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BLAINESWORLD
#584
12.10.2007 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Earache 4. Reviews . .. BELLA, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Football Q-and-A 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Things I've learned from boys, part 2 of 2 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I hosted a Chanukah Party for residents of the nursing home where Cynthia's mother used to reside: Daughters of Israel in West Orange, NJ . . . through Cynthia's efforts, we got some 17 of our friends to join us as we spread cheer and gave presents to the approximately 60 folks who attended the event. That's Cynthia, greeting everybody at the beginning of the festivities:  After we left the nursing home, most of us regrouped for an excellent Chinese dinner at a nearby restaurant: China Gourmet (973.731.6411), also in West Orange . . . we've been there before and as always, enjoyed both the attractive decor and tasty food. B. Cynthia and I make it a point, whenever possible, to schedule our doctor appointments at the same time . . . I can only talk for myself, but I find it reassuring to have her with me and, also, it's always a good idea to have somebody else listen to what is being said. Recently, we went to our favorite dermatologist (OK, OK . . . our only dermatologist): Dr. Stenn in East Windsor, NJ: 609.443.4500 . . . I had to have a basal cell removed on my arm, which reminds me to ask you--yes, YOU!--to schedule routine appointments with dermatologists and other specialists . . . that way, any problems can be dealt with in a timely fashion, and they won't become major ones that can't be handled . . . Cynthia got to see John Chambliss, a physician assistant in the office, who froze off something on her nose that had to go . . . it wasn't a painful process, but it was one that needed to be done. We're always impressed by the many fine employees who work in this office, ranging from Sunny Holman at the front desk to two of the nurses we frequently encounter: Judy Williamson and Judy Judy. C. HELP REQUESTED: As you may have heard, our current plans are to retire from our respective jobs after Spring, 2009 . . . we then plan to move sometime thereafter, ideally into a 55 and over community. We're still somewhat up in the area as to exact location, but we now most probably want it to be on the East Coast--somewhere in New Jersey or Pennsylvania . . . or possibly as far south as Florida. In a few weeks, in fact, we'll be visiting the Villages in Florida and two other retirement communities . . . however, Florida might wind up to be too hot for us(year-round), and it is far from family and friends, so we're still looking for other properties that meet the following criteria: * 55 and over community * Gated community, if possible * 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths * 2 car garage * Basement would be nice, particularly a walk-out kind * Minimum of 500 homes with some or all of them still being built * Great if on or overlooking water Any thoughts and/or ideas for us; e.g., with respect to finding the above? D. CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Emil Matarese . . . he was recently honored by the NAACP for his stroke outreach to the African American community. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Kevin Jameson--a former student and longtime friend. Though everybody contributed mightily to the success of the aforementioned Chanukah Party (see also Section 1A), it was Kevin who ran things as the MC . . . he got everybody singing and clapping while running the karaoke part of the day's festivities. If you'd like to book him for your next party or social event, you won't go wrong. Kevin, senior national accounts manager for Honeywell Security, is a real fine guy who constantly does for others without asking for anything in return . . . no matter what is happening in his life, he always has a smile on his face . . . in addition, he is one of the most creative guys I've ever encountered. Kevin is also a published author, motivational speaker, inventor, and all-around bon vivant . . . for more information, please click: http://www.kevinjameson.com/ Back to Top ________________________________________________________ 2. FYI Please don't expect to get a Season's Greeting card from Cynthia or me . . . we instead take our budget for such purchases (and the postage) and use that money to make a contribution to our local newspaper's Holiday Fund . . . that way, others can benefit . . . please consider doing something similar. That means, we'll be making a contribution to the 2007 COURIER NEWS Wish Book in appreciation of our many friends and relatives . . . if you'd like to join us in doing so, please call 908.707.3114 for more information. We'll also be making a similar contribution to the program being run by another of my favorite papers: the BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES . . . for more information, please call 215.949.4000. And if you live in the Mercer County area, you won't go wrong in making a contribution to the program run by THE TIMES . . . you can get more information about that by calling 609.396.0400. Local newspapers throughout the country run similar fundraising efforts to help others . . . just give them a call if you'd like to make a contribution. FYI, part 2 * Shelly in Pennsylvania: Please go to this website: http://www.winanmri.com/ scroll down (more than halfway) to Steele Memorial Hospital, watch the short video and vote for his hospital so that they might win an MRI It may be strange, but there it is. Please vote as many times as you can. It happens that I used to babysit for him [the surgeon at the hospital that is mentioned], and it is no coincidence that I have a son named Adam. Thanks for helping! * Catherine in Massachusetts [responding to a letter in last week's issue]: In the interest of free speech and balanced thought, I want to put in my two cents worth on the Tyler Deer Hunt. This well-managed hunt performs a good service to the deer and to the local community. The deer population in Tyler and the surrounding area has over run the ability of the Park to provide food for it to survive. A one day hunt keeps the population within manageable numbers for its own sake. It is more humane than starvation. Most deer hunters use the venison for food themselves--it is not wasted. And hunters are permitted--it is not a free for all. Thanks for all the valuable information on computers and websites you publish on a weekly basis. * Kathy in Florida: I got some of those bracelets from Complaint Free World. Since I ordered them way back in September/October, they sent me 25 free. I gave some to my bosses for their kids. I'm anxious to hear the stories. I haven't put mine on yet. Maybe I should wait until AFTER the holiday shopping, huh? LOL. * Walt in New Jersey: My pastor at the Center for Conscious Living in Moorestown NJ gave out the purple complaint wrist bands at services last Sunday. I am trying not to complain. * Lee in Pennsylvania: My grandfather, who is 94, was no longer able to live on his own in Florida so we moved him back here to the Philadelphia area into assisted living. We are trying to sell his condo. It is in Boynton Beach, Florida. Three bedroom, 2 Full baths, garage in a gated over 55 community. For additional information, please contact Lee White at:leephwite@comcast.net * Donna in New Jersey: Include in your cellphone contact list: ICE (in case of emergency) with a telephone number. * Sue in Pennsylvania: FYI . . . I like the following very much . . . they work for me, and they are inexpensive and natural: http://www.detoxion.com/ The Detoxion Ionic Detox Foot Patch may help revitalize the body, enhance blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, improve your quality of sleep and promote better health and longevity. By placing the Detoxion Foot Patches on the soles of your feet before bedtime, they will unleash the toxins from your body during sleep. * Alan in Florida: Please click: http://www.windowslive.com/smile?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_oprsmilewlhmtagline By doing so, you'll be helping a fine organization known as Operation Smile. * Last week, I mentioned a Bucks County band that I liked . . . here's the website to find out more about the Powerhouse Rock and Roll Band: http://www.powerhouserocks.com/index1.html Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Earache Hoping to get an emergency appointment, my friend called his pediatrician. “My daughter has a horrible earache, ” he told the nurse. “Which ear?” she asked. My friend called to his daughter Erica, “What ear is it?” She replied, “2007.” My friend got the appointment. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. BELLA is a small, independent film that you'll have to seek out (or wait until it comes out on DVD) . . . it is the tale of a young man who is about to become a major soccer star, only to have his life changed by a tragedy that he can't prevent . . . the film then flashes forward to the present and his employment as the cook in his brother's restaurant . . . when a waiter there is fired, he walks out with her and their friendship blossoms . . . there's great photography and music, and BELLA grew on me as I watched it . . . I was also touched by the ending . . . rated PG-13. B. THE NANNY DIARIES is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #569 follows: THE NANNY DIARIES, the story of a woman who serves as a nanny for an affluent couple, was barely watchable . . . it just didn't seem "real," though the acting by Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti was quite good . . . Scarlett Johansson had the leading role; her performance simply didn't grab my attention . . . rated PG-13. I'll remember it, though, for being what I think was the last film that Cynthia and I got to see with my mother . . . her health took a turn for the worse, shortly thereafter, and she unfortunately was no longer able to go out with us. IF YOU WANT TO REMEMBER SOMETHING: Don't waste your time or money in getting THE NANNY DIARIES . . . instead, please get BILLY ELLIOT . . . this charming 2001 movie is the story of a 11-year-old boy whose life is changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lessons . . . you'll laugh, as well as cry, when you watch it . . . rated R, but probably because of the harsh language . . . I do believe this would be appropriate for any teenager. BILLY ELLIOT later became a hit musical in London . . . Cynthia and I had the fortune to see it there, and we both loved it . . . it will be coming to New York in 2008 . . . if you're a fan of musicals, then get your tickets just as soon as they become available by clicking: http://www.broadway.com/gen/show.aspx?SI=553952&SR=sr2bw67go32214sb3663pi30ai901&gclid=CK_939yDpJACFQmgGgod4z518Q C. I've read and enjoyed just about every book that Nicholas Sparks has written, including all three novels that were made into movies: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, A WALK TO REMEMBER and THE NOTEBOOK . . . his latest, THE CHOICE, will probably follow a similar path. It is a touching story about a country veterinarian who seemingly has a good life that doesn't involve any serious relationship with a woman . . . things change, however, when a new neighbor moves next door . . . though she is already in a relationship, you just know that won't last--but you don't care as you get swept up by the story of Travis Parker and Gabby Holland. Sparks gets you quickly into the story and as is the case with his other writing, you find yourself not wanting to put THE CHOICE down . . . very little is particularly earth-shattering (or at least not until the about 2/3 of the way thorough), yet you'll find yourself surprisingly interested in what happens to the main characters. You may not agree with the choice that was ultimately made, but therein lies one of the strengths of the book. And then there's the writing, much of it memorable as evidenced by these tidbits: * Moby turned away. Unless Travis said the words walk or ball or go for a ride or come get a bone, Moby wasn't much interested in anything he had to say. "Do you think I should call her to see if she's on her way yet?" Moby continued to stare. "Yeah, that's what I thought. She'll get here when she gets here." He sat drinking his beer and stared out over the water. Behind him, Moby whined. "You want to go get your ball?" he finally said. Moby stood so quickly, he almost knocked over the chair. "But I'm different now than I was then. Just like I was different at the end of the trip than I'd been at the beginning. And I'll be different tomorrow than I am today. And what that means is that I can never replicate that trip. Even if I went to the same places and met the same people, it wouldn't be the same. My experience wouldn't be the same. To me, that's what traveling should be about. Meeting people, learning to not only appreciate a different culture, but really enjoy it like a local, following whatever impulse strikes you. So how could I recommend a trip to someone else, if I don't even know what to expect? My advice would be to make a list of places on some index cards, shuffle them, and pick any five at random. Then just . . . go and see what happens. If you have the right mind-set, it doesn't matter where you end up or how much money you brought. It'll be something you'll remember forever." * "I love playing with them, not herding." He leaned toward her conspiratorially. "But between you and me? This is what I've learned about parents: The more you play with their kids, the more they love you. When they watch someone who adores their kids--genuinely delighting in them the same way they do--well, he just becomes the cat's meow in the parents' eyes." If you want a fine holiday read, you won't go wrong with THE CHOICE. D. Heard Michael Medved read his autobiography, RIGHT TURNS: FROM LIBERAL ACTIVIST TO CONERVATIVE CHAMPION IN 35 UNCONVENTIONAL LESSONS and must say I was impressed--though I don't agree with all his political beliefs. Yet that's what makes the book so interesting; i.e., that Medved gets you to think . . . he has always done that for me, even since I started to watch him back when he reviewed movies on PBS . . . his opinions were often funny, but they were also much more honest than those of his colleague Jeffrey Lyons (who could find something admirable in almost any film). . . I also got a kick out of his "Golden Turkey Awards," presented to the very worst efforts in filmmaking. When he described his early liberal leanings, I could relate to much of what he said--particularly when he talked about Allard Lowenstein, one of my political heroes . . . how he transformed to become conservative kept my attention, as did his becoming increasingly aligned with Orthodox Judaism . . . and when he followed-up an unsuccessful first marriage with a loving second one, I found myself feeling glad for Medved. Parts of RIGHT TURNS are funny; much of it is thought-provoking. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. SEINFELD MARATHON starts off with one of my favorite episodes, 1997's "The Strike," which introduced the word to Festivus . . . if you don't know about this nutty holiday concocted by George's father, then you must watch on Thursday at 9 p.m. on TBS . . . three other episodes follow. B. The 2007 WORLD MAGIC AWARDS features such top illusionists as Penn & Teller and Mac King . . . Friday at 8 p.m. on MTV. C. SNOWGLOBE is a whimsical movie about a Yuletide-loving 25-year-old whose dreams of the perfect holidays comes true when she's magically whisked into a snow glob . . . Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC FAMILY. D. BEST SCIENCE MOMENTS OF 2007 airs on SCIENCE on Sunday at 9 p.m. . . . among the highlights: the creation of embryonic stem cells from human skin and identification of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Football Q-and-A NOTE: Though directed at fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, methinks that many other teams could be substituted with the possible exception (this year) of the New England Patriots. Q: What do you call a Philadelphia Eagle with a Super Bowl ring? A: A thief. Q: Why doesn't Camden have a professional football team? A: Because then Philadelphia would want one. Q: How do you keep a Philadelphia Eagle out of your yard? A: Put up goal posts. Q: Where do you go in Philadelphia in case of a tornado? A: The Linc--they never have a touchdown there. Q: What's the difference between the Philadelphia Eagle and a dollar bill? A: You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill. Q: What do the Philadelphia Eagles and possums have in common? A: Both play dead at home and get killed on the road! Q: How many Philadelphia Eagles does it take to win a Super Bowl? A: Nobody knows, and we may never find out. Q: What do the Philadelphia Eagles and Billy Graham have in common? A: They both can make 70,000 people stand up and yell "Jesus Christ." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. Pat in Pennsylvania sent me the following scary but true information: http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22250/39039 It certainly will cause me to rethink drinking water the next time I'm staying at a hotel or motel. B. If you'd like to determine how happy you are, please click: http://www.authentichappiness.org
You'll be able to compare your results to other people that have taken the same tests . . . in addition, you'll learn more about Dr. Martin Selgiman--founder of Positive Psychology. C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net And if you're curious about me and/or my teaching background, you can read more about it by clicking "Teaching" to the left. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip The last two weeks, I mentioned ways to get help on fixing your computer . . . and though fixing it yourself may well be the least expensive way to go, it can often be both frustrating and time-consuming . . . so unless you know what you're doing, you may well do better in deciding to cut your losses and seek expert help . . . another advantage to this option is that you won't make things worse, something I have done all too often! Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Things I've learned from boys, part 2 of 2 by a Texas mother of 3 boys--or 4, counting her husband (continued from last week) 13. Pool filters do not like Jell-O. 14. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke--and lots of it. 15. VCRs do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do. 16. Garbage bags do not make good parachutes. 17. Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving. 18. You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is. 19. Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens. 20. The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time. 21. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy. 22. It will, however, make cats dizzy. 23. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy. 24. 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Life is what we make it--always has been, always will be.--Grandma Moses (1860-1961), a self-taught American folk artist who didn't begin painting until she was in her 70s Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day My friend Harry Paul (coauthor of FISH! A REMARKABLE WAY TO BOOST MOARALE AND IMPROVE RESULTS) graciously shared this story from his upcoming new book--INSTANT TURNAROUND!--coauthored with Ross Peck: "Let me illustrate the difference [of focusing on people and meeting their needs vs. meeting performance numbers)." Jack then looked at Nancy and said, "Here's what I would like you to do. In the family room next door, you'll find three lazy, old cats sleeping on the couch. I want you to go in there, wake them up and herd them into the kitchen at the other end of the house." "I've heard more than one person say that herding cats is impossible because they're so independent." "Have you ever tried to do it yourself?" "No, I haven't." "Then how do you know that it can't be done?" "I guess I don't really know for sure." "Then I want you to give it your best try. Who knows, you just might prove that old cat cliché wrong." Nancy went into the room and woke the cats up one at a time. As she woke each of them, they stood up, stretched, yawned and blinked their eyes. She then tried to herd them into the kitchen by making a shooing motion with her arms. When she did this, one cat immediately jumped off the couch and made a beeline for the living room across the hall. The second cat leaped to the floor and ran behind the couch. The third cat hissed at her and looked determined to hold her ground. "Are you making any progress?" asked Jack smiling as he walked into the room. "Well, I've proved to myself that herding cats is impossible." "Given that cats can't be herded, if you truly wanted those cats in the kitchen right now, how would you go about getting them there?" "The only thing I can think of is to pick them up one at a time and carry them into the kitchen." "There is a much easier and quicker way to get the job done." "What's that?" "Focus on their needs instead of yours." "I'm not sure what you mean." Then Jack handed Nancy a can of cat treats and said, "Take this into the kitchen and shake it so that it makes a loud enough noise that the cats can hear it at this end of the house." Nancy took the can and headed toward the kitchen. When she arrived, she began to shake it vigorously. Within seconds, all three cats came running into the kitchen, meowing demandingly and began circling her feet. "Notice anything different?" asked Jack as he entered the kitchen. "I'll say. Shaking this can of treats brought these cats into the kitchen in a hurry!" "Yes it did and I think it would be a good idea if you gave each of them the treats they're expecting now." "You mean I'd better follow through and take care of their needs?" "If you want them to get excited about running into the kitchen, you had better," he said with a smile. "Now, let's take a look at the two methods that you used to try to get these cats into the kitchen. With the first method, herding, you tried to force the cats into the kitchen- and not those of the cats. You could have expended lots and lots of effort and still not succeeded in getting them into the kitchen. With the second method, shaking the can of treats, you focused on the cats' needs. In doing so, you got those same stubborn, independent cats to do exactly what you wanted. Now let me ask this: What was the attitude of the cats when you tried to herd them?" "They were definitely not happy nor were they willing to cooperated. In fact, one was quite resentful about me trying to herd her." "What was their attitude when you shook the can of treats?" "They were happy, they were excited and they came running." "That's right. They applied all their discretionary effort toward doing exactly what you wanted and they loved you while they were doing it." "The same thing holds true for people. When you try to force people to perform, whose needs are you focusing on?" "Yours." "And what are you using as a motivator?" Nancy thought for a moment and then said, "If you're using force, the motivator has to be fear." "And does fear bring out the best in people?" "No, it brings out their worst." "Now let me ask you this," said Jack. "If you expect to get employees excited about applying all their discretionary effort toward performing mundane repetitive tasks day in and day out, whose needs do you have to focus on?" "Theirs." "Exactly. And when you focus on their needs, what are you using as a motivator?" "I hate to admit it, but I have no idea." "This brings us to the second step of our Destination Work program," he said as he wrote on his board: Motivate With Trust Instead of Fear. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. This weekend at the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health: * Happy Holidays, Happy Hour and a Half Friday, December 14, 6:15 p.m. Music & Mingle Then at 7:30 p.m.: First De-stress yourself with a yoga class lead by Lynne Christopher to Cal Coolidge's II's Holiday Music Instrumentals in reflection of our spirit. Then stay and enjoy Calvin L. Coolidge II in person with his compilation of traditional Christmas songs beautifully orchestrated and perfect to set the mood of the Holidays * Rhythm, Dance & Drum Circle with Mark Wood Saturday, December 15, 8:00 p.m. Drumming Workshop 6:30 p.m. Pre-Registration for workshop is required! For more information: http://www.princetonyoga.com
Or call: 609.924.7294. B. If you're still looking for Chanukah gifts, you're in luck because the holiday ends on December 12 . . . by the same token, you can still have time to purchase your Christmas or Kwanzaa gifts . . . and since I celebrate ALL holidays (hint-hint), you don't want to forget yours truly and his 40R size . . . or if going out to shop is inconvenient, there's always the Foundation at Bucks County Community College. Among the items being offered for any budget: * Family Night at the Philadelphia Flyers Four tickets to the December 18, 2007 game against the Phoenix Coyotes (7 p.m.) Value: $375.00; BUCKS Price: $300.00 * Pizza Party for 10 at Cafe Europa Soft beverages included. Cafe Europa is located in New Hope, Pa. Value: $150.00; BUCKS Price: $75.00 * The EAGLES Encyclopedia by Ray Didinger and Robert S. Lyons Value: $35.00; BUCKS Price: $25.00 * Complete Auto Detailing and Use of a Lexus for the Day Professional detailing package by Lawrence Lexus in Lawrenceville, NJ Value: $350.00; BUCKS Price: $200.00 * $150 Worth of Concierge and Organization Services Who would use this certificate? Someone who prefers spending weekends with family not errands; has a house to be checked on while away; wants travel arrangements made; would like to give the gift of time to others; and more. Courtesy of Life Time Services. Value: $150.00; BUCKS Price: $65.00 * Free Exam and Health History at ChiroPro Chiropractic Center Located in Newtown, PA Value: $225.00; BUCKS Price: $75.00 * Overnight Stay and Friday Night Seafood Extravaganza for Two at The Temperance House Advanced reservation required. Certificate for room charge and food only. Value: $350.00; BUCKS Price: $200.00 * Four 1/2 Days of Summer or Holiday Camp (2008) BONUS: One Parent Survival Night, which makes an evening out
a carefree experience. Held on select Friday and/or Saturday evenings for children ages 3 to 12. Value: $165.00; BUCKS Price: $75.00 * $75 Gift Certificate to Countryside Gallery & Custom Frame Design The perfect opportunity to get those special holiday shots properly framed by the experts at Countryside in Newtown, Pa. Value: $75.00; BUCKS Price: $35.00 * Buy 1, Get 1 Free This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with a personalized brick that will be planted in the beautiful Tyler Gardens on BCCC's Newtown campus. And if you place your order by December 31, you get a second brick for FREE. That's two personalized bricks for $100. TO ORDER: Call the BCCC Foundation at 215.968.8224 or e-mail foundation@bucks.edu. Personal checks, MasterCard and VISA accepted. Payment has to be received before order is shipped (BUCKS Price includes shipping charges). Order by December 17, 2007 to ensure timely delivery. C. Villagers Theatre invites you to join us this New Year's Eve for: My favorite Year . . . 20! Experience an evening of theater and celebration . . . This unique musical revue celebrates our 20th season of great theater in the wonderful facility many of us call home. Join us as our cast performs songs from Villagers' to musicals over the past 20 years, featuring songs from such favorites as OLIVER, MY FAIR LADY, SWEET CHARITY, DAMN YANKEES, CABARET, GREASE, NUNSENSE, HOLLY DOLLY, CINDERELLA, THE FULL MONTY, and INTO THE WOODS. Afterwards, enjoy a New Years Eve Celebration including music, a hot and cold buffet, and a midnight champagne toast to welcome in the New Year! December 31, 2007 Location: Villagers Theatre, Villagers Theatre, 475 DeMott Ln., Somerset, NJ Time: Show only starts at 7 p.m.; $20 . . . or show and hot-and-cold buffet starts at 9:30 p.m. and includes a champagne toast at midnight; $45 through December 25 and $55 thereafter. For more information, please click:
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