Of course I’m excited; Everybody else is.

Today's Tids Issue 3,121
Opening Stuff:

 

Of course the big significant news yesterday was the New York Supreme Court overturning the large drink ban in NYC… as illegal. In a small way that is gigantic for all Americans. You just can’t have idealistic Pols foisting upon free thinking Americans their convoluted ideas for saving humanity. If they die, they figured out wrong. First it’s big drinks, the next thing you know it is gravy. Thank God for checks and balances.

 

I got a bit worried yesterday as I sat back to watch the tube. First I started to get very cold, and became seriously unnerved when realizing I could only see dead black on the screen. I blinked several times to no avail. Then I realized that I had turned on the TV with the AC remote.

 

Beware of the Ides of July. That’s about all I have to say about the currently confused stock markets.

 

It is concerning that banks in order to meet growth objectives are once again turning to the sup-prime borrower to increase credit card sales. Yikes! Isn’t that what drown the banks in 2008, borrowing by people who could not pay back? Is there enough dough left in the treasury to bail out again these irresponsible “businessmen” one more time? Yes, sub-prime loans are up 30% last month and the addition of 3.7 million new cards to suspect debtors is equal to the highest point of the financially inept 2008! But that is the problem when Wall Street determines business decisions; when the denizens of the financial capital demand more and more blood from stones. The “Big Casino” is getting out of control again.

 

The Question:

Screenwriter, actor, composer, director and TV producer JJ (Jeffery Jacob) Abrams is probably one of the hottest contributors to better than average TV these days. Name five of his shows. He started in film – name four movies. Weekend Bonus: What are the 5 most over-bought stocks on the S&P?

 

The Headlines:

--Ukraine Signs Historic Pact With EU; Putin Goes Ape; Is A Gas Turn-off Next?; Thousands In Eastern Ukraine Flee To Russia As Shaky Truce Ends.

--Consumer Sentiment Brightens, But Inflation Rears Up On Horizon.

--Israel Offers Aid To Moderate Arab Nations In Fight Against ISIS.

--Boko Harum Continues Reign Of Fear In Nigeria.

--Leader Of Large And Gathering Iran Leadership Opposition Group Said Iran Will Be Released From Control Of Mullahs (Ayatollahs) Before End of 21^st Century.

--In Two Significant Decisions, SC rules That “O” Overstepped Authority In Appointments That By-Passed Congress, That Mass Overstepped In Abortion Clinic Protest Restrictions; Is America Back On Track?

--Obama Warns Latin America To Stop Sending Kids To US Borders.

--36 Go To Hospital After Floor Collapses During Texas Religious Celebration; The Weight Of Sins Snapped Joists.

 

I saw a headline yesterday, “America renews its love affair with butter.” Renews? I must be Rip Van Winkle.

 

I guess I’m not caught up in soccer. I forgot to say “Go USA” in yesterday’s Tids. I guess that’s why they lost.

 

Who says you can’t have hot soup in summer, Department:

If the air conditioning gets a little too cold, here’s a couple-a-three soup recipes. 1. Butternut Squash soup. In a pot melt 3 tbs butter and add ¾ cp chopped onion, 2 lbs inch chunks peeled seeded butternut squash, one cored green apple in 1 inch chunks, ½ cup chopped toasted pecans (And brandy?) Cook and stir one min. Now add 1/3 cup OJ, .tsp ginger and tsp nutmeg. Cook for 32 mins, stir. (Note, several fires arose just after I started this soup section, and now I’m running out of time. More next week.)

 

The Grandson of the former wealthiest guy in the Senate, Clayborn “Grants” Pell is running for Governor here and is a classic example of what nobody in this country needs. RI is highest in unemployment and his idea is to create jobs on the backs of overburden taxpayers with infrastructure work. Now I’m for a sound infrastructure. But that’s one od f the two or there reasons I pay into the state and town coffers. So, once again A Dem totally ignores the real problem which is burdensome state regulations and high costs of doing business in the state. This is no solution, except perhaps, for a socialist.

 

The NLRB made 451 labor decisions during time Obama’s two illegally appointed board members were in chairs of power. You  could have a great new reality show watching Business fight the wrongs made under the watch of th e bogus NLRB members.

 

Knights of old bought their suits of armor at the Hard-Wear Store.

 

By the way one of the most festinating museums in the USA is in Worester Mass. It features 4,000 items of 11^th to 13^th century armor and assorted battle accoutrements. It is metal artistry at its-finest. Unfortunately the magnificent building housing the collection just closed, despite a healthy endowment and 60,000 visitors a year. The good news is that the beautiful metalware will be moving to the Worcester Museum of Art. Check it out of you find yourself on the way North through Worcester.

 

Soccer fans are an odd group of humans. Yesterday I saw thousands cheering madly after a tough loss. They must be of the trophies-for-all generation.

 

Well Tiger is back and he says he feels fantastic. He opened with a 74 placing him in 94^th place, which Is not so fantastic. He’s like an enlightened soccer fan, “I’m losing but feeling really good about it.”

 

If I throw out into the Tids a lyrical sounding, rather innocuous phrase, a liberal might say, “That is so beautiful. I wonder what the hidden meaning may be?”. A conservative would say, “What a weirdo.”.

 

Actually my Google Blogspot stopped trending when I omitted extensive coverage of World Cup.

 

The Answer:

JJ gave me one of my favorites, Person Of Interest. He also gave us Jennifer Garner in Alias. Yikes, this manis magical. Among other TV series are Fringe, which I understood 27% of the time, Lost, Revolution, Felicity and a loser – Undercovers. He was involved with two Star Trek movies, and this St, Lawrence U grad also produced Cloverfield, Morning Glory, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. He acted In Six Degrees of Separation. Pretty clever guy. Weekend Bonus: The Overbought stocks ae Sandisk, Newfield Exploration, ConocoPhillips, NRG Energy and Marriott International.

 

Overheard from a rabid WX fan in sports bar: “This is great! I can hardly wait for four more years when I can watch soccer again.”

 

Have a great weekend…E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

Sitting on a rock, the ocean at my feet; mermaids swimming by.

Today's Tids Issue 3,120

Opening Stuff:

There’s really nothing much better than the pervasive aroma of ocean salt water in the air. It just envelops you with calm, even as the ocean roars in storm driven rage; pounds incessantly the shore. I feel so alive when the cooling winds blast my body with salty spray. I just let it cling like a soothing balm.

 

How fragile is this economy when snow and cold can send it reeling back into the dark ages. Now in the 17^th, 18^th and even 19^th centuries I could expect snow and a little cold to be a problem, but in 2013? So, does this all mean that when global warming completely envelops our societies that we’ll never have another downturn?

 

I was talking to a guy yesterday who told me that his dad was so practical and strict, that for his 7^th Christmas he got a shovel.

 

The Question:

A movie Critic named Mary Kelly has picked the worst actors and actresses. Name the top Ten. Bonus: Which 7 states do you think are those getting younger in average age?

 

The Headlines:

--May Economic Numbers Only See Autos As Positive; Much Of Increased Average Income Went Into Savings And Not Shopping; Market Skids Seriously On Softer Than Expected Economic Data And Word Of Increased Interest rates..

--Applications For New Unemployment Bennies Remain Unchanged At 312K.

--Legal Experts Say That Boehner And US House Probably Can’t Sue Obama For “Kinglike” Proclamations; The Problematic Issue Is A Requirement Proving “Real Harm”, Where Harm Is In the Eye Of The Beholder.  

--Large Decline In Health Care Spending Main Culprit In Dramatic First Quarter Economic Slowdown.

--IRS News: Learner Tried To Audit GOP Senator Grassley For Political Purposes.

--Honeymoon Over For Fed’s Yellen; Critics Say She Should Focus More On Inflation Than Jobs.

--Injun Group To File Lawsuit Against Cleveland Indians.

--Benghazi Gunman Kill Prominent Libyan Feminist Leader, Salma Bugaihis..

--Explosions Rock Nigerian Shopping Mall.

--Kerry Warns Of Escalation After Syria Planes Bomb Sunnis.

--Dozens Of Teens Hospitalized During Boston Avicii Concert; 36 Of 86 Brought To Hospital; Drug Use Appeared To be Involved In Sicknesses.

 

The Supreme Court verdict yesterday on the case  about Network broadcast thievery was a good one, favoring content developers over technology. In the Aereo case, they said the company infringed on copyrights when they essentially stole network broadcasts without paying for the content. Aereo’s technological achievement could be praised if the end result wasn’t so similar to any other master criminal who robs or scams cleverly using an innate ingenuity.

 

A little apology is in order this morn for some sloppy editing yesterday, especially in that Tidlet about coal. Those black nuggets cultures are a microcosm of the US economy, and are now under assault by agenda driven politics. It is a gritty profession that pays well often masking to region inhabitants the importance of education. The workers are governed by a substantial union that seems to fight improvements in safety.  And of course the end result for many has often been a horrible, killer disease. What bothers me is it is becoming another classic example of the divisive “I’m right, you’re wrong” politics. It should be – “lets figure this out so we can evolve new technologies for the future without wiping out industries and killing families”. Or something like that.

 

CNBC just announced that it had beautiful RI at the bottom of their list for places to bring a business. (Note the rest of the bottom five included other New England states, yes NE, the birthplace of US industry – Conn 46 and Maine 45. The top NE state was Mass at 25.) The problem here will never end, because the unions running the state legislature are so strong and unyielding to the needs of all the people. If you think I’m hopelessly reconciled to stagnation and decline, just consider that this morning it was announced that 46 RI Senators and Representatives are running unopposed. Sam,e ile’, same ole’.

 

A new plan, it says, has Pope Francis and Bill Gates saving the world! Have they told Putin about that?

 

The takes longer to write in this new world, mainly because of constantly looking up the spelling of complicated Middle East names.

 

I just thought of a great name for a restaurant specializing in Flatbread Falafel and Fattoush –Middle

Eats.

 

Uh-Oh…the big election campaign money now seems to be coming from groups involved in housing, real estate and development. That could mean a new raping of our green rolling hillsides, and I don’t like it. Now, if it were to rebuild cities and towns and malls on land already ravaged by thoughtless redevelopment, I’m for it.

 

Speaking of the White House urging the crash and burning of coal as a prime “Very affordable” energy source, I have to relate a story of another “I’m against it, and the facts be damned” situation.  One day a bearded guy showed up at my house, while the crystal clear ocean pounded upon the rocks across the way, wanting me to sign a petition urging the cessation of a possible development of a deep water port at Quonset. Of course, I had an opinion, and guess what, he listened. We talked about an hour, and he seemed to understand the concept of perhaps working everything out for the benefit of all. I probably didn’t change his mind much, but continuous conversations between so-called violently opposing parties might eventually erode the rocks between them, like the never relaxing ocean carves and softens craggy stones along the shore.

 

Tonight is the NBA draft, and as a huge Celtics fan, I’m looking for Larry Bird to walk through that door. I really don’t know these players well, like I used to when they actually hung around campus for more then a year. The so-called experts say the class is very deep and very good, but I didn’t see any resurrection specialist out there. Many are too young, too immature, in my estimation, to actually carry a team on their backs to a championship. Good pieces, but not the panacea. I’d like a big trade, and was excited about Kevin Love, but I’m thinking that is not going to happen. I guess tonight, I’ll just get out a bag of puffy orange you-know-what’s and cross my stained fingers.

 

The Conscience: Chapter 47 -The Last Bottle.

    I sat staring at an unopened jug of cheap Vodka on the table in front of my ragged leather couch. The heavy envelope in my lap contained two toms=ns of divorcé papers. It was a sad pile of legalize, but I guess I was happy for Evvy, who I still loved just as I had the first day I saw her; that face, the way she walked in and talked to the  girls at the front of my high school classroom. I smiled at the scene in my head. And felt the same tingle.

    She deserved a life without me, the me she only thought she knew. The me of a thousand secrets and another reality hidden by booze. I only wondered if it was hard for Ev to push the button that sent the printers pouring out paper. I touched the pile and lifted it, feeling the heft. The papers didn’t tell me anything.

    The phone rang, and I stood, the pile of woe sliding from my knees to the floor, scattering. I figured it was James again trying to pay me millions ot work for him. I just wasn’t ready, but then I couldn’t really say why I wasn’t maybe, I thought I had to greive about my inept past a little longer.

    “Hello”, I said in a moderately intelligent voice. I was about to say, “no James…”

    “Mr. Morgan, you sound so aware.” The laughter in Angelica’s voice conflicted with the papers on the floor.

    “Buongiorno” I said smiling. “I have been practicing, just in case you called.”

    “You are doing very well, Jeffery Morgan. I am very happy to hear your voice.”

    I could tell. She is just so honest in her emotions. “So what brngs you back into my life,” I said, probably without thinking as usual.

     “Oh,” she started, “I could say I missed your voice, but I have never forgotten your voice.” She paused, maybe wondering if she had spoken without thinking. But, I thought she had said it perfectly. She was good at making old men feel young. “I am firmly situated down here at Bernard, Mr. Smith is letting me and my Grandfather run the company just as though we still owned Biglietto Panfilo.”

     “James is a smart man.”

    

 

The Answer:

Some of these picks may astonish you, but according to the Mary Kelly most are low on the good acting poll because the actor is generally just playing him or herself. In other words they are always the same no matter the story. On some of them, Kelly will give them credit for “Redeeming work” in Parenthesis. Number one for bad is Cameron Diaz (Redeeming – “My Best friends Wedding”). Next is Katherine Heigl (Redeeming – Grey’s Anatomy) and then Meaghan Fox (Call of Duty: Ghosts – Commercial), Jonah Hill (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim vs. the world), Gwyneth Paltrow (Sylvia), Adam Sandler (Spanglish), Angelina Joli (Girl Interrupted), Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers) and #10 Carey Mulligan (Pride and Prejudice). You can figure out your own “Redeeming’s” for the next ten baddies – Scarlet Johansson, Sylvester Stallone, Zac Efron,  Jessica Alba, Willa and Jaden Smith, Julia Roberts, Jessica Biel, Robert Pattison and Jennifer Anniston. Bonus: The youthful seven are North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Hawaii and Alaska. The two states with the highest percentage of folks over 65 are Florida and Maine; Lowest Alaska and Utah. Women were the Majority population  in 40 of 50 states.

 

I have to get started on another serialized novel, the fifth, for the Tids. Maybe I’ll try to make this one meaningful to society. That kind of writing seems to sell regardless whether or not it is interesting or entertaining.  The last one, in case you missed it, was about a decent guy who once had convictions about treating underdogs in society with humanity, but fell into the alcohol pit because of his own lack of courage. I thought it was pretty good. But then somebody has to read my stuff.

If there are two ends, there has to be a middle somewhere.

Today's Tids Issue 3,119

Opening Stuff:

 

What do you call a Mini-Cooper with dual exhausts? A wheelbarrow.

 

Ears Closed and eyes glazed over society, Department:

I just gotta figure that more and  more people are being turned off by all of the redundancy in political talk shows, sports talk shows and cooking shows, and any number of other repetitive reality type shows on TV and radio. It’s not really the fault of the people on the programs, it’s just that there is a lot of time to fill, and only one or two significant events related to each category in a week, or in some cases a mont. Thus, everything necessarily gets watered down. Everything takes on an appearance of sameness. And in an effort to achieve uniqueness, systematic weirdness is often introduced adding to the insanity.. Or, maybe it’s just that the Red Sox suck and I’m tired of sports talk, or that politicians are really only in it for themselves or some hidden agenda somewhere. So what does it all mean anyway? And as to cooking, if it’s not about gravy or Cheetos, I’m not interested.

 

There’s no truth to the rumor that the recent resurgence in manufacturing and capital expenditure for machine tools was due to the demand for new GM ignition systems.

 

It was irksome to hear our revered Prez talk about us wanting to be like France and do something about family leave. Does this guy have any idea about how many people in this world want to be like America. Does he have any clue about exactly what the US stands for? The more I listen to him the more I think he never experienced the real USA. France – Pretty place, but why do we have to be like them,

 

The Question:

Name five of the characters on the old always funny “Hogans Heroes” TV show. And for bonus points, the actors who played them.

 

The Headlines:

--Marjket Chigging Along Even As Many Look For End OF Bears And Period Of Stagnation.

--Putin Looking Like Peace Maker; West Puts Hold On Sanctions.

--Head Of National Archives Said IRS Did Not Follow Law In Learner Case.

--Senate Vet Cochran Beats Back Tea Party Candidate In Miss.

 

Is there a bigger enigma in this country than coal? Think about it for a minute. I do, believe it or not, quite often. Like so many industries that built the middle class, government arbitrary action and world competition have established standards that ran many of the big businesses out of town – steel to name another that created robust, contributing societies. Big Gov. has its sights squarely set on coal, and the end result could be devastating to the big coal producing Regions of the USA. Coal miners work hard in tough conditions, but they make pretty good money too, like about $80 K. How does the middle class of all of those towns in middle America survive when another high paying industry vanishes from the face of the earth that produced it. Of course, the other, dark side of the coal coin is the health of the miners and the absolutely terrible black lung disease. It is about as horrible as it gets. Actually, I’m surprised that with all of the technology around that there isn’t a means to eliminate or greatly reduce the threat of this physical scourge. So the point here is that there should be a balance when considering eliminating traditional productive businesses for change sake. But then, when it becomes political, common sense goes gets shafted! I feel for coal people in so many ways. Too bad Tidlets aren’t longer. Maybe Coal Miners need a TV program like the Deadliest catch.

 

You haven’t heard much about what Israel is thinking as the region around them seems to be crumbling. They did themselves no favors when they bombed parts of Syria Monday. 

 

There will people who will shun (Ex Mayor of Providence RI and former convict now running for old job) Vincent Cianci because of what he did, and many who will vote for him because of what he could do for a Providence stuck in idle.

 

When you think about it, it took two years before the rest of the media got interested in what the Washington Post was finding on Richard Nixon. If you think of game changing scandals in those terms, the look into the iRS mess has just begun.

 

Often when looking for information you find a source that wants you to look at a clip of somebody talking about it. I much prefer the written news items where your eyes can get to the meat faster.

 

There seems to be a restaurant worker labor movement that would get rid of Tips in favor of restaurants paying a living wage. Of course it isn’t the good waiters and waitresses who would back this because they make plenty and more on tips. It is just the way organized labor typically wants to downgrade winners to bring up losers. The tip system is the American way – if you’re good, you get it.

 

Diane Sawyer is stepping down. Actually I tuned in when she first sat in the big chair, but soon found that she was a little too icky, or is that called smarmy. Bill Muir is taking over for Diane, but, frankly, I have grown to like Scott Pelley even after thinking he was a liberal, close minded communist on 60 Mins. See, you should always give somebody a chance to be their real self. You never know what you will find neath a misconception.

 

The Answer:

Of course Hogan was played by the moderate degenerate Bob Crane. Two of the funniest, Col. Clink and Sgt Hans George Schultz were played by Werner Klemperer and John Banner. The guys in the barracks were Robert Clary as Cpl. LeBeau, Richard Dawson as Cpl Newkirk, Larry Hovis as Sgt. Carter and Ivan Dixon as “Kinch”. Now that show kept me laughing for years, and never seemed repetitive at all. “I know nothing”.

 

Happy hump day, Everybody.

Mums not the word.

Today's Tids Issue 3,118

Opening Stuff:

One of the innate problems with today’s society is that there is too much reporting of it.

 

The IRS says as their latest excuse that sometimes their computer’s fail. But of course they never do in favor of a taxpayer. How many people in America are cheering that the IRS is sweating like we do. Do you know that if you type “The” and “IRS” without a space you get “Theirs”. I wonder how we can get back to “Ours”.

 

Tonight I’ll have to check out the premiere of the new series “Tyrant”. It is the latest on the Fx 10:00 Pm Tuesday slot, the previous two being super shows “Justified” and “Fargo”. Keeping the mo going will be tough, but Tyrant has a good pedigree being the work of the producers of Homeland. The first episode is devoted to maily setting up a lot of scenes for the future, the main one being the return to his homeland by the son of a Middle East dictator, a self exiled doctor back with his wife of 18 years and teen children for a family wedding after 20 years Iin ten USA. Soon this son is asked to run the family “business”. That’s when the intrigue and conflicts begin. There is word that Muslims are critical of their portrayal in the show, so it must be good.

 

The Question:

“24/7 Wall Street” has analyzed thousands of reviews for job holders and determined the 11 worst companies in America to work for Name them.

 

The Headlines:

--New Home Sales Soar To Six Month High; Prices Show Drop; Boston Has Largest Monthly Price Gain In 27 Years.

--Consumer Confidence Level of 85.2 Highest Since Jan 2008.

--Putin Moves To Scrap Option To Invade Ukraine.

--Scarborough Blasts NY Times For Lack Of Coverage of IRS Lies.

--Congress Mulling Idea Of Suing President For Not Carrying Out The Laws Of The Land.

--More Children Kidnapped In Nigeria.

--New Report Says A 1,000 Vets May Have Died Due To VA Mismanagement.

--House Questioning Of White House Lawyer Reaches Boiling Point.

--FBI Recues 168 American Children from Prostitution.

 

A park around the corner from here was just named A Journalism National Historic Site. I think that James Franklin (Ben’s Bro) and family would be rolling in their graves over what is coming out of this machine around the corner from Washington Square at 15 Clarke. But, it is inspirational to be on sacred ground where Franklyn and his wife, son and daughter-in-law first published the Newport Mercury 1758, still hitting the newsstands today; and Solomon Southwick who buried his (The former Franklyn) press so irritating to the British when  they Occupied this city. Getting out the truth is always irritating to those in charge who want to disregard the wishes of people. Too many media people are burying their presses today, and not for the right reasons.

 

On the other side of the world, Arab Spring seems to have produced a most tyrannical government in Egypt. Yesterday you may have read that the Military based Gov had three al-Jaseera news persons jailed for writing about Muslim Brotherhood. It’s the kind of government of which revolutions are spawned.

 

I think I have to wash my computer screen. Too many smudges are looking like semi-colons…and I keep on tryng to make corrections.

 

Press Overkill, Department:

Tiger Woods just announced he will play in the tournament in DC starting Thursday, and minutes ago news arrived that Lebron James is opting for free agency. Be prepared for Tiger ad nauseu, all the time during the tournament, and endless stories in te coming months about exactly where Labron will condescend to endure for the length of the next contract.  I’m saying Chicago with “Mello”. ESPN are in the midst of intense multiple orgasms.

 

It’s cheap lobster roll season again at “The Deck” again. I think they’re better than last year, and of course the fries are always great.

 

The NY Times used it’s traditional misrepresented facts strategy to demean Wal Mart. The company did not sit back and say no comment. In a forceful response, thay disputed Egan’s (The editor) assumptions and ill thought premises with real facts. The end result is that NY Times looked more inept than ever. The lady greyer than ever, is one of those verbal institutions that think proper words usage is more important than the truth. Look, the NYC elite who bow at the altar of this isolated, theoretical editorial operation have been hoodwinked into electing communist Bill DiBlasio as Mayor. Hooray for Wal-Mart.

 

In The Tids Cities series, I’m basically writing about great places like Cleveland (Last Week) and Clarksburg WVa (Yesterday) because of the misconceptions about these wonderful real places cast out by the often absurd liberal East opinion makers.

 

I received a lost & found notice from the management of the golf league in which I play saying that they had found two bowling balls in a bag. Oh, the poor caddy! Bowling balls?

 

So the phrase “The whole nine yards” I’ve heard used liberally for years, and I would never repeat it because I had no idea what it meant, really. I discerned it meant everything, but why not use your own expressions to say it. Well, now I know that during WWII US airplanes were armed with belts of bullets that folded into the compartments that fed machine guns. The 27 foot long belts contained hundreds of bullets. Upon return fro a successful strafing run or aerial dogfight, the pilot would say “I used the whole nine yards” meaning they threw all of the ammo they had at the enemy.

 

So, I just found my lost glasses…with my foot!

 

The Answer:

Number One on the list is Books-A-Million, Express Scripts (Repeat), Frontier Communications, Jos. A. Banks, Brookdale Senior Living (Don’t send me there with disgruntled employees!), Dillards (Repeat), ADT (Repeat), hhgregg, Family Dollar Stores (Repeat), The Children’s Place and Radio Shack (Repeat). Here are some from the previous year who must have heeded the rankings are “Dish” (I wonder if management dangles employees on wires, pulls their strings?), Sears Holdings (Includes K-Mart), NCR and Fiserv (Information management, eCommerce for Financial industry). Interestingly a lot of the negativity came from employees dissatisfaction with their cmpany policies regarding “Existing customers”! How dumb are they.

 

Maybe I should alter my opening statement. The press makes too much out of nothing and not enough out of something. Yup, maybe that’s the problem.

 

 

Ode to a bird.

Today's Tids Issue 3,117

Opening Stuff:

 

First there were ten, then twenty. Fifty. One hundred and twenty. And still they came, Predators all. Circling. Thrashing. The seas were churning, foaming as the hunger intensified. They smelled the prey and it became a scene of porpoise eat porpoise to get to the rich prize first, as each maneuvered for the strike position. The prey was Bermuda and the predators were sailing ships and their crews from around the US and the world. 190 of them sailed off into the empty, often forbidding ocean about an hour or so ago. 190 sleek ships with strong, saavy men and women to guide them. Large sails, small sails. Sloops, Yawls and Ketches. Three masters. It was a beautiful sight on a cloudless cool humidity-free day, as each of these sculpted, magnificent ships fought for the advantage that would send them to victory in the oldest, most respected ocean sailing race. Newport to Bermuda. And I stood on the shore with thousands, all with smiles on their faces and awe in the hearts.

 

Volatility is the word of the moment on Wall Street today. That means that nobody knows what the other going is going to do, and the Iraq skirmishes give license for more people to know nothing.

 

I was driving down a country lane in mid island yesterday when I noticed to my left in a field of lolling cows, a 12-13 year old, quite hefty and vastly overweight boy running like the wind. Eyes shut, arms pumping, sweat rolling down this cheeks, resolute, he pushed; his chubby legs churned and he seemed to be reaching down for every last bit of energy. Wow, I thought this kid is determined to get that body in shape. Then I heard through the still air of lazy farms, whimsical music, and I looked up away from the boy to the road ahead. There it was, the goal, an ice cream truck! He was gaining on it. A true champion.

 

By the way, beginning with this week end the days start to get shorter. Winter is just around the corner. So don’t pay attention to hot July. It is an illusion.

 

The Question:

Where were you when the OJ verdict came down?  Bonus: Name five attorneys involved in the case.

 

The Headlines:--Boehner Asks President To Send US Troops To Mexican Border.

--New Concerns Arise Over "Dangerously Overvalued" Stocks.
--ObamaCare Signees Struggling With Premium Payments.

--Dems Joining Repubs In Disbelief Over Missing IRS Records.

--“O” Extends Family Leave Rights For Same Sex Couples.
--Hundreds Of Egypt Women And Girls Kidnapped And Converted To Islam.
--Markets Up But Tender.

 

We’re in the process of anointing a Queen

Some would call her, Hillary the Mean.

Oft condescending, and will demean.

A cackling soul which to me is obscene.

When Irate she’s a venting machine.

With an extra-overactive spleen.

But she says she’s America’s dream,

And her record, spit polish clean.

And the pleas from her Beghazi team,

She swears that she’s never seen.

So lemmings abound oh so serene,

Quietly waiting to splay serpentine.

How can we, ever change this scene!

 

One of the big discussions around the World cup opinion circuit is flopping. Then I realized that the NBA and President Obama have been flopping for years. So why shouldn’t such a global sport be in touch with a Nobel Prize Winner.

 

A good reader writes to say that Ithaca College in upstate NY near Ivy Cornell is one of the best for Theater Arts. And several people I know have blossomed in theater at Catholic U in DC.

 

When buying Reggiano Parmesan you get what you pay for. If you find it at an extraordinary low price you soon discover that you’re just eating cheap cheese, despite the name.

 

I would hate being a sales person today considering that an employer will know where you are by tracking your phone and EZ pass, and know what you’re thinking by reading your emails and watching your web travel. “So, how could you have a $400 dinner in New Jersey with six clients when your EZ Pass says you were in Massachusetts? And the GPS in your company car took you to your wife’s best friend’s house and then to a ball game; and you company credit card activity shows that bought seventeen beers, and was used to bail you out of jail.” It’s no fun  being a salesman any more.

 

More and more It appears that the real reason Dems want a higher minimum wages is to pay for the higher costs of ObamaCare.

 

It’s nice that people want to save the earth by packing their own cloth bags at grocery stores. But, they should have to pass a packing test before being allowed to pack their own while blocking lines.

 

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Well, if you like Frankie Valie music then ether’s a chance you might like the Clint Eastwood highly promoted Jersey Boys. Then again you as a FV fan might go mad waiting for the first big song as the drama of his and his friends lives dominates the first hour. It’s about Frankie and the Mob for a good part of the film, and yet that is the real story of the popular singer, often masked by the power of his music. Me, I saw the play, and that’s about all I need. But, those who go will probably find it likeable.

--I have no intension of even coming close to seeing Think Like A Man 2. The only thing cool about it to me is that it reminds me of the name of one of Valie’s songs, and that’s a nice coincidence.

(Note: I’m just going to stop reviewing some of the junk being produced for the theater and TV. Some of it is just too far away from a rational world, that my opinions are irrelevant)

 

Is there any humor on current TV sitcoms that isn’t related to “Gettin’ Laid”?

 

The Answer:

I was in Palmer Massachusetts having lunch with clients. I remember how the bar area went silent when  it was announced the verdict was coming, and the sounds of dismay when  it was read by the Jury.. Bonus: I’m remembering Marsha Clarke and Christopher Darden fit. There was Johnny Cochran and F. Lee Bailey. There was Robert Shapiro, Gerald Uelman, Robert Blasier, Carl Douglas and Robert Kardasian! And of Course Alan Dershowiz. How many hours did you spend watching?

 

Well we made it through another week. Happy weekend E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

:o)

Have you said something nice to your bromate today?

Today's Tids Issue 3,116
Opening Stuff:

Every American should have at least one Ford in their garage. After all, Ford did it the American way, refusing the Gov handouts and pulling themselves out of the recession on their own. “Can-Do” is the unofficial US motto (Or should be), and Ford did it. By-the-way, I think their Fusion is a pretty hefty appearing car, and my auto expert says it is a winner!

 

Snowy Owls could supplant the happy-go-lucky Penguin atop the Top Ten “Cuteness” List if it wasn’t an efficient, violent predator.

 

This state has pretty much systematically made it difficult for any industry to survive here except two – Tourism and road construction. Of course they only repair and construct roads touring tourist season, making it inevitable that the tourist industry will follow the rest down the tubes. And then we will have only one, the taxpayer supported road construction industries -- making it easier for people looking for work to drive out of town. One new emerging industry, supporting and nurturing illegal immigrants, may supplant hospitality. And that is the reason why the state legislature wants to give driver licenses to illegals, to keep the road constructors busy. You see, they really do have a plan up there.

 

The Question:

What are considered the Top ten colleges/universities for theater Arts?

 

The Headlines:

--Congress And Arab Diplomats Push White House To Oust al-Maliki.

--Yellen Hedges Her Confidence On the US Economy; Indicates That Interest rates Will Rise in 2015; European Stocks Rally On her Words About Rates.

--Repubs To Hold Leadership Elections Today.

--Seattle Businesses Sue Over $15 Min Wage Law.

--Big Government FTC Arbitrarily rules Against Redskins Name.

--Dodgers Clayton Kershaw Pitches No-Hitter; Second Dodger To Pitch One This Season.

--Reigning Champ Spain Ousted From World Cup.

 

Self Employed screenwriter – “Meet the Parents” -- Mary Ruth Clarke couldn’t get ObamaCare after dropping her Blue Cross because the Fed computer couldn’t figure out that Mary Ruth was her first name. Even after visiting the Government office four times with her Social Security card she couldn’t be verified. The people in the office said essentially, “Even though we are seeing you the computer can’t attest to the fact that we are seeing you.” A government incapable of adjusting to rational evidence is a dangerous thing. “But I’m me,” she kept on screaming as they put her in a straight jacket. Hope she has insurance.

 

In the pop-culture department I’m already sick of the word, “Bromance”. What’s that all about? I guess it is designed to encourage a new image for men, that good guy friends can achieve some level of a softer romantic sharing. Gone are the bar brawls and mooning together at ball games. Is john Kerry writing poems to Leonard de Caprio? Did I see Richard Sherman and Manny Ramierez holding hands? God help us. Bromance.

 

Is their life after Fargo? What to watch now, says I. Oh there’s “24” which I love, but that is also on the way to final conclusion. Fargo was a wonderful series that kept the heart rate high…even last night during a grand finale with an ending rather surprising in that it was so straight forward. But, one thing for sure, whether or not you loved the ending, the acting was outstanding throughout, each character, every episode. You just sat there hands balled into fists, heart pounding madly, and even as blood spurted from necks, a constant small smile of satisfaction across your face.

 

I guy yesterday called into the Dennis Miller radio show, identifying himself as a “Pacifist”. “Have some ideas that may serve as a solution to all of the wars in Middle East,” he said. “Shoot, “ replied Miller. “Nuke em’ “ said our peace loving caller. The radio went silent.

 

Book by it’s Cover, Department:

I would say that crab cakes always look good when served in a restaurant or in counters at take out food emporiums and fish markets. But, what’s inside can vary to extremes. I think ordering crab cakes is one of the true roulettes of life.

 

Did you know that Snowy Owls live on Lemmings? In fact their populations grow based upon the cyclical abundance of Lemmings. I’m thinking that Snowy Owls could be the answer to our no knowledge voter problem. They might also hurt the size of the Kardashian audience.

 

On the United States of America Senate floor yesterday, Harry Reid warned Snyder of the Skins that eventually he will be “forced” to change the name of his team. When did the word “forced” become so prominent in the lexicon of the government of the people, for the people, by the people?

 

I may have to start watching AGT despite Nick and the judges to follow local neighbor, Newport card magician Mat Franco. Maybe if he wins he can afford and extra “T” for Matt. You know how it is with struggling magicians.

 

Baseball continues it’s popularity despite the push from other sports, despite it’s own foibles because every day you watch you will see something unique, magnificent, beautiful. And in my estimation one of the most exciting, thrilling plays in all of sports is an outfielder running, charging, snagging and then throwing a rifle shot to the waiting catcher at home, nipping a flying base runner. “Yourrrrrrrrrrrr-out!

 

The new Amazon “Fire Phone” is on the record and as The Tids Digital Department said yesterday in anticipation of the event, it is mainly designed to help people buy stuff form the home company in Seattle. It has a three D opportunity which is certainly unique, but almost everything else is the same as everybody smart phone seller. I have a Fire tablet, and I can say that while certainly adequate, it really doesn’t seem to operate as smoothly as the Apple alternative.

 

The Nordic Lodge, a buffet style restaurant in the woods of South County serves 6-7,000 pounds of lobster a week!

 

The Answer:

First we have Suny-Purchase. (It’s a across from a bar where we spent time I our youth, and was the old Rockefeller farm.) Next is The Julliard School the Rutgers Mason Gross School, Yale, Carnegie Mellon, NYU, North Carolina School of Arts, California Institute of Arts, Northwestern and U Cal San Diego. On other lists you see the addition of others like then Princeton review which adds Emerson in Boston, Wagner, Drew and yes, little Muhlenburg in Pennsylvania to a list that also includes the schools above.

 

It used to be “Brother can you spare a dime?” Now, it’s, “Bro, give me a hug.” Bromance. Gadzooks, what is this world coming to? The next thing you know they will be banning sugary drinks.

 

They have?

Save the shrines.

Today's Tids Issue 3,115
Opening Stuff:

I think I know why Pols run negative campaigns. They have nothing to say and they have no solutions.

 

The only thing that gives RI Repub candidates Fung and Block a shot is the conscience of the RI voter. These electors continually vote in their local favorites sons and daughters to the legislature. They seem to attempt assuaging their guilt for continually dumping upon the beleaguered state the same old bunch of union representatives, uncles and aunts, sisters and brothers-in-law who have pounded the once vibrant economy onto socialist depths, by electing a Republican Governor.  Neither Block nor Fung looked like giants among men last night, although I thought Block was a little weaker than I thought and Fung a little stronger. So in my mind Fung won the night by beating expectations. But, against the Dems, either candidate needs a good voter conscience.

 

On the Dem side I’m beginning to see Raimondo emerging with Tavarus looking Inept and Pell a curious non factor.

 

It’s nice to see the KC Royals (Who were the “A’s”) and the Oakland “A’s” on top. Those were great rivals in the 70’s when the A’s of Oakland were loaded with the likes of Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue to name a few. And the Royals had one of the best ever in George Brett, and of course Hal McRae and Paul Splittorff. Baseball is better when there are winners everywhere.

 

Your DVR uses more electricity than any appliance in the house, and it sucks it up all night and all day long, regardless if the TV is on or off. It seems to spike when the Kardashians are on. It must be a resistance thing.

 

The Question:

Some are now saying that this could be the hottest summer on Record. Why?

 

The Headlines:

--Iraq, Yellen Beginning To make Markets Nervous; Hints Of Rate Increases Coming Out Of Fed.

--Iraq Rebels Take Iraq’s Largest Oil Refinery; Oil Is Burning.

--New WSJ/NBC Poll Has Obama Popularity And Approval Ratings Falling Again; Poll Taken Before Ira Mess.

--Putin And Ukraine’s Poroshenko Discuss Cease Fire During Phone Call.

--Afghan Elections Now Mired In Fraud As Accusations Hit Abdullah.

--Middle East Wars Continue To Flare Up.

--Missing IRS Emails Continue To Boggle Minds.

 

I wouldn’t buy an Amazon Kindle smart phone mainly because of all the continuous Amazon promotions that would be pushed upon it.

 

Presdient Obama is going to ban DVR’s.

 

CR says there are six cars that don’t live up to the hype – Mercedes CLA (Better Choice – BMW 320, Accura TSX, Mercedes 250); Volkswagen Beetle (Go for – Mazda 3, Impreza, Golf);  Nissan Versa Sedan (Check out Sonic, Huyundai Accent, Kia Rio); Honda Crosstour (You’ll like – Subaru Outback, Venza, Jetta Sportswagon); Scion IC  (Look at Mazda3 Hatchback, Impreza Sport); Mitsubishi Outlander (You’ll be happier with Hinda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Suburu Forester).

 

When the dust settles, Iraq will be half a country and Saudi Arabian will be very nervous.

 

I had the chance to spend some time with an Iconic basketball coach. Today he is like the AD emeritus at a large U with a top basketball program, and currently has an office next to that of the young, now wunderkind coach there who was just given a $3,000.000/ year contract. The old guy went into congratulate him saying when I was your age I was paid $16,600, and that was the highest of any coach in the region. The younger man looked at him and said, “Yeah, but gas was only 30 cents per gallon back then!”  

 

I think I’ll go to Popavich U and get a degree in college Basketball coaching.

 

If you ask me, one of the scariest scenarios is in Pakistan where the Taliban are relentless fighting against that “Nuclear” power.

 

Speaking of a nuclear disaster, Hillary’s press staff is already working overtime.

 

The Answer:

El Nino is forming a perfect storm for high, continuous, intense heat. Of courses the biggest annoyance will be Global Warming protest marches, and the reemergence of a smiling, slightly tubby Al Gore. God help us.

 

Just remember, it is supposed to be hot in the summer.

 

Energy drain.

Today's Tids Issue 3,114
Opening Stuff:

 

I’m thinking that we may get back to harmony in the country if we read news directly from reporters in the field before it gets filtered through the editors.

 

This Jihad thing is getting serious. Coptic Christians are being rounded up in Egypt, Non-Muslims are being murdered in Kenya and of course Islamists are on a rampage in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries. I don’t think there is a clear thinking person in this country who believes that a couple of well phrased golden words from a diplomat will make the resolute fanatics go away. Our, Government who’s main mission for being is to protect us, seems to be missing just about everything from the warning  about a Benghazi attack to the “surprise” achievements of the Sunnis. Maybe they are spending too much time erasing emails at the IRS.

 

A local clothing manufacturer’s outlet was shutting its doors, so I went to see what I could pick up at a good price. I found the employees especially prideful of their company. I learned why when I spied a Northface Denali appearing style jacket at an amazing price. Being kind of short and chunky I was especially taken with the shortness of the Jacket. I told the girls at the register that it was hard to find jackets this length, and their eyes lit up. Well, they said, we make clothes for our Soldiers and they need jackets that end above their tactical belts. They went on to tell me about the warm long johns they make for the “Guys” and how they come to this store upon returning home to say thanks. Their smiles broadened even more. If you look around you, you learn there are a lot of good dedicated people doing a lot more than watching the Kardashians. Oh, the jacket, I bought it and will use it well next fall. And my legs will look longer.

 

The Question:

Who do you think were the biggest “Problem” guests over the years on The Jay Leno show?

 

The Headlines:

--Nebraska Devastated By Twin Giant Tornadoes.

--Stock Markets Appear To Be Breaking Out of Iraq Induced Drear; Gold Shows First Loss In Seven days Since Start Of Concerns In Iraq..

--US Tops Ghana In Final Seconds Of First World Cup Game.

--Iraq Insurgents Flaunt Captured US Vehicles As They Continue To March Froward.

--US Nabs Benghazi Terrorist Suspect.

--WH Mulling Boots On Ground In Iraq.

--US Border Patrol Overwhelmed By New Flood Of Illegal Immigrants Sneaking Into Country.

--President to Ban Drilling, Fishing (And More) In Giant Section Of Pacific From Hawaii To Samoa.

--Repubs Reveal More Evidence That Prez And Other Dems Forced IRS To Act Against Conservatives.

--US Docs Concerned About New Chikungunya Virus Imported From Caribbean; Origins Of Disease Are From Sub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Peninsula, SE Asia.

--SC Rules Against “Straw” Buyers For Guns; Says Ruling Does Not Infringe On 2^nd Amendment.

 

If your state becomes adept at providing social services you can be quite sure that the odds are good that two things will occur. More in need will come to the state for free stuff. And because of the higher costs incurred by the state ot support this public give-away venture, citizens and businesses will have to pay more in fees, taxes and other extorted money. The brightest young people to leave for other states where the good jobs are. So we will be left with a net growth of undereducated people with modest economic skills—death resulting.

 

Like to sleep comfortably in a safe environment? Well here are the Ten Top safest states – Massachusetts is number one followed by New Hampshire, Minn, Hawaii, DC, Rhode island, Iowa, Illinois, Conn and NY. The 5 Least safe states are Nevada at number 51  followed by Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas. The ten top financially safe States are Mass, New Hampshire, North Dak, South Dak, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minn, Maryland, New York and Iowa.

 

In response to The Tids story yesterday about people being embarrassed caught shopping in Job Lot, a reader reminds me of the woman who told a friend, “If I die in Wal-Mart, drag me over to Nordstrom’s!”

 

Politics have a way of getting in the way of reality. And it is becoming pretty damn obvious that the 0-Man Admin is the most political of all, including the Clintonistas. The opiners say that man is unfocused. But he is focused, on his legacy and getting some Dems elected in November. Devotion to politics sucks the life out of rational thinking.

 

If a lot of insincere, dull people put on a big affair, the event will probably be dull and feel insincere.

 

The Answer:

A close One-Two on the list were Terri Hatcher and Jessica Simpson. Hatcher wanted a Louis Vuitton bag and Simpson demanded an $18,000 hair-Do! Yikes, was she going bald and needed a transplant. Other “Divas” and/or annoyances were Eddie Murphy, Howard Stern, Bob Goldthwait, Helen Hunt and Christian Bale. Leno never had time for ego driven silliness.

 

The previous Tids was written by the brain dead.

Subtle changes say it all.

Today's Tids Issue 3,113

Opening Stuff:

Have you realized how difficult it has become to find a loaf of good pumpernickel bread?

 

How great was it to see T-e-a-m win the NBA title. San Antonio was incredibly dominate, continually spinning the heads of the vanquished Heat with magical passing. Sports teams usually try to emulate winners, and how great would it be for all if the Spurs became the new paragon. And “Old man Riverwalk”, Tim Duncan, the role model for every young aspirant. —The Rangers played tough up to the last double overtime. LA was supposed to win in a walk, but what’s on paper is generally written in invisible ink come NHL playoff time.  –Martin Kaymer won the Open in my estimation on the fifth hole Saturday when he it a shot out of the Pinehurst Crap over two hundred yards setting upon eagle putt, and stopping the bleeding. He continually made great shots from trouble, while the rest of the field succumbed. He looks more like #1 than Scott…to me. --If I knew anything about soccer, I’d, try to interpret what all of the whooping is all about.

 

According to a local wag The New York Post characterizes “Dead broke for a liberal like Hillary, as having to spend your own money”.

 

If some of this morning mess seems more rapturous than usual, it’s because my typing fingers were trying to emulate the emotions, the feel of the pianist Alfred Brendel playing Beethoven’s 4th Piano Concerto. Ahhhh, the melody of well chosen words lightly touched. Whatever that means.

 

The Question:

Casey Kasem was born in 1932. What do you think were the top ten songs then?

 

The Headlines:

--US Begins Removing Some Personnel From Baghdad Embassy; Iran Warns Of Foreign Intervention In Iraq; US To Talk With Iran On Solving Iraq Problems.

--Gold Higher On Iraq Violence; Wall Street Trying To Sort Out* Impact Of Middle East.

--Romney Blasts Hillary As “Clueless”; Says Her Around The World Huffing And Puffing As SoS Produced Nothig; Said She And “O” Continually Underestimated Opposition.

--Russia Cuts Gas Supply To Ukraine As Beleaguered Country Misses Payments.

--Terrorists Attack Kenyan Coastal Town Killing Dozens; Muslims Appear To Have Been Spared.

--Hamas Blamed For Kidnappings Of Israel Teens; US Teen Among Missing.

--#1 On Top 40 Casey Kasem Dies.

 

Rosemary Woods shows up at the IRS, Department:

The IRS never loses anything, except emails that probably would incriminate the agency, and perhaps even bring down a White House. This amazingly convenient loss of the Learner records is definitely not passing the smell test.

 

All you have to know about Afghanistan after the US pullout is that the waiting in the wings Taliban yesterday cut-off the fingers of voters in the just concluded elections.

 

The new restaurant trend around here seems to be trying to figure out how to put the word “Oyster “ into the name.

 

I’m hearing that the Hillary Clinton camp is surprised and a little disturbed that the press is asking tough follow-up questions during these so-called puff interviews on the book tour.

 

*How to use Middle East aggression to manipulate stock prices.

 

The only mistake about Cleveland, the great city on the lake, was in the spelling of the name. A hardy old guy from Canterbury Conn on the RI border, Moses Cleaveland trekked off to Horace Greeley land to open the Western Reserve of Connecticut. (The “a” in Cleveland was dropped in 1831 so that the “The Cleveland Advertiser” could fit it on the Masthead). Cleveland was the prefect place for Western Conn mainly because it had been successfully inhabited around the river/lake system for about ten thousand years! Now, that kind of continuity builds character. And Character, Cleveland has. While Wall Street churned money, Cleveland built the wealth in America upon the strong backs and creative brains of good people. Cleveland was the US manufacturing Center in 1900, becoming the US leader in all that made America great -- Rockefeller’s Oil, Woolens, Steel, Machine Tools, Tobacco, Ship Building, Electric Lighting, Industrial controls, Publishing… and yes. Rock and Roll. Oh yeah, Cleveland’s rivers are on fire, hot from jazz in clubs circling the intricate, working waterways. Downtown excotement is part of the rebirth of the city that dominated US manufacturing. Innately great places always come up winners, when there are rational thinking, independent, never give up the ship people as a rock solid societal basis. As one independent thinking police officer said during prohibition --“Hell, I’m not going to arrest nobody for doing what I like to do myself”. All this city needs today is the return of Mark Hanna to bring back Republicans to this city of good food and totally amazing people.

 

Our next quick look at American cities will be at those seemingly left behind as the country changed. I’m thinking we’ll travel a little east from Cleveland to Clarksburg WVA.

 

I have to admit that pepper plants are among the most beautiful in a garden. Eating peppers, or having them touch my food, is where the ugliness begins.

 

I really don’t know where I come down on paying college athletes. It’s probably because I am a traditionalist, still holding out for the purity of college students beating other college students for the good of ole’ State U. But of course that train left the station years ago. So that brings us to the scholarship question. Kids start specializing sports at an early age because visions of money for college dance in parents eyes. 99% of kids who get scholarships to play couldn’t be happier, enjoying their sport while getting a solid free or lower cost education. But, what about the many of the “Big  League” college athletes many not pure academic material who are put into remedial and crimp courses. Are they getting full value for their talents? Is a scholarship devoid of education producing an essentially worthless degree compensation for play, if compensation is what the argument is about?

 

Courtney Cox was fifty yesterday. That seems as though it may be significant to those in the middle years of life.

 

Many critics have panned The Hill’s book, but Madam Secretary’s enthusiasts point out that it is still among the big sellers on Amazon. Of course that is meaningless since the worst movies of the year always set all of the box office records.

 

Some people are just plain embarrassed to be caught shopping in super discount stores like Job Lot. “Hi, what brings you here,” I ask, catching them unaware. They smile quickly, and begin looking around while planning an excuse before escape. Their eyes latch onto the exit and their feet start creeping towards it. Then they look down at their hands and see the olive oil and crackers…”Heh, heh”, they say, as their face reddens being caught in the act of  relishing the victory of finding super bargains in the crowded undisciplined aisles. “I heard there were good buys here, and I was just passing by on my way to the club.” I just look at them and smile. I don’t have to say another word.

 

The Answer:

Numer was Fred Astaire and Leo Reisman singing Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”. Number’s 2 an3 were both “Brother, can you spare a dime, but 2 by Bing Crosby and 3 by Rudy Valee. 4. Was Louis Armstrong “All of Me”; five Bing Crosby and Mills Brothers “Dinah”; six Crosby and “Please”; Seven was another depression song by Ted Lewis, “A Shanty in Old Shanty Town”; Eight was Duke Ellington’s great “It don’t mean a thing if ain’t got that Swing”; Lullaby of the Leaves” by George Olsen was nine; Mr. New Years Guy Lombardo had 10 with “Paradise”. Among other songs and performers at the top that year of “The Casey” were Paul Whiteman, Kate Smith, Cab Calloway, Tommy Dorsey, Ted Fio Rito and Maurice Chavalier. The songs were We Just Couldn’t Say Good-bye, River Stay Away From My door, Too Many Tears, Where the Blue of the Night, I’ve Got The World On A String, Take My Hand Precious Lord, How Deep Is The Ocean, Willow Weep For Me, Mimi and Say It Isn’t So.

 

Jump into the new week:

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=youtube+duke+ellington+it+don%27t+mean+a+thing+if+it+ain%27t+got+that+swing&fr2=sg-gac&hspart=vz&hsimp=yhs-vz&type=verizon_access%2Fverizon_dsl

 

The world never sleeps.

Today's Tids Issue 3,112

Opening Stuff:

 

 

Wall Street doesn’t like the new Iraq problem. Israel certainly doesn’t feel good about it. Malicki’s government is torn apart by it. Countries like North Korea will be emboldened by it. If you color a map in Islamic red you would see it spreading, oozing east from the waves on the Syrian shore to the borders of Iran. From the deep black jungles of Africa to the Mediterranean southern shores. People will say my imagination is whacky. But they are the same people who said everything is cool and nice in Iraq. The Islamic enemy never sleeps.

 

Charles Krautheimer writes: “President Obama acts as if he came to the White House on a tour and discovered he was President”.

 

The most significant aspect of the Brat win over Cantor was that “piles of money” lost!

 

Brookins and McNelley suggest the best gift for your psychiatrist are a pair of Freudian slippers.

 

Life is generally pretty perfect. It becomes a problem when people start comparing themselves to others, or others are comparing them to arbitrary norms.

 

The Question:

Ruby Dee was a helluvan actress from the forties and fifties way before she won her Oscar in 2007. Name five of her movies and for which one did she win the Oscar. Bonus: Name the NBA players who have played the most career minutes in NBA Playoffs.

 

The Headlines:

--Iran Sends Iraq Two Units Of Revolutionary Guards To Fight Rebel Groups; Shiite Imams Call For Followers To Unite Against Aggressor Sunnis; Obama White House “Mulling”.

--Hillary Clinton’s Popularity Has fallen From 70% High At Retirement From SoS To 52% Today.

--Market Opens Lower But Futures Bode Well.

--EU Leaders Say “Socialist Hollande Is Deflated Currency”, That France has Lost Stature In Euro-Economy.

--Ukraine Federal Forces Inflict High casualties On Separatist Groups; Kiev Says Three Tanks Have Crossed Into Ukraine From Russia.

--Kevin McCarthy (Cal-R) Looks Like Sure Replacement For Cantor At Majority Post.

--Opening Of Brazil World Cup Looks Like Skirmishes In Mosel.

--“O’s” Popularity ratings Fall below 50% For First Time; Approval Ratings Still Remain Low Althoygh Rise Slightly In Past Month.

 

At first glance it appears that athletics has taken over the world. And I’m not just talking about the frenzy in Brazil. In high school I hear girls saying they are only picking colleges mainly for the opportunity to continue their favorite HS sports. In a small local school like East Greenwich, they fielded girls championship or just below championship teams in tennis, Softball, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, soccer and volleyball… and actually were competitive in several others. Many of those sports run simultaneously, meaning that the talent pool has to be very deep. When I was a kid in HS, one day your loafing and drinking beer with your friends and the next you walk on a field  and start playing. Today there are club teams, traveling teams; summer and  winter leagues outside of school. And, I’m talking little places in the Northeast and not the factory type operations in the Midwest and South.

 

But then, I went to a band, orchestra and choral recital at a Junior High School where it seemed that nearly half the school was enthusiastically involved…and they all were very, very good. So while we worry about the current generation, the vast majority are out there doing a  lot more than following the Kadashians. Now if we can only get their teachers to educate them about the goodness of Republicans and the badness of Government overreach.

 

Think about the fact that ISIS (Islamic State Of Iraq and Syria) has raided the Mosel banks for about a half billion dollars, adding to their treasury which underwrites their lower cost guerilla warfare. They are not going away.

 

Speaking of waiting out, Kabul will begin looking promising for a quick Taliban return to domination now that the US pull-out is already killing the region’s economy. There is not better entry point for disruptive politics than a population in need.

 

More and more lately, giant seagulls sit nearby, on the roof above or the railing – three or four feet from where I am grilling the nightly meal. In the summer and the winter, beady eyes follow my every move, looking for an opportunity to swoop in and snag a piece of chicken, beef or pork. So I’m thinking these flying rats could be my friends, I could feed them nightly. I could be…a seagull whisperer.

 

There are two political parties in America – Enlightenment and Entitlement.

 

I’m sad to admit that I have to agree with Rom Emmanuel – Donald Trump Buildings are ugly.

 

There are home towns and “Hockey Towns”. The National ratings for the NHL playoffs show that LA and NY are naturally on top, and just behind are hockey hotbed cities of Buffalo Boston, Providence and Philadelphia. If it’s in your blood it’s in your blood, and it’s the game that draws and not the hype.

 

Sometimes you can be too smart for your own good. As the S&P has risen 5.% % over the past years the big hitter hedge fund gurus are reporting declines of 4 to 6% Sometimes it’s just better to stop playing and let it come to you.

 

Just for the record, in 2008 Hillary and Barack both opposed same sex marriage.

 

Beware of loan requirement easing. Or as I call it. the road to recession.

 

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--22 Jump Street is a juvenile comedy about two undercover cops trying to get the dope on a new drug used by college students. It is said to be very funny, and should have an opening of $50 Mil!. It doesn’t seem to be high on my list. But I could be surprised by the good performances of Jonah Hill and Tatum Channing as college life influences their understanding of a life that includes maturity.

--In another potential box office block buster sequel, Hickcup and Toothless bring us back to the world of dragons. This time in “How to Train Your Dragon 2”  they discover a hidden ice cave full of dragons forcing them to stand up for what they believe, and maybe realizing that together they can change the future of both men and dragons.

 

The Answer:

Dee’s first film was That Man Of Mine in 1946. She gained some fame In The original Jackie Robinson Story in 1950 and became a big winner performing with her friend Sidney Poitier in Raisin in the sun.Her Oscar was for American Gangster. She made over 40 films including No Way Out, Go Man Go, St. Louis Blues, Take A Giant step, The Balcony, The Incident and Buck and the Preacher.  Bonus: The leaders in NBA playoff minutes are Tim Duncan of the current San Antonio team, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Scotties Pippen and Shaquille O’Neil. Now here is the real question: How come Scotty Pippen is on it and teammate all-time great Michael Jordan isn’t? Weird, huh? (Note: Tim Duncan also has the most “Double-Doubles” surpassing Magic Johnson. The silent man just does the job, night in  and night out.)

 

Next week I will reestablish the Tids promised new series of stories about US cities, mainly those cities often misrepresented by a national press which often overlooks the power of the true core culture. The next one will be Cleveland.

 

So I hope as you sit with bated breath awaiting the next big Tids, that your weekend will be everything the perfect weekend should be. And that the US Open will be worth all of the time I will be spending in front of the TV.