Should you want to reach Pat to take pictures for virtually any
occasion, he can be reached via email: pat.hannigan@verizon.net
or by phone,  215.968.1615 . . . you won't go wrong.

Lastly, I failed to congratulate my cousin David and his lovely wife
Grace for having won one of the DJ's contests . . . everybody was
called on the floor to dance, then every few minutes, folks were
instructed to sit down who were married in the last year . . . then
the last five years, ten years, etc. . . . David and Grace were the
last ones standing, having been married for 45 years! 

C. THANKS to Walter in Pennsylvania for telling me that I've been
in the news . . . to see what all the hubbub is about, please click:

http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=i2Og5RRqy6Cd656wF.l1KDMwNzE5NzM-&referred_by=8466464-8si6SBx

Please don't get on my case that this website supports Obama's
candidacy . . . send me something similar for McCain, and I'll
gladly run that too.

I won't tell you who I'm voting for, but what I will do is encourage
you to vote . . . and if by chance you're not registered to vote,
make sure you don't let that happen again by clicking:

http://www.eac.gov/voter/Register%20to%20Vote

D. MR. CURIOUS HERE:

Any suggestions for a restaurant or country club in Mercer County, NJ or
Somerset County, NJ that could host a Sunday morning brunch for about
60-70 people--probably in May, 2009? . . . if so, please forward them
to me at your earliest convenience . . . I'd be particularly interested in
places that you have personally tried and/or would recommend.

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****

This week, it goes to Jaclyn Boone--Cynthia's Feldenkrais instructor.

To quote Cynthia, who nominated Jaclyn:

Jaclyn is a gift to me. She started as a Feldenkrais instructor who gave
me private lessons. Since I have been working with her, I have seen
much improvement in the way I feel. A session does not go by without
some jewel of knowledge or a new way to move that gives me more
comfort in my body. She just loves her field and shares her knowledge
and expertise with such joy. She lives her life in the same way. I
am blessed to have met her.

Jaclyn can be reached at: feldenkraismethod@mac.com
or via phone: 609.279.9883.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD, please click:

http://www.feldenkrais.com/method/the_feldenkrais_method_of_somatic_education/

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________


2. FYI

Barbara in Pennsylvania, in response to reading about
my recent collision with a deer, graciously shared
this information:

Most deer accidents occur during hunting season, which I am
strongly opposed to in our communities and parks.
When it comes to avoiding auto-deer collisions,
drivers and communities have a number of options.

Enclosed is some information, tips and links regarding
deer alert devices that you may find helpful to coexist
peacefully with all wildlife. We use these devices on our cars.
It was recommended to me by a truck driver. And one year, I gave
them to all our friends and family for a holiday gift.

To date, no one has reported any accidents with
deer. It is a small investment for you
and your loved ones and the damage to your car.

Thank you for remembering to drive slowly
and heed deer warning signs. Perhaps you can share this
with your readers.

 

 

http://www.deerwhistle.com/http://www.nextag.com/deer-alert/shop-html

DEER TIPS:

Individual drivers can make themselves more aware of deer-prone
areas and be more vigilant:

Encourage your community to invest in "strieter-lites" reflectors. See:

 

http://www.strieter-lite.com/

Remain particularly alert during the hours around dawn and dusk,
especially during the fall and spring and during hunting season
when deer accidents have been shown to increase up to five-fold.

Slow down in areas where woody, brushy or other dense vegetation
along the roadside may attract and conceal deer.

After dark, be aware of roadsides for deer or their "eye
shine"—the reflection of lights by the deer's eyes.

Reduce speed when deer are observed crossing the road. Others may
follow and cross the road single file behind the leader.

Don't assume that deer will proceed directly across a roadway or
maintain a constant rate of speed. They may suddenly stop or dart
back the way they came.

When slowing down or stopping due to deer being on or near the
road, do not slam on the brakes if other vehicles are behind you.
If possible, use the emergency-hazard flashers or tap your brakes
to warn other drivers.

Attempt to scare deer from the road by flashing the car's
headlights and sounding the horn in short bursts.

Maintain control of your vehicle. The likelihood of injury is
much greater if you swerve into oncoming traffic or such
stationary objects as trees, guard rails and barricades along
the edge of the road.

FYI, part 2

* Diane in Pennsylvania with an update on her husband Bill Lewis:
 
I wanted to let everyone know that Bill's discharge date will be November
2nd, which is next Sunday. Bill will continue to have outpatient therapy
and also  home care will be coming in to help us.
 
It will be so nice to have Bill home especially for the kids. Rachel has a
lot of movies lined up for him and Billy is freshening up on Tennis
on the WII game.  (Bill has been playing that in therapy and he told Billy
that he is going to kick his butt playing tennis.
 
The contractors will be finishing up the bathroom for us this week. For those
of you who don't know, we knocked out our walk-in closet that was right next
to the bathroom to make it bigger for Bill. They have done a remarkable job
making it handicap accessible for Bill.  The hospital bed was delivered this
week and set up ready for when Bill comes home.(Thanks Kirk.)  We finally
got all the approvals we need for the ramp to be build.  
 
Bill will be going to the event on November 13th and he can't wait to see
so many people that will be attending so he can mingle as he does so well.
 
Again, thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support! 
 
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as this will certainly
be a new challenge for our family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kindly read this absolutely great column by Kate Fratti that ran in the
BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/257-10272008-1611552.html

The last paragraph contains information on how to get tickets for the
Nov. 13 dinner and auction to help the Lewis family . . . I do hope
that you can join me there!

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

3. Quietude

A Sunday school teacher asked her little children, as they were
on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet
in church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

4. Reviews

A. THE DUCHESS is a highly entertaining costume drama about
Georgiana Spenser, the Duchess of Devonshire, who is married
to a boring, mean-spirited duke . . . what made it so entertaining was
that it was based on a true story, in many respects very similar to
Princess Diana's life . . . Keira Knightley is impressive as the
Duchess and Ralph Fiennes shines as her husband--a man you
very quickly grow to hate . . . the accompanying soundtrack added
to my enjoyment of the film . . . rated PG-13.

B. KIT KITTERIDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL  is now out in DVD
format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #615 follows:

KIT KITTERIDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL is a family drama about
a resourceful young girl whose bravery and determination help her
save her family's home during the Great Depression . . . it stars
Abigail Breslin, who was so fine that she received an Oscar
nomination in LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE . . . here she's almost
as watchable . . . I've seen just about every film she has been in
and can't help but wonder if she'll be able to continue her
successes as she gets older . . . I hope so . . . some others in
the case (Stanley Tucci and Joan Cussack, in particular) come
across as cartoonish, but that was the nature of their parts . . . a
happy ending makes this the perfect film for both children and their
parents . . . don't be put off by the G rating; methinks you'll enjoy
KIT KITTERIDGE.

C. I got to relive many of my teenage years by reading Bob
Greene's WHEN WE GET TO SURF CITY (see also Sections
10 and 11), a moving account of his many years as a
member of the backup band for Jan and Dean . . .  it was also
fun to read and left me yearning for the likes of such entertainers
as Chuck Berry, Martha and the Vandellas, the Everly Brothers,
Jerry Lee Lewis, the Beach Boys, the Monkees, the Kingsmen,
James Brown, Lesley Gore, the Drifters, Little Eva, and the
Coasters--all of whom make cameo appearances in the book.

Greene, long one of my favorite authors for such books as
HANG TIME and BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL, continues
to impress me with how he presents glimpses of America
such as in the following account:

* It was one of those concerts you don't want ever to end--the Oklahoma
heat had us drenched by the second song, the sound system was
booming, the people at the water park swarmed to the concert area
like bugs at a picnic to spilled jam, still in their bathing suits and
dripping as they danced the evening away.

He also hit what it must be like to tour the country, playing
in a rock band:

* But on the day of a concert, as opposed to a day devoted
to travel--this was what delighted me, the economy of the phrasing,
and all that was conveyed in three words--there was this notation:

It was utterly factual-that was the agenda for show day: Today, we play.

How many adults are so lucky? How many adults, getting up in the
morning to go to work, would you do just about anything to be the
recipient of a message like that, written or unwritten?

TODAY WE: Play

It was the essence of all this-the magical lure. And, on show days, I never
tired of looking at the itinerary and seeing, once again, what was planned for us.

Only one thing-only one thing of importance.

Today?

Today, we play.

Lastly, I liked how Greene caught the essence of what it must
be like to go from city to city in the search for the perfect
culinary delight:

* Ted Drewes's [in St. Louis] proved to be every bit as good as
[Bob] Costas promised; the stand offered shakes, malts and
sundaes, but the specialty was something called a Concrete.
It got its name from the thickness of the mix; it was a concoction
made of frozen custard and other ingredients, and its defining
characteristic was this: it was handed to you in a paper cup, and
you could turn the cup upside down and hold it over the ground and the
dessert would not fall out. It was just that firm--like concrete.

WHEN WE GET TO SURF CITY is the perfect gift book for
anybody you know who grew up in the 1960s . . . rock and roll fans
from any era will like it too.

D. Most books are meant to be read . . . one exception to this
rule might well be EVEN THE STARS LOOK LONESOME
by Maya Angelou, the continuation of her bestselling
WOULDN'T TAKE NOTHING FOR MY JOURNEY NOW.

I was fortunate to hear the CD version of this book, which
is a combination of essays by the author on a wide variety of subjects.

What made it so outstanding was to actually hear the author . . . her
voice is unlike any you've ever heard . . . to listen to it makes you
feel like she is talking directly to you.

EVEN THE STARS grabbed me from the opening:

* My last marriage was made in heaven. The musical accompaniment
was provided by Gabriel, and angels were so happy that ten thousand
of them danced on the head of a pin.

I was mesmerized from that point on . . . and each chapter seemingly
kept getting better, covering such diverse topics as aging, learning,
vacationing, sexuality, teaching and violence.  

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. To keep current, I try to catch NOW on PBS . . . the show goes
behind the news headlines to report on how corporations and government
policies affect society and democracy . . .  Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
on PBS . . . times and dates often vary on PBS stations, so
check local listings.

B. AT THE MOVIES has two new hosts, Ben Mankiewicz and Ben
Lyons . . . they're younger and hipper than many other critics, and
I enjoyed the one show that I've seen so far . . . Saturdays
at 7 p.m. on FOX (NYC), but check local listings because this
is a syndicated show that frequently appears on other stations
and at other times.

Or for a station near you, please click:

http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/atm/

Another movie review show that I've long watched is REELTALK
with hosts Jeffrey Lyons (Ben's father) and Allison Bailes . . . Saturdays
at 10 a.m. and repeated on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on NBC (NYC) . . . again,
check local listings because this is another syndicated show that
may not always be at this time or stations.

There's an excellent website for this show:

http://www.reeltalktv.com/

You can find local stations, but also an archive of past reviews and
interesting interviews.

C. ARHANGEL, a post-Cold War thriller starring a pre-James Bond
Daniel Craig, has its first U.S. broadcast on Saturday at 8 p.m.
on ION (a newsish channel that you may to dig some to find;
it replaced PAX) . . . according to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL,
"In the tense days leading up to November 4, ARCHANGEL
may be the best diversion on TV. . . . [it] is eerily, chillingly
on target about the sinister nature of Russia past and present."

D. D.L. HUGHLEY BREAKS THE NEWS, featuring the comedian,
airs on Saturday at 10 p.m. and repeats on Sunday at same time
on CNN . . . according to executive producer Mitch Semel,  the
show is being geared-up to cover what will happen after the
presidential election . . . he notes, "The reality of either candidate
winning is that, in a few weeks, half of the voters are going to be angry."

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

6. Goodbye

A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady
following him around. If he stopped, she stopped. Furthermore,
she kept staring at him.

She finally overtook him at the checkout, and she turned to him and said,
"I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease; it's just that you look so much
like my late son."

He answered, "That's okay." 

"I know it's silly, but if you'd call out 'Goodbye, Mom' as I leave the store,
it would make me feel so happy."

She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out
of the store, the man called out, "Goodbye, Mom."

The little old lady waved and smiled back at him.

Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone's day,
he went to pay for his groceries.

"That comes to $121.85," said the clerk.

'How come so much? I only bought 5 items."

The clerk replied, "Yeah, but your Mother said you'd be paying for her
things, too."

So whatever you do, don't forget:

Never to trust little old ladies!

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. If you're a walker, please click:

 

http://www.walkscore.com

You type your address, then click to get a rating as to how "walkable"
your area is . . . I did so for our home in Belle Mead, NJ and the results
quickly came back: 12 because the area is so car-dependent.

There's also a link for you to get more information on how to support
the 2009 Transportation Bill.

B. To play a fun version of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE,
please click:

 

http://www.millionairetv.com/game/index.html

This is a fun game to play with your kids and/or grandkids . . . make
sure you do so with your sound on. 

C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:

http://www.blainesworld.net

If you'd like to see some of the many books I've reviewed and
generally enjoyed, please go to "Blaine's Best" on the left, then
the second paragraph of letter "O."

Currently, I'm 344 in amazon.com's list of Top 500 Reviewers . . . if you'd
like to help me move up, go to:

http://www.amazon.com

1. In search box at top, type-in a book I've recently reviewed; e.g.,
THE ENCORE EFFECT.

2. Find my review. It should be on the right, at the top or close to the top.

3. If you've found my review helpful, and I hope you will, click YES
when asked for a response.

4. Thanks!

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

8. Computer tip

Giant security holes

As is the case with any real-world fortress, most computer operating
systems have security holes and flaws somewhere--it's just a matter
of whether the computer company or computer hackers discover
them first. Such is the case with a recent security holes discovered on
computers using Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003.

The hole essentially leaves computers totally open to hackers, with
no involvement from computer users at all!

Luckily, Microsoft last week discovered this flaw and took the rare step
of immediately releasing a security patch before any evildoers could
wreak havoc. If you haven't updated your Windows machine with the
latest security patches, then do so immediately. You should have already
been updated if your computer is set to Automatic Updates in the Control
Panel (click on Start, then Control Panel, then Automatic Updates). You
can also download the patch yourself by going to the Microsoft Download
Center:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en

SOURCE:

For the entire article with the above information and a lot more,
please click:

http://www.switched.com/2008/10/28/sneakiest-computer-viruses-ever-security-hole-2/

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

9. Weird CraigList jobs

Palin Look-a-Like--The first law of celebrity: Within minutes of initial national
media exposure, someone, somewhere on the Internet will be filming of a
naked look-a-like of you.

Happy Birthday BJ--In journalistic parlance, this is known as "burying
the lead."

Costumed Carolers--Our talent is table tennis and our costume is Spiderman.
Where do we sign up?

Ring Girls--Look: "Sexy," Bra size C+. When choosing the public face of your
"family-oriented magazine," you really can't be too careful with the specifics.

"Cop Bar'" Video Extra--A few types they request include: "biker chicks," "plus
size model," "English butler," "lumberjack," and "eccentrics." Sounds like a
Fellini-esque romp that may be eventually used for blackmail.

Drunk Clown--According to comedian Demetri Martin's flowchart of clowns:
Circus clowns = annoying. Birthday clowns = sad. A clown that's just hanging
around is creepy. But if any of them get hurt, it's funny. The birthday entertainment
here is clearly going for sad and creepy. If he gets really loaded, we think we can
be an all-in-one clown.

Gorilla Chef--Okay, we get that Koko has expensive food tastes and you'd
need be creative as his cook, but what's with the language requirement? Is
Koko ordering in Spanish?

Ramen Comedian--"I need a video maker, actors, editors." We also
recommend getting a new idea.

To Catch a Predator Host Look-a-Like--Finally! In these troubled financial times,
a boost for the struggling Chris Hansen-impersonator industry.

Oompa-Loompas--The dignified employment opportunities for the vertically-
challenged are never ending.

SOURCE:

http://www.Asylum.com

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

"Any time you think you have a bad night and ask yourself
why you're doing this [playing in the Jan and Dean band]," I said
to Chris, "think of the guys who'll come here in the morning to clean
up the toilets."--Bob Greene in WHEN WE GET TO SURF CITY
(see also Sections 4C and 11) 

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

11. Thought for the day 

Once someone very wise told me that we should regard the best
moments in our lives as pebbles in a jar. The assumption should be
that the pebbles are finite--even if we can't count them by looking into
the jar, we should assume that one day they will run out. We should
withdraw them with care, one by one, never doing it by rote or distractedly.
If we withdraw them too rapidly, we are being greedy, and will hasten the
day when they are gone; if we hoard them, if we are miserly in keeping
them in the jar, then we will rob ourselves of the experiences the good
things should give us.

So it is with summers. If all of life were summer, then our world would
have no texture, no context. Summer would not taste the way it does
if we thought it would last forever. There's no perfect way to remove
the pebbles, no foolproof timetable. The closest we can come
to perfection is to know just how precious those pebbles are, and
to value each one.

I know that Jan did. More than anyone I think I have ever known, he never
took a single one of those pebbles for granted. He withdrew each one
of them from life's jar with gratitude and with love.

SOURCE:

WHEN WE GET TO SURF CITY (see also Sections
4C and 11) by Bob Greene

Back to Top
_________________________________________________________

12. Advance planning department

A. RESCHEDULED:

You're cordially invited to my next Marketing class on Tuesday,
November 4, at which time I'll be presenting on "How to market your
business for $75 or less" . . . time: 6:30 p.m. . . . location: Penn
410 at Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA . . . NO
CHARGE, but please email me (bginbc@aol.com) to let me know
that you would be joining me.

B. Joey in New Jersey:

To all comedians, actors, improvisers, real people and storytellers:
Our Louder Than Words story telling events have been successful---at
Friendly Grounds Coffee House. Real Stories. Real People. If you have
appeared for us before, please contact me for a repeat performance!

And now, I am now looking for tellers for Thursday, November 13th
and December 11th and January 8th for our next “...Louder Than
Words” storytelling nights for Friendly Grounds Coffee House.

 For information, please go to:

 

http://www.louderthanwordsstories.com 

Some important details:

* Story tellers can experience a new venue for story telling.

* Stand-up comedians have the opportunity to exercise a "creative
muscle" beyond your current stand-up comedy act. 

* Real people from all walks of life can share their true stories. 

* Actors and writers can experience creating the beginnings of
a one-person show, in front of a real audience.

Please feel to contact me if you're interested in appearing at "Louder
Than Words."

Joey Novick
908.892.6859
joeynovick@earthlink.net 

_________________________________________________________

PS. Happy Halloween!

To get you in the mood, please click:

http://minibytes.mondominishows.com/poo/affiliates/play.asp?Affil=iwon&W

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
----------------------------------------------------------

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.