The bogie man is the only answer.

Today's Tids Issue 3,519

Opening Stuff:

One post debate unscientific poll said that Rend Paul won big last night. Another unscientific poll said that after the debate 65% of over 600,000 voters said Trump should be president. So here’s you first warning -- don’t place any reliable on these type polls as absolute, but merely as directional. However, I did think that Rand looked good and for me there’s a lot to like about him. Cruz was excellent in his opening mock insults of the other candidates in Trump style. He was slick answering most questions as was tye ever thorough Kasich. I always like Christie and enjoyed his line about needing a Washington-DC-speak-to-English translation book after listening to inside the beltway senators Rubio and Cruz. Christie spent a lot of time jabbing Clinton instead of fellow Repubs. Marco is polished, that is for sure. He spoke to Iowans well, especially with his religious description of himself. But he stumbled - well, he really didn’t stumble because he answered boldly when asked to refute what he had said on old videos. So maybe he didn’t stumble, but his campaign may have. I personally though Jeb came alive for the first time, showing some wit and offering really very good credentials for the office.. So who won last night? Well, I voted in one of those bogus polls and I voted for Rand Paul.

The big financial news is that the Bank of Japan has gone to a negative interest rate. What the hell is that, you may ask. It is a Central bank ploy that in theory is supposed to increase available money for lending to businesses and consumers. Normally banks park money above requirements at central banks and get paid interest. When the rate goes negative, banks are charged for parking. This sounds good in theory, but nobody really knows if it will work, and the move could have the unintended consequence of banks passing the parking charges on to customers. What it says to me is that historical competitive economic theories are failing and that we have entered a new anything goes era, which could suck the confidence out of the markets. Or, maybe it’s because of too much nagging by Mother-in-law Big Governments.

There are a thousand opinions about the economy, and on the edge stock traders seem to jump at every one of them. However the answer is simple: What the US economy needs most is healthy inflation. CEO’s become geniuses when they can raise prices, pure and simple. America is the great America when more and more people buy more and more stuff they don’t need at higher prices.

Donald Trump tweeted out this caption which he put under two provocative photos of Megyn Kelly taken for a GQ photo spread: “And this is the Bimbo that’s asking Presidential questions?” Somehow I think the people of the USA deserve more. Haven’t we had enough selfish divisiveness? I mean I really lie the idea of an independent thinker, but, I want an adult too.

The Question:

Who was Joseph Hazelwood? Bonus: Katherine Ross was one of the darlings of Hollywood for what movie? What else did she do after that blockbuster? Double Bonus: Give me five works of Edgar Allen Poe.

The Headlines:

--Buddy is Gone: Providence RI Morning It’s “Saint And Sinner” Mayor Cianci; Classic Politician Turned Around City He Loved.

--Repubs Thrive Without Trump; Hillary And Donald Target Of Candidate’s Barbs.

--Surprise Bank Of Japan Move To Negative Interest Rates Boosts Stocks Into Positive territory At Opening; Bernanke Says Fed Likely to Add Negative Rates To Its “Toolkit”..

--Obama Admin To Force Companies To Submit Salary Data By Gender.

--Russian Jet Buzzes US Spy Plane Over Black Sea; Unarmed Iran Drone Flies Over US Aircraft Carrier Taking Precise Pictures.

--Saudi Arabia Shiite Mosque Attacked.

--Authorities Concerned As Spread of Zika Gains Momentum.

--Former Denver Bronco Running Back Derek Loville Among 21 Busted By US Authorities In International Gambling And Drug Ring.

The best economic news is that the Chicago PMI surged from 42.r to 55.6, which is huge. In case you forgot, this Chicago Supply Management Index indicates a growing economy when it is above 50. Last month I draped the economy with black shrouds as I reported on that truly dreadful number. But today, it looks like we are back in sonic boom territory.

Around here, My favorite and best coffee buy is Seattle’s Best #5.

The nine worst states in which to retire are #1 New York, followed by Washington DC, California, Oregon, Hawaii, New Jersey, North Carolina, Minnesota and Illinois. It’s all about cost of living, unless of course you can find some free squatter’s land in Oregon.

I think that the stars have gotten too big for the movies.

In case you are wondering which candidate is considered most Narcissistic by Americans, a poll shows that Donald wins 35 states with Hillary a close second, Hillary wins 12 states outright and Bernie Sanders wins New Mexico 60-40 over Donald. Wyoming doesn’t pick anybody, which may be because of the marijuana haze drifting up from Colorado. Louisiana also doesn’t pick because somebody got paid off.

So, if Americans are looking at new slogan, “In Narcissism we Trust”, then Trump is a shoe-in.

There’s nothing about what I’ve seen or heard of the box office hit movie The Revenant that makes me want to spend $10 bucks to see it.

The Parking Lot: Chapter 43.

   Two minutes after the town meeting began, Nancy slipped quietly into the last row just inside the door. Nobody noticed her because all eyes were on the panel of casino promoters and developers at the front, and of course the town’s instant mini-celebrity, Fred. The place was packed. Nancy hunkered down after a glance from a woman nearby indicated a sense of recognition.

   The first part of the meeting was a glorious show with architects and marketing people displaying in rapturous detail the savior of the community, gambling and glitz. Nancy was feeling sad about the potential transformation of her beautiful place. But her emotions were not important. While this all went on and on to some laugher and smatterings of applause, Nancy became focused on the plot maps and the encroachment on lands she controlled.

   At the end of the presentation that earned a decent response, a large guy went up and shook hands with the presenters and several of the well dressed principles at the main table. It was Henry J. Howland. Nancy pulled her scarf up over her nose and mouth

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--The Final Hours is a true life adventure film abut a Coast Guard crew that has to rise above their limited experience to rescue the crew of a battered, floundering freighter off the New England coast. It is fair but many will like it. Has the feel at times of The Perfect Storm.

--Lazer team is a decent Sci-Fi yarn about the reception of a signal from outer space and The US government hiding the translation that said “we are not alone” and that “the galaxy is a dangerous place”. A super suit is designed for a super hero to fight the super battle and save the Earth, but it is intercepted by goofy Three stooge types and the comedy is on.  People actually like it.

--Kung Fu Panda is animated fun and the family will like it. Dad returns and the two of them set off on a humorous panda road trip  adventure.

The Answer:

Joseph Hazelwood was the captain of the Exxon Valdez. He was acquitted of every serious accusation after a lengthy trial. Bonus: Of course Katherine Ross was finally the object of Dustin Hoffman’s y in The Graduate. Everybody cheered when they ran out of the church. Katherine ran off a lot as she was married 5 times between 1962 and 1984. Katherine never made it to icon status, but she did appear in some of the most popular films ever, in addition to The Graduate – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, plus one  my favorites – The Stepford Wives. She was also in a small movie that I thought was very good, a mystery with a cool twist – Games. Double Bonus: EAP wrote The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum, the Telltale Heart, Annabel Lee, Lenore, The Masque of the Red Death, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The purloined Letter, Fall of the house of Usher and the Gold-Bug.

Hollywood doesn’t make tight little movies like the games anymore. For that you have to go to European films.

At one time Poe often visited a Providence RI poet he wanted to marry named Sarah Whitman who lived on Benefit Street just a couple of blocks from one of Buddy’s Cianci’s homes.  You have to wonder what kind of plots Buddy may have inspired in the Poe mind.

My head is weighted down in political mush. My real opinion of the debate last night is that everything has been said over and over again, and they should all go home and leave us alone. It’s ruining my TidThink!

Have a great Weekend, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!!

A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.

Today's Tids Issue 3,518

Opening Stuff:

The spirit of Americans has always been one of striving forward, not sitting idly by. The greatness has never come from relaxing and watching life pass by; sitting in the back seat letting the Government drive you to your appointed destiny. Democrats and Republicans alike have always broken through the bonds of contentment to move beyond mere satisfaction. So why are we allowing the haze of complacency disguised in the robes of fairness blind the ignition of everybody’s innate nature for self reliance. Stop the nonsense. Bring back the fire.

I had the occasion yesterday to pass by the waiting room of the local hospital cancer center. It was packed with people, doing what all people do in waiting rooms – reading, watching the clock and looking up every time a nurse enters the room. Most looked calm, engaged, just as they would if you passed them on a street, stood behind them at a checkout line or sat next to them in a theater. You never can see the courage in the hearts or daunting physical and mental pain of people fighting deadly daily battles. You never know what kind of day a stranger may be enduring. That’s why I try to smile as I walk by.

And, you really never know what’s in the hearts of diplomats. Yesterday Kerry of the USA and his counterpart in China, walked out after a long conference on China Sea Islands and North Korea activity saying that progress was made. Then, in the press conference they were diametrically opposed on all questions. I guess the art of diplomacy is hiding the truth, unless of course you are in Benghazi and need help fast. Shouting “Help!” is as clear as it gets.

The Fed may have mis-parsed their words yesterday beacause the Stock Market really, really nose dived after they spoke.

The Question:

Double “Q” Day! 1. Who is Louise Hovick? 2. What did Marthe Keller ever do?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Tag Onto 7% Oil Price Increase For Hot Early Opening, Then Drift Back From Black.
--IS Claims Responsibility For Attack On Egyptian Military Convoy; 16 dead in Latest Nigeria Bombings; Bombs Outside Yemen Presidential Palace Have Country On Edge.

--Sweden To Deport Up to 80,000 Refugees in the Next Two Years; Germany Also Finding Higher percentages Of Dangerous People In new Refugees.

--FaceBook Expands Anti-Terrorism Squad; Enhanced FB Cop Group Keeps Eye On 1.3 Billion Subscribers (70% Outside Of USA) For Terror Related Activity,

Just In Irony, Department:

The front page of the Providence Journal this morning had a huge story about the rescue rebirth of a downtrodden Providence from near bankrupt despair in the early 1970’s. It was dead and gone, according to many. A few minutes ago I heard that a man who had a lot to do with shaking things up to get the process underway, moving it forward, Buddy Cianci, died this morning. Buddy to people outside of RI is known more for being the Mayor going to jail on racketeering charges, or for clubbing his ex-wife’s boyfriend with a 2x4. But, regardless of his quirky habits, he got things done. People who don’t like him, dispel his contributions saying it was many others who revived the beautiful city, sold so magnificently by Buddy. And, it was buddy who knew how to move lethargic politicians into positive actions. Buddy’s vision is one of the reasons why Travel & Leisure mark it as one of the ten best US places to visit. He never stopped imagining greatness, and doing something about it. Buddy was something else, and everybody will agree on that.

There’s no truth to the rumor that Clint Eastwood will take over the empty podium at the Repub Debate tonight.

Paragon Lost, Department:

Liberals in America always hold up Denmark as a paragon. So you can imagine how dismayed these La-La land dreamers were when they learned that the Danes in an effort to make the country less appealing to refugees were confiscating all assets of refugees. Some protestors likened it to the Nazi’s taking gold teeth from Jews.  The truth is, though, that everybody in Denmark who receives social benefits is subject to the same rule. Maybe Lefties will have to hold up The USA as the new paragon as we give away everything asking for nothing in return.

The Oregon stand-off must be about something, but it hasn’t assaulted my brain yet.

In 2011 Donald Trump Tweeted: “Megyn Great; Debate No-Shows Bad.”

You may not have noticed, but congress is in session.

Pundits demean conservative ideas and humor not because they don’t get it, but because they don’t want to get it.

I think that Ali-Baba still looks like a company with a great future. But in general, this new a wave of Internet stocks bewilders me. FaceBook for instance, which is probably a social gathering place where people hang out their laundry, cracked the $300 billion net worth yesterday and showed excellent profit growth and increased ad sales. I think I have to go back to ad school.

So while FB has made billions offering you something you didn’t know you needed, here is an App everybody has had a need to use often. Have you been intrigued by those ads for Tile, the App that helps you find things? I have. I looked it up and found that there is also another competitor called TrackR. It turns out that TrackR could be slightly better, or maybe a little less cumbersome. Anyhow, an App reviewer likes the overall concept a lot, and it is easy to use. People use it to find keys, wallets, pets and even the phone itself. All you do is slip the tracking devices into the items often misplaced, and set your phone to Bluetooth and GPS. What’s interesting is that if the lost items are even far away, other phones in the area with the service will pick up the signal and automatically send a notice to your phone. Ooooo-Weee-Oooo. Also, if you press a button on a tracking device it will trigger a ring from your lost phone even if it is on “Silent”, Say hallelulia!

I’ll tell ya, there’s some pretty smart people out there with strong moral roots still looking at Rick Santorum as the best person for America. He’s one of those candidates where people too intelligent for their own good tune out and miss a lot of solid thinking.

The Parking Lot: Chapter 42 continues…

  “We’ll be in touch with you, Fred.” Nancy listened for several more seconds and pressed off.

   Jared raised his eyes as in saying, Ok tell me more. “Beth,” Nancy shouted into the kitchen, “Fred asked how you and the children were?”
    “That’s nice,” came the reply accompanied by a clatter of pans.

   “Fred didn’t have much to say,” started Nancy now turning towards Jared, her face looking a lot more serious. “He said something that led me to believe that Rackovic, may he rest in peace, was under the gun from somebody else. We may just be in a lull. Somebody else is watching these events as closely as we are, and it wont belong until they begin thinking it is I and my mysterious gentleman friend behind it all.” Nancy smiled up at Jared, who these days liked nothing better. 

   “So chief, where are we?” Jared smiled back.

   “There’s a casino meeting at town hall tomorrow night, and if the police don’t detain Fred, my guess h is that he will be there, along with whomever is really behind the entire mess.”

    Nancy stood up and walked across the room where she put her arms around Jared and her head on his chest, squeezing and feeling the connection she needed now. “I’ll be there too.”

  

The Answer:

1. Everybody but me probably knew that Louise Hovick was Gypsy Rose Lee – Bada-Bing. And, her sister was June Havoc. 2. Marthe Keller was a pretty good Swiss actress who first raised American eyebrows with her role as Dustin Hoffman’s girlfriend in marathon man. She was also intriguing as the terrorist in Black Sunday. After working with Al Pacino in the romantic comedy Bobby Deerfield, they started a romance of their own. After film in the US and Europe, Marthe went back to her classical roots and became very active in opera, first taking many speaking roles, and then finally into successful opera direction.

Do you realize how much tighter our country’s bonds would be if the opposing sides didn’t reject out of hand the entirety of each other’s views?

God, I’m much too portentous today.

Will all the other’s get a bump.

Without the presence of Mr. Trump

Or will, the show become a blotch

As not a soul tunes in to watch!

Empty churches; crowded casinos.

Today's Tids Issue 3,517

Opening Stuff:

Trump grabs the headlines once again has he bows out in advance of the Fox debate tomorrow. I thought he was right at being annoyed at the Fox News attempt at political humor, which ironically was as sophomoric as some of Trump’s own antics. I believe he hurts himself if he is running away from Meagan Kelley because she’s mean to him. Tough guys don’t run away from sticks and stones. God help us. I have never been a big fan of Trump at any level, but I fully understand his popularity and the desire by so many earnest Americans to get somebody in there who tells the public the way it is. Along the way the Trumpster has also focused the light on all of those candidates with no clothes, which leaves many nowhere. I liked the moral stance of Carson, the small government beliefs of Rand Paul, the humanity of Huck, the accomplishments of Kasich, the logic of Carley and the gruff tough no holds barred positions of Christie. But they are all running in place and Trump isn’t. So where do I go? I liked Cruz in the Senate, but not so much now, and am underwhelmed by Bush and Rubio. So where do I go?

Rick Santorum is looking better and better. Or, is that Linsey Graham?

All of the good things in life that you remember never seem that far in the past.

I see where The Hill has gone to Plan B by promising to name Barack Obama to the Supreme Court. Great, just great…a constitutional law professor who doesn’t seem to understand the constitution. Or does he, like a Mafia lawyer who knows how to get around the law for nefarious gains? You think this isn’t one of the most important elections in recent times? The 0-Man in the Supreme Court! Gadzooks.

The Question:

Name the ex-Presidents who have been named to the Supreme Court. Bonus: There is corruption somewhere in almost every country, but Six are the worst. Name them.

The Headlines:

--Trump Nixes Repub Debate After Weird Fox News Release.

--Market Is Up; Russia, OPEC Promise Oil Production Cuts To Up Prices; US Net Worth Declines By $1.2 Trillion.

--London Jury Says Not Guilty For Six Traders On trial For Conspiracy To Fix Libor Rates; Result Was Big Surprise.

--President Going To War Against Virus Zia; US Residents Test Positive.

--Sanders To Meet With Prez In White House.

This town of mine, Newport, became a 17^th/18^th century sea power for many reasons -- deep protected harbor, quick access to the ocean and Europe, and because it opened the doors to all religions. Great, smart contributers from religions like Quakers and Jews, shunned and persecuted in Europe, found free access to any beliefs as they walked up Long Wharf towards the green spaces in the fledgling city. Today, this is a city full of historic churches, built in neighborhoods, and not on town greens like so many other states of the day supporting one true religion. It is a magnificent heritage. Yet, as I walk around the streets and lanes where these beautiful old churches have stood for centuries, I see emptiness, struggling congregations and reuse. I feel there is little more disturbing for all of us as a whole as this country goes forward. I see a country seemingly acceptable to shunting churches aside in favor of a guiltless society that can only propagate lower standards. I’d like to hear again the organs strong, and the voices grand praising Gods love, and the giving courage of mankind. I’m not asking for much.

I read in the Obits this morning that one of the country’s best and most influential graphic designers, Rhode Island’s Malcolm Grear, died yesterday. He had the best lit, best staged photo on the page.

I feel that there is so much talent in the world that a last minute substitution for the lead role, even if it is the current superstar darling of the Broadway critics, does not diminish the play in the slightest.

Vaughn Meader was the guy who I first remember making light of an enormously serious symbol of , the US presidency. It bothered me at the time. It bothers me now as I see more and more characters making light of key institutions that provide faith and comfort for billions across the world. You can disagree with a certain leader, but don’t take away the foundation.

I read a story in the newspaper this morning about a guy who has written about 11,000,000 words in his morning journal since 1964! He says it helps him immensely and hopefully, he says, maybe even readers of the book of one man’s thoughts. I have written about 8.8 million so far and I agree, that writing is among the most fruitful of all pastimes.

If you didn’t think grammar was important in elementary school and beyond, watch how The Fed nuances words and sentence structure when speaking out on the economy. Everything is about words, includingthe rise and fall f the Stock market.

Speaking of word drought, Trump needs to find a vocabulary that provides him with alternatives to “Bimbo” when retorting to criticism.

Even some journalists should go back to school: “Man Kills Self before Shooting Wife and Daughter.”; “Panda mating Fails; Veterinarian takes Over.” (And, for RI) “Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges>”

I see where Cubans are turning to tourism as the only way back after the Socialist/Communist leadership bombed their economy into oblivion. Sounds like Rhode Island. Check that. It sounds like more and more USA states as Bernie Sanders type leaders win office with give-away programs and anti business proclamations.

If Bloomberg runs for President, he will be the richest man ever to seek that office. How funny will it be when Donald Trump is only #2!

The Answer:

Actually, there was only one ex-President named to the Supreme Court. William Howard Taft was a Constitutional law Professor just like You-Know-Who. Bonus: North Korea and Somalia tied for the total as Most Corrupt country in the world. The next four are Afghanistan, Sudan, North Sudan and Angola. Others in the bottom 10 are Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Iraq and Venezuela. Countries that really slipped this year are Brazil, Australia, Libya, Spain and Turkey.

Had an early appointment, which means late Tids. Thanks for your patience.

Hey, it looks like Golf weather in a couple of days.