Room for Jeb?

Today's Tids Isssue 2,822

Opening Stuff:

 

Most viewing the opening of the Bush library, from several sides of the political spectrum, were able to table their agendas for a moment and marvel at the purity of a great America; Five living Presidents bound by the mysteries of the office and hardships that nobody sees ...but which they all must live. Guiding America is no easy task.

Well, we made it through another week. I think I am becoming oblivious to the shenanigans in DC. Or else the antics of journalist miscreants has become so epidemic that the so-called news just passes me by. I have to believe this is good for your health. The only real news that might rekindle my fire is the systematic shrinking of the government. Until then, it's just a plain embarrassment and rather painful to watch bad lawmaking from both sides of the aisle. If indeed, we really need any new laws at all.

I went to a memorial service yesterday for a beautiful woman who inspired a great family, that just happened to marry into mine, and vice versa. It was like so many of the memorial services or funerals where you see people you love, and then just leave. Just like that.

The Question:
What are the five countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita?

The Headlines:
--Q1 GDP Improvement Less Than Analysts Estimates; Market Shrugs.
--Congress Passes Bill To Ease FAA Sequester Woes.
--President O Tip-Toeing Across Planned Parenthood Stage; Infanticide Trial Dampens Enthusiasm Of Abortion Lovers.
--Baltimore Prisoner, Gang Leader Fathers 5 Children With 4 Guards.
--Country Western Star george Jones Dead At 81.
--Bangladesh Building Collapse Deaths Rise to 300; 38 Die In Fire At Moscow, Russia Mental Hospital.

The biggest problem facing the US of A is shrinking jobs because of technology. For instance, when Banks lay off 30,000 chunks of employees, it's not necessarily just to improve the bottom line, it's because they just don't need bodies anymore now that technology has taken over so many functions. It's actually happening everywhere. In many industries smart people are hired to write programs, followed by less smart people to push buttons. And finally, only machines. This how America can compete with outsourcing to low paying nations. But it does no good for strong middle income employment.

The main interest of the US in the Syrian war is to stop spillover that could put pal King Of Jordan in peril

I see where yesterday "O" praised Bush. After that, even his support from the left will think he's a liar.

It was a Good idea last night to "Save" all of the AI singers. Amber and Candice were the bottom dwellers last night, but because they had an extra week left on the sched due to the already planned "Save" which was never made, they just it flow again.

The US Gossip media just couldn't exist without the emergence from time to time of a good English Princess.

I think you could classify the stock market today as "Good", considering that the investors didn't rush into a sell-off after the mediocre GDP reports. This kind of sensibility tends to mean the nominal curve will continue upward movement. A "Bad" market means that stocks will drop after a report of hangnail.

Ironically, the Bush Library opened in the wake of the Boston bombings. While not has devastating as 911, Boston was equally vicious in its total disregard for innocent human life.

Officialdom is having trouble classifying Boston as real terrorism because they can't link the amoral twosome to a known terroist state. How how about the state of hatred for the USA that exists in the radical islamist world. That works for me.

I mentioned a couple of weeks back that the cup cake market was declining. Some disagree with that, mainly it seems because they like to eat the sweets. But, the factors for fading remain -- fads always end, prices are high and competition for the specialty sweet tooth segment is on the rise. One competitive force it appears surprisingly is the fancy macaroon! Hey, I guess if we've had chocolate chip cookie shops, the macaroon deserves a chance. But you won't find me there. Nor eating a five dollar cupcake.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Company You Keep is possibly a good movie unless it is just an apology film for the 60's/70's Weatherman hooligans. Most of the Weather group members have slipped into new identities and are quietly leading new lives. A reporter outs one of the former militant group, who goes on the run in this political thriller. I would go see it.
--Mud is supposed to be Matthew McConaughey's best. He is a man found by two boys hiding on a Mississippi island. He tells stories of killing a man in Texas and vengeful bounty hunters seeking him... and how he plans to take the love of his life with him in his escape. He asks the boys for help, and soon the tales turn into deadly reality and a big adventure for all.
--The Big Wedding Is this week's gathering place for aging actors. It is a comedy that will be predictable, about a long divorced couple having to play the happy couple again for their adopted son's wedding.
--Pain & Gain is a black comedy about body builders. Personally a movie about body building would be too embarrassing to watch. Fortunately it is a close to awful film, so I wouldn't be tempted to match my abs against there's.

The Answer:
Little Luxemburg is number one mainly because the citizens don't know exactly where the country is. It is followed by Ireland, Portugal, Hungary, Czeck Republic, Spain, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland and France.

It's time for the weak end, which will hopefully launch you into the weekend. The grayness of the news makes it harder and harder to write the Tids. See you all on Monday.



I'm smiling.

Today's Tids Issue 2,821

(Written 2/25)

Opening Stuff:

 

A new Gallop/Healthways WellBeing Survey picks the happiest and most depressed states. It says that 80.4%* Rhode Islanders do not enjoy themselves. Here's an Idea -- In the next election all RI'ers should walk into the voting booth tall and proud and pull the lever for every incumbent's opponent**. They would feel a catharsis, a release from the stagnation that binds; from the gray loud that smothers opportunity. Sever the past and walk happily in the sun. Note, Hawaii is the Happiest State. *The survey must have been taken in February when the happiest RI'ers are in Florida. In the summer, everybody in RI is happy. **This would surely work if there were opponents running.

Did you know that 6 out of 7 dwarfs aren't happy.

There are those who can drift away within a crowded room. The chatter of the place becomes the ocean pounding upon the rocky shore. The drinks that they pour, are the rivulets winding back to the sea where it began. The people scurrying by create the breeze that blows off tops of foamy waves. When the evening show winds down, I sit and enjoy the calming waters lapping softly at my feet.

The Question:

The business life cycle for products in the technological age gets shorter ans shorter. Name 5 of the most damaged brands.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Open Higher; Gold Regains Half Of Loss After Recent Rout.

--Giant Fuel Barges Explode In Mobile Alabama Harbor; Carnival Cruise Ship Nearby Evacuated.

--Bush says He's Comfortable With Decisions As New Library Opens; Post Presidency Favorability Rankings Improvement Faster Than Clinton's.

--11th Century Minaret Toppled In Heavy Aleppo Fighting.

--Evacuation Orders Ignored Before Bangladesh Factory Collapse.

--Bomber Parents In Denial; Mother Facing Shoplifting And Evading Warrants May Not Return To Claim Son's Body.

--RI Becomes 10th State To Pass Same Sex Marriage Approval Law.

I have always though that Robert's Rules of Order were kind of pretentious and sucked the humanity out of meetings. Maybe Attila the Hun needed something formal to control his fellow savages, but I have always thought that business meetings went better when people talked like people. But, that's just me.

Ok, I thought the American Idol girls/women were far superior to any of the men. But, I'm finding the finals without men not as good. There is a sameness to all of the women, which would be ok if it was balanced with a couple of male singers. But, the Judges just blew it with the male picks, so we got what we got. I thought Angie was best last night. I put Kree and Amber in the bottom two. Mainly because there are only four and somebody has to be there. McArthur park was a bad selection fo Amber, who I generally like. As was Whiter Shade of Pale for Kree, about whom I'm beginning to have misgivings. But the final three will be Angie, Candice and Kree mainly because Amber doesn't seem to have a voting base. And I don't think she helped herself last night.

Carnivals are noted for sleazy games where the chance of winning is an orchestrated illusion wile the possibility of losing is highly likely. What an apt name for a certain cruise Linell.

O yeah, and the other "Happiest States" after Hawaii are North Dakota, Minnesota, Alaska, Utah, Colorado (Hey, mannn), Kansas, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Montana. The least happy are Mass, RI, Delaware, West Va, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri and Alabama.

Did you know that the original BD (Before Disney) Seven Dwarfs were Bick, Flick, Glick, Plick, Quee, Snick and Whick? Probably  not on the tip of your tongue.

The Boston Red Sox had a continuous sell-out streak of 820 games, until the day after opening day when it all ended. Yesterday the Sox announced that anybody with a  ticket for last Tuesday night's game could trade it in for a future game, because the Sox sucked so bad that game wasn't worth the money paid.

Did ya hear about the Buddhist who walked up to the hot dog vendor and said "make me one with everything"?

Next week there are the final episodes for my current favorite two TV shows, The Following and The Americans. So, do you think today's Tids looks slightly depressed. I guess it's because I'm looking out toward the summer and I only see emptiness. I'm praying to the summer replacement program Gods for relief.

Two blonds walked into a bar. The brunette ducked.

The Answer:

#1 Most damaged product is Martha Stewart! And it isn't just the aging of a Diva! #2 is Apple followed by Hyundai (Giant Recalls and "Inflated EPA ratings), Groupon, Blackberry (Is the new phone entry enough?) and JP Morgan Chase.

The Buddhist gave the hot dog vendor a $10.00 bill. When the vendor turned to another customer the Buddhist asked, "Where's my change." The vendor replied, "Change comes from within".

I hope so, or I'll never get through the Summer replacement TV season.

Tomorrow will be a happy day. Sneezy, Sleepy Grumpy, Bashful, Doc and dopey are planning a surprise birthday party.

Keep on smiling.

Before you know it, the day's over.

Today's Tids Issue 2,820

(Written 4/24)

Opening Stuff:

 

Life is funny. Some days you actually seem to know what you are doing.

Actually, I'm starting to see September while waiting for May. That's how fast things go these days. I've looked at my summer golf schedule, and in my mind have already played all the holes on all the courses. Had quite a season, too. Nice slow swing. Good putting. July and August were full of great birthday parties where I ate much too much frosting. The way I figure it, if you go to somebody's party, you gotta eat the cake. So, It's about time to get out the old plaid flannel shirts again. It seems like I just put them away. Or did I? Maybe I just got up from a nap. Who knows. Maybe it's April just being too cold.

Being a Red Sox fan, it's always good to sleep through the Summer and not feel so much pain.

You have to figure that if there were no 401K's, the rich wouldn't be gettting richer faster.

The Question:
Ok, yesterday a reader wondered why Italy wasn't on the list of Top Ten bread eating countries. Hey bread is nice, but how about Chocolate! Which five countries are the biggest consumers of that nectar of the gods; those indescribable sensations you roll it around in your mouth, The little pains of joy it produces in your jaw line; the rush, as you feel it flowing through your veins; the aftertaste that lingers, sultry upon your tongue.

The Headlines:
--Market Down As Investors Reevaluate Key Stocks Like Apple; Apple Falls Below 400.
--Czeck Republic To Donate $200,000 To West, Texas.
--Impressive Bush Library Opens In  Dallas: Laura Says Library Monument To Unique Eight Years Of Us History Including 911.
--Five Murdered In Manchester Ill Home.
--Bangladesh Garment factory Collapses Killing 87.
--Libya Government Destabilizing.

I'm Thinking that this Tids thing has to get younger. So, I'm turning to my 30 something inner self to liven up this mess. It's too easy to retreat into where you been, the road you've traveled and what you know...which it seems is less and less. I mean we all have to know how to tweet to Justin Bieber, right?

In case you are keeping tabs, President Obama broke his campaign promise to commemorate the Armenian "Genocide"...again.

"Actuary" is once again considered the top job out of college. But as somebody said after hearing the report, "So...Working for an insurance company, sitting in a dark room making calculations to find out when bad things happen, is the best we can do?"

With all of the built-in redundancy of the US Government, Obama could stop the so-called pain of the sequestration in a Jackie Robinson second...if he wanted to.

I spent most of yesterday afternoon waiting on the Apple news. It was a little like going to NASCAR.

You don't get precipitous dips on false news like yesterday, if the Stock Market isn't technology driven. Let's hear it for slow acting humans. Or is that Hupersons

Life is made up of many silent hoo rays, little cheers to yourself over private accomplishments, important to you, but maybe not so much to others. Keep the hoo-rays coming!

It appears that 0-man is safe on his threat to take action against Assad if he crossed the Chemical Warfare "Red Line", because the White House and Admin lawyers can't agree on the definition of the phrase "Chemical Warfare. This is true folks.

Apple is proving once again that it's tough to produce consistent double digit growth when you've reached the top.

I gotta feel for Kevin Curtis.

The Americans are on tonight.

The Answer:
The frist stop on this decipherable cruise is , what else, Switzerland. The UK is a strong second, and is followed by Belgium, Germany, Ireland (Bread and Chocolate), Denmark, Norway, Austria, Poland and USA. If we could get Bloomberg and Michelle off our case, than we might be in the top five.

Yesterday I saw a picture of a person who's job title was "Clean Food Coach"! Chocolate is clean. Maybe she can coach us up.

Sorry I'm a bit late, but I have to say it was a good day.  Hoo-ray!

Too many people with too little to do.

Tpday's Tids Issue 2,819

Opening Stuff:

 

Washington State is a pretty spectacular place...for vistas. But, not so much for rational thinking. Their legislature has just voted for gender neutral words where Fisherman will now be a "Fisher", Penmanship will now be "Handwriting" and Freshman will now be "First Year Student". How incredibly insane is that? Will there be Language cops giving out tickets. They say that they have yet to come up with a suitable replacement for Manhole Cover. How about street hole cover? How hard was that? Of course they think that replacing "Journeymen" with Journey-Level" is suitable. Ststrangely, this all happened right after the enactment of liberal Marijuana laws. Is there a connection here? Well I was laughing along my morning about the loons in the Northwest corner when I read farther to see, "Washington joins other states like...Rhode Island". Hey, wait a minute, RI's Chafee-Lite just signed more liberal marijuana laws.

There's a story out that the Boston Bombers probably had no Foreign help. But, the reporter on the story is ABC's Brian Ross who more often than not gets it wrong. So, I'll wait for the facts.

The Question:
Double "Q" Tuesday: 1. What are the five top causes of accidental death in the US? 2. Which five countries eat the most bread per capita?

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Up Stone Early After Europe Posts Positive Gains For Three days; Wall Street Holding Breath Over Apple Post Closing Announcements.

--European Stock Gains Should Power US Today.

--Two Canadian Men Arrested After Muslim Community Exposes Plan To Bomb Passenger Train; Men Supported By al-Qaida in Iran; First al-Qaida Act In Canada.

--Israel Says There Is Evidence Of Chemical Usage In Syria.

--Car Bombs Rattle Capitals Of Iraq, Lybia; French Embassy In Lybia Struck; 23 Dead In Iraq As Incidents Rage On.

In RI, there are only about three and a half degrees of separation. I know a guy who's sister is the best friend of Boston Bomber's wife. And, I knew when I called him last night that he would tell me something like that.

Do you ever realize how meaningful to others a casual conversation opener like "Howya doin' " might be?

The world is such a disbelieving place anymore. In a news item, Israel says The (Syria) regime "probably used nerve gas on its people. Now the Israeli's know that Chemical is Obama's so-called hot button, the red line that would cause him to act. So I'm immediately thinking is this an Israel ruse to draw the US into the Syria mess? "Probably" is not a conclusive word. 

Growing career opportunity Education: Drone Piloting School.

There is no doubt in my mind that Fiat/Chrysler is sissyfying the Jeep.

I have always wondered why when say, Police departments do what they are supposed to do, people laud it as unique. Now, I'm not demeaning bravery and danger on the job, but police and/or firemen (Oops, sorry Washington state. or the Coast Guard enter into dangerous situations because that is their job description. Or, how about how the cost of police protection at a big event is isolated to be "X" Million, when the police are doing whet they are already being paid to do. Like when the cost of the Secret Service, which is paid to protect the President at all times, is considered as "Extra when the Pres takes a trip. So people go to work and do their job and sometimes they are just being paid for what they do and other times when doing exactly the same thing they are an expense. Must have something to do with politics.

Speaking of dangerous jobs, how about accountants who have to find truth in audits? Let's hear it for accountants, our last paragons of truth.

What would the people in Washington State's Government be doing for the last six years if they weren't scouring state regulations, administrations and legislation to eliminate the words "man" or "men" from all written state documents? Why did taxpayers have to pay for people sitting around in dull grey rooms with metal furniture, amidst paper cups half full of coffee and donut crumbs, making up replacement names for traditional and well accepted descriptions of occupations and inanimate objects. Sounds a little like communist Russia to me.

1984 was just a little too early.

If you can get past the blood oozing's, "The Following" is one of the best, most tense thrillers on TV in years. Every time you think they must have finally run out of new ideas, they sneak one by you and you are completely surprised.

The Conscience: Chapter 19 continues:
   Mrs. Biglietto was a dark haired, very attractive woman, about my age, Though not as worn down by a constant alcohol transfusion. Her English seemed more natural than Papa. Some day I will surely introduce him as Mr. Papa. Sanna and Ernesto, took their seats on the couch as I turned my chair towards them. Angelica sat in the soft leather chair that matched the couch. This was obviously the small talk session before they beat me up at lunch.
   "That was a terrible thing at Mr. Stevenson's boat yard yesterday. Have you talked to him. Has he said anything?" Papa nodded along with his wife's words as if he was saying them in unison. His eyes looked soft, non-threatening. Sanna's eyes were more alert, like her daughter. I quickly told her what I knew. She paid strict attention, making notes in her mind I would suspect. Half way through my little talk she crossed her legs, skirt riding up up bit. I thought I noticed her eyes flicking down, asking mine to follow. Which they did. Two things drinking causes -- over eating and declining resistance to woman's advances. Now this wasn't an advance, Well I'm thinking it probably wasn't, but I seemed to be breaking down fairly rapidly. I glanced over at Angelica and felt guilty.
   I was surprised to have my wandering imagination interrupted by Ernesto, who up til now I thought was basically staging for his wife., "Mr. Morgan,"
   "You can call me Jeff," I interrupted.
   "No, I will call you Mr. Morgan Until I trust you." My stomach tightened. I glanced quickly at Sanna's knee. Ooops, Already I'm breaking his trust. Then I eyed the bar by the window. "I don't know why you are here. We had a business deal moving to completion, but my wife," He looked at Sanna. "She had a call from one of her contacts saying that Mr. Stevenson was sending a lawyer to mess things up. And now we have an explosion. So, you are bad portafortuna." God, Italian again. But understand the word "bad".
    "But," now he smiled, my daughter says you are a nice man, and could be trusted. So we can proceed, but you will see me watching you." He stood. "Enough with the friendly part of this morning. Lets go to lunch and talk, what do you Americans say, "Turkey"? I have never said Talk Turkey in my life. But I nodded anyway.
    I stood and looked over at Angelica and mouthed, "Thank you". She smiled a little and walked over to her parents. Ah, three against one.

The Answer:
1. I don't think you would be surprised to learn that Auto Crashes is #1 (43,200). The next five  are Falls (14,900), Solids, Liquids Poisoning (8,600), Drowning (4,000) Fires and Burning (3,700) and #6 is Suffocating (3,500). Rounding out the top 10 are Firearms (1,500), Gas Poisoning (00), Medical, Surgical Misadventures, Complications (500) and Machinery (300). 2. The Country that runs away witht eh bread eating title is Ireland followed by UK, New Zealand, USA, Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Canada/Mexico. I wonder if anybody ever suffocated to death by bread?

I just have to figure that there are many in Government who's job it is to create programs solely designed to create new hiring opportunities. 

Before a mother knows the sex of her baby, it's a hidden agender.

Have fun today. Wait a minute, that might not be appropriate for everybody. Oh well, screw it, have fun anyhow.

Let's hear it for Gina Ramondo.

Today's Tids Isssue 2,818
Opening Stuff:

I think my tear ducts have filled up over the years of watching the world. They're brimming over, liable to spill at any moment, it seems. The good thing is that the joyful tears out weigh the sad tears, the bad tears. I think it's a good thing to fill up your tear reservoir as you get older. It makes the smiles of people you love, glistening through the droplets so much brighter. And there are so many more smiles to see, to cherish. I think you learn over the years that there are many more tears of happiness than sadness. You tear the accomplishments of youth. You tear the heroes you don't know. And you learn finally that all tears of sadness are not that sad at all, but tears of what love and friendships have meant over many years; Tears for the goodness in people you know.

I had to open this morning cheering for a politician to remind myself that there are some good one's, and there is in fact hope. Maybe even in Rhode Island.

In a small local study, the question was asked: "In the aftermath of the Boston marathon bombings, would you be more reluctant to attend major public events? The "Yes, how could I not" received 10.7%. The middle, "I'd be more cautious and selective" represented 25%. The "No, absolutely not" courageous among us, or is it brainless or naive, was a significant majority at 64.3%. I wonder how many stayed away from the Saturday Red Sox game?

One of the great advantages of failing eyesight when you get older is that when you look in the mirror you think you still look great.

The Question:
This for Broadway fans. Patti Lapone was surely one of the all time great performers of the great white way. Name her two most famous roles, one of which she hated, calling it the worst experience of her life. Patti's brother is pretty famous two and also had a momentous original Broadway role. Name him and role Bonus: One of my favorite all time concert events was by Peter Frampton. Name that great musical interlude song.

The Headlines:
--Markets Drifting Lower; Street Bracing For What Could Disasterous Apple Earnings Report Tuesday.
--Boston Bomber Awake; Communicating Through Notes.
--Bombers Seemed To Have Plenty Of Money Without Decernable Sources Of Income.
--Israel Hints At Patience With Iran.
--Italy Re-elects 87 Yo. Napolitano Presidents; Former Prez Hope For Restoring Government
--Taliban Take 9 Turkish Citizens Hostage After Storm Forces  Helicopter To Land
--Reese Witherspoon Pulls "Don't You Know Who I Am" Trick Helping Husband Resist Arrest In drunken Driving Escapade.
--Sportscaster Al Micahels Also Arrested In DUI Incidnet.

Al Neuwarth was a man who saw how the human was changing and did something about it. I often did not agree with his opinions, But I respected the brilliance of his creation.

I suspect in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon tragedy and successful capture of the perpetrators, their will be an influx of applicants for law enforcement jobs. Does hat mean the government will have to to sponsor more crime to keep them employed?

Scary Movie: 2024
The Tids Chicago "Insider" tells me the rumors on the streets there is that Rom Emanuel is building up a warchest to run as Veep with Hillary, with every intention of sliding into the White House when she is done at the age of 80 yo.

In the restaurant trade, a salad without vegetables and accoutrements is known as the "Honeymoon Salad" -- "Lettuce alone"!

If I was truly amoral, I wouldn't feel so guilty about not buying some of the junk offered by Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes.

You just know that some group will come along to make excuses for the Bombers. But blowing up innocents is more than the work of a loner with an XBox. People are saying that there is no big conspiracy here involving a network of imbedded foreign cells, becasue their exit strategy was so poor. No, their's is a conspiracy not of identifiable organizations, but of a unified ideology that promises never to go away until the world is Islam.

If The Prez hadn't been so adamant about "getting the NRA", you might have a new gun law as we speak. In typical liberal zeal, the President seized the emotion of the day to over reach and over assassinate good people belonging to the NRA. He asked for too much in the bill, and both Republicans and Democrats rejected it. But this President has oten rushed to ill informed judgement, mostly based on his liberal agenda. An agenda that he hides when campaigning, but emerges in the reality of the world.

The capture of the Marathon Bomber at 9:00 PM instead of after 11, was very good for the relevancy of the morning Newspapers.

Ideologues are not good for America, unless they're conservative.

A sportswriter commenting on the Marathon tragedy asked the question, "Does anybody remember the name of the race winner?" I say, who ever remembers the name of the Boston Marathon winner. The usual answer, "Some Ethiopian."

Just so you understand a little better the "news" about ObamaCare that'll soon be coming to your local newspaper, radio, TV, Tweet and favorite internet site, be aware that the White House has just hired a new P/R Firm to create positive illusions. Beware of what you read from here on in, becasue you can be sure the media won't be questioning the releases.

The Answer:
Patti Lapone won a Tony for her role as the first Eva In Evita. But, she thought music was written by a man who hated woman, and she constantly fought a directer who treated her like a back stage unknown. "It was like Beierut!" She also was the original Fantine in Les Miz. She said. Her brother Bobby played Zach the director in the original Chorus Line.  Bonus: "Do you feel like I do" from Frampton comes Alive is one of those Eight track tapes I wore out. Just something about it. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9Yq5m9eLIQ

The opening to the Alive album, Baby isn't so bad either.

Just a walk down memory lane today, and I'm feeling tears of happy days gone by as I listen to Frampton. And thanks to my kids for bringing home 8-Tracks and introducing me to some music that had passed me by at that time.

So, is Wall Street setting up Apple for a positive surprise? The doom and gloomers have Apple optimism at an all time low; predicting poor earnings and a poor outlook for June. Does that mean it is time to buy?  With just a smidgen of good news from tomorrow's earnings report, the stock could be a good gamble today. Something to investigate.

How can you write about the petals of the rose, when there are so many thorns.

Today's Tids Issue 2,816

Opening Stuff:

 

"Yankee Doodle went to town A-Riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni". This tune we all know was often sung by British soldiers in America to belittle the ragtag American revolutionary army. After Lexington and Concord 237 years ago today, The Brits chased by the Minutemen back to Boston, said in response to the Question, "How do you like the tune now", "Dang them, the made us dance it till we were tried, since which Yankee Doodle sounds less sweet to our ears." Yup, this is the day those many years ago that a tune that had mocked became a tune that inspired.

The knowledge about the Boston Marathon Chechnya born bombers raises a new set of of scary possibilities. Russia's Chechnya has been called a breeding ground for Terrorists. For the past twenty years they have bombed in Russia, often in Moscow itself, to support their Islamist rebellion. Children have never at all been immune from their attacks, in fact some reports from Boston say the two brothers dropped the bombs behind groups of children. The Chechnyan terrorists are known for their cold blooded savagery. Early analysis after Boston has security experts saying that al-Qaida likes the idea of using the Chechnya terror group to do their bidding. One main reason is they are more Caucasian in appearance permitting easier access with less scrutiny to the US public areas. Gilda Radnor had it right, "There's always something."

If you think Benghazi has just faded away, you and the admin are going to be very surprised. There's plenty boiling beneath the surface as several whistle blowers are irate at how much has been covered up about the killings of the American Ambassador and three others. The Congressional committee has been holding many investigative sessions with people having evidence. They have issued invitations to many in the CIA and Admin departments to come to a new round of friendly sessions...and to "bring your lawyers."! Oops. I wonder if that means Hillary.

The Question:

You may have varied opinions of the actress Ashley Judd, but I have enjoyed her movies. I don't know whether it's because she's in them, or because she just knows how to pick good scripts for herself that I happen to like. Name five of her best.

The Headlines:

--One Boston Bomber Killed; 19 Year Old Brother On Lamb; Internet Posting Says "Many will Die" for Killing His Brother.

--Markets Sink Again; Markets hurt By IBM Slide; Dell Also Down; Microsoft, Google Rise.

--New Venezuelan Admin Has Military beating Opposition; Human Rights Lawyers Says "Worst Political Repression In Six Years.

--Today Is Anniversary Of "Shot heard Round The World", The Beginning Of The American Revolution That Put Freedom In Lexicon.

I hated to see Janelle go, mainly because her delightful presence just made the entertainment value of the show a little better. Even though her "Save" song was outstanding, and showed another side of the singer, I believe the Judges mentally had her as number five, and that may have been why she was so criticized the most on Wednesday to set the stage for the four they wanted. I had been led to believe that Kree was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but she has shown me little. She should have gone this week. Amber has the talent to win it all, but Candice more and more looks like the winner.

The leaks you see coming from Amanda Knox about her mental pains is serious evidence that a book is soon to be published.

You have got to be kidding me..."Crosswalk Flags"?

So the 0-Man will continue his methods of walking around Congress when he doesn't like the results. He has ordered his admin to break down barriers in health privacy laws that block investigations in to mentally ill gun applicants. Actually, that sounds like a good idea for guns, except that going around Congress isn't a good idea for the country.

I'm beginning to think that too many new immigrants think that they have come to the land of the "Free money" instead "the Free". Yes there appears to be a big industry revolved around immigrants suing for racial or ethnic bias.

It's a bad sign for the US of A when a florist in Washington State is sued becasue he won't provide flowers for a Same Sex Wedding. Businesses have choice on whether or not they want to lose business. Somebody down the street will open a shop called "Gay Posies" and they will dominate the same sex market. And the refuser will lose business over time. That's the American way. Suing is not. Or is it?

In answer to yesterday's closing query, a reader suggests that a "Tids App" would kill all "Spell Checkers". Meaning that great ideas would rise above trivial criticisms.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:

--The first of a lesser than great line-up is Oblivion. A security repairman on an evacuated Earth in the future is forced to deal with an alien menace while work is done to salvage resources from war destroyed Earth. Expect Tom Cruise to run long distances.

--In Filly Brown a young Latina street poet is for to leave the friends who have supported her in order to make a record deal that is desperately needed by her financially troubled family. Maybe, just maybe it could be ok. But very predictable.

The Answer:

Ashley Judd who I thought had a great little TV series going in "Missing" ,has starred in one of my favorites "Double Jeopardy". She was also great in Kiss The Girls, High crimes, Heat, A time to Kill.  Twisted and De-Lovely. She was in others like The YayYa Sisterhood, but I probably wouldn't go to see them.

To the tune of Yankee doodle Dandy which became the the victory anthem for Boston in 1776:

The Chechnyan Bombers came to town,

Walking with their back packs

They did their deed to Boston folks

Who suffered from their at-tacks.

Boston rose and stood quite tall

Vowed to seek its justice.

In just two days one scab is dead

And one in the eyes of the po-lice.

So, there you have it. One tumultuous week is done. Have agreat and safe, crowdless weekend.

Same time next year.

Today's Tids Issue 2,814

Opening Stuff:

 

Every year around this time I have written, as I did Monday morning, about the most perfect holiday, Patriot's day in Boston, which Rhode Islander's often use as their own holiday too. I write about the perfect blend remembering the heroics of farmers behind stone walls, Paul Revere's ride, with the momentous events of the new day, The Red Sox morning game and the historic Boston Marathon, a happening of happenings. And of course, the people, happy, secure -- honoring the efforts of the past that gave us today; waving flags, cheering all the Patriotic heroes of 237 years of American history. How will I write of it in 2014?

Another Jonathon Winters fan sends in this from the comedians own lips: "If God had meant for us to fly, he would have made it easier to get the airport.

The Question:
Double Q Day: 1. What is the most endangered river in the US? 2. Which five companies do you think pay the most fro summer interns?

The Headlines:

--Markets Plunging, Again; Techs Down Led By Apple Minus 4%; Bad earnings For BoA, Yahoo; Oil Pushing Down Stocks; Small rebound in Last Hours.
--Conflicting Reports Of Bomber Arrest Coming Out Of Boston And feds.
--England Honors Margaret Thatcher; Royalty, Dignitaries, Regular People Attend Funeral.
--Islamist Fire 2 Missiles From Egypt's Sinai Peninsula Into Israel Resort.

--Evidence Of Nerve Gas In Syria Found.

--Letter To Sen. Wicker Said To Have Contained Poison Ricin; Security people Investigating Similar Letter Sent To President.

Here's a note from a good reader on Monday's tragedy in Boston: "Seems like we have to address mass tragedies quite often. We live in a world of non-stop candlelight vigils and make-shift memorials. Hard to explain anything to the kids anymore..."

They are telling me the "Drone" was named after someone spent a week watching Congress in action.

Isn't it interesting how history repeats itself. In Revolutionary war times the well drilled Red Coats of the British military were perplexed, flummoxed at the gorilla tactics of the American fighters. Now the largest best trained military in the world is fighting an enemy they cannot see. Who hide in plain sight among the masses, to inflict pain upon innocents. Our farmers behind stone walls fought for human freedoms, smothered by tyranny. Today's enemy's battles are about what? Hatred? Revenge? Envy? The emergence of tyranny?

Fads and more fads. America has lived on fads for centuries, most recently Hoola Hoops, Disco and yes, Cupcakes. The problem is that new fads disappear faster, because new trends are almost instantaneous, with fast messaging. The big cup cake chains are reporting significant lower sales on the gourmet sweets...I mean really significant, as in change your business model. Think about it -- a group of teens are headed to a local Cupcake shop when one looks down at a new twitter message, "Yogurt Whoopie Pies, new taste sensation at 85 Thames Street". A GPS map automatically appears and the kids march off. A fad is born and another changes to fade. So get your cupcakes while they last. And be ready to be titillated with the new rage. For a moment or two.

One thing you can count on, new products from Apple. They spcnd about $5Bill a year on new product development, and you have seen barely anything truly new in a couple of years. And, their stock is down. So get prepared for something big this summer. It's gotta happen.

While they argue about new laws that could reduce citizens rights to defend themselves, we have a bombing in Boston and Poison dust sent to the Pres and senator.

The Answer:
1. The Colorado River, which brings water to 40 Million US citizens is disturbingly low in water. 2. Have your kids or grand-kids apply to VMware, eBay, Exxon, Facebook or Google. The Monthly salary rage there is $6,704 for WM to $5,891 for Goog. The big news this year is that there are no financial companies in the top 10. And the salary range for the top 5 financial companies is $4,805 to $2,811. California here I come. Of course in Cal, even with those reasonably substantial salraies, you stll probably could only afford to live in the public park, in a tent.

Lately, my brain has been crammed with way too much information, so much that the Tids can't find their way out!

We wept.

Today's Tids Issue 2,813
Opening Stuff:

By now, we have heard the repetition of all of the words. "Cowardly act", "Turn  over every rock". We have seen kindness amidst horror. We have seen tireless medical teams putting people back together. We've cried with marathon finisher William Richard, the father of 8 year old Martin who was killed; His 6 year old daughter who lost a leg: His wife Denise who underwent grievous brain surgery. We have stood and wondered, what has happened to America. These uncivilized attacks on innocents are only supposed to happen in Iraq, Pakistan. 

I heard of a PhD field called "Evolutionary Biology" which is supposed to be the study of apes becoming man. I think the time and energy would be better spent discovering why man is returning to his origins, becoming once again savage beasts. Is this the natural cycle? Is hatred overwhelming love? Frankly, I just don't get it.

The Question:
How many genes are there in average in the human body?

The Headlines:
--American Stunned; Boston Marathon Injuries Over 150; American Kindness Stands Out After Act By Monster.
--Wall Street Opens Higher; Carves Into Monday's Big Loss.
--Gold Continues Plummet; Bears Say True Valuation May Be $800.
--North K Issues New Threats; President Obama Says They Are Rants Of Spoiled Child.
--China Says USA Causes Asia-Pacific Tensions.
--7.8 Killer Quake Hits Iran/Pakistan Border; India, Gulf Area feels Tremors.
--Iran Tests New Land-To-Sea Missile.
--Senate Continues To Wrestle With Anti Gun, Immigration Reform Bills.
--Maduro Confirmed President Of Venezuela; Won By Mere 256K Votes.

It's hard to write the Tids when you are thinking of people lying on the sidewalk, bleeding; among limbs of other innocents. Terrorism is about making people feel uncomfortable in the future.

How come the big chain pizza makers spend most of their time inventing gimmick pizzas instead of perfecting good basic pies?

How do you figure out the perfect moment to have nothing invested in the stock market?

How much security do you think they'll have at the Kentucky Derby and The Indy 500, the next to big crowd filled national events.

I liked the world better when everything slowly evolved. When things you liked didn't fade from existence with a click.

The Answer:
There are 22,000 different genes in each body. They determine color of eyes shape of face. They can provide evidence of tendencies towards developing difference diseases. Is there one in there that could be isolated to eliminate hatred in man?

A bluebird sang on Copley Square.
A lilting dirge for those, who perished there.
For the injured loved, a song of hope
Inspiring melody, for those who must cope.
For all those who ran to help, without delays
A magnificent anthem of rightly praise.

Uh-Oh.

Today's Tids 2,812

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, alas, here we are at that day which many politicians on the left would like to make the biggest National Holiday of the year; bigger than The Fourth of July. Much bigger than those dreadful little religious holidays -- Christmas and Easter. A day when they would see millions upon millions happily marching arm in arm to the steps of government buildings in towns across the fruited plans; laying stacks of money upon the marble steps; stepping back and smiling, while reading the new national slogan; "In Bureaucrats We trust." What fond memories April 15 brings to me.

Talk about great memories, that Masters finish yesterday will be replayed a while in this old mind. Not only great sport, but a great lesson in sportsmanship. Two good guys battling each other for the most important crown in golf, making incredible shots under pressure, yet taking time to recognize without prejudice eachother's accomplishments. It was a Masters that should have been a tie. It reminded me why I never willingly miss the Sunday at Augusta.

When somebodywould say the name "Jonathon Winters" I would immediately start to smile, and then chuckle a bit. And then, grasp my sides in breath sucking orgasmic laughter. Before, he started his routine, and I'm already paralyzed with indefinable, rapturous delight. It never got any better than Jonathon and his friends.

I'm not afraid of guns. I'm afraid of hearts with no conscience, minds that are afflicted, the irrationality of human actions, an amoral society without rules.

The Question:
Assorted US President Questions Patriot's Day: 1. Which President went to medical school? 2. Which President had a Phd? 3. Which college Law School has produced the most Presidents? 4. Which Presidents never received a college degree?

The Headlines:
--Gold Sell-Off Intensifies; Europe Sell-Off 6% Today Following Friday 4.8% Loss.
--Stocks Expected To Be Lower After China Announces Slower Growth Forecast.
--Chavez Hand Picked Successor Wins Presidential Election; Surprising Narrow Margin Raises Question Of Future Protesting.
--Tension Easing In NK.
Tensions Rising In NK RI As Big Black Bear Is Seen Roaming Neighborhoods.
--Merkle To Run Again For Four More Years.
--Assad Forces Break Rebel Blockade In Northern Syria.
--House Republicans Aim To Keep New Gun Bill Sensible.
--George Bush Welcomes New Granddaughter; Expected To Be First Female President If The Hill Fails In 2016; Bush Fatigue Expected To Have Waned By 2040..
--Florida Fights Invasion Of Slimy Giant Snails.

Africa is an interesting situation, in that it is of the earliest civilizations where the people of the Kingdom of Nubia actually taught the ancient Egyptians, also African, everything they knew...and is still struggling for civilization. Yes, in this vast continent, 97% of the kids get a primary school education, but only 1% go to High school and beyond. Leaders recognize the inadequacies of their continent rich with natural resources and home to 20% of the world's population. In 2002, the African Union of 54 Nation members replaced the Organization of African Unity, a group formed in 1963 to hastened European Decolonization. Ironically the AU is designed to become similar to the EU, with two of their main objectives being improved civil rights and the creation of a Central Bank. While they are barely chipping away at human rights atrocities and other objectives, they have made no progress on the bank and some united economic goals. The Dictators and supreme leaders of various countries don't want a Central bank controlling their money. Of course, considering the plight of the EU, maybe it should be, back to the drawing board!

Never walk barefoot in a "Doggie Park".

With all due respect to all the heartbroken parents and wives, husbands, siblings, friends of all those mass murdered, who's grief nobody who hasn't been there can truly comprehend, emotionalism is a bad basis for lawmaking.

To everybody across our land, tomorrow is Patriots day in Massachusetts, which Rhode islanders as the slightly younger and more progressive, more imaginative sister also takes takes as a holiday, much to the regret of employers here. It is the day of the great Boston Marathon and a morning Red Sox Baseball game. For me it was always a day of guilty, yet thoroughly rationalized relaxation.

On Saturday, the oldest college hockey program surprised the nation by winning the NCAA championship. Boola-Boola, tables down at Morey's and all that stuff --yes the college of George W. and HW Bush, Yale, won it all on the ice. And their students are among the best in the land. Does that mean that hockey players are smarter?

I get so relaxed reading the Sunday comics, that often when finished I have trouble walking.

Who woulda thunk it that the leaders of the three AL Leagues are Kansas City, Oakland and Boston. It just shows you that the teams with the big free agent signings have to wait until their new stars have finished digesting thier clippings.

Twtter people have completely forgotten one basic rule of life: "When you are mad, when your emotions are totally out of control, always get a good night's sleep before writing a letter." Almost always you awaken to learn what a fool you almost had become.

The Answer:
1. William Henry Harrison went to medical School, but dropped out. 2. Woodrow Wilson had a Phd. 3. Three Law Schools each had two: Columbia (Teddy and FDR); Harvard (RB Hayse, 0-Man); Yale (Ford, Clinton). 4. After his father died, George Washington had to drop out of William & Mary to run the family plantation. Over time he donated generously to three colleges. The others without a degree were Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Abraham Lincoln (!), Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland and Harry Truman.

Life doesn't get any better than on Masters Sunday; eating heartily fried fish, shrimp, scallops with fries, clam cakes and chowdah. With the ocean gently lapping upon the shore and the distinct sound of golf balls rattling in the cup.

Not one God damned inch!

O say can you see, by the dawns early light. What so proudly we hailed. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. How often we sing the words without the meaning. Yet the meaning is so grand. So what the courage of our nation is all about. You can batter us; you can indict our purpose; you can subvert our great mission. But when it has ended, America will be there, in all its glory, with all its great freedoms, with all its kindness; with all of its energy. And resolve; and honesty to the fair citizens who allow a nation to be as magnificent as it is. At dawns early light.

Do you realize how much more could be accomplished if people would just say what they mean.

The Question:
Where do you find these two poetic lines: "Praise the power that hath made and preserved us as a nation / Then conquer we must, when our cause is just."

The Headlines:
--British Press Wonders If Obama Snubbed Thatcher Funeral Because She Fought Unions.
--Pres Speaks In Boston.
--Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion Looks Like Nuclear Disaster.
--Italy Again fals To Elect President.
--NK Tells America To End Sanctions They Will Stop With The Threats already,

American Idol Department:

It was pretty clear to me that Angie and Candice were the cream last night. While Candice is always perfect to listen too, I give a nod to Angie for pure entertainment value. I have liked Amber from the start. I like her demeanor on stage. She is easily always the best dressed person in the group. And she is just a damn good singer and should be in the top three. Kree is a very good singer, but she always comes along flat to me. I would put her last in last night's competition, and if so, the Judges would probably use their save. I thought Janelle was very good last night, but then I really like country music. By the way, I was thinking back to those lackluster guys. There is a lot of talk about why the great AI is suffering a significant ratings decline, and I believe in part it is the poor selection of men. And that, is a Judging problem. Without the guys, you turn off a huge section of viewers, young girls and women.

It's never to late:
I've been touched the past two days about a story from a friend about her brain damaged son. He was born with some brain damage and at five years exacerbated that with a playground fall to his head. That paralyzed the left side, resulting over time in great and continuous pain. The burden upon the mother became more and more painful too, as she tried to comforted her aggrieved son. She'd heard of new surgeries that might help, so she managed to get and appointment with the head neurological surgeon at Brown U. Shortly, she and her son found themselves in a small darkened room with the surgeon manipulating the MRI on the big colorful screen. The boy and mom watched eagerly. Finally the surgeon stopped and pointed to a black triangle. "That's the problem," said the surgeon. The mother smiled a bit, and then the 50 year old boy jumped and shouted in childlike innocence, "They found it!" Everybody in the room laughed at his exuberance, his total happiness,,, felt a tear on their cheek.

But, here is the rest of the story. When it came time to perform the surgery, the original surgeon was away. His associate was to step in, but first, he warned the mother that he didn't think this procedure would work and suggested an alternative. The mother resisted brilliantly and the surgeon agreed to set up and performed the first surgeons plan. It turned out to be perfect, The boy crippled for life is completely pain free. He is comfortable for the first time in 40 years. The mom brought him back for a check up after a week or so. The performing surgeon said, "I have a little story Mr's Jones. I was in church the other day and this thought came to me in that pleasant silence, that my associate, your first sugeon  must have received an intuitive urging to suggest a treatment that no other surgeon would have suggested. It is kind of a miracle."

A reader warns that while the Lenova detachable tablet computer combo looks tempting, beware of a practically non-existent customer service. He is telling me that this is a true leave-you-out-on-the-limb-customer-service- company. And they own the saw. Good luck

A Washington insider and reader reports that the Senate is seeking to register and do background checks on purchasers of pressure cookers. Sunbeam and grandmothers are expected to protest

I heard the President today say in the aftermath of yesterday's defeat of his pet bill on gun restrictions, that he will keep his promise to stamp out gun violence. I have a problem with phrase "Gun violence". It's people violence. Guns aren't violent. Oh, they could be dangerous, They could be killers, But they aren't violent by nature, In fact they are basically inert, potential energy. Waiting for a violent person to come it's way.

I used use as my harbinger of spring the increase in deaths by motorcyclists. Now I'm leaning to the recent rash of bridge jumpings. In the last week we have had a jumper from the Mount Hope bridge, the Jamestown bridge and the Newport Bridge, three of the four bridges leading to this island. Two succeeded in their high flying suicides, but the Newport Bridge jumper was saved after a terrifying fight between the jumper, State trooper and Good Samaritan. In fact, the jumper nearly took the trooper with him until the Samaritan grabbed both belts and leaned back with all of his weight. Anyhow, Spring must be some awful terrible stimulating tonic. Why can't I be normal and watch for the robin.

The Answer:
The two lines are from the Fourth versus of the poem by Francis Scott Key, the first verse being our national anthem. The two lines above are followed by, "And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.' / And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave / O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The weird world Department:
Icelanders can get an App which will help prevent accidental incest. Yikes! It is suggested that when having that first drink in a bar that a newly met couple bump their android phones and the app will make sure they are not kissing cousins. The bump immediately analyzes the genealogy data bank that includes all 320,000 Icelanders to determine the relative safety of a potential coupling. I expect it will say "Jump into bed" or "Say something funny about Uncle Harry."

Now, what exactly could a Tids App do?
!