Today's Tids Issue 3001
Opening Stuff:
An economist, Herbert Stein, once said "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop." For instance we just experienced that in public pensions where the only source of revenue is the overtaxed citizen, where the giant middle class seems to be entering in a new era of declining average wages across the country. And, we are seeing it in colleges where after years and years of way above inflation cost increases that outpaced incomes, parents were forced to make up the difference with loans. Now loans have become so steep that many parents and potential students are taking another look...seeking alternatives. So watch for perhaps a major change in the way students will pursue post HS education. Watch universities scramble. A President like Obama would step in and say "No problem, Big government will pay the differences!. With a deficit soon to be $20 Trillion, we seem to be back at the premise of this Tid --"Trends that can't continue, won't". Ask the Romans.
Clouds from Colorado Wafting over Washington, Department.
How crazy is it that avowed Socialist Bernie Sanders (S-Vt) and hybrid Libertarian Rand Paul (R-Ky) are thinking exactly alike on NSA Spying. Must be something in the air.
One great enjoyable orchestral moment has to be Prokofiev's Symphony #1 -- "The Classical".
An economist, Herbert Stein, once said "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop." For instance we just experienced that in public pensions where the only source of revenue is the overtaxed citizen, where the giant middle class seems to be entering in a new era of declining average wages across the country. And, we are seeing it in colleges where after years and years of way above inflation cost increases that outpaced incomes, parents were forced to make up the difference with loans. Now loans have become so steep that many parents and potential students are taking another look...seeking alternatives. So watch for perhaps a major change in the way students will pursue post HS education. Watch universities scramble. A President like Obama would step in and say "No problem, Big government will pay the differences!. With a deficit soon to be $20 Trillion, we seem to be back at the premise of this Tid --"Trends that can't continue, won't". Ask the Romans.
Clouds from Colorado Wafting over Washington, Department.
How crazy is it that avowed Socialist Bernie Sanders (S-Vt) and hybrid Libertarian Rand Paul (R-Ky) are thinking exactly alike on NSA Spying. Must be something in the air.
One great enjoyable orchestral moment has to be Prokofiev's Symphony #1 -- "The Classical".
The Question:
With the new Spring/Winter TV season approaching I thought a good spy question would be appropriate. One of the new shows, "The Assets" has an intro from Aldrich Ames. He's one of the Ten Top all time spies. Name the other nine.
With the new Spring/Winter TV season approaching I thought a good spy question would be appropriate. One of the new shows, "The Assets" has an intro from Aldrich Ames. He's one of the Ten Top all time spies. Name the other nine.
The Headlines:--US In Deep Freeze; Icy Weather Dips Down To Deep South..
--Israel Hardliners Opposing Kerry And US.
--Iraq Army Prepares To take Back Fillujah From Islamic Forces; Kerry Says US Will Support But Not With Troops; Says it Is Iraq's Ballgame Now..
--Dems, Repubs Argue Over Extending Jobless Benefits.
--German Leader Angela Merkle Breaks Pelvis Cross-Country Skiing.
--Lowering Prices For Popular Tech Items -- Phones, Tablets_ Will Push technology Sector Down 1% For 2014.
--Thai Power Struggle Intensifies; Uncertain Economy Contributes To Unrest.
--UK CFO's Ready to Take Risks In 2014.
--Iraq Army Prepares To take Back Fillujah From Islamic Forces; Kerry Says US Will Support But Not With Troops; Says it Is Iraq's Ballgame Now..
--Dems, Repubs Argue Over Extending Jobless Benefits.
--German Leader Angela Merkle Breaks Pelvis Cross-Country Skiing.
--Lowering Prices For Popular Tech Items -- Phones, Tablets_ Will Push technology Sector Down 1% For 2014.
--Thai Power Struggle Intensifies; Uncertain Economy Contributes To Unrest.
--UK CFO's Ready to Take Risks In 2014.
Brookins and MacNelly tell us that the new "Divorced Barby" doll comes with
everything Ken used to own.
Nutty USA, Department:
--In
Nebraska, a school district ordered a deaf 3 year old boy to change the
way he signs becasue it includes an extended index finger that looks
like a gun! ( How do you sign, "Mom? Are they nuts?) --A
federal court ruled that New London
had the right to disqualify candidates for police officer if they score
too high on the IQ tests. --The Obama Admin ordered the financially
struggling US post Office to destroy 75 million new stamps
because they showed children having fun with forbidden activities --
cannonball dives , skateboarding without knee-pads and Handstands
without helmets! --A Bronx School Spanish teacher was fired because she
told her students that the word Negro in Spanish,
means Black. --And finally, the nuttiest of all...The Washington Post
reports that the Obama Admin is pushing banks to loan to people with
weaker credit! Wall Street is already bundling.
When you face
something that appears to be inevitable, try to go around it and attack from another side.
There's something that bothers me about the phrase, "Bringing the full force and might of the US Government legal system against the "Little Sister of the Poor".
There's something that bothers me about the phrase, "Bringing the full force and might of the US Government legal system against the "Little Sister of the Poor".
It's time to start planning your
new Winter/Spring TV season with some great returning programs and what
looks like new thrillers. I'm a thriller, drama person
basically, so I rarely look at the new
comedies, most of which leave me shuddering instead of laughing. So
I'll be looking for the return of "Justified" (Jan 7) and "The
Following" (Jan 19)...and my favorite, "The Americans" (Feb 26). Many
look for the return of the spring editions of good fall shows, like
NCIS, Castle, Person Of Interest, Blacklist, Bones and Good Wife. Also
on tap are newbies with potential of interest to me like Rake,
Intelligence and The Assets (Which could be good if the lead woman is
strong enough). Killer Women is getting a lot of Promo, but looks a
little over the top. Netflix will release the new 13 week season of
"House of Cards" on Feb 14. "Mad Men" will be out later this Spring.
Walking Dead is another popular favorite and will return Feb 9. Then
there are broad spectrum faves like The Voice, Dancin' and Survivor. All
in all, good shows will shorten Winter. And, increase the sale of
Cheetos.
The government seems to have a real problem with the definition of the word "affordable". And I'm not talking about you know what. Take "Affordable Housing," for instance. Affordable is only considered what is less than the maximums in a development. Affordable could be from $300K to, in some documented instances, $900K. Affordable in this instance is another word for breaking down zoning resistance. Affordable to the Gov doesn't mean what people can actually pay, but what they should be paying according to statistics. Or, less than someone else is paying. A word to induce people to forget their common sense. But, what would you expect from a massive organization that looks at budgets as merely guidelines, with no real restraints.
Typos is the new normal.
I'm getting tired of the overuse by sports celebs in the media the phrase "story-lines". It sems to mean, how do we attract people who don't like sports. I find it focuses too much time on the irrelevant.
The government seems to have a real problem with the definition of the word "affordable". And I'm not talking about you know what. Take "Affordable Housing," for instance. Affordable is only considered what is less than the maximums in a development. Affordable could be from $300K to, in some documented instances, $900K. Affordable in this instance is another word for breaking down zoning resistance. Affordable to the Gov doesn't mean what people can actually pay, but what they should be paying according to statistics. Or, less than someone else is paying. A word to induce people to forget their common sense. But, what would you expect from a massive organization that looks at budgets as merely guidelines, with no real restraints.
Typos is the new normal.
I'm getting tired of the overuse by sports celebs in the media the phrase "story-lines". It sems to mean, how do we attract people who don't like sports. I find it focuses too much time on the irrelevant.
All you have to know about new NYC Mayor De Blasio is that he grew up and went to high school in the Soviet Socialist
Republic of Cambridge Massachusetts
When something is inevitable, arguments are generally between two
sides that are both basically
wrong.
"Rocky Mountain High" -- John Denver must have known something.
Providence College is a nice smallish Liberal Arts school with noble objectives. They do very well in academics, and in sports this year so far have produced the #1 NCAA Woman's Cross Country team and #5 NCAA men's Hockey team. Since their basketball dominant 60's however, that sport has been a favorite at the school on Smith Hill. They don't make it easy on coaches though, or the aspirations of alums. In fact, they are what all good institutions should be, an academic school producing honorable students (and most of the local lawyer/legislators in RI -- they can't be perfect). Their rules of civility and learning that often get in the way of some of the inbred habits of some outstanding recruits. They never back down, even when a top star could help with basketball dreams. The alums may moan, and great prospects may leave...and maybe others will not consider attending. But, in the long run everybody who makes that PC , and other colleges like them choice, will be better off. -- with more wins in life.
The Conscience: Chapter 32 continues.
Evvy held my hand as we were ushered by our host into a most beautiful study with priceless appearing, yet comfortable antiques, and leather chairs and couches that I often admire but can't come close to affording. "Nice place," I said matter of factly. I looked down at the clasped hand and my mind whisked quickly to Angelica. My heart shuddered. I felt that guilt. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw brown liquid floating by.
A man appeared out of nowhere with a scotch for me and a perfect Chardonnay for Evvy. She didn't drink much, but when she did it was Chardonnay, and probably never as good as the one in this glass. James was also raising a glass of something golden amber. He said, "To all of us," smiled broadly and sipped. I did the same. "Holy shit, is that good!" I exclaimed to my embarrassment. Emmy and Smith turned to me and laughed. Through her tears and laughter Evvy said, "You have probably never noticed taste before. I now joined in. A good start, until I saw Jame's face turn serious.
"The next time we meet, I'll have my wife Sandra here. She will enjoy both of you." Emmy and I turned at the same time to look at each other, as if saying in unison,"Us?". He went on. "But, today this is just for us." He paused. "Us goes a way back, Jeffery". "I wanted Evvy to be here. She should know about you; she's put up with you for a long time -- but you are a good man, despite the infliction." Now he turned to Ev, "In fact your husband has a lot to do with what I accomplished in life."
I looked at him bewildered. Was he an old client? A guy I met in a bar who saw what booze can do to a person and it changed his life? He had my attention.
The Answer:
Number one is the infamous, exotic dancer, courtesan to the upper class (Often military in England) and German spy in WWI -- Mata Hari. Next are the Communist Rosenberg's, followed by Aldrch Ames -- CIA agent turned Soviet who spied on the USA. #4 is Casanova who used his charms to infiltrate the enemy. German born Karl Fuchs used knowledge gained while working at Los Alamos to help the Soviets after fleeing there. Then there was British spy Major John Andre and the most famous American spy who regretted having but one life to give to his country _-- Nathan Hale. Bella Boyd spied for the Confederate against the Union. Number 9 are the Cambridge five: Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt and the one "Unknown". #10 is Richard Sorge, considered one of the best Soviet spies living in Japan during WWII.
Big game tonight, and the choice is difficult. Florida State has the Heisman wunderkind. Auburn plays in the tougher league. Auburn bottle up Alabama's great QB. I'm picking Auburn.
Over the years the Tids has had many Borscht Belt, Henny Youngman and good all around Jewish one liners. Here's a few more to leave you laughing and brighten the day ahead:
--After a car hits an elderly Jewish man the paramedic says "Are you comfortable?" The man responds, "I make a good living". --A doctor gave a man six months to live. He couldn't pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months. --Patient: "I have ringing in years." Doctor: "Don't answer". Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? They're worth it. --Have you seen the new Jewish American Princess horror movie? "Debbie Does Dishes." --Jewish Mothers make good parole officers because they never let anybody finish a sentence. --A bum asks a Jewish man, "Give me $10 til payday." The Jewish fellow responded, "When's payday?" The bum said, I don't know, you're the one that's working!" Uh huh!
See you tomorrow.
"Rocky Mountain High" -- John Denver must have known something.
Providence College is a nice smallish Liberal Arts school with noble objectives. They do very well in academics, and in sports this year so far have produced the #1 NCAA Woman's Cross Country team and #5 NCAA men's Hockey team. Since their basketball dominant 60's however, that sport has been a favorite at the school on Smith Hill. They don't make it easy on coaches though, or the aspirations of alums. In fact, they are what all good institutions should be, an academic school producing honorable students (and most of the local lawyer/legislators in RI -- they can't be perfect). Their rules of civility and learning that often get in the way of some of the inbred habits of some outstanding recruits. They never back down, even when a top star could help with basketball dreams. The alums may moan, and great prospects may leave...and maybe others will not consider attending. But, in the long run everybody who makes that PC , and other colleges like them choice, will be better off. -- with more wins in life.
The Conscience: Chapter 32 continues.
Evvy held my hand as we were ushered by our host into a most beautiful study with priceless appearing, yet comfortable antiques, and leather chairs and couches that I often admire but can't come close to affording. "Nice place," I said matter of factly. I looked down at the clasped hand and my mind whisked quickly to Angelica. My heart shuddered. I felt that guilt. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw brown liquid floating by.
A man appeared out of nowhere with a scotch for me and a perfect Chardonnay for Evvy. She didn't drink much, but when she did it was Chardonnay, and probably never as good as the one in this glass. James was also raising a glass of something golden amber. He said, "To all of us," smiled broadly and sipped. I did the same. "Holy shit, is that good!" I exclaimed to my embarrassment. Emmy and Smith turned to me and laughed. Through her tears and laughter Evvy said, "You have probably never noticed taste before. I now joined in. A good start, until I saw Jame's face turn serious.
"The next time we meet, I'll have my wife Sandra here. She will enjoy both of you." Emmy and I turned at the same time to look at each other, as if saying in unison,"Us?". He went on. "But, today this is just for us." He paused. "Us goes a way back, Jeffery". "I wanted Evvy to be here. She should know about you; she's put up with you for a long time -- but you are a good man, despite the infliction." Now he turned to Ev, "In fact your husband has a lot to do with what I accomplished in life."
I looked at him bewildered. Was he an old client? A guy I met in a bar who saw what booze can do to a person and it changed his life? He had my attention.
The Answer:
Number one is the infamous, exotic dancer, courtesan to the upper class (Often military in England) and German spy in WWI -- Mata Hari. Next are the Communist Rosenberg's, followed by Aldrch Ames -- CIA agent turned Soviet who spied on the USA. #4 is Casanova who used his charms to infiltrate the enemy. German born Karl Fuchs used knowledge gained while working at Los Alamos to help the Soviets after fleeing there. Then there was British spy Major John Andre and the most famous American spy who regretted having but one life to give to his country _-- Nathan Hale. Bella Boyd spied for the Confederate against the Union. Number 9 are the Cambridge five: Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt and the one "Unknown". #10 is Richard Sorge, considered one of the best Soviet spies living in Japan during WWII.
Big game tonight, and the choice is difficult. Florida State has the Heisman wunderkind. Auburn plays in the tougher league. Auburn bottle up Alabama's great QB. I'm picking Auburn.
Over the years the Tids has had many Borscht Belt, Henny Youngman and good all around Jewish one liners. Here's a few more to leave you laughing and brighten the day ahead:
--After a car hits an elderly Jewish man the paramedic says "Are you comfortable?" The man responds, "I make a good living". --A doctor gave a man six months to live. He couldn't pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months. --Patient: "I have ringing in years." Doctor: "Don't answer". Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? They're worth it. --Have you seen the new Jewish American Princess horror movie? "Debbie Does Dishes." --Jewish Mothers make good parole officers because they never let anybody finish a sentence. --A bum asks a Jewish man, "Give me $10 til payday." The Jewish fellow responded, "When's payday?" The bum said, I don't know, you're the one that's working!" Uh huh!
See you tomorrow.
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