MEMORIAL WEEKEND ........ADD ON

The work crew for the Nahant Memorial Day Flowers as discussed yesterday included Kim Cummings and Her two Children (right) the "Einstein Brothers " Shawn and Jordan along with Sheriff Kerri Rowe.........

Shawn & Jordan are two of my favorite "guys " and I expect big things from them not only on the athletic field but in the classroom......Remember I am "watching " .........

MEMORIAL WEEKEND.....

The second photo is of my Parents Grave Site.Harvey and " Margo " Rowe are RIP in a beautiful lot in the Nahant Cemetery overlooking Short Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.....Thanks to My Brother Bob and his family their are always flowers ......and appropriate decorations for the various holidays during the year......Thanks guys.....and the first picture is of my Father in Law, Lou Panakio showing the finished "flower work " done this morning by Him and faithful Daughter, Lisa for the Remembrance of Marcia Panakio at Her Mother's Grave at Pine Grove, Lynn

Reflecting on Parents.......Think of all the Parents who upon the birth of their Children have the hopes and dreams that they all will grow up to be "the best they can be" and have happy and successful lives.........At first many young Mother's and Father's think that they can train and control their siblings to reach the desired "goal"......but they realize over time that you can influence and cajole them to the "right thing"......but the individual alone is responsible for the direction life takes based upon their own motivation and influences both spiritually and earthly.

So this reflection comes full circle to each other......are we "being the best we can ".....and surrounding ourselves with the proper influences to put you in the "place " you should be....and where your parents hoped and prayed for ?

MARINNA KHON.....RIP....GOD BLESS

I was reading the news today and I am saddened by the apparent drowning of 22 year old Marinna Khon on Plum Island yesterday.I really do not know much about her except that reports say she is from Lynn,Ma.

While reading about the incident online I made the mistake of reading the comments to the story ;..........I was disgusted.......Many of the statements were derogatory and alluded to the fact that she was an illegal immigrant.......I assume that was determined by her picture......Talk about profiling......

It amazes me to see the hate and venom "spilling out " in the face of a tragedy that took a beautiful young woman's life.......

I understand the Arizona immigration law and why it was enacted, however it is scary to think that the anger and lack of compassion set forth today online will in certain instances give rise to the fears of injustice and hurt upon certain persons who are in the wrong place and "look immigrant".....

We all have inalienable rights........and are created equal.....remember that..........

GEORGE BUSH.....AND DECISIONS

Whether we are rich,poor, famous or unknown.........We all have to make decisions that define our life and ultimate purpose........

George Bush opens his new book with a discussion with His Wife, Laura , in which She asks him if booze is more important than fatherhood.....and whether He thinks it is more important than His love for Her.........

A short time later .......He quit drinking "cold turkey "......and he goes onto say that this decision ultimately lead him to the Presidency........

I realize that people will say "I wish he never quit ".......however relate this story to yourself......Are you treating yourself with dignity and making decisions that will make yourself the "best you can be "

Something to ponder today.

DEVAL PATRICK....RHETORICAL FLOURISH...

So President Obama's long time "buddy" Patrick........says that the opposition to the White House plans for us is bordering on sedition..........He said this while speaking about partisan politics........I guess the "Gov" forgot about the First Amendment Right classes that he took at Harvard.........

I think he later "back tracked ".......and said it was a "rhetorical flourish " which in street language probably means I made a mistake......Hope so,because his initial remark was foolish.

.......

RONDO.......ORR

It was ironical yesterday that NESN had a program showing the "Glory years " of the Bruins when Bobby Orr came on the scene, and he was a reason to watch a hockey game even if you didn't know all the rules.......He dominated games and did "things "on the ice that haven't been since whether it was his speed or control of the "puck"..........Even with his ability and strength they only won one Stanley Cup.........The Canadians upset them at least a couple of times.....

The irony of this is that the emergence of Rondo as a superstar is similar to the Bruins of the 60's in that a "young kid" shows up and makes the watching of the game "unbelievable. "........Rondo can make you "light up " and basically make you "shake your head".......He wants to win more than anyone else on the floor,and has the ability to "change the game".......Rondo has one championship and now this year is not "out of the question"

GINA.....COME HOME....NO TURNING BACK

I suppose that anyone who has driven a car at some time or other has made a mistake and except for the "Grace of God " or your Guardian Angel a terrible incident could have occurred and changed your life forever;

This is the life of 18 year old Gina Giovangelo who allegedly was driving in the rain at approximately 9:30 pm the other evening and for reasons unknown at this time did not see or notice the" poor soul "in her wheelchair crossing the street........

Gina has made some decisions following the tragedy (assuming she was the operator ) that are not good; leaving the scene , not turning herself in immediately and now "bolting from the courthouse "...........

I understand the probable anger and hurt of the victim and her family......however I feel sorry for everyone involved;.......

Gina has made an error on the road and compounded it......... She is 18 years old and she cannot get that "split second "back and her life and all things going forward will have the "taint"of this fact on her future.....along with the guilt........not to mention the hurt to her parents and family...........

She does not know how to deal with it.....and thus her "run to nowhere".........

The only way to deal with problems is to "look it in the eye " and to realize everything is temporary in this world....... and that "God" in his own time frame will help you deal with it to become a better person........

PRESIDENT........AND MEXICO....FAMILY AND BROTHERS

President Obama was saying today we should be a Nation Of "no borders " and was apologetic in his mannerism concerning our treatment of immigrants.This was all done in the presence of the Mexican President who spoke after "Our" President and "went off " on one of our States, namely , Arizona..........I do not get it.....The President does not defend our State in the presence of a Foreign Nation Leader..........How did he let this scenario occur ?

I believe we can have discourse among each other as "Citizens " about what is right for us.....however outsiders should not be allowed to come into our "house " and lambaste us.Its like the old family story.......".My Brothers and I can say what ever we think is appropriate to each other, but the outsider better beware about saying the same thing in our presence"

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OBAMA'S.......AUNTIE...........AND VICKI

On my way home I was listening to Howie Carr discussing the grant of amnesty to the President's Aunt Zeituna Onyango.........Howie acknowledged the atrocities committed in Countries such as Kenya......but he asked the obvious question.......why do we have to pay for it ?

I assume like Howie that she is on welfare and will continue doing it....for the future. It is a expensive proposition when you consider the big picture and the numbers involved.........

The grant of asylum is based upon a person being prosecuted in their Country for religion,race, nationality,political opinion or membership in a social group.........

I don't know the answer to the overall problem, however social justice calls for this person to be given asylum.......

The turmoil in Kenya would find people who would cause her harm for any number of reasons ;

As a member of the Obama Clan she is a member of a social group that would find wrath along with anger for its political opinion.......and the religion,race and nationality of that group.....What ever it happens to be......

Concerning the big picture.... Vicki Kennedy says....She will take "only "$ 68.5 million for Ted's Memorial even though Congress has approved $ 38.5 million........That's a little more than Auntie will receive during her life expediency.......Everything is relative.What's another $ 30 million.......when" money goes to money".........

PRESIDENT OBAMA .........AG HOLDER ADMIT WRONG...

Did you notice what happened today ? Further arrests were made in our Massachusetts neighborhood over the failed New York Times Sq. terror attempt........

It appears obvious that the original suspect who almost got out of the Country on a plane.....was not given the opportunity to "lawyer up ".....and instead was "convinced "to spill his guts" and "give up " the persons arrested today along with others being chased in this terror sweep....

The President and Attorney General will never directly admit that they made a mistake in allowing the "Christmas Day Bomber"" to be immediately charged and given a lawyer.....except the change of tactics last week which lead them to the present suspects......is the admission of wrong actions during the Holidays.........We all learn things everyday.....and hopefully become more experienced.......

Even the "bigwigs " are human.....

CHARLIE BAKER.....WHATS GOING ON.......?

I realize it is a long way to the finish line in the Massachusetts Governor's Race........

A month ago I was comfortable with the thought that Charlie Baker was in a "good spot ".......then things seemed to take a "dive" for him.......Tim Cahill who's adamant that he is not a spoiler and is in it to the end had a "mini surge ".......and then after an attack by the "Republic Governor's something "he took a turn south.

Now a poll shows Baker with 31%, Cahill 17%............total 48%

and............ "horror of horrors " Deval Patrick 51 %

along with Charley Manning, Radio Host( 680 am), and former Republican operative hammering Charlie Baker on a daily basis.........What is going on ?

RONDO......THE GREAT

The Celtics are still "hanging in"....... however.....beating Cleveland , Orlando and whoever survives the "West" seems like a tall order........indeed.......BUT......

Rondo who is still a "young point guard " has the possibility to become one of the "Green Greats " with his number hanging from the rafters.........29 pts, 18 rebounds and 13 assts. yesterday is a feat accomplished by very few NBA PLAYERS OF THE PAST.........

His career is at the beginning and much can happen........but his potential seems unlimited. He alone is reason to watch the team .....win or lose...........

LIFE IS PRECIOUS........

I was given the opportunity of a lifetime today and it had nothing to do with money,fame or possessions........

It was the opportunity to see and hold the hands and have a pair of beautiful blue eyes gazing back at me from the newest member of my family......

He came to us a Month ahead of his due date which in and of itself made the experience even more of a wonder........

He did not say anything........but his look and touch gave me the feeling that we were indeed communicating..........

My thought and reflection tonight is one of love for this "new soul "......but also how hollow the

argument for pro choice rings in my ears......

DOW SWINGS......

The second largest swing in the history of the New York Security Exchange $ 1010.The news pundits have plenty of reasons why this happened today at this time.........however

Could it be because of one of the newest members of our family has just arrived......Wes Rowe

the little Brother of Maren.......and the Son of Mark and Jenna Rowe of Marblehead........and he arrived at 3:13 am( code word) that "Margo" may have had a hand in the "days events"

This is a family story.........but the arrival of another" Grand Child "is a big deal.........

PROJECT BREAD...........AND OTHER THINGS.........

The Walk for Hunger had 42,000 walkers , 2000 volunteers of which OUR very own heroes were part of , and raised $ 3.8 million...........terrific in this current state of affairs ;

I noticed the latest Boston Magazine picked the best 23 places to live.......and of course Lynn was not on the list..........I assume this would change if Lynn continues to have the only "drinking water" in Eastern Massachusetts that doesn't have to be boiled........

Also, Where are the supporters of the legislation that wants to ban "bottled water ".....the last few days......probably at the their store of choice buying water.......

What's going on with the Red Sox......I know it is early, but Ortiz is batting like Julio,the shortstop of last year and Martinez can't hit or throw to second base......along with lackluster performances by many of the other supposed "stars ".......

Don't drink the water at Fenway or the Garden tonight......also no boiled "hot dogs"........

PROJECT BREAD......SUCCESS.........

I do not have the statistics,but this morning's volunteer effort was a success .We set up the water stops in record time, and on

our way out of town we saw the thousand's of walkers heading down Commonwealth Ave. as they started the 20 mile trek. My Granddaughter, Lily Gardner along with many of her friends from Saint Mary's HS, Lynn were mixed somewhere in the crowd............

As for our volunteers.....we unloaded many tables, chairs, and first aid kits from the trucks at each of the 10 stops.......and had a few "laughs " and a lot of conversation. The " Young Neighbors in Action " from St. Pius "did much of the heavy lifting......

Some of the " early risers" were Obed Blaise of Lynn,Richard & Brenda Lewin , Maria Rowen of Swampscott and John Nestor of Marblehead (CEO ) Nanepashemet Blog.........missing from the photo due to the fact that they were actually working was Mike Russo and Bill Reilly of Lynn

The second picture is of Sisters, Kerri Rowe "Boss lady " , Kim Rowe-Cummings and Cousin Kara Ring, veteran volunteers and shows them in a "quiet moment of reflection " with the Harvard Univ.

Business School in the background........

I appreciate the efforts of all of you.....".hero's to the core "........It was work and you were out of bed early......but think of it........a large segment of people up "against it" will be feed this year.....thanks to your unselfish acts............

WALK FOR HUNGER......BOSTON.....$ MILLIONS

Tomorrow is the "Walk for Hunger " in and around Boston........Last year 44,000 people participated and $3.8 mil was raised.The weather looks good so maybe it will even be bigger this year.........

My Brother's Table is a recipient of $20,000 for supplying volunteers to set up the water stops around the 20 mile route............

You will find me at My Brother's Table at 4:45 am with family and friends and other workers as we head in to do our part........It looks like I will be driving a 15 passenger van.........Oh boy !

It looks like we have enough people,however, if you are reading this and say to yourself I "have to do that"...........show up we will have work for you. When we are done we come back to Lynn.....approximately 11:00 am

TRUST ME..........You will be recognized in this spot for your efforts.....