Today's Tids Issue 2,996
Opening Stuff:
Looking forward to 2014, I just gotta think that somewhere in the constitution there's something that protects the incandescent light bulb.
I must be somewhat of a dolt, considering that critically acclaimed and sure-fire Oscar films often leave me cold;
that I fail to understand the excitement.
You can generally measure the courage of a good leader by how loudly the comfortable cry foul.
The Question:
Name the Top Ten celebrities who spell T-r-o-u-b-l-e! I know, I know, there are only seven letters in trouble.
The Headlines:
--Suicide Bombers Kill 30 In Russia; Olympic Officials Up Concerns Over Games Safety.
--ACA Signs Up A Million In December.
--Feeling Snubbed By US, And US Iran/Syria Policy, Saudi Reaches Out Too New Allies.
--Assad Sends Message To Pope: Says He Is Protecting Syrians Of All Religions From Islamic Aggression.
--Google And Apple Competing To Become Auto Industry Digital Standards.
--Income Opportunities For Americans Declining.
In case you're wondering, Yahoo
mail failed to
save a couple of brilliant Tids, so I started this morning angrily
catching up. You never quite recreate the originality of a first
thought, much less capture those that go missing.
Let's hope that the NFL playoffs will
be as exciting as yesterdays playoff Sunday to get into the playoffs.
You have to wonder how strong the San Diego team is when in a must win
game they barely squeaked by a KC team minus 22 starting players,
including 8 Pro Bowl electees. Aaron Rogers proved why he is considered
great. LeGuarette Blount of the Pats was the greatest player of the year
for a day amassing over 340 yards on the ground. Anybody can win this
Superbowl.
In a new National Poll
of substance we learn that 81% of Americans are favorable to the
concept of the Affordable Care Act. For the same sample, only 68% like
the idea of ObamaCare. Ah, an educated
electorate!
Judging by the number of strange typos in the last Tids, I guess I'm one of those who contribute to that unfounded myth that gives teachers a bad name.
If young people think old people are grumpy today, wait until governments worldwide start cutting pensions and increasing retirement age.
As "Pot America" Day nears, what
are the odds of a mass migration to Colorado and Washington? Oldsters
go to Florida for sun, dreamers go to Nevada to lose it all, the gimmie
crowd comes to RI for free stuff and now -- High-Ho it's off to pot we
go. It's Classic states rights competitiveness in action, right?
"One more day"
is a
great song from Les Miz and also a phrase of frustration for UPS. All
was fine this Christmas until the last day when their 293 airplane force
was just not enough. FedEx has about 563 planes, but are smart enough
not to rely on the consumer, where mass hysterical reactions are only a
package away, especially, when it's little Johnny's Christmas present!
So, how does UPS make sure they have enough planes for last minute
shoppers, but not so many that it sucks the life out of profits?
It was a sad headline that read,
"Thousands in RI (Millions in Nation) to receive a raise". The raise of
course was one by law, minimum raise, and not from real economic growth
in the country. But, that's where seem to have gone, where the cheering
hails mandates instead of rewards from accomplishment. It's a form of
imprisonment.
I tend not to agree with "Letters to the Editor"
sent from West Kingston.
The Social Media,
which obliterates borders, threatens to make America just like the rest
of the world. Lest we forget, America was created for greatness based
on not doing what the rest of the world had done wrong for years. Our
biggest illegal immigratnt problem may be found on FaceBook and Twitter,
et. al.
BTW, the majority of teens have officially dubbed FB "yesterday's" place to be seen... and ceded it to Moms, Pops and Grandparents.
The Conscience: Chapter 31.
"That's weird," said Joe as the twosome hit the high spot on the Mount Hope Bridge leading from Bristol to Portsmouth RI.
"What's weird, Chucky?" Joe was intent on getting this easy job over
with, and relaxing for a while in a place away from Sanna. But, he knew
she
had reeled in his sex crazed partner and that was not good for the
team. Why does a great looking, classy but sinister woman have sex with a
slob like Chuck, he asked himself. To own him, that's why. And if she
owns Chuck then she owns me too.
"That skyscraper over there. It just comes up out of farmland and the sea beyond it. Looks out of place."
"Let's hope we don't look out of place in this hayseed down." The road
had changed from a country street to a smattering of commercial
properties. Joe looked down at their new, shiny boat shoes, and smiled
at how outrageous they might appear to a real Yankee.
They turned
right at the Melville Marine Area sign and within a minute they were in a
small industrial area consisting of mainly of dozens of boat builders
and marine accessory companies. They spied the sign to the marine engine
company that matched their information, and drove right up to
the big metal building, parking on a bed of crushed clamshells. Chuck
looked down at the former bivalves, "Didn't we pass a restaurant?"
Joe punched him. "Get the satchel"
The Answer:
There
are two "L's" in hell and the name of Number One pampered trouble maker
for 2013 -- Lindsey Lohan. After Lindsey you have Kanye West, Charlie
Sheen, Chris Brown, Emma Roberts (Julia's niece), Reese Witherspoon,
Justin Bieber, Lamar Odem, Naomi Campbell and Miley Cyrus. Lamar won't
be on the list next year, because he
will be nowhere, unless he latches on to Dennis Rodman and chums it up
with Kim.
Somewhere out there,
a great Tid or two that was in here Sunday is floating around in Yahoo
purgatory for fallen away nuggets of wisdom. I hate that.
Time to buy your hats and noise makers, but don't buy them for me.
Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Countdown to Blah.
Today's Tids Issue 2,997
Opening Stuff:
Somebody wake me when a bowl game that means something begins.
The headline this morning read, "Obama closes year with budget deal." Most bi-partisan Washington observers say the deal got done becasue the President wasn't involved.
One of the big restaurant trends around here, and I'm sure out your way too, is "Farm to table". Personally, I prefer ranch-to-table. Moooooo.
The Question:
Most pople have a pretty good feel the best selling cars in the US. Whjat are the best selling cars worldwide?
The Headlines:
--Markets Continuing Santa Surge.
--Ice Storm Still Causing Havoc In Northern States Across Country.
--Kabul Suicide Bomb Kills 3 NATO Personnel.
--Bomb Hits Cairo After Arrest Of Dozens Of Newly Segregated Terrorists"; Egypt On Edge.
--Japan Inflation Hits Five Year High; Italian Lire Hits All Time Low.
--US Insurance Companies Having Fits Trying To Keep Up With Ever Changing ObamaCare.
--India To Retaliate By Issuing Tax Violations Against, Revoking ID Cards Of US Consular Officials.
--US New Jobless Apps Down 43K.
--Attacks and Counter Attacks Continue In Thai and Ukrane; Bomb Blast Kills 8 In Somali..
--Philly Court Overturns Priest Conviction For Sex Coverup.
It appears that wind energy cmpanies will have to stand on there own as the incredibly lavish Government subsidies of the 1992 "Production Tax Credit" end December 31. The power source after two decades of free money has failed to prove it is or will become efficient. Note: Wind power supporters will point to low electricity prices in Texas, but Wind Companies there would offer their product at negative prices becasue the subsidies were so over the top lavish! The Feds are now saying that if the states think wind is good then they can foot the bill. In RI, supporting wind would be like buying something from Kurt Shilling all over again.
The headline for yesterdays SA fish attack tragedy could have been. "Paraguayans plunging in piranha polluted Pirana processed by paramedics."
A new CNN/ORC Poll says that 70% of Americans feel that the economy is generality in poor shape. The Fed and host of statistics indicate an improving economy, but it appears the numbers don't take into consideration the hardships of lower paying, part times jobs, which are more the norm in real non-statistical America. And of course, numbers have never included those who have dropped out of the force. Like everything else in this world, change is occurring rapidly. It seems to be occurng at an even more rapid rate on the human side of statistical equations. Remember, the USA worker is now affected by the rising tide of lower global wages, never a factor when when US factories made everything that was bought. We are entering the nothing is as it was era...some of it promoted and some of it inevitable.
Of course when Superbowl rolls around money will be blowing like dandelions in the windy north New Jersey as hotel rates are already out of sight. They are expecting 400,000(!) to cram into that already overcrowded area of the world. What are the 330,000 or so who can't get into the stadium going to do, hang out at the Lombardi Turnpike Rest area? Maybe they'll have a giant snowball fight over the last hot dog. These are the type of happenings that have no enticement for me -- Over priced, overcrowded, and in the end, I coulda seen it better on TV. Brrrr.
There's no truth to the rumor that the "Too Big to Fail Banks" have divided the MetLife stadium into 7 sections for the big event. Instead of Occupy Wall Street, it could be occupy exit 16.
Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Mandela is the big new critical fave. The performance of in the lead is considered powerful ad dominant. If you like Mandela it will be a heartwarming, satisfying view of his life of peace and nation creation.
--The Wolf of Wall Street was reviewed here kast week ad it's still "Must See!
--The Grudge Match isn't, or at least by me. It stars DeNiro playing DeNiro as a Ragig Bull-like overage boxer and Stallone playing Stallone as Rocky-like over age boxer. I won't see it. Lots of steriotypical senior jokes.
The Answer:
What you see world wide, may trend towards the USA some day. The 10th most popular is a "Supermini" Volkswagen Polo. ( is the Honda CR-V and is followed by 8- Ford Fiesta, 7- Volkswagen Golf, 6- Toyota Camry, 5- Chevrolet Cruze, 4- Hyundai Elantra, 3- Volkswagen Jetta, 2- Toyota Corolla and numero uno -- Ford Focus. Conservative Angela Merkle's Germany and the non-government subsidized US company are the big point earners! It's always politics!
The Novel series will be back big next week. No Harry, it wasn't your fault, It wasn't because I kept stepping on clones and Jedi in my bare feet!
Happy Weekend to Nowhere e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!
Opening Stuff:
Somebody wake me when a bowl game that means something begins.
The headline this morning read, "Obama closes year with budget deal." Most bi-partisan Washington observers say the deal got done becasue the President wasn't involved.
One of the big restaurant trends around here, and I'm sure out your way too, is "Farm to table". Personally, I prefer ranch-to-table. Moooooo.
The Question:
Most pople have a pretty good feel the best selling cars in the US. Whjat are the best selling cars worldwide?
The Headlines:
--Markets Continuing Santa Surge.
--Ice Storm Still Causing Havoc In Northern States Across Country.
--Kabul Suicide Bomb Kills 3 NATO Personnel.
--Bomb Hits Cairo After Arrest Of Dozens Of Newly Segregated Terrorists"; Egypt On Edge.
--Japan Inflation Hits Five Year High; Italian Lire Hits All Time Low.
--US Insurance Companies Having Fits Trying To Keep Up With Ever Changing ObamaCare.
--India To Retaliate By Issuing Tax Violations Against, Revoking ID Cards Of US Consular Officials.
--US New Jobless Apps Down 43K.
--Attacks and Counter Attacks Continue In Thai and Ukrane; Bomb Blast Kills 8 In Somali..
--Philly Court Overturns Priest Conviction For Sex Coverup.
It appears that wind energy cmpanies will have to stand on there own as the incredibly lavish Government subsidies of the 1992 "Production Tax Credit" end December 31. The power source after two decades of free money has failed to prove it is or will become efficient. Note: Wind power supporters will point to low electricity prices in Texas, but Wind Companies there would offer their product at negative prices becasue the subsidies were so over the top lavish! The Feds are now saying that if the states think wind is good then they can foot the bill. In RI, supporting wind would be like buying something from Kurt Shilling all over again.
The headline for yesterdays SA fish attack tragedy could have been. "Paraguayans plunging in piranha polluted Pirana processed by paramedics."
A new CNN/ORC Poll says that 70% of Americans feel that the economy is generality in poor shape. The Fed and host of statistics indicate an improving economy, but it appears the numbers don't take into consideration the hardships of lower paying, part times jobs, which are more the norm in real non-statistical America. And of course, numbers have never included those who have dropped out of the force. Like everything else in this world, change is occurring rapidly. It seems to be occurng at an even more rapid rate on the human side of statistical equations. Remember, the USA worker is now affected by the rising tide of lower global wages, never a factor when when US factories made everything that was bought. We are entering the nothing is as it was era...some of it promoted and some of it inevitable.
Of course when Superbowl rolls around money will be blowing like dandelions in the windy north New Jersey as hotel rates are already out of sight. They are expecting 400,000(!) to cram into that already overcrowded area of the world. What are the 330,000 or so who can't get into the stadium going to do, hang out at the Lombardi Turnpike Rest area? Maybe they'll have a giant snowball fight over the last hot dog. These are the type of happenings that have no enticement for me -- Over priced, overcrowded, and in the end, I coulda seen it better on TV. Brrrr.
There's no truth to the rumor that the "Too Big to Fail Banks" have divided the MetLife stadium into 7 sections for the big event. Instead of Occupy Wall Street, it could be occupy exit 16.
Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Mandela is the big new critical fave. The performance of in the lead is considered powerful ad dominant. If you like Mandela it will be a heartwarming, satisfying view of his life of peace and nation creation.
--The Wolf of Wall Street was reviewed here kast week ad it's still "Must See!
--The Grudge Match isn't, or at least by me. It stars DeNiro playing DeNiro as a Ragig Bull-like overage boxer and Stallone playing Stallone as Rocky-like over age boxer. I won't see it. Lots of steriotypical senior jokes.
The Answer:
What you see world wide, may trend towards the USA some day. The 10th most popular is a "Supermini" Volkswagen Polo. ( is the Honda CR-V and is followed by 8- Ford Fiesta, 7- Volkswagen Golf, 6- Toyota Camry, 5- Chevrolet Cruze, 4- Hyundai Elantra, 3- Volkswagen Jetta, 2- Toyota Corolla and numero uno -- Ford Focus. Conservative Angela Merkle's Germany and the non-government subsidized US company are the big point earners! It's always politics!
The Novel series will be back big next week. No Harry, it wasn't your fault, It wasn't because I kept stepping on clones and Jedi in my bare feet!
Happy Weekend to Nowhere e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!
Ooozing.
Today's Tids Issue 2,994
Opening Stuff:
If yesterday was the most peaceful
of days, with nary a human or car to be seen in villages and cities, or
across country fields; with the only intrusions being aromas wafting in
icy air from warm busy kitchens -- then today is the least stressed,
with nothing to do, with no pressure, where the only trepidation being
within an abused body that is adjusting to the ravages of way too much
food the day before. But this too shall pass, and their will be another
piece of toffee in another bowl around the corner.
You might say, "I'm dreaming of a Wide Christmas", or "Becoming a Macy's Float," or "Stuffing the Intestinal stocking."
Yesterday,
the Taliban rocket attack on a US Embassy in Kabul was all over the
news. Today there is nothing to be found. The Admin is not burying the
news again, are they?
The Question:
What is a croquembouche? Bonus: Other than the intensely delicious home made ice cream cake I had
yesterday, whet are the favorite desserts for Christmas dinner?
The Headlines:
--Last Minute Internet Sales Overwhelm UPS.
--Taliban Christmas Day Rocket Attack On
US Embassy In Kabul Has Withdrawal Plans In Quandary.
--Target
Hackers Stole Encrypted Bank PINS; Target responds Saying, "No Bank
Data Accessed."--US Sending Drones, Missiles To Iraq In Wake Of Worst
Violence There In Five Years.
--Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan In Deep Trouble; Reshuffles His Cabinet.
--Spitzer in Splitzville.
--Investors At Odds Over Investing In Emerging Markkets
It appears the Internet
is no longer the step child with potential, but the lynchpin for
Christmas season retail sales. Ouch...that is if you are a retail sales
person looking for extra work. It's just one more signal that what was,
ain't never gonna be any more.
After 10-6 last week,
the intrepid Tid's NFL Pickers are 153-89 going into the final week of
the NFL regular season. Like Week 1, it's still anybody's ball game no
matter what the standings. As an example, let's take
Cleveland-Pittsburgh -- An almost nothing game where a Pittsburgh win
against a traditional arch rival that's been playing well would give
them a chance at a playoff spot if Iran dumped their nukes in the Back
Sea or NK's Kim dedicated his life to Pope Francis anti-poverty
campaign. I'm picking Pitt in a close one. The point is that even after
17 weeks some early dogs are very competitive now and
anybody can win. Here we go. Tenn has been tough, but Houston needs
this one. Minn is rising and Detroit is fumbling. Minn. Atlanta is dying
for a big upset win, but I've become a Carolina believer. Which
candidate for "most disappointing" will win in the NYG-Skins clash? NY
at home. Cinn is tough and will nip an inspired Balt. I kinda like Jax
to upset Indy who has clinched. Miami over the dreaded Jets. I would
love to see an Oakland surprise, but Denver is up for the task and #1
seed despite loss of Miller and Welker. I'm picking San Diego over a
slipping KC. St. Lou can beat Seattle, but the Seahawks don't like
losing two in a row. I'm in love with Arizona and I'm picking them to
make SF worry about themselves. I gotta pick Chi at home over
mistake-prone GB. TB and NO should be easy, but I don't think so. NO to
squeak by a TB team playing better. Buffalo is one of the best teams
with a losing record, but NE feels it and will clinch #2. Actually, with
Romo in the game I'd be happier going for Philly. With a replacement QB
trying to earn stripes I worry. I think Philly is a better all around
team. Well, that's it. A tough year for pickers contracting the disease
Parity-enitis.
If you are selecting a college
the new rule of thumb for measuring the best is "Return on
Investment". Former Head Of Education Bill Bennett says that means there
are only 150 out of thousands are worth the big bucks. (Of course these
are based on averages and there are great students in every colleges
who do very well after
the sheepskin moment.) The top Twenty for 2012 are Harvey Mudd, Cal
Tech, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth Duke. U.
Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, Babson, Lehigh U, Cornell Colorado School of
Mines, Columbia, Worcester Polytech, Georgia Tech, Manhattan, RPI and U
Cal Berkley. See the entire list (*Note, 2013 list dramatically
different from previous several years But I have yet to see an
explanation of why the change.) :
I felt like the world stopped yesterday. But, that's probably because they only had the second string reporters on alert.
Another of my favorite commercials is where the "Pawn Stars" principle characters reject an Android based tablet versus the Microsoft Surface.
Happy Birthday Mom, wherever you are.
It was like a movie yesterday
in Argentina when massive schools of piranha's attacked and injured 60
swimmers. I'd been fearful of piranha's since third grade, but
over the years I was beginning to think it was a bit of a myth as
animal lovers tended to minimize the anger of their beloved non-humans. I
guess not. GW'ers will blame it on climate change, for sure.
People I know who have made the switch from Apple IPad to Microsoft Surface are incredibly happy they did.
The problem with political jokes is that they often get elected.
I ate so much over the past day that I decided to quit cold turkey.
The Answer:
The
Croquembouche is a Christmas tree shape made of separate stacked pastry
balls filled with a pastry cream (Chocolate) and dipped in Caramel! Bonus:
5 Christmas favorite desserts are Apple Pie, Chocolate Cream Pie,
Chocolate Moose Yule Log, Trifle and Assorted iced buttery Cookies,
including home made chocolate chip. Got those Taste buds going again?
Lie back and dream of running on a treadmill, popping croquembouche balls in your mouth. It's a good test for resolving conflicts.
Jingle Bells and red berries.
Today's Tids Issue 2,993
Opening Stuff:
Merry Christmas E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!
Merry Christmas E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!
The last big retail sales day of the 2013 selling season was slow as too many people had to stay home to figure out ObamaCare.
Some national observers say there seems to be an emerging left wing take over of the Dems, if you consider the elections of NYC's DiBlasio and Massachusetts' Warren. But then you have to consider that the rest of the USA except for Cal and Col is no where near as liberal as those eastern elitist strongholds. So maybe there aren't communists under every rock, after all. Just in the big media centers. At least that's a good thought for Christmas
The Question:
What is the meaning of Christmas?
The Headlines:--While Most Americans Sit down To Feasts, Soldiers in The Filed Open Cardboard Box Of Hi-Tech nutrients.
--Store Visits Drop 21% In Final Weeks Of Selling Season.
--Israeli Laucheds Gaza Strike.
--Judge In NFL Star/Hitman Hernandez Murder Trial Considering Gag Order.
--UN Gives India Junior Diplomat Arrested And Abused By US Police, Status.
--Rodman Dissed By Super-Pal Kim.
--40% Of Americans Say they Will Spend Less In 2014; Costs Are Rising But Income Isn't.
--Kids Across The Planet Begin Holding Their Breath; Unrestrained Giggling Also Heard.
Some national observers say there seems to be an emerging left wing take over of the Dems, if you consider the elections of NYC's DiBlasio and Massachusetts' Warren. But then you have to consider that the rest of the USA except for Cal and Col is no where near as liberal as those eastern elitist strongholds. So maybe there aren't communists under every rock, after all. Just in the big media centers. At least that's a good thought for Christmas
The Question:
What is the meaning of Christmas?
The Headlines:--While Most Americans Sit down To Feasts, Soldiers in The Filed Open Cardboard Box Of Hi-Tech nutrients.
--Store Visits Drop 21% In Final Weeks Of Selling Season.
--Israeli Laucheds Gaza Strike.
--Judge In NFL Star/Hitman Hernandez Murder Trial Considering Gag Order.
--UN Gives India Junior Diplomat Arrested And Abused By US Police, Status.
--Rodman Dissed By Super-Pal Kim.
--40% Of Americans Say they Will Spend Less In 2014; Costs Are Rising But Income Isn't.
--Kids Across The Planet Begin Holding Their Breath; Unrestrained Giggling Also Heard.
Malls created empty Main
Streets. This year it appears that we are seeing the beginning of
Internet dominance which will create big boxes that only echo.
Helllllllllo.
Who else but a government would plan an intimidating deadline on one of the single most important economic days for the country;s giant retail industry.
"Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse..."
In the future we may have to say, "not even a bureaucrat.." as the government takes up positions within the walls of homes. EeK! A bureaucrat.
The Answer:
Every year around this time I just can't resist the words of Linus. This year I thought I'd let you hear them direct from the kid who knows what's going on. (Note: There's more after Linus, you might enjoy.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeVDOu2_Fuc
I'll tell you, maybe we can just have this gigantic table of Tids readers sitting down to the biggest pot luck dinner ever; and the world will look over that happy group and think, yup there is a little sanity left on the planet after typos. Mary Christmas! Hey wait a minute, It was a "Mary" Christmas!
Who else but a government would plan an intimidating deadline on one of the single most important economic days for the country;s giant retail industry.
"Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse..."
In the future we may have to say, "not even a bureaucrat.." as the government takes up positions within the walls of homes. EeK! A bureaucrat.
The Answer:
Every year around this time I just can't resist the words of Linus. This year I thought I'd let you hear them direct from the kid who knows what's going on. (Note: There's more after Linus, you might enjoy.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeVDOu2_Fuc
I'll tell you, maybe we can just have this gigantic table of Tids readers sitting down to the biggest pot luck dinner ever; and the world will look over that happy group and think, yup there is a little sanity left on the planet after typos. Mary Christmas! Hey wait a minute, It was a "Mary" Christmas!
Seeing Christmas.
Today's Tids Issue 2,992
Opening Stuff:
I see the twinkling lights. In the pine trees as winds rustle branches. Through windows of decorated homes. In the night sky as clouds move and stars emerge, seeming to mirror the Christmas lights below in one giant universal celebration of the birth of Christ. I'm seeing twinkling lights, and I seem to be seeing the glow this year through the eyes of beautiful, loving, courageous children reflecting the sterile lights above, from hospital ceilings. Wondering, at times, why they are are there . Wondering if Santa will be able to find them in their complicated beds. But always assured, by strong hearts of loving, anguished family and friends, who keep them warm, who keep their smiles radiant -- even as their own hearts are heavy. This year I'm looking at twinkling lights in another way, and with a prayer in my heart for all.
Will the credit card breach become Target's Bhopal?.
Ned Vizzini was a hero to young people who had fought depression and other mental afflictions. They would tell this author of the book, "It's Kind of a Funny Story", "You touched our lives". He gave millions, hope. A couple of days ago, 32 year old Vizzini jumped off the roof of his mother's building in Brooklyn, committing suicide. I feel for those millions who had hope, and now wonder. And now understand a a little more the instability of a life afflicted; How tough the daily battle must be.
In the daily cartoon "Non Sequitur" it shows today three black suited men talking to Santa at his North Pole Cottage, under a banner "Holiday Greetings from the NSA" The caption, "Naughty...Nice...It's all the same to us. Now hand over your lists, Sir."
The Question:
What do you think were the Top ten Apologies for 12013?
The Headlines:
--Markets Up Strong; 2014 Outlook Has Consumer Confidence Index Rising; Positive Data Could Boost Obama And Dems For 2014 Elections.
--Deep Discounts Don't Draw Last Minute Shoppers To Weekend Sales.
--Extreme Icy Weather Dominates Midwest; Great Lakes Traffic Coming To Standstill.
--Iran's Rhouhani Says He's Still Working To Improve US Relations.
----He lath Plan Buyers Expected To Feel Sticker Shock.
--George Zimmerman Painting Sells For $100 K At Auction; Zim Haters Say Painting Is Awful; I think It Surprisingly Accomplished, But Not $100K Worth.
--Apple Makes Big IPhone Deal With China Tel; China Market Has Been dominated By Lower Cost Samsung devices.
In the long run, newspapers will survive on their ability to deliver local news. Weekly community newspapers could thrive and the Big city papers will have to find inexpensive ways to appear knowledgeable, and concerned, about everything local. Good theory, right? But, one local news delivering concept , "The (Name Your Town) Patch" owned by AOL, which looks perfect and is quite digitally poised for the now generation, is losing $100 Million! The Local Patch was being run by Ariana Huffington after AOL bought her organization, but she walked after finding AOL execs didn't want her ideas. So what looks like a local guy sitting in a spartan office overlooking and with his eye squarely on Main Street USA, is really an arm of a company under fire on Wall Street. And when profitability is the concern of Wall Street, Main Street suffers. Support your local newspaper.
Of Course, if big Government Obama-ites get their way, nothing will be local.
I'd buy any car in a minute that had a right rear view mirror that said, "What you see is exactly where you think it is."
Bernie Goetz for President.
Someday teens will be saying exactly what I'm saying as I look a pictures of my younger years, "God, what ugly things I wore that I thought were cool".
Digital money seems to be finding universal acceptance in the sex trade industry. They're called bitchcoins. The problem remains, how do they carry them in their G-String?
Do you know what always bothers me? It's when I see neighborhoods of nice homes that have been shoved aside by highways
You have to believe that retailers ads of the future will say something like : Best Credit Card Security In the Industry". Or. "Double your money back if you get hacked".
Speaking of Advertising, I think the slogan of a couple of years now, "A Kiss Begins with Kay" Is pretty good. And I like the hutzpah of the commercial that pits Apple against Kindle Fire HD.
More and more, Apple Company's higher prices are getting inthe way of growth sales as more and more "experts" concede that the Tablet, Smartphone leader doesn't not have a technical advantage over lower priced Android and Windows devices.
Oh yeah, and I would never pay $699.9 for Rhoomba, IRobot's vacuum cleaner. Nice concept, but then you have pay out more money for a gym to find the exercise you are loosing to a robot vacuum.
A friend of mine received a letter from our Leftist Senator Sheldon Whitehouse requesting that he send money to Al Franken's campaign! Because of 70 or so years of Dem/Union rule here, the state is in the toilet. Now we have a senator asking us to fund a senator in another state who's main objective would be to create more regulations that will continue to harm our economic base. My friend said he had to call the bomb squad, as ihis computer was ready to blow! Al Franken?
Contributing to Pols is a good idea, right? It was just reported that our big politicians here have used their PAC money to fund Christmas parties at the states most expensive restaurants! And, they want us to feel comfortable paying taxes, where more and more that money basically goes to payoff various blocs and consultancies for votes.
The Answer:
...Or, Mea Culpa or Bust, Department:
#10 Was Alec Baldwin voting not to use Homophobic slurs. Next is (Girls Gone Wild Founder) Joe Francis apologizing for calling jury F...ing, retarded and should be shot after being convicted of sexual assault; Rupert Murdoch for anti Netanyahu cartoon; JC Penny to angry disappointed customers; Target for Credit Card breach; Oprah for insinuating clerk was racist; Sanjay Gupta for flip-flop on medical marijuana; 60 Mins Lara Logan for Benghazi mishap; President O for lying about promising no loss of plan or doc; Bob Ford begging over and over again. And, tied for number one Paula Deana and Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson.
Capture a twinkling star and and share your heart.
I see the twinkling lights. In the pine trees as winds rustle branches. Through windows of decorated homes. In the night sky as clouds move and stars emerge, seeming to mirror the Christmas lights below in one giant universal celebration of the birth of Christ. I'm seeing twinkling lights, and I seem to be seeing the glow this year through the eyes of beautiful, loving, courageous children reflecting the sterile lights above, from hospital ceilings. Wondering, at times, why they are are there . Wondering if Santa will be able to find them in their complicated beds. But always assured, by strong hearts of loving, anguished family and friends, who keep them warm, who keep their smiles radiant -- even as their own hearts are heavy. This year I'm looking at twinkling lights in another way, and with a prayer in my heart for all.
Will the credit card breach become Target's Bhopal?.
Ned Vizzini was a hero to young people who had fought depression and other mental afflictions. They would tell this author of the book, "It's Kind of a Funny Story", "You touched our lives". He gave millions, hope. A couple of days ago, 32 year old Vizzini jumped off the roof of his mother's building in Brooklyn, committing suicide. I feel for those millions who had hope, and now wonder. And now understand a a little more the instability of a life afflicted; How tough the daily battle must be.
In the daily cartoon "Non Sequitur" it shows today three black suited men talking to Santa at his North Pole Cottage, under a banner "Holiday Greetings from the NSA" The caption, "Naughty...Nice...It's all the same to us. Now hand over your lists, Sir."
The Question:
What do you think were the Top ten Apologies for 12013?
The Headlines:
--Markets Up Strong; 2014 Outlook Has Consumer Confidence Index Rising; Positive Data Could Boost Obama And Dems For 2014 Elections.
--Deep Discounts Don't Draw Last Minute Shoppers To Weekend Sales.
--Extreme Icy Weather Dominates Midwest; Great Lakes Traffic Coming To Standstill.
--Iran's Rhouhani Says He's Still Working To Improve US Relations.
----He lath Plan Buyers Expected To Feel Sticker Shock.
--George Zimmerman Painting Sells For $100 K At Auction; Zim Haters Say Painting Is Awful; I think It Surprisingly Accomplished, But Not $100K Worth.
--Apple Makes Big IPhone Deal With China Tel; China Market Has Been dominated By Lower Cost Samsung devices.
In the long run, newspapers will survive on their ability to deliver local news. Weekly community newspapers could thrive and the Big city papers will have to find inexpensive ways to appear knowledgeable, and concerned, about everything local. Good theory, right? But, one local news delivering concept , "The (Name Your Town) Patch" owned by AOL, which looks perfect and is quite digitally poised for the now generation, is losing $100 Million! The Local Patch was being run by Ariana Huffington after AOL bought her organization, but she walked after finding AOL execs didn't want her ideas. So what looks like a local guy sitting in a spartan office overlooking and with his eye squarely on Main Street USA, is really an arm of a company under fire on Wall Street. And when profitability is the concern of Wall Street, Main Street suffers. Support your local newspaper.
Of Course, if big Government Obama-ites get their way, nothing will be local.
I'd buy any car in a minute that had a right rear view mirror that said, "What you see is exactly where you think it is."
Bernie Goetz for President.
Someday teens will be saying exactly what I'm saying as I look a pictures of my younger years, "God, what ugly things I wore that I thought were cool".
Digital money seems to be finding universal acceptance in the sex trade industry. They're called bitchcoins. The problem remains, how do they carry them in their G-String?
Do you know what always bothers me? It's when I see neighborhoods of nice homes that have been shoved aside by highways
You have to believe that retailers ads of the future will say something like : Best Credit Card Security In the Industry". Or. "Double your money back if you get hacked".
Speaking of Advertising, I think the slogan of a couple of years now, "A Kiss Begins with Kay" Is pretty good. And I like the hutzpah of the commercial that pits Apple against Kindle Fire HD.
More and more, Apple Company's higher prices are getting inthe way of growth sales as more and more "experts" concede that the Tablet, Smartphone leader doesn't not have a technical advantage over lower priced Android and Windows devices.
Oh yeah, and I would never pay $699.9 for Rhoomba, IRobot's vacuum cleaner. Nice concept, but then you have pay out more money for a gym to find the exercise you are loosing to a robot vacuum.
A friend of mine received a letter from our Leftist Senator Sheldon Whitehouse requesting that he send money to Al Franken's campaign! Because of 70 or so years of Dem/Union rule here, the state is in the toilet. Now we have a senator asking us to fund a senator in another state who's main objective would be to create more regulations that will continue to harm our economic base. My friend said he had to call the bomb squad, as ihis computer was ready to blow! Al Franken?
Contributing to Pols is a good idea, right? It was just reported that our big politicians here have used their PAC money to fund Christmas parties at the states most expensive restaurants! And, they want us to feel comfortable paying taxes, where more and more that money basically goes to payoff various blocs and consultancies for votes.
The Answer:
...Or, Mea Culpa or Bust, Department:
#10 Was Alec Baldwin voting not to use Homophobic slurs. Next is (Girls Gone Wild Founder) Joe Francis apologizing for calling jury F...ing, retarded and should be shot after being convicted of sexual assault; Rupert Murdoch for anti Netanyahu cartoon; JC Penny to angry disappointed customers; Target for Credit Card breach; Oprah for insinuating clerk was racist; Sanjay Gupta for flip-flop on medical marijuana; 60 Mins Lara Logan for Benghazi mishap; President O for lying about promising no loss of plan or doc; Bob Ford begging over and over again. And, tied for number one Paula Deana and Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson.
Capture a twinkling star and and share your heart.
Living in a duck blind.
Today's Tids Issue 2,991
Opening Stuff:
Today America is titillated, debating how sexy Miley Cyrus will be in her new video for the just announced new album, "Adore Me", Tomorrow at 5:15 AM American Astronauts Michael Hopkins and Rick Mastroacchio will step into space, putting their lives on the line to fix a damaged space station cooling system. And, America yawns.
Summer arrives this weekend -- Well, I mean, the days start getting longer, so how far away is it til you start soaking up rays.
The Question:
Give me five fun facts about ducks.
The Headlines:
--Economy Grows At 4.1 Rate from July Through September; Stocks Up Strong Early; Gold Stumbles To New Lows.
--New Weekly Unemployment Benefit Requests Rise Unexpectedly By 10,000 To 379,000, New York State Sees 71% Increase In Bennie Apps..
--Putin Releases Russian Tycoon, And Rival Khodorkovsky, from Prison.
--Admin Tries To Play Good Guy Role As Sebelius Operative Announces Exemption For The "Few" Who have Lost Coverage.
--Target Working To Re-instill Conficdence In Their Credit Card Operation; Other Big Stores Worry About Consumer reluctance To Shop..
--Fidel Hails Brother's Obama Handshake.
--Many Injured As Ceiling Collapses In London's 112 Year Old Appollo Theater.
In case you're keeping score, the FaceBook page supporting Phil Robertson received 1,000,000 "Likes" in less than 24 hours. And, a similar support operation on twitter has gone viral. The Liberal press call the supporters quacking odd ducks, taking the drake under their conservative right wing. The left had him out on a raft.
A newspaper described the relationship between Dennis Rodman and Kim Jung an "Unlikely friendship." I think it's a marriage made in heaven.
About a year ago I mentioned that I thought Formula "E" Racing was a great idea and a smart way to bring attention to electric cars as everyday vehicles. I still think it's a good idea, but something has been lost in the translation between red necks and plutocrats. First, their will be no roar, but speeding in silence may be just as intriguing in a different way. More important, their will be no pit stops. Michelin is developing tires that will last the entire race, and becasue batteries can only last for half a race their will be two cars for each driver, so the only "Pit" action will be drivers running to change cars. So far it appears that environmentalists with lotsa dough like H-Wood stars and sports owners are hopping on board. So be prepared for the oozing political harangues in the winner's circle, instead of the gurgling of milk. there will be no cars named, "Duck Dynasty".
A lot of people agree that the Alex and Sierra victory last night on X-Factor was a well deserved win. Even supporters of other finalists were agreeing that they were a terrific twosome.
I think "Say Something" Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino should be song of the year. I left it on the bottom of this mess one morning, and you guys liked it too.
McDonalds does not flop often, but when they do it's a whopper. Oops, wrong burger. The food merchant borugh out a new premium item "Mighty Wings" to compete with Buffalo Wild Wings and the consumers rejected them to the tune of 10 Million pounds stilll in the MacFreezer. I thought it was interesting why these wings didn't fly. The price was definitely not competitive. The spices were much too hot for the average eater. And the wings looked like molded nuggets with a bone. Additionally, when the economy is sluggish, people are more apt to spend money on known entities. What's wrong with molded nuggets?
Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--This is good week for movies that at least I will see. In American Hustler a brilliant con man and his British partner are forced to work for a cunning FBI Agent in the world of NJ power brokers and mafia. It becomes more dangerous than they expect. It is a good one.
--You can quickly climb out of the black hole of Jersey politics with With Saving Mr. Banks. About 20 years before the time of the Movie, Walt Disney promised his kids he would make a movie about their favorite author PL Travis...and her book Mary Poppins. She is stubborn, refusing to enter the Hollywood morass...until books sales slow and the money runs out. In this delightful film we see Walt pulling out all stops to break through the veneer of the stony Travis. It's all up beat as flying a kite!
--The Wolf of Wall Street comes out Christmas day and may be one of the best. They say DiCaprio is great as the NY Stock Broker who refuses to cooperate in a large securities frud case that includes mob infiltration into Wall Street and Corporate Banking.
The Conscience: Chapter 30 continues.
Angelica sped up and made a sever right turn which had me grabbing for the overhead handle. Before I could say, "whaaaa..." she said Im going to beat them to the airport, so hang on. It semed like second that we coverned the 2-3 miles to the terminal short term parking lot out front of the main terminal. we jumped out and ran across the street, and then slowed, calming ourselves and blending in with bustling passengers.
About five minutes later the cab arrived and the big boys managed to get out. they were joking as they tipped the driver and moved towards the ticket sales. Angelica and I split up and she mozied over to the boys, and then stood scratching her head and reading a airline booklet. Suddenly she turned and walked my way, just as the boys headed to their gate.
"There going to some place named Providence RI and I heard the American who was with my mother say someting about Portsmouth."
"Good work. I don't know what it means other than there's a lot of boat builders in Rhode Island."
"That sounds like a lot".
Just as she finished, my phone rang and I was surprised to see it was James. "James, what a surprise!" he asked me what I was doing and I filled him in on eeryting, the bombers, the Sanna relationship,,, and when I said Portsmouth, he went silent.
The Answer:
Ducks must have lost the great Penguin war because they are found on every continent except Antarctica. The male is the draeke, the female the hen or just duck and the kids ducklings. It's hard to tell the difference bewteen males an female until you ruffle their underneiath feathers. Duck fethers are so waterproof that all underneath feathers will remain conpletely dry even after deep diving. In preparing her nest, Mom will pluck her own downy feathers to prepare a nest for her newborn. The male and female are monogamous during the breeding season, but into ottehrs arms immediately there after. Ducks are opportunistic eaters odinig happily on what evr they can firnd form fish to grass. There are about 40 breeds of duck withthe White Long Island Peking) duck the most famous for eggs and meat. In all, life is good inthe duck community until they perk up to man's "Duck Call".
Have one great terrific weekend e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!!
Today America is titillated, debating how sexy Miley Cyrus will be in her new video for the just announced new album, "Adore Me", Tomorrow at 5:15 AM American Astronauts Michael Hopkins and Rick Mastroacchio will step into space, putting their lives on the line to fix a damaged space station cooling system. And, America yawns.
Summer arrives this weekend -- Well, I mean, the days start getting longer, so how far away is it til you start soaking up rays.
The Question:
Give me five fun facts about ducks.
The Headlines:
--Economy Grows At 4.1 Rate from July Through September; Stocks Up Strong Early; Gold Stumbles To New Lows.
--New Weekly Unemployment Benefit Requests Rise Unexpectedly By 10,000 To 379,000, New York State Sees 71% Increase In Bennie Apps..
--Putin Releases Russian Tycoon, And Rival Khodorkovsky, from Prison.
--Admin Tries To Play Good Guy Role As Sebelius Operative Announces Exemption For The "Few" Who have Lost Coverage.
--Target Working To Re-instill Conficdence In Their Credit Card Operation; Other Big Stores Worry About Consumer reluctance To Shop..
--Fidel Hails Brother's Obama Handshake.
--Many Injured As Ceiling Collapses In London's 112 Year Old Appollo Theater.
In case you're keeping score, the FaceBook page supporting Phil Robertson received 1,000,000 "Likes" in less than 24 hours. And, a similar support operation on twitter has gone viral. The Liberal press call the supporters quacking odd ducks, taking the drake under their conservative right wing. The left had him out on a raft.
A newspaper described the relationship between Dennis Rodman and Kim Jung an "Unlikely friendship." I think it's a marriage made in heaven.
About a year ago I mentioned that I thought Formula "E" Racing was a great idea and a smart way to bring attention to electric cars as everyday vehicles. I still think it's a good idea, but something has been lost in the translation between red necks and plutocrats. First, their will be no roar, but speeding in silence may be just as intriguing in a different way. More important, their will be no pit stops. Michelin is developing tires that will last the entire race, and becasue batteries can only last for half a race their will be two cars for each driver, so the only "Pit" action will be drivers running to change cars. So far it appears that environmentalists with lotsa dough like H-Wood stars and sports owners are hopping on board. So be prepared for the oozing political harangues in the winner's circle, instead of the gurgling of milk. there will be no cars named, "Duck Dynasty".
A lot of people agree that the Alex and Sierra victory last night on X-Factor was a well deserved win. Even supporters of other finalists were agreeing that they were a terrific twosome.
I think "Say Something" Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino should be song of the year. I left it on the bottom of this mess one morning, and you guys liked it too.
McDonalds does not flop often, but when they do it's a whopper. Oops, wrong burger. The food merchant borugh out a new premium item "Mighty Wings" to compete with Buffalo Wild Wings and the consumers rejected them to the tune of 10 Million pounds stilll in the MacFreezer. I thought it was interesting why these wings didn't fly. The price was definitely not competitive. The spices were much too hot for the average eater. And the wings looked like molded nuggets with a bone. Additionally, when the economy is sluggish, people are more apt to spend money on known entities. What's wrong with molded nuggets?
Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--This is good week for movies that at least I will see. In American Hustler a brilliant con man and his British partner are forced to work for a cunning FBI Agent in the world of NJ power brokers and mafia. It becomes more dangerous than they expect. It is a good one.
--You can quickly climb out of the black hole of Jersey politics with With Saving Mr. Banks. About 20 years before the time of the Movie, Walt Disney promised his kids he would make a movie about their favorite author PL Travis...and her book Mary Poppins. She is stubborn, refusing to enter the Hollywood morass...until books sales slow and the money runs out. In this delightful film we see Walt pulling out all stops to break through the veneer of the stony Travis. It's all up beat as flying a kite!
--The Wolf of Wall Street comes out Christmas day and may be one of the best. They say DiCaprio is great as the NY Stock Broker who refuses to cooperate in a large securities frud case that includes mob infiltration into Wall Street and Corporate Banking.
The Conscience: Chapter 30 continues.
Angelica sped up and made a sever right turn which had me grabbing for the overhead handle. Before I could say, "whaaaa..." she said Im going to beat them to the airport, so hang on. It semed like second that we coverned the 2-3 miles to the terminal short term parking lot out front of the main terminal. we jumped out and ran across the street, and then slowed, calming ourselves and blending in with bustling passengers.
About five minutes later the cab arrived and the big boys managed to get out. they were joking as they tipped the driver and moved towards the ticket sales. Angelica and I split up and she mozied over to the boys, and then stood scratching her head and reading a airline booklet. Suddenly she turned and walked my way, just as the boys headed to their gate.
"There going to some place named Providence RI and I heard the American who was with my mother say someting about Portsmouth."
"Good work. I don't know what it means other than there's a lot of boat builders in Rhode Island."
"That sounds like a lot".
Just as she finished, my phone rang and I was surprised to see it was James. "James, what a surprise!" he asked me what I was doing and I filled him in on eeryting, the bombers, the Sanna relationship,,, and when I said Portsmouth, he went silent.
The Answer:
Ducks must have lost the great Penguin war because they are found on every continent except Antarctica. The male is the draeke, the female the hen or just duck and the kids ducklings. It's hard to tell the difference bewteen males an female until you ruffle their underneiath feathers. Duck fethers are so waterproof that all underneath feathers will remain conpletely dry even after deep diving. In preparing her nest, Mom will pluck her own downy feathers to prepare a nest for her newborn. The male and female are monogamous during the breeding season, but into ottehrs arms immediately there after. Ducks are opportunistic eaters odinig happily on what evr they can firnd form fish to grass. There are about 40 breeds of duck withthe White Long Island Peking) duck the most famous for eggs and meat. In all, life is good inthe duck community until they perk up to man's "Duck Call".
Have one great terrific weekend e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!!
War Games.
Today's Tids Issue 2,990
Opening Stuff:
The countdown to 3,000 Tids starts now. The pressure is on -- just ten more days to find some quality too.
This just in:
Barbara Walters name Hillary her "Most Fascinating Person" of 2013.
Fascinating, a word often used just
before the phrase, "But, dubious." It can also mean "Thrilling. "Hill
the Thrill". Republicans and Bill at times feeling the chill. Oh, Doctor
Spock used the word Fascinating all of the time, often with a quizzical
look on his face. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFods1KSWsQ
So, did you hear of the of problem after a mass collision of teen skiers? Boarders without doctors!
The Question:
What Auto Manufacturers do you think had the highest average MPG for all their cars?
The Headlines:
--Target Says Hackers May Have Stolen Data From Forty Million Customer Cards; Largest Breach in History.
--Big
Discounting Has Retailers Scrambling To Make Year Ending Sales Goals;
Consumers Realizing Biggest Deals Not, "Black Friday" But Last Hour
Panic Days.
--Markets Hold Today After Going Berzerk Buying On News About Tapering.
--EU Leaders Concerned Over Ukraine Debacle.
--"Ice" Discovered In Antarctica!; Diamond Find Makes Cold Continent Economic Power For Shivering Penguins.
--Kerry Sending Mea Culpas To India.
The NFL Playoffs begin this week in earnest. I
have selected four "Wars" where each team has a big stake for their
future, and several other must wins where the opponent with little of or
no chance at the playoffs can only smile at making life miserable for a
team with a chance. The wars are NO-Carolina, NE-Balt, Arizona-Seattle
and Chicago-Philly. All of those teams are in it at some level. Other
tight playoff sensitive games are Minn-Cinn, KC-Indy, Pitt-GB, Det-NYG,
Dall-Wash and Miami-Buff. Denver needs to win against Houston and they
will. For the above games I'm holding my breath and picking Carolina,
Balt, Seattle, Philly, Cinn, KC, GB, Buff cold over Miami, Dallas and
Det finally talking advantage of an opportunity (Note: Giants may show
up to prove there is no internal rift.) In the rest I have SL over TB,
Browns over Jets, Jax over Tenn, SD over Oakland and SF over Atlanta.
I've been reviewing the progress
of The Voice for many weeks, and maybe I should have been also looking
at X-Factor. Actually I avoided X mainly because of judges, but last
night stumbling around the channels I saw a couple of acts that I
considered immense. Jeff Gutt was strong as a power rock singer, but I
what stopped my clicker was the duo Alex and Sierrra, she on the piano
and he on guitar, singing the moving break-up song, "Say Something".
Stock Guru Dr. Marc Faber
says best "Shorts" are Facebook, Tesla, Twitter, Netflix and Veeva
Systems. Publisher of the "Gloom, Boom Doom Report" also says that
after reaching a high of 1,813 in November, the market will stagnate for
ten years. Want some tums?
There are so many English movies set in the 18th Century, because there are so many
gigantic empty baronial estates in search of an income.
A local Firefighter
on disability for a shoulder injury is about to have that $3,902 month
scratched after being seen and taped in vigorous workouts and
weightlifting in a local gym. His Lawyer says two docs won't permit him
to travel for a test to determine his ability to resume or not resume
work because he is suffering from "Crippling Anxiety" -- a lawyer 's
disease if I ever heard one. I bet Illinois hasn't even discovered that
one yet. Fascinating, eh?
The Insurance Industry has
just named its safest cars for 2014. Topping the list are Honda and its
rich cousin Acura. Newcomers to the list are Mazda, Q50, Toyota
Highlander and Chevy Spark. Along with Honda, the old safety leader
Volvo won the top designation based on "Standard" safety equipment in
vehicles. This Insurance Annual Rating (Non- Big Gov, by the way) is
having a profound influence on car makers. For instance Toyota
redesigned it's top selling Camray just to pass this test. Who says
society can't work without the disruption of government officials.
See, Capitalism
left on it's own words well. As good a person as he is, Pope Francis
may have somewhat of a jaded view of free enterprise, coming from
Argentina.
Sometimes
when writing I just go to YouTube and play a pleasant movie soundtrack,
which are often just low key pleasant background. For instance, the
English movie Mansfield Park, based loosely on Jane Austin's life, has a
moving satisfying sound that keeps the mind in slow contemplative
motion...missing typos along the way. Or, it could be described as
innocuous and tedious, depending on who you are.
You have to love
Southern
Illinois U. Their Basketball coach went on a post game rant, you know
the kind that unctuous sportscasters like to ridicule. The university
said to all of the snipers looking for a reprimand, "We hired him
because he was feisty."
The Conscience: Chapter 30 continues.
Within seconds we were back approaching the
restaurant. Angelica instinctively slowed, knowing that the foursome
might be anywhere. I pointed my finger ahead, and she saw it too,
adroitly slowing while maneuvering the car behind a devilry truck. The
unlikely couple, Sanna and Bruno were helping the two American
heavyweights into a cab. Angelica, backed up the car to a point where
she could turn right into a small alley. She crept in then floored it.
We sped by the glares of angry business people leaping out of the way,
nearly crashing into a a couple of trash cans. At the end she turned
left and then left again at the major interaction. It was only seconds
tilcwe were ahead of the cab, now leaving, for where?
The cab slid acorss the intersection front of us. She pressed the pedal
and we
slowly followed. As we turned on to the street in chase, she raised her
left hand to hide her face from sharp eyes and I slid down in my seat.
After another second or two, I looked back only to see a complacent
Sanna and Bruno walking the other way.
Our car stayed comfortably behind. "They're going to the airport," I
heard her say, our first words after five minutes of tension. At least,
for me. "This is the way taxis go."
The Answer:
Hyundai
has been preaching their #1 high mph for a couple of years. Earlier
this year they reported to the EPA they had made a mistake. So EPA took
it upon them selves to investigate all companies and determine the most
efficient makers. Guess what? Hyundai (28.3) is till #1 with Mazda, Kia
and Honda close behind. #5 is Subaru followed by Volkswagen (Includes
their Audi cars), Nissan, Toyota, BMW, Ford, Daimler, GM and Chrysler at
21.6. Industry average is 24.0. Note: These automakers must give the
USA a national average of 39 mpg by 2025. Yikes!
I love a good war, but only when it's on a football field.
The heart prevails.
Today's Tids Issue 2,989
Opening Stuff:
I have been continually amazed at how Americans respond on their own without reservation to tragedies that befall other citizens.
AIG and GM seem to be doing a good job on selling America on the next big Government Bailout.
The cyclops teacher only had one pupil.
The PR out of Wall Street seems to be
preparing investors for the disappearance of the Fed welfare program -- $85 Billion monthly buy-back of bonds.
The Question:
Everybody knows Celine Dion's best known song, name five other of her best songs.
The Headlines:
--Fund Managers Predict Bullish 2014.
--White House Escalates Senseless Bitter Rhetoric As Podesta Compares Repubs To Jones Down Cult And Mass Murder.
--India Retaliates Against US After Junior Diplomat Is Forced Into
Cavity Search.
--Insurance Companies Give Extra Time To Potential ACA Enrollees.
--Ukraine Prez Vows Stability After Russia Deal.
--Ex-Egypt Prez Morsi facing Death Penalty If Convicted Of Espionage.
--Former World
Wine Expert Rudy Kurniawan Convicted Of Fraud For Selling Counterfeit Wine.
I have seen many an arrogant
Dem Senator standing in in their snappy blue suits against a background
of the august marble halls of the US senate condemning Republicans for
wanting to scuttle ACA, to want it to fail "and take away hope for the
uninsured" You're damn right! It's a bad idea that takes choice away
from people and blatantly redistributes money. I feel absolutely no
guilt despite how Senators in blue suits in marble halls ridicule honest
opposition.
I was going to give you my opinion
of the Homeland Final, but I thought that many may not have yet seen
it. So, I'll wait on that one. If you have already been part of that
record Showtime audience, write and we can toss it around.
Good grades do not a smart man make. Harvard
student Eldo Kim was the guy who set off the bomb scares at the
institution for best and brightest -- because he didn't want to take an
exam.
One of the neat
things about the internet had been the ability to go directly to
companies. The trend seems to be going the American way where middlemen
like FaceBook want to be come the stop in between with their hand out
for a little commission. I'm thinking why should I "see us on Facebook"
when I can go right to the site I want.
I thought that Celine Deon
showed me a lot in her duet with eventual winner Tessanne. She is so
associated with the big song from Titanic, that it is easy to forget how
talented she is and the broad spectrum of singing challenges she has
mastered. Oh, yeah, and Tessanne was great with her, and a very
deserving champion. BTW, after watching some of the songsters last
night, I think that Cole Vosbury may have been the second best singer in
the gorup.
Speaking of Democrat Senators, how much credibility can they really have if they follow Harry Reid?
I was going to lay off politics for the Christmas -- that's Christmas as in the birth of Christ -- season, but Dems force me to respond.
The Answer:
Yes,
I think what I remember most form the Movie Titanic is the song by
Dion, "My Heart Will go On." After that some other bigs are, Becasue You
Loved Me, It's All Coming Back To Me Now, A New day has Come, The Power
Of Love, That's The Way It is, To Love You More, I'm Alive, All By
Myself and Where Does My Heart Beat Now.
The real Power: Love over politics:
Too big to care.
Today's Tids Issue 2,987
Opening Stuff:
Too be honest with you, I find shopping Wal-Mart depressing.
The concept of economies of scale works pretty well unless one of the components is big government.
It's always a good weekend when Navy beats Army.
One of the more annoying little chores
in life is opening a new CD. (For the young, that's how music used to
come before ITunes et. al. and after tapes, 8-Tracks, 33 rpms, 45 rpms
and 78 rpms and rolls. Hey, that 's the history of my life)
The Question:
Only
two colleges have had a Heisman (Best Football Player), Naismith (Best
Basketball Player) and a President of the USA. name them
The Headlines:
--Positive Economic Reports In Europe Could Move Stocks Upward.
--Mega Millions Jackpot Grows To $550 Million.
--Pope Tells Critics He Is Not A Marxist.
--New AP Poll Indicates Overall Dissatisfaction Of ACA By Those Already Insured.
--Killings Mount In Iraq.
--China Lands On Moon; Iran Launches Monkey carrying Spacecraft.
It's a sad Sunday
morning when your realize you'll never be again able to walk
through that wonderful Kris Donavan Art Gallery at Tiverton Four
Corners. It probably closed it's doors because their were too many
people like me -- just walking through.
The Legislative Branch could save us a lot of money if they stopped funding the Executive Branch...and the Judicial Branch said, "Great idea!"
I was just glancing
at an order for future blood tests and on it I see my name, address,
birthday and social security number. How easy would be for somebody to
become me?
How come at the end of Cialis commercials they always show the couple in two different bath tubs? Must be that four hour thing.
I see where the court
has ruled a stiff Utah law against Polygamy unconstitutional. Is this
latest floodgate to be released in our evolving everything is Ok world,
as long as it makes you feel good.
The Tiverton town council should be talking to "Spell-Check".
Bitcoin which is based on nothing now has a value equal to gold. The world gets weirder.
That kid too big for Santa's lap asking for a Ford Focus for Christmas appears to have a case of Afluenza. What an annoying little cretin he is.
Despite regional differences and what grammarians say, some times the phrase "You all" or Y'all is just the clearest way to express yourself.
Do you think that one day during that period of creation, God was having a little fun with experimentation of species and came up with the hammerhead shark?
John Kerry was a much better looking man before he had done whatever he had done to his face.
The Tablet wars are heating up beyond cool superficiality into serious
functionality. Every computer maker old and new now has a stake in what the tablet becomes and whre they go.
About a year ago
I described a situation where a person without EZPass crossing a new
bridge to this island would have to pay $5.50 for a $4.00 toll. That was
because the brilliant luminaries in the State decided not to put in
toll takers, meaning that a camera took a pic of the license and sent a
bill for $5.50 which included $4.00 plus a $1.50 service fee. Yeah, they
said it wasn't a $5.50 toll because they called part of it a service
fee, which only existed because they created the
problem in the first place -- A classic example of misguided
government. So people complained, the state reduced the toll to 10
cents. (Say what?) That's another story. So anyhow. several weeks ago a
nice couple from England were leaving the island after enjoying Newport,
and at the time wondered how they were going to pay their ten cents
without a toll collector. They found out, but it wasn't a bill for 10
cents they received, but -- $18.10! Yes, they were in a rental car, and
the state billed Alamo who charged the couple their own $18.00 service
fee. Yup, we're a service economy all right, and it sucks.
The
Two colleges are Navy and Michigan. Their Presidents were Carter and
Ford. Michigan Heisman's were Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard and Charles
Woodson. Navy Heisman's were Joe Belino and Roger Staubach. Michigan
Naismaith winner was Troy Burke and Navy was David Robertson.
Yesterday Phil Sims,
commenting on a pass play in the final seconds of the game, said "that
there was most definitely pass interference, but it should never be
called at this point in a game". This, if acceptable as an
unwritten rule, gives defenders license to mug offensive players with
no fear of penalty. Am I missing something?
Below is one of my favorite all time songs, if you are interested...albiet a little different here, and quite the amazing editing job:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)