Layng quietly in fields

Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Vapid and Hollow again.

Today's Tids Issue 2,164
Opening Stuff:

So far Kagan sounds like just another well rehearsed lawyer being vapid and hollow. And she’ll say all of things she needs to say to get approved, and then do what she wants. Which is what nearly all politicians do these days –promise them anything to get in office.

Much too often these days the weather is much better than the golf. Great for your ethereal side, but not so for the athletic self esteem.

The Question:
Who are this year’s Top 10 most powerful and richest Celebrities?

The Headlines:
--Early Stock Gains Wiped Out By Poor Jobs Report; Friday report Expected To Show 110,000 Lost Jobs..
--Hurricane Alex heads Towards South Texas/Mexico.
--Mortgage Apps Up As Rates Hit Historic Lows.
--Paying Back: Ford Paying Off $4 Billion In Debt; Dubai Developer Begins Reducing Dept With $1 Billion Payment
--Google Scrambling To Retain License In China.
--Larry King Announces retirement From CNN;; 25 years Enough Says Talker Who Wants To Spend Time With “Wife” And Kids At Ball Games; Industry Sources Say It’s Because of Bad Ratings.
--World Cup Down To Eight: Brazil-Spain, Argentina-Germany, Uruguay-Netherlands, Paraguay-Ghana.

Back to More Stuff:

Here’s an idea for you if the emails in your box have dried up. Make a list of all your friends and acquaintances who are away from the office on vacation or on business. Send them an email. You’ll be flooded with lots of familiar and favorite names in you inbox. Your eyes will light up and your heart will skip a beat as people you like show up in bold typeface. But then comes the message: “You have received an automatic out-of-the-office reply.” It’s instant gratification the American way. But, hollow and vapid.

An abbreviated talk about school vacation is called a summerization.

I find it harder and harder to stay interested in tennis.

I may be out of the loop, but I have to say honestly that I have never thought Chicago deep dish pizza was worth eating. But then, of all the things in life, Pizza is among the most personal.

I’m pretty positive I’m not going to like what Kagan does when she gets there.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80 continues. –I smiled as I saw Paul sitting alone at one of those sterile tables in the cafeteria. As hard as designers try, corporate cafeterias always look like cafeterias to me. He looked upa s he sensed a person nearing. And then broke into a huge smile, not unlike what I remember the first time he saw me. His love for me has never wavered. I have never felt anything but undivided love from him. What’s wrong with me?
I spoke first. “It is so nice to have this time, Paul. We never see each other much during your busy days.” He stood as I reached my chair and came over to kiss me tenderly on the cheek. He was so tender. It was hard to believe that a man so tender could be so tough in business. But he was. “I’m anticipating a difficult meeting with Izzy. Our lawyers are really concerned about this conspiracy and the validity of the research. I might have to renegotiate our entire package.”
Paul was just sitting there staring at me. Elbows on the table. Chin in his hands. A little grin. A loving grin? “Who wound you up this morning?”
“Maybe it is just seeing you that has my motor running.” He laughed a little.
“How well do you really know Kent Middleton?” He asked immediately. I was taken back, but it was just an innocent question, wasn’t it? I played it straight.
“I worked with him on that town vandalism effort. I found him more to be pleasant than he appears. And smart. Very smart.” He really didn’t ask for all of that information, did he?
“Have you heard that Bromsky’s niece Laura is missing?”
“Henry told me,” I answered. Where was he going.

I just read where the Cleveland Baseball writers have already written off the team for the year 2010. It is only late June. This is not a good thing. And it says to me that there are many flaws in the concept Major league Baseball itself. I have always viewed the league and the teams as actors in a play. Where the play is only as good as the consistent quality of the actors. All of the schedules should be balanced and the interleague play should be eliminated. All payrolls should be equal. It sounds like communism, but it is the way it should be. The NFL has that “On any given Sunday” thing going for them. And the Baseball league has to get to that point where a Cleveland/Red Sox series in August is as important as a RS/Ya, Ya, Ya,…(WYKWIM). Every team should play every team 12 times – Four three games series an=on a home and home basis.

The Answer:
#1 is still Oprah, although I hear that the ratings for her show have taken a substantial hit. The rest are surprises to me. Beyonce Knowles and James Cameron are 2-3. 4, 5 and 6 prove once again that bad behavior and the ugly American pays big as “I ain’t no Lady” Gaga, porn star addicted Tiger and bad girl Brittany Spears rank well. The rest are U2, Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga’s mother, Madonna. Check out the whole 100 http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/lady-gaga-oprah-winfrey-business-entertainment-celeb-100-10_land.html?boxes=Homepagetopspecialreports

The End:
Having good memories of great times and people past can bring a smile to your face on the grimmest day

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Don't worry; Stand out in the rain.

Today's Tids Issue 2,163
Opening Stuff:

Our California watchdog informs us that California welfare recipients are allowed to use their state issued debit cards to withdraw money at casinos for gambling. Is this a great country or what!

“Free Balloons” Department:
I can hear the first graders asking, “Now exactly what am I supposed to do with this” as the school nurses in Provincetown, Massachusetts hand condoms!! Yikes. But that is the requirement of a new law in this quaint Tip-O-the-Cape town which is well known as a haven for the gay. Are the minds of residents so attuned to flamboyant sexual activity that they have lost sight of the possibility of rational behavior among their youngest? Maybe we could ask Elena Kagan about that.

The Question:
Name the five top characters on “The Love Boat” and the actors who played them. What was the real name of the boat?

The Headlines:
--RI Dem Convention Snubs Powerful Lynch Brother team; Endorses Caprio (Gov.), Cicilini (Congress); History Shows That Endorsed Candidates Not Sure Things In Primaries.
--Kagan Questioning Begins In Earnest Today.
--10 Long Time Soviet Moles Arrested.
--High Court Rules Hand Guns Ok.
--Stocks Expected To Go Lower On World Worries.
--Poor Housing, Jobs Reports Combined With continuing Large Retail Sales Indicate Declining Economy Or A Recovery That never Happened; Economists Crying New Blues.
--Supreme Court Says Ok To Proceed Against The Vatican In Sexual Abuse Case; Vatican Maintains It Has No Liability.

Back to More Stuff:

I heard the question asked on a radio program, “Is Bill Clinton worried that the Al Gore sexual dalliance with a massage therapist will place a stain on his administration?” It’s one of those things I wish I thought of first.

The stuff about the health care program is leaking out like a slow water board to Abu Grabe. The latest I have heard is a 3.5% tax on real estate transactions beginning after the next Presidential election in 2013.That means that if you sell your house for $400K the government gets $14 Thou! That’s great news for downsizing retirees.

Meat and Potatoes Department:
Remember when potato based Vodka was the favorite of alcoholics because it was odorless. But then came fruit flavored vodkas and it became hard to tell if a person was drinking too much or just a health nut. Now you have to wonder if vodka makers are drinking too much. With the introduction of “Smoked Salmon” and “Bacon” vodkas you can shortly expect “Meat “ flavored vodkas. “Don’t you think Bob smells a little like ground chuck?” Beef breath will become the new term of disfavor. And a how about Sally got porked last night? Whoops.

Russian Roulette Department:
One of the more relaxing places in this universe is the summer outdoor shower. That is, until you hear distant thunder. And you have just begun. You start counting the seconds between rumble and flash. 11seconds! Toes, ankles, calves. 10 seconds. Thighs, waste, butt. 9 seconds. Arms, chest, back. 7 seconds. Time to wash the hair. Where is that shampoo? Damn! 6 seconds. Wash. Rinse. 4 seconds. You take a deep breath. Is there time for a shave. Go for it. Oops a nick. No time to stop the bleeding. Get the chin. Oh no, I missed some on the neck. Phew! Finished. Flash!! 2 seconds. Time to dry. It’s starting to rain. Can’t dry any how. Don’t for get to wrap the towel around your waste. Don’t panic. Run…now. Inside. EeeeeHah! Crrrrrrrrack!

Of course…I could just stand out in the rain and lightening and get washed and dried at the same time! Ouch.

George Will wonders how Elena Kagan would react to the observation by James Madison: “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which remain in the state governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Actually, Will raises and suggests many good questions for the woman who has an “Aversion to vapid and hollow” (Confirmation hearings) devoid of “Legal analysis.” Like, what would be her opinion on whether or not the fed’s enumerated powers on interstate commerce could cover just about everything from obesity to poor student testing to mandates for carrying health care insurance. Will wonders what her opinion might have been on watching “equal opportunity” under the new1960’s Civil Rights Law transform immediately into “Unequal” Opportunity for minorities. It could be lively if Senators were capable of asking questions with real substance.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80: --I sat looking at the steering wheel for minutes. I really don’t know how long I sat there after Kent left. He leaned warmly against me as he gave me a high five. I hate high fives and I know he does too. He was acting again for Marie. A charade. Were my tears a charade too? No, this time they were real. I am confused. I wanted to go home with him. I wanted to jump into that bed and make love even better than it has been these past two months. But, for the first time I had thoughts about my deceptions. I thought about Paul. I felt the love of the kids. I knew also that I had an ulterior motive. I had to manipulate Kent to stay close to him. At first I thought Kent was doing the same to me. But, there was something real about him. His caring seemed real. His concern about my reputation seemed earnest. His desire to be with me seemed overwhelming. Yet he was measured. Looking for something. Guarding something. What? My cell phone rang. It was Paul.
“Why, Hi Paul”, I said cheerily. How easy it is for me to switch emotions. ‘Do you miss me?”
“I always miss you”, he answered pleasantly. And it made me feel good inside. Stronger. Needed. What’s wrong with me.
“Me too,” I muttered softly. Too softly?
“How’d you like to have a cup of coffee with me out here at BiEm. I have some interesting new stuff about Bromsky and his niece.
Something real for a change I thought, and I smiled inwardly. “Of course Paul. I don’t even need an excuse to have a cup of coffee with you during the day.” He agreed totally with me. I have no morals I thought. I hung up and started the car. I backed out and started home to clean up before going to meet Paul. I didn’t notice the Ford Focus as I left Maries parking area.

I don’t know about you, but with the spate of daytime retail establishment robberies, I always look around at other people when entering a convenience store. Actually the thieves are behind the counter charging $1.84 for a 20oz. soda pop.

I fear we will live in uncertain economic times up til the November elections. The Dems will send out favorable recovery reports and the GOP will counter with doubtful recovery reports. The traders will make bundles off the confusion and the average guy who really needs it will flounder. Just be prepared to be cautious. These are the days when it is possible to twitter an economy.

The Answer: The characters on the Pacific Princess were Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin McCleod), Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes), Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell)< Burl “Gopher” Smith (Fred Gundy), Isaac Washington (Ted Lange), Vicki Stubing (Jill Whelan), Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans (Ted McGinley) and Emily Heywood (Marion Ross). Bonus Q: What did Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans do on the boat?

The Big Finish:
The Supreme Court is one of America’s greatest safeguards. You would hope it was always sound and sensible in the face of the loonies in Congress and consumate politicians in White House . But in the wake of all too many 5-4 decisions, I fear that this august body is just another group of politicians. And Kagan appears to be the most ostensible Pol of them all.

Of course, the real issue is how will the Red Sox continue to be competitive with all of the injuries and a line up of aging journeyman and untested rookies?

Monday, June 28, 2010

Poor man's meditation.

Today's Tids Issue 2,162
Opening Stuff:

I love being mesmerized by boats at anchor bobbing in the water.

One of the little disappointments of life is anticipating a great flavor awakening from a just bought new brand of coffee and having it fall flat. Let’s say failing to perk up your senses. But then, that’s a little like life in general, isn’t it? Is their a bigger what of time than worrying yourself into a frazzle about things that have yet to come. Over overestimating the positive effects of a new venture. Stay cool at all times.

The Question:
Personally, I have always liked French classical composers. Often obscured by the German, Austrian, Italian and even English these tunesmith consistently produced some of the most pleasant melodies and inventive orchestrations ever. (To me, a person who’s only musical asset is ears.) Name the 5 most prominent French composers.

The Headlines:
--Rest Of World Says Nay To 0-Man Spending Plea; Majority Of US Citizens Agree That It Is Time To Start Reducing Debt.
--CIA Says Iran Has Enough Nuke Grade Uranium For Two Bombs.
--Kagan Hearings Set To begin; Arguments Against Will Center Around Activist Judges.
--First tropical Storm Alex Expected To miss Oil Slick.
--Pledges On World Deficit Reduction Could Bolster Stock Market.
--Wall Street Awaiting New Jobs reports: Anticipate Lost Governemtn Jobs And Gained Private Sector Jobs.

There’s nothing like sitting on a park bench on a tree shaded esplanade, breeze gently rattling leaves, sun dancing on the quiet brick walk and the aromas of all natural, organic cucumber/pine scented candles wafting neath your nose from the candle shop. Ahh, the great outdoors.

Gangways for boats were handicap friendly before handicap friendly was invented.

A local columnist points put that Judge Judy has jumped ahead of Oprah as Queen of afternoon TV viewing. This tends to say that Americans prefer watching losers getting hammered rather than enabled.

The Health Care dragon will begin breathing fire in 2011 when the value of employer sponsored healthcare programs (Public and Private for workers and retirees) are added to W-2’s. It isn’t going to be pretty. This will allow the insured to pay for the 30,000,000 new democrat voters. And make them feel really good about themselves.

Among the most disingenuous people I have ever heard are those in support of illegal immigrants. Often they call anti-“Illegals” Xenophobes or against an American way built upon the backs of immigrants. Nothing could further from the truth as many are from immigrant families who fully appreciate earning citizenship. Those who think “Illegal” is a good thing are no different than any of the “zealot” groups like Peta or those G-0 protestors. Frankly, I just find them kind of humorous in their creative attempts to be dishonest.

In the back of my mind something is telling me that now that it is out from under the accountants at GM, Saab may become a big seller again. Saab has always maintained great loyalty among fans, even during the darkest of the GM days. Why do I think that Saabs come with a free ABBA CD?

I cut the grass on Thursdays and my fingernails on Sundays. Good thing I’m not a creature of habit.

One thing we know for sure is that the New Financial Overhaul Bill will create yet another monster government agency. And over time will have little effect on the irresponsible high stakes Wall Street gamblers. It is a big piece of window dressing that will mainly drive up the cost of running a government. But then, what else is new.

The Aswer:
The giants (In my mind) are the drug saturated and slightly crazed Hector Berlioz who wrote the amazingly beautiful Romeo and Juliet and the acclaimed Symphony Fantastique; an the very imaginative Camille Saint-Saens. Jaques Offenback will come to the mind of many as will Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet (Carmen). I personally like Gabriel Faure. There is also Eric Satie, Jules Massenet (Meditation), Francis Poulenc, Edouard Lalo, Charles Gounod, Ernest Chausson and the Cecile Chaminade who wrote many beautiful pieces for piano and is one of the best know early female composers.

And I’ll finish with another of those headlines that make me stit up and say “What now!”: “You don’t have to eat badly this July the 4th.” What’s so bad about cheeseburgers, bratwursts, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob and home made ice cream. Plus a few brewskis. Are newspaper trying to put them selves out of business by being totally offensive.

Friday, June 25, 2010

The confidence of love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,161
Opening Stuff:

You can step bravely into the world when you know you are held dearly in someone else’s heart.

There are two things for sure about the Afghan wars: 1. The Russians were right when they said at the outset we were jumping into a quagmire. 2. You can’t place an arbitrary deadline for troop removal when the enemy has absolutely no timetable.

The Question: Why do you think the guy was canned form the orange juice factory, axed from the lumber jack job and why he wasn’t suited for the tailor job?

The Headlines:
--Government Lowers Growth Estimate For First Quarter; New Estimate Lowered From Previously Released 3% To 2.7%; Fourth Q Was 5.7%.
--Morning Wall Street Quandary: Go Up On News Of Financial Regulations Agreement; Go Down On Lower Growth Number.
--Overhaul Of Wall Street Rules Legislation Moves To House And Senate for Vote.
--Palin To return $400K After Ethics Commission Rules Contributions Illegal.
--Heath Care Rules Reveal That Employer Insured Citizens Will Not Be Able To Keep What They Have As Promised By President “Whatever It takes”.
--Scientists Find Toxins In Whales.
--Tornado Topples Buildings In Connecticut’s Largest City, Bridgeport.

Back to More Stuff:

I admit I had to chuckle at the news item, “Dutch to use ‘Decoy Jews’ to stop hate crimes. My immediate image was that of a good ole’ country boy sittin’ on a front porch with a pile of people sized logs carving Jewish appearing people as enticements for crazed bigots. Think of the great new folk art market! But, this is a serious problem in The Netherlands. For over ten years now in this one time haven for Anne Frank, Jewish people who are recognizable from clothing have been unable to walk peacefully in the streets. The Government of Amsterdam is considering posting police in Yarmulkes to attract and arrest racists. Bigotry seems to be the most resistant to antidotes' virus in the history of mankind.

Which reminds me of a funny line from a Jewish friend the other day. In a small gathering I was telling people that some security experts are recommending that instead of mace or pepper spray, people carry a can of “Wasp” spray… To which he interrupted, “Wow, I could have used that when I was a kid!”

Why do I look at the picture of Barney Frank And Chris Dodd announcing the agreement on the Financial regs bill and not feel very confident that anything will ever get better.

As a long time supporter of States Rights, I couldn’t be happier to see the reactionaries in LA and Oakland Cal back down on their hysterical boycott of Arizona legislation.

This morning’s Wall Street picture is exactly why the markets are so quivery. Early this morning futures looked higher because the moguls finally knew what was coming out of Congress on new regulations. But, then just after 8:00 AM reality set in when the 1st Q growth rate was lowered due to lower actuals on consumer spending and increased imports. It is really hard to have a lot of faith in a market that more and more is day to day, manipulated by CYA traders seeking bonuses at the end of the year.

But then, when have recent executive salaries and bonuses ever been based on doing things well for customers.

A knowledge of history will always contribute to better decisions than emotions of the heart.

As far as I can see the on-going oil slick saga has come down to a debate between public CYA weenies and private CYA weenies. With much of it obscuring the facts.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79 continues. –I told her that Marie was looking at us like she was at home at with the afternoon soaps. She laughed, not like the lover but as a friend hearing a joke. But I knew she was faking it. She wanted to let everything inside of her come out like a swollen river after a deluge. I looked at my half eaten pie. It wasn’t the time to indulge. It was a time to care. I flicked towards Marie for a check. She produced it like a magician and moved forward.
As she came to the table, Sarah/Maggie looked up at her, looked at her wearing that amazing confident smile of hers. “Henry has fired Kent and I as detectives on the vandalism caper!” Marie’s lips eased. “We decided to celebrate at this table where we spent our most effective time deciphering clues. You probably never knew how critical your place was to easing the Fosterville crime wave” Marie’s shoulders relaxed.
“No I didn’t”, she answered now playing along with our little act. She handed me the handwritten bill.
I quickly paid the tab and as I left I pecked Marie on the cheek, “I’ll be back for your pie, crime on the streets or no crime on the streets.” She shagged her arm up and tapped me gently on the shoulder.
Sarah was at her car by the time I came down the 3 steps. She turned quickly and I could see the look of sadness in her eyes. I approached and saw a small tear in the corner of her eye. “I guess we’ll have to find another place to meet. You know that I will never be able to live without you.”
I felt fullness in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. Maybe she wasn’t lying to me. Maybe I was only imaging a change. I looked over my shoulder. Marie was staring at me. I wanted to crush Sarah/Maggie in my arms. Feel her heat next to mine.

Probably the thing I like best about Wimbledon is that they all still wear white. A reminder that if it is really good it doesn’t need glitz to keep it going.

In a short comment about the absurdity of keeping passengers imprisoned on an airplane for four hours in sweltering heat, it was said that the new law hadn’t gone into effect yet. Too my knowledge the laws of common sense have been with us since the beginning of time. When people are passing out in front of you, do you need a law to tell you that something is wrong? In fact it’s probably some regulation that kept the travelers in their tomb.

Reading Between the Lines Movies reviews:
--Well, first we had Four Seasons and then the Big Chill. So now it’s the slackers turn and we get the Grown Ups. Which it is definitely not about. Five comedic guys and former basketball teammates -- Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider -- get together at the funeral of their coach. Woman in their lives are played by Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph. It’s about a C- movie and not very funny considering the talent. But probably will be appreciated by guys who think they are old but rally haven’t discovered the definition of responsibility and commitment.

The Answer:
He was canned because he couldn’t concentrate, axed because he couldn’t hack it and was suited because it was a sew-sew job. He then found his job in the muffler factory was too exhausting. The only noteworthy accomplishment was in the music business.

Justifiable Homicide:
After re-reading that quiz answer, I now know why some apparently calm and caring people fly into rage and strangle other people

Good people deserve everything they get.

Today's Tids Issue 2,160
Opening Stuff

Don’t you just love it when good things happen to good people!

You have to think that LA Gov. Bobby Jindle feels the same sense of frustration as AZ Gov. Jan Brewer as he stands helpless, watching an unending morass attack his southern border. And he wishes that like her he had taken state action when it all happened instead of waiting for fed approval. Has there ever been a better case for strengthening States Rights than these two man-made disasters?

The Question:
What are Obama’s new poll numbers?

The Headlines:
--Robot Error Reopens Capped Well.
--0-Man Fires McChrystal; Petraeus Duties In Mid East Wars Expanded.
--Droid X Ready To Prick The Balloon Of iPhone 4.
--Pakistan Court Sentences Americans for terrorism.
--Market Sucks Again.
--Tids Almost doesn’t Make Newsstand.

Back to More Stuff:

Generals have been politicians for a long, long time. That’s how they got there. It becomes the problem is when the politics of political correctness suck the spirit out of the soldier. But, the fact remains that the President and not the General is unequivocal boss. Whether a leader or not, the Presidential is the head of the US Armed Forces and must be respected. Do we want o decline even further to third world status and have the Generals take over the civilian leaders of government? I don’t think so.

I really hate myself when I write the word “leader” as an adjective for people in high government places.

Where there’s Fed Dough, There’s somebody figuring out some scam on how to get it:
The latest…the US Treasury is out $28 million on the Home Buying Credit program. In one scam, one house was used 57 times as the basis for mortgages. 1,400 prisoners have been getting $8,000 credits on non-existent homes. How many scams are being plotted to take advantage of the Oil Leak money?

In South Carolina they are hailing the election of a Republican black and Indian for Congress and Governor as a breakthrough from the old bigoted South. “Not so fast”, shouts the media who say the are too conservative to be consider of black race or ethnic minority. This is true folks.

I have been talking to a lot of blue collar workers lately and to a man they can hardly wait to through out incumbents. And I don’t bring up the subject .

If the housing market is sluggish with mortgage rates hitting a new low of 4.69%, then you know there are some deep rooted problems still within our economy.

The Answer: His job approval rating hit a new low of 45%. 48% disapprove. 62% think the country is on the wrong track. His “being firm and decisive is down from 63% to 44%. Less than 50% rate him “honest and straightforward”.

Thank God it's Over:
This is the worst Tids ever…bar none

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Special People; Special days

Today's Tids Issue 2,159
Opening Stuff:

Some days are more special than others. And I have learned that the truly special days aren’t about what you do, or what you eat…but about the special people who are there with you.

There ain’t no lady in Gaga!

One thing that’s for sure, there will be two schools of thought on the McChrystal mess. One that says “I told you so – Obama doesn’t know what he is doing”. And the other who will look far and wide for ways to defend the President at any cost. It’s just the way it is.

The Question:
Give me five of Frances McDormand’s best movies.

The Headlines:
--World Stocks Fall On Worries About US recovery.--Federal Judge Lifts Gulf Fishing Ban; Judge Has Oil Investments; White House To Appeal.
--McChrystal Expected To Step Down; Move Comes As Kandalar Offensive Set To Go.
--Prince Albert To marry South African Swimmer.
--Virgin Atlantic Airlines Imprisons Passengers In Oven Like Cabin For Four Hours At Hartford CT Airport
--Providence RI Schools Say they Can’t Afford Labor Contracts.
--US Soccer Could Move Into Next Phase With Victory over Algeria Today.

Back to More Stuff:

American Idol Update:
It looks to me as though the music on future AI telecasts will become more and more indecipherable. The ratings behemoth is lowering the age for talent to 15 years old. This is an obvious attempt to bring in the kids to bolster sliding ratings. But my fear is that this show, which can very entertaining, will become too youthful over time for the geezers.

It seems to me that a lot of businesses these days are looking for the government to protect them from risk. It’s part of the new Harvard MBA program – Wimp 101.

Nothing bother’s me more than those times when Spell-Check goes into its stupid mode.

I hear that Plain M&M’s are in psychotherapy. They say it’s peanuts envy! (Thanks to Mike Peters).

Don’t you just love love, Department
Hey, that Khloe Kardashian must be quite a gal. Did you hear that as a NBA victory gift, she gave her hubby Lamar Odem a $400,000 White Rolls-Royce. How great is that!. Obviously she got Lamar’s checkbook was part of the wedding package.

A door to door bicycle salesman is a pedal-er.

I tend to find books with author’s names in small print and movies with no stars better than many of the big time promotional whiz-bangs (And that includes many Oscar winning films too). That is particularly true of the 3rd or 4th books of so-called Hot! Authors. It must be an ADD thing.

One thing that is for certain, the McChrystal-Obama war will be great for Cable news ratings.

Is it me, or do soccer players get an inordinate amount of rest between games?

Whoever thought of spelling Crystal…Chrystal? Score one for Obama.

The Answer:
There are few performances I have enjoyed more than that of Frances McDoprmand in Fargo. Which is also one of my all time favorite movies (Along with Being There). Her other’s are Burn after reading, North Country, Almost Famous, Wonder Boys and Friends with Money.

People who have nothing to do have very complicated days…and this is one of them!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Sunny Side of the Street.

Today's Tids Issue 2,158
Opening Stuff:

I’m keeping this Tids light this morning as I realize that many of you will be facing depression as the days get shorter starting today. It won’t be long until you are shoving leaves into big paper bags to keep our friendly environmentalists happy. You won’t be able to leave the office early and sneak in nine holes. Your heating bills will rise. Today is not a pretty day.

You begin to understand why American students score so low on global math tests when you realize that the Big 12 has 10 teams and the Big 10 has 12 teams.

When a Frenchman drops the “F-Bomb” on TV, does he say pardon my American?

The Question:
Judy Garland -- a young girl who captivated young boys hearts; a woman who always made adults hearts pound as she belt out songs through alcoholic hazes – died forty one years ago today. Name her five greatest hits.

The Headlines:
--McChrystal Summoned To White House (See Below).
--Stock Futures Expected To be Forced Lower On Concerns Of European Sovereign Debt.
--Times Square Bomber Promises More Attacks On Americans.
--White House Budget Chief Peter Orszag Stepping Down; First Of 0-Man Staff To Resign.
--New British Budget Makes Most Drastic Cuts In History To Public Spending
--Oil execs in London Criticize Obama Drilling Halt.
--Admin Flagship Program To Help People Save Homes Falling Flat; 436,000 Borrowers Have Dropped Out; Most Couldn’t Or Were Unwilling To Provide Proof Of Income; 0-Man has Promised Free Ride.

Back to More Stuff:

The more you learn about Elena Kagan, the more you realize that she is just a well educated, smart politician.

Are the people who give financial advice on TV and radio business shows our smartest and brightest, or just those with the biggest egos?

Blue Balls in Italy Department:
Ouch! That’s right; an epidemic of Blue Balls has Italians seeing red! And frustrated too. You see, those pearly while little balls of Mozzarella are turning blue and leaving gastronomes frustrated. It’s a sad tale. What did you think I was talking about?

It is without question that the professional sports leagues have contributed mightily to what is becoming the worst dressed generation in history. Cavemen in skins looked better than today’s sports garbed masses. And I’ll throw in medieval paupers in gunny sacks too. It’s ugly out there.

Sliders are …well…sliders. But White Castle’s are a gourmet treasure.

General McChrystal, an Obama voter, became quite disillusioned when finding during his first meeting at the White House that the Prez was totally unprepared. Writers of a new story in Rolling Stone saw while traveling with the General’s aides, constant mocking of Biden and the unctious Richard Holbrook. McChrystal looks at the Obama assigned Ambassador Karl Elkenbury as a self serving traitor to his campaign. McChrystal has thus taken control of the action by “never taking his eye off the real enemy, ‘The wimps in the White House’.”

And now we find that Prime Time has committed the biggest single error of all. In an effort to quell the wavering of the Aghans and soothe the troops, he sent in Holbrook wearing a Ya, Ya, Ya…Well You Know Who I Mean…Cap! Gadzooks! How unthinking is that. The symbol of American luxury and pamperization in the poor, rocky lands of Afghanistan. A Ya, Ya, Ya…Cap. Will it ever end?

As far as I’m concerned, if you like the food, it’s gourmet.

I used to watch on the TV news chaotic street mobs in South American and Middle Cast countries and thinking thank God that doesn’t happen here. But this weekend I see thugs burning cars in Los Angeles and read of 51 shootings in two days in Chicago. And wonder are we becoming them? And it is not a happy thought. Then I realize that this uptick in insanity coincides with the rise in popularity of Soccer.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79 Continues: A pause. Maybe a little longer than normal. Or maybe I was looking too hard for inconsistencies.
“Oh, Henry,” She started. “I was there yesterday afternoon. I was driving home…” She looked relaxed. But then I know she can compartmentalize her emotions. “…and I just had this urge to see what was happening with our caper.” She interrupted herself. “Did you know that cleaning woman Laura was missing?”
“No, I didn’t,” I said hurriedly. Too fast. “What I meant is not before Henry mentioned it yesterday.” Now it was me who was off balance.
“How often did she take care of your house? Did she have a lot of other customers?” She said seriously. And then she smiled broadly. “Jeez, I sound like a persecutor, don’t I!” Then she laughed again. Louder this time. And I couldn’t help laughing along with her. I started to feel comfortable, and moved my foot up her leg. Her eyes bore into mine. But, there was something different.
She blurted, “I can’t be with you like I was.” Her eyelids dropped. And I saw a little tear form. She looked up. “You know I want to. I want to jump across this table right now and bring you to a place you have never been.”
I was at a loss for words. I felt my groin warm. I couldn’t talk.
“Kent, you know I have loved you. I have been addicted to your mind, your touch, the explosion of your body.” I thought she was going to break down. “I can’t handle it any more. When I look into the innocence in my children’s eyes, I can no longer tell a lie.”
I couldn’t talk. Marie was looking at us. She knows. We aren’t that good.

The Admin criticizes the Arizona Law on the basis that only the federal government is allowed to regulate and control immigration. But that is exactly where they are wrong. This isn’t an immigration issue at all. This is an illegal declaration of war on our southern borders. With criminal combatants storming the fences to raid the treasuries of our safety net institutions.

I finally figured out why the pitchers are so dominant this year – three* perfect games in two months. The batters are no longer juicing! I wonder if the Orange Growers Association knows this.

The Answer:
First and foremost has to be “Somewhere over a Rainbow”. Then my mind recalls, Easter Parade, The Trolley Song, For Me and My gal, and When you wore a Tulip. And I always enjoyed Look for the Silver Lining, Johnny One Note and Get Happy. There was always that conflict – watching and worrying about her while she sang with all of the fiber in her increasingly frail body to make you happy.

Thought for the Day:
In 1910, French writer and statesman Alexis De Tocqueville said: “the American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.”

Kind of makes you want to go back and se what else he said, doesn’t it?

Monday, June 21, 2010

Amendment 1a: Resposibility of the Press

Today's Tids Issue 2,157
Opening Stuff:

Is it safe to start wearing my red Sox cap again?

I always looked at Monday’s as a reawakening day. It is the morning that you can begin to implement a great business idea you had over the weekend. Or solve a problem that naggingly arose at 4:59 Friday. It is that morning that you seem to have renewed energy and a clearer mind. It is a morning when optimism is always highest. When the prospects of achieving great challenges is least encumbered. It is a day you might get a nice note from a great friend, that didn’t quite get there Friday. Monday morning is a day you don’t need any sunshine, because you bring it along with you.

My newest political hero is Jan Brewer.

A priest at the Vatican has invented a new app for iPads which will enable Priests to say Mass without the traditional missal. What’s next, the passing of wireless debit card swipe machines instead of baskets. And, Kindle style hymnals! I expect so.

Friday news showed clips of Dutch and other foreign ships hard at work cleaning up the Gulf mess ---implying that our Bought-By-Unions President was wielding his influence to get things done. Except, he could have accepted a Dutch offer to sail in and clean it up…three days after the explosion! But, the Prez said No! The Jones Act wouldn’t let him do it. In May, 0-Man’s State Department revealed that they had turned away help from Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Holland, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden , The UK and UN! Where’s the congressional investigation on that? Where’s the Prime Time media outrage? Remember, the much and unfairly assaulted President GW Bush during Katrina lifted the Jones Act within three days to rush aid to the stricken Louisianans. The Jones Act is a 1920 protective measure barring foreign built and manned ships from doing biz in US waters. And the unions absolutely love it! Hey! $400 Million in campaign contributions can buy a lot of influence.

No wonder the White House propagandists have resorted to nit-picking Tony Hayward. They had to create a demon to take the spotlight away from their disingenuousness. I really, truly hope that Mr. Hayward had a nice relaxing Father’s Day weekend at the races with is son. He deserves it.

The Question:
How often have I gone to the northern reaches of Vermont or New York thinking it was the next great wilderness; the end of civilization. And, I can imagine it is the same all across the US border. Yet, less than an hour north are some of the world’s great Metropolitan cities. In Canada. Name Canada’s five largest cities.

The Headlines:
--Oil Spill Costs To BP Now At #2 Billion; Payouts To Victims Up To $105 Million.
--World Stocks Up On China Currency Announcement.
--China Says Appreciation Currency Alone Could Not Rebalance World Growth; Urged World Leaders To Carry Fundamental market reforms And Basic Economic Overhaul.
--Arizona Wildfires Causing 100’s To Evacuate.
--Nearly 200 Die In Southern China Floods.
--Abnormal Radiation Detected At North-South Korea Borders; This Follows NK Announcement Of Nuke Breakthrough.

Back to More Stuff:

Maybe the Chinese bankers could send Wall Street experts advice about risk management and fiscal responsibility in fortune cookies.

The economy must be really bad. Yesterday, Sunday, there was only one page of “Dad Ads” in the obit section.

The stimulus program (They are now trying to foist another round upon us) is basically the transference of private sector jobs to the public sector. All stimulus money is funneled through the states and goes to create public employee union jobs, like for teachers, other state jobs, and temporary construction jobs for public projects. And industry, the core of all advanced economies, sits back and says “How are they going to pay for this largess?”. And the answer to them appears to be more taxes on their operations eventually. So they collectively say they should postpone more hiring and find new efficiencies that enable us to be competitive in the future with less employees. Somebody has to pay for the bloated governments and isn’t going to be Reid, Pelosi and their henchmen…and the 30 million new health care members.

Sometimes I get the feeling that all of the nightly news is based on the opinion(s) of one or two disgruntled persons.

Ernest Hemingway once said. “You write for the one you love.”

He also said “Reality is an illusion that occurs due to lack of alcohol.”

Why is this a Headline?, Department:
“Obama Sees Strasburg Get ‘K’ Record.” Why wouldn’t it be like, “Another sellout crowd cheers amazing strikeout feats of super rookie.” Oh…and I love the name for the new baseball holiday that occurs ever five days for the Washington Nationals – “Strasmas.” How about a headline that says “DC Phenom lives up to Promise!”? Nah, 0-Man would think it was about him.

Had anybody ever heard of the Washington Nationals before the arrival of the wunderkind. Think how great our government could be if everybody jumping upon the DC gravy train were as good and efficient as the Kid. Sorry Ted Williams.

I just got an email notice to enroll in the fall semester for a course on “Polymorphism in Organic Pharmaceutical Systems.” Oh good, more to muddle my mind. And why am I on that Chemical Engineering Society mailing list in the first place?

Happy Father’s Day Tiger! As the golf great and bedroom acrobat came close to a Dad’s day victory at this year’s US Open, one of his older porn pals announces that he is the father of her 9 year old son! While there is controversy surrounding the paternity tests, one observer says: “I’ve seen the boy, and…he looks an awful lot like Tiger.”

The death of Ted Koppel’s son has been declared an accident! Let’s see…the official report said he died from the combination of alcohol, heroine, cocaine, Diazepam and Levimisole. Yup that’s an accident alright. Right out of the blue. An act of God.

I thought John McPhereson in his recent “Close to Home” cartoon said a lot about this new world where we seem to see kids, infants everywhere. The picture is a stage in a theater with the theater manager interrupting the play to take the mike and announce: “Is there a child psychologist in the house.”

“Nuts” for squirrels Department:
The people of Arizona are proving to be among the most sane in the US of A. The people vigorously voted not to accept $1.25 million in Gov. Recovery funds for some loonies to build 41 bridges over highways for endangered red squirrels. Even more disheartening, is the original amount of money. The bridge building would only use $400K of the total, leaving $875,000 for what? Educating the squirrels on how to actually find the bridges? How to pack for the crossing?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79 continues. My thoughts were jumbled as I parked my car in front of Maries. I have grown to love this place the past couple of months. Is it the food, or is it the company? Of course, it’s the company. And, there she was sitting in the window at the table we always seemed to find open to us. I studied her beautiful profile. I saw the same confidence that had first drawn me to her. When our relationship was no more than that a simple relationship. But then it had intensified. First with beautiful love making. Until now, entangled in my own convoluted scheme.
She looked up as I turned down the aisle. Those eyes that always said, what took you so long to get here? Were they saying that this morning? Were they saying anything?
“Why, Kent, you look like the morning sunrise!” Her face lit up. I smiled my little half smile which she now knows indicates I am feeling rapturous, walking on air. I headed towards her and tenderly grabbed her hand. And slid into the booth opposite. As I landed I caught a glance form Marie who was standing by the coffee urns behind the counter. It was an odd look. Not the look that has lately said “What’s going on between you two.” It was something else. But definitely there.
“And you are making me melt away to a blob as always.” She laughed lovingly, as I moved my foot to touch her calf. Her eyes softened immediately. I think I have been paranoid. She is still my Sarah/Maggie. But why, did she lie to me? “Have you seen Henry lately,” I blurted. Something flashed across her eyes.

The Answer: Some of the most beautiful, vibrant and fascinating cities of North America are in Canada. The largest in order are Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Hamilton and the architectural gem. Quebec City.

Oh…how would you ever remember that Bush lifted the Jones Act for Katrina? The media never told you the truth in those days. Oh, some earnest reporters are digging out truthful stories, but the people who control the distribution are restricting the revelations.

Friday, June 18, 2010

It is what it is; We are who we are.

Today's Tids Issue 2,156
Opening Stuff:

A Rose Department:
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; / Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. / What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, / Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part / Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! / What's in a name? that which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet; / So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, / Retain that dear perfection which he owes / Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, / And for that name which is no part of thee / Take all myself.

Never hurts to start the day with a little Shakespeare logic.

Roses are blooming one by one and soon will be arrays of pinks and reds and yellows. And the heart would leap and the senses would explode exactly the same no matter the name. This is probably why I have trouble remembering people’s names, but never forget who they are.

Identity theft is running rampant among penguins.

The Question:
Who said the following, and what does it mean?: "What has defined us as a nation since our founding is the capacity to shape our destiny--our determination to fight for the America we want for our children. Even if we're unsure exactly what that it looks like. Even if we don't yet know precisely how we're going to get there. We know we'll get there."

The Headlines:
--Ethnic Clashes In Kyrgystan Leave Over 2,000 Dead.
--Celts Lose Championship Final 83-79; Green Team Controlled Game For First 45 Minutes, But Sagged At end.
--Some Worried About Abundance Of Methane In Gulf Oil; “Most Vigorous Methane eruption…In History” could create Massive Oxygen-less Dead Zones.
--Prime Time Back On Campaign Trail After Kicking Some Butt.
--Killer Tornados Hit Minnesota.
--Unsettled Market To Give Small Investors Jitters Once Again Today.

Back to More Stuff:

Nobody really cares about the ravaged moonscape that is Kyrgystan, except of course the families who watch their loved ones needlessly die on a daily basis. But this human tragedy is more than an event in a faraway land that doesn’t have any affect on our cloistered lives here. Except that it does. The conditions in Kyrgystan are exactly what Jihad groups look for in their unrelenting campaign for recruitment of new terror operatives they can send throughout the world. They prey on the disenfranchised, the hopeless. Good people so in need and hope that they turn to anybody who extends a hand.

In their infinite wisdom, the RI State Legislature just passed a law making legal the type of fireworks that were the cause of the massive Station Nightclub fire that killed over a hundred and maimed many more.

Cassat and Brookins point out that today a rare medical condition is one that is covered by health insurance.

One of the great mysteries in America today is how exactly a guy named Alvin Greene who was “involuntarily” discharged from the army, is facing obscenity charges, has no job, doesn’t own a cell phone or computer and did no campaigning, won 59% of the vote in the South Carolina Democrat primary for the US Senate. And beat a guy who did all of the right things while crisscrossing the state.
Authorities are thinking it could have been a malfunctioning voter machine system or some type of fraud. But they are now actually thinking that the real explanation is that. “Green appeared first on the ballot and was a more dulcet-sounding name”! Doesn’t say much about the thoughtfulness of voters, does it. Oh, and Greene, when interviewed says it (hoe election) was because he is the best man and “I am also the best person to be Time Magazine’s Man of the Year.”

The most intriguing part of the Oil Slick Watch are the people running around to microphones.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79: --“Sar…”. Why she hung up on me. What is she up to. What did she and Henry talk about. Why did she lie to me? The security people told me she went directly to the police station. She didn’t go home to check on a sick child. Her voice, her voice reminded me of what I have felt while making love to her, even as I was using her. Are we so alike that she is capable of using me. While have felt guilt, I never saw her as concerned about her family as brought me alive.. Yet, why I felt guilt, but she seemed so cold with regards to her family. Has her infatuation with me been an act. Is she playing me now. No, she likes me. I’ll be alert tomorrow morning. Do we know too much about how the other thinks?
Enough Kent. Enough, I said to myself. There are more pressing things. I picked up the phone and dialed Jason’s direct number. He answered after three rings. “What took you so long,” I started
“I have other clients,” responded as sarcastically as ever. But you, my friend, are certainly my most important.” Then he laughed his best corporate chuckle. “So, what’s up?”
“A couple of things. First Sarah Durham is playing games with me. Your guys followed her directly to the sheriff. So, I now know she is hiding something. You were right about watching her. Also, Henry Boulder tells me that there is something strange about the Laura disappearance. Hat did your guys do there? And, how is she. I hope you are taking good of her.”
“You know what, Kent? You fall in love to easily. And both of your women look like trouble to this trained eye. We have Laura safe, and while she is being a large pain in the ass, we are making her comfortable. You have to watch the Durham woman. She good be your biggest nightmare. No matter how good you feel when you are porking her.” Then he laughed like the maniac he was.
“She means more to me than that,” I said with a hint of outrage. “I’m having breakfast with her tomorrow morning. I’ll be careful.”
Have fun,” he said snidely. He hung up.

I won a small award the other day and in a press release about it I was described as “Intellectually Lively”? I take that as meaning confused and indecipherable.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Toy Story is …well…Toy Story, with all of its wonderful characters and a story that is enjoyable to watch as previous two versions. Of all the sequels that pop into this column, TS always receives the most consistent raves.
--Cyrus is probably a decent piece of entertainment in the genre I call always-predictable-but-heartwarming-romantic-comedies. A divorcee who has failed to find new love after 7 years is urged by a friend and his ex-wife to date a woman they know. It is the woman of his dreams but she is committed to another man – her some! Get it.
--Oliver Platt and Katherine Keener star in a quirky little story about a couple who own a big city antique shop and a business which they describe as “Buying from the children of dead people.” It is about their hold on the apartment of their aging, about-ready-to-die 90 yo. next door neighbor (Ann Guilbert) and her two daughters, Amanda Peete and Rebecca Hall. It is about people learning how to give. It is funny and warm and perhaps one of those little buried gems to find this summer, among the glitz.

The Answer:
The 0-Man said that Tuesday in his remarks on the Oil spill, and what it means to me is that we definitely have a lawyer in the White House.

Just One more Petal:
I’ll be thinking about roses all day long. That can’t be bad. Hope you get a few good whiffs of them during the weekend.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

National Demagogues Day.

Today's Tids Issue 2,155
Opening Stuff

Some days you wake up and all of your thoughts are incredibly beautiful.

I have to be honest with you…when it’s Henry Waxman asking questions of BP CEO Tony Hayward, I find it very easy to root for Hayward.

The Question:
Give me 10 great uses for Baking Soda!

The Headline:
--Stocks Wallow In Pool Of Questionable Economic Recovery Reports;
--Texas GOP Rep Joe Barton Accuses White House Of $20 Billion BP Shakedown.
--Rising Jobless Claims And Poor Manufacturing Report Cripple Early Markets.
--New Estimates Put Afghan Mineral Wealth At $3 Trillion.
--Sea Animals Moving Towards Shore to Escape Oil.
--Congress Playing White Knight’s Against Oil Smeared BP Head; TV Watchers Seeing Congressional Demagoguery At Its Best

Back to More Stuff:

A couple of days ago I did a little tongue in cheek piece about the interesting correlation between the decline of American culture as we knew it and the rise in popularity of Soccer. Yesterday, a couple wanted to rent our little cottage for a week as their son was getting married in the area. Nice people. I learned that he had been in RI (He’s from Arkansas for a convention of US Soccer officials of which he is President. I told him I loved soccer!

Declining towards general cultural lunacy Department:
A teacher at a Coventry RI, Tiogue Elementary School gave is 8 year old students an assignment to create a hat that would honor the “Armed” forces. Good idea. On young boy proudly walked in with his camouflage baseball style cap – and American flag on the frond and a 2 inch plastic pin next to it that was a soldier carrying a weapon. The kid balloon was burst violently as he was rushed to the Principal’s office by an aggrieved teacher and then sent home. Kids are not allowed to bring guns to school…even for an “Armed” Forces day celebration by showing member of the “Armed” Forces with arms! I can’t take it any more.

It looks like the only double dips we can we look forward to during the next few months are ice cream cones. There will be plenty of double dip recession forecasts popping up, but most economists are calling for a slow growth economy with little sharp downward risk. – 2.3%-3.5% growth with about 5 Million new jobs over two years. The economy will be sluggish, but not dead, they say. I would stay really, really conservative.

Who woulda thunk it, that Kendrick Perkins absence would be a major determent to the Boston Celtics chances of taking home the Trophy. After all, they are loaded with big named stars. But, a guy like Kendrick is the essence of what the word “Team” really means. He clogs the middle, blocks out, sets picks, all of the little things that few ever notice yet are so meaningful to a winning team. Champions have always been made up of starts and well integrated contributing team members. Too often in our celebrity world we forget how things really work. How takes highly skilled, yet faceless “stars” to make things work. Perk reminds us of that.

Have you noticed how when there is a huge media consuming event like this endless oil slick drama, that there is a dearth of other news. Maybe there really just isn’t a lot of real news. Ya think?

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 78 continues. –I sent the kids scurrying and then reluctantly pressed the talk button on my cell phone. I took a deep, deep breath to ease my nerves and apprehension. “Hi Kent!” I said in a little more upbeat manner than I thought I felt at the moment. “I was hoping you’d call.” I continued.
“I thought you were avoiding me.” I couldn’t tell how he sounded. He has that ability to be inert.
“I think of you all the time.” That’s what I said -- I think of you all the time. “You know what you do to me, don’t you.” But does he know what he’s doing to me now, I thought.
“You sound good, Sarah/Maggie. You sound very good.” He changed the subject. Got softer. I have to be strong. I have to stay in control.
“Thanks, Kent” I had a long day and I feel surprisingly great after it.” Stay in control I said to myself. Stay calm. Lead like I always do. “How about having breakfast with me at Marie’s tomorrow morning.” I never thought that such a small remark could affect me so positively.
“I’d love to see you now,” he responded, again softly. I’ve missed your warm body and soft skin against mine.”
He was having an effect on me. I felt that wonderful familiar warmth spreading throughout my body. ”I can’t talk now.” I lowered my voice. “I feel you too.” I did. But I need to stay in control. What will I do when I see him in the morning.
“Ok, Morning it is,” he snapped unemotionally. And then, “I will have trouble sleeping tonight.”
“We’ve had some wonderful mornings together’” I said in a now raspy voice. Then I hung up before I lost my control

One congressman on the Oil panel suggested that governemtn regulators should be sitting along side Hayward too. I couldn’t agree more. Just as Fannie and Freddie officials should have been sitting along side the Goldman characters during that inquisition.

The Answer:
It makes great toothpaste. Dabbed under the arms it neutralizes body Oder. It can be an effective antacid or relieve the itches from insect bites. Mix it with shampoo for your hair or with gentle liquid soap for washing hands. You can clean sponges or polish silverware. It can take the odor out of refrigerators or sports equipment. And it can put out kitchen fires.

The Final Score:
This is the beginning of a great four days of sports. The NBA final is tonight. The US Open at Pebble Beach starts this afternoon for four days. And if you think soccer is worth watching you can find lots of that. Amd there is always your favortie baseball team. In Boston the fans are taking bets on whether the return of Manny will genrate more cheers or boos. It should be boos. Unfortunately, too many people seem to like rewarding bad behavior. I think they feel it makes them kinder.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bravery stays in the heart.

Today's Tids, Issue 2,154
Opening Stuff:
Lonely are the Brave Department:
There’s was something humbling yesterday when I looked up and out my window to see a little tugboat dragging a soulful appearing, yet once mighty, once proud Forrestal super carrier class aircraft carrier down the Ocean path to her final resting place. This is a ship that is best known for a missile tragedy that killed 167 sialors. But before that it was one of America’s finest fighting machines; a brave warrior of the seas. Today, though it was a shell of it’s former self. Powerless. Totally reliant on a younger, smaller assistant. To me, it is not unlike seeing a old soldier marching proudly on the Fourth of July parade; in a uniform that doesn’t quite fit any more. A sad image of a former giant of a woman or a man The eyes are more tired. The legs less powerful. But I know their heart’s never change. And their bravery should never be forgotten.

The biggest disaster that could come out of the gulf oil spill is the passage of the Cap and Trade bill. And you know that the Dems will be using this “Crisis” to rally public opinion.

The Question:
Give me your five favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, and I’ll give you mine.

The Headlines:
--BP To Set Up $20 Billion Fund For Spill Victims; Lawyers Orgasmic.
--0-Man Tries To Get Tough On National TV; Prez To Meet With Oil Company Heads Today.
--Home Construction Plunged In May; New Building Permits Down.
--Markets Fall On Bad Home Construction News.
--Fed Will Not be Affected By Changes In Financial Regulations; Move Appears To Whitewash Groups Inadequacies.
--New AP-GfK Poll has Americans Wanting Dems Back In Congress.
--New Viagra Pill For Women Not Living Up To Expectations According To two Studies.

Back to More Stuff:

I am successfully proving that new golf clubs cannot improve a bad game.

More and more people seem to be forgetting that everything can’t be done immediately. Life is not broadband.

A new study says that brown eyed white men are considered the most dominant, and much moreso than their blue eyed counterparts. Even photo Shopped pictures that transferred blue to brown come up more dominant. Hmmm. I have green eyes. What does that make me…an avocado?

Even when local state and federal Government operations are clearly at fault for, at least, a lack of oversight (Definition: Doing the job you are paid to do.) that lead to overwhelming tragedies, the Lawyers always go after deep pocketed corporations. Many simply residing on the fringe of an incident. They create dragons with deep pockets. Obama is a lawyer, pure and simple.

There’s no truth to the rumor that the Supreme Court nixed the Miranda Rights Law just in time for the US Gov. To badger Oil Execs without council.

You may have noticed that your favorite novel is missing from time to time more often these days than before. That could mean that either I’m running out of ideas. It’s getting crucial and there isn’t as much leeway in moving it to conclusion. I’ m just too busy with other stuff. Or, I’m basically lazy and I have a problem confronting the brown-eyed thing. You’ll be happy to know that it is at 63,000 words and I expect another 5-7,000. And that I am really happy about where it is going and I want it to get there properly.

It seems that the biggest problem with this admin in it’s dealing with the oil spill is that it has too many lawyers. Much of the hesitation has been about legal interpretation. Even the unfairly pummeled Bush with Katrina, relaxed several statutes to get things moving. One was the the Jones Act which bars the US from using foreign vessels is one of them. In this case, apparently the Dutch a nation below sea level, are experts at solving problems of the type associated with the spill. It was urged to suspend the Jones act to allow them in early in the game. But some are saying that while the Prez and admin are telling it was the legal situation that postponed action, the real reason was to protect their friends at the Unions who want American workers on the job.

One of my favorite slogans for a company’s employees is “It is my job.”

The Answer:
I liked North by Northwest, The Birds, Strangers on a Train, Spellbound, and The Man who knew Too Much. Also you may have picked Rebecca, Suspicion, Lifeboat, Rear Window, Psycho, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Saboteur, Shadow of Doubt, Notorious, The Wrong Man, Vertigo, The trouble with Harry, Marnie, Torn Curtain, Topaz, Frenzy and Family Plot. And these are just the Hollywood produced films. He directed over 30 in Britain in his early career.

So the Tids are late but not totally useless: Did you know that the Pillsbury Doughboy’s name was Poppin’ Fresh, his wife Poppie Fresh and the kids Popper and Bun Bun. There are no new kids in the oven. This information is on a kneed to know basis. I’d get the Tids out earlier if I was making more dough. Shoot me.

I’d give this Tids a C+. I hate that

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Look for it. it's there.

Today's Tids Issue 2,153
Opening Stuff:

As you drive around through city streets or comfortable country lanes; As you look at houses big and small or rich and poor or urban and country; As you see a housewife getting into her car or a man walking across a field or a woman jogging on a rural lonely road. You are always looking at something that could turn into a novel or a great story. Just let your imagination run wild.

There is absolutely no restaurant to which “I just have to go!” It probably costs too much anyhow.

A tip of the helmet to those remaining Big 12 College conference members who are saying “No!” to expansion offers, and working hard to keep their own traditions alive.

The Question:
What are the two most heavily regulated industries in America?

The Headlines:
--European Stocks Up.
--Hitmen Kill 10 Mexican Police; 28 Die In Jail Riot.
--Brown Rice Eaters Less Likely To get Diabetes.
--America On Edge Of Seats Awaiting 0-Man Talk In Prime Time.
--US Demand For Oil Ups Barrel Price To $76.
--5.7 Earthquake Rattles San Diego Baseball Fans During Game.
--Rates On US Short Term Treasuries Fall In Auction To Lowest Levels Since January.
--Obama Mouthpiece Gibbs Says, “We Have To Get BP Out Of The Claims Business.”; New US “Change” Government Poised To take Over Another Private Responsibility.

Back To More Stuff:

I just changed the layout and appearance of this "The Tids" blog. – Check it out and let me know what you think and send your opinion: --I hate It. --It makes me sea-sick. --It’s confusing. –You have no taste. –It’s soothing and makes me want to pay you good money for the Tids. –I never read the old blog anyhow, so I don’t care.

The Novel.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 78 continues. –I still didn’t know how I felt when I walked into my beautiful Fosterville home and saw Jill and Jax standing there; With smiles on their faces; Just as though nothing at all happened and there were no traumas that could affect their entire lives. I just saw my two wonderful children waiting to welcome me home.
“Hi Mom!” Jill said cheerily. Naturally.
I looked at that smile and her handsome brother standing next to her. And I started crying. Uncontrollably. Then I felt through my teary mist four arms wrapping around my thighs and waist.
“Was your first day back to work too much for you mom,” I heard Jax say in a loving, consoling almost manly tone. “Huh Mom?” And then quiet except for my sobs. “Mom?”
I’m Maggie the Magnificent I told myself. The strong one. Nothing bad ever happens to me. I ride in on white horses.
I stooped down and wrapped my arms around them. But still didn’t, couldn’t, say anything.
The phone rang.
Jax left me and ran to it. Jill hugged me tighter.
“Hello,” I heard Jax’ voice. A take charge voice. “Mom’s crying’” I heard him say.”I think work was too hard for her today.”
That made me smile. I stood picking up with me a much too heavy Jill. I felt the sobbing slow. I had strong people who knew how to take care of me. I couldn’t lose with that kind of love.
“Who is it Jax.” I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand.
“It’s Mr. Middleton,” he said proudly.
My heart leapt. Or was it a stab of pain?

Signs of the Times Department:
In gigantic letters in front of a neighborhood BP gas station: ”Locally Owned!”

The left were the first to shout, “Get out of our bedrooms”…but they are the first to rush into people’s homes and tell parents how to raise their children.

Just as drug users have been the reason for the growth of now violent Drug Cartels, environmental activists rushing around the world in trains, planes and automobiles have contributed to manic deep water drilling. Celebs in private planes can’t say that the fuel they use doesn’t affect demand.

I could get stoned for this, but I’m beginning to think that Trader Joe’s is overrated. Except for Two Buck Chuck.

One of the newest fast growing intrusions into a persons life is in the area home selling and buying. The government will soon be all over that. In fact I just read a little squib that offered a state sponsored “Course on Home Buying” which when completed would “entitle the participant to a certificate of completion that would be necessary before being able to buy a house” under certain circumstances. Shoot me.

I’d like to have the chance to vote for Michelle Bachman for something.

It’s starting to appear that the new Health Care monster was designed to eventually force corporations into breaking the rules so they (Big Gov.) can take over company supported healthcare too. And then BG can say that they tried to keep the promise: “If you like your current program you can keep it”. But corporate greed forced them to step in to protect the common person. This is because the way the plan is written, it gives little leeway for companies to make changes based on sound business practices.

The Big Government propaganda seems to be working as I have heard stories of seemingly intelligent people in business saying that America should do a way with big corporations and make all business individually or family owned.

The Answer:
The two Big’s encumbered with the most Government handcuffs are the Nuclear and the Financial industries. Well , at least they stopped the contamination from the nuclear industry.

A Simple Observation:
I have always been the master of the obvious, and many years ago a friend coined a term to describe my simple utterisms: “Huntisms”. One I remember saying and him being astonished over the simply stated logic was “Health is Good.” So there you have it; Today’s problem in a nut shell. Everybody wants health, and could be easily fooled into overlooking the grave potential injustices of our current Big Government monster. That is why we have to be especially vigilant and not bow to emotional urges based on mainly anecdotal evidence. There is no better way to control the masses than by telling them “We are going to help you not die.” We need to make a change in November just to vote out this expensive intrusion into the American way of life.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Maybe soccer is bad for you.

Today's Tids Issue 2,152
Opening Stuff:

I sense that many in this country are trying create a feeling of national guilt because we are not a strong soccer country in a world where soccer is king. Let’s see…The US is the most robust, singularly successful economy of the last 200 years. We are the freest country that ever existed. And we were never particularly good at soccer. In fact in recent years where soccer is showing some gains in popularity, the basic economy is changing intrinsically for the worse and freedoms are being chipped away on a daily basis. Maybe soccer is baaad.

I’m beginning to think I’m naïve. An intellectual vacuum. People keep on telling me that they are giving up the newspaper because there’s nothing in there any more. Yet I spend hours reading it each morning and come away fully satisfied with the use of my time. What do these people know what’s missing that I can’t see? It’s disturbing to feel so inadequate.

God, how awful was that flash flood that swept in upon sleeping campers and took the lives of 16 to 40 souls who were enjoying the calm and comfort of open skies and uncluttered forests next to a once rippling stream. How horrible. My heart aches.

The Mexican drug cartels are appearing to be considerably more dangerous and vicious than the Taliban. And, they are killing out of control with in inches of the US border.

The Question:
Here‘s a few questions for today. 1. Who was the first TV couple to be seen in bed together? 2. What state has the highest percentage of people who walk to work? 3. What was the frist novel ever written on a typewriter? 4. Each King in a deck of cards represents a different king in history. Name the king for each suit. 5. And finally, what is the most popular name requested by boat owners for their boats?

The Headlines:
--Moody's Downgrades Greece Debt To Junk Status.
--US Markets Up Early; Contracting In Afternoon..
--Pilot Strike Forces Spirit Airlines To cancel All flights Through Thursday; Thousands Stranded.
--BP Board Meeting On Dividend Action.
--Ethinic Violence In Kyrgystan Escalates to Levels Unheard Of Even By Kyrgystanians.
--US Discovers Over A trillion In Mineral Assets On Afghan Territory.; Could Be Boost for Economy There.
--Sausage-man Singer Jimmy Dean Dead At 81.
--Celtics Win; Lead NBA Series 3-2.
--World Cup Security Guards Riot Over Wages; SA Armed Police Called In..

Back to More Stuff:

A local sports writer summed our current state in a America nicely: “Nothing unravels a society faster than the lack of jobs.”

A leaked White House document indicates attempts by admin lackeys to make an end run around Presidential promises that helped him get the Health Care monster passed. This admin and its leader are sounding more and more like a group that will promise anything to get to point “A” and then work to change it to get where they always wanted to be in the first place. And that lack of trust is not comforting.

There was an omission in the email delivered Tids that was in the todaystids.blogspot.com location: “The Tids word of the day is ‘Caring’. It’s good for two hearts.”

The women at the local bar called the crude postal worker junk male.

There is no question in my mind that in the coming years the major organic farming crop will be medical marijuana. Don’t be surprised if you find it at your local Farmers Market next to the peony bushes. Farmer’s daughter baker types will be hawking marijuana laced chocolate chip cookies for hospital patient gifts. I love it when good things happen and it all comes together.

I used to think that lady Gaga dressed up to look weird for promotional promises. I’m finding that she doesn’t need to dress up to look or behave weird. In Fact she may have taken celebrity arrogance to the greatest heights yet. Just recently her out of control “Me” insanity after an American Idol gig and during a Mets game has proven conclusively that she is indeed from another planet and doesn’t need bazaar costumes to prove it.

We didn’t have Lady Gaga before soccer became popular.

There is one big problem I see coming with all of this Big Time College Athletics Conference Expansion. As the colleges destroy tradition, and the competition for the big bucks gets more vicious, and as more and more colleges break more and more rules to get a head, and more sanctions are delivered, putting more and more colleges on probation….will there be anybody left to play in these ridiculous outsized leagues? What a mess.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 78. –Thanks’ Henry I thought as I drove over to my house. Thnanks a lot!“Why don’t you have coffee with your friend Kent and see what you can learn", he asked me. That’s like telling an alcoholic to guard your vodka stash. I don’t think I can do it Henry. I’m getting scared Henry. Can’t you see it in me? You’re the detective. I just sat listening to the hum of the motor as I blindly drove.
Then it came. My shoulders shuddered. My chest heaved. I started crying uncontrollably.
I dove to the side of the road and and let the tears flow. All alone.

Red Sox player Beltre is batting .333 at the plate. But he’s batting a thousand in the crippling of fellow players department. Outfielders Elsbury and Hermida are out with cracked ribs for extended periods after running into the third baseman. The infielder is generally supposed to give way to the onrushing out fielders who have a better perspective of the hit ball. Maybe it’s an English-Spanish translation problem.

I seem to be going through a lot of fishing line lately. Unfortunately it’s to tie the rose to the trellis on my roof.

Jessica Watson, 16 yo. Australian who sailed singled handed around the world was hailed a hero upon her return. But here in the Nanny state outraged non-sailors with a typewriter (Ooops computer) are calling for the parents scalps. On board the French fishing boat that rescued her, Abby went back to her blog. She sounds calm and under control and I have to love her line: “Within a few minutes of being on board the fishing boat, I was already getting calls from the press. I don’t know how they got the number but it seems everybody is eager to pounce on my story now that something bad has happened.” Then commented on the press and others guessing reasons for the problem, including her age. “…Since when does age create large waves and storms.” She went on to say I was ready for it, I was prepared for it, and it came. http://soloround.blogspot.com/

“Duh Headline of the Week Department:
Double Duh! For this one in Parade Mag: “Should suspected terrorists be allowed to buy weapons.” Excuse me? How about “Should you say no to Hannibal Lector if he asks to give you a hickey?”

The Answer: 1. Fred and Wilma Flintstone were first to snuggle under th covers. Does this mean that everything we see on South Park will be come common for the rest of programs? 2. Alaska 3. Tom Sawyer was the first novel ever typed. But that shouldn’t be surprising since Twain’s home at the time was Hartford Ct, the typewriter capital of the world. 4. Spades – King David, Hearts – Charlemagne, Clubs – Alexander the Great, Diamonds – Julius Caesar. Obama is the joker. 4. “Obsession” is the most popularly requested name for boats.

The End:
If you try to ruch and do too many things at once in the morning, you’ll probably drop your toothbrush in the toilet bowl. Have a grrrr-eat day!

Friday, June 11, 2010

One (!) Can make a Great Week.

Today's Tids Issue 2,151
Opening Stuff:

Some weeks are better than others. This one was supercalifragilisticexpealidosis. And that, despite my sinking golf game.

Hold your Breath and Pray Department:
Because of her announcement that she was dropping out at Capetown due of technical difficulties, I stopped reporting on Abby Sunderland, the 16 year old who hoped to be the youngest to sail solo around the world. I guess I missed the re-launch announcement, because Wednesday her blog said she was in the Indian Ocean and making good time. But she was concerned about an approaching storm that could bear winds up to 60mph. Then yesterday morning it was reported that after two serious knockdowns she was missing. It may just be only a communication outage caused by the submersions, I thought at the time. Then distress signals were delivered and the good news was that they had to be activated by hand. But, they were of the type that would have come from a life raft, or even worse, a survival suit. Joyously, this morning we learned that this diminutive, tough young girl with a great sense of optimism and good humor was found adrift, as enthusiastic as ever. Though a little rattled. Her parents lifetime and skilled sailors did what sailors do best. They prayed.

Last night there was a big debate in RI among the six Gubernatorial candidates (Two Dems, A Moderate party [New} candidate, an independent, and a Tea Party Republican and a regular Republican. After paying close attention to the debate for an hour, I am voting for the Moderator Tim White who was better than any have seen nationally or otherwise. And who had an amazing grasp of the issues. But if he isn’t drafted, I’d have to say that Frank Caprio (Dem) and John Robitaille (Non-Tea Party Republican) looked best to me.

The Question:
Everybody likes a little muscle in their cars. I always feel a little safer knowing I can react and get out of the way faster. Which 5 cars give you the most horsepower tor the money?

Today’s Headlines:
--May Retail Sales Plummet; Surprise 1.2% Drop Raises Questions About Durability of Recovery; Rattles Clueless Lane.
--New Report Says Gov. Erred With AIG Bailout; Says Solutions Would Have Been Better If Found In Private Sector.
--FDA Endorses First Oral Drug For MS.
--Abby Sunderland Found Alive And Well; Rescue Boats Steaming Her Way.
--Oil Flow Worsens.
--Pope Promises Forgiveness; Promises Action To Eliminate Abuse Problems In Future.

Back to More Stuff:

Knowing media inspired human reactions well, I expect there will be an uproar over letting young kids enter into extreme events like Abby’s feat and climbing Everest. I won’t be surprised at all if Congress tries to pass a law suppressing young achievers. Or if child and family services or some nanny group arrests the parents for child abuse. I say, let them do it.

I just found a quote from a now deceased by highly regard Canadian sports writer and columnist, Robinson Davies: “I have never been able to resist tormenting people with no sense of humor.” This is the new Tids anthem and applies beautifully to groups like vegetarians, soccer fans, exercise nuts and liberals in general.

By the way…why don’t we rename the Tea Party the “Gaspee Party”?

That is just a reminder that the world is all about PR! In the formation of the great and independent United States of America, great men did great things throughout the colonies. Boston just had better writers living in the area. Ask George Washington who came to Boston expecting to find the most honorable of soldiers but instead found a rag tag group of unenthusiastic farmers. It’s all about branding.

But, it will take a superhuman publicity effort to resurrect the image of the winner for the Dems in the South Carolina primary. A guy named Alvin Green one the Dem race for Senate candidate and nobody, including the SC Dem Party, knows how he did it. The State party chairwoman has asked the out of work former soldier to step down. He has been recently charged by the police with procuring or promoting obscenity ( Apparently he sat down next to a student in computer lab and showed her pornographic photos and then asked to go to her room She got scared and called police). But, why would that preclude him form being a strong police candidate? The real humor in the election of this man who did no fund raising, placed no ads or had no website is that doesn’t seem to be aware of what’s going on in the world. Is answer to most reporters questions on national topics is “Oh, I think I hear my phone ringing.” There is no hope.

You may look pretty odd wearing fleece into the local supermarket in the middle of summer, but you will be the only person not shivering in front of the meat, veggie and freezer departments.

If you go through life in a haze you will never know your windows are dirty.

And my guess is that medical and maybe even marijuana in general will be in wide spread use and probably legal for the most part. Which will probably put window washers out of work.

If you think the recovery is sluggish and the markets are adrift, wait til you see what happens when the Bush tax breaks end in 2011. I could be the double dip recession

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 77 Continues. –“What about Kent worries you, Henry? I always seemed to find him an uncomplicated, kind of cold yet a simple pleasant person.”
“It’s less about what I see in him,” Henry started, :”but more about what’s pointing at him. Frankly I’m with you. Despite the fact that your ages and personalities were quite dissimilar, you were more like two peas in a pod than you could imagine. Both energetic although in different ways. Both smart. Both insightful. But, I have learned lately that you Sarah have a soul. I’m not sure about Kent.”
I interrupted. “You think I have a soul and Kent doesn’t?” I stared at him. “Why would you say that?”
“Well my friend, I see how you look when you talk of your children. I see how happy your husband Paul is when he is near you. He draws goodness from you.” He smiled at me. I think he thought I should be glowing at his words. “But, with Kent I more and more see a man who only cares about himself.”
I just sat and thought about what he just said. Me who has no emotions about a family and especially Paul when I’m in Kent’s bed. I’m the soulless one. Do I really care about anybody? At least Kent cares about me. I’m all he has. My phone interrupted my self examination.
“Oh! Hi.” I mouthed to Henry, it’s Kent. “
“Did you get home safely?” he asked.
“Oh yes. I am so happy to be with Jill. I hadn’t realized how long a day could be when I haven’t been active.”
“I feel a need for you.” He said in an aching voice.
“Me too I answered.”
“Can’t you talk?” He asked.
“Jill is right here with me. I’ll call you later. But thanks for caring about me.” I hung up.
“That was an odd conversation. Why did he call?” asked Henry. But now he looked like a detective.
“He just wanted to see how felt after my first day back. He was pretty attentive while I was in the hospital. I guess that’s just how it is between detective partners. I smiled as hard as I could. Henry did too. I think he did.

How about the US Government proposing to sue to stop BP from paying dividends to shareholders. That would wake about $40 Million in income out of the pension fund for the Largest NJ State Workers group. Britain citizens are already outraged in advance of the proposed action as BP is Britain’s largest corporation and over fifty percent of citizens rely on it for income.. mainly pensioners. I have always felt since Day 1 of the 0-Presidentcy that Obama didn’t like Great Britain. It’s just a feeling I have had.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--I remember when the A-Team first came on the tube I rejected it out of hand as sophomoric. But, I have to say it grabbed me and became one of my favorite mindless entertainment weekly engagements. The critics will dismantle the new movie, but the fans will love it. The movie has plenty of action , the usual unique caper and the same team of unlikely characters working together. They are a former special forces unit trying to clear their names after an unjust accusation of wrongdoing..
--The Karate Kid also puts a new face on an old winner. This time the kid is a girl and Jackie Chan plays her helpful master. This one too will be liked by the fans and given moderate grades by the critics.

A series of photos showing our presidents at the podium has Obama standing before a bare curtain and all the other Presidents standing before the American flags.

The Answer:
If you want to get out of your own way at the best price check out the best inthese classes: Affordable Small Cars: Kia Forte, Smart Fortwo; Pick-ups: Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Hummer H3T; Sports Cars: Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazda MX5 Miata, Nissan 370Z; Vans: Kia Sedona, Chrysler Town and Country; SUV’s: Nissan Xterra, Dodge Nitro, Mercury Mariner(oops).

The Tids word for to day is caring. It's always good for two hearts.