The theory of relativity.

Today's Tids Issue 4,173

For Understanding:

How often do we criticize others for not liking or doing things exactly like us? And I’m not talking about those overly emotional, hysterical political movements of the moment, but just simple things in life -- like perhaps good pizza. Pizza taste is almost always relative to that pizza first tasted by anybody. Everybody is relative to their own past and a they are formed by it. Some people understand that, and others can’t see it.

I’m seeing some little things that may be signs of bigger changes. For instance, I’m seeing price reductions to some of those premium brands of trendy products, especially in coffee and ice cream, and perhaps vodka and other fancified boozes. Suddenly marketers and manufacturers may be seeing competitive pressure from lower cost products that are generally just as good as the artificially inflated by editorial acclaims and creative promotions. It may also be possible that it is the effect from and merging generation more sensitive to overpaying for marginal differences. Perhaps this maybe the stimulus that is waking up companies formerly flying high on a magic carpet ride.

The busy hairstylist had a lot on her plait.

When you are eating a great piece of swordfish, by comparison eating lettuce is very high on the boring scale.

The Question:

Who was the last wife of Henry the VIII? Bonus: Name all of the women who have run for Vice President of the USA.

The Headlines:

--Markets Expected To Rebound Today; Broadcom to Buy Software Giant CA Technologies For $19 Billion.

--Trump Says NATO Allies Have Agreed To Chipping In; European Officials See Growing Factions In 70 Year Old Mutual Defense Agreement That Might Fracture The Alliance For Good.

--While Trump Proposes Upping Trade War Anti, Chinas’ Xi Is Wooing Foreign Investment.

--Croatia Surprises The World With Trip To the World Cup Final Against France; It Will Be A Match Of Older Veterans (Croatia) Against The Young And Eager.

--Anti-Trump FBI Agent Strzok On Congressional Hot Seat Today.

--Manafort Loses VIP Deal After Being Transferred form Rural To City Jail; Stormy Arrested For Misdemeanor Touching In Strip Show.

--Papa John Founder, Chairman Forced Out Of His Company After Racial Slur On Conference Call; Businessman Outcast To Billion Dollar Lifestyle.

Another potential sign of a changing economy may be centered around a current mini-phenomena of high-priced homes flooding the market. One theory is that apparently folks with big homes (Especially second homes) that carry high local taxes want to get out from under the load that will no longer be a tax write-off. Is this the beginning of market price depression?

BTW, Harley-Davidson has every right to move some company manufacturing overseas for better profits and bigger markets. While the tariff arises as a nice excuse for the execution of a move, it is said that the younger generations not only don’t like the big Harley concept, but are shying away from motorcycles all together, It is just the opposite abroad where big Harley’s are hot- It is all relative to what somebody else has. This is another case of what is happening versus what you hear.

Silly me. Forbes said that Kylie Jenner was becoming ten youngest “Self-made Woman” Billionaire. And I thought they were talking about self-made woman Caitlyn Jenner.

Crab cakes is another of those mystery foods. I use the word mystery to say that while on all menus it is spelled “C-r-a-b-c-a-k-s, what arrives on your plate from one restaurant to another may be as different as kale is to steak. Actually, I shy away from ordering Crab cakes for just that reason. Occasionally, though, somebody will light up with big smile after tasting one and I will share to find it is that elusive good meaty cake I’ve been seeking but rarely find. It has only append 3 or 4 times, regardless of whether in Maryland or Cleveland.

While some of you agreed that Rhapsody in Blue was Gershwin’s greatest others were vehemently in favor of Porgy and Bess. Those two along with An American in Paris were probably his Big 3. Another of his big classical favorites is Piano Concerto in F. Manhattan Rhapsody, a 6 minute dream sequence from the movie “Delicious” became a classic of the day. To be fair to all ears out there, George and Ira (Brother lyricist) were quite prolific with tunes like his first big hit, Swanee. Others are Strike up the Band, Funny Face, Fascinating Rhythm and Oh Lady be Good. And who can forget I got Rhythm, Embraceable You and Of Thee I Sing. Many great standards came from Porgy, like Summertime. I Got Plenty of Nothin’, and It Ain’t Necessarily So.

The Answer:

Catherine Parr was Henry’s last wife. What a dreadful person he was. Bonus: Well, there was Geraldine Ferraro and my personal favorite Sarah Palin. But there were many more. The first woman to get on a ticket as VP was Belva Ann Lockwood running with National Equal Rights Candidate Marietta Stow in 1884. The first woman nominated by a party to run for President was Victoria Woodward of the Equal Rights Party in 1872. She picked a man for running mate. Nearly 30 women have run for president and vice president as candidates of many different parties like the Green and libertarian.

I have rarely used the old phrase, “Between a rock and a hard place”. But, it seems to apply beautifully to the current state of the newspaper industry. It produces one of those personal situations my anger over missing deliveries or cutting out features is tempered by my concern for the immensity of their battle for survival. I tip my hat to publishers, editors and reporters, regardless if I agree with their views or not. It’s all relative to the bigger picture.