Layng quietly in fields

Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Faith, hope and charity.

Today's Tids Issue 2,099
Opening Stuff:

When you look around at the recent gloom, think of the words of William Arthur Ward: “Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed and a giant oak in an acorn.”

With the passage of HC, I think you can see that the Dems are becoming emboldened. Republicans seem to be retrenching, as they plot a strategy for November. The best strategy may be hoping that the Dems become too emboldened and start providing new examples of ignoring the people. Meanwhile, some including Obama and NYT’s Friedman are recognizing the power of movements like the Tea Party. Basically, the political scene is jumbled mess right now and it is all about positioning for the elections.

The Question:
Many cities claim to be “First” in many areas. Name the cities first to have ambulance service, a black majority, electric lights, baseball stadium, Catholic cathedral, radio station, computer, lighthouse, hospital, opera house, railroad station, skyscraper, subway and traffic light.

The Headlines:
--New Medical Science Report Declares Chocolate A health Food; Easter Bunny Smiling.
--Stock Futures Fall After Private Sector Job’s Report Shows Cuts Of 23,000 Jobs In March; Experts Had Forecast Addition Of 40,000 Jobs.
--Rising Waters Consume Rhode Island; Schools Close Again As 100 Year Flood Waters Inundate State; Sewage Plants, Interstate 95 Under Water.
--China Hackers Disrupt Journalists Yahoo! eMail Accounts.
--Obama Ok’s Oil Drilling Off Virginia.
--GOP Leaders Warn Candidates Not To Run On Repeal Of HC.
--Massachusetts Small Businessman Warns Rest of Country On Government Mandated Health Care.
--New Suicide Bombers Kill More In southern Russia.
--Sarkozy In DC To Work With 0-Man On Iran Sanctions.
--UConn Women Move To Final Four After 40 Point Win Over “Tough” Florida State team, Star Maya Moore Says They Were Not Perfect, Yet.

Back to More Stuff:

Let’s get American Idol over with first. Personally, I think this is a tough week for picking a final three. Not only do you have to listen to the music, but you have to factor in the popularity contest too. I’d still like to get rid of Urban, but, his singing wasn’t so bad this week. And, he has that invulnerable cuteness factor among teenies going for him (I guess). I thought Aaron, who I generally think is a good singer was the worst performer of the night. Didi didn’t do the deed well for the demagogues, but her voice sounded ok to me. I like her. Lee was great along with Bowersox and Casey. (BTW – With opening day less than a week away, I’m calling her “Bosox” from now on.) Andy and Mike were good. Siobhan had an off night, and could even be a candidate for the bottom three. Katie showed me that she has a real voice, but her performance was robotic. So, the stool sitters tonight should be Didi, Aaron and Tim or Siobhan.

I see where hockey great Gordie Howe is turning 82 today. Any day now I expect an announcement that he will join in with his grandsons playing on the Harford Whalers. Forgetting that the Whaler’s left town years ago. An aging mind is not a pretty thing.

A new non-scientific CBS News Poll on the 0-Man’s first year has him receiving far more “F’s” than anything. He was to be rated either A,B,C,D or F on foreign Policy, Health Care, The Economy, Afghanistan, Iraq, The Threat of Terrorism, Social Issues, Energy/Environ and Bi-Partisanship. Personally I gave him a several “C’s” and a couple B’s”. I only gave him one F and it was for his dramatic lack of Bi-Partisanship. His overall rating on this poll had 63.98% F and 22.94% D. That only leaves 13% for A, B, C. After looking at the results, I felt like a flaming liberal.

One of the best lines I have heard in a while is: “America needs a safety net, but not a hammock.“.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 63 continues. --Actually, the dinner went very well. Paul seemed to have loosened up, like he had gotten something off of his mind. We laughed and had a grand old time just like a regular family. Hey, we are a regular family. It’s just me who is a little out of line. Then I thought of Kent. But in some small way, not as I did two weeks ago. Maybe. After the kids ran off, we sat down with our coffee in our second colonial parlor, a room known as the mourning room. I wonder how many people had been laid out in the middle of the room over the years. It certainly wasn’t gloomy now, as we had painted in brighter colors, but with a colonial aura. I loved the comfort, and lord knows I certainly felt alive now after my near miss. I looked at Paul. He seemed so calm, enjoying the perfect silence. “So, why did you ask me so many questions about Middleton?”
It was as if he was waiting for the question. “I think I was being defensive. Maybe it was because of the guilt I have for working so much so long into the night. Maybe I saw something that wasn’t there because I know how much I have left you alone. I was starting to see a relationship that didn’t exist. I’m sorry that I even thought that for a moment.” I didn’t say a thing.
“What do you think of Middleton and this Bromsky testing affair?”
He thought a moment. “You know, that is a very good question.” There is something that puzzles me about the whole thing.”

Perpetuating Bad Behavior and Irresponsibility Department:.
The bailouts for banks and financial institutions were hammocks for the irresponsible thieves who ran us into the ground; Bailouts that in the long run will only serve to perpetuate the same activities for new thieves and irresponsible self serving financiers. The fact that the Government is now making a nice profit off of their intervention will only inspire our gutless leaders to bailout over and over again and again. And the real intrinsic problem will never be solved. It is exactly like welfare that keeps the downtrodden down. Bailouts keep the scoundrels and inept soaring.

The US economy just doesn’t work when the government is involved.

24-um: --A reader notes that Jack looked much too clean shaven after 13 hours and much two spry after three shots to the chest. –Renee can shoot! –Has their ever been a faster military coup in the history of the world than the attempted subversion of the Presidential order last night? –Dana makes a good evil person. –It’s time for the office sex lecher to do something great. –The head of CTU is just too vanilla now.

I see where 0-Man yesterday signed the new Government takeover of student loans by saying the government will save $68 Billion by eliminating the dreaded “middleman”. Doesn’t he realize that the majority of the jobs remaining in a post manufacturing America are middlemen? And speaking of middlemen, the biggest middleman of all is the US Government who takes your money, adds a trillion or so in debt to it and gives it back to you as a benevolent gift. Think of the billions we would save if we got rid of that middleman!

Did you hear about the worker who after a labor action decided go into the laundry business to sustain some income? He decided to iron while the strike was hot.

A report in the new issue of Vanity Fair paints a seamier and seamier picture of the Tiger Woods affair. The new bloody details, and I mean bloody, portray the golfer in gloomiest light yet. The article attributes his downfall with falling in with the wrong crowd – namely Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Then it goes into sordid detail of his ravenous cravings, to the point they say where it will be tough reading. No wonder that the other golfers in their nightly prayer add: Now I lay me down to sleep, I hope I don’t draw that (bleep)!

The Answer:
 Ambulance – Cincinnati; Black majority – Washington DC; Electric Lighting – Muncie Indiana.; Baseball Stadium – Pittsburgh; Catholic Cathedral – Baltimore; Radio Station – Pittsburgh; Computer – Philadelphia; Lighthouse – Boston; Hospital – Philly; Opera House – New Orleans; Railroad Staion – Balt; Skyscraper – Chicago; Subway – Boston; Traffic Light - Cleveland.

The End:

Keep the faith, hope for rainbow followed by the sun and love thy neighbor as thyself.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Hate speech.

Today's Tids Issue 2,098
Opening Stuff:

How easily does appear that the modern human falls into hating? When even in the most disagreeable person there is always something inside to love. Why since the beginning of time has the human heart been inflicted with hatred of something? Was the world before the “Apple” one of hearts with only love? Is it that for which we are really all striving. A world with the absence of hate. I just hate the word hate unless it is associated with Brussels sprouts and mushrooms.

It figures that a “Leaderless” GOP would spend nearly $2,000 at a “Topless” club.

The Question:
What are the origins of the words “Cracker”, “Faggot”, “Kike” and “Wop”? And “Hate”?

The Headlines:
--Northeast Under Extreme Flood watch As Heavy Rains Continue To Pound Saturated Ground.
--US Treasury To Float Issue Of 7.3 Billion Shares Of CitiGroup Stock: Could Reap Handsome Profit For Taxpayer; Tax payer Will Never See it.
--Geneva Atom Smasher Sets Collision Records; Beats Former Mark On California Highways.
--US Mental Institutions Flooded With Calls Day After “24” Fatality Announcement; Facilities Near Capacity From Previous Deluge Of Disgruntled Bracketeers.
--0-Man Says Karsai Sorta OK’
--Chinese Company Buys Volvo.
--Obama Exhibits Lunar Tendencies Of Paranoia In Speak-Out Against Tea Party.

Back to More Stuff:

There is no truth to the rumor that Geely, new Chinese owner of the venerable Volvo car maker, will announce as their first model a commemorative named “The Tianamen” designed to hold their liberal customer base. It will return to the boxy tank-like appearance and have pre-rusted fenders.

Global Warming enthusiasts seem to be in a panicky mood as new theories to support their view of a dying planet get whackier and whackier.

A good electrician knows what’s watt.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 63 continues “Kent and I got to know each other quite well. I think once you get past his apparent icy exterior, he is actually a pretty decent person.” I knew Paul would agree because he said the same thing about him.
“I agree,” Paul said on cue. “Several people at the meeting told me that you spent a lot of time in his office.” He just let it lay there.
I responded immediately, “I didn’t think I spent that much time with him,” I paused and watched Paul. He was expressionless, but not questioning. “He was my key person for gathering technology as it applied to our financial offering. Actually,” I added, “That vandalism was quite fortunate as it gave me an opportunity to meet and know Kent Middleton at another level”. And, what a wonderful level it is I thought. How can I talk like this to Paul and not feel anything about what I am saying.
Paul looked a little more relaxed, “I was just surprised I guess that he came to your hospital room.” I had an answer for this expected observation. “But…”
I interrupted Paul, “I think he felt some guilt over my accident. You remember that we were both being followed by some unidentified cars, and I think he felt he should have recognized something earlier that may have helped me.” Then I went over to him and wrapped my arms around him giving him that big gooey kiss I knew he loved.” He melted.
“How are your aching bones?” he snickered. “I could be gentle with you tonight.” He smiled. I shuddered.

A day after plowing through unrelenting rain for over 200 mikes on water slickened highways filled cars going 70 miles/hour or more, you reflect back the next day and wonder how you made it alive. And imagine all of the near miss potential catastrophe scenarios you avoided.

My original Tid’s NCAA bracket predictions were pretty accurate. Oh, not my selections, but the realization that nothing in bracketeering is sacred any more. There are no traditional powers so strong that they can’t be beaten. In fact some of the so-called power schools will be at a disadvantage as top high school-ers who go there rarely stay, making them potential fodder for all senior dominated smaller programs. In addition, kids are learning that sitting on the bench at a school of their dreams is not as good as playing all of the time at another not so bad place.

Today is the first day I can remember, other than hurricane days, when schools were closed statewide because flooding.

We actually live in a new world of selective discrimination. For instance businessmen involved in Global warming are good and all other business people are evil. Liberal blacks and women are good while Conservative women and blacks are not seen as actually women or blacks. The press is violently against today’s “haters”, but supported all hate directed against Bush. All political movements that aren’t for abortion, Obama and Health Care are radical and dangerous.

I learned at an early age that the word hate when used against a person is as vile a word as exists.

The Answer:
Cracker – The white man who “cracked” the whip on slave ships; Poor whites in South who could only afford to eat crackers; (Most common) Person cracks corn in process of making corn whiskey. Faggot -- a bundle of sticks often used in 14th century for fire to burn witches. When wood diminished homosexual males would be thrown on to keep fire burning; (Possible) Italian word fa(n)gotto meaning disagreeable woman. Kike – Most probably from Yiddish word kikel for circle, the mark used by illiterate Jews to sign papers at Ellis Island; From kiekel (to peep) linked to Jewish clothes manufacturers who “peeped” at European fashion houses and produced knock-offs. Wop – Comes from Spanish “guapo” and Italian guappo meaning handsome which later came to mean handsome scoundrel; Another origin goes back to Ellis Island where those “with out papers” would have note WOP pinned to clothes. Most words of this type take on a more negative meaning because of the word “Hate”. Hate comes from the old hatian or German hassen and several other similarities among almost early languages that meant basically to feel strongly against. I guess hate isn’t a new concept.

The End:

I hate it when the Tids are late.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Blind Opinons.

Today's Tids Issue 2,097
Opening Stuff:

You know the old saying which we as kids often cite when making a speech error, “My tongue wrapped around my eyeteeth and couldn’t see what I was saying”? Well, I’m in a hotel room and forgotten my glasses and have no idea what I’m writing! Beware.

I had the chance to drive by Malvern Pa. yesterday. This is a town, belive it or not, that was known for humongous moons and endless skies. The natives there are saying it isn’t as bright at it used to be. Nature can be odd.

Symphonic Musings Department:
Antonin Dvorak to me is one of the great underrated romantic classical composers. –Maurice Ravel is good for insomnia, although with an occasional whiff of pleasant dreams. –People either live or hate minimalism. I tend towards the love side. Phillip Glass is one of the better known and more popular in the category. And, if you are looking for something new, his String Quartet #5 (1991) is excellent to this tin ear.

The Question:
Each year “Talkers Magazine” puts out its list of the Top ten Most Important Talkers. Name them.

The Headlines:
--0-Man Pops Into Afghanistan; Surprise Fly-in Designed To Put International Feather in Legend Nest.
--Doctor Shortage Could Send HC Into Emergency room.
--Duke Joins Butler, Michigan State and West “By God” Virginia In Final Four; Burning Discarded Brackets Considered As New Alternative Energy Source.
--Suicide Bombers Kill 35 On Moscow Subways.
--FBI Raids Midwest Christian Malitia Groups.

Back to More Stuff:

If you wondering why the title of “Wall Street Darling” is so fleeting these days, It is interesting to look at three stocks on the cusp of being Kicked off NASDAQ – XM-Sirius, Netflix and Whole Foods. Maybe fleeting is the new term that most apply applies to our current willow tree economy. Looks good fast, but tender roots for the long haul. Whole foods became just too expensive for too many elite foodies. Netflix is extremely well run (Frankly, amazingly efficient to me), but very susceptible to the rise of fast changing new technology. In this case, Video on Demand. Personally I never thought paid for radio was a winning idea. But many I know love it a lot, especially for the infinite availability of broad array of music – on demand. Management is wrestling with a dilemma, how to pay the disgraceful schmuck Howard Stern. Is say get rid of him and play to your strength – “Programming on Demand”.

The fact that 0-Man originally wanted to put the census under the administration of political assassin Rahm Emanual, places all of this feel good promotion about the count under a gigantic gray cloud, Chicago style. This admin is more and more about income redistribution. Even Max Baucus, the man in charge of the Senate HC mess said it yesterday – “The true purpose of Health Care reform, which is apparently to fix mal-distribution of wealth. I think my interpretation of O.B.A.M.A. – Opportunistic Bolsheviks Against Majority of Americans – is more on target than I ever realized.

Warning Due to the temporary blindness of the Author, the continuation of everybody’s favorite novel. “Through The Same Eyes”: will be postponed til tomorrow.

What kind of world can we possibly hope for now that the kids have stopped reading the Sunday comics?

Obama should sell the White House he never uses to pay for all of these trips around the country and world taht are costing our debt ridden example a fortune?

I think that Sean Penn has lost is mind. Or else his ego is so large that he actually believes everything he says is intelligent.

A local columnist Saturday said – “Welcome to the new America where everyone hates anyone who disagrees with them.” Frankly I think the new America is “Will somebody listen to me, Please!” And the cries become even louder when people like Sean Penn with easy access to a mike with which to insult and degrade hard working, honest every day people is given credence by fawning entertainment gossip mongers.

Allawi won power in Iraq basically because he is the “Separation of Church and State” candidate. Citizens there showed the fear of clerical influence in government by electing a guy who reached out to all of the sects. Most look over at the mullah run Iran and say “Not for me”. The shakeout of this will be interesting.

I’m beginning to get the sense that 0-Man really dislikes Israel. Oh, he’d like peace but only for his scorecard. Maybe Netanyahu form now on will go to China for his dough. After all, that’s where the US of A goes.

Fingers Down Throats Department:
Please shoot me if you ever hear me say what I heard a man say on a ABC news report about his complaint about his not as promised eco-friendly appliance: “I spent $2,500 on a refrigerator to improve my carbon footprint in the world…”

In a post HC Passage evaluation, the CBO says that at the rate 0-Man is spending that the National Debt would rise to 90% of the total U S economic output by 2020. I wonder what else hasn’t been released by our watchdog media.

Now for the first time that Opening day in Boston will be a night game for TV purposes, loyal fans are screaming. But none louder than public employee unions who always counted on this as another day off. Apparently they will be asking for double time for having to watch the game at night.

The Answer:
 Number One is Rush Limbaugh who is followed by Sean Hannity. The others in the Top ten are Glenn Beck, Michael Savage, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Laura Ingraham, Dave Ramsey, Mark Levin, Lou Dobbs and Thom Hartman. 7 of the Top ten are rated Conservative Political talkers. Schlessinger is personal advice, but she comes for the Conservative end. Ramsey is Personal Finance and Hartman is Progressive (Liberal). Number 11 Ed Schultz is also on the Progressive side. For the Top 100 check this out: http://talkers.com/online/?p=3774

The light Dins:

“See” you tomorrow, I hope! I have a headache.*

*For you who are wondering why no novel when all of this other crap has been written, 99% was written Saturday.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Presidents and Popes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,096
Opening Stuff

There are periods during the Winter when you wonder if the gray will ever end. Often the gray is so consuming that the sunny crisp days of the coldest months are a buried memory. But in the heart there is always sun ready to burst forth. And the pervasive appearing gloom can always be overcome with a smile full of love.

The Prez is on his gloating tour and not looking very Presidential at all. His ridiculing of concerns by honest citizens before a fawning crowd of pseudo intellectuals is just no the way to bring about the unity he professes to crave. And, he is using low ball, hack like tactics when he tells his slobbering mass that in six to seven months the opposition will see no change in theirs lives, No asteroids form outer space. Of course nothing is planned to happen until 2014. So, he is either being disingenuous or he hasn’t yet read the bill.

The Question:
Name Seven songs you associate with Easter.

The Headlines:
--Pope Under Fire For Inaction While In Charge Of Papal Legal Operations.
--Pakistani’s Kill 34 Militants.
--Police In Arizona Arrest 10 Illegal Smugglers and 50 Illegal’s.
--Eurozone Announces Stopgap Program For Greek Situation; Bankruptcy Will Be Averted But Plan Shows Weakness Of EU Concept.
--Allawi Position In Iraq Strengthens.
--New Fed Program Will Help Some Foreclosure Situations.
--Markets Looking Better For Strong Week’s Close.

Back to More Stuff:

You know that I like to get away from the political hurt from time to time, but the antics associated with the passage of this highly partisan monster keep me on high alert. And the excuse by supporters that “It’s not perfect but we have to start somewhere”, just makes my stomach turn. Some day we’ll have to start getting something right.

While we are on the ‘un-Presidential” express, Sarah Palin’s over exposure is rapidly diminishing an aura she once held. Maybe she has just fallen in love with the dough – and I don’t mean apple pies in Wasilla.

A judge in Florida dismissed a suit by an Atheist demanding holy days for them like Easter for Christians and Passover for Jews. After objections from the Atheist’s lawyer he explained that the atheists already had one – April Fools Day and cited this passage from Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart there is no God”. The adjourned saying your client is a fool and he has April 1.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 63. –“Hi Kids!” I heard Paul’s happily robust voice as he walked in the side door from the garage.
The kids both in unison responded, “Mom told us never to talk to strangers! Our dad never shows up until 8:00.” Then they laughed and I’m sure they ran over and gave them super hugs. But, I thought, he really is home early.
I was walking out towards the mud room when he looked at me and gave me a big “Hi Beautiful!”
I played the blushing bride role, “Who little ole’ me?” I smiled at him and he gave me a nice kiss and a tender hug. I hugged back. I wonder why he is here so early? But, it was good and the kids loved it.
He followed me into the kitchen and watched me for a moment while I cut ups some cheese chunks. “This is a pleasant surprise,” I started.
He chimed right in, “Oh, I was at BiEm most of today, and we got so much accomplished that I decide to relax with you for a while.” I told him I was glad. He looked at me a little more seriously.
“What do you think of Kent Middleton?” He just sat there for a moment. I shuddered inside. I felt my heart beat a little faster. I found myself on edge. Then he added, “I know you got to know him pretty well when you were involved in that vandalism thing”. That vandalism thing that you thought was nothing, I thought. I decided to take my time before I answered this.

Let’s have a new name for ACORN contest. We know that the operatives in the old gang living high off the taxpayer hog will be back some where. How do they replace that kind of income – Brain Surgery? Hedge fund Manager? Politician? They’ll be back just in time to fake voting records in November. So I’m throwing into the pot: CRAP – Community Radical Activists Profiting; OBAMA – Opportunistic Bolsheviks Against Majority of Americans. Well that's a start. Send in yours!

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Hot Tub Time Machine is a Buddy picture which in fact is a cheap imitation of “The Hangover” idea. Pals who were once popular guys in the eighties are now taking a second look at their evolution into a humdrum existence. The decide to get together and it all comes together when while sitting in a hot tub at an old decaying once a playground resort, They are taken back to 1986. You get the picture. Some laughs. The problems: 80’s nostalgia doesn’t measure up to the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.
--How to Train your Dragon is the Kids animated film of the week. It is based on a familiar Viking tale about a puny boy among peers who decides to slay a Dragon to gain popularity. Of course he comes across a Dragon in pain and helps him out. They be come friends. Not bad.
--Chloe is a fairly bad sexual thriller –a poor man’s “Fatal Attraction. A successful Doctor suspects her husband of infidelity. She hires a prostitute (Chloe) to tempt him and see how he reacts. Bad idea, because before you know it she and her family are in grave danger. Might be moderately enjoyable if you are hard up for something on your Netflix list.

The "Unity President" finally got what he wanted – Bipartisanship...only it was opposition to the Monster. And the tactics. “Most Liberal” Senator never changes principles. They just change suits.

From the lying Cardinal Law in Boston to the-jury-is-still-out-on Cardinal (Now Pope Benedict) Ratzinger in the Vatican, Catholic leadership has been gutless at best, and probably criminal in their handling of the known clerical predators. The Catholic Church has done more for God haters than a congress of Satans roaming the earth. It is sad.

The Answer:
I first think of Easter Parade, Halleluiah Chorus and Here Comes Peter Cottontale. Ode to Joy form Beethoven and the powerful 2nd Mahler Symphony “The Resurrection” also come to mind. Then there’s that Old Wooden Cross and Christ has Risen. Also Amazing Grace has slipped into some Easter repertoires. There are lots and lots of Christian Hymns.

Final Thoughts:

Business opportunity: Write popular songs for Easter.

It’s already early, and it already looks like a great start to a weekend. And, it is gloomy looking outside. Which means that the weather in the grand scheme of things has little to do with your outlook if you don’t let it.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

America and Kenya.

Today's Tids Issue 2,095
Opening Stuff:

Stay healthy! Don’t let “The Monster” get traction.

The new hierarchy for totalitarian countries going forward will be President for Life and Minister of Firewalls.

So, did you hear about the glue factory worker who when handed a whisk declined, saying he didn’t want to beat a dead horse? Oh, you didn’t hear about that?

Daily Question: It looks like the US and Russia are close to a new Nuke treaty to replace the expiring current agreement. Name the top five Nuke countries and the number of warheads fro each.

The Headlines:
--New Language In Senate Will Send Health Care Back To House For Final Approval.
--Netanyahu And 0-Man Have Extended Talks.
--Iraq Election Still Razor Slim.
--New Jobless Claims Fall More Than Expected; Shows Sign Of Layoff Slowdown.
--New Home Sales Fall To Lowest In February History.
--Best Buy Revenue Up On Heavier Laptop And TV Sales.

Back to More Stuff:

The objective in Kenya these days as they struggle for inner peace is to get all of the tribes to call themselves Kenyans Over here we are gong in the opposite direction. Instead of everybody being Americans, many are becoming ethnicity-Americans. Of course the US pols love it because then they can pit the different groups against each other – just as many other African despots having been doing for years to assure that their tyranny continues. We are no longer a melting pot. We are a box of nuts and bolts trying to screw each other.

I guess Paige was pretty miserable Tuesday and her dismissal on AI last night was certainly justified. But, Tim is below average and should have gone (And Paige is innately more talented). We are losing too many women, leading me to think that most of the voters are younger girls who keep the “Cuties” (In their minds) alive. While I like Katie, I thought she belonged in the bottom 3 last night. I’m ready to vote out Tim next week. Next week is R&B/Soul, and I’m guessing a boring night and some shaky performances.

I like many will be watching Cornell vs. Kentucky tonight. This is the classic “Team” versus exceptional athleticism game. Kentucky is probably the favorite now to go all the way. I’d love to see Northern Iowa and St. Mary’s keep on going. Of course, my bracket has West Virginia winning it all and they are still there. I’m picking W.Va, Cornell, St. Mary’s, Duke, The OSU, Northern Iowa (MS has lost key player), Xavier and Syracuse. Hey I like the little guy. Shoot me. All of the games are very interesting match-ups.

Rajon Rondo is one of the most exciting basketball players I have ever watched.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 62 continues. –“You know Paul, Kent just took his good fortune in stride.” Sally continued, “But that’s just Middleton.” She thought a few minutes, and added “He’s either the smartest person alive, or he knew this was happening. Because as soon as the decision was made to pick up Bromsky’s work, he had a plan in place.”
I almost blurted in response, “Don’t tell him I said it, but he can be eerie at times. But he is very smart.” A couple of his people made non-committal nods and then looked around the room. We started some heavy duty work on the task at hand. After a couple of hours of mental depletion, we agreed to sit back and let our brains come back. Like running your laptop on a battery from time to time so it remembers that recharging is good for it’s long term health.
We started walking towards the cafeteria when Randy Montrose said, “Your wife looks like a very nice person.”
“Have you met my wife?” I replied. It was always good to hear nice thing about the woman you loved.
“Not really,” he countered, “But I have seen her many times with Middleton.” He looked over at me with a little grin. “I figured that she must be nice because he seemed to know how to get Middleton laughing!” And he added. “Not many people can do that.”
“Oh, she’s pretty sensational.” I countered while thinking of that image of Kent laying on Sarah’s hospital bed.

Apparently in a lot of countries around the world, kids score better than Americans on tests that measure education. I think it is surprising, since our kids despite what the critics say get a pretty good education. So I’m thinking that the problem is that our kids just don’t test well. Maybe our kids just sit there thinking about the next text message.

Of course, if you flunk out of school there are still plenty of opportunities remaining for you in America. For instance you could become an Octomom. In this country where amoral activity has never been a bar to success, you could reap the benefits of irresponsibility too. You may have heard that this incubator is in trouble with her mortgage, owing the bank a balloon payment of $450,0000 to th banks. Even media sensations don’t have that kind of dough lying around. In comes our beloved PETA, they have offered her $5,000 plus free veggie burgers and hotdogs for a month if she agrees to put a sign in front of her home: “Don’t let your dogs and cats become Octomoms.”

And…Porn maker Vivid Entertainment said it would pay off the $450K if she would make an X-Rated film. Vivid owner Hirsch said it would be “tasteful”. See, you don’t have to study in school to make a bundle.

Oh, and while we’re on education, I wondering where the school boards are taking out children. I have noticed that good fattening cafeteria food will soon be replaced by carrots and lettuce. Couple that with the free condom give-away programs and you see schools programs producing a generation of rabbits. Hey, it will be great for Easter pageants!

I always paid attention when Robert Culp came on the screen. He had a certain degree of affability that was always comfortable. His “! Spy” comedy espionage show with Bill Cosby was one of the all time classics. Thanks for the smiles!

Quiz Answer:
Russia has 2,707 warheads. The US follows with 2,202. the new agreement calls for a max of between 1,700 and 2,200. (Two warheads will soon be available at your local Army-Navy surplus store.) The rest are France – 300, China – 166 and Britain -160.

A long closing statement about nothing Department:
I was whipping along this morning when all of a sudden the President of the New England Patriots came on the radio for an interview. The Patriots seem to be floundering to me, so I was diverted. It’s tough to make up stuff for “Through the Same Eyes” when your mind is on the football field.

I told you this was a long closing statement about nothing. Why did you read it?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ronmey doesn't make mince pie.

Today's Tids Issue 2,094
Opening Stuff:

Congress is taking aim at Clueless Lane (Wall Street) with a host of new regulations which are probably already in there, somewhere, anyhow. The most deterrent of regulations against runaway greed and risk taking is a system that allows utter failure; where the out-of-control risk takers are reduced to quivering, jelly-like blobs wallowing in the gutters just outside their former financial playground. Let them fail miserably and the system will generally take care of itself.

If you think about it, “Abuse of Power” is the biggest sin against the spirit of the American constitution.

The Question:
Newport Jazz Festival Impresario George Wein has just announced a stellar group of performers for the Summer 2010 effort by The Bay. I noticed immediately the name Ahmad Jamal, one of my favorites of yesteryear. I first bought his record albums around 1957. Now 80, he came to fame during an era of great jazz pianists. Name five other big names.

The Headlines:
--Federal Reserve Issues New Rules To Protect Consumers From Gift Card Abuses.
--Congress Welcomes Netanyahu; Israel Approves Construction Of New Buildings In East Jerusalem.
--Major Rating Agency Slashes Credit Worthiness Of Portugal; Stock Futures Fall; Frantic EU Still Seeking Greek Solution.
--Investors Looking For Munis As Move To Higher Risk Instruments Grows.
--Budget Crisis Has California Easing Requirements For Parole.
--Banks And Private Lenders Expected To Loses $70 Billion/Year As Health Care LollaPelosi Takes Over Student Loans!
--NFL Changes Rules For Playoff Overtime Games.

Back to More Stuff:

Romney On Health Care Department:
"America has just witnessed an unconscionable abuse of power. President Obama has betrayed his oath to the nation — rather than bringing us together, ushering in a new kind of politics, and rising above raw partisanship, he has succumbed to the lowest denominator of incumbent power: justifying the means by extolling the ends. He promised better; we deserved better.
He calls his accomplishment “historic” — in this he is correct, although not for the reason he intends. Rather, it is an historic usurpation of the legislative process — he unleashed the nuclear option, enlisted not a single Republican vote in either chamber, bribed reluctant members of his own party, paid-off his union backers, scapegoated insurers, and justified his act with patently fraudulent accounting. What Barack Obama has ushered into the American political landscape is not good for our country; in the words of an ancient maxim, ‘what starts twisted, ends twisted’.” How do you flip-flop on that?

You Can’t Make this Stuff Department:
In an interview this morning by a local morning sports show with Josselyn James, Tiger’s Porn Star Lover, she was asked if she had considered turning a child fathered by the golfer in to a big pay day opportunity. She said…she actually said…”I didn’t want it to suffer so I aborted it”.

When I read about the 16,000 new IRS agents authorized by the LollaPelosi boondoggle for the sole purposed of harassing companies and good honest citizens on a “Monthly” basis about health care, I can only conjure up images of Brown Shirts.

American Idol in this man’s eyes was kind of bland last night. (And how about that Miley Cyrus. I was amazed at her size! She was bigger than everybody except Big Mike. She seemed nice. But that’s not why we are here.) The dour Chrystal Bowersox was again the best. I like her style and the way she sings and would vote for her to be at least one of the final two. Unfortunately the voters look for curb appeal, which is often lacking in Chrystal’s non-singing personality. My other favorite, Siobahn, was also above the fray last night. I don’t agree with Simons that she “screams” too much. I think that Aaron, Mike, Katie, Casey (Although I thought he sucked slightly) Didi (I thought the judges were too harsh here) and Lee did well enough to return. Paige was off key, Andy was awkward and vulnerable, but man, you got to get rid of Tim Urban.

Now that it appears that the Prez has set as his personal goal (and believe me, it is his personal goals that count now) the establishment of the largest entitlement society in the history of the universe, don’t be surprised if we start seeing a European style VAT (Value Added Tax) in the not too distant future. To make it fair, the under-salaried in our nation will be issued “Po Boy Cards” which wave their tax on purchases.

A State Farm insurance agent has this huge sign in front of his business: “A Taxpayer voting for Obama is like a chicken voting for Colonel Saunders.”

Through the Same Eyes Department: Chapter 62: I received a lot of “”Hi Paul’s” as I walked into Middleton’s lab operation. We’re not talking about a room with a couple of instruments and beakers, we are talking about 20,000 square feet of some of the most sophisticated technology and experiences scientists in the country. And, best of all, a growing supply of products from my favorite company GenInst. “Hi gang,” I answered. Sally Orstein was still my main contact and I liked that. She and I plus Kelley and Montrose had worked closely together on the GenInst setup. We seemed to get a lot more done when Middleton wasn’t around, although I have to admit he knew how to get to the nub of problems with good ideas. (A little like my wife, I thought.) I hadn’t figured out yet what the team actually thought of their boss. He made me feel uneasy. Yet, when he wanted to win me over, he had an easy way of doing it.
“So, what is step one?” asked Sally.
“I have no idea,” I joked. “All of this new data potential is going to require extensive, new recalibrating to accurately reflect projections from bases with no known comparability’s. It sounds like trial and error, but we have designed computer programs that adjust to data shifts. This is a dramatic data shift. But simpler in that it is closer to where we want to see our final results.” They agreed they understood. Then I added, “Isn’t it amazingly fortuitous how this data fell into Our, Middleton’s, lap?”

Things Never Change Department:
Mark Twain said: “If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.” Dwight Eisenhower said: “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” Thomas Jefferson said: “A democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those willing to work and give to those who would not.”

For three days now the media has been talking about the increase in food serving size in paintings of the Last Supper. Has America lost its collective mind? It’s just another example of too much taxpayer money going to too many professors with nothing to do.

One of the real dangers these days is for people to think that just because someone can speak eloquently or write beautifully that they actually know what they are talking about and have come to the correct conclusions.

You probably read where ACORN is disbanding. That means that the activists behind it are probably reorganizing through another series of sham fronts…and who knows…Congress may have already voted for funding under the heath Care boondoggle. Activists, If anything, know how to persevere. The former ACORN gang just has to do it in a way that doesn’t embarrass their pal in the White House.

The Answer:
Ahmad Jamal, born Freddy “Fritz” Jones, came to fame in an era of giants and in particular three – Dave Brubeck, Errol Garner and George Shearing. Other names were Earl Peterson, Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum. Of course the great holdovers – Count Basie and Duke Ellington. But the Jamal, Shearing, Brubeck, Garner foursome were leading the new era of jazz piano.

Final Thought:

Text messaging is bad for your health.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The biggest lie.

Today's Tids Issue 2,093
Opening Stuff:

Is there anything more irritating than after making your breakfast, smelling the aroma of brewing coffee, going out to get the paper and sniffing the fresh morning air, feeling the caress of your favorite chair and then anticipating the first words on the page, you reach up, turn on the lamp and the bulb burns out! Aaaaaaaaargh!

Interestingly, the words of Massachusetts Dem US Rep Stephen Lynch (All Mass Reps are Dems.), who broke with his party and voted no, provide a rare enlightened though simplified view of one of the major problems with LollaPelosi: “(The Health Care Bill) extends coverage to 10’s of millions without sufficiently reforming the system.” He is quite right. They never looked at all at the underlying ills and biggest problems with the current system. The biggest of these being that the current system is an immense pot of gold that just invites all manner of people, busineses and organizations to spend it. That pot just got huger assuring the addition of millions of scammers and the expansion of groups and organizations that will tap into it it. And more people in America saying, “Why shouldn’t I spend it, it’s free isn’t it.”

The Question:
In case you hadn’t noticed, the Health Care intrusion on the greatness that once was America passed on the anniversary of the passage of the “Stamp Act” in England. You know the Stamp Act – A law passed in England that basically imposed a tax “without representation” on the Colonies to support the housing of British Soldiers. It led to a group called the Sons of Liberty which evolved into a movement known as the American revolution. Coincidentally, today is the anniversary of the Patrick Henry’s (An almost “Treasonous” leader against the Stamp Act) speech that ended in “Give me liberty, or give me death.” Give me five other well known Revolutionary War quotes.

The Headlines:
--Stock Markets Showing Slow Steady Gains.
--Congress Focuses Attention On Financial reform; Newly Emboldened 0-Man Says He Will Add Muscle To Senate Bill.
--President Of Sudan To Expel Election Observers.
--Acorn Disbanding Over Money Woes.
--UK To Expel Israeli Diplomat Over Country’s Use Of Forged British Passports In Dubai Assassination Of Hamas Leader.
--Tea Party Anger Rising Over HC Passage.

Back to More Stuff:

The Canadian and British Health care systems are great if you buy back-up insurance and are willing to pay budget busting taxes every year.

I have to be honest, -- I have trouble watching Dancing with the Stars. One thing I could see for sure is that Buzz Aldrin looked downright scary, and I felt embarrassed for this goofy looking dancer, former space Hero. As the aficionados probably already know the favorites at this point are Evan Lycasek and Nicole Scherzinger. In addition to Aldrin at the bottom last night, we had soapy star Aiden Turner and reality mom Kate Gosselin. I wouldn’t watch DwtS simply because they allow reality moms on the show. The odds makers say Lycazek and Scherzinger at 3:1 and 4:1 are tops. Next is footballer Ochocinco at 7:1 followed by Turner 14:1, Shannon Doherty 15:1, Pamela Anderson 17:1, Gosselin 20:1, reality bachelor Jake Pavelka 25:1, Erin Andrews 40:1, Niecy Nash 50:1 and the bumbling spaceman at 1,000:1.

“24”-um: That gun battle went on much too long, and the just-in-the-nick-of-time appearance by Renee was a little too dramatic. I was surprised she didn’t emote a little more as she took Jack in her arms. My favorite line of the night was from Chloe : “I don’t do praise well”. Then, of course, there was the big surprise and finally the answer to the Dana mystery.

It Pays to Read the Tids Department:
In the Feb 24th “24-um” Tid, the Tid’s International Conspiracy Editor wrote: “…But more interesting is that maybe Dana wasn’t covering up her past indiscretions, but was worrying that her hidden association with the terrorists would be revealed if her past became known. That would be fun.” The Tids knows!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 61 continues. --My first reaction to Henry was, “I didn’t think his psyche was that fragile. In fact, Henry, I thought just the opposite about Bromsky.”
Henry answered immediately, “How well did you know him?”
“I didn’t know him that well, but he did visit me in the hospital for some elusive reason that still bothers me. You know Henry,” I paused and thought a minute. “You, know that there are lots of things about this that aren’t computing.”
“I’m glad you stopped in this morning, Sarah. I’ve been wondering about a few things myself. The first that comes to mind is how that momentary blackout at the time of the teens’ abduction was orchestrated.” I nodded. “You remember that Kent and I went down to the Boston Security outfit. That’s where we first learned of the Bromsky tie-in. But, I don’t think they could do the power thing. There is something else going on here.” Now he paused and looked at the ceiling. “Like how,” He continued thinking. “Like how would the Security team know that the teens were planning some vandalism?”
“Henry,” I interrupted, “You are raising some very good questions.” I looked at my watch. I was going to drive Jax and Jill into Beverly for some of the classes they had been missing lately. Maybe I’ll call Paul for lunch. “I’ll be back in a couple of days. I’ll think about all of this. Maybe you and I should work together on this quietly.
“What about Kent. He seems as interested as you, his ‘Partner’ in all of this!” He smiled at me.
“You know, Henry, I think it would be better to have it as just you and me.” He raised an eyebrow,

One of the things I really dislike about the Health care passage is that I have to keep reading about it so I can be informed enough to report and opine accurately. Well, I guess the good news is that it will give me an edge over congress. But, then, that’s never been too hard for the average thinking American. It is obvious that the ovine media isn’t doing its job.

Michelle Wie is the Anna Kornicova of golf. If you have the body and the looks it really makes no difference whether you win or lose. I thought we had gotten passed that.

While you weren’t looking the Feds got control of the Student College Loan program that was attached to the LollaPelosi. I wonder what else will be sucked into the offices of 1400 Pennsylvania when the full 2,500 pages of HC is revealed?

The doctor’s assistant responsible for audio teats on patients is a hearing aid.

I look at LollaPelosi as a Trojan Horse. The reason why the White House mantra was “we have to pass something”, is because something will eventually get the entire massive HealthCare system under the wings of admin bureaucrats. And could conceivably give the Executive Branch of our government with Three equal branches immense power over the daily lives of everybody. There is no such thing as a “Free” lunch.

I have to ask myself why China would be at a disadvantage if Google pulls out. I could stop using Google and my life would change a byte.

That 0-Man Executive Order that served as the Stupak Kickback isn’t worth the paper upon which it is written. It is just translucent political cover. Obama has successfully proven to me that it has become impossible to believe anything coming from his mouth. He is just another political phony.

The Answer:
 The first that comes to mind is Nathan Hale’s “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” --A free country that we may have just ceded to unelected bureaucrats. How about William Prescott at Bunker Hill: “Don’t shoot til you see the white’s of their eyes.” Ben Franklyn said lots including “Whoever shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world.” How about TJ who said “Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories.” and “If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.”.

The End:

Unfortunately Mr. Jefferson, too many people today think they are happier when they are getting something for nothing. Maybe the travesty associated with the passage of this illogical HC monster will rekindle the flame. Let’s hope.

Monday, March 22, 2010

An unhealthy future.

Today's Tids Issue 2,092
Opening Stuff:

For the first time in many years the first day of Spring actually looked and felt like Spring. Last year we didn’t get Spring until July, and then only momentarily. Are they foolin’ us?

Many people who helped to elect Obama did so because it was historic. In his last minute push, Obama has been saying we should pass Health care because it will be historic. Maybe we should just let history run its course, and try to get things right for a change.

In case you missed it, the Heath Care boondoggle authorizes 16,000 new IRS agents but no new doctors. That’s government logic – 32,000,000 new patients and nobody to take care of them. But lots of people to harass the folks. Maybe we should outsource the new flood of patients to India. For a Trillion, we can probably get them first class seats.

I’ll tell you one place I won’t be on April 3 – waiting on line to get one of the first iPads! Somehow I sense that before long the iPad will fins a place in the attic stored next to a John Travolta Saturday Night Fever outfit.

In case you haven’t noticed, the current average of 7 polls on people’s view of the health care bill is 49.3% against and 40.2% for.

Daily Question:
See how well you can answer these three word games:
1. NOTHINGEXCELLENT
2. JANOB
3.              THE LAW
          JUSTICE=JUSTICE

The Headlines:
--Congress Passes Job Killing LollaPelosi; Majority Of Folks Licking Chops To Vote Out Dems In November.
--French Left Overwhelms Sarkozy Conservatives In Sunday Vote.
--Markets Down As Doubts About Greece Linger.
--German Priest Sex Abuse Investigation Expands.
--Republicans, And Anti HC Indies And Democrats Say Debate Starts Today; Hot New Bumper Sticker Expected To be “Remember In November.”
--Sales Of Luxury Products Going Strong; Tiffany’s Has Record Profit.
--East Greenwich High Wins Rhode Island Academic Decathlon; The next Nine Are, Hendriken, Wheeler, Johnston, Middletown, Bay View, Cranston West, Classical, North Kingstown and Narragansett.

Back to More Stuff:

I had to put away my ski jacket today. Rats! On the positive side, Hilltop Creamery opened for the season!

Stupak Kick-Back or Pelosi Sausage Factory Department:
I could have called this – “Why the people don’t stand a chance? Department:”. The future of the US as we have known it is dead. Our future freedoms are now hanging upon tender hooks because we have a President with the overwhelming desire to have something in the history books other than the fact that he was the first half-white person to become President. Check out the sausage ingredients: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703775504575136133814210008.html?mod=rss_opinion_main

Stayin’ Alive Department:
If your cell phone rings while it is being charged, always unplug before answering. Want me to repeat that?

An astronaut is successful when he is down and out.

Omar Samher, the huge center for the St. Mary’s basketball team received this text message after his team upset Richmond in the NCAA first round: “I can’t believe you won! You messed up my brackets” –Love Mom.

After the 2nd round win over Villanova she said “That’s my boy.” This kid is good.

A new government report says the four cities least affected by joblessness from the downturn are Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Rochester and Buffalo. The reasons these cities were spared so say these government experts is because their economies don’t rely on manufacturing and they didn’t have to wrestle with a boom/bust housing problem. Buffalo was devastated by the loss of manufacturing many years ago and has been a small wasteland ever since. They would love to have retained those substantial industries back. Instead the have a jobs economy based now on selling trinkets to Canadian tourists. The city never had a boom/bust real estate market because nobody wanted to move to Buffalo. Rochester the former home o many giants like Kodak, is similar. The message is, once again, beware of a government offering statistics. Believing them is like opening an email with a virus.

Johannes Sebastian Bach would have been 325 years old yesterday. 325 years, and his music is still as fresh as the day it was written. Is this guy one of the great genius’s or what? You have hummed his tunes subconsciously. Pop singers have adapted them. People get married by them. Jazz players interpret them. When you got it -- you got it!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 61.  -- “Hi Henry,” I said pleasantly. I loved Henry.
Last night after a long day at BiEm ( Probably too long for my first day back) I had a cup of coffee with Kent while he had his Diet Coke and a piece of pie. I wondered how he stayed so thin. I was exhausted. Even when I felt his foot touching my calf, I didn’t even have the strength to respond to something I would normally of late have loved. I told him I just had to get home, and he understood immediately. He walked me out. We found some shadows. He kissed me hard. It felt beautiful. I was still glowing when I walked in to see the kids. I didn’t feel guilty at all. They ran up and hugged me and asked me how I felt. Could I ask for more? Paul was working late as usual. But, he eventually came home, and we had a wonderful talk before bed. He was totally caring. And, actually a little romantic. I told him I was tired. He understood.
“Good to see you, Detective Durham,” Henry joshed. “What brings you here?”
“Do you mean other than the fact that I’m uncontrollably in love with you?” His eyes lit up and he laughed that wonderful Henry laugh. ”I just wanted to get your view of the big mess. I have been told about it from Isabelle and Kent primarily. But, regardless of how much I like them, I still have to be totally understanding of anything that may affect our big investment.”
“You have an hour?,” he started. I nodded and said I have until my recovering body gives out. He asked me a couple of questions about my health. The phone rang. Henry picked it up. I heard a bunch of “yups” and Uh-huh’s” but nothing interesting. Then he turned to me. “That was the state police. Seymore Bromsky has been found – dead. They say it was a suicide.”

You know you are still in New England when you see houses where the backs are not painted. Of course this dates back to the days when white paint was so expensive that the fourth side or sides not showing, was often covered with ox-blood based red. Today a good Yankee just uses weathered shingles. Gotta save for a rainy day, you know!

I look at Mount Saint Charles 3rd consecutive state hockey championship as a good thing. The state hasn’t completely lost all of its grand old traditions.

A headline read, “Much of land historic”. Isn’t all land historic? I mean, something happened on all land for the first time. The first crocus to ever poke through on March 14th. The first muskrat to take a crap there. The first sub humanoid explaining to his wife why he was out gathering with the boys so long.

To me everything about this Health Care thing is about expanding Medicaid. To expand people’s reliance on government. All the goodies that seem useful are just there to attempt softening the anger against the LollaPelosi. Also, if the Feds eventually take away the HC burden form companies and towns (Which is probably their ultimate aim), unions will be able to bargain for higher wages. There are many underlying dynamics to this bill. Anything that costs a trillion is going to affect something. And I will; probably not be good.

America began its decline when FDR pushed through Social Security.

The Answer:
You probably did these posers in your sleep: 1. Nothing short of excellent. 2. An inside job. 3. Equal justice under the law.

Final Thoughts:

The librarian was checking in a variety of books for me when I said “I hope this isn’t confusing?” She smiled knowingly, looked up and delivered this classic, “I am of an age beyond confusion.”

BTW, if you are confused by the LollaPelosi HC scam, tale comfort in this – there is an excellent chance it will be repealed by 2,013. Remember in November.

Friday, March 19, 2010

The 70 Bruins never die.

Today's Tids Issue 2,091
Opening Stuff:

Some days are better than others. This one of them! So while you’re reading this crap this morning, remember that I am smiling a long with you. Smiles are contagious.

Yesterday Putin announced that Russia was moving forward on their nuclear plant deal with Iran – just as Hillary was getting off the plane for a two day sit down with the Russian leader and his henchmen. Are you seeing a trend here? Biden goes to Israel and they announce a project bitterly opposed to by the admin. Hill hits the Kremlin and likewise another issue strenuously opposed by O-Man is announced positively to the world. Is this the world’s way of saying they’re tired of the US buttin’ in? China has also shown us a resolute “do it my way“ attitude. Is this what happens when you are a debtor nation and a fading industrial power?

The Question:
1952 was a great year for movies, and the annual Oscar award ceremony was televised for the first time March 19 in 1953. Name the actor, actress, supporting A&A, director and film. Who was the first host? How many people watched?

The Headlines:
--Woods Porn Star Mistress Most Visited Site.
--Democrats Carefully Moving $950 Billion LollaPelosi To Sunday Vote.
--US Gov. Says Driver May Be Responsible For NY Prius Crash.
--First Day Of Madness Is Crazy; Big East Teams Mauled; Ohip U. Is New Fan Darling.
--Demi Moore’s Twitter Account May Have Saved Orlando Youth from Suicide.
--US/Russia Nuke Agreement Still On Track.
--SiriusXM Gets Second Warning From NADAQ; 88 Cent Stock In Jeopardy Of Being Kicked Off Listing.

Back To More Stuff:

Yesterday was one of those days where everybody looks and sees warmth. Then they go out for a walk underdressed and spend the rest of the time hunched over with their arms folded trying to get warm fighting the cold breeze off the harbor.

I was reminded yesterday of one of the first reasons why I never cottoned up to the Clinton administration. They gave us Maya Angelou.

So, 0-Man postpones his Indonesian trip til June. Now some are saying he is doing that because of Health Care. But others are saying that the demonstrations against him, a former resident and schoolboy, by Indonesian Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir are potentially dangerous. What ever happened to the Lord of Peace? Indonesia with a population of 200 Million Muslims is the most Muslim nation. While two larger factions support the planned visit, this particular huge protest group considers the US the definition of evil in the world.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –“You were rough on me in there, Sarah/Maggie.”
I was walking to the women’s room, before I returned to have lunch with Izzy. Kent left at the same time to go back to his section. I was hoping it was to be close to me, but now I see that he is trying to see, perhaps, where I was going with my questions.
“Really, Kent,” I responded. “I guess you have never seen me at work.” Then I realized that my tone still sounded a little cold. I moved my body slightly to the right so my shoulder was touching his. The warmth was immediate. He didn’t move away. “You know I have never been anything but lovingly caress-able with you my daunting Kent!” I turned my head and smiled! His face muscles relaxed.
“I’m sorry,” he said.” I know that this is serious stuff. Maybe you could keep me in the loop. I could be helpful.”
“Thanks, Kent,” He doesn’t appear uneasy about this. Maybe I just surprised him. I always intended using him as my technical guru anyhow. “I guess we’ll just have to work closer.” I pressed closer into his shoulder as I casually brought my hand up to the back of his neck. He shuddered. “If I have any energy left after this meeting, maybe we could have a cup of coffee at Maries.”
“I you have any energy left, maybe we could have a cup of coffee at my house.” My skin tingled with that peasant Kent induced glow that I love.

An Avon lady in an all deer community is known as a Doe to Doe salesman.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The Bounty Hunter with Anniston and Gerald Butler is a stupid romp with a plot much too complex for the simplistic movie. Anniston skips out on her bail and bounty hunter Butler is all too happy to catch his ex-Wife and get the $5K. Expect all of the clichés of a divorced couple story forced together. It is a childish film, but probably will do Ok.
--The Repo Man is a very weird story, and is probably as bad and irritating as the trailers make it appear. These repo men don’t pick up cars, but artificial body parts when payments are overdo. And in this gory, cover you eyes film grizzly recovery operations are performed whereever they find the deadbeat – in an elevator, cab or wherever. One of the repo guys, Forest Whitaker gets a conscience along with burn out. But one day he mysteriously wakes up in a hospital with a new heart valve, and the evil empire -- “The Union” -- says he doesn’t have to pay if he continues his work. He doesn’t and he becomes the chasee along with new pal Alice Braga. Jude law so caves up victims.
--Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows around a wise cracking middle school student. The Boston Globe thinks it’s dreadful, the Chicago Trib thinks it’s near sucking and Roger Ebert, speaking of wimpy kids, thinks it’s “nimble, Bright and funny.” It is probably pleasant but is slow to get anywhere. Personally, I’m tired of wise cracking kids in movies being portrayed as heroes.

I have always railed against band wagon jumping. If you are a fan you’ve got to take the bad with the good. But, I have to admit that I jumped on the Boston Bruins bandwagon big time in the early 70’s. Why wouldn’t I they had the fantastic Orr (Still one of all time favorites athletes) plus Espo and McKensie and Cherry, and Hodge and Bucyk and Cashman and Stanbfield and Carlton and Sanderson and Westfall and Green and Awrey and Leach and Marcotte and Johnston. I think you get the picture. But, as you listen to or read the experts on the Boston Hockey scene, you realize you aren’t the only person still living in that era. There have been teases and a few very good players during the past 35-40 years, but nothing that compares to then. Basically, they just let you down.

Tiger’s text messages can’t be read aloud in a civilized world.

The Answer:
The first host wasn’t Howdy Doody, although he may have been funnier than this years duo. Bob Hope was certainly funnier has he oversaw the ceremony that gave us the Winning Film “The Greatest Show on Earth” which won in major upset over the great classic and heavy favorite High Noon. Two of the other films are also classics - The Quiet Man and Moulon Rouge. The fifth was Ivanhoe which I personally liked because I was in to Knights in Shining armor and Elizabeth Taylor at the time. For best Actor, Gray Cooper’s role in High Noon beat out Marlon Brando, Alec Guinness, Kirk Douglass and Jose Ferrer. Shirley Booth won BA for Come Back Little Sheba over Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Susan Hayward and Julie Harris. Gloria Graham won SA for The Bad and the Beautiful and Anthony Quinn won for Viva Zapata. John Ford won director for Quiet man. High noon was the first movie for Grace Kelly and Jose Ferrer was married to George Clooney’s Aunt Rosemary.

The Final Question:

I wonder what I’ll be writing about the Health Care LollaPelosi on Monday?

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Languishing is good.

Today's Tids Issue 2,090
Opening Stuff

Today, I think I will just languish. My mind needs a rest.

I am officially declaring that as of last night I stopped reading anything about Tiger Woods and The Masters.

The Question:
 What are the top rated TV shows in money earned? What are the top rated shows to date?

The Headlines:
--New Virus Enables Hackers To Steal Facebook Members’ Financial Passwords.
--European Stocks Slip As Potential For Greek Rescue Dims.
--Iraqi Election Results To Close To Call After 83% of Vote Counted.
--Kucinich Caves To Obama Pressure; Or Was It A bribe?
--CIA Says al-Qaida Leaders Forced Into Hiding Are Ineffective In Waging Their War.
--Fargo Residents Display Their Toughness Yet Another Spring.
--Dem Fence Sitters Trying To Rationalize Flip-Flop On HC Vote.
--US Urging China Cooperation Against Iran.
--Feds Bank Auditors Paid Big Bonuses During Go-Go Real Estate Bonanza.
--NCAA Tournament Begins Today.

Back to More Stuff:

Something is wrong in AI rating’s Land. Why else would Seacrest get in Cowells face. It’s the old sports Coach/Manager ploy – Get thrown out of the game to stimulate the troops.

And then – you have to wonder why for two weeks in a row American Idol’s Seacrest has failed to reveal the voting totals. Usually that has been a highlight of their boasting. So, maybe the votes are way down and people have lost interest in a show that has become repetitious. Or maybe they just miss Paula and hate Ellen. Personally I like some of the current bunch quite a bit. I was bummed at the dismissal of Lacy, when the very mediocre Tim was available for booting. My top tier is Syobhan, Chrystal, Katie, Aaron, Didi and Lee. Maybe it’s because I think they’ll be more apt to sing the kind of music I like.

The sooner people learn that the word entitlement is nowhere to be found in the constitution, the better the possibility that the US has a chance of returning to greatness.

The Tid’s NCAA Picks Department:
Here’s my Final Four – I picked on the basis that none of the big powers are as dominant as the ratings may imply. Oh there are good teams and bad teams as usual, but this year, the so-called good teams can be beaten by more so-called average teams than usual. Does this mean that Lehigh U has a shot at the Final Four? Probably not. Roll the drums Bracketman – The Sixteen: Kansas, Maryland, G-Town, The Ohio State, Cuse, UTEP, Pitt, Kansas State, Kentucky, Temple, Marquette, West “By God”, Louisville, Tex A&M, Baylor, Villanova. The Eight: Maryland, The OSU, Syr, Pitt, Kty, WV, Lou, Vil. The Four: The OSU, Syr, WV, Vill. The Two: Syracuse, WV. The One: West “By God” Virginia. I don’t stand a chance.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –Kent seemed to like his stage. He assured us that the experiments with the teens had not gotten to the point where there could have been some real danger. Most of what had happened was a long series of complex base line measurements of human DNA and cells from key areas critical to our product development. He pretty much directed his words to Izzy, but turned to me when he mentioned how important Paul’s company had become in their development program. I started to feel that perhaps he didn’t think he had to explain himself to me. That maybe he thought I was much to in love with him to protest.
“What is the status of the Bromsky team” I asked sharply. Maybe too sharply. Or maybe to remind him that I’m a pretty good financial manager too. He looked at me for a good 10 seconds. It was that intimidating look that I know he uses effectively in his meetings. Then he smiled just a little. It made me feel a little better. I hated this line I was walking. I have never had this complication ever before. It wasn’t me at all.
“We have interviewed them all thoroughly. I was personally involved. My big concern,” now he was himself and confident. “…my concern is that if these people lack the ethical judgment to get involved in secret human testing, how can this company trust them if we let them all go…or keep them.”
“What do you plan to do, Kill them,” I joked. He didn’t laugh.

The headline read, “Experts Debate Dangers of Wearing Popular Sheepskin Boots.”. I’m thinking some cuddly lamb lovers are starting a Public Relations campaign to slow the killing of these curly haired animals with the mesmerizing eyes. Of course, they are talking about Uggs and cheap imitations. And you may know that Uggs were first promoted to America by Rush Limbaugh, so his general dismissal of the animal crowd fits too. But, the story has nothing to do with sheepskin at all. It’s about the movement of the foot inside a loose fitting boot that has the critics in arousal. But then, maybe this is a subliminal ploy to slow down the killing of the lammykins. Or am I just paranoid about underlying motives of journalists.

After watching Orianthi as a guest superstar On AI last night, I was ready to call in to vote her off. Today’s singers are more about glitz than singing. It all goes back to Elvis who changed the way people look at entertainers -- A good wiggler doesn’t have to be a great warbler.

Hillary looked angry a couple of nights ago. Her visual venom was the result, it is said, of being asked to tone down her rhetoric against the so-called Israel poke in the American eye fiasco. That reminded a man I know of a story he was told by ex-Nebraska Senator Bob Kerry. During Netanyahu’s first reign, Kerry was peppering him in public with a series of questions that Bibi had no intention of answering. Upon returning home, Kerry’s first phone call came from his biggest financial backer warning him to lay off the PM. Apparently Netanyahu had called the backer saying that Kerry was crossing the line. The conservative Jewish organization is extremely well organized and a powerful lobby. People in the US Government tend to listen.

People have been borrowing casually on credit cards for so long that the word “Budget” has lost its meaning especially to people who think they are entitled to something.

Detroit probably looks more like Haiti than any other US city. And, probably has less cause for hope than the devastated island. Yesterday the City closed 44 schools.

The Answer:
The Tids reported last week that the future of “24” maybe in doubt as ratings decline. But, when it comes to money earned for the Networks “24” is #3! The top five are American idol, 2 ½ Men, 24, Grey’s Anatomy and “V”. The top rated shows to date are AI Tuesday, AI Wednesday, NCIS, Sunday Night Football, Dancing With Stars, Undercover Boss, The Mentalist, NCIS: La, Dancing Results and CSI.

The End:

So, the good news is that “24” has a chance of hanging in there. The bad news is that there is a rumor that Fox may hand it off to NBC who will have Jack Bauer singing Kumbaya after voting for Obama. And that his main mission will be trying to win the Peace Prize.
,

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Take a Leprechaun to lunch

Today's Tids Issue 2,089
Opening Stuff:

“When Irish eyes are smiling, / Sure, ‘tis like a morn in Spring, / In the lilt of Irish laughter / You can hear the angels sing. / When Irish hearts are happy, / All the world seems bright and gay. / And when Irish eyes are smiling, / Sure they steal your hearts away.” I’ll drink to that.

While you are finishing up that last piece of marginal tasting corned beef, remember to start thinking about buying those Zeppoles in honor of St. Joseph’s day and in celebration of all of your good Italian friends. When Italian eyes are smiling, it’s usually when good red gravy is dripping of their chins.*

The Question:
Damn St. Patrick! He chased all of the snakes out of Ireland, and now we got em’. Name the five most poison snakes, other than the Red Obama, Green Eyed Pelosi or the Non Compos Mentis Mambo also known as the Slackjawed Reid.

The Headlines:
--Five Virginia Men Charged In Pakistan Courts With 6 Counts Each Of Violating Terrorism Laws.
--House Members Show Concern About Using Slight Of hand To Pass LollaPelosi!
--“Big East” Confere3nce To Remain Headquartered In Founding City Providence For At Least 10 Years.
--Fed Maintains Low Rate; Offers Modest Upgrade For US Economy.
--Hilton Head Beach Jogger Killed By Plane Landing On Beach; Without Engine Humming, Jogger Never Heard It Coming.
--Rhode Island Public Pensions Underfunded By $9.8 Billion.
--0-Man Continues To Mislead In HC Stump Speeches.
--World Bank Says China Economy Should Grow 9.5% In 2010.
--Feb Wholesale Prices Drop 0.6%

Back to More Stuff:

Here’s a nice side dish for your St, Patricks day feast – Cheesy Irish potato pancakes. In a non-stick skillet cook 2 slices bacon cut into small pieces and ¼ cp finely chopped green onions. Set aside and save 1 tbs grease. In large bowl mix together 1 cup prepackaged hashed browns, 1 cup prepackaged mashed potatoes, 1 cup all purpose baking mix and ½ cup shredded Irish cheddar (Go for the expensive brand. St Pat is worth it. Afterall he got rid of the snakes.) bacon, onions, ½ cp milk and 1 lightly beaten egg. Mix til moist. Heat bacon grease (Add veg oil if needed.) Pour ¼ cup mixture (about 4 per pan) and flatten slightly into pancake. Cook about two mins each side. How bad can they be?

24-um: Monday night’s 24 moved. It was one that created lots of emotions and then took them away. That’s the way the program should be all the time -- Get you in and fake you out. But, I am still having a problem with the Dana issue. There are continuing red herrings in that side story which make it interesting, but I’m still not sure why it exists.

While we’re on my favorite program, I’m hearing some sad news from a person inside the great white way. “24” will be cancelled after this season. Ratings slippage and idea vacuum are probably the reasons. They are planning one last encore – a big Movie for 2011. They will probably have to put me away. I have never looked forward to and enjoyed an hour on TV like I do with “24”.

American Idol finally got it goin’ last night with a string of very fine performances – most notably Didi, Siobhan, Aaron, Katie, Paige and yes Andy for a change. Chrystal was good and solid and actually smiled. And Casey another favorite continued to perform well. Among the weaker performances were Big Mike, Lacy, Lee and Tim. Lee is still one of the better singers, and Big seems to have the voter appeal. That puts Lacy in jeopardy if you listen to the judges, but frankly I liked her again. Tim should go and I am tired of his act.

The March Madness Odds makers are warning not to put too much on Lehigh at 10 googolplex to 1. What's a googolplex, you ask? Dictionary.com helps us out: The number 10 raised to the power googol, written out as the numeral 1 followed by 10100 zeros. Or this: 00,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000. Doesn’t look good for the old Brown & White. I’m looking for a big surprise against an over confident Jayhawk team.

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –For the first time in months, I wasn’t sure I wanted Kent sitting here. I felt that same magnetic sensations. I remembered vividly the last time he kissed me between my legs. My skin was tingling again. I could barely stand this assault on my senses. Yet, I wanted him to leave. Through a throat that felt constricted I joined the cordiality. “Nice to see you again Kent.” He looked into my soul. I shuddered slightly. Did Isabelle notice? “Izzy and I were just beginning to review the technology progress, so it is fortunate that you dropped in,” I lied.
Izzy interrupted. Yes Kent we were going to talk without your input. Sarah thought it might be purer for the two of us without the emotional involvement to assess our situation.” I glanced quickly at Kent. His face had changed just barely. Maybe it’s a good thing to be his lover I thought. You tend to see things that to most would not be perceptible.
I jumped in, “That is true Kent. As you are entirely aware we are committed to your company, and we like to measure opinions against opinions.” He remained stony. My original Kent. What was he thinking? “So, now that you are here, why not outline the technical situation post the Bromsky affair.” I pause before I added, “You know how much we are all concerned over the ramifications of that. How are you managing that?”

*Best bakeries in which to buy Zeppoles in RI: Cranston – A&J Bakery, Calvitto’s, Defusco, Solitro’s, Superior and Zaccagnini’s; Providence – Borellis (Coventry too), Crugnale’s Also N., E. Prov, Cumb, Cran) LaSalle, Original Plamieri’s and Scialo Bros. Other spots are Cater to You, warren; Felicia’s E.G.; Zaccagnini’s Pawtucket. These make you smile too!

“When Irish hearts are happy, all the world is bright and gay”…Hmmmm. Does this have something to do with priests and altar boys?

Nicknames in the Obits Department:
We covered the facial gamut the past two days when we saw the last notice about Hank “Ugly” Carpacio followed by that for Raymond “Cutesy” Cunningham.

The Answer:
The most poisonous snake is a sea snake -- the Hydrophis Belcher. The most poisonous land snake is the Taipan found in the Savannah Grasslands to Dry Australian plains. A bite assures death within the hour. Ouch! The rest are the Comman Krait (Asia), Phillipine Cobra, Indian King Cobra, Russell’s Viper (Responsible for more human fatalities than any because of innate irritability), Black Mamba, Yellow Jawed Tommygoff (Mexico, SA), Multibanded Krait, Tiger Snake (Australia) and Jarararcussu. These are ranked in order of toxicity, but the real danger lies in their mental behavior. Snakes on Prozac are unlikely to be a problem. If you are tired of congress but still want more on slithery creatures, read more: http://kalyan-city.blogspot.com/2008/07/worlds-top-10-most-poisonous-venomous.html

Final thought for the day:
If St. Patrick came back to rid the Congress of snakes, would he be barred under the separation of church and state regulations?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Good stocks in small coves.

Today's Tids Issue 2,088
Opening Stuff:

The stock markets are sluggish right now and may continue that way for a while. Most of the 70% stock price gain has merely corrected an over reaction 35% drain a year and a half ago. The market is still short of highs by 400 points!. And the news that in Feb investors were pulling out of stock mutual’s in favor of the bond variety indicates slower going for the stock markets. There will probably be little general rising on incoming tides as was the case in recent history. If you want stocks to work for you, you will have to do the work picking winners and losers based on sound financial data as opposed to whimsical news. If I was rich, these words would be more meaningful. But it’s the way I see it.

Last night I had a big decision to make: Fill out my Census report, or do my NCAA Bracketeering. I chose the brackets. This March annual is creeping right up there with mom, Chevrolet and apple pie. And I figure, from what I’ve been seeing in the Government census commercials, that the census has just become the basis for the justifying the picking of citizen’s pockets.

The Question:
Name five Broadway musicals that were based on classic literature.

Today’s Headlines:
--US Investors In February Pull $3.7 Billion From Stock Based Mutual Funds; $19 Billion Poured Into Bond Based Funds.
--Pelosi Considering Passing Health Care Without A Vote; Speaker Would Use Lawmaker’s Ploys Called “Self Executing Bill” Or “Deem And Pass”; Procedural Slight Of Hand Has House Members Voting On Small Package Of Fixes To Senate Bill And Then Deeming Entire $849 Billion Monster Passed; Procedure Designed To Protect Dems At Voting Time.
--Housing Construction Fell 5.9% In February.
--Israel States That It Has No Intention Of Stopping West bank Construction; US Envoys Cancel Meetings.
--FCC Presents Plan That Would Greatly Expand Broadband.
--Archeologists In Egypt Unearth Massive 3,400 Year Old Statues.

Back to More Stuff:

The rioters in Greece are visible proof that economies based on out of control debt will expire over time. The state workers are rioting to preserve income and benefits that they should lose and which would never would have been available if achieved under realistic economic standards. Its like generations today in America expect everything because they were given everything through debt accumulation. Debt masks reality. Even in this US economy, the greatest in history some say, its current levels would never have been achievable if people didn’t go deeply into debt spending way more than they could afford. And it appears that the only way back to old levels is to encourage reckless behavior again.

Did you hear about the immigrant from Warsaw who was concerned that his new American wife was going to poison him to death when he found a bottle in the medicine chest labeled Polish Remover.

The story line read “(Dakota) Fanning is trying to shed her good girl image with ‘The Runaways’…” What’s wrong with a “good girl” image? Does this mean she will be found dead in a seedy motel room in five years? Seems to be the trend. Maybe like Lindsay, she can get a couple of states to pay her royalties for the use of the name. I wish her the best on her move to the dark side, but I have to wonder why?

Cars that are “hard to keep on the lot” probably have defective brakes.

You know that old phrase, “Kids don’t have the sense to come in out of the rain.”? They still don’t.

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –“Sarah, great to see you. And wonderful to see you walking so spryly!” Isabelle was all aglow about my recovery. It’s one of the reasons I liked her from the start – she is genuine in addition to being smart and aware.
“I’m not quite there yet,” I replied smilingly, “But being here with you is going to be my best medicine to date.” I pulled out a chair to the right of her desk and sat. I always sat to the right of clients when I their offices. “I expect Bill, Gloria and Jeff have been taking good care of their new favorite client?” Izzy smiled, but she could never be overwhelmed by flattery.
“They have been excellent. Our financial and accounting guys think highly of them. We are totally happy to be a part of your fine company family.” She couldn’t flatter me either. “But, that is ongoing and going well. I know you want to talk about our technology and the Bromsky affair. Maybe I should call Kent Middleton into the meeting.” My heart leapt a bit. But then, I actually remained cool. Hmmmm.
“No, I’d like to talk to you alone.” I’ve had a couple of weeks to think about this mess by myself. I’ve had all of the input I need form Kent. It is Izzy I need to hear from. I can’t have potential fallout from the scam jeopardizing our investment. I have a feeling that Kent loves the data that fell out of the heavens into his team’s lap. “What do…” I started, when I heard a soft rap on the door, “I heard you were in the building.” I turned and saw a smiling Kent. I smiled. My body stiffened.

Back to More Stuff Again:

Peter Graves entertained us in many ways, from Mission Impossible to comedic adventures like Airplane. But, what I liked what I just learned about this brother of Gunsmoke’’s James Arness was that when he died he was still married to his college sweetheart of 60 years, Joan Endress. See, Hollywood isn’t totally corruptive. I guess it depends on the hearts of the players.

And then there is Charlie Sheen who yesterday pleaded Not Guilty to domestic abuse. And I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if his confidence came from knowing that his mate wouldn’t talk knowing that if she did she’d have at least have two broken legs.

Back in the 80’s when the “brightest” were touting the new and exciting service economy, didn’t they realize that they were also the dooming the viability of the health care system.

American analysts and economists based in outposts like Hong Kong and Shanghai are seeing signs coming from the US admin of a potential trade war. And they are reporting distress about from officials inside China and other Asian countries. It isn’t a secret that Big Labor has been very upset at so little being delivered for their big $400 Million investment in the 0-Man election. Stay tuned on this one.

The Answer:
First to my mind was megahit My Fair Lady based on “Pygmalion”. Then there was West Side Story loosely based on “Romeo and Juliet” and Kiss Me Kate based on “The Taming of the Shrew”. Wicked is based on the book “Wizard of Oz”. Then there are the big hits with the same title as famous books. The hugest of these is Les Miserable’s. Also in that category is Oliver, Dracula and Little Women. Interestingly, Cats was based on a collection of poems by T.S. Elliot – “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.”

The Small, Tidy Finale':

This is one of those great days when everybody just walks aimlessly around the town with their heads looking up at the sun.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Warm hearts and flashing eyes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,087
Opening Stuff:

Through misty eyes I see thee standing there. / Your beauty reflects the warmth of this land of green. / Thy grace is intrinsic in every Irish scene. / From ancient Dublin streets to the cliffs of County Clare. / Your raven hair and green eyes that glow. / Reflecting shamrocks which in rolling fields grow / The beauty of Ireland is the song in your heart / A boy’s love for a lass that will never depart. I’m trying to write a new song that’s a little more upbeat than Danny Boy. Don’t worry; I’ll keep working on it.

One of the greatest scams ever perpetrated on Mankind is that corned beef and cabbage tastes good.

The Question:
This is not only the week of St. Patrick, but also the week for College basketball no-lifers. The March Madness season begins Thursday. Name five colleges that have both men’s and women’s reams playing.

The Headlines:
--China Trims US Debt Holdings For Third Consecutive Month; Oil Countries Boost Holdings; Economists Fear Potential For Higher Cost Of Lending.
--Dems Upbeat On HealthGodzilla Passage; Reality Shows Lack Of Firm Votes Remain.
--Stocks Open Lower On News From Moody’s That USofA Could Lose “Top-Notch” Credit Rating.
--Socialist Parties In France Regain Regional Power Over Sarkozy’s Party, 53% to 39% People Upset Over Economy And Encroachment Of Muslims..
--Northeast US A Soggy Mess.
--Government Engineers Say Runaway Prius A Mystery.
--Super Liberal ACORN Renames Branches With Hopes Of Reinstating Grant Money.
--Guns Used In Recent Las Vegas And Pentagon Shootings Came From Same Location: Memphis Tennessee Police And Court Systems!
--Drug Gang In Ciudad Juarez Ambush Cars Carrying People With Ties To US Consul; Three Killed.
--100,000 March In Thailand Asking For Dissolution of Parliament.
--Obama Names Most Liberal Of Legal Minds To US 9th; Berkeley Law Professor Goodwin Liu Could Be First Asian SC Justice.

Back to More Stuff:

Do the New England Patriots actually have a plan?

I was amused by the update I saw in the paper of an old tongue twister: “If a woodchuck swallows a poison-tainted piece of wood and you stick a finger down its throat to learn if a woodchuck can upchuck wood, and then wonder that if a woodchuck can upchuck wood how much of the wood could a woodchuck upchuck, and would the upchucking woodchuck upchuck enough wood to chuck out the poison.”

Speaking of upchuck, an insider reports to the Tids that Freddie and Fannie have asked banks to stop foreclosing on delinquent loans until after the November elections. This is from a reliable source with strong ties to the big time financial world.

Have you noticed that the only people who criticize an athlete for not being able to deal with the media are the media? Some of these self-righteous clowns will actually try to keep good players out of halls of fame because they weren’t nice to talk to.

Did you ever stop to think that perhaps the Irish never drank until English lawyer Frederick Weatherly wrote Danny Boy?

When Weatherly originally wrote DB in 1910, he wrote it to another tune. His sister in the US sent him a recording of “Londonderry Air” which he liked. He altered the lyrics to fit. Interestingly, many Victorians urged changing the name of the tune to Air from County Derry. It was thought that the original name sounded a bit too much like London Derriere’! Another legend has it that a formerly wealthy Irish landowner whose lands were confiscated, Rory Dall O’Cahan (“Blind Rory) wrote it as a lament. And that he probably had some help from fairies who often paid a visit when he was in a drunken state. I’ll buy that.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60. –“You look beautiful this morning!” were the cheery words of Jill who met me as I almost gingerly stepped into the kitchen. I was really excited this morning. I had been rigorously going through rehab and now felt strong enough to start getting back into action. This morning I was going over to BiEm to see Isabelle. Bill had been filling me in on startup activities, and Sanchez and Symington had been getting things going without their usual blather. I’m looking forward to a stimulating meeting this morning. Of course just getting back into the swing is most important. But, in particular I’m anxious to be getting into the sticky problem of product development. I have feeling that Izzy likes the advancements made during the Bromsky experimentation, but is concerned of the misdeeds becoming widely known beyond local law enforcement. This is a situation into which I can get my teeth. And also where I can spend time with Kent. I haven’t seen him since the hospital, but he called several times.
“Good morning,” I said pleasantly as I came up to the desk. Beatrice, who had my badge ready, was calling Izzy’s office. “It’s been quite a couple of weeks around here” I said curiously.
Beatrice looked up. “Oh yeah,” she said. “I loved every minute of it. Henry said I was very helpful”. Then she really smiled. I had better warn Henry I thought.

Hanks and Spielberg unfortunately are bringing race into the War in the Pacific, their new mega-venture. The Japanese snuck in and bombed the hell out of Pearl Harbor. They were ruthless bastards. Just ask the Chinese, a people the Japanese had been raping and pillaging for centuries. Unfortunately too many people with a stage are over using new ploy a called historical “Presentism”. This is the art of reassessing history in a way that would nourish flawed agendas for today. I think it is sad.

Just for the record, I think Jackie K/O was overrated even when in her White House prime.

As predicted in the Tids, The White House is pouncing on the aspects of the Health Care Godzilla with which 98% of the people agree, but which also effectively obscures all of the negative stuff in the bill. There’s a little email floating around about a business man asked to dine with the president. The waiter puts a roll on a plate and then another takes it and starts eating it. The president explains that he is hungry. The dinner guest remains silent. Subsequently various WH employees grab all of the guest’s food (While Obama eats comfortably), finally pick pocketing his wallet where they use his credit cards to take his money, identity and house; throwing his family onto the street. Eventually the Gov. confiscates his factories. A beaten businessman looks up at the Prez who says, “You should have stopped me at the roll.”

You have to believe that condo living was better before the advent of surround sound home theaters.

More Obama voters watch Fox News than the combined audience of CNN and MSNBC.

Travel Tip Department:
In case you are interested, the Ten “Craziest” Cities Are San Francisco, Cincinnati, Providence, Milwaukee, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, NYC, Tucson, San Antonio and New Orleans. Be sure to pack strait Jackets when visiting.

Think about this for a Minute – If the awe inspiring giant statue of Christ that looms over Rio de Janeiro was on, let’s say the Palisades over looking NYC, how many protest groups in the land of the free would be marching for its removal.

The Answer:
The list is pretty long. Tennessee, San Diego State, Texas A&M, Vermont, Xavior, Northern Iowa, Ohio State, Duke, Gonzaga and Lehigh…(Rewind)…Duke, Gonzaga and Lehigh…(rewind)…Lehigh…(Rewind)…Lehigh!

The Self-Serving Close:

I know, I know, that was a sham question. But sometimes academic pride takes over. Did you know that the Patriot League with members, Lehigh Colgate, Lafayette, Bucknell, American, Holy Cross, Army and Navy is the league with the highest rate otf athletes graduating among all leagues in the USofA? So when Kansas pounds the Lehigh men, we know which team will win the degree war. Or maybe, there will be an upset. You never know.