We were glad that our friends Barry and Jody were also there . . . and Barry did
a fine job as MC of the event . . . we particularly liked this poem from William Arthur
Ward that he read, in that it reminded everybody of Pat:
Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.
There was plenty of food and drink . . . dancing, too, featuring a fine
group from Bucks County: Powerhouse RnR Band.
B. Princeton Public Library (see also Section 12A) continues
to delight me with its wide range of programs open to the public
at no charge.
During the week, I was fortunate to see actor Alan Kitty in MARK
TWAIN'S LAST STAND . . . though I'm now approaching the old as
dirt stage of my life, I can't say that I ever got to see Twain in person
(or even on stage), so I'll have to accept Kitty's performance as being
true to the man . . . it seemed to be, right down to the costume and
accompanying cigar.
Kitty had the large crowd laughing, especially when he cited
such Twain witticisms as the following:
* It takes me up to three weeks to prepare an impromptu talk; and
* When I was younger, I can remember everything--whether it happened
or not.
C. CONGRATULATIONS to these 2007 Administrative Special Award
winners at Bucks County Community College: Janet Baker, Director Allied
Health; Susan Clarke, Executive Director, Human Resources; Barbara
Ford, Director,Transfer Services; Martin Sutton, Assistant Academic
Dean 1975-2007; and Dr. Lou Woodruff, Director, Testing & Retetion.
I've gotten to know each one of these individuals and have always
been impressed with both their fine work and dedication to the College.
D. $500 REWARD:
Yes, your eyes don't deceive you . . . help my brother and I find a
buyer for our mother's apartment in Floral Park, NY, and this
amount is yours . . . see below for more information:
A SPECTACULAR RENOVATED 1 BEDROOM, 1 1/2 BATH. LARGE
LIVING ROOM, SLIDING GLASS DOORS AND BALCONY. SUNNY
GOLF VIEWS. SEPARATE DINING ROOM / DEN. HUGE MASTER
BEDROOM. INCREDIBLE OUTFITTED CLOSETS. HANDICAPPED
ACCESSIBLE. BUILDING # 1. INCLUDES INDOOR PARKING. $569,000.
You also get access to all stores downstairs, including a bank, restaurant,
movie theater, supermarket, cleaner's, drugstore, health club, etc. . . .
golf and/or tennis memberships are also available at a very reasonable
extra cost . . . and there are both indoor and outdoor pools.
For more information, call Annette Kroll at 718.631.8867 . . . make sure
you let me know if you or somebody you know contacts Annette, so
that if there's a sale as a result, I can get you your $500 . . . this
is no joke!
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Victor--a representative in Verizon's Call Center
in South Carolina.
I recently lost my cellphone for a few days. I was pretty sure
that I'd be able to find it (knowing where I had left it), so rather
than go out and buy a new phone, I was instructed by a helpful
Verizon representative to just switch back to my old cellphone.
I believe her name was Ann; however, I'm sorry I did not take down
more accurate information in that she also deserves recognition.
But that said, when I was able to find my phone, I got through
to Victor . . . he walked me through the steps that I had to take
to switch back to the cellphone that I had lost, and he then
called me back to make sure everything was working properly.
In both instances, I was able to get through to a live representative
without too much of a delay, and I was most appreciative of the
high level of customer support provided by Verizon.
What I learned from this experience was the following:
* Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT give away or discard your most recent
cellphone; e.g., when you get a new one. Hold onto it because
if you ever lose a cellphone like I did, you can use the old one
until you find the lost one and/or it is time for a new cellphone; and
* Put your name and a non-cellphone number on your cellphone in
case it ever gets misplaced. That way, you've increased the chances
for getting a call back from somebody who may find it.
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2. FYI
When asked how they are, I have heard people groan sarcastically,
"Another day in paradise." I decided to adopt this as my own genuine
answer to this question. Not being sarcastic, but sincerely responding.
"It's another day in paradise," when asked about my well-being. It was
uncomfortable at first, but it has now become second nature. I've noticed
that this comment makes others smile brightly, and it reminds me that I
have a choice in that moment to be happy or sad; to be in heaven or hell.
SOURCE:
A COMPLAINT FREE WORLD (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) by
Will Bowen
FYI, part 2
* Barbara in Pennsylvania (about Thursday's deer hunt):
Enclosed is the link to my article in the Bucks County Courier:
http://www.mathinmotion.com/deer
Please ask your readers to make a call
this week to STOP THE DEER HUNT. We need
their voices--lives depend on it.
The actual protest is from 5:00-8:30 a.m. at Tyler
State Park in Newtown, PA on Thursday.
However, please encourage people to attend
anytime they can show up during that
time frame, even at 7 or 8 a.m.
Park along the front entrance of the park on Rt. 332.
You will see our cars. The more support we have, the more
they will take us seriously.
If you cannot make the protest, PLEASE MAKE ONE
PHONE CALL DURING THE HUNT (IS BEST),
but anytime including after the hunt to keep the momentum
going. Please be polite and rational in your calls and emails.
I know this is a highly emotional issue, but if we are rude,
they completely dismiss us. You do not need to identify
yourself, but Tyler will take names if you are comfortable
giving your name.
If not now, when? If you get an answering machine,
please leave your comment anyway. Try to call back
later or the next day to get a live person to make
sure they received it. Here are the 3 most
important contacts to call, as well as the online petition.
Call or write:
1. Michael Crowley, Tyler Park Manager
Phone:(215) 968-2021
email: microwley@state.pa.us
2. Michael DiBernardinis, Sec. Conservation
and Natural Resources
Phone (717) 772-9084
email: midiberardi@state.pa.us
3. Governor Ed Rendell
phone: 717-787-5825
email: governor@state.pa.us
4. Sign the online Petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-hunt-at-tyler-state-park
For more information, feel free to contact me directly:
deerfriends@gmail.com
* Sue in Pennsylvania:
I saw Dr Oz on Oprah and he treated a woman with fibromyaliga . . . he
put her on a supplement, and she said her pain was gone after 5
days . . . only they did not mention the name of the supplement; UGH!
So I bought his book . . . figured it would be good regardless . . . and now
I am trying to find out if he mentions it in the book . . . I just got through
the first chapter . . . hopefully, it will be in the book somewhere.
FYI . . . I just found a really good product for pain . . . here is the
website:
http://www.blue-emu.com
I bought mine at Rite-aid . . . its topical and has no known
side effects . . it's called Blue-emu and it is odor-free . . . feels really
good on the body . . . icy-hot patches seem to help me some, too.
I do prefer all natural approaches . . . at the very least Blue-emu might be a
good thing to keep in the medicine cabinet just in case . . . there does
seem to be a lot of research on it.
* Shelly in Pennsylvania:
My boyfriend and I also ate at Docks Seafood House in early November
and what a treat it was. We also had Will as our waiter (that is some
coincidence), and we could not believe how attentive a waiter he was.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meals and thought the food was very fresh,
very well prepared and very nicely served. I had not been there in 20 some
years and what a nice surprise. I am usually disappointed at certain
restaurants, but this one was above and beyond. Looking forward
to returning.
* Joyce in New Jersey:
Reading your newsletter and I saw that you went to Dock's Oyster House.
When Cynthia told me that you were going to a fish restaurant in Atlantic
City, I asked her if it was Dock's, and she said she didn't think so. Marty
and I stumbled upon this restaurant many years ago and whenever we are in
Atlantic City we always go there and have never been disappointed. Many
of the waitresses have been there since the first time we went.
* Tom in Pennsylvania:
Sorry I haven't been able to get back to everyone individually. “Watch
on the Rhine” turned into an unexpected success. I managed to learn
most of the lines by the first weekend, although I had to use the book
for the 2nd half of the show. Last weekend I was off book. Pretty amazing
since I only had 5 rehearsals and 3 shows under my belt, and I spent
several days rehearsing another show (The Seven Year Itch) that I am
understudying at the Montgomery Theatre.
By the way, I will be singing at Bob Egan’s Big Monday Showcase at
the Stockton Inn with my new piano partner, Carolyn Rockwell, this
Monday doing several songs, then next Thursday we will be doing a two
hour show at my Starbucks for their Holiday Cheer Party. Here is
that info:
http://www.actorr.com/cabaret.htm
And the BIGGEST NEWS: I will be opening January 2008 as the girl’s
father in “The Fantasticks” at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center directed
by Barrymore Award winner, Tony Braithwaite. More on that later!
* Ellie in Pennsylvania:
I have to tell you how much fun I've had in the office with the website
you sent in last week's newsletter. (freerice.com)
As slow as the real estate market has been, some of us have time
to play on the computer, and that site is great. I feel less guilty because
I'm providing a bowl of rice to someone. I've shared the info with other
agents and maybe we'll feed a whole country before the real estate
market recovers.
* Marty in New Jersey:
You know in airports and other places, they have a booth, desk etc.
marked "Information."
Sometimes I go up to the person and ask: "What's the speed of light?"
"Why do Zebras have stripes?"
(I think I got the idea from the movie, "Airplane.")
* Lorraine in NJ:
The ballet website:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
was awesome. Thanks for sharing
* Walt in Pennsylvania:
Trust all is well. Read your note re: Legends in AC.
Anne & I are going to the Kingston Trio (maybe before
your time!) at the Sellersville Theater on Sunday.
Hang down your head Tom Dooley, Where have the flowers
gone, etc.!
MY TWO CENTS:
Hopefully, Walt and Anne will get to hear my favorite song
from the Kingston Trio: Greenfields. (With a name like that,
could there be any other?)
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3. What a guy!
My friend's fiance is not a sentimental guy, so I was pleasantly
surprised when he told me that he asked a jeweler to engrave the
inside of his wedding rings with both their names and wedding date.
“That’s sweet,” I replied.
“Sweet has nothing to do with it,” he said. “I just don't want to
forget our anniversary next year.”
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4. Reviews
A. I was enchanted by ENCHANTED . . . it is a delightful combination
of a classic Disney animated fairy tale meeting up with a modern,
live-action romantic comedy . . . kids will like it, and so will their
parents . . . and grandparents, too . . . Amy Adams is the princess
who gets banished to modern-day Manhattan . . . it is there that
she finds true love in divorce lawyer Patrick Dempsey, but that
doesn't sit well with her fairy tale prince or the evil queen (Susan
Sarandon, intentionally over-the-top in a performance that's both
funny and scary) . . . you'll have to see the film to find out what
happens, but you'll be glad you did if for just one music number set
in Central Park that I guarantee will have you smiling . . . rated PG.
B. SUPERBAD is now out in DVD format . . . my review from
BLAINESWORLD #568 follows:
SUPERBAD has gotten great reviews . . . frankly, I don't
understand why . . . I didn't enjoy it and thought the few
funny spots were more than offset by a film that
dragged until the very end . . . though many of the same
actors, writers and producers had made 40 YEAR OLD
VIRGIN and KNOCKED UP (both of which I enjoyed), they
just couldn't pull this one off . . . however, I did like the work
of Jonah Hill as the foul-mouthed loser obsessed with
sex . . . rated R.
You'd do much better with renting SWING TIME from
blockbuster.com or netflix.com . . . this was the fifth pairing
of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and I think it might well have
been the best . . . there's not much of a story, but the songs and
dancing more than offset that fact . . . they didn't rate films when
this came out, but if they had, it would have received a PG.
C. I must admit that, at times, I complain too much . . . so when I
saw Pastor Will Bowen interviewed on TV show, I was captivated by the
plan he has developed and written about in A COMPLAINT FREE WORLD
(see also Sections 2, 10 and 11).
He suggests that you wear a purple bracelet and "if you catch yourself
complaining, take the bracelet and move it to the other wrist" . . . if
you can go without complaining for 21 days--not an easy task, by
the way--then Bowen contends you will be well on your life to enjoying
the life you always wanted.
This short, yet very insightful book, has motivated me to at least
make an attempt to stop complaining . . . I'm also going to contact
the website that's mentioned to order my very own bracelet.
A COMPLAINT FREE WORLD had many ideas that I'm planning
to implement, but this one really struck me as being on target:
* The way out is to stop complaining and to express gratitude when
positive things happen. In every life, there are many, many things about
which to be grateful. To remind myself of this, as soon as I wake up each
day, I write down five things for which I am grateful. I have found that rather
than just think about what I'm appreciative of, if I write them down, it
sets a tone of gratitude for my entire day.
What a simple thing to do, yet potentially, I can see the benefits
starting just as soon as I begin doing so . . . in addition, I liked
this technique for making meal times more enjoyable:
* I realized that before we adopted a Complaint Free lifestyle, I was
teaching Lia that being at the family dinner table was a time to gripe
and gossip. I was modeling for her that this is how people act. I'm so
grateful now that our supper table is where we talk about blessings
and bright vistas. This is what I want to pass on to her so she'll model
this for her children and their children after them. Let family time be
joyous and happy, not a time to vent about how things didn't go your
way that day. I'm convinced that our lives are better because we're
not searching out (and thereby finding) negative things every day
to make sure we have dinner conversation that night.
And, lastly, there was this great concept that could be applied
in countless business situations:
* If we don't choose how we live our version of this one life with intention,
we will live it by default, following along after others. We often follow
along after others without even realizing we are doing so. When my father
was a young man, he managed a motel owned by my grandfather. The
motel was across the street from a used-car lot, and my dad worked out
an arrangement with the owner of the car dealership. On evenings when
the motel's business was slow, my father would go over and move a dozen
or so cars from the dealership into the motel parking lot. In a short time,
the motel would be full of paying customers. The people passing the motel
reasoned that if the lot was empty, the motel must not be very good.
However, if the motel's parking lot was full, the passersby figured it must
be a good play to stay. We follow others. And you have now become a
person who is leading the world toward peace, understanding, and
abundance for all.
If only I had more time to tell you more . . . oops, that sounds like a
complaint coming, so instead, I'll just tell you to rush out and get
your own copy of this book . . . I'm confident that you won't have
any complaints with my recommendation.
D. I've seen Sylvia Browne a few times on the Montel Williams show
and have always been amazed by the gift she seems to
have . . . so when I came across the CD version of her book,
ADVENTURES OF A PSYCHIC, I decided to give it a listen.
Doing so enabled me to learn about her fascinating life
story . . . I also appreciated the point she made several
times; i.e., that despite her desire to help others, her abilities
have not enabled her to guide her own actions.
Brown contends that all people have psychic abilities . . . I'm not
sure that listening to and/or reading ADVENTURES OF A
PSYCHIC will help you discover yours . . . yet if you're open
to what might be a new way of thinking about yourself,
you will gain better insight into the events that help shape your life.
That Browne was also the narrator of this program added
to my enjoyment.
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5. TV alert
A. SAND AND SORROW is a documentary, narrated and produced
by George Clooney, about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur--where
400,000 African people have been killed and millions others
displaced . . . Thursday at 8 p.m. on HBO.
B. MOVIES ROCK! A CELEBRATIO OF MUSIC & FILM is a
two-hour concert featuring popular artists performing some of cinema's
most memorable songs . . . Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Elton John,
Jennifer Lopez, and Carrie Underwood are among those slated
to appear . . . Friday at 9 p.m. on CBC.
C. If you're like me and find yourself becoming increasingly
interested in the upcoming elections, then watch NBC every
Sunday morning . . . you'll catch CHRIS MATHEWS at 10 a.m.,
followed by MEET THE PRESS at 10:30 a.m. and then McLAUGHLIN
GROUP at 11:30 a.m.
D. OPRAH WINFREY PRESENTS: MITCH ALBOM'S FOR ONE
MORE DAY airs on Sunday at 9 p.m. on ABC . . . I liked the book
and am curious to see how the movie version of this tale about a
suicidal boozer visited by the spirit of his late mother will
compare . . . TV GUIDE says Ellen Burstyn is "splendid."
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6. Symbolism
Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter
at the pearly gates.
"In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "You must each
possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven."
The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter.
He flicked it on. "It represents a candle," he said.
"You may pass through the pearly gates," Saint Peter said.
The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set
of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells."
Saint Peter said, "You may pass through the pearly gates."
The third man started searching desperately through his pockets
and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just
what do those symbolize?"
The man replied, "These are Carols."
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7. Websites
A. This website gives viewers an overlook of the world population up to
the latest minute:
http://www.peterrussell.com/Odds/Popular.php
In addition, it shows the amount of total births and deaths in the entire year.
You can also find out amazing information about the growth of the earth
by the year, month, week, day, and exact minute.
B. THANKS to Sue in Pennsylvania for this very short but sweet story
about a trip to see the dolphins and how it turned into a lesson for life:
http://www.TheDolphinMovie.com
It's only two minutes, but it can change your day.
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net
If you're a glutton for punishment . . . or just want to see some pictures
of folks in BLAINESWORLD, the world outside both the newsletter and
website, please click "Blaine's Best" to the left, then pictures . . . make
sure you have your sound on, too, so that you can listen to what's
arguably the greatest song of all time.
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8. Computer tip
Last week, I mentioned that if you get error messages, you can
submit them directly into your favorite search engine for suggestions
on what to do next . . . the same applies to other types of
glitches . . . if you are having problem, say, with your
Compaq Presario 5000 (my computer at home), type those
words into Google . . . I just did and came across many useful
websites, including the following:
www.fixya.com/
It found some 20 problems for my machine--most with solutions!
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9. Things I've learned from boys, part 1 of 2
by a Texas mother of 3 boys--or 4, counting her husband
1. A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house,
4 inches deep.
2. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller
blades, they can ignite.
3. A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded
restaurant.
4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong
enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a
Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can,
to spread paint on all Four walls of a 20 x 20 ft. room.
5. You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When
using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times
before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
6. The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball
hit by a ceiling fan.
7. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh" it's already
too late.
8. A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a
36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
9. Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old
Boy.
10. Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
11. Super glue is forever.
12. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still can't
walk on water.
(to be concluded next week)
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10. A quote I like
Complaining can be likened to bad breath. We notice it when
it comes out of someone else's mouth, but not when it comes
from our own.--Will Bowen in A COMPLAINT FREE WORLD (see
also Sections 2, 4C and 11)
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11. Thought for the day
You can tell I REALLY liked Will Bowen's A COMPLAINT FREE
WORLD (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) as evidenced by the
fact that the following tidbit is the fourth time I have cited the
book in this week's issue:
Gail [his wife] and I have our challenges, as do any two people in any form
of relationship. The person with whom you are in a relationship often brings
up things that you need to own and, ultimately, heal. Gail and I resolve our
issues by talking to each other rather than to other people. Talking to
someone other than the person who brings up your unhealed feelings
is triangulation. If you're unfamiliar with triangulation, it occurs when you
have an uncomfortable situation with someone but discuss the problem
with someone else rather than going to the person directly. . . .
Am I opposed to gossip? Absolutely not. As long as:
1. What you're saying about the absent person is complimentary.
2. You would repeat, word for word, what you are saying if the absent
person were present.
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12. Advance planning department
A. TEA FOR THREE: LADY BIRD, PAT & BETTY
Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka stars in this
refreshingly witty portrait gallery of three remarkable First Ladies:
Johnson, Nixon and Ford. This deeply touching play reveals the personal
cost of what Pat Nixon called "the hardest unpaid job in the world."
FREE!
Saturday, December 8 at 3 p.m.
Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ
For more information, please click:
http://www.princetonlibrary.org
B. Author Discussion/Signing:
Paul Krugman: The Conscience of a Liberal
Calling for a "new New Deal," Paul Krugman's latest book challenges
America to reclaim the values that made it great. The public is invited
to meet today's most widely read economist as he discusses three
generations of history with sharp political, social and economic analysis.
Date: Monday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Barnes & Noble, Market Fair Mall, 3535 U.S. Route 1 South,
Princeton, NJ; 609.716.1570.
C. Winter Concert of the Mercer County Symphonic Band
is on Wednesday, December 19, at the West Windsor campus
of Mercer County Community College at 8 p.m.
Come hear Swing Music, Traditional Marches, American Composers,
Holiday Selections, and 20th Century Music . . . in addition, you'll get
to see such friends/colleagues as Betsy Sell and Marta Kaufmann
(both in the Band) and Dr. Lou Woodruff (the director).
FREE!
For directions, please click:
http://mccc.edu/welcome_directions.shtml
D. Natalie in Pennsylvania:
Immigration: What’s at Stake?
Thursday, January 17
7 p.m.
Lower Bucks Campus of Bucks County Community College
1304 Veterans Highway, Bristol PA
Undocumented immigrants make up nearly 5% of the
entire US labor force. Why are they denied the rights
and benefits of citizenship? What makes a person
“illegal” and why are people not allowed to travel
freely across borders?
Join us for discussion as we hear expert opinions and
take a close look at what has become one of the most
hotly debated issues in the US and around the world.
We will seek compassionate ways to address this issue.
Presenters:
Douglas Massey PhD., University of Princeton Professor,
President of the American Academy of Political & Social
Science and national expert of Immigration issues. Author
of New Faces: The Changing Geography of American
Immigration, among others
Maria (Charo) Juega, President of Latin American Legal
Defense & Education Fund, Immigration Rights Advocate
Edward Overdevest, Overdevest Nurseries, in Bridgeton, NJ
Moderator:
Larry Snider, Coordinator, Compassionate Listening Project
Event is FREE and open to the public. Call 215.968.8015 for
more information.
Presented by the Peace Center, the Bucks County Human
Relations Council, he Bucks County Committee for
Interracial Harmony, and the Lower Bucks Campus of Bucks
County Community College.
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PS. I believe in celebrating ALL holidays . . . you get more gifts that way,
plus lots of good food . . . so to all my Jewish readers, friends
and family, Happy Chanukah!
And in case you're wondering about how I spelled the above
holiday the way I did, join me in being confused about the "best"
way to do so . . . apparently, there are many other ways as you can
see by going to the bottom of this link:
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_173.shtml
For a slightly different perspective on Chanukah, methinks you'll
find this website more fun:
http://www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRhanukkah2.htm
Also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers
back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . make it a great
week, too!
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