Layng quietly in fields

Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights

Friday, November 28, 2014

From every single family, a foundation of truth for many.


Today's Tids Issue 3,231
Opening Hymn:


A Mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing,
Our helper he amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.

We gather together in Thankfulness; united as families. In this yearly union that celebrates the power of many in one, we feel our quiet strength, reliance upon one another. The ills of the world grow incomprehensible, yet the wisdom of elders, the stability of parents and the exuberance and hope of children is one stone, every family’s contribution to a foundation large that binds goodness of all, together in strength.

And through this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed.
His truth to triumph through us.

We gather in hope built upon those who know and those who will learn and grow. We are different yet one in the laughter we share and love in our hearts; comforted with the knowledge that truth will live forever; that it will overcome lapses from human frailty. Today we share nature’s beast that flies the fields and the plants that wave gently in the breeze in valleys and hills. We nourish each other with the individual talents we share. Thanksgiving Day reminds us of our fortunes, and challenges us all to keep them safe, and to spread the love of one small group to many.
 
We are a mighty fortress. Happy Thanksgiving E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2BzsNe4V2s


With thanks for words by Martin Luther, and music from Johann Sebastian Bach

Ferguson allows college kids to start long weekend early.

Today's Tids Issue 2,230
Opening Stuff:
 
There is nothing more exhilarating, captivating, than the pure, unadulterated, fully explosive wide eyed excitement of kids
 
This is the season, as Bill Murray may have said, when the weird get going. Just today we learn: --Up in Marshfield Mass, a delightful community, the school board spent valuable time passing a new order against the will of 4,000 petitioners to change “Christmas Break” to “Holiday Break”. --Down here 30-40 miles south of that home of Daniel Webster (And Arrowsmith’s Stephen Tyler), the local atheist organization has purchased advertising signs for Providence and Newport buses “Godless – We are too”.  --Up in Providence, local school teachers thought it a good idea to revise T-Day history so Hispanic kids wouldn’t feel guilty eating Tacos and pizza on the big family day. --Up in Belmont Mass, The Butler School loons cancelled a class trip to the performance of “The Nutcracker*, because…are you ready…because there was a Christmas tree on the stage! --Here’s the real problem: These are relatively small innocuous incidents, but the media coverage gives them a perception of importance.
 
*For the record there have been no reported instances of a child spontaneously converting to the Christian faith while attending a performance of “The Nutcracker”.
 
As one consistently creative reader-contributor says this morning: “Don’t forget to set you’re scales back 10 pounds this week.”
 
Instead of protesting bogie men, the real, rational leaders of the black community should help he people rise above the golden calf’s, to protest the black leadership holding them down; the enablers, the drug dealers, the government.
 
The Question:
Who was I reality the First President of the USA? What does this have to do with Thanksgiving.
 
The Headlines:
--Snow Disrupting Trips To Grandmas.
--US New Jobless Benefits Claims Jumps Surprisingly up To 313,000; Seasonal Temp Jobs Not Big Enough To Balance Cold Weather Construction Layoffs.
--White House working To Scuttle House Effort To Extend And Make Tax Cuts Permanent.
--Obama Plan To give Business $3,00 Per Illegal Immigrant Hire.
--Justice Ginsburg Has Surgery For Coronary Blockage.
--Russian Troops Bolstering Eastern Ukraine Rebels; NATO Says Russia Ready To Strike..
--New Poll For 2016 Shows Mitt at 45% Over The Hill’s 44%; Romney (19) Ahead Of Repubs Jeb (11), Christie and Carson (8) and Rand (6).
--16 Million Americans to Eat “Tofurky” This Holiday.
 
We in my family are all at a loss, not just because we’ll miss my sister’s infectious laugh, but because she always made the Cauliflower au Gratin. We have no clue of her secret recipe, but here’s one. Preheat oven til 375. Cut 3 lb head into large florets. And cook 5-6 mins in boiling slated water. Drain. In saucepan at low heat melt 2 tbs butter, and add 3 tbs flour, stirring for 2 min. Pour in 2 cps hot milk, stir to boil. Whisk and boil for Min. remove from heat and add 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pep, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ cp grated gruyere (gg), ½ cp parmesan. Pout 1/3 of sauce on bottom on=f 11x2 in baking dish. Place drained Cauli on top then remaining sauce over that. Mix ¼ cp breadcrumbs w/ ¼ cp gg and sprinkle on top. Drizzle 2 tbs melted but over top. Bake 25/30 mins. Is great addition to T-day meal especially when cheese sauce runs into rich brown T-Gravy. Or Tofurky gravy, if you prefer sobbing veggies over screaming birds.
 
I’m sure by now we all have stories about protests rising up in our various communities. Up here, the brain dead thought it a good idea to sit down in the middle of Interstate 95 and stop traffic. I was surprised nobody was killed. One of the more disgusting TV images from that event was an interview with a well dressed female college student – Burberry scarf and all – cooly and smugly stating that it was criminal the way the police arrested her sister. Then I went to bed and didn’t lose a second of sleep over it.
 
I’m a day early with the Picks, but tomorrow I’ll be mainly picking my teeth after a great turkey meal. It begins tomorrow with three really good games. I’m picking Detroit over Chi and then in  close battles Dallas over Philly and in a real “pick-um”, Seattle beating the odds against SF. Houston, SL, Minn and Indy should beat Tenn, Oakland, Carolina and Washington respectively. In a nail biter I have to pick the home team Buffalo over Cleve (Could go either way). I like the ay Balt is playing now and the shouldtake SD, and even the Gianst amy pull one ff against Jax.Cinncy is out of the mid-season doldrums =and should take TB. Pitt at home should beat NO in a close war. I like Ariz over Atlanta (Keeping Atl, NO atop NFC South at 4-8?). Denver and KC will be a battle. Manning seems back and KC flopped badly last week. But. I’m picking the upset – KC. An even bigger battle will be the possible SB preview, GB and NE in the frozen tundra of Green Bay. Do I pick, with my heart or my brain. Brady-Rogers, often compared, but never before have they met. GB can score but they don’t defend like the Pats do. I’m sticking with my heart.
 
The media portrayed Michael Brown as this baby-faced teen innocent when in reality he was a 6’5” 289 pound behemoth, bully, felon and all around thug. If the media were ever to tell the real truth about all of the black community and not the one portrayed by the leftists and money grubbing leaders like Al and Jesse, then race relations would have a chance. Oh, wait a minute, the media is part of the left. Check out this black man’s view of the black community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsQwl_19M4
 
I’ve seen TV news scenes of people lining up to buy birds at free range farms and also with for less cheaper birds at check counters in supermarkets. But in the end the birds get stuffed and people eat them.
 
I like battlers in sports. Part of being good Red Sox fan even in bad times is having guys like Daniel Nava and Brock Holt to root for. But now free agency has reared its ugly head and celebrated, high paid newbies may force out some of my favorites. So, it’s back to rooting for the uniform instead of the players. And we still don’t have any pitching.
 
One of the pics of a local protest event showed a group of Hispanics burning an American Flag. What, did their US Government Check bounce?
 
This year the new anti meat tact among vegetarians is telling people they should be aware of the shrieks and howls of the turkey friends left behind as their family and or pals are taken to slaughter. Did you ever watch a bean sprout weep as the thresher came by with its onerous decapitating blade? It’s gut-wrenching.
 
Reward developers who bring back Main Street. Save us from strip malls.
 
There’s no truth to the rumor that Al Sharpton wants to dedicate Black Friday to Michael Brown?
 
The Movie reviewers are united in warning people about the dangers of paying money to see Bad Bosses 2.
 
I thought that the voters go it right on The Voice last night. Regan James has the ability to be a future star, but she showed recently that she isn’t quite ready for prime time. Ryan continues to be easy to  listens to, even if he misses the mark for the new genres.
 
The Answer:
George Washington was actually the first President of the Second US Government. The US formed an earlier Gov under the Articles of Confederation and the President was John Hanson. John was also the President” who made the Pilgrim’s holiday an annual remembrance of the courageous beginnings of the nation. Hanson, from Frederick Maryland, led the US through the critical lost decade following the Revolution when the country was teetering on debt and insecure of its future. Hanson united the colonies and created a workable government out of nothing. Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Franklyn and others acknowledged Hanson as the man who saved the country.
 
The Pilgrim Song:
 
 
 
 



A night at the zoo.

Today's Tids Issue 3,229
Opening Stuff :

Just when you think we’re entering into a period of quiet thankfulness, we find ourselves saying prayers for the good people of Ferguson who are the most recent victims of uncivilized behavior. That would be the “giving” part of Thanksgiving.
 
What’s wrong with this picture: A split screen showing President Obama on the left and the city Ferguson on the right, Burning – all because the President’s AG Holder with the aid of overzealous journalists turned a local police matter into some kind of national issue that in the end only devastated the black owned businesses of the hard working locals, and the neighborhoods in which they slept and raised families. But what can really I add to your thoughts about this. We all know that the truth never matters in the minds of people who don’t want to listen.
 
The people fighting Ebola on the front lines in Africa are having trouble finding disease resistant clothing as US hospitals in rush to meet new government standards have sucked down inventories to near zero. Government regs are a disease that could kill the USA. And, perhaps the most inflationary ingredient affecting our economy.
 
The Question:
What are the Ten Most Educated Cities (Metro areas) in the country?
 
The Headlines:
--Nasdaq Up; Dow Meandering.
--Looters and Burners Disregard Rule Of Law; Rampage Destroys Businesses And Homes Of Hard Working, Honest Fergusonites.
--USA Economy Outperforming Growth Forecasts; EU Having Trouble Getting Out Of the Way Of Itself.
--“O” Awards 28 Presidential Medal of Freedom; Says He Has Eyes For Meryl Streep.
--France Suspends Warship Delivery To Russia.
--Iran Supreme Leader Says The West Will Never Defeat Iran.
 
The Voice had a good night. I thought Matt McAndrews opener was as good as it gets, for me. But later, as I watched Craig Wayne Boyd transform “I Walk the line” dramatically into his own, I found myself At first wondering, then seeing and finally loving where he was going. Chris Jamison’s energetic effort on the Bruno Mars tune a had everybody in the place rocking. Danika Sirey proved again that she may be the best pure singer. I also liked Luke “the Entertainer” Wade’s “Try a Little Tenderness”, although at times he seemed to be trying too hard to be unique. I felt sorry for Regan James. Her song choice was just too much and it left her gasping for breath and a little flat as it finally wound down. Taylor John Williams sang an annoying song, but he did it pretty well., and he still has the young teen girl vote. I like Anita Antoinette, but I’d like to see her move away from Reggae for a week. And then there is the sweet Ryan Sill who looked like ole’ Pat Boone trying  to sing Little Richard. Not good. I have to figure the bottom three as Anita, Regan and Ryan. Will the fans save Ryan again, or will they see that Regan has more potential than she showed last night.
 
Why didn’t the Ferguson Prosecutor wait til 9:00 AM to announce the findings in the case. Savages typically don’t like to loot and burn with the sun at their backs.
 
Dancin’, Department: Since Ferguson interrupted so much TV last night, let’s interrupt looting and burning reports with a look at Dancing With The Stars. Called a “Visualization of a Love Poem” the judges were rapturous over Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy. Second best of the night was Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson. The wide difference between the Janel/Val excellence and the mediocre performance of Bethany Mota and Derek Hough made it easy on the judges and probably the voters who will give us a final three of Janel/Val, Alf/Witney plus Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas. To this rank amateur in dance analysis, Ribeiro/Carson look like the winners.
 
If all of these outside agitators are really there to help the black community the last thing they should want is an uncontrolled riot which demonstrates groups of people unable to accept the truth, or even understand living in society.
 
Actually, those made for primetime reality TV riots with shooting and burning and looters running amok make it difficult for regular programming to get decent ratings. Here are the official cancellations for the four networks: ABC -- Selfie; CBS – Unforgettable, Reckless, The Millers; Fox – The Cleveland Show, Gang Related,  Kitchen Nightmares, Utopia, X-Factor; NBC – A to Z, Bad Judge. Want to check out the status of all the network shows -- http://tvline.com/2014/10/28/renewed-tv-shows-2015-renewal-scorecard-cancelled-series/
 
I still don’t understand all of that TV fuss over Elian Gonzales. I must be inert.
 
After Obama-Speak, lots of immigrants are today openly wondering why they had to patiently wait their turn to immigrate the legal way when millions are now being rewarded for sneaking into the country illegally. It’s the same as hard working people scratching their heads over Government airheads suggesting $15/hr min wages when these toilers had to work hard to get to that point. Government sure knows how to do one thing really well – mess up the natural order of things.
 
In case you are having trouble finding your KFC among the growing array of vegetable shops, you should know that Bean Sprouts have just joined lettuce as another vegetation that can be dangerous to your health. Killer Listeria loves to grow inside the moist sprouts. Two in the Midwest are dead and three easterners have just come down sick. You know that when cheese turns “green”, you don’t eat it. Eat red meat with brown gravy, or perhaps a delicate balsamic reduction. Maybe with a little Stilton cheese. Over buttery, paper thin sautéed potatoes.
 
Do you know who I feel bad for and can’t out of my mind – Whitney Houston. To me she represents every great talent, great mind, good people who were brought down by the evil of drugs, and truly evil people who supply them. And all of those real slugs like Whitney’s demonic husband who never reach out for the hands calling for help. The ramifications of the death of the Whitney Houston’s of the world is what bothers me. I wonder how many out of control societies could be saved by the elimination of drugs that destroy in so many ways.
 
The Answer:
The cities are rated on % of people with bachelors degree or higher. Number 10 is Durham-Chapel Hill NC, 9 is Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk Ct; 8 is San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara Ca; 7 is Ames Ia; 6 is Iowa City Ia; 5. Is Lawrence Ks; 4 is Ithaca NY; 3. Is Corvallis Or; 2 is Ann Arbor Mi and #1 is Boulder Co.
 
Don’t you just hate it when the rest of the world sees the USA looking like downtown in Somalia?
 
This wasn’t very funny today, was it?

Black Friday is just plain nuts.

Today's Tids Issue 3,228
Opening Stuff:
 
This is the day that begins the week that’s all about thanks. Of course there’s the obvious thanks, for family and parents and siblings who have picked you up when you’ve tripped along the way; who have cheered your little accomplishments. An surely the love of your life who brings you to special, extraordinary, inexplicable heights, sometimes with just a smile or the simple comfort of a consoling look from beautiful eyes; the touch of a soft hand. And then there are all the little things that get you through the day – seeing the world of beauty around you; being able to hear the magnificence of music; watching people care for each other. I’m thankful knowing that there are far more good people on earth than the evil.  I’m glad I can still see things through younger eyes and revel in simplicity. There is an encyclopedia of stuff for which to be thankful – like never being enticed to watch the Kardashians; not finding ways to bend, tear or mutilate the Ten commandments, a basic rational guide to life. What a great week it is.
 
I’ll take team play any day over individual stardom: It is interesting to note in a recent incursion into statistics, I found that the top 4 scorers in the NBA play on teams with a combined record of 18 wins and 32 losses. Those are Labron, Kobe, Carmelo and Anthony Davis (Has yet to attain first name only status.)
 
I have to figure that the surprising continuing success of the Kay Jewelry really rather ugly “Open Heart’ design for necklaces etc is due to the Millennium generation’s avoidance of commitment. Keep your heart open, you never know what’s around the corner.
 
Uh oh, Sheldon Whitehouse. A robot sub exploring under Antarctica has discovered than not only is the ice growing there, it is considerably thicker than thought by scientists. Maybe, as the ice gets thicker and sinks lower into the sea, it is pushing the oceans up on coastal shores. Yes, say even Woods Hole scientists now thoroughly perplexed by the conflict between their scientific models and real evidence from satellites and now this underwater sub. The ice mass is growing bigger, and that white stuff you see falling isn’t snow but the dandruff from eggheads scratching their noggins.
 
The Question:
There are fifteen car models, many you have seen around for years, that just seem to refuse to die. Name Ten.
 
The Headlines:
--Hagel To Resign As Defense Honcho; Word In Pentagon Is That he Was Fired.
--Iran Nuclear talks Stumble; Postponed Til July.
--Ferguson Grand Jury Has Made Decision On Darren Wilson; May Announce Within Decade, Or After Agitators get Tired Of tent Living.
--Mittster Leads NH Presidential Poll by 19 Points.
--Sanctions Plus Falling Oil Prices Costing Russia $140 Billion.
--Russian Tightens Control Over Black Sea Region Of Georgia’s Abkhazia Province; It Is Said Putin Likes View Of Black Sea.
--Red Box Proving DVD’s Aren’t Dead.
 
 I read where the US is sending into Mexico military units disguised as Mexican Navy personnel to attack Drug Cartel locations. This is a good thing. But, I wonder if it isn’t a bit like the Taliban and the rolling hills of red poppies waving in the breeze – a beautiful scene producing income for thousands of people regardless of the horror it wracks on mankind. As disgusting and a inhuman the Cartels can be, lots of Mexicans are probably making their living in that enormous industry south of the US border. The point being, while we may destroy sinister drug lords, are we alienating the people – only this time closer ro our core. While we may be making ii safer for people to live in their own country, can they afford leaving there as a leg of their economy collapses? Will thy=ey build a new economy in a country now develop of murderers, or will they escape to suck off the giant Teet north of the border? Nothing is simple.
 
Smatter than you average bear – “Hey, Boo-Boo”!, department:
Animal conservationists attached GPS devices to western grizzlies to determine their habits, What the have learned could be quite disheartening to the great white hunter: Grizzlies track hunters for prey! Some day it may be the hunters themselves, but right now these intelligent beasts have learned that the hunter will eventually bring them elk or deer or even Uncle Yogi. And they will be in their camps stealing the carcasses while they slee.
 
Why don’t the insurance companies spend the money they do on what appear to be lawyer driven new plan prospective in an effort to actually try to make it clear as to what the customer is buying. After about three of a 100 or so pages of the so-called description of my new Part D program, I gave up an took a nap. What a waste of paper and ink.
 
Money doesn’t last forever, Department:
The Vanderbilts, Hartfords (A&P), Kluges (Metromedia), Pulitzers and Strohs (beer) all lost their enormous fortunes either through poor investments, generational waste, carousing or high debt structuring.
 
How long will it be until giant tobacco companies re-emerge to wrap their arms around the fledgling Marijuana but promising industry?
 
One of he things I like about Jennifer Garner is her straight eyebrows.
 
Super running back Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks was fined by the NFL $100,000 for missing  a press conference. That’s insane.
 
Have you seen all of those dodge Brothers commercials which seem to show a couple of carefree inventive guys whooping it up as they leave big bad Ford to go out on their own and create a better Dodge Car. It is true that Dodge in the ‘20’s was number two auto after Henry’s car. But the Dodge boys had made millions for years as a leading manufacturer of parts and engines for all of the Detroit auto makers, including Ford. When Henry decided to build a huge new factory he stopped dividends to stockholders. The Dodge Brothers had been receiving a Million/year in dividends, so they sued and Henry bought out their stick for $25,000,000. These rather stoic brothers were not living in one room walk-up’s while risking everything a on a new car.
 
The Republican house blockage of Obama pet projects is one of the remarkable congressional achievements of our history. If we can escape the next two years, historians may even say that Boehner’s congress saved America from itself.
 
The Answer:
Some cars are just well built, and more importantly, well loved by owners so that they just keep on chugging along. First is the “Dawn of man” to  1996 Volvo rear wheel cars including classic 240. Next is the 1989-2005 Buick LeSabre followed by 95-97 Jaguar XJ6, Ford Crown Vic 92-07, Chev Camaro and Pontiac Firebird 82-02, Ford Escort, Toyota Camry 92-Present, Mercedes 240D/300D/300TD from 1975 and beyond, Jeep Cherokee 87-01 (My baby), Subaru Wagons 1990 to pres, Saab 900 79-93, Volkswagon van 50-92, Geo Prism 84-10, Buick Roadmaster Estate 91-96 and the venerable Honda Accord 76 to Present
 
When I played football as a kid I would often emulate my heroes of the times, 1940’s stars Doak Walker, Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, Charlie Trippe,  Johnny Lujack, Emil “Six Yard” Sitko and Leon Hart. My friends touted Blanchard and Davis of West Point. But then,  I was as narrow minded as a kid as I am now, and rejected those back-to-back Heisman winners out of hand as I was a rapid Navy Fan! Just as I don’t get excited today about Jeter – the Ya, ya, Ya…(WYKWIM). Once a meathead, always a meathead.

The bulls are pooping.

Today's Tids Issue 3,227
Opening Stuff:

The main objective of the President’s speech last night was to goad the Republicans into doing something stupid, like shutting down the Government -- anything that the unscrupulous, dishonest, malicious media consultants can get their hands around for the 2016 version of divisive, negative politics. Let’s face it, the Immigration laws are fine the way they are. You just have to stop the lawlessness of masses sneaking in fro freebies; not waiting their turn like millions have doe before; earning their way. Many of the nice sounding points made by the Prez last night have been made before by Repubs, like Senator Mark Rubio. It’s all politics. Nothing more. There is no need to reform the basics 0f immigration policy. And even if there was, and Obama really wanted reform, he could have done rather easily when The Dems controlled both houses of Congress 4 years ago. He’s a kid who has been said no to by the voters. And, he’s pouting. And, he wants to pick a fight. It is all BS.
 
Usually it takes me til January to get used to the cold. My bones have already adjusted and I’m ready o ski.
 
Do you know how they have closed captioning for the deaf? Maybe TV should provide a similar device that would offer simultaneous interpretations of the real meaning of politicians words during speeches.
 
Sometimes I read a Tidlet after sending and think – “That was just damned stupid”.
 
In  case you have living on another planet or buried inside your Smartphones, the big football game of the week will be played tomorrow, Saturday, before a sold out Yankee Stadium crowd of college diehards in NYC, when Lehigh University takes on Lafayette  in the 150th game in the longest running continuous series in  sports. (You can set a lot of records when you’re old.) Yes, real scholar/athlete schools can get excited about football too, even if just playing for tradition on a cool fall day;;with colorful mums in the labels of lovers. Go Engineers! Or, is that Mountainhawks.
 
The Question:
What 3 states bar the opening of non- essential retail stores on Thanksgiving day?
 
The Headlines:
--DOW, S&P Soar to New Heights; New China And EU Stimulus Plans Has Wall Street Smiling.
--White House Admits To Inflating ObamaCare Signups.
--Roof Collapses Growing Problem In Buffalo, Western New York; More Snow On the Way; Snow Expected to reach 8 feet..
--Police Union Official Saying Charges Against Furguson Cop Unlikely.
--Ben Carson  says Obama Like Putin.
--Deadly Stampede During religious Ceremony In Zimbabwe Kills 11, Injures Many.
--The Hill Chimes In  Saying Repubs are The immigration Problem; How Insightful Is This Woman Who Couldn’t Figure Out Cries For Help In Benghazi.
 
When you think about it, all of the Immigration ruckus is really about 10 - 20 million bogus voters.
 
It is known that sales of Victorian Secret and similar products are huge in Saudi Arabia and other countries with strict female cover up laws. The women, according to knowledgeable culturists, want husbands to know there is something exciting under the black. On the other hand, a problem exists because neighbors can’t tell if it is a wife or lover leaving a neighborhood home. And you thought the Middle East was all about camels and wars.
 
Here is one “Fact Checker” on the O-Speech last night: http://news.yahoo.com/fact-check-obamas-claims-illegal-immigration-081111776.html
 
There’s just gotta be something to say today that isn’t about Immigration. I’m thinking.
 
There just some stuff that you are better off avoiding buying on Black Friday. These are items that will get much cheaper in the spring or closer to the end of the buying season when retailers really panic. First – Winter gear. You will see isolated price reductions but the good stuff happens later. The rest are Tools, Cheap Tablets, Bed Linins, Christmas Decorations (Always better to buy a year in advance), Fitness Equipment, Doorbuster TV’s (The Models offered on BF are generally minus better features), Airline, Vacation, Packages,  Luxury goods, Perishable Gift Packages. What’s Left – Plaid shirts?
 
The President is flying over to the Gambling capital of the USA to sign an executive order on Illegal immigration leniency. Are you thinking the same thing I’m thinking?
 
Observers in NYC, including Democrats,  are saying that the police have become less  effective since the ascendancy of DiBlasio. Being an avowed socialist, he problem prefers police for the quieting of dissenters rather than stopping the criminals who may have had bad childhoods.
 
DiBlasio is in fact the poster child for all that’s wrong in USA Politics. It is said there that this Mayor of the Apple considers his primary job that as leader of the USA progressive party which includes other pols like Elizabeth Warren. How criminal is it to use voters hope to gain a step up on the political ladder. His decisions will probably be made to affect his relationship with his real constituents, the national left wing side of the USA. Sarah Palin could see Russia from Alaska. DiBlasio can see all Red Russia from NYC. And he loves it.
 
As You Know, Arizona passed the toughest anti-immigration law in the country – the objective, according to Jay Leno, being to force the illegals back to their home country of Los Angeles. Yup, in California they say they need illegal workers there to pick vegetables. Vegetables for Crissake. We need lawbreaking immigrants to feed vegans and vegetarians. Or, maybe to meet the demands of Michelle’s food chart. Gadzooks! We’re losing the gravy wars.
 
Not high in the news priorities, Department:
 Australian PM Tony Abbot was elected just recently by promising to end the carbon tax, which he did successfully. The general sense in that country now is that supposed ally Barack Obama gave Abbot the finger when he negotiated a secret climate deal in Beijing. Would you want to be Obama’s friend? When 0-Man first came into office he told the rest of the wolrd that the USA sucks, and now he’s out to prove it.
 
I used to be nice.
 
Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1 is the much anticipated first half of the finale of the latest favorite movie series based on a favorite book series.. It is full of great acting and political satire that keeps the interest high. But, if you want  a lot of action, it falls short of the first two. But often, less is more. I have it on my lst.
--“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” maybe the best movie of the week. From the title it seems like a tired concept, but the originality will satisfy you, if… you like Vampire movies set in Iran. Critics and audiences alike like it
 
The Answer:
In other words, What 3 states think that at least one day a year with family is a good idea. The three are Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island.
 
I wrote most of this before 9:30, but had to see a doc about an aching wrist. Must be all of that intense killer typing that goes into a good Tids. I suffer for you. What more can you ask of a human?
 
I know you will all have a great week end because you all have great hearts.

Whatever happened to “Thou shalt not steal”…et.al.

Today's Tids Issue 3,226
Opening Stuff:
 
Rats! The President of the USA is going on TV tonight and is expected to enable and reward lawlessness. That’s not the kind of leadership I want for this country. I want to push the standards up. I want strivers at every level of society. Instead of chipping away at the foundation of American principles, the President should be hammering on the government of Mexico. This talk, if it is as expected, will be a disgrace to a great society.
 
The Nina, The Pinta and the Santa Maria got a lot of miles per Galleon. (From “Shoe”)
 
If there was no TV, it would be just another day in Ferguson Mo.
 
Mike Nichols and Elaine May was one of the all time funniest comedy teams.
 
The Question:
What was Mike Nichols first big movie success and what super star’s career did it launch? Bonus: Who is Michael Igor Peschkowsky? Bonus 2: What is a “Tracker” in modern day politics?
 
The Headlines:
--Gunman Opens Fire In Florida State U. Library; 3 Students Wounded; Shooter Killed By Police.
--Markets are Sucking Early; New Jobless Claims Under 300K; Oil Under $75 As Rebound Dies;
--NK Threatens To Boost Military, Conduct Nuke Tests In Response To UN Resolution On Human Rights
--Mike Nichols Dies At 83.
--Millions Given By UN To Somalia Has Disappeared.
--Kerry In Vienna For Iran  Nuke Talks; In Effort To Claim Victory, Admin May Give Too Much Away.
--Citi Director Of Environment And Social Risk Found In Bathtub With Throat Slit; Could be Lover’s Quarrel.
--Cosby Continues To Lose Projects As Scandal Talk Escalates.
 
The NFL is back, and the surprises keep on coming. Actually they aren’t that big a surprise any more as the games this year seem more full of “pick-um’s than sure things. A little better week last week, so our record creeps up to 99-60. Still at only 62%, there’s lots of room for improvement. Ok, tonight we have a great old, classic AFC, bitter, intense rivalry game – but that was before this year’s edition of the Chiefs and Raiders. Gotta pick KC, a team that looks very good. GB is thriving, so mystery Minn should lose. TB shows signs of life but Chi is at home. All of a sudden at 4-6, Atlanta is in 1st place! I love Cleveland, but I’m going Falcons. Philly to bounce back over Tenn. There’s a possible game of the week scenario if the Mighty “D” of Detroit can stifle the product Offense of NE. I gotta pick the home team NE in a tough battle. Indy should get back on the winning side against Jax. If they can get rid of the snow, Buff should nip Jets in another war. SL is showing me something and SD  is fading. SF has been unsettling, but should take the Skins. I have to pick Dallas over the Giants, a team that looks shaky even at home. Another mystery team, Baltimore may scare NO, but the Saints need to keep pace with Mediocrity in their division. Miami could easily beat Denver who may be missing Saunders and J. Thomas. PM is looking fidgety lately and Miami D is fierce. Miami to upset here. And that brings us to Arizona and Seattle. This is the all the marbles game for last years SB Champ. Arizona has been resourceful, but the home noise and the desire for some degree of respectability should give the Seahawks a win…barely.
 
Deleting the Uber App has become a hot new trend. It isn’t only the disparaging of a female journalist or worries over tte Company’s data collection policies, but the relative safety of the overall operation. It has become apparent to observers that the management of an underinsured company is most interested in selling apps while giving total responsibility mere lip service.
 
Homeland is keeping me on the edge of my seat this year. Oh yeah, and you know that big new Showtime effort “The Affair” is going somewhere. It would be nice if it got there. Aside from occasional bickering among side players, the basic premise of each new episode so far is what new sex trick can we learn today, and what new location can they do it in. It is one dimensional, and it needs boost outside the bedroom, or shower or car hood.
 
When you think about it, property taxes could be unconstitutional since in essence they are a form of involuntary rent. They basically say you don’t really own your property because the Gov can take it away for back taxes.
 
Two words I cannot stand are “Eminent Domain”. They even get scarier as government continuers to move away from “Of the People”.
 
My spies in the Manufacturing industry publishing business tell me this is one of the best years ever.  Hot, Hot, Hot! RI and NE used to be a big part of that before Governemnt regs forced them out. And conglomerates sucked out all of the cash..
 
How come so-called clean cut, honest, nose to the grindstone kids are so disliked by the insecure often more popular peers who revel in bad grades and social misconduct? It must be guilt.
 
Rand Paul could be the candidate who cuts across the great political divide.
 
I am a “Jack of all trades” kind f guy. There’s too much pressure being a “master of one”.
 
The Libs don’t seem to accept successful blacks who speak proper English. Yet, successful white NBA players are comfortable speaking like they are from the Hood. It must be a “Render unto Caesar” thing.
 
Dogs who don’t get along are Cross-breeds.
 
Calling U. Kentucky basketball a college athletic program is a real stretch.
 
The Answer:
Mike Nichols often wrote or directed films and Broadway shows that poked fun at himself and people like him. Often that was adultery of which he often said he was expert, but in his first big film The Graduate, it was about an earnest young man rebelling against elder’s expectations. He said he identified with that awkward, perpetually flustered Benjamin Braddock played by Dustin Hoffman. Bonus: Peschkpwsky was Nichols real name, who when seven in 1938 escaped with his family from Nazi Germany. Bonus 2: A tracker is a new person in a campaign, generally a kid with a Smartphone who scours the Twitter word for embarrassing and awkward statements from the competition.
 
America still has a chance to survive because all of the noise is coming from a minority who haven’t figured why they are allowed to speak out. The real problem isn’t the agitators and the misguided leaders, but the protected fourth estate who won’t step in with the truth.
 
So did hear about the blond caught in fierce snowstorm, who, as suggested, spent an hour following a snowplow until she realized she was still in a Wal-Mart parking lot? I wonder what Fox newscasters think about Blond jokes?

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Feel the salty spray.

Okay, one more time: “Those who cannot remember (the lessons from) History, are condemned to repeat it”

Today's Tids Issue 3,224
Opeing Stuff:
 
I love this icy weather when the soda stored in the garage is always cold enough to drink; when your body feels invigorated and you walk with a refreshed pace; when the ocean seems clearer and the mist from cresting waves sparkles like the diamonds in a Princess’s crown;; when you look out through clear skies and can see forever; when a warm bed never feels better – like hot fudge on cold ice cream.
 
Accepting money from HUD for affordable housing is like getting a destructive virus in your lap top. The big government agency takes over town zoning and the citizens can only sit by and watch the destruction of orderly growth. Actually, it’s also like any other bribe where the advantage and control swings to the money..
 
Ok, quick – what’s another word for synonym?
 
With all of the media and fan adulation of QB’s, receivers, sacking pass rushers and running backs, the NE Pats have proven once again  that the one thing that separates the mediocre from the great is the offensive line play – a true silent majority. Just in case some millennials are reading this.
 
The Question:
Upon what card game was Modern Bridge built? Bonus: Who invented contract bridge?
 
The Headlines:
--Palestinians Attack Jerusalem Synagogue Killing 4; 3 Americans Among Dead.
--NATO Warns Of Very Serious Russian Military Build-Up In Ukraine.
--Dems Still Brian Dead From Election Trauma, Name Nancy P Minotiry Leader
--Obama Expected To be “Climate Change President” For remaining Two Years; He Will Build Upon New Deal With China, After Hopes For Wages, Education And Immigration Fade With New All GOP Congress.
--FCC Head Warns That Obama Endorsed Net Neutrality Plan Would Trigger New Tax On Internet.
--New USA Trend: Parents Moving In With Kids; Parents, In-Law Wing Latest Building Fad.
--Pope Francis Reaffirms Values Of Traditional Family.
--Adrian Peterson Suspended Fro remainder Of 2014 Season.
 
 What could be better for easing back from a disturbing political environment than a good simple recipe? I may feature sauces for Pork Chips all week. Today’s sauce for pork chops is a white wine, rosemary, sage creation. In a large bowl combine 2 Garlic cloves chopped, 1 tsp sage, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste. In large skillet, melt 2 tsps butter in 1 tsp OO. In skillet place 4 1 inch Pork Chops and brown both sides and 3-4 mins/side. Add ¼ cup of favorite white wine and bring to boil. Cover and simmer about 25-30 mins until juices flow. Remove chops. Bring juices (Scraping good gunk off bottom) to a boil over high heat and reduce til syrupy. Pour over chops.
 
The Voice:
I have come to like Damian, and was pretty excited about him singing one of my favorite songs, “He ain’t Heavy…” But he botched it big, singing in a disinterested, get me off this stage demeanor. He should be a bottom three, but he is popular enough to survive. Another person I like, Sugar Jones, may have screamed herself into the trash bin. Personally, I find her more entertaining than most, but she has to control herself and her modulation. I also like Jesse Pitts and she was almost real good last night. She’s is hanging on by her finger tips, but I feel she is refreshing enough to survive and hopefully grow stronger. Frankly, despite the reviews and Judges I found myself enjoying Ryan last night. TJ William seems to have a big following and for the life of me I don’t get his eerie presence. His singing has been good until last night when his song by “Bread” was plain white all the way. I had trouble getting started with Anita A last night as they stuck her in the middle of the Waving arms crowd. But she came out pretty good, but not great to me. I thought Reagan James was one of the best of the night – a very professional singer at only 16. Danica Shirey is also a very polished singer, but she doesn’t move me. I think Matt is a contender, but he was just another unidentifiable singer last night – even after he and Adam had a tedious tattoo matching orgasm. Chris Jamison is the singer covertly moving upward, gaining strength each night.  I thought Luke Wade was very good, and sang a little more than his normal musical utterances.  Right now you have to put Craig Wayne Boyd at the top of the heap. Enjoyed his “You Look So Good in Love”, and remember country always gets a lot of votes in this annual contest. Somebody has to go and it will probably be Ryan and Sugar.
 
The Tids lighting expert is seeing a hypocritical trend in the industry all because of the misguided desire for high cost green energy. Hot in the “Green” industry is LED lighting, which happens to be less efficient at spreading the  light around than the older fluorescents. In order to accommodate the low light LED’s in factories and schools for instance, The Education Department and OSHA are reducing government imposed standards for minimum lighting requirements. Green is about going backwards. Maybe the entire program was lobbied for by the Optometrist Organization.
 
The elite media is so arrogant that even after the people spoke in the election, the free press still thinks that Obama’s lies are better for America than the truth these intrepid first amendment adherents are supposed to uncover for the good of all.
 
Hey, did you see where after the Prez publicly rebuked Jonathon Gruber a day or so ago, a tape rose to the surface showing our esteemed president extolling the Grubster’s mind and creativity as proof of the viability ACA in his original pitch for the Government takeover of health care.
 
That reminds me of the women named Starr who just announced her engagement to marry Charles Manson. She said in an interview that the depiction of Charlie as evil, killer, crazy was just made up by TV and the media. Hey, I’m a millennial…I don’t have to know the past.
 
There is one thing for sure about ObamaCare, it has definitely increased the rosters of Medicaid recipients and the new costs to local taxpayers.
 
Yes I have given up politics. I’m not talking politics here, I’m talking about actual real bad stuff that’s going on in the offices of US Citizen’s employees.
 
If you’re wondering why there are several references this morning to “Millenials” it’s because they were discussed in yesterday’s Tids versus the boomers, XGens and pre 1945’s ”Silent gen”. (How about “Depression Babies?)
 
What t=do you call all of the kids conceived in elevators during the great 1965 Northeast Blackout – The elevator Generation. Up and down; Up and down; up and down… Naming generations – what a crock.
 
I don’t think tying the Legacy of a Presidency to a deal with China is a very good idea. In case you hadn’t read the deal in its entirety Nancy, it allows the Chinese to keep increasing emissions til 2030 while we clamp down on ours. Can you say economic disaster? It reminds me of the person who said to me that getting jobs after graduation was easy. I noted it was because you are working as a volunteer for a non-profit.
 
I think “State of Affairs” has possibilities, if they can stop with the close-ups of Heigle that make it look like a soft skin commercial. The mystery deepened a bit after the sappy scene with the president at Arlington National when questions were raised by a Tough guy “Ex?” Heigel lover about the real cause of Fiancé’s death. And, what’s with this President abandoning in Obama like fashion the traditional taps for a Coltrane Saxophone piece? Is this another episode of millennials abandoning the greatness of the past? By the way, maybe this TV program isn’t another promotional vehicle for The Hill after all --  The opening scene showed the hopelessness of the Victims in a Benghazi like attack
 
The Answer:
 The card game upon which Bridge grew was Whist. Whist had been played for centuries before 1886, when rules were documented as those that transformed Whist into “Biritch”. (Which was often known as “Russian Whist). Bridge became popular in the USA and UK 1890’s. In 1904 “Auction Bridge was developed where players bid in a competitive auction to decide the contract and declarer. Bonus: The innovations that gave us “Contract Bridge” were made by Harold Stirling Vanderbuilt while in Newport sitting on his America’s Cup Yacht waiting for a good breeze.
 
Here’s the way I like to remember, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother”:
 
 

Rubins world?

Today's Tids Issue 3,223
Opening Suff:
 
We need more of leave well enough alone. Why is somebody always altering perfectly good recipes for food treats like Pizza or Mac n’ Cheese? Why is it so hard to find a good coffee mug, you know like they used to make them, with straight sides and a firm base – simple, classic. There is just some stuff that has reached a state of perfection, and fiddling around with it creates more tension than resolution. Why do we have alter history or disprove the existence of God?  Why are millennial’s less patriotic, less religious, less apt to marry -- less aware of, or even interested in anything that is not there’s. As one reader suggests, try to pay for something at a fast food place with a $2.00 bill. They’ll arrest you for forgery. Lack of knowledge of the past doesn’t make what’s new better, or what’s right questionable.
 
You know the culture is in the death throws when the mass populace was mainly focused last week on the size of a celebrity butt.
 
MIT going undefeated his year in football is truly all about student athletes. And, the fans gathered and they cheered, and they were proud. They didn’t tip over cars, or loot stores. And then on Monday everybody went into the classroom. They felt better about themselves, but the real task ahead was the math formula on the blackboard.
 
Let’s hope the national media cabal isn’t going to use West Virginia U as the scapegoat for all bad college kid antics.
 
So, I’m watching construction behind my home, especially the artistry of the guy operating what we called in my youth a steam shovel, but now probably, “an articulating arms\, tank tread driven excavator”. Anyhow, it was big, and the man in charge had a feather touch. Then I looked closer and noticed that the left hand and arm was a robotic hook up to the elbow. I learned from a guy on the sire that about 15 years ago he had been electrocuted. And there he is, mastering a behemoth as if nothing happened. No matter what happens, never give up.
 
I never will get tired of listening to The Credo form Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis.
 
The world is all about two people looking at the exact same thing and having 180 degree opinions.
 
The Question:
Name the four so-called generations of masses since WWII.
 
The Headlines:
--Newest American Beheading Unites Thinking Against Evil IS.
--Putin Leaves G-20 Early After rebuke Fro Canada Over Ukraine Incursion.
--Japan Officially Enters Recession; US stocks Hanging In There.
--Newest US Ebola Patient Dies.
--Main Stream Media Starting To Catch On To Jonathon Gruber Revelations About Affordable Care Act Farce; Nancy P In Denial.
--Strong restaurant sales Indicate Christmas Buying Spree.
—Football Weekend: Upsets Highlight NFL and College; Miss State Knocked Off Perch By Alabama.
 
I’m going to lay off politics for a while. And get back to my kinder and gentler side.
 
Life was better before Tire Pressure Sensor inductor lights.
 
It would be great if the generation after the Millennial’s is called Hope At Last.
 
One of the things that bothers me about giant supermarkets are those times when you need a couple of basic items you have to run around several miles to find them. So I was pleasantly surprised while visiting a Wegman’s store to find a “Convenience Center” up front by the entrance that features the essentials that everybody always needs at the last minute. (I put in a suggestion to add crunchy Cheetos for a snack fix) Smarter for customer benefit -- is always better than marketing science.
 
There’s no truth to the rumor that with MIT’s recent gridiron success, alum and FaceBook Founder Mark Zuckerman is paying the Big 10 $100 Mill for admission!
 
There is little debate that Oregon leans liberal and certainly votes Democratic. They went for marijuana and Democrat majorities in the legislature. But, they also reversed opinions on immigration, voting 66-34 to cancel a new state law that would give driver’s licenses to “Illegals”. The silent people stepped up in a rout. I doubt if that will sway the man who never listens to the opposition – BO
 
The big new TV show premiere tonight is “State of Affairs” starring Katherine Heigle as a CIA analyst with the much too precious name of Charleston Tucker and often way too  glamorous for the gritty job. Her energies are devoted to uncovering the terrorist killing of h r fiancé who also just happens to be the son of the first Black, female president, (Mellennials will love it) This is another possible TV series vehicle to support the Hillary candidacy, but not even The Hill can claim being black for votes. Of course, the voters may believe she could be because they saw it on TV! I digress. There is not enough info in on the series yet, but generally critics are underwhelmed. I had been looking forward to this before I learned it is just more TV pap.
 
I watched the Hollywood Film Awards, the so-called insider awards ceremony where the participants’ are even more pretentious than ever. What struck me though is that every movie was pretty much a societal message film despite how they were disguising it as entertainment. Well, except maybe Gone Girl. Yet somehow, Gone Girl won best picture for 2014. Say what!  That lightweight, moderately interesting mystery? Now that was a surprise. The big winner of the night was The Imitation Game, a film ostensibly about breaking the Enigma Code in WWII but really about the fact that a gay guy did it, and that a smart women had to struggle to be accepted by men, and I guess gay men too. The odd thing about the show is that it is all preplanned as the winners are selected and not voted on. There are no surprises to the audience. It is a promo show for all of the next Award shows. I‘ve already had it with award shows. BTW, I don’t know faces, so I thought Queen Latifah was a junior entertainment reporter for CBS. I’d better get hip. Is “Hip” still a word?
 
I see where the extreme Islamist groups have intercepted the delivery of food and medical supplies to needy Syrians and are now distributing the life saving materials to the people under their extremist Organization flags. Let’s see, they are using US weapons supplied to Iraq to fight the war, and UN food and medical supplies as recruiting aids.
 
I mentioned a couple Tids-Weeks ago that I have been a big fan of Michael Keaton over the years, so I was happy to see that he won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hollywood Film awards. (Probably because they felt bad about giving the best Actor award to Imitation Game’s Benedict Cumberhatch, instead of MK for  Birdman.) If you can find it. Keaton’s Johnny Dangerously is a good spoof.
 
Angelina Jolie is looking anorexic. And J-Lo  has to practice walking past the booze table before her next celeb announcement gig.  If, she is ever asked back.
 
Gruber to me was right on target about voter acumen. The pols have been using voter complacency and lack of knowledge to their advantage for centuries.
 
The Answer:
We never used to group people born between certain years into demographic sameness. Like everything else in the world, when talking about people there’s good and bad, strivers and idlers -- whether defined by gender, race, ethnicity or generation. But the Pols love to label, which is probably the biggest reason for a divided country. The four generations are “The Millennial’s”, “GenX”, “Boomers” and the older folks -- “Silent”. The silent generation? The older people aren’t silent, the younger people just aren’t listening. Knowing the right thing and not doing it ruins the next party.
 
Gone Girl, best Picture?
 
The silent generation?
 

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Barack Obama is becoming a country of one.