Thanksgiving

Although today is a national holiday that we celebrate with football games, turkey, pies, etc., be thankful for the blessings in your life.  Believe me, I LOVE football, turkey, pies, etc.  My doctor and the pies sitting in my fridge can attest to this.  I’m trying not to have a nice “small” piece of pumpkin pie for breakfast.

Leading up to today, I’ve been thinking about what I’m thankful for.  Although I have plenty of things that I’m thankful for, the past couple of years especially have made this time of year more and more difficult.  I guess it’s something that happens with age and “wisdom”.

Despite those things that have been “royal bummers”, there are still a great number of things I’ll be thinking about as I watch the Pats beat the Lions and eventually doze off in an l-tryptophan induced sleep.
I’m thankful for my relatively “OK” health.  Volunteering at EC Week every year helps remind me that even though my waist line is larger than what I’d want, things could be much much worse.  EC Week also lets me continue the memory of my Aunt Kathy, even if in a small little personal (not anymore) way.

Although getting laid off kinda sucks, I’m thankful that I have had a job that allowed me to give  be able to give back and donate to charities that are important to me; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, MSPCA, to name a few.  If you have any “extra” money, please think about giving some to a an organization that is meaningful to you.  The incessant mailers, updates, newsletter, and requests for more money may be a little annoying but in the grand scheme of things it’s not that bad, is it?

I’m thankful that my parents sacrificed to send me to good schools that offered great educational opportunities.  Opportunities that I didn’t take full advantage of, but I still think that I did well enough.
Related to education, I’m thankful that God gave me a voice that was good enough to attend a school that opened doors that probably would have remained shut, being a kid from Dorchester.  I know that without the “choir school”, I would have never spent part of the summer in the Berkshires performing at Tanglewood, never mind singing at Symphony Hall and the Opera House.

I’m thankful for football.  I will always remember the Saturdays and Sundays when I listened and watched football with my dad.  He never said that football was his favorite sport, but I’m pretty sure that it was.  I remember listening to the end of the Notre Dame games with him in the car just before the 4pm mass on Saturdays.  Sometimes we were a little late for mass.  I don’t think my mother approved of that.  Dad had his chair at the dining room table on Sundays where he could have Sunday dinner (lunch) while watching the game and listening to the Pats on the radio.  

I’m thankful for having friends and family that we always be there when I need them.  A family that now includes two (more) wonderful nephews.  Although we don’t see each other enough, (my fault) or even talk over the phone (again, my fault) or exchange an email (yup, my fault), I know that I can count on them.  Hopefully, they know that I’ll be there for them as well.

So, today as we officially begin holiday season, please take take to think about those people, places, and blessings that have helped you get to where you are today.  Not having some of the people with you anymore or not being able to go to places where you want to go may suck, but be thankful for having that emotional reaction and celebrate as if they were still here – because they are, in your hearts and actions.

There are so many more things that I'm thankful for, but I'll let you get back to enjoying your day.

Now, I’m off to have some pie!  Get ready Mr. Pumpkin pie, be thankful for allowing me to have my first serving of fruit today before my second later on (cranberry sauce).

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

“(We) speak loudly and carry a big hammer and sickle.”

Be careful, because this is the new motto of National Progressive Radio (NPR -formerly known as National Public Radio) and the left wing who want to force this country into “Change”…Hmm, where have I heard “Change” before.  I can’t put my finger on it.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally the snakes are rearing their ugly heads.  No one can argue now that there is (and has been for DECADES) a radical frightening bias that is now emerging and no one is safe.  NO ONE!  Anyone who disagrees with those in power find themselves in the crosshairs.  You are required to not question or promote alternative thoughts.  DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO!

Liberals and Conservatives need to be vigilant in defending democracy.  Just look at how crazy things have gotten.  I’m glad to see that CBS MAY be coming around.  Hopefully, it’s not too late.  Are we so stupid to fall for the “Did not! Did too!” argument.  Where’s the proof, Mr. Alexrod?  Where is the outcry for George Soros’ groups to disclose their contributions? 

CNN fired Rick Sanchez for calling John Stewart a bigot.  After the initial disagreement, listen to the agreement of the interviewer where HE (the interviewer) says, “If he’s bigoted against the ignorant, fine!  If he’s bigoted against the apathetic and he’s being elitist, saying the others are stupid…” Let’s face it, the REAL reason why Mr. Sanchez was fired was because he called out CNN in this interview.  I applaud him for that.

 

NPR fires Juan Williams because he “violated our (NPR) standards and values.” 

You just watched and listened to what Juan Williams actually said.  Now, be honest with me and don’t put up your liberal PC defense shields.  Do you agree with the comments?  If you were traveling on vacation and a group of men dressed in Muslim garb got on the same plane as you, will you not think of 9/11?  If you say no then go wash your black tongue and chisel the wood off your nose Pinocchio. 

Let’s see how Jesse Jackson feels about this type of profiling.  Here is what he said at an Operation PUSH Meeting on 11/27/93.  Don’t believe me?  Look it up!

“There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery.  Then you look around and see somebody white and feel relieved…After all we’ve been through.  Just to think that we can’t walk down our own streets, how humiliating.”

OK.  Jackson wasn’t and isn’t an employee of NPR.  Will NPR fire Nina Totenberg, an NPR Correspondent (REPORTER not ANALYST), for talking about learning the language of “Tea Baggers”  or this quote:

You and I both know the answer is no. Why?  Let Juan Williams explain in his own words on GMA. 

He was fired for telling the truth.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/10/21/juan-williams-npr-fired-truth-muslim-garb-airplane-oreilly-ellen-weiss-bush/

Watch NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller’s comments given yesterday in Atlanta.  Look at her smirk when she talks about him talking to his psychiatrist.  Where is Al Sharpton calling the NPR racist for firing a black man?

NPR recently received a $1.8M donation from George Soros.  This George Soros.  http://bigjournalism.com/wthuston/2010/10/18/george-soros-millions-buying-political-reporters-for-npr/

Don’t forget about the recent ATTACK on Target Corporation.  If you don’t know this story, let me educate you.  Target was attacked by MOVEON.org for making a political contribution in Minnesota to the pro-business group MN Forward.  MN Forward has endorsed the Republican candidate for Governor.  The candidate is opposed to gay rights.  So, Target was singled out because of its notoriety DESPITE the company winning awards from Human Rights Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

Fellow Americans, we are at a cross roads in our history.  Will we continue to be a free republic or have we turned into a totalitarian state.  Please help me defend the country we all love.

Let’s be honest here

Too many Americans take our freedom for granted.  We do!  As people in other parts of our world fight and DIE for the right to vote what do we do as Americans…run home to watch TMZ or Wheel of Fortune.  Patrick Henry, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Noah Webster are rolling over in their graves.

“Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and foe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Sir Winston Churchill 

The final results are not in yet but voter turnout was expected to be 15% today. 15%!  Let me put it another way, for every 6 people only 1 of us will determine the direction of or state.  Actually, assuming that most general election races (TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2nd) will end up somewhere around a 60/40 split, our elected officials and ballot questions will be voter FOR by approximately 1 in 9 people.

Looking at my own State House District (5th Suffolk) the numbers are even worse.  The winner garnered just about 700 votes in a district with just over 19,000 voters and 37,000 residents.  Approximately 3.5% of voters and less than 2% of residents have elected their Representative on Beacon Hill.  Comparing the 5th to the 4th Suffolk where there was no incumbent, the 5th’s winner would have come in last in the 4th.

FULL DISCLOSURE: As you may know, I attempted to run for this seat as a Republican.  However, for a few reasons, not all of which I can give here, I was not successful in getting my name put on the ballot.  Let’s just leave the reason as I didn’t get enough signatures.

Voter apathy is not a problem only for the 5th Suffolk.  In a time when there are so many important issues that our state and federal governments need to address, our citizens are forfeiting their responsibility to participate in the democratic process.

“People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by the majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and vote – a very different thing.”  Walter Judd

Let’s analyze the voting process to see if we can determine the reason for the low turnout. 

• Voters only need to watch the news, read the newspaper (hardcopy or online), or even check their mail/answer their phone to find out when to vote.
• Polls in our state are only open 13 hours. 
• Polling precincts are spread out throughout the state that voters need to drive a few miles (if that). 
• Ballots are pre-printed requiring voters to either draw a line or fill in a circle.

With all of these obstacles, it’s not wonder why we can’t get more people to vote! 

As Americans, we all have the duty to be involved in the political process, even if it as straightforward (yet, ultimately important) as casting a ballot every few years.  So, please remember to vote in November and in every election!  Remember,

“Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”  Ronald Reagan 

    Massachusetts Elections Division

Should We Close Down and Privatize NASA?

OK, OK...So it's been 5 months since my last post.  Sorry, I've been busy.  I had attempted to run for State Representative but ran into a major hurdle thanks to some "friends" in New York whose job it is to stifle political activity, literally.  I'll be much more prepared for a fight next time.  I'm not going to try to catch up on issues (i.e, AZ Immigration Law, the Pats' draft picks, Daisuke, Boston violence, etc.).  I'm just going to start posting again on a periodic basis.  I may post something on some of these topics, but now now.

Is it time to shut down NASA and privatize all of its functions?  I believe that it's something that we should think of.  It's not something that I want to do, but to say they lost their way is the understatement of the past two centuries.  According to NASA.gov, "NASA's mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research".  Also, "NASA is making significant and sustained investments in:

• Transformative technology development and demonstrations to pursue new approaches to space exploration, including heavy-lift technologies;
• Robotic precursor missions to multiple destinations in the solar system;
• U.S. commercial spaceflight capabilities;
• Extensions and increased utilization of the International Space Station;
• Cross-cutting technology development in a new Space Technology Program;
• Climate change research and observations;
• NextGen and green aviation; and
• Education, including focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)."

So, how are they they doing this?  Well, I've posted the interview that Obama appointed NASA Administrator Charles Bolden gave to Al Jazeera.  You only need to watch the first few minutes to understand why I think NASA has lost its way.  When watching the video, ask yourself how the Muslim world can help NASA accomplish the items listed above.



If you listened to the whole interview, you know that Bolden mentioned that the U.S. has gotten away from basic research and development of new technologies and relies on the technology of other nations.  He goes on to mention that it will need the talents and technologies of different nations who offer different specialties.  He talks about the importence of the U.S. being the lead agency and that all of the other agencies look up to NASA.  Then, he talks about relying much more on international partners and putting them in the "critical path" with responsibilities they may not have been trusted with before. 

NOW IT MAKES SENSE.  Let's turn to the Middle East for technology.  You know, the Mecca of the Scienftic World.  Let's ask the people who last contributions to match and science came between 1,000 to 1,300 years ago.  Their society must be so sophisticated and modern!  With all those smart people, their literacy must be through the roof.  They must have match and science schools everywhere!  Let's tap into that knowledge to get the U.S. to go where we want to go, but don't know how to get there!

What?  They don't?  What do you mean that most people can't read and rely on the preachings (I mean teachings) of those who only know sharia law?

OK, at least tell me they live like the Jetsons.  Huh?  The vast majorty of the area live as if they were in the stone age?  Stone age.  Really?!  Not even like the American Old West? 

So, what is NASA doing pandering to the Middle East?...AGAIN!  Celebrating the anniversary of Obama's Cairo speech sounds like a diplomatic mission and not a scientific mission.

Clearly, Mr. Bolden is a well educated man. His career as a Marine and astonaut should be an inspiration to us all. Being a retired military officer, I think that he is following orders and doing what he is told.  However, I need to ask how can the Muslim countries help us realize this mission and list of objectives?  What can the countries of Iran, or Pakistan, or Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. contribute?

Without a doubt, there are brilliantly educated Muslim people in this world.  Where were they educated?  In "western" universities in Europe and the United States.  Stop bending over backwards to people who hate the way we live with electricity, running water...books. 

Let's focus on the global warming and rising seas that Al Gore has made millions speaking about.  Millions that be used to buy OCEANFRONT property in California.  Hmm....Then again, maybe he's giving that to Tipper in the divorce!

Mumbles is at it again!

Tommy, Tommy, Tommy…One might think that if one has just survived his closest election in years, one would think before one speaks out.  Your contempt for the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, the MA State Police, and the surrounding municipal safety agencies is obvious and sad.  Those men and women constantly work to keep our region safe.  When one of the LNG tankers arrive, no matter what country it originated from, all of these agencies have and will continue to work together.  Where will you be?  Clear on the other side of the city where people don’t say they live in Hyde Park or Boston.  They live in Readville.  Well, excuse me!  If a neighbor of yours dials 911, does the Readville Police Department respond?   

Before spouting off about being “very disturbed by the attitude of the Coast Guard in this matter”, let’s take a look at the facts.

1. The Coast Guard has studied the matter of receiving ships from Yemen for a year before making its decision.
2. There have been hundred of deliveries from tankers carrying LNG to this Everett facility without incident.  Where was this fervent opposition to all of the prior LNG deliveries?  I’ll tell ya!  It’s political because the Christmas terror attempt was from a Nigerian resident living in Yemen.  
3. The Everett Marine Terminal has been in operation longer than any other LNG receiving facility in the United States.  Between 1971 and 2003, this facility received approximately 50% of all of the LNG imported into the U.S. (Distrigas website)
4. The U.S. Coast Guard requires background checks for all crew members on all ships.  Safety sweeps will be made offshore prior to any ship entering the port.
5. In addition to following Coast Guard regulations, ships must also follow guidelines set forth by such “shady” agencies as the International Maritime Organization, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, AND the Department of Homeland Security…You know, the same agency you so eloquently said whose director “should take hold of the situation.”

What exactly does the Coast Guard do to make you “very disturbed”? 

• Is it the shutting down of the Tobin before, during, and after the tanker sails underneath?  No? 
• Then it must me the coordinated water escort by the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, State Police, Environmental Police, Boston Police, Boston Fire, Chelsea Police, Chelsea Fire, Everett Police, and Everett Fire (not to mention the surrounding communities supporting these agencies while they focus on the delivery).  No?
• How about the simultaneous land escort (yes, LAND ESCORT while the ship passes) by these same agencies?  It must be that.  Of course?  

Boss Tweed types like you love to throw “Money means more to them than safety” comments out without thinking things through.   I don’t know the answer to this, but I’d assume that Distrigas pays for these security measures.  If not, what sort of politician are you?  To me, not being the savvy political mind like you, it seems like an obvious requirement.  Spending all this money on safety really shows how much they do not care for the safety of the people in this state.

Instead of trying to play this political game, why don’t you focus on making Boston a better city?  You told us to measure you by the improvement in schools.  I’m glad I didn’t hold my breath waiting to see education improve. 

How about trying to improve the quality of life in the city?  The only thing I see different over the many years is that you’ve given me a nice pretty big blue recycle bin.  What about bringing our city into the 21st century and install 3-1-1 to improve the city’s response to non-emergency services.  Look at NYC’s 311 (http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/apps/311/homepage.htm).

Other than that, I’m happy that you’re my mayor.

Prelim NFL Draft Prep (with a Pats slant)

So, tonight’s the NFL Pro Bowl.  For many of the players on the AFC and NFC rosters, their draft status was either helped or hurt by their play/participation in the college football All-Star games. 

Most people know how much I love college football, especially SEC football (GO DAWGS!).  However, I don’t know how many people know that I Tivo the practices of these games in addition to watching the games.  If you think recording a practice is boring, then you probably won’t be impressed that I also record the NFL Draft Combine as well.  If you don’t know what the combine is then let me fill you in on what you’re missing!  To steal the description from the NFL, the combine is the “annual job fair for prospective new NFL players”.  Players are put through a series of drills (40 yard dash, high jump, bench press, etc.), tests (Wonderlic, weighed, measured) and interviews.  Jealous?  Admit it, you are.  I’m not claiming to be a know it all expert (there are plenty of people who do this full-time for ESPN or the NFL Network).  However, I do think that I know more than your typical fan going into Draft Weekend.

Anyway, last week was the East-West Shrine game.  It was not a pretty game.  You get that sometimes as players don’t really have a lot of time to gel. The East won (13-10) won on a TD pass with 6 seconds left.  Honestly, I really wasn’t that impressed by a lot players.  Although, Max Hall of BYU played OK and O’Brien Schofield (LB – Wisconsin) was named Defensive MVP.  As the Pats need help on Defense, I was looking forward to watching Schofield this week during the Under Armour Senior Bowl practices.  However, he hurt is knee early in the week.  I guess the injury is serious and his draft status is now in question.

As I watched the practices, the obvious names were there (Ndamukong Suh – DT Nebraksa, Terrence Cody – DT Alabama, etc.), but I was interested in watching Jared Odrick (DT) as he’s been pegged to be the Pats’ #1 pick in a few mock drafts.  Odrick is from Penn State so we know that he’s well coached.  He is the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year…not bad.  However, he’s been a little inconsistent over the course of his career at Happy Valley.  Here’s what ESPN’s Todd McShay has to say about him.

One player that really impressed me all week was Brandon Graham (DE - “Big Blue” Michigan).  He had a tremendous game as the North’s Defense dominated the South’s Offense.  Graham’s stock is hot right now.  I would love to see him as an OLB for the Pats.  In fact, I read that Todd McShay call Graham a “Belichick-type player”.  Here’s what McShay said about Graham, "There wasn't a guy here this week that hustled more, had better technique, that picked up schemes as quickly as anyone that was at the defensive line or inside linebacker position. He's a Bill Belichick type of guy,".

Here’s a link to the NFL Network’s highlights of the Senior Bowl with plenty of talk about the play of Brandon Graham.  The NFL Network doesn’t allow for videos to be embedded.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-senior-bowl/09000d5d816168d1/Senior-Bowl-highlights

I’m still reading up on the Senior Bowl and also reviewing a few websites to help get me ready for the Draft.  But first is the Combine (2/24 to 3/2) in Indianapolis. 

Finally…On a personal note, today was a difficult day for me and I’m assuming also for a bunch of people I spend a week with each August.  I don’t think that I can accurately describe it other than it was a first for me and there were times when I didn’t really know what to say.  The best way that I can sum it up is,

“Luv’ ya Billy!”