Monday, November 30, 2009

None of Our Business


When the best golfer in the world hits a golf ball..... that should be news.
~
When the best golfer in the world hits a fire hydrant with his Cadillac Escalade.... that shouldn't be news.... that should be private.
~
Just because someone is exceptional at one talent, that doesn't give us the right to invade his private life.
~
It's none of our business to wonder if he was cheating on his hot wife. 
~
Even if his every itch hits the tabloids, though, it still must be cool to be Tiger.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Big Fat Problem

So I come in from our Fresh Ayer trip, and there is a program on about fat women who have lost weight.
~
Naturally, they are blubbering and sobbing.
~
I don't understand why fat women cry about losing weight.   I could see maybe crying if you didn't have enough food.... but crying because you have shed some lbs. is a bit mystfying.
~
This has to be the first generation in human hstory where the food crisis is not scarcity and starvation, but overeating and obesity.  I suppose that is a form of progress.

Tuna Lips said...
I likes me the big rigs.
Maria Rowen said...
We can't help it. We cry about everything...it's our Corpus Callosum...and we all have one no matter how big the rig…
 

Saturday, November 28, 2009

No Choice


It's 7:00 PM, and Tyler Gill, one of Ryan's best friends, just called and asked me to go down to Maddies.
~
For those of you who have never been to Marblehead, Maddies Sail Loft has been the premier drinking hole in this Town for time immemorial. despite a change of ownership.  Everybody around here has a Maddies story.
~
Should I???
~
On the one hand, I'm pretty settled in for the night... just downed my second Seagrams and Cranberry cocktail in keeping with my long standing seasonal drinking traditions.
~
On the other hand, Joanne has just assumed control of the widescreen and is watching chick flicks galore... the current one being BrideWars featuring Kate Hudson and Ann Hathaway.
~
So it's Drinks with Ryan's friends v. Sacrificing my Manhood watching this gushy movie.  Maddies gets the nod.
~
There is really no other choice for a Mountain of a Man like me.  
~
Plus, I doubt if she'll notice that I'm gone.

Shocking Sight

It happened once before, and I let it go.
~
I think I was in denial.
~
But this morning, as I sat peacefully on my couch, gazing out the front window.... it happened again.
~
The O'Shea's front door opened wide and Tommy O emerged.... clad only in a bath towel around his waist, as he bent over to retrieve his morning paper.   That's right.... I saw skin... lots of it.... and some in places that I never want to see again.
~
You would think that a Mountain of a Man like me would be impervious to such a disruptive sight.
~
But no.  Even I have limits to what I can physically tolerate.
~
I pray that Tommy O gets a bathrobe.  Lord... heed my prayer.

Tuna Lips said...
Try seeing yer 5th grade teacher releivin' herself outside the double wide. Nothin' new here, move along folks, until ye spy downwards and see Mister Collinsworth, the principle of the high school, singing "Am I Pretty" whist the shower hits his corn fed gut. Lesson learned.  
Maria Rowen said...
It seems to me...if Tommy O. was Sarah Palin...you would be praying to the Lord for a mighty west wind to blow. So while you are praying...you should thank the Lord you do not still have crush on your 5th grade teacher. Ah...men...  
 

Friday, November 27, 2009

Day Off

No news today.
~
A partying couple crashed the White House Indian State Dinner causing a breach of security.  And that's it.
~
It's a good day to take off.  Maybe I'll take care of some internal paperwork at Nanepashemet Telecom, but that's it.  Tommorrow we'll be heading for some Fresh Ayer.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

RIP Hilary Rockett

J. Hilary Rockett passed away today.  Hilary was an icon in Marblehead, and changed the landscape of the town with his real estate development.  He was a hard nosed, stubborn Irish businessman who got things done through brute determination.  I had the opportunity to work with him and his son Michael on a gymnasium project for Tufts University, his alma mater.
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Hilary said he could get the gym built tor $870,000 - a ridiculously low figure for the time in the early 90's.  He set Mike and I to build the project, and would never take no for an answer.   And when some detractors at the College tried to put up some roadblocks, Hilary mowed them down in a meeting with brute force of personality in a manner that I hadn't witnessed before or since.  Needless to say, the Gym came in on budget.
~
As an entrepreneur who maintained a small family business, he posted solid accomplishments in Salem, Lynn, Marblehead and Naples, Fl.  He was tough and unyielding, and didn't care what anybody thought, but underneath this facade, he was a good man.  When his oldest son, Hilary, Jr. came down with brain cancer, Hilary told me that he wished it was him, and I truly believed him.
~
It will be weird for me to get over the fact that he no longer is with us in Marblehead.

J. Hilary Rockett Sr.

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ROCKETT,J.Hilary,Sr., Esquire Age 74, of Marblehead, MA, passed away on November 26, 2009 following a brief battle with melanoma. He was at home surrounded by family. A third generation Marblehead resident, Rockett was born on January 16, 1935, the son of late Richard H. and Irene Rockett. He graduated from Marblehead High School, Tufts University and New England School of Law. Rockett's professional career began working for Sylvania Lighting, and then he began a sales career at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. After serving in the United States Army from 1957-1959, Rockett embarked on a career in politics in 1960 and was elected to the Marblehead Board of Selectmen at the age of 25 (youngest member at the time ever elected). He was elected to the State Representatives of Massachusetts in 1963. Rockett served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1963-1972, while simultaneously on the Marblehead Board of Selectmen for four of those years. As a member of the House Ways and Means and Conference Committees, Rockett was successful in introducing and passing significant legislation, including the Massachusetts Disability Act. Dedicated to his constituents, Rockett was successful in procuring funding for Salem State College's Arena, Student Union and nursing program. In 1984, Salem State College dedicated its Sports Complex to Rockett's father, Richard H. Rockett, who was a professor at Salem State College. In Marblehead, some of the projects he secured 100% financing for included Dredging and Waterfront improvements for the Village Street, State Street and Commercial Street Piers. He also received Grants for Farrell Court and Roads school projects. As a legislator, he was instrumental and very active for the causes in his district. As his term on the Marblehead Board of Selectmen was coming to a close, he entered law school mid-career and graduated from Portia Law School (now known as New England School of Law) in 1967. In May of 2004, Rockett's accomplishments in the Massachusetts Legislature earned him the Massachusetts Legislative Associations Distinguished Service Award. In 1983, he was bestowed with an award from the Swampscott Board of Selectmen, "Honorary Citizen of Swampscott," for his work in transitioning the community from the Metropolitan District Commission. Rockett established his family business, Rockett Management & Realty Company, and also Rockett Law Firm in 1968. Over the span of 27 years, he accomplished an admirable legal career, managed legislative duties and built successful real estate developments on the north shore. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed family gatherings at his Marblehead home, spending time at the ocean, walking and golfing. He was an active member of Tedesco Country Club, Corinthian Yacht Club of Marblehead and Bay Colony Golf Course in Naples, FL. He sat on the Tufts Board of Overseers, as well as the European Board of Overseers. He coached the infamous Yankees for many years in Marblehead Little League. He also coached Marblehead Midget Football, Marblehead Youth Hockey and was a member of the Marblehead Boosters. J. Hilary leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, M. Denise (Hanlon) Rockett. He also leaves his four children, J. Hilary Rockett, Jr., and his wife, Paige, T. Michael Rockett and his wife, Patricia, Richard P. Rockett and his wife, Tonya, and Pamela Castner and her husband, Christopher, all of Marblehead. He is also survived by ten loving grandchildren, Mary, Tucker J. and Samuel H. Rockett, Margaret M. and Thomas M. Rockett, Jackson P. and Lilly E. Rockett and Haley P, Marley Y and Lea Castner, all of Marblehead. He leaves siblings, Edward Rockett, William Rockett, Mary Jane Alexander and Irene Wightman. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard H. Rockett, Jr., and his granddaughter, Allie Castner. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday December 2, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 80 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA. His Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 80 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA. For On-Line Guest Book or additional information, please contact Murphy Funeral Home 85 Federal Street, Salem, MA (781) 631-8885 or visit (www.MurphyFuneralHome.com). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the J. Hilary Rockett Sr., Esquire Scholarship fund at National Grand Bank, 190 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA.

POTW Week 48

Another Thanksgiving Eve Bash is in the record books.
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In an unanticipated and unprecedented turn of events, three of you thoughtful, intelligent, and perceptive Peeps became an Automatic Peep of the Week by giving me an 850 ml bottle of the King of Scotch, Lagavulin Single Malt.
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I am completely overwhelmed and utterly overjoyed.
~
As if that was not enough  concentrated happiness, Sarah Piscatelli presented me with an autographed copy of  James Michael Curley, A Short Biography signed by the author  William M. Bulger.  Bill Bulger, President of the Massachusetts Senate from South Boston, was someone that I always admired when I was cutting my teeth in Lynn politics some decades ago.  He stared down the liberal phonies at the Boston Globe and succeeded in a fruitful career despite their back biting and self righteous lamentations.
~
ANNOUNCING....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 48th Week of 2009.

Sarah Piscatelli
Patrick Piscatelli (A)
Kerry D'Orio
Bobby "Mountain of a Man" Brown (A)
Maria "Tuna Lips Antagonist" Rowen (A)
Sue Roper

(A) denotes Automatic Lagavulin Donor

Sometimes it's just great to be me.... and this is one of those times.
Happy Thanksgiving

Pisc said...
Phoebe has declared "Will I friend." Good eats, good chatter. Great evening.
Maria Rowen said...
For the record...next year the "TLA" will arrive early and stay late...Thanks for giving a great party...!
 

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

False Priorities

The Day before Thanksgiving is always the busiest day of the year for me.   There are so many last minute preps needed for the Bash, yet my clients usually demand a full working day.  A bit of insecurity that their projects won't receive the attention that they deserve over the long weekend.
~
As hard as I know that business is,with the need for total dedication to achieve success, it always pisses me off when people think that you have to work on the weekends or on holidays.   We're not curing cancer... we are padding the bottom line of our client. 
 ~
I was never impressed by workaholics who think that they are getting ahead by working on weekends and holidays.
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If you decide  to work on a Holiday when your job doesn't require it, then you need to get a life.   Your family should be a bit more important than your job or career.
~
So for my misguided client who asked what we will be accomplishing over the Thanksgiving Weekend.... the answer is a BIG FAT ZERO.   And do yourself a favor... get a life.
~
See you next Monday.

Bash Momentum

Superpeep Brian Butler has put his order in for Chicken Wings and Fried Dough at the Thanksgiving Eve Bash.
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I was not planning to rev up the WhiteTrash Balls, but for Brian, I'll be happy to whip up a batch.
~
The momentum for the annual event is building as usual.   Mountain of a Man Bobby Brown will be here, which should cause a bit of a frenzy, and even Piscatelli has threatened to show.  Stevie Lewis is bringing his award winning Pulled Pork.
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Naturally, no invitations have been issued.  But if you don't come, you are lame and subject to ridicule.
~
All the usual suspects have indicated that they will attend, which will make for the usual out of control, loud and obnoxious good time.
~
I can't wait.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Adirondack at Home


Katelyn took this photo of her Adirondack Chair in it's intended home on her deck in South Boston.
~
This is probably the last post that I will dedicate to the Adirondack Chair.  I know that Lisa Rowe will be dissapointed.

Maria Rowen said...
I bet Lisa would love to get all cozy with her Harvey at home in that Adirondak...
Kerry D'Orio said...
Please make me one. I need a high class looking chair to park my booty while watching the neighborhood antics.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Cripple Creek

Getting Funny

I heard today that the AP hired 11 reporters to "fact check" Sarah Palin's 400 page book.   They came up with 6 questionable facts, for the most part, matters of interpretation, and no bombshell disclosures at all.
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What the hell is the Liberal press so afraid of???.   If she is so dumb, incompetent, and bad,.... won't she just disintegrate by herself???? Why do they need 11 people researching how to discredit her, and how could they come up so short?
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Why are they so afraid of Sarah?
~
How could a little woman from Alaska, who just won't  fall in step with the media Thought Police be so threatening?  It's getting less and less aggravating to me, and more downright humorous.
~
In the meantime, we have Obama trying an international terrorist as an American Citizen in New York, which will give him legal access to any of our classified records to use in his defense.   To top if off, BO bows to Emperor Hirohito.
~
You just can't make this stuff up.   As the fluff drops off from BO, he will make Jimmy Carter look like the next candidate for Mount Rushmore.  Leadership by teleprompter.  I think Obama is right, though, he was the candidate for change, and we are in for some real change.



Maria Rowen said...
Sarah Palin continues to prove the harder they hit the harder she can hit back. The same media trying to discredit her is making her bigger than life. This whole fact checking 'thing' has inspired me to write a book and I already have the title... "BO STINKS AND THAT'S A FACT..."
Pisc said...
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they attack you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi.
 



Keep It Legal

My Real Estate Broker's license expires in Dec. and Massachusetts law calls for 12 hours of Coninuing Education in order to renew.  
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I've let it go this long, but now today is the day, and I am going to sit in class from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM to check off this requirement.
~
I've always preferred self teaching to classroom work.  Anything that I do really well, I've taught myself.   Music, Computing, Woodworking, Boatbuilding.  (ok, I'm not that good at Music, but I plan to be.)
~
But the Massachusetts Government knows best what is right for me and I will comply with the law by planting my ass in a classroom for a day. 
~
Sometimes, being a Mountain of a Man means that you have to suck it up and keep it legal.

Friday, November 20, 2009

POTW Week 47

My wife, Joanne, came through big time this week to end the drought around gifts of Lagavulin causing an automatic Peep of the Week selection.
~

I love her so much.  Even more than I love the "King of Scotch".
~
Announcing....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 47th week of 2009


Joanne Nestor (Automatic Lagavulin Rule)
Bobby Brown
Sam Khairi
Lauren Rathbone
Maria Rowen
Lou Panakio

I won't be as mushy if one of you breaks down and coughs up a Bottle in the next few weeks.

Foggy Mountain Breakdown

The rumor is that Joanne is buying me a Gold Star 100 Bluegrass Banjo for my upcoming birthday.
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It certainly would be an appropriate gift, giving me and all who hear me play so much joy in the future.
~
OK, I really can't play that well, but I'm going to learn.   And I'll teach my Grandson's Will and Ethan to use my old Washburn Infinity.  Maybe we'll start a group in a few years.... Country Will and the Nanepashemets.  I can definitely see that.
~

Joanne is super thoughtful, but I helped her along a little by placing the order myself  on Amazon a few days ago.



Tuna Lips said...


Son, you gets to pickin' that harp, well, me an Shoo will bring the Bristol boys with they jug band round yer place real soon, get us some friendly gals outta Memphis, some eats and spirits, hooey! We gonna roast us a pig or maybe a big ole 'coon and pass a jar o' talkin' juice, dance us a jig, weez gonna have a right fine time. You invite that Mexicano gal, Maria along, we have a good ole hoot.

Maria Rowen said...


Fee fie fiddley i o...o...oh...I hear the Gold Star "Mexican" blue "Grass" is the best you can buy...but...don't tell your fishy-friend...he is alreay way beyond the 'rocky-mountain-high'...

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Automatic

Sometimes I take even the most obvious things for granted.
~
For example, it's been a while since I set you Peeps straight on the sacred criteria that is used to select the weekly Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week. Unlike the Brotherhood of the Masonic Temple, there are no secrets here.  Our rituals are open for the world to see.
~
Because of this, I tend to think that all of you are proficient in the decision making process.   But since it has been so long since someone has become an "Automatic Peep of the Week", it is clear to me that an alarming number of you are lacking in the basic protocol.
~
Just so you know....
To be named a POTW, you must....

... have done something annoying, and/ or,
... have done something inspirational, and,
... not be dead, or deceased.,and,
... not be an animal.

However.... should you take the exceptionally admirable action of buying me a 750 ml bottle of Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch. you are automatically named a Peep of the Week, regardless of the appicability of any of the other criteria.
 ~
And I remember warmly those of you who went the "Automatic" Route.   People like "Mountain of a Man" Bobby Brown , the Insidious Bob Wojcik, Mike Elsier, Jay Turner, Tammy Pham, Archrival Joe Collins, to name a few, have appropriately achieved the honored status by going this route.
~
It actually makes the most sense to buy me a bottle of Lagavulin, because otherwise, you can never know why you were a chosen POTW.   And this can cause needless angst and anxiety.
~
So become an "Automatic POTW".  You'll feel good about yourself and I will certainly enjoy the "King of Scotch".
 ~
BTW, if you are really ambitious, you should know that a case of Lagavulin would buy you an automatic Peep of the Year title.  And not just for next year.... I actually would dethrone the current POTY, Lauren Rathbone, to accomodate you immediately.


Lauren Rathbone said....

What did I do!!


I really am not going to be able to get over that last sentence. Jason thinks I am overreacting, but I am hungover today and this was not what I needed to see. And now I am suspicous of the peep of the week selection.

Lauren -
Surely you would have to step down if somebody else bought me a case of Lagavulin!!!!  That goes without saying.

However, you can nip this in the bud by buying me a case of Lagavulin yourself.  That way, you will have total assurance that no one could pre-empt you in the last month or so of your POTY reign.

It's your choice.
- J

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Nanepashemet Poll Results

So I found myself in an act of self flagellation this evening as I watched George Stephanopoulos and Charles Gibson discuss the results of an "ABC Poll" that proclaims that 56% of the US population supports and "likes" President Obama.
~
I continued to watch as these two pundits discussed this "news".   This made up, biased poll that obviously supports their lefty suppositions was substituted as national news.  I guess I'm as bad as they are for watching this charade.

~
Maybe I'll come up with a Nanepashemet Poll that we can all swallow as absolute fact, and vindicates all of my wacky positions.   Can't be any sillier than the ABC Poll.
~
In fact, in our first Nanepashemet Poll, 78% of Americans felt that George Stephanopoulos is anal retentive.  And the same Poll found that 69% of Americans think that Charlie Gibson picks his nose during commercials.
 ~
Now that's some damn objective news if I say so myself.
~
So back to our rival ABC Poll.
~
Do 56% of America like President Obama????.... or do they really have the hots for his TelePrompter????













Tuna Lips said...
Ise self-flagelatioed meself to that pic of Miss Sara on the cover o' that magazine I lifted from Sol the Shyster's newsstand. All the right moves, TL, still got 'em.

Monday, November 16, 2009

No Pause for Palin


From a few quick glances at the Flat Screen, Sarah Palin on Oprah was sizzling hot as usual.  But I really couldn't listen to her because I was in the midst of some roiling work issues.

Lauren Rathbone said...
You can read the transcript on Oprah.com. She places a lot of blame on John McCain and how the campaign was run. The most surprising thing in the interview for me is how tiny she is! I dont think I will read the book, maybe if someone gives it me or I borrow it. I can't come to grips with spending money on it.


Pisc said...
check this out: Click here: CapeCast Video: CapeCast: Man versus tuna! | CapeCodOnline.com

Sunday, November 15, 2009

U Phuk Dup and Forgiveness

Does everything occur for a reason and for the better?
~
It seems perverse to think that major tragedies are for our greater good.
~
You almost have to agree to a reincarnation theology or at least an afterlife to justify some circumstances as happening "for the better".
~
How could the Holocaust have happened for the better in any other case?
~
But in the confines of the lives of people that I have experienced, it does seem that this trite little axiom seems to be true.
~
Now that I am cruising toward the downslope of middle age, I'm able to look at a lot of experiences, that I viewed at the time as horrific setbacks.   Surprisingly, in light of the ultimate outcomes, it does certainly seem that they happened "for the better".
~
When I was younger, it was easy to discern any situation as "right" or "wrong".... "good" or "bad"... "white" or "black".   Now it seems very blurred, because of the realization that everything happens for a reason. If everything is really shades of grey, and you move away from wide swinging, judgmental emotions, it definitely is a calmer, more centered daily existence.
~
I've found that forgiveness is a powerful tool for your own wellbeing, rather than a sign of weakness.
~
I've also come to the clear indication that there is no model way of life, that everybody is festooned with foibles.... in other words.... fucked up.  So if that's the case with yourself as well as everyone else, you might as well forgive them for their transgressions towards you.  Especially if the very action of forgiving actually strengthens you.
~
The eastern religions... Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism... say that "good" and "bad" are really the same thing, and can't exist without the other.   The way to Enlightenment, or Heaven, in this cosmology is to seek a center point between good and bad, where you don't celebrate success or scorn failure.
~
Easy to say, but not so easy to achieve.

Tuna Lips said...
i reject them voo doo thinkin' chinks, a'ceptin whens I am a the Tokyo Health Spa getting a body shampoo from one o' them slant eyed heathens. I like the green tea, exspecially with some white litnin', chinky style. You can't get er done likes theys does knowin' nothin more than acceptional hoorin' principles.
Maria Rowen said...


For me, this kind of thinking is bottomless (probably topless for Tuna Lips). Maybe the whole good/bad thing is just a well designed social construct to take us to and guide us through our foibles. Who really knows? This earthly existence is so incredible and full of pain and suffering at the same time. It’s hard to reconcile or find balance. We learn at an early age how to mix the colors black and white to get gray. If you are lucky enough to apply that principle to life…maybe that’s enlightenment…

Saturday, November 14, 2009

POTW Week 46

Went out to get some Fresh Ayer this morning and ended the trip by delivering Kate's Adirondack chair to its new home on her South Boston Deck.  Then we took Kate and Mike out for lunch at Amrheins on the corner of West Broadway and A Street in South Boston.
~
By the time I got back to Marblehead at 2:30PM I was really tired and treated Joanne to a snorefest on the couch for an hour's nap or so.

Announcing....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 46th week of 2009


Sarah Palin
Larry David
Dale Johnson
Sarah Crawford
Dr. Thomas Kingston
Tom Raich


At the end of the month, I have an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist to whom I will plead to rip from my throat whatever is causing this incessant snoring.  Everytime I dose off, I wake up feeling like I've been screaming non-stop for a couple of hours.   Which is practically the case.