C. As you might expect, we got to eat out a bunch of times
as well . . . places we went to included:

* Scully's (828.251.8880) for dinner, right before we sang . . . I'm sorry
to report that this was our only poor dining experience since we've
been here . . . they had run out of a bunch of items before we sat
down, and the food we got was very salty . . . I'm hoping that maybe
the kitchen was having an off night.

* Stir Fry Cafe (828.505.4934) in Asheville . . . we liked the
many choices that were available, and I especially liked
that you could create your own dish . . . my combination
of snow peas, chicken and brown rice was just right . . . keep
in mind that some of the stuff here can be on the spicy side,
so consider yourself forewarned.

* After we went to the Unity Center, we followed Nancy Clark to her
home . . . she is a friend of both Natalie and Ivan (from when
she lived in New Jersey) who graciously invited us to lunch
at her place . . . everything was delicious, yet the highlight
of the meal was her chutney . . . here's her recipe for it:

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
12 ounces cranberries, fresh (or frozen)
1/2 cup vinegar
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup peeled diced apple
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 /4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 /8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients; return to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until apples are tender.

DEFTLY CHANGING SUBJECT:

Nancy is a very talented jewelry-maker . . . she heads her own
company, Healing Intentions Jewelry, and will even custom-make
an order if that's what you want . . . her email is
clarknancy2000@yahoo.com; she can be reached by phone
at 828.693.1586.

D. I used to be a newspaper junkie and would often read several
papers a day . . . however, I'm now down to just one: THE WALL
STREET JOURNAL . . . I look forward to every issue and when
I was recently having a delivery problem (as a result of my move),
I was really upset that some issues did not come my way.

In addition, I have always read a local paper . . . however, I
was finding that when I lived in New Jersey, my local paper
was getting smaller and smaller.

Upon arriving in Asheville, I tried subscribing to the area's local
paper . . . I was told that they'd get back to me on my request, but
they never did . . . so I started purchasing a copy each day . . . within
a week, I discovered that I was pretty much throwing away my
money . . . the paper had virtually no content.

What's more, it could be found online for free . . . so I now do what
my friend Bill Magliaro has been suggesting that I do for years; i.e.,
read that publication online . . . I spend maybe a minute or so
skimming the Asheville headlines, then I switch over to what
he recommends: USA TODAY:

http://www.usatoday.com

I also skim the online version of THE NEW YORK TIMES . . . and now
I understand why print newspapers are dying . . . why should
anybody subscribe when you can get the same information--and
much more--by just using the Internet?

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

This week, it goes to Danny Brice--computer division manager
for TSAChoice, Inc . . . he sold us computers for use in our
new home that are both working great.

However, he did much more than just sell them to us; he also
helped move all our existing programs from our old
computers . . . for me, this was a real blessing in that I
was and still am using some stuff that can no longer
even run on any current operating systems.

In addition, he set up my laptop so that whenever I use
it, any work gets automatically synched onto my main
computer . . . we also appreciated his ability to answer
all our questions, and we liked his question of us: Have
I solved all your problems? He did--and then some.

Should you need to purchase computers and/or have computer-related
problems, I strongly recommend that you consider contacting
Danny . . . he can be reached at 828.225.3318; his email
is dbrice@tsachoice.com. 

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2. FYI

The aforementioned Ivan (also see Section 1A) reminded me of
this great idea for how to sign the back of your credit cards:

Use the words, "Ask for ID."

When a merchant sees this, he or she is supposed to ask
for some other form of identification . . . this makes it very
difficult--if not impossible--for anybody other than you to use
your credit card.

FYI, part 2

CORRECTION:

Last week's issue mentioned a great website for documentaries
to both view and share with others.

Eddie in Florida immediately notified me that I had a typo:

Link is incorrect. There's an "L" where there should be a "G." I found
the right one, though:

http://www.snagfilms.com

Thanks, Eddie; sorry 'bout that. Fortunately, the link to my virtual
theater was correct:

http://www.clearspring.com/widgets/494037af58fb5b39?p=-&flv=title%3DBLAINESWORLD%252520choices%25252Ftop%252520docs%26ids%3D26%257C56%257C130%257C314%257C60%257C

By clicking it, you can actually watch the full theater-link version of
some of my favorite documentaries. Or choose others for your
own virtual theater.

* Pat in Pennsylvania:

See link below to convert cassettes to MP3 files:

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PLUSDECK2C

This is better than transferring them to a CD as you don't need
to take a disc along anymore. And you don't; need to store them
or worry about where they are of if the get scratched. All you need
is an Ipod. This device gets mounted in your PC. Plus you can save
the files to your PC in case you ever get a new Ipod, etc.

If you do a web search you can find places that will do the transfer for you.
Usually costs about $ 25.oo per tape.

* Ellen in Pennsylvania, a certified Six Advisors Coach (with a
REQUEST FOR HELP):

What  are adults telling graduating seniors about the current job market? 
Also, are people in their 20's in jobs working hard, less motivated because
of the job situation or the way they are being treated or their expectations?

MY TWO CENTS:

Ellen is compiling answers to help her with an upcoming presentation
she will be making . . . so if you could respond to her that would
be great . . . her email address is: ellen@leapsandboundscoaching.com . . . if
you do respond, please also send me a copy . . . thanks!

* Diane in New Jersey, another coach (with a GENEROUS FREE OFFER):

Are you interested in kick-starting your goal setting process for 2009?
Diane Allen, a Business Coach with Encore Coaching, has a simple
but powerful PACE self-coaching tool to help you identify and achieve
your most meaningful goals.

To obtain a copy, email Diane at dallen@encorecoaching.com.

* Robyn in Pennsylvania, a faithful reader (SEEKING A REFERRAL):

I was wondering if you had any recommendations on where I could go to
get jewelry appraised in the lower Bucks County region?

I recently inherited some jewelry that belonged to my now-deceased
grandmother and some also belonged to her mother. Some pieces look
like they might be valuable and might need to be insured. Any
suggestions would be very helpful. 

* Walter in Pennsylvania with movie recommendations:

Happy Holidays. Just saw a bunch of films.
 
DOUBT: Outstanding. Great acting, tight suspense. Caused a lot
of doubt.
 
BENJAMIN BUTTON: Cool story. Pitt is Pitt. Kate B is very good
 
VALKYRIE: Tom always looks good in uniform, but average acting.
Informative story; they did give it suspense. Cool period piece. Not
as good as BUTTON.
 
MILK: Tremendous job by Penn. Better than both BUTTON and VALKYRIE.

* Joe in Pennsylvania:

Good luck to you and Cynthia in getting acclimated to North Carolina! 
Congrats as well on your pending retirement upon this last semester
at BCCC.   I will continue to enjoy your informative and entertaining
newsletter

I enjoyed the tidbits that you shared of your experience listening to Brian
Biro.  "Being a great communicator is not as important as connecting 
with people" was the quote that stands out to me the most

You have mentioned several times in presentations to groups in my industry 
and in your class that I sat in this past winter about reaching out to prospects,
clients, friends and contacts with something that reminded you of them,
and that they would find value and appreciation for what you brought to their
attention.   I look forward to applying what I have learned to appropriate use.

***** GETTING CLOSE *****

I'm very appreciative to all those who responded to my request for help
about a title to use on my business cards . . . the one I'm currently
thinking of using is the following:

Rewirement Expert-in-Training

If you care to share your opinion--good, bad or indifferent--I'd love
to hear it . . . in the meantime, here were some other possibilities
that came up:

Professor, Publisher, Marketeer, Husband (all on one line)
Raconteur
Southern Gentleman-in-Training
Visionary
Master of Mirth
Impresario (thanks for that one, Natalie!)

And my early favorite, which I'm now shying away from because
some folks weren't crazy about it:

Bon Vivant

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_________________________________________________________

3. First visit

On his first visit to Boston, the North Carolinian met a girl at a bar
and asked her, "Did you go to Harvard?

The girl responded, "Yale."

"Okay. DO YOU GO TO HARVARD?"

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4. Reviews

A. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is the story of a street kid who lands an
appearance on India's version of WHO WANTS TO BE
A MILLIONAIRE? . . . when he does better than anybody
thought would be possible, the police take him in for
questioning . . . his life story unfolds during this process,
and it is an amazing one that will keep you on the edge
of your seats . . . you won't recognize any of the stars, but
don't let that stop you from seeing this film . . . stay for
the credits, too, for a lively musical number featuring the
entire cast . . . rated R.

B. GHOST TOWN is now out in DVD format . . . my review
from BLAINESWORLD #625 follows:

Enjoyed GHOST TOWN, a cute romantic comedy about a
dentist who suddenly starts seeing dead people after a routine
colonoscopy . . . what was unusual was that after an OK
beginning, it really picked up in the second half and by the
end of the film, I really cared for the character played to
perfection by Ricky Gervais . . . Tea Leoni and Greg
Kinnear were also watchable in the other leading roles . . . rated
PG-13.

C. Wouldn't it be great if you could create a business or
store that people love to talk about?

That's in large part the premise behind CONVERSATIONAL CAPITAL,
an informative book by Bertrand Cesvet--written with Tony
Babinksi and Eric Alper . . . what made it so good was
the fact that Cesvet--chairman and chief strategist of SID
LEE, a leading provider and experiential design and creative
design services--incorporated many real examples from such
word-of-mouth innovators as Adidas, Circque du Soleil and Red Bull.

For example, he mentioned the necessity for creating an
Exclusive Product offering (EPO) and went on to elaborate
by showing just how this has been done:

* In the era of growing customerization, opportunities to own
something exclusive increase every day. Addidas offers shoppers
the means to fashion their own set of shoes in the "mi Originals"
section of its stores. No two consumers will have the same list
of songs on their iPods. KitchenAid mixers are available online
in more than 50 colors and finishes so that you can create a
kitchen that expresses your personality. You can even put
together your own custom blend of vitamins and minerals
with Vuru, an online vitamin store.

I also liked how CONVERSATIONAL CAPITAL got
me thinking by citing such studies as the following:

* When Bain & Company recently survey executives of
362 firms, we found that 80 percent believed they delivered
a "superior experience" to their customers. When we
asked customers, however, they told a very different story:
They said only 8 percent of companies were really delivering.

I was surprised by the inclusion of one firm in the book:
Wal-Mart . . . it was praised in how it practices continuity, as
evidenced by this passage:

* It has always had--and still enjoys--a reputation for low
prices. This continues to be an important consumer draw, thanks
to a consistent pricing policy. At the same time, however, Wal-Mart
earned a negative reputation as a destroyer of communities because
it made business difficult for small-town competitors. To work against
that negative perception, it has integrated counter-balancing
aspects to the experience of shopping there. Famously, when you
walk into Wal-Mart, you are greeted personally and made to feel
welcome. More recently, Wal-Mart has agreed to allow people
with RVs to set up camp in its parking lots. Cross-country
drivers can rest assured that, if there is no room for them
at the trailer park, they can count on Wal-Mart to provide
a safe landing spot. With the effect of these RVs cropping up
in parking lots nationwide, the chain has fostered the
creation of a new kind of community.

Cesvett concludes with a very useful Part Three, which has
specific information on how to implement conversational
capital . . . I also liked how he includes a website for those
wishing to continue the discussion.

D. Heard THE WISE AND WITTY STRESS SOLUTION KIT,
a funny but surprisingly thought-provoking CD that was
written and read by Loretta LaRoche.

If the name sounds familiar, it is because you may have
seen her on one of her PBS specials . . . she's a stress management
expert, motivational speaker and humorist that advises
that laughing for no reason makes you feel good.

She shows you how to do this, too, with such observations
as the following:

* My grandmother was a martyr. She wore black in case
anybody died.

*  You aren't going to be asked by a physician, "Are you having
a good time?" You should be.

* Nobody stops by for coffee anymore. We have to watch THE
VIEW to watch people drinking coffee.

* Why do you have to call everybody to tell them you're in line?

* I don't care what your title is. It's not going to be on your tombstone.

* Stop thinking about what doesn't work. It you're married to the
wrong person, get rid of him.

I particularly liked her conclusion. . . she encouraged listeners
to have a heck of a time every day because as her mother
used to say, you never know . . . and it's true!

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5. TV alert

A. The first-ever broadcast of Don Larsen's perfect game from the
1956 World Series airs at 7 p.m. on Thursday, which is also
the launch date for Major League Baseball's official channel . . . to
see if the station is in your area, please click:

http://mlbnetwork.mlb.com/network/

Then go to "channel locator" at the top of the page . . . you can
also find out more information about what other programs will
be broadcast on the station, including "Hot Stove" (a look
at free agent signings).

B. CONFESSIONS OFA TEEN IDOL debuts on Sunday at 8 p.m.
on VH1 . . . buddies Scott Baio and THE WONDER YEARS' Jason
Hervey join a psychology expert to help other faded heartthrobs
get over their fall from grace.

C. TESS OF THE D'URBEVILLES is a two-part remake of Thomas
Hardy's romantic tragedy . . . TV GUIDE says the first night
ends on a hopeful, if haunted, note . . . [then] the tale quickly
descends into misfortune, misery and murder, all the while
holding you in its morbid spell . . . Sundays, January 4 and
11, at 9 p.m. on PBS . . . since PBS times and dates often
vary, methinks your best bet is to double check your local listings.

D. SUPERSTARS OF DANCE features professional hoofers
from eight countries--including Ireland, India, Argentina and the
U.S.--compete in an attempt to help their country win an international
trophy . . . Riverdance star Michael Flatley hosts . . . Sunday
at 9 p.m. on NBC.

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6. Message for non-pet owners

The following message was posted on a refrigerator for all non-pet owners
who visit and like to complain about the pets:

* They live here. You don't.

* If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's
why they call it "fur"-niture.

* I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

* And to you, they may appear to be animals. To me, they are adopted
sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak
clearly.

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7. Websites

A. To get you moving toward resolutions you may wish to set
for 2009, please click:

http://www.triplux.com/dayzero/

This website will help you complete realistic goals in your life . . . one
way is to ask yourself these 6 questions:

1. Who do I love, and what am I doing about it?
2. Am I pursuing my dream or is fear stopping me?
3. Am I doing something that matters?
4. What am I doing to help others?
5. Am I as good a person as I want to be?
6. What am I doing to live life with passion, health and energy?

After thinking about these, then click this link to get started?

http://www.triplux.com/dayzero/default.asp?view=gettingstarted

B. MANY THANKS to Pat in Pennsylvania for sending me
information on this website:

http://www.pandora.com/

To quote his email: Check this out. I typed-in Frank Sinatra and
"The way you look tonight" came on. Maybe something for your
newsletter? Like portable music for whenever and wherever you are
on a PC? No need for MP files when you are on the go and at a PC?

EVEN BETTER:

I'm in the process of trying to create an all-Turtles station . . . see
for yourself by clicking:

http://www.pandora.com/?sc=sh53369431210340707

This still needs work; i.e., it plays some music by the Turtles
(arguably, the greatest rock group of all time)--but also songs
by groups that have somewhat of a similar sound, including
the Kinks, Mellowmen, Shakes, Beatles, etc. . . . there
seem to be no commercials.

If anybody else tries this website and/or is currently using it,
please let me know if it is possible to restrict music to
just one artist.
 
C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:

http://www.blainesworld.net

You can even view past issues of this missive by clicking
"Newsletters" on the left, then "Past Issues" . . . when you do,
you'll see a search engine at the top that can help you
find something you may vaguely recall seeing . . . for instance,
I just got a kick out of revising quote from Mike Veeck that ran
in BLAINESWORLD #480:

Dad [Bill Veeck] died of a heart attack, but the WASHINGTON POST
sportswriter Tom Boswell had a better explanation. "Cause of Death:
Life." Nancy Faust, the longtime organist for the Chicago White Sox,
believed Dad actually lived much longer. "With the amount of
sleep he didn't get, Bill probably died at 85 instead of 71."

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8. Computer tip

In June, I first reported about how Google makes it easy
to personalize your Internet home page . . . all you need
to do is click:

http://www.google.com/ig

After using the above for some six months, I can only tell
you that it is great; in fact, it's almost the best thing since
sliced bread . . . or maybe I should say . . . . since a chicken
wrap sandwich? (And does that tell you how far my diet has
changed since my high cholesterol reading back in July!)

But I digress . . . when I now sign-on to the Internet,
igoogle is my home page . . . I can immediately see the
NEW YORK TIMES headlines, the latest sports results,
the correct time, movie times for local theaters, movie
reviews, weather in both Asheville and "up North," and
even a joke for the day.

And in case you're wondering, here's the latter item:

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary
school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples.
The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: "Take only
ONE. God is watching."

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was
a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, "Take
all you want. God is watching the apples."

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9. Who is your role model?

Try this without looking at the answers. Please don't look down until you do it;
you'll find it very insightful. 

1. Pick your favorite number between 1-9

2. Multiply it by 3.

3. Add 3, then again Multiply by 3. (I'll wait while you get the calculator.)

4. You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number.

5. Add the digits together.

5. Now Scroll down and with the above number--that you just computed--you'll
see who your role model is from the list below:

1. Einstein

2. Nelson Mandela

3. Abraham Lincoln

4. Helen Keller

5. Bill Gates

6. Gandhi

7. George Clooney

8. Thomas Edison

9. Blaine Greenfield

10. Abraham Lincoln

Who would have thunk that I had such an effect on you and others?

By the way, you can stop picking different numbers. I am the one
that you most would like to be; just deal with it.

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10. A quote I like

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.--Dalai
Lama, spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people

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11. Thought for the day 

Last respects  

One day not too long ago the employees of a large company in St. Louis,
Missouri returned from their lunch break and were greeted with a sign
on the front door. The sign said: "Yesterday the person who has been
hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join
the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym."

At first everyone was sad to hear that one of their colleagues had died,
but after a while they started getting curious about who this person
might be.

The excitement grew as the employees arrived at the gym to pay their
last respects. Everyone wondered: "Who is this person who was
hindering my progress? Well, at least he's no longer here!"

One by one the employees got closer to the coffin and when they looked
inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood over the coffin,
shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part
of their soul.

There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside it could
see himself or herself. There was also a sign next to the mirror that said: "
There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth:
it is YOU.

You are the only person who can revolutionize your life. You are the only
person who can influence your happiness, your realization and your success.
You are the only person who can help yourself.

Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends
change, when your parents change, when your partner changes, when
your company changes. Your life changes when YOU change, when you
go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that you are the only
one responsible for your life.

The most important relationship you can have, is the one you have
with yourself.

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

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12. Advance planning department

A. For the best comedy in Bucks County, Philadelphia, South Jersey
and Delaware, please click:

 

http://www.comedycabaret.com/news.html  

HBO comedy star has just been booked, and you can also
catch TONIGHT star Mitch Fatel, Joe Bolster (one of my
favorites), Terry Gillespie and lots of others

B. I don't think I've ever seen a bad production at the Kelsey Theater
at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ . . . in
the months to come, you can catch any and/or off the
following: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF, MAN OF LA
MANCHA, THE SUNSHINE BOYS, THE WIZ and GODSPELL . . . for
more information, please click:

 

If you have young children or grandchildren, make sure you
check out the many excellent programs that Kelsey runs
just for kids . . .  that information can also be found at the
above website.

C. Actors' Net in Morrisville, PA is another place for top-notch
community theater . . . upcoming productions include
ORSON'S SHADOW, THE LAST DAYS OF THE DINOSAURS,
BOOTH and FINIAN'S RAINBOW . . . for more information,
please click:

 

 

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PS. On January 1 and every day thereafter, please keep in mind the
following:

Happy New Year Wish
by Joanna Fuchs

My Happy New Year wish for you
Is for your best year yet,
A year where life is peaceful,
And what you want, you get.

A year in which you cherish
The past year's memories,
And live your life each new day
Full of bright expectancies.

I wish for you a holiday
With happiness galore;
And when it's done, I wish you
Happy New Year, and many more.

MY TWO CENTS:

And keep in  mind that 2009 is going to be your year!

Also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers
back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . in addition, make it
a great week!

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