Opening Stuff:
There is nothing that soothes more after a humid July day than a gentle evening summer rain. God's sprinkler system.
It may take me a little longer to finish this mess this morning as I'm watching the British Open.
I don't know whether or not Elizabeths of Portofino's (Post Road, Warwick) is destined to become a new household name in RI dining, but i was impressed with their Surf n' Turf --a nice sized tenderloin capped with mozzarella and tomato over lobster risotto. Or their English Toffee Creme Brulee desert. Of course it may have been the sage crepes filled with large shrimp, scallops, lobster and lump crab wuth a sherry cream sauce. Oh well, it's nice to see Portofino back in print. The new management seems to be doing justice to an old favorite.
As bad as many of our elected representatives may be, it is still better than some kind of pure democracy, direct vote by electronic media system. For instance, here is an interview between a Boston TV reporter and a potential voter in the aftermath of the devastating southern tornadoes which obliterated almost everything including houses of worship: She asked a woman from Tupelo how the total destruction of churches may have affected their lives. Without hesitation the woman replied "I don't know about the other people, but we haven't gone to churches in years. We get our chicken from Popeye's."!
The Question:
This is a curious one. Consumer Reports asked 30,00 to rate "Most Delicious" or "Least Delicious" for Burger Chain burgers, chicken Chain grilled or roasted chicken, Mexican Chain tacos, Pizza Chain pizzas and Sandwich Chain subs. Which chain came in "least delicious" for each category.
The Headlines:
--Debt Ceiling Negotiators Seem Further Apart; Major Problem Appears To be How To Avoid Blame.--Moody's Warns On US Debt.
--Strong JP Morgan Earnings Have Stock Futures Rising.
--India Authorities Investigating Who's Behind Mumbai's Latest Tragedy.
--Euro Financial Crisis Expands To 17 Nations Facing Tough Questions.
--Jobless Claims Fall But Stay Above 400,000.
--Middle East Stills As It Has Been -- Dreadful.
--Emmy Nominations Announced: Mad Men Romping With 19.
Athletes and celebs will continue to do and say stupid things because brain dead fans always rush to their defense.
There are the brain dead fans, and then there are the honest, caring fans like that Lopez kid who thought it best to forgo the potential riches and give the 3,000th hit ball back to the guy who did it. Everything should end well for a kid like that, Except when the IRS gets a whiff of a windfall. He was presented with a tax bill for the gift of appreciation that included prime seats for the rest of the season and assorted memorabilia. But, through it all -- from the criticisms for being honest for not cashing-in to the sudden debt due the Taxman, he kept on smiling. Cause he knew in his heart he had done good. And so did everybody else with an honest heart. And that includes Miller Highlife who paid the kid's tax bill.
Just think how good things could be if the government had actually "managed" all of that money paid into the Social Security "Trust" Fund. Now these arrogant, righteous crooks are running to the defense of seniors to get their votes, when they are responsible for the mess in the first place.
Putting the government in charge of anything that used to work well is a bad idea. They just don't get the concept of efficiency and honesty. For instance, most states and towns have chased away many businesses and are left with one big, third world style industry -- tourism! And many are blowing that too. How many managers of manufacturing companies would close three quarters of their factory during the busiest season? Probably none and those that might soon would have to shut the doors. But, town leaders start massive construction projects on the busiest roads at the most congested intersections right at the time when the spenders are trying to get into town. Mayors and town managers just don't know that they are in charge of an industry. And if you want it to succeed, you can't run it like a government.
I'd stop in a twinkling and go into an Ice Cream store. I'd probably stop, and without much of a pause go into a home-made chocolate store. But, I doubt if I'd stop at all to go into a cupcake store. I guess I'm that American who doesn't get it.
A former public employee was talking about fisherman and how he doesn't understand that they don't get it. That they are ruining their own futures by loading their boats with too much fish at a time when fish populations are diminishing. Which...actually is not unlike Public Employee Unions being bewildered by the requests for them to step back from new demands for benefits and wages when the wallets of the paying public are becoming as empty as the Grand Banks. Of course he doesn't understand it!
Almost Near: Chapter 29. --Audrey and Tucker sat in their rental car looking at home that no human could live in. The mail box said Couture, which was good. Audrey had learned that Florence was staying there. The house was right where the convenience store clerk said it was, but they should have been more concerned when the the teen said "You goin there? Why the hell would you go there." Now they knew.
"Why don't you go up and see if anybody is home." Tucker said...and then ducked before a smiling Audrey could slug him again. "Oh, ok, if you're gonna get nasty about it, I'll go with you."
They got out of the car and walked through the knee high weeds that seems to be part of a walkway. Bugs of all shapes popped up as the moved forward. "Before we leave, ask her about their landscaping service," Audrey quipped while Tucker was flailing at the unwanted intruders and taking in the paintless, failing clapboards, tree branches on a roof and vines climbing every where. And looking around for critters and slithery things bigger than bugs. The Steps creaked as they went up, and Tucker hesitated thinking it might break. Audrey yanked him forward.
"Want me to knock?" Audrey just stared. Tucker knocked on the glass part of the door. Nothing happened. He knocked again, this time harder and longer. "Do you hear something in there?"
"Yeah I do."
"What do you think it is?"
"I think it's human."
"Go away!" A voice with a distinct bayou accent blared out through the cracks of the building.
"We're here to see Florence Quimpierre."
"Ain't no Florence here!"
"Prove it!" Audrey was ready for a fight.
I went to a little concert last night by a very good band named Abbey Rhode. The all Beatles's fare was good. And the rainstorm that sent the audience scurrying for shelter was exciting and invigorating. But, I had to wonder while watching the audience, what the band thought about a crowd with the rhythm of an Al Gore.
The Answer:
Well, it looks like the near generic names for each category came in last. McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway/Arbys (Tie) and Little Caeser's/Sbarro all were claimed "Least Delicious" for their so-called specialties. Shows you what advertising can do! The "Most Delicious": In-N-Out Berger/Five Guys (Tie), Chick-fil-A, Chipolte Mexican Grill, Firehouse subs and Papa Murphy's Take N' Bake. The best sub shop anywhere, somehow excluded from the survey, is d'Anglos, just in case you are ever in the northeast!
The End:
Did you notice that I got through that entire bit about the Lopez kid without having to type Ya, Ya, Ya...or Je, Je, Je. (Well you know what I mean) It was tough.
One of the great advantages of the cooler, less humid days is that I don't have to take showers so often. It's my contribution to the ecology.
Remember, you can always read the Tids at http//:www.todaystids.blogspot.com
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