Perception wars.

Today''s Tids Issue 4,476

Liking people:

As everybody knows Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”. Today with so many houses divided it’s a wonder we haven’t collapsed. Another guy named Siri Hustveldt said, “There is not a single, unifying, objective truth. We are all limited by our perspective.” Hmmm. That sounds dour. But their is an element of objective truth to his observations. If we somehow can come to the realization of how selfish we are with our own opinions, perhaps we can chip away at the walls blocking conversations and listening. This divide just frustrates the hell out of me.  

The USA in the post 911 months and years was probably more united than in most periods in history. How could this country become filed with so much hate in just 15 to 17 years? Did somebody put something in the water. Was it the development widespread use of social media? Have we forgotten how much people in a society need each other? How important cooperation and collaboration is? Or is it just angry policies usual, with the empowered yearning to retain power by diving people apart in order to justify their own raison d’etre.

In case you missed it, this is the last palindrome week of the century, starting with 9-10-19. Today is 9-12-19 and we now proceed to 9-19-19. Just in case you are tired of counting sheep, try this to dull your mind before sleeping.

The Question:

What are considered the greatest of Dystopian novels?

The Headlines:

--Supreme Court Approves Severely Limiting Ability Of Migrants To Claim Asylum; Since Mexico Stepped Up Restrictions, Illegal US Immigrations Way Down.

--Trump Delays China Tariff Increases As Trade Talks Approach; Stock Futures Up.

--As European Recession Fears Grow, ECB Cuts Rates For First Time Since 2016.

--Dems Line Up To Put Each Other Down In Tonight’s Big Debate.

--16 States Reject Perdue Pharma Lucrative Opioid Settlement

--England PM Boris Johnson Accused Of Lying To Queen To Get Backing For Shutting Down Parliament

--Omar Apology For Disrespectful 911 Remarks Less Than Sincere.

--East Coast Boat Show Season Opens Today With Giant In Water Show At Newport RI.

The old Tids Pickin’ staff got off to a good opening NFL week at 13-2-1. Onward! On Thursday we have two former great college QB’s going against each other, Cam Newton and James Winston. Personally, it looks like a toss-up, but home team Carolina should beat TB. The top games from picker’s perch are Saints-Rams, Vikes Pack and The Birds – Eagles-Falcons. Somewhat significant is Colts-Titans, Seahawks-Steelers and Cowboys-Redskins. Of course, most fans have been waiting for the rematch between the Rams, who won the NFL Championship, and the Saints who lost, probably because of a ref’s indecision. I’m picking Saints. The Pack “D” surprised me last week. I think the Vikes are a better team. But I’m looking for a Pack win at home. I don’t trust either The Eagles Falcons so I see tis one as a a toss-up. I like the Eagles. Titans are well disciplined, so I take Tennessee over Indy. The Steelers should be better than they were last week. I’ll pick them at home over Seattle. Everybody has jumped upon the Cowboy bandwagon. Washington is a big rival and not that bad. This is an important game for Dallis credibility. But here, it’s Skins to upset Dallas,

Of the rest, I’m picking the Pats over the Dolphins, Texans over QB-Less Jags, Chargers over Lions, Ravens over Cardinals, Chiefs over Raiders, Bears over Broncs, Niners over Bennie’s, and Browns to get over preseason clippings and beat Jets. Actually, the Giants versus the Bills, the battle of New York, could be an interesting one. I like the coaching at Buffalo and not so much the coaching at NYG. I think the Bills are more driven and I’m going with them.

Former White House operatives Sean Spicer and Mike Flynn both live in town here. And they are next door neighbors. Could be a few good stories over that back fence.

The more you watch that Showtime black comedy, “On becoming God in Central Florida”, the more it grows on you. It stars Kristin Dunst, and after you attune yourself to early convolutions, it starts to fall into place.

The more Antonio Brown tries to defend himself of rape and assault charges the more he looks like a slug, the more he displays the complete lack of a moral compass.

The spectrum: One of my daughters graduated High School with Laura Ingraham. Another daughter graduated with Debra Messing. I guess they won’t be introducing them at reunions. 180 digress of separation.

Getting beyond the headlines, Department:

Contrary to perceived media endorsed impressions, Dem Candidate Marianne Williamson says she finds Conservative far kinder to her than liberals. “You know, I am a serious lefty,” says Williamson, “but they are so…I didn’t think the left was as mean as the right, but they are.”

The right only appears mean because they demand higher standards from all. There is no better goal for any society than the highest of standards.

That “Worst Cooks In America” Food Network show looks dreadful in promos to me.

The Answer:

1984 is the clear winner, and is followed by Animal Farm, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 41, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Giver, A Clockwork Orange, The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies and The Road. The Next five are V for Vendetta, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Watchmen, The Children of Men and Logan’s Run.

Actually, I believe everybody is for unity as long as they all unify under their umbrella. And today, everybody is walking through the storm with a different colored umbrella.