Unfettered.

Today's Tids Issue 2,861

I think the greatest thrill in life is to be there when somebody needs you, and to walk away quietly knowing that you did something good.

In the main, most people in the USA, regardless of party or ideology, want pretty much the same thing, health and food and general all around happiness for themselves, friends and families. Too many in Leadership today, unfortunately, continue to drive a huge wedge between people, declaring that if you like what I say, it's impossible to like what the other side is saying. Forcing groups into boxes, and misleading them so they will stay contented, but unaware. Creating false truths out of lies. If I were to write this column continually putting, say left leaning people in a defensive mode, they would never take the time to understand areas where there may be total agreement. And of Course, vice versa. The ability to understand becomes even more critical in a rapidly changing society, where blocs of minorities can easily take down disconnected majorities. There is nothing I'd like better, than to see America be what I thought it was when this humble life of mine was taking shape -- unlocked doors, clothes on clothes lines, people who picked up litter and deep warm pride for leaders who led with courage and an appearance of honesty, instead of by intimidation in the hearts of honest people. But, I fear we may never be what we were. That groups will be isolated and we will become more divided. Weakened. Prey. Bummer.

Never, never celebrate before you have won.

The Question:

What were the breakout movies for actresses  Kathleen Turner, Geena Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helen Hunt, Sharon Stone and Deni Moore.

The Headlines:

--Karsai Suspends Negotiations On Troop Removal After US Announces Talks With Taliban Minus Him.

--Wall Street Still waiting For Bernanke; Market Opens Down.

--Somali Islamic Rebels Attack UN Compound In Mogadishu.

--NE Patriot Aaron Hernandez Questioned About Homicide Near His Home.

--Liberal Weasel Markey Wrongfully Accuses GOP Opponent Of Lie; Former Seal, Republican Gabriel Gomez Appeals To Immigrants Who Have Worked Hard To Overcome And Reach the American Dream.

--Investigators OF TWA 800 Plane Crash Say Original Story About cause Was a Lie, Coverup.

--Daniel Bradbury, 16 Yo Country Music Singer With Powerful Voice Wins "The Voice".

The Voice was much too long last night. Too much chit-chat, too much rehashing, and yes several performances unnecessary, including that awful song from Cher; Who, though, it seems can still hold a tune even as surgeons have been drawing back skin over the years. I was expecting Michelle to win, but I fully understand Danielle, a young girl with perfect country voice, deep and unequivocal, able to rise to meet all musical challenges. I'm going to miss this entertainment program.

Hey, wait a minute, I have to go back and revise what I said earlier...people did litter in the good ole' days...and I made a lot of money as young lad picking up bottles and returning them for money. That doesn't mean though, that littering is still not an indication of a society not yet fully civilized.

The NY Times seems to devote a lot of ink on investigative commentary about nothing, often trying to create negativity about things that were pretty good.

Alan Fung, Mayor of Cranston RI is a great candidate for Governor in 2014. A man born of a mother shortly after her legal immigration, He is of a family who eschewed the free stuff, and he learned from hard work that opportunity and achievement is readily available for all. He went on to create his own stuff. And he learned through hard work and a rational understanding of other people's needs. He leads by allowing all to be part of the process. He leads by opening the door wide to solutions.

On the way to the answer ot the question I learned that The 13 Most beautiful Actresses around Fifty Years Old are in order. Michelle Pfeifeer, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, Kelly Preston. Madonna, Joan Severance, Seka Ward, Morgan Fairchild, Jennifer Tilly, Vanessa Williams, Heather Lockyear, Helen Hunt and Cybill Shepherd. I would not put Madonna on any list that rates beautiful women.

The Conscience: Chaper 23 continues.

    Sanna was sitting there in the corner of this comfortable little place by the fishing ports. I figured I'd be ordering some kind of fish, but no eels. I looked around and by from the people I saw talking  and enjoying the solitude of this special get-away, it appeared that all of this didn't come cheap. I automatically tapped my wallet pocket as I often do when knowing it will soon be lightened. Sanna moved half way up to standing as I approached. I waved her down and came around and pecked one of those Italian greeting kisses on her check. Surprisingly, she reached up to my hand and squeezed in pleasantly. I paused as I pulled away, and saw a look in her eyes I had never seen before. I actually tripped a little as I went to my chair, and I was sure I was blushing as I sat.

    "So, Mr. Morgan, do you like my little place?"

    "Love it, and you can call me Jeff."

    "I like the way Mr. Morgan sounds. But, it is a bit formal for two dear friends. But never take it as an offense if I continue." She smiled,

    "There was something in that smile that was beyond where we were now. "What is in the big Biglietto building that I always pass on the way to your big office in the sky?" She reacted negatively to that question.

    "Just stuff," She answered almost too quickly.

    "Like just stuff for your boats?"

    "Yes, regular old stuff."

    "You must have lived other places before here," I said quickly changing the subject that was going nowhere.

    "Why do you say that?"

    "Little phrases that you use that are not Italian or even European. Much too relaxed and idiomatic for a native Genoan."

    "You are very observant Mr...Jeff. Yes, I have traveled much, even to your country where I spent a lot of time. Maybe that's where I picked up my bad habits." A waiter appeared with a small Bottle of wine in a chilled bucket and a scotch for me. 

    "You must know my degeneration cycles." I lifted my glass to her and we both laughed. The booze felt perfect coursing through my veins to my extremities. I would be looking into that building again tonight.

The Answer:

Michelle Pfiefer became noticed In Witches of Eastwick, Dangerous Liaisons and matured in Taquila Sunrise, Russia House and Married to the Mob. Nobody will forget Kathleen Turner in Body Heat or Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct. Helen Hunt was a proven TV personality but hit it big with an Oscar  in As Good as it Gets. Demi Moore probably first gained fame in St. Elmo's Fire, became the darling for many 11 years later in Ghost. Geena Davis born and raised on the coast East of here, jumped into the spotlight after a long apprenticeship on TV ith her Oscar winning performance in Accidental Tourist. She is remembered for Thelma and Louise and A League of Their Own. But I thought she was great in The  Long Kiss Goodnight. Aaah, the youthful days of fifty.

Don't you hate the idea of a people like the IRS getting bonuses. Public servants getting extra money to harass the people that allow their jobs to exist and, by the way, also the government itself. The concept of the United States of America is beginning not to compute.

The true meaning is simple love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,859

Yesterday I was listening to the beautiful Richard Strauss tone poem, "Death and Transfiguration". The elegant crescendo was building, a comforting piece of uplifting and fulfilling music. Then the phone rang, and I was momentarily disturbed at the interruption. Until, I realized it was a daughter calling to say, "Happy Fathers Day!". Now, that is the real magnificent crescendo.

ObamaCare must be really bad if the Government of the people, by the people and for the people thinks it necessary to call upon its most intimidating arm, the IRS, to make it work. If it was good, people would do it themselves. You vill participate, or else!

The US Open continues to be one of the best fathers Day presents ever.

A column in the Providence Journal yesterday issued a call for Butterfly Counters. Not welders, machinists, software developers or electricians --Butterfly counters, the new Chafee-Lite economy.

The Question:
As we get into summer vacation mode we sometimes tread lightly with minds focused on sharks in the ocean, snakes in the woods, bees in the garden, Grizzly's in the national parks and mosquitoes everywhere. Which animal do you think kills the most humans each year? Bonus: In 1885, the French ship Isere sailed into NY harbor. What cargo did it bring?

The Headlines:
--Prospects Of Good News From Fed Meeting Has Stocks Opening More Positive.

--Prez Shows Up In Germany To Meet Angela; Privacy Obsessed Country Will Want Answers On Spying.
--Obama And Putin At G8 Expected To Lock Up Over Syria Arms; Russia Says It Will Not Allow "No-Fly" Zones.
  Obama Poll Numbers Take Significant Nose Dive From May To June
--Texas Gov. Perry In Anti-Gun State Connecticut To Woo Gun Manufacturers; South Dak Gov. Expected Next.
--Inter Sect Killing Continues In Iraq; Observers Say It may be Spillover From Syria.
--Fire Crews Getting Handle On Colorado Fires, But Hot Spots Remain.

The Hoodwinking Department:

The TV networks in their clandestine efforts to create a US Open story line, repeatedly told the listeners how Phil Michelson had to take the "Red Eye" back from the California 8th grade graduation of his daughter. Poor Phil. God...a Red Eye -- cramped seats, babies crying and no sleep. How wold he survive? Hey, wait a minute, Phil has his own whisper quiet, $40 Million Private jet with comfortable sleeping conditions. Poor Phil. Tune in and watch courage in action. And, be sure to watch The Today's Show where Phil will tearfully relate the details of the heartwarming graduation ceremony and the anguish of the tough journey back. Shoot me. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.instablogsimages.com/1/2012/03/16/1331905401.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bornrich.com/phil-mickelson.html&h=382&w=574&sz=47&tbnid=nMgCFhcyS-DDDM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dphil%2Bmickelson%2Bprivate%2Bjet%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=phil+mickelson+private+jet&usg=__2JVYmsV4-uAvj9fGo0Io_uQknrY=&docid=r3xeh8gvVX5tqM&sa=X&ei=j2W8Ud7LMcuy0AH6kYCg DA&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQ9QEwAg&dur=1

If dogs are so smart, how come they think it a good idea to sit on a masters lap while he or she is driving.

Politics 101: If in trouble, start a war. Liberal aficionados of the Pentagon Papers would have to be questioning now the intent of their idol, savior President Obama with his recent signal to enter into Syria, just at a point when the heat at home is intensifying. The "Papers" chronicled among other things deception by the Admin of the day to foster support for Viet Nam escalation. In the Syria situation, it turns out that in the attempt to rally allies in support, the Admin is finding that many countries are disbelieving that 150 deaths of 93,000 were the result chemical warfare. Just wondrin' if basic political survival had anything to do with the bravado in the Oval Office...that's all.

I typically don't like shade plantings. Too austere for this happy-go-lucky Tidster. But, I have found that the bright colors of tubular begonias liven up the staid shade leaf plantings beautifully.

I'm going to start writing that serial novel in earnest Get ready. When we last left the series our drunken hero was surprised to see Sanna, the mother of Angelica, being the only player in the morning meeting. To recap for newbies This novel begins in 1957 anti-Black Mobile Alabama with our hero Jeffery Morgan, a young northern college boy, who is with southern friends at a Fats Domino-Little Richard-Chuck Berry concert in a sweaty hall. In an effort to intervene in what he thought was bad treatment of a young black boy, he accidentally kills a white girl. He is wracked with guilt and because he is a northerner in a racist, still fighting the civil war south, he is afraid to talk, even as people ask him if he had seen the now missing girl. He is even further traumatized when he finds that the body he hid is gone. The story moves to the mid eighties where our hero is now a marine lawyer and a happy alcoholic. He's a good guy who is constantly swimming in a pool of gin and finding it hard to make a living. His wife though, continues to support him, but is skeptical when out of nowhere his old friend Jason Montgomery from Mobile, now owner of a major US Yacht company, calls him and offers him $25,000 retainer to do a little work on a merger deal with an Italian Yacht builder in Genoa. He manages to get his drinking somewhat under control and learns early upon his arrival in Genoa that something is mysterious about Biglietto, but becomes fascinated with his contact Angelica, the granddaughter of the founder. Along the way there is a major explosion at his pal's yacht company, and we see interplay between various important characters including two black men, coincidentally from Mobile, who are now atop the financial world with their own investment company. The Novel is called The Conscience"

Actually, I do feel sorry for Phil Mickelson. He is a really good guy, and who I would have cheered loudly at his winning. He's fun to watch, and he must be embarrassed over the tall tales told by sports reporters.

Congrats to Rose. He is the kind of deliberate, sweet swinging player I thought would have a chance on that precise shot making course. And, speaking of good guys, he is definitely one of them. I don't think the scores would have been that much lower even with a lower cut rough.

I noticed in an obit yesterday the listing of people left behind included a best friend in addition to wife and children, and siblings. In today's strange new world people would rush to say, He must have been gay! Instead of saying, "That's nice, best friends are a great treasurer in life, too."

The Conscience: Chapter 23 continues.

   I watched Sanna carefully open her fine leather portfolio and slowly, methodically take out papers, putting them in order, meticulous alignment. She looked as though she was preparing to take me apart limb by limb. Was Angelica only there originally to soften me up for this mysterious mother? I need a quick hitter, but I'm thinking Sanna is not as generous with booze as the daughter. She wants me to sweat and tremble. I pushed my hands together to slow the shaking. I felt the pressure from the opposing hands in my upper back. I sat up straighter, trying to push away the thrilling image of floating down a babbling brook of vodka.
    "You don't look happy, Sanna." I tried to take the upper hand, get her to react a little. I don't do well with stone walls.
   "Oh, I am happy to see you again, Jeffery. I just like to concentrate when serious business must be accomplished. This is why you are here, isn't Mr. Morgan?"
    UhOh, Mr. Morgan. "Of course. That's why I'm here. But, what do you think about this explosion at my client, Bernard. I think it would be hard to move further without learning more about that, don't you agree?"
    Her face tightened. "Surely you don't think we had anything to do with that?
    "Surely, I don't. "But it is a loose end, and loose ends can come back to haunt." With that, her eyes tightened and gripped mine. I could only hold the stare for seconds, and retreated seeking out some inanimate object to procrastinate my reaction. I thought again of that body that was not in the bushes.

The Commissioner of the CFTC (Commodities and Futures Trading Commission), Bart Chilton,  says nothing has really improved that much for the small average investor since the mega down-turn. He concedes that the futures, swaps, derivitives markets which were once opaque, regulators can at least now see what's happening. But, there has not been much done to protect customer segregated funds -- sacrosanct customer money that was tapped during the implosions of MF Global and Peregrine. But, average Joe Investor will still lag the market as indicated by last weeks report by Bloomberg that showed, for instance, elite trading groups having access to data like the Consumer Confidence Index prior to its release. When things go bad, the odds are that the average trader will always be out last.

The Answer:
Of all the animals that bring fear to the hearts of Summer outdoor warriors, it is the pesky mosquito that kills most. They carry diseases. Bonus: The Statue of Liberty arrived from France today 128 years ago,

Sometimes I get the feeling that everything in tis country revolves around the have-nots and the haves-a-lot's. Take sequestor for instance...it seems to have most affected people who get things for free. The new immigration proposals seem to be about people getting stuff for nothin'. Yesterday I had the chance three times for three different reasons to talk to technical support people in India. So, maybe if those jobs weren't in India, we might not have so much free here. Why don't people emigrate to India? Why do people come here, when more of the jobs are over there and there and there? I guess free stuff is more popular than jobs.

Archive: Where Noah kept his bees

Today's Tids Issue 2,858

So now we are in Syria. But what are we going to do there? Is it weapons and air support, or all of the above plus men on the field and Navy off shore. Will out presence embolden Assad to turn to chemical warfare? Will the war now spill further beyond the boarders? Are we fighting Russia, too, a supporter of Assad? And what about the peace talks due to start in a week or so? The Middle East is on fire right now, and we will soon be in the middle of it. Will the hatred by extremists for the US bind the various sects together in a cohesive force? It's like dropping the ball that starts a Rube Goldberg interactive system. So many parts and so many connections that must come together for it to end well.

Foul weather brings with it many opportunities.

The works of cartoonists who create pictures about word play are called Pun & Ink drawings.

The Question:

1. Name all of the left handed Presidents. Bonus: What are the Top Ten grossing Music Concert Tours?

The Headlines:

--Obama Admin Ok's Direct Aid To Syrian Rebels; "No Fly Zone" Under consideration.

--Market Opens Lower; Bernanke Trying To Calm Nerves; Release Of New Consumer Sentiment Index Could Boost Stocks..

--Half Million Power Outages After Storm That Hit Mid-Atlantic States.

--Killer Fires Still Out Of Control In Colorado.

--50 Million Iranians Turn Out To Vote; Khamenei Derides US Criticism: "We Don't Give A Damn" (About What US Thinks).

--Obama Picks Inexperienced Woman Avril Haines For #2 CIA Job.

--Violent Crime In US Up 1.2% In 2012; Had fallen For 5 Years; Top Cities For Violent Crime Are Flint Mi, Oakland, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis.

So, they've made Superman a dreary pic and it appears they will be updating The Lone Ranger to reflect this new world's fascination with vampires, zombies and TV psychologists. Is drear becoming the norm for US people expectations. What ever happened to simplistic fun loving fantasy? I really liked being naive better.

I see where the RI Legislature rushed to pass a bill that would abolish the Electoral College and replace it with Popular Voting for the US President. Are you seeing something a little hypocritical here? "Rushed" to sign a bill in support of the way the US elects the most powerful person in the World? They are saying RI is for eliminating the Electoral College, the only way Presidents have ever  been elected, and substituting a national popular vote total. Yet they are doing this without asking for a local popular vote total to change it. Note, the popular vote compact means that the states who have adopted it will cast their electoral votes to the person who wins the popular vote, even if there own state had voted overwhelmingly for the losing person. This is certainly sometime that hsould be brought before the Supreme Court. And here is my reasoning. If it was voted this fast by the RI'ers, that it must be bad or a means towards corruption. (Note, the states that have adopted it are in order Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, Washington, Massachusetts, DoC, and California --Vetoed by Schwartzy and signed by Brown --. Repeal efforts are underway in Maryland and New Jersey.)

Peking is the ruler of toilets.

China is getting done what many Americans hoped we could do our selves -- ridding movies of unnecessary violence and sex. Yes, the big hitters in Hollywood are willingly cutting offensive scenes to placate the China markets. But American's who think that the tenor of today's movies is contradictory to that a civilized population are often chastised and demeaned. So any body who wnat Hollywood to change, write Xi.

In response to yesterday's "Q" about the "D's" in Dad, one reader sends in this T-Shirt worn by his son-in-law. "DADD - Dads Against Daughters Dating". The creator of the Tee has a  9 yo Daughter and is just getting ready for the future.

I've been wondering what Sarah Palin was going to do, so I was happy to see she will appear on Fox News again. I like her enthusiasm, even if she occasionally gets a little outrageous with comments. Wouldn't it be a fun Presidential race -- Sarah versus Hill! Talk about debates!

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Man of Steel is just too important to my childhood memories to be degraded for the ego of a movie director. The new movie tells the same story of Superman being sent away as his home planet explodes, coming to Earth, growing up with caring mom and dad and finally learning that he was not your average all American boy. He meets Lois and Perry White, but it's much different. It's dark and bleak and not at all pleasantly enthusiastic, and never humorous. Even Jimmy Olsen is left out. Yikes! In movie  parlance it's 2 of 4 stars. In personal satisfaction its 1/2 of 4.

--The End is another Hollywood sacrilegious look at a part of the  bible. It dwells on the happiness of a debauched society and is basically a raunchy, sophomoric romp which they say is very funny. A series of catastrophic, apocalyptic style events binds cocaine loving sex driven friends together where they learn about themselves, and finally appreciate the meaning of redemption at The End.

The Answer:

1. The Lefties are, believe it or not, much more prevalent in the Oval Office than you would expect from a population where only 10% are left adept. They are  James Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Regan, GHW Bush, Bill Clinton and Barak Obama. Bonus: The new Rolling Stones too first with its first appearance knocking all of the other tours down a notch from their previous spots. Taylor Swift is now Number 2 and is followed by Kenny Chesney, Bon Jovi, Pink, Maroon, Jason Aldean, Alicia Keys, Muse, Carrie Underwood, Leonard Cohen (Leonard Cohen?), Motley Crue, Diana Kroll, Chris Tomlin and Winter Jam.

I remember back in the 60's finding a Leonard Cohen album in the street outside my house. I didn't know who he was at the time, but it became one of my favorites. Discovery is fun.

Yesterday at dawning I turned onto the giant bridge that catapults us off the island, seeing the morning low sun bouncing off the still harbor waters, reflecting the white hulls of magnificent sailing boats lolling upon gentle ripples. My eyes turned ahead, west to see the jaws of an approaching derecho. The fierce swirling black skies, threatening, menacing. I drove on, through forests seemingly eerie with fright, limbs bending to the attack. On past farms stilled in anticipation, through Western RI to the border of Eastern Conn. I stopped and stood in the green fields surrounding me, laying me open to the tempest,  wondering, feeling the lowering pressure that could erupt into a violent storm at any moment. But I went forward, smiling, knowing that fewer would show up for this golf shotgun. It was a perfect day for unencumbered golf.

Office is a place where hockey players go when they retire.

Happy Flag Day Everybody!

D&D.

Today's Tids Issue 2,857
The TV networks could be nice to Dads this week by refusing to run those commercials that make Dads look like jerks. I've noticed the trend, but it became magnified when a liberal friend of mine asked me why I thought, "There were so many awful TV commercials demeaning men. Was it becasue there were more feminists at ad agencies?" she added.

Edward Snowden seems to be playing a dangerous game, extorting the USA for refuge in China.

The Question:
What do you think the two "D's" in DaD stand for?

The Headlines:
--Over 360 Colorado Homes Destroyed In Fast Moving Forest Fire.
--Louisiana chemical Plant Blast injures 33.
--East Getting Storms That wracked Midwest.
--Stock Market Rebounds; Good Retail Sales And Labor Data Spur uptik; New Barclays Survey Says Bulls Have Not Left Wall Street; Blackberry Surging As Leader of Tech Stocks..
--Supreme Court Ruled Against Patenting Human DNA Isolated From The Body; Synthetic Human DNA Ok For Patents.
--Iran Readies For Presidential Elections Tomorrow: Moderate Rohani Gathering Large Groups Of Public Support; Leading Hardliner Jalili Dispute With Others in Category Hurts Chances, Creating Anti-Hardliner Vote; Khamenei, Revolutionary guards may be Big Factor at Voting Localizations*.

After observing for a while the actions of parents at Little League games, cheerleader championships and assorted other organized kid's sports, my Granddaughter suggests a new reality show, "Sports Dads". It could be a thrill-a-minute entertainment package, if the audience could stand the continuous foul language bleeping!

I can see the kids in the playground saying, "My dad is a bigger buffoon  than your dad."

The immigration bill is tough enough to accomplish, mainly because some people understand the definition of illegal and others don't. But now this tender agreement on a proposal may be dashed because the senator from America's only socialist state, Vermont's Patrick Lahey, wants to add an amendment saying that pals, partners of gay illegals should be considered family, with all the benefits. Hey why we're at lets bring in all of Bangladesh, Greek Public Employees Unions and Antactic Peguins to nibbl at the American pie. If you're goimg to waste Taxpayer's hard earned dough, waste it big.

The loss of common sense continues in a very pink New York where a US District Judge ruled that an internship hiring by Fox Movies violated minimum wage laws. If this ruling is upheld, it could destroy a fantastic volunteer internship program which helps the best and brightest show their talents to the top companies. Toc gain invaluable practical insurane If you don't like the idea of a free internship that an msake a career, go to Wendy's and work for miniumum wage. Or have we taken away freedom of choice in America?...except of course for abortion.

Another winner from NYC, Charles Shumer, led a democratic charge to over run Senator Grassley's addition to the Illegal enabilng bill that actially woudl ahve gotten something done about the problem for the future. Instead, it is destined to become yet another giant congressional bribe to a potential voting bloc.

The US open is always a great tournament, because I think, the courses being toughened can bring any player to his knees. I've p[layed Merian, and it is one tricky lttle course. It makes you think even when not tightened for the tourney. Anybody can win this one, and length off the tee will not be a factor. I'm thinking about Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Lee Westwood and you have to think about Tiger. Or maybe and quite posisbly it will be Joe Whoevergetshot..

The Answer:
Daddy;s D's could be just about anything, from Delightful to Discerning; Devoted to Demented; Dashing to Doubting (About male companions); Distinctive to Demanding, Dazzling to Determined and Decent, Dilegent and devoted to his Kids he loves.

If you aren't a hockey fam after last night's Chi win over Boston, you never will be. here are my Tums?

Swim with the fishes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,856
What was that I said 11 days ago about "lovely June, Bubbly June; June awash in rich green hills and lush forests. Fagetaboutit. Lush? Mushy, squishy, watered down June. Gray skies and white lightening. Sloshing, Puddling June, That's what this June is. Oh well, the people of June are still gushingly great; a bit watered down, but still  able to soak up the smiles. 

Before intense lawyering over took this country, life was indeed simpler. It was easier to get things done, and daily living was certainly more fun. People would say "Yes mam, I can do that", instead of we can't help because we may be liable. We had swinging, banging screen doors, now under the watch of noise control officers; Shirts and towels and sheets and pants merrily blowing in the cleansing wind on clotheslines now in the critics eyes of the visual nuisance control officers. Dogs that ran free, and always come home tuckered out for a long after noon nap. Everybody is afraid to do what people have always done. But then, maybe doing what we have always done is a thing of the past, becasue...Google may be watching.

The Question:
--Double "Q" Day. 1. What is a "Derecho"? 2. Who are the top 10 most famous and infamous people in the history of the world based on a combo of Google Searches and number of books written abiyut them?

The Headlines:--US Stocks Wobbling'

--Turkey: Tourist Mecca Turned Protest Wrecka.
--Major Storms Threatening Area from Iowa To Maryland.
--Bloomberg Readying NYC For Effects of Climate Change; Expected To Build Surge Barrier From Now Dormant NYC Slurpy Machines.
--Protestors Blanket Moscow Square As Putin Tries To Solidify Political Gains.
--Greece Moves Back Into Crisis Mode.
--Sales Of Orwell's 1984 Soaring Since Spying Leaks.

The Voice got it right last night with The Swon Brothers, my choice as the most entertaining group each week, Michelle as the most creative performer on the show and Danielle with the richest voice of the show. Sasha has her moments, but was a bit screechy at times, especially as she tried to venture froth beyond her range. Amber was had alsted well beyond where she should have with Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons being far  better candidates than her for the final five. The Swon Brothers just keep on getting better. Michelle may have palteaued. Danielle with the rich, giant voice and singing confidence may surprise at the end. 

I have been watching the Previews for the Lone Ranger movie and what I'm not hearing is making me think that this is a forgery. How can they ride confidently against evil and corruption without the William Tell Overture urging them on?

We have more leaks now in this country than RI dams this rainy June. But do we have a leak from an ObamaCare insider? Noooo! In a critical area where the public really needs to know what the Gov is dong to them, nobody steps forward. Could it be that the insiders don't understand PelosiHealth?

Rory McElroy has been playing this year like he is running late and jumping out of a cab just seconds before tee time.

If you happen to see leaker Edward Snowden on a street somewhere in Europe or China, avoid him at a ll costs. A US drone may be lurking behind a cathedral on the piazza or a Pagoda on the hill.

The Answer:
1. A "derecho" is a new word being used by Weather forecasters to describe a widespread and long lasting storm that comes with fast moving thunderstorm and rain, plus high winds, hail as big as Golf balls and oftern tornadoes. Derecho is a Spanish word for "Straight". Doesn't make much sense to me. 2. Starting at 10 we have Sir Isaac Newton. Next is Lonardo Da Vinci and then William Sheakspere. Seven is really bad boy Adolf Hitler whi is followed by an Apostle, Paul Of Tarsus. Five is Siddhartha Gautama or as he his popularly known, Buddah. At 4 we find Moses, who is just edged for 3 by Abraham. Number 2 is Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abd Allah. Number one you may have guessed -- Jesus Of Nazareth. Those who just missed the cut are Confucius, Napoleon Bobnapart, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Jack the Ripper, Josef Stalin, Mao Zedong...and yes...American pop culture icons Elvis and Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson over George Washington and Bing Crosby?

Tomorrow, the Tids US Open Special will give us a run down on the favorites. I've played Marion a couple of times, and it will be a different kind of place for a lot of golfers.

This morning, the ducks were swimming in the sand traps and fairways were soggy, but my two friends and I had the course to our selcves and the sun was shining brightly. The air was brisk and the winds were blowing steadily across rolling hills that go down to the sea. Is t doesn't get any better than that.

We have always wondered what the Government has been doing to us while we aren't looking. These leaks have let us know that it is a lot more than we ever thought. Leakers by definition may be treasonous traters, but what congress and the executive branch does to us every day is down right criminal. Every agency location in te gvernemtn should have riding shotgun someone like a marshal on an airplane, monitroing and ready to jump in at the slightest hint of a congressional person selling a constituent down the river.

New, Fair, Raw.

Today's Tids  Issue 2,853
Politicians seem to spend more time making excuses for presidents, and of course themselves, than representing the views of their people, which, I have been told, is the essence of what the US is supposed to be. When not making excuses or assigning blame, they have a little time remaining where they continue to build a giant central goverment we don't need, which is basically an instrument pols employ to pay off bribes offered to voters.  So basically, I'm going to stop with the politics already. Politicians don't deserve to be discussed, and we deserve better. Happy Monday, anyhow.

According to substantive analysis, the global population will consume as much food in the next decade as it has in the previous 10,000 years. Thats kind of thought provoking, isn't it?

I was a bit disturbed last night while watching a fawning interview of SCJ Sotomayor on 60 mins. When asked, "How would you like to be known," she answered, "Sonya from the Bronx". Excuse me, Justice, when you attain a position on the Supreme Court you automatically become Sonja of America. New Yorkers have always been particularly myopic, the whole world revolves around us thing. So, while you may be proud of your home town, the rest of the prairies and mountains and lands by the sea isn't the Bronx. Thank God. Isn't a good SC Justice supposed to weigh the effects of lawmaking on all of the the country? I think you seem like a decent person, maybe a little too much of NY braggadocio in you, but Ok. So wake up and see your people beyond the Hudson and Harlem rivers.

There's no truth to the rumor that Obama is meeting with Xi to learn his professional tricks for keeping tabs on citizens through email hacking and phone call monitoring.

The Question:

Double Q Day. 1. Quick now, give me the first names of the last 7 First Ladies.  2. In 1943 yesterday, the Congress approved a government encroachment bill that allowed what intrusion in into private matters.

The Headlines:
--NSA Leaker Edward Snowden In Hong Kong; Says He Fears For Life After Revealing Surveillance Techniques He Felt Were Anti Constitutional.

--Santa Monica Victims Recall Maniacal Eyes Of Rampaging Shooter.
--Nikkei Soars 4.9% At Close; Poor China Data Has European Markets Sinking;
--Taliban Fighters Launch Attack Against NATO HQ's In Kabul Airport.
--Mandela In Serious Condition; Journalists Preparing Massive Commemoration Extravaganza.
--Apple Ready To Launch Ios7.

I was always told to respect my elders, and now all of a sudden I have nobody to respect.

The Smoking Gun Department:
Here's my take on the current scandal package 1. Benghazi was definitely a concerted effort to deny and hide facts for political gain, and certainly authorized by someone deeply involved in retaining the Presidency...or running for President in the future. 2. The IRS targeting was not the work of a couple of rogue wannabees, but the actions of a chain of command emboldened by an environment established at the top. 3. The targeting of news media and in particular Fox's Rosen was a mean spirited assault on opposing journalists. 4. The acquisition of citizen's phone numbers and actual email messages and photos was an egregious overreach of the intent of the Patriot Act. 5. Hillary knew all about Benghazi. 6. President Barak Obama knew of or was involved in all of the above.

I have little rules that guide my observations and one of them is: If the NEA hates someone, then that someone must be doing something really good, awfully well.

One noticeable change in our traditional culture may be signaled from dogs, whose actions indicate a dissatisfaction with the absorbancy of today's newspapers.

I see by the headline yesterday "Xi and Obama looking for new ties", that there may be an immovable conflict thwarting future relationships as Xi affirms, "bow ties are definitely out of the question".

I'm thinking that all of these new Internet inventions like SnapChat and Instagram, that produce millionaires, have absolutely no useful purpose other than giving teens new ways to ignore parents. Then an IPO will be launched to finance a company that will only make teen rudeness more sophisticated.

Now, I don't have anything against immigrants, but my view is that the more immigrants you get, the greater percentage of our population will be dominated by more who have lived under suffocating governments and are more ready to acquiesce to Government largess as being normal. People born in an environment will always find it hard to escape the essence of their environment no matter how much new they have experienced.

A sixteen year old girl told me the other day that she thinks there is something significantly contradictory in the US when a doctor can't reveal anything about a patient to anybody, but the Government already knows everything about everybody.

The Conscience: Chapter 23.

    I was anxiously looking forward to this morning's appointment to get my mind off of those eyes staring me down all night long; those knowing eyes looking out from that alley in Mobile 30 years ago. I over used the mini bar way too much, and am looking for the calming presence of Angelica to soothe my aching head. It was only the martinis that got me through that lunch meeting after that brief visit with Mobile Milton. I managed to survive the lunch and even take a few points away for my team, whoever that was. When they left and we smilingly shook hands, and Angelica's squeezed mine  a little differently than others, my heart raced back to that lakeside in Mobile. "I got my thrill on Blueberry hill."

   I think I was humming thhat now haunting tune as I was brought into Angelica's office. My heart was pumping a little louder when I walked in, but was immediately deflated as I glanced around and saw an empty desk and no beautiful figure standing coolly by the big window. "Just sit here a minute, Mr. Morgan. They'll be right back." They'll? I thought to myself. I was thinking of running to the little bar by the window, when the secret panel door opened and in stepped Sanna. She moved quickly with that now noticeable little awkward gate of hers to Angelica's chair. 

   "Ah Jeffery, you look red faced and ready to do some boring paperwork today. It's nice to be glib and friendly, but we lawyers always have to get to the serious reading of interminable documentation. I hope all of this foreplay has properly stimulated your senses, and that today will end with a climax worthy of your expectations." I was taken back a step. Where'd this exuberance come from? Sanna appeared to be a different person, more coy, playful, her eyes said a lot even as she talked about deadly legal grunt work.

   "So you are a lawyer too." I watched her now closely. I always watch other lawyers closely. But this one, she was different, yet somehow familiar.

The Answer:
1. I thought I could do this in a twinkling but I had trouble with one myself: Going backwards we have Michelle, Laura, Hillary, Barbara, Nancy and Betty. The one missing I could see clearly her face, but her name, Rosalynn, escaped me. 2. 70 years ago yesterday teh congress passed a bill that allowed payroll deductions. The Hands-in-the-Pocket bill was one of those little incremental steps governments always take to soften the next bigger intrusion.

Kind of a grouchy Monday morning. I think to be fair to myself, I shoudl take a respite from Politics. The absurdity of it all has ceased to make sense.

I think the Tony's are generally pretty good entertainment as opposed to the other Give-a-medal-to-a-Star shows. I mean the recipients are as giddy and over the top, but the entertainment inbetween is much better. They kind of make  you want to sing with a Bronx accent, maybe even click your heels together, and rid your aching mind of the woes in Washington.

Speaking of Good...how great is the Bruins-Blackhawks Stanley Cup playoff going to be. Now, if you can only find the games on TV.

Arf!

Today's Tids Issue 2,851

A tear trickles down the cheek. An arm slides gently around the waste of a elderly woman, who's head leans heavily upon the shoulder of the man, her son. They stand in sorrow, with pride looking out upon the fields of white crosses atop Omaha Beach. Her man is there, Her courageous man who fought for the freedom of others unknown. A good man who faced the relentless guns of bunkered German soldiers looking down at their exposed prey marauding brave American forces. Soldiers that came in waves from the sea. She has lived the scene, which had never left her mind since nearly 70 years ago. The scene she had imagined as she sat in her small home with an infant boy on her lap, now this man who has been her strength, who had never seen his brave father. But has his heart. The two who shed another tear today, upon that field of white.

I am beginning to learn that we humans are capable of just about anything, if we don't allow societal imposed boundaries to hold us down. Or self drawn limitations to drown our aspirations. Most of our minds are lodes of un-mined golden talents. Now they tell me.

Over time, a small problem in the cemetery became a grave mistake.

I think that today's kids growing up look at greatness and achievement and say "I can do that to". And then they do.

The Question:

Double Q Day. 1. Name the ten best stocks in Buffet's protfolio to buy now. 2. What are Paul Giamatti's five best pics, roles?

The Headlines:

--Americans Remember D-Day.

--Market Opens A Hair On the Upside; Hopes For Stopping Two Day Slide Shady.

--Admin Defends Request For Millions Of Verizon Customer Phone Calls.

--New Unemployment Apps Fall 11K.

--Assad Forces Continue To Make New Progress.

--NK-SK Talk About Reopening Factory Complex.

--M Jackson's 15 Yo. Daughter Paris Taken To Hospital After Possible Overdose.

--Turkish PM Becomes Conciliatory; But Continues To Condemn Tactics Of Protestors.

--Building In Philadelphia Collapses Killing 6, Injuring 14.

Insiders talking about the power of the large institutions and professional traders say, "Having retail investors compete with high speed computerized investment firms is like fighting the US Air Force with spears." In other words, the average investor doesn't stand a chance. The market looks so unstable to me right now, that this could be the summer of money markets. Better to be satisfied making a little interest for while, than to face a 20% slide, which is always quite possible when computer programs are making the decisions.

Smokin' Dogs, Department:

The Medical marijuana producers are now targeting dogs as a new market opportunity! Yup, Fido could be sitting in the back yard smoking a joint, tail lifeless as squirrels quietly gather their nuts nearby, themselves enjoying the effects of secondhand smoke. Hey man, gimmmie an acorn.

The White House is shifting policy, a reader writes to inform. Instead of deporting illegal immigrants the Government will deport senior citizens. They're easier to find and the benefits of lowering SS and Medicare costs is immeasurable. It is also known that the seniors most likely will forget the way back.

With my new "Can Do" attitude, I have decided to write a short Indy film titled, "Typo". In it, a misspelled word changes the course of a man's life. The film would explore a parallel life for the man with and without typo. See, even your flaws can be turned to success if you recognize them and do something positive with them.

A dog bites a person and all of the dog owners come out of their kennels to defend o the animals as probably being provoked by the human. 

The Conscience: Chapter 22 continues.

    James sat back and placed his arms behind his head, and closed his eyes. He often did this and Milton know when to be quiet. He didn't know that his old friend was back in their neighborhood, if you could call shacks on dusty roads a neighborhood. If Milton knew here he was he too would remember his good times there with his friends and family, poor, but working hard each day for their own way out. Mostly, he would remember James his pal sitting here now in splendor, who then always seemed to be able to see beyond the squalor of their existence. 

    "Milton, I want you to take care of Jeffery Morgan. He is a good man, I know it. But, this explosion is a surprise. But, maybe also an opportunity, a means towards finding the end of our journey." Milton just sat there listening intently as he always did when his friend talked in riddle, riddles that always had an answer. "Just watch the players on that Genoa stage." Then abruptly, "How well do we really know Wu?" 

    "He has been an attorney in several of our situations and has performed well."

   Coming in over Milton's last word, "And now, he is working almost entirely for one company, Bernard. Does that seem odd to you?"

    "Not odd, but different."

    "Ask him to come up here."

The Answer:

1. Buffet buys value stocks and doesn't much conform to Wall Street norms. Here are stocks he owns that are considered best for upside movement in today's market (Note: Data shows upside % based on current market value against consensus analyst target): Deere & Company ($86 to$97 - 12.7%), GM (15% upside), JP MOrgan (8%), Coca-Cola (13.5%0, IBM (10%), National Oilwell Varco (19%), Precision Castparts (13.5%), P&G (10%), Phillips (13 - 17.3%), Verisk Analytics (12%), USG (Not a typical Buffet stock, but 27% upside potential makes it attractive in his portfolios). 2. From the reticulated to the sublime Paul Giamatti, son of the Baseball Commish and one of the consistently best actors I have enjoyed time after time. He first hit tech creative side of my brain in Sideways. Before that he had a number of small roles in 39 movies, beginning in 1990, like Truman Story, Saving Private Ryan, Private Parts, Deconstructing Harry and Paycheck. Post Sideways we ahave seen him in Cinderella Man, The Illusionist, as John Admas in the TV mini-series, Duplicity, The Ides of March and Win Win. He has completed or is in production of 9 more films.

For years we have said "It's a dogs world." Looking around at today, I guess it has always been more right than we ever knew. "Arf". "Yes I know, you want us to have steak tonight."

God Bless America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnQDW-NMaRs

The enablers beneath.

Today's Tids Issue 2,850

The National Safety something or other wants to have Chrysler recall a big bunch of ten or more year old Jeeps to fix something that is only dangerous if drivers are irresponsible, texting or drunk. It's the old "Unsafe at any Speed" thing all over again, where the inanimate object is declared the problem instead of the human at the wheel. Frankly, this whole era of enabling humans to do stupid things and then sue makers of inanimate objects started with the Nader book. I guess it has become ingrained, and that is a really, really sad thing to contemplate.

It's hard to believe that the Bruins can win three straight; that the great Sid Crosby can be o-fer for a third day, or for that matter Evgeni Malkin and Chris Letang. But then, maybe Claude Julian is one terrific coach after all. I have an immense problem watching hockey when my team is ahead. It is just such a great explosive game, and it keeps me pacing most of the time. Sometimes it's like a horror movie her you just want to close your eyes and hope for the best. But then, maybe the Bruins are that good.

The Question:

Deacon Jones who died yesterday was one of the great all-time football players, as were his three playing mates who with him formed the Fearsome Foursome of the old LA Rams. Name the four players.

The Headlines:

--133,000 Jobs Added In May; Economists Expected Faster Expansion, But Results Have Showed Slowing Jobs Growth; Stocks Down For Second day.

--Hourly Wages Showed Surprising 3.8% (%'2% Adjusted For Inflation.) Drop For Q1 2013.

--Obama Names Susan Rice National Security Adviser; New Security Chief Expected YTo Insure Peaceful Existence By Denying All Wars And Invasions Of US (I don't see no freaking warplanes). 

--MLB Could Suspend Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun And Up To 20 Other MLB'ers After Testimony from Foremen Owner Of Illicit Performance Enhancing Drug Clinic Biogenisis. 

--European Floods Continue To Rampage;

--Chrysler says No To 1.7 Million Jeep Recall.

--LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Rights Activist Shouts Down First Lady At Private DNC Fundraiser.

--Syrian Army Captures Key Border Town.

--Bow Tie President Resigns From The OSU After Stupid Remarks.

--US Says It Is Deeply Troubled At Progress Of Iran Nuke Operation; Susan Rice says, "I don't see no freaking Nukes".

Why on God's good earth would any rational person spend hard earned money on a "Ringtone"? Huh? Answer me that one. But then, people did elect Barak Obama twice. 

Everybody up to a certain middle age level remembers the old phrase, "Eat your vegetables or no Dessert!!". Oh, maybe not today's kids since it is becoming nearly sacrilege to disparage the fruits of the earth. But the problem, despite the goodness and caring in the hearts of vegetarians, must persist, because they are advocating "sneaking" veggies into deserts! Yikes! Can you say beet chocolate cake? I can't. I may have to give up desserts, lest be surreptitiously surprised.

You have to feel for Chelsey Ramer, a member of the Poarch Creek Indian Tribe who in an effort to honor her heritage wore an eagle feather dangling next to the tassel on her Graduation cap. She was fined $1,000 and denied a diploma. This is the new trend, denying diplomas mainly for students expressing First Amendment rights. Diplomas are earned, not a privilege to be denied by over stepping, insecure officials. On the other hand, First Amendment rights should always tied to the responsible self, where consideration of others is more important than personal delusions. But, in the case of this fine young lady, a dangling feather, for which she asked prior approval, should have been allowed. I thought it looked nice. And she said, "I'd pay another thousand dollars to wear it again."

When I was a kid one of the jokes we smirkingly told in those days of bigotry and bias was about neighboring town, and heavily Jewish Scarsdale New York. Q: Why is Scarsdale called the Garden City? A: Because there's a Rosenbloom on every corner. So now a woman there was arrested for operating a "sophisticated" marijuana growing business. It is rumored that town fathers are now trying to trade names with upstate town near Rochester, Weedsport. Mary, Mary, quite contrary what does your garden grow? It ain't cockleshells. Or roses in bloom.

There is no truth to the rumor that a branch the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency is asking all US auto manufacturers to recall all cars 10 year and over to install new air conditioners for alien workers.

Want to build your own website? Here's some simple tips: 1. Understand your customer. Too many people build websites to appeal to themselves 2. Beauty is certainly nice, but don't let it get in the way of functionality. 3. Have content that informs, that rewards the visitor for their time to click and be there. Inform and call for action. Create a positive image, and always use good intelligent grammar with no typos!  4. Use friendly navigation, making it easy for people to understand and make the right clicks to get there. 5. Create a system to measure the above for continuous improvement. 

The Conscience: Chapter 22.

   "So, Milton, how did the meting with old Patriarch Biglietto go.: James Smith was always getting to the point before he would waste time with his partner's gregariousness.

   "What would you expect Jim, they like our resources, and Antonio likes you. But, we did talk a lot about the explosion over at Bernard. Antonio is quite bothered by that, because he really wanted the acquisition to go through nice and easily. He is stumped and so am I."

   "Don't be, things will work out." These are the times when his friend Jim confused him, by telling him a lot with words that meant little. "He found that Jim was till talking as he reflected on the first sentence. "...our guy Jeffery Morgan?"

    Milton deciphered the half sentecnec, ad responded, "I met him! Actually he introduced himself to me. He seemed decent for a drunk, sober, thought ful and intelligent. Antonio likes him and so does the grandaughetr. But, I digress. We were having a nice conversation about who I was and where I came from, when all of sudden the guy starts looking real scared. It was strange James."

   "Was it now. Now that is interesting."

The Answer:

1. The Fearsome Foursome consisted of greats Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and the only remain living member Roosevelt Grier. The man in charge of the LA rams when the four were assembled was Chip Rosenbloom, who wasn't from Scarsdale NY. Many think that the mighty Jack Youngblood was part of the famed group because he was so tough and dominant as a Ram, but he came later.

When I was a kid, a teacher told the class to try to create a life for yourself where nobody would ever call you "Avergae". I'm hoping today that students would be advised to avoid being enabled, to take responsibility for their own actions, and of course strive to be aways above average.