Today's Tids Issue 3,178
Opening Stuff:
One of those can’t
miss events captures 13 acres of Newport waterfront this week – the 44th
International Boat Show, the largest in the Northeast and one of the two or
three premiere events across the country. It’s big, for boaters and all of
those with a dream to sail upon the briny waters. I’ll be checking out, mainly because
one of the boat builders is named Hunt. My dream has been to find a rich uncle
and then tame the relentless seas.
One of the more
interesting world events on the horizon is the Scottish vote to break ties
with Great Britain. Yes, it’s Sean Connery (For) versus JK Rowling (Against) as
these two accomplished Scots take sides in the battle for independence.
Strangely, with a week to go before the voting, the reality that Scotland could
go independent once dismissed, has become a distinct possibility. An independent
Scotland puts itself in jeopardy retaining membership with the EU mainly because
many of those countries fear separatist movements within their own countries.
Scotland probably will need a new currency, but 80 % of the North Sea oil &
gas reserves are within their maritime waters. But getting out the goods there
has become more expensive. Scotland gets to keep many of the most notable golf courses,
and England rids itself of a population that eats haggis. Britain’s growing
Muslim populations hates cold and moist Caledonia. They are expecting 3.4
million voters to turn out. I’m saying it stays part of the UK.
The government of Ferguson
Mo doesn’t stand a chance, especially now that the professional antagonists
have rolled in to keep the havoc going. The truth can take a walk.
The Question:
Name five things people often associate with Scotland, Scottish
people. Bonus: Who was the first King
of Scotland? Double Bonus: Who were
the last 11 Monarchs of Scotland?
The Headlines:
--Russia begins tests On Nuke Missiles.
--President Aquino III Of Overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines
Will Give Muslims Lead by Moro Islamic Liberation front Authority Over Own
Southern Territory; Muslims Will Form Own Parliament, Raise Own Flag; Be Guided
By Sharia Law.
--“O” Huddling With US Lawmakers On Next Moves In Syria,
Against ISIS; Prez to Speak to Country Tonight.
--Governor Race In RI: Raimondo Vs. Fung; Scott Brown Wins
Repub Vote In New Hampshire To Take On Dem Shaheen – Brown Closing In On Shaheen
Make This Race One That Could Give Repubs Bonus Seat In Congress; Cuomo Fends
Off Challenger In NY Dem Governor Primary.
--Saudis Latest To Begin Anti-Christian Aggressions.
--Ebola Deaths Up To 2,296.
--Ukraine Prez Says Russia Troops Have Moved Out; Promises
More Autonomy To For eastern Parts If Country.
--Goldman says Apple Exceeded Expectations: Raises Target To
$115 In 12 Months.
If NFL Commish
Goodell wants to make up to me for his oversight on the Ray Rice travesty,
he can begin by lightening the penalties and frequency of calls against pass-rushers
for incidental touches. The rush is as exciting as the pass and catch, and
equally significant in the outcome of the game. (See Superbowl 2007).
America’s Got Talent
last night gave me a great evening of entertainment. I enjoyed just about
every act, except for Miguel Dakota who I thought was a little flat. I wanted to love Mara Justine and I could see
she was great, but some kind of echo technology confused the issue. Sons of
Sarendip (Whatever that mean0 were amazing. What a voice. But when we’re
talking about voices how can we not talk about Emily West first. Her Moody
Blues pick was great, but I was hoping it would have gone on longer. The kid
who seems like 40, Quintavious Johnson, can sing, and sing big. He had it last
night all the way to the last note. Acro-Army, which deserves to be in the final
6, drew me in and had my head spinning. Good ending. I really liked Emil and
Dariel’s performance, and the chorus they added, too. I would look forward to
see Blue Journey again. They are truly creative dancers. I liked their
performance and execution of tough moves. I appreciated Christian Stoinev, but
hand standing, though dangerous, gets old to me. So what do we have left – 3, count
em’, 3 magicians. Maybe it’s a big magic act and they’re really all the same
person. Mat Franco of RI is the favorite, but I personally like David and
Leeman. Mike Super was good too. I’m hoping for a final six of Emily, Serendip,
Acro Army, David and Leeman, Emil & Dariel and Mara Justine. But, Mat
Franco will beat out D&L and Quintavious will be in there too, maybe over
E&D.
My NFL picks are
like my golf swing – I’ve lost it.
Personally I think
the new smart phones are much too heavy to carry around in pants pockets.
This is especially true in old age when the buttocks and hips begin to diminish
and pants start slipping. And another thing – many of these phones come with a
pedometer to gage movement away from couches and healthfulness. The phones are
much too heavy for long walks and other activity. It I were Tim Cook I’d be
looking to make these things lighter.
In case you are
looking for a new smart phone, here are five android phones that beat
IPhone on at least one good feature. 1. Sony’s Xperia Z1 is completely water
proof. Also beats the “I” on speed and battery but not in picture and camera.
2. Motorola’s Droid Maxx offers 48 hours of battery life. 3. Galaxy S5 can be
controlled by air hand gestures and eye rolls. 4. Nokia’s Lumia 1020 (With MSFT
Windows) has a 41 megapixel camera. 5. LG’s Nexus 5 Is least expensive and fast
enough, but cloudier than IP 6.
Want to smack your
ego down a few notches – play Mindcraft with a grandchild.
The Answer:
Well, first there is scotch whiskey and golf. Their Thriftiness
is a nice attribute to emulate. Of course plaids and kilts and the magical tunes
from bagpipes make us all smile. Scotsmen invented the telephone and penicillin.
The St. Andrew’s Cross makes a great flag. JK Rowling writes, Rod Stewart Sings, Sean
Connery acts and Andy Murray plays great tennis. And Nessie bewilders. Bonus:
The First King of Scotland 843/848 was Kenneth MacAlpin I, or in Gaelic - Coinneach mac Ailpein. Double Bonus: Starting with James VI, the son of Mary I the last
Stewart, he in 1567 was the first in the reign of the Stuarts followed by Charles I and Charles II. The Stuarts were forced
to live in Exile during the Cromwell takeover between 1651 and 1660. Charles ii
returned and was followed by James VII, William II (Of Orange) and Mary II
ruled as a duo and Anne was the last of the Scottish monarchs. Note: the red
scarfed supporters of William of Orange fled to West Virginia where they became
known as Hill-“Billy’s” and rednecks because
of tier scarlet scarves. So, you have to figure a lot of Billy descendants in good
ole West Virginia have an eye on this election too. Oh, Rob Roy was never King,
but many wished he had been.
Sorry I’m so late.
I got caught up in Scottish history.
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