THRILLER .........HALLOWEEN......1959

In the "old days"like the year 1959....College Football was more popular than the NFL . One of tomorrow evening 's Halloween festivities center points is the "Thriller" Video of the late Michael Jackson.......

While browsing through sports stories I was reminded of a football player that was a favorite of mine in "days gone by" who created his own "thriller "video 50 years ago which was also Halloween.

Billy Cannon now 72 years old made a spectacular "tackle breaking" 89 yard run that evening for the LSU Tigers that defeated the NO.3 University of Mississippi 7-3 .Cannon won the Heisman Trophy that year which most of you know signifies the "Best College Player".........

He will be in the LSU Stadium tomorrow night and the video of his touchdown run will be shown on a large screen to a partisan Tiger crowd....not many people get an opportunity to see an accomplishment many years later in a setting like this ......such as will be the

case for Mr. Cannon......

You probably can find it on YOU TUBE, and speaking of that...... people do get accomplishments and "whatevers"shown by video today.....50 years ago that was unheard of and now is commonplace and in some cases not flattering........It is a new day that is sometimes "scary"

BOO !!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN ........

JELLO.............AND MIRACLES

So how did your day go?........I know the weather was not great.......but it was another gift,and I hope you made the best of it......and furthered your purpose for being here........

I know one person's answer to the above question and once again I am talking about Hero Dick Gardner who is now a "Miracle Man ".He has been prominent on" Thought's" due to his courageous battle with sickness and how he and his Wife, Jane HAVE HANDLED IT WITH DIGNITY,STRENGTH, AND SPIRITUAL FORTITUDE........I didn't talk to them today,however suppose "for the moment I did", and I asked him ........

So Dick, How did your day go ?......from a reliable source here is his answer..........

"I was released from Mass General Hospital today and I had jello given to me to eat before leaving !!!.Remember I have not eaten for over a year."............

Imagine that !!!!! Continue your prayers..........This is a great story..........

BIG BABY....OH SO YOUNG....SECOND CHANCES

It must be frustrating to be an owner of a professional sport team...... All the people that control these business entities know what they are getting into when they " buy " into the sport industry.....however large amounts of money are invested into the potential of the athletic ability of young persons who all come from varied backgrounds........and paybacks and results are unknown.......much like "life".....

Youth, Money and Idle Time does not seem to be a good mix.I could not imagine my youth being lived that way....in fact I believe it may have been destructive to my well being both physically and spiritually......and in saying " may" I am giving myself the " benefit of the doubt " that maybe I would have survived.....and been whatever I am......

"Big Baby" Davis is a guy out of College a couple of years with the money and free time life style that comes with playing for the NBA CELTICS or any other major team........

He gets into a "fight"with a good friend who is alleged to be drunk.The altercation is over some issue involving "Big Baby's " girl friend.......

He has now had his hand operated on,and will miss 6-8 weeks of the season.The Celtics will probably suspend him without pay for an extended time......He has the potential for a great career.......He has put himself at a cross road.......How will he deal with it ?

I understand the pitfalls of youth and hope he learns the hard lessons and pulls himself back into the game.........

I bring this up to remember all of our young ones who have made a "wrong turn " and if given a chance can make it back and go on to productive lives in the endeavors of their choice.......

There is Hope for all.........Given a chance... along with proper advice and determined mind set to do what is right.

FACEBOOK FRIENDS.........NORTHWEST AIR JOCKEYS.....

I have been in Warwick, RI without much time today to get on my laptop.....however....

Two pilots from Nortwest Airlines went" incommunicado" for about an hour and overshot

their destination.

We the commercial passengers cannot use our phones on a flight...........but their excuse is that they were using laptops to work on schedules......

Yeh........right.......They were hopefully just on" facebook" like the rest of......and not doing anything really weird......

We don't have enough to worry about like weather or malfunctions.......What else could be going on.........when we are up in the air "at their mercy".....and I am not fearful of flying.........

God Bless the timid of heart......

CRUSHER.......SAYS IT ALL

Crusher in his comment to the Pat Kennedy observations in "Thought's "of last night has shown how inconsistent the thought process becomes when politicians attempt to be " everything to everybody" and let their "heart" follow polling results..........

" Moonbats " in charge is scarier than Kennedy and Capuano in Congress.......Remember Capuano has Barney Frank in his ad for US SENATE........Oh boy.......!!!!

TAKE A LOOK SEE AT " CRUSHERS" COMMENTS.............

ANOTHER KENNEDY.......TAKES ON THE CHURCH....

I really do not know much about him except every time I hear or read his name MY MIND THINKS "REHAB ". I am talking about Congressman Patrick Kennedy of RI.It is not charitable of me but is "the way it is "

An article in boston.com reported that he stated this week that he could not understand how the Catholic Church could be against the largest social issue of our time.....since the Church being pro life should be for the health plan which will give insurance to 50 million people who are presently uninsured.........

Bishop Tom Tobin of Providence was not happy with the Kennedy remarks and said the Church will not support a plan that threatens the life of unborn children by allowing public funds for abortion and rationing of health care.....

The Bishop went on to say ........Kennedy continues to be a disappointment.....due to

his irresponsible

statements.........and he should be more effective and morally responsible in his leadership as a member of Congress......

In my mind the " Good Father " wins this round ....but then again.....I have been of the opinion that Pat Kennedy has been "in way over his head " since the day he was "crowned "in Washington....... in fact his being in Congress is pretty scary to me.......

TEST TO CONSTITUTION........??

It is still difficult for me to fathom how someone can justify setting a motion in plan that will kill innocent persons shopping at a mall......HOWEVER....

This is what the US Attorney's Office is alleging a client of Atty J. W. Carney Jr. (right) had planned along with other acts of terrorism........They further allege that he glorified the September 11 "terror perps" and was elated at their destruction of life .........

Attorney Carney in a statement today said this case will test the Constitution and our judicial system that lives by the maxim that says "an accused is considered innocent until proven guilty"

I consider him an experienced trial attorney with a great reputation, however I respectfully disagree........

My experience is that people take their jury responsibilities very serious ( after being chosen)

and do their very best to meet "the mandates "set by a judge in his/her charge to them about the rules and laws "such as innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt".........

The Constitution will survive and the Defendant in this case will get his "just due"..........

POT.......MEDICINE......DRUGS.....COYOTE'S

The headlines today concerning the President allowing the Federal Government to lessen the prosecution level of enforcement concerning Marijuana use for medicinal purposes does not appear to be a proper action from this position.I know all the arguments pro/con ,however it is another "slide down the slippery slope"......California has had that statute for years and from what I have heard......It is not that difficult to get a "Doctor's Note".....Remember the old school days when you needed a "sick day".......

That's not my issue however................

I have been to CIUDAD JUAREZ,Mexico in the recent past to build homes for young Mexican Families who were promised by so-called "COYOTE'S" who for a fee brought them to Juarez with the promise they would get them into the USA.The reality is that they were abandoned with no money and living in large "cardboard"boxes........surrounded by "Drug Cartel" activity and violence......These are young parents and children....Once you see the face...you think different....Everyone is just trying to "make it".....

CIUDAD JUAREZ is considered Mexico's murder capital and the Prosecutors are fearful of their own lives and the New York Times has called it a "War without Borders".President Felipe Calderon points to the arrest of 50,00 people on drug charges since 2006.The violence is "out of control"

SO WHAT HAS THAT GOT TO DO WITH US ???

My thought is that we in the "GOOD OLD USA "help promote this scenario since it is our "demand"for the Cartel's products that makes it so lucrative and makes murder and mayhem an everyday occurrence.......so what's a little drug or " pot"..........

FOOD.......PB......JJ...........THE TRAIN.............

On Saturday Evening I was treated to a free meal at Kowloon by family and friends......I do not know if a chance to get on " Thought's " had anything to do with it.......however that will work almost every time......UNLESS the integrity of truth will be compromised......

The story from this food festival is that my favorite" Local Football Stars " were present........

In the picture are Brothers, Jordan James (" JJ" ) and Shawn ( "PB") who are having exceptional seasons as predicted.........

The third member of this group is Lynn English 's Jermaine " The Train" Patterson who had two touchdown runs in the " Bulldog "defeat of the Swampscott " Big Blue " in a Friday Night shootout.........

We did not get into the "Touchdown Dances "since "JJ" AND "PB" would not stop once they started and the 6' 1", 230 lbs (approx.) would have "rocked the house"

LARRY ESSEMBER......ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS......

Dr. Larry Essember had a front page story about his recent retirement as a Pediatrician after 55 years in the Salem Evening News 10/16/2009........sometimes when a nice article similar to this is written you hold your breathe.......due to the general public and the comments that follow by persons who hide their identity.............Knowing Dr. Larry like I do I really was not concerned since his compassion and concern for people practically "bursts " out of his being.........

Let's look at a few comments that followed the story.......

"This guy is one of the best pediatricians ever.....They don't make them like this anymore"

"It is so nice to read an article which focuses on the life of such an influential

and positive person.Talk about making a difference for so many people and children........."

The most personal,professional and caring Doctor I have ever known.Thank you Doctor Essember for giving my child the best care he could possibly have."

"A class act and a good guy,and a pretty good skier "

I don't have to add anything except.....God Bless you and your beautiful Wife Carol.......

I DO NOT CARE WHO OWNS THE NFL RAMS.......

We all know that in many arguments the truth is down the trail that follows the " money "........It appears that is the case in the current " dumping" of Rush Limbaugh from being an Investor in the purchase of the NFL Rams.........

DeMaurice Smith, President, of the NFL Players Association, has brought up the " race card " to influence who will be in the group that purchases the Rams.......and of course the posturing and negotiations for the new collective bargaining have already begun........ The Association does not want an owner of Rush's status, and access to the media to be a "player" in the bargaining which will influence the distribution of money from the NFL " CASH COW"for years.............

It is my opinion that the issue of race raised by the Association and the "race hustlers "( Limbaugh quote) , Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson is the mechanism to control the argument.......

and ultimately sway the general public in the coming year who buy the tickets.......

It will be interesting to see if racist remarks attributed to Rush Limbaugh surface.He is on the radio five days a week......and he denies it. If he said it their should be tapes........Let's wait on that......However the issues have expanded.........

I have observed the" left "who have been looking for ways to discredit conservative radio talk shows........and in fact the President has spoken about his displeasure with Rush in the past.Political power has joined in on the "stakes".........The White House and the NFL Assoc. versus the Conservative Talk Show industry......Good match.....

This will continue.........Follow the yellow brick road .........Money and Political Power are at the end.......

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE WAY THEY SEEM !!!

DICK AND JANE ....GREAT NEWS

I got news from the Hospital Room ( not Intensive Care) that Dick is out of the " surgical stupor"and he is thankful to all his family, friends, Fr.Joe Rossi of St. Pius,and the many unknown persons who "stormed the Heavens".........He has a long recovery ahead, but as Dick would say it "beats the alternative"The picture to the right is some of his family and friends from the "standing room only" fundraiser.....A great tribute for a great couple.....

Continue your prayers.......and thank God for all of our blessings...........

DICK AND JANE........ UPDATE....LONG REHAB....

....DICK IS IN INTENSIVE CARE ......... AND HE HAS A LONG WAY TO GO ..........KEEP HIM IN YOUR MIND.....MANY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED........

The followers of "Thoughts" know the story of Dick and Jane Gardner.......and how they have handled sickness with Strength, Dignity,and an unlimited amount of Love for each other........They have been HEROES by showing the rest of us " mortals" how trivial our "day to day" annoyances are in the big picture and how thankful we should be for all the gifts in our life which have been given to us.......... ( THOUGHT' S 6/7/2009)............

Dick has a date, Wednesday Morning, October 14, 2009 at Massachusetts General Hospital to be operated on with the goal to put his esophagus and stomach back in "action".........The Doctors are optimistic and the Prayers of his family and friends have been storming the " Heavens"........ If you read this and don't know them .........say a prayer of your own choosing anyways........All will help Dick and this Team of PHYSICIANS who are heroes in their "own right."

While writing ....I just received a surprise call from friend, Gene Canty who survived " bone marrow" procedures and life threatening sickness.He met with Dick a few months ago.......and spoke with him about his experiences.......Today he told me that he had a friend that had the same operation facing Dick in New York....and He is fine......What a coincidence !!!!

Oh.......Did I tell you I do not believe in coincidences.....I believe it is part of a "BIGGER PLAN"and is a message of HOPE at the right time.........

LETS HELP THEM CARRY THEIR CROSS......WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.....

LEAD.........DONT FOLLOW.......

I was on a run this morning.......and I did not have any interest in the news of the day......and upon my return home while having these recurring thoughts about social justice I " spotted " this white paper on the desk of the foyer to my condo.........It happened to be the lyrics to an old song from the 60 's..........randomly left by some unknown........It's words were appropriate to my minds' attention....... The song as paraphrased states the following ;

" If I had a hammer,Id hammer in the morning,Id hammer in the evening,All over this land

If I had a bell,Id ring it in the morning,Id ring it in the evening,All over this land

If I had a song,Id sing it in the morning,Id sing it in the evening,all over the land

Id hammer out danger,Id hammer out a warning

Id ring out danger,Id ring out a warning

Id sing out danger,Id sing out a warning

Id hammer,ring and sing out love between my brothers and my sisters..........

IT'S THE HAMMER OF JUSTICE, THE BELL OF FREEDOM,

IT'S THE SONG ABOUT LOVE BETWEEN MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS "

PETER,PAUL AND MARY( Mary passed at the age of 72 recently)

WHAT IS LOVE ?............MARCIA PANAKIO......

The story for today is " LOVE" and its meaning. October 9th is one year since the passing of Marcia Panakio...........Mother of two Children ( Lisa & Jay ) and her Husband, Lou Panakio.Marcia was my Mother-in-Law and I had the opportunity to observe her for over 25 years......and during that period she continued to amaze me with Her Love of family and every day people that she interacted with on a daily basis........She knew your name.....and she had a genuine interest in your happiness.....and problems.......She was a " friend in the good times and the bad times " Her entire existence was full of people that included her school friends from her youth, ski and golf friends, business associates, grandkids , great grandkids ,extended family and countless others that crossed her path and needed a" helping hand"............

More important than that however was how She ( and Lou) could live and demonstrate Love..........Always inseparable...

Somewhere in my Home is a dusty video of December 22,1981 in which I took the opportunity of being the Groom in my marriage to Lisa and having a captive audience........

I spoke of how Marcia and Lou taught Love by ACTION and not WORDS.......The greeting " How are You"...was not an empty saying but rather an offer to be their if needed.......This Love never wavered in all the years that have " passed "......Lou still carries this in His Heart with His concern and generosity for others......If you are the " underdog"........You go to the top of his list.......

Marcia and Lou's Marriage( June 5,1955) was " storybook"quality that demonstrated an undying concern and respect for each other each and everyday.........This is Love....I can also tell you without reservation that they taught Lisa these lessons by example......

Marcia did not " stand out in the crowd", but more often than not " she was the center of the crowd "....... Humble of Heart.......Ready to Serve.........

I AM SURE SHE HAS ETERNAL REST.....AND REWARD.................

DRUGS.... "SHOT OUT"....NOT SHOT UP........

Drug arrest of the week as reported in the Naples, FL Daily...........

The police approached a drug dealer outside a gas station.......The " drug sniffing " dog picked up a scent of drugs in and around the suspect and his car........They found a small quantity in the vehicle and then the individual gave another small amount from his pant pocket......He related that was all he had..........

He was then escorted into the gas station for a more " extensive " search in the Men's Room....while on the way he stopped and dropped "trow"........According to accounts his backside appeared to be "tight".........and suddenly..............

22 ounces of cocaine "SHOT OUT " and landed at his feet which he tried to conceal by kicking it.

OH......BOY ...........Those Dogs will get you everytime !

This above picture brings back memories of my favorite animal friend from days long gone......I'M SURE MY BRO'S AGREE !!

MONDAY NITE FANTASY.................

UPDATE......CRUSHERS WIN BY 5.........
The Monday night game has many subplots including Brett Favre making his strange "homecoming" to Green Bay in a Viking uniform........however consider the CRUSHERS

OF THE PFANTASY LEAGUE.......

After an entire day and night of NFL Football the Crushers are tied with its opponent going into this last game of the week....

The Crushers have Ryan Grant ( RB) and the Diamonds have D.Driver (WR).....The player with the best statistics (as set forth by league rules) which is normally one point for each 10 yards along with 6 points for touchdowns gained by run or completion win the game for their team.

The Crushers pulled a big upset last week and are hoping for the same tonight......I will keep you informed.......

I have fun with this Pfantasy.......but I feel sorry for the people who actually bet money on this "stuff".It must be nerve wracking...............NOT RECOMMENDED........as some type of business plan.......

ROMAN POLANSKI.......SHOULD HE BE EXTRADITED ?

Before you decide your answer consider the next question from today's Globe...........

Father Polanski............would he be extradited ?

Father Tom Reese from Georgetown University stated in the above article that their is a double standard and the Entertainment Industry is the new religion with sex, violence,and money being the trinity...........

In Father Reese's mind......".FATHER" POLANSKI WOULD GO TO JAIL !......NEVER MIND EXTRADITION !.........

What say you..........Hollywood ............. !!!!!!!

I ADMIT.... I'M HAPPY OVER THE DEVELOPMENT......

The reports from the publishing world are that Sarah Palin is in line for a "huge" advance on her book(how about 7 mill!!) that is available on Amazon.com ....and may have some other deals "in the works " that will also be lucrative.....

It appears that some of the offers are in the area of journalism and will not necessarily be totally in the area of political "issues "

Good for her....after all the "nasty reporting " heaped on her for political expediency....She deserves a break......

Interestingly....Ted Kennedy book is selling better on West Coast than New England......however will not match Sarah's numbers......