Tension Mounting.

Today's Tids Issue 4,315

Countdown:

There are so many things magical about cold winter days. None more than exploring the coastal villages, now free from littering crowds. The once bustling shorefronts are at peace, with but shorebirds taking charge under bluer, clearer skies. Marsh coves harbor an occasional old wooden rowboat, paint flicking off the sides, awaiting daily chores. Walking upon the wooden dock, the cold water, rippled by soft breezes provides a clear view to a silty bottom where winter populations scurry for food and lodging. I stand upon the dock’s end and feel the history of the founders from Plymouth seeing for the first time this new haven. This prefect village at the apex of a long, winding, uncluttered, Spartina rimmed estuary. Today at peace. And it is in me.

It’s getting to me. I’ve begun the pacing and the tum taking. I can feel my muscles tightening. I’m blocking out predictions that say the Pats can win it all. I have the faith but don’t have the conviction, yet. The more I think, the nervouser I get. Yes, it is about 3 ½ days before kickoff, and I’m crumbling.

Wall Street had to be happy yesterday. The Fed said it will be kind, and the huge new hiring data says that business is felling very good about the future and bringing aboard employees.

Have you noticed that the only thing that can get by eyelashes to poke you in the eye is a long eyelash?

The Question:

What do you think are the top ten US exports? Bonus: What are Venmo and Zelle?

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Look For Bumps In Road Following Huge Hump Day Rally.

--8 Dead Due To Frozen Chicago; 4 More Deaths In Iowa Attributed to Cold Weather.

--China- US Trade Talks Seem To Be Still Positive.

--Italian Economy Slips Into Recession.

--Tesla CFO Exits Causing Concerns Among Wall Street Analysts; Expiration Of $3,700 Tax Credits Causing Inventory Build-Up.

--GE Bouncing back On Strong Q3 Earnings.

--Democrat Rookie Congress Person Ilhan Omar Continues To Step In It.

Kamala Harris’s candidacy announcement speech sounded like it was written by RI Gov Gina Raimondo. Eerie. Coming to a state house near you: “Free Pre-school through College graduation day”. Rejoice.

Pavlov walks into a bar. The phone rings and he says, “Damn, I forgot to feed the dog.”

CBS is promoting the SB commercials for all of those who don’t really like football. For those whose pregame prep involves scouring the net for more ways to use avocado. The latest on the Ads is that they will feature plenty of star power. But, if they aren’t funny, a star can’t save them. Unless they enlist associate producers to flash “Laugh” signs to household audiences.

There are puns so corny they hurt your ear.

Now, after his rampage against the Intelligence community he hired, Trump will probably lose more diehards who hung on through so many of his misstatements

This is definitely Kleenex season for this old nose.

I feel I should be writing in depth analyses about the Wall and the arguments about immigrants, and the probability of another shutdown. But I’m just tired of the child play. What’s the sense of making sense when so many people won’t understand it?

I’m glad we have all of these Progressive Dem candidates. I can see their statements fueling the comedic side of Tids.

A Florida pest control company offers “Free Snowplowing” to all customers. Yeah, nice, rub it in

The Internet has been great for legislatures creating new laws against new crimes.

For every angry woman, there is a man who doesn’t know what he has done wrong.

The Answer:

In 2017, #1 US export was machinery including computers. Next was electrical machinery, equipment followed by Mineral fuels - Oil (The fastest growing segment), Airsoft/Spacecraft, Vehicles, Optical and Medical apparatus, Plastics, Gems and Precious metals, Pharmaceuticals and #10 Organic Chemicals. The two components that declined were Aircraft and pharmaceuticals. And all his time I thought US movies and the “Ellen Show” were number one. Based on exports from Jan through October 2018, it is expected that 2018 will easily pass 2017 -- $1.667 Trillion to $1,547 T -- with Oil perhaps moving to Number One. Bonus: Venmo is the leading Digital Wallet – a cash transferring system. It is owned by PayPal. Zelle is the same but newer, and is the product of bank-owned Early Warning Systems. For Venmo, you use a Venmo app. For Zelle, you use your bank’s app. There can be problems, like sending money to the wrong text or email. NJ is passing a law that would make it a serious crime to spend mis-sent money.

They laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a comedian. They aren’t laughing now.

Facts are good.

Today's Tids Issue 4,312

Did ja hear about the cowboy, Rabbi and Priest who walked into a bar. The bartender asked, "Is this some kind of a joke?"

It’s always nice to get facts. Several of our intelligence operatives laid out their knowledgeable views on several of the well-known danger fronts. I thought most disconcerting of all was the indication of a growing togetherness between China and Russia. That could hurt, for sure. I always have said that Middle East adversaries have been waiting out outside intruders for thousands of years.  They never surrender. They just find another bush to hide behind. (BTW, “bush” was not apolitical statement.)

A good friend and Tidster writes to say he heard that it’s so cold in Chicago that lawyers have their hands in their own pockets.

My landline phone has been down now for several days. I am re-appreciating once more the perfect beauty of a life gone by without robocalls.

Moses had the first tablet that was connected to the cloud.

The Question:

In 1981, NYC honored a large group of Americans with 2 Million citizens turning out to cheer them in a ticker tape parade. What do you think was the group? Bonus: Name Three of Phil Collins best songs.

The Headlines:

--Stocks look To Start Healthy; Boeing Profits In The Clouds; Alibaba Profits Magical Even In Slowing China Economy.

--Fed Meeting Ends Today; Expected To Announce Dovish Policy For 2019.

--Private Sector Adds 213K Jobs Crushing Estimates, Despite Gov Shutdown; Second Month In A Row Of Battering Estimates.

--Maduro Tells Russia Media He’s Ready to Negotiate; Piles Of Gold Bars Seen Being Loaded On Russian Plane By Fleeing Maduro Cronies.

--Midwest Battling A Colder Than Midwest Normal Winter Cold.

--Sex Worker Who Said She Had The “Dirt” On Trump Russia Involvement, Now Retracts All Statements; Says She Used Fabrication To Make Deal To Get Out Of Thai Prison.

--Hillary Not Running According To Former Campaign Chair.

I grew a beard expecting that more people would see me as a distinguished gentleman. But mostly what I got were senior discounts.

Every rational human relishes finding real facts about issues, history science, economics and whatever else is primarily driving opinion. Except of course, an individual or group with an ideology.

I had to love that Houston Police Union Chief who gave us an honest opinion about a situation that shouldn’t at all be debatable – The safety of police officers. All the big national news used his words, “We are sick and tired of dirtbags trying to take our lives…”  But I noticed that most of them omitted his next lines: “And for the ones who are out there spreading the rhetoric that the police officers are the enemy…and we’re going to be making sure we’re going to be holding you accountable every time you stir the pot on our police officers.” I wonder why that was omitted? Duh.

One thing for sure, the definition of “Funny” has changed generationally. Must have. Why else would the so-called “Funniest Superbowl Commercials of All Time” lay such a gigantic egg, at least to me. Particularly disheartening were the two finalists to be voted on live for the funniest of the year. The tow left me scratching my head. I did laugh at the old Pepsi commercial with the Coke delivery guy grabbing a Pepsi from the cooler. I liked all of the home grown Doritos commercials, and the revolving Bud fridge. And certainly, I laughed at he guy diving onto the bed and sliding out the window. The advanced look at two for Sunday were duds. But, the show basically left me concerned about the scene of humor of our young.

I thought becoming a real estate agent would be easy, but I had a lot to learn. That wasn’t funny either.

There’s a lot of news lately about growing cases of measles. The only thing I remember about having measles was missing school and eating ice cream.

Actually, in those days we all used to argue about who had the worst case of a childhood disease. It was all fun and games, that is, until Polio came along.

We’ve all heard of the Rubber chicken circuit. Now it appears that Tyson is expanding that concept with the announcement of rubber contaminated chicken nuggets. Eaters have been enjoying a bounce in their step! (Note: Tyson has recalled 18 tons of the elastic chicken and said that the contamination was slight and that body has been injured.) Sometimes I stretch a point looking for a laugh.

It is not wise for the President to “Blast” intelligence officers who give him daily critical information.

Greg Popovich is one of those a handful of great coaches.

Every time a company from New York City buys one of our local institutions, they say are gouging to make it better. Well, better is relative. Most of the big city style changes have not worked, at least for many locals approval. The latest is a steak house that serves a wide variety of great steaks and prime rib at incredibly affordable prices…and featuring mashed potatoes and Gravy! We can kiss that gravy good-bye.

The soft tissue between a shark’s teeth is called a slow swimmer.

That wasn’t very noce.

The Answer:

The big parade in NYC 38 years ago today was for the American Iran Hostages. It was big day for America. Today, half the country would boo them. Bonus: Phil Collins was a pretty popular singer. I liked him. I remember Against All Odds. Some others were Another Day in Paradise, In the Air Tonight, You’ll be In My Heart, I Don’t Care Any More, I Wish it Could Rain Down, One More Night, Easy Lover Son of Man, Take Me Home,  Sussudio and We Will Rock You.

What’s wrong with a little music in a mixed-up world:

https://www.bing.com/search?q=in+the+air+tonight+youtube+phil+collins&qs=SC&pq=in+the+air+tonoght+you+tube+ohil+collins&sc=1-40&cvid=AE6832D6F6514B639FA458DF6620FFB4&FORM=QBRE&sp=1

See you tomorrow!

Fill it to the brim.

Today's Tids Issue 4,310

Always full:

I think there were things we always had,

Most were good, a mere few just bad.

But we managed to live out each day

Without deep fear and utter dismay.

Always saw glasses that were half full,

Until now, we’re told that’s just bull.

That’s how today’s politicians fared,

By keeping the country always scared.

A good friend reminded me the other day, that one of the great things in life is helping neighbors when they need it.

From what I have been hearing, the big new Super Bowl treat is expected to be crushed “fiery crunchy Cheeto” crusted chicken wings.

Is it really colder? Or do those new multi-colored weather maps just make it look colder?

The Question:

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary…”. Who wrote that and in what poem?

The Headlines:

--Dow Returns To Healthy Numbers, Up Triple Digits Mid-Morning.

--Mnuchin Expecting Significant Progress In China Tarde Talks This Week.

--Largest US Utility PG&E Files For Bankruptcy.

--Polar Vortex To Consume Midwest And East For Two Days.

--Trump Admin Sanctions Venezuela State Oil Company; Move Will Keep Millions Out of Hands Of Maduro And His Generals.

--Repubs May Block Trump From Another Shutdown.

--DOJ Announces Criminal Charges Against China’s Huawei; “Alleged Attempt’s To Copycat T-Mobile Robot Were Like Comic Spy Movie.”

--New WAPO/ABC News Dem Presidential Poll: Biden 9%, Harris 8%, Trump 4%, Sanders 4%, O’Rourke 3%; Others t 2% were Michelle Obama and Elizabeth Warren. At 1% were Booker, Bullock, Hillary, Klobuchar, Pelosi And Oprah; 43% Of Dems Have No Opinion And 7% Said Somebody not On List.

Back in antiestablishment 1967, it was “One word – Plastics”. (from the film The Graduate.) In anti-everything Today, it is – “Plastics” – the antichrist”.

The generals are keeping Maduro in power. The lower ranks are paid peanuts. In fact, the rank in file soldiers get $1.50/month. If one of Maduro’s generals’ breaks ranks, I believe there is an army ready to break out of the bonds that bind them and get behind him. That’s from where the overturn will come, the disgruntled with guns and leadership.

Companies today don’t just want to sell you a product, they want you to enter into a kind of conjugal bondage. Thyer keep telling me that it will be better for my life if I disclose everything about me to them so I can easily gain access to my own data in their files.

For my meager services participating in a web operation, I earn points which from time to time gives me CVS gift cards. I use them mainly for pain relieving creams.

Unfortunately for National Grid, which did a great job during the outage, there also lives in the area a notorious PIL. That’s PIl, as in Personal Injury Lawyer. He has already established a class action suit for those, “Who have suffered and will continue to suffer from mental anguish and depression from not being in their homes.”  Maybe I’d better go back and check on my mental anguish.

Spell-Check is having several brainless moments this morning.

Before there were malls, there were logging sites called chopping centers.

As gas prices tumbled, Tesla will have to be careful about raising charging station charges. They recently released a new raise to 31 Cents/KWH. But Telsa owners screamed and it was reduced to 28 cents. But that still made charging more expensive than gas fill-ups now that the national average gas price is down to 2.25/gal. Using 100 KW as capacity for a Tesla, the cost of a fill-up would be $28.00. With 12 gal capacity in a gas car, the cost would be $27.00. Before the gas drop, Electric car “fill-ups’ were significantly less expensive than gas, and that was a big plus for tesla owners. And that’s the way it goes as new technologies mature.

I was losing sight of this Tids, and then I cleaned my glasses.

People will be going to night school to learn how to turn off FaceTime and avoid Apple’s eavesdropping bug.” Would you call a texterminator?

I was trying to find you a good list – “Best SUV’s in the Snow”. Unfortunately, I found at least ten lists, and every one of them was entirely different. But some SUV’s that seemed to be more prevalent than others were the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru Forrester, Audi Q5, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota 4Runner and Highlander, Honda CRV, Lexus GX and Range Rover Land Rover Sport.

The Answer:

It was Edgar Allen Poe in his poem, The Raven, these rhyming words were said, before the visions of is beloved, Lenore, and the appearance of that Bird who said over, “nevermore”.

I have been without phone service nor internet connection now for two days. I’m sure Verizon has been trying to call me about this. Maybe they don’t my phone out. If I didn’t pay my bill, they’d be calling.