Alternate title: Gee, Maggie is such a snob.
Yeah, yeah I am.
So, I have been sleeping really well here at the new place. I know it's the ocean. So I was up and showered and dressed in plenty of time to walk to the local Church. It has pews on three sides and is more wood than stone. So it doesn't resemble St. Francis. I know, not every Church can be St. Francis.
I was born into St. Mary's Parish in Charlestown and all I remember about it was how strongly it smelled of incense. It was nearly overwhelming. I like that smell and it was too much even for me. Then when I was four, almost five we moved into St. Franics de Sales Parish. For the next sixteen years, it was my Church. It was where I learned how to act in Church.
Then I got married and moved to Beachmont, a section of Revere. I remember the first time I went to Our Lady of Lourdes at the bottom of the hill. I was wearing a very conservative royal blue wool dress. Everyone was in black, I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb! LOL! And Mass was in Italian. I filled in the blanks with the Latin I had learned at Pope John..... and it was back to St. Francis.
When I lived in Kingston and my children were young I too a stab at St. Joseph's, but so many things seemed "off".
I just gave up and attended Mass in Charlestown. It was so much easier. Plus I just feel so at peace sitting there in my usual pew, eight rows from the front.
But there is no public transportation here in Hull on Sundays. Well in the winter anyway. We'll see what happens in the summer. So, I walked down to the local Church.
First, I know it's picky and I should shut it out, but once people enter the church, I think they should be quiet. If you must speak, it should be in hushed tones. The mood is supposed to be contemplative. Be courteous to others.
But people were yakking away.
Then during Mass people who were late were marching from the back door on the left, passing the altar on their way to a pew on the right. Or right up the center and then over to the side. Now listen there is no one who understands being tardy like yours truly. But seat yourself at the back unobtrusively.
So I guess I am going to have to switch from Sunday morning Mass to Saturday afternoon vigil.....so I can get to St. Francis.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Piers Morgan
I don't know what's more aggravating - the fact that this twit, Morgan thinks it's ok to talk smack about gun owners rights in a country not his own; or the fact that so many of my fellow citizens don't seem to understand what the 1st Amendment to the Constitution says.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Ok, there's the text. Where does it say that your free speech is free from criticism, rebuttal, or ridicule by actual citizens of this country? That's right, nowhere. It says that the GOVERNMENT can't interfere. But you see, I can carp all I want and so can 100,000 of my fellow citizens on a petition. Everyone knows that Morgan isn't going to get deported. Calm down Beevis, the President agrees with him.
The signatories are just following the principle that Dr. Suess laid out in "Horton Hears A Who". We are coming together with our individual voices to amplify our message. After all Morgan, who is not an American is criticizing gun owners for exercising their 2nd amendment rights from his CNN bully pulpit.
First off, isn't there shit happening in England that British citizens should clean up before they come poking their noses over here?
Next, anyone who reads this blog knows how tribal and clannish I am. Sure I may have a problem with my fellow citizens, but if an outsider wants to pick on them, he's going to have to go through me.
Anyone who wants to argue about Piers Morgan's 1st amendment rights being infringed had better look again. Even if a 100,000,000 sign that stupid petition the 1st amendment wouldn't come into play. The government isn't stopping Morgan from speaking. No one is.
No one stopped Morgan from speaking. He said what he had to say and he continues to do so. What, pray tell, has happened to him? Has he been imprisoned? Has he been physically harmed? No, he's still wandering around spewing crap.
The 1st Amendment guarantees your right to express your opinion, not the ability to speak it unchallenged.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Ok, there's the text. Where does it say that your free speech is free from criticism, rebuttal, or ridicule by actual citizens of this country? That's right, nowhere. It says that the GOVERNMENT can't interfere. But you see, I can carp all I want and so can 100,000 of my fellow citizens on a petition. Everyone knows that Morgan isn't going to get deported. Calm down Beevis, the President agrees with him.
The signatories are just following the principle that Dr. Suess laid out in "Horton Hears A Who". We are coming together with our individual voices to amplify our message. After all Morgan, who is not an American is criticizing gun owners for exercising their 2nd amendment rights from his CNN bully pulpit.
First off, isn't there shit happening in England that British citizens should clean up before they come poking their noses over here?
Next, anyone who reads this blog knows how tribal and clannish I am. Sure I may have a problem with my fellow citizens, but if an outsider wants to pick on them, he's going to have to go through me.
Anyone who wants to argue about Piers Morgan's 1st amendment rights being infringed had better look again. Even if a 100,000,000 sign that stupid petition the 1st amendment wouldn't come into play. The government isn't stopping Morgan from speaking. No one is.
No one stopped Morgan from speaking. He said what he had to say and he continues to do so. What, pray tell, has happened to him? Has he been imprisoned? Has he been physically harmed? No, he's still wandering around spewing crap.
The 1st Amendment guarantees your right to express your opinion, not the ability to speak it unchallenged.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
I Giggled Through Both Sets of Comments
CHick-fil-A’s latest horrorThe controversial fast-food chain publishes a children's book loaded with half-truths about farms and animals
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Jonah Goldberg linked the story above, noting it's "Not a Parody".
If you don't want to follow the link, I'll give you a quick recap. Sirota's son has a book called "The Jolly Barnyard". It's a Golden Book, if you have kids you know these are short little stories for the 2 - 5 year old set. Tommy had "Poky Little Puppy", then we moved on to Time magazine because he was smarter than me. Anyway, apparently Chick-fil-A has put their logo on a republication and they are giving them away. The kid loves the book and demands it be read every night.
What's the problem? Well, the Sirota family are vegetarians and Sirota doesn't know how the book got in the house and he hates the book and he's mad he has to read it.
So Sirota threw it away? Umm, no. He gives in to the two year old and keeps reading.
So Sirota blames???????? Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A and takes a swipe at Cathy's views on gay marriage. He also rails that Cathy shouldn't be lying to children? What? You think they should write a truthful book about where the chicken comes from???? You're killing me!
The best comment on Goldberg's post reads in part -
Good grief, Sirota!
Sirota is as asinine as the vegetarian neighbor I had who wanted me to discipline my son for an action he hadn't taken, but might have. He told me this while his limp children watched. He walked toward me as he spoke. He was taller, I am sure I was supposed to be intimidated. I walked right back at him laughing. Later he secretly asked a neighbor when my husband was returning from a business trip. I was hugely insulted! When his wife told me later he didn't mean it. I told her I didn't care and he shouldn't be worried about John so much as he should worry about me, lol.
Anyway, Mr. Sirota, don't blame Dan Cathy or Ed Harris (he also hates that his son knows the jingle for the "orange monster", Home Depot) for your massive shortcomings as a parent. Get rid of the book, shut of the TV. How did your son even hear a commercial? Are you watching/listening to something other than PBS & NPR? For shame!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jonah Goldberg linked the story above, noting it's "Not a Parody".
If you don't want to follow the link, I'll give you a quick recap. Sirota's son has a book called "The Jolly Barnyard". It's a Golden Book, if you have kids you know these are short little stories for the 2 - 5 year old set. Tommy had "Poky Little Puppy", then we moved on to Time magazine because he was smarter than me. Anyway, apparently Chick-fil-A has put their logo on a republication and they are giving them away. The kid loves the book and demands it be read every night.
What's the problem? Well, the Sirota family are vegetarians and Sirota doesn't know how the book got in the house and he hates the book and he's mad he has to read it.
So Sirota threw it away? Umm, no. He gives in to the two year old and keeps reading.
So Sirota blames???????? Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A and takes a swipe at Cathy's views on gay marriage. He also rails that Cathy shouldn't be lying to children? What? You think they should write a truthful book about where the chicken comes from???? You're killing me!
The best comment on Goldberg's post reads in part -
Good grief, Sirota!
Would you prefer that precious toddler be reading "Fun at the Fowl Factory"? "Punky and the Poultry Processors"? Perhaps "Abby Goes to the Abbatoir"?
Sirota is as asinine as the vegetarian neighbor I had who wanted me to discipline my son for an action he hadn't taken, but might have. He told me this while his limp children watched. He walked toward me as he spoke. He was taller, I am sure I was supposed to be intimidated. I walked right back at him laughing. Later he secretly asked a neighbor when my husband was returning from a business trip. I was hugely insulted! When his wife told me later he didn't mean it. I told her I didn't care and he shouldn't be worried about John so much as he should worry about me, lol.
Anyway, Mr. Sirota, don't blame Dan Cathy or Ed Harris (he also hates that his son knows the jingle for the "orange monster", Home Depot) for your massive shortcomings as a parent. Get rid of the book, shut of the TV. How did your son even hear a commercial? Are you watching/listening to something other than PBS & NPR? For shame!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
What???? I've Been Busy
My parents have decided to sell and I am going to land in......Hull. Is it the greatest? Is it the biggest? Was it the cheapest? No, but it is on the water, and I mean, building; one lane road; dune. I am on the ocean side of the building and it has hardwood floors and a reasonable closet. For my birthday I might be asking for those hurricane shutters......lol.
So I've been sorting and packing and discovering the joy of "Air Bags" and throwing things away. Today I threw away a feather pillow that I bought in 1982. It was beat to hell and it was in a box of other bedding. What was I going to do with it? Is there a "feather pillow reviving" place? Anyway.
Frank and I made a quick New York trip. Didn't get much done but we ate off of street carts and lived to tell the tale. I asked William Shatner to handle the hotel for me and we got.....Andaz on Wall Street, it's on the Conde Nast Gold list. Just lovely. It was good recon for when I go back in a few months.
I've been holding my tongue on a lot of the Newtown/gun control/mental health debate because some people's ignorance is so appalling. If I started, it would end with the Secret Service on my doorstep.
Let me just say that I am surprised at how many act like this is the epitome of evil. Newtown was awful and I grieve with my fellow Americans, but it was not so long ago that Islamic Chechnyan terrorists killed 185 children in Beslan. One of the things people rightfully point out about Americans is that we are rather self-centered. WBCN used to have a DJ who joked about a chart that measured American lives against foreign lives. This is a perfect example.
Lots of people point to European models when talking healthcare or social services. Well, let's look there now. People who advocate for gun control categorize Russian gun laws as "Restrictive" but as I said guns killed 380 people there including 185 children. How about Norway? Another "restrictive" country, yet Anders Breivik managed to kill 77 people there, 50 of whom were 18 & younger. So my question is, where will more gun control get you?
So you're upset that children are dead? Well then you must have backed US action in Afghanistan where we were helping to educate people and rebuild the infrastructure. After all, what better way to make inroads against the nearly 20% child mortality rate there. Lot's of children waiting to be saved in Afghanistan.
Oh, no? It's American children you care about? Well then, you must be out there advocating better car seats & safer driving because the leading cause of death in American children 5 to 14 is motor vehicle accidents.
More children in gun owning households die from gun accidents. Yeah and more children in two story house die of falls than in one story houses. More children in homes with pools drown than those without. More children on farms die in machinery accidents than city kids. What's your point?
But really, that's not what this is all about is it? It's just an opportunity to attack the 2nd Amendment. Like Rahm Emmanuel said, "Never let a crisis go to waste.". If you bought Obama's tears at that press conference then I don't know what to say to you. If you don't understand that the 2nd Amendment is an important check in our system of checks and balances, then I don't know what to say to you. If you don't understand that Newtown is more of an indictment of our mental health system than the 2nd Amendment, then I don't know what to say to you.
Newtown, like Beslan and Norway, was an evil thing. It's not a lesson or an opportunity. It's just evil and evil exists and will never be stopped.
So I've been sorting and packing and discovering the joy of "Air Bags" and throwing things away. Today I threw away a feather pillow that I bought in 1982. It was beat to hell and it was in a box of other bedding. What was I going to do with it? Is there a "feather pillow reviving" place? Anyway.
Frank and I made a quick New York trip. Didn't get much done but we ate off of street carts and lived to tell the tale. I asked William Shatner to handle the hotel for me and we got.....Andaz on Wall Street, it's on the Conde Nast Gold list. Just lovely. It was good recon for when I go back in a few months.
I've been holding my tongue on a lot of the Newtown/gun control/mental health debate because some people's ignorance is so appalling. If I started, it would end with the Secret Service on my doorstep.
Let me just say that I am surprised at how many act like this is the epitome of evil. Newtown was awful and I grieve with my fellow Americans, but it was not so long ago that Islamic Chechnyan terrorists killed 185 children in Beslan. One of the things people rightfully point out about Americans is that we are rather self-centered. WBCN used to have a DJ who joked about a chart that measured American lives against foreign lives. This is a perfect example.
Lots of people point to European models when talking healthcare or social services. Well, let's look there now. People who advocate for gun control categorize Russian gun laws as "Restrictive" but as I said guns killed 380 people there including 185 children. How about Norway? Another "restrictive" country, yet Anders Breivik managed to kill 77 people there, 50 of whom were 18 & younger. So my question is, where will more gun control get you?
So you're upset that children are dead? Well then you must have backed US action in Afghanistan where we were helping to educate people and rebuild the infrastructure. After all, what better way to make inroads against the nearly 20% child mortality rate there. Lot's of children waiting to be saved in Afghanistan.
Oh, no? It's American children you care about? Well then, you must be out there advocating better car seats & safer driving because the leading cause of death in American children 5 to 14 is motor vehicle accidents.
More children in gun owning households die from gun accidents. Yeah and more children in two story house die of falls than in one story houses. More children in homes with pools drown than those without. More children on farms die in machinery accidents than city kids. What's your point?
But really, that's not what this is all about is it? It's just an opportunity to attack the 2nd Amendment. Like Rahm Emmanuel said, "Never let a crisis go to waste.". If you bought Obama's tears at that press conference then I don't know what to say to you. If you don't understand that the 2nd Amendment is an important check in our system of checks and balances, then I don't know what to say to you. If you don't understand that Newtown is more of an indictment of our mental health system than the 2nd Amendment, then I don't know what to say to you.
Newtown, like Beslan and Norway, was an evil thing. It's not a lesson or an opportunity. It's just evil and evil exists and will never be stopped.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Irony
Saturday I had to go meet Frankie someplace I had never been before. I missed the train but Google said there was a way around it. The whole trip took twice as long as imagined.
But on the way back, I realized that there was a very easy way to have done this. Easier than the train and free because I have a T pass. I also got a good sense of the place from walking all around.
So you know what this means, right?
I'll never have reason to go there again.
But on the way back, I realized that there was a very easy way to have done this. Easier than the train and free because I have a T pass. I also got a good sense of the place from walking all around.
So you know what this means, right?
I'll never have reason to go there again.
USS Constitution Christmas Tree Lighting
I was down in the Charlestown Navy Yard for Old Ironsides Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa visited and with the help of one lucky child flipped the switch to illuminate a tree donated by Mahoney's and decorated by loads of children.
Boy Scout Troop #511 of Burlington,MA were aboard to participate and help out.
Directly after evening colors, Santa came aboard to the cheers of everyone present. After the tree was lit there were cookies and cocoa for everyone.
I was hanging with my friend Tom who is one of the 1812 Marines. Here we are in front of the goat locker!
Boy Scout Troop #511 of Burlington,MA were aboard to participate and help out.
Directly after evening colors, Santa came aboard to the cheers of everyone present. After the tree was lit there were cookies and cocoa for everyone.
I was hanging with my friend Tom who is one of the 1812 Marines. Here we are in front of the goat locker!
You can see more pics of the event on USS Constitution's Facebook page.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Sometimes Being Polite Is Overrated
A young woman was attacked in Charlestown last Saturday evening coming from the Community College T Station.
Here story is printed in the Charlestown Patch.
First let me be clear, this woman is a victim who did nothing wrong and the only one to blame is her attacker.
But let's look at this incident and try to put together some "Lessons Learned"
The part that really struck me about "Michaela"s story was when she said she knew as the man approached her that something was wrong. Many security specialists will tell you that victims, particularly women often feel something is wrong, but don't act. It's largely attributed to how women are raised to be more compliant than men. They are expected to go along, be polite, don't kick up a fuss. No one wants to be embarrassed. Even when something primal inside us says "RUN".
I would suggest all women read Gavin de becker's "The Gift of Fear" it's ages old, but still relevant.
I want to say to all women in Charlestown think about this now and decide that when your creep radar goes off you will act. Turn back to the place where you saw people. Don't stop when someone asks for the time, a dollar or directions. Not when you are alone at night.
When you leave the well-lit and populated T station, zip your phone in your pocket or bag; take your ear buds out of your ears; pull your bag tighter; walk near the curb & be ready to step out into traffic to get attention; watch your shadow for people behind you. Look behind you, it's not paranoia, it's situational awareness. Walk purposefully. Don't walk with your head down. Avoid isolated, dark shortcuts.
If you are worried about appearing rude, who cares? What? Is this stranger going to take you off his Christmas card list. Your safety is paramount.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Dennis Lehane at the BPL
Last night I went to the Boston Public Library for an installment of their author series in the Rabb Hall. The featured speaker was Dennis Lehane one of my favorite authors. It was his last stop on his book tour to promote "Live By Night"
Lehane wrote "Mystic River", a book that put into words all the things I ever knew to be true about living in Charlestown; how I feel about being in/from Boston; how I love and treasure Boston. I've recommended or given this book to others who are of The City.
So of course, I had to go back and read everything he had ever written. It was good, but nothing touched me like "Mystic River". Then when I was in Dubai in August of 2003, one of the books I brought was "Shutter Island". Wow!
"Live By Night" takes up another Coughlin brother's story a few years after "The Given Day", which was an amazing book. I read the first 136 pages between having it signed at 7:30 last night to when I finally forced myself to put it down and o to sleep. I've intentionally left it in my 3rd floor bedroom so I could get stuff done today. But tomorrow, I'll read all day!
Lehane's presentation last night had everyone chuckling. it comes through so clearly how he loves Boston and of course that endears him to me all the more. On a funny note, he loves Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa. And of course, that's a place I spent a lot of time when I was visiting Tom (formerly known as the Favorite Naval Consort) .
Yes, I know, I am talking while they took the picture. Oh well.
Lehane wrote "Mystic River", a book that put into words all the things I ever knew to be true about living in Charlestown; how I feel about being in/from Boston; how I love and treasure Boston. I've recommended or given this book to others who are of The City.
So of course, I had to go back and read everything he had ever written. It was good, but nothing touched me like "Mystic River". Then when I was in Dubai in August of 2003, one of the books I brought was "Shutter Island". Wow!
"Live By Night" takes up another Coughlin brother's story a few years after "The Given Day", which was an amazing book. I read the first 136 pages between having it signed at 7:30 last night to when I finally forced myself to put it down and o to sleep. I've intentionally left it in my 3rd floor bedroom so I could get stuff done today. But tomorrow, I'll read all day!
Lehane's presentation last night had everyone chuckling. it comes through so clearly how he loves Boston and of course that endears him to me all the more. On a funny note, he loves Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa. And of course, that's a place I spent a lot of time when I was visiting Tom (formerly known as the Favorite Naval Consort) .
Happy Birthday, Taco!
Do you read The Sandgram? You should! It's written by my pal, "Taco" Bell. and today's is Taco's birthday. Well, all his friends can't be with him.....but we can show we're thinking of him.
How far will I go? Well, look at this pic.
That's right, I went over to the People's Republic of Cambridge!
You know lots of things are relative. i remember having a discussion with some people about the word "Yankee". To a non-Ameican, a Yankee is an American. To a Southerner, it's someone north of the Mason-Dixon. To Northerners it's a New Englander. To a New Englander, it's a DownEasterner And to that Maine-iac.....it's a guy who lives down a dirt road with an outhouse.
So plenty of people think Massachusetts is a crazy liberal place, but other people who live here want you to know it's Boston. But let me tell you from right here dead center, five blocks from the Bunker Hill Monument.......Cambridge makes us all shake our heads.
But for Taco's birthday.....besides, it was a good stretch of the leg!
How far will I go? Well, look at this pic.
That's right, I went over to the People's Republic of Cambridge!
You know lots of things are relative. i remember having a discussion with some people about the word "Yankee". To a non-Ameican, a Yankee is an American. To a Southerner, it's someone north of the Mason-Dixon. To Northerners it's a New Englander. To a New Englander, it's a DownEasterner And to that Maine-iac.....it's a guy who lives down a dirt road with an outhouse.
So plenty of people think Massachusetts is a crazy liberal place, but other people who live here want you to know it's Boston. But let me tell you from right here dead center, five blocks from the Bunker Hill Monument.......Cambridge makes us all shake our heads.
But for Taco's birthday.....besides, it was a good stretch of the leg!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Allen West recount results only partial
Holy crap! I was an appointed election worker in Massachusetts and this is ridiculous. I have been involved with several recounts and it's not that hard to do. Those officials are obligated to answer to the public.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wolverines!
****Update after the movie****
It was totally effing awesome!!!!!!! Go see it. Better than the original.
Tonight I have passes for a sneak preview of "Red Dawn". Are you jealous?
It was totally effing awesome!!!!!!! Go see it. Better than the original.
Tonight I have passes for a sneak preview of "Red Dawn". Are you jealous?
Friday, November 09, 2012
No, It Wasn't The Revolver In The Library...
It was a Milkdud in the movie theater!
There I was in the director's hall of the Loew's theater watching "SkyFall". Thinking Daniel Craig is nearly as sexy as Sean Connery when.........a Milkdud took out my crown.
So depressing. I had perfect teeth before cancer. All kinds of people write in my myeloma email group about the problems chemo causes with their teeth. I've broken four teeth and now lost a crown.
Well at least it's something to think about besides General Petraeus.
There I was in the director's hall of the Loew's theater watching "SkyFall". Thinking Daniel Craig is nearly as sexy as Sean Connery when.........a Milkdud took out my crown.
So depressing. I had perfect teeth before cancer. All kinds of people write in my myeloma email group about the problems chemo causes with their teeth. I've broken four teeth and now lost a crown.
Well at least it's something to think about besides General Petraeus.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
I Believe....
.....that if John McCain had been elected instead of Barack Obama #Benghazi would not be on everyone's lips.
I believe that you wouldn't know the names Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith unless you were a policy wonk or political geek like me.
I believe that you wouldn't know that names Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods because they would be quietly working their mission for the CIA.
Because if John McCain were president, those men would be alive.
Now many will say "That's ridiculous Maggie! You can't know."
But I do. And if you are honest, you do too.
That's what really riles me. It didn't have to happen.
I believe that you wouldn't know the names Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith unless you were a policy wonk or political geek like me.
I believe that you wouldn't know that names Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods because they would be quietly working their mission for the CIA.
Because if John McCain were president, those men would be alive.
Now many will say "That's ridiculous Maggie! You can't know."
But I do. And if you are honest, you do too.
That's what really riles me. It didn't have to happen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tomorrow At Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House hosts "Middays Talk" that address a particular topic over the course of a given month. November is going to address "The War of 1812", so you know I'm in!
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 1st at 12:15pm, I'll be front and center for the 1st in the series.
The War of 1812 nearly destroyed the United States. The enemy blockaded the coast and burned the capital, and New England threatened to secede. But the United States emerged from this disastrous war stronger than before. The War of 1812 did not bring Canada into the Union, as its promoters had promised, but it brought the new nation a sense of unity and purpose, with heroes such as Hull, Decatur, and MacDonough, a timeless symbol in "Old Ironsides," and a national anthem.
Join us for a lecture by historian and authorRobert Allison to kick off this lively series! $6; Free for OSMH Members and members of the USS Constitution Museum
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I always enjoy lectures by Robert Allison. Let's see what he can do with this subject!
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 1st at 12:15pm, I'll be front and center for the 1st in the series.
Why should We Care about the War of 1812?
The War of 1812 nearly destroyed the United States. The enemy blockaded the coast and burned the capital, and New England threatened to secede. But the United States emerged from this disastrous war stronger than before. The War of 1812 did not bring Canada into the Union, as its promoters had promised, but it brought the new nation a sense of unity and purpose, with heroes such as Hull, Decatur, and MacDonough, a timeless symbol in "Old Ironsides," and a national anthem.
Join us for a lecture by historian and authorRobert Allison to kick off this lively series! $6; Free for OSMH Members and members of the USS Constitution Museum
*****************************************
I always enjoy lectures by Robert Allison. Let's see what he can do with this subject!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
My Great Uncle Jim
*******UPDATE**********
10/15/2012
So this email came late last night and I am just now talking to my mother about it. She confirmed some stuff I thought I remembered. I feel I have to write this down for my cousins and my children.
Jim was my mother's favorite uncle. She remembers her grandfather, Mike (Big Mike whose bed frame is in the cottage and I always call dibs on that bed) and her Uncle Danny coming to this house I am sitting in now. They came to the back door which was in a different place back then. She said she can still picture Danny bending down to come in the door because he was so tall. He was the tallest of the seven brothers, who were all six foot or taller, and soon to leave and join the Marines.
It was a Sunday so my grandfather was home when they came down for the top of Bunker Hill to Elm Street. When they told Papa Kelley that Jim was dead, my mother, who was just a little shy of five years old, ran and hid. She ran to a closet in the living room that is now a bookcase to hide from this news and cry.
My great grandfather, Big Mike was very superstitious. He told his family that earlier that morning he got up to answer the doorbell. As he walked to the door he saw Jim's hat and knew he was dead because when he opened the door no one was there. I think the hat was on a bed because growing up I thought hats on a bed were bad luck. I must have been misinterpreting the story. It wasn't the hat on the bed, it was seeing the hat when no one was at the door.
Later people came to tell my grandfather that Jim went back inside and was briefly seen leading a woman toward an exit. They must have been overcome by the deadly fumes because Jim was not burned at all.
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In a little under eight weeks on November 28th, we will observe the 70th anniversary of the Cocoanut Grove Fire. My grandfather, Papa Kelley lost his brother James. So, of course, I never met him. However, Papa Kelley's other brothers made sure I knew about him and his courage.
Bill Durette of the Charlestown Veterans' History Project just sent me a copy of an article referencing SSGT James Kelley of Charlestown.
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My Great Uncles Joe & John sent me on missions to the Boston Public Library fiche room. It was there that I read an article about how Jim got his date out of the club and went back in for others. It's possible he got out and went in a second time, but that was never clear. But in the end he perished in that tragic blaze. People came to my grandfather to tell him of Jim's heroism.
John and Joe served in the Army as did George and Tim. John served in Europe, Joe spent most of the war state-side only getting to France just after the invasion. Tim was in Australia and George was doing intelligence work in China. Tom was in the Merchant Marine and somewhere along the line the Defense Department began to count their service too. So all together seven of the eight Kelley brothers served. My grandfather was turned down because of his age and young children. However, the two that were lost, Jim and Danny were in the Marines. Danny was killed at Iwo Jima.
Boston has what they call "Hero Squares" that are dedicated to those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. At the top of Bunker Hill, the square formed by Bunker Hill Street and Mead Street and North Mead Street is named for my Great Uncles Jim and Danny.
10/15/2012
So this email came late last night and I am just now talking to my mother about it. She confirmed some stuff I thought I remembered. I feel I have to write this down for my cousins and my children.
Jim was my mother's favorite uncle. She remembers her grandfather, Mike (Big Mike whose bed frame is in the cottage and I always call dibs on that bed) and her Uncle Danny coming to this house I am sitting in now. They came to the back door which was in a different place back then. She said she can still picture Danny bending down to come in the door because he was so tall. He was the tallest of the seven brothers, who were all six foot or taller, and soon to leave and join the Marines.
It was a Sunday so my grandfather was home when they came down for the top of Bunker Hill to Elm Street. When they told Papa Kelley that Jim was dead, my mother, who was just a little shy of five years old, ran and hid. She ran to a closet in the living room that is now a bookcase to hide from this news and cry.
My great grandfather, Big Mike was very superstitious. He told his family that earlier that morning he got up to answer the doorbell. As he walked to the door he saw Jim's hat and knew he was dead because when he opened the door no one was there. I think the hat was on a bed because growing up I thought hats on a bed were bad luck. I must have been misinterpreting the story. It wasn't the hat on the bed, it was seeing the hat when no one was at the door.
Later people came to tell my grandfather that Jim went back inside and was briefly seen leading a woman toward an exit. They must have been overcome by the deadly fumes because Jim was not burned at all.
********************************************
In a little under eight weeks on November 28th, we will observe the 70th anniversary of the Cocoanut Grove Fire. My grandfather, Papa Kelley lost his brother James. So, of course, I never met him. However, Papa Kelley's other brothers made sure I knew about him and his courage.
Bill Durette of the Charlestown Veterans' History Project just sent me a copy of an article referencing SSGT James Kelley of Charlestown.
.JPG)
John and Joe served in the Army as did George and Tim. John served in Europe, Joe spent most of the war state-side only getting to France just after the invasion. Tim was in Australia and George was doing intelligence work in China. Tom was in the Merchant Marine and somewhere along the line the Defense Department began to count their service too. So all together seven of the eight Kelley brothers served. My grandfather was turned down because of his age and young children. However, the two that were lost, Jim and Danny were in the Marines. Danny was killed at Iwo Jima.
Boston has what they call "Hero Squares" that are dedicated to those who gave their lives in the service of our nation. At the top of Bunker Hill, the square formed by Bunker Hill Street and Mead Street and North Mead Street is named for my Great Uncles Jim and Danny.
Friday, October 12, 2012
October 12, 2000
Terrorism didn't start for America on 9/11. Never forget the USS Cole DDG-67 and her crew and her Captain.
But after you've raised your glass and made your toast........... remember you can kick us...... but this is what the crew played as she left that hellhole of a harbor in Yemen......
Hey Biden, You're No LLoyd Bentsen
God! VP Biden was such a clown. His behavior last night was shameful. I despair.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Where the *^$&* Have I Been?
So yeah, I have totally been ignoring the blog. Which is funny since I have been doing blog things.
When I am not sleeping or trying to straighten out some insurance/prescription problem.....I've been having fun.
Really, the most I've done is Tweet. It fits my attention span, ya know.
So....on to fun. I've been catching some movies and you know how I love movies! I belong to a group that attends movie screening. So I am usually seeing movies about a week or two before their release. I should write reviews for them here and maybe I'd have a better shot at getting a reserved seat, but, whatever.
I thought "End of Watch" was a really good cop movie. This is my GoFoBo review.
But I LOVED "Lawless"! I read afterwards that at one point the wanted Ryan Gosling for the Tom Hardy role. that would have been ridiculous!
I was late for my intended movie Monday, so I just went into "Pitch Perfect" and liked it much more than I would have guessed. the star, Anna Kendrick was also in "End of Watch", busy girl!
The most fun was "Expendables 2". Although it didn't have the same perks as when I saw the "Expendables" back in 2010 at the CineBistro in Tampa with The Commander. It's an over 21 theatre that serves food and drinks at your seat. Coke in a glass, fresh popcorn in a bowl, brought to your seat and set on the little table. Randolph has the premium seats, but this is a whole theater like that. No kids jumping over the little barrier into the top 10 rows. I am not sure what I liked better, the movie or the cinema. Kidding. Bruce Willis is worth any seat.
Last night I saw "Argo", but I'll write about that later.
Any in between I went to Sniper's OctoberFest in Winchester, VA. Please, please, please click this link to Uncle Jimbo's review. I loved his Samantha! Have a party....I'll show up.
And of course, here was the whole Revere Memorial Lecture Series at the Old South Meetinghouse. "A War So Unpopular...cannot be Supported": New England and the War of 1812" And I wasn't alone! I love that Boston is such a great history town.
When I am not sleeping or trying to straighten out some insurance/prescription problem.....I've been having fun.
Really, the most I've done is Tweet. It fits my attention span, ya know.
So....on to fun. I've been catching some movies and you know how I love movies! I belong to a group that attends movie screening. So I am usually seeing movies about a week or two before their release. I should write reviews for them here and maybe I'd have a better shot at getting a reserved seat, but, whatever.
I thought "End of Watch" was a really good cop movie. This is my GoFoBo review.
But I LOVED "Lawless"! I read afterwards that at one point the wanted Ryan Gosling for the Tom Hardy role. that would have been ridiculous!
I was late for my intended movie Monday, so I just went into "Pitch Perfect" and liked it much more than I would have guessed. the star, Anna Kendrick was also in "End of Watch", busy girl!
The most fun was "Expendables 2". Although it didn't have the same perks as when I saw the "Expendables" back in 2010 at the CineBistro in Tampa with The Commander. It's an over 21 theatre that serves food and drinks at your seat. Coke in a glass, fresh popcorn in a bowl, brought to your seat and set on the little table. Randolph has the premium seats, but this is a whole theater like that. No kids jumping over the little barrier into the top 10 rows. I am not sure what I liked better, the movie or the cinema. Kidding. Bruce Willis is worth any seat.
Last night I saw "Argo", but I'll write about that later.
Any in between I went to Sniper's OctoberFest in Winchester, VA. Please, please, please click this link to Uncle Jimbo's review. I loved his Samantha! Have a party....I'll show up.
And of course, here was the whole Revere Memorial Lecture Series at the Old South Meetinghouse. "A War So Unpopular...cannot be Supported": New England and the War of 1812" And I wasn't alone! I love that Boston is such a great history town.
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