NAPLES TURKEY TRI.......ALMOST AN UPSET........

The Tri this morning was "laid back" fun with participants of all ages and sizes...........It was fun.....and the first leg was a 3 mile run......I knew half way thru the run I was in second place; I did not count the first place woman because she was using a skateboard.......

The next leg was on spinning bikes, and the Instructor some how mixed up the times and after that it seemed to be a"free for all"into the pool. I believe I finished second ,but who really knows or cares......
however the near upset came  at the end as I got out of the pool........right behind me was Lisa who surprised even herself in doing great in the run and after the biking.......did what she does consistently......
beat me in the swim.......

I am proud of her..........

TSA...........THANKSGIVING......HARVEY

I confronted TSA today at Logan and I was unsure whether I was going to be "touched up "or
Radiated by the machines........quess what happened ?.......nothing.....There were no crowds,
Crazies,or predator TSA employees.......

In fact the security people were professional,friendly,and wished me a Happy Thanksgiving

That reminds me ....same.....to my family,friends and followers.....

The Media created a big "hype" over nothing......

To all my runner comrades....have fun in the morning....and I will report
On my Naples Triathlon which is happening on FRiday.....

BRISTOL....JUNK....JOHN CANDY

I guess I am the local dinosaur..........and I do not get it....."Dancing with the Stars " is a TV show that has given jobs to professional dancers, dance judges, and game show hosts......most of who we would never heard of.........otherwise.Some of the contestants such as Wayne Newton , Athletes , David,the "has been" lifeguard, and other former "well knows"stayed on the program because of the scoring system that made it part talent...part popularity.....so whats the big deal now......Oh..... politics ......

Its a show.......don't waste your energy.....except now I am involved...I hope the "kid "wins it...

Concerning "Junk"........If our security plan fails......There will be more than "space junk "in the air.I want my plane to make its destination........So if you are sensitive to security take a bus, train or automobile....and that reminds me that John Candy movie, Train,Plane, Car.(is that the name ?)...is a funny movie....

John Candy would have been a popular star of DWTS..........

BROTHER'S TABLE..........AND TURKEYS

Ok, enough about Fantasy Football........lets get serious.....

The holiday season is just about here,  in fact Thanksgiving is a week from this Thursday.....

If you and your family wish to "help out " and otherwise "do something good "........I have the perfect idea......

Brother's Table in Lynn has issued it's Donation Wish List......and here are some of the items;
 10-12 pound frozen Turkeys....
Winter gloves,long underwear,hats and scarves among other things..........

They can be delivered to Brothers Table, 98  Willow Street,Lynn,MA. TEL. 781 595-3224

Just do it !!!!!!!!

MICHAEL VICK........REDEMPTION.....

I realize that there are many folks who dislike Michael VIck and everything he stands for
When it comes to the "Dogs"......but when it comes to the Crushers of Fantasy Football he has performed like no other QB in the history of the NFL.....in the first quarter he scored 52 points......The Crushers have had many injuries.....but with Vick they still are in the hunt for a playoff spot.....

Thought's stated long ago that He deserved a second chance and I hope he proves himself as good a person as a player....It is up to him....NO one is perfect.....and redemption is possible....

Just for the record....Vick has 63 points at halftime......

OPRAH.........GEORGE BUSH......

In general Oprah Winfrey can be aggravating especially when she goes on a "weight lose "campaign and becomes the "instant expert".......and after various shows sells a book or some other mechanism that makes her more money..........

That aside I give her credit for the questions and respect she showed toward George Bush this week.

George Bush on the other hand is one of my favorites( contrary to the opinion of many of my friends and family) . His reflections on his "Decision Points" as President reinforces that thought.

He was President for 6 months when 9/11 happened......and he considered himself a "war president" for 7.5 years and that every decision he made was  with a focus on the security of the Nation......and in that regard was a success......

 His main concern was about doing "the right thing"......and he stated........"if you chase fame through politics you will compromise your principles "..............

He did not let criticism bother him with the exception of the charge that he was racist.History will show that his tenure as Governor of Texas and in the White House was filled with actions that were in the best interest of minorities.......

If you are interested in the full story feel free to click on the link below; and not only will you become more aware of the "happening "in the Bush Presidency....and  realize the Bush sense of humor (in spots).......but Amazon will send me some "change " from your purchase........

BEST WHO NEVER WAS.......

I was excited for Shalane Flanagan last Sunday,but it leads me to some of the sad stories that arise out of the "Sports World ". Many  great athletes are led down a "primrose path"with adulation and favors that  lead them into the real world...without an education or maturity that they need to survive.
 Last night on ESPNHD there was a program called 30 on 30 which told the story of Marcus Dupree.

The young followers of" Thought's" will not remember him,but trust me he was the best High School running back that has been recorded on film with the exception of the immortal Jim Brown of Syracuse University and Cleveland Brown fame.....in my mind

At the age of 18,Marcus was being pursued by the College football powers of the South.Texas, Oklahoma,and Southern Mississippi ....and sport pages of the entire country had daily headlines on where he would end up.......Well .....He ended up at Oklahoma...and after his freshman year was an immediate candidate for the Heisman Trophy.......

I suggest you look for it......It can be purchased at Amazon.com or may be a repeat on ESPN.......I will leave it alone......but it is compelling and gives all young people an incentive to learn the important things in life.....and not be defenseless to all the the "sharks " and other things that get in the way of the goals you set for yourself.

Marcus Dupree is a good man and he knew that his Mother and Young Brother were  what was important to him........and he tried...........

MARBLEHEAD....... NEW YORK....SHALANE FLANAGAN....

It was a great day for the Marathon in the "Big Apple ", and it was full of excitement........
The 1990's were dismal for American long distance runners, however the last few years there has been a revival.......and today was fabulous.......

Two American men finished in the top ten.......and in the Woman's race Shalane Flanagan of Marblehead,Ma. finished second........This was her first marathon, and with her effort she is the 2010 American Marathoner Champion.....

I have followed her career at Marblehead High , College and in the Olympics......and to see her take on the greatest marathoners in the world today and see her on the podium was wonderful.......

How to go........Shalane......

OBAMA.....FRANK..TWO THOUGHTS........

Barney Frank in his disgusting tirade the other day decided to deride the Boston Herald and Fox TV News.........not smart...........
I was taught to "pick and choose "your battles.....and it is not good to argue with media outlets since you may win a "day's war" , but they publish and broadcast everyday.......

So....... Today's Herald has a headline which mentions that the new Republican majority Congress will be investigating how the Mortgage Industry was bailed out with Federal money, and what Barney had to do with it.He will be "stripped" of his Leadership position......and he will be a target in the months to come...It appears that his relevance will be diminished.....how ironic.....
Do you think the Herald will keep us informed ?.........

In Another Story;

The media has been reporting on the President's Trip to India........The  line involves the security and cost associated with it.......34 US Naval Ships , 40 Vehicles , 800 Hotel Rooms,200 Staffers, and untold Military........
This does not bother me for  various reasons.....

First, I order to win the War in Afghanistan it is essential that we have the support of India and to get them to cooperate with their bitter enemy,Pakistan (see: Obama Wars,Woodworth )..........

Second, If you accept that.....then you know statesmanship, security and support is necessary........and in reality all the  equipment and staff mentioned above are already accounted for in the budget,and much of the cost is being spent whether in India or in the USA.....The World is smaller.....and it is the cost of not being isolationist....

MASSACHUSETTS BUCKS THE TREND.......

Once again Massachusetts went against the trend toward Conservative Government across the Country.......The US House has become a majority for the Republicans, and as Barney Frank said in his "classless" victory speech last night,"if you do not have the votes your word and action is not relevant"........I assume you can apply that to our 10 Democrat Congressman in Washington.......even though he was talking about his opponent and Republicans in general......

I am of the opinion that the victors in the Commonwealth last night will have to be conservative in their spending habits due to the economy and the pending 2 billion dollar deficit......whether they want or not.....

Looking at the results of last night....I have two questions........How did Scott Brown win ?
and , Was his campaign that good or was Coakley that bad of a candidate ?

Also, my runs by Charlie Baker's House will be quiet again with the exception of the morning "wave"
from Crossing Guard Philip........

CHARLIE BAKER....GOOD LUCK......ANOTHER REASON TO VOTE FOR HIM

I was on my Tuesday Morning run with Brenda Lewin of Swampscott....and as we ran by her polling place she noticed that their probably was not many people voting yet,so I circled around the neighborhood while she voted( for Baker of course)........and upon her return we continued our normal route which finishes up in the Monument area on the Ocean.......

In the last quarter mile of the run which we do two or three times a week,we pass this yellow house,that may soon become famous......Outside their were approximately 10-15 people with signs and they were awaiting the home owner......Just as we make our way thru the crowd the person came out.....and right in front of me was the Gubernatorial Candidate Baker .....

We looked at each other....and never lost for words I said 'Good Luck " and he said Thank you...as he went off to his voting precinct  ............and we continued running.....

This is exciting.......If he gets elected....and his house becomes the Governor's Mansion...I probably will see him all the time along with all the protesters and supporters every morning........

this is going to liven up the runs.......and probably give me all kinds of inside info to report to "Thoughts "
followers.........

Another reason to vote for him.....He is a "homeboy".........

HALLOWEEN......FOLLOWUP

Halloween was great this year; I reported on yesterday morning's run thru Salem and during the Afternoon
We visited John & Joanne Nestor and the excitement in that visit included some Teenagers who run up to your house and "DOOR KNOCK" which means they bang on your door and "run off"......I did not chase them....honest.....

The annual "trick & treat " at Melissa and Norm Sherwood's house was great with wonderful food "Chili" and laugh's galore......The Grandchildren and the youthful enthusiasm that they exude is "good for the heart "

The one's I am talking about are
to the right; Tegan, Maren,Wes,
Maeve, and Lily........

I have no idea what they are
going to do with all the stash
they brought home...