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.