A Massachusetts get to know you thread

[skippysmom]

Because we've all been complaining that this forum is boring, here are 10 random questions for you:

1. Where do you live?
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?
4. How long have you been a Masshole?
5. Will Romney run again in 2006?
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

My answers:
1. Hyannis, one of the seven villages of Barnstable, and according to rich Cape Codders, the source of all that is evil.
2. Pretty bad. We paid $205K in December 2002 for a small 2BR house that's nowhere near the ocean. Similar houses in our neighborhood are now fetching $240-250K a year and a half later. But I still get sticker shock when I see Boston prices.
3. Government bureaucrat (I coordinate a federal grant that's based at one of the state colleges.)
4. I'm from CT, and spent time in WI and upstate NY, and moved to MA a year and a half ago. I really like it here and would love to stay if the job situation allows it.
5. Probably, but I think he has higher aspirations.
6. I liked the Joe Kennedy suggestion someone put forth in another thread.
7. Probably not. Everyone I know in western Mass resents Boston, and everyone I know in Boston thinks western Mass is buffalo country.
8. Edwards. I knew Kerry would win but I wanted to see Edwards do well so he'll consider him for VP.
9. If they're going to win, this is the year. Next year you're looking at a changed team. Plus when you have Jesus playing CF, how can you lose?
10. Death and destruction everywhere. People who have been hanging on just to see the Sox win will finally die. And the riots will be insane.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. I'm a Massachusetts expatriate

I live in DC now for work, so I'll answer as best I can:

1. Where do you live? Used to live in Millbury, MA
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? they're going up for some ungodly reason. the town has turned into a dump.
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? political consultant
4. How long have you been a Masshole? I've been a Masshole for all 24 years of my life and will be til death!
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? Fuck no. On edit: He will, but i hope he doesn't
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? I'd like to see Meehan take the leap maybe. I don't want him getting any designs on the Senate seat that Kerry will be vacating though. That will hopefully go to Jim McGovern.
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? No, they're radically different.
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Gephardt, though I have no problems at all with Kerry. I just like Gep on a personal level.
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? HELL YEAH!
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? No, but Boston will be burned to the ground!

[welshTerrier2]

26. I asked McGovern To Run for Kerry's Seat

I don't think he's planning to do it although I have no reason to think he's ruled it out either ...

[paineinthearse]

53. I like Jim

He sent me a holiday card, even though I live in the 5th CD. At a house party a few weeks ago, I asked him to move my town into his district.

PM me if you want to talk more.

[Warpy]

2. I spent 20+ years between Boston and the Cape

...and watching the Red Sox choke late in the season every year has renewed my faith in the orderly workings of a stable universe. It was close in the mid 70s, when they got to the Word Series, but they managed to blow it, so I was able to avoid a crisis of faith.

[Bill McBlueState]

3. here i go...

1. Where do you live?
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?
4. How long have you been a Masshole?
5. Will Romney run again in 2006?
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

1. Sunderland, a bedroom community for UMass, just to the north of Amherst.
2. I rent; it's $810 a month for a two-story two-bedroom. Seems a little much for the area.
3. I'm a grad student in the astronomy department at UMass.
4. Almost three years. I lived in Ohio before that.
5. If Kerry wins, yes. If Bush wins, watch Romney end up somewhere in the cabinet.
6. I have no idea. The Mass Dems need someone inspirational, as opposed to the career politicians that seem to dominate the statehouse.
7. No, we all seem to be pretty happy in our own little worlds.
8. Dean. I was one of 20 brave souls in my town who did.
9. Something unbelievably random and cruel is going to happen, and the Yankees probably won't have anything to do with it. Probably the Orioles winning the division.
10. If we do, we're taking New York with us!

[Caution]

4. My answers

1. Where do you live?
Salem
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?
INSANE. Just paid over $360k for a 3 bedroom
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?
Sr. Software Quality Assurance Engineer for an enterpirse software company
4. How long have you been a Masshole?
31 years. (all my life)
5. Will Romney run again in 2006?
I really hope not
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?
John Tierney
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?
western MA? havent they seceded yet?
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?
John Kerry
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?
yes
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?
nope

[Bill McBlueState]

5. hey, can I add an eleventh question?

11. Do you have the Boston accent?

(If you do, I'll make every effort to "hear" said accent when I read your posts!)

Me, no. I have the typical midwestern non-accent.

[skippysmom]

6. Good addition

No accent here. Just a generic Connecticut accent, whatever that is.

[paineinthearse]

54. Metro west / apple country

I live in Notlob (python fans will know where that is, others can look it up at
http://www.ibras.dk/montypython/episode08.htm

[sniffa]

7. mine

1. quincy
2. i have no idea what the housing prices are. i just picked an area i wanted to Live in, and hemmed and hawwed untiL i got a reasonabLe rent.
3. i sit at a computer. when i'm actuaLLy working, i'm quaLity controL on the big dig.
4. i've been a masshoLe aLL my Life.
5. no, i don't think romney wiLL run again... aLthough he may not have a choice if he doesn't get that nationaL position he's been gunning for.
6. barney frank or maybe tom reiLLy. shit, even tom menino has been impressing me LateLy. my sLeeper pick: ben affLeck, aLthough he'd do better as a representative.
7. no, we can't get aLong because those sLack jawed yokeLs don't have any sense.
8. i voted for dennis kucinich.
9. honest? c'mon i can have my dreams.
10. yes, massachusetts wiLL faLL into the ocean, but because of the monstrous weight shift brought on by simuLtaneousLy tipped cars.

on edit: 11. yes i have a boston accent. it used to be reaLLy thick, but Living in amherst for 3 years (with carpet baggers from Long guyLand, and joisey teLLing me i taLk funny) aLmost kiLLed it compLeteLy. it's back now after being back east for a few years, but nowhere near what it once was.

[Muzzle Tough]

43. How awful!

"i sit at a computer. when i'm actuaLLy working, i'm quaLity controL on the big dig."

With your lackadaisal attitude, no wonder why the Big Dig is billions of dollars over budget, years behind schedule, and full of leaks!

[stepnw1f]

51. Heh?

Blame Our Republican Governorship for the Big Dig

[sniffa]

56. too bad you're dead

your opinion meant the worLd to me.

[Kat45]

8. Good idea for a thread here.

1. Watertown
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? Ridiculous. Condos, i.e. one floor of what used to be a 2-family house, can be over $400,000
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? Office Administrator for a church, part-time, as I continue to look for a job. Fortunately, I rent an apt. from my mother.
4. How long have you been a Masshole? Always
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? Probably depends on whether he has a better offer, e.g. national
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? Joe Kennedy if he's interested; if not, perhaps Robert Reich
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? Can upstate New York and New York City?
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Clark.
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? Depends if hell freezes over.
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? Naah.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. Great idea for a thread

1. Where do you live?
--Cambridge, aka "the People's Republic"

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?
--Like Manhattan. Nothing ccomes with parking, and shitholes start at 400K. I just looked at a small two-family with a friend that needs all new everything for $750K. It was a dump, but there's already an offer on it. i'm glad I bought my condo when I did.

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?
--Regional Sales Manager for a software company.

4. How long have you been a Masshole?
--My whole life.

5. Will Romney run again in 2006?
--Yes, if his big ego doesn't bring him to the national stage.

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?
--Joe Kennedy, Robert Reich, or Barney Frank.

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?
--They're two different states. Eastern Mass has more in common with NY Metro (except for the sports teams) than Pittsfield or Amherst.

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?
--Edwards, because I knew Kerry would win.

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?
--Yes.

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?
--No, but there will be a state holiday, major rioting in Boston that will pale in comparison to when the Pats won the super bowl this year.

11. Do you have a Boston accent?
--Not really. Only when I drink. I pronounce my "r's" but talk wicked fast!

[sniffa]

11. i'm a native cantabridgian myseLf

rationaL rose and i attended the same high schooL (not at the same time).

vote gaLLuccio!

[Beer Snob-50]

10. I'm in!!

I am from the western part of our state, Ludlow, MA (soccer city USA). House prices are way out of line in our town. A ranch on a 1/2 acre of land went for 209,000 recently! I am an accountant with a mid sized company. Mitt will run again in 2006 and the democrats should try and get Joe Kennedy to run. He has everything the party needs and get us back on the right track. I don't think the two parts of the state will ever get along. We in the western part have a moral superiority over all in the east and they cannot stand it!! (just joking sort of) this is the year of the sox. with jesus in cf you cannot go wrong!! when they win it mass may not fall off into the ocean but some sort of massive catasrophe (sp) will occur (maybe armageddon).

[Zolok]

12. My answers

1. Where do you live?

In the magickal village of Menotomy.

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?

Despite being a magical realm, housing prices are utterly outrageous I do fear in time they'll impact the way the town votes in state wide and national races.

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?
I am a clerk.

4. How long have you been a Masshole?

I am NOT a masshole...I have lived in the Commonwealth all my natural life...at some point I'll be driven out by the housing prices I know.

5. Will Romney run again in 2006?

Depends on what happens this fall...if Bush wins Romney go fishing for a federal job. If Kerry wins Romney might try and appoint himself to the senatorial vacancy...he is that ruthless and selfish.
On the other hand Mitt has a habit of spinning tiny successes into large victory if he wins a few legislative seats this fall he might stay on.
Sooner or later though, the air will come rushing out of his balloon and it won't be pretty.

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?

Ben Affleck-assuming he is old enough and is willing to self finance.
Failing that we should entice Paul Newman to move to Lenox Mass and make the race.
Failing that...Joe Kennedy...because Joe has plenty of his grand-dad's raw hatred of losing.
Or maybe Bob Reich....even Shannon O'Brien deserves a second chance if she shows some pep.

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?

Western and Eastern Mass get along fine...we have Bostonians they have New Yorkers it is an even trade IMHO.

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?
In 2002?
O'Brien
This year?
Kerry of course.

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?

Frankly I couldn't care less, Baseball is a perfectly inert game to me.

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

No but stay home that night, the rioting will be extensive and appalling.

[sniffa]

13. thanks masshoLe

[Zolok]

15. You are entirely welcome...

I guess.


www.chimesatmidnight.blogspot.com

[YankeyMCC]

16. Another magickal resident

1. Where do you live?

I call it Arlington, but I assume it's the same town Zolok says he resides in.

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?

Very

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?

Work - For a big Bank doing technical things

4. How long have you been a Masshole?

I've been a citzen of Mass all my except for 5 years while in the Air Force and I changed my legal residence for a while.

5. Will Romney run again in 2006?

Probably

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?

No idea really

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?

It's kinda funny to have such a massive distinction for two areas less than 100 miles apart.

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?

I actually cast my vote for Clark

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?

No

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

Wont happen so don't worry about it

[newyawker99]

18. Hi YankeyMCC!!

Welcome to DU!!

[curse10]

14. Okay

1. Where do you live?

The South End

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?

Probably some of the most expensive in Boston. Beacon Hill and Back Bay might have us beat

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?

I have a sugar daddy

4. How long have you been a Masshole?

Less than a year. I moved here in August from Denver

5. Will Romney run again in 2006?

Yes, unless Bush offers him a cabinet position if he wins

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?

Tom Reilly

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?

Nope. Fuck those hippies in Western Mass!

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?

John Kerry

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?

I'm hoping!

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

Yes. It is inevitable. The whole state will implode.

[Loonman]

17. 10

1. Where do you live? Allston
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? Very outrageous
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? Reception/security/guy Friday at lab complex
4. How long have you been a Masshole? Since '75
5. Will Romney run again in 2006?Of course he will
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? No idea
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? Heh........no.
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Kerry, but I wanted to vote for Kucinich
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? No, but I still hope, Pats will get another SB, just you watch.
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? Heh...maybe

[semass]

19. SE Mass.

1. Where do you live? Fall River
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? A bargain actually
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? Not employed
4. How long have you been a Masshole? Not a term used much in Southeastern Mass., born here however
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? Who cares, loses if he does
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? Anyone breathing
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? The question is really will Greater Boston even acknowledge there is a rest of the state?
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Kerry of course
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? Sure, but I think that every year
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? Only the Repulican parts, wait, there aren't any!
11. Do you have the Boston accent? Nope, we have the Rhode Island accent so they say

[Chuletas]

20. yeah

Because we've all been complaining that this forum is boring, here are 10 random questions for you:

1. Where do you live? Just north of Boston
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? Getting higher, the wife and I got in just in time
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? state worker
4. How long have you been a Masshole? 27 years
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? yes, unless the village idiot is re-elected and he goes in as Commerce or Transportation Sec.
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? Reilly, Coakley or Capuano
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? Not really, lived both places, western Mass people don't have our accent.
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?Wanted Clark, voted Kerry
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? God, I hope so.
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? No, I'm not sure if most people will riot, I see a lot of hugs and tears in my future.

I have a Mass. accent especially when I'm drinking with particular people, then I codeswitch and sound "half-retarded"

[Kathy in Cambridge]

21. You guys have a funky accent: Dawg, Dawtah, Kawfee

RI mixed with the Bronx.

[candy]

36. How ah ya!? How's it goin"? See yuh laytuh!

[ExclamationPoint]

45. I say 'wicked' instead of very

does that count as a mass coloquialism?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

22. great link with Boston accent .wav files

http://home.earthlink.net/~lnkn/accent.htm

I LMAO.

[YankeyMCC]

27. Wicked good guide

That was a good link.

Are you familiar with this one...

http://www.boston-online.com/glossary.html

[bicentennial_baby]

23. Yo Yo homies

1. Greenfield
2. Dunno...Live with my family
3. Full time student, Int'l Relations/PoliSci major
4. All my life, 27 years
5. Pray to God no
6. Good question
7. No
8. DK
9. Yes
10. No way...ok, maybe the Cape

[masshole]

24. the REAL Masshole

1. Where do you live? Westfield (exit 3 for you easterners)
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? For the area, quite outrageous
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? part time Computer tech, full time father. Wife works full time
4. How long have you been a Masshole?
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? yep. if re-elected he'll bolt for Prez race in 2008
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? Joe Kennedy
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? I certainly hope not
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Dean
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? no
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? No, but I do envision some kind of armed incursion into Connecticut to eradicate any leftover pockets of MFY fans in New England

[welshTerrier2]

25. transplanted NY'er and close personal friend of a welshterrier

i've been living in Massachusetts since just before the 1972 McGovern-Nixon election ... it was inspirational moving to the only state in the country to support McGovern ...

I've lived in Brighton, Arlington, West Newton and then from 1975-1989 I lived in Natick ... since then, I've lived in Ashland ... the housing prices are sky high ... I pay my bills by working as a Software Engineer ... my SO is the head of Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts ... give them a call in Boston if you're interested in learning more about helping people learn to read ... it's a great program ... they have affiliates all over the State ...

While Romney clearly has national aspirations, he might consider running again in Mass if he's able to buy himself a more republican legislature ... he'll be spending millions this year to defeat democrats ... my Congressman, Jim McGovern (who's great btw), is being opposed by a right-wing Geogia transplant who heads some kind of "pro family" organization ... he's hoping to win by opposing the gay marriage issue ... I hope everyone who can gets out and works for McGovern ... he's a real progressive ...

The democratic party in Mass doesn't have a clue ... Finneran has got to go ... registration of "unaligned" voters is weakening the democratic party in the State ... I think many people rightfully resent the stranglehold Finneran holds on the party ... I recently went to the democratic caucus in Ashland ... 35 people showed up ... the "leaders" were excited by the turnout ... i thought it was pathetic ... we will never be a powerful force without more grassroots activism ... I have no idea who should run for governor ... right now, I'd probably go with Reich but I'd really like to see some fresh faces ... I've also recently hooked up with an organization called the Progressive Dems of Mass ... drop me a PM if you want info about them ... I'm also working on my State Rep's re-election campaign ... her name is Karen Spilka and she's running for Dave Magnani's Senate seat ...

Eastern and western Mass ... sure, no problem ... I like both ends of the State ...

Voted for Kucinich in the primary ... strongly backing Kerry now ...

on the more sensitive subject of baseball, let me say that I'm a diehard Yankees fan ... when I lived in NY, I also liked the Red Sox ... when I moved here, I was told the two teams had a rivalry ... this did not exist when I lived in NY or at least most NY'ers were not aware of the rivalry ... now I hate the Sox ... their announcers are a bunch of partisan whiners ... the Yankee announcers are great ... do the Red Sox have a chance this year? of course they do ... they've spent more than enough money to win ... too bad they complain about "big spending" in baseball and have one of the largest payrolls in the league ... OK Sox fans, have I teased you enough to prompt a response?

The Yankees are a class act under Torre ... we don't have problems with big egos mouthing off the way the Sox have had this year with Martinez ... the team is professional and does all their talking on the field ... I respect the organization ...

[MAlibdem]

28. OK...

1. Westwood (also called Whitewood for its homogeny)
2. High, good schools...
3. Nothing...live at home
4. Life long
5. Probably
6. Tom Reilly
7. Sure...I go to Camp Becket, and we all are very happy (the Yankees fans from NY sort mess things up tho).
8. Nobody, 17...but worked for Kerry making phone calls (sooooo boring...)
9. Maybe...defense needs to pick it up
10. Nope...all good.
11. slight, I can whip it out when I need to impress out of town girls though.

[billybob537]

29. Here goes

1 Chelmsford
2 High, consolation, recently voted 4th best value in Boston area.
3 Union pipe fitter local 537 Boston.
4 All my life? Not yet!
5 Who cares I wouldn't vote for him anyway.
6 Marty Meehan for senator. Joe Kennedy for Gov.
7 When did they not get along?
8 John Forbes Kerry (proudly)
9 Shit happens.
10 No. Just a few bad scenes.

Mass

[hyphenate]

30. Hi everyone!

Answers:

1. Where do you live?

Currently I live in Worcester. Born and raised in Jamaica Plain and Brookline. Lived in S. California for 15 years--returned home to Mass. about a year and a half ago.

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?

I don't really know. Luckily I had a friend help me out when I moved back here--his mom had passed away and I took over the second floor apartment. I haven't been able to pay him rent in awhile, and I feel really guilty that I'm not pulling my weight.

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?

See above. I normally work administrative duties, but I've got carpal tunnel and many other problems right now, and I've applied for disability. Hopefully, I will get it.

4. How long have you been a Masshole?

All my life I've considered myself a Massachusettsite.

5. Will Romney run again in 2006?

I dunno; I don't know him that well. I don't care for him from what I've seen, though, but he appears to me to be slightly better than Jane Swift, of whom I've heard a lot of negative comments.

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?

For governor? I don't know. Since I've been away from state politics for awhile, I need to familiarize myself with the state pols a little more. I do know that Jim McGovern, my state rep, is a really great guy, and is highly knowledgeable. It's SO good to have a Dem for a state rep, since I had a very shitty Puke (David Dreier) in California. He sucked. And he sucked up to Bush WAY too often.

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?

Sure, why not? My best friend lives in Southampton. I do think they're a lot more conservative in the western half of the state, except for places like Northampton. But overall, I like Western Mass. and think it complements the Eastern half quite nicely.

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?

Kerry, of course.

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?

Well, I was firmly behind the Sox in 86 (it WAS 86, wasn't ot? Seems so long ago....) and I would hope they've got the spirit to get out of this semi-permanent funk they're in. I think if they try hard enough, we'll love them even if they can't pull it off. Again.

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

Nah--California will definitely fall into the ocean long before Massachusetts. Although, since most of Back Bay is on tenuous landfill as it is, I can't say the inner city isn't going to be flooded in the near but not too close future. (Think a couple of hundred years.)

I can tell you one thing: when I came back from the L.A. area, the accents completely floored me. When you aren't used to hearing the Boston/Mass speak in a long while, it is very noticeable. I almost required a translator when I came back. My friends I understood for the most part, but most others seemed to be speaking a foreign language!

[MissMillie]

31. My replies

1. Where do you live? Oxford, MA (about 10 miles S.W. of Worcester)

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? Housing prices are outrageous everywhere in MA

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? I'm a Faculty Assistant/Course Administrator at a college

4. How long have you been a Masshole? with the exception of 2 years when I was 19-21, all of my life

5. Will Romney run again in 2006? probably, but he may decide to run for national office in 2008 instead

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? I don't have an opinion on this yet

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? Probably not, especially since eastern Mass people think that western Mass starts at Route 128.

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Dean

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? I think they have a good shot at it

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? Probably not, the pollution in Boston Harbor will keep us afloat (actually, that's not really fair, the Harbor is getting better).

[rebellious woman]

32. Reply

1. Pittsfield, Mass.
2. Real Estate cheap.....(no jobs, no nothing)40,000.00 and up
3. Taxes high, lots of real estate for sale
4. Western Mass. does not exist as far as Eastern Mass. goes. Amen
to that.
5. Last bastion of true liberalism lottsa lefties here
6. Retired Rents from 350.00 per month to 700.00 per month with
no utilities
7. March Primary.....Dean
8. Sox will always win
9. Republican part may fall into the ocean and/or be sawed off
preferably.
10. All Democratic Country....Clinton, twice, Gore, Kerry
ll. " " City councilman and Mayor
12. Never voted for Mittens never will
13. ABBMittens
14. Land of the true leftwing liberal democrats....Thank God!!!!
15. Will vote for Robert Reich and/or Joe Kennedy..
16. Hopefully Kerry will pick Clark for veep...NO on Edwards
That's all folks.

[Rockholm]

33. My replies..

1. Milton
2. Quite expensive
3. Antiques dealer
4. Since 1986
5. Sadly, yes (unless * get re-annointed, then a cabinet /
ambassador position for Romney's hard and loyal service
to the re-publicant's)
6. AG Tom Reilly
7. Define "western Mass"..Is that like outside of 128?
8. Edwards
9. Looking good so far.
10. No, but hell will get might chilly.

[candy]

34. Newton

Lived here 44 years, Overpriced and overrated,but I still love it.

[Kat45]

35. I work in Newton.

[Squeech]

37. Somerville

Born in Boston, never lived more than an hour away-- and that was in Providence, pretending to be a college student.

Yes, the cost of housing is outrageous. I bought a house almost 20 years ago, and its value has increased by just about a factor of 4. The good news is, there are young families with kids moving in; the bad news is, they're yuppies. There are also some student renters.

I'm a computer programmer, mostly working on archaic mainframe stuff.

Right now I think Romney will run again, unless he finagles a much better job. I don't know why the Dems can't elect a governor; there was an excuse for Bill Weld (I voted for him myself, mainly because he walked out on Ed Meese) but his heirs and assigns all sucked. I suspect that the circular firing squad is a major inhibitor-- five creditable candidates beat each other up and Mitt the Utahan looked good by comparison, I guess...

I liked Birmingham in 2002 and still do. I'm okay with O'Brien too.

I have no particular animus against the West, I just never get farther out of town than Framingham. (Gotta change that; I just found out one of my high school buddies now lives in Hadley.) I did think it was silly of people in the Berkshires to have a vote on whether the cities had rent control.

I'm surprised to discover that I don't remember who I voted for in the primary! I remember in 2000 I actually re-registered as a Repuke so I could vote for McCain, i.e. against Smirky. Elections here tend not to be surprises-- although when they are, they're unpleasant, as in the case of Ed King.

I fully expect the Sox to choke. I'm sorry anyone even cares about them, but I'm even sorrier about how vitriolic we get about the Yankees; that reflects poorly on everybody. We should endeavor to adopt Tom Lehrer's attitude: "Won't it be peachy if we win the game?" But nothing will happen if the Sox somehow win the pennant that didn't happen to Somerville and Allston when Brazil won the World Cup-- now *that* was team spirit

[SenatorBulworth]

38. all about me!

1. Where do you live? Allston (moved in just this week)

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? CRAZZY!!!

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? WELL I moved in with to friends so i only pay $500 i also just got a job today but the pay is sh*t so much for that recovery


4. How long have you been a Masshole? all my life

5. Will Romney run again in 2006? is he does not go national

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?frank! or reich should try again

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?no! those westies better not show their colors around here!!!

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? dean but by then he was all gone

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? no sorry

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? yes!

[newyawker99]

39. Hi SenatorBulworth!!

Welcome to DU!!

[SenatorBulworth]

40. THANKS!

a lot

[Groundhog]

41. Introducing myself.

1. Where do you live? West Springfield
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town? Moderate prices--better than the Boston area for certain, but still too high.
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? I'm retired with SS/Pension. Hoping my books and art will add to income.
4. How long have you been a Masshole? As a life-long baystater I stopped counting. But I have lived in worse places, which is why I hate seeing this state sink so far.
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? I hope to god not!!
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? I'm still deciding and watching.
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? I'm an eastern who is now living in western and I know it can happen with the right person in office, someone who knows the state extends beyond Worcester.
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? Dr. Howard Dean
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? Am I allowed to say no?
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? The whole east coast will fall into the ocean. By the way, who are the Sox?

Really glad to meet you all.

AnnieMae

[newyawker99]

42. Hi Groundhog!!

Welcome to DU!!

[ExclamationPoint]

44. Not telling you my morgage!

I trust the ppl on democratic underground, but not That much.
1. Hopkinton (I know, now I'm telling you where I live, but only 'cause I posted it on another thread by accident already)
2. pretty bad
3.no
4. all my life and proud to be one forever!
5. yeah because he has the ego
6. not quite sure
7. yes. There will be peace. We need to learn to stop spewing insults at those who should be our allies, and (I'm an optomist, strangely enough) I think that in time we will use our intellect to understand that.
8. Kucinich. Reverend was my second choice. They would be president and vice in a perfect world.
9. They already won.
10. HOW LONG AGO WAS THIS POSTED???? They already won, and yes, someone died. I sincerely hope the author has not been living under a rock.
11. No, I don't know anyone who does (really), and frankly the strong ones sound kinda obnoxious to me. My grandpa has a slight boston accent though that I find very warm and comforting.

[mdhunter]

46. Boston, South End

1. Where do you live?

Boston, South End, near Boston Medical.


2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?

I was expecting worse for my apartment than it was. The market (for apts) in SE/Back Bay seems to me be overpriced by about 12%. For example, $1600 is a very common price for a nicer apartment here, which is close to what I think they're worth, about $1400-$1450 or so.


3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?

I'm a part time masters student (in public health) interning and looking for work.


4. How long have you been a Masshole?

Not long. Since this past August - 6 months now.


5. Will Romney run again in 2006?

Yes, but I expect that he doesn't serious want the position - only a as a step for the a shot at national office.


6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?

Don't know about this one.


7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?

Sure, on some things.


8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?

Wasn't here.


9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?

I didn't, that's for sure. I after the 6th game of the ALCS I saw a glimmer of hope, but still thought they were doomed.


10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?

I might have predicted so, yes.

[Braden]

47. salem

3 BR on my street will run you about $390k

Financial Planner

Born in New Hampshire lived in MA about 5 years, attended Arizona State University soimewhere in between

Romney will run again as the legislature will have made a mockery of his national reputation by then.

Tom Reilly will get my vote.

There's a western part of the state?

The sox Will win it all, mark my words.....

the celebration was mostly as peaceful as I imagined. Less one senseless cop murder.

[Bombero1956]

48. for me...

Holyoke

housing here runs the entire spectrum, you can find a piece of crap house for less than 100K and the Smith's Ferry section has some for 300K plus.

Firefighter for almost 27 years

Born in Westfield. Except for 2 yrs in upstate New York and a year in New Jersey, I have lived my entire life within 10 miles of where I sit.

Romney will run again,I hope the voters will wake up and see him for what he is, a corporate raider who thinks he can run a state like a private company.

God I hope Reilly runs.

There is a western end of the state although Boston and the rest don't know it or don't care.

no need to answer that one since we all know what happened

there will be much teeth knashing and hair pulling in NYC.

[Arkana]

49. Here's mine

1. Hardwick. It's a few miles from the Quabbin Reservoir. Ware, Barre, Hubbardston, Oakham, New Braintree...all are surrounding towns.
2. Awful. Prices for a new house are up to about $300-400G, ever since the rich people moved in with their bikes and horses. Fuckers.
3. I'm a full time student at Providence College. No rent unless you count the obscene tuition costs.
4. All my life. Born in Holden in 1985, and I have lived in Hardwick all my life.
5. Yes. That pigfucker needs to save face, even though he knows he'll be steamrolled. Either way it's of little consequence--he wants a better job.
6. I want Joe Kennedy to run, but right now Tom O'Reilly has the best shot at beating him.
7. What are you, nuts? The classic city vs. country struggle will live on until Judgment Day.
8. I voted for Dean--I really thought Kerry had no chance, but when he became the nominee I supported him wholeheartedly.
9. I have doubts...their rotation is old and it's not as good as last year's, unless Miller or Wells suddenly become superstars.
10. Yep. Two in a row? Every Sox fan's head will explode simultaneously.

[One Eye on Canada]

50. What the hey....

1. Northampton and Becket. Our primary residence is in Noho, our seasonal cottage in the Berkshires.
2. We saw a single-home listing for $1 million in the local paper last week--caused quite a stir in our household (we paid a bit more than a quarter of that for a 3-bedroom ranch on a quiet street).
3. Write/edit management publications.
4. Since 1996. Moved here from NYC (how unusual, eh?). Born/reared in Wisconsin, but also lived in Illinois and Morocco.
5. Probably--though I do wish Utah would take him off our hands.
6. Kennedy sounds good.
7. I doubt it--seems to feed an ego need on both sides. Feels a lot like the animosity between upstate New York and NYCers, the UP of Michigan and down-staters (if that's the expression), and on and on.
8. Howard Dean.
9. No idea. (Baseball's not my thing.)
10. Ditto.
11. Nope. Lived in Wisconsin my first 23 years, so it would take brain damage to get the America's Dairyland out of this gal's speech.

[stepnw1f]

52. I Love Boston!

1. Where do you live? - Roslindale/JP line
2. ridiculous
3. illustrator
4. lived in Maine, FL, and NYC
5. I guess
6. Kennedy
7. why not
8. Kucinich, but backed Kerry
9. nope
10. nope... never happen. Too much pudding rock!

[rockedthevoteinMA]

55. Hi Everyone!

1. Where do you live? Manchester during the week w/my parents and Rockport on the weekends with my boyfriend
2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?insane! Both towns are right on the water.. per capita income in Rockport is 64,000/yr ; while Manchester is 120,000/yr
3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)? I'm a student right now ... I'm lucky, living rent free
4. How long have you been a Masshole? My whole life (26 yrs), except for a year in St. John USVI, and three months in Portland, ME
5. Will Romney run again in 2006? I wish the answer was no, but sadly I believe so
6. Who should the Dems run in 2006? Tom Reily
7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along? I think so.. they don't? (I come from western ma, all my family is there)
8. Who did you vote for in the March primary? DEAN
9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year? They did! And they beat the Yankees on my birthday!
10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean? Nah we're still here. <\b>
11. Do you have an accent? no, in fact people tell me I don't have any type of accent

[paineinthearse]

57. www.du.meetup.com/95

Boston-area meet-up group.

[Blaukraut]

58. Hi, and good thread, btw!

I like it
My answers;

1. Where do you live?
Amesbury, North Shore, Essex County

2. How outrageous are housing prices in your town?
Pretty steep. We're catching up to Newburyport fast.

3. What do you do to pay the rent/mortgage? (read: what do you do for a living)?
Hubby makes the big bucks. He's retired Air Force, and now works as a military contractor (Titan Corp.) at Hanscom AFB. I'm 'only' a stock replenishment manager for JC Penney at the North Shore Mall in Peabody.

4. How long have you been a Masshole?
I'm a German expat, here (with a short break) since '97. Hubby born and raised in MA.

5. Will Romney run again in 2006?
I think he will. He's cocky enough to believe he will win (or steal it) again.

6. Who should the Dems run in 2006?
Not sure. I kinda like Tom Reilly, but I also think one of our congressmen might have a shot.

7. Can eastern and western Mass ever get along?
I doubt it. lol

8. Who did you vote for in the March primary?
n/a. As a 'Legal Alien' I do not have voting rights

9. Be honest: do you think the Sox will win it all this year?
No. I think last year was a fluke, seriously.

10. If they do win it all, will Massachusetts fall into the ocean?
I don't think we have to worry about drowning anytime soon