The food was delicious; in particular, one dessert was as good as
we've ever had: chocolate covered macaroons . . . my mouth
is still salivating at the thought of them.
Jody, our ever-so-gracious hostess, even gave me permission
to run her recipe for this item:
Here it is. Enjoy.
What you need:
1 Bag Sweetened Flaked coconut
1 Can Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
Mini chocolate chips
Parchment paper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix coconut and milk. Drop large
tablespoons of the mixture onto baking sheet covered with parchment
paper and bake about 12 -15 minutes. Macaroon needs to be lightly
golden brown all the way around, including the top.
Remove from oven and cool. Melt chocolate in double boiler on stove.
When macaroons have cooled (about 1/2 hour), remove from parchment,
dip in chocolate (anyway you want; i.e., bottom only, one side, side and
bottom, etc.) and place back on parchment paper. Cool in refrigerator
or other cold place about 20 minutes--just for chocolate to set.
Additional options: mix some chocolate chips in macaroon, plain with
flavored extracts, add grand marnier, add craisins and dip in white chocolate,
add nuts, and so on.
On Sunday, we went to our friends Edina and Tunc to see their new
home in
Nutley, NJ . . . despite still being stuffed from the night before,
we were treated to another feast--this time prepared by Edina's mother,
Melanie, who was visiting from
Germany.
We enjoyed the wiener schnitzel, as well as her made-from-scratch
German potato salad . . . and to top things off, she served two
different desserts that she baked herself with ingredients that she
had actually brought from
Germany . . . I told Melanie that she
was welcome to visit us anytime, particularly if she was willing
to cook.
B. At long last, our faculty contract at
Bucks County Community
College was approved and signed by the Board of Trustees at
its most recent meeting . . . it seemed to take a long time to get
everything finalized, but it seems that's just the way some things
are . . . the good news: I'm now eligible for retirement--though I don't
anticipate going that route in the immediate future.
C. CONGRATULATIONS to Karen Goeller, who just took a new position
at
Bucks County as director, administrative systems . . . I'm sure she
will do her usual great job, though that said, I must admit that I'll miss
greatly all the help and support she gave me and countless of my colleagues
in her previous position as assistant director, online learning.
D. HELP REQUESTED DEPARTMENT:
We just purchased an iPod nano and to our dismay, it does not seem
as simple to operate as we thought it would be . . . the key question:
after you download songs onto it, can you create a playlist on the iPod
(or does it have to be created on your computer)? also: when using the
iPod, can you then move songs from one playlist to the other
(or do you again have to do this at your computer)?
Lastly, would any reader be able to help us with the above; i.e.,
by coming to our house and giving us some lessons? . . . we'd
further want our CDs copied onto the iPod . . . naturally, you would
be paid for your time and effort . . . let me know if interested.
***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Earl Sigmund (
215.801.8031)--founder and
president of the New Business Learning Center in
Richboro, PA.
Earl, a longtime friend, was my accountant for many years . . . over
the last several years, he shifted direction to where he now runs
the Center on a full-time basis . . . as he describes his mission,
"We help small businesses grow into big businesses."
As such, he holds monthly, 3-hour "Starting your own business the right
way" seminars where students walk away with a 200-page manuscript,
along with the tools and encouragement to venture out on their own.
In addition, Earl runs free network meetings and exchanges, and he
heads a leads club that meets month at various locations in the
Delaware Valley . . . he further provides business plan development,
capital funding advice and marketing assistance, and he can handle
new business due diligence audits.
Earl is one of the finest networkers I have ever encountered . . . working
with him will enable you to get into contact with many other entrepreneurs
(or those just thinking about going into business for themselves), and
the result will prove beneficial for everybody.
_________________________________________________________
2. FYI
I've been working with someone for about a year, and in that entire
time, he's never once prefaced his feedback with, This was a
really terrific piece of work,or Wow! This is one of the best ideas
I've heard in a while. Pointing out the parts you liked best is much
more than sugarcoating. Doing so serves several purposes. First,
it puts us both on the same side of the table, making it more likely
that your constructive criticism will actually be implemented. If you
can start by seeing the project through my eyes, you're more likely
to analyze (there's that word again) the situation in a way that helps
me reach my goals. I think it's great that you want to get our quality
ratings up. Let's see whether the added people you say this
initiative requires are really necessary, and whether beginning your
report with staffing needs is the best way to get this past senior
management.
The other benefit is that this approach makes it so much more likely
that I will come to you for feedback in the future. It's easy to
interpret the absence of positive feedback as the absence of any
sort of approval or enthusiasm. Finally, being nice to people is fun.
SOURCE:
SMALL IS THE NEW BIG (see also Sections 4C and 10)
by Seth Godin
FYI, part 2
* Rebecca in
Michigan (with something that's been around for a long
time, but I'm including it in case you have not yet seen it):
How smart is your right foot?
This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And you will keep
trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your
foot. But you can't!
1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and
make clockwise circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number “6†in the air with your
right hand. Your foot will change direction!
I told you so, and there is nothing you can do about it. Pass this
on to your friends. They won't be able to believe it either.
* Deb in
Colorado:
I just wanted you to know that after picking up smoking during my divorce
several years ago after having been stopped for many years, I now have a
month smoke free and am feeling great.
You, in part, inspired me! Thanks.
* Jean in
Pennsylvania:
Matt Cipriano posted on my.bucks today this link:
h
ttp://www.noradsanta.org/index.php
It's NORAD's Santa-tracking website. The descriptions of how they track
Santa every Christmas Eve are sure to make you smile, such as:
The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can detect heat.
When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat
is produced--enough for the satellites to detect. Rudolph's nose gives
off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites can
detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem.
(Note: It's also a very clever PR/Marketing tool for NORAD, tying in
descriptions of all their equipment).
It's written to explain away any child's doubts, including how Santa
could possibly deliver gifts to over 6 billion good little children across
the world in one night:
Santa would not want to rush the important job of bringing Christmas
happiness to a child, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa somehow
functions on a different time and space continuum.
Be sure to visit it on Christmas Eve for reports of Santa sightings!
* Natalie in
Pennsylvania:
By the way, did you guys see INFAMOUS? If not, I highly recommend
it. We saw it today, and I just couldn't get over the acting. I thought
it was so well done. It’s another movie about Truman Capote.
* Sue in
Pennsylvania:
The subconscious mind believes what every we tell it . . . and I would go
a step further . . . sometimes, we have to fake it til we make it . . like:
I am a completely healthy person.
(If a person does not feel well and needs to talk about it, do so in the third
person. My third person's name is Tanner. If Tanner has a sinus headache,
she deals with it.)
By the way, I have read from various sources that the words "I am" have
significant energy/power. I try to say and or write everyday as many times
as possible every day:
I am healthy
I am wealthy
I am grateful
I am so happy and grateful that large sums of money come to me every
day from multiple sources.
I am so happy and grateful that my body is healthy and always healing
itself.
I am a millionaire.
I am believing you get the idea. (Smile.)
_________________________________________________________
3. First checkup
I remember when we brought our daughter, Risa, to the pediatrician
for her first checkup. As he finished, the doctor told us, You have
a cute baby.
Smiling, I said, I bet you say that to all new parents.
No, he replied, just to those whose babies really are good-looking.
So what do you say to the others?I asked.
He looks just like you.
_________________________________________________________
4. Reviews
A. I had really looked forward to seeing THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS,
a film based on the true story of Chris Gardner--a family man
struggling to make ends meet . . . when faced with the task
of raising his five-year-old boy while being homeless, he manages
to somehow survive the ordeal and become a success in life . . . Will
Smith was fine in the leading role; his real-life son seemed to
be overacting . . . I was touched by the ending; however, overall,
PURSUIT was a bit flat . . . rated PG-13.
B. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE is now out in DVD format . . . my
review from BLAINESWORLD #516 follows:
If you think you're from a dysfunctional family (or know somebody
who is), then see LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE . . . this hysterical
satire will have you chuckling throughout . . . that said, I'd
recommend it for anybody else in need of a good laugh . . . I
thoroughly enjoyed this film for its script, the acting done by
its perfectly-cast ensemble, and the surprisingly touching
message about being obsessed with winning . . . the ending
is as good as one you'll ever see . . . weeks after seeing
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, I can still see many of the
scenes in my mind . . . rated R, though methinks it would
be appropriate for mature teenagers.
C. Thanks to Seth Godin, author of SMALL IS THE NEW BIG (see also
Sections 2 and 10), I'm going to be more receptive to a practice
known as "zooming" . . . as he defines it, the term "is about
stretching your limits without threatening your foundation. It's about
handling new ideas, new opportunities without triggering the
change avoidance reflex."
And to do this, I'll give thought to following his five-step zoom
start checklist:
For dinner tonight, try a food that you've never tasted. Then
try another one tomorrow night.
On your way to work tomorrow, listen to a CD from a
musical genre that you hate or that’s new to you.
Every week, read a magazine that you've never read before.
Once a week, meet with someone from outside your area
of expertise. Go to a trade show on a topic in which you have no
interest whatsoever.
Change the layout of your office.
Godin's excellent book is actually a collection of over 180 blog pieces
that he has published over the past eight years . . . though presented
in alphabetical order with no seeming flow, they almost all got me
thinking--always a good sign . . . also, I found myself taking all sorts
of notes with respect to both what I want to do in the future, and I have
already shared many of his ideas with both my friends and colleagues.
Among the many valuable tidbits I gleaned were the following:
* Most organizations are staffed with people waiting for the alarm
to ring. Instead of going out to the community and working
to prevent new fires, the mind-set is that firemen are working
to put out the fires that have started. Hotel desk clerks don't write
letters or make calls to generate new business”they stand at the desk
waiting for business to arrive. Software engineers are often overwhelmed
with an endless list of programming fires”and rarely get a chance
to think about what they ought to build next.
* The next time you review resumes, try ignoring all of the perfectly
qualified applicants. In fact, disqualify everyone who is clearly
competent to do the job at hand. Do what Southwest Airlines does:
Don't hire people with experience at another airline unless you're
sure that they can unlearn what they've learned there. Competence
is too often another word for bad attitude. Instead, find the serial
incompetentsthe folks who are quick enough to master a task and
restless enough to try something new. The zoomers.
* Cursive is a fundamentally useless skill in this century, and if we
were inventing the curriculum from scratch, it wouldn't even show
up in the top one thousand things children need to learn. Typing,
on the other hand, is way up there, at least until the scientists
perfect voice recognition. Educators must realize this, but because
they don't actually test the efficacy of what they teach, because they
don't have an obvious way to figure out what's worth the time and
what's not, they still teach cursive.
Godin, author of seven other business bestsellers, concludes
SMALL IS THE NEW BIG with two free e-books that he has
published . . . the first is about web design, and the second
is about blogs . . . just these two pieces alone make his latest
effort worth reading!
D. I've read most if not all of Dave Barry's books, but for some
reason had missed DAVE BARRY'S WORST SONGS AND OTHER
HITS . . . now I know why; it apparently never came out as book.
What Dove Audio did was record his original "Bad Song Survey"
columns and then add a long piece about Elvis fans and the tale
of his "Tupperware Song" . . . the compilation rocks.
Barry is sooooo funny, as evidenced by his description of the
voter's choice for Worst Song--in both the Worst Overall and Worst Lyrics
category:
"MacArthur Park," as sung by Richard Harris, and later remade, for
no comprehensible reason, by Donna Summer.
It's hard to argue with this selection. My 12-year-old son, Rob, was
going through a pile of ballots, and he asked me how "MacArthur Park"
goes, so I sang it, giving it my best shot, and Rob laughed so hard
that when I got to the part about leaving the cake out of the rain, and
took so long to bake it, and I'll never have the recipe again, Rob was
on the floor. He didn't believe those lyrics were real. He was sure
his wacky old humor-columnist dad was making them up.
So as to not disappoint readers of this review, here are the other
results . . . the clear runner-up in both categories was "Yummy
Yummy Yummy (I Got Love in my Tummy), performed by
Ohio
Express, and coming in a strong third was "(You're) Having My Baby"
by Paul Anka. Honorable mention went to Bobby Goldsboro, who
got many votes for various songs, especially "Honey."
Arte Johnson and John Ritter both did a fine job on the narration
of WORST SONGS.
_________________________________________________________
5. TV alert
A. SWEET TOOTH visits food plants around the nation to show how
state-of-the-art technology is used to produce such classics as
jelly beans, deep-fried Twinkies, Peeps, and Ben & Jerry's ice
cream . . . Wednesday at 10 p.m. on NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.
B. A PERFECT DAY stars Rob Lowe as a buddy author whose first
book becomes a blockbuster . . . yet as fame and fortune go to his
head, he begins to neglect his family . . . this holiday drama airs
on Wednesday at 10 p.m. on TNT; for other times, please click:
http://tvguide.com/tvshows/perfect-day/285101
C. SEASONS GREETING MARATHON begins on Saturday on FX
at 7 a.m. and runs for the next 13 hours . . . you'll see holiday-themed
episodes from such shows as SPIN CITY, KING OF THE HILL and
THAT 70'S SHOW . . . but the ones you won't want to miss run
from 12:30-1:30 p.m.: two episodes from 1989's MARRIED WITH
CHILDREN, in which the late Sim Kinison stars as Al's guardian
angel in "It's a Bundyful Life."
D. HEART & SOUL: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF FRANK LOESSER
is on Sunday at 1 p.m. on PBS . . . he was the composer
of such shows as GUYS & DOLLS, MOST HAPPY FELLA, HOW
TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, and
more than 60 Hollywood film scores . . . dates and times vary
with most PBS shows, so be sure to check local listings.
_________________________________________________________
6. Some bargain
Not long ago, my friend Leo, a farmer, got a call from
a security firm that offered him a promotional burglar alarm
at no charge. Happy to get something for free, Leo gave
the caller directions to his farm. But no one showed up.
The next morning the supplier called Leo to say that he was
lost. I'll try again to find you, he said.
Never mind, said Leo. If you can't find me, I don't expect
a burglar can either.
_________________________________________________________
7. Websites
A. What's your accent? To see for yourself, please click:
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_american_accent_do_you_have
I was impressed, it that it was accurate for me at least.
B. To get you in the mood for Christmas (in the unlikely case you are
not already there), you MUST visit this website--even if you don't celebrate
this particular holiday:
h
ttp://www.sundog.net/carolofthechins/flash/index.html
Turn on your sound, and you'll be able to experience Christmas
carols from the Chins . . . they're so cute . . . they actually sing
whatever song you want, provided that they know it.
Make sure you type-in something that is not a Christmas song
to see how they handle that request.
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net
As many of you know, I love to read . . . to check the reviews, I've
posted at the amazon.com website, just go to the above, then go
the left and click "Blaine's Best," followed by "Websites" . . . the
second part of letter "O" will take you to over 580 books that I have
for the most part enjoyed.
I'm now a "Top 500" reviewer with amazon; actually, my ranking
is 388 . . . to help me get even higher, go to:
http://www.amazon.com
Find any book that I've reviewed; e.g., go to search and type-in:
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MR. ROGERS
You'll see a bunch of reviews with mine being third or fourth
from the top . . . when asked if it was helpful, and if you think
so, indicate "yes."
_________________________________________________________
8. Computer tip
Last week, I mentioned one idea for printing pages from Mapquest
or any other Internet site easier . . . here's another one:
Click the print preview option before you finalize anything . . . that
way, you have the option to see what you're going to print out--before
you do so . . . in addition, you can change from portrait to landscape,
turn headers and printers on or off, make print size larger or smaller, etc.
If you play with these possibilities, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
_________________________________________________________
9. Holiday party rules
I always live by these; feel free to join me!
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table
knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave
immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt
scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch.
You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares
that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn
into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy.
Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your
mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk
or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports
car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control
your eating.The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat
other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now
and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing
else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after
circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and
that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position
yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can
before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful
pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going
to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each.
Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.
Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one
dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have
some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party
or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips;
start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly
used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
_________________________________________________________
10. A quote I like
Trying hard doesn't make you remarkable. Doing a good job doesn't
make you remarkable. What makes you remarkable is being amazing,
outstanding, surprising, elegant, and noteworthy.--Seth Godin in
SMALL IS THE NEW BIG (see also Sections 2 and 4C)
_________________________________________________________
11. Thought for the day
Julie Andrews on her birthday
To commemorate her 69th birthday, actress/vocalist Julie Andrews
made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall
for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed
was "My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie, THE SOUND
OF MUSIC.
However, the lyrics of the song were deliberately changed for the
entertainment of her audience. Here are the lyrics she recited:
Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs, cataracts, open back "dresses,"
Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache, When the hips break, When the eyes grow dim,
It's then I remember the great life I've had, And then I don't feel so bad.
THE RESPONSE:
Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over
four minutes, and she also was asked for and gave repeated encores.
MY TWO CENTS:
I imagine that the above did not take place for a few minutes; i.e., until
all had a chance to rise from their seats. (After you reach a certain age,
it does take longer to stand up after sitting.)
_________________________________________________________
12. Advance planning department
A. Meaghan in
Pennsylvania:
HALF PRICE ADULT TICKETS TO FINAL PERFORMANCES
Fast becoming a holiday tradition, BRT's Fourth Annual Winter Musicale,
features some of the best-known holiday music from recent years and
last century to long-standing traditional music. The entire family will enjoy
this two hour celebration of your favorite songs of the season. Selections
will include popular classics like Home for the Holidays, Santa Baby
and The Christmas Song, gospel offerings Go Tell it on the Mountain
and traditional songs including Carol of the Bells,Silent Night and a
fun arrangement of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Get in the spirit of the season through December 23.
Mention this email to receive 50% off your regularly priced adult tickets
($13.50). Students tickets are just $10!
CALL OUR BOX OFFICE:
215.785.0100.
B. John in
Pennsylvania:
Bucks County Community College's Assistant Academic Dean, John
Mathews, extends an invitation to all to visit his current exhibition entitled,
Like Father, Like Son. This unique showing will feature Photography
by his father, Paul L. Mathews, as well as Sculpture by John Mathews.
This exhibit will be on display at the Pennswood Village Art Galley from
December 3, 2006 through February 4, 2007, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Pennswood
Village Art Gallery is located at
1382 Newtown Langhorne Rd. (R.413S) in Newtown, PA.
C. Cynthia (see also Section 1A) will next be running her fantastic
Move Your Body classes on the following dates
Saturday, January 6, at 1:30 p.m. . . . FREE;
Saturday, February 3, at 1:30 p.m. . . . FREE; and
Saturday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m. . . . FREE.
Regular drop-in classes start on Mondays, beginning on January 8,
from 7:30-8:45 p.m. . . . $15 per session.
All sessions are at the Princeton Center for Yoga & Health
in
Skillman, NJ.
For more information, please click:
http://www.princetonyoga.com/
or call
609.924.7294.
A guarantee: You will be delighted if you attend either and/or
both of the above!
D. HOLD THIS DATE:
Harry Paul (co-author of REVVED! and FISH!) will be speaking
at Bucks on March 12, 2007 at the annual "Meet the Author" Business
Seminar . . . you won't want to miss him; he is great . . . details to follow.
Also, we are seeking a corporate sponsor for this outstanding
event . . . for more information, please email me at
bginbc@aol.com.
_________________________________________________________
PS. Please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers
back from
Iraq and that peace soon resumes in Israel . . . also, make it
a great week!
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