Layng quietly in fields

Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights

Monday, May 31, 2010

His truth is marching On.

Today's Tids Issue 2,142
Opening Stuff:

And after the parade that brings you back to childhood American purity -- Standing to salute the flags proudly waving passing by; Feeling the chills as mighty bands play Stars and Stripes Forever; Watching soldiers march sturdily by in honor of the fallen brothers. After the parades, after the hamburgers and hotdogs and blueberry pie, after the horseshoes and great laughs with family and friends…you realize that is Monday and you can cap it off with your favorite TV program “24”! What? It isn’t on TV any more? Forever? Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Remembering:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on."

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Our God is marching on.

--Julia Ward Howe, daughter of Rhode Island Inspiration

Amen!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Blood for freedom.

Today's Tids Issue 2,141
Opening Stuff:

Years ago this weekend was called Decoration Day, a day when the families of North and South Civil War dead placed flowers on graves. It was changed officially to Memorial Day and became a special time to remember all veterans. I think maybe we should change the name again to Preservation of Freedom day. To remind people that what they enjoy in the US of A didn’t come cheaply. People fought so we could speak freely, worship openly and vote out scoundrels. That it takes guts to preserve a great society. And it is the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to its future strength and continuation.

I was listening to 0-man’s press conference on the Oil Leak when a question arose on the Arizona Law. He gave his usual answer which always ends with a phrase something like, “I will vigorously pursue immigration reform”. Wait a minute. What is this “reform” thing all about? We have a fine immigration program where good people who play by the rules gain citizenship. All people are asking is to punish the criminals – illegal immigrants and companies and people that hire them. How hard is that?

The Question:
What are the five largest companies on The Standard & Poor 500; The smallest company?

The Headlines:
--BP Officials Waiting To See If Mud Infusion Stops Largest Oil leak In History; 0-Man Says He And His daughter Worry About It.
--Expect A Soft Final Day Of May Trading; Futures Mixed As Disastrous May Ends.
--US Spending In April Stagnant; Lowest In 7 Months; Wages Sluggish.
--NK Said To be Selling Nuke And Ballistic Missile Technology.
--1000th Death In Afghanistan Reported.
--Waffling Continues On “Don’t Ask…” Controversy.
--Weather Experts Predicting really, Really Bad Hurricane Season; Say It Will be Worst Since 2005.
--Hurting Celtics In Do Or Die match With Magic Tonight.

Back to More Stuff:

Eric Holder and 2% of the American Public don’t think that the 2nd Amendment grants citizens the right to bear arms.

Why do New Yorkers think it is a good idea to build a Mosque on the site of the World Trade Center Islamic slaughtering of innocent Americans?

I see where 0-Man is taking a page out of Jimmy Carter’s Nuclear Determent Strategy. You remember Amy, President Jimmy’s chief A-Bomb advisor. Well it appears that 0-Man and daughter have morning catastrophe confabs on the oil problem.

I held an iPad in my hands yesterday and I have to say it is one cool device. And can only get better. This will be the wave of the future especially as new iterations increase capacities and add even more functionality. Microsoft had better get hopping.

I’m for putting crosses on every street corner if only to watch atheists foam at the mouth. There is nothing more humorous than an irrational blatherer.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74 continues. –The FBI agents were actually quite pleasant as I entered the room. Jack stood and immediately walked around his desk to give me a welcome back hug. He pulled back and gave me a serious, “Be careful” look and then announced this Sarah Durham (“Sarah” I thought) who has been very involved with BiEm but as you know was in a coma during the days that revealed the awful plot there.
The two rose and shook hands. “Hi I’m Josie Rivera” and “Hi, I’m Michael Hansberg” they said. I just smiled warmly and sat. I looked behind me and saw Laura Siegal, our lead attorney sitting there with a pad full of notes on her lap and a small recording device in her hand. She nodded to me. I liked her.
Josie opened first. “Jack here has been filling us in on what he knows about the conspiracy there. This has become a complex issue at many levels over and above the criminality. It appears that it was a rogue operation (“Appears?” is thought). In addition to the criminality we have to gather some insight as to the ramifications of illegally gained technology and how it may relate to FDA and other government approvals.”
“That is quite a responsibility,” I acknowledged in a friendly, sincere voice.
Josie smiled back. “Actually, before we get into your knowledge about BiEm and the responsibilities of various principals there, Michael and I want to learn more about your “untimely” accident. The police tell us that they had patrol following you because of a report of a Black SUV…” She interrupted herself – “Sounds like a “B” government conspiracy movie, doesn’t it.” Michael laughed a bit, and then we all chuckled. She continued. “A black SUV following you from a small cafe called Marie’s.” She paused. “Why was the police car behind you?”
I immediately answered, “Because my friend Kent Middleton noticed something strange and called the police. I believe he was being followed too.”
“Kent Middleton was a friend of yours?” Josie interrupted.

Wall Streeters are making the big bucks and the Government is trying to say the economy is back on track…but the folks ain’t buying into the fairy tale. Cause on Main Street it’s still pay as you go, and the dough just isn’t there yet. Especially for the “Go” part. AAA says that Americans will spend only about $809 for summer travel versus a higher $876 (When Air fares were lower) in 2009 -- The year even the Gov says was the worst. So the good news in a continuing jobless “recovery” and declining portfolios is that the travel industry people are offering great deals, if you look around.

You have to believe that somewhere in the bowels of Congress someone is proposing that in addition to those who died on the battle field, we also honor on Memorial Day those are fighting the battle of global warming.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Sex in the City lovers will certainly love this version #2 even though it is entirely over the top and fairly dreadful. It is forced and tired. The ditzy, glitzy, gabby girls are having varying degrees of difficulties in their relationships (Yes Carrie too). Samantha is given a First Class all expense trip for four to Abu Dhabi which takes the foursome away for much needed breathing room…and of course to a place that is glitz personified. All of the high fashion and exotic settings, including an ultra-lavish all Gay wedding, can’t hide the choppiness of the plot and a failed attempt to recreate was apparently was good about #1. I’ll refrain, thank you.
--The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is another of those movies based on a video game. But all of the fantastical, yet cheaply executed, effects can’t over come a sleepy Jake Gyllenhaal and mediocre plot. It has something to do with the sand in the handle of a magic dagger which can momentarily transport a holder back into to solve, say a murder. Don’t rush out. And don’t expect Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Sabu.

The Answer: Exxon is tops and is followed surprisingly by Apple which just leaped over Microsoft. The last two are Wal-Mart and Proctor & Gamble. The smallest company on the S&P 500 is the New York Times Company.

A Fitting End:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
--Moina Mitchell, 1915

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Believe in your heart.

Today's Tids Issue 2,140
Opening Stuff:

Let’s hear it for thoughtful people. You know the kind of people…nice people who decided to so something nice for another human being just because it is a nice thing to do. It could be a small gesture for a husband or wife, sister or brother, lover, friend or complete stranger. Something a thoughtful person knows he or she does for someone else who may not even see it but somehow senses their life is a little better in some way. Without question, unrewarded thoughtfulness is one of the finest of human traits. Oh, did I say unrewarded? A thoughtful person always has the greatest of rewards…the goodness in their hearts.

On the other hand we have Wall Street. The losing turn-around yesterday was ascribed to “Euro Jitters”. I’m thinking that euro jitters is just the latest excuse of the day for traders who, in the face of increasing skepticism by the general public, want to justify taking profits. Remember when the market was supposed to reflect an economy 6 months down the road?

Diet books are successful because they reach a wide audience.

The Question:
Name the four terms used to define the severity of a declining stock market. And what are the percent of decline represented by each? Bonus Question: The Tilapia has become ubiquitous in seafood counters everywhere. What exactly is a tilapia?

The Headlines:
--Oil Leak Plugged.
--Stocks Rise As Large Debt Holder China Shows Confidence In Europe.
--Economic Rebound Slowed Last Quarter.
--9th Chinese IPhone assembly Line Worker Jumps to Suicide In Protest Of Bad Working Conditions At Job’s Factory.
--NK Rips Up Military Agreements With SK.
--Many States Set To Ban “Silly Bandz” In Schools; Child Bracelets Said To be disruptive.

Back to More Stuff:

The energetic BoSox (Chrystal Bowersox) overwhelmed the retiring DeWyze during last night’s AI finale. I will say that week after week leading up to the final choice, Lee D was consistently solid. But in this observers eyes BoSox grew each week and during the final two shows when the rubber meets the road, she was the power. I would say also after watching last night’s extravaganza that the finals could easily have been Bosox and Casey…and even Siobhan who was strong and professional. DeWyze may have been the fifth best performer on that stage last night. It’s all about the demographics of the voters. Plain and simple. He’s looked at as a “Heartthrob”. Why? I have no idea.

“Hang on Sloopy” by The McCoys is still one of those songs that gets my juices aflowin’.

How come it takes a recession to get the roads fixed? I and all others have been paying taxes for our entire working lives and one of the things most think we should be getting is decent roads. It couldn’t be that the government officials are squandering our money? Nah!

I like to read those little columns entitled something like “On This Date in History”. I have noticed of late that many of the most exciting accomplishments occurred in 1937. Kudos to those born in that year.

Writing handwritten notes on the steering wheel while driving is much more dangerous than texting. I cringe at the many little acts of stupidity of my life time which today have been declared criminal acts.

I don’t think the majority of hard working Americans ask for much from their taxes. Good roads, garbage pick-up, police, fire and education. And on the national side defense and…and…and…jeez, I don’t know what else we need from the Feds.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74 continues. Just as I started to say Hi to our own smiling receptionist, Bill came around the corner. His eyes reflected the mood of the environment I felt as he elevator doors opened. Molly said “It is so nice to see you back here Mrs. Durham. I wish it was a happier day.”
“Why? What happened,” I started to ask. But, Bill interrupted and said let’s go to your office. I made a funny grimace at Molly and she actually smiled a little more cheerily.
Bill wasn’t so cheery. In fact Bill was not in the slightest like the boy I promoted two months ago. I placed my laptop next to the desk, looked around to see that everything seemed to be the way I left it. That was comforting. I always look for comfort just before the storm. I sat and spun my chair towards Bill who was now sitting to my left in front of the desk. “Well, it’s nice to see you too, Bill!” I said with syrupy sarcasm.
“Sorry, Boss,” He answered quickly but still somberly. “I’m a little nervous. The FBI showed up here this morning. You couldn’t have picked a worse day to ease your way back into work.” The phone rang. “That is probably Jack”, advised Bill. He watched me pick up the Phone.
FBI I thought as I placed the receiver to my ear. “Maggie, get down here.” Then dead air. “Oh, and welcome back.” Jack hung up.
I looked up quickly into Bill’s eyes. “So?”
“The FBI wants to talk to us about BiEmbryo. They have been with Jack most of the morning. I have a feeling Jack is dying in there and will throw everything your way as soon as you walk in.”
“He should!”. I stood up. “This isn’t going to be a walk down the Main street of Fosterville.” I smiled down at Bill. I think he enjoyed it.

The new Governor of New Jersey hit it on the nose when he told a complaining teacher that if the amount of salary wasn’t sufficient that maybe she should seek another career. And explained that the revenue to support government style jobs is finite. Do they still teach economics in High School?

Is the ragin’ Cajon Carvelle starting to beat the drum for his candidate Hillary for 2012? His blasting of Obama yesterday over the oil spill certainly looked like the first salvo against The Hill’s opponent. Then of course, he went on to beat unmercifully BP, which made it also appear that he was on the payroll of oil spill litigation lawyers.

The Answer: The four levels of a declining stock market are “Noise” (0-4.9%), “Pullback” (5-9.9%), Correction (10-19.9%) and Bear Market” (20%+). Bonus Q Answer: Tilapia is a fresh water, warm climate bottom feeder that grows fast and big and is ideal for aquaculture. Not only does this fish have the commercial advantage of reaching edible size quickly, its fast growth and relatively short life assures minimum amount of mercury in the system. This popular fish is also herbivorous assuring that there are plenty of edible delicacies for other fish and less algae and oxygen sucking plants that undermine pond or lake health. But, as most New England fisherman say, “It isn’t Seafood”.

End Tids:
The Celtics are making me really, really nervous.

Hey Arlen Spector…the American Idol job is open.

I thought Paul Abdul was excellent in last night’s tribute to Cowell.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

There ain’t no vacancy in the swamps.

Today's Tids Issue 2,139
Opening Stuff:

Have they lost their collective minds? Playing a Superbowl in frigid New York Area all for the chance to be over charged in NYC. If you think you have seen manic frivolity over Superbowls in the past, wait to you see the over the top giddiness by the most Giddy of them all. You will see The Donald, Regis and assorted glad-handers raising giddiness to heights never before seen even in the rosey red apple.

When you look at many of our leaders, it is easy to see that Americans in the goodness of their hearts readily accept sociopaths as normal. Yes, we are led by those who have no guilt, no morals and see no dishonor in the most grievous of activities. Isn’t great how we care here in American; To allow these less fortunate with severe sociopathic tendencies the opportunity to serve and rise to unprecedented levels of power. Check out this profile of a sociopath and see how your beloved political leader meets these standards: http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html Makes your heart flutter, doesn’t it.

The Question:
Quick now…imagine in your mind the alphabet A,B, C….X, Y, Z. Now tell me the two words you can find and one man’s nickname.

The Headlines:
--BP To attempt Closure Of Well Technique This Morning; Results Could Be Known By Evening.
--Gate’s Saying Not So Fast On “Don’t Ask…”
--Prez Authorizes Sending 1,200 National Guard troops To Border.
--North Korea Ramps Up Tension; Cuts Ties With SK.
--World Stocks Up; Fears Over Euro-Econ And Koreas Bring Caution.
--Stocks Make Come Back On Bottom Fishing.
--Nicole Scherzinger And Partner Derek Hough Nip Early Fave Evan And Partner For “Dancing” Title; Glitter Abounds.
--“The Great Mocker” Tries To Charm GOP Lawmakers With Lunch; It didn’t Work.

Back to More Stuff:

Good news for California Republican Senate candidates…The Prez flew out to campaign for Barbara Boxer.

If you go by the performances, BoSox blew Lee away on Idol last night. All of her three performances were stronger than Lee’s and her “Black Velvet” was one of the best by anybody for the year. So, based on last night, BoSox should win it all. It all depends on the demographic make-up of the voters.

Oh, and “BoSox” is back to being an honorable nickname for Chrystal Bowersox. The beloveds, the BoSox (Boston Red Sox) are playing like champions again.

Lets hear for Nimby’s. This tribe of peace living people are certainly among the most persecuted in a modern civilization. Especially by many the press who for some reason don’t think people should like what they have. Of course the smartest band of Nimby’s ever were the venerable Swamp Yankees of RI and New England. These were people who just didn’t like the encroachment of over crowded cities, towns and villages. They would move to exclusionary pieces of inexpensive land, often found near forbidding swamps. Of course when the Towns folk would look and see those happy people they would want to move there too. And then the SW’s would pack up move down to the next bog. So if some body demeans you by calling you a Nimby. Just say thanks. I’m proud of it.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 24 continues. –Driving time is one of pleasures, and I haven’t done it in over a month now. Billy’s comment on lawyers made me realize how much I have been living down a rabbit hole for so long now. I had stopped thinking, stopped analyzing. Accepting everything at face. Of course there are issue with building a company’s future around data obtained illegally. Even though the company appeared to be an innocent bystander. Did I overlook everything because I felt so good for Kent’s project? And what about Kent? How am I going to control myself when I am with him? I saw something in his eyes when he found me in that bathroom. Was it something I should have feared? Obviously I wasn’t. All he had to do was brush his finger tips against my neck, and my body reacted almost immediately with an almost ravenous need.
All of a sudden I noticed that I was passing the scene of my accident. I automatically peered into my rear view mirror. Ah, no big black SUV’s I thought, and laughed out loud. Just a simple Chevrolet about 60 yards behind.
The trip was a breeze, and it was good to see old Jake at the parking garage. “Why Misus Durh’m he shouted and that absolutely bright and lovable manner of his. Jake made getting out of bed and starting work a pleasure.
“Why you are in excellent humor, this morning,” I replied to keep the good mood going.
“It’s just because it is so good to see you again Misus. Just so Good…” he was muttering as I stepped into the elevator.
“The scene at the office as I entered was another story.

There is something that bothers me about a world economy that needs the governments to pump in gigantous sums of money to get it going. And that includes the once formidable USA economy. Has economics lost its way?

After my little piece a couple of days ago about taxing sugary drinks, a reader reminds me that this is a Michelle Obama plot. You have to wonder if Prime Time yesterday serve up a lunch to the GOP that featured all healthy foods.

No question that the firemen and women of the world are among the bravest of individuals. But, has their recent exalted almost celebrity like status made them arrogant intimidators of taxpayers and home owners?

So far most of the finale’s have been pretty satisfying. But that NCIS program last night was a disaster. Maybe the most disjointed program I have ever seen. What were they thinking. And it is one of my favorites. I think they tried too hard to establish new story lines for next year by sucking our brains out of our heads last night. Good grief!

During the Prime Time-The Great Mocker-0-Man sponsored peace pow-wow yesterday, one of the criticisms of the increasingly thin-skinned President that seemed to capture the political divide perfectly was this: “I (Senator Corker) told him there was a tremendous disconnect between his words and his administrations actions.” I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I don’t believe or react to any words he says.

The Answer:
The two words see are “Hi” and “No”. The man’s nick name is “Stu”. We live in a world full of puzzles ,and often miss them.

Say Good-Bye Dick:
Well, gotta go. I just found a nice little piece of land away from every body under a majestic green mountain. “Oh…that’s a landfill.” Maybe I’ll move to a small town in Alaska. There’s nobody up there to bother you. “Oh, Joe McGinnis is moving in next door.” Aaargh! How about Burillville?

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

National Day of Morning.

Today's Tids Issue 2.138
Opening Stuff:


Now what?

Tis a day of morning indeed. Because even after a commendable final episode for “24” that included a Presidential meltdown, a couple of tense assassination events, a shot to Jack’s chest and a teary good-bye between Jack and Chloe – it ended. And the reaction I had wasn’t “Man was that a great ending”. It was “It’s over and I’ll never have it to look forward to again. It was hollow.

One of the outcomes of a disappearing manufacturing base is the artificial inflation of non productive wages to maintain the semblance of strong middle income populace. The result becomes an economic house of cards based on economically unsustainable tax supported state and local government jobs and many fairly unskilled service jobs. A recent example of this came to light when several RI towns thought they could save money by converting water meters from manual reading to electronic reading. They went out for bids and were the process of accepting one from Ohio, when they were informed that there is a RI “Make Work” law requiring that Licensed RI plumbers do all of the work. The bid they wanted would cost $365K to replace 7500 meters. The one they would be forced to accept by law would cost $526K for only 3500 meters. Can you say Greece!

The Question:
Name the five most infamous Germans of WWII.

The Headlines:
--World Stocks Weaken On Euro-Economy Fears.
--North Korea Threatens Military Action In Disputed Waters; US Begins Submarine Maneuvers In Same Area.
--Oil Taker Collides With Bulk Carrier Off Singapore.
--Lindsay receives Serious Ankle Bling.
--Britain Bans Doctor Who Linked Autism With Vaccine.
--Cal Legislature Pushing For $5 Billion In Tax Increases As Opposed To Necessary Budget Cuts.
--Analysts Looking At Cooling Of House Sales.

Back to More Stuff:

Protective Helmet Society Department:
Our save-you-from-yourself national leaders have infiltrated the venerable Naval Academy at Annapolis. Yes the leader of the country’s fearless marine based military is about to ban a 70 year old obelisk climbing ritual because somebody might get injured. A good fun, everybody love’s annual event will be banished from the face of the earth because of blatant nannyism. What’s next? Are we to succumb to more lobbying by the manufacturers who forced hi-tech car seats upon us? Only this time the effect will be forcing children to wear helmets until they are seven?

Common sense runs amok even in battle. The so-called beginning of the end Afghan offensive is stalled where it began in Marjah. Many who looked at this based on past Taliban activities could see it failing over time. The Generals are hemmed in by artificial deadlines, and the Taliban are best at abiding time. In the meantime, blood is flowing faster than the Gulf oil spill as the bad guys routinely lop off heads of Marjah collaborator suspects and scare the bejesus out of Afghans in general –undermining the objective the campaign which was to acquire unyielding allegiance for the citizenry.

A reader sends along this bit of quirkiness. Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn , Germany . Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly. The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.

I am always looking to better my health. So in an effort to “Go Brown” – replacing whites like rice and bread with brown versions – I am mixing KFC gravy with my rice. It takes on a healthy glow and tastes great.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74: I felt more comfortable with Paul in bed last night. But I kept thinking the intensity wasn’t the same as with Kent. Was it because of the adventure with Kent. Was it because Kent Middleton was a special person. That Kent was like me and we were totally compatible. I was trying to calm my self with motherly chores like getting the kids breakfast and then laughing with them as they ate. All to what? Assuage my guilt. Or to procrastinate my feelings. Where were my feelings anyhow. I never felt anything but pleasure when with Paul…or Kent.
The phone rang. The woman I hate most in life, the caller ID lady garbled the name of “Clax Tonwill” and I picked it up the receiver. “How are you feeling” were his first words. The he went on about my plans.
Today was my first day to drive back to work and test my energy. (Even though Kent has thoroughly tested it already and I passed with flying colors.) “I’m feeling good, and should be there by 10:00. I ave had a few meeting, as you know with Izzy and others, but I really want to catch up with you. Get your opinions. A lot has happened since I was in the accident, and I am positive that I am light years behind you.”
“Don’t worry Boss,” he replied in his usual comforting way. Then he added somberly. “You will be interested in talking to our lawyers about the conspiracy mess and how it may relate to the company’s fortunes.”
“Thanks, Bill, I can hardly wait.”

I have noticed lately that when talking about antiques you I have to use the expression “at the previous turn of the century.”

A terrorist named Khay Rahnajet didn’t pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with “Return to Sender” stamped on it. Forgetting it was a bomb, he opened it…and you can understand the rest of the story.

The Answer:
After Hitler, the leading men in the 3rd Reich were Herman Goring, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolf Hess, Heinrich Himmler, Ernst Rohm and Martin Bormann. They wouldn’t have lasted so long if Jack bauer had been on the scene.

It's Over:
The good news is that Jack was last seen running, probably to the set of the promised movie. I can hardly wait.
KThunk. KThunk. KTnunk.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Get your hands off my money, or I’m calling Jack!

Today's Tids Isssue 2,137
Opening Stuff:
I’m at a loss for words. How can you possibly adequately express the grief over the loss of a friend? A friend that each year provided hope and relief. But, tonight I and many will have to face the truth. The horrible truth that “24” is to disappear form the face of the earth. The TV program that…I’m sorry…I may not be able to write the rest of these Tids. Whew. This is tough. Suck it up big guy. When the stock market dips, when democrats talk, when celebrities ooze, I could always say for the past nine years: “Don’t worry about the crap in the world, you’ve got “24” to look forward. That’s a true friend if there ever was one. Pass me a hanky please.

New celebrity couple of the moment: Fergie and Blago.

Nowhere in the list of ideas about saving Social Security (Mostly higher taxes and fewer benefits) does it recommend that no person affiliated with any congressional or executive branch of the monster can touch the “Trust” fund, except the person who pushes the button on the machine that prints the checks for those who paid into it. Or am I too late for that?

Richard Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde always tugs at my heartstrings.

Refreshingly Honest Department:
In this world of arrogant journalistic scoundrels wasn’t it a pleasant whiff of seaside air to hear Campbell Brown say that she is resigning because not enough people were watching her program. She added that nothing makes her madder than the company lines like “Wanna spend time with the family” or “seeking new career objectives”. She said it would be impossible for her to stomach spinning her own reason for leaving. So, when she turns up somewhere else, I’ll be watching.

The Question:
Name your ten favorite all-time “24” Characters other than Jack and Chloe..

The Headlines:
--0-Man Calls For Military Readiness As North Korea Threatens.
--Geithner Sees Global Economy Improving.
--Fergie Seen Selling Andrew Access For Princely Sum.
--Poisoned PDF’s Now Top Web Threat; 49% Of All 2009 (11% In 2008) Attacks Result In Flaw In Adobe reader.
--President Criticizes American Past And Demeans GW Bush In Speech Before Country’s Bravest At West Point (Well… Bravest After Annapolis).
--Jamaica Declares State Of Emergency As Drug Wars Excalate.
--Brett Michaels Wins Apprentis After Near Fatal Bout With Diabetes.

Back to More Stuff:
The almost good news is that next Fall NBC will première a new conspiracy thriller described as “Resembling 24”. It’s called “The Event”, and it is about a guy investigating the strange death of his wife who finds himself looking at a giant government cover-up. I’m putting this potential as a Tids fave on my “must give it a chance” list.

With all of the attention focused on Basketball, football or hot High School/College sport of the moment, unbelievable accomplished student athletes in minor sports often go over looked and underappreciated by the fawning public. Let’s hear it for all of those champions sweating and competing beyond the spotlight.

In case you are interested, the ratings for the 8:00 daily cable news slots (That’s where Campbell Brown resided) are Bill O’Reilly 3.3 Million, Obermann 1 Million, Nancy Grace 745K and Brown 575K.

So like I’m supposed to be really, really happy when I read that the return to volatility in the stock markets is good for the gam…, Oops, I mean traders. I have to believe that 99.6% of all stock market participants would love some stability more than anything.

I’m absolutely loving my Celtics!

I don’t know what to think about the successful production of a fully chemically based synthetic cell, but I can hear China and India officials talking now, “Oh great! Just what we need…another way to add to our overpopulation.”

Interestingly, Country Music sales is humming along, or at least remaining stable as the music industry in general is bucking some tough trends. The reason, say many observers, is because that while Wall Street magnets are pocketing the big bucks, most of the average Americans are still worried about jobs and shrinking assets. And, they “commiserate” with the woeful lyrics of country songs. Like “I got the Blankfein Big Bucks Blues” or “My Broker Took My Wife Ida And left me no IRA.”

We have given some ink to the 16 year old girls trying to sail alone around the world. But how about the 13 year old American, Jordan Romero, who successfully stepped atop Mount Everest on Friday. Can you say Best Selling Book? But, I still can’t understand one of the good luck charms he carried to the top – “Kangaroo Testicles”! Yikes!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 73: “Gray Matter” came the lilting reply. What do they inject into these receptionists anyhow? Kent laughed to himself at his little joke as answered the face of the security company. “Hello, this is Kent Middleton for Jason Cotter.”
After a few seconds the pleasant voice of my friend Jason came on. “Why Kent. This is a surprise! I thought you were trying to stay away from me. Too bad about Bromsky.” God he liked to ramble. You’d think he’d know me by now. But he continued. “So, how are you and the sheriff getting along?” He paused a few beats. “ I still remember the meeting we had with him, and laugh at our performance.”
“Are you finished?”
“Oh yeah, you called me.”
“That’s why I’m calling. The sheriff.” Now I paused just make him understand that I was still in charge. “The sheriff is getting nosey. And I’m sensing that this isn’t dying out as fast as it should have.”
“So, what do you want us to do?”
“Well,” I started. “If you can figure out how to get a couple of guys to blend with the surroundings up here, with big black SUV’s, I want to keep an eye on Laura and Sarah Durham.” I paused, “And we might consider making them inaccessible to the police?”
Jason jumped in, “I think another accident for the Durham woman would look suspicious.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about,”. Kent then changed the subject. “Your BiEmbryo security contract is just about completed.

Last week I mentioned that the dumber and dumber in the RI State Legislature are proposing a tax on sugary soda pop. I misspoke. (Oops there’s that very political word again). It now appears that this is a sweeping national trend among all legislative slugs. Under the guise of helping obese people cope, they are really trying to figure out how to pay for Obama’s bloated LollaPelosi Health Care Program. If it keeps going this way, health care will be cheaper but you won’t be able to afford to eat! Get this, the common thinking is to charge a penny an ounce for sugared sports drinks, teas and soda pops. For a 12 pack of 12 oz soda cans that would come to an extra $1.44/pack. Now if you wait for sales, you can always stock up on 12-packs for about $2.50/pack. That makes this tax equal to a whopping 57.6% tax!!!!! EeeeeeeeeeeeeeeOW!

The common thinking among people with brains is to vote them all out in November. I think we need more. Vote to shut down Congress and state legislatures for ten years. Believe me, nothing bad would happen.

The Answer:
The first two that popped into my mind are the great villain Nina and the loveable Edgar. Of course there is Renee Walker and the fantastic President Logan. I liked Jack’s wife, Kim’s mom Teri Bauer. And how could you not love President Palmer. I always though Michelle Dressler was terrific. And I liked Tony. I can’t remember the names but the Middle Eastern family of 2-3 years ago were outstanding. I liked Jack’s second love Kate Warner, and her sister Marie was one another of the terrific villainesses of the series. But one of the better guys was the CTU head George Mason who was dying and gave himself up to explode an A-Bomb in the desert in one of the most emotional scenes ever. As I got into this I found it was hard to limit it to 10. I probably had over forty very favorite characters over the series. But, that’s just the way it is with fans…we’re brain dead.

The End of An Era:
I’m thinking that next year the Tids will create and bring to you Season Nine of “24”.

And, I’m also thinking that KFC biscuits and gravy are going to be a great eating-along-with-24 snack.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Don’t lose your Underpants* at a Parade.

Today's Tids Issue 2,136
Opening Stuff:

Following the Girl Who Lost Her Underpants Department:
I think one of the underlying causes of a lot problems these days is that too many people are enabled to do stupid, risky, unwise things because it has become normal to apologize after the disaster… and then just walk away. Yesterday, a supposed smartest guy in the world Lloyd Blankfein said, “I regret that we participated in transactions that brought too much leverage into the world. It led to people taking too much leverage. But, those were the standards of the moment.” What a crock! Hey Lloyd. You get the big bucks to look beyond the “standards of the moment”. Or are you telling us that you and your Wall Street brethren are just one more bunch of well coifed sheep following the rest of the clueless herd. It is profoundly disturbing.

A cold war is a state of suspended ammunition.

How changes effect changes: Last night I ate in a restaurant situated beautifully at the head of a major bay alongside a classically beautiful historic New England fishing and sailing community. About a month earlier the restaurant was sold and the new owners changed the environment 180 degrees. Prior to its new comfortable atmosphere and fairly exotic Spanish menu, it was a “Biker Bar”. Here’s the problem. The Gas Station across the street is complaining saying its business is in the toilet without the Bikers. So now the Gas Station owner has to reinvent his business to serve an altered marketplace. Nothing is really simple. But change will always come.

And this just in: The Bicycle Wheel Manufacturers Association has appointed a new spokes-person.

The Question: Name Five films based on Saturday Night Live skits.

The Headlines:
--German Lawmakers Approve Euro Rescue Package.
--Stocks Expected To Temporarily Stabilize This Morning After Yesterdays Dramatic Collapse.
--Senate Passes Wall Street regulation Bill; Senate Bill Tougher On Banks Than House Version; Reconciliation Next Step.
--Competing Group Agendas Move Tar Balls From Court To Another.
--Intelligence Director Blair Resigns (At Urging Of Prez?); List Of Recent Failures Led To Resignation.
--NK Says No Way On OrpedoTay.
--Lohan Returns From Cannes Party Spree To New Court Tribulations.
--Surprise Victor Paul Now On Hot Seat After Remarks About Preserving Personal Freedoms.
--US Inflation At 44 Year Low.

Back to More Stuff:

Taking a page out of the OJ file, and after hearing Calderon’s complaint about one of our good states taking action to protect themselves from his citizens, I have a new slogan – “Fix Mex or we Annex”. Beautiful! We take it over and start bombing the hell out of the drug cartels. Then we send down the NEA to organize the schools and teach English. And, now with the secession of budget sucking by illegals, we can easily afford another trillion or two to add all of the newly acquired territory expanded Health care program. As part of the Mexico economic recovery program we build a Dunkin Donut on every corner.

Aromatic is a rapid-fire crossbow!

Strange as it may seem, I enjoy writing poems. The problem is you have to find someone to whom you can write …and won’t gag reading it. Poems can be kind of an allergy thing to many in the audience at a reading. It’s like anything really. If you have something to offer and there is nobody there to enjoy it, do you really have anything at all? Everybody has so much inside themselves. And most everybody looks for friends, lovers, wives, husbands, parents, siblings and even strangers who are willing to take a few minutes to listen. The key is for the poet to understand the limitations of the listener.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 73. –Kent looked over his shoulder at the trio huddled in Sally’s office. It bothered him, even though he could sense that Sarah/Maggie was still malleable. Yet even she was not the same as she was earlier when they met. Maybe I over evaluated her pragmatism. Maybe I forgot that she is an emotional human being. A woman who can deeply love. I have certainly learned that as we melded into one in ferocious sex. I felt an aching as I thought of last night. Maybe this woman with so much emotion is finding it harder and harder to routinely dismiss guilt in the face of intense love from her family. I saw it at the hospital, and today in the eyes of Paul. I had better be careful. The phone always rings just when my mind is latching on to something.
“Hello.”
“It’s me, Laura.”
“Ah Laura. I need your voice right about now. Say something sweet to me.” I never get the same feeling talking to Laura as I do with Maggie.
“No time for crap,” she answered in her coldest manner. God I hate that. Laura is the kind of person who has the ability to scare people. No wonder the teens followed her every wish. “I just got back from another visit with that crusty old sheriff. I’ll tell you something, Kent, he knows something. Or at least he thinks he knows something.”
I interrupted. “Just be you usual cool self Laura. What did he ask you?” She went through a long list of questions, most of which sounded like a fishing expedition to me. “You stay away from my house for a while.” She agreed readily. No emotions with Laura.

Doncha love that Headline “US inflation at 44 year low.” Like that is good news! Nobody has a lot of extra money to buy unless it is affordable. Get it! The market place works.

Oh, so far this year 72 US banks have folded. This is compared to 33 for the same period last year. Maybe we should bring Lloyd Blankfein to fix the problem. Or at least apologize for it.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Shreck! Everybody has today’s premiere date circled on their calendar based on the success of the first two in the series. And, I suspect that the general audiences will fall in love with this Ogre as they have before. Even though the critics aren’t so hot about this new arrival. Shreck has settled into the comfy life of an adored hero. That is until he is duped by the fast talking Rumplestiltskin. He rally’s the usual friends to overcomes his latest dilemma.
--Of course the big question surrounding McGruber is whether or not this latest in a long of SNL based movies will be another flop in the long line of SNL movie flops. I don’t think so. This Adventure/Action/Comedy seems to have enough to get it beyond the stupid category. It’s about a highly decorated ex special ops guy taking on an assignment along with close pals to find a stolen A-Bomb. I’ll put it on my rentals list.

The next movie on my “To See” list is Salt.

Logic goes astray when discussions center around the black race. Chand Paul probably has a legitimate point about private enterprise having the right to do what they want about serving customers. People who feel such a private enterprise is wrong have a right not to go there. It is no different than private men’s or women’s clubs barring the opposite sex. Freedom doesn’t always mean that the right thing will be done, but that the free won’t be encumbered by power to avoid doing it. Gravy for school lunch programs. Oh, wait a minute. That can’t happen. Once you give up your freedom for Government bucks you can’t get it back.

The Answer:
Of course the newest is McGruber. One of the classics is The Blues Brothers. It had a not so hot sequel Blues Brothers 2000. The we have Waynes World (And “2”), bob Roberts, Coneheads, Gilda Live, Harold, The Ladies man. It’s Pat, Mr. Bill’s Real Life Adventures, Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video, Mr. Saturday Night, A Night at the Roxbury, Office Space. Stuart Saves His Family and Superstar.

The Weak End:
So now we welcome Friday
When your frets sashay
Relaxation is on the way
Unless as seniors say
Everyday, It’s all-the-time play.

*Underpants is a an old German farce (newly adapted for the stage by Steve Martin) about a young housewife who accidently loses her underpants while watching a parade for the King and then watches in amazement as men do stupid things to gain her favor. And give her power she never thought she could have in a man's world.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Fix Mex or We Annex.

Today's Tids Issue 2,135
Opening Stuff:
America is doomed unless we can rid our lexicon of the words “misspeak” or “misspoke”. These popular crutches for politicians are not just overused, they are implausible in the context of which they are most often used. Politicians never misspeak. But they always try to manipulate by stretching the truth or disguising it. They only “Misspeak” when a third party discovers and points out the manipulation.

Did you hear about the patrolman who called his flat feet his arch enemy?

Is it me, or is Justin Bieber just another average talent well promoted. Or is just the fact that I’m not 13 any more? I don’t get the excitement.

And how about that president of Mexico lashing out against the Arizona law. A law of US citizens. How about this for an idea Mr. Calderon…Fix your Freaking country and the people will stay there! How simple is that. Or, do you like the idea of using the US of A has your country’s welfare system. Every time a creep like Calderon opens his mouth, I want to walk down to Arizona and shake somebody’s hand.

An even better idea, Mr. Calderon, is how about we take over Mexico. Hell we have already paid for it! First thing we do is send in drones to wipe our drug fortresses in the country. We can do that because our law enforcement and military haven't been paid off...yet. We will also introduce English to Mexican schools to help all assimilate into the new expanded country. And of course for a few extra trillion we can easily fot evryone there into our new Health Care LallaPelosi.

The Question:
Name Sonny and/or Cher’s all time hits.

The Headlines:
--Thai Opposition Leaders Call It A Day; “Red Shirt” Stragglers Still Disrupting Streets.
--Some Economists Are Saying Recession Is Over; Except For Those Unemployed And The Sucking Stock Market.
--Senators Want To Send National Guard Troops To Mexican Border.
--Mexican Translator Butchers Calderone White House Welcome Speech.
--North Korea Threatens War If South Retaliates For Torpedoed Naval Ship That Killed 57 Sailors.
--$300,000 Overdo Book Fine Goes Unpaid As George Washington Borrowed Book Is Returned To New York Society Library 221 Years Late.
--Biker Floyd Landis Admits To Using Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Back to More Stuff:

I thought I was reading a “satire” magazine when I saw the headline in this morning’s paper: “Mother of octuplets an advocate of pet birth control”. How weird has out media bcome?

While we’re on media, you can get an entirely different view of what is and what is not important between reports on TV versus the paper. And it all depends on whether or not there is a dramatic visual opportunity.

And, how about all of those frenetic tar ball reporters who are now learning that those well publicized blobs have nothing to do with the oil spill but are just something that occur naturally. (I remember tar adorned ankles from boyhood days on Cape Cod …in the 40’s!) Until the real truth came out, I was looking for an Al Gore backed, Michael Moore Directed film – “Uncle Remus meets the Tar Ball.” “Gotta an oil soaked bluebird on my shoulder…” It ok to hum Zippity Doo Dah for the rest of the day.

Do you ever get the feeling that in about twenty years the country will be overrun with filmmakers. And surprisingly this group could become more of a societal annoyance than the current over abundance of lawyers. As one, young aspiring filmmaker said the other day. “With a film, you can even penetrate the mind of a dunce.” (See Al Gore and Michael Moore).

And, speaking of a fast trip to a mental institution, try reading an essay on Matter versus Anti-matter. Aaaaaaarrrrrrgh!

My golf game has gotten so bad that most observers can’t even see potential in my swing any more.

The diet book made the NYT’s Best seller list because it was easy to digest.

Anybody want to put up some seed money for my new Reality Show for the Times idea? How about a show that recreates the daily adventures of Peace Corp workers? Where they are helpful to the disadvantaged. How they solve mysteries. How they use courage on a daily basis. I’m not looking at maudlin peace with a musical back ground from Simon and Garfunkle or Joan Baez. I’m talking grit and harrowing experiences. I’m serious. It could be a winner and 0-Man would endorse it in a flash.

Sign seen on the back of a marine’s Jeep: “It’s We the People, Not Me the President.”

The Answer:
The now jailbird Phil Spector discovered duo has had plenty of memorable hits. One you can always hear me singing and enjoying is of course “I got you Babe.” This classic was out just after “Baby don’t Go” hit the top of the charts. Also there is The Beat Goes On, Little Man, All I Ever need is You, A Cowboy’s Work is Never Done, Without You and United We Stand. Cher singles of note included “Bang, Bang” and the “Theme From Alphie”.

The End:
Tomorrow we start a new chapter for Through the Same Eyes. This time we’ll be in Middleton’s mind as he also starts to see some leaks in his scheme. Some tomes I get so excited about this, I have to take a day off.

It the meantime I’m boycotting Mexican restaurants. Which frankly won’t be hard at all, as that mush is for sure the most overrated food of our times.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Sickly Sweet Lawmaking.

Today's Tids Issue 2,134
Opening Stuff:


It looks like the vote for “Real” change moved forward significantly last night as it was out with the incumbents* and in with those who stand for something. Not the growing list of malleable centrists like so many of the lightweights who are the basis for Anti-DC sentiment in the country. Addicted serial spenders looking for safety in the middle. Some anecdotal evidence from last night suggests that there will be a land slide of “no incumbent” voting come November. *Longtime Arkansas Senator Blanch Lincoln didn’t lose yet, but was thrown in a run-off vote after weak support and no majority winner.

Disturbing my Heart Department:
The big wind farm project proposed for off-shore RI is a great example of runaway emotions in the name of environmental progress pushing through suspect, costly potential boondoggles. Basically the company, Deepwater Wind, wants a “bailout” before the project. Here’s the facts. The PUC denied the company’s request because their price per kilowatt/hour was 2 ½ times the current KW rate for consumers. The company then turned to the spineless state legislature to circumvent the PUC and state approval process. What the company is saying is that they aren’t going to put up their own money for this risky venture and that they are looking for an approval of super high consumer rates to help finance the effort. All, in the name of “Green”. The only thing green about this project is the amount of green it will suck out of the average homeowner’s wallet. The RI Tea Party is vehemently against the company.

“Glee!” gets better every week. Last night had some wonderful musical and dancing moments.

The Question:
Happy Birthday to producer/writer/director Nora Ephron! Name her most popular screenplays and movies.

The Headlines:
--Worldwide Stocks Slide On New German Curbs On Euro Trading And Lowest Euro Value In Years.
--Experts Say Tar Balls Showing Up On Gulf Beaches Are “Not” From Big Oil Spill.
--Clueless Lane Experts Still Can’t Figure Out Why Market Collapsed.
--Victims Of RI’s Station Night Club Fire Can Expect Shortly; 550 To Share $176 Million Minus Lawyers $59 Million; Victim Payments Will range from $3,000 To $3.5 Million Depending On Severity Of Injuries..
--Spain Turns To taxes On Wealthy To Bail Out Government’s Bad Financial Decisions.
--Oil Below $68.Corporate Earnings Continue To Come In Strong.
--Fire Bombing And Looting Continues In Thailand Mini Civil War.
--Latest Chinese Knife Wielder Maims 13.
--Taliban Launch Brazen Early Morning Attack Against Giant US Bragram Air Field North Of Kabul.
--Times Square Bomber Had Long List Of Potential Targets; Sikorsky Aircraft, Rockefeller Center And Grand Central Among Other targets; Lefty NYC Talk Show Host Says Bombers Tights Violated.
--Celtics Surprise Again.

Back to More Stuff:

Some of these super markets are so cold during the Spring that it’s nice to have heated seats in your car!

Going into last night’s AI semi-final I was ready to predict that Casey might sneak up and beat a better performer because of the over powering “Cute” vote this year. He is actually quite talented too. But, it was pretty clear last night that Lee has the power and the about to get some of the sorta-cute vote and that Chrystal is an enormous talent. And the import thing is that the now favored duo have grown immensely. I think Lee will win it all. And, I still think Siobhan should be in the mix.

While the RI economy continues to wallow like Greece, the legislature in their wisdom have decided to tax sugary sodas to help with the overweight problem. Like people who are willing to be gouged with a $1.75/20 oz bottle price at convenience stores are going to worry about an extra five cents.

I’m worried about Hillary Clinton. Really! She looks dreadful – tired, besieged, overburdened. Regardless of my past opinions, she seems to be giving taxpayers their money’s worth for a change. I still wouldn’t vote for her for anything, but when people work hard they deserve a pat on the back. Hey, we are still a civil society despite how bad the politicians make us appear.

Cassatt and Brookins point out that technology has become so pervasive in our lives that a guy in a restaurant needed a password to open a fortune cookie.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 continues. –Now Paul reached across the table and took my hand. Gently. He locked his eyes on to mine. Intensely. I felt as if he was peering into my soul and reading all of my secrets. I felt my hand shake in his. In a slow, very purposeful voice Paul started. “I know that Middleton has become a friend of yours through that town committee and the financial negotiations at BiEm.” Yes, friends I thought. Where is he going. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that you have to eliminate whatever personal emotions you may have developed for him and look through the fog. The way Sarah Durham always has. This fortuitous flow of data into Middleton’s project bothers me. A lot. My little company had a great opportunity here. And maybe we still do. But, the paranoia in me says there is now a cloud hanging over our efforts despite the cheerleaders in the executive suites.”
I just nodded. I wanted to listen to him. Then he switched subjects.
“How well did you know Bromsky?”
“Not well” I replied. Now that I was on safer ground I spoke up. “I talked to him occasionally about his project progress. It was always very formal.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding in.
“Do you think he was the kind of guy who would commit suicide?”
“No”. I didn’t even think about it for a second. Bromsky thought he was too important for this earth. “No,” I reaffirmed, “No I don’t.
“Me neither.” Paul agreed. And then he smiled at me. “Want to put on your detective’s hat again? And how would you like a new partner?”

Spector is just the latest politician to fall after 0-Man campaigning. The new White House strategy is expected to be fly-overs.

What’s a bigger drain on the health care system. Fat people swigging a Coke or 20 million or more criminals sneaking into the US and robbing Medicaid?

This centrist position being assumed by many incumbent pols will never work in the current climate. The voter is tired of mushiness. They want people who stand for something. In fact the Dems have a great opportunity for rebirth if they stand up against Big Finance. To paraphrase a well known pundit, “It’s the Fat cats stupid.” To me, that is the Republican’s Achilles heel.

The Answer:
Nora is a prolific contributor to our entertainment and thought process. She was nominated fro an Oscar fro her “Silkwood”. But she is best known for her lighter fair including Produce/Writer/Director for the recent popular movie Julie and Julia. Most love her When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless In Seattle. She was also writer or writer director or writer/director/producer for You’ve Got Mail, Heartburn, Cookie, My Blue Heaven, This is My Life, Mixed Nuts, Michael, Hanging Up, Lucky Numbers and Bewitched. Ephron is married to Carl Bernstein and did some work on the All the President’s Men script.

Let it Flow:
This sugar drink lunacy reminds me that if we just got rid of all law making branches of government for ten years or so and let the world flow, the old Darwin theory of natural selection would probably save us from ourselves.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

I’m so happy, that I’m losing my mind.

Today's Tids Issue 2,133
Opening Stuff:

A new study reveals that people in their 50’s are happier. Happier than what…a prisoner at Abu Ghraib; a guy who stole from a Mexican drug cartel; A conservative Republican in Rhode Island?

And therefore, are people well past their fifties so happy that their constant state of deliriousness’ leads to the ultimate collapse of all mental comprehension?

Eric Holden Department:
The Attorney General seems to have trouble saying Islamic Extremist. I was thinking of this as I noted how many Terrorist bomb plans have been disrupted before the fact by many countries in the Middle East and Asia. So my multiple choice question of the day is:
Did they nab the potential bombers because:
A. They were lucky.
B. They targeted people who looked like Swedes.
C. They targeted people who looked like Mexicans.
D. They targeted people who looked like Middle Eastern Islamic Extremists.

The Question:
Name Ten Female Aviation Pioneers. Many were incredibly courageous, but footnotes of history. The Tids has always sought to elevate footnotes to headlines.

The Headlines:
--Primaries In Penn, Kentucky, Arkansas and Oregon May Indicate National Mood Of Voters.
--Taliban Suicide Bomber Kills 17 In Attack On NATO Convoy.
--EU Overrules UK And Tightens Hedge Fund Rules; New Restrictions Could Bar US Hedge Fund Activities In London Markets.
--New Study Says That People In Their 50’s Are Happier.
--Home Construction Up; New Building Permits Fall Sharply.
--Pfizer Lays off 6,000, Closes 8 Plants Worldwide.
--Stocks Climb In Early Trading.

Back to More Stuff:

My use of the term gravy is largely symbolic. An Icon for sanity. Protecting those who like things that taste good as opposed to just healthy eating. You can find a healthy eating site anywhere these days. But try to find a site tempts your inner cravings for fatty diets. Without a little gravy in your life, you too could become gaunt and despondent. Untrusting. A nagging mother-in-law to sensible living. What this world needs is a little more contentment. Wallowing in the sin of eating rich gravy, fried scallops or hot butterscotch Sundays. The Tids will always fight the battle for the dietary oppressed. Once they take away your gravy, what’s next? Scary, isn’t it?

I was going to write this Tid a week or so ago. I didn’t think at the time my personal observations were enough proof of what my eyes were concluding; There has been little or no damage to the shore and wildlife as a result of the oil spill. After all, headline after headline has been proclaiming the doom of mankind. The spreading of toxicity up and down the east coast after it finished ravaging the Gulf Coast. Yet I only saw a dark spot on the map floating off shore somewhere. And close up pictures didn’t show a contiguous mass, but merely disjointed streams. So last night on the ABC Nightly News of all places they said exactly what I and many had been seeing -- no damage to beaches; just seven wildlife creatures killed; and seafood havens still thriving; no overwhelming masses of thick oil. Moral: believe your eyes and not the press.

The same could be said about press reports against the Arizona law.

Head scratcher: Why did the annoying Press Secretary Gibbs say yesterday, “The President will be following the elections, but not closely.” “But not closely.” Why shouldn’t he watch them closely? That would seem natural. It reminds me of the self proclaimed intellectuals who announce triumphantly things like “I rarely watch TV.”

24-um: --The energy just keeps on coming. --How about Logan? He folded like a cheap suit. The ultimate gutless slimball. But. what agreat actor Itson is! --Lots of nice scenarios to be solved on next weeks don’t-miss-it finale of finale’s. They are saying you will see a surprise of surprises. --But Jack can’t die, cause they need him around for a movie. --Maybe a doctor will call saying “We were just foolin’ you Jack, Renee is alive.” And Jack will shoot himself in the head due to the guilt from his revenge trip. Then he will awaken from that deep slumber after sex with Renee. After all he hadn’t had sex in eight years and was probably really, really tired. (Remember the great “Dallas” cop out.) --Will Hassam’s daughter shoot President Allison? --Will Jack Marry Chole, or will Chloe stab Jack for leading her on all of these years.

I read somewhere yesterday that people now get paid to prove things that most people innately knew 20 years ago were true.

Speaking of Government waste, the esteemed Congress of the US of A says it will only take a few “tweaks” to fix Social Security. Then I read the tweaks that were mainly centered around raising the FICA Tax in one form or another or cutting benefits to seniors. But not once did I read, “Put a giant padlock on the SS Trust Fund so Congress can’t get their hands on it”.

Congress has been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to regulate the misdeeds of Credit Card companies. How about enforcing usury laws that have been in existence pretty much since the beginning of time.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 continues. –“Well, hi there Mr. Durham. We don’t see you in here much!” Marie took a quick glance at me as she dropped menus on the table. I turned my eyes toward Paul in a soft and loving illusion. Marie seemed to relax. I didn’t. I ordered coffee. I almost said Diet Coke for Paul but he spoke up quickly and ordered Coffee and an éclair. And then chatted with Marie as though he was the happiest guy on the face of the earth.
“Do you come here often when in town?” He asked curiously, but non threatening when Marie had left. Why was I measuring ever word, every nuance.
“Often a bunch of us come down after one of our crime chaser meetings.” I answered casually.
“Ah yes, the vandalism caper.” He laughed a little.
“Hey, that turned out to be a big deal”, I protested! Then we both laughed.
“I think something is still going on.“ Now Paul got serious. “Nothing is adding up to me anymore. Especially Kent Middleton.” I didn’t show any emotion. “As I think back to my early days of proposing our solutions to BiEm, I never realized until just recently how odd…” he paused, “…well maybe odd is a bad word. Ambitious, yeah ambitious Middleton’s first requirements had been. Hey, I’m all for looking out beyond, but Kent was looking for technology that could never happen under the guidelines of legal development of embryo research.
“Maybe Ke…, Middleton is just smarter than the average researcher. Always looking several steps beyond. And you know, what’s legal today could change in a flash. It’s a new world.” He looked at me. Nodded as in “go on”. We looked deeply into BiEm before arranging the financial package. What we liked best wasn’t about where they were, but the built-in flexibility to go with ease where the winds might take them.”
“I’ll give you that, But that doesn’t change the way I see Middleton as a person now versus then.”

It is interesting how learned disciplines can interact to cause confusion. I have had a conflict ever since I took German for 7 years. And it all has to do with “ie” or “ei”. I always go by the relative clear-cut German rules which are often in opposition to the old “I before e…” In German, words that sound like “eee” are “ie and those that sound like “I” are ei.

Are umpires becoming worse at calling Balls and Strikes, or do we just have more technology now that can measure their inaccuracy? It’s the same for the instant replay in football. But think about this for a second or two. All of the technology monitors the officials. But, the players are still making human mistakes. Does that mean that in the future some people will figure out how to put chips in, for instance foot players, so that running backs will always make the perfect cut? Or maybe batters will wear video wrist bands that sow the umps error, and those arguments will be based on fact. How crappy would that be? On the other hand, maybe we should get rid of all the technical assistance in a game played by humans. Let the fans boo bad calls. And laugh inwardly when the ref makes an error in the home team’s favor.

The Answer:
Everybody knows about Amelia Earhart. But, do you know Bessie Coleman an extremely poor black southern girl who couldn’t find a teacher in the US and found a way to get to Paris for flying lessons. She became an inspiration to black men and women pilots and a very successful flying barnstormer. Neta Snook taught Amelia to fly. Also, Shiela Scott – First British person to fly round the world; Beryl Markham – 1st person to fly East to West across Atlantic; Jaqueline Cochran – 1st woman to break sound barrier; Harriet Quimby 1st women to get pilot’s license, fly across English channel. Other pioneers are Ruth Law, Katherine Stinson, Anna Low, Ruth Nichols, Elinor Smith and Florence Klingensmith. Anne Morrow Lindberg was the first womnan to get a glider’s license.

Happy Ending:
Happiness is having nothing to do that will keep you from rereading the Tids for typos. If you are a simple soul like me, it doesn’t take much.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Gravy Makes Veggies Taste Good.

Today's Tids Issue 2,132
Opening Stuff:

Well...it’s time to set the sundial.

I Love Great Achievements Department:
While the Tids was keeping an eye on the progress of the now failed Abby Sundland around the world adventure, another 16 year old girl, Jessica Watson of Australia, this weekend slid her 34 foot boat into Sidney Harbor to the cheers of a tumultuous crowd. This after 23,000 tortuous miles that included 40 foot waves and seven - count em’ – seven knockdowns. She said it was a blast! Now this very cool and incredibly courageous teen ahs but one worry…can she pass her driver’s test!

Economic theory ceases to exist when Big Government gets too big, too involved.

The Question:
The Farrelly Brothers I hear locally are planning another movie, probably once agiain with some of their home state (RI) ties. Name five Farrelly Brothers movies!

The Headlines:
--Oil Falls Below $70; Euro Falls To Four Year Low.Asian Stocks Plunging.
--Euro News Has
--Thailand “Red Shirts” Offer To talk Peace.
--BP Making Some Progress Plugging Oil Leak.
--Allawi Still Victor In Iraq After Recount; Malicki Will Probably Do Something Stupid.
--Another Violent Attack In China Has Man Cleevering 7 Women To Death.
--Celts Get Neutralize Home Court Advantage With Opening Round Upset Of Orlando.

Back to More Stuff:

So, did you read that a New York City “Gentlemen’s Club” has offered LeBron James free lap dances for life if he joins the New York Knicks. The way I see it, however, this should be a reason not to take the Knicks deal. With that kind of public knowledge out there, every time someone says “Where’s LeBron”, someone else will say smirkingly, “Don’t you know?”.

Whatever happened to pedestrians looking both ways, and waiting for cars to pass before crossing?

Tids Guy for Congress Department:
The meeting with party leaders was depressing from the opening statement. “Well Tid’s Guy, we’re happy to have you on our team!”. / “I’m really happy too. I want to put myself on the line for the good of the people.” / They looked at me quizzically, “Noble, noble” The two looked at each other. I saw a quick smile. “First,” they continued, “To do well on the East Bay we’re running you on the platform ‘Veggies For School Lunch.” / I gasped, hopefully not too audibly. “Veggies?” / “Yes” they affirmed, Veggies for kids make moms happy.” A silent pause. / “But, I’m a gravy man.” / “Not any more,” they countered immediately. / “But, gravy tastes better. It even makes veggies taste better.” I waited. But I only felt stony silence. “And gravy makes Kids happy!” I smiled in triumph. / “We don’t want happy kids. You can build a crisis with happy kids.” They both looked me in the eye. “You love veggies”. / “But that would be a lie”, I replied, now with more vigor. / Now, the duo got serious, almost sociopathic in their tone. “There are no lies in Politics. Just adjustments.”

I thought of this while watching Arlen Spector.

One thing that we know for sure is that the geologists were right. It is one great source of oil!

The tortoise and the hare Department:
You know that somebody still loves you when you find that over the winter an 85 year old, four inch neck, giant snapping turtle has decided to move in under your shed. And that a family of 3 inch long baby rabbits is living in a small hole out side the front door. And then we have the robins and sparrows building nests in the rose bushes. I feel like Uncle Remus, Zippity Doo-Da!

Or is that Doctor Doolittle?

It’s better than last year when a family of skunks moved in under the shed. And a feral cat gave birth to kittens under the deck.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 Continues. –After a little more discussion on Laura – I didn’t want to tell Sally what the Henry was doing – It was Paul who stood and said he had to get back to his office. He looked at Sally and said something in technology talk to which she nodded vigorously. Then he turned to me. “I have a few minutes for a cup of coffee. Want to have a quick date at Maries before I go back?”
That was a surprise. I was going to wander over into Kent’s office before I left for home. “I’d be honored,” and then I broke out into this amazing smile. And looking at Paul’s face, I think my reaction surprised him.
After thanking Sal, Paul and I walked out. I managed to turn my head towards Kent’s glass. I noticed his eyes following me down the hall. Or was he looking at Paul There was something odd about the way he appeared.
After walking through the lobby and nodding a good-bye to smiley, Paul turned to me as the door shut behind us. “Do you think that there is something odder than usual about Middleton these days?”
“You have always thought he was odd?” With that an unusual feeling washed over me. What would he ever think if I told him I had made love to that odd ball. In savored every minute every touch. He wouldn’t think Kent odd if he knew him better. Like I do. “How is he odd? I went on.
Paul told me quickly how terrified he was of Kent in their first meetings. How much it took to hold his ground against Kent’s sharp mind and impenetrable persona. That after a while he found Kent likable though still odd. But that now there was a new air of strangeness that he had never seen before.

Speaking of the collapse of economic theory, it appears that the biggest “Gimmie” crowd is no longer single moms from poor neighborhoods, but any organization that has screwed up its operations primarily through excess. And that includes Wall Street, Public Employee unions and governments of all sizes. In fact, just about every other day somebody pops up on the news asking for a bailout.

You don’t think that big Gov has the ability, if they want, to monitor “everything” you do doo? These new septic systems have monitoring systems that trigger alerts. So, you may get a call from your service saying, “We have noticed more flow into the system than usual”. How prying this that? How do you answer, and why should you feel intimidated in the first place? Do you say, “It must have been something I ate.” Where is this world going.

Speaking of overwrought technology, the haughty umpires must be seething now that the technology is proving how bad most always thought they were on balls and strikes. How much happier was a world without too much information or in your face continual communication?

The Answer: It was all inspired by the RI Legislature when they brought out Dumb and Dumber. Other big hits were There’s Something About Mary; Shallow Hal; Kingpin; Me, Myself And Irene; Fever Pitch; Stuck On You and The Heartbreak Kid. I know, you are smiling as you remember.

The End:
Well gotta go out and stare at my turtle.

Friday, May 14, 2010

The real uncontrollable "Spill".

Today's Tids Issue 2,131
Opening Stuff:

Among the many problems in the world, there is one going on under the radar and it is about how fast the US of A is approaching “Critical Mass”. That moment when the number of people who are getting something for nothing from the government is a larger voting block than those contributing to the economic growth. When that point is reached, it will be impossible to cap the slippery flow.

Have you noticed that the big problems in Europe are the result of attaining another critical mass: That point where it has become impossible to finance the promises of socialism.

Friday always makes me hungry. Mention Friday and I start thinking Grillday, Broilday, Boilday, Sautéday and Roastwithgravyday. Oh, it hurts.

The Question:
Frank Sinatra died 12 years ago today. Name five of his top songs…Fast!...no thinking allowed.

Weekend Bonus Q: In honor of the anniversary of the last Seinfeld show, name the ten most frequently seen “secondary” characters. Fast!

The Headlines:
--Celtic Oust Cavs.
--Small Business Lobby Protests In DC Against health care Implementation.
--Space Shuttle Atlas Fueled For Last Launch.
--Oil falls Back To $73; Demand Way Down.
--Billboard In Buffalo Greets Obama: “Get Me a Freakin’ Job.”
--Consumer Spending Up More Than Expected; Though Far Lower Than March, 7th Consecutive Month Good News; Industrial Production Up.
--European Economy Still Major Concern; Stock Futures Down.

Back to More Stuff:

Remember that a return to our manufacturing greatness that inspires visions of building rockets to the moon and sleek non-polluting automobiles, also means hiring people who put silly puddy in little plastic eggs.

It is kind of a sad testimony to today’s national leadership vacuum problem when, as one wag pointed out, Kalgan’s strongest points are no experience and no paper trail. In other words it is no longer whether or not you are good, courageous or responsible…it is merely a matter of not being tied to something bad.

College for all is basically a bad idea. Advanced skill training for all is another story.

Lobbyists Rule Department:
Here is a little, current congressional event that indicates why the voter is becoming more and more helpless. Congress is considering passing a law than would ban direct shipments of wine from vineyards to consumers or small retailers under the guise of it being bad for teens. Of course small retailers laugh saying “when was the last time you saw a teen buying $30/bottle wine, or waiting for a two week delivery to get soused”. It is all about the lobby for Booze distributors anteing up to disingenuous lawmakers. Just one more, small example of how the people are no longer represented.

Did you hear about the heir to the family business who got ahead on will power?

One of the hardest words to define any more is “Normal”. What is normal? As in what is a normal family any more. Or fine dining to one maybe Sake and Miso Caramelized Chilean Sea Bass while to another it is the irresistible Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. To most illegal means criminal while to others it means unfortunate masses looking for opportunity. Or how about a son who is an athlete versus one who is a chef. And of course there are Women’s and Black groups who don’t consider conservative women or blacks…women or black. The point is that in these times Normal is among the most paralyzing words of our day. Tomorrow we will work on the word “Understanding”.

BTW, in a new AP/ Univision Poll Hispanics voted overwhelmingly to allow illegal’s in the country, saying that they consider Illegal immigration a “Boom” as opposed to a burden to the taxpayer. I guess they also have read up on the theory of Critical Mass.

One of my favorite colomnists Kathleen Parker must be reading the Tids. She picked up on our last week’s columns that wondered why the 0-Man doesn’t regard Geography as part of that overworked word “Diversity”. She went on to wonder as we how it could be considering diversity if the three women on the court would all be considerably left leaning and all from the heart of New York City.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 Continues. –I tried to bring myself back to normalcy. “Glad to hear you had a productive morning,” I started. “You are much more than my loving husband,” I said lightly, almost amusingly. I looked up. Sally looked more comfortable, although Paul seemed still a little tense. “..what you are doing technically is part of what gives our people confidence that we are going to turn BiEm into a big winner.” That made Paul smile a little. Success in his work has always been so important to him.
“Thanks Sarah,” He said simply. But now he was settling in.
“Before we were interrupted abruptly by Mr. Middleton,” I looked at Paul but showed no reaction, “Sally and I were trying to understand more about Bromsky.” I paused. And maybe his relationship, if any with Middleton.”
Sally jumped in, “Oh, I don’t think there a was ever a relationship between Kent and Seymore, just an irreconcilable competition. While I like Kent a lot, and love working for him, he is nearly a megalomaniac. And,” she continued now a little embarrassed, “hated this challenge thrown at him by Isabelle.”
Very interesting I thought. All of a sudden I have gotten over my temporary emotional breakdown. “I’m glad we weren’t talking about Laura when Kent sneaked in”.
“Laura!” Paul said quickly. “I often saw her with Bromsky, but never thought much about it since she was his niece. I have to admit now that I look back that she looked much more serious than a flighty teen as I watched through the glass walled office her talk, almost lead Seymour in discussions.”.

I have probably mentioned this before, but I laugh every time our local newspaper hails in a headline that our two US Senators, “The Puppet and the Dunce” are firmly behind this admin issue. Like…so?

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Robin Hood is not your father’s Robin Hood. It is gritty, which is about what I expected. It is more of a prequel to the story that most of us know. Robin is an archer in Richard’s crusading army. Marion is a rugged farm housewife fighting off thieves while hubby is off with Richard. No Friar Tuck. No tights. No caps with cute feathers. So don’t go to reminisce. But go and enjoy a good middle ages film with plenty of bad guys and excitement.
--Letters to Juliet looks like a nice romantic tale. In Verona, home of one of the great all time love stories, a group of women called Juliet’s Secretaries answer letters from the forlorn. A soon to be married American women, Sophia, decides to join the group and discovers a fifty year old letter from a then 16 yo. who was forced by parents to give up the quest of her lover. Sophia invites her to come to Verona so she could help her find this now 50 year older man of her dreams. The older women brings along her son, a wisecracking arrogant boy who soon uses Sophia as his target for barbs. Will they find the rejected lover? Will Sophia and the nasty son find true love? Pretty good yarn.
--Just Wright starring Queen Latife is a very predictable romantic comedy…with little resemblance to anything comedic or romantic. You could avoid and not feel guilty.

The Answer:
One Sinatra expert picks these five best ballads and five best toe-tappers Ballads : One for My Baby, Angel Eyes, It Never Entered My Mind, I’ve Got a Crush on You and You Go to My Head. Toe-Tappers: I’ve Got You Under My Skin, I Get a Kick Out of You, From this Moment On, How About You and I won’t dance. Check out the entire list of 50!: http://cinepad.com/sinatra/best_songs.htm

Weekend Bonus: Ruthie Cohen tops the list with 101 appearances. Newman is a strong second with 48. The rest are Frank Costanza, Estelle Costanza, Susan Ross, Monty Seinfeld, Jacopo Peterman, George Steinbrenner, Uncle Leo and Mr. Wilhelm.

Time for Nothin':Congratulations on great answers! Isn’t great to know you have accomplished something on Friday?

Love lolling this weekend!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Go Arizona, go.

Today's Tids Issue 2,130
Opening Stuff:

I think it is important every once in a while to tell a person, friend, lover, hero, child, relative the truth about his or her greatness. And almost always a truly honest and giving person will be embarrassed by it.

Watching illegals clamor for benefits that rightfully should never be the reward for a criminal act, I am reminded of this old riddle: What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? “Nacho Cheese”.

I’ll tell you what is scary…After last weeks stock market unexplained meltdown, you just gotta know that somewhere there is some hacker trying to figure out how to duplicate or even expand on the flaw. And just hope it is a person in a Pakistan cave.

The Question:
When the rather dull, insecure appearing Gordon Brown took the reins from the robust Tony Blair, something about the aura of the long list of memorable British PM’s was lost. Has the country lost its power and esteem, or was Brown one of those interim glitches waiting for the emergence of a bright and youthful David Cameron. (So, you’re probably thinking, “Get on with the question stupid Tids guy”). Name five of the greatest, almost legendary British Prime Ministers.

The Headlines:
--LA Ok’s Boycott of Brave Arizonian’s.
--CVS CEO, Chairman Ryan Steps Down In Surprise Move.
--Thai Red Shirt Security Head Shot In Head; Act Unifies Red Shirt Protests.
--Stocks Fall In Early Trading; New Unemployment Claims At 444,000; New Number Shows Miniscule Drop.
--NY AG Andrew Cuomo Investigating Goldman, Morgan-Stanley, UBS, Citi, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Credit Agricole, Merrill Lynch; Looking At Bankers Influence Over Credit Rating Agencies.
--Beleaguered Portugal To Announce “Fiscal Shock” Program; Higher Taxes And Drastic Salary Cuts Hope To Speed Up Deficit Reduction.
--Neil Armstrong And Eugene Cernan Disturbed By 0-Man’s Space Policies; Former Moonwalkers Say Prez Plan Adrift.
--Euro Losing Again After Small Bounce From $1 Trillion Infusion.
--Offshore Natural Gas Platform Off Venezuela Sinks.
--Bruins Blow It again; Celts Go For Series Win Tonight; Pressure On King James.

Back to More Stuff:

I’m not surprised that Michael Lynch got the boot last night. But, I think Big Mike got better throughout and will have a fine career. Honestly, I wasn’t too sold on him when the top 24 was announced. But, I grew to like him and enjoyed his singing. So now we have three. Destiny’s darlings BoSox and Lee and the very smooth Casey. Casey has the kind of personality that could lead to an ouster of the more somber Lee. I guess it all boils down to what songs they pick for next week.

Remember Big Mike that Chris Daughtry, who sang last night and is one of the more successful AI-ers from recent shows, came in fourth too.

Through the Same eyes: Chapter 72. –I watched Kent leave. An unusually tense Paul stepped aside and I saw his eyes follow Kent’s every step. Kent looked supremely confident even as he passed the normally happy, now severe Paul Durham, my husband.
I was slowing coming down from Kent’s touch. A mere touch. A brief touch. A touch that made me shiver ever so slightly. But changed the entire mood of my mind. I looked up again at Paul. I didn’t feel confident. As Kent disappeared, he slowly, incredibly slowly turned his head towards me. He didn’t look angry. He looked quizzical. Like his mind was telling him something wasn’t right, but his love for me would allow him to explore it fully.
“I’ve been waiting for you Paul,” I started mustering every bit of shallow confidence I could. “I need…wanted you to be here for this discussion.” I still felt the touch of Kent upon my neck. I shivered slightly again. I turned to Sally the observer. I could tell she saw something in this brief drama. Women know.
“So, what is going on?” he said casually. A double entendre if I ever heard one. “Had a good productive session with your guys Sally. We are moving well towards upgrading our technology to meet the greater demands of the new data.” Then he turned to look at me. “Mind if I drag chair up here.” Now Paul looked to be in charge. Before he sat, he bent and kissed me on the lips. I still felt the touch of Kent.

Yesterday I was told of an engagement of the daughter of a friend of mine to a pretty well known radio personality. While knowledgeable, I always felt that the guy in his early public years was annoying and basically averse to the functioning of a civilized society. In other words he had all of the characteristics of an out of control fraternity boy animal. I have noticed him changing over the years, with a little less gravy on his rumpled shirts than in the past. The person who told me of this wonderful event said the guy was the “nicest person she ever met” and had one of those genuine hearts of gold. The moral of this story: Reserve judgment until you really know.

I’m really starting to like this Governor of Arizona.

And in case you missed it among the news reports of the sign carrying, rampaging aggrieved and their ill informed hysterical supporters, 61% of all US citizens agree with the Arizona law. (^64% of voters.)

I guess a $1 Trillion doesn’t go as far as it used to.

A guy named John McConnell seems to be running into some trouble in his bid to be approved for a Federal Judgeship. The US Chamber of Commerce has taken the extraornary step of calling for the out and out rejection of the aspirant. You see, McConnell is one of those big time class action suit lawyers. You know the kind that have the ability to latch on to “Too big to be ignored” mass events. The kind that play so well with those who have been led to believe that “If it is big it must be bad”. This guy looks like the last person in the world that should be considered for a judgeship. That is if you want fairness in the courts.

The Answer:
Familiar names abound in the long list beginning in 1721. The First Lord Walpole has a town in Massachusetts named after him (Home of largest Max prison.) There are the Pelhams that eventually produced RI’s Senator Claiborne Pell and his cousin Liz Claiborne. William Pitt and sons are famous names as is Pittsburgh. George Grenville gave us the Stamp Act which led to the first “Tea Party”. Augustus FitzRoy tried to make peace with the colonies while his successor Frederick North blundered into the Revolutionary War. William Wyndham Grenville abolished slavery in 1806 and Spencer Percival, a madman, was assassinated. Arthur Wellesly gave them the Catholic Emancipation Bill. Then we had have the legendary names -- Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, David Lloyd George (Women vote; Irish Free State), Neville Chamberlain, Winston Churchill, Clement Atlee, Harold Wilson (Liberal reforms) and Margaret Thatcher (the first Woman).

Thanks God it's Over:
If the Tids appear late this morning it’s because I got too interested in the British PMs. But, when you read the list you find yourself reading about the history of the world for the past 300 years.

I’m getting real tired of looking at pictures of happy, flag waving, sign carrying “Illegal” (As in criminal) immigrant supporters.