Thursday, June 9, 2011

BRUINS ARE BETTER........CLARK BOOTH

In this week the PILOT Newspaper had an article by Sportswriter Clark Booth that was "so good" and poignant after the last two hockey games at TD GARDEN that I had to bring it to your attention. Hockey players and fans old and young will appreciate his comments......Trust me

I am including a few of his observations by paraphrase;
"when the level of intensity reaches a certain zenith and the finest in the world at the craft are playing for that dinged and nicked old bauble they reference as the "Stanley Cup" there is no better game than the game of ice hockey"

"Hockey is more a religion than the other games.It is more tribal.

"What most media- folks find most appealing about them is that uppity airs are uncommon....and a premium is placed on being down to earth "  i.e. How about the greatest Bruin in the middle of the fans last night waving the "Horton Flag "......

These playoffs have been great and it has truly been a war between teams and their individual players, and as Clark said at the end of his article;
"it's and old fashioned condition that contemporary sophisticates might find out of style........

Hockey is like life.....You get out of it what you put into it......

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

WANT TO VOLUNTEER ...........

My Brother'Table needs food servers for the Sunday,June 5 1:30-4:30.let me know if you are
Interested.....Thank you....We average 200 meals on normal days.....

Thursday, May 5, 2011

PRESIDENT.....MAKES RIGHT DECISION

President Obama made the proper decision not to release the pictures of Bin Laden.....I realize that  Bin Laden did not care about scattering humanity around Manhattan on 9/11/2001.......however two inhuman acts do not  make one "good one".....as they say.....

He has received justice on this Earth.......and the one in the Hereafter.....He owns that one also.

A prayer for all the families affected is in order......not a spectacle of gruesome bloody photos....

Monday, May 2, 2011

US NAVY SEALS......GUYS FOR A JOB....BELIEVE ME.

Bin Laden probably had an idea he would someday have a "face to face "with the young men of the US Navy Seals and that his feeble attempt to be shielded by a woman would not be successful......He just didn't know the day or time..........

He certainly has ruined the peace and quiet of many families with his manipulation of religion and now he has judgement and accountability with his "Maker ".......I do not understand evil......and I try to avoid it.

As for the "good guys "US NAVY SEALS are of the elite in the military and their versatility of being frogman,parachute rs and marksman with discipline,accountability and focus make them the "most feared adversary"anybody could ever have in war........Yesterday it was Bin Laden......a few months ago it was the Somalian Pirates...

I may have mentioned of my past as an Officer on the USS ASHLAND (LSD 1)  which was part of the 6TH FLEET
Amphibious Force" way back when". We had Navy Seals and their exploits were legendary then as they are today.They also were great guys to be around...........

Just thinking........If by chance one of you "old" seals sees this blog .....reach out and say something......
Remember......one of you left a "wet fin" in my bunk to prove something...........and I am still looking to blame someone.....

Sunday, May 1, 2011

PROJECT BREAD HUNGER WALK....4:45 AM....EXPRESS....

the Project Bread Walk for Hunger was this morning and the thousands who walked and raised money for
non profit Groups such as My Brother's Table were assisted with 8 water stops along the 20 mile route.
My Brother's Table supplies the labor in the early morning hours to unload trucks full of tables,chairs, and equipment needed at the stops.

Project Bread in turn gives the Table $20,000 to buy food during the year.A good deal for all.......


Pictured above are the enthusiastic volunteers from Brother's Table that did all the "heavy lifting".......
The camaraderie and fun was great along with helping  some of the less fortunate in our area.They all met at 4:45 am.....and  became "fast friends".........

Remember the Table served 98,000 meals in the last year without any Government funding.

If you want to help out in the future let me know.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

HOLY WEEK......THOUGHTS AND JOE ROSSI

I realize that "catholics come home" TV ads have not been embraced by some people.....and I dare say nothing would change their mind.
It is their prerogative.........

I believe that Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday Services and  the Easter Vigil Mass show the "best the of what the Church has to give "...........

I had the opportunity to be in the presence of Father Joe Rossi of St. Pius,Lynn on Thursday and Friday and his homily on those days left me with a "thought provoking spirit "...........Here is a sample......

On Holy Thursday, The Gospel tells the story of Jesus washing the feet of the twelve Apostles at the Final Supper along with Father Rossi doing the same to twelve parishioners to symbolize service and humility.Father Joe in his discussion told the story of a nurse and how she made the end of life for his Father endurable and happy while in a nursing home.....He called her a "washer of feet " and asked everyone present to recall  "washers of feet"that they have encountered in their lives.....and to seek them out and let them know of your feelings........all while tears wet his face......

The next day at the "Friday " services he asked.....Have you heard of Walter Breuning ?.........

I had not......but he was the oldest person known  in the US and he passed away recently......He had some interesting opinions on the secrets to a long life.......

I will mention two of them;

Embrace change even if it slaps you in the face and the hardest of all is........some people are afraid to die, don't be afraid.......you were born to die.....

Jesus in dying was fulfilling the Gospel......and Father Rossi took those thoughts and in combining them said we were born to die and the dying is not an ending but a fulfillment of a life.....

What is our fulfillment ..........??.....and what do we do going forward from this moment in time.

Think about it  ......./

Monday, April 18, 2011

BOSTON MARATHON.......FEAR AND FAITH......

The elite woman have started and Kim Smith has opened up a big lead.Her first mile was 5:02 and the second 5:21 wow !......This type of strategy usually does not work,but Smith is one of "elite of the elite"..........It will be interesting.

The runners as a group have been improving each year due to the qualifying times being lowered.80% of the participating have qualified with the other 20% being "charity runners" who will raise millions of dollars for great causes........

If you never have run a marathon and are contemplating one .........do you know the secret.......?

I read an article by a Franciscan Priest who has run more than 20 marathons......and he put it this way......
Fear is great........but faith is greater........

You start training and that along with the beginning of the race brings out the element of fear which can be hard to overcome.......but after you accomplish the feat your faith wins out as you pass over the finish line.

Some of you will read this in the coming days after conquering the 26 miles,385 yards..... and you will know exactly what is being said......faith outlasts fear.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

MANNY.......HASTA LA VISTA........

Manny had so much to offer.....He was a great hitter.....could have done so much good.....
Be a role model....give money to change lives......

Grow old.....be loved by the masses.....Hall of Fame.....Awards......


But sadly he will end up with the Cansaco,Maquire,Bonds, Clemens,Rose and others on a growing list of former heroes who will become mere footnotes in sports history.......

I believe in redemption but it seems so far away for most of the aforementioned......

At least some of the young people on their way to "star status " will see the errors and learn
To do the right thing when all the temptations run before them....

Friday, April 8, 2011

AMERICAN IDOL......PIA.....GONZO

I have been watching American Idol,and the obvious is that the talent has become very professional
and the chance of an unknown non professional winning is just about "nil ".....

Last night Pia was eliminated,and a "cry "is going out that the voting system needs to be changed.

I  disagree.......The remaining singer/musicians are very talented, and to discount the vote is to belittle the remaining contestants..........

If not Pia....who else should go ?

I have this feeling that this Contest has become like sports at the school level.Parents want the benefits of competition when you get to win and "bask "in the glory.......but if you lose they think the rules are the fault.......Competition without winners and losers...........?

Kind of like Washington D.C.......The Republicans who won the Congressional Elections want to reduce the spending by 2%......and now the Government may be "shut down".......

It is the "old story"......I do not like the way this is going.....so I am taking my "ball " and going home.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

SCOTT BROWN-JOHN KERRY ...STRANGE BEDFELLOWS....

The Republican Leadership's budget calls for Planned Parenthood not to receive any federal funding as long as they perform abortions.......John Kerry has consistently supported Planned Parenthood saying that the are an essential Health Organization  for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts..........

Scott Brown is now joining in with his fellow US Senator saying that the above budget item goes too far, and should be compromised and be more reasonable........

If Planned Parenthood is such a great "Health Organization".....why not do all the other services that it performs other than "fetus destruction".........That's ok with me.....

Thursday, March 17, 2011

SAINT PATRICK,SHEEHAN,SNOOKY.....AND UNKNOWNS.....

I was reminded by a reader of "Thoughts" that I had not published since February 24...........I have actually had some "thoughts"contrary to what critics may think.......There certainly has been a lot of happenings; some stupid like Charlie Sheehan giving up a"" 2 million dollar gig" to spend more time with his "house keepers" than his Kids; Snooky of Jersey Shores wrestling and somehow "pinning" a body to the mat.....
The vast wasteland of TV seems to get larger and more "barren" each year and passing day.

On the other hand.....TV has the power to bring our human condition right to our living room, and show us the "good" and "bad"of individuals;
Let's think about that for a moment.........I think a common goal for all of us is to be the "best we can be ".......how can we do that ?..........The answer is really simple......live the life put in front of you and make decisions that are supporting to the rest of the people in your life whether there because of  "choice" or "chance"
Be a hero in your own way with your "God Given Talents "

How about Japan ? Can you imagine while watching the events on TV how many heroes have "shown their face".....and may never get any recognition or acknowledgement.......they were the "best they could be"in a moment of time without any warning........We all should strive to be like them and let the "chips fall as they may"......God will take care that we can handle it...........

Thats the good........lets forget the bad today....
Talk about heroes Saint Patrick left Italy and became a famed missionary to the people of Ireland.....Have a HAPPY one..........

Thursday, February 24, 2011

CONGRESSMAN CAPUANO.....WHY SAY YOUR SORRY. ?

Capuano at a Union gathering stated that sometimes "blood" is necessary to take care of the "nuts "THis was his paraphrase along with hand gestures to the anti union people in the crowd.

I am surprised at the rhetoric....since he is normally very "glib".........

The way I look at it he was really letting us know his true feelings which is a good thing for a politician.......

his apology was that he let his emotion control his words.....We are all human.....

I suggest that he not blame the Republicans and conservative talk hosts for all the violence .......due to words of anger.

Friday, February 18, 2011

SURROUND SOUND.......

Yesterday was a fun Birthday for me.I got a "ton"of wishes from friends on Facebook,old friends and family......I was reflecting on all of these people and it revived an old thought that "birds of the same feather flock together "...............

If you are in a room with a surround sound system giving out music your "mood"many times becomes part of the beat that penetrates your body..........The same with the people you surround yourself....

I have been blessed with friends and family around me and it has become part of my "very being"......

Thank you all.......

Thursday, February 17, 2011

BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS..........

The digital world is changing governments, such as Egypt and who knows where else into the future.It is also changing birthdays.......I have been getting Happy's all week and especially today on the day via Facebook........and it is big......

How big.......I am not going to tell you directly.....but I will give a hint..........
I ran approximately seven miles this morning,and I have run every birthday as long as I can remember.....maybe the Navy stopped me once but I don't have a specific memory of it happening.

I do remember my thirtieth birthday in which I worked all day,and did not arrive home until about 7:30pm
with a big snow storm going on......I almost did not run,but I got dressed....and went outside ; I had to run in,over and through snow banks and dodge plows......but I did it......

That was forty years ago..........wow........I am not afraid......I don't think.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

FACEBOOK,TWITTER, YOU TUBE,,,,,CHANGING THE WORLD

Hi friends......I have missed you.....The weather has made me a "a captive" to my day job.

Can you believe it..........The digital age has helped cause one of the biggest uprisings in modern times......and for the most part it was peaceful.........I think this is just the beginning.

Every Government that suppresses its people is going to  have to deal with the ability of citizens to communicate and plan with the power of Facebook,Twitter and You Tube.

Tyranny has a new enemy..........

I realize that the future of Egypt is uncertain.....however they have positioned themselves to create their own destiny.It is up to our Government to convince them that America and Its support should be their ally.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

SACRED HEART YOUTH GROUP........HOW TO GO !!!

So......what did you do last Saturday ? Anything good for yourself......and/ or others..............

I know a group of young people that compose the Sacred Heart Youth Group of Lynn,Ma. can answer the above questions.......The group is run by Richard & Glynis Covino-Madaglia who are local heroes that do not seek publicity or favor.....but continue to make "a difference " day after day......

The group collectively planned an undertaking which ended up with them bringing 45 backpacks filled with hats,combs,socks,razors,books and a personalized letter of hope.........The recipients were the homeless.......The look in the eyes of the people receiving the backpacks was one of bewilderment in that they normally live a life of "not being seen".....and they usually get no attention.......


If you ever doubt the "young of our Nation " come down sometime and meet these kids sometime.They are our "best and brightest "......

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SAVARD.....CUTLER........INJURIES....WHAT TO DO ?

Mark Savard and Jay Cutler of the "Big Bad Bruins and Bears "have both sustained hits that in effect left unseen injuries that have the general public......questioning their toughness and will to compete.In the same scenario Jacob Ellsbury of the Red Sox had the same issue last summer........

My opinion is that the three Athletes mentioned have spent their entire youth competing and becoming proficient to the point that they are the "elite "in the sport of their choice.They had to show toughness and the will to win to get to that point.......

They have learned to play at a level of high intensity and focus and I trust they know when the body is unable to function properly due to injury. Give them a break..........

Some people want to see "BLOOD AND GUTS " since they bought a ticket or are betting hard earned money.......The athletes are young men and women who have an entire life to live......and one of pain and suffering is not a pleasant one.....Remember Linebacker Johnson of the Patriots ?....and what happened to him......

I trust the Player's unions are protecting these individuals.......

Saturday, January 22, 2011

I AM PROUD .......OF THESE KIDS.........

Sophomore Lily Gardner
It is easy to love and be happy and proud of children.....but this weekend it is special.....
Granddaughter Lily Gardner and 73 of her close friends at Saint Mary's HS,Lynn are climbing on a bus tomorrow morning at 5:30 am for Washington D.C........to take part in history....

We hear about the "Jersey Shore" and the new "Skins" teens.. of MTV fame.and how they are the norm.....I do not believe it ........There are many more good rather than bad or undisciplined
young people.....

Lily and her friends are the example.....You do not hear about them,but they are going to take part in the "March for Life" gathering in memory of all the devastation left in the wake of Roe v.Wade......and the hope for the future.

The polls show that the Nation is slowly turning away from this Death Culture.......and more than 50% consider themselves pro life where a decade ago it was 42 %......

Prayer and Action such as the March are working.....slowly but surely....

How to go Lily and Gang.....

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

EVERGREEN........BIOTECH........

I am listening to all the "clamor" about the solar panel Company getting the $ 58 million in tax breaks,and then fleeing out of the Commonwealth........I have said it before....when individuals want money and argue "Green" without solid research......watch out.......

Another area is the biotech industry......It appears that adult stem cell research is more reliable  than fetus stem cell research.....but the mainstream media has for the most part  ignored the story......It is not politically correct to "step on the toes " of the industry that supports fetus stem cell research.....which by the way has received the same financial support as Evergreen ( probably more )...........

The next headline might be much greater than today's when it comes to the amount of public money  given to a seemingly "good idea"that will not work.....or at least is not economically feasible.......

Watch out when investors will not put their "own cash"on the line........The "big boys" know what they are doing....If it is a "sure thing" no one gets into the deal until it has been "picked clean".

Just another thought......

Monday, January 17, 2011

PATRIOTS.....?

What happened.......? In two weeks the "world beating " home team that beat every team left in the playoffs
came out on the field.......and offensively did nothing........This loss is directly the responsibility of Tom Brady.......He seemed confused,and when he started "ducking" with no one around him....he reminded me of days gone by......remember Tony Eason......" old timers"...........

I heard the "boo boo's"at the end of the first half,and it showed how "spoiled" the Patriot "followers"are easily upset at less than perfection.......

Oh...for the good old days when a break even season was as good as being a playoff team......It seemed easier then......

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

GARTH STEIN......ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN......

I am sitting home watching the snow storm "swirling"around Lynn Harbor.....and to me it is a beautiful sight.........
I read a book (actually two ) and they were both terrific.I don't want to take up too much of your time so I will just mention 'The Art of Racing in the Rain'...by Garth Stein.....

Have you ever made eye contact with a dog......and his face gives you the thought of......What is he thinking....or what is on his mind ?..........

This story is narrated by Enzo  a mix of Terrier and Lab, who is an observer of  Human kind and our "condition ".........
 You will have to read it to understand the following......but he has some worthwhile matters to consider;

The car follows the eyes;
He can forget the past and live in the moment;
He can listen....He never interrupts by adding a comment of his own that can deflect an entire conversation;

He truly is a loyal friend.......and the end is not sad.....

So.....go meet Enzo....and you may never forget him.........

I will be talking about the other book soon....You do not have to buy this book at Amazon,but if you do
I think they send me "a few pennies"

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

CLARENCE DUPNIK .......AND FIRST AMENDMENT

So let me get this right.....An Arizona law enforcement head Sheriff Dupnik can say anything he wants without having the facts to back it up.....in order to give the opinion that Rush Limbaugh is in part responsible for the tragic shooting of the Congresswoman and the other innocent souls......Is he advocating a lessening of First Amendment Rights.?....and in effect giving a killer the right to change our Constitutional Rights ? Come on ! Clarence......get serious.....Man.

The incident is a direct affront to our Democratic society in such the same way as the Oklahoma City bombing....and we as a Nation need to come together as we have in the past.....and condemn an attack on any one of us as if it were on us all........Party affiliation and opinion of the issues is secondary at this present moment....

The person(s) who did the shooting is the responsible party and his acts must stand up to the scrutiny of our Court System....and he will face the consequences of the Justice that is going to follow......

Rhetoric and playing political "blame games"take away the focus from us standing together "as one nation indivisible under God "........

Pray for the victims dead and alive....as well as their families and close ones......

Friday, January 7, 2011

RUDY FAVARD....MALDEN CATHOLIC HS......ABC NEWS

I am a "little " prejudiced in the fact that I am of the opinion that I went to "one of the best " High School's
in the country, namely, Malden Catholic HS and it appears that Diane Sawyer of ABC News has recognized the same thing.

If you get the chance go to the ABC Website and read the story and view the accompanying video telling the story of Senior Rudy Favard of MC......Rudy is the Captain of the Football Team and a star linebacker...........but his actions off the field are the focus ......and rightly so.......

A family in Melrose,Ma. a nearby community reached out to the school with a request.They have a disabled child weighing 75 pounds that needs to be lifted up 14 stairs to Bed each evening.....due to the fact that the Father recently had a heart attack .........

Rudy answered the call and four nights a week he goes to the house and carries the child to bed.He said it is "no big deal ".......I say it is.....and I am so proud of young people like Rudy who never get credit for these acts...while reality TV shows "glorify" degrading and selfish behavior....and actually make money doing it...