examples taken from his own life, such as this one describing
how he gave up cigarettes:
* I like to start an affirmation with the phrase, “I am so happy and grateful” because that, in and of itself, sets up a positive, attraction energy and reaffirms my being happy and grateful. Gratitude is one of the highest vibrational states we can achieve.
I personally became a non-smoker after about 30 years of being addicted to cigarettes using an affirmation I learned from Louise Hay.
The specific phrase that I used, for anyone wanting to change unproductive behavior, is “I now release the need for cigarettes.” Notice that I did not say, “give up.” We humans do not usually “give up” anything without a fight. Releasing the need is quite different from giving up or quitting.
Hay is not the only expert cited by the author . . . I also liked when he talked about visualization, he cited this one:
* Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus said he will not even pick up a club until he has a clear image in his mind as to how the ball will travel and where it will land.
And when it comes to making decisions, Donovan mentioned the following that has always been one of my favorites: * I've always enjoyed the story about the woman who told author and motivational speaker, Wally Amos, that at 54, if she were to go to law school, in three years when she graduated, she would be 57. Wally asked her how old she would be in three years if she did not go to law school.
DON'T LET AN OLD PERSON is a short book that can probably be read in a few hours . . . .however, don't let its length fool you . . . there's a lot to think about that will have you wanting to revisit it often . . . in addition, there's an excellent listing of resources that will give you ideas for further exploration into the subject matter.
D. Heard THE YANKEE YEARS by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci, the account of the New York Yankees from 1996-2007 . . . this was a stretch when the team made it into the playoffs twelve straight times, captured six American league pennants and four World Series titles.
I knew I was going to like the book from the beginning when Torre tells of how he got into the record books . . . when playing for the New York Mets, he grounded into a record four double plays . . . for that effort, he thanked Felix Milan (the player batting ahead of him) for making it possible because he was the one who got on base.
Yet there's very little else about Torre's earlier career, so this should not be considered a memoir . . . rather, it is a season-by-season account of what it took for Torre to lead the Yankees to the success they had over that era.
I liked hearing about inside stuff about the many players that I followed, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, David Cone and Marianno Rivera . . . in addition, I was impressed how the authors shared this information without slinging a lot of the dirt that had been hinted at by excerpts before the book was published.
The story of what happened after Torre's last season was particularly gripping . . . I was saddened to learn more about how he was forced out of his job by George Steinbrenner and the rest of his executive team.
By listening to THE YANKEE YEARS on CD, I received an added bonus--an interview that Verducci conducted with Torre after the book was completed. Back to Top http://tinyurl.com/yf4qdrq
For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, please click: http://www.hbo.com/events/wanda-sykes-imabeme/video.html C. MONTY PYTHON: ALMOST THE TRUTH (THE LAWER'S CUT): THE NOT-SO INTERESTING BEGINNINGS airs on Sunday and runs through Friday on IFC at 9 p.m. . . according to TV GUIDE, "It still feels fresh, 40 years later." D. HEAD GAMES is a new TV game show, hosted by Greg Proops, that will put contestants' knowledge about science to the test . . . for example, did you know that maggots can be used to test fresh wounds? . . . Saturdays at 9 p.m. on SCIENCE CHANNEL. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Illegal border crossings compared Be forewarned: Yes, this is political. No, I won't accept your complaints if it bothers your sensibilities. Just don't read any further if you think that might be the case. Country: Iran Penalty: 10 years of hard labor, followed by caning, followed by deportation Country: North Korea Penalty: 12 years of hard labor (unless you're pretty and can get Bill Clinton to come get you) Country: United States Penalty: Driver's license, welfare, and free health care Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Go to one website and get all the latest news headlines by clicking:
http://www.digg.com You'll find information from business to science, as well as entertainment . . . for example, if you missed the Mike Tyson interview with Oprah, you can read all about it here . . . what makes this so interesting is the fact that you (those who take the time to vote) actually determine the rankings of a particular story. B. Here's an airport prank that I found funny and think you might, too:
You can just watch it, but it is better if you listen to it at
the same time.
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net You may have heard me talk about the YOMBER Principle before . . . now
you can read it by going to Consulting on the left, then Sample
Articles . . . methinks that you'll find this something useful when
dealing with customers, students and even family members.
To reduce the size of pictures in BLAINESWORLD, I often use
freeware called IrfanView . . . this graphic viewer does a lot of other
things, too . . . for more information, please click:
If you found this helpful, it's no surprise . . . as notes my friend Pat in Pennsylvania:
 FOR MORE INFORMATION:
I'm much obliged to Pat Achilles for providing the above . . . she does comics, greeting cards, artwork for children's books and so much more . . . for more information, call her at 215.348.4837 or email her at: patachilles@aol.com . . . you can also get a FREE weekly comic delivered to your email address by clicking: http://www.achillesportfolio.com/freecartoonsignup.htm Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Medical advice (that you don't even have to pay for) Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around. Get lots of fresh air. Open doors and windows whenever possible. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can. Get plenty of rest. OR take the doctor's approach. Think about it . . . when you go for a shot, what do they do first? They Clean your arm with alcohol.. Why? Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS. So . . . I walk to the liquor store. (Exercise.) I put lime in my Corona. (Fruit.) Celery in my Bloody Mary. (Veggies.) Drink outdoors on the bar patio. (Fresh air.) Tell jokes and laugh. (Eliminate stress.) Then pass out. (Rest.) The way I see it . . . If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you! And I keep in mind what mother always said, "A shot in the glass is better than one in the a*s!" Live well. Laugh often. Love much. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Jim Donovan in DON'T LET AN OLD PERSON MOVE INTO YOUR BODY (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11): Years ago, when I had the pleasure of meeting and briefly speaking with success legend, Zig Ziglar, I remember his reply to my question, "How are you?" Zig's answer, "Better than great." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day If I mention a book four separate times in any newsletter, you can tell I really liked it . . . that's the case with DON'T LET AN OLD PERSON MOVE INTO YOUR BODY (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) by Jim Donovan . . . see the following passage for still another example of why I think Jim rocks: As I was sitting there totally enjoying the scenery, two women walked passed me on their way out of the restaurant, having finished their lunch. The women looked to be in their late 40s or early 50s although I avoid ever guessing women's ages for obvious reasons. As they passed, I overheard one of the women say, "When I was young . . . " Those words hit me like a lightning bolt, especially since I was working on this book at the time. What a disempowering choice of words. Your words have power, so choose them carefully. While you and I know that she meant no harm by her choice of that particular phrase, her mind took it in. What do you suppose the message to her subconscious mind was? Obviously, I'm not young any longer. I must be old. A phrase that would have conveyed the same message but would have been more empowering would have been to say, "When I was younger . . . " Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. As a follow-up to his Pulitzer-nominated poetry collection Country Music, Bucks County Community College professor Allen Hoey has published Once Upon a Time at Blanche’s. Hoey, the 2001 Bucks County Poet Laureate, will read from his new book at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 18, at Triumph Brewing Company in New Hope, Pa. “The earliest poems in this collection were included in Country Music,” the New Hope resident explains. “They take place in a fictionalized version of a dive bar where I used to go when I was an undergraduate at a state college in the North Country of New York State.” In addition, John Strauss will be performing music and George Drew will be reading from his new book, American Cool. B. The October Lecture Series in my development (Biltmore Lake) will be held on Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Get cost saving ideas from resident engineer and business owner Phil Murphy. Phil will provide "do it yourself" tips on things like flushing your water heater, cleaning your kitchen exhaust fan filters, other smart ideas. He will also share his top 10 things not to forget to do when leaving town. Phil is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he earned a degree in engineering and also earned his MBA at California State University. He logged 18 years in the corporate business world before becoming a general contractor in North Carolina. Phil Murphy House Hold Management, his current venture has grown over the past 3 years and Phil
has developed a practical planned maintenance schedule designed to avoid expensive repairs. If you're a Biltmore Lake resident, please RSVP on the Intranet before Wednesday, October 21. If you're a not a resident and would like to attend as my guest, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put OCTOBER 23 in subject line. C .Student Life at Bucks County Community College presents Broadway singer John D. Smitherman on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Gateway Auditorium, Newtown, PA. He has sung for presidents, ambassadors, royalty, and early in his career, was a back-up singer for Barry Manilow. A recipient of numerous awards for both singing and acting including two Apple Awards and the prestigious Grandview Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He can be heard on several recordings, including John D. Smitherman . . . Live, Opera Passion, and By Popular Demand. Smitherman will be performing songs made famous by Mario Lanza, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, etc. with music from Showboat, South Pacific, and Phantom of the Opera. Tickets are just $10. To obtain, please click: httpp://www.bucks.edu/tickets Also available at the Student Life Office. Call 215.968.8015 or email kayen@bucks.edu for further information. D. Experience Germany Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals Community college students interested in living, studying, and working in Germany are encouraged to apply to this year-long scholarship program sponsored by the U.S. Congress and German Bundestag. No prior German language skills are required! Program Includes: Two Months intensive German language training Semester of study at a German university or professional school Five-month internship with a German company in participant’s career field Scholarship covers: round-trip international airfare; language school and university tuition in Germany; accommodation with hosts or in a shared apartment; monthly stipends; health insurance; various program seminars in the US and Germany; and local support throughout program year. Program Details: Participants from all over the U.S. work and study in their career field in Germany for one year. Applicants in all fields may participate; students in business, engineering, technical, vocational, and agricultural fields are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must be between the ages of 18-24 at the start of the program, and have clear career goals and preferably some work experience in their field. For more information, contact cbyx@cdsintl.org or call 212.497.3522. Application deadline is December 1st, 2009. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ PS. Please join me in celebrating Columbus Day on Monday and, also, enjoying the fact that you may not have the holiday around that much longer . . . see for yourself by clicking: http://tinyurl.com/yfvp23r In addition, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and Afghanistan . . . . and, also, that peace comes to Israel and her neighbors. . . make it a great week, too! ---------------------------------------------------------- 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. |
