Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Born this Date: Andre Bernard Tippett
Andre Bernard Tippett (born December 27, 1959) is a former American football linebacker who played for the New England Patriots of the NFL. Currently he is the Patriots' Executive Director of Community Affairs. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.Personal life-Tippett was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Tippett attended Barringer High School in Newark, New Jersey. He first attended college and played football at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls in 1978. In 1979 began to attend the University of Iowa, where he was an All-American.
Tippett is a Godan/5th degree black belt with Shihan (Master Instructor) License. He has received all of his training under Sensei Steve Banchick Kyoshi, a 8th Degree Black Belt. Tippett has studied Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do since 1982 and has also had intensive training in Okinawa. Tippett has also trained privately with Shihan Toshihiro Oshiro in Yamanni Ryu, an Okinawan Kobudo system. Andre has been a member of the Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai (RBKD). The sai, tonfa, nunchaku and Kama are studied as secondary weapons. Tippett has also competed in the AAU on a regional and national level in Kata, Kumite, Team Kumite and Kobudo. He has also competed on the west coast at the Annual Ozawa International Traditional Karate Tournament, Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate Championship in Antioch, California, winning a Grand Championship in Kumite in 19. He is married to Rhonda Tippett (née Kenney) with three daughters, Jenea, Asia Barnes and Madison, and one son, Coby. Asia mostly notably, has been a Patriots Cheerleader since 2008. Andre Tippett is a former Baptist, and a convert to Judaism.
College football
Tippett was an All-American defensive end and a three-year letterman at the University of Iowa. He was also a two-time All-Big Ten selection (1980 and 1981). In 1981 he helped lead the Hawkeyes to their first winning season, their first Big Ten title, and first Rose Bowl in two decades. He was part of a defense that allowed only 129 points, the lowest total since 1965 and 9th best in school history and allowed only 86.9 rushing yards a game, which still stands as the school record. The 1981 Iowa defense allowed 253 total yards a game, the fewest since 1959, making it the 4th best defense in school history in terms of total yards. Against Northwestern on October 3, 1981, the Hawkeye defense allowed 78 total yards which stands as 6th best in defensive performances in team history. All told, the 1981 Iowa defense is arguably the best over-all defense in school history in terms of yards and points allowed competing with the 1956 and 1957 Hawkeye defenses that featured Alex Karras.
Andre was a two-time first team all-Big Ten, and a team captain in 1981. He holds the Iowa record for tackles for lost yardage in a season (20 tackles for 153 yards in 1980). He played in the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl in 1982, after his senior year at Iowa. He was voted a DE on Iowa’s all-time football team in 1989 as is a member of the University of Iowa's Varsity Hall of Fame. Upon induction to the Varsity Hall of Fame, Tippett remarked, "For me, this is a 'Wow' . . . It is really, really special to be voted by your peers and the people who saw you play. I'm going in with some of the greatest people to ever play sports at the University of Iowa. This is one of the greatest honors I have ever had. This is a special feeling because during the three years I was there, I developed a great bond with the players and coaches."
Professional Football
Tippett was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2nd round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
Tippett is a member of the NFL’s 1980s all-decade team and was selected to five Pro Bowls in his career, earning the nod in five straight seasons from 1984–88.
From 1984–85, Tippett recorded the highest two-season sack total by a linebacker in NFL history, totaling 35.0 sacks during the two seasons. His 18.5 sacks in 1984 are the third most by any linebacker in a single season, while his 16.5 sacks in 1985 are tied for the sixth most by any linebacker in NFL history.
Tippett holds the Patriots’ franchise record with 100.0 career sacks. He also owns the top three single-season sack performances in Patriots history (18.5 in 1984, 16.5 in 1985 and 12.5 in 1987). He ranked seventh on the all-time sacks list, and third among linebackers, at the time of his retirement following the 1993 season. Over his career, Tippett recorded 100 sacks in 151 games, an average of 0.662 sacks per game. The mark currently ranks fourth in NFL history among linebackers.
After not recording a sack as a rookie in 1982, Tippett finished either first or second on the team in sacks in each of his final 10 seasons. He led the team in sacks six times and finished second on the team four times. Tippett recorded 30 multiple-sack games in his career and sacked a total of 41 different quarterbacks. Tippett recovered 18 opponents’ fumbles during his career, tying him for first on the Patriots’ all-time list (Steve Nelson). He also forced 17 fumbles in his career.
Tippett was named the AFC’s Linebacker of the Year by the NFL Players Association for three straight seasons from 1985–87. He was voted to the Associated Press All-NFL First-team on two occasions (1985 and 1987) and Second-team on two other occasions (1986 and 1988). He was also named to the NFL Films All-Pro team in 1984.
He was voted the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) co-Defensive Player of the Year (with Raider Howie Long) in 1985. Additionally, he was voted the 1985 UPI AFL-AFC Defensive Player of the Year.
Tippett twice earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week awards. The first in the Patriots 20-13 win over the New York Jets as he stopped the Jets 3 times within the 10 yard line on 10-20-85. Next, he was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in the Patriots 21-7 win over the Houston Oilers on 10-18-87. In this victory over Houston at the Astrodome, Andre had 3 sacks, defended on a pass play and blocked a field goal attempt that was returned for a touchdown by Raymond Clayborn.
Tippett spent his entire 12-year career with the Patriots and was a member of three playoff teams, including the 1985 AFC Champions.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:
ARIES: A secure partner will prize your independent spirit. TAURUS: Though you are trying not to notice, you do have an awareness that someone likes you. This person gets silly when you're around. GEMINI: A potential love appreciates the way you carry yourself with grace and poise. CANCER: Your friendly personality makes someone want to be more than just your friend. LEO: You enliven any room you enter. And it's even easier if you can connect with one who has equal humor and playfulness. VIRGO: Trust in your sweetheart all the way and you won't be let down. LIBRA: You may not always be at the top of someone's "to do" list, but you are today. SCORPIO: You feel grounded and secure, and it rubs off on those around you. SAGITTARIUS: You'll keep the action moving forward. Your ideas will work as long as you can explain them well to the other people involved. CAPRICORN: There is no good reason to challenge those who are clearly on your side. Enjoy a state of agreement. AQUARIUS: You'll trade an old habit for a new one and meet a sweet friend or potential love interest in the process. PISCES: Your true love is the one who values who you are on the inside.
COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Capricorn and Leo are both leaders. Capricorn keeps an eye to the future and makes sure that the relationship is building toward something that will matter. Capricorn is purposeful in all things and wants to make a difference. Leo handles the moment -- sparkles and entertains. Leo realizes that the present is the only real point of influence. Together they form a power couple, indeed!
It is said :
- The child born on Christmas Day will have a special fortune.
- Snow on Christmas means Easter will be green.
- You will have as many happy months in the coming year, as the number of houses you eat mince pies in during Christmastime.
- In Greece, some people burn their old shoes during the Christmas season to prevent misfortunes in the coming year.
- To have good health throughout the next year, eat an apple on Christmas Eve.
- The gates of Heaven open at midnight on Christmas Eve. Those who die then go straight to Heaven (an Irish belief).
- Christmas candles should be left burning until Christmas morning and should rest undisturbed from time of lighting until they are snuffed.
- Singing Christmas carols at any time other than during the festive season is unlucky.
- The yule log should be lit by a piece of the log used on the previous Christmas. Once that is done, no evil spirit can then enter into the house. The remains of the Yule log were also considered lucky, and would be a protection against lightning or fire.
COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Capricorn and Sagittarius have many of the same ambitions, but they go about them in different ways. Capricorn is likely to get out the book and follow the instructions laid out by those who've been successful. Sagittarius jumps right into the adventure and accepts help along the way. This weekend, they'll meld their styles of operation and gain great respect and affection for each other along the way.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila
Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruitsss. Pick the frickin' fruit off the floor. Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.
Cherry Mistmas !
George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell. While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for. The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth. Putin asks to call Russia and talks for 5 minutes. When he was finished the devil informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a check.
Next Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a check. Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call the USA anytime.
When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Bush got to call the USA free. The devil replied, "Since Obama became president of the USA , the country has gone to hell, so it's a local call."
Having already downed a few power drinks, she turned around, faced him, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Listen here good looking, I screw anybody, any time, anywhere, your place, my place, in the car, front door, back door, on the ground, standing up, sitting down, naked or with clothes on, dirty, clean . . . it doesn't matter to me. I've been doing it ever since I got out of college and I just love it."
Eyes now wide with interest, he responded,
"No kidding. I'm a lawyer too. What firm are you with?"
ARIES: Just because you love someone doesn't mean you always agree with that person. Challenge the opinions you don't share. TAURUS: Your ambition is an attractive quality to highlight this weekend. GEMINI: You'll have the perfect opportunity to broaden your knowledge of someone and get inside his or her thought process. CANCER: A gracious competitor is nonetheless a competitor. Know who you're up against. LEO: You may require extra care at times, but now is your chance to show that you're basically tough and low maintenance. VIRGO: Your impulses are delightful. Follow through. LIBRA: Once you make a decision that affects your love life, stick with it. Otherwise, you'll be seen as flighty and unreliable. SCORPIO: You have a heart of gold. Remember this, and let it guide you in all of your dealings. SAGITTARIUS: Celebrate the success of a loved one, no matter how big or small the achievement may be. CAPRICORN: Steer clear of limiting and/or controlling influences. Your ideal partner prefers that you do what you love. AQUARIUS: You've had bad experiences in the past, but you're not doomed to repeat them. Stay hopeful. PISCES: Keep up on current events and you'll be chosen as a conversational partner by someone fun.
COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Sagittarius and Aquarius form a high-energy couple and challenge each other toward lofty aims. Aquarius is not an overly competitive sign, but with Sagittarius encouraging Aquarius to explore and achieve, Aquarius becomes driven to impress. As the sign of the future, Aquarius is extremely interesting and enticing to Sagittarius, who never tires of observing and playing with Aquarius.
I was disqualified from my neighborhood’s
“Best Decorated House” contest due to my bad attitude!
"Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever.Great stories. But two things made me take it down.
First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked their vehicle when they drove by.
Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."
Information on Boston and the surrounding area:
There's no school on School Street, no court on Court Street, no dock on Dock Square, no water on Water Street. Back Bay streets are in alphabetical "oddah": Arlington , Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, etc. So are South Boston streets: A, B, C, D, etc. If the streets are named after trees (e.g. Walnut, Chestnut, Cedar), you're on Beacon Hill. If they're named after poets, you're in Wellesley.
Massachusetts Avenue is Mass Ave; Commonwealth Avenue is Comm Ave;
South Boston is Southie.
The South End is the South End.
East Boston is Eastie.
The North End is east of the former West End.
The West End and Scollay Square are no more; a guy named Rappaport got rid of them one night.
Roxbury is The Burry.
Jamaica Plain is J.P.
How to say these Massachusetts city names correctly:
**Say it wrong, and be shunned**
Worcester : Wuhsta (or Woostah)
Gloucester : Glawsta
Leicester Lesta
Woburn: Woobin
Dedham : Dead-um
Revere: Ra-vee-ah
Quincy: Quinzee
Tewksbury : Tooks berry
Leominster : Lemin-sta
Peabody: Pee-ba-dee
Waltham : Walth-ham
Chatham: Chaddum
Samoset: Sam-oh-set or Sum-aw-set but nevah Summerset!
Definitions:
Frappes have ice cream, milkshakes don't.
If it is fizzy and flavored, it's tonic.
Soda is CLUB SODA.
"Pop" is DAD.
When we want Tonic WATER, we will ask for TONIC WATER.
The smallest beer is a pint.
Scrod is whatever they tell you it is, usually fish;
If you paid more than $7/pound, you got scrod.
It's not a water fountain; it's a bubblah.
It's not a trashcan; it's a barrel.
It's not a spucky, a hero or grinder,... it's a sub.
It's not a shopping cart; it's a carriage.
It's not a purse; it's a pockabook.
They're not franks; they're haht dahgs; Franks are money in Switzahland.
Police don't drive patrol units or black and whites they drive a "crooza".
If you take the bus, your on the "looza crooza".
It's not a rubber band, it's an elastic.
It's not a traffic circle or roundabout, it's a rotary.
"Going to the islands" means Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket.
The Sox = The Red Sox
The C's = The Celtics
The B's = The Bruins
The Pat's =The Patriots
Things not to do:
Don't pahk your cah in Hahvid Yahd .. they'll tow it to Meffa (Medford ) or Summahville (Somerville) .
Don't sleep on the Common. (Boston Common)
Don't wear Orange in Southie on St. Patrick's Day.
Things you should know:
There are two State Houses, two City Halls, two courthouses, two Hancock buildings (one old, one new for each).
The colored lights on top the old Hancock building tell the weatha':
"Solid blue, clear view...."
"Flashing blue, clouds due...."
"Solid red, rain ahead...."
"Flashing red, snow instead...." - except in summer;
flashing red means the Red Sox game was rained out!
Most people live here all their life and still don't know what the hell is going on with this one.
The underground train is not a subway. It's the "T", and it doesn't run all night (fah chrysakes, this ain't Noo Yawk).
Order the "cold tea" in China Town after 2:00 am you'll get a kettle full of beer.
Bostonians...think that it's their God-given right to cut off someone in traffic.
Bostonians...think that there are only 25 letters in the alphabet (no R's)except in "idea".
Bostonians...think that three straight days of 90+ temperatures is a heat wave.
Bostonians...refer to six inches of snow as a "dusting."
Bostonians...always "bang a left" as soon as the light turns green, and oncoming traffic always expects it.
Bostonians...believe that using your turn signal is a sign of weakness.
Bostonians...think that 63-degree ocean water is warm.
Bostonians...think Rhode Island accents are annoying.
COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Capricorn and Leo are both leaders. Capricorn keeps an eye to the future and makes sure that the relationship is building toward something that will matter. Capricorn is purposeful in all things and wants to make a difference. Leo handles the moment -- sparkles and entertains. Leo realizes that the present is the only real point of influence. Together they form a power couple, indeed!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Superstitions
It is said :
- The child born on Christmas Day will have a special fortune.
- Snow on Christmas means Easter will be green.
- You will have as many happy months in the coming year, as the number of houses you eat mince pies in during Christmastime.
- In Greece, some people burn their old shoes during the Christmas season to prevent misfortunes in the coming year.
- To have good health throughout the next year, eat an apple on Christmas Eve.
- The gates of Heaven open at midnight on Christmas Eve. Those who die then go straight to Heaven (an Irish belief).
- Christmas candles should be left burning until Christmas morning and should rest undisturbed from time of lighting until they are snuffed.
- Singing Christmas carols at any time other than during the festive season is unlucky.
- The yule log should be lit by a piece of the log used on the previous Christmas. Once that is done, no evil spirit can then enter into the house. The remains of the Yule log were also considered lucky, and would be a protection against lightning or fire.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:
ARIES: Enjoy the harmony and happiness around you without guilt. This is a wonderful time. TAURUS: You'll be better able to enjoy your adventures once you fix something you're struggling with at home. GEMINI: If you want someone to love you, spend time with that person. CANCER: Do the work it takes to get yourself in a delicious mood. Your upbeat, magical energy is so attractive. LEO: First impressions are extremely important, and you will make one that counts. VIRGO: You accept people for who they are, and they become even more in attendance of your nurturing love. LIBRA: The details matter. The thought you put into your appearance will pay off, and you will be extremely well received. SCORPIO: Show your emotions, especially when you are thrilled to meet someone. SAGITTARIUS: You'll be energized by those who are willing to take chances just like you do. CAPRICORN: A friend's relationship advice is sound. Use it discreetly to improve your love life. AQUARIUS: Work to overcome your reluctance to express your deepest feelings. PISCES: Dedicated and loyal, you'll attract kindred souls.
COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Capricorn and Sagittarius have many of the same ambitions, but they go about them in different ways. Capricorn is likely to get out the book and follow the instructions laid out by those who've been successful. Sagittarius jumps right into the adventure and accepts help along the way. This weekend, they'll meld their styles of operation and gain great respect and affection for each other along the way.
Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila
Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruitsss. Pick the frickin' fruit off the floor. Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.
Cherry Mistmas !
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Phone call from Hell...
George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell. While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for. The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth. Putin asks to call Russia and talks for 5 minutes. When he was finished the devil informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a check.
Next Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a check. Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call the USA anytime.
When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Bush got to call the USA free. The devil replied, "Since Obama became president of the USA , the country has gone to hell, so it's a local call."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Former Revere man earns Bronze Star
Saved fellow soldiers during first firefight
Boston Globe - December 11, 2009
Army Specialist Marc Silvestri was pinned behind a bush in the mountains of Afghanistan, about 2 miles from the Pakistani border. Dozens of Taliban insurgents fired at him from three sides.
“I looked down and saw my foot exposed,’’ the Revere native said in a recent interview. “As I pulled it in, a round immediately cracked off the rock.
“At that point I thought, ‘I could die right now.’ It brought back thoughts of my daughter, my family.’’
In his first firefight, Silvestri sprang into action on that August morning last year, killing three attackers and saving 31 fellow soldiers in an act of bravery that would later earn him the Bronze Star with Valor.
“I said, ‘You know what, you can either die sitting here behind a bush, or you can try to make it out of here,’ ’’ said Silvestri, 31. “No matter what, I was fighting.’’
As Silvestri had done when he set numerous rushing records on Revere High School’s football field 12 years ago, he used his speed and elusiveness on the battlefield.
His squad leader, Staff Sergeant Steven Ellsberry of Ohio, who nominated Silvestri for the Bronze Star, confirmed the account of what happened that day.
Sly, as he is known to buddies in the Army, dodged enemy fire and ran 80 yards down a hillside to his platoon leader, who was trapped in the open.
“As I got there, I positioned myself in front of him and said, ‘Sir, get behind the rock,’ ’’ Silvestri said. “I was in the open at that point. Then the guys that were firing popped up, and I sprayed them and actually got both.’’
Silvestri and the lieutenant then huddled behind a rock and radioed back to base, he said.
About an hour later, Silvestri’s group seemed safe, but 15 Afghan National Army soldiers and their two Marine Corps advisers were still trapped up the mountain, awaiting air support.
“The Marine was at the top saying, ‘We can’t pull out; we’re pinned down,’ ’’ Silvestri said. “So I got up and ran about 100 meters up the hill.’’
Silvestri said he positioned himself directly under the final insurgent.
“He leaned out to fire, and I took a step out, looked up, and shot and killed him,’’ he said.
The collection of 32 US and Afghan troops then sprinted back to base, uninjured after a three-hour fight.
“If it wasn’t for Sly, some of the guys would have gotten seriously wounded or killed,’’ said Ellsberry.
“He saved some soldiers’ lives. There is no other way around it.’’
About two months later, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded next to Silvestri while he slept, leaving him with a concussion and shrapnel in his legs. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
In April, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the eighth-highest medal in the Army.
In the past eight years, 1,179 soldiers serving in Afghanistan have received the medal, said Wayne Hall, Army spokesman.
“There are lots of heroic acts performed by our soldiers over there, but only a select few of them warrant a Bronze Star’’ with Valor, Hall said. “It’s not easy to earn.’’
Silvestri was raised in Revere and attended American International College in Springfield, where he played football. He now lives with his wife, Nicole, and 6-year-old daughter Sienna at Fort Knox, Ky.
The family is expecting another daughter in March and his second deployment late next year.
Silvestri is humble about his accolades.
“When he came home, he wasn’t very talkative about it,’’ said his mother, Sharon. “He told us, ‘I was just doing my job.’ ’’
Boston Globe - December 11, 2009
Army Specialist Marc Silvestri was pinned behind a bush in the mountains of Afghanistan, about 2 miles from the Pakistani border. Dozens of Taliban insurgents fired at him from three sides.
“I looked down and saw my foot exposed,’’ the Revere native said in a recent interview. “As I pulled it in, a round immediately cracked off the rock.
“At that point I thought, ‘I could die right now.’ It brought back thoughts of my daughter, my family.’’
In his first firefight, Silvestri sprang into action on that August morning last year, killing three attackers and saving 31 fellow soldiers in an act of bravery that would later earn him the Bronze Star with Valor.
“I said, ‘You know what, you can either die sitting here behind a bush, or you can try to make it out of here,’ ’’ said Silvestri, 31. “No matter what, I was fighting.’’
As Silvestri had done when he set numerous rushing records on Revere High School’s football field 12 years ago, he used his speed and elusiveness on the battlefield.
His squad leader, Staff Sergeant Steven Ellsberry of Ohio, who nominated Silvestri for the Bronze Star, confirmed the account of what happened that day.
Sly, as he is known to buddies in the Army, dodged enemy fire and ran 80 yards down a hillside to his platoon leader, who was trapped in the open.
“As I got there, I positioned myself in front of him and said, ‘Sir, get behind the rock,’ ’’ Silvestri said. “I was in the open at that point. Then the guys that were firing popped up, and I sprayed them and actually got both.’’
Silvestri and the lieutenant then huddled behind a rock and radioed back to base, he said.
About an hour later, Silvestri’s group seemed safe, but 15 Afghan National Army soldiers and their two Marine Corps advisers were still trapped up the mountain, awaiting air support.
“The Marine was at the top saying, ‘We can’t pull out; we’re pinned down,’ ’’ Silvestri said. “So I got up and ran about 100 meters up the hill.’’
Silvestri said he positioned himself directly under the final insurgent.
“He leaned out to fire, and I took a step out, looked up, and shot and killed him,’’ he said.
The collection of 32 US and Afghan troops then sprinted back to base, uninjured after a three-hour fight.
“If it wasn’t for Sly, some of the guys would have gotten seriously wounded or killed,’’ said Ellsberry.
“He saved some soldiers’ lives. There is no other way around it.’’
About two months later, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded next to Silvestri while he slept, leaving him with a concussion and shrapnel in his legs. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
In April, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the eighth-highest medal in the Army.
In the past eight years, 1,179 soldiers serving in Afghanistan have received the medal, said Wayne Hall, Army spokesman.
“There are lots of heroic acts performed by our soldiers over there, but only a select few of them warrant a Bronze Star’’ with Valor, Hall said. “It’s not easy to earn.’’
Silvestri was raised in Revere and attended American International College in Springfield, where he played football. He now lives with his wife, Nicole, and 6-year-old daughter Sienna at Fort Knox, Ky.
The family is expecting another daughter in March and his second deployment late next year.
Silvestri is humble about his accolades.
“When he came home, he wasn’t very talkative about it,’’ said his mother, Sharon. “He told us, ‘I was just doing my job.’ ’’
Opening line @ the bar...
Having already downed a few power drinks, she turned around, faced him, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Listen here good looking, I screw anybody, any time, anywhere, your place, my place, in the car, front door, back door, on the ground, standing up, sitting down, naked or with clothes on, dirty, clean . . . it doesn't matter to me. I've been doing it ever since I got out of college and I just love it."Eyes now wide with interest, he responded,
"No kidding. I'm a lawyer too. What firm are you with?"
Friday, December 11, 2009
WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:
ARIES: Just because you love someone doesn't mean you always agree with that person. Challenge the opinions you don't share. TAURUS: Your ambition is an attractive quality to highlight this weekend. GEMINI: You'll have the perfect opportunity to broaden your knowledge of someone and get inside his or her thought process. CANCER: A gracious competitor is nonetheless a competitor. Know who you're up against. LEO: You may require extra care at times, but now is your chance to show that you're basically tough and low maintenance. VIRGO: Your impulses are delightful. Follow through. LIBRA: Once you make a decision that affects your love life, stick with it. Otherwise, you'll be seen as flighty and unreliable. SCORPIO: You have a heart of gold. Remember this, and let it guide you in all of your dealings. SAGITTARIUS: Celebrate the success of a loved one, no matter how big or small the achievement may be. CAPRICORN: Steer clear of limiting and/or controlling influences. Your ideal partner prefers that you do what you love. AQUARIUS: You've had bad experiences in the past, but you're not doomed to repeat them. Stay hopeful. PISCES: Keep up on current events and you'll be chosen as a conversational partner by someone fun.
COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Sagittarius and Aquarius form a high-energy couple and challenge each other toward lofty aims. Aquarius is not an overly competitive sign, but with Sagittarius encouraging Aquarius to explore and achieve, Aquarius becomes driven to impress. As the sign of the future, Aquarius is extremely interesting and enticing to Sagittarius, who never tires of observing and playing with Aquarius.
Once again...
“Best Decorated House” contest due to my bad attitude!
"Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever.Great stories. But two things made me take it down.
First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked their vehicle when they drove by.
Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
When visiting Bawstin...
Information on Boston and the surrounding area:
There's no school on School Street, no court on Court Street, no dock on Dock Square, no water on Water Street. Back Bay streets are in alphabetical "oddah": Arlington , Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, etc. So are South Boston streets: A, B, C, D, etc. If the streets are named after trees (e.g. Walnut, Chestnut, Cedar), you're on Beacon Hill. If they're named after poets, you're in Wellesley.
Massachusetts Avenue is Mass Ave; Commonwealth Avenue is Comm Ave;
South Boston is Southie.
The South End is the South End.
East Boston is Eastie.
The North End is east of the former West End.
The West End and Scollay Square are no more; a guy named Rappaport got rid of them one night.
Roxbury is The Burry.
Jamaica Plain is J.P.
**Say it wrong, and be shunned**
Worcester : Wuhsta (or Woostah)
Gloucester : Glawsta
Leicester Lesta
Woburn: Woobin
Dedham : Dead-um
Revere: Ra-vee-ah
Quincy: Quinzee
Tewksbury : Tooks berry
Leominster : Lemin-sta
Peabody: Pee-ba-dee
Waltham : Walth-ham
Chatham: Chaddum
Samoset: Sam-oh-set or Sum-aw-set but nevah Summerset!
Definitions:
Frappes have ice cream, milkshakes don't.
If it is fizzy and flavored, it's tonic.
Soda is CLUB SODA.
"Pop" is DAD.
When we want Tonic WATER, we will ask for TONIC WATER.
The smallest beer is a pint.
Scrod is whatever they tell you it is, usually fish;
If you paid more than $7/pound, you got scrod.
It's not a water fountain; it's a bubblah.
It's not a trashcan; it's a barrel.
It's not a spucky, a hero or grinder,... it's a sub.
It's not a shopping cart; it's a carriage.
It's not a purse; it's a pockabook.
They're not franks; they're haht dahgs; Franks are money in Switzahland.
Police don't drive patrol units or black and whites they drive a "crooza".
If you take the bus, your on the "looza crooza".
It's not a rubber band, it's an elastic.
It's not a traffic circle or roundabout, it's a rotary.
"Going to the islands" means Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket.
The C's = The Celtics
The B's = The Bruins
The Pat's =The Patriots
Things not to do:
Don't pahk your cah in Hahvid Yahd .. they'll tow it to Meffa (Medford ) or Summahville (Somerville) .
Don't sleep on the Common. (Boston Common)
Don't wear Orange in Southie on St. Patrick's Day.
Things you should know:
There are two State Houses, two City Halls, two courthouses, two Hancock buildings (one old, one new for each).
The colored lights on top the old Hancock building tell the weatha':
"Flashing blue, clouds due...."
"Solid red, rain ahead...."
"Flashing red, snow instead...." - except in summer;
flashing red means the Red Sox game was rained out!
Most people live here all their life and still don't know what the hell is going on with this one.
Route 128 South is I-95 south. It's also I-93 north.
The underground train is not a subway. It's the "T", and it doesn't run all night (fah chrysakes, this ain't Noo Yawk).
Order the "cold tea" in China Town after 2:00 am you'll get a kettle full of beer.
Bostonians...think that it's their God-given right to cut off someone in traffic.
Bostonians...think that there are only 25 letters in the alphabet (no R's)except in "idea".
Bostonians...think that three straight days of 90+ temperatures is a heat wave.
Bostonians...refer to six inches of snow as a "dusting."
Bostonians...always "bang a left" as soon as the light turns green, and oncoming traffic always expects it.
Bostonians...believe that using your turn signal is a sign of weakness.
Bostonians...think that 63-degree ocean water is warm.
Bostonians...think Rhode Island accents are annoying.
Redneck...
Lawn Mower
Bass Boat
Harley
Pet Carrier
Gingerbread House
Doorbell
and you know you're a redneck when your wife is quoted in the paper as saying the following:
Bass Boat
Harley
Pet Carrier
Gingerbread House
Doorbell
and you know you're a redneck when your wife is quoted in the paper as saying the following:
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About Me
- Linda
- Beachmont, East Coast, United States
- Send anything you'd like posted, message, pics, etc., to KahluaVod@aol.com and I'll get it on here as soon as possible.
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