The people still count.

Today's Tids Issue 3,076

Opening Stuff:

I wrote a little story once called “A beautiful shade of Gray”. It was about the weathered shingles of small New England homes nestled among the dunes and atop rocky crags. With a gray dory pulled up on the beach; in a small cove. All of the eccentric grays accentuated by yellow black eye’d Susan’s and white daises waving in the ocean breezes. But the small monuments of a comfortable past are being devoured by new, often non-descript buildings, with the main purpose, it seems to me, to provide views from points as high as legally possible. The newcomers will learn that living by the sea, isn’t about looking at it, but know it’s always there with its many moods. And feeling its presence as you kneel to plant another dahlia bulb. It’s sad to watch the change.

 

Did you hear about the Polish guy who went for an eye test…and knew 4 out of 5 guys on the chart.

 

The banks just couldn’t resist the temptation any longer. Even though tight rules are good for economic stability and better for those who can’t afford massive loans, the pinstriped suits are loosening the credit rules again. It isn’t quite like the near illegal breakdown of early days of the millennium, but it could get there again. It may already be there in the auto loan industry where 88% of GM’s loans have been to people with a credit score less than 640. The effects of that are starting to show up as missed payments are increasing and the repo man is busier than he has been in years. First the cars, and then the attached garages. How come a bustling economy in these modern times always seems to translate into stupidity

 

The Question:

There must be something in the air because in the last few days we have celebrated anniversaries of three national tragic events. Name them. Bonus: What seven states don’t have income taxes?

 

The Headlines:

--Investors Looking For Profits Moving Away From tech Phenoms.

--US Air Strikes Kill 30 al-Qaida In Yemen.

--Tensions remain High In Ukraine.

--Elizabeth Warren Says She Isn’t Running For President.

--National Housing Sales Prospects Looking Tepid.

--Japan Begins Activities On remote Island Angering China.

--150 Thousand Attend Pope’s Mass.

--Runners Descend On Boston For Memorable Marathon; Security High.

 

So, why did the US Government decide to become cattle rustlers instead of using the court system?

 

I always thought my car was yellow until I washed it last week.

 

The big traditional unions -- the United Autoworkers, Steel workers, Electrical Workers, you name it – will organize anything that walks and talks. It’s all about the union power barons and the need for dues to support them. We’ve seen the mess caused by unions over reaching in the public sectors (Which FDR called insane and basically a conflict of interest). College athletes are the new meat on the union platter, and also maybe colleges in general. This morning I read that UConn’s graduate assistants have voted to be unionized by the United Auto Workers! Just what overpriced education needs, more cost! Unions were critically important in bringing humane work rules and reasonable wages to industry. But, now they’re just keeping their executives in business. And adding cost to institutions that have finite income.

 

I’m hearing that in those lands of gigantic McMansions, more and more owners and new buyers are tearing them down and building smaller homes because of high heating costs and real estate taxes.

 

Speaking of change, here are some everyday products that are fading fast as sales decline noticeably: Cable TV in favor of Hulu, Netflix; Landline phones; the once hot GPS devices; DVD, Blue-Ray Players; Hotel Rooms (VRBO); 2-year cell phone contracts; desktop, laptops; Extra leg room in economy; Credit cards with points; Digital cameras.

 

Do you know what I don’t like? Auto rental companies. They don’t seem to trust their customers.

 

Actually the spotlight tends regularly to shine on the wrong aspects of society these days, and I’m not just talking about the lowest forms like the Kardashians and imitators. Out in Topeka Kansas some official decided it a good Idea to celebrate Brown versus Board of Ed, and invited Michelle Obama to speak. And the parents are up in arms, not Republicans by the way, but parents of the disadvantaged who have looking forward to the graduation of hard working children as a great accomplishment for the kids and family, and as the firsts step on the way out; to celebrate the reality, the realization that through education they will make it out beyond the crime and drugs. This Tids isn’t about being against Michelle O, it’s for praising the individual achievers. The kids who fought their way up to better grades. HS Graduation is the Senior’s day. They are the stars.

 

Love/Hate, Department:

Magazines more and more have big features about the lists of wealthy. They do this because people read them. So while the Admin rants against the wealthy (Except for themselves and their big contributors) the people seem to be having a love affair with the successful, even as they are envious.

 

Kids in poor neighborhoods get into the drug business because they want to be rich.

 

Thanks to a good friend for the Polish joke, He said it would help polish up the Tids.

 

I think what I find most different today versus yesteryear is that today you are a number and years ago you were a person.

 

I can play Free cell much faster on my Lap top than my tablet. Which frankly, doesn’t mean much at all.

 

One thing I don’t like about playing Free cell on my tablet is that to continue onto the next game I always have to select “New Deal”. Yikes, haunted by FDR.

 

The Conscience: Chapter 40 continues.

    “Now that wasn’t too bad, was it Mr.  Morgan.”

    I smiled back at her, but guarded my reply as I watched Bruno lean into the table. “Maybe you and I will be good partners anyhow.” I paused “And, what did you say happened to your daughter?”

    She ignored the Angelica part of the question as I thought she would and then turned scary serious. “No, we’ll never be partners, Jeffery, but I will own you. I have that DNA from that night you raped me in full view of a restaurant staff and patrons. And Bruno remembers clearly you putting something into my drink. And, after all, this is Genoa and not America; this is the Bilgietto’s Genoa. It’s too bad Mr. Morgan that your booze loosens your moral restrictions.” She just looked into my eyes, The same lifeless eyes I saw that night in Mobile Alabama. This time, though, her eyes were truly dead; devoid of humanity. This time though, the memory of that awful night didn’t send me diving into an endless dark hole.

    I held her eyes longer than she probably expected. “It looks like our business is done. Why don’t you and Bruno celebrate together.” As I leaned over to pick up my briefcase, some how I tipped a glass of water which drained into the henchman’s lap. I turned to look at his face turn red, but knew Sanna wouldn’t let him squash me like fine Mediterranean olives. At least there. “You don’t have to stand, Sanna.” I reached out to shake her hand. “When can I tell Jason you will be coming down to his place.” I waited, “Maybe we can go out for a drink.” 

 

The Answer:

The 3 big man-made tragedies were the terror attack in Boston, the Oklahoma Bombing and Janet Reno’s war in Waco! What is it about spring, anyhow? Bonus: I’m thinking of moving to Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Or, NH and Tennessee which have next to no tax..

 

While everybody across the country and especially up here is rapturous over “Boston Strong” and the resiliency of people after the terrorist attack, remember that on the same day a year ago the small town of West, Texas was ravaged by an intense fertilizer plant explosion that killed 15, injured many, toally destroyed 120 homes and touched gravely each of the 2,800 citizens there. This courageous town has rallied back will not have a marathon and throngs of reporters to celebrate their miraculous recovery -- just good people picking themselves up, shaking themselves off, standing together to bring about their new future.

 

Post Easter breakfast: 4 slices of bacon and a 2 Peeps! I’m dead.