Extreme Violence and Strong Sexual Content

Spartacus is back on Starz and is as bawdy and gory as ever.
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If you like extreme violence and strong sexual content, then this series is for you.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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
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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
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Just opening the door to the warehouse required a decent amount of shoveling too.
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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.
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This wintry weather is starting to complicate things.   Another foot of snow due by mid-week.

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/ .
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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.
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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.  
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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.
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But I don't want a lame nickname.

POTW Week 3

Joanne reminded me this morning that it was time to pick the Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.
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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.
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Or something like that....
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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.
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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.
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When God closes one door, he opens another.

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.
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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.
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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.

Ask Not

50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy uttered the following sentence in his inaugural address.

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"Ask not... what your country can do for you.    Ask what you can do for your country."
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I know I'm getting old, because I can remember when this happened.
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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.
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Out of Synch

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

Astrological Forecast

Happiness is not necessarily discovering new things.  It is enjoying the things that you already have.
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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.  
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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So find your happiness today, by enjoying the things that you already have.

Change of Scenery

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

Agony of Defeet

The Patriots lost to the Jets yesterday, ending the road to the SuperBowl for New England.
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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.
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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.

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.
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So SuperSunday will be even more significant.
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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.

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.
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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.
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After I inflate the grandkids snow tubes, I'll be up at the Sundance building checking this out.

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.
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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.
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That's right Ethan... so don't pull any funny stuff.

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.
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.

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.
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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. 
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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. 
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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.
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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???
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When did a snowstorm emolt into highly charged news in New England?
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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".
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The "Emergency" is not the freaking snow... it's having to put up with these egotistical assholes who have nothing better to talk about.
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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.

Snow Low Blow

Big snowstorm coming.

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Bring it on.
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Bought the Ariens 920014 Compact ST24LE (24") 205cc Two-Stage Snow Blower today.
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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
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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.
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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.
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But with all of the driveways and no TommyO, I broke down and grabbed the last snowblower left at the Danvers Home Depot.
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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.

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.

Despicable

Our prayers go out to the victims of the Congressman Gabrielle Gifford shooting.
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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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Resolved for 2011

I'm not a big party goer on New Year's Eve.   For me, this time has always been the time for quiet reflections.   What went right last year? and what went wrong?   There have been years when I've actually gone through my calendars and travel records and stuff to try to reconstruct the year.   Tonight, I'm not that ambitious.
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So I guess that I'll jump right to the resolutions.
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This year, I want to try to implement what I already know.
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1.  Avoid being judgemental.   In most cases, there is little difference between right and wrong, good and bad.... it's just your point of view.   Go with the flow and stop judging and  labeling the circumstances of your life.

2. Avoid carbohydrates.  Lay off of the bread, pizza, potatoes and pasta.   Although it is the ultimate comfort food for me, I can feel the difference in my overall wellbeing when I avoid these foods.

3.  Get into a workout habit.  Fitness is not luxury, it is a necessity to maintain regular health.  Once again, at my age, you can feel the difference when you have been getting a burn in regularly.

4  Keep your fishing line in the water.   This has to do with business marketing everyday.   Even though we are great at operations at Nanepashemet Telecom, if we don't have the work in front of us, it doesn't matter.  So fish every day, both in areas where you have been sucessful and where you have come up short before..

5.  Don't worry about business or making money.   At this point in my career, I know that I have worth and can make the money that I need, doing the things that I know how to do.   As long as the previous resolution 4 is implemented, trust that success will follow.

6.  Actively plan time off.  There is always work to do, and it won't end unless you end it. Get on the Boat and get up to North Conway at least once a month.   Fit in a vacation.  If the President can find the time, so can I.

7.  Keep Blogging.   I couldn't be responsible for letting you Peeps try to think for yourselves.  So don't worry.... the Nanepashemet Blog will slug it through for yet another year.

So that's this set of resolutions.  Absolutely no chance that they will be implemented fully, but I'll try to stick to them as much as possible.

2011 Nanepashemet Peep of the Year

It’s December 31… the last day of 2010.
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Man, that decade flew by didn’t it?
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I should have some sort of reflection of the last 10 years. And maybe that will be the subject of a future post…. But not this one. This one is saved for that all important annual selection of the Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2011.
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Let’s be honest with each other. Despite all of the hype and high emotion that goes into this process, it’s just not that much of a big deal. Some poor bastard among you gets stuck with the title for a year… for whatever annoying/inspiring reason that can never be disclosed.
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His or her life goes off on a 365 day supernatural jaunt of boring/outrageous experiences… the year speeds by and then another hapless Peep gets tabbed for the same gig next December 31.
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So what’s the big deal???? Granted, outgoing POTY Jeremy Johnson was made a partner in a big Midwestern Law firm during his reign. And other POTY's had seen momentous personal chahges during their special years, but nothing is guaranteed.
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I personally think that the power part of the POTY designation is a little overstated, but the prestige aspect is an empirical fact.... which brings me to this year's selection.
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The Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for 2011 already has all of the prestige that he can handle. Especially since he has been marked up as a character in the upcoming screenplay about the Nanepashemet Blog.
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By now, I'm sure you have guessed who it is, so I might as well tell you.

ANNOUNCING.....
Nanepashemet Peep of the Year for the Year 2011.

Tommy O'Shea

Yes... the famous Tommy O must now endure the exaltation and distain that will now engulf his life as he strives to get through the next 12 months.
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Please join me as we extend our sincere congratulations/condolences.

Strap on your seatbelt TommyO, and enjoy the ride.
_________________________
TommyO said...
What a Day, What a Year.


First, Jay gets me into the Gerry 5 now this.
What an honor, Tommy M, Lauren, Murph and JJ. Their names are truly Ionic.
To be mentioned in the same breath as these POTY's is truly humbling.
The power of the blog is absolutely amazing, people come up to me in parking lots, supermarkets, hockey arena's and other sporting venues and shout out "TommyO"
As a Sales Guy out there on the road, I can only imagine the onslaught of business I will get with this gem on my resume.
I am sure there were many deserving candidates out there for this POTY and to them I say "nothing" because gloating and trash talking is not my nature. I only hope that some day you feel the awesomeness that I feel this first day of 2011. There are many people who are part of my life (you know who you are) that helped me along the way and I am grateful to you all.
I will do my best to represent the "title" of Nanepashemet Peep of the Year 2011. I look forward to your questions and comments. Anything having to do with "feet" is personal so don't even bother asking.
Thanks Jay
All my best to all of you for 2011 - TommyO

Must Be Nice to Be Barack

The Obama family is on vacation again.
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Just to be upfront with you, I'm sick and tired of all the time that they have off.... Not to mention the 46 rounds of golf that Barack has played this year.
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Question.....Before he was elected President, how much vaca did he get? I bet not close to this amount.
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Do I sound jealous? Well It should because I am. Seems like we are working our asses off to stay in the same place, and this guy with the big government job has some unbelieveable time off perks.

POTY Frenzy

The anticipation of the Peep of the Year Selection is in high gear lately with all sorts of nominations and suggestions being proferred in a somewhat irritating fasion.
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Peeps.... It's important to remember that a Peep of the Year cannot be dead, or be an animal. So that eliminates fully 50% of your pathetic suggestions.
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And it goes without saying, that the POTY must have done something particularly annoying or inspiring in the past year.
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Think of the past title holders....

Tommy McMahon 2007
Lauren Rathbone 2008
Michael Murph Murphy 2009
Jeremy Johnson 2010
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It's obvious what categories they fell into.
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So if you have a need to make a nomination, please keep it within the boundaries of the simple freaking rules. And rest assured that your suggestion has almost no chance of being chosen.

TC

trouble with cyberspace

Another Dud with a Sprinkle of Hack

The Blizzard was a dud.
~
Sure... there was a decent amount of snow, but it was just another snowstorm.    Not the State of Emergency that Gov. Patrick predicted.   We even got computerized phone calls from a local Town of Marblehead hack saying to keep your cars off the street and that trash collection will be delayed.
~
Really needed those life saving instructions.
~
Once again, the government has us in diapers and eating pablum.  I resent it when they think that we don't know how to pick our nose.   I know... and I'm very experienced at it.

Blizzard Anticipation

We are sitting back here waiting for a blizzard.
~
Since I'm an old Bastard, I have many memories of substantial blizzards over the past 50 years, including the Blizzard of 78.  The Perfect Storm in October 1991 wasn't a Blizzard because of the lack of snow, but the flooding and property destruction that it brought makes that really memorable.
~
The coming Blizzard means a lot of extra work for us at Nanepashemet Telecom.   Just to enter a cell compound will require substantial shoveling, and there is extra peril for our climbers going up the towers.   And there is no way that we are compensated for winter conditions in this highly competitive business environment.
~
I'm betting that this storm will produce some memories too.  The predicted accumulation keeps going up and they are now saying 20 inches of snow here in Marblehead.  Plus it's not supposed to start until this afternoon, but there is a steady snowfall going on already at 7:30 in the morning.
~
So it's time to get my ass in gear, head up to the Sundance Building to prepare the hardwood for finish, and pull out the shovels.  Then it's the Patriots v the Bills at 1:00PM.

Bookmarks

Christmas is such a bookmark in time for people in this culture.
~
You can't remember what happened year after year on April 22, (unless that's your birthday or anniversary or something) but December 25 evokes all sorts of memories and emotions.   I feel bad for Ryan and his companions at FreshAyer during this time when separation must make the emotions intensify.
~
On Christmas, your parents are young again, all of your pets are still alive, and you relive times when all of the bullshit that you have been sledgehammered with never hit.
~
Not that I would change a thing.   All of the past Christmases add up to this morning.... here and now.
~
Merry Christmas.

Peace on Earth

It's Christmas Eve. A time to reflect on "Peace on Earth" and "Goodwill towards Men".
~
Course... we don't have "Peace on Earth".  And the "Goodwill towards Men" sometimes seems lacking as well.   But Christmas reminds us, that these goals are laudable and should be striven for.
~
The life of Christ, for whom this holiday is originally dedicated, doesn't give rise to visions of peace and goodwill..... although his words did.
~
So maybe we should hope to attain these states... but not necessarily expect them.
~
The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.  -  Theodore Rubin
~
I think that Ted is on to something here.  Peace on Earth is not a situation without problems.   It is the ability to face and deal with the problems of life that inevitably arise.  And even rising above that.... aren't problems just a bend in the road from your own perception of "what should be" and God's plan for "what is"?
~
So many times in my life, I've been dissapointed by setbacks and outcomes initially, yet time shows that these bends in the road were the best outcome for all involved.
~
Attaining "Peace on Earth" must mean that we let go of our singular and egoistic notions of how things should be and allow God and his Universe to show us the way.
~
I'm still working on the "Goodwill toward Men" part.  There are some Assholes out there that I just can't offer the goodwill to.  You know who you are.
~
So Merry Chistmas everyone.... or just about everyone.

No Deterrence

Peeps....
This morning, I cannot be deterred....
~
Not by Phoney Lefty Moonbats.... not by Prospering Passing POTY's.... not by Nanepashemet Telecom ToDo's......nor by the majority of you Pervasive Pestering Peeps.
~
This morning, I must finish laying down the Brazilian Cherry hardwood kitchen floor at the Sundance house.  And I cannot be deterred.  The floor has to be completely nailed down so that I may rent a random orbital floor sander the Sunday after Christmas for sanding and polyurethaning the floors for the rest of the Holiday week.
~
Some highly deserving Peeps wish to share some Holiday cheer in downtown Boston this afternoon, and I won't be lifitng a glass unless I've laid that floor.

Nina Stupidberg

The other day, that pseudo-intellectual moron, Nina Totenberg of National Public Radio excused herself for using the expression "Christmas Party". 
~
The fact that Christmas is an official national holiday, signifying peace on earth, goodwill toward men, and characterized heavily by a non-secular Santa Claus.... seems to have been misplaced by the self-absorbed, lefty "journalist".
~
I'm actually past being aggravated by phonies like Nina... they are so out of touch, that they have become amusing.
~
Scatch that.... they still piss me off.  Egotistical Stupid Morons.

A Futuristic View

The internet and it's information revolution have given us powerful tools that will profoundly change the way that we act in the next generation.
~
For the most part, the demand for office space and retail space should curtail dramatically.  With Skype and other tools, there simply is no reason for people to have to congregate in the same physical space to conduct business.  And on-line purchasing negates the need for retail stores to a large extent.
~
Online banking and direct deposits have dramatically reduced the time needed to go to a branch bank office.
~
The fact the people continue to go to offices to work, and stores to shop is a habitual mode of thinking that will become increasingly obsolete as the next generation emerges with no such behavioral habit.
~
The shift that this will cause in employment and land use practices will be profound.  All new homes will be equipped with home work station offices, and low paying retail employment will shift to logistical, delivery services.  Retail shopping will evolve to "Demo" rooms where people go to actually see the stuff that they will then order on-line, and shopping centers will be characterized more by restaurant choices and entertainment venues.
~
Course... all this depends on the Mayans being wrong about  the end of days in 2012!   And if the Internet power sources are interrupted by any means, the new order will come crumbling down.

Powerful POTY Partner Promotion

As most of you know, this Blog monitors the goings on at the Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm of Grey, Plant, Mooty very closely.
~
That's because our 2010 Peep of the Year, Jeremy Johnson, has been an associate grunt there for the past few years.   Generally, my opinion of lawyers is pretty low, unless they are protecting me or mine, and I was concerned that our POTY might have surrounded himself with the wrong kind of crowd.
~
But GPM did the right thing recently and made the POTY a Partner.
~
Peeps.... I hate to have to state the obvious.... but once again we see an example of the overwhelming and undeniable power of the Nanepashemet Blog.    Here Jeremy was laboring year after year as a low rung legal grunt at a huge Minnesota law factory.   Then, with his designation of Peep of the Year, he rises to the top of the ladder in this momentous last twelve months.
~
Freaking Powerful POTY Promotion.
~
Congratulations Jeremy.  You have served your POTY year admirably and reaped the appropriate rewards.
~
Soon, another will receive the coveted mantle, and witness the supernatural powers that the POTY title conveys.

Jeremy said.....

Jay, thank you for the props and the free marketing.  The power of the POTY designation is undeniable.  Exhibit A:  Recent photo of me dazzling a jury.  Next year's POTY better prepare for a whole lotta snappin' necks and cashin' checks.

___________________________
Excellent likeness Jeremy.
Grey, Plant, Mooty and Johnson..... has a nice ring to it.

Rented

We rented Beverly Ave. today.   There were a lot of good times in this house, and not all of them by our family.  It is definitely a place of growth and joy.
~
I hope that the new family that is renting has the same experiences.
~
Looking ahead, the Sundance West Shore Drive house has the potential to be awesome for our family, our friends and our grandkids.  Lots of boats to be built, Thanksgiving Eve bashes, and lobster dinners.   A new venue, but maybe a little bigger and more comfortable for you Peeps.
~
Granted....TommyO, Rinda, Kelsey and Kate won't be living across the street.... we'll just have to intercept them on the way to the Community Store.

No Crying Shame

There has been a decent amount of discourse lately about the fact that the new Speaker of the House, John Beohner. is a weeper.  He breaks down and cries easily.
~
You would think that a Mountain of a Man like myself would condemn this type of response as that of a wussified girlyman.
~
And you would be wrong... as usual.
~
A real man isn't afraid to cry, to let his emotions show.   People who don't cry generally don't give a shit.  They are not committed enough to give their all to a job, a relationship, or a situation.   I'm not saying that you have to be a blubbering crybaby..... but a genuine tear is no sign of weakness.

Cool in the Cold

It's cold.
~
Normally, winter weather doesn't bother me this time of year, but it seems to have gotten really cold, really fast.... and I haven't taken the time to mentally adjust.  I find myself running out the door in a sweatshirt, then feeling the frigid bite.
~
The key to beating the cold is to recognize it, and dress accordingly.  Katelyn said she bought me a work coat from Duluth Trading Co. for Christmas this year.
~
So I'll be warm, but still look cool.

No Complaint

I've been trying to get back to the Brazilian Cherry hardwood floor job at the Sundance building.   Every day missed is a big slip in schedule.
~
But Nanepashemet Telecom has been keeping me pre-occupied.  Rightfully so.
~
The wireless telecom business always gets crazy as the year draws to a close.  Lots of companies have bonus plans based upon completion of site construction milestones, and people get nutty to make the numbers.  I shouldn't complain, because the compulsion to reach milestones usually means that our end of year is filled with billable events.
~
But it is a little annoying to see everyone else rev down as you are forced to gas things up.   This year, the move to West Shore Drive cranks things up even more.
~
Once again.... I'm not complaining..... just observing.
~
A Mountain of a Man rarely complains.

Christmas Card Originals

Seems like Ryan has made a hit with his Christmas Cards.  Two Blogs, NorthShoreWaterMan and Harvey's Thoughts have been touting them and numerous Peeps have remarked about how nice they were.
~
From an artistic or literary standpoint, they aren't particularly noteworthy.... but they are proof positive that it's the thought that counts.
~
You can sit around and be pissed off about your situation, or you can spread a little cheer.   I've seen both choices in action, and I'm really proud of Ryan's choice.
~
Next year, there will be no more FreshAyer, and probably no original cards either.   But this year, they have served a good purpose.

Ready for Cherry

Peeps....
~
How the hell do you expect me to meet my goals at the Sundance building if you continue to email me and text with your pathetic inquiries into my current progress????.
~
I can't afford to pay attention to these annoying, persistent pleas for information.
~
Yet... despite these irritating contrivances, I was still able to meet all of my lofty objectives today, as we picked out and ordered the counter top granite, ripped up the vinyl as well as well nailed plywood, and prepared the kitchen floor surface to receive the Brazilian Cherry 2 1/4" hardwood.
~
The day ended suitably when Jim and Kathy Peabody dropped by at 5:00 PM with some Sam Adams and wine to check on the progress.
~
Tomorrow,  I hope to get a good portion of the cherry installed.... barring interruptions.

Project Focus

I know that many of you are concerned that the Sundance home renovation is taking too long and might not be ready for the move on February 1.
~
I too share this concern.... but remain confident that my Mountain of a Man abilities will eventually win the day and see the project through on time.
~
Tomorrow morning at 7:30, Joanne and I have to go pick out the granite countertops, and by mid-morning, I hope to be ripping out the kitchen subflooring in order to install the Brazilian Cherry 3/4" hardwood that I bought from Lumber Liquidators in Woburn.
~
A layer of 3/4" particle board, together with 1/4" plywood underlayment and lineoleum tile have to be removed in order to get to a level where the Brazilian Cherry can meet the existing Red Oak Hardwood.
~
The contrast of the dark cherry and the light oak will be a nice demarcation between the open kitchen and living room areas.
~
I bought an air powered hardwood flooring nailer from Amazon, then tried to cancel when I saw how cheap it could be rented at Home Depot, but it was too late, and the Amazon shipment showed up today.  Hopefully, I will install enough flooring in the next few years to justify ownership of the tool. 
~
With the great price for quality hardwood flooring at Lumber Liquidators, and the evolution of random orbital disk floor sanders that are easy to use and cheap to rent, it should be possible to install quality hardwood floors in the next few properties that we invest in.
~
With a little luck... scratch that... a lot of luck... the subfloor will be ripped up and the hardwood will have been substantially underway by the end of the weekend.  Then I'll rent the floor sander and sand down all of the existing oak and the new cherry at the same time... about 800 SF worth.
~
Four coats of oil based polyurethane with light sandings between each coat  will take at least four days of work with curing time.   So if the floor is done by the end of next weekend, I'll be pretty psyched.
~
There is a lag period in the project until January 25, when the kitchen cabinets will be delivered.  During that time, we'll concentrate on the second floor raised panel wainscotting and crown moulding.
~
I'm fairly certain that most of the finish work will be complete by the February move in deadline.  Course the issue of a the boat workshop is unresolved.  That, and the deck will absorb the warm months of 2011.
~
In the meantime, I have stay focused on the business boom that Nanepashemet Telecom has experienced over the last few weeks.  It's hard to do both, but that's where the Mountain of a Man tendencies kick in.

Multiple Lifetimes

We went to the Lynn Museum tonight where Lou Panakio was being inducted as a "Lynn Legacy".   It's a nice honor to be remembered as a contributor to life in a community, and Lou certainly deserves this recognition.
~
Lisa Rowe and Superpeep Maria Rowen were justly proud of Lou.
~
Harvey Rowe told a freaky story of  Lou's wife, Marcia, who is deceased.  Apparently, today Harvey randomly played a recording of one of her last messages on his tape recorder.... like she wished all to know that she was part of the proceedings.    Like I said... pretty freaky.... but nice.
~
I also had the chance to renew some acquaintances with old friends who I haven't seen for two decades.  People like Ed and Sue Calnan, Jansi Chandler, Sean Potter, Al DiVirgilio, Nick Mennino, and Ann Marie Leonard.   They all got quite a bit older looking, but it didn't take long to peal back the years and see them precisely as I remembered them.
~
Seeing these people, after twenty years or so seems like a time warp.... like all of the stuff that went on in the interim really never occurred.   But of course it did.
~
In each life, it seems that we lead a series of lives.... with separate occurrences and relationships in each.   And every now and then, you get the chance to step back and remember what it was like in a previous life.
~
That's what tonight felt like.

POTY Training

Joanne asked me tonight if  I knew who the Peep of the Year was going to be this year.   In truth, I haven't even thought about it.
~
Outgoing POTY of 2010, Jeremy Johnson was a shoe in.  I mean.... who else could have been chosen last year?
~
But this year the selection seems to be wide open.
~
Of course, I'm obviously open to input and nominations from the Peep Population at large.... not that I would give it any consideration whatsoever.
~
In the past, some of the POTY selections were pretty controversial..... with quite a bit of hate mail received after the Tommy McMahon and Laren Rathbone coronations.   Michael "Murph" Murphy and Jeremy didn't cause as much of a ruckus,  but there still were ruffled feathers galore.
~
I'd like this year to be a tad less emotional.... although, in keeping with the honored tradition... I really don't give a shit who gets the final nod.... or what the hell you think of it.

Tuna Lips said...

Whith all yer cogitatin' and real estate maneuverin', don't overlook the season tide. Throw a yule log on the bonfire and gather your neiborlike folks to join hands and drop them house keys in the fuzzy bag - its Yankee Wife Swappin' Time! Ho ho ho! Hoooooooeeeee!

Facebook Assholes

Facebook is such a double edged sword.
~
On the one hand, I've reconnected with some people who really interest me, and it's nice to see how they have grown and prospered.
~
On the other hand, I keep running into people who I thought were assholes before, and every time I see them post, I remember what douche bags they were and how they annoyed me.   There is one guy from my old neighborhood in particular who was a real untrustworthy backstabber.... one of those me-first,  lying, bastards who didn't give a shit about other people.
~
Now he is a Christian minister in the MidWest, praising Jesus, and raising money for his ministry.  I defriended him because the dichotomy seemed so hypocritical.  Everytime I see his now bald head and read his pious posts on FB, I get a nauseous grip in my stomach.
 ~
Really don't need to renew these emotions.  They were nice and buried in a dusty spot in my mind, and now, here they emerge fresh and lively as if the years had never passed.
~
I like to think that I have changed since my adolescent, formative years.   And the douche bags undoubtedly have changed as well.  I should give them the benefit of the doubt .... but I bet they're still assholes.

J E T S Jets, Jets, Jets

The Patriots demolished the Jets last night, 45 to 3, in a battle for first place.
~
It was a virtuoso performance by quarterback, Tom Brady, who is showing us how perfection in a football game can appear.
~
It can be no coincidence that Brady did this against the Jets, who had beaten the Patriots earlier this year.  Plus the Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez was the only QB in the league that had a winning record against Brady.
~
Nice to be a New England Patriots fan this morning!
~
Maybe I'll call my buddy, Rich Berliner, later today.   I still have the cool Jets T-shirt that he gave me.  Won't be any trash talking though.  Can't be kicking people when they're down.... right Rich?

Mirror Image

This week is a big one for Nanepashemet Telecom.
~
There are four great opportunities on our plate.... and all are attainable.... if we orchestrate our resources correctly and present our capabilities appropriately.
~
I always like to present the facts in situations like this.   Here is your challenge, and here are the resources that we can bring to bear to make you successful.   It's usually as simple as this.   But then you have to add a dose of sincere committment and passionate dedication to reaching the goal.
~
Because this gig is not just about making money.  First and foremost,  it's about looking in the mirror and being proud of what you see.  And you can't do that without committing 100%.
~
But the money takes a huge second.

Birthday Bargain

 We celebrated my grandson, Ethan's birthday yesterday. He is two years old.
~
I don't think he's special just because we share the same birthday.    He'd be special even if he had his own birthday.
~
But now, because of Ethan, nobody forgets my birthday.... Mike gave me this cool Texas A&M Aggie Football gear and Kate gave me George Bush's memoirs.
~
These are the best birthday presents that I have gotten in years!
~
Poor Ethan only got a toy truck and a dinosaur, so things are looking up for me!

Postscript.
After this post, Harvey and Lisa Rowe came by with Superpeep Maria Rowen with some very thoughtful birthday gifts including some chocolate pastries that Lisa felt had some sexual connotation and an instruction kit to learn Ballroom Dancing.
~
If Ethan was old enough, he would be so jealous.  I definitely won the score on birthday gifts this year.

Show all

Bear Meat

Peeps...
~
Sometimes.... even though I'm a bona fide Mountain of a Man.... the magnitude of my accomplishments impresses even me.
~
This was one of those weeks when everything came together... like a freaking Swiss Clock.
~
For a year, I've been chasing a major wireless carrier to build sites....got the first order today.  For six months, I've been trying to get a capabilities meeting with another one of the big four carries..... meeting set up for next week.   For two years, I've been trying to get some major work in upstate NY where some of our best assets reside.... meeting on Monday for a major deployment.   And our standby biggest client gave some insight into a substantial amount of work coming our way in January.  Plus, today.....closed out a final payment with a troubleseome customer who we'll be avoid doing business with in the future.
~
Sometimes you eat the Bear, and sometimes the Bear eats you.
~
Man, that Bear meat tastes good.  Need some toothpicks and dental floss.

References and Credit

This morning, we show Beverly Ave. to another prospective tenant.  I haven't told you that we decided to lease and hold this place ... mainly due to its sacred status as the birthplace of the Nanepashemet Blog.... but also because the real estate sales market was so flat.
~
But the rental market is very strong, which I attribute to the fact that people wish to live in nice areas and are accumulating downpayments instead of buying.  There has been a steady stream of nice people who are interested in leasing this house.
~
The only criteria that we have is no smoking.   Don't want the place to stink.   I don't mind pets though.   People who don't like pets are not my kind of people.   We don't have anymore cats, don't want a dog that I have to walk and handle curbside feces, but I've kind of adopted the birds at the Feeder.
~
Animals add to rhe richness of life.... As long as you clean up their mess.
~
By the end of the week, I'll be choosing the Lessee based upon references and credit.

Passing Year

2010 is drawing to a close.  It's December already.  Seems like it went by fast in some ways and unbelievably slow in others.  Time is indeed relative.
~
Are we hurtling towards the Mayan End of Days?  Maybe.   If you surf the nerd channels on cable like I do, it seems like an asteroid, mother earthquake or mega tsunami is just around the corner.
~
I've got my contingency plans in place.... the primary one being to hop into my dinghy parked on a trailer in my driveway, put my head down through my legs, and kiss my ass goodbye.
~
Maybe I'll take a few bottles of Lagavulin into the dinghy.  Certainly couldn't hurt as we are all swept into oblivion.
~
Actually, I kind of doubt that the Mayans have it right.  I feel that we will all have to live out the duration of our lives, without some grand Apocalypse speeding everybody's demise in one huge crescendo.
~
Which is fine by me.   It would be a lot less dramatic.

No Heavy Lifting

Lots of feedback on the movie idea.  I'm actually working on plans for the sequel.
~
Other than that, the Sundance house renovation is going the way of most projects... overly optimistic schedules, sabotaged by unforeseen techical mishaps.
~
It's not for lack of trying, as my pain wracked body can attest to.  And I will get to the finish line.... the instatllation of the downstairs carpet... by this Thursday, but not without some huge contingencies.
~
The major issues on the woodwork schedule occurred when the raised panel stile router bit chipped when the router spun out of its router table cradle.   I hadn't locked it down before I turned the router on for a classic idiotic move.    Luckily, the Gilbert and Cole lumber yard in Marblehead had the same Freud bit, but I had to buy the whole raised panel set to get it.   A $150 mistake.
~
That set the workwork completion schedule off.
~
But the biggest mistake was relying on my HVLP paint sprayer to do the priming and paint job.  Naturally, it wouldn't spray latex at any production rate.  So I went to Home Depot and bought a Ryobi sprayer that clained that it would handle latex with no dilution.  An $80 mistake.   The freaking thing is useless and made a huge mess.
~
So the contingency plan is to prime and paint by brush all baseboards that will be in contact with the carpet this Thursday.   Then I'll tape down plastic everywhere, and finish the spackle and paint job.
~
That takes the craziness out of the schedule, plus the need to finish this part of the project slacked off after the kitchen cabinet delivery moved to January 25.
~
That's the new deadline for all of the main living area to be complete, with the hardwood floors being the gating factor.
~
In the meantime, I have to fit in some work at Nanepashemet Telecom, and rent Beverly Ave. 
~
I agree that this is beyond the capacity of the average man, but no heavily lifting for a Mountain of a Man.

Nanepashemet - the Movie

This morning, around 7:00AM, someone from a server in New Hampshire hit the Blog for the 100,000 time.
~
Yet everything seems the same. 
~
I still hold out the hope that the Nanepashemet Blog morphs into some kind of Facebook phenomenon that will spill out millions in cash and end up in a movie about me.  I'm thinking maybe Harrison Ford for the starring role because of his toughness and rugged good looks.   Or maybe Chevy Chase for other reasons.
~
Ben Affleck can play my son Mike with Sandra Bullock in the Katelyn role.  Not sure who would represent my wife Joanne, but there are a lot of hot, sizzling actresses who could handle the part. Probably would have to go with Michelle Pfeiffer.  For Ryan, it would be Mark Wahlberg.  Course the grandkids, Will and Ethan will play themselves, because there just isn't any other kids as gifted or talented.
~
The story line is obvious.... how a rough, tough, hard to bluff, mountain of a man builds boats, makes a killing in business, scores some Lagavulin and constantly seeks a path of isolation from annoying, irritating Peeps who won't leave him alone.
~
It will be a dramatic, comedic shocker... with plenty of gratuitous sex scenes.


Maria Rowen said...
Mitch Rapp should play the MOAM...The casting couch coach should also consider the cast of characters you call friends... How about...The incredible Mr. Limpet for the fish with lips...and...Pierce Brosnan for Harvey...This peep prefers to play a peep...gratuitously...

dougmaxfield said...
Should Harrison need a stunt double for those sex scenes I would love to throw my proverbial hat in the ring. Just saying...

TommyO said...
I am thinking the role of TommyO would be played by some sort of cross between Richard Gere and Lenny Clark.

POTW Week 48

This week featured the renowned Thanksgiving Eve Bash at our Beverly Ave. Marblehead House.  Hopefully it is the last one that Ryan will miss but even without his hijinx, it was a raucous affair.
~
We have a lot to be thankful for this week, and even though you have your share of challenges and heartache, there's always ample blessings around if you take the time to recognize and cherish them....
~
So stop your whining and self-centered bullshit, and thank God for the good stuff.

Announcing......
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 48th week of 2010.


Brendt D'Orio (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Maria Rowen (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Bob Wojcik (Automatic Lagavulin Selection)
Kim Reny
Emily Engardia
Brady Boyle


Next year, the Bash will be a whole lot different at the West Shore Drive house with Ryan back.  Better start planning now.

100,000 Hit Milestone

Sometime this weekend, one of you hapless Peeps will hit this Blog for the one hundred thousandth time.  That's 100,000 occasions when you have sought the solace, knowledge, wisdom, and aggravation that flows freely from this little anchor in cyberspace.
~
And yet, I have not received dollar one for this immense contribution to humankind's body of knowledge.
~
Granted.  I've picked up a couple dozen bottles of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch.... and maybe that is compensation enough.   And for those of you who think that the Nanepashemet Blog is just a big scam so that I can score Lagavulin from you.... maybe you're on to something. 
~
But a bottle of the King of Scotch from time to time seems fair trade for the psychological benefit/trama that this Blog exudes to the clamoring masses.  Plus, the donors get the ultimate recognition.... automatic selection as Peeps of the Week. 
~
So, I think that you are really getting the better deal in this scam.

Bash Aftermath

If you want to know what happened at the Bash last night, you won't be finding it in the Marblehead Police Log.... because there were no reported incidents whatsoever!
~
That's always a big accomplishment, and an annual source of pride.
~
But it's not to say things didn't get loud, obnoxious and a bit over the top.
~
For starters, there were THREE AUTOMATICS!!!  That's three Peeps who were courageous and audacious enough to show up with a bottle of Lagavulin, the King of Scotch, and will be enshrined in perpetuity as Automatic Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week when the selections are made later this weekend.
~
For the record, the enlightened and high class peeps were Maria Rowen, Bob Wojcik, and Brendt D'Orio.  They deserve  the vast amount of recognition and praise that undoubtably will be coming their way during this holiday weekend.
~
Mark Vona claimed that he searched three liquor stores for the King, and came up short.  Normally, I would dismiss this like a pile of horse manure, but since it was Vona, he gets a pass.  I believe you Mark.
~
I really can't name anymore names and events, not because I don't remember, but the details are fuzzy.   However....Firepits, Scotch, Dark and Stormies, and Macaroni and cheese come to mind.  Plus, if you weren't there, it's none of your business, and if you were, you know what happened anyway.  So there is no need for me to memorialize any of the frivolity.
~
I did get a chance to play my banjo riff that always sets Steve Lewis off though.

Bash Rules

The frenzy has begun.
~
It's like a huge drum is beating louder and louder.
~
I don't get it.
~
Every year for the last twenty years or so, the night before Thanksgiving Day Bash at Nestor's has been a ritual event with the same rules.
~
1.  There are no invitations, but if you don't come, we will be insulted, and talk about you behind your back.
2.  The Cuisine is classic American Trailer Park-  lots of stuff deep fried in the Turkey fryer.
3.  Be prepared to drink with moderation - the beer will flow like wine.  Plus, we have wine.
4.  Clothes are mandatory.  Commando will not be tolerated.
5.  Bad jokes and loud, obnoxious behavior is encouraged.
6.  And, what should go without saying, the gift of the King of Scotch, Lagavulin Single Malt, will win you an automatic selection as a Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.
~
So that's it.   Six pathetic rules.  You would think that it could be easy enough for people to remember. 
~
This is the last year for the Bash to be held at Beverly Ave.  Next year, we will be up at the West Shore Drive house that borders Gerry Playground......  which may require the promulgation of additional rules.

Bash Preview

It's only two nights to go before the biggest event of the year... the Thanksgiving Eve BlowOut Bash at the Nestor's replete with Buffalo wings, White Trash Balls, Macaroni and Cheese, and of course... the King of Scotch, Lagavulin Single Malt.
~
For those insidious Wussys among you who complain that drinking Lagavulin is like drinking terpentine (BLASPHEMY!) there will be Sams and Guinness flowing like wine.   And there will also be wine.
~
This year, like every other in the pathetic series, we have not issued invitations... but if you don't come, you will be talked about incessantly concerning all of your earthly foibles and weaknesses.... so I'd come if I were you.
~
This year, as a special treat, we've asked Prince William and his newly betrothed, Kate to attend and they've graciously accepted.   The word is that the Prince is a big fan of my Wings and White Trash Balls, so come early in case he decides to make a pig of himself and eat the whole platter.
~
Judiciously, I've decided not to invite Sarah Palin.   Joanne knows how she turns me on, and I don't want to make everyone uncomfortable.  So as a Mountain of a Man, I've taken the high road once again.
~
Most of the usual suspects will be here though, and I'm pretty sure that Tuna Lips will make his annual appearance, even though his identity can never be revealed.
~
For those of you who continue to ask me the annoying question of dress code, my answer is the same now as it's always been.  Clothes are mandatory.  Anybody showing up in full commando will be turned away.
~
This is a classy affair... for Cripes Sakes.
~
See you there.... or feel your ears burn.

Maria Rowen said...

I am looking forward to many white trash balls...Prince Harry is much more interesting and...Will there be full body scanners or pat downs by any chance...? 

____________________________________________________________________
Maria -
We will provide as many white trash balls as you can handle.  Didn't invite Harry.  Too much red tape, plus he doesn't have a hot fiancee.   And yes.....  There will be a lot of full body scans, especially in your case.   Good luck with the pat downs.
- MOAM

Security Measures

I don't get the beef over the new airline safety procedures.
~
The TSA is just there for our safety. And even though every single airline terrorist has been a Muslim, let's not profile. Let's feel up everyone.   Let the minimum wage TSA professional morons grope away. 
~
And... while they have the rubber gloves on, might as well go with a full body cavity search. 
~
Can't be too careful!  The government is there to help us.
~

Tuna Lips said...

I has no problem, filosifizin wise, about pullin my man tackle out fer thems to check. "Shock and Awe" and just some Gulf War jingoism.

Cornhusker Ass

Texas A&M had a nice 9-6 victory this weekend over eighth ranked Nebraska.
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No surprize to me.
~
The Aggies are the Official Nanepashemet Division 1 NCAA College Football Team, anchored by our own Benny Martin, who is an offensive line coach.
~
So it just goes without saying that they would manhandle a wussy team like the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
~
Ben had a small contingent of Marblehead Peeps help him with this one though.   Not sure what help Scott McBurney could bring, but SuperPeeps Nate Clarke and Mike Nestor obviously added some value to the win.
~
I hope the post game festivities didn't get out of hand.
~
Way to go Ben.   Kicking Cornhusker ASS!!!


(just kidding, Scotty Boy.)

No Comparison

89 year old Geneva Sozanski was outside of the Lynn Eastern Ave. two family  home where she has lived for fifty years or so.  
~
At one o'clock in the afternoon,  a 30 year old punk, named Nicholas Christian, made it his business to jump out of his car, slam her to the ground with such force that she was bleeding and unconscious so that he could steal her purse.
~
Christian is 30 years old.
~
Mrs. Sozanski is a greatgrandmother with two sons... both Dentists.
~
She has lived a long life of grace and dignity... and you can even now see the goodness in her beaten face.
~
I first met Mrs. Sozanski when I was in the 7th grade, hanging out with her son, Stephen.  She was instrumental in my decision to attend graduate school at Boston University.  I ran into her outside of a bakery on Lewis Street in Lynn in the summer, shortly after I had graduated from UMASS and taken a job as a Planner for the City of Lynn.
~
Mrs. Sozanski was happy to see me and we exchanged greetings, then she asked me where I was going to graduate school.  I explained to her that I had a job now and probably wouldn't be going back to school.  The look on her face was of shock and concern.  "Oh, you shouldn't stop now, John,  You have to get your Master's Degree,"  she said in a firm voice that I thought was uncharacteristic of her.  We exchanged a few more niceties, then went our separate ways down the street.
~
Later on that week, I looked into the Master's Program of Urban Affairs at Boston University and enrolled in night school for the fall semester.  The firm nudge from Mrs. Sozanski was the catalyst.
~
She is a warm and kind lady, and her comments to the media about the incident characterize her perfectly.
~
So Christian... back to you.  If you have to knock old ladies senseless so that you can steal the paltry contents of their purses for your addictive fix, then, the worth of you as a human being speaks for itself.  Sadly, there will always be slime at the bottom of the barrel like you.  
~
But what makes me high on life is the Geneva Sozanski's that I have run into.  People like Mrs. Sozanski make our lives so much richer, that we can afford to dismiss the depravity that you have made of your worthless life.   She makes us able to endure the likes of you.
~
Good luck in the future, Christian.  People like you rarely make it to age 89 like Mrs. Sozanski ... odds are, you won't be seeing 39.

POTW Week 47

Tommy McMahon, former POTY took the time to remind me that I missed the Peep of the Week selections last week.
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No shit Tom.
~
Maybe I didn't miss it though... maybe I chose to ignore it.... and maybe I had a real good reason to do so.
~
Or... Maybe not.
~
Anyway, I'm going through the pathetic process today, so that I don't get any annoying reminders in a day or so.
~

ANNOUNCING....

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 47th week of 2010

Barbara Kessel

Tommy McMahon

Sam Khairi

Bill Hillegas

Susan Raiche

Eugene Noel

On to the Weekend.

Breaking News

Prince Will is getting married to Kate Middleton.
~
I know this.... because that's the only thing that the "Newscasters" on ABC can talk about for the last few mornings. It's even bigger news than Bristol Palin making the finals in Dancing With the Stars.
~
Neither issue concerns me.  When you're a Mountain of a Man, you can't be detered by trivial voyeurism... even though Kate seems pretty hot.

Jim L. said...

It will be a great irony if Queen 'Liz outlives Charlie Boy. He has been the man who would be king for four decades since his playboy days in the early '60's. And now, the Brits are rooting for Liz to hang on. The crowd favorite for the king job is Will. And, of course, they are falling in love with Kate just like they did with Di.