Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Peep of the Year - 2015

The Day has Come.
The Hour is Now.

I know that some of you live in anxiety for weeks before this date.... fretting, conspiring, praying, and hoping against all hope that you are either named the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year... or that you are spared the Honor/Disgrace.

Those who have been among the chosen are enshrined into a coveted/distained Brotherhood/Sisterhood that only they can truly experience.
  • Tom McMahon ~ 2007
  • Lauren Rathbone ~ 2008
  • Michael "Murph" Murphy ~ 2009
  • Jeremy Johnson ~ 2010
  • Tommy O'Shea ~ 2011
  • Kerry D'Orio ~ 2012
  • Brady Boyle ~ 2013
  • Kim Hause (now Kim Nestor) -  2014

  • Many of these people were profoundly changed during their POTY reign.  Others think that they emerged unscathed yet are obviously affected at a deeply psychological level.... It just hasn't manifested as of yet.

    Rest assured that the selection process was meticulously adhered to this year.... many were deemed truly worthy due to either inspirational or annoying happenstance... and the choice is never an easy one.

    A complex and scientific algorithm has been developed to guide the selection this year.... vs. the old days when the MOAM used to flip the dice and broadcast the momentous decision.   Many many factors have been considered.... none of which can ever be disclosed.

    But since even I am getting tired of slinging this Blog Bull...... it is now time to disclose the fortunate/disparate selection.

    ANNOUNCING the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2015....

    PAM GEORGIAN
    https://www.facebook.com/pam.georgian

    Don't be getting all slobbery about this Pam.... and for the love of God.... don't starting wailing "WHY ME,   WHY ME   WHY ME", as has so often happened in the past by the flabbergasted recipients of this incipient selection.

    Your life has now profoundly changed, and it is time for you to start enjoying/enduring your reign until this time next year....when you will look back with appropriate amazement at the emotive and substantial power of the POTY.





  • Tuesday, December 30, 2014

    Day One - Big Guy Journey

    Yesterday, in a pique of frustration, I dropped my guard and let you Peeps in on my resolution to weigh less than 200lbs come August first of 2015.  Then to make things worse, I dedicated myself to keep you informed of the MOAM's progress.

    Probably not the best move on my part.... but a commitment is something that is kept seriously in this pathetic version of reality where the MOAM dwells.... most of the time.

    So this morning, waking up in North Conway, Joanne surprised me with a breakfast of pancakes and bacon after which I got caught up in putting out fires at Nanepashemet Telecom, grabbing a bowl of clam chowder as the fire raged in cyberspace until 2:00 in the afternoon.

    Then we motored back to Marblehead to check in on Kate's move.

    Some leftover chicken for dinner and the freaking day was over without any exercise of any sort other than keeping the Mach V on the road to Massachusetts.

    My friend Christos Laganos has recommended two books for me to read as I begin this challenge, which I ordered from Amazon right away.

    Chris is my age.... we were in the First Grade at the Highland School in Lynn together about a half century ago.....  and he "through hiked" the Appalachian Trail two summers ago.  If he says these books should be read, then I am freaking going to read them because he obviously knows his shit.

    Granted, I made absolutely no weight loss progress today.... but tomorrow will be another story.

    Also tomorrow is the selection day for the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year, so it will be no ordinary day.

    Monday, December 29, 2014

    MOAM Meditative Moments


    Peeps…
    Those of you who are particularly close to the Mountain of a Man know that the New Year is a time for solemn reflection and MOAM meditative moments.

    And rightly so…. Now is the time of year for both a review of past resolutions and and reconstitution of new ones.
      
    It’s always a downer to look at past resolutions….. things can get too critical to the point where self reflection draws a conclusion that your Mountain of a Man is a Pussy, Loser, Girly-Man.  Course we know that can’t be the case, but year after year, I resolve to lose weight and get in shape…. and year after year I end up during the Holiday Season struggling to find clothes that I can button without great exertion and discomfort.

    WTF….

    But this year is going to be different.  Mike gets married in August up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this year, and the wedding photo will show a newly invented, lean and fit MOAM. 

    How will this happen???? 

    I really have no freaking idea… except for the fact that this year, I resolve to try, observe and record every aspect of my weight situation until that fateful morning, 214 days from today, when I will suit up in a rented tuxedo tipping the scales at below 200 lbs.

    Those of you who can guess my current weight will retort with a comment much like, “No EFFING WAY!!!”  And I don’t blame you.

    But I lay my claim here,… in front of all of you Pernicious, Pulsating, yet Wholesome and Benevolent Peeps….that I will achieve this resolution by August 1, 2015 or be a willing victim to your scorn and vilification.

    OK… I realize that you already send a great deal of scorn and vilification my way as it is…. but this is different
    .
    This time, I will join you in in you vile thought and emotion… and that I cannot condone.

    So I’ve made this resolution in front of you and the world…. And to juice things up a bit, I will be happy to report the progress in the March to August.  Not that I would counsel you to follow this pathetic and slightly narcissistic process on my part.   This is your burden, as a Nanepashemet Peep..... to mindlessly marvel at the MOAM moments that move towards you as we enter yet another mundane yet miraculous year in the Nanepashemet journey entitled 2015….

    Saturday, December 27, 2014

    Resolution Formulation

    Went to participate in some of the after Christmas sales today.

    For some reason, I have no problem buying 2xl sweaters and shirts, but it really galls be to buy anything larger than a 38 waist pant.

    So I can see a resolution starting to formulate which will deal with the long standing topic of weight loss.

    That and upping the quality of my banjo playing ability.

    Sunday, December 21, 2014

    Peep of the Week for the 50th week of 2014

    For the second time in the last few weeks, an enlightened soul has bestowed upon me the gift of 16 year old Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whiskey.  You will recall that my Son-in-Law, Brady Boyle, committed the class act at the Thanksgiving Bash.

    It may seem to the rest of you that this country is going to hell in a hand basket.... what with cops being murdered and racial turmoil erupting in the face of our first Black Presidency.... with North Koreans censoring American corporations and Muslim Marathon Bombers defended by nutcase protesters....

    Need I go on?

    No, I need not.

    But how can you not be upbeat when at the Nanepashemet Telecom Holiday Luncheon, our data input specialist, Catherine Elsier whips out a bottle of the King of Scotch and presents it to your MOAM?  Seems like she thinks that my letter to my alma mater, recommending that Catherine be accepted into the Masters of Public Health program at Boston University, held sway in securing her a spot in that elite program.

    In reality, BU probably is as knowledgeable about my attendance as Columbia is of our POTUS.... my records are not sealed but must have crumbled with age by this time.  Catherine undoubtedly got the nod because she is a promising young talent that Boston University realizes will add to its prestige and endow alumni contributions for the long term.

    Anyway....

    Catherine is an Automatic Peep of the Week in accordance with the time honored ritual that governs such selections.

    ANNOUNCING....

    NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 50TH WEEK OF 2014.

    Catherine Elsier - Automatic
    Gilbert Shaw
    Jeb Bush
    Kim Nestor
    Vince Wilfork
    Megyn Kelly

    Nice to see a young lady like Catherine making such a big time gesture.
    It gives me hope for the future.

    Plus, Ryan polished off the bottle that Brady gave me.   I'm hiding this one from him behind the Vodka and Gin Bottles when he and Kim come by Christmas Eve.


    Wednesday, December 10, 2014

    Rigatoni Pasta Pie

    I copied this recipe from Facebook where it was shared by Judy Goodman.

    Rigatoni Pasta Pie:
    1 lb rigatoni pasta
    1 lb ground beef (I used ground sirloin)
    2 garlic cloves (minced)
    1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
    1 small jar size of your homemade sauce
    cooking spray
    salt
    1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
    2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
    4oz cream cheese
    15oz ricotta cheese
    2 eggs
    1 tsp basil
    1 tsp oregano
    1 cup onion
    spring form pan
    DIRECTIONS:
    Boil the noodles according to the directions on the box. Stop cooking when they're still very firm and avoid stirring so they do not fall apart. Once done, drain and run cold water over so they are cool enough to handle. You can add a little bit of oil if they start to stick.
    Brown the ground beef and drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and garlic. After about 5 minutes add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add spaghetti sauce next.
    Use a small mixing bowl to mix the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, oregano and 2 eggs until smooth. Set aside.
    Tightly pack pasta into pan, standing each piece on end. Use cooking spray on the bottom of the spring form pan first to avoid sticking. Put a zip lock bag inside a tall glass and fill the bag with the cheese mixture. Close the bag and snip the corner of the bag and pipe a small amount into each noodle. After piping, pour the red sauce over the whole top and push down as much as possible.
    Top with 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. (Recipe calls for 2 cups but you could use low fat or skim to cut calories.)
    Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and then broil until the cheese turns bubbly.

    Monday, December 08, 2014

    Popovers




    50 min
    Prep:
    10 min
    Cook:
    40 min
    Yield:8 popovers
    Level:Easy
    Next Recipe
    Ingredients
    3 tablespoons melted butter, divided
    2 eggs
    1 cup milk, warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave (should be lukewarm to warm)
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon kosher salt
    Directions
    Special equipment: muffin tin

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

    Using a pastry brush, coat 8 muffin cups with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter and put the tin in the oven for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the eggs in a blender until light yellow. Add the warmed milk and blend. Add the flour, salt and remaining melted butter, and blend until smooth. Pour the batter into the warmed muffin tin and return it to the oven to bake until golden, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

    Recipe courtesy Melissa d'Arabian

    Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/fool-proof-popovers-recipe.html?oc=linkback

    Sunday, November 30, 2014

    The Public Trough

    Peeps...
    There are those among you who know that this MOAM is a proud alum of the University of Massachusetts - Amherst where I earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Political Science with Honors no less, and learned a lot about a whole bunch of other stuff during my four formative years there.

    So you would think that when I watch the nicely done promotional ads that air on the Boston media detailing the positive environment at UMASS...... that I would have a sense of satisfaction and pride.... and you would be wrong.

    UMASS is a great place, a great school, a fantastic asset for the state.   But so is Brandeis, Harvard, NorthEastern, Boston University, Boston College, Holy Cross, Assumption, Merrimack, Hampshire, Amherst, Williams, Smith, Holyoke.... etc.   Where are the ads for these fine institutions????

    No Ads.  At least none of the scale and magnitude of the UMASS daily campaign.

    And why would that be?

    Simply put... it's because you and I pay for the UMASS ads.  They are funded by the bottomless trough of tax funds.  And the other schools don't have these unlimited budgets.   Are these ads necessary?  Apparently not for privately funded schools.

    So every time I see a UMASS ad.... I get pissed off... even though I love UMASS.

    Saturday, November 29, 2014

    Compost Bin Plan

    I'm thinking of building this compost bin.  The pile of shredded leaves in the backyard are starting to be a blight on the property and this bin may spruce things up a bit, as well us as maybe speed the composting process.

    Garage Design

    Friday, November 28, 2014

    Peeps of the Week and Bash Aftermath

    The Bash was a raging success this year as usual.   We had Peeps come from as far as South Africa and copious amounts of food and drink were consumed.  In retrospect, the call to keep firearms out of the affair was a good one in that not one shooting occurred.  In fact, no punches were thrown either as a testiment to the sophistication of this annual event.


    My best Son-in-Law, Brady Boyle, was a shining example of Nanepashemet Peepdom as he presented the MOAM with a bottle of the King of Scotch, 16 yr. old Lagavulin Single Malt, thus becoming an Automatic Peep of the Week.   A class move.   In an equally not classy move, Ryan Nestor consumed much of it in the following Thanksgiving Day haze.

    ANNOUNCING....

    NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 48TH WEEK OF 2014.

    Brady Boyle - Automatic
    Ryan Nestor
    Steve Lewis
    John Garriboto
    Sarah Crawford
    Nathaniel Clarke

    All in all, it was a thankful event, and a beautiful Thanksgiving with all of the Nestor offspring and their significant others expressing their thanks at our turkey dinner the next day,

    I hope you Peeps enjoyed your day too.


    Tuesday, November 25, 2014

    Prelude to the Bash

    Twenty four hours from now, the low rumble that you hear will be the Night Before Thanksgiving Day Bash at the corner of West Shore Drive and Gerry Park in Marblehead.
    ~
    Despite warnings of an oncoming NorEaster, the Peeps will be in full Bash regalia as Peeps stream from all over Metropolitan Boston to be part of this social event of the season.
    ~
    If you didn't receive an invitation, no need to worry, as invites are never proffered.   It is come as you are.... or as you would like to be.
    ~
    Over the years, the much anticipated event has taken many forms, and this year should prove to be in keeping with the tradition of raucous yet refined interactions with an underpinning of sophisticated discourse punctuated by hysteria and gutter talk.  Dress is mandatory.  I hate it when people come naked and act as if they can meld in with everybody.
    ~
    Please leave your weapons and firearms at home. We have never had a shooting or even a stabbing at the Bash, and it would be nice to keep the streak alive at least one more year.
    ~
    And of course, if you bring a bottle of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch, you will be loudly and obnoxiously announced as an Automatic Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.   It is an Honor/Disgrace that not a few Peeps aspire to at the Bash every year,
    ~
    So, rack up your A-Game, and I hope to see you here tomorrow night!

    Sunday, November 23, 2014

    Bash Musings

    The New England Patriots are again playing professional football at a level that conceivably could be classified as mastery.

    Years from now, people will wonder what it was like to watch football games during the Brady-Belichick era.... much like people have asked what it was like to watch Bobby Orr play hockey, or Bill Russell play basketball.

    The game was even better today, because Joanne and I got to watch it with our Grandkids, Will and Ethan, and with Ryan and Kim.   

    The Hype is building for the Thanksgiving Eve Bash as well.   The highly anticipated annual event will be held in all of its Glory/Debauchery and the Beer will flow like Wine as in years past.

    As usual, there are no invitations, and much resentment and rancor will flow to those who do not attend, so I would advise you Peeps to come and partake of this pilgrimage for the sake of your social standing and psychological well being.  

    Tuesday, November 18, 2014

    Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

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

    Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
    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

    Monday, November 17, 2014

    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.


    Saturday, November 15, 2014

    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.

    Tuesday, November 11, 2014

    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.

    Monday, November 10, 2014

    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.