Sunday, May 31, 2009

Redneck Calamari Dinner

Catholic Parrots

A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, 'Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, but they only know how to say one thing.'

'What do they say?' the priest inquired.

They say, 'Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?'

That's obscene!' the priest exclaimed. Then he thought for a moment. 'You know,' he said, 'I may have a solution to your problem.I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter.My parrots can teach your parrots to praise and worship,and your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase in no time.'

'Thank you,' the woman responded, 'this may very well be the solution!'

The next day she brought her female parrots to the priest's house. As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. Impressed,she walked over and placed her parrots in with them.

After a few minutes, the female parrots cried out in unison:
'Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?'

There was stunned silence.
Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and exclaimed,
'Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!'

The Easy Way to Peel a Potato

Friday, May 29, 2009

Happy Hour

TGIF

Two Revere officials file reports with police after a fight at wake

A Revere city councilor and the city's public works superintendent have filed police reports against each other following a fight between the two at a wake last night.

Councilor John R. Correggio wound up at a local hospital being treated for neck and back injuries after nearly being pushed through a plate-glass door by the public works superintendent, Donald Goodwin, said Correggio's lawyer, Peter T. Marano.

According to Marano, Correggio and Goodwin "had an exchange of words" that escalated into a physical altercation while at the wake of a former city councilor at Paul Buonfiglio Funeral Home in Revere.

The two appeared to have been arguing over Correggio's time on the council and his support for an audit of the public works department's spending of funds on gasoline, Marano said.

A report of the incident was filed with State Police, Marano said.

Reached by phone late last night, Goodwin shed little light on the fight, saying he had not yet talked to his lawyer. He did say, however, that he filed a report with Revere police against Correggio.

Revere police confirmed that a report had been made.

"This was an ongoing problem with Councilor Correggio," Goodwin said. "It came to a head and he pushed it to a head."

Marano said he and Correggio plan to appear in Chelsea District Court today to file a criminal complaint against Goodwin.

Mayor Thomas Ambrosino could not be reached for comment late last night.

Boston Globe

Is it just me...



WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:

ARIES: There is no need to nag. Build toward your goal and a loved one will join you -- without being asked. TAURUS: You will apply what you learned from your parents to a current relationship and get impressive results. GEMINI: Dates give your schedule a touch of whimsy and ultimately inspire you. CANCER: Your reputation is stellar and it proceeds you with a special someone who has been checking you out via the grapevine. LEO: You and a loved one share candid information -- an indication of your intimacy level. VIRGO: Though you are very trustworthy, someone will put you to the test, making you earn his or her trust. LIBRA: A display of kindness and possibly romantic attention comes from someone unexpected. SCORPIO: Many are interested in you -- it's your choice. SAGITTARIUS: It is always your option how to view a relationship; however, this weekend, the positive spin will be truer than the negative one. CAPRICORN: You may come from a very different place than your love does, but a mutual sense of humor is developing. AQUARIUS: You have a shared goal and you will be able to reach it together. PISCES: Counteract another person's anxieties (instead of joining them!) with hope and good will.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Pisces and Sagittarius both have a strong sense of who they are this week. As Jupiter cozies up to Neptune, Pisces and Sagittarius could explore a heavenly attraction. Sagittarius teaches Pisces how to put dreams into action. And Pisces teaches Sagittarius to dream bigger, wilder and more specifically. Through honest sharing, these two can powerfully influence each other's destiny.

In case you missed it...

Top 50 comedy catchphrases
50. "Hello, Newman" from Seinfeld
49. "Missed it by that much" from Get Smart
48. "Yeah, that's the ticket" from Saturday Night Live
47. "God'll get you for that" from Maude
46. "Hey, Hey, Hey" from What's Happening
45. "Holy crap" from Everybody Loves Raymond
44. "Let me show you something" from In Living Color
43. "Nip it" from The Andy Griffith Show
42. "Thank you beddy much" from Taxi
41. "Do you wanna hug it out" from Entourage
40. "Watch it sucka" from Sanford and Son
39. "Jane, you ignorant slut" from Saturday Night Live
38. "Mom liked you best" from The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
37. "Sit on it" from Happy Days
36. "Now cut that out" from The Jack Benny Comedy Program
35. "I'm Larry, this is my brother Darryl..." from Newhart
34. "What you see is what you get" from The Flip Wilson Show
33. "I've made a huge mistake" from Arrested Development
32. "I know nothing" from Hogan’s Heroes
31. "Here come de judge" from Laugh In
30. "You look marvelous" from Saturday Night Live
29. "I'm comin' to join ya, Elizabeth" from Sanford and Son
28. "Would you believe" from Get Smart
27. "Up your nose with a rubber hose" from Welcome Back Kotter
26. "Ohhhh Rob" from The Dick Van Dyke Show
25. "Kiss my grits" from Alice
24. "Nanu, Nanu" from Mork and Mindy
23. "Don't be ridiculous" from Perfect Strangers
22. "I'm Gumby, damn it" from Saturday Night Live
21. "No soup for you" from Seinfeld
20. "One of these days, pow right in the kisser" from The Honeymooners
19. "Did I do that?" from Family Matters
18. "Will you stifle?" from All in the Family
17. "Eat my shorts" from The Simpsons
16. "Hated it" from In Living Color
15. "Well, isn't that special?" from Saturday Night Live
14. "Sock it to me" from Laugh In
13. "We were on a break" from Friends
12. "That's what she said" from The Office
11. "It's going to be legendary" from How I Met Your Mother
10. "Homey don’t play dat" from In Living Color
9. "Excuuse me" from Saturday Night Live
8. "Lucy, you've got some splainin’ to do" from I Love Lucy
7. "Oh, my God! They killed Kenny!" from South Park
6. "Burn" from That '70s Show
5. “We are two wild and crazy guys” from “Saturday Night Live”
4. "Ayyyy" from Happy Days
3. “How you doin’” from “Friends”
2. "D'oh!" from The Simpsons
1. "Yada, yada, yada" from Seinfeld

Top 3 reality TV catchphrases
3. "The tribe has spoken" from Survivor
2. "That's hot" from The Simple Life
1. "You're fired" from The Apprentice

Top 3 game shows catchphrases
3. "Come on down!" from The Price is Right
2. "Deal or no deal" from Deal or No Deal
1. "Is that your final answer?" from Who Wants to be a Millionaire

Retirement Neighborhood

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Five-minute Chocolate Mug Cake

I haven't tried this, so I don't know if it works...let me know.




4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)


Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?

Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Waterboarding Explained

I never heard of this.

New Magazine for Men

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Volunteers needed for Revere Beach cleanup

REVERE - Celebrate World Oceans Day with the New England Aquarium and help clean up Revere Beach just as the summer season begins.

Teams of volunteers are needed to clean up debris on Revere Beach between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. Volunteers are to meet on the beach across the street from Kelly's Roast Beef.

The World Oceans Day Beach Clean-Up is a part of a weekend-long celebration at the New England Aquarium designed to educate the public about ways we can all live with greater consideration for the environment and the oceans.

The Aquarium will provide garbage bags and safety instructions. A limited supply of gloves will be available; please provide your own if possible. Educators will be present to answer questions and explain the unusual objects, both man-made and natural, found on urban beaches.

Volunteers will receive a coupon for one free child's admission to the Aquarium to be used on June 6 or 7 with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Two other beaches to cleaned on June 6 in the metro-Boston area are Carson Beach in South Boston and Wollaston Beach in Quincy. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to use public transportation to travel to the beaches. Online registration is required. To register, or for more information, visit www.neaq.org/cleanup.

Lynn Item

Same old Revere Beach

REVERE - There is no place more crazy, more wonderful, or more American than Revere Beach.

On Monday afternoon, the handsome promenade was jammed with every conceivable variety of personage. Huge, rambling families gathered on the stone wall, leaning over pizza boxes, chomping on folded-over slices. Old-timers sat in folding chairs with their backs to the sea and sand, faces tilted to the sun, chests leathery brown. Teenaged boys with pants pulled low stood watching giggling girls parade in bikini tops or teeter on high heels. One language yielded to another every few feet: Russian, Spanish, Reverian English.

There were Haitian kids under a shelter, Bangladeshi Muslims by the bandstand, Brazilians at the volleyball nets.

What Revere Beach has in common with Brazil comes down to just one thing: "The sun is the same," said Nivea Carbonara, 28, who has come here every summer weekend for 10 years. Still, she said, "You can always find friends here."

Planes slid low and slow down the beach on their way to Logan. Cars rolled in the opposite direction, windows down, stereos doof-doofing hip-hop, rock, or reggae.

It was heaven.

It usually is. Mornings at Revere Beach belong to the locals who have been coming here for decades. On sunny mornings, a bunch of long-timers park themselves on the benches outside the Jack Satter elderly housing complex, a few doors up from Kelly's Roast Beef. They were there yesterday around 9, enduring an icy wind.

Complete Story - Boston Globe

Early this week...

Friends...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Your Astrological Guide to Lightening Up:

Whether you're singing the blues, riding out an economy-induced funk or skating along in a pleasantly mild-mannered mood, it's a time of year when everyone -- even happy people -- could use a bump up to the next level of good cheer. Here's how your sun sign can get happy!

ARIES: Move it! Your sign needs exercise almost as much as it needs air. You'll leap to your bliss while huffing, puffing and patting your brow. And the best part is, your post-workout high lasts you a solid 24 hours.

TAURUS: Shop. You are stimulated by lovely displays and innovative new items presented in pretty environments. Note: Shopping does not mean buying. The act of looking around at what's available is uplifting in and of itself.

GEMINI: Joke around. As the sign of communication, you delight in lighthearted exchanges. You are lifted by clever wordplay. Pet names and social silliness make you feel intimately connected to your people.

CANCER: Share and care. Doing for other people is what ignites the fire in your heart. Naturally nurturing, you thrill to a mission that involves making others smile.

LEO: Act as if. Leo loves to put on a show. So give the performance of your lifetime -- you being the happiest you can be. While modeling a fantastic mood, you may accidentally make it real!

VIRGO: Nurture yourself. Sometimes you're so involved taking care of loved ones that you forget that you, too, have needs. When you lavish some of that detailed attention on yourself, your zest for life returns.

LIBRA: Fall in love. As the sign of partnership, you can find reasons to fall more deeply for the same person again and again. Or if you're single, you have no problem flipping for someone new, no resistance whatsoever. Romance alters your brain chemistry and sweeps you into the realm of effervescent -- so go ahead.

SCORPIO: Get present. When you subtract your worries about the future from the equation and then take away your negative opinions about the past, chances are what you have left is just you living out a pretty good moment. For as long as you can stay there, the present is beautiful.

SAGITTARIUS: Hit the road. You don't have to travel to an exotic land -- the next city over will do, just as long as you are filling your eyes with new sights, your ears with fresh sounds and your experiences with different people than you would normally see. The interruption in your routine enlivens your state of mind.

CAPRICORN: Accept and embrace yourself. You can always change what doesn't please you when you're ready to do so. In the meantime, take a good look at all that's going right with you and your world and give it your nod of approval. Then take it a step further and celebrate yourself.

AQUARIUS: Imagine the change you seek. You have the stars of a visionary. Give yourself the time, space and freedom and you can dream your way right into your own utopia.

PISCES: Cozy up to an optimist. You're highly empathetic and can soak up the moods of others like a sponge. Being around cheerful people will automatically brighten you. So gravitate toward the supportive, smiling, laughing group and chime right in.

Have a nice day!


This is exactly why you should always, ALWAYS... twirl once in front of the mirror before leaving the house. But just think how many people she made smile throughout the day.

Southern charm

Two informally dressed ladies happened to start up a conversation during an endless wait in the LAX airport.

The first lady was an arrogant California woman married to a wealthy man. The second was a well mannered elderly woman from the South. When the conversation centered on whether they had any children, the California woman started by saying, "When my first child was born, my husband built a beautiful mansion for me."

The lady from the South commented, "Well, isn't that precious?"

The first woman continued, "When my second child was born, my husband bought me a beautiful Mercedes-Benz...

Again, the lady from the South commented, "Well, isn't that precious?"

The first woman continued boasting, "Then, when my third child was born, my husband bought me this exquisite diamond bracelet."

Yet again, the Southern lady commented, "Well, isn't that precious?"

The first woman then asked her companion, "What did your husband buy for you when you had your first child?"

"My husband sent me to charm school," declared the Southern lady.

"Charm school?" the first woman cried, "Oh, my God! What on earth for?"

The Southern lady responded, "Well for example, instead of saying "Who gives a shit?" I learned to say, "Well, isn't that precious"...

Heroes

Smile

Friday, May 22, 2009

5 arrested in huge Peabody pot bust

PEABODY - A whopping 543 pounds of marijuana and nearly $200,000 in cash were seized Wednesday night during a drug bust that netted five arrests.

Massachusetts State Police broke up the large-scale narcotics delivery, in which Brian J. Toto, 42, of Revere; Philip Watson, 37, of Saugus, Michael Schrimpf, 36, of Saugus, RJ Norton, Jr., 41, and Melvin Vanmeter, 38, both of Indianapolis, Ind. were arrested and charged with trafficking Class D marijuana over 200 pounds and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

All of the men pleaded innocent Thursday at their arraignments in Peabody District Court. Judge Robert Brennan set bail at $250,000 for each defendant and continued their cases until June 18 for a status hearing.

Full Story - Lynn Item

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:

ARIES: You need a confidence boost. When you get away from your loved ones, you relearn who you are. TAURUS: Pay attention to what other people need and want. If you don't know, make a guess. But do not wait for them to tell you -- by then, it's too late. GEMINI: You are simply irresistible and will have your choice of delightful options this weekend. CANCER: Splurge on image, as you'll be out and about, telling people who you are by your demeanor and dress. LEO: You build a mystery around you. Getting to know you is a treat. VIRGO: The people in your life will try on new roles and need your support along the way. LIBRA: You're a networker, though you're not trying to be. Everyone's interested in what you're up to. SCORPIO: Simple actions bond you with your loved ones. Uphold your rituals. SAGITTARIUS: You'll find out what someone wishes -- it involves you in a surprising way. CAPRICORN: You'll be making new friendships, which is wonderful for the relationships you already have. AQUARIUS: Explore which beliefs you share with another person -- it's a bonding conversation. PISCES: Criticism is a form of control. Try not to serve it or take from anyone for the next 48 hours.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Gemini and Aries have an interest in each other this weekend. Each is at the top of his or her game and will be loose, confident and comfortable with each other almost to the point of being cavalier. This attitude produces interesting sparks and these two might even feud, though it's more like a friendly competition than a serious argument. At any moment, the tension could turn to romance.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Maxine on aging





Why some girls wouldn't make it in the business...

Wayne Allwine; was actor who voiced Mickey Mouse

LOS ANGELES - Wayne Allwine, the actor who voiced Mickey Mouse for more than 30 years, has died.

The Walt Disney Co. said Mr. Allwine died Monday of complications from diabetes, with Russi Taylor, his wife of 20 years and the voice of Minnie Mouse, by his side. He was 62.

"Wayne dedicated his entire professional life to Disney," chief executive Robert Iger said in a statement yesterday. "Over the last 32 years, [he] gave so much joy, happiness, and comfort to so many around the world by giving voice to our most beloved, iconic character, Mickey Mouse."

A Southern California native, Mr. Allwine joined Disney in 1966 when he took a job in the mailroom. He went on to work in the sound-effects department and began voicing the company's main mouse in 1977.

His falsetto can be heard in 1983's "Mickey's Christmas Carol," 1988's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and at Disney theme parks around the world. He won an Emmy Award in 1986 for his sound editing on the NBC series "Amazing Stories."

Mr. Allwine was the third man behind Mickey's voice. The first was Disney, then Jimmy MacDonald, who became Mr. Allwine's mentor and passed him the reins after voicing the mouse for 30 years.

"He said, 'Just remember, kid, you're only filling in for the boss,' " Allwine once recalled. "And that's the way he treated doing Mickey for years and years."

"Mickey's the real star," Mr. Allwine continued. "You know you just have to love the little guy while you have him, because he won't be yours forever."

Roy E. Disney, director emeritus for The Walt Disney Co., said Mr. Allwine did more than give Mickey a voice.

He "gave him a heart and soul, as well," Disney said. "He did an incredible job of bringing emotion, humor, and appeal to the character and superbly carried on the tradition originated by my Uncle Walt and later by sound-effects wizard Jimmy Macdonald."

Besides Taylor, Mr. Allwine leaves five children from a previous marriage: Erin, Alison, Peter, Christopher, and Joshua.

Boston Globe

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Joe Cocker is 65



John Robert "Joe" Cocker OBE (born 20 May 1944) is an English rock/blues singer who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice and his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those of The Beatles.

Happy Hump Day!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Monday, May 18, 2009

American Made Sweethearts(R) Teams Up with the USO to Give Families a Way to Say Thank You to Our Troops

REVERE, Mass., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- They're in the country's heart and prayers for defending American liberties and keeping the country safe. It's hard to come up with a unique, heartfelt way to say thank you to the American troops, but the New England Confectionery Company is stirring up a sweet idea. Sweethearts(R), the official candy of love(TM), brings a new way to show appreciation and support of the military this summer with new Red, White & You Sweethearts, featuring sentiments like "Proud of U," "Home Safe" and "Miss You."

American military troops in the U.S. and overseas will be treated to the new Red, White & You Sweethearts in care packages through a partnership with the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO). In addition, Americans nationwide can get a taste of the new Sweethearts for their own patriotic celebrations beginning Memorial Day through the Labor Day holiday.

The new Sweethearts brand is providing a $75,000 commitment to the USO to benefit the Operation USO Care Package program and will be promoting the program on its Red, White & You packaging. In addition, a Web site for consumers to make their own donation to the Operation USO Care Package program has been set up at www.uso.org/sweethearts.

"We're proud to provide a creative way to let our troops know we are thinking of them and praying for their safe return," said Jacqueline Hague, New England Confectionery Company Vice President. "For more than a century, people have been passing along their sweet sentiments through Sweethearts Valentine's Day candies. Our new Red, White & You Sweethearts provide Americans with a new way of expressing their thanks and love to our troops with sweet reminders of home."


Sweet Simple Sayings
The new Red, White & You Sweethearts display 13 heartfelt phrases, including "I (heart) USA," "Glory," "My Hero," "Miss You," "Proud of U," "Thank You," "USO," "Honor," "I (heart) You," "Brave One," "Home Safe," "Valor," and "Proud." Featuring all-American flavors, including strawberry, blueberry and vanilla creme, the new candies also offer a softer and tastier creme flavor in an array of patriotic colors -- red, white and blue.

Starting Memorial Day, Red, White & You Sweethearts will be available nationwide in eye-catching packaging and displays in two popular sizes: 1 ounce and 14 ounces. The suggested retail price for the 1-ounce box is two for $1.00. The suggested price for the 14-ounce bag is: $1.99.

Care Packages From the Heart
Red, White & You Sweethearts will be placed in scores of USO care packages for the troops this June and July. The Operation USO Care Package program has distributed more than 1.5 million care packages to deployed service members, and continues to distribute some 25,000 packages a month to troops around the world.

"The Red, White & You Sweethearts mean a lot to our service members and their families," said Sloan D. Gibson, USO president and CEO. "Not only are they a sweet addition to USO care packages, but they are a thoughtful reminder that the USO and New England Confectionery Company are proud of their service to our country and we support them until every one comes home."

"At a time of heightened patriotism, we are thinking of those who are separated from family members serving active military duty away from home and overseas," said Hague. "We hope to provide a sweet, memorable link between families and their loved ones who are making such tremendous sacrifices every day."

Hearts & Crafts
New England Confectionery Company is offering many craft ideas for patriotic-themed decorating and entertaining on the web site www.uso.org/sweethearts. Each craft project is designed to be simple to construct and safe for young children. Sample craft ideas include:

4th of July Shakers and Candy Dispensers: The creatively fun noisemakers are ideal for parades and celebrations, and provide a patriotic sweet treat on the way home.
Thank You Favor Boxes: Kids love to personalize. Have your kids make a special favor for your guests by selecting their favorite messages to place on hand painted flag boxes.

Patriotic Cupcake Cake: Cupcakes are all the rage these days. A new twist on the classic Flag Cake, this yummy cupcake flag cake loaded with patriotic messages is ideal for celebrations with family and friends.
Red, White & You Celebration Cookies: These easy-to-make patriotic cookies are shaped as a waving flag and are perfect for picnics, parties, even barbeques.

America's Sweethearts
Made in America, Sweethearts have been a tradition for more than a century. The concept of Conversation Motto Hearts dates back to the 1800s when printed sayings on colored paper were placed in "Cockles," small crisp candies formed in the shape of a scalloped shell. In 1866, Daniel Chase, brother of Oliver Chase, who founded The New England Confectionery Company in 1847, invented the process that allows the sayings to be printed directly on the candy. Some of the original phrases that are still included in the more than 100 sayings produced are "Be Mine," "Be Good," "Be True," "Kiss Me," and "Sweet Talk."

As the top-selling iconic Valentine's Day treat, more than eight billion Sweethearts, or about 100,000 pounds of the candy hearts, are produced every day. Fat-free, gluten free, allergen-free and sodium-free, Sweethearts are one of the few treats that candy lovers young and old can enjoy without guilt. Each small heart has three calories and no fat.

Phishers harvest Facebook passwords for profit

Thieves assume people use the same password for most online identities

Computerworld - Identity thieves that hit Facebook last week with a new round of phishing attacks are harvesting passwords for profit, a security researcher said today.

"It's not surprising that they're targeting Facebook," said Kevin Haley, a director on Symantec's security response team. "Facebook has, what, 200 million-plus users? The bad guys always go where's there's a lot of people."

The newest Facebook attacks resemble previous phishing rounds in their tactics: A compromised account sends a malicious link to friends. That link leads to a site that mimics the legitimate log-in page. But users duped into entering their usernames and passwords are likely giving away more than just their Facebook credentials, said Haley.

"Certainly this isn't new," he said, "but we think that what you're seeing is an attempt to shake out every last dollar they can get."

The criminals are operating on the assumption that the Facebook password they acquire from any given user has a good chance of being the same password that person uses on other sites, such as online shopping services or even bank accounts.

"Get one password for the right person and it's like having their wallet handed over," Symantec researcher Marian Merritt in the post to Symantec's security response blog said on Friday.

Computerworld - Complete Story

For Catholics Only


This information is for Catholics only. It must not be divulged to non-Catholics. The less they know about rituals and code words, the better off they are.

AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.

BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.

CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.

HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.

HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.

RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.

INCENSE: Holy Smoke!

JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.

JONAH: The original 'Jaws' story.

JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.

KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava. (for you non-Catholics it means Lord have mercy)

MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.

STABLE: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by an HMO. (The Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been rough.)

MANGER: Where Mary placed Jesus because Joseph forgot the crib when packing the donkey.

PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.

PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.

RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.

RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.

TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.

USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Gulf Coast of Florida

To all my retired family & friends!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Today...


The 134th running of the Preakness Stakes.

Can Mine that Bird win it?

Update: I guess not. As the 8-5 favorite, Rachel Alexandra paid $5.60, $4.60, and $3.60 and became the first filly to win the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924. Second was Mine that Bird and third was Musket Man.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Ex-coach found guilty of stealing from club


Boston Globe

A former Chelsea High School football coach was convicted of larceny yesterday for withdrawing thousands of dollars from the team's booster club account to pay for personal expenses, according to the Suffolk district attorney's office.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury found James Atkins, 43, of Revere guilty of five counts of larceny over $250 and one count of larceny by check, Daniel F. Conley's office said. Atkins was acquitted of a sixth charge of larceny over $250.

His sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. today.

Prosecutors showed that Atkins, a Chelsea police sergeant suspended from duty and a former Medford High School football coach, used his position as coach of the Chelsea team and president of that team's booster club to withdraw nearly $10,000 from the team's bank account between 2004 and 2007.

Withdrawal records indicated that Atkins withdrew $500 at an ATM across from a Revere strip club; made three-figure withdrawals near the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut and the Seabrook Greyhound Park dog racing track in New Hampshire; and paid a $634 bar tab at the Champions Sports Bar at the Marriott Copley Place hotel in Boston.

In January 2007, at a meeting with Chelsea High School parents and the school's athletic director, Frank DePatto, Atkins agreed to repay the $8,200 in installments, prosecutors said. Instead, Atkins later asked for a charitable donation from a respected community member to put toward his outstanding debt, prosecutors said.

"It is always difficult when a police officer is found to have violated the law," Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes said in a statement.

Atkins's lawyer, Douglas Louison of Boston, maintained his client's innocence.

"I think every witness who testified said they were proud to know and be involved with Jim Atkins," Louison said. "No justice is done by convicting him of stealing money from the booster club he created and funded with his own personal monies. He put in over $50,000 of his own money into the program. It defies logic to say he stole money from the program."

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:

ARIES: The one you love is being unclear, but instead of asking more questions, use your intuition to figure it out. TAURUS: Romance isn't everything, but it sure would be nice after this week's hard work. Get in a more receptive mood. GEMINI: A relationship doesn't have to be committed for it to be deeply meaningful. CANCER: Handle a recurring relationship issue -- this will be the last time you'll have to. LEO: You have no control over how people think about you -- or do you? You'll try your darnedest to work whatever influence you do have. VIRGO: You enjoy a love that challenges you, which is why this weekend is so delicious. LIBRA: Go where the glitz and glamour is and you'll shine. SCORPIO: You feel like you're in a competition for someone's heart and you'll do well if you stay focused. SAGITTARIUS: You'll flash that killer smile and charm strangers with your witty banter wherever you go. CAPRICORN: You'll go to some effort to make someone's evening and you may just make their spring in the process. AQUARIUS: A sweet, intelligent person wants to swap stories with you. PISCES: There's no reason you shouldn't be confident. Psych yourself up.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Aquarius and Pisces may be zodiac neighbors, but they have their differences. When solving relationship problems, Aquarius likes to consider the psychology and take a scientific approach. Pisces revels in infinite possibility and would rather make an instinctual guess than work out the math. This weekend, these two come to the same conclusion -- differences aside, they make quite a team!

Demotivational Friday

The Undertaker's Story

Roy, an undertaker in Pennsylvania came home with a black eye.

"What happened to you?" asked his wife."

“I had a terrible day," replies Roy. ”I had to go to a hotel and pick up a man who had died in his sleep. When I got there, the manager said they couldn't get him into a body bag because he had this huge erection. Anyway, I find the room and, sure enough, there's this big naked guy lying on the bed with this huge erection. So I grabbed it with both hands and tried to snap it in half."

"I see," says his wife. "But how did you get the black eye?"

Roy replies, "Wrong room!"

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Arkansas Mechanical Engineers


Ray & Bubba were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking up. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing.

'We're supposed to find the height of the flagpole,' said Bubba, 'but we don't have a ladder.'

The woman took a wrench from her purse, loosened a few bolts, and laid the pole down. Then she took a tape measure from her pocket, took a measurement, announced, 'Eighteen feet, six inches,' and walked away.

Ray shook his head and laughed. 'Ain't that just like a woman! We ask for the height and she gives us the length!'

Bubba and Ray are currently working for the government and helping to distribute the money from the "stimulus package"

Seven firefighters to get ax in Revere


The Daily Item

REVERE - Mayor Thomas Ambrosino said seven firefighters will be laid off to help the city save money in the face of reduced state aid to Revere.

The announcement is not a surprise to Fire Chief Eugene Doherty who has worked to cut Fire Department costs since March 22 by keeping a fire engine or ladder truck and its crew out of service. Doherty has rotated the service reduction between the Revere Beach Parkway, North Revere, Broadway and beach area stations.

"There is not one station that is less important than another, meaning I can't close one on a regular basis," Doherty said Tuesday.

A $1 million-plus reduction in state money allocated to the city prompted Ambrosino since the year's start to scale back City Hall hours, reduce some city workers to part time status and lay off others, including nine police officers.

He expects the city's money woes to continue through July 1 when a new spending year begins.

"The layoffs are not over," he told City Council members Monday even as Ward 6 Councilor Charles Patch angrily called on Ambrosino to halt a city practice of allowing ranking public safety officials to take city vehicles home with them. Patch claims ending the practice could save $150,000 and save jobs. Ambrosino estimates $3.7 million in city spending cuts could confront the city next year, forcing additional cuts in public safety and City Hall jobs. Doherty said the only obvious source of financial relief for the state and the city is money from casino gambling. Ambrosino agrees. He is a member of a coalition of mayors and town officials who think casinos could generate more than $400 million annually in new state revenues while creating thousands of construction and permanent resort casino jobs.

The coalition supports building three gaming, entertainment and destination venues.

Stevie Wonder is 59 today

Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. A prominent figure in popular music during the latter half of the 20th century, Wonder has recorded more than thirty top ten hits, won 22 Grammy Awards (a record for a solo artist), plus one for lifetime achievement, won an Academy Award for Best Song and been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame. He has also been awarded the Polar Music Prize.

Blind from infancy, Wonder signed with Motown Records as a pre-adolescent at age twelve, and continues to perform and record for the label. He has ten U.S. number-one hits on the pop Charts, 20 U.S. R&B number one hits, and album sales totaling more than 150 million units. Wonder has recorded several critically acclaimed albums and hit singles, and writes and produces songs for many of his label mates and outside artists as well. Wonder plays the piano, synthesizer, harmonica, congas, drums, bongos, organ, talk box, melodica, and clavinet. In his childhood, he was best known for his harmonica work, but today he is better known for his keyboard skills and vocal ability.

Stevie Wonder was born on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan, United States. The product of a premature birth, the blood vessels at the back of his eyes had not yet reached the front, and an aborted growth spurt caused the retinas to detach. The medical term for this condition is known as Retinopathy of prematurity, or "ROP", and while it may have been exacerbated by the oxygen pumped into his incubator, this treatment was not the primary cause of his blindness.

When Wonder was 4, his mother left his father and moved herself and her children to Detroit, Michigan. Wonder took up piano at age 7, and had mastered it by age 9. During his early childhood he was active in his Church choir. He also taught himself to play the harmonica and the drums, and had mastered both by age ten. Wonder also learned to play the bass during his early years.

Wonder has seven children from several relationships and two marriages: in 1970, to deceased Motown singer Syreeta Wright (the marriage ended in divorce in 1972) and, since 2001, to fashion designer Kai Milla Morris.

His daughter, Aisha Morris, was the inspiration for his hit single "Isn't She Lovely." Aisha Morris is a singer who has toured with her father and accompanied him on recordings, including his 2005 album, A Time 2 Love. Wonder has two sons with Kai Milla Morris; the older is named Kailand and he occasionally performs as a drummer on stage with his father. The younger son, Mandla Kadjay Carl Steveland Morris, was born May 13, 2005, his father's 55th birthday.

His children are: Aisha Morris (born April,1975) (by Yolanda Simmons); Keita Morris (by Yolanda Simmons); Kwame Morris; Mumtaz Morris; Sophia Morris; Kailand Morris (by Kai Milla Morris); Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris (born May 13, 2005) (by Kai Milla Morris)

One of my favorites
from "Songs in the Key of Life"
"Knocks Me Off My Feet"
(just music on the video)

Trucker's Breakfast...

A trucker came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order. He said, 'I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards.'

The brand new blonde waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, 'This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards..... What does he think this place is, an auto parts store?'

'No,' the cook said. 'Three flat tires ... mean three pancakes; a pair of headlights...is two eggs sunny side up; and a pair of running boards...are 2 slices of crisp bacon !

'Oh,... OK!' said the blonde. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer.

The trucker asked, 'What are the beans for Blondie?'

'She replied, 'I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights and running boards, you might as well gas up!'

Wednesday already?

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Revere man charged with using toy gun to rob club

BOSTON — Authorities say a Revere man robbed a local social club with a toy gun and ordered a bartender to give a 71-year-old customer a drink before grabbing the man in a headlock and using him as a human shield.

James Parker was held on $100,000 cash bail following his arraignment Tuesday on several charges related to the incident the previous day at a Sons of Italy hall.

Prosecutors say Parker took money and bottles of liquor before a woman who asked to use a bathroom called police on a hidden cell phone.

A police officer disarmed Parker as he held the 71-year-old man in a headlock, pointing what turned out to be a toy gun at the man’s head.

Parker’s attorney, Michael Capone, did not immediately return a message left after business hours.

Boston Herald

Always loved...Marvin Gaye

Born this Date: Billy Squier in Wellesley, MA

William Haislip "Billy" Squier (born May 12, 1950 in Wellesley, Massachusetts) is an American rock musician. Squier had a string of arena rock hits in the 1980s. He is probably best known for the song "The Stroke" on his 1981 album release Don't Say No. Other hits include "In the Dark", "Rock Me Tonite", "Lonely Is the Night", "My Kinda Lover", "Everybody Wants You", "All Night Long" and "Emotions in Motion".

My Hobby:

Monday, May 11, 2009

Motivational Monday

Revere feels heat

Letters to the Editor

By George Rotondo

Your editorial “Chill out, Revere” (May 6) gave the impression that the Revere City Council was overreacting.

Well this was a chaotic scene as menacing teens shook seniors’ cars, blocked streets and prevented people from entering the hospital. Revere Beach has the largest concentration of seniors in the city, so who would have been responsible if an ambulance was needed?

I do agree, however, that metal detectors at Revere T stations aren’t the solution. We need more state troopers. Revere is required to provide medical aid and police service to a state-owned beach - an unfunded mandate. The state must do its part.

George Rotondo, Revere City Councilor

Boston Herald

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Born this Date: Bono

Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960), most commonly known by his stage name Bono, is an Irish singer and musician, best known for being the main vocalist of the Irish rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his future wife, Ali Hewson, and the future members of U2. He has been referred to as Bono, his stage- and nickname, by his family and fellow band members since his adolescence. Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social, and religious themes. During their early years Bono's lyrics contributed to U2's rebellious tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences shared with members of U2. Based on weeks that Bono's compositions have spent on the charts, he is the fifty fifth most successful songwriter in U.K. singles chart history.

Outside U2 he has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists, sits on the board of Elevation Partners, and has refurbished and owns The Clarence with The Edge. Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa, for which he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product Red. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with influential politicians. Bono has been praised and criticized for his activism and involvement with U2. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time, among other award and nominations.

Live in Boston 2001

Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Born this date: Tommy Roe

Tommy Roe (born Thomas David Roe, 9 May 1942, Atlanta, Georgia, United States) is an American pop music singer-songwriter.

Best-remembered for his 1962 hit single "Sheila," critic Bill Dahl writes that Roe was "widely perceived as one of the archetypal bubblegum artists of the late 1960s, but Roe cut some pretty decent rockers along the way, especially early in his career."


Relationships...

Friday, May 8, 2009