It’s time to stop reading headlines and get serious.

Today's tids Issue 2,211
Opening Stuff:

Let’s see…”Thirty days hath November, April, June and Septem…”; Hey, It’s the last day of September. Already! Before we know it, the big November election will be over. Will we be happy?

If I’m running the current Asian wars, my main objective is to not allow the Taliban, al-Qaida et. al. to take over the Pakistan Nukes!

The chic new driveways in Rhode Island are a combination of 2/3’s Quahog shells and ½ mussel shells. This creates an elegant black and white appearance. But, not too harsh.

An inherited weaving machine is an Heir Loom

The Question:
The thing I remember most about Tony Curtis’ first movie was Piper Laurie. I think that was my first intense love affair. Name that movie and five other TC films. Also dying yesterday was Arthur Penn. Name three of his great theatrical and film achievements.

The Headlines:

--Pakistan Cuts Vital NATO Supply Route In Retaliation For Across The Border Helicopter Strike That Killed 3 Of Their Soldiers.
--Stocks Rising On Positive Data; Unemployment Claims Fall From 469K to $453K; GDP Growth Revised Upward To Anemic 1.7; Midwest Biz Activity Up More Than Expected.
--Fisher-Price recalls 10 Million Items; 7 Million Trikes Caused 10 Injuries; 1 Million Height Chairs Cause 14 Injuries. Say What?
--Rutgers’s Student Jumps from George Washington Bridge After Being Exposed On YouTube In Hidden Camera Homosexual Act.
--Scientists Discover “Earth Like” Planet That Could Support Life Similar to Ours; Hopefully Without Litterers.
--Congress Flees Responsibility To Campaign.
--European Debt Crisis Continues As Irish Bailouts Grow.

Back to More Stuff:
I always thought an Irish bailout had something to do with over zealous drinkers in the County jail.

If, as it appears and as it has been discussed by cultural observers, we are producing future generations who don’t know how to use a can opener or a washing machine, rake a leaf or shovel a snowflake, press a button to start their day and download everything they need without moving…will they be eager to accept socialism because it appears easier? Be willing to forego personal freedom because it carries with it responsibility?

I never liked that layer of skin on pudding.

Of all the Government liars and cheats who were exposed as the country collapsed around us, I thought that deer in the headlights, sweat on the brow Henry Paulson was the sleaziest. He knew exactly what his pals were doing to us.

And, Bernanke was just inept, as was often reported often in pre-collapse Tids.

When the US auto companies were being eaten alive by the upstart Japanese car companies it was widely agreed in manufacturing circles that Detroit’s products were being designed by accountants. I think today all products are being designed by Lawyers.

One of my favorite times of the week is “Pick-um” morning. There are days when it appears I have my finger up nose, but last week at 11-5 wasn’t too bad bringing our Y-to-D to 33-15 (68.75%). The tougher match-ups tis week is led off by Pittsburgh/Baltimore with Miami/Pats and Chi/Giants close behind. Jax/ Indy and Philly/Wash could be tough too. Here goes nothing: Pitt, Pats, Chi, Indy and Philly for the feature games and for the rest – Tenn, GB, Jets, St. Louis, Atlanta, NO, Cinn, Houston and San Diego. Every expert’s pre-season darling, The Niners, could go to 0-4 along with disappointments Carolina and Buffalo. The Giants could be 1-3 as the sieve like Offensive Line is arrested for manslaughter for abetting relentless attacks on wide–eyed Eli.

You have to believe after watching 0-Man step up his recent church going effort that Bible waving Clinton is his new political advisor!

Have you heard of “Cash for Keys”? This is another government boondoggle that has our taxpayer funded government paying renters $3000 to get out within 30 days so a house can be foreclosed ($2000 for 60 days). By law, foreclosures can’t take place with renters living there and paying rent on time. Even though the home owner hasn’t paid in months. Think of the possibilities for fraud here. And you can be sure that many have already! What a country.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96 continues. –Kent stood up and came over to me. He placed his hands on my upper arms and urged me to stand. It was all so slow that in became an ethereal event. He kissed me ever so softly on the lips. And I felt that warmth I always felt when with Kent. No matter what else my mind was denying. I wanted to respond. Then He said, “I am so sorry about your awful experience. How are you?” Now I didn’t see anybody else in that room. But, a movement caught my eye. I woke from what felt like a dream. I looked at Jack and then Izzy.
I followed their eyes now focused down the hallway where a determined appearing Jeff Symington was walking quickly this way. I looked back at the twosome. They appeared panicked. Of Jeff? I thought. Kent moved away from my vision and towards the door. Jack was quick to rise and join him.
I wanted to retake charge of this group, but something I knew nothing of had taken control. Something they couldn’t control. Controllers don’t like loose ends.
“Jack, get out there and talk to him”. Jack now appearing more and more under the influence of a woman who looked more and more his master lurched forward elbowing Kent aside to one knee.
Izzy looked up at me. “All you had to do was continue advising us financially. Everybody would have been just fine with your cloying presence. Except maybe Symington who had always despised working under your enthusiastic smiling face.
Symington had stopped ten feet from the door where Jack had met him. Jack was yelling at him in whispers. I could see Symington’s chest heaving. He wasn’t listening. Jack brought his hand up to Jeff’s lapel.
Kent had raised him self up again and was moving towards the door.

Still living in caves Department:
You begin to worry about how far we’ve come from those club and animal skin days when you read about bullying kids throwing peanuts at children, fellow students, with peanut allergies.

And then there is the annual trash cleanup day made necessary by littering Cretans who think it is a good idea to deposit their used wrappers, bottles, cups and food remains on streets, lawns and parking lots. I would prefer meeting a liberal before a litterer.

Today’s stock market looks like it’s all about grasping straws.

That Boston tragedy where five people including an infant were dragged form their Mattapan house and executed is being characterized as possibly having something to do with drugs. You think? Hey, I thought the Mexican border was further away.

Note to Linsey Lohan: A wobbly drug and alcohol addicted Judy Garland was elevated to “Icon”status in her last days on stage.

The Answer:
1. I first remember Tony Curtis in The Prince who was a Thief co-starring the ultra cute (to 14 year old me) Piper Laurie. His most memorable role was in Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe and jack Lemon. He also was in 115 other movies including Sweet Smell of Success, Trapeze, Six Bridges to cross, So This is Paris, The Defiant Ones, The Great Imposter, Spartacus and Operation petticoat 2. You may know Arthur Penn for his enormously successful film “Bonnie and Clyde. But he was even better know in theatrical circles for “Miracle Worker” and “Two for the Seesaw”. Other films were The Wild Bunch, Night Moves, Target, Dead of Winter, Four Friends and Little Big man. Ironically Penn’s first film The Left Handed Gun starring Paul Newman was originally intended for James Dean – an actor whose early death we are also remembering today.

The End?
Women are once again in the news as new data showing discrepancies in salaries and executive positions are on the front page. This is a war that will certainly continue. But, I think women are working at more subtle means to usurp the role of men. For instance Kenmore has a new washing machine that can talk to technicians without first calling for a husband and a screwdriver. At the first sign of trouble, the wife calls a service number and enters a code. She then places the phone on the Machine’s “Ear” and machine’s do the talking! On another front, many towns are authoring the raising of chickens in small farms on homeowner’s land…without the use of Roosters! Are men destined to become a museum curiosity?

It's a Public Relations World.

Today's Tids Issue 2,210

Opening Stuff:

You can tell the network “news” is fighting for its existence when the news has become an afterthought and book promotions, saccharine tales and slanted opinion pieces the norm.


The US is in danger of having an economy based on industries full workers doing jobs for people who could easily do the jobs themselves.


It appears to me that the TV show Glee is in danger of succumbing to it’s success by overplaying the visiting celebrities, the antics of the gym teacher, the emotional problems of the cast -- overshadowing the one thing that made it unique and actually very entertaining – the wonderful talents of the kids singing and entertaining. But then Chorus Line didn’t make it big because of the music.


Now…if 0-Man is imploring the Left Wing to wake up and get interested in the elections, it can only be because he wants to keep socialism alive.

The Question:

Name five books written about President Obama.

The Headlines:

--Officials Strictly Monitoring Terror Threats In Europe.

--Obama Retreats To Left Wing Base; Passionately Implores Them To Wake Up.

--Stock Futures Lower; Major Investors Content To Enter Market On Dips.

--Toys ‘r Us To Hire 45,000 For Holidays.

--Financial Gurus Predicting Bloodbath At Bond Trading Desks:

--Anti-Austerity Protests Throughout Europe.

--Pelosi’s Promise Of Cleanest Congress Ever Falls far Short Of Pledge; Lobbyists Continue Unfettered And Two Dems Await Ethics Trials.

--BP Promises New Safety Standards And Stricter Exploration Controls.

--Kim’s Sin Likely To Keep MK On Same Rogue Path.

--Body Found Buried In Stonehenge Came From Mediterranean Region.

Back to More Stuff:

If, (As Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker proposes) the Bay State changes its tax laws to compete with its northern neighbor New Hampshire, the largest city in its southern neighbor Rhode Island will be Seekonk!!


Nearly nine months ago, the U.S. through Hillary Clinton pledged $1.15 Billion for the rebuilding of Haiti. According to officials at the State Department, UN and US Senate the reason why not a penny has been spent one week before the end of the US fiscal is because of the c omplex bureaucracy, disorganization and a general lack of urgency. These are the same people who will be running your Health care.


Tampa is not a Major League city.


The Food Nazis will send me directly to hell without passing “Go” for printing this bread pudding recipe made with “Donuts”. We could call it our “Blue” Plate special in honor of US Police departments. –Brush 9” pan with butter and cut 8 cake donuts into 1 ½-2” chucks and put in pan. In bowl mix 4 tbs butter, ½ cp brown sug, ¼ tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Add 4 eggs and whisk to blend. Whisk in 2 ½ cps heavy cream, ¼ cp Jack Daniels and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over donuts soaking all. Let stand 1 hour (Or cover and fridge over night). Bake at 350 covered (w/alum foil) for 30 mins; 15 mins uncovered. Now for the bad part – The sauce. Combine 1 ½ tbs cornstarch a 2 tbs JD whiskey. In small pan combine ¼ cp heav cream and 2 tbs gran sug. Over high heat whisk 2/3 mins til bubbles form. While whisking ad whiskey mixture and whisk til sauce is blended and thick. Pour sauce over portions and top with whipped cream or caramel sauce or van IC; or all of the above. The devil made me do it.


Anybody who tunes into the new Hawaii 5-0 for a pleasant touch of nostalgia is in for a huge disappointment. It is just another weak police drama with plastic characters. The only difference being that it takes place in the sun instead of bleak alleys near housing projects.


Why do voters disgusted with their government vote for the same old people expecting that they have the capability to change. They'd still be paid by the same special interest groups.


A writer Susan Maushart has an interesting new book that warns of a succeeding generation that literally doesn’t know how to do anything -- kids with no house hold chores, drive-through meals and outsourced basic chores like house-cleaning an lawn care. She says we have college kids who’ve never done laundry, put a stamp on an envelope or taken a bus ride alone. Kids stay in strollers til they’re five and never learn out to open a can with a can opener. And the real tragedy is a future generations of button pushers with a loss of independence and initiative.


Actually, I have to be honest. I don’t think I ever learned the correct way to tie my shoelaces.


Mastering the relatively simple art of making things out of eggs like omelets and frittatas can make you look like a pretty savvy chef.


The intelligence communities around the world are doing a helluva job.


I’m one of those people who wants Kim’s son to keep on doing the same thing because it makes the news more interesting. That is, if the news media still knows how to report it.

The Answer:

The one with all of the hype to, day is of course Obama’s Wars. But we also have the “The Manchurian President”, “The Case against Barack Obama”, “The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality”, and the longest title ever written -- “Fleeced: How Barack Obama, Media Mockery of Terrorists Threats, Liberals who want to Kill Talk radio, The Do-Noting Congress, Companies that Help Iran, and Washington Lobbyists for Foreign Interests are Scamming Us.” (Short and Pithy – I fell asleep reading the title). And this doesn’t include all of the books written about himself by himself.

The End:

Now that all of a sudden, almost out of nowhere the Prez is emphasizing his love for Christianity, it is a sure sign that he doesn’t think things are going well in the elections.


When the Prez says as he did yesterday to his liberal base, “Change is hard, ‘real’ change takes time”, he is saying that just because most Americans think socialism is dumb idea, and I need you more than ever.


Through the Same Eyes will return tomorrow.

BudaBudaBudaBudaBuda…

Today's Tids Issue 2,209

Opening Stuff:

I believe the key in evaluating the next round of corporate reporting is revenue performance. Profits looked pretty hale so far this year. A rather fast return to profits is generally the first thing you see at the beginning of a recovery. Corporations can easily (Well maybe not easily) accomplish rosy profit pictures through general tightening, reduction in employment, heavy discounting or cost cutting. It’s an old story. But now the test. Are people buying again? Are companies getting good prices? Or, are sales continuing to be sustained through heavy discounting? Let’s check out some top lines on the third quarter reports. This is the test.

Pleasant moments with the second movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto Number 2 is like looking deeply into a lover’s eyes.

Countries around the world are starting to wake up to the fact that they are still giving China $2.5 Billion in foreign aid. And wondering why the 2nd largest economy in the world needs it. But, that’s like any other government program. Once instituted, it is almost impossible to get rid of it even in the face of overwhelming conclusive evidence against it.

Doncha kinda get the feeling that the NEA is sponsoring NBC’s week long focus on education?

The Question:
Yesterday we did Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. So today, let’s try Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Learner (In honor of NBC’s Ed Week!). What was this song writing duo’s first hit and biggest hit. Name five shows.

The Headlines:

--World Stocks Pulling Back Over New Concerns About economic Recovery In Europe; US Stock Futures Down.
--US Stocks Continue To Fall After Consumer Confidence Level Dips To Lowest Level Since February.
--NK’s Kim Makes Son 4-Star General; Sets Line Of Secession.
--Gap Between Rich And Poor Widening.
--Obama Wooing college Students Again; Students Expected To be more Selective This Time Around.
--LA Heat Reaches 113F!
--Tids To Boycott First Lady Speeches Until She Stops Talking About Vegetables.
--Red Sox Still In Race After Another Outstanding Effort By Cy Young Contender Clay Bucholtz.

Back to More Stuff:
While strictly against any leniency or compassion for illegal aliens, I have always felt that a work visa plan could work. There is an apparent need for lower cost labor in many industries. And I guess, it is work that is beneath many who are doing just fine on welfare or unemployment checks. Of course there would have to be a lot of restrictions governing such a plan. For example, there would be no government support beyond issuance of the Visa…or the deportation of criminals. The employer would pay for all basic benefits. If the worker was hospitalized and the employer had failed to provide HC, the employer would be billed for all medical services. Unions would not be allowed to organize of the legal temp workers. There would be no Gov benefits for family members. And any worker caught doing anything illegal would be immediately deported.

I don’t look good in form fitting clothing.

I think we are into a long period of a “Hand-to-Mouth” economy. Like now, when summer bursts of employment are winding down and we enter a lull before Christmas/Halloween rehiring. Loyalty on both sides of the employment spectrum has been waning for a couple of decades now. Many of the new middle class jobs require less critical skills, so that the layoff/rehire seesaw has less effect on operations.

The wealthy will slow down domestic investment because over time they can’t see the middleclass as sustaining as high a level of purchases as they have in the past. While the statistics show that the wealthy pay an overabundance of the total tax bill, they also show that the economy we have enjoyed for so many years is because of the unrelenting purchasing power of a consistently strong middle class. A middle class where the future for consistently high earning power is cloudy at best.

Frankly, doncha kinda get the feeling that the current Admin is being run by the NEA?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96 continues. –I quickly averted Kent’s piercing eyes. I needed to control my soul myself now. The fear of an hour ago had strangely morphed into resolve. I waved away Dan, and walked into the den. I heard no growls, but I felt aggression.
“Sorry I’m late,” I looked at them with the confidence of someone totally in charge, “But, thanks for waiting for me.” I saw Jack’s face relax ever so slightly. I was assuming that my favorite lackey Jeff was in charge of hiding the greasy one. I walked to the wall and pulled a chair to the center of the room. “I’m glad you thought of an extra chair or two Jack.” He rose, and started towards me, hand out. Ready to shake my hand and pull me in for a fatherly hug. Which he did. Izzy alone, sat like on an island, trying to plot out her next series of moves. Kent sat calmly unaffected by my little drama. But I felt his soft glance. I can feel the presence of this man who knows me so intimately.
“A funny thing happened on the way to this forum.” I said it matter of factly, informatively, but I knew they knew. “Yeah, I was chased by a couple of goons. And when they couldn’t find me, they beat the crap out of my friend Billy.” I stared at the blank expressions of the Izzy/Jack duo. God what psychopaths. I thought Jack felt for me. Like a daughter he never had. “What do you all think happened?”
Nobody spoke, which is not surprising. Finallly, I heard Kent.
“I am happy you weren’t hurt. His voice was soft, almost like he was contradicting some inner emotion.

Something strange happened Saturday night on the East Side of Providence RI. The stadium for the Brown/Harvard night game was packed to the rafters! With frenetically cheering people and…students. The last time Brown U probably saw a full house with enthusiastic students was in the sixties before campus radicalization., When the big game became mass protesting as opposed to “Root, root, root for the home team”. When a foot ball game became too clichéd, too establishment for the anointed elite. Before the late sixties, Ivy League powers like Yale and Princeton had SRO 70-80,000 packed houses…almost every Saturday afternoon. These were events! Could it be that good old fashioned, heart on the sleeve enthusiasm has a chance to be once again in vogue?

There’s a couple of good neighboring states races that I believe are terrific indicators for the depth of the mood of cirizens everywhere.. Charlie Baker, a Republican in Massachusetts, is running against a well known Obama pal, Deval Patrick. Baker is a business man in the mold of Scott Brown. He seems to know how to make things work. And why businesses are finding it harder to stay in Mass. On the other side of the “Hinge” state is Connecticut where the states AG Blumenthal is running against wrestling biz owner McMahon’s wife. She is for real. Knows the issues and has the money to get out the message. Blumenthal is exactly the kind of person we are trying to rid ourselves of; Big government give-away artist. If Blumenthal, and others like him get in, then you will know that all of the anger has accomplished nothing.

Our first lady has been extolling the virtues of the way early Native Americans (Indians) planted corn. Excuse me, but I think we have come a long way in 390 years.

The Answer: 
I don’t think many would argue about picking “My Fair Lady” as the duo’s biggest hit. Since it is also perhaps one of the all time Broadway favorites. Brigadoon was their first substantial hit. Camelot soared off of the success of “Lady”. Other big hits for the duo were Paint Your Wagon and the wonderful Gigi (Movie only.)

The End is Near:
So what’s this BudaBudaBudaBuda…thing all about? It’s about me turning into a mindless blatherer. And it’s the fault of all politicians good and bad. The airwaves are fraught with conflict. Overpromises. It is becoming as hard to watch programming featuring people I support as it is watching those I think are complete fools. I think it is an incumbent conspiracy. Throw as many issues at the people as you can and confuse them to the point where there only means to continuing sanity is to vote for the person they know…the dreaded incumbent. My mind is exploding. I’m turning off the TV. Changing the radio’s dial. BudaBudaBudaBudaBuda.

Congress: Laughable.

Today's Tids Issue 2,208

Opening Stuff:

Isn’t the current Congress already doing enough to make a mockery out of a once great institution without having to bring in a comedian to pile on? But then, nobody takes congress seriously any more?

Which brings me to the Quote of the Week*: It’s from Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. “Roger Clements could get 30 years for lying to Congress, but Congress people lie to us and they get re-elected for two years.”

Did you hear about the horse trainer who decided to move over and work with deer to make a fast buck?

Bach’s Brandenburg concerti are a great way to start the day. But, I only listen to four at a time.

“Government Doesn’t Create Wealth; It Uses Wealth Created By Others“ Department:
Last night on Fox, John Stossel -- in a special titled “The Battle for the Future” -- did an excellent job breaking down the ills of an American ideal gone astray and where there is hope for getting the country back into the hands of the people. It looked at “Makers vs. Takers”; The biggest danger in America – Public Employee Unions…the parasite killing the host; A disincentivized workforce; A far too big Government. Look for reruns of this program. It covers all of the reason why the tea party has been successful as an upstart; Why Americans across the land regardless of party, socioeconomic status color of skin, are so angry

The Question: 
What was Andrew Lloyd Weber’s first hit show? Name five other big shows form this master of melody.

The Headlines:

--Failing Levee Frocing Portage Wisconsin Residents To Leave Town.
--Israeli Settlers Cheer Expiration Of Construction Ban.
--Unilever Deal And Other M&A Activing Copuld Push markets Much Higher This Morning.
--US Helicoptors Continue To Effectively Kill Insurgents In Pakistan.
--Only 36% Of Teens Think Texting While Driving Could Kill Them; 55% Think Drinking While Driving Could Kill.
--Powerful Endicott Nips Salve 29-28.
--Unilever Buys Alberto Culver For $3.7 Bil.
--Malls Across Country See Up Tick In Biz After Banning Unaccompanied Teens.

Back to More Stuff:
Did you see that news item about the discovery in Bing Crosby’s basement of a long lost film of the final of the 1960 World Series? I was living in Pittsburgh then and really got into the team, especially when they were facing the dreaded You-Know-Who’s! It was actually a memorable week, work in the morning and make the rounds of supplier hotel parties in the afternoon. It was a week of a wide emotional variation. Huge ups and sudden downs. The worst of downs coming as the e Ya-ya-Ya (WYKWIM) went up in the top of ninth. And then there were two outs. The bottle of Bourbon had enough for 4 shots, enough for four distraught Westinghouse ad guys sitting forlorn in a now empty room. Now the four ready to toast a job well done. And then…and then Tony Kubeck made “The Error”. Man on first. And now the great Bill Mazeroski was at bat. Still last of ninth. Still two outs. We glanced at the screen and lifted the glasses. What!!! Maz hits it out! You could hear a deafening roar of cheers emerging throughout the city. From open windows throughout the city. From the streets below. Our amazing Pirates had beaten down the pompous team from New York. Now we lifted the glasses in a victory toast. It was a grand day.

Best Golf Tip Ever Department:
I pulled up to the designating parking spot and two guys came over and started unloading the back of my Jeep. The older guy, said smiling, “Want us to take the golf clubs too!” We both started laughing. It was the fall “Free Shredding of Old Documents Day”. Golfers know the real problem.

What is more efficient…Millionaires paying more taxes so it can be filtered through a wasteful, bloated bureaucracy? Or leaving the money with them so they can spend it efficiently at their discretion. Creating jobs or distributing it to Charities or for projects throughout the towns and regions in which they live.. Where 100% of the dough gets to the charity unless it is corrupt or has a crook for an executive director. Or a bookkeeper who hits the local casino a little too often. Oh wait a minute, the Gov already doles out what’s left of the tax dollars to suspect local organizations like Acorn.

The AG candidate who says he’s going to root out corruption in the General Assembly and look under the hood of the unions running this state will definitely get my vote. Not a candidate who promises to be tough on elderly abuse. Which is nothing more than pap for a large voting block.

Giving up a seat on a bus for an elderly person is an act of "chairity".

Another funny line from a local columnist suggests that Jets receiver Brayton Edwards probably taunted the police officer when he was arrested for drunken driving.

Doonesbury has been very funny this week. It’s about Warren Buffet visiting a fellow billionaire who has yet to join the group pledging half their assets to combat disease in Africa. The more I think about it, the more it becomes apparent that these self made billionaires have egos big enough to want to stand alone in front of their fortunes and determine where their charity goes with out the help of other Billionaires. And, lets face many of these billionaires give to charity all of the time, and don’t seek credit notoriety. Basically, Buffet and Gates are acting like Big Government billionaires – “I know better,; Let me spend your money.”

Duh Headline of the Week:
“Obama Rejects GOP Plans.”

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96. -- I saw the three of them sitting there in the glass bowl office; that of my trusted mentor Jack Wiley as I walked with confidence now next to Trooper Dan. Which one was the biggest manipulator? Jack, the man who’s every instinct I followed on my way to the top of the corporate financial world? Isabelle, a person I now realize I barely knew? My beautiful lover? My Kent? A man who has made feel like I always wanted to feel. A man who has touched, explored, stimulated every part of my body. Surely intimacy would not blind me.
The trooper moved forward and grabbed the door for me. My eyes were riveted on the threesome. Jack looked scared. Isabelle looked like a mad woman. Kent’s eyes looked deeply into mine. Into my heart. And I felt the fever of true love.

I saw a news program lauding a school class for letters they wrote to get money form companies. Are we teaching the next generation to be grant writers? Is that the future of our society? Creating a new middle class of beggars who are experts at getting money from producers. It’s like walking out of your supermarket to hoards of kids essentially begging for money for sports leagues, school trips, scouts or other after school activities. Not too many years ago, kids just went out and did it.

Do you think that moms let kids play things like X-Box because they don’t get as dirty as they would playing outside? Is that because working moms didn’t have time for extra washing? Bill Keane suggested that.

I just read a Wedding Notice that said the Bride had a Masters Degree in Exercise Science! Exercise science?

The Answer:  

Weber’s first hit written with Tim Rice was The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Weber and Rice soon followed up with Jesus Christ, Superstar. The two
some continued with Evita, their last together. Weber’s firsts solo effort was Cats followed by Phantom, Starlight Express, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful games, Bombay Dreams, The Woman In White and Love Never Dies. The two people who most influenced his dream to be a songwriter were Frederick Loewe, Lionel Bart and Richard Rogers.

The End:
American starts coming back this Novemeber.

*(I had already written it down for Today, but saw repeated in a Saturday sports column. Which leads me to believe that it is sweeping the country and you may have already seen it!)

People are the sun.

Today's Tids Issue 2,207

Opening Stuff:

Yesterday I did the moon. So today I thought I’d give the sun a chance. You know, “I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night…” sort of thing. Then I got to thinking. To me and many it says what a great way to start a beautiful day. But, to so many more it may mean --. There’s the sun, how hard will it be this morning to get from my bed to my wheelchair? Will my chemo session be as rough as it was the last time? Will somebody answer my resume today? Is there any food left in the pantry? But, you would like to think that in the toughest times in people’s lives the sun is a positive reminder that somewhere in the world around them, good people are finding ways to help neighbors and friends and relatives through. A smiling housemate with an upbeat remark and a sturdy shoulder; a nurse and fellow patient as partners in a grueling hospital session; a loyal friend with an open ear and an understanding heart; A box of groceries at the front door from the local food bank. There is sun in the hearts of people around the world.

I see where “Not Available” is doing quite well in the Fed-Ex Championship.

I could never have imagined using the words “Ubiquitous” and “Betty White” in the same sentence. Especially as a mid-80’s year old who spent most of her life as a very funny third banana. The moral of the story, out live your friends and hire a publicist.

The Question:
This is a Friday Double Bonus DQ. 1. Name five of Eddie Fishers top songs out of the 32 hits he had in the early 1950’s. 2. Name three WWII radio propagandists and give me their real names.

The Headlines:

--Rebound In Durable Goods Orders Suggests Modest Improvement In Economy.
--Dems Delay Vote On Bush tax Cuts Until After Elections.
--Europe Kicks Avandia Off The Market; US Also Places Restrictions On Diabetes Drug As new Data Warns Of Heart Attacks; Lawyers Get In Line.
--Pelosi-Palooza Will Increase Senior Health Care Benefits, But Oldsters Will Pay More Too; October Mail Will Shock Many As Insurance Company 2011 Drug Benefit Costs Arrive.
--Poll Of The Day: AP/GfK Says That While 60% Of Voters Are Unhappy With Democrats, 68& Are Don’t Think Republicans Bring Much to the Party Either; Key Finding Of Poll says That Those Dissatisfied With Democrats Are More Likely To Vote.
--Most community Banks And Small Businesses Expected To Spurn $30 Billion From Just Passed Small Biz Bill; Most Not In Mood To Invite More Government Regs That Would Be Tied To Loans.

Back to More Stuff:
I have to admit that Eddie Fisher was a pretty entertaining singer, and I often danced cheek to cheek to the very melodic “Wish you were here.”. But, I would never forgive him for dumping Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor. Actually it was a succession of marriages that actually did him in. As he became the butt of comedian jokes, he turned drugs and his career crashed over night. Fisher died last night at the age of 82.

There are many things I don’t understand, and one of them is why Gold is so valuable. It can’t be because 600 years ago Kings made crowns out of it. Or because woman and men wear chains made of it. Or because dentists fill teeth with it. I guess it’s because promoters want it to be.

And then I wondered how does Facebook make money and why Mark Zuckerberg is so rich? Actually I reactivated an old dormant membership to go in and see what’s happening. I see a few ads, but then I see a few ads on todaystids.blogspot.com. Obviously, there is a rather significant difference between the two. Making billions in moments from a site that is not overly (or even barely) cluttered with ads, just shows the enormous power of the internet. How it can reach into he hearts and minds of people throughout the world…in an instance.

By the way, what ever happened to MySpace?

The Joaquin Phoenix affair is the most overdone story about nothing of the decade.

Which brings us to the NY Jets and the bloated story about Ines Sainz’ harassment.. Apparently she was having a lot of fun, enjoying the team’s antics, and her only embarrassment was for other journalists who were have a hissy fit over their perception of her non-existent discomfort. She praises the action of the NFL and Jets front office and disregards the hysteria of the women’s group, “Association of Women in Sports Media” and irate journalists as over reactive and impulsive. She added that the media coverage “set back the women’s rights movement 50 years”.

I heard an interesting comment yesterday about the state of American politics. The observer said that in the past we had the parties debating about reasonable disagreement on which route should be taken to get to the same America. But today, it appears that the debate is increasingly about getting to an America that has no resemblance to that of the Founding Fathers (and Mothers). One that is looking like “Of the Governemtn, For the Government, By the government.”

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 95 continues. –I stared at Isabelle, sitting there with that practiced superior look, trying to intimidate me, which is actually quite impossible. But then I think, by tying my future to corporate fools, have I also made myself the fool? I have to take charge. These politicians are obviously in a state of panic and making very bad decisions.
“What ever you have authorized, call it off.” I looked over at Jack, smiling Jack. His eyes appeared to be pleading with Izzy to save him. Maybe she was his dominatrix. I smiled to myself. I enjoy squirming. “Jack, lets get your lawyers in here and see how legally vulnerable they think we are.” You are both acting like criminals in a California Highway car chase, and you have to start acting like honest business people walking on the edge.
“What about Bromsky?” So that is what is bothering Jack.
“What do you know about Bromsky? I thought he committed suicide.” I said matter of factly, trying not to add to the man’s panicked conscience. Wiley’s head spun so fast towards Izzy that I thought he’d lose his nose. She glared at him, then returned her gaze to me. I thought Jack was ready to jump.
“The legality of our assuming Bromsky’s results should be our entire focus.” And then I stopped as thoughts of Maggie/Sarah slammed into my heart. What have these idiots done? I heard a commotion from down the hall. Sarah and two state troopers were getting off the elevator and heading this way. Sarah’a eyes burned like a laser into mine. It wasn’t love. I thought everybody in the room could hear the beating in my chest. My tear ducts wanted to shed a Niagara. But, I must remain stoic. I have to save my partners. “Don’t looks so terrified.” I said to them as the trooper opened the door for the glaring Sarah/Maggie. My chest tightened again.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The return of Gekko in looks like a winner. With a pretty good story line and lots of surprises. The script had to be rewritten after the downturn, and it added a lot to the movie. Douglas is great as Gekko, now out of prison and fresh upon the success of a book “Is greed Good?”. His daughter is a financial whiz but hates dad. Her Beau tries to get them together as he tries to subvert another brokerage house that did him dirt. It moves and it is entertaining.
--This is a very good comedy about a successful PR person who returns home for the wedding of her brother who’s bride is a despised bully from her geeky High School days. She becomes even more irate when she sees how her family has adopted the girl of her horrid past as a perfect person. Complicating the occasion is the arrival of a flamboyant aunt who was Mother–of-the-groom’s nemesis at a high school prom. It really works and there are LOL moments.

The Answer:
1. If you are entering middle age like I am, you may remember “Thinking of You”, “Any Time”, “Oh My Pa-pa”, “I’m Yours”, “Wish You Were Here”, “Lady of Spain”, and “Count Your Blessings”. 2. I’m thinking of Tokyo Rose and Axis Sally, the two most notorious voices of a fairly broad “Axis Radio” Operation. American born Iva Toquri D’Aquino through a set of circumstances following Pearl Harbor took a job with Tokyo radio which morphed not her roll as Tokyo Rose, a kindly voice of home designed to demoralize the troops. Iva was convicted, but she was but one of several Roses. Another American, Portland Maine’s Mildred (Sisk) Gillers was Axis Sally. Her program “Home Sweet Home” also was designed to demoralize. Her most famous effort was aimed at the men just prior to Normandy. She also went to prison for treason. The US countered the demoralization with Radio stars Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Groucho Marx and “starlets Dinah Shore, Bette Davis and Judy Garland!

The Start of A Good Weekend:

It’s hard to believe that the world was first introduced to Gordon Gekko 23 years ago. And that after jail he became so famous as the spokesperson for Geico. What a country.

The Providence Journal editorial pages have gone from consistently fair to wandering in a leftist desert.

Stop! In the name of love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,206
Opening Stuff:

The moon last night appeared to be reflecting the eyes of lovers from all eternity; Reflecting upon an ocean surging with the emotions of satisfied love; Glistening off the surf pounding upon the shore like the beating of the hearts of all who have tasted the wonderful moments of true love.

I was flipping channels and all of sudden came across the face of ex Prez Clinton sporting that “I’m a tough Guy” look he has nurtured; pointing, wagging that finger of his. I hate it when he points that finger at me. And not because he points it…but because when he does it generally means he’s lying about something.

The Nike symbol is disjointed from everything in the world around it. It is well received because of the money poured into promote and not because it is pleasing to the eye. It clashes with my inner sense of design. And, it says to me, “Buy me and join the mindless sheep”.

The Question:
Everybody loves Sacagawea. Well, at least everybody living in a self absorbed, elitist cocoon. I supposed she was a pretty nice, helpful Indian maiden during her fifteen minutes of fame. Name five other well know Native American princesses.

The Headlines:

--Last Weeks Jobless Claims Move Up To 465,000; Surprise Increase Has Stock Futures Falling.
--GOP Issues Pledge To Voters: Lower Taxes; Lower Spending: Repeal HC; Cut Out Gov. Regulations (My Favorite); Transparent Constitutionality Of Bills; Three Days Of reading Before Voting;
--Admin Tries To Explain New HC Rules Beginning Today.
--Concerns Over Hygiene And Safety have Athletes Pulling Out Of New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
--New Poll That Shows Independents As Unhappy About Current State Of Politics As Republicans Bodes Ill Wind For Dems.
--Virginia Set To Execute Woman For First Time In Fifty Years; Woman Is Borderline Mentally Retarded; Ahmadinejad Says: “See, We’re Not So Bad After all.”
--End Of An Era: Blockbuster Files For Bankruptcy.
--Blackberry Announces Competitor To iPad.
--Elizabeth Warren: “Banks Seem Receptive To Change”.

Back to More Stuff:
Former Senator Chafee is right on the money when he reminds us that Government give-away cash almost all of the time creates unsustainable programs for the future. Or, unbearable taxes for the involuntarily coerced.

Eras don’t last very long any more, do they?

I think the case of the killing and robbery of real estate agents in Ohio is troubling. 2 dead and one robbed within one week is a lot more than a horrendous crime. It is probably a sign of the times. Where unlatched doors are forever a bygone sense of comfort and good neighborliness. Ohio Real Estate Agents are now being advised to not go out alone. Does this open the door for another mandated security company? Is fear controlling our daily lives?

Speaking of fear, these food Nazis just have to be stopped. How superficial is it to ban stuff in school when you know that the now ravenous children will rush to sugar laden pantries when they get home. Munching in front of TV’s and computers instead of running and playing outside, where they would surely burn off the few calories of an after lunch cookie. But the bigger problem is that it will over time tend to disable innate personally responsibility.

Talk about anger!! Last night I brought home my Kentucky Fried Chicken…and they forgot the G-R-A-V-Y! Talk about dashed dreams.

Any sports fan who doesn’t want the Chicago Cubs to win a World Series soon doesn’t have a heart.

Even if the economy is getting stronger, I would not have predicted a lowering jobless claims report in mid September considering that thousands of seasonal employers are probably starting to cut back. But then, I’m not a Clueless Lane genius. I guess if I were truly a Clueless Lane genius I would predict a tumbling of jobless claims and then sell short.

Last week I picked with my heart and had a miserable return to earth. The record went quickly from a sound 13-3 to 22-10 and a now flawed 68.75%. And the posers keep on coming. The tougher ones this week are Dal/Hous, Atl/NO, Tenn/NYG, SF/KC, Det/Minn, SD/Seattle, Indy/Den, NYJ/Miami and GB/Chi. I’m going with the Texans, Saints, Titans, Chiefs, Vikings, Seahawks, Colts, Dolphins and Packers. The rest are the Patriots, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Redskins, Eagles and Cardinals.

People will say about Clinton: “Yeah, but, he was a great politician.” Which translates to me, “He’s as big a phony who has ever tap danced across the American political stage.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 95. –Jack handed the phone to Jason Cotter. All eyes focused on him. There was an unusual amount of tension in this room full of people who generally controlled everything in their worlds. Jason Was nodding and not smiling. “Ok, stay where you are.” He looked up, There are some problems. The biggest of which is that it appears the golden girl Maggie, or whatever her name is, could soon be escorted to this office by the state police.” There were several unusual guttural sounds. I just watched and waited for the worst of it. “Also,’ now he paused for a longer than expected a moment, “Also,” he looked at Jack, ‘Your man Bill Claxton appeared on the roof of the garage. Our guys…”
“Your guys” Jack interrupted.
“Yeah, my guys tried to gently persuade some information out of him. Apparently Claxton got edgy and we had to bop him.” It was silent. And the only thing noticeable was the rising crimson in Isabelle’s face which matched the boiling lava in a soon to erupt volcano..
But she was calm. “Jeffery, take Cotter here and get rid of him somewhere in the building where the state police won’t look.” Jason started to speak, But Izzy quickly shut him down, “We heard enough from your Cotter”. Then she turned to me, “Ok Kent what do we do now?”

The Answer:
The first that comes to mind was Pocahontas (Officially dubbed Princess after visit with Queen Anne, King James I). Actually, she’s the second who comes to mind right after Cherokee Angie Harmon. Of course, there was Gitche Gumee’s Minihaha lover of Hiawatha who is indelible in my fictional mind. One of the unsung greats was Nanye-Hi who was better known as Nancy Ward. She was Cherokee leader in the mid 1700’s and sought peaceful living with the dreaded white man. And was considered a Patriot by the DAR. You have probably never heard of her contributions because w=one of them was being the first Cherokee owner of Black Slaves! Kateri Tekakwitha was beatified by the Catholic Church. The list is quite humongous and ranges from early Seneca leaders like Queen Alliquippa and Mary Brant to accomplished artistes like Maria Tallchief and Carrie Underwood! Yes, that Carrie Underwood.

The End:
When I look at a gigantic moon, my heart always remembers and skips a beat.

(Note: To all of you newer Tids Readers, “Clueless Lane” in my mental meanderings refers to Wall Street).

K.I.S.S.

Today's Tids Issue 2,205
Opening Stuff:

Well, today is the last day of summer and if you were an animal you could have some severe biological problems, especially with regards to reproduction. So if you start singing like a bird to attract a mate, or like the Siberian hamster find your testes growing to 17 times the normal size…turn on a light! Yes, this is the equinox where days and nights are about equal. But in about a week or so when the daylight diminishes, “Whistling a Happy Tune” is not a good things.


A new Bloomberg Poll says that global investors would prefer sending their money to China, Brazil and India instead of traditional #1 market The USA. Maybe the Prez should start selling instead of apologizing.


Stuxnet Department:

Stuxnet? What the hell is that? Well it is a very intriguing piece of Malware. In fact a downright scary piece of malware. And totally unlike any malware that ever existed with totally different objectives than any other form of Malware. Not designed to frustrate or make money or steal proprietary secrets. It is designed to digitally destroy physical things…like refineries or factories…or nuclear plants. It is so complex that since its first appearance this past June experts spending hours examining the worm have determined that it could only have been developed by a team of scientists funded by a nation. It has infected 45,000 systems around the world, but has yet to blow any of them up. This is no April fools joke. And far scarier than a cave full of Islamic terrorists. At this point it appears virtually unstoppable and could bring down the US power grid…just like that.


The world's largest Manufacturing trade show just ended in Chicago. Business was lively and manufacturers were once again ordering Machine Tools, the basic product from which all other products are made. There weere smiles aplenty among this group who have struggled for over two years. Sounds great for a high flying recovery. Except for one thing. They are buying machines that can eventually create high productivity "Lights Out " Manufacturing. Production without employees. So the once mighty Manufacturing industry which helped create the great middle class will be slow to rehire. The reasons expressed by Industry leaders at the show -- a) The absebse of a highly skilled workforce; b) The uncertain csots of employees due to Obamacare..



The Question:
Name five new positive trends of the American consumer.

The Headlines:

--Feds Comments About Inflation Pushes Down Stocks.

--Amnesty For Illegal Aliens; “Don’t Ask…” Repeal Nixed In Senate.

--Government To Launch All Out Sales Campaign On health Care; Carter Moaning, “It Coulda Bin Me.”.

--Smart Phone Study: 50% of iPhone Users Would Switch From AT&T To Verizon; 55% Would Not Buy And iPad; 41% Use Smartphone As Laptop Or Mobile Deviscer replacement While Traveling.

--Paris Denied Entry Into Japan Because Of Drug Conviction; Has to take Return Flight Home After Spending Time In Airport.

--Summers Exit expected To Ignite A series Of Admin Resignations.

--Woodward Book: Top NSC Aides Doubted Obama Afghan Strategy.


Back to More Stuff:
In a continuing Yahoo polling exercise covering a lot of questions…75% of Americans say the want their state to pass an Arizona type bill; 65% want the courts to repeal the health care bill; 65% think Republicans will win it all; It’s 51-49% in favor of not extending continuation of Bust Tax cuts to the “Rich”; 64% think heated debate about Islam is inflaming anti-American sentiment overseas. I wonder if the people's representatives in Washington know this?


With regards to the question yesterday, a reader remarks that my comments on Boob tubery brought his reveries back to Faye Emerson.


Don’t you get a little nervous thinking that the vulgar, inconsiderate megalomaniac Lady Gaga may be a role model for the next generation. Don’t we have enough problems?


NCIS is picking up right where they left off last year when they wound up #1 in the ratings. Excellent opening show, So…why would the people at Fox put up one of their new favorites, Glee, opposite they entertaining and likable Harmon vehicle? Do they own stock in the DVR corporation?


Dark Chocolate Reese’s candy sounds like a terrific idea to me. What took them so long?


Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 94 continues. –I was breathing hard, scared to death, yet all I wanted to do is to run where I last heard Billy. I sensed that it was not Bill who came out on top.

  The footsteps sounded real close now. They slowed. They knew I was here. Who is they? I started to think about my situation. More logically like I normally do. Like Kent does. Bill said that Isabelle, Kent and the creepy looking security gut had gone into Jack’s office. And Symington was there. Everything about what is happening is odd.

  The footsteps stopped. He can hear me breathing. He must. I didn’t hear anything else. Not a moan or a groan from where I last heard Bill. When will he pounce? He must have heard me. The foot steps began. I recoiled into my dark cave. I waited. I tensed. I was ready to at least make it difficult for them. Now I heard the steps running faster. Away from me. Running in the opposite direction. And I heard another sound too. A siren. A siren that sounded like it was in this garage and moving upward. In the back ground I heard two sets of footsteps running. Then the clang of a heavy metal door. They entered the stairwell.

  I started to relax. I felt tension oozing out of me. I slowly stood, this time feeling safe. Safer. I only heard the siren. And then in the distance the roar of a car’s engine. I started running my self, My feet still in pain. Where was Bill? Was he Ok? I saw the form of what appeared t be a body lying in the shadows by the stairwell entrance. It was Bill. I bent down. His mouth was bloody and his eyes were closed. I put my ear to his chest. The steady thumping of his heart was the best sound I have ever heard. I collapsed. And waited.


Originally I didn’t concern myself much about Jeeter’s fraudulent act pretending that he was hit by a pitch when it was clearly not close. “They all do it” came the cry of yahoos. “He does what it takes to win!” Hmmm. Does what it takes to win? Like kicking the ball out of the bushes onto the fairway? I always thought “doing what it takes to win meant going the extra mile within the rules to out perform your competitor. “Doing what takes to win.” Looking at a fellow student’s paper to get a passing grade? Legally outflanking the “intent “ of the law to beat a business competitor. Or defrauding an investor. When did “Everybody does it” become the new Golden Rule -- replacing “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”


Newport RI Harbor isn’t gigantic and is a hotbed for great sailing. And, this small harbor is homeport to 10 –count em’ –10 Yacht Clubs. It was hard for me to believe, and I look at the harbor from my house. The clubs range from the mighty New York YC to the venerable Ida Lewis club. There’s the Newport YC, Goat Island YC, Cruising Club of America, Coaster’s Island Navy YC, Stoney Point YC, Storm Trysail YC and the International Yacht and Athletic Club.


The Answer: 
The new consumer is seeking value over overpriced style. They are picking “Slow Food” over “Fast food”. They are looking at a more ethical and sustainable consumption. They are exploring Volunteerism. They are choosing staycations over elaborate and expensive boondoggles. They are simplifying their lives by lazing around home in favor of frenetic shopping sprees. Home made soup is a hot new pastime. They just aren’t adding “Things” to an already cluttered house. And houses are going to be smaller with more detail and qualitry. Young adults are now embracing at a much earlier age the responsibilities of more mature living. Sounds like a step in the right direction.

The End:
Making life simpler takes the uncertainty out of living.

I’ll have another slice of pork please.

Today's Tids Issue 2,204
Opening Stuff:

When you observe the going’s on in government, you realize that these are meaty (Or juicy for vegans) times for satirists!

In a last minute effort to derail the TP’s “Unseat-the-incumbent’s-express”, 0-Man is going to ex-Pres Clinton for lessons on how to properly say “I feel your pain.”

Politics is tricky these days. You have the Democrats who do things in Congress that defy logic as well as the will of the people. You have the Republicans who talk about what to do and do nothing except trying to slip under the sheets with Dem leaders. And you have the Tea Party which the aforementioned two parties try to dismiss by saying the group stands for nothing…except getting rid of the fat and bloated existing parties.

The more I see various kinds of power brokers trying the undermine the Tea Party, the more I think the Tea Party must be doing something really well.

Brookins and Cassatt tell us they ‘hope that “Fun Guys” don’t die of anything serious’.

The Question:
Aside for the “Test Pattern” name five top rated TV programs for 1948…the year when the boob tube really started to infect people’s minds.

The Headlines:

--Strong New Housing Data Has Market Moving Froward.
--Economic Commission Reveals That Recession Was Over in June 2009.
--New ABC/Yahoo News Poll Says That Only 11% Former 0-Man Supporting Independents Think Dems Can Turn-around Economy.
--China Tells US To Butt Out Of South China Sea Disputes.
--Herriman Utah Neighborhood Blackened By Furious Fires Started By National Guard Firing Range Bullets.
--Aretha Franklyn’s Son Severely beaten At Detroit Gas Station.
--Ireland Now Carries Biggest Debt Burden In Europe; Selling $2Billion In Bonds To Test Confidence.

Back to More Stuff:
One of the major components of the recent very positive up tick in August retail sales was gasoline. In fact gasoline was the top gainer in retail sales. While the retail sales number was hailed as positive step forward towards recovery, the high incidence of gas sales actually meant that people couldn’t afford longer vacations that required air travel or overnight stays, so they were driving short a distances in the vicinity of their homes a lot of times.

Ben Stein Says: “Fathom the odd hypocrisy that Obama wants every citizen to prove they are insured, but people don’t have to prove they are citizens.”

How come a door that is typically hard to slam shut, closes easily when you forget your keys?

Nowhere has the phrase “Firing range” been more apt that in Herriman Utah.

RI weather analysts just reported that this just past summer was probably the warmest on record. This is sure to get the GW’ers a ranting. Just as last year’s near record coldest summer got the anti-GW’ers gloating. I’m thinking that maybe it’s just weather.

How about that Clueless Lane? Yesterday’s nice run-up was attributed to by many as the result of news that the recession ended in June 2009! Say what? How come the billionaire geniuses on WS didn’t know it then? Or, maybe they did and were just foolin’ us.

A lot of graphic artists want to redesign the US money. To make it more superficially competitive with the Euro, they rationalize. Many of the more opinionated so-called visual experts are not from the US! If we can’t keep US people working designing our own money, how can we ever expect to bring jobs back to the heartland. Some of the ideas are discouraging especially one set that featured the pics of 0-Man and Sacagawia as symbolic of the fabric of America. How about a gaggle of illegal aliens too? Let’s stick with the founders for pics hoping that maybe some people will reawaken to what made America great!

Great Moments in International Diplomacy Department:
All USSR Premier Khrushchev wanted to do when he visited LA in September of 1959 was to visit Disneyland. He was denied by the US because of security. He was irate! Wondering aloud in a short speech if the amusement park was “infected with cholera…or overrun with gangsters”. In a separate instance it was reported that the Khrushchev’s were sitting at a LA dinner with Bob Hope, David Nivin and Frank Sinatra. Mrs. Khrushchev was complaining about being barred from the Park. Sinatra leaned over to Nivin and said, “Tell the old broad that you and I will take em’ this afternoon!” There is no truth to the rumor that the shoe Nakita was banging on the desk at UN was Mickey Mouse’s.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 94 continues. I held my breath and was totally silent, listening for the merest scrape of a pebble beneath a shoe. A piece of sand moving unexpectedly. I leaned to the right and bent my head enough so I could look under the car. I saw feet walking away from me towards the spot where I parked. Is this a piece of luck or a trap? I had no choice. I slipped off my shoes. I may have up to ten seconds. Hunched over, I ran silently between the parked cars and the guard rail, often scraping my legs as spaces diminished. Now about fifteen feet ahead I saw the opening for the down ramp. I would have to reveal myself for a couple of seconds. I took the time to bend down again. The only visible legs were standing behind my car and appeared to be facing the other way. I crept a few more yards to the point where I would have to rise briefly and scamper the ramp. I paused. Sucked in my breath, and ran, shoes in hand, pebbles cutting my feet. I squeezed my eyes as little pain tears formed at the corners and ran down my cheeks.
Now I heard foot steps running. Running fast. As I ducked once again out of sight down into the ramp area. I was now breathing hard, and I feared that my ability to appear silent would be gone even if I found a place to hide. The footsteps seemed softer, but that may have been because I was now floor lower. It was dark. I heard voices. Then scuffling. It sounded like Billy and “Footsteps two”. I froze again. Which way? Which way? I heard the noise of skin hitting skin. Loud vicious smacks. Then a thud, as if it was a body hitting the cement floor. Who was it? I started to move back into a dark cavern in the parking area. Now the foot steps from about were louder. He’s on the ramp. I stopped, but my breathing sounded like a steam locomotive screaming through a tunnel. The footsteps neared.

I’m hoping that the Pat’s first game wasn’t an anomaly, and the Jets game isn’t the norm. But I’m not very confident.

The NBC show, “The Event” was tense and kept your mind moving. I thought some of the characters were a little too plastic, especially when compared to those on “24”. I like the format that makes you pay attention. I suspect some will find the time shifts confusing. I hope there is some sense of reality to the explosion that now appears a little like science fiction. And let’s hope President Martinez didn’t begin life as an anchor baby. I’ll keep watching, but I think it would have been scarier if the plane had hit its target.

In my constant quest for a “24” conspiracy replacement I am also following Rubicon and of course the lovable Chuck. Rubicon is coming together very nicely with some pretty sophisticated villains lurking beyond the sight of the chaser. Last night’s Chuck revealed the “talent” of his extra cool, long absent Mom. It brought back memories of Emma Peel.

The Answer:
The road to boob-tubery started with the Milton Berle show in September of 1948. The Texaco Star Theater also shared first with the Philadelphia Political Convention and the first News show with Douglas Edwards on CBS. The Ed Sullivan Show (”Toast of the Town”) started in 48, but none were bigger then that Howdy Doody and Kukla Fran and Ollie (Adults watched them because they were more lively than test patterns). Others of note were Candid Camera, Kraft Theater, Arthur Godfrey talent Scouts, Break the Bank, The Philco Television Playhouse and the Ford Playhouse. Gamester Mark Goodson’s first show “Winner Take All” debuted that year too.

The End:
Based on some of the stuff I see on TV these days, I want my test screen back. In other words, Mindlessness comes in many forms for many genrations.  But if it is ther humans will find it.t

"Give me your tired...", legally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,203
Opening Stuff:On Friday, 20 new Rhode Islanders…no make that new US Citizens with a capital “C”, broke into enormous smiles as they finished their pledge. After coming to the US through legal channels, after taking the time and accepting the challenge to learn about their new country, they established themselves as worthy contributing citizens deserving of benefits and requiring responsibilities. Nobody protested immigration in fact it was just the opposite. They were welcomed with open arms and caressed by the warmth in every American’s heart.

Contrary to logical thinking, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are doing very well in this stock market and economy brought to its knees by shady real estate financing! Which just proves once again that it is always best to view Wall Street with the illogical side of your brain.

The Question:
What cities in America had the first radio stations? (Hint: Radio was the first electronic mass communication media and existed well before TV, the Internet and other devices that plug into ears. And deaden minds.)

The Headlines:

--Igor Driven Winds And Surf Pound Bermuda; No Damage Reports Yet.
--BP’s Total Spill Payouts Up To $9.6 Billion; Payments To Businesses, Individuals Affected Escalating; Well Finally Shut Tight.
Stocks Could Edge Up Today.
--As TARP Fund Winds Down Associated Fraud Office Expands.
--Ahmadinejad Asking US For Reciprocal “Humanitarian Gesture” And Release Of Iranians Held Captive; Shourd Says They Are Not Spies; Docs Say Shourd’s Health Fine.
--13 Missing Cal Sect Members Found Frolicking Park After Intensive Manhunt..
--Mexican Newspaper Says It Will Cease Covering Drug Wars After Second Journalist Is Myrdered.
--Nissan Builds Giant Auto Plant In Worlds Largest Car Market – China.

Back to More Stuff:
Feng Suie is the over dramatization of simple spatial logic.

In case you haven’t thought about them lately, the 33 miners in Chile appear to be doing fine in their underground prison. In fact, reports are telling us that the effort to create an escape tunnel is proceeding better than expected. Thought you’d like a little good news.

I always had this image of James Gandolfini as being an older man. But, at just 49 he is a mere yout.

When I read the headline “Taliban vows violence at Polls”, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Panthers.

This Just In: Randy Quaid and wife named King and Queen at “Entitlement Prom”.

Did you read about that couple, former Los Alamos nuclear scientists Pedro and Marjorie Mascheroni, who were arrested for attempting to pass secret US info that would have enabled Venezuela to enrich uranium? It’s good they were caught. But as the population grows, simple statistical understanding tells us that the demographic that would include a group of people with the inclination to be treasonous is growing too. As population rises, isolated incidents bind together into a substantial patterns.

What do the 3rd world dictators do when they want to consolidate their power? They subvert the intent of the constitution by running around checks and balance’s systems.

Which brings me to Elizabeth Warren. My first observation is that it would be very hard to have a comfortable conversation with her at a cocktail party, unless you agreed with every single word coming from her mouth.

We now live in a world it appears, that anybody who disagrees with a person or group can be declared an extremist. Even if they represent 80% of a population. Well, I guess it’s a step up from being called a racist.

If you are looking forward, “The Kings Speech” was named the fan favorite at the Toronto Film Festival and its three leads – Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush , Helen Bonham Carter – ar e considered strong possibilities for Oscar Nominations. So…a movie of quality that people actually like. How odd.

Out of Control Celeb Department:
Lohan has tweeted that she failed her latest drug/alcohol screening test and is ready to accept all consequences. On the other side of denial is Paris Hilton who is pealing guilty to misdemeanor charges to avoid the felony indictment. Which will allow her to keep on abusing common civility until something really bad happens.

While a pathetic 18% of RI’ers showed up for this past primary that could have set the stage for repairing broken state and US government, Afghans endured a rain of mortars and polling place explosions to vote for their future. Thinking you have everything is a great way to become complacent and eventually lose it all.

Through the Same Eyes Chapter 94 continues. –“Ring, Ring, Ring.” I froze. Something told me not to panic and do something. That something was speed dialing Henry, a live call that would block incoming ring tones. And get me outside comfort. For what that was worth. “Henry, I whispered. Can’t talk. Trapped on roof of parking garage. Two guys. Maybe they’re old friends. I doubt it. Get the state police up here if you can. Got to go” I pressed “off” before he could say a word. But, Henry doesn’t need to ask questions. He always knows…doesn’t he? As I watched the phone screen go blank, I decided the next step was to get off the ground. If I could look under cars, they could too. I snaked my way up upon the two foot high guard rail which kept me in no vision land. It was not comfortable, but luxury living is not an options. Living is. I decided it was time to take a chance. I squiggled forward til I could get a slim view of the area where I last saw the three sets of legs.
Now I could see Bills face, rigid but resolute, listening to what appeared to be a steady stream of threatening sounding questions. The third person had left. They appeared to turn t go back into the stairwell. The guy talking to Bill glanced out in direction that would put his buddy about 50 feet to my north. If true, that would put him into a sightline of my perch within seconds.
I dropped off the railing. Silently. Silently until my phone slipped from my hand. It clattered, like Santa coming down the chimney. I smiled and froze at the same time. The things that enter your mind. I was squatted down behind a tire. I felt safe. I heard footsteps move quickly. Maybe he thought it was the “Old rock throwing diversion trick”.

Often I rate a movie as ‘Better’ based on the quality of the music. In general, I am easily duped by superficiality.

There are a lot of half/no–truths floating around in political, mass distributed emails. It is always a good idea to research the facts before using them in public conversations or forwarding them along. That is, if credibility means something to you.

The Answer:
The first commercial radio station was Westinghouse Electric’s KDKA in Pittsburgh which went n-air in October 1920.. However before that, WWJ in Detroit broadcast news in August 1920. It gets more confusing with the claim of San Francisco’s WCBS that they are the legal extension of a San Jose experimental wireless effort that began in 1909. there was a lot of local and special event activity at the time so it is difficult to develop an undisputed list of firsts. Other early places were College Station Texas (WTAW), WDRC Hartford CT, WJZ Jersey City NJ, WBZ Boston. Stations started to proliferate starting in 1921. In 1922-1923 a new station or two came on the air every day! This continued at a fairly active place through 1928. It was slower but active into the 30’s. Providence RI was rather late the Providence Journal station WSAD saying “Good Morning” June 13 1923.

The End:
Colin Powell says he uses “Illegal Aliens” to fix things around his house. That’s what happens when you attain celebrity. Your mind goes dead.

One side is enough.

Today's Tids Issue 2,202

Opening Stuff:

The Connecticut animals who butchered 11 and 17 year old sisters, raped and murdered a wonderful mom and beat the hell out of the father and husband are the reason why we have a death penalty. Plain and simple. Yet the lawyers are creating a scenario to suggest that this unconscionable rampage was the fault of the Police. And the real criminal act may be that of Radio and TV talk show loons who by merely raising the suggestion for disc\ussion give credence to an excuse for savage murders. My hope is that correct sentence of a death penalty doesn’t get appealed for 15 years.

What a cheery way to start off the beginning of a beautiful fall weekend. But, think about how cheery the world would be without animals roaming among us? But, there are some who would walk behind these criminals with plastic bags.

A gimme is best defined as an agreement between two golfers…neither of whom can putt very well.

The Question:
Today marks the 148th anniversary of the bloodiest single day battle in US history. What was it and how many were killed. Name five other bloodiest battles. (Not including NYC/Chi gang wars).

The Headlines:

--Consumer Confidence Shows Decline; Lowest level In A Year; Stocks Falter.
--Five Arrested In Britain After Alleged Threat To Pope.
--Elizabeth Warren Named By Obama To Set Up Consumer Financial Protection Agency; Says, “The Time for Financial Ticks And Traps Is Over.”
--Engineers Ready to Put Final Plug Into Leaky Gulf Well.
--Heavy Damage Indicates That Tornado May have Hit NYC Last Night.
--Seattle Cartoonist Who Supported More Caricatures Of Mohammed Urged By FBI To Go Into Hiding.

Back to More Stuff:
I was walking through the family room when my eyes were diverted to a “Breaking News” announcement on the TV. It was the John’s Hopkins murder things yesterday. The scene appeared to be one of reporters milling around. I quickly noticed a ‘blonde’ woman among the somber men and discrete female news people. I smiled to myself and said “Ah, Fox News is on the scene!” Sure enough, within moments the Blond reporter was ID’d as Fox newsperson Molly Henneberg. Profiling works.

I’m a bit of an habitual profiler myself. For instance, I think all people wearing flat brim Ya – Ya –Ya (Well You know How I Mean) caps look either dumber than hell or like criminals. How unfairly dogmatic am I? But, this morning I read where more people being arraigned in NYC for some criminal act or activity wear Ya-Ya-Ya (WYKWIM) caps than any other head covering.. For every 3 wearing a Mets cap, 100 are wearing a Bronx BB Team cap. And no other team across the land comes close. Hey, wait a minute…don’t most rappers wear the dreaded Ya…NY baseball team cap? I think so. I don’t want to rush to judgment though..

I look around our economy and see too many people being paid by people to do things which they could easily do themselves.

The establishment Pols and the self absorbed pundits appear to be awakening to the fact that the Tea Party is going to be a real force this fall. They are realizing that this so-called party really isn’t about partisanship at all. It’s about people simultaneously reaching the conclusion that nobody in Washington listens to people any more and it has to stop. This is “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more” like we have never experienced before. A lot of smart every day people are real tired of the condescending attitudes of privileged leaders. “Her me, or you’re out!”

Headlines that don’t deserve to be printed Department:
The dominant headline in Yahoo News this morning was “How Bill Clinton Kept his Promise to Chelsea.” You might think that a former President could get into the news for more than promising a daughter that he would lose weight.

Like say Jimmy Carter, where yesterday it was revealed that he is now blaming the deceased Ted Kennedy for his failed presidency. This egocentric ex says that Kennedy purposely squashed his Health care program to get even with him for winning the primaries. What a nasty little man.

This is the United States Government…Check you egos at the door.

Through The Same Eyes: Chapter 94 continues, --I ducked behind a big old Lincoln wishing it was one of those giant pick-ups. I looked back to my right. Bill was looking around the parking lot. He pulled out his phone. No Billy. No. Don’t dial. I reached into my pocket and fumbled to find the ring volume button. “Ri…” Got it. Did anybody hear that? I looked to the ramp. The man had disappeared. Where was he? I got to the ground, laid out flat and looked under the cars. I saw legs to my right walking towards the area where my car was parked. To my left I saw Bill’s feet standing there. I could only imagine where his head was looking. Eventually he’ll see my car. Don’t go there Billy. I was his mother again. I pulled out my phone and speed dialed. As I heard the ring in the distance another pair of legs walked up behind Bill. His turned, as I heard him say “Hello”.
“Casually turn this off, put your phone in your pocket, look around, shrug your shoulders and go back down to the office.” I hung up immediately. I watched Bill’s feet as he turned. He stepped sideways. The other feet
moved with him. Bill’s feet started backing up. The other man turned and walked towards Billy. Now I saw two sets of legs surrounding Billy’s. Pressed against a tire. My phone rang. They redialed my number.

Blumenthal of Connecticut is exactly the kind of lifetime, sniveling little politicians that we don’t need in Congress. Wrestling mogul wife Linda McMahon has narrowed the margin from over 25 points to within the margin of statistical error in her underdog battle with this stagnant pol who lied about his military record and would probably lie about anything that would undermine his ideologies or his chances to win. It appears that the unknown McMahon is the beneficiary of a lot of deep seeded anti-Blumenthal sentiment as opposed to an overwhelming “For Linda” wave of enthusiasm. A raced to watch.

Reading between the Liens Movie Reviews:
--The Town is a much anticipated crime thriller, and it doesn’t disappoint. Set in grimy Boston and written, directed and starred-in by beantowner Ben Affleck, this yarn keeps you moving along. A band of coldhearted master bank robbers could be defeated by the love the leader for a former hostage. In the last robbery, a woman hostage is released to become the main witness for the police…and is now living in fear of reprisal. Her life is on edge until she meets Doug. Love at first sight for both. But, Doug is the leader of the gang who terrorized her just weeks earlier.
--Easy A is a pretty good teen flick. A girl tells a little white lie about losing her virginity to enhance her social status, and this clean cut girl finds her life paralleling the story of Hester Prynne in her favorite English Lit talc, The Scarlet Letter. Initially disturbed, she then finds a way to use her infamy for fame and fortune.
--People seem to be liking the supernatural thriller Devil. It is the story of a group of people trapped on an elevator, and one of them is the devil! Lots’ of heart stopping moments. Not for claustrophobics.
--The kids animated film of the week is Alpha and Omega. Wolves named Kate and Humphrey hitchhike trying to get to their home lair after being removed to the east by Park rangers (Probably because there are more ranchers herds upon which to prey than there are in the big cities). Along the way they encounter angry bears, prickly porcupines and a golfing goose.

The Answer:
The bloodiest single day battle of course is Antietam of the Civil War. A scourge where 3,650 died in one day. However, Antietam was well down the list of bloodiest Civil War battles – They are in order Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Spotsylvania, Battle of the Wilderness (Virginia), Chancellorsville, Shiloh, Stones River and then Antietam. After Antietam you had 2nd Battle of Bull Run and Fort Donelson (Tenn). The bloodiest all time is questionable. One list has 800,000–1,600,000 - Battle of Stalingrad (1942–1943), 670,000–1,500,000, Siege of Leningrad (1941–1944), 700,000 - Battle of Moscow (1941–1942), 400,000–680,000 - Battle of Kiev (1941) 500,000 - Battle of Smolensk (1941) 370,000 and Battle of Voronezh (1942).Another list of the Bloodiest WWII battles lists Leningrad, Stalingrad, Battle of the Bylge, Normandy and Okinawa. They are all bad. And if somebody you love dies in it, its is always the bloodiest battle of any war in history.

The Beginning:
Of course nothing is as bloody as political wars these days. Where deception and outflanking the voter is becoming the norm.

Actually, I’m a scratch golfer. I write down the good scores and scratch out the bad ones.

Love your week end. go Pats!!

Quality is always special; It’s opinions that differ.

Today's Tids Issue 2,201
Opening Stuff:

The pop/rock star always wins. So it was no surprise last night when Michael Grimm won the America’s Got…” title over the immensely talented and utterly charming (Although robotic at times) Jackie Evancho. That’s just the nature of a Pop driven culture. It reminds me somewhat of the time I was with a friend on beautiful Block Island. At a bar waiting for dinner we encountered a young couple on the Block for the first time. We asked how they were enjoying it. The man said it is very nice but would be great if it had an amusement park or something. My friend and I looked at him said. “The absence of an amusement park or something is exactly why Block is great.”

In RI there’s a company called “Cross”; Run by a family named “Boss”; I thought it odd today when a board member stepped down…named “Doss”!

Guinness, the company that has plenty of time to measure and count everything offered from people with nothing better to do with their lives, has just dubbed “Mini-Moo” the smallest cow ever. This petite bovine likes to listen to BBC, especially contemporary music. Maybe this producer of small bottles of milk and regular sized calves voted for Michael Grimm.

The Question: 
As election year publicists try to make angels out of devils I thought it a good idea to see who you think are the all time greatest magicians other than James Carville and Carl Rove. Also name five magicians from fiction.

The Headlines:

--Karl Storms Across the Yucatan; Igor Is Still Massive But Heading North Away From Land.
--Pope Gets rude Welcoming At Start Of British Visit; Threats of Arrest For Crimes Against Humanity Called Off; Pope Admits To Failures In Abuse Scandal.
--Philly Fed Data Sets Back Market.
--Republican Leaders Adjust To Delaware Upset; Surprise Candidate Gets Nice Check From RNC.
--Skeleton In Greek Tomb May be Al the Great’s Pop.
--New Unemployment Claims Drop To 450,000.
--MidEast Peace talks In Hiatus As Skirmishes In Gaza Continue.
--Lenders Take Back More Homes IN August Than In Any Month Since Mortgage Crisis Began.

Back to More Stuff:
It may seem like common sense, but in today’s world often times it is hard to believe that commons sense still exists. In the pursuit of friends people often give up their privacy for what? So here are six things published by yahoo yesterday you should never reveal on Facebook or like social network (Network is the operative word.) : Your birth date and birth place, Vacation Plans, Home Address, Confessionals (Like hate job, lie on taxes, use illegal drugs), Password clues (Mom’s maiden name, first pet, fave song) and lastly Risky behaviors (Stuff like smoking or jumping off cliffs that would be music to Insurance company’s ears) To this I have but one comment….Duh!

The TV listings last night reminded me that the movie “Waitress” starring Keri Russell is one pleasant enjoyable movie for renting.

It was a good start at 13-3, but Week 2 looks tougher mainly because of week one surprises. How good are the surprise winners and how bad are the upset losers? That is the question. For instance, the ballyhooed Jets lost and the suspect Pats won bigger than expected. And the Jets defense is still very good and the pats defense is still…suspect. But, whoever said I was smart. I’m starting this week with a Pats pick. Other bafflers for similar reasons are Balt/Cinn, Pitt/Tenn and yes KC/Cleveland. And to some degree Dallas/Chicago primarily because the pundits are in love with Big “D”, a team that has looked like a piece of crap through last weekend. But I’m picking the flawed Cowboys and Atlanta, GB, Philadelphia, Tenn, Cleveland, Carolina, Minn, Denver, St. Louis, Houston, New Orleans and San Diego. That leaves Indy/Giants and Balt/Cinn. Hmmm. Ok let’s go Peyton over Eli and…and…I’ll flip a coin and pick Cinncy!

Yesterday they closed the schools ostensibly because they needed the school buildings as polling places. In my town, a small city, they didn’t use schools but instead the library and assorted other quasi public buildings including Catholic churches. They didn’t close Catholic Schools. Which leads me to believe, that the closing of schools is another on a long list of Public Employees Union scams designed to ensure that the maximum number of voters in their groups will have enough time to vote for candidates who will keep the tax supported expenditures moving along at a rapid pace.


Who cares? Department:
A new poll tells us all what we always wanted to know –exactly how do you define an American family. This is one of those things that a majority of people need no help in determining for them selves. It appears that the pollsters are trying to prove that like so many things, what perfectly normal in the past is not so any longer. That we live in a world of new normals and we had better get used to it or they will cram it down our throats. Surprisingly, 98.8% think that family is best defined as a married man and women with two or more children. Unmarried male females living together are considered a family by about 44%. And gays living together by about 30%. But add children to those situations and the family status rises to 83% and 64% respectively. Two heterosexual guys living and swilling beer together with their dog have no discernable respectable status at all.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 94 continues. –It appeared eerier than usual as drove up the ramp to my sacred downtown Boston reserved parking spot. Everything seemed darker. And I expected to hear the thumping of horror movie mood music drifting through my now open window as drove cautiously up the winding road. I subconsciously pressed the window down button. It closed with a noticeable thud. As I neared the top a dark gray expensive appearing BMW pulled out of a parking space to my rear left. I reached the top to turn, and c]glanced back to notice that the big car hadn’t moved to go back down the ramp. Was it my imagination? The imaginary music grew more intense. I pulled out my cell and punched Billy on the speed dial. Instead of making my usual left, I made an awkward right turn and quietly accelerated to the middle of the garage. Bill’s voice came over the speaker. “I’m on my way.”
“Go up to the roof. I’m almost up there.” Why am I scaring Bill? I saw the roof ramp ahead and fortunately it was way out of a sight line from my regular spot. Just in case I thought. Just in case. The daylight at the top of the ramp reinvigorated my confidence. I saw a parking place at the corner that was visible and a mere 30-40 feet from the adjoining building. Now I felt as though I was with people again. I quickly opened the door. There was no person anywhere. I didn’t pause to enjoy the view of the harbor. I ran to the center well away from my car and sat on a small railing hidden by a row of cars. I heard a door slam. I tensed. Then I smiled and relaxed a bit as I saw Bill emerge from the stair well cover area. He was looking around. I rose to wave, but my eye caught he movement of a man walking up the ramp.

The Silly Season begins Department:
The second place finish of Jackie Evancho reminds us that the best people don’t always win.

A local maxim that is getting truer and truer is that candidates supported by Providence’s East Side will probably cost taxpayers more and get them less.

We live in a world where it is much easier for the crazies to dominate the headlines.

The Answer:
David Copperfield seems to have taken a leap over the fabled Harry Houdini. Others on a top list are Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, David Blaine, P.C. Sorcor Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel and Harry Blackstone, Sr. Among the fictitious are Harry Potter, Merlin, Circe and assorted wizards from tales like Aladdin and Repunzel. Which brings us back to politics with the Wizard of Oz. Don’t pay attention to that man behind the screen.

The Magic:
Abracadabra! Poof!! Congress has vanished. David Copperfield has amazed again.

Have you noticed that the generals in Afghanistan and the heads at the “General” are singing the same song. Petraeus has been cautioning us to be prepared for a longer than proclaimed drawdown in the country of poppies. And this morning the new chief at GM tells us that paying back the taxpayers all at once now would be unrealistic. Which just adds to the proof that politics proclaim and the private sector gets real.

I think it is time for RI’ers to start listening to Moderate Party gubernatorial candidate Ken Block. He has some good stuff to say.

While Michael Grimm become just another rock star, the emergence of Jackie Evancho will be a memorable event in the minds and hearts of music lovers.

Chicken counter’s dilemma.

Today's Tids Issue 2,220
Opening Stuff:

A lot of Republicans are moaning the blues over the upset of their candidate in Delaware. Their first reaction was to publicize something the media has already been trumpeting – She, Christine O’Donnell, isn’t fit for the job. Hmmm. The pundits must be assuming that people already in Washington are fit for the job. And, they have proven they are not. I think I’ll go for refreshing change.

Sometimes the best way to treat an ailing computer is to just walk away and let the machine sit alone to concentrate on its navel.

The Question:
Two years ago today the venerable Lehman Brothers lost its way and became the biggest business failure in US history. And let loose a panic that could have toppled the US. Name the other nine of the Top 10 largest failures.

The Headlines:

--Tea Party Accomplishments Has GOP Chiefs Scratching Heads.
--Mixed News n Manufacturing Has Stocks Waffling.
--U.S. Tourists Warned To Avoid Jordan; al-Qaida Ups Rhetoric Against Countries With Troops In Afghanistan.
--Israeli/Palestine Heads Meet With Hill As Mortars Bombard Israel And Israeli Counters With Jets Bombing Gaza.
--States Cutting Benefits For State Employee Retirees.
--3 Ex-Goldman Woman Establish Class Action Suit Against Financial Giant For Sexual Discrimination.
--Republicans Now Say They Are Unified In Extending Tax Benefits For All; Many Dems Ready To Join In With GOP.

Back to More Stuff:
RI’s primaries may be a harbinger of what’s to come nationally as 9 long time incumbents were thrown out. One of them, David Caprio, represents a well known political family name one of whom is his brother, the Democrat nominee for Governor. The woman who beat him appears to be the beneficiary of anti-incumbency, but it is far from that. Apparently Caprio has been trying to fight the unions and Tanzi, the upset winner here, is the bought and paid for union candidate…and a very progressive liberal who’s biggest plank is for Social Justice. Which I as you know is another way of saying budgets be damned, give it away. Be careful what you pray for.

And speaking of never ending sources of money, it has been revealed that a chunk of Stimulus Money is going to UCLA as grant to assist their effort to combat aids. However the only piece of money approved for this effort is for training African men on how to wash their genitals after sex. Do I have to say anything more?

The way I see it in the guacamole and bean world, is that the more Mexican restaurants that open, the more places illegal immigrants have to eat. I think Mexican restaurants are a Democrat plot.

I also think that the Muslim religion is the biggest bunch of whiners of any religion in the country. And the most demanding for special treatment.

Another person who stupidly put their vacation plans on Facebook was robbed. It turned out that the robbers were a ring who preyed on Facebook “tell-alls”. Maybe the police should put up bogus vacation plans and wait for the criminals to come to them. Why does anybody put out anything personal on a world wide web. Or write a stupid, revealing column everyday?

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 94. –As I turned onto High Street in the edge of the Financial District, I saw behind me the State trooper car lights flashing,. I came to a stop and he pulled up next to my window. “It looks like we made it without incident.” He smiled.
I gave him a major grin back and said a cheery “Thanks!” And, I meant it. Although I wished he’d hang a little longer and follow me into the underground garage. I don’t like them even when I’m not being stalked. But, I waved good by and my fears away. I dialed Bill as I made a left turn and headed to Post Office Square.
“Hi Maggie, Bill.” Ah…caller ID, I thought.
“What’s going on? I’m outside and about ready to go into the scary underground.” He laughed as he always did about my phobia. And before he could answer my first question I asked if he would come down and meet me so we could talk before I came up. He said good excuse Boss, laughed again and then sure.
“They are all sitting in Jack’s office. Your pal Kent,” I shuddered. “Jack, Isabelle, the slick looking guy who I don’t know and Jeff Symington.”
“Symington? What’s that old hanger on doing in there?”
“I thought it was odd too. They seem to be aiming a lot of conversation to Middleton. And, I got the feeling that Jack and Isabelle knew each other better than mere business associates”
“Really.” I didn’t look for an answer. “I’m hanging up so you can be down when I get to my parking space.” I clicked off and stuck my card in the gate machine. God, I hate it down here.

Jackie Evancho’s singing of Ave Maria on AGT was amazing. I still shiver a little thinking about it. Let’s hope she can beat out the fans that surely must be lining up for Pop singer Michael Grimm. Grimm was good, but Evancho is special.

And, while we are on TV, Rubicon is staring to take shape. I thought the lie detector testing sequence was fascinating. Next Monday marks the beginning of NBC’s “The Event” which is supposed quell the aching hearts of “24” fans. We’ll see.

The Answer:
After Lehman we had Washington Mutual Inc. followed by World Com. Next was GM and then in order Enron, Conseco, Chrysler, Thornburg Mortgage, Pacific Gas & Electric and Texaco. And you have to wonder these days how many are walking on the edge.

The End! (Not so fast pancho):
The primaries are over, and now the real action ramps up. Except that most people are already exhausted from the barrage of commercials to date.