Lentil Soup

 

1 bag of lentils

chopped celery

sliced carrots

one onion, chopped

3 or 4 slices of bacon sliced (optional)

spices Marjoram and Basil, salt/pepper

a package of sliced hotdogs

 

Boil all together for about 1/2 hour except for the hotdogs. Put them in after the soup

is cooked.

 

Dena served the soup with bread from Earth Fare (Greenlife has it, too) . . . it comes

in a brown paper wrapper and has the word "Seed" stamped on it . . . I'm not a big

bread eater, but I made an exception that night . . . and am glad I did . . . now it has

me wanting some more, even as I type this paragraph!

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

This week, it goes to Scott Bradshaw--golf coach and a physical
education professor at Bucks Community College.

Scott's golf team recently placed first in Eastern Pennsylvania
Collegiate Conference League Tournament and then finished second
in the state championship . . . he has been coaching for some
seven years and manages to keep his teams competitive every
season . . . in fact, the golfers have often gone to Nationals in the
spring and done well there too.

In his spare time, Scott somehow manages to serve as the
college's assistant athletic director, and he is also completing
his doctorate . . . and that's in addition to helping raise his family.

Scott Bradshaw is also a fine teacher, well-respected by both
his students and colleagues.

_________________________________________________________


2. FYI

THANKS to Mark in New Jersey for a recommendation that he has
repeatedly made to me; i.e., that I should stop drinking diet soda . . . I
had been consuming more and more of Coca-Cola Zero (a tastier
alternative to Diet Coke) and while doing so, found myself actually
gaining weight and becoming bloated.

So as of last week, I went "cold turkey" and stopped drinking
all diet sodas . . . it's too early to discern if I will be noticing any
long-term benefits, but I do know that I feel less bloated and have
lost a few pounds.

For more information, please click:

* On why diet sodas may actually cause weight gain:

http://tinyurl.com/ttj7x

* On why carbonated beverages cause bloating (flatulence, too):

http://www.healthhype.com/causes-of-bloating-and-gas-flatulence.html

* And lastly, on Mark's contention that drinking diet sodas is
"bad" for you, click either or both of the following:

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/22630/the-truth-about-diet-soda/

http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2007/08/is-drinking-diet-soada-really.html

NOTE:

This last point is controversial; for another viewpoint, please click:

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/aspartame.asp

All things considered, though, I'm going to stay away from diet sodas
and continue to drink more water.

FYI, part 2

* Allen in Pennsylvania:

You can read a couple of poems, including my little elegy for Ezra Pound at:

http://tinyurl.com/yae2ov2

* Monica in North Carolina:

Here's a coupon for 30% off at all Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic,
Banana Republic Factory Store and Old Navy stores from November
12-15 . . . you can use it as many times as you like.

 

http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/lls/

* Kathy in Florida:

If you are a member of the AAA Auto Club, if you show your card
at Outback Steakhouse, they will give you a free bloomin' onion.
Great deal!

* Alyson in Colorado:

Yesterday we saw MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS. Besides the fact that
I got to be with my #2 heartthrob GC for a couple of hours, I found it sweet
and at times, hilarious. Friend we were with recommended A SERIOUS
MAN . . . next!

* Rebecca in New Jersey (on A SERIOUS MAN):

Loved it. Hilarious and poignant. Michael Stahlberg is terrific.

* Nicholas in Vermont:

FREE Shipping Day is back with more retailers. Find out more
by clicking:

http://tinyurl.com/yzaehyn

* Tom in New Jersey graciously allowed me to share one of
his recent Facebook postings:

Vote today! Here is my heresy of the day: I respect all candidates, even
those with whom I disagree, for their sense of service and willingness to try
to make a difference. Data and decades of evidence show that most people
never participate. How do we increase the number of people involved,
participating, engaging, serving, volunteering, sharing talents, and leading
when needed? Encourage, listen, learn, debate.

* Arlene in Missouri:

Avon, the leading home selling cosmetics company, allows you to shop
online and pay no shipping at any time, if you know the correct code. They
have products at great value and many times lower priced than the discount
stores.  How would you like to have all your personal products like shampoo
and body wash, etc., and have them delivered free to your door? Please
visit my website: 

http://arlenehiggins.avonrepresentative.com/

and use promotional code FSANY to receive free shipping every day. 

* Shelley in Pennsylvania:

We also saw Leonard Cohen in Philadelphia at the Tower Theater . . . what
a great show. I was pleasantly surprised how energetic he was, dancing
and singing, getting down on his knees,  getting up and skipping across
the stage. Just a wonderful time!  I was a bit hesitant about going, but my
better half told me it would be lots of fun. How right he was!

* Marty in Pennsylvania:

Just thought I would second your endorsement of the Leonard Cohen concert. 
We saw him in Tampa maybe two weeks ago and he was great, along with
that superb array of musicians behind him.

* Scott in Pennsylvania:

FREE Zero Calorie Steaz:

http://www.steaz.com/promotion/FreeZeroCalorie/

FREE portrait at Target with no sitting fee:

http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=ptstudio_four_coupon

FREE subscription to BOATING LIFE:

http://www.boatinglife.com/freesubform/blfreesubform.jsp?key=13GABC

_________________________________________________________

3. Dinner choices

The husband was sitting on the sofa, watching TV when he heard
his wife's voice from the kitchen: "What would you like for dinner
love . . . . chicken, beef or lamb?"

He said, "Thank you, I'll have chicken."

“Screw you. You're having soup. I was talking to the cat."

_________________________________________________________

4. Reviews

A. Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is a behind-the-scenes look at the performer
as he prepared for his series of sold-out concerts that would have taken
place in London in the summer of 2009 . . . it shows him rehearsing a
number of his songs and gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at what
putting together such a show entailed . . . I found it interesting, though
I did not feel as emotionally involved as I thought would be the
case . . . the scenes featuring individual discussions or sessions
with performers were fascinating, and I was also amazed at the fact
that he seemed to be using teleprompters . . . rated PG.

B. Out on DVD is THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3, director Tony Scott's
remake of the 1974 original . . . Denzel Washington stars as a New York
City subway dispatcher whose life is thrown into turmoil when he must
deal with the terrorist demands of a John Travolta-led gang . . . I found
this to be a very suspenseful film until the end and then it seemed
to fall apart . . . nevertheless, I'd still recommend it for the performances
of both leading characters . . . rated R.

C. 212: THE EXTRA DEGREE by Sam Parker is a short book--make that,
a very short one--that has a lot of meat in its relatively few pages.

You may have seen its basic premise; e.g., in an email that's
been widely circulated on the Internet (without giving proper
credit to Parker):

* At 211 degrees, water is hot.

At 212 degrees, it boils.

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And with steam, you can power a train.

One degree.

Applying one extra degree of temperature to water means the difference
between something that is simply very hot and something that generates
enough force to power a machine--a beautifully uncomplicated metaphor
that ideally should feed our every endeavor--consistently pushing us to
make the extra effort in every task, action and effort we undertake.
Two-twelve serves as a forceful drill sergeant with its motivating and
focused message while adhering to a scientific law--a natural law. It
reminds us that seemingly small things can make tremendous
differences. So simple is the analogy, that you can stop reading right
now, walk away with the opening thought firmly planted in your mind
and benefit from it for the rest of your life.

I like how Parker then expands this premise through a series
of thought-provoking facts, including this one:

* Two of auto racing's premier events are The Daytona 500
(stock car) and the Indianapolis 500 (formula one). Each takes
roughly three to three and half hours to complete. In the 10-year
period between 1997 and 2006, combining all 20 races, the winner
took the checkered flag by an average margin of 1.71 seconds and
took home $1,426,003 in first place prize money. The average
prize for the second place finisher was $716,464--a difference of
$709,539 - roughly half of the amount banked by the winner.

The author also offers a series of action steps you can take, such as:

* Eliminate one half hour of television watching each day and get
182.5 hours each year to allocate elsewhere (equivalent to four and
half weeks at work).

And he concludes with several reflections that will get you
thinking about life . . . I particularly liked the following:

* Complaining once less a day chokes off 365 seeds of negativity
a year.

As the holidays approach, methinks 212 would be the perfect
stocking stuffer for almost anybody on your list--including your
children and grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, who
could all gain from Parker's valuable insights.

D. I don't usually read or listen to a book twice, but maybe it is time
to revisit that policy . . . after all, I've lately found that it is a fun
thing to do with movies that I haven't seen for quite some time . . . I
rarely remember much of the dialogue or plot, other than the
fact that I may have enjoyed it at one time.

Such was the case with RUNNING FROM THE LAW by Lisa
Scottoline . . .  for some reason, it was one of those rare occasion
that I didn't have a book in my car, so I went to my local library
and found this title that looked vaguely familiar.

Thinking that maybe it was the author that I recognized and had
liked, I began listening and found myself again immersed
in this tale about Rita Morrone--a lawyer who takes
on the defense of a distinguished federal judge accused
of sexual harassment. 

When the judge's young secretary is then found murdered, he
becomes a prime suspect . . . there's a very quick-paced plot here,
as well as a fine ending . . .  and the fact that the story is set in
Philadelphia (near my old stomping grounds of Bucks County)
added to my enjoyment.

I also liked the narration of Karen Allen--the actress who
starred in one of my all-time favorite films, STARMAN.

After the fact, I found out that this was the author's first
hardcover novel . . . I now plan to go find some of her other efforts . . . my
only disappointment is that this appears to be the only one that
featured the Morrone character . . . it would have been fun
to read about her antics in another book.

_________________________________________________________

5. TV alert

A. LOPEZ TONIGHT runs Monday through Thursday on TBS
at 11 p.m. . . . expect George Lopez, the Mexican-American
stand-up to mine the immigration debate for material . . . for example:
"There's 43 million of us here and now they're going to build
a wall? That's like putting a condom on after sex."

B. Gina Gershon (so fine in such films as SHOWGIRLS and
BOUND) does bad things in an adaptation of true-crime author's
THE BEST OF EVERYTHING . . . Saturday at 8 p.m. on  LMN;
concluded the next night at the same time.

C. THE PRISONER is a six-part reimagining of the 60s sci-fi classic
about a nameless guy, played by Jim Carviezel . . . Sr. Ian McKellan
also stars . . . premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. on AMC.

D. Part 1 of 2 of COLLISION airs on MASTERPIECE CONTEMPORARY
on Sunday at 9 p.m. on PBS (Part 2 is at the same time next
Sunday) . . . TV GUIDE calls it "a terrific example of an unconventional
and original story, weaving suspense, irony, mystery and emotional
turmoil in the aftermath of a deadly multicar pileup" . . . because PBS
times and dates often vary, check local listings.

_________________________________________________________

6. Inspection

A deputy sheriff stops at a dairy farm and talks with the old farmer
who is the owner.

He tells the farmer, "I need to inspect your property for illegally grown
marijuana."

The old farmer says, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there."

The officer verbally explodes saying, "Mister, I have the authority of the
Federal Government with me!"

Pointing to the badge on his chest, he proudly says, "See this badge?
This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish on any land. No
questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear!!? Do you
understand?"

The old farmer nods politely and goes about his chores.

Later, the old guy hears loud screams and spies the deputy running for his life
and close behind is the a huge breeder bull. With every step, the bull is
gaining ground on the officer. The officer is clearly terrified.

The old farmer immediately throws down his pitch fork, runs to the fence and
yells at the top of his lungs:

"Your badge! Show him your badge!"

_________________________________________________________

7. Websites

A. If you missed Bill Cosby getting this year's Mark Twain Award,
the entire show can be viewed by clicking:

http://video.pbs.org/video/1317746583/

It is one of the best specials I have ever seen . . . several classic
comedy routines are shown, but my two favorites are him at the
dentist and his giving instructions to a bunch of boys playing
touch football

B. Beware of hanging out at coffee shop, particularly if you see
Tom Green around . . . see for yourself by clicking:

http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:mvideo:cmt.com:40319

Make sure you are alone when you watch this because your laughter

might well distract others!
 
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:

http://www.blainesworld.net

To find out more what this website is all about, your best bet is
to read the statement at the very top of the homepage . . . doing so will

enable you to find out much of what goes through my mind!

_________________________________________________________

8. Computer tip

THANKS to Mark in North Carolina for sending this warning about
Facebook scams:

http://tinyurl.com/yhyw6sv

It seems that if you play games such as Mafia Wars, FarmVille,
Restaurant City, etc., the information that you provide can be
used by others--especially if you have a cellphone . . . if you or
your children play such games, make sure you read this article
that originally appeared in TIME magazine.

***** DEFTLY CHANGING SUBJECT *****

In the unlikely event you're not already my Facebook friend and
would like to be, please click:

http://www.facebook.com/blainegreenfield

I believe you can request to be my friend there . . . or if not,
just send an invite to be your friend.

_________________________________________________________

9. Two beggars

Two beggars are sitting side by side on a street in Rome--one has a cross
in front of him, the other one the Star of David.  Many people go by, look
at both beggars, but only put money into the hat of the beggar sitting
behind the cross.

A priest comes by, stops and watches throngs of people giving money
to the beggar behind the cross, but none to the beggar behind the Star
of David. Finally, the priest goes over to the beggar behind the Star of David
and tells him, "My poor fellow, don't you understand?  This is a Catholic
country; this city is the seat of Catholicism. People aren't going to give
you money if you sit there with a Star of David in front of you, especially
when you're sitting beside a beggar who has a cross. In fact, they would
probably give to him just out of spite."

The beggar behind the Star of David after listening to the priest, turns
to the other beggar with the cross and say, "Moishe, look who's trying
to teach the Goldstein brothers about marketing!"

_________________________________________________________

10. A quote I like

The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they
attempt the impossible -- and achieve it, generation after
generation.---- Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) American writer

_________________________________________________________

11. Thought for the day 

Little things

As you might remember, the head of a company survived
9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because
of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that
morning, took the various means to get to work, but before he got there,
he developed a blister on his foot.

He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive
today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator or turn back to answer
a ringing telephone . . . all the little things that annoy me . . . I think
to myself:

This is exactly where God wants me to be At this very moment.

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong , the children are slow
getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic
light, don't get mad or frustrated. It May be just that God is at work
watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things.
And may you remember their possible purpose.

Amen.

Author unknown
(if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know)

_________________________________________________________

12. Advance planning department

A. Jonas Gerard paints live this weekend during Asheville's River
Arts District Studio Stroll . . . this is an extraordinary event that you'll
have to see to believe . . . you watch Jonas complete several pieces
right before your eyes while he sings, dances, explains his philosophy
about both painting and life, and answers your questions . . . Saturday
and Sunday, both days at 2 p.m. . . . for more information, please click:

http://www.jonasgerard.com/

For more information about the Studio Scroll, please click:

http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/

B. Natalie in Pennsylvania:

A few tickets remain for this exciting event:

Bucks County Community College’s Student Life presents John
Smitherman on Saturday, November 14,  at 7:30 p.m. in the Gateway
Auditorium, Newtown Campus in Pennsylvania.  Tickets are $10.00 and
can be purchased online at:

http://www.bucks.edu/tickets.

For information, contact Natalie Kaye, 215.968.8015.  

John Smitherman who's being hailed as “the next Mario Lanza” was most
recently seen at the Bristol Riverside Theatre. He puts on an amazing
performance and has brought together a group of very talented musicians,
including a drummer, bassist, pianist, sax, trumpet and trombone players. 

C. Robin in Pennsylvania:

More than 50,000 Americans who have memory
concerns or want to have a point of comparison for the future
are expected to take advantage of free, confidential memory
screenings at more than 2,000 community sites nationwide on
November 17. An annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation
of America, National Memory Screening Day is the focal point of
the organization's efforts to promote early detection of memory
problems, including Alzheimer's disease (It is estimated that
missed diagnoses of dementia are greater than 25 percent of the
cases and may be as high as 90 percent). Memory screenings can
reassure the healthy individual, promote successful aging and
can be a first step toward a proper diagnosis if scores are below
normal. Aging baby boomers especially are prime to take advantage
of this free community resource. For more information, please click:
http://nationalmemoryscreening.org

D. My community, Biltmore Lake, has three upcoming events
of interest . . . they are targeted to residents, but if you'd like to be
my guest to attend any one and/or all of the events, just drop
me an email to that effect . . . put INVITATION TO (whatever specific events

or events) in the subject line and send it to bginbc@aol.com . . . as always,

if you're a member of the community, please RSVP via the Intranet.

* Biltmore Lake resident Fred Teach, an enthusiastic member of the North
Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR), will speak on Friday,
November 20th in the Clubhouse at 7:00 p.m..

The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR) is an
award-winning, internationally-acclaimed learning community dedicated
to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service, and research.
NCCCR’s goal is to enable its members to thrive in life’s second half.

The Center embraces an unusually comprehensive array of programs in the
arts and humanities, the natural world, civic engagement, wellness, life
transition and retirement relocation planning, intergenerational co-learning,
and research on trends in the reinvention of retirement.

* Biltmore Lake Small Business Fair
 
Saturday, November 21, 2009
10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Clubhouse

Have you been looking for a new contractor, chiropractor or interior
decorator, but just moved in to the neighborhood? Or have you become
discouraged when looking in the Yellow Pages or online?

Here is your opportunity to meet your neighbors who own their own
businesses or work for a local company! Only businesses owned or run
by Biltmore Lake residents will be participating in the event.

The idea behind the Small Business Fair is to get Biltmore Lake
consumers in touch with Biltmore Lake business owners and representatives
and possibly make a few new connections or contacts. All attendees receive
a door prize just for attending!

If you own your own business and live in Biltmore Lake, spaces are still
available. Please contact David in the Recreation Office at 670.6103.

* Biltmore Lake resident Cynthia  Greenfield (see also Section 1A) is
offering a fun enjoyable FREE  workshop:

 

Move Your Body (Journey Dance) 

When: 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1

Where:  Clubhouse

Move Your Body is a freeing movement experience. You start with a short
meditation and yoga-like stretches to warm up. Then, using inspiring music
from around the world, you are softly led into easy-to-follow movements. At
times you follow, and other times you move intuitively on your own. You are
encouraged to honor yourself at all times. It is a form of fun, joy, creativity,
connection, community and self-acceptance. You end with a delicious
relaxation exercise. The Move Your Body experience will leave you feeling
renewed, empowered and invigorated.

Move Your Body includes and celebrates all types of bodies, people and
energy levels. No yoga or dance background required. This is an experience
that ALL Biltmore Lake residents, both men and women, will enjoy.

Instructor bio:

Cynthia Greenfield is a certified JourneyDance and Kripalu Dancekinetics
instructor. She has extensive experience in the areas of yoga, meditation
and breathing techniques. She moved to Biltmore Lake with her husband
Blaine a year ago, retiring from having been a guidance counselor. One of
her joys now is to offer these movement experiences to the Asheville
community.

Please RSVP by Monday, November 30th--either on the Intranet RSVP
system or directly with Cynthia. Feel free to contact Cynthia with any
questions: 633.1049 or cgreenfield1001@aol.com.

_________________________________________________________

PS. Please remember all our soldiers on Veterans Day on
Wednesday . . . to learn more about the holiday, please click:

http://tinyurl.com/yhz8uhp

Also, use the day to pray for the victims and loved ones that
were lost in the horrific killings at Fort Hood . . . and, as always,
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!

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

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