Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

This little number may show up at the Night Before Thanksgiving Bash.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

for the crust 
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 
for the filling
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 full cup pecan halves
• 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Using a pastry blender, combine flour, brown sugar and cubed better until it resembles a cornmeal (this can also be done in a food processor.)
2. Press crust mixture into an ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
3. While crust is baking, beat together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and melted butter. Stir in pecans.
4. Remove crust from oven and spread chocolate chips evenly over warm crust. Spread filling over chocolate chips.
5. Cover with foil and return to oven. Bake for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Immigration Kabuki Dance

This whole Immigration drama being played out by the Obama administration reminds me of a Japanese Kabuki Dance.  Lots of arranged protracted movements and posturing that look really weird.

Republican and Conservative pundits are in high rant mode as the President threatens to use the power of Executive Orders to give amnesty to Latin Americans who live in the US without a green card.

The POTUS maintains that he has the power to wipe the slate clean  for these five million or so immigrants who have taken up residence in the US in violation of laws that regulate entry into this country.  Conservatives maintain that he is effectively enacting legislation which is the purview of the Congress and a violation of the checks and balances built into our Federal system of Government.

Each side swaggers and postures away on what they will do if  Obama uses his "Power".

The  thing about Power is that you only have it if people don't challenge your actions.

POTW Week 46

I've been on this super efficiency kick this week.... planning out everyday, and analyzing what got done, what didn't, and why.  Staying focused is the key to accomplishment.   Yet some diversions to the plan are important to follow as well.

Another benefit of planning and evaluating your time is that when you get to the end of the day, after being pulled in numerous directions, your documented time gives you a feeling of satisfaction..... or at least verification that you didn't screw off all day. 

Announcing....

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 46th Week of 2014 

Bill Quirk

Harvey Rowe

Mike Rockett

Dale Johnson

Taylor Swift

Pam Georgian

We are cruising to the holidays.

Veterans Day Post

Thank you American Veterans.

No matter what you did during your military service, you stood on the wall, ready to defend our way of life.

Regardless of how aggravating our domestic politics can seem, we are Americans.... bonded together by a history that seeks freedom and the pursuit of happiness.

Sometimes this history has taken a while to evolve, and we have made mistakes, but in the end, our country strives for justice and liberty.

Those of you who served, who stood in the vanguard against those who seek to subjugate and subvert us....  I appreciate the time and sacrifice that you have made on behalf of all of us.

Stranger than Fiction

This American Indian Harvard Law Professor is one of the US Senators representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The other is Ed Markey.

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and say, "This can't be real.... I must be dreaming."  But this nice lady from Oklahoma, who claims to be an Indian, who rails against the cost of education after she made over $300k per year teaching one course at Harvard. is not only my Senator... she is being touted by "Progressives" as a serious alternative for President.

Reality is truly stranger than fiction.

Peeps of the Week - Week 45 - 2014

Peeps....

Those of you lost souls who are Nanepashemet Blog Purists know that Thursday Evening has traditionally been set aside as the time when the the coveted yet repulsive Peep of the Week selections are made.

So... it's freaking Thursday Evening.... I guess I have to put out a little and get this tacky task underway.

One thing that I forgot to mention in last week's POTW Refresher course.....

There is only one way that an aspiring yet hapless Peep can be automatically  selected as a POTW.  That is the time honored tradition of bestowing a bottle of Lagavulin 16 year old Single Malt Scotch (aka the KING OF SCOTCH) on this most deserving Mountain of a Man.

Since this process/scam has been instituted years ago, many satisfying 750 ML bottles of the revered nectar have been presented for which your MOAM responds with a POTW selection.  Some weeks, we have had multi Automatics... usually around the time of the night before Thanksgiving Bash.  but lately, the practice has seen a disappointing fall off.   Hopefully this will be remedied shortly.

ANNOUNCING....

NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 45TH WEEK OF 2014.

Gilbert Shaw
Wayne Webster
Yolanda Laganos
Jim Lundgren
Mitch McConnell
Seth Moulton

No Automatics this week.... will keep the porch light on during the coming holiday season though.

Election Enlightenment

Peeps....

You know I always exhort you to stay independent.... to stand on your own two feet... to make your own decisions....

So why are you so pathetically sending me email after email..... voicemail after voicemail..... frantically asking me what the election results last night mean?????

As you know, the Mountain of Man has a big heart and a wellspring of patience for those of you who annoyingly can't figure things out for yourself, and insist on getting a spin from the Nanepashemet source of truth and knowledge.

So I reluctantly must tell you what happened in the United States of America last night.

1.  Harry Reid.... the lying, despicable Majority Leader of the US Senate was fired..... and the 360 pieces of legislation that the House of Representatives have sent to the Senate can now be considered by the full Congress.

2.  President Obama was repudiated.... he offered "Hope", was really a "Dope", and the people said "Nope".  His stupid policies of ObamaCare and Immigration will be subject to reasonable revision and overhaul.

3.  My home state of Massachusetts elected a professional manager, Charlie Baker, and his opponent, the politically mean spirited, Martha Coakley, didn't even thank her supporters as she refused to concede defeat in a close, yet definitive result.

4.  My second state, where I pay a fair amount of property tax, New Hampshire, turned away the chance to elect a straight and independent thinker in Scott Brown, and instead turned to the Liberal rubber stamp, Jeanne Shaheen as a US Senator.    They have changed the motto from "Live Free or Die" to "Live Stupid then Cry".

5.  The Sixth Massachusetts Congressional District elected Democrat Seth Moulton, and Iraqi Veteran over Ricard Tisei, a bit over the top Republican.   The important point here is that they both played a part in turning way the old Guard, lock step Dem, John Tierney, who was a Pelosi puppet.  Verdict is out now on whether Seth can be a leader and break from the Democrat Herd.

So your MOAM can sum things up this way.

United States - HAPPY

Massachusetts - HAPPY

Sixth Congressional District - CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

New Hampshire - FREAKING DUMBFOUNDED

Now, Peeps..... go forth and spread Nanepashemet Truth and Insight .... you are among the enlightened.

If the Republicans Win....

Will Republicans take control of the US Senate tonight?

I certainly hope so.... not because I necessarily favor the Republicans.... but because I hate the fact that the Senate Rules allow one man.... the despicable Senator Harry Reid of Utah as the Senate Majority Leader.... the right to control and stifle the efforts of the entire body.

I believe that Harry is a corrupt pol, who lies with impunity... like the time that he said that Mitt Romney didn't pay his taxes.... just pulled a lie right out of his Ass with no basis in realty.

There is no room for people like this to wield power in our nation's capital.

If the Republicans have the majority in both Houses of Congress, then expect a range of initiatives to be passed and sent to the President to sign into law.   Course Obama is an ideologue.... an academician, and not a politician like Lyndon Johnson.   He will use the executive power to veto a good deal of the bills that come his way.  

Yet that is a vast improvement over the system that we have today... where ideas among our elected leaders never even reach his desk because of disingenuous gatekeepers like Reid.    At least now, we can have a substantive debate... and break the gridlock of ideas and innovative solutions to the problems of a nation.

If Obama vetoes legislation that comes his way, now we can ask why.....if the Republicans win tonight.

Your Right and Obligation to Vote.

Peeps....

Make sure that you get out and vote tomorrow.

You pretty much know who the Mountain of a Man supports.... but the important thing is to put your own thought in, and vote your conscience.

Our right to vote is a precious gift.   Don't insult the people who have made enormous sacrifices to give us this gift.   Throughout history, and even in the present day, the majority of people on Earth do not have ability to elect their leaders in a fair and unoppressive manner.

You do.

Don't let other people make decisions for you.    Stand on your own two feet.   Think.   And Vote.

Listing Your Home with Nanepashemet

There was a time when.... if you asked your MOAM to list your property for sale through Nanepashemet Real Estate Services... I would refuse.

That's because the only way to get your house properly exposed would have been to advertise heavily in expensive newspaper print media, and a small company like mine, which did not list many properties, could not afford the massive advertising fees.  So I used to advise you to list with the big companies

But this has completely changed.   Now, when I accept your listing, and present your property photos and marketing write up in the Massachusetts Multiple Listing Service, your property also gets extensive on-line exposure on national real estate sales sites like Trulia and Zillow.

And now, practically everyone who looks for a house to buy starts with a web-based, online real estate site.

Selling Mike's condo for a big score, and doing the same for Katelyn recently in South Boston has convinced me that accepting listings is now entirely feasible and now reside fully within our substantial skill sets.  And it doesn't really matter where your property is.... as Mike Murphy can attest.... we can handle your needs in Southborough  as easily as we do it in Southie ... or the North Shore.

Course, I've always been strong being a Buyer's Broker,  negotiating the best deal possible for my clients, but now I have a new found confidence that Listing your Property with Nanepashemet Real Estate is the way to go for both Peeps and civilians, and we can provide all of the exposure that you need on-line.

So this now begs the question....

Why should I list my house for sale with Nanepashemet Real Estate Services?

Notwithstanding the obvious... that you would have the MOAM as your personal agent... there are other, less noticeable reasons.

The First is Attention to Detail and Attention to You, the Nanepashemet Customer.   Your home is typically one of your most important assets,  and you can spend a lot of money in real estate commissions and leave quite a bit on the table if you sell with bad advice.

• When you List with Nanepashemet, your property is our only concern.  My committment to you is that..... if you hire me as your Listing Agent, I will not accept any other client  until your property has been brought under agreement with a price acceptable to you.  You have the full attention of Nanepashemet.

The Second is the cost of  Brokerage Services.   Many people think that Real Estate Broker's fees are set and standard, but that is not so, and a violation of commerce laws.

• When you list with Nanepashemet, we will thoroughly discuss fees and give you the best deal possible.  For  instance, if your intention is to List and Sell your home, and then buy a new home in the area within a reasonable time, Nanepashemet will substantially discount our listing fees based upon our subsequent role as your Buyer's Representative.  In a $500,000 sale, taking 1% off of a real estate commission represents a savings to you of  Five Thousand Dollars!  
  

The Third is taking advantage of professional experience and expertise.  The proper presentation of your home for sale is a multidisciplinary exercise that involves both business and construction skill sets.

• When you List with Nanepashemet, not only will we give you advice to maximize the value of your house in the market, but we can direct or manage improvements or repairs that will substantially upgrade the value of your property.   We have licensed construction managers on staff and partner with the finest craftsmen in the region.  Many times, the cost of improvements will add substantial value at the time time of sale, or make your property easier to finance for prospective buyers.  We roll the cost seamlessly into the final sale closing.

So now that Nanepashemet Real Estate Services has decided to list properties, you should take advantage of the benefits that will come your way if you list with us.

Peeps... it's a rising market.  there is a lot of money to be made .... and more if you make the right decisions.

Lesser of Evils

I've been sitting in my living room, this first Sunday morning after Daylight Savings time, watching the early Sunday local programming on local issues. Massachusetts is embroiled in a tight Governor's race between Marsha Coakley and Charlie Baker, and New Hampshire sees a good contest for Senator between Jeanne Shaheen and Scott Brown.

I'm also interested in the 6th Massachusetts District fight for Congress between Seth Moulton and Richard Tisei.

My criteria for supporting politicians has less to do with party affiliation and more to do with the following.

Who seems honest?   I hate it when candidate treat the electorate like a herd of sheep who will bleat acceptance with any baseless diatribe that is handed them.

Who seems smart and based in reality?   Some candidates are mindless Moonbats that present themselves based upon urban myth and their massive egos.

Who projects themselves as a leader?  Not interested in someone who is in lockstep with Obama or Boehner.  And I don't care what your opinion of your opponent is.... or how you distort his or her record.   I'm only interested in seeing what you think the problems are, and how you would wield the policy to solve them.

Based on these standards, every candidate probably falls short.   But I believe that we all are human with shortcomings and our duty as members of a republic is to support and elect the lesser of evils.

MOAM Broker Madness

Peeps....

In case your didn't know it, your Mountain of a Man is possibly one of the greatest Realtors who ever lived.

Even though I don't sell residential real estate for a living, I get immense satisfaction by doing it for friends and family.... and the latest success story is the great deal that we just closed for Katelyn and Brady's South Boston Condo.

Like Muhammad Ali said, "If you can do it... it ain't bragging."

We'll bring this transaction in for a landing after only 10 days on the sizzling hot South Boston residential market.

Wicked Saturday Workload

So much to do this weekend.   Even a Mountain of a Man like myself can sometimes feel a bit daunted by the tasks at hand.   But there is nothing to it, but to do it.... one thing at a time.

• Make the dough for the pizza's that we will grill during the Patriots Broncos game.
• Rake and mulch leaves before the Nor'easter hits later this morning.
• Process and execute the offer that we received on Kate's Condo last night.
• Work on drainage in the backyard.
• Make a dent in the pile of Nanepashemet Telecom outstanding action items.

I know that it seems insurmountable....and that the majority of you pathetic Peeps would head out to Dunkin Donuts and console yourself with a chocolate cruller or two, rather than deal with this wicked workload.  

But after all.... I am a MOAM, with more than enough stamina to plow through this Saturday.

Nanepashemet Peep of the Week - Week 44 - 2014

It's time to rededicate to the time honored tradition accorded to the Mountain of a Man to select the Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.

Those of you hapless Peeps who have followed this pathetic Blog over the years know the drill....

POTW's must have done something exceedingly annoying and/or inspiring.
POTW's cannot be an animal... if that was the case, Henry the Cat would win/lose all of the time.
POTW's cannot be dead.... barely metabolizing is fine, but no pulse doesn't cut it.

And.... you can never ask why a POTW was chosen.... ever.

These rules have stood the test of time... and have the same gravity and effect that Global Warming has for Democrats.... they are "Settled Science."

So now that you have had this quick refresher... it's time to get down to this serious/absurd adjudicatory business.

Announcing.....

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 44th Week of 2014

• Anne Freeman Hill
• Maggi Sides
• Katelyn Boyle
• Shalane Flanagan
• Tom McMahon
• Seth Moulton

I had forgotten how absorbing and intense this selection process can get.

Funny Patriots Halloween

Spaghetti with Syrup

My Grandson, Ethan, told his pre-school teacher that his favorite food is "Spaghetti with Syrup"  .... just like Will Farrell in Elf.

When his teacher asked why,   Ethan responded, "Because it's Hilarious."

2nd Amendment Rules

I pulled this off of Facebook last night.  Most of these rules were covered in the mandatory course for a Massachusetts Concealed Carry permit that I attended some time ago with a friend of mine.

If you own a gun, you will appreciate these rules...  If not, you should get one, learn how to use it and learn the rules:

RULES:

A : Guns have only two enemies: rust and politicians.

B : Its always better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

C : Cops carry guns to protect themselves, not you.

D : Never let someone or something that threatens you get inside
arms length

E : Never say "I've got a gun." If you need to use
deadly force, the first sound they should hear is the safety clicking off.

F : The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes; the
response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.

G : The most important rule in a gunfight is:
Always Win - there is no such thing as a fair fight.
Always Win - cheat if necessary.

H : Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets ....
You may get killed with your own gun, but he'll have to beat you to death with it because it will be empty .

I : If you're in a gun fight:
(a) If you're not shooting, you should be loading.
(b) If you're not loading, you should be moving.
(c) If you're not moving, you're dead.

J : In a life and death situation, do something ....it may be 
wrong, but do something!

K : If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. Nonsense!
If you have a gun, what do you have to be paranoid about?

L : You can say 'stop' or any other word, but a large bore muzzle 
pointed at someone's head is pretty much a universal language; 
and, you won't have to press 1 for Spanish/Mexican or 2 for Chinese or 3 for Arabic.

M : Never leave an enemy behind. If you have to shoot, shoot to 
kill. In court, yours will be the only testimony.

N : You cannot save the planet, but you may be able to save
yourself and your family.

If you believe in the 2nd Amendment, forward to others you know
who also believe.

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when
everybody stands around reloading". . . . .

Thomas Jefferson

Nanepashemet Nod is Now Negated

Charlie Baker, Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, started to cry in the debate tonight as he related the story of a New Bedford fisherman who is seeing his fishing business flounder under federal regulations.

It was a genuine touching moment, but I wonder if this will be seen as a form of weakness in a leader.  Even your Mountain of a Man has shed a tear from time to time, and I am cognizant of the fact that there is no way to control this emotional reaction, but I fear that the political spin will be vicious with this one.

Generally, I felt that Baker looked tired and stressed during this debate, and he never regained a sense of composure after his weeping.   He still has the Nanepashemet Nod.... although I can't say the same for Seth Moulton, who is hosting Joe Biden in Lynn tomorrow and has emerged as a totally partisan Democrat.

I was looking for Seth to be a leader, but it seems that he is a follower of Liberal demagoguery.   Takes broad swipes at his opponent solely because his opponent is a Republican.... not because of a disagreement on the issues.   Stands next to phonies like Liz Warren, the despicable liar who claims to be a minority as an American Indian.  Sorry Seth.... I am so disappointed that you have become a Partisan Politician.  I had hoped that you would stand on your own two feet instead of filing in lockstep with the Herd.

Enjoy your time with Nancy Pelosi.  Nanepashemet Nod is Now Negated.

Open House Pandemonium

It was pandemonium at Kate and Brady's Open House yesterday.

Not looking forward to the crowds this afternoon for Day 2, but I advertised it and can't call it off now.   I'm surprised that so many people want to buy this condo in Southie, but the market is super hot.

If you want to see the Mountain of a Man in full bore sales mode, drop down to 72 I Street between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Open House

Peeps.....

Please come to this Open House.

Katelyn and Brady's South Boston Condo

Open House - Saturday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Don't be whining to me later that you lost the chance to have the MOAM sell you this super cool condo apartment in happening Southie.

Old Town Marblehead during WWII

Change in Venue

Took a little time from Thursday to Monday to work from North Conway, NH.   Even a Mountain of a Man needs a change of  venue once in a while, and  though I was on line and got a lot of work done, we had the chance to meet with friends and enjoy the autumn mountains.

A nice lunch with Christos and Yolanda Laganos at the Mount Washington Hotel on Saturday was followed by a visit to Brendt d' Orio and his trophy wife, former POTY, Kerry d' Orio with their cute kids at their new mountain house retreat.

Christos was in the first grade with the MOAM, and is one of my favorite Facebook friends, and Brendt was Ryan's first friend when he moved to Marblehead in the 2nd grade.  Two great visits in the same afternoon.

Brendt complained that I haven't been picking Peeps of the Week for awhile, and I guess I'll rev up that feature again.... as despicable/enjoyable as it is.

Henry the Cat threw up in the Ford F-150 both to North Conway and back to Marblehead, so the cab is a little rank.  More than usual even.  He doesn't travel well.

Freud D1040X Diablo 10-Inch

I picked up this cool Freud D1040X Diablo 10-Inch 40-Tooth ATB General Purpose Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor and PermaShield Coating from Home Depot today.

I had hit a metal drill bit holder by accident with my Hitachi 10" Miter Saw, and it immediately dulled the blade.  Transferred the existing 10" blade from my DeWalt portable table saw to the Hitachi to finish the job at hand,  but then was left with the need to replenish the DeWalt.

The blade has a lot of engineering features to produce a thin kerf cut for both crosscut and ripcut applications.  Only cost $29.97 at both Home Depot and Amazon.

Freud is an Italian company that makes top notch saw blades and router bits, and it will be interesting to see how this blade performs as I put the finishing touches on the Secret Project.

And no... I've decided to keep the Secret Project ... secret.

You nosey Peeps already know way to much about the Mountain of a Man's personal life.

Support for a Veteran

I never served in the military.

Came close when I was a Corporal in the Horse Calvary at Army ROTC at UMASS Amherst.

We were taught how to march, and spent a lot of classtime regarding military history, strategy and tactics.  The Army Captains also were talking up Vietnam.... what a beautiful country it was.... and how after the war it would be converted to a huge tropical resort.    It was propaganda pure and simple.

But by the beginning of my Junior year in 1973, the Vietnam War had ended, and I had a draft number that insured that I would not be drafted, so I turned in my uniform.

It just didn't seem necessary to continue, but there is a part of me that has always regretted the decision.

My Grandfather,Jeremiah Nestor, served in WWI in the trenches in France where he  was gassed by the Germans, and never really recovered.

My Father, John Nestor, served in the US Coast Guard during WWII, escorting shipping convoys across the North Atlantic.   He spent a year in the Hospital with Battle Fatique after being blown off of a ship and spending an inordinate time in the ocean.  He could never discuss the experience... would just choke up and I never prodded.

My Cousin, Atty. John N. Nestor served as B-17 Flying Fortress pilot and flew 125 missions over Europe in WWII  - five times the required amount.  It was a miracle that he beat the statistics and didn't die.

My Father in Law, Joe LeBlanc, was blown off of his jeep by a Chinese tank in  the Korean War and spent time as a Prisoner of War.

But, my Father was staunchly against the Vietnam War, and was afraid that I would have to serve.   He once said that he would shoot me in the foot if I was drafted, and I believed that he was not kidding about that.   At his insistence, I joined Army ROTC at UMASS because he felt that as a 2nd Lieutenant, I would have a better chance of survival.

There are a lot of stats regarding the mortality rate of 2nd Lieutenants in Vietnam... suffice it to say that I think that my Father's hypothesis was "dead" wrong.

Regardless... if I had remained in ROTC and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at graduation, it would have been a couple of years of peacetime service.

Yet, I so admire those that have served.  Maybe it is in my blood from family veterans who served with distinction and made significant sacrifices  by their military experience.

 It is a central reason for my support of Seth Moulton in his bid to be elected Congressman of the Sixth Massachusetts District.   Even though I cringe at the Hard Line Democrats that are buzzing around him like flies on shit, I respect his four tours of duty in Iraq, and will support him based on that alone.

Tuna LipsSaid

I am with you there, boom master. I didn't cotton to them pickle-sniffing sorts.

U-S-A! U-S-A!

Talking Politics

Peeps....

I've been noticing lately that some of my Friends really are uncomfortable talking about politics.

I've never felt that way.   Maybe being a political science major in college, and always being interested in history and geography have given me a sense of security with the subject.

In my own situation, I was brought up in an Irish Catholic working class democratic household.   Everytime I would ask my father who he voted for, he would answer, "The Best Man."   My mother always reminded me that Democrats were for the working man, and Republicans were for the rich.

When I was in the sixth grade, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, which had a devastating effect on my family.   He was our first Irish Catholic President.   But the words that resonate with me to this day... "Ask NOT what your Country can do for you.  Ask what you can do for your country.".... told the Liberals of the day to stand for themselves and contribute.... not look for Government to take care of you.

The Vietnam War raged through my high school years, and ended during my sophomore year in college.... it made no sense to me.... trying to interfere with the affairs of that country under the pretense of stopping communism.   And the Civil Right movement was in full swing,  with the inherent injustice of institutionalized racism being challenged and dismantled.   President Nixon lied about burglarizing Democratic campaign records, and I was happy to see him resign his office.

I was a stanch Liberal in those days.  Liberals were for change, and I believed that change was right.   In fact, I could not understand how anyone could be a conservative.  We grew our hair long, our music was radicalized and we railed against "the Establishment".

I think we were right... and things started to change.

The environment was cleaned up with sweeping legislation and rules on the way business was conducted.

Affirmative Action changed the damages caused by years of racism and created opportunities for the advancement of minorities in education, business, and over quality of life.  It grabbed racism by the nose and forged situations that our culture would have taken decades to overcome.

Ronald Reagan stared down Communism and this oppressive Leftist system of large autocratic government  collapsed under its own ineptitude.

In my personal business, I found the freedom to sink or swim based upon my own competence and business acumen.  I demonstrated to myself that I could survive by my own wits and never looked to others to provide a safety net.

But slowly, Democrats started to piss me off....   Jimmy Carter was incompetent,  Bill Clinton diddled with an intern, while his wife Hilary claimed he was the victim of "a vast right wing conspiracy".  For the first time since Nixon, I started to feel that I was being lied to by the President.  There was a disingenuous slime factor about the Clinton's that I feel to this day.   I was happy when George W. Bush invaded Iraq to rid the world of an Hitler figure in Saddam Hussein... and proud that America led the world in this effort.

I had a profound dislike for Al Gore, Jr. His global warming, Nobel Prize winning hypothesis on Global Warming and his claim to have invented the Internet started to sway me to the opinion that Liberals had gone looney.   And John Kerry... please.... coming from Massachusetts, I had watched his manipulative and conniving career first hand.

But when Barack Obama was first elected, there was a part of me that was elated.  We had elected an African American to the highest office in the land.  I'm not going to rant here against Obama.  The kindest thing that I can say is that the country is guilty of wishful thinking and rushed to elect a completely unprepared and unqualified candidate.   We listened to our hearts and not our heads.

Which brings me to my present situation.

Winston Churchill said, "If you are twenty and not a Liberal, you have no heart... and If you are forty and are not a Conservative, your have no head."

While I still protect my unenrolled "Independent" political party designation, I now find myself frustrated that Democrats have abandoned the exaltation by John Kennedy, and call for an entitlement state with no budgetary controls.   Does that make me a Republican or a Conservative?

I wish it didn't, but that's where I see myself landing these days.

Ryan and Kim Got Married

It was another  wedding spectacular last night as Ryan Nestor tied the knot with Kim Hause at a Crocker Park harborside ceremony conducted by Reverend for a Day, Tyler Gill.  Chad Raleigh played the acoustical background guitar.

After the outdoor ceremony held in perfect weather, the party walked next door to the Boston Yacht Club, and the venue didn't disappoint with great food and a killer band.  Chad sat in for lead guitar a couple times and ripped the place apart with his tremendous musical ability.  I doubt that the staid old BYC has witnessed that type of rock talent much in its stately history.

To this MOAM, the highlights were too numerous to mention, but I would have to say that it was one of the most enjoyable weddings that I have attended.  Ryan performed his Johnny B. Goode routine as well as ever, and the Dark and Stormies flowed like wine.

Johnny B. Goode Performance

It was nice to reconnect with many of  Ryan and Kim's friends who I have known since they were little kids.

The day was the culmination of a weird and totally unpredictable path that calls to the fact that everything happens for a reason, and everything ultimately happens for the best.  It's not up to us to evaluate or question God's plan too closely.... better just to trust and try to enjoy the ride.

Ryan and Kim

Ryan and Kim are getting married tomorrow, and their rehearsal party was at Maddies Sail Loft in Marblehead tonight.
~
Tomorrow the nuptials occur at Crocker Park, with a reception at the Boston Yacht Club.
~
I love them both, wish them the best, and hope to observe their happiness long into the future.

Let them Eat Cake

This faux water tank is located in Creston, CA and stands roughly 53' tall and contains a conventionally framed roof. 

Not for nothing, but I vastly prefer the look of a modern communications facility rather than an old fashioned water tank.

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Sometimes I wish that all of the carriers would just shut down the service for a day.  Then with all of the whining and gnashing of teeth,  we would reverse those naysayers who want Broadband but not Broadband antennas.   Classic case of the entitlement generation wanting to  have your cake and eat it too.

Nanepashemet Blog Ranking

There are over 150 million Blogs worldwide on the Internet.
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Teads of the United Kingdom rates this pathetic Blog as 11,447 in the World, and 5,757 in the United States.
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What the Hell do they know?
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As far as I'm concerned, we are Number 1... or at least in the Top Ten.

Whacky Martha

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Peeps...
Those of you who know me best know that the MOAM sometimes makes mistakes.... sometimes forms the wrong judgement... misses the mark once in awhile.
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Course... not nearly as much as the rest of you.... but it happens nonetheless.
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So I appeal to you to set me straight in the unlikely event that I am wrong.  But I don't think I am.
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We have the democratic gubernatorial candidate, Martha Coakley, running ads stating that her brother had a breakdown, and after her parents died, took his own life because "he had no place to go."   And then she grimaces.
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I'm sorry, but my only conclusion is that there was no way he could ask his sister for help after their parents passed, ergo he committed suicide.    So where the hell was Martha?.... and what is her point?  That Government should have nurtured and guided her brother???  What was Martha's role?
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And how, in God's Green Earth, does Coakley think this will get our vote to make her Governor of Massachusetts????
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So Peeps.... What the hell am I missing?   There must be something because this one just seems to be the wackiest Liberal political ad that I've seen in a long time.

Get It Done

Working on the Secret Project this Sunday morning, and then I promised Mike that I would help him pick up his hardwood flooring stock at Lumber Liquidators this afternoon.

By the Patriots kickoff at 8:00 PM tonight, this MOAM will be a twisted mass of fatique but I'm looking forward to getting stuff done today.

Worx Shredder

 I've decided to mulch the crap out of any leaf that has the audacity to fall on my property this autumn.   Bought this WORX WG430 13 amp Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder to back me up.

Baker gets the Nanepashemet Nod

 Peeps... this is a personal plea.  
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In the name of all that is holy and decent in our lives, please don't cast your Massachusetts Governor vote for Martha Coakley.    Her judgement as Attorney General has been arbitrary and vindictive in my opinion and she has been in pathetic lockstep with Liberal positions.  No wonder the First Lady is cheering like a Pep Squad Sophomore.
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If you think that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will benefit from her stewartship as our Governor, then don't take my word for it... ask Betty Anne Waters, Dorothy Rabinowitz, or Tim Cahill.    She trashes lives with impunity.  There is a meanness and viciousness here that should never be part of the leadership of a democratic administration.
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My greatest fear is the bureaucrat who decides that checking a box or making a resume entry warrants destroying another person's life.   If I'm wrong about Martha, then I'm happy to be corrected... but there is a pattern here that I find hard to deny.
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It would be different if we didn't have an alternative... but we do...a very good one.

Charlie Baker is a businessman with a proven managerial record of success in both the public and private sectors.  I recommend that you vote for Charlie.

OK... I'm  asking you to vote for Charlie.

After all... He just received the Nanepashemet Nod.

Boothbay Harbor

Typical Political Posturing

I hope that Seth Moulton runs on the issues, and not the usual drivel to the Democrat Sheep that spews  that Republicans are bad people.   I've already heard him blame the shut down of the Federal Government on Republicans, which is pure Bullshit.  Obama was the one shutting down national parks selectively.... not his military golf course, and shutting down the White House tours while the Capital tours stayed open.    Obama's failure to compromise due to his stubbornness and inexperience contributed at least 50%, Seth.
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I know you have to get elected, but I sure as Hell hope that you can raise the bar, and not be the typical pol catering to an unthinking and base emotional electorate.

Not Negating the Nod

The secret Project has been progressing nicely.... ahead of schedule actually.  And I've been losing weight lugging 80lb. bags of concrete mix in the process.... so it's all good.
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But what is really bothering me in the meantime is the way Seth Moulton, who has garnered the Nanepashemet Nod in his bid for the 6th Massachusetts US Congressional seat, has been cozying up to Democrat Hacks in the District.   I had hoped for a more individualistic stance, but I see him being swept up by hard liners.
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The latest was his Facebook poses with Elizabeth Warren, our Massachusetts US Senator who runs fast and loose with the truth and has no problem lying about her claim to be a Cherokee Indian...  Sorry but I just can't let this one go... it speaks to the core for her character.... to lie about being a minority.   Anything else that she says just lacks credibility knowing that she has no problem letting a whopper like this stay with her.
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Seth..... she also endorsed a liar, Congressman Tierney, before turning to you and your successful campaign with sloppy seconds.

I'm not Negating the Nod at this time, but I have to see some better judgement from you, Seth

Evidence and Balls

So last night, I'm cruising along on Facebook.... you know.... the usual attempt to amuse and annoy.... in no particular order.
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I post a thread about Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune, who after Sarah Palin, is one of my favorite Hotties.  Then, I comment on a thread that a FB Friend of mine put up about the Public Broadcasting System, and how disingenuous they can be.
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It was an enjoyable way to pass a Tuesday evening.
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In the past year, I have blocked two people on Facebook.  They both decided to get personal and make false accusations about me.... and life is too short to put up with that crap.... so I decided to use the option that Facebook has which is the ability to block any posts from them, and deny them access to yours.
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No harm, no foul.... and no more aggravation.,,,, so it was a fine solution for me.
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Over the course of the year, I would notice that some posts from old friends had comments that seemed out of context, and I ascertained that one of the Blocked parties was in the discussion.  Who gives a shit... right?
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But then, in the middle of the thread tonight,  I get a post that says I'm missing the good stuff, and that I should kiss and make up with one of my antagonists.    Fair enough.... I like the guy who made the suggestion, so I unblocked the former offending party.
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Immediately his posts show up in the thread saying that he notices that I must be participating in the thread, because he can't see all of the entries and that it was funny that I blocked him, and that I was a "Blowhard" and a "Coward".
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So I call him out and tell him that he was hurting my feelings.
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Let's face it Peeps.... he was dead on that I am a "Blowhard".....  but I'm no "Coward" and have plenty of life's lumps to back that up.
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But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
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He posts that he has shamed me to unblock him.... so I glibly reply that he should be careful, or that I would have to give him another "time out".

I've known this guy since high school... never really gave him much thought.... most of my recollection is that he seemed to be a nice guy..... showed a weird mean streak once.... but everyone is an idiot in high school, so WTF.
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So Guess what... the guy who calls me a "Coward" because I blocked him..... immediately Blocks me.   His posts in the thread disappear.
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 Damn....
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You do the math, Peeps.  If that is his belief, then Logic would dictate that he now has to paste the label on himself.
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In the years I've been on Facebook. I've never gotten personal......never called people names..... and I didn't tonight either.   Course you have to make the exception for public figures like Chief Spreading Bull, our despicable lying US Senator Liz Warren, but public figures are fair game.
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Here I go again... being a "Blowhard".
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But don't ever call me a "Coward", unless you have the Evidence and the Balls to back it up.

Creating with a Kushlan

A lot of you inquisitive Peeps have been asking me about the Kushlan cement mixer lately.
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I don't blame you... it is one damn cool machine.
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With two 80 lb. bags of premix Quicrete and two gallons of water, this nifty model will quickly and quietly mix up  a nice pour in no time.  An 8' x8' two inch slab will take 18 to 20 bags,
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I spray the inside of mine with WD40 to keep the mix from sticking.
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Troweling out slab of concrete with a magnesium float
creates a satisfying feel of accomplishment.
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And don't be thinking you can borrow my Kushlan.... freaking buy your own.

Salt Marsh Home

We spent the day today moving Mike and Pam into their new house at Beverly Farms.  It abuts a salt marsh and, as Scott McBurney said, has good bones.  Plus the Beverly Farms village center is just down the road past West Beach, and has a nice package store where I bought some celebratory Magners Irish Cider and a six of Sam Adams to celebrate the move.
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Thanks  to Scuba Steve Lewis, Official Mortgage Broker of Nanepashemet, for helping to make this happen.
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Mike and Pam will have many moments of enjoyment staring at that marsh, and I'm very happy for them.

Carlos, My GrandDog

Carlos my GrandDog has spent the last few days in Marblehead with us as Mike and Pam prepare for their move to Beverly.

He and Henry the Cat have developed a healthy tolerance for one another that occasionally erupts when one decides to annoy the other.

I Had a Dream Last Night

Last night, primarily due to my sleep apnea harness, I went into deep REM and experienced a very vivid dream.
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I dreamed that a young kid, who grew up in Indonesia from Communist parents, and was indoctrinated by extremely radical Chicago politicians and ideologues, went on to become the President of the United States.
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He ran a community action center, spent one term in the State Senate, one term in the US Senate, and then was swept into the Presidency.
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He started out by inspiring everyone with his incredible charisma and public speaking ability.  But then, the ability to govern... to administer, compromise, and lead... failed him.  His administration, which was promised as being a transparent process for all to see, became mired in narcissism and secrecy.  The largess of he and his family as they traveled the US and the World, showed an extravagance and sense of entitlement at the expense of others that was disheartening.
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He won a Nobel Peace Prize before he ever made one executive decision, but then waffled in meeting challenges in the time frames in which they arose.
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Some supported him because he was Black, and others derided him for the same reason.   Racism raised its ugly head in both instances.

He couldn't work with Congress, and didn't seem to listen to the advice of those around him, particularly his military staff.  He looked for excuses and blame, and his sycophant supporters allowed a foggy perception of reality.
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The United States with its political, social, and business institutions weathered his ineptitude and incompetency, but lost the chance to lead the world to a stronger economy and more stable social and political order.

It was one of those  weird, totally illogical dreams.    I woke up before the dream was over.... don't know how it ended.

Getting Concrete with the Plan

I'm thinking of renting this cement mixer from Home Depot, or possibly making a purchase.  The rental is $47.00 a day so I think that I will work to get the preparation completely ready, then rent it for three or four days.It's a big change in plans to go with concrete, but in the end, will probably save time and money.

Splitting Granite

Did a lot of work on the secret project today,  it is coming along nicely but very labor intensive.  When it is done, I may or may not disclose it.

One thing I will tell you is that I have mastered the technique of splitting stone using wedge and feathers.   Before, I didn't drill the holes close enough or deep enough.     The 1/2" holes have to be drilled at least three inches deep and three inches apart.

Once I corrected this, the strongest granite boulders cracked and split after a few pings with a hammer on the wedges inserted in the feathers.

Power of the Nanepashemet Nod

MA - U.S. HOUSE DIST 6 - DEM
100% OF PRECINCTS REPORTING
>	Seth Moulton	34,455	49%
	John Tierney (Inc.)	28,882	41%
	Marisa DeFranco	4,282	6%
	John Devine	1,525	2%
	John Gutta	687	1%

The power of the Nanepashemet Nod is mysterious indeed.

Course it doesn't work all the time... if fact, this is the first time that it has worked in years.
But there it is... for all you Peeps to see and admire.

I hope Seth Moulton proves to be worthy.

North Country Weekend

This weekend, I had a great time in North Conway.    Mike and Pam dropped by as they were checking out venues in the Mountains for their big event, and Ryan and Kim brought up the Grandkids, Will and Ethan, for a visit to Storyland.
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It was the type of weekend that you live for.
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The only fly in the ointment was the Patriots game.   Time Warner Cable had an issue providing service to the area in the first half, then when service resumed in the second half, the Pats game came apart.  They'll regroup.
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It was kind of nice to get away from the Moulton-Tierney Congressional race as it intensified this weekend with election day next Tues.  As you Peeps may have ascertained, the MOAM has invested a bit of emotion in his support of Moulton, who shapes up as a fresh, honest face with a solid record of military and academic accomplishment.
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In North Conway, the local news markets cover Portland, Maine and Manchester, NH, and both electorates appear to have a strong sprinkling of both Liberal and Conservative views.  Scott Brown looks like he will have an uphill battle with Jeanne Shaheen if you take your indications from the number of roadside political signs that are scattered throughout the area.
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But what surprised me the most was the amount of political ads that place opponents in photo opportunities with President Obama and view that as a given negative.
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Generally, if you are a politician in a photo with the POTUS, it is a positive indication that the President supports you.  That's why Presidents are a sought after commodity in local fund raising events. But each political ad in the North country that featured Obama posed a proof positive assumption that the candidate supported ObamaCare, Illegal Immigration or some other insidious policy that exposes the candidate in an unfavorable light.

You don't see those types of ads in the Boston Market.

Why Vote for Seth Moulton?

So the obnoxious political ad says that you shouldn't vote for Seth Moulton because a ..... Republican..... group gave him money.

Course his opponent, John Tierney, is a lock step Nancy Pelosi Democrat, who has never wandered a a smidgen away from the standard Democratic lines that they feed to their unthinking herd.

I'm an Independent, and I highly resent it when some close minded dweeb decides that calling someone a "Republican" is the ultimate condemnation.  It doesn't even bother me that Seth Moulton characterizes himself as a "Progressive Democrat",  I just want to see people in office who have the fortitude to speak the truth as they see it.... and by the way..... if you think Tierney didn't know anything about all of the dirty off-shore money that his wife ran through his personal checking account, then I've got a Bridge in Brooklyn that you may be interested in.

Moulton is a guy who had the world by the Balls, coming out of Phillips Andover and Harvard..... he could have written his own ticket....but obviously he answered the need to give back and serve our Country in Iraq.

Your Nanepashemet Mountain of a Man doesn't know him, never met him, never even shook his hand.  But a guy with his promise doesn't show up that often.

When I look at the photo above, taken during one of his four tours of duty in Iraq..... I see an "American".   I  will register as a Democrat if necessary, but I'm voting for Seth Moulton for the Massachusetts 6th Congressional District seat.... and I hope you do too.

A Leadership Vacuum

We have a State Department with Embassies and Consulates all over the world.   We have an ingrained CIA, NSA and God Knows What Else surveying and gathering intelligence on a massive and constant basis.  We have the largest and most powerful Navy in the world and control the international corridors.   When President Obama says we have no strategy to deal with ISIS in Syria, he is either confused, insincere, or has no ability to manage the immense resources at his disposal.
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Are you happy that we elected this Community Activist from Chicago with an affinity for teleprompters?   The fault is not Obama's.   It is the herd that elected him.... Twice.

Popping the Question

Mike popped the question and Pam said yes.  How AWESOME is THAT!

A SPECIAL DAY.