Not this Time for Boston

The Olympics will not be coming to Boston in 2024.

Which is too bad.   How great would it have been to have the world focus on this great city for a few weeks?

 Of course, this is said naively without any reference to the gritty impacts and financial effort needed to properly stage such an international event.

Since I was a little kid, the Olympics, especially the Summer version, have held a special fascination.   Track and Field, Swimming, Boxing, Wrestling.... it is a chance to demonstrate peak performance to the world and is a showcase of fundamental human potential.

Melbourne, Tokyo, Mexico City, Munich, Montreal, Moscow, Los Angeles, Barcelona, London....  every four years was a benchmark and a focus for tremendous athletic effort.

When  Jimmy Carter decided to politicize the event and pull out of the Moscow Olympics.... ironically because of the involvement of the USSR in Afghanistan.....  he corrupted the concept with his self righteous dictate.  Of course the Russians retaliated by boycotting the subsequent Los Angeles games, and the hopes of a generation of athletes were soured.

And the slaughter of Israeli Athletes in Munich by Arab Extremists showed the world how imperfect a civilization this continues to be in our modern era.

Yet the concept of the world coming together to compete every four years has survived, and Boston, the victim of the unthinkable atrocity at the Boston Marathon just two years ago, gamefully pitched its hat in the ring.

John Fish, the hard driving and ultra successful President of Suffolk Construction, first became the public face in the effort to attract the Olympics to Boston in 2024.   I knew Fish when he was just starting out, and I always liked him as a person and admired his drive.  I believe his efforts were sincere and driven by a civic and patriotic desire to showcase his city, but he was met with negative skepticism of seeking to profit from the development of the Games here.   Even when he recused his construction company from any involvement, the criticism continued.

Boston is the home of many great things, but is also the home of the Big Dig, the development of an underground highway system which had become so rift with billion dollar overruns that it was impossible to calculate the financial hemorrhaging or assess the mismanagement.

Then the big mistake happened in my admittedly limited viewpoint.  A committee of paid consultants and staff, including former Gov. Deval Patrick and numerous outgoing bureaucrats were formed to spearhead the effort to secure the Olympic designation.


After the advent of Patrick on the scene, and the sense of another bureaucratic feeding frenzy, the public skepticism would be difficult to overcome.  When guys like Fish were displaced, with Patrick and his cronies bellying up to an open bar, you had to be extremely naive not to believe that the Boston and Massachusetts taxpayers would not be mortgaged with another wasteful and corrupt financial boondoggle.

Mayor Marty Walsh saw the writing on the wall, and pulled the plug today after noting that the City of Boston taxpayers would have to insure the International Olympic Committee that overruns would he covered.  How could any Boston politician comply with this stipulation with a straight face, given the history of the big dig and the bureaucratic hacks circling like vultures?

If John Fish could have run this like a private venture, Boston would have its Olympics.   But that wasn't going to happen.   Marty Walsh saw the reality, and did the right thing.

It could have been great though.  But not this time.

Storm is Lifting

Farewell Lisa

So the Funeral for Lisa Panakio Rowe was yesterday, July 21, 2015.   

She was 58 years old when cancer mercilessly swept the life from her body.

We knew she was going to die for the past four weeks or so.... and so did she.  She was so strong in the face of death.   Flipped the bird at it.  Death held no power over her.  She said she was not afraid to die, and had a good life with Harvey and her family.   It was not an epithet.  It was a genuine statement.

One of her last words to Joanne and me was that "Life is a Blessing."   Staring at death, she celebrated her life.

There are so many things that you could say about Lisa and the way she looked at life.  You always wanted to share with her the stuff that was happening to you.   She would be happy and buoyant for the good stuff, and stood by you with support and loyalty when you talked about the things that were pissing you off.  

And she shared freely anything that was on her mind..... always with a keen sense of humor about things.   So many times, Joanne's cell phone would beep, and Joanne would get at smile on her face.   When I asked, "What are you smiling about?", her answer would be..."Text from Lisa."  She liked to call Joanne, "Dousher" and liked to call her stepson, Mark, "Fark".   Yet it was impossible to get irritated with her.

She supported Harvey and the incredible charitable work that he has spearheaded at My Brother's Table, Kentucky, Ecuador.... all leading to his inclusion in the Knights of Malta Catholic Order.   Even though she was irreverent about some of these things in her quips to Joanne and I, we always knew that this was her alter-ego trying to get a rise from us, and she firmly stood by the great work that Harvey has undertaken... and was so proud of Harvey's kids and Grandkids, who she loved and embraced as her own.

She was a joyful, funny, funny person.

And a steadfast, loyal, cherished friend, a loving wife, and a caring Nana.

Right now, the hole that she has left in our lives is a huge, gaping chasm.  I suppose that the sense of hurt and  loss will abate one of these days.   But not today.... and probably not for a long freaking time.

I'm pretty sure that she scored a place in Heaven, and is celebrating with her parents Lou and Marcia as I type this.

But we are still sad to see you go Lisa,

This is her Obit from the Lynn Daily Evening Item

LYNN — Mrs. Lisa Panakio Rowe, 58 years old, of Lynn, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in Lynn after a brief illness. She was the adored wife of Harvey Rowe, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage.

Lisa was born and raised in Lynn, the daughter of the late Louis J. Panakio and the late Marcia Panakio. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and a graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont.

Lisa was a devoted parishioner of St. Pius Church and a volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and My Brother’s Table in Lynn, both close to her heart. She was also a supporter of the Knights of Malta and their particular mission in Lourdes, France, as well as their countless works of charity throughout the world. Lisa’s 2014 pilgrimage to Lourdes was a recent highlight in her life.

The City of Lynn and its betterment was her special concern. As a longtime board member of the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, Lisa was grateful for her chance to serve the city, proud of Lynn’s growing arts community and business sector and pleased to help be a champion of the Lynn-Boston ferry. A lifelong athlete, Lisa was a former member of both the St. Michael’s College Ski Team and Field Hockey Team. Over the years, Lisa developed a treasured community of friends from the health and fitness world. Spending many years in Naples, Fla., as a water skier in Lake Winnipesaukee, and avid skier on the slopes of Loon Mountain, Lisa had many friends in whatever communities she touched. Furthermore, she loved to travel and her easygoing, engaging personality developed friendships wherever she would go.

Lisa was the co-owner of Panakio Adjusters in Lynn. As a public adjuster, she enjoyed being a staunch advocate for families and business owners throughout New England and in Florida, and she was an innovator in property/casualty assessment methodologies.

Above all, Lisa was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed a rich, vibrant life with husband and business partner, Harvey Rowe, experiencing the joys and laughter for many years, side-by-side. Her children and grandchildren will remember her always for the love, courage, wisdom and counsel she gave them; her fun-loving, joyful nature; her positive energy and her unforgettable smile. She’s our angel now.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Attorney Harvey F. Rowe Jr. of Lynn, and her brother, Jay Panakio of Lincoln, N.H.; her children, Melissa Sherwood and her husband Norm of Marblehead, Mark Rowe and his wife Jenna of Marblehead and daughter, Shannon Gardner of Lynn; her grandchildren, Lily Gardner, Maeve and Tegan Sherwood, Maren, Violet and Wesley Rowe; her niece, Kelsey Panakio of Lynn, and her nephew, John Panakio of Lincoln, N.H., and many cherished friends from near and far.

Service information: Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 67 Ocean St. (Route 1A), Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church, Lynn at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are on Monday from 3-7 p.m. Donations may be made to My Brothers Table, Attn: Donations, 98 Willow St., Lynn, MA 01901 and the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul.

Be With God, Lisa

We lost a special person tonight.
There is a hole in our hearts that just can't be filled.

But as devastating as this moment feels.... all the moments that we had Lisa in our lives up to now made us happier and more fulfilled than we would have otherwise been.

She is with God and her Angels now.  Pain is over for her.  Grief and unfathomable sadness stays with us.

  We love you and will miss you.

Good Fishing

We were out on the Lagavulin Sportsman 23 today with arguably the best telecom zoning lawyer in New England.   Gained lots of insight and had a great time,.... despite the fact that the fish were nowhere to be found.

We were out at Halfway Rock on Tinker's Ledge, Newcombes Ledge and the Breaker Ledges outside of Marblehead and Salem Harbors..... but nothing.   We did see a Whale though.... closest inshore that I have ever witnessed between Halfway Rock and Marblehead Island.

I suppose that if you fail to catch fish on a fishing trip... then the trip is a failure.

Not this trip.

Bracing

Getting ready to take a hit... A big one.   Didn't see it coming and it is hitting like a freight train.
~
Be grateful for your life and embrace your loved ones.
~
Things can change on a dime.

Toilet Paper Rollers.

Peeps....
If you come over to my house and nature calls, you'll find the bathrooms nice and clean.

That's because Joanne was there.

But if you happen to notice that the toilet paper is on the roller.....

That's because I was there.

Because in the forty odd years that we have been together, my wife Joanne has never installed the toilet paper on the rollers....   never.... ever.

Apparently, that is a man's job.

Not Worth Getting All Hot and Bothered

Peeps....
Those of you who know the MOAM well, know that I am an unenrolled Independent who tries to make up my own mind on issues, and not be swayed by a party or ideological affiliation.

I hate it when the Left or the Right uses blatant misleading propaganda to herd sheep into their particular ideological pen.  And I hate it when people draw conclusions based upon emotion or feelings rather than empirical facts.

Doomsday scaremongers tend to piss me off, as well as people who whimsically proclaim bullcrap like "Obama is one of the four best Presidents ever." when they have no historical insight into the competence of past Presidents.... whatsoever.

Also, if they walk like a Duck, quack like a Duck and you make the bold statement that they are a Duck.... then why do people continue to get all amped up when the particular subject of note acts like a Duck.

So, I'm getting tired to getting pissed off at Obama, the FLOTUS, and the various bureaucratic sycophants that he surrounds himself with.

We knew before we elected him.... TWICE.... that he was a Leftest Radical with a family background in Communist Marxist ideology.   Then, over and over, Conservative pundits like Col. Allen West and the Fox News talking heads obsess about the radical stuff that he says and does.   He's a freaking RADICAL!!!  How else do you expect him to act and speak???? Socialized Medicine, open borders, a weakened military, the dismantled space program, a growing bureaucracy with the increase in debt.... we elected him twice and then all I hear is BITCH, BITCH, BITCH.

  His Mom and Dad were Commies, his childhood mentors were Commies,  He started his political career in the company of people like Bill Ayers and the Rev. Wright.   Al Sharpton has a spare key to the Oval Office for crying out loud.  I mean... my father and mother were Democrats... and that's where my political leanings first took root.   Is it any wonder that this guy thinks the way he does?

In fact.... having been in the company of political radicals in various stages of my career.... I think the amazing thing is that he comes anywhere close to the center in any political decision.

It's not like he hasn't broadcast his Marxist, Anti-Imperialist leanings in books and actions to us.  Then we get all  pissed off because he acts exactly like what he is.

So I'm  going to try to remain un-involved in all of the outrageous revelations that Fox and the Conservative Blogs on Facebook keep flowing my way.

I already know that he is a Radical so it's not news and not worth getting hot and bothered over.

Hard to be Humble

There have been quite a few hits to this blog lately.

I know because Statcounter.com allows me to see what posts people are hitting and what ISP they arrive from.

Often, I follow their trail and see what they are so interested in.... stuff that I may have posted in 2007, 2011 or so.

Then I become enthralled with the quality, insight and articulateness presented herein as well.

Sometimes if you are a Mountain of a Man, it is hard to be humble.

The Blessed Life

It's four PM, and this Father's Day is in the books.

I have to say, one of the most satisfying that this Mountain of a Man has experienced in the last thirty eight years or so.

With two sons, a daughter, and three grandsons in play, I feel that I have met the eligibility criteria quite handily.  And it is a big plus that we have them all married off (or almost) to some great additions to the family.

Katelyn and Brady gave me a great mounted photograph of Grandson Connor Boyle, and Mike and Pam came through with a bottle of  Lagavulin 16 year Single Malt Scotch, which you may be reminded is the King of Scotch in this humble MOAM's opinion.

Then Ryan and Kim along with Grandsons Will and Ethan presented me with another bottle of the King,

It was a double whammy of Single Malt Speyside goodness, and the kind sentiments will be remembered well after the last drops have been drained and savored and I see the likeness of Connor smiling down from the fireplace mantel.  Feeling truly Blessed.

I hope all of my paternal brethren had as fine a day  as well,

A Good Plan

Peeps....
My iPhone won't take a charge this morning.... looks like the end of the line for the old model Apple.

So nobody can reach me today, until I take the time to get this fixed.... and spare time is not readily available.

Before I head to the phone store, I will install all of the cleats in the shed, do a big dump run, and plan some storage strategy.

Then Shower for Grandson Will's birthday celebration  at the Marblehead Street Hockey court on Green Street.  Afterwards, the day should settle down on the BYC porch where I will consume two Jordan's Hot Dogs, and a number of Dark and Stormies, accompanied by my kids, their significant others, and my three grandkids.

A good MOAM plan.

Have a nice Day.

Knee Jerk Response

Naturally the President turned a tragic senseless mass killing in South Carolina into a platform for his gun control agenda.   Plus he pulled some claim out of his ass that this type of senseless act with firearms is an American Phenomenon.

You knew that was coming,  It is Obama's nature.  The Conservative blogs debunked the American Phenomenon claim easy enough with instances of such heinous acts happening all over the world.

And the 2nd Amendment knee jerkers came out with their normal response for the right to bear arms.

I believe in the right to bear arms and I possess permits to carry throughout Northern New England. The process to gain this permit and the rules that apply to it in Massachusetts are thorough and restrictive.

In my case, the Marblehead police uncovered stuff in my public record that I was amazed had been recorded, and I was questioned extensively about the items that were exposed from decades ago.  It took at least two months to get the permit, and then when I went and purchased a firearm, the licensed dealer also performed a background check before making the sale.

I think that  these rules are fair, and still allow me to exercise my 2nd Amendment Constitutional rights to bear arms for the protection of my home and family.   The Massachusetts process could easily be replicated on the Federal level.

Is this process in place in South Carolina, where that little racist Bastard decided to kill innocent worshipers in Church just because of the color of their skin?    I don't know.

The evidence suggests that his father gave the senseless serial killer a gun.  

If I were King, justice would be swift.   String up the Shooter, String up the Father, and initiate laws with strong background checks and waiting periods for prospective gun owners.

The FACTS (NOT Liberal Feelings of What Should Be) show that criminal acts are highest in areas where gun ownership is banned.... like Obama's Sweet Home Chicago.

Allow responsible citizens to exercise their 2ND Amendment right to bear arms, and severely punish those who endeavor to thwart the vetting process.

Plus, attend to the victims of mental illness, who overwhelmingly perpetrate these crimes.

The little Russian Scumbags who killed and maimed hundreds at the Boston Marathon Bombing didn't use firearms... they used pressure cookers.    The Perps will find a way.

Our leaders should look at this issue based upon facts, and not knee jerk, removal of our Constitutional Rights.