Thursday, March 24, 2011

Orlando Ordeal

Got back from the CTIA Wireless convention in Orlando, Florida today.
~
I had a brutal chest cold and a hacking cough which made the whole thing an ordeal.  Plus there were other physical issues that I'm not going to tell you about, but it all added up to a great deal of discomfort.  The temperature down there was in the 80's which felt oppressive in my Boston end of winter mode, and there was a lot of walking from venue to venue
~
Despite it all, I relied on my Mountain of a Man powers to catch up and renew some old relationships.  Got some good industry rumors and a few sales leads.
~
It was worth suffering through.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Kharmic Storm

There are now 365 days left on the official FreshAyer countdown.   Anything happening earlier  is always possible
~
If you feel guilty reading this because you know that you had something to do with it..... go easy on yourself.
~
You will need all of your strength to withstand the shitstorm that is coming your way courtesy of the Law of Kharma.   For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.   As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
~
Think of it.   How bad can it be????   Oh. Baby, you are screwed.   And nobody will feel guilty for you.

TommyO said...   Just wanted to let you know that I heard Celtics Number 5 Kevin Garnett on the radio today discussing his leisure time with the host.

Love to watch "Spartacus", can't get enough said the big man. The dudes alright in my book.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Into the Closet

Katelyn was pretty happy at the closet that we built on Saturday.
~
So was I.
~
Nothing fancy.  Just some 1x12 white laminate joined with Kreg Jig Joints and screws.  We bought all of the stock at the Home Depot, and cut the pieces on her back porch.
~
The whole thing took about seven hours including design and stock plan,  the stock  pickup run, tools set up and breakdown, and a stop in the action for an Italian Sub sandwich.  The Kreg joints made it wicked solid.
~
I suppose that if I worked in efficiencies, I could build two of these a day.
~
Could be a fallback if the Telecom Biz tanks.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Time to Lay Low

On Friday, I deadheaded home from East Greenwich, RI, jumped into the shower, then went right down to the Boston Yacht Club for dinner with friends.
~
On Saturday, I deadheaded home from South Boston, jumped into the shower, then went right down to Hungry Betty's for dinner with friends.
~
Not a clear pattern for success.
~
In each case, I was really tired after doing physical construction work, which isn't my everyday gig.
~
And in both cases, my physical fatique caused my rapier sharp wit and verbal comeback abilities to be a bit delayed and dull.
~
Being a Mountain of a Man means that you have to suck it up and carry the Peeps on your back every once in awhile.... even when you are not 100% up for the task.
~
I'm pretty sure I carried it off, but today, I'm laying low.  Dale Johnson wanted to go into the Boston Garden this morning to see the Marblehead Boys Hockey team in the state tournament, but I think I'll pass.

TommyO, Reigning POTY,  said...


Marblehead 6 - Westfield 3
Marblehead Division III State Champs.
A great time, great bunch of kids.
They worked hard and their efforts were rewarded.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Shelving not Shelved

This morning, I'm trying to wipe off the cobwebs from last night's libations, because I promised Katelyn that I'd build her custom closet at her condo in South Boston.
~
I had told her that I would be there at 8:00AM, but that't not going to happen.  Probably will show by 9:30AM, take measurements and make a rough plan and stock list.    We will  be going with 1x12 pine shelving, held together with Kreg Screws and supported by base 1x4's and pre-made brackets.

By 10:30, we'll be at the Home Depot picking up the stuff and the saws won't cut their first board until noon.
~
Mike wants to grab lunch at a Southie Pub which could seriously threaten the project schedule.
~
But Katelyn will be driving me hard to see this project reach completion.  That means that the finish will not be a final coat of paint, but just the carpentry.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Celebrate the Green

We had a nice time at the Boston Yacht Club St. Patrick's Day celebration.
~
Lots of of banging the bar at the "No, Nay, Never, No More" verses of Wild Rover.
~
Then  Maria Rowen stepped up to the mike wirh a sweet rendition of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling."  She brought the house down with her soulful arpeggio stylings.
~
Filling out our group was Harvey Rowe, with whom we artfully substituted the Phrase "Oh Harvey Boy" instead of the commonplace "Danny Boy" in the classic ballad., his lovely wife Lisa Panakio Rowe, who expressed her disinterest in attending a viewing of the "Spartacus" finale at our house, and Lynda Murray our special friend.
~
I don't want to say that we carried the bar at the BYC, but we pretty much did.
~
A fine celebration.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Erin Go Bragh

Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Erin Go Bragh.
~
We celebrate this day to commemorate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who converted the pagan Celts to Christianity and reportedly drove the snakes from Ireland.
~
When I was a young upstart in the City of Lynn, MA, it was a day for exessive beers at the Porthole Pub after lunch and stopping off at the Commodore Restaurant in Beverly where politicians from all over the state would gather to throw good natured barbs at each other and show their singing prowness, bellowing out "When Irish Eyes are Smiling".
~
One of my fondess memories of the day was having a corned beef and cabbage dinner at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 10 in Lynn and listening to Senate President Billy Bulger immitate James Michael Curley as he promised to take the Golden Dome of the Statehouse and turn it upside down, and fill it with water to use as a swimming pool for the children of Boston, if elected Governor.  Bulger's rendition made you feel that it was really Mayor Curley on the podium.
~
When I was a little kid, I remember my father taking me and my brother to the parade in South Boston where we froze to death on the sidewalk until he took us into a neighborhood pub to warm up.  I can still feel that cold in my bones.  Later, my father told us the story about how he got into a ruckus in South Boston in his younger days, and that the Judge had told him stay out of South Boston.   I never got anymore details than that.
~
I think he liked the fact that he was returning to South Boston to watch the parade with his kids.  He'd probably get a kick out of the fact that two of his grandkids live in Southie today.
~
I can't deny that I've always been proud to be of Irish descent.  Sometime around the turn of the century, some Crowleys, Kelly's and Nestor's left County Cork and County Sligo and made their way to Pennsylvania to work in the coal mines, and finally landed in Lynn.  They aren't even memories now, just historical fact.   The only tie I have is this photograph of Darby Nestor taken in West Lynn, who bears a slight resemblance to my son Ryan.
~
I'm proud to be Irish, because somehow, their blood flowing though my veins has made it easier to live in my own skin.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Shit Happens

What a nightmare for the Japanese with this Nuclear emergency! 
~
It looks like a meltdown is imminent so the question is whether the containment vessels will hold and prevent a massive outpouring of poisonous radiation.  Aftershocks continue to pummel the country and the devastation from tsunamis has yet to be measured.  There are reports of whole towns with no survivors.
~
Could it happen here?
~
Absolutely.  Which will create a huge debate over whether nuclear power is necessary and if the safeguards that are in place are enough..
~
Our standard of living demands a high supply of electrical energy, but there are costs.... and shit happens.   I suppose that we could shut down the laptops, lights and TV's and huddle around the fireplace knitting and whittling wood.
~
Or we can live with the danger and try to mitigate the risk that our high energy level way of life requires.
~
I'm a pretty good whittler, so can go either way.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Antidote for Aggravation

OK....I've been watching the coverage of the Japan Disaster on ABC News against my better judgement. 
~
I actually like David Muir and Martha Radatz.... both former Boston protoges, but Diane Sawyer officially makes my teeth hurt.   Her feigned compassion and efforts to compell emotional response.... just tell us the freaking news, Diane.   It's not about how bad you feel, it's about what's happening to them.
~
Gag me with the proverbial spoon.

~
BTW, this is what came up when I googled for an image of Diane Sawyer.  It's most definitely not her, but I'm going with it anyway.
~
 Somehow I feel a lot less aggravated now.

TommyO said...
Hi Jay,
How about some local sports news.


Marblehead 3 vs Pembroke 2


Marblehead wins the D3 East Title and will play at TD Garden for the first time in many years on Sunday at 11:15. Let's bang the place out. This Blog has the power.


TommyO

Fragility of Life

The Japanese have a penchant for photography.   So there is no shortage of tsunami photos.   Such devastation.
~
And since Japan is so advanced technologically, the concern right now is if their nuclear power reactors will be damaged and spew radiation poisoning.
~
The resourcefulness of the Japanese people will ultimately prevail here, after a huge effort and cost. 
~
This is such a graphic example of the fragility of our human existance on the thin geological crust of this moving molten planet

Sunday, March 13, 2011

London Loser

You know how I tend to stick my tongue in my cheek and call you Peeps "Losers" from time to time???
~
Well, some geek from London, England took it serious and sought to chastise me  for my arrogance.
~
Seriously.... how can anyone take this Blog serious.  
~
What a Loser.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Disaster Precaution

Now a Nuke is threatening to meltdown in Japan.  As a highly accomplished and competent nation, Japan will deal with this trauma, but it's still very heart rendering to see what is going on there.
~
This type of thing always makes people wonder how they would cope if it hit them at home.   Around Boston, even with stringent building codes, there are a lot of old dwellings that would be hard pressed to withstand an earthquake. 
~
But what worries me more, living near the harbor is the Tsunami.   We are pretty close to sea level here, and that would be a mess.
~
So, just in case, I'm going to unstrap the Herreshoff Columbia Tender on the trailer in the backyard.   That way, at least we can hop in and stay on top of the flow.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Blame for Tsunami

Japan has absorbed a massive earthquake and tsunami this morning.  The entire Pacific Rim, "Ring of Fire" has been behaving badly as this quake follows the recent ones in Chile and New Zealand. 
~
 With network coverage and extensive videos, the effects are readily observable, with the tsunami dramatically moving tons of water and debris on a march inland.
~
The only redeeming value regarding earthquakes is that the Democrats can't blame the Republicans for it.  Unlike the global warming debate, their seems to be no hook to hang the blame on for this.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Naming the Ax

Not to make a big thing out of it, but I got my Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar delivered by UPS this week.  After a quick tuning, I was pounding out the Pentatonic Minor Scale in the key of E like it was yesterday.
~
I'm thinking of calling the guitar "Lucille".... but I don't want to piss off BB King.

Done with Sheen

OK, I've been sticking up for Charlie Sheen, but now he's starting to get on my nerves.  For one thing, put out the butt, Charlie.  Smoking is so passe.  Totally uncool.
~
I guess that's the main reason.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Philadelphia Freedom

I appreciate all of the emails and text messages asking how the Philadelphia meeting went today.
~
Really.... I do.
~
And that is said with no hint of sacasm.
~
Not even a little bit.
~
It's all part of the new, kinder, more tolerant me..... Regardless of the annoying, irritating and slightly neurotic attempts by some of you Peeps to track my every move, I've resolved myself to respond with a gentle retort to such inconveniences.
~
No more will I rant that you are freaking losers and need to seriously consider getting a semblance of a life of your own.   No... I now appreciate your freaking, assinine concern.
~
So if you want to know how good we did because you have nothing better to point the aimless direction of
your seemingly pointless life to.... I can simple tell you this....
~
We kicked ASS!  Scored BIGTIME!  Rocked the CASPAR!
~
I'm pretty sure that we nailed this deal.   
~
So we'll show a great deal of attention to the Phillies and the Eagles for the next year or so.

dougmaxfield said...

I'm pretty sure you mean gasbar.

Tuna Lips said...

If ise know my ole amigo Boomer, he was rockin' the azzzzbah, and you know that, you most certainly do. Azzz-bah. Sounds perty, don't it?!

Brian Butler said...

... or Casbah
Clash "Rock the Casbah" lyrics:
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/clash/rock+the+casbah_20031941.html

Anonymous said...


Why write a blog, why put yourself out there in the pubic domain, if you are then going to have the arrogance to call anyone who actually reads it a "freaking loser"? Seems like there's only one real loser on this site...

__________________________
Hey Anon.  -
Now that you've given your stiff ass opinion, you are right, there is only one real loser on this site... so keep the hell off.
With Kind Regards,
- John Nestor, aka Master J, Crusher, JJ




Monday, March 07, 2011

Telecom Success Mold

Tomorrow it's down to Philadelphia to profess the virtues of Nanepashemet Telecom to a very promising prospect..   If all goes well, we will crack a nice regional market of one of our biggest current customers.  Business development and capabilities briefings have always been one of my strong points, so I'm never nervous at these activities... but mainly curious as to the magnitude of the opportunity.
~
Since Nanepashemet Telecom is such a strong performer in this field, success usually revolves around the strength and staying power of the customer.  In this high tech, corporately financed environment, companies are constantly hitting the gas pedal, then slamming on the brakes when it comes to capital spending for infrastructure development.    You have to literally be at the right place at the right time, so if we are fortunate enough to have a relationship in place at the beginning of a capital project, we are usually highly successful in the implementation.
~
I'm hoping that the Philadelphia opportunity fits the mold.

FreshAyer and North End

Ryan was in high form, explaining the in's and out's of life at FreshAyer to Gail and Dale.   The day will come when we don't have to make the pilgimage to see him, but until then, his attitude and outlook makes the ordeal highly tolerable, even enjoyable.
~
Afterward, we detoured into the North End and had an early dinner at L'Osteria on Salem Street.  http://www.losteria.com/,
~
Dining Room at L'Osteria
The proprietor pull us in from the street, and the menu looked good, so we gave it a try.  An excellent happenstance as the food was as fine as can be found in one of Boston's North End Italian restaurants.  A stop over at Mike's Pasty  on Hanover Street capped a very satisfying afternoon.

Sunday, March 06, 2011

Fresh Start

Heading out for some FreshAyer with Dale and Gail Johnson this morning.  Ryan will be fired up to see them.   Before that though, I hope to finish purging my files and throwing away the irrelevant ones.
~
Finished sorting through my books and clothes yesterday, and a fair amount went to the Book Bin or to the Salvation Army clothes container at the dump.   I can easily now fit my books into the bookcase, and my clothes into my closet.
~
With the essential files neatly filed in the file cabinets, we can easily organize the family room and the last bedroom, and then I can resume the wainscotting and trimwork for this house.  Then we can attack the backyard, which has been transformed into Appalachia during this move.
~
As soon as the weather improves, the deck and tool shed will start.

Saturday, March 05, 2011

Alternative to Dumping

We've moved a number of times in my adult life, and everytime, all of the stuff from the old place doesn't fit into the new place.  In the past, we would end up junking stuff and we did a lot of that this time, but I also found an interesting phenomenon.  If I put unwanted furniture or TV sets out on the curb in the morning, they were gone by the afternoon.
~
Saving me the trouble and cost of bringing that stuff to the dump.  Today, before it starts to rain, I'm going to put a chest of drawers out there and see what happens.
~
Feels pretty good that some of my stuff will be of good use to others who need it.

Friday, March 04, 2011

Blues are Back

So I never told you that somebody stole my Epiphone LP Standard Les Paul Collection Electric Guitar, Ebony.  What an Asshole!
~
But I bought a new one.... same model.
~
I know I'm an Irish American White Man, but the Blues can't be denied.  



Guinness for Sheen



Charlie Sheen has been noted as having the "Fastest Time to Reach 1 Million Followers" for a Guinness World Record.  
~
He also holds the record as the  "Highest Paid TV Actor Per Episode -- Current" at $1.25 million.
~
This guy is money.  I predict some serious chewing on crow from CBS Executives before this outburst is over.



Thursday, March 03, 2011

Trade Show

There is a lot of pressure on me from industry colleagues to attend the CTIA Wireless Trade Show at the end of this month in Orlando.  
~
When I was with General Dynamics, I would attend regularly and usually got a lot out of it... networking and stuff.   But that was when they picked up the tab.... and there was a bunch of staff to cover for me to be out of pocket for a couple of days.    
~
With Nanepashemet Telecom, none of the above applies.  Plus our focus is almost solely in the Northeast, and the show is national in scope.   So the cost -benefit ratio is a lot higher for Nanepashemet. 
~
It was actually the CTIA that dragged me back into Wireless after I left GD.  When I didn't show up that year, got a lot of contact from people wondering where I was.... and I realized that these relationships could not just be dropped.  I'm glad now that I jumped back in.
~
Maybe I'll show up in Orlando.

TommyO said...


Got to love the Trade Show scene.


I am going to attend the Boston International Seafood Show on 22 MAR. Love this show, lots of samples, cocktails and pretty girls serving up the goods. Oh yeah, not a bad way to meet new prospects and say howdy to our current clients.


TommyO



IPad Lust

New IPad upgrade is out.  Faster, higher resolution, better battery life,  two cameras for video phone, and a rumored chip that will work on GSM, CDMA and UMTS mobile phone networks.
~
I want it.   
~    
Don't need it, but I want it anyway.

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Nothing to Say

If you have to think about what you want to Blog, then maybe you shouldn't.
~
Because a Blog should be a flowing,, free wheeling, spontaneous expression.... can't be forced or contrived.  When you can't think of anything to say, then don't say anything.
~
So....
~
I still can't think of anything.  Except the topic of not being able to think of stuff to say.  Maybe I'm topic free because I'm not pissed about anyone.   Even those phony  ABC Good Morning America Spindoctors didn't bother me today.
~
I got a lot of shitty little things done at work and felt pretty satisfied about the day's effort.  And not one Asshole made a run at me for their own Asshole reasons.
~
Have to quit before I say something stupid.  Suffice it to say, that I'm not going to say anything.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen, the highest paid actor on TV, is really under the spotlight these days.   As someone who enjoys his show, "2 and 1/2 Men", I've been holding back judgement, because it seems on the surface that his behavior is simple life imitating art. 
~
He plays a bad boy on TV and lives a fairly naughty lifestyle in his personal life as well.
~
Up to now, there is no indication that he was anything less than a professional in his business life, and his position at the top of the charts would seem to support this.  His success has seemed to develop an arrogance and a lead with his chin attitude that may be justified, but is doing him wrong.
~
The price of being the largest tree in the forest is that you tend to attract the axmen.  Especially if you boast that you can't be cut down.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Vegging

The day started out snowy and messy this morning, so I resolved to veg out until the weather cleared up, and then I could work on the laundry vent.   Lucky for me that the weather never cleared up, so this was a full bore, no holds barred, lazy bastard, couch potato day.
~
Maybe I got off the couch... to pee or microwave something... but for the most part I was an immovable lump of protoplasm, drifing in and out of slumber while watching aimless cable TV movies.   I did try to get into an auction for an IPad on http://www.quibids.com/, but outside of that, it was the first day in year's when absolutely nothing got done.
~
Felt pretty good about it.

Change in Plans

As is often the case, I didn't get a single thing done that I planned yesterday.... yet I was really happy with what I accomplished.
~
Instead of fitting out the laundry, I ended up finishing all of the base trim on the kitchen center island, and converted the unused kitchen cabinet stock into a nice seven foot long shelf in the living area.   This prompted Joanne and I to hang some of the framed artwork and photos that have been stacked against the walls.
~
Then Jim and Kathy Peabody as well as Reigning 2011 POTY Tommy O and Linda came over for some gourmet macaroni and cheese that Joanne whipped up.   Jim brought a bottle of Glenlivit Single Malt, which is not quite the King of Scotch, Lagavulin, but still was a world class gesture from a guy who never has gotten the taste for the fine Scottish libation.
~
Tommy and Linda brought a nice salad, and along with some pork and other great stuff, we had a fine meal and watched the series finale of Spartacus.   Tommy has a talent for picking out exposed Roman breasts in the Arena Crowd in the panned camera shots, so we let him have his way with the remote for pauses and fast forwards.  Too bad we're stuck waiting until 2012 for the next edition of the epic series, but we'll be there when Spartacus resumes.
~
BTW, the shelf is supposed to be temporary, because it is on the wall that I originally planned to blow out with a slider for the planned deck, but it came out so good that I'm starting to think that the deck might be more appropriate coming off of the existing kitchen entrance.   It would certainly be less expensive and substantially less disruptive, because going through the wall always takes a lot more time than planned.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Gannicus

It's Saturday morning, the Grandkids won't be around this weekend, and we won't be taking in any FreshAyer.   It's a great chance to get some work done at the Sundance home, and I have plans to install a dryer vent, and hang some shelves in the laundry.   That will get the laundry fully functional.
~
But with no pressing obligations, this leather JJ chair is feeling really comfortable... and I have to see the last episode of Spartacus via On Demand before I get into action.   Last night,  I fell asleep and only caught the last 1/2 of the epic conclusion.
~
All I can say is "GANNICUS!!!!!"
~
Maybe the laundry will see some action by noon.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Let Freedom Ring

The disintegration of the Middle Eastern dictatorships and fiefdoms is so surprizing and seemed to come from nowhere.  Just a little while ago, we were worrying about Radical Islam taking over Egypt, but it's hard to imagine the freedom loving rebels settling for another face of repression.
~
Now I'm less fearful of a hostile backlash towards the West and more curious as to how the people of this region, who have never had a Democratic culture or background, will manage their new found freedom.
~
Wish them the best.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wood Joinery

One of the best systems for joining wood is the Kreg Jig.
~
Since becoming a woodworker, I have gravitated from dowels to biscuits, and now to the Kreg jig as the preferred method to join two pieces of wood together.
~
The jig allows you to countersink a diagonal hole that is precisely measured to use appropriate sized square headed screws based upon the thickness of the boards in question.
~
So what's your problem????  I just didn't feel like blogging about Somali Pirates or Islamic revolts today.
~
Sometimes, good old wood joinery fills the bill.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Union Movement

When I was a kid growing up in Lynn, Massachusetts, unions held a lot of importance for me.  My father was a firefighter and was active in the union, and my uncle worked in the General Electric.  I remember well the strikes that occurred there and the pall of concern that permeated those times.
~
Coming from a Democratic working class family,  the need for strong unions seemed obvious.  Better hours, bettter working conditions, and better pay.
~
There was a time in this country when businesses exploited the workers.  The unions forced minimum wage, minimum workweeks, child labor laws and other reforms that were badly needed and gradually became not only contract provisions, but the law of the land, embodied by the Department of Labor. 
~
But once the major issues of fairness for working people were addressed by law, the unions still hung on.  I remember strikes at the General Electric for minor issues that seemed to hurt the union members more than helped them.
~
Then, back in the early 80's I got a job as the Executive Director of the Lynn Housing Authority.   Of the forty employees, I was the only non-union member by virtue of my position as the executive manager.  Still, my upbringing and background caused me to be sympathetic to the union position.
~
The time came  through Propostion 2 1/2 in the mid 80'swhen the people of Massachusetts voted for extensive fiscal cutbacks in government budgets, and I was forced to initiate substantial layoffs.... about 25% of the workforce or 10 jobs.   It was a time of anquish for me but I worked out a plan whereby, if all of the union members agreed to a modest salary cutback, I could save seven jobs and only have to lay off 3 people.
~
I was sure that the "brother" union members would rally behind this plan.
~
I was wrong.
~
They turned on each other with a heartless callousness that astonished and dissapointed me.  What mattered most, was the seniority in the union and to hell with those at the bottom of the barrell.
~
I was forced to lay off the ten least senion union members - when seven jobs could have been saved.
~
That was an eyeopener.  Also the lack of thought by the members was atrocious.  The rank and file let the union leadership make their decisions and never seemed to think on their own.  It was like lemmings heading for the ocean.
~
Now public teacher  unions in Wisconsin are showing the ugly face of a movement that is past its time.   Striving for benefits that far and away eclipse what the private sector provides.   Course the membership votes... and votes in a block.   BO has already jumped to a political conclusion in support of the protesters.  What a shock!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Outmoded Repression

This impulse to rebel and seek freedom from Middle Eastern dictatorships is starting to get inspiring.   I didn't see it coming, and figured that the medieval cultural tendencies were immovable.
~
But people crave freedom, and it's hard to subjucate and oppress people who have the ability to communicate and share their feelings and desires.    That's exactly what Facebook does today.   What used to be the clandestine cells and secret organizational meetings that fed revolutionary fervor is now accessible to the masses over the internet.
~
Repressive regimes need to control the flow of information and fabricate propaganda into the big lie.  Open communication thwarts this.
~
So Saudi Kings, and Libyan Dictators will be going through a tough patch for a while.  Time to fire up the personal aircraft and find a safe, reclusive retirement.
~
This upheaval is reminiscent of the fall and Communism and the crumbling of the Berlin Wall.  Something else that I didn't see coming.
~
The world will be a nicer place without these outmoded, repressive regimes.

Friday, February 18, 2011

POTW Week 7

This was a tough week... transitioning back into Nanepashemet Telecom after the move was essentially completed.  Cash flow is less than expected, mainly due to the weather screwing up the completion of some construction projects.   It's always a pain to look for cash.  Especially when you know that you will be flush again in a few short months.
~
Announcing....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 7th week of 2011

Ben Martin
Scuba Steve Lewis
Lisa Panakio Rowe
Kelly Light
Hosni Mubarek
Dave Bruett

In about a month, things will be back to normal.
~
BTW... to the Peep in Key Largo who has been checking out this Blog.... you lucky Bastard,  I'd love to be kicking back where you are these days.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Rape and Peaceful Protest

While our network news spindoctors were cheerily reporting the party in that Egyptian Square concerning the peaceful overthrow of Hosni Mubarek, Lara Logan, a CBS news correspondent was being publically raped by a frenzied mob right in the middle of it all.
~
What kind of a culture does this???? Gang raping a person for a half hour while screaming, "Jew, Jew!"
~
But the networks were enthralled by the peacefulness of the activity in the square.  Reporting how people picked up the trash and fixed the bricks and stuff.
~
I don't understand why the liberal press treads so lightly on the Muslim culture......   the way that women are oppressed and the West is vilified.  I've often felt that liberals have a deep seeded hatred for themselves and their own base emotions... which is why they lash out at others and project their own maliced feelings upon others.
~
Could it be that the Liberal press embraces a culture that is so blatantly opposed to our way of life  simply because it is akin to the hatred of us?
~
It's not right to generalize, and downright dangerous and wrong to characterize a whole group or religion.  But when stuff like this rape occurs, against the liberal spin, we should stand up, take notice, and express our outrage.
~s.
Didn't see any of that from Katie Couric or George Stephanopoulos.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Marblehead Gunning Dory Revival

It's been over four years since I've started building the Marblehead Gunning Dory.  And now, with no onsite workshop and no real practical room to set up in our Nanepashemet Telecom shop in Peabody, it seems like the project is pushed out for the foreseeable future.
~
The shop in the backyard will have to be built first.  But the new shop will undoubtably be influenced by the space needs required to build the 18' dory.   The base, frames, and laminated bow have been  completed for some time now.
~
With no other conflicting prorities, the Gunning Dory will be resumed in the autumn of this year, in a new backyard boatshop disguised as a detached garage.  The design and appeal of the craft is timeless, but it is starting to feel like the project is endless.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Carpe Diem

Tomorrow morning, I'll be up at dawn and barrell assing down to Rhode Island with stops in Johnston and East Greenwich.  Have to jump through some hoops to process a permit and then meet the power company to ponder an easement problem.
~
If all goes well, I'll roll back into Marblehead before mid afternoon, with another 200 miles racked up on the F-150.
~
Not every day is as exciting as this one at Nanepashemet Telecom.
~
Living the Dream.

Tuna Lips said...
you gits tired of that telephone business, c'mon down el Paso way, get your fixed up runnin' special packages over the border. Pays good, and all the jails bait you can handle, no word of a lie, I tells ya. Coooo cooo ca choo!




Monday, February 14, 2011

Walk like an Egyptian

Not to sound too unsophisticated about world affairs, but I just haven't been worked up about this Hosni Mubarek, Egypt thing.
~
I mean.... what does a few million Muslims crowding around the Nile River, who are pissed off about their government, have to do with me?  So what if they screw around with the Suez Canal for awhile.  How much can that cost?  The mega oil freighters can't fit through anyway.
~
And our President, Barack Obama says its a new day for Egypt.  But as far as I can see, there is just the military in charge and parliament suspended.  Not such an exciting new day if you ask me.
~
But the network newcasters keep saying that it is mega important.
~
I don't get it.

Access to Condoms

The debate is on today regarding whether or not students in Boston Public High Schools should have access to condoms.
~
Am I missing something here?
~
Can't anybody at any age stroll into the local drug store and pony up some cash for a Trojan Enz or two?   I believe they can.
~
So the debate isn't about "access to condoms" from the schools.  It's about whether the schools should distribute free condoms.   Clearly kids already have access to condoms.  It's really a budget issue.  Schools that can't afford athetic and sports, now seem to be able to dish out rubbers.  Go figure.
~
I personally don't see any morality issue here.  Just because a horney kid has a rubber, doesn't mean he is going to get laid.    It's the same problem that comes with Viagra.  You might have the ability, but the opportunity is a whole other matter.
~
 

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Possessions and Memories

So we have substantially completed the move of our accumulated possessions from Beverly Ave. to the Sundance building.   There still are some stuff in the garage, and our deck furnishings remain covered with snow.
~
I filled the F150 to capacity with trash this morning, and Mike and Scuba Steve helped me to move the dining room table back, because our tenants wanted to use it, and from here on in, Joanne and I will be sorting out stuff and putting things away at our new Sundance home.
~
Peeps....
The amount of stuff that we have is mindboggling, and I'll be tossing stuff away agressively for the next couple of weeks.  
~
My problem with accumulating things is that when I look at a book, a file, or a piece of clothing... it stimulates a memory associated with the item.   And then, I'm afraid to part with it because I think that I won't be able to retrieve the memory without the stuff.   This has become an issue because I can't continue to haul around all of this baggage.
~
Plus I have trouble parting with electronic equipment that I paid so much for, and now is obsolete.   So I have a few useless, CPU's and laptops hanging around that I have to trash.
~
The bottom line is this.... I'm not placing a file in the file cabinets unless it has a present relevancy... otherwise it will be trashed.   I'm not putting any clothes in my closet or dresser that I haven't worn in the last year... otherwise, it will go to the Salvation Army bin in the Town Dump.   I'm not putting any book into a bookcase unless it has current relevance.... otherwise, it is going to the book bin that Joanne will soon have removed from the  Sundance building.
~
There is simply no sense in carrying around these possessions that have no place in the present or the future.  Just don't have the space.
~
So I'm heaving them and taking the chance that memories that they hold will still crop up from time to time.
~

Friday, February 11, 2011

Power Day

Yesterday was one of those power days that don't come too often.... because if they did, then I'd be rubbing elbows with guys like Donald Trump, Bill Gates, or even Bill Hillegas.
~
Closed the rental deal on Beverly Ave., received orders from a highly sought after carrier with the promise of more to follow, was invited to bid on a major regional build by another of the big four carriers, and picked up a couple of paypoint milestones for our core customer.  Plus other stuff confidential to Nanepashemet Telecom.
~
And in between, Joanne and I substantially completed the move of our stuff from Beverly Ave. to the Sundance building.
~
All of this didn't come without cost, as I was pretty wasted by the end of the day.   But you know the routine... Mountain of a Man... yada, yada, yada.
~
I'm not expecting today to match yesterday's accomplishments, but you never know.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Man UP

Peeps...
Sorry for the lapse.
~
But as you can imagine, I've been working my all too bounteous ass off trying to complete the move plus maintain the high standards of Nanepashemet Telecom.
~
The only thing that saves me is that I'm a Mountain of a Man.
~
Thank God for that.
~
Things will get back to normal after the weekend, so stop sending me your neurotic, panic-sticken emails about the lack of freaking Blog content.  
~
Man UP for Cripes Sakes!

Monday, February 07, 2011

A Moving Experience

There is nothing fun about moving.  It always takes a lot more time and effort than you had imagined.  And it is physically and emotionally draining.
~
But we got by on Saturday with a little help from our friends.   Make that a lot of help.  Eight solid hours worth.
~
I appreciate anyone who lifted one thing for us that day, because that was one thing that my worn pudging form did not have to move.  As it is, I am quite stiff and uncomfortable two days later, but I least my back didn't give out.
~
I know that a whole lot of you were planning to come and some couldn't for a host of reasons, but the people who heard the call on Saturday were...

Alex Watts
Brian Stanton
Harvey Rowe
Mike Lec Elsier
Katelyn Nestor
Sue Sue Raiche
Gail Johnson
Dave Bruett
Maria Rowen
Tom Raiche
Dale Johnson
Tommy O' Shea
Mike Nestor
Linda O'Shea
Tyler Gill
Will Crawford
~
There were acts of heroism and bravery, plenty of thrills and almost no spills.  By 5:30PM we were licking our wounds at the Gerry 5, and I was basically too tired to lift a couple bottles of Sam.
~
Thanks for your help and we also appreciate the well wishes from those of you who could not attend the epic event.  Jeremy Johnson and his sister Amanda went the extra mile by sending a bottle of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch.   It was a nice gesture and worth their "Automatic" selections as Peeps of the Week.
~
By the way, the rest of you listed also have also achieved the coveted designation as POTW's for last week.  An unprecedented number but highly appropriate.

~
Joanne and I were very moved.

bearable

Thanks to the help of some great peeps, the move was bearable.
More to follow.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Feeling Bullish

Peeps...
~
Real Estate is where it's at.
~
If you live in New England, you have to realize that that this part of the country is mint and the prices are bound to go up.
~
Give me a call and we'll make some money together.  781-727-6516.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Monkey Wrenches

Moving day looms near and the weather has continued to toss monkey wrenches into the critical path of this project.  The remodeling work is not complete and we will be forced to put furniture into the unfinished rooms.  And the kitchen appliances have not been reinstalled.
~
So there will be a lot of workarounds left for the next couple of weeks.
~
But being a Mountain of a Man means that you take these inconveniences in stride, and realize that they are small in comparison to say... being a rice farmer in Cambodia or a Peruvian copper miner, or something like that.
~
You get the picture.   I wouldn't be caught dead whining abount how much work this has turned out to be, right in the middle of record setting winter storms.   Being a MOAM says, "You throw all of the snow and slush my way, and I'm still going to pull the move off in style.
~
Well, maybe not exactly in style...  But the offers from Peeps to help on Saturday morning keep pouring in, and I'm sure that my bar bill at the Gerry 5 Saturday afternoon will reflect the considerable help that we receive.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Pablum and Heating Oil

Once again, Joe Kennedy is asssailing the networks with television commercials starring him and picking out disadvantaged individuals and thanking the "people of Venezuela" for giving our poor Massachusetts families a handout of home heating oil.
~
Quell the nausea.
~
I'm not sure why this act turns my stomach so much.  Maybe it's because he's so obviously trying to talk down to us and forcefeed some bleeding heart bullshit down our throats.
~
It doesn't bother me that he pulls over $400k as a salary from his non-profit Citizen's Energy Corp.
~
Nothing's for nothing.
~
Which brings me to the question of who is really profiting?   And please don't repeat that "people of Venezuela" line.   They don't know us, and could give a shit less.   Why do the "people of Venezuela" single out us poor Northeastern Americans for their largess???  I mean, send money to Peru or Somalia or something.  Us New Englanders sitting in the richest nation in the history of the world have hardly put out the donation cup to Caracas.
~
I have no way of proving this, and probably shouldn't say it,,, but this is my blog, so what the hell!   I figure that Joe Kennedy has found a profit making revenue stream through his "non-profit", and needs to feed a mega political ego as a by-product.   There is a certain bleeding heart liberal constituency that feeds on the pablum that he serves and the circle is complete.
~
Plus some poor sick New Englanders featured by Joe on TV gets to be mortified before Joe saves them.
~
Call 1-800 JoeforOil,.... or set your browser to www. givemeafreakingbreak.com

MO SNO

If I was a kid, I'd love this winter.   All this snow... all of these snow days.
~
But it is starting to cut into Nanepashemet Telecom profits by making sites inaccessible and prolonging schedules.   And the time I've had to take moving it from Beverly Ave., Sundance and the Peabody Shop has definitely affected the Sundance renovation project.
~
We are still moving on Saturday, but there will be a ton of loose ends to take care of.
~
And naturally we are staring at a forecast today and tomorrow for another foot and a half of snow.  Which means that instead of taking care of Sundance details, I will be expending a great deal of my limited middle age energy shoveling and snowblowing.
~
In a couple of months, all of the snow will be gone.... we will have fixed everything at Sundance.... and this period of stress and strain will be another footnote.

Jim L. said...
"Limited middle age energy"? And, this, from the mouth of a mountain of a man. Somehow, the world just seems different today.

_______________________

Just to clarify, Jim... being a Mountain of a Man sometimes means that you recognize long naps and no heavy lifting with appropriate acceptance and dignity.




Saturday, January 29, 2011

POTW Week 4

Had another bout of frustration with the Bank of America today holding my deposits.   But this time, the blame is mine for not getting off my ass and switching banks the last time this happened.

Announcing....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for 4th Week of 2011

Peter Crawford
Scott McBurney
Steve Lewis
Emily Engardia
Lisa Panakio Rowe
Alex Watts

It I had enough money, it wouldn't bother me that that the bastards steal the float.

Jill Phillips said...

please let me know you complaint...I will be sure it will be heard.





Done Digging

There's something about the inherent futility of shoveling snow.   Working so hard to move a material that will eventually turn to water and flow gently away by itself.
~
There is an ironic, life's lesson somewhere here, but I don't  feel like digging it out.
~
I'm done digging today.... whether it be snow or for Life's Hidden Meanings.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Justifiable Lapse

This has been a decent lapse between Blog posts.  It's because on Tuesday, the new cabinets were delivered to Sundance, in between snowstorms.  The extra activity of snow removal is an unplanned contingency that has strained the daily progress.Plus I've had a nagging cold that has sapped my energy big time which has really been a hurdle.   In the middle of it all, Nanepashemet Telecom has been busy, and I had to spend the day today at the Dennis job on Cape Cod.
~
Course, it's none of your frigging business why I haven't posted recently, but I guess my exhausted physical condition has caused me to let my guard down. and be nice to you.
~
Anyway... the move date stays firm for a week from tomorrow, and I'm optimistic that all of the big stuff will be in place.  Joanne has done a great job painting, and we are getting some help from a bunch of close friends with a range of the remaining details. 
~
Ultimately, it will all get done, and life will slow down a little.  When that happens, experience shows that some other crazy bullshit that I don't even know exists now, will liven things up.

~

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Extreme Violence and Strong Sexual Content

Spartacus is back on Starz and is as bawdy and gory as ever.
~
If you like extreme violence and strong sexual content, then this series is for you.
~
But historical research has shown that the Roman culture, which accepted human slavery, and watched human butchery in the Gladitorial arena with the same zeal that we watch a football game, makes the depictions accurate in detail.
~
Granted, the Spartacus series presents the worse aspects of the culture, and if some future audience viewed a depiction of our culture with its most lowly face, then we too would seem to be barbaric, with our drugs, alcohol, random acts of violence, technological warefare,  and the disolution of the family with a 50% divorce rate.
~
But the Roman practice of Gladiator combat makes for an interesting series.

TommyO said...

Loved the first episode of this season.
Can't wait til Friday Night....
Gratitude!



Monday, January 24, 2011

Simple Drop Off

It was a cold day today with temperatures starting off below zero and staying in the single digits.   A good day to stay indoors and get some paperwork done.   But I had a couple of 80 lb. bags of concrete in the back of my F-150 from the Cape Cod job, that I knew I had to get into the warehouse or they would be ruined by moisture
~
As it was, we didn't show much intelligence in loadng the bags in the first place and they were carelessly thrown next to some shovels and hoes which pierced the bags on the ride home.   So I had a bit of a mess with loose concrete mix combining with handtools, straps and snow.  Had to climb into the back of the truck and shovel out the loose mix
~
Just opening the door to the warehouse required a decent amount of shoveling too.
~
So a simple drop off ended up to be a decent physical ordeal.   I had the workcoat that Katelyn bought me for Christmas and figured that the low temps would bother me, but I actually broke a sweat.  That coat is really warm.
~
This wintry weather is starting to complicate things.   Another foot of snow due by mid-week.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Nice Initial Take

Dale and Gale Johnson picked us up last night for a an evening of revelry and food at Harry's 240 restaurant on Rantoul Street in Beverly, Massachusetts http://www.harrys240.com/ .
~
Peeps who know me best, know that I don't recommend a place to eat right off the bat..... even if former POTY, Jeremy Johnson's, parents put an enthusiastic hype on it.
~
Dale and Gale are regular patrons though, and Dale even has the nickname, Sea Otter, from the waitstaff, which I never did get an adequate explanation about.  
~
We ate at the bar, and I wish that I drank martinis, because they really looked good, but the Sam Adams on draught worked out well enough.    Great mussels and nachos for aps, then I had the swordfish.  Prices were reasonable, so we'll be going back.  So far, so good.
~
But I don't want a lame nickname.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

POTW Week 3

Joanne reminded me this morning that it was time to pick the Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.
~
I know.... I don't need any prodding.   What she doesn't realize is that the POTW selection is not a conscious action... It happens organically from a source deeply ingrained in the Akaskic Records.   I don't select the Peeps.... I am just a Channel writing down the Devine Decision.
~
Or something like that....
~
Announcing...
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 3rd week of 2011

Mike Rockett
Gino Cappelletti
Tom Brady
Linda O'Shea
Katelyn Nestor
Tommy McMahon

I really don't have any say at all.

Another Door

Crunchtime at Sundance is this weekend because the new granite countertops come next week.  It would be nice to have the painting and spackling done prior to that but not crucial.  The more we can get done before moving day, the better it will be because I have a feeling that Nanepashemet Telecom will be absorbing a ton of time in Feb.
~
Even though we lost that large proposal, we got the promise of significant orders to be received by the start of February.   What did I tell you????  If we had won that big job, which we pitched at a reduced margin, our best resources wouldn't be around to work on these quality, fair margin orders.  The big job would have strained our regular business.
~
When God closes one door, he opens another.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Apres-Snowblow

So I'm  sitting here in my apres-snowblow attire, after once again shoveling out Beverly Ave and Sundance for the third time in less than a month.
~
Either I'm really starting to get old, or this snow is more than I remember, but I'm feeling pretty sore and tired from the snow removal.
~
If I didn't buy the Ariens Snowblower two weeks ago, I'd probably still be at Sundance now, or be sitting in a coma with no energy to even Blog.  Thank g\God for the Ariens.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Ask Not

50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy uttered the following sentence in his inaugural address.
~
"Ask not... what your country can do for you.    Ask what you can do for your country."
~
I know I'm getting old, because I can remember when this happened.
~
But, think about that statement coming from a Democratic President who inspired us all.  It is not at all a liberal statement.   It is a statement that says.... Stand on your own two feet.   Contribute to society.   Don't look to society to cure your worries.   Look to do whatever is required to help your society.
~
 This government is not here to make things better for some.  It is here to allow all to contribute to everyone else.... and to give us the freedom to thrive on our own.  I believe that is what Kennedy said on that cold Jaunuary day fifty years ago.
~
It was a challenge to everybody... not just the "Haves" or the highest wage earners.   It wasn't a plea for others to fund the welfare system, so that everybody could have government provided benefits.
~
Who has inherited these words?   Ironically,  not the present crop of liberals.  I think that John Kennedy would be vilified by the left if he were to utter this phrase today.   This is a conservative statement that tells us to stand on our own and seek to help others.

Laser Focus

After taking care of a couple of details at Sundance this morning, I'll be deadheading to Dennis on the Cape to dig a few more post holes.  With the storm brewing for Friday slated to hit the Cape, we have to get this done to keep the site project on completion schedule.
~
This weekend is also crunch time for the Sundance drywall completion because the kitchen cabinets and appliances get delivered next week, and after that, we should only have some spackling and painting to get done.
~
The Patriots loss was my gain because the Crawford Brothers had plans to fly to Dallas on moving day, Saturday, Feb 5, the day before the SuperBowl.  Although I didn't appreciate being second priority to a trip to the Superbowl, I can overcome the slight, and welcome their enthusiastic re-involvement in the move.
~
Superpeeps Brian Butler and the lovely Stacy have to go to Vermont that day with some lame exuse of being Godparents at a Christening or something.
~
Being a Mountain of a Man means that you can't get thrown off track by things like Baptisms or Superbowls.....    and your priorities remain laser focused.   Maybe that's why I'm not anybody's Godfather.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Out of Synch

Yesterday we found out that Nanepashemet Telecom lost the big proposal that we submitted last week.
~
Even though, my philosophy tells me that this is a message that a better path is in store for us... I am pissed.  
~
Emotions don't always synchronize well with philosophies.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Astrological Forecast

Happiness is not necessarily discovering new things.  It is enjoying the things that you already have.
~
That is a paraphrase of my horoscope this morning.   While astrology seems illogical and silly in concept, the forecast that I read once in a while from Jonathan Cainer, http://www.cainer.com/, often contains a bit of thought worthy general advice.  
~
You're an idiot if you mould your behavior around what your horoscope tells you, but you're smart to take good advice wherever you find it.
~
Sometimes, to enjoy the things that you already have, you have to get analytical.  You have to look at things from different angles, and try to see how everything fits in the big picture.  You have to examine how different factors interact with the things that you have. 
~
Many times, a depressing situation can be defused and turned around merely by reflecting on new directions and possibilities that the situation points to.  Making lemonade from lemons so to speak.  I don't mean to sound too "New Age" but if you believe that everything happens for the ultimate good, then it makes sense to appreciate your surroundings and find enjoyment in the ride that you are currently experiencing.
~
I take some of this inspiration from Ryan, who has truly made the most of a situation that most of us would have defined as abysmal.  As juxtaposed that it would seem, I'm really proud of him.
~
Many times in my life, I've seen circumstances that appear to be insurmountable.... a financial problem with no solution, a social situation in a complete dead end.  But then people who say they can't get a job develop a full new career.... financial opportunities fall from completely unforeseen sources.  I could tell you specific instances, but you are better off filling in the blanks with your own experiences, because you know that it is true for you as well as for me.
~
So find your happiness today, by enjoying the things that you already have.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Change of Scenery


It's mid January, the dead of winter.
~
  Time to think of a warm summer day in Rockport. 
~
It will be here eventually.

Agony of Defeet

The Patriots lost to the Jets yesterday, ending the road to the SuperBowl for New England.
~
It's a sunny morning in Boston, but I'll bet there is denial and depression within the bright rays of the cascading sunshine.   It's just a game, but if you were going to be elated at the victory, it's only right to be deflated at the defeat.
~
Jets Coach Rex Ryan, complete with his publicly exposed foot fetish, will be enshrined as a heinous villain in this area for years to come.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Countdown to Super Sunday.

The road to the Super Bowl for the Patriots will be through the Jets this Saturday, the Steelers next week and then the SuperBowl on February 6.  By that time, the kitchen will be in at Sundance and we will have moved in.
~
So SuperSunday will be even more significant.
~
But there is a lot of work to do before then.  This morning we will take the Grandkids to see Ryan at FreshAyer, then I will be mudding drywall throughout the afternoon.  Joanne has done a good job painting the newly installed raised panels and this has significantly taken the pressure off for meeting the complettion date.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Moulding Miscue


So I foolishly didn't buy enough of the 3 1/2" primed crown moulding from Peabody Building Supply at 65 cents per foot.  Now they are all out, with no clue when another supply will be available.
~
They had unprimed, finger jointed crown at 40 cents per foot, and I'm hoping that it can be installed and integrated with the original stock that I bought.  So I picked up forty feet and will hang the moulding this morning.
~
After I inflate the grandkids snow tubes, I'll be up at the Sundance building checking this out.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Solidly Booked.

Looking forward to seeing the Grandkids this weekend.  I know their Dad misses them more than we do so we'll all get a little FreshAyer.
~
Between that, the Patriots - Jets, the Sundance Renovation and the fabrication of a ramp to easily get the new Ariens snowblower into the F-150... this weekend is freaking booked.
~
That's right Ethan... so don't pull any funny stuff.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Not on Our Watch

This rush to point fingers at Conservatives because a sociopath decides to go beserk in Tucson is starting to get under my skin.  At least Nancy Pelosi hasn't blamed the Bush administration yet.... but maybe I'm speaking too soon.
~
To those editorial writers who say that we should "calm down the rhetoric" and only point to the Right while whackjobs like Keith Oberman and Nancy Pelosi spout off with impunity.... come on.
~
The old adage that Liberals act on emotion and Conservatives act on thought really comes to the surface here.  We should all be shocked and saddened by random senseless shootings in Tucson.  But to blame anyone other than a crazy sociopath is the height of irresponsible classlessness. 
~
Claiming that Sarah Palin is responsible for using "Crosshairs" in her campaign literature is pathetic pandering.  Politics is a contact sport, with all sorts of aggressive metaphors.  To say that these are the cause of a shooting is silly and worse.
~
A study of our political history will show that aggressive rhetoric has always characterized our democracy.  When the Lefty Editorials and media call for the tone down of Conservative rhetoric, they are really advocating for a facist, one thought government.  Nice try... Not on OUR WATCH.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Mayan Trash Talk

Nostradamus says that he could see out to the year 3797 AD.  That puts a lot of pressure on the Mayans, who are counting us out by the end of  2012.
~
I'm not buying the Mayan prophecy for the end of days, and after December of 2012, I was thinking of heading down to the Yucatan Peninsula for a little trash talk. 
~
Stuff like..."Hey Mayans... nice end of the world... Way to Predict... Nostradamus kicks your ass."  But then I'd cool it down by setting them up at the bar with a few Dos Equis and some Nachos.   Hopefully the Mayans down there have a sense of humor. 
~
I'm sure they're not happy about their dire prediction anyway.  A few good Mexican Cervages should soothe over any ruffled feathers.
The thing about lies is that they have to be rehearsed.  It's much easier being forthright and genuine, and takes much less effort. 

Snow Emergency

Peeps....
Those of you who know me best, know that I'm a tolerant person.... willing to live and let live..... with an appreciation of diversity and my fellow man.
~
Why is it then, that I feel such seething hatred for these irritating assholes on Channel 5 Eyewitness News this morning who are trying to make a major issue over a few freaking snowflakes???
~
When did a snowstorm emolt into highly charged news in New England?
~
We've had the Governor on the line, and some asshole from the Town of Marblehead called me at 9:00PM last night with a computerized message about the "Emergency Blizzard".
~
The "Emergency" is not the freaking snow... it's having to put up with these egotistical assholes who have nothing better to talk about.
~
I suppose this post sounds a little grouchy, and maybe it is, but I'm not in the mood for silly bullshit this morning.  We'll be firing up the new snowblower soon enough.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Snow Low Blow

Big snowstorm coming.
~
Bring it on.
~
Bought the Ariens 920014 Compact ST24LE (24") 205cc Two-Stage Snow Blower today.
~
Just look at this baby....

•  205cc OHV 900 Series Briggs & Stratton® engine
•  120 volt electric start with recoil back-up
•  2.9 quart fuel capacity
•  6 forward speeds / 2 reverse speeds
~
I had held off from the purchase of a snowblower throughout my adult life, but the configuration of the new Sundance House on the corner of West Shore Drive and Stramski Way, with two driveways and all of the paved parking area is a hell of a lot of shoveling.
~
Plus, I could always depend on TommyO to come across the street with his snowblower at Beverly Ave.  The least that Tommy could do is move across the street from us up at West Shore Drive.
~
But with all of the driveways and no TommyO, I broke down and grabbed the last snowblower left at the Danvers Home Depot.
~
It's no replacement for TommyO, but it will have to do.

TommyO said...

Not Bad,
Jay cranked this boy up this morning and took care of the 'hood here on Beverly Ave.
The legend grows.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Peep of the Week - Week 1 of 2011

2011 started off pretty good for us in business and the Sundance move is coming along nicely as well.  I don't hold out any hope that major irritation won't occur in 2011, but I'm thankful for the first week.

ANNOUNCING....
Peeps of the Week for the first week of 2011

Brian Stanton
Brendt D'Orio
Brian Butler
Dave Bruett
Chris Crawford
Jim Lundgren

A good start of the year.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Despicable

Our prayers go out to the victims of the Congressman Gabrielle Gifford shooting.
~
These senseless things are a random consequence of life in our society.   With substance abuse and mental instability, we unfortunately always have to be on guard.
~
Naturally, George Stephanopoulos of the ABC Spindoctors is placing the blame on politics, without a shred of evidence of what the actual motivation of the crime was.  My prediction is that the shameless leftys will have the Tea Party tried and convicted for this shooting before sundown.
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Despicable behavior, after a despicable crime.

Managing the Move

The offers from you Peeps to help us move are pouring it.   Joanne and I are very touched.  Even Harvey Rowe offered to carry a box of books or two.
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We'll probably set the date for Saturday, Feb. 5 at 10:00AM.
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Although we are not limiting the amount of you who wish to participate, I am getting a bit nervous about my follow up bar bill at the Gerry.
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After all, this was an attempt to save money on a moving bill, but now it looks like the Gerry afterward will cost me more.

Friday, January 07, 2011

Celebration Sip

On the way back from Dennis, I checked on a job proposal that was submitted prior to the Holidays with a Wireless Carrier that we have been trying to break into for a year or so.
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Bingo.  Price is good, job is accepted, more bid requests to be sent out next week.
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This is the end of the first week of 2011.  If we can reel in this customer for a couple of jobs a month, it will be a whole new outloook for Nanepashemet Telecom.
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Good a reason as any to pour a celebratory Lagavulin this Friday Evening.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

A Moving Idea

With the addition of the 18 ft utility trailer to the physical assets of Nanepashemet Telecom, it now seems entirely feasible to make the move ourself from 32 Beverly Ave to the Sundance Building on West Shore Drive during the beginning of February.
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I'm starting to think that if we got enough Peeps together, the job could get done in three or four hours.  After which the bar would be set up at the Gerry Club.
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Let me know if you would be interested in participating in this noble cause.

TommyO said...
Count me in Brother...

Lisa P said...
Do you have to be a guy?? Because if not, I am in.
Harvey said he will help too if he finishes his workouts in time.....

Cape Cod Concrete

Heading down to Dennis, Mass. on Cape Cod early tomorrow morning to help on a labor shortage setting some fence posts for a cell site project that we have down there.
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I know what you are thinking.... "Why is a Mountain of a Man like J humping his middle-aged ass pouring concrete posts in the middle of winter instead of doing important executive business management stuff."???
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By sheer coincidence, I was thinking the same thing.
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But it's not a topic to be dwelled upon.   It's not like I'm schlepping 80 lb. bags of concrete everyday.   Once in a while can't hurt as long as I keep my eyes on the big picture the rest of the time.   And as long as I don't throw out my back.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Utility Trailer

I lost the MegaMillions lottery.  Was only off by every number.  Which is surprizing because I was feeling lucky.   Must have been some kind of cosmic mistake.  I'll try again when the prize gets up there.
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But, this morning, I found a great deal on a 2010 Dual Axle, 18' Carry On brand, 5200 lb payload, utility trailer from Airport Trailers in Leominster, MA.
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After checking out Craigslist and Ebay, it seemed like we would have to pay $3,000 or more for a used double axle, but I found a great Internet clearance deal for $1995 if I paid in cash.   So I'm picking up the trailer tomorrow.
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A heavy duty utility trailer gives us a lot of flexibility to get things done at a bargain price.  Plus, I'll have it to move stuff into the new house.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Lottery Plans

Megamillions lottery tonight is coming in at $355M with a cash option of $244M.
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After taxes, you would be left with about $120M.
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I don't care.  I only bought 2 tickets for a buck each so I won't be out too much if I lose.   The odds of winning are 176 million to one.
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I know I shouldn't be too optimistic, but I'm feeling pretty lucky about this one.   And Lord knows... I could use the $120 Million.  Not that I would do anything particularly noble or altruistic with it.
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Basically, I'd take $100 Million and invest it as conservatively as possible in equities designed to yield 2% per year.   This would generate a gross income of $2M per year.... so that I could pocket $1M after taxes year after year.   The remaining $20M would be the crazy money.
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The first $10M would go to paying off debts and setting up family trusts.  The Last $10M is all mine baby.  After a long vacation and seeing a lot of the world that I've only read about, I'd use whatever is left to design and build my ocean side New England house and office/workshop, and resume being the Blogging Asshole that you've always known.... bitching about things and banging around with Nanepashemet Telecom.
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Success or failure will not be that important anymore.... not that it ever was.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Crown Moulding Mystery Solved.

Those of you who know me best, know that of all things, I don't shy away from a woodworking challenge.  Raised panels, dovetails, miter cuts, mortise and tenon.... bring it on... I can take it.   But compound miters for crown moulding has been my Achilles Heel... until today.
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Totay I stared the beast in the face... and the beast blinked first.
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Granted, I took the time to think through the miter saw jig that I bought from Rockler Woodworking Supply.... and I hadn't had the patience to try the trial and error until today.   The motivation factor as that my cheat sheet method of lamination layers of squared off mouldings made from MDF was going to get too labor instensive and messy for the finished second floor of the Sundance project.  I had to find a way to use the inexpensive, pre-milled crown that I bought from Peabody Building Supply at the beginning of the project.
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The trick was closely observing the crown moulding work that some journeyman carpenters had done in my kitchen three years ago.   I saw where they compensated for un-sqareness by filling gaps near the ceiling with a fine line of spackle that wasn't even noticeable.
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When I replicated this techique at the first corner of the Sundance master bedroom, the mystery of a nice crown moulding compound miter joint was solved.... with significant help from the Rockler jig and accurate 45 degree settings on both sides of my Hitachi miter saw.

Setting the Course

Today is the first real work day of the year.  Time to get all cylinders firing.
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Nanepashemet Telecom has a number of construction sites going in Massachusetts, and the Washington DC project is in motion, but the prospects on our plate indicate that this is going to be the breakout year... although the last three were pretty good breakout years too.  If we maintain our present pace, it will encompass a good deal of growth.
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At the Sundance building, everything is in place to receive the cabinets and granite by the end of the month.  In the ensuing weeks, we will be concentrating on painting, moulding, and outfitting the closets.  When the cabinets and appliances are delivered, the challenge will be in a flawless installation to complete this project.  Then we move in by Mid-February.
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So all in all, this January should portend an interesting year.  Plus, the FreshAyer ordeal will hopefully conclude sometime this year.  The condition of our interests at the end of the first quarter in March will set the course for this trip.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Annual POTY Fallout

It's already started.
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"Who the hell is TommyO? "  "What did he do to deserve this?"  "He looks like a Bass killing, Bad Ass Shit Kicker."  Just to mention a few of the brickbats that have been thrown this way in the last few hours.
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To set the record straight, TommyO is a God fearing, conservative, straight shooting, heterosexual, white, middle-aged male who fit the criteria for Nanepashemet Peep of the Year exceptionally well.  So Freaking Lay OFF!
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Every year it's the same thing.... lots of rock throwing and name calling from Pathetic Loser Peeps who think that they should have been given the ultimate honor.   Well... it wasn't you this year... it was Tommy O.
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So Deal with it.

TommyO said...


I am not a Bass killer.
I tried desperately to save the poor fish.
Now he is mounted on the wall in my den.
I always practice catch and release, it was just his time to go.
- TommyO