2011..FIRST YEAR.....

You have heard the saying used in many ways.....2011 is the first year of the rest of your life here on earth.........

So what are you going to do this year..........Here is a list ...you decide if you are going to do......

MORE OR LESS OF THE FOLLOWING;

Love               Pray
Faith                Judge People
Charity            Drink Alcohol  
Exercise           Do Drugs
Volunteer         Lead or Follow


The wish for all is that ...We all be the best person we can be.......

HAPPY NEW YEAR  !!!!!!

OBAMA...VICK

I am so happy when I get the chance to agree with the President of the United States......It has been a hard thing to do since he showed up at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave......but he is "right on today"........

President Obama called the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and related that it is a good thing that Michael Vick has been given a "second chance"........

I believe that persons who have been incarcerated should be given the chance to rebuild their lives.....and it should apply to all....It is better for society as well as the entire Country.....We all have made mistakes......
and compassion is a good thing......

This has nothing to do with the fact that Michael Vick has scored many points for my "Fantasy Football"Crushers, and the possibility that he may carry the Crushers to that elusive championship next year......

SANTA'S ON HIS WAY......MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL....

I was in my car this morning and I had a "deja vu" as the song Christmas in Killarney came on and threw my mind into the days of "Christmas Past "........My Irish Mother , Margo had that song playing more than periodically during this wonderful time of year....and it brought back all the anticipation and hype that accompanied the "feelings of Christmas ".......

I wish great "blessings"to all this Christmas, and I leave you the rendition of "Santa" as depicted by the art of
my favorite inmate....."who is the best of all............"

God Bless......

DIANE WILKERSON......WHAT DID THE DEFENSE DO ?

I do not feel comfortable criticizing Attorneys in the "heat of hearings", but if the facts related in today's paper are true somebody on the defense team made a "boo boo".....a big one.

The hearing was for pre sentencing  of Former Representative Diane Wilkerson..........and the defense called a Developer to the Stand who they assumed would be favorable to her........and the opposite was the outcome of his testimony.He stated that he paid her $ 10,000  in cash and that was after she said that" she preferred it that way"She can get practically no punishment or 160 years....The US ATTORNEY'S Office wants 4 years.......This witness is hurting her hope for freedom.

The cardinal rule in law school was .....never ask a question that you do not know the answer to......The Defense has a prominent member of the Harvard  Law School faculty, and I assume he knows the rules.

This is as bizarre as the matters that occurred in the Chuck Turner Trial.....Are the Lawyers listening to the clients too closely or being forced to act in less than the best interest of the them due to their direction ?

JERRY PARISELLA......STATE REP......CITIZEN SOLDIER.....

 We are  fighting two wars.....Our military is a volunteer force that is dependent in many ways by the part time members of the Reserves........and now the inevitable.....One of those part time soldiers is called to active duty for a year and he was just elected a State Representative for the North Shore District which includes Beverly.....

There are people including his opponent in the election who are saying he should resign his seat since he is not available to the people of his District and is unable to vote in the House since proxy or absentee voting is not allowed in the House of Representatives.......

I believe that absentee voting should be allowed for him,and I am sure that the House Rule on this matter could be amended.......however, it should not carry over to all the Members....since we would never see them again...except on "payday" or election time......

Concerning the District.......Computers, email,Skype and all the other communication devices will keep him available to the constituents.......The voters will deal with him the same way it does with the other "Reps"......If you are there when I needed you I will vote for you.......Parisella knows this and I assume he will work in his best interests....

In all reality he probably will have more time to work on his "State  Rep" job in the war zone than if he were home. I am familiar with the "JAG" branch  of which he is part of, and  it normally involves day time Lawyer work ......He will have many "free hours" to spend on his other pursuits.

Remember......He will have no family and personal responsibilities like you have at home......and the Representative position allows him to work a full-time profession like the other Members....

Wish him the best and "God's Speed " in his return home.

Support the Troops..........

THE FIGHTER....LESSONS OF THE INNER CITY...

I realize that everybody has different opinions of what a "good flick" actually is........but for me "The Fighter" was great.......It reminded me of growing up in Malden ......with Brothers, friends and "close to friends of all types"................ the boxing and gym of Lowell,Mass.will take you out of your "comfort zone"and make you laugh and sad at the same time......

If you" suburbia " homebodies"want to get a  feel for the inner city "family life style".........see  Micky Ward of Lowell , eight siblings , Mother and Father  ........and a host of other Characters...living their lives the best  way they know how.........whether right or wrong..........

WHAT HAPPENS IN LYNN......STAYS.....LOU PANAKIO

The LYNN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL  SOCIETY held it's legacy recognition last night.It is the time of the year when the Society honors individuals that have contributed to the fabric of the City and have left a lasting impression that made the City of Lynn a better place for the citizens of the "Shoe City"...........
Lou has been a fixture in the City for the past 55 years representing families and businesses who have suffered fires, broken pipes, accidents and natural disasters.....with the goal being that their claims are resolved with a minimum disruption of their lives along with a satisfactory settlement with the Insurance Company......Lou's business plan is to take people out of disasters and make their lives better going into the future......no wonder he loved his work.........

Panakio Adjusters founded by Lou's Father 70 years ago continues to the present under the direction of Lisa Panakio Rowe and yours truly......

Lou's legacy however is more prevalent in his personality that had him always standing up for the "underdog " by understanding the circumstances and using his experience and expertise to make the best of bad situations........

The great "Love Story " was the marriage of Lou to his Wife, Marcia for 53 years......They were an inspiration to others who observed their closeness and undivided attention to each other ......which has been an inspiration to many family members including myself.....

In the local Golf scene,Lou has been a legend around the "leader board "......at Tedesco and Salem Country Club and beyond .............

The purpose of this blog is to show the strength of "actions over mere words".......and Lou is the example of......'What I am talking about............"

How to go Lou.....you are a leader we all should follow..........

PRISON CHEER.......REMEMBER HIM AT CHRISTMAS....

I appreciate the time and effort that goes into a Christmas Card being sent to me.I might not say much,but
I look at it as an act of "love"......even if the sender does not think that way or acknowledge it......
and with due respect to all who have sent cards and those still procrastinating I must admit that I have already received my favorite of the year.......and I wish to share it with you.......

The card itself has a "likeness of Santa Claus"  singing while playing a ukulele......except that it was sent by my favorite inmate who I respect with "all my heart "......and I firmly believe and pray that he will turn this episode in his life into a "good experience"in the big picture......

His message to Lisa and myself was..."..Merry Christmas ! I know I am not good at making cards but I am really enjoying myself in prison"........

I know he spoke in jest....but I want you to know that he is a positive force in spite of his "situation"as they say these days.......

He has trained dogs to assist the disabled and he speaks to groups to tell them of his life experiences and the pitfalls that can be avoided....

Remember him in your moments of solitude this Christmas Season.

THINKING OF THE PAST...........

I had a discussion with a group the other night and in" one way or another"the subject got into experiences
that I have had in the past while volunteering in various places.........

I did not feel comfortable at the time......and during the last couple of days I have developed a couple of thoughts.......

Two "anonymous" quotes come to mind ;

Thinking of the past is like driving a car in reverse........and

Talking about what you have done on "days gone by"means that you probably have not done much today...........

Action not talk.......is the mantra for today.....Just do it.....

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...

SALEM..NO GOOD AND SOMETIMES BAD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED.....

Ok, Salem.....lets get this straight.....your ancestors ( definition : people you have never known) illegally convicted young women, more commonly referred to as witches of sorcery and then hung them on "witches hill or whatever".........then what happens.......Well, we also have Halloween........so we take those two events...... gather them in a bushel .....put them together.............and we have a "Moneymaker "......

How to go Salem  !!!!

To let you know how committed I am to the readers of this blog; I ran for  an hour and twenty minutes to get to the Center of Salem this morning to give you a look at the "Happenings in Witch City"The trio
of Goblins"were tourists in town for the festivities....and the witch and "Jackie Kennedy" are two of my Grand children from Friday night (Tegan & Maeve).....I am probably dating myself, Maeve probably doesn't know who "Jackie "is......I am not going to guess who she is portraying.....

This morning a couple hundred people were walking in the City.....I cannot imagine how many people were present last night or what it will be like the rest of this Halloween Day......

The  parking cost signs all were consistent.....$ 20.00

BOO !!!!!!!

JOHN KERRY...KNOW NOTHINGISM.....

John Kerry.....It is obvious that he is not worrying about election day......if he was he would be paying professional writers to hide his arrogance and entitlement attitude......Everyone who disagrees with him is the reason for the problems effecting our Country......He said the Republicans, Beck and Limbaugh have created a "period of know nothingism "..... Wait..........are we the ones who have the nothingism.? .....

I guess he is saying that I am like the rest of the electorate that doesn't "buy his act"....... and I am full of nothing or whatever......

If nothing equates to stupid he assumes I will have forgotten this by the time he is in the election cycle.......I am going to try and remember it.........

CRIMINAL TRIAL.....BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT

The high profile trial of a Boston City Councilor goes to the jury today for deliberation......I have always said that if you are not at the trial and observe the word delivery, body language, and actual ebb and flow of the entire procedure then you really can't predict the end result.....in fact even if you are there......Juries are unpredictable.........

However this case has me bewildered......The Government says that the Councilor took a $ 1,000. bribe and they show you a video and still pictures of the meeting with an informant and the exchange of something from one hand to another.......

OK, The Defendant against the advise of Counsel (I guess ) takes the stand and says he has to because he has to tell the truth.....His truth is that he does not remember the meeting....and therefore he is innocent....
He is confronted with the video,and he still does not remember.....

Now, We move to the closing argument of Defense Counsel, and he tells the Jury that the money transferred was only $200.00....and the informant made off with the other $ 800.00......Oh boy.....

How does the lawyer know....and his client doesn't......So many questions......

This is one weird defense........well we will know if it worked.....soon

CHARLIE BAKER.....EXCITEMENT GALORE.....IN SWAMPSCOTT

I was walking toward the Anthony's Hawthorne Restaurant in Swampscott........when I heard and actually felt the excitement in the air........I was aware that Baker was having a time this evening, but I was "blown away " by the activity......The parking lot was "jammed".......and it was an hour before the start of the event.

This is the the largest event I have seen for a non incumbent on the North Shore in years..............

I read the polling information that indicates that Republicans are more excited than the Democrats......and it certainly seems to be the case.........

In contrast I observed the Democrats going to their organizational meeting  at the Porthole Pub in Lynn Sunday morning and it was subdued ( business like ? ).......maybe they went crazy inside....I do not know.......

The polls say it's close between Charlie and Deval......however.... is  Swampscott a manifestation of change that started with the Scott Brown......

We will know soon......

MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR'S DEBATE.....A COUPLE OF THOUGHTS

I believe that in a  Governor's Debate that the moderator should be local and not a "National Reporter " such as Charlie Gibson.......He appeared to be prepared for the "hot button" issues,however I had the feeling that he really did not know the candidates in the way we have come to know them by being present all the time and hearing our friends,family, acquaintances and others giving varying opinions .......and in general living the issues being debated.......here in Massachusetts....

The format itself was disorganized and for the most part candidates were unable to finish their thoughts.....along with a lack of continuity in discussion......It was not the way to conduct a debate during the last week before the election when people are now "paying attention"..........

GEORGE BUSH....I LIKE HIM....NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY....

In my mind George Bush is a great patriot, and beyond that I appreciate his sense of humor.He spoke in
Chicago as a fore runner to the release of his book "Decision Points ". He said that he acknowledges that some people will be "shocked "that he wrote a book since they did not believe he could read.......

He further related that he will not be remembered as Shakespeare but he hoped he would be remembered for his being a person who set priorities and stood firm on those priorities........

I am of the opinion that history will treat him kindly.......when it comes to his leadership in post 9/11 and that he kept the Nation safe from further harm during that time.

Concerning the "American Way " of politics he told the story of walking his dog two weeks after leaving the Presidency with a plastic bag in his hand while as President there was a person following him with the plastic bag in his hand........

MASS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION HIERACHY .......SHAME ON YOU...

I have voiced my support for Charlie Baker in the Governor's Race.....but that is not the reason for my present thought......The" Ad 'paid and sponsored by the MTA which is derogatory to Baker derides success
and leaves the impression that all people that have money are the problem and are using the poor as their "pawns ".
I realize that their are persons at all levels of our society who do not work within the rules....but that should not be a reason to make success look bad.....and give young persons thoughts that would "dim"their dreams of the future .......

The" AD " is meant to show that the personal success of Charlie Baker has somehow left the Public School System
without books,good facilities and more money for teacher salaries......

I believe in the Public School Teachers and I know that the great majority spend every day helping students   seize their potential and  realizing that the can make something of themselves.....

Making "ridicule of success "is not the way to guide our future and the "brain trust " of the teacher's union should know better.........

It  has become fashionable in this election process to attack persons for making money.....I guess this happens when you start to switch from a capitalist to socialistic economic system.....

CARLY FIORINO.......BARBARA BOXER.....SEXIST AD ?

The TV Networks are full of political Ads in California......and they appear to be filled with negativity. One that stood out was by Barbara Boxer (D-Ca.)......not so much for the content as the photographs of her
opponent Carly Fiorino who is the former CEO of HP..............

The photo's of Carly are unbecoming and at the end of the Ad........ Boxer appears in a photo of her looking much younger than her age and 28 years of elected office in Washington DC politics.......

It is just my opinion.......but if a Man tried that kind of trick on a woman candidate......their would be an
outcry of sexism.........

OBAMA WARS.......COMPLICATED....

I am reading the" Obama Wars "by Woodworth and let me tell you what my Thoughts are........
Forget the Health Bill,Taxes,and the economy and you have a PRESIDENT that in "good faith"
is trying to figure out how to resolve issues that have plagued India, Afghanistan,and Pakistan for centuries.

The book describes in detail the issues of counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, troop levels , security of the Afghan people and the ultimate goals of the US . It appears that the meetings raise the problems without
coming up with answers.......even though the President keeps asking .......

At one point the President ponders and makes the statement that the Afghan troops need to be informed of what they are fighting for,since they do not display the will of our kids........and at another point acknowledges that time tables are not practical......but he does not want to be visiting Walter Reed and Bethesda Hospitals eight years from now......

It appears that Prayers will help......and just maybe the warring factions will "see the light" and  realize that
no one wins........It appears that the Sunni's in Iraq realized it and for that their Country is relatively "quiet"

Barack Obama is trying.........

JOHN TIERNEY.......AND GOVERNOR'S RACE.....

I have read the news accounts relative to John Tierney and his embattled Wife.I do not know her degree of involvement with her Brother,however it is my opinion that it is not relevant to the issue at hand.......

The candidate is the Congressman and his liberal voting record and stance on Israel .......You decide.......

Concerning the Governor's race John Nestor of Nanepashemet blog fame echo's my thought on Tim Cahill.........What did his former campaign workers do different than Cahill himself......They all realized that they couldn't win so they abandoned "ship".......Cahill "the Democratic Party"....and them the "alleged Independent Campaign ".........My thought....move on and decide........

Look at the real issues......and candidates........Patrick  or Baker......oh.... I almost forgot Jill........

FANTASY FOOTBALL.......NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Patriots may have set an all time record for Fantasy Football last night.....and for the Crushers that is a great thing......If you own a team defense you get a points for sacks,interceptions,blocked kicks,special team touchdowns.....The average for defense points is normally in the 5 to 12 range.....last night the Crushers got 50 points...and the team not only won but lead the league in scoring.....
Secondly,Because of my location the game started at 2:30pm and for the first time Isaw the end of MNF along with the post game activity which included an interview with Tom Brady who concluded his talk with a "Hi Mom ".....

Hope all is well......I will be reporting back....

LEFT COAST.......AND FRIENDS.......

I am in a time zone six hours from the New England area.It may not seem like a "big Deal"
Except when you are here.....An example is that it is Sunday and the NFL games start at 7:00am
And the Patriots Monday Night Game will have the kickoff at 2:00 in the afternoon.Imagine a life where you never have to stay up late to the "wee hours"of the night....and when I wake up at 7:00am tomorrow on Monday you probably have had lunch and it is 1:00pm.

I am with great friends who graciously had me stay at their home in Seal Beach,California.It is this wonderful small sea side community in Orange County...before we started this journey

So where am I ?........It is the little Island of Kauia with beaches that have Mountains "dipping"into the Pacific Ocean..and Tom & Chris Pfleider experienced travelers who know this place like the back of their hand have been showing me the "nooks and hideouts ".....Iam running on back roads,deep sand and climbing hilly trails....

IT will be a little tense today...since Tom is the Commish of the Fantasy Football League in which the Crushers of New England are making some noise and getting attention from the the other owners.....of course a lot of that success comes from "type A Son-in-Law Norm Sherwood
Who is Co-Owner......

On a political note Charlie Baker appears to be on a "surge" and I am reading the "Obama Wars"
Which is quite interesting.....more on this later......

For Now it is.......Aloha....

FANTASY FOOTBALL....RUNNING....OTHER THINGS

I have been limited in my writing on "THOUGHTS" this week due to work constraints, however that doesn't mean I went "brain dead".........

A Boston Globe poll released today called the Governor's race a virtual tie between Charlie Baker  and Deval Patrick.I never trust the "leftist " Globe.......didn't that paper have a poll a week or so before the special election that came up with the conclusion that Martha Coakley had a 15% lead ......If they are admitting that it is close.....it probably means Baker in a landslide........

However.....let's get to the real "stuff"..........

Maria Rowen "sucked it up"this morning and jumped into the ocean of  Hull Beach....and thereafter biked and ran herself to a completion of the Nantasket Beach Sprint Triathlon.How to go Maria.......Nothing like getting the first one over with......

On Saturday, I ran the Witch Half Marathon in a time of two hours which was ok.....while running partner Brenda Lewin left me behind by about 15 minutes......It was a great morning for a run  down Lafayette St,Salem to Marblehead Neck and back.............the views are as pretty as it gets.........

If anyone gets the urge and wants to train for an event such as a half marathon or sprint tri next spring/summer get in touch.....and we will talk about it......

Finally but not least the Crushers of CBS FANTASY FOOTBALL are on the verge of its second win
in as many weeks......Norm Sherwood has joined the administration as co-owner and one the teams defeated was the defending Champion Heat........The Crushers have a  QB CONTROVERSY.....Deciding whether to play Tom Brady or Michael Vick.....can be tough.....I welcome your opinion each week.....

CHRISTINE ODONNELL.......HOW FAR BACK?????

It is obvious that the Democrats and Republicans are concerned about "Tea Party"candidate O Donnell. She is a conservative who is anti abortion and has also opposed pre marital sex which includes not taking things into your own hands "if you know what I mean"....I saw the video that has surfaced on that issue and it appears that she was in college at the time.

THe latest one on witchcraft was when she was in high school and according to her was 17 years old at the time......What was the President interested in when he was that age.My memory is that Hillary Clinton was a Republican at that time in her life......"Pre-Bill "

The other issues include the amount of time it took for her to graduate from College and paying taxes late.Her general remarks are that she was from a middle income background and she had large education loans and bills to pay.She stated that the rich may not relate to her circumstances.....

Stay tuned for more..........

JIMMY CARTER VS. TED KENNEDY.......THE BATTLE STILL RAGES....

Carter and Kennedy "squared off' against each other in the 1980 Presidential Primary....in which Carter won...... only to be defeated by Ronald Regan.......That was a really good thing........During the Carter Presidency we had "out of control" interest rate and gas prices.....along with the Iran Hostage Crisis..........The economic instability and lack of consumer confidence was not much different than today......but that discussion is for another day......

Jimmy Carter and his former staff members have been saying for years that they could have passed a compromise health bill during his White House tenure.........if Ted Kennedy had not been vindictive and continued to oppose the bill due to his dislike of Carter........Jimmy Carter has brought the issue up again......Is he right ?

If that is true........Where does that leave the Legacy of Ted Kennedy.......? and the press and the stories of Kennedy being the "Great Compromiser" and champion of national health care......

BRADY......ANTHONY KENNEDY SHRIVER......

I cannot believe all the heat that Tom Brady has gotten over the Audi.....and the fact that a non profit gave him and six of his lineman vehicles.Many of the pro athletes in Boston get cars and have for as many years as I can remember.......Remember the "shelf"life of stars is limited and they might as well take advantage of it while they have the ability to do so..........

On the other hand Anthony Shriver and Joe Kennedy appear to hold themselves out as "shining knights working for the common good "while at the same time taking salaries and in Shriver's case a $97,000 Audi from non profits.

I believe that their should be a further definition of whether an entity is a non profit or an actual charity.This could be defined by the percentage of money spent on administrative and advertising costs......It would help the average person decide whether their donation is being spent in a meaningful manner.......

WICKED............

I saw the play WICKED yesterday in Boston and it brought the Wizard of Oz story
full circle for me.
Margo who was the subject of yesterday's Blog took me to the theatre as a special treat to see the "OZ"movie and like many children I left at the end completely terrified of the "wicked witch"of the west and her flying monkeys.........

Well......for those who have not seen the play or read the book ......their is redemption
And a whole other side to this story.....

It is full of hope......and doing the right thing.

IF you can do it,get your tickets.....and give yourself a treat.

MARGO ROWE.........9/12/2001

"Margo" Rowe is a difficult person to forget.She passed on to the "Greater life " nine years ago which  was one day after the 9/11/2001 massacre at the World Trade Center...... her time was close due to illness.....but I sometimes think it was not coincidental and  her time was hastened to assist the 3,000 people both young, old,rich,poor,educated,uneducated,known and unknown who were "yanked without warning"to see their Maker....She truly had no prejudice in her heart........and wished the "best " for all...

Margo's life was spent helping people by leadership,example and prayer every day of her life........and it is fitting that she would be with those souls on that Day........

Margo is my Mother......and I am sure most of the people that "crossed paths "with her would agree with my above thoughts......She believed that everything whether good or bad was God's Will.....and Faith would make everything sustainable......

I do not write this in sorrow....but in the hope that  family and friends and acquaintances that knew her will carry on her legacy.....and qualities that have made this a better World........

TOM BRADY......

I am relieved that Tom Brady was not injured in the accident yesterday....after the alleged serial "looking for an accident"driver allegedly ran the red light and allegedly slammed into his Audi........I am happy that the "Hubby" of Gisele is ok for many reasons.....not the least of that he is the Starting QB for the CBS Fantasy League Crushers.......Norm Sherwood and myself are  Co-GM'S of the Team and a lot is riding on his performance this year.We dumped Randy Moss and in turn picked up Brady and Ray Rice of the Ravens.....It looks good on paper.......but who knows.........

By the way.......I think most people would "skip"out of work if involved in an accident .....such as the one at the corner of Comm. Ave and Gloucester St.,Boston,Ma. yesterday........unless your employer had the deal  of  4years, $ 58 million, $ 48 million guaranteed........ sitting on a desk in Foxboro to be signed........as
alleged (again)............

I do not know this from experience.......but..........

ROSH HASHANAH......2010...

My prior blog touched on two religious entities apparently forgetting the "spirit of the heart"in earthly pursuits to prove that the can do what is legal ......even though not necessarily right..........

Rosh Hashanah on the other hand shows how many times religions are more similar than not.......
The Catholics have Confession and the Jews have Tasikh.......They are of repentance and
acceptance of a "Day of Judgement "......each in it's own form.

Tasikh is the placing of bread crumbs into flowing water that symbolizes the casting away of sins such as  Confession which has the same effect.

Rosh Hashanah has the Tasikh and it is also their New Year........

Happy New Year........and good luck with all those resolutions......I assume the rate of success or failure is not different for any creed.....If I am incorrect let me know........

WHAT'S LEGAL....AND WHAT'S RIGHT...........?

So we have the Muslims building their place of worship in a former Burlington Coat Factory in the area of "Ground Zero " and a Minister in Florida along with his congregation of 50 planning to use their place of worship to burn "books" that are the the equivalent of the Bible and the Word of Mohamed........to the Muslims........

Both of these actions are legal in the sense that they are protected by the First Amendment which says in part;
   "Congress shall make no law.......abridging the freedom of speech......

A few words that speak volumes of case law and legislative acts by both the Federal and State Courts that in summary say you can build churches, temples and burn books......with a few exceptions........

That being said.......Is it right.......I say no.......The Muslims should have their places of Worship.....however , they could pick a location that doesn't effect the sensitivities of Americans whose lives and destinies were changed at the "World Trade Center Slaughter ".............

Concerning the "Book Burners"......same to them.....I assume they call themselves Christians......but they certainly are not acting that way.....It is wrong........

Laws can legislate behavior..........however love and respect of each other comes from our heart and spirit..........

PROBATION.......COMMUNITY SERVICE........MY BROTHERS TABLE

My Brother's Table needed volunteers for the "labor day" weekend and the Lewin Family of Swampscott
answered the bell by showing up and doing a great job.Brenda & Richard Lewin along with her parents, Herb & Felice and friend, Darlene were exceptional and performed like seasoned veterans..........

Another story from yesterday's dinner was a young woman who was there as a "forced volunteer ".........
I am not sure I can give out her name due to privacy rules.......but let me tell you my observations......
She was ordered to be there because of her doing Community Service arising more than likely from an order of the Court and the Probation Department.......She has been doing it for awhile and was very knowledgeable of how the food serving is done at the "Table"........

In fact, She ran the operation.She gave the volunteers tips on how to be efficient in the various assignments and at the same time met and greeted the guests with warmness and acceptance.........

I do not know what got her to where she is at the moment, however she has leadership ability along with energy and communication skills.........If she needs a reference relative to my thoughts of today she 's got it.

SEE ....Once again the bad brings out the best......many times.

DOMINO'S PIZZA......AND TRAGEDY.....

Two Domino Pizza deliveryman were pronounced dead this week in separate incidents.....

The first was a 64 year old man who was working the job in order to raise funds to relocate to Florida.
He was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which the other driver was involved in a high speed chase in which he was trying to avoid apprehension by the Chelsea Police.

The second man was sent to an address to deliver Pizza which turned out to be a "bogus"address and the "perps" stole his money and took his life in a brutal murder........

Two hard working individuals who had their lives" snuffed" out by persons who made the decision that their problems were more important than the lives of the ones they endangered and killed........

I wish I new the answer to ending these senseless actions.........

PRESIDENT OBAMA.....AND "LEFT HAND COMPLIMENT "

The President decided to end the Iraq war last night, but  50,000 troops will remain for the time being....and he gave a timetable for those troops and when they will be leaving......This scenario has made the unstable Government anxious and worried while the enemy is ecstatic and telling  Iraq citizens that their support of this US backed Government will be dealt with after the final troops depart..........

The timing and message as delivered by the President did not seem helpful to the Iraq situation......but the believers of "peace at all cost" are happy and have their own assumptions of the future........

I was bothered by Obama's remarks concerning former President George W. Bush.......He did call him a Patriot and Great American.......I do not think many Americans have issue with that.......but why did not Barack give Bush credit for doing "what he thought was right "after 9/11 and specifically his ordering of the "surge"................ "He could have said many things concerning the courage of convictions without compromising his own positions........Someday he will hope one of his Successors will remember him in that fashion.



You would think that the President understands the pressure of his position and in reflection give credit where credit is due.......His above remark was what I always referred to as a "left handed compliment"..........


It appears that Barack Obama and his "ego"would not let him ever publicly admit that another view other than his might be right.....even once in awhile......

SARAH PALIN.....RESTORING HONOR.......

I realize that the Left and many Democrats feel that Sarah Palin is a "nut job "with no intellect.I disagree and have the opinion that the "strong dislike" is due to the fear that she has this great popularity in the "blue state of mind "......and the tearing down and negative acts are the means to stop her..........

It is strange that her popularity and draw of crowds continues on and on....especially since she is allegedly" empty headed" and inexperienced according to many pundits.........could these reviews be inaccurate ?

 I urge you to read the speech that  she gave at the "Restoring Honor " Rally.........

She spoke of the Mothers who have seen their children go into the military over history.....and watch them go from  "ordinary persons to persons doing extraordinary things"in the name of character and defense of freedom..........., She is the Mother of a Military veteran and "Walks the Walk"on this one.

She also talked of her being humble standing in the shadow of the Monument to the "Great Emancipator "and where Martin Luther King
gave his "I have a Dream"speech.......

She spoke of honor,character and faith........

So what is wrong with that  ?........


It appears to me that her remarks had nothing to do with Glenn Beck, Barack Obama or Rev.Al Sharpton............

ALVEDA KING......NIECE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR......

In Washington D.C. a "Rally to Restore Honor " is scheduled to be held tomorrow morning.One of the Speakers is Dr.Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King,Jr. ..........So guess who is complaining......
    

I will give you a couple of hints.....Glenn Beck of FOX NEWS is the organizer and Dr. King is involved with the Group, Priests for Life and she is strongly opposed to Abortion..........

Al Sharpton argues that the rally should not be allowed since the gathering is political,and thus is not allowed on Federal Property....while the organizers counter that its purpose is individual reflection,reorganizing,and a reflection of who we are as a Nation........

It is incredible how the "mainstream" press "coddles" women who are of liberal persuasion while Sarah Palin,Former Governor, Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State and Dr.King
are snubbed or ridiculed because of their position on the issues.......

Alveda King intends to speak of honor, character, and sacrifice......Seems ok.....for reflection and reorganizing......

Free Speech and the exercise of this right is what makes our Country great, and in fact has given the Reverend Sharpton and Jesse Jackson a means to make a living.......

This is a easy decision for me.........let the "Rally Roll "......Dislike or Disagreement is not a reason to
stop discussion on our public ways...especially in the very place that Martin Luther King gave his "I HAVE A DREAM......"

CHARLIE SANPHY......RIP.....ONE OF THE GREAT ONES...

Charlie Sanphy passed away this week, and his obituary in the Lynn Item wrote of his Army experience, work and volunteering on the Board of Directors,of My Brother's Table along with the naming of his many Children along with 14 Grandchildren........I could have never figure how Charlie kept up with everything he was involved in......along with raising his "Tribe "except for one enduring fact........

He was one of the most positive, spiritual, and quick witted persons I have ever encountered.....along with

having common sense and "street smarts"......If I left anything out that is good.....sorry for my mistake.....The photo at the right shows one of his many talents
which was being the Emcee at  many of the local events.The microphone was part of his "persona."...He could stand up in front of a crowd, sometimes in the 100's........ and he had the ability to go through the audience and  speak of anecdotes concerning them in a humorous way that made everyone in the room "laugh together... but never at someone"at least not in a bad way.......

He will be missed by many........but no more than the void that will be left with his great family.........

MARTHA COAKLEY....AND CRAIGLIST

It is interesting during election time how candidates scheme with "their staff and brain trust " to create issues that will put them into the headlines and hopefully the inside track to victory........

Martha Coakley "playing" on the suicide of the alleged Craiglist Murderer.......has decided that the time is right to go after Craiglist for allowing persons to advertise sexual encounters on its website........On its face it appears ok........but what about all the other "filth " out there and the 1st Amendment Rights that will be defended by the civil libertarian Attorney's........

Concerning Craiglist what is the goal of the Attorney General ? I assume she is trying to protect the prostitutes who will continue to do what they do in other ways......and the "John's "who will still be looking elsewhere for "happy endings".......



Martha Coakley is probably leery about the other "big issues"since it appears she was on the "wrong side"most times in the Scott Brown runoff and does not want to bring them up again.......and sites like Craiglist are easy targets.......

We will be seeing this strategy by the pol's in the month's to come........

MARIA SHARAPOVA......RUSSIAN BEAUTY....WITH A HEART.....

I want to stay on a topic that is close to my heart.....beautiful women...Thought's discussed an encounter between two beautiful women last Sunday......Gisele and Lisa and now I  would like to make mention of Maria Sharapova.......

I assume everyone knows her......but in any event she is the "highest paid " female athlete on the planet.It is estimated that her Tennis earnings are 20 million a year ...........not bad for a 23 year old six footer from Russia.........

The Chernobyl Nuclear plant disaster was 24 years ago and Maria had been born approximately a 100 miles from ground zero.......disaster and illness has plagued that area for all these years.......and even today a great amount of the children have thyroid cancer......

You know how "bad" many times turns to "good"......Maria's parents decided to move after the disaster without any plans or hope except that they wanted better for their little daughter......and by the time Maria was six she was living in the "Good Olde US " and taking tennis lessons.....The years following are history......

Maria has recently traveled to her homeland area and has donated money and resources to this "stricken area "............and it wonderful to see a young person with fame and money doing the "right thing" and not living the Hollywood" trap" that leaves talent and potential by the wayside.

PATRIOT ROAD TRIP.....A SURPRISE "BLIND DATE" WITH GISELE & TOM BRADY .....

Gisele & "Sweet Lou"

"Super Fan & Daughter " Lou Panakio and Lisa Rowe thought it would be fun to go to Gillette Stadium and the Patriot Place Mall to observe the Patriot team practice and eat dinner in the area......

The team practice was great........and think about this you former "football want to Be's "........In the Quarterback Passing Drills.....Tom Brady was on the 30 yard line in the middle of the field....The target was a barrel on the sideline at the goal line.....His 1st attempt was a "swish "........The other QB'S did not do it......however a few of the throws were close.

We went to the CBS Sports Bar with the 125 TV'S which was worth the visit in and of itself......but little did We know about the future ahead of us.

We were walking toward the entrance to the famed Davio's Italian Dinery when Lou who had been not feeling well last winter........broke into a "quick run" after glancing at me in a way that caught me off guard....I was momentarily confused until I put it all together........He had flown to the restaurant door in order to open it for Gisele,Tom and their kids who had just stepped out of their vehicle......He and Lisa were like two "giddy kids " .....I really was surprised at Lou's speed to complete his act of chivalry.....I didn't realize that I could have used a stopwatch when I left the house.Lisa was examining Mrs. Brady in "a way only women can do"

We all had a wonderful time at this pleasant establishment.....and for us this blind date was a great moment in  Patriot History......It was greater than the
Super Bowl of 1985......and if their was any doubt in anyone's mind......all you had to see is how great Gisele looks in casual clothes....

A day to remember.......

JENNIFER ANISTON......SINGLE MOTHERS

Jennifer Aniston in promoting her new movie is in one way or another relating the fact that Women can have children without a Father involved and that "Single Motherhood " is ok even though it is not the best of circumstances.

Jennifer has been a role model in her volunteer work for St. Jude Hospital(note her "Give Thanks" top) and their is no doubt that if and when she becomes a single mother she will be a able to care for her child.....due to her money and fame status......but her condoning this behavior even indirectly is a shame when it comes to all the young girls that adore her and worship the ground she walks on........

Charles Murray, social scientist, is quoted" Illegitimacy is the single most important social problem of our time- more important than crime,drugs,poverty,illiteracy,welfare, or homelessness because it drives everything else"........

A sampling of  studies gives some gruesome statistics ;  70% of inmates serving long term sentences in juvenile detention centers were raised by single mothers , 70% of teenage births,dropouts,,suicides,runaways,juvenile delinquents,and child murders involve children raised by single mothers....It goes on and on..........

Anne Coulter, in her book,Guilty, writes ;
 "single motherhood is breeding a huge underclass.Half of the single mothers in the US are below the poverty line,making their children six times more likely to be in poverty than children with married parents."

I believe that you have to live near and around the poverty to really "know it ".......and see the "vicious circles "that keep repeating themselves...........

Jennifer is not a "bad person" .........She has merely been given a different lifestyle.......but we all grow and learn..........

MY BROTHER'S TABLE......SUMMER PARTY.....PHOTOS.....

The "brains " behind John's Roast Beef
on Western Ave. Lynn

Richard & Brenda Lewin with family and friends

Kevin Kennedy with the "Soft Touch"

Maria Rowen, Recruiter and Cliff Ansara,Liquor Mogul 

BFF Maria and Lisa

BOD Taso Nikolakopoulos with the "beauties"

MY BROTHER'S TABLE......SUMMER PARTY.....SUCCESS......

2500 Volunteers, 90,000 meals during the last year,365 days a year and no public tax money for support.......
28 years ago, the Founders wrote;
  "We volunteers have more to learn than share.My Brother's Table will be a center for barriers to break down,for the poor to educate the rich,the elderly to teach the young, the powerless  to humble the powerful......And, since we are caring for God's people, We will always get what we need."

Last night the summer garden party was a great success to all who came and participated in any way......The food, music and social camaraderie was fantastic. The spirit of "giving"loomed over the crowd and believe me you could "feel it"........

It was a special night in that so many of my family and friends over the past year have participated in the volunteering at the "Table"in every aspect from the Kitchen, Committees, Walks, and Fund Raising.......Many of them were present last night and it was my honor to be with each and everyone of them......Thanks guys.......It is impossible to mention everybody since I surely would forget someone and have to make "amends".....You know who you are...... and remember that I think of your giving spirit every time I see ,talk or have a thought of you ......whether present or not last night.......

I will be posting some pictures in a short time.......Have a good day....

CHARLIE BAKER......GANGED UP BY CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS....

I have made my compassion known for the way Matt Amorello was vilified by the press and the Haverhill
Police, but there is no such feeling for the lack of truth or "spinning"of facts in the interest of political expediency........and that is exactly what Patrick and Cahill are doing by inferring that actions by Charlie Baker 16 years ago are the reason for the Amorello "Big Dig "problems.... Memory is that back all those years ago the Commonwealth had a surplus..........

Matt knew what he was getting into when he took the Turnpike "job", and his handing out patronage positions and pay raises is what got him in the "radar  scope " of then Governor Romney who forced his resignation.My opinion is that he was not qualified to handle a complicated position and Gov. Jane Swift also unqualified appointed him for reasons that had  nothing to do with competency..........

The Governor race is "heating"up early.....and I find it amusing that the Governor and Treasurer who have had responsibility for the past four years are wasting time trying to give History lessons about years "gone by"..........I remember long ago.....when Dukakis wanted to depress the overhead roads in Boston
and  "Ted" Kennedy promised federal money.......

Let's deal with our current issues and get this "mess " fixed.........

MATT AMORELLO.......GIVE HIM A BREAK.......

Matt Amorello has had a "bad go" of it the last few years......He has gone from a powerful political operative in Republican circles being a State Senator and the Head of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority to a Defendant charged with DUI , Damaging Property of others and leaving the scene......He is innocent until proven guilty..........but according to newspaper reports; a relative said give him a break, and I certainly can understand the sentiment of his family member.....

I am not talking a break from Justice if found guilty..........but I think the way the Boston Herald presented the story with  the" booking photo " of  him on the front page was 'uncalled for "........In fact I have no memory of  that type booking picture.in any paper............
.
Other reports say he is divorced, lost his house through foreclosure, and of course quit the "Big Dig Job"under political pressure which had been paying in the range of $ 223.000........

These charges seem to demonstrate that  he has hit the "bottom " on this phase of his journey through life........and
Being who he is.....makes it obvious that many people will find "glee" in this tragedy..........I do not know him and it seems to me that his "public persona " have led him to this particular point of scorn.......But..........that is not the purpose of this " Thought ".............


Compassion is a human characteristic that is greater than the human mistakes that we all make....... the Courts will sort out the judgement but remember none of us are perfect......and except for the "Grace of God " go I.............

Leave the judgements to others .........and think how you would feel if this was you or one of your family members........

First Amendment Rights allow unfettered use of "words, thoughts and sentences........but don't control human reason and dignity......You have to figure that out for yourself..........

SALIM FORT.....TRAGEDY........AND GREAT STORY......

Salim Fort lived for a short fifteen years.......but He left me with a great impression  and a story to tell you...........

I did not know him but his obituary in the Lynn Item said it all;

A Gentleman and Athlete, who personified respect, dignity and humility.............A "Gentle Giant " loved by the entire community.........Who wouldn't want that as a legacy..........

On Friday Evening chance took me by Ocean Street, Lynn and while stopped at the red light I noticed a large crowd of people young, old, black, white and Asian waiting in a long line and mulling around the sidewalk and parking areas of the Solimine Funeral Home.

A young person had brought all types of humans of every creed,color, background together in one spirit to celebrate and honor his "special being "..........It is a tribute to him, his family and the citizens of the City of Lynn......

When conditions seem intolerable and without hope.....A tragedy which seems inconsolable turns and gives us a view of the all that is great.......including this Man who was put on this earth to give us a short glimpse of all that is "good on this earth "........

God's Messages are delivered in many ways and a different route by me would have denied me this moment of reflection........RIP Salim Fort..........

LYDIA SHIRE.....LIBERTY HOTEL.....AND GOOD NEWS

I was privileged to be able to accompany two loves of my life into MGH to discuss treatment and prognosis relative to completed tests.....The meeting results were very encouraging...and the Doctors were positive and upbeat that the situation is controllable........

My observation of MGH and the Children's Hospital for "little people" is that they are the only place to be if "things " have the potential to be serious......The professionalism and caring treatment is terrific........and MGH is also near the Liberty Hotel.......The last time I was in the building I was visiting a client who was confined as an inmate since it was then known as the Charles Street Jail of Suffolk County....those were in my "trial lawyer" days...I remember the case,and it is a good story.......ask me about it sometime.....It involved robbery, polygraphs and a "tree "........

The Liberty is now a beautiful place to stay with three restaurants appropriately named CLINK, ALIBI AND SCAMPO. We celebrated at the Clink and Alibi bars and dined at Scampo.....Lydia Shire the celebrity Chef is running a great operation.....It is a little pricey.....but face it Boston is the "Big Leagues "....The food and atmosphere makes it a place to be seen........If you get a chance give it a try.......If you are not up for a "big " meal they have salads, thin crust pizza and other similar appetizers.....

It was a day to remember..............

MCGEE VS DENT.................

The Governor's Race is in full swing with all the gambling posturing of the candidates and whether the Legislature is the "scapegoat" or the "hero.........It appears that the longer it goes on the more muddled the matter becomes.....I still am of the opinion that the failure of leadership at the "top "has created this latest "fiasco "......That aside lets focus on another race.

The 3rd Essex & Middlesex Senator is Tom McGee and under normal circumstances you would consider him a "shoo in" as his prior reelection numbers attest.............

He is well liked, personal and the incumbent.........however is that incumbency a "friend or foe ".He has voted with the House Leadership on many bills and it past years and it has not hurt him....

however what is in the mind of the electorate ?......I am sure that Tom is concerned and the "word on the street " is that he is working the "door to door " meet and greet.........

His opponent, Christopher Dent, a Nahant Resident, graduated from Syracuse University , joined the US Marine Corp, served in Iraq in 2006 and presently is unable to go "door to door "

since he is with his Marine Corp Reserve Unit in Monzambigue training Africans about Intelligence techniques. He is due to be discharged in November......He certainly hopes the voters support the troops..........

He will be back soon and I assume that the two candidates will have debates.......The fact that the challenger is still in the military and is conservative.... certainly makes this a political race to follow..........

No prediction from "Thought's " on this one.........!

MY BROTHER'S TABLE......SUMMER PARTY.....AUGUST 12

Now that Chelsea Clinton's Wedding is over.....You can turn your attention to the local summer extravaganza......You are invited even if you did not get one to her Party......and You can bring your cell phone and photos are allowed......also no travel to upstate New York.....

My Brother's Table Summer Party is a week from Thursday........August 12 at the Nahant Country Club at 7pm. Remember "The Table " served 90,000 meals last year ......and that is done by a small dedicated staff and many volunteers.The financial support is done "by you the people" and no tax or government money is received or accepted.........

This is the "big"fundraiser of the year......and if you show up you will be treated to culinary treats from the best restaurants on the North Shore, music, silent auction and great friends "doing the right thing ".....

If you have any questions call the Table 781 595 3224 or Mybrotherstable.org to download an invitation.............

Clear your calender.......help teenage unemployment by hiring a babysitter and get your self there............

GOVERNOR PATRICK.....EXECUTIVE INCOMPETENCE

I appreciate anyone who supports the troops.......and if I was a friend of the President I would ask him if I could do something to help them... I do not know if TV opportunities and walking around

in "baseball cap, flack jacket " is real support or not.......I know from my military time that those "type things " seemed funny.....and for the most part were a distraction to the daily routine and duties....

Of course I am talking "many moons ago".............

In the working world I am a believer in focus,consistency,order and timing. Deval Patrick made the choice to go on this trip to the war zone at the end of the legislative session when tradition in this State is that "deals are made and Laws are enacted "...........He was absent when a Governor is at the pinnacle of his power to negotiate laws and the future direction of the Commonwealth. In my mind absence is incompetence......Oh ....He did show up a couple of days ago and started to "rattle the cages " with veiled threats after the Legislature

had been working on various versions of the "casino bill "while he was MIA.....TOO LITTLE...TOO LATE.........No matter what he says now........

This morning after the House and Senate have passed a bill....He is saying it is unacceptable.....It is my opinion that if he had stayed home and did his "job" He could have made the State a better place for the returning troops and their families.........We need a person in the "Corner Office" who is willing to make the duties of Governor a full time operation with professional leadership in the forefront.......We deserve better.........

We all have wish lists........but sometimes circumstances call us to stand fast and do what is necessary........I assume his trip was for "good intentions "and not political to preserve his position.......however only he knows.........

BOSTON LIGHT......KIM GARBARINO...SWIM RECORD

Kim Garbarino (Thought's 9/9/2009 ) took a day off from work as a Probation Officer at Lynn District Court on Tuesday, July 27, 2010......so what did he do ?......How about doing something that only three people have done since 1897.............

Last year the 52 year old entered the famous Boston Light Swim((1907) from Boston Light to Carson Beach, South Boston which is eight miles.He finished it in 4 : 25: 18 in 12th place.This race is called the "Old Grand Daddy " of Open Swim Racing..........He has continued his training in "epic style " as related previously........and now he has gone on to another level...........

Two days ago he put on his speedo, Speedo hat,and goggles and stepped off the Boston Light rocks under the watchful "eye"of a Coast Guard serviceman and started a swim to Carson Beach.He got to the Beach after 8 miles and turned around and swam back to Boston Light.He started at 8:10 am and finished at 4:19pm.........16 miles in 8 hrs, 9 min...........

It was recorded by video and the feat is being reviewed by Greg O'Connell the Director and Historian of the Boston Light Swimming records.........This 16 mile swim is referred to as a "Double Cross Swim ". It appears that only three people have done this prior to Kim since 1897.....and they went from Carson Beach and back....while He is the only one known to go from the Light and back.....The last recorded " Double Cross was 40 years ago in 1969........

The great thing about Thought's is that I am given the opportunity to write about stories

that are "uplifting" and show us "mere humans" what we are capable of with desire, determination,and a will which sometimes seems to come from "PLACES UNKNOWN TO US".

Thanks Kim......for reminding us that we all can reach almost " unattainable goals " if we want it.............

CHARLIE BAKER......SOUNDS GOOD FOR LYNN.......

I attended a fund raiser earlier this evening for Charlie Baker at the Volunteer Yacht Club in Lynn and I must admit that I am now "rooting" for him. I hope he is the person he says he" is".........I like his delivery and the issues that are his priorities..........but before that discussion......I was not sure who I WOULD SEE AT THIS EVENT.......but it turned out that I I knew almost every person in the room......and trust me the "tide may truly be shifting "............The anti -incumbency feeling was alive even from some of the long time supporters of these very incumbents.......Oh boy.......

Now back to Charlie.........

One of his key strategies relative to the budget is to make decisions and then cut cost and contain other costs.The first major decision will be to leave untouched "Aid to the cities and towns "He said that is the "playing field"and he will go forward from there.......That is great news for Lynn and all the other 364 cities and towns that cannot survive without State Aid.....I am sure he formulated that idea from his years as a Swampscott Selectman.

I assume the cuts will come from the State, and I am comfortable that his experience as an executive at Harvard Pilgrim Health will allow him to administer the cuts in an orderly,compassionate, and common sense manner....It will not be easy or without criticism.......however the other candidates both Constitutional Officers have had their chance

and led us to nowhere..........Are they afraid to look at their friends and supporters of the past and tell them that the "gravy train "has to make its last stop........

He was very critical of the Patrick Administration for applying and accepting the "Common Core" Federal monies which will in effect "dumb down " the MCAS Testing which is highly regarded and calls for accountability of the teachers and students.....It is not perfect I know......but I am against changing the entire program.....I am worried when the teacher unions are silent.....If my memory is correct...They were against MCAS when originally proposed............

Oh well.....now you know where I stand.......at least Patrick and Cahill will save some money on stamps.....after they read " Thought's.......

MAEVE.....TEGAN..... AND LISA......... SWIM BUDDIES....

It has been a busy summer because of the spring storms,fires and other misfortunes that have befallen clients that have been fortunate to hire me as their public adjuster and sometimes their attorney......That aside I finally had a "real summer morning "

with Maeve, Tegan, and Lisa.......

We all went to the Swampscott Beach Club while RockStar Fitness "Momma" was training

clients.............

It seemed like yesterday that Lisa and I were at pools with Maeve and Tegan and they were

in the small "kids pool "barely getting their toes wet and being "proud"of the accomplishments....Those little "tikes" are now 9 and 6 years old.........The picture

is of Maeve,Cousin Maren(age 2), and Tegan.....

Well......now they are like mermaids and swim and dive "like it's second nature "........

Maeve was coaching me how to do "flip turns "for my triathlon endeavors......and after 40-50

flips I had enough.......Her encouragement of "Papa your doing good "brought back my words of days gone by.........to another generation of kids that were listening to me and are now the Parents...............

We had a lot of fun.......and after that it was back to the adult world.

My thought today is "don't let this pass without paying attention ". Maeve and Tegan were precious yesterday, and we all know and recognize that "time moves on"............