CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

All this highbrow critique from a fella who misspelled "newspaper" in the third paragraph.

Agreed with Smitty's and Ben & Bills as the best in Falmouth. Just over the line in Cataumet, Somerset Creamery boasts flavor and creaminess that's hard to beat.

Ray Jack is also the Director of the Falmouth DPW, adding another strong Cape voice to this impressive group.

Great local food, great local owners. This place is fantastic. Good luck, guys.

The lowest form of humanity, preying on those trying to get better. Lock him up and I don't care where you put the key.

$2.34 today on Sandwich Street in Downtown Plymouth.

Tom -
great to see you in the blogosphere. That's fantastic technology. I'll be in touch! Thanks for taking the time to talk about the good things you do that can benefit others immeasurably.

Solon, we didn't solve anything. We had 150 people interested enough in what's going on outside of Dancing With the Stars to participate in a discussion about the world around them. A solution? No. An accomplishment? Yes. Isn't that enough?

Karent - I'm not sure if you are expressing apathy, intellectual malaise, desperate sarcasm, or just plain meanness, but nonetheless, there are people who look forward to intelligent discourse. You should try it sometime.

If you think his photos are nice, try his eggs benedict!

I prefer banana cream...

Some great comments, although the anger unloaded by Ned is just the kind of reaction we are trying to avoid - too often on subjects like this, we get lost in our passion and emotion and forget that the opposing views are home to people just as passionate (and intelligent). Possee, some great suggestions. I encourage you to come and offer your thoughts! Keep in mind, this is a debate about the War in Iraq, not the the Bush Presidency.

Nice thoughts, Esther. I agree. This development in the life of Senator Kennedy has given me the opportunity to reflect - not on the politics, but on the man. I invite you to share in my best wishes for "Senator Phoenix" and his family: http://www.wickedlocal.com/falmouth/news/lifestyle/columnists/x501224704/Troys-Take-Cape-s-thoughts-prayers-with-Kennedy

I'll get this out of the way so no one else has to experience the shame of offering a tired cliche of a quip - Welcome Jonelle, say hello to Uncle Newt.

Yes, indeed, I had a typo, Brent corrected me, I corrected the typo, and now we're correct and happy. Now for the important stuff....where shall I go for breakfast on Paul? I know a great place in Waquoit....

Paul - you're on for the breakfast, my choice of venue. As I said, it will be all about turnout. Tune into this space Tuesday night for results!

I know a man who was in the hospital because his blood alcohol level was dangerously high - near toxic - and he was told by a doctor to leave because they needed the bed for "sick" people. Until the medical community comes fully into the fold by realizing the debilitating physical ramifications of this disease, the meaningful changes you speak of Sam, will be elusive. Nice work.

Having been there, I must say I was struck by the passion, cameraderie, and, most important, civility by these folks. I attended to observe as a casual dissenter of the peace movement, but continue to be struck by the conviction and heartfelt sense of purpose. I look forward to the debate!

Hamalcar - If you want folks to see you, why not just have them watch Christopher Lloyd in "Back to the Future?" As your friend for many years, I can humbly suggest that image would keep them guessing and keep them focused on your rants, er, thoughts.

Let's see....low taxes (try to get $2,500 per year in New York), curbside trash and recycling, water, sewer in some parts, outstanding recreation facilities, roads that don't collapse below you, and a direct connection to the way the money is spent. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! (I of course reserve my right to criticize and pontificate when necessary.)I'm sure the midwest does just fine, but the "citizen spender" model is borne of the "citizen soldier" created back in the days of Lexington and Concord. Suits me fine.

More like a new Weurl-d order!

The regionalization of fire protection, municipal assessing, human services, or pick your function, could operate (financially speaking) like the CC Commission, that is, towns pay according to their population. So, smaller towns would not be forced with large bills to support the bigger towns on the mid and upper Cape. Each community could still be equally served, but the administrative and capital savings would be substantial and there are certainly other pressing needs!

My point is that each community has a similar boat and may not need it - no matter whether it's "free," (fed or state $$ is still tax dollars) the fifedoms that exist on Cape Cod for all communities to have the requisite number of boats, ladder trucks, and mobile command centers, flies in the face of logic. Do Falmouth, Mashpee, Bourne and Sandwich all need ladder trucks? Does Barnstable need FIVE Fire Chiefs? Tron's example is extreme solely to make a point. It does - for the insular way we operate our village-centric governments here. I know, I was and am part of that philosophy. Here's to continuing the healthy debate - it's the only way we'll make changes.

The Enterprise and fair....never the twain shall meet...

Each Town having a boat like that cries out for regionalization...

Perhaps a Representative Town Meeting is worth a healthy review?

Love 'em or hate 'em, this apparent mission change was promised years ago and never happened. Props to Paul for coming through and having the sense and gut for good government to even suggest it. Let's give them a chance and see if they indeed morph into the technical assistance agency they promised (at least to me) to be.

Capemom -
people are not required to sit until 11, they ask to do it and, in Falmouth, are elected to the post. What makes our local governments different from those in Ohio or Nevada are what makes them great - the connection to the average citizen has not been lost, and with that, there is still hope.

Actually, an old custom says that a bird pooping on you is good luck...so open your eyes, Bree and wait for the good news to descend on you.

Hamalcar-
I suspect the voters will approve the project, because a half-done High School benefits no one and the citizens of Falmouth know that. The real story here is how two chief elected officials can posess so much contempt for the voters that hired them.

Nice work, gentlemen. One small step for Peter and Walter, one giant step for CC Today....

"hillary, experienced, but doesn't have the 'veneer.' " IFAW, please, describe for me just what experience qualifies Hilary to be POTUS other than limited time as a Sentator, much like Obama. Her citing her "experience" because she is married to a former POTUS and Governor is about as sexist as it gets. Let's face it - most voters vote on how candidates make them feel - and Hilary makes people feel uncomfortable. You can analyze the origins to death, but that's the end game. She suffers from unlikeability. Barack makes people feel good. So did JFK. So did Reagan. Then they surrounded themselves with good people to help shape their vision and helped changed the world. It really is possible.

Thanks, Jeff.

Nearly eight years later and yet we whine...As Belichick would say, "It is what it is." Al Gore's loss is the responsibility of Al Gore. Period. Besides, can anyone out there really say (or type) with a straight face that you would have felt better with Al Gore standing on that pile of rubbgle in NYC after 9-11. This refrain is as tired as your griping about the election, I know, but who among us is not thankful that W. was the man on that day?

One year for my daughter's birthday, my Mother-in-law, sister and I all dressed up like clowns. Bad idea. She still talks about it more than 10 years later. Anyone who has seen Pennywise from Steven King's "IT" knows what I'm talking about.

Just out of college, I worked for the 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis and was in on the ground floor of the community relations program - I've still got arrow marks in my front, back and head from Joel's arrows. He was, though, and extraordinary man who loved his daughter and wanted to make the world a better place for her. His delivery was, at times, a bit over the top - but he also had a wonderful sense of humor and could laugh at the craziness of it all, including himself. My buddy Doug (who still works out there) and I chat of him once in a while and both break into a broad smile. For all his rants, Joel left this world a better place than he found it.

I think there will always be room for both print and online news outlets. Technology gives us up to the minute news that the papers just can't - a valuable tool in today's world, but you can't take your desktop into the bathroom....

Ray - Good thoughts. Human services are absolutely a candidate for regionalization. Falmouth had the first ever Human Services department on the Cape and has been providing grants and services for over 20 years - Mashpee became an offshoot and now has its own. Imagine what could be accomplished if the whole Cape collaborated! The County has the infrastructure in place and would clearly be the way to go in terms of leadership and, for that matter, simple geography. Other funcitons could follow this successful lead. Let's keep the discussion going!

Enjoy the show. This self-prmoting chameleon said "I think the danger right now is that without effective inspections, without effective monitoring, Iraq can in a very short period of time measured in months, reconstitute chemical and biological weapons, long-range ballistic missiles to deliver these weapons, and even certain aspects of their developing of nuclear weapons. program," then changed his tune and became an outspoken critic of Bush and the war after he figured out he could make alot more money as a talk show host than working for Uncle Sam. He belongs with Jimmy Tingle, because most of what he says is laughable.

This is, by no means, a ruse of a democracty. The very fact that Obama, a few short years ago an obscure State Senator, is a legitimate candidate to be the President of the United States is testament to both the health and vibrancy of our democratic experiment of a nation. I am not an Obama fan myself, dianna, but marvel at his Reaganesque ability to make people feel good about being Americans. It is a very real and tangible gift that could help propel our nation out of its current hateful malaise.

Peter, I can't resist. Do you still cling to your refrain that Yarmouth is the best run town on Cape Cod? No Falmouth High School jokes, please.

Great coverage. Usually we only hear when disaster strikes. It's nice to hear about those working hard to avert doomsday!

Political entities in the Commonwealth (and the County is one) have very specific rules to which they must adhere for disposing of any public property with a value of more than $5,000.

Ray - good topic, good thoughts. I recently opined about this very subject,

http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/
Falmouth/2008/01/06/give_me_your_tired_your_poor_and_the_dam

**link has been separated to maintain proper site width, reassemble the link to view.**

and can tell you that until the representatives who live near or represent urban areas get serious about the plight of Cape towns who have high property values but low median incomes, we will continue to struggle here while those fat cat pols decide how to spend the windfall in state aid. The GOP proposal is a much-needed zap of life support for the Cape. Tell your rep to support it!

Yes, indeed I voted while on the Board of Selectmen to put this issue on the ballot (after actively supporting building a new High School), much as I did with the Town Hall and Public Library renovations, as well as the renovations to the Lawrence, Morse Pond, and Mullen Hall Schools. So, what of it? Those projects went well, this one has not, and now someone has to ask the questions that those in postions of authority refuse to ask.

The contempt for Romney is getting tiresome. What of Clinton's (Hilary and her husband actually) contempt for the military? The fact is, today's military is volunteer and a professional career choice. My cousin and brother-in-law both made that choice and they came from fairly comfortable, well-educated backgrounds. Both have served proudly in Iraq. They also recognize that they serve so others don't have to, that they chose the high honor and solemn responsibility of protecting those who serve, from the burger flippers to those who would be President. Anyway, after yesterday, Romney is on the ropes anyway. Stop whining.

The Dems are really battling for the delegates here, I saw RFK, Jr. in a commercial last night for Hillary. I'd love to be a fly on the wall at the superbowl party with him, Unlce Ted, cousin Caroline, and cousin Aaahold....

This proposal is a winner, but don't think for a minute that this ends the "cranberry war." The sides are bruised, scarred and angry from years of nastiness, especially from the anti-cranberry side. The thing to do now is to support this proposal enthusiastically and hope for healing - hope for some of the venom to subside. That alone will be progress.

Props to you, Libby. The thespian in me is bursting with good wishes for you.

Thong, I know that sarcasm can be a great tool to raise awareness and stimulate debate, as I do it myself in my writings, but to trample on two poor souls who lost their lives just hours ago to make a political statement is tasteless and devoid of humanity.

Left the Olympics better off -
Left Massachusetts better off -
Guys, turn the blinders off -

Good to know, so we don't think there is a Subaru and Volvo convention at any of these locales...

Try it next time your'e in town, Monpo. I've had pizza just about everywhere on the Upper Cape, and this was one of the best...

The B4 and Casino are now both condo complexes, although the Town was able to coax the Casino owner to keep a restaurant there. Jakes was recently torn down to make way for a Dunkin' Donuts. Like Chirstopher's Restaurant became a CVS, Grandma's in Buzzards Bay became a CVS, you get the picture. That's why this kind of remembering is so much fun. A buddy of mine tonight even reminded my of when the German POWs were cleaning Main Street in 1944!

Just took a short drive (less than a mile) around 9 - one that ususally takes about 2 minutes took 15 in near whiteout conditions. Best sledding in Falmouth: 1st hole at CC Country Club, N. Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth Heights ballfield.

The unit in Westfield is the 104th, and they have flown the A-10 "tank killers" for a while and will be converting to the air defense/air superiority mission with the Otis F-15s. Props to our pols (I don't say that alot) for working hard to keep a mission here. Welcome to the 102nd Intel Wing!

The bottom line is, though, that on the other side you have senators, one and two term, with no management experience whatever. No experience being a chief executive of anything. No time, publicly or privately, responsible for balancing a budget, hiring executives, and being accountable. Mitt or Rudy, either one has time-tested and solid experience. The most fervent, yellow-dog Dem can't argue against that!

Some great posts! Not being a fire inspector, I can't say if Paul's was arson, but the rumor back then was yes, and that it was a conflict between property owners...here are a few others I got via emial...You might be in Falmouth if...you remember an arcade in zip code 02536...you swam in the Gosnold Grove pool...you've eaten a warm donut from Dave's...you know that the best sledding is on the 1st hole at CC Country Club...you had a drink at the Cafe Amaro before it burned...you know where Friendly's used to be...keep 'em coming!!

I had the good fortune and honor to work for the 102nd early in my career. They leave the Cape as one of the most decorated and safe flying units in the entire nation. "Omnis Vir Tigris," guys. Nice work.

One can only hope that the spirit of Mr. Makepeace could drift over the bogs in Falmouth and inspire the bitter sides in the local cranberry debate to make peace with one another and allow the proud history of agriculture and cranberry growing to be restored to its rightful and important place in our local conscience...

Zenith to nadir, thanks. The method, I meant, was that they can hang together or surely hang separately.

UMass, methinks that your anger stemming from the UMASS football team not being able to beat anyone of consequence has clouded your judgement. Your mention of the '85 Bears actually makes the point perfectly for the current Pats. Today's NFL is designed specifically to avoid domination like that, and despite the salary cap and quest for parity by the league, the Pats have been able to attain a level of greatness unmatched in the NFL and perhaps all of sports. It is precicesly because the league is "watered down" as you say, that players are scattered all over so many teams, that being able to assemble so many good players (and just plain decent players that rise to the level of champs on a Belichick team) is such an accomplishment. Wipe those tears of resentment from your eyes and pay attention, 'cause this train may not stop here again.

What we need is a "Blue Ribbon Committee" to oversee the work of this task force - then I'm sure conclusions will be swift, efficient, and reasonable. Well, making committees to solve problems always works in Falmouth...

The issue, nanepash, is that their is not land all around the town. Most of the larger tracts have been developed, protected, or purchased by the Town. Many of the large tracts in the Eastern part of town, (Waquoit, E. Falmouth, Hatchville, Teaticket) have been developed through the 40B process. I recall one 40R a short time ago (another process to seek affordable development in a sort of "permitting partnership" with the town). The bottom line here is that a legitimate proposal has been made, and the village has once again shouted a collective NIMBY with no alternatives. Even the most vocal opponents have said that the one alternative is off the table pending the outcome of this issue. At some point, the village has to accept its role as a piece of the whole, a player on the team of Falmouth, and then we can make progress. Until then, we'll be tilting at windmills on the Woods Hole Golf Club...

Aaron: Deep breath, and count to ten. OK, feeling better? The true measure of success of any top executive in any organization is his ability to identify skilled and capable people in a variety of disciplines and get them to believe in his mission and jump on board with reckless abandon. That was Reagan's greatest attribute, and, to some degree, Clinton's as well. Do you think Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan knew anyting about the fine points of monetary policy and international economny? No, but they knew smart, capable, and engaging people and brought them in. That's the true sign of a good leader. And, by the way, read the book Portrait of a Dynasty. You'll see that Bush was actually pretty successful in business and it wasn't because of his Dad...

Tony: I enjoyed reading your research. Here's a little help on the villages as they have evolved in Falmouth, incorporated in 1686, not 1694: Ashumet Pond is not a village, but a part of Hatchville. Same with Chappy as part of W. Falmouth and also, Menauhant, Fresh Pond and Davisville in E. Falmouth (although Davisville has a rich and distinct history.) There is no village called the East End, although some of the old-timers refer to the whole eastern part of town as that. Nice work!

Peter, I know we're all a bit parochial and village-centric here on the Cape, so I'll toot Falmouth's horn by letting you know that we've had similar devices on our Recreation Building for a few years...

I've been to the Balsams in Dixville Notch where the first in the nation voting takes place. They may not typically ride the right horse in the race, but they have one heluva golf course and dining room!

Oh, the innocence of youth. Aaron, google Jim Jones and Guyana, anyone else want to help?

The Falmouth Democratic Town Committee...I heard much chatter in last night's Democratic debate about fairness and change. Let's see how many members of the local Dem Committee support real fairness and change and show up at Monday's Selectmen's meeting and support affordable housing in Woods Hole. Here's my guess - NONE. They support fairness and change as long as it doesn't interrupt their corner of the world, then they support change in YOUR neighborhood. Please, Falmouth DTC members, prove me wrong and show up.

I remember a drive-in here in Falmouth in the 70's and early 80's where Falmouth Lumber is now. Last film I remember there was Bad News Bears...

Hamalcar - Don't know wherefore Ingrid, but the Swan is now specializing in Indian Cuisine. Haven't tried it but have heard great things. As you know, John the chef is still on Cape - he was barking around Johnny's Capeside for a while but now is practicing his expertise for Rochies. Steve is still rushing around and helping with brother Allen's House of Flowers. Those wer great days, no?

Doug & Aaron: As you both know, the most effective political change starts here - locally - where we can make a difference. For the first time in over two decades, the Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Rep. seat (Eric) will be up for grabs in November. Many stalwart dems have already declined - this will be a real opportunity. Aaron, the way to neutralize those who you consider "low caliber" in politics is to effectively pursue your own agenda, and by reading your thoughts, you certainly have one! Rebuilding the GOP in MA starts right here, right now. Who reading this is willing to fight and run?

My kids went the other day, loved the movie (National Treasure), and enjoyed the food even more. The price, including the movie ticket, was about what they'd pay for a regular lunch out. Great addition to Falmouth! Sounds like a restaurant review in the making...

Monpo - hang out in Falmouth and I can introduce you to some of the ne'er-do-wells disguised as my friends in this post!

The Town of Bourne is facing a deficit for fiscal year '09 - that means more money from the pockets of Bournites from both sides of the canal. Additional tax revenue is sorely needed - this process has been lanquishing for years - build already and help pay for another cruiser south of the canal!

What this race needs is a folksy, down-to-earth Southerner with a quick wit and quicker mind to sweep us off our feet. Sorry, guys, Bill Clinton is not walking through that door. Fred, on the other hand...

Thanks, it was great. Trying to spread some good cheer to start off the year with this post. Feel free to share and add others you've encountered!

I was going to run and dunk, but couldn't find my suit. Anyway, nice job, Dr. Greg Parkinson, raising funds and awareness for the Cape Cod Center for Women.

Thanks, Monpo. Best to you and yours!

Leah:
Best of luck, and most of all, have fun! Lots going on in Bourne, as I'm sure you know. Something to ponder: don't leave Cataumet and Pocasset behind, as they tend to determine at the ballot box what happens town-wide.