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Girls Who Read

Yoga & Legging Season

John & Yoko

Interviewer: Why can’t you be alone without Yoko?

John Lennon: But I can be alone without Yoko, but I just have no wish to be. There’s no reason on earth why I should be alone without Yoko. There’s nothing more important than our relationship, nothing. And we dig being together all the time. Both of us could survive apart but what for? I’m not going to sacrifice love, real love for any whore or any friend or any business, because in the end you’re alone at night and neither of us want to be. And you can’t fill a bed with groupies. It doesn’t work. I don’t want to be a swinger. I’ve been through it all and nothing works better than to have someone you love hold you.

Miley's Backside

I'm still trying to figure out what this is? Obscene and vulgarity aside this is not sexy at all. Worst bikini attempt I've ever seen. Does not work at all. Lady Gaga ass has more going for it than this. 

Sharks need hugs too!

Post by Redneck Hangout.

Mayflower Returning Home

Here are some awesome pictures of the Mayflower II returning home to Plymouth after having repairs done. These amazing photo's were taken by K4T Photography also from Plymouth.

Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, Massachusett's

Visited Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, Massachusetts this past weekend and thought I'd share some photo's. 

View of Fort Phoenix from New Bedford/Fairhaven Hurricane barrier.

 

6-pound "John Paul Jones" Cannon

This Fort was originally built in 1775-77 to defend New Bedford harbor. When complete it was armed with eleven 6-pound artillery cannons, one of which remains here today, which John Paul Jones had captured in the Bahamas.The fort was captured and destroyed by the British in 1778. Was renamed "Fort Phoenix' when rebuilt in honor of the mythical creature that also rose from the ashes.

1812 era 4-pound artillery pieces on permanent loan from New Bedford Whaling Museum.

The fort again saw action during the War of 1812 when it helped repel a land of British troops from HMS Nimrod in June of 1814.

The fort was manned during the Civil War and was equipped with eight 24-pound cannon, which 5 remain today. The Fort was inactivated in 1876 and fell into disuse. Scavengers even used the artillery carriages for firewood but they left the cannon. Was later purchased and donated to the town of Fairhaven to be used as a public park. Was list in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

 Photograph's by Robert Plumer

Other interesting links. 

• Fort Phoenix Blog
• Fort Phoenix State Reservation
• New Bedford Whaling Museum
• New Bedford/Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier
• Fairhaven Historical Society

Mayflower II enters the Cape Cod Canal

The Mayflower II as it passes through the Cape Cod Canal today headed towards Plymouth. Photo courtesy of Melissa Cushing Beresford 

The Mayflower II passes through the Cape Cod Canal today after receiving repairs in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. It's now on its journey back home to Plymouth. Massachusetts.

The Wreck of the Whaleship Essex by Owen Chase, First Mate

 

This accounting of the sinking whale ship Essex in 1820 in the Pacific. This book is the first hand account of First Mate Owen Chases experience. Twenty crew members were left stranded on three boats after a sperm whale sunk their ship. They then fought the sun, storms, starvation, dehydration until the few survivors that remained were rescued. The accounting was the inspiration for the Herman Melville's classic novel "Moby Dick".

 It's interesting read for those who have  a passion for maritime lore and New England history. It also touches upon the whaling history in Nantucket and a little bit of New Bedford, Massachusetts where this industry reigned. Details are also given of whaling in general in that time period. I did enjoy reading it and highly recommend it.

Bibliophile

Audible: Who I Am by Pete Townshend

Recently I decided to try and give Audible.com a try with a free trial. I was enticed by an ad for Pete Townshend's autobiography "Who I Am" I've been wanting to read this for awhile as I'm a long time fan of the the rock band "The Who" and his solo work. I've been skeptical about audio books in general as it seems like a cheating way to read a book. With Pete himself narrating it seemed justifiable. I find Pete Townshend  to be one of those people I enjoy hearing him talk as he seems to have an interesting way of telling a story or an idea.

I learned a great deal about Pete himself. How he grew up and unusual childhood. His parents struggles and his own battles(I don't want to spoil too much, you'll have read or listen yourself). Learned about his own marriage (never knew he was) and children. Struggles, triumphs  and tragedy's surrounding "The Who", solo career and personal addictions. Losing two band mate's Keith Moon and John Entwistle. I won't give too much away. It's worth listening to if your a fan of this rock legend  and  The Who. 

I enjoyed the audiobook in general. I used it primarily in my car hooked up to my iPhone using the Audible App. I listened to in my travels to work and such. It's worth a try if your on the fence. 

Flintlock & Tomahawk - New England in King Phillip's War

Lately I've been reading Flintlock & Tomahawk by Douglas Edward Leach. It's the third book recently I've read about the King Phillip War in New England in 1675-77. As a native New Englander I knew little of this early conflict in early colonial American history. History books in school seem to go from Pilgrims on one chapter and Redcoats marching to Lexington and Concord in the next.

 One thing that amazes me is the level of violence and brutality in this war. Many colonists that were victims were found scalped or beheaded to intimidate those that found them. The colonists were far from not having innocent themselves. When King Phillip himself was tracked down and killed he was beheaded and quartered after his death(as if that wasn't bad enough). One of those who were involved in his death was rewarded with his hand as a souvenir of sorts. Such the hatred on booth sides women and children were not spared in the pitch of battle. Native Americans who were captured could often expect death or be sold into slavery.

The other books I recommend on this subject are Until I Have No Country by Michael Tougias and King Phillip's War: History and Legacy of America's Forgotten War By Eric B. Shultz and Michael Tougias.    

Looking Through The Past

Over the last few months I’ve taken on a personal project of scanning old family photo and working on the family tree. These two projects seem to n go hand in hand though they are separate tasks. The actually scanning of photo’s can be tedious but has been rewarding too. I have the unique access to photo’s from my mother’s childhood and grandparents generation. They range from old school portraits to everyday life around the house.

Christmas photo mid 1950’s, my mother is on the right.

I’ve also started a family tree at Ancestry.com and using their companion Family Tree Maker software. Both are simple to use. I’m really at the beginning stages of genealogy research. So far I haven’t found any royalty that I’m related to since it seems everyone else seems to claim they are or at least reincarnated from someone famous. Although it may be interesting but it’s not why I’m doing it. It sort of feeds on itself as the more you find out the more s=questions that come up. Interesting to see how people are related. Where  & when you ancestors arrived here (unless your Native American we’re all immigrants) is always cool.

Here are some interesting item’s I found:

-Related to founding member, Francis Plumer, of Newbury(later to become Newburyport), Massachusetts in 1630. Name on monument here.

-On my Mother’s side are from both Canada and Ireland in late 1800’s.

These are just a couple items. I’ll share more as time goes by. .

Bucket List Concert : Eagles

At long last seeing the Eagles in concert at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts on a hot steamy summer night. Never thought get to see them as they are one concert that has always been on my bucket so to speak.  Program $20 and beers are around $10 a cup. Waiting for the warm up band to finish. Soon I'll be able to cross them off the list

Yes I'm an iPhone addict

I've been told I need one of these. 

The Joy of Books

George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior

This book has two parts. The first part is the rules of civility and decent behavior. Which are interesting and most are still relevant in today's world. These weren't actually written by the first president but were the guidelines he was taught when he was younger. You can see how it influenced him when he grew up.

The second half is more his writings as General and his Presidency. This is where the book bogs down unfortunately. I found his style of writing and speaking is very difficult to get through. I wished for a cliff notes version of his. Felt I had to plow through forcefully and many ideas and concepts were hard to understand and follow. Unlike Abraham Lincoln’s writings which are easier to follow and grasp. Read this for the first half but unless your George Washington/history scholar you could skip the last half.

Thoughts on Fifty Shades Darker so far

Although I passed through the first of this series fairly quickly this one has been like a trench battle in comparison. I'm still only about halfway through. As the title implies this one is dealing more with the darker side of Christian Grey and his past. 

Big theme involves Christian and Ana dealing with Christian's past relationships. I'm sure many of us can relate when we're in a new relationship and we may need to deal with past relationships , good and bad, of our partners. In Christian case we're dealing with "Mrs. Robinson" as Ana coldly calls her and Leila, a former submissive, goes off the deep end and is stalking Ana and is deeply jealous of her relationship with Christian. 

I think many of us when we're in relationships have to deal with past relations of our partners for better or worse. Some of them may be jealous or disapprove of you and you of them. We have to deal with the fact out partners had a past that made up who they are. l know I can relate in that manner too. Sometimes you just have to roll with it and trust them. 

Wicked Town Names : Foxborough

Foxborough is where live currently and have lived off and on since a teenager(early 80’s, yes that dates me).  The abbreviated spelling “Foxboro” is a popular alternate spelling and acceptable most of the time. I also graduated high school there too. It’s most famously known as home of NFL’s New England Patriots. It’s a town of roughly 17,000 located midway Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.

I find it interesting where towns or cities get their names and Foxboro is no different. Foxboro was incorporated in the midst of the American Revolution 1778. The community had been trying since the 1760’s to incorporate to save travel to town meetings and worship.

Charles James Fox by Karl Anton Hickel

The town was incorporated before it had a name. About that time a Whig member of Parliament, Charles James Fox, was a vocal supporter of the American colonies up the revolution. Apparently he was making headlines the time.

They didn’t poke the bear

I shut the TV off as soon as the clock ran out. I honestly wasn’t going to watch another team hoist the Stanley Cup on home ice. Just too bitter to swallow just yet. Nothing personal against the Chicago Blackhawks which proved to have the edge in the closely contested series. In that lies what happened the 2013 Bruins, they weren’t poked.

 

Bruin’s do their best when they have an emotional stake involved or some kind of villain to focus on. With Pittsburgh we wanted to see Sidney Crosby and his pout pummeled by Chara.

 

Even NY Rangers had the evil coach Tortorella with his brutal commentary and tactics at times. Course now he appears to be Vancouver’s problem now.

 

Of course I’m sure , though unconfirmed, the thoughts of Phil Kessel triumphing over Boston spurred the incredible game seven comeback for the ages.

 

Let’s look at 2011 Stanley Cup run too.

First we face the dreaded Montreal Canadiens which is perhaps the fiercest rivalry the Bruins have. Hating the Habs is part of the ritual of becoming a Bruins fan. Like Red Sox Vs. Yankees, Lakers vs. Celtics and Patriots vs. Jets. The hate is just naturally there. 

 

Next was the sweep of the Broad Street Bullies in 4 games for payback for the embarrassment of 2010 debacle. Which we took full advantage of their revolving goalie issue.

 

Who could forget Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher’s evil scar and mind game like news conferences.

 

When we finally got to the finals with Vancouver they were something of an unknown. but by the end of the series probably everyone including the Vancouver Zamboni drivers were hated. Between bitten fingers, staying in paint, inflating tire, Green Men and so on. Plenty of drama and most of all ….hate.

How the loss was taken by Vancouver fans. Still waiting for the riots in Boston. Must be still in planning stages or everyone's busy watching New England Patriot  Aaron Hernandez updates.

Chicago Blackhawks

I kept waiting for the hate to come for Chicago. Heck I actually like city though I’ve never been there. Always respected there teams The cities themselves are similar in their tough character. The hate never materialized really in the fan base or on the ice. Though I thought when Bruins were up 2-1 I thought we were in the drivers seat. Unfortunately the B’s let off the gas and let Chicago back in the driver seat.

How can you hate a city that has this?

Whether it was part of there strategy the Blackhawks never really poked the bear. I can’t even name a player I dislike on their team. They played tough solid respectable hockey. Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the Cup.

Boston Bruin’s

Unfortunately Patrice Bergeron’s gutsy playing while injured in game six wasn’t enough. He exemplifies the Bruin’s spirit and work ethic. Along with the play of Tuukka Rask, Gregory Campbell, Zdeno Chara but it wasn’t enough. No goals from Jagr (0 goals 10 assists)and the disappearance of Tyler Seguin(1 goal 7 assists) at times. Where was the “Little ball of Hate” Brad Marchand this series or the playoffs for that matter? He seemed a shadow of his pesky self compared to 2011.

Enough of the griping. Thanks to the Boston Bruins for a wonderful spirited run to help the city of Boston during a tough year with all the drama and tragedy of the Boston Marathon. The team still is a proud representation of of a tough and resilient city and region. The team is still young and will for sure still be very competitive in the near future. Looking forward to training camp in the fall already. Now I must suffer through intolerable Red Sox and Patriots sports coverage, oh well.  As always ,

Go Bruin’s!

Marshfield by Cynthia Hagar Krusell & John J. Galluzzo

 

I spent a sizable chunk of my childhood in Marshfield on the South Shore of Massachusetts so naturally this book interested me. For those that don’t know, Marshfield is a mid point between the big city of Boston and Cape Cod along the coast. It has it’s share of rolling hillside and balanced with sandy seashore. Summer was marked when my mother got her beach sticker and along with my brother and sister we’d spend many days down at Rexhame beach. When I got older I’d hop on my bike early mornings to Humarock(Ok it’s actually Scituate) watch the early morning sunrise over the ocean. The highlight of summer of course was the annual Marshfield Fair with the fireworks that we could hear from our house if we weren’t there. I missed it and friends I had grown up with when we moved away. I even went to school that was nick named “The Alamo” and If you saw it you’d understand.

The book gives a  pictorial account of the early history of the town. The different villages are described in vintage photos. Most of the photos concentrated around the pioneer days of photography, late 1800’s to 1900’s. I would love to see more during the later half of the 20th century when my mother grew up there and later I did. As I read the book it made me wish I had a road map too the town for refresh my aging memory. It’s a cool book for those that have known or lived (or still do)in Marshfield at one time or another. It makes a handy reference or something cure your fix for nostalgia.

Aloha To Those Who Served U.S. Navy 1941-1945

I came across this pamphlet amongst family old family photo’s. This must have belonged to my Grandfather who was a US Navy Seabee during World War 2. I do know he was stationed in Hawaii during that time. I just thought this would be interesting to history buffs,like myself, to share this.