Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Peep of the Year - 2015

The Day has Come.
The Hour is Now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





  • Tuesday, December 30, 2014

    Day One - Big Guy Journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Monday, December 29, 2014

    MOAM Meditative Moments


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

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

    WTF….

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

    How will this happen???? 

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

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

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

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

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

    Saturday, December 27, 2014

    Resolution Formulation

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

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

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

    That and upping the quality of my banjo playing ability.

    Sunday, December 21, 2014

    Peep of the Week for the 50th week of 2014

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

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

    Need I go on?

    No, I need not.

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

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

    Anyway....

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

    ANNOUNCING....

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

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

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

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


    Wednesday, December 10, 2014

    Rigatoni Pasta Pie

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

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

    Monday, December 08, 2014

    Popovers




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

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

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

    Recipe courtesy Melissa d'Arabian

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

    Sunday, November 30, 2014

    The Public Trough

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

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

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

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

    And why would that be?

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

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

    Saturday, November 29, 2014

    Compost Bin Plan

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

    Garage Design

    Friday, November 28, 2014

    Peeps of the Week and Bash Aftermath

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


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

    ANNOUNCING....

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

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

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

    I hope you Peeps enjoyed your day too.


    Tuesday, November 25, 2014

    Prelude to the Bash

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

    Sunday, November 23, 2014

    Bash Musings

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

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

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

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

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

    Tuesday, November 18, 2014

    Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

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

    Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
    Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
    Ingredients
      for the crust 
    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 
    • for the filling
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
    • 1 teaspoon flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    • 1 full cup pecan halves
    • 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
    Instructions
    1. Using a pastry blender, combine flour, brown sugar and cubed better until it resembles a cornmeal (this can also be done in a food processor.)
    2. Press crust mixture into an ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
    3. While crust is baking, beat together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and melted butter. Stir in pecans.
    4. Remove crust from oven and spread chocolate chips evenly over warm crust. Spread filling over chocolate chips.
    5. Cover with foil and return to oven. Bake for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
    Notes

    Monday, November 17, 2014

    Immigration Kabuki Dance


    This whole Immigration drama being played out by the Obama administration reminds me of a Japanese Kabuki Dance.  Lots of arranged protracted movements and posturing that look really weird.
    Republican and Conservative pundits are in high rant mode as the President threatens to use the power of Executive Orders to give amnesty to Latin Americans who live in the US without a green card.
    The POTUS maintains that he has the power to wipe the slate clean  for these five million or so immigrants who have taken up residence in the US in violation of laws that regulate entry into this country.  Conservatives maintain that he is effectively enacting legislation which is the purview of the Congress and a violation of the checks and balances built into our Federal system of Government.
    Each side swaggers and postures away on what they will do if  Obama uses his "Power".
    The  thing about Power is that you only have it if people don't challenge your actions.


    Saturday, November 15, 2014

    POTW Week 46

    I've been on this super efficiency kick this week.... planning out everyday, and analyzing what got done, what didn't, and why.  Staying focused is the key to accomplishment.   Yet some diversions to the plan are important to follow as well.

    Another benefit of planning and evaluating your time is that when you get to the end of the day, after being pulled in numerous directions, your documented time gives you a feeling of satisfaction..... or at least verification that you didn't screw off all day. 

    Announcing....
    Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 46th Week of 2014 

    Bill Quirk
    Harvey Rowe
    Mike Rockett
    Dale Johnson
    Taylor Swift
    Pam Georgian

    We are cruising to the holidays.

    Tuesday, November 11, 2014

    Veterans Day Post



    Thank you American Veterans.

    No matter what you did during your military service, you stood on the wall, ready to defend our way of life.

    Regardless of how aggravating our domestic politics can seem, we are Americans.... bonded together by a history that seeks freedom and the pursuit of happiness.

    Sometimes this history has taken a while to evolve, and we have made mistakes, but in the end, our country strives for justice and liberty.

    Those of you who served, who stood in the vanguard against those who seek to subjugate and subvert us....  I appreciate the time and sacrifice that you have made on behalf of all of us.

    Monday, November 10, 2014

    Stranger than Fiction


    This American Indian Harvard Law Professor is one of the US Senators representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The other is Ed Markey.

    Sometimes you wake up in the morning and say, "This can't be real.... I must be dreaming."  But this nice lady from Oklahoma, who claims to be an Indian, who rails against the cost of education after she made over $300k per year teaching one course at Harvard. is not only my Senator... she is being touted by "Progressives" as a serious alternative for President.

    Reality is truly stranger than fiction.







    Thursday, November 06, 2014

    Peeps of the Week - Week 45 - 2014

    Peeps....

    Those of you lost souls who are Nanepashemet Blog Purists know that Thursday Evening has traditionally been set aside as the time when the the coveted yet repulsive Peep of the Week selections are made.

    So... it's freaking Thursday Evening.... I guess I have to put out a little and get this tacky task underway.

    One thing that I forgot to mention in last week's POTW Refresher course.....

    There is only one way that an aspiring yet hapless Peep can be automatically  selected as a POTW.  That is the time honored tradition of bestowing a bottle of Lagavulin 16 year old Single Malt Scotch (aka the KING OF SCOTCH) on this most deserving Mountain of a Man.

    Since this process/scam has been instituted years ago, many satisfying 750 ML bottles of the revered nectar have been presented for which your MOAM responds with a POTW selection.  Some weeks, we have had multi Automatics... usually around the time of the night before Thanksgiving Bash.  but lately, the practice has seen a disappointing fall off.   Hopefully this will be remedied shortly.

    ANNOUNCING....

    NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK FOR THE 45TH WEEK OF 2014.

    Gilbert Shaw
    Wayne Webster
    Yolanda Laganos
    Jim Lundgren
    Mitch McConnell
    Seth Moulton

    No Automatics this week.... will keep the porch light on during the coming holiday season though.

    Wednesday, November 05, 2014

    Election Enlightenment

    Peeps....

    You know I always exhort you to stay independent.... to stand on your own two feet... to make your own decisions....

    So why are you so pathetically sending me email after email..... voicemail after voicemail..... frantically asking me what the election results last night mean?????

    As you know, the Mountain of Man has a big heart and a wellspring of patience for those of you who annoyingly can't figure things out for yourself, and insist on getting a spin from the Nanepashemet source of truth and knowledge.

    So I reluctantly must tell you what happened in the United States of America last night.

    1.  Harry Reid.... the lying, despicable Majority Leader of the US Senate was fired..... and the 360 pieces of legislation that the House of Representatives have sent to the Senate can now be considered by the full Congress.

    2.  President Obama was repudiated.... he offered "Hope", was really a "Dope", and the people said "Nope".  His stupid policies of ObamaCare and Immigration will be subject to reasonable revision and overhaul.

    3.  My home state of Massachusetts elected a professional manager, Charlie Baker, and his opponent, the politically mean spirited, Martha Coakley, didn't even thank her supporters as she refused to concede defeat in a close, yet definitive result.

    4.  My second state, where I pay a fair amount of property tax, New Hampshire, turned away the chance to elect a straight and independent thinker in Scott Brown, and instead turned to the Liberal rubber stamp, Jeanne Shaheen as a US Senator.    They have changed the motto from "Live Free or Die" to "Live Stupid then Cry".

    5.  The Sixth Massachusetts Congressional District elected Democrat Seth Moulton, and Iraqi Veteran over Ricard Tisei, a bit over the top Republican.   The important point here is that they both played a part in turning way the old Guard, lock step Dem, John Tierney, who was a Pelosi puppet.  Verdict is out now on whether Seth can be a leader and break from the Democrat Herd.

    So your MOAM can sum things up this way.

    United States - HAPPY
    Massachusetts - HAPPY
    Sixth Congressional District - CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
    New Hampshire - FREAKING DUMBFOUNDED

    Now, Peeps..... go forth and spread Nanepashemet Truth and Insight .... you are among the enlightened.

    Tuesday, November 04, 2014

    If the Republicans Win....

    Will Republicans take control of the US Senate tonight?

    I certainly hope so.... not because I necessarily favor the Republicans.... but because I hate the fact that the Senate Rules allow one man.... the despicable Senator Harry Reid of Utah as the Senate Majority Leader.... the right to control and stifle the efforts of the entire body.

    I believe that Harry is a corrupt pol, who lies with impunity... like the time that he said that Mitt Romney didn't pay his taxes.... just pulled a lie right out of his Ass with no basis in realty.

    There is no room for people like this to wield power in our nation's capital.

    If the Republicans have the majority in both Houses of Congress, then expect a range of initiatives to be passed and sent to the President to sign into law.   Course Obama is an ideologue.... an academician, and not a politician like Lyndon Johnson.   He will use the executive power to veto a good deal of the bills that come his way.  

    Yet that is a vast improvement over the system that we have today... where ideas among our elected leaders never even reach his desk because of disingenuous gatekeepers like Reid.    At least now, we can have a substantive debate... and break the gridlock of ideas and innovative solutions to the problems of a nation.

    If Obama vetoes legislation that comes his way, now we can ask why.....if the Republicans win tonight.

    Monday, November 03, 2014

    Your Right and Obligation to Vote.



    Peeps....

    Make sure that you get out and vote tomorrow.

    You pretty much know who the Mountain of a Man supports.... but the important thing is to put your own thought in, and vote your conscience.

    Our right to vote is a precious gift.   Don't insult the people who have made enormous sacrifices to give us this gift.   Throughout history, and even in the present day, the majority of people on Earth do not have ability to elect their leaders in a fair and unoppressive manner.

    You do.

    Don't let other people make decisions for you.    Stand on your own two feet.   Think.   And Vote.

    Sunday, November 02, 2014

    Listing Your Home with Nanepashemet

    There was a time when.... if you asked your MOAM to list your property for sale through Nanepashemet Real Estate Services... I would refuse.

    That's because the only way to get your house properly exposed would have been to advertise heavily in expensive newspaper print media, and a small company like mine, which did not list many properties, could not afford the massive advertising fees.  So I used to advise you to list with the big companies

    But this has completely changed.   Now, when I accept your listing, and present your property photos and marketing write up in the Massachusetts Multiple Listing Service, your property also gets extensive on-line exposure on national real estate sales sites like Trulia and Zillow.

    And now, practically everyone who looks for a house to buy starts with a web-based, online real estate site.

    Selling Mike's condo for a big score, and doing the same for Katelyn recently in South Boston has convinced me that accepting listings is now entirely feasible and now reside fully within our substantial skill sets.  And it doesn't really matter where your property is.... as Mike Murphy can attest.... we can handle your needs in Southborough  as easily as we do it in Southie ... or the North Shore.

    Course, I've always been strong being a Buyer's Broker,  negotiating the best deal possible for my clients, but now I have a new found confidence that Listing your Property with Nanepashemet Real Estate is the way to go for both Peeps and civilians, and we can provide all of the exposure that you need on-line.

    So this now begs the question....

    Why should I list my house for sale with Nanepashemet Real Estate Services?

    Notwithstanding the obvious... that you would have the MOAM as your personal agent... there are other, less noticeable reasons.

    The First is Attention to Detail and Attention to You, the Nanepashemet Customer.   Your home is typically one of your most important assets,  and you can spend a lot of money in real estate commissions and leave quite a bit on the table if you sell with bad advice.
    • When you List with Nanepashemet, your property is our only concern.  My committment to you is that..... if you hire me as your Listing Agent, I will not accept any other client  until your property has been brought under agreement with a price acceptable to you.  You have the full attention of Nanepashemet.
    The Second is the cost of  Brokerage Services.   Many people think that Real Estate Broker's fees are set and standard, but that is not so, and a violation of commerce laws.
    • When you list with Nanepashemet, we will thoroughly discuss fees and give you the best deal possible.  For  instance, if your intention is to List and Sell your home, and then buy a new home in the area within a reasonable time, Nanepashemet will substantially discount our listing fees based upon our subsequent role as your Buyer's Representative.  In a $500,000 sale, taking 1% off of a real estate commission represents a savings to you of  Five Thousand Dollars!  
    The Third is taking advantage of professional experience and expertise.  The proper presentation of your home for sale is a multidisciplinary exercise that involves both business and construction skill sets.
    • When you List with Nanepashemet, not only will we give you advice to maximize the value of your house in the market, but we can direct or manage improvements or repairs that will substantially upgrade the value of your property.   We have licensed construction managers on staff and partner with the finest craftsmen in the region.  Many times, the cost of improvements will add substantial value at the time time of sale, or make your property easier to finance for prospective buyers.  We roll the cost seamlessly into the final sale closing.
    So now that Nanepashemet Real Estate Services has decided to list properties, you should take advantage of the benefits that will come your way if you list with us.

    Peeps... it's a rising market.  there is a lot of money to be made .... and more if you make the right decisions.





    Lesser of Evils


    I've been sitting in my living room, this first Sunday morning after Daylight Savings time, watching the early Sunday local programming on local issues. Massachusetts is embroiled in a tight Governor's race between Marsha Coakley and Charlie Baker, and New Hampshire sees a good contest for Senator between Jeanne Shaheen and Scott Brown.

    I'm also interested in the 6th Massachusetts District fight for Congress between Seth Moulton and Richard Tisei.

    My criteria for supporting politicians has less to do with party affiliation and more to do with the following.

    Who seems honest?   I hate it when candidate treat the electorate like a herd of sheep who will bleat acceptance with any baseless diatribe that is handed them.

    Who seems smart and based in reality?   Some candidates are mindless Moonbats that present themselves based upon urban myth and their massive egos.

    Who projects themselves as a leader?  Not interested in someone who is in lockstep with Obama or Boehner.  And I don't care what your opinion of your opponent is.... or how you distort his or her record.   I'm only interested in seeing what you think the problems are, and how you would wield the policy to solve them.

    Based on these standards, every candidate probably falls short.   But I believe that we all are human with shortcomings and our duty as members of a republic is to support and elect the lesser of evils.

    Saturday, November 01, 2014

    MOAM Broker Madness

    Peeps....

    In case your didn't know it, your Mountain of a Man is possibly one of the greatest Realtors who ever lived.

    Even though I don't sell residential real estate for a living, I get immense satisfaction by doing it for friends and family.... and the latest success story is the great deal that we just closed for Katelyn and Brady's South Boston Condo.

    Like Muhammad Ali said, "If you can do it... it ain't bragging."

    We'll bring this transaction in for a landing after only 10 days on the sizzling hot South Boston residential market.


    Wicked Saturday Workload

    So much to do this weekend.   Even a Mountain of a Man like myself can sometimes feel a bit daunted by the tasks at hand.   But there is nothing to it, but to do it.... one thing at a time.


    • Make the dough for the pizza's that we will grill during the Patriots Broncos game.
    • Rake and mulch leaves before the Nor'easter hits later this morning.
    • Process and execute the offer that we received on Kate's Condo last night.
    • Work on drainage in the backyard.
    • Make a dent in the pile of Nanepashemet Telecom outstanding action items.


    I know that it seems insurmountable....and that the majority of you pathetic Peeps would head out to Dunkin Donuts and console yourself with a chocolate cruller or two, rather than deal with this wicked workload.  

    But after all.... I am a MOAM, with more than enough stamina to plow through this Saturday.

    Friday, October 31, 2014

    Nanepashemet Peep of the Week - Week 44 - 2014

    It's time to rededicate to the time honored tradition accorded to the Mountain of a Man to select the Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.

    Those of you hapless Peeps who have followed this pathetic Blog over the years know the drill....

    POTW's must have done something exceedingly annoying and/or inspiring.
    POTW's cannot be an animal... if that was the case, Henry the Cat would win/lose all of the time.
    POTW's cannot be dead.... barely metabolizing is fine, but no pulse doesn't cut it.

    And.... you can never ask why a POTW was chosen.... ever.

    These rules have stood the test of time... and have the same gravity and effect that Global Warming has for Democrats.... they are "Settled Science."

    So now that you have had this quick refresher... it's time to get down to this serious/absurd adjudicatory business.

    Announcing.....

    Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 44th Week of 2014

    • Anne Freeman Hill
    • Maggi Sides
    • Katelyn Boyle
    • Shalane Flanagan
    • Tom McMahon
    • Seth Moulton

    I had forgotten how absorbing and intense this selection process can get.

    Funny Patriots Halloween

    Spaghetti with Syrup

    My Grandson, Ethan, told his pre-school teacher that his favorite food is "Spaghetti with Syrup"  .... just like Will Farrell in Elf.

    When his teacher asked why,   Ethan responded, "Because it's Hilarious."

    Wednesday, October 29, 2014

    2nd Amendment Rules

    I pulled this off of Facebook last night.  Most of these rules were covered in the mandatory course for a Massachusetts Concealed Carry permit that I attended some time ago with a friend of mine.
    If you own a gun, you will appreciate these rules...  If not, you should get one, learn how to use it and learn the rules:
    RULES:
    A : Guns have only two enemies: rust and politicians.
    B : Its always better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
    C : Cops carry guns to protect themselves, not you.
    D : Never let someone or something that threatens you get inside
    arms length
    E : Never say "I've got a gun." If you need to use
    deadly force, the first sound they should hear is the safety clicking off.
    F : The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes; the
    response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.
    G : The most important rule in a gunfight is:
    Always Win - there is no such thing as a fair fight.
    Always Win - cheat if necessary.
    H : Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets ....
    You may get killed with your own gun, but he'll have to beat you to death with it because it will be empty .
    I : If you're in a gun fight:
    (a) If you're not shooting, you should be loading.
    (b) If you're not loading, you should be moving.
    (c) If you're not moving, you're dead.
    J : In a life and death situation, do something ....it may be 
    wrong, but do something!
    K : If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. Nonsense!
    If you have a gun, what do you have to be paranoid about?
    L : You can say 'stop' or any other word, but a large bore muzzle 
    pointed at someone's head is pretty much a universal language; 
    and, you won't have to press 1 for Spanish/Mexican or 2 for Chinese or 3 for Arabic.
    M : Never leave an enemy behind. If you have to shoot, shoot to 
    kill. In court, yours will be the only testimony.
    N : You cannot save the planet, but you may be able to save
    yourself and your family.
    If you believe in the 2nd Amendment, forward to others you know
    who also believe.
    "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when
    everybody stands around reloading". . . . .
    Thomas Jefferson



    • Tuesday, October 28, 2014

      Nanepashemet Nod is Now Negated

      Charlie Baker, Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, started to cry in the debate tonight as he related the story of a New Bedford fisherman who is seeing his fishing business flounder under federal regulations.

      It was a genuine touching moment, but I wonder if this will be seen as a form of weakness in a leader.  Even your Mountain of a Man has shed a tear from time to time, and I am cognizant of the fact that there is no way to control this emotional reaction, but I fear that the political spin will be vicious with this one.

      Generally, I felt that Baker looked tired and stressed during this debate, and he never regained a sense of composure after his weeping.   He still has the Nanepashemet Nod.... although I can't say the same for Seth Moulton, who is hosting Joe Biden in Lynn tomorrow and has emerged as a totally partisan Democrat.

      I was looking for Seth to be a leader, but it seems that he is a follower of Liberal demagoguery.   Takes broad swipes at his opponent solely because his opponent is a Republican.... not because of a disagreement on the issues.   Stands next to phonies like Liz Warren, the despicable liar who claims to be a minority as an American Indian.  Sorry Seth.... I am so disappointed that you have become a Partisan Politician.  I had hoped that you would stand on your own two feet instead of filing in lockstep with the Herd.

      Enjoy your time with Nancy Pelosi.  Nanepashemet Nod is Now Negated.

      Sunday, October 26, 2014

      Open House Pandemonium

      It was pandemonium at Kate and Brady's Open House yesterday.

      Not looking forward to the crowds this afternoon for Day 2, but I advertised it and can't call it off now.   I'm surprised that so many people want to buy this condo in Southie, but the market is super hot.

      If you want to see the Mountain of a Man in full bore sales mode, drop down to 72 I Street between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

      Saturday, October 25, 2014

      Open House

      Peeps.....

      Please come to this Open House.

      Katelyn and Brady's South Boston Condo

      Open House - Saturday 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
      Sunday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

      Don't be whining to me later that you lost the chance to have the MOAM sell you this super cool condo apartment in happening Southie.