Peeps.

Today's Tids Issue 3,312

Opening Stuff:

One of the great things about Easter, other than  why it is great in the first place, is the way it doesn’t change. It transcends generations. A chocolate bunny in 1910 was a good as chocolate bunny today. I reveled on little yellow, squishable, sugary chicks lying in fake green grass, and so do kids today. Decorating eater eggs draws out the same creativity today as it did in days gone by. The Easter bunny still hops, and kids still get live chickens as gifts. It hasn’t turned into just another a commercial boondoggle over the years, like so many other big holidays. And, somehow the sun always seems to be shining brighter, even on a cloudy day.

The waters around this Island are about 33, 34 degrees, meaning there is a good chance we won’t feel summer til August.

I don’t really like the increase in “Bubble” rhetoric concerning the stock Market. The “wizards” of Wall Street are well known for self fulfilling prophesies, which often are under the control of the bigs behind the curtain. I feel like I’m walking on Easter Eggs these days.

The Question:

Everywhere I look in bars and around homes I see people consuming trendy brands or craft beers. What do you think are three leading selling brands o f beer in America? Bonus: Want to indulge yourself? What are considered the top ten Hotels in America?

The Headlines:

--Iran Nuke Talks Fall Short; At The Deadline, Some Say Parties Ae Miles Of Sandy Dunes Apart; Russia Negotiator Segei Lavrov Returns To Table Saying Deal Is Possible Now..

--Evidence Mounts Against Advisability Of Having Andreas Lubitz In Cockpit; He Hid Notes Form Docs Saying He Was Unfit.

--Supreme Court Rejects ObamaCare Death Panel Challenge.

--Pence Vows To Clarify Law Meant To Protect Retailers From Government Persecution.

--ISIS Tweets Photos Of Jihad Military Graduation ceremony.

--Marco Rubio Expected To Announce For Prez By April 14.

--Weirdness in Mizzu: Missouri State Auditor Found Dead Of Apparent Suicide One Month After Boss Committed Suicide.

Studying and understanding semantics can go a long way to clearing away the fog about the world around you. Read some of S. I. Hayakawa’s books. “Semantics and Pragmatics”, the Journal of the Linquistics Society of America is also a good source on the subject that can help you see meanings.

Legal Wrangling, Department:

The two big local trials are about Aaron Hernandez and Marathon bomber Dzkhhokar Tsarnaev. I believe Hernandez is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. BTW, his next trial about the drive by double murder is a slam dunk for the prosecution.--When I saw Tsarnaev put that knapsack down right next to the 8 yo boy Martin Richards,  I called the Mass state executioner to check the fuses on the electric chair. –Oh yeah, and while we are on trials of note, I don’t believe that Amanda Knox was an innocent bystander in the gruesome murder of her friend. Want me on your jury? – Oh yeah, again – Tsarnev will never die at the hands of of Massachusetts authorities.

On The Voice Last night I really liked Joshua Davis and Lexie Davila. Davila was actually quite amaizing with difficult piece she sang to perfection. Davis may have the best “voice” on the TV show of the same name. I personally liked Kelsie May, but the critics an some polls killed her.  The top 5 mini poll winners for last night were Davis, Brooke Adee (I liked her), India Carey (Another powerhouse), Lexi and #5 in the second tier – Tonya Boyd Cannon. The big Q  of the evening was why put two of his best Joshua and Lexi against each other. Did he accept a bribe form Christina? Maybe tomorrow I’ll try to wrestle with the very competitive remaining Top 20

I dislike making accusations in cases like the Germanwings plane crash during the initial stages of the investigation. This horrible tragedy certainly looks like it was generated by a terribly disturbed man who hid the truth from authorities and bosses. Of course the lawyers will want to know “What did Lufthansa know and when did they know it”. It they can’t determine any wrong doing there, they will ask “What should Lufthanza have known and when should they have known it?” Regardless of the infighting to come, 148 innocent lives were lost, and it should never have happened. I’ll never stop being sad about that.

Psychiatrists are opining about what made a  depressed man like Lubitz take the lives of 147 others? It’s not, they seem to concur,  a normal occurrence for even the severely depressed. The operative word here is “normal”.

One of the  more discouraging aspects of life is going back to a school reunion and remembering people very well, only having them  look at you like some kind of malicious predator. “But we were friends,” I kept on repeating.

My SWTS  expert’s agent writes to inform me that his client, The Tids Dancin’ expert is not so happy that the Tids Entertainment Editor left off the potential winners list, Hunger Games 14 yo Willow Shields and Partner Mark Ballas.  The Editor promises to learn the mambo to make up for it.

It always pays to look beyond the obvious.

I believe that big bankers who break the public trust should be eligible for the Death Penalty. Fines mean nothing and chieftains generally figure out a way for underlings to get the jail time, seldom the result of Fed investigations. The markets are subject to mass manipulation. So, does this make me an Elizabeth Warren advocate? Not quite, but rational thinking says that intense one-sided politics often results in throwing the baby out with the bathwater. A more orderly market place is better for the small investor, and even large more conservative institutional investors. The self-regulation of a free market system would have worked if the government had not bailed out the frivolous risk takers.

The Answer:

Well, it isn’t Stella, or even “Uncle Joe’s Special Blueberry” It is pure and simple “Bud Lite” with about 37 million barrels sold. Next at 18 mil is Coors Lite which is followed by Budweiser (15), Miller Lite (14), and then Corona Extra, Natural Lite, Busch Lite, Busch, Modelo Especial and Michelob Ultra.  The key stat is that all of these brands, while still far ahead of the trendy brands , several are declining at about a little more than 1%. The Mexican brands (Surprise) and Michelob Ultra are increasing, especially Modelo which is up a huge 20%. Bonus: The Inn at Lost creek, Telluride Co is #10. On the way to #1 we have Tivoli Lodge, Vail; Villas of Grand Cyprus, Orlando; 21c museum Hotel, Bentonville Ark; The Oxford Hotel, Bend Or; Old Edwards In and Spa, Highlands, NC; The Grand Del Mar, San Diego; Bardessono, Yountville Cal; French Quarter Inn, Charleston SC. #1 is – Ta daaa – The Langham in Chicago. Obviously, a list like this is subject to a lot of opinion. Just consider it a guide to a better than average vacation. Personally, I’ll take home.

If Lite beer is so popular, how come there aren’t more skinny people?

BTW, Spell-Check really doesn’t like the word “Lite”. Recalculating.

Living as a humanitarian is a good way to grow old.

Today's Tids Issue 3,315
Opening Stuff:

 

Welcome to the week of love. Real, from the bottom of the heart, sacrificial love. You know, that good old fashioned “do-unto-others-as-you-would…” love. Giving up a piece of yourself to strangers. Reinforcing your commitment to friends and family and lovers. It’s a week of giving and not taking. It is the week where the presents at the hearthside are all pure, from the heart unadulterated love. Maybe covered with a little chocolate! Take a little and give more back. It’s sweet.

 

It is sad to walk into a cavernous Sears store totally devoid of customers. I find they still have a wonderful assortment of just about anything you need. They must have missed the trendiness express somewhere along the line. It makes me feel bad.

 

I saw a peace about “Earth Hour” where in Taiwan a mass  of Taiwanese people peddled bicycles to produce power that lit the downtown skyscrapers. Does this mean that alternative energy sources to offset climate change will signal a return of galley slaves for warships? Hey, how about using the large crowds in prisons to power America with weight lifting machines! I never realized global warming could be so good!

 

The Ghost of Rosemary Woods, Department:

There’s no truth to the rumor that in her frequent absences away from the limelight, Hillary has been attended séances to raise the spirit of Rosemary to aid in the destruction of emails on servers. Too bad Hill isn’t investigating herself with the same vigor as she displayed as part of the Nixon prosecution team.

 

The Question:

Here’s a series of three unrelated Questions to test your start of the week thinking caps: 1. What was the first marriage ever performed in the White House? What was served as dessert? 2. In what state was the Knights of Columbus established? 3. What was the name of the US soldier who killed 22 civilians at My Lai? Bonus: When did the quiz show “Jeopardy” first take to the airwaves, and who was the first Emcee?

 

The Headlines:

--Iran Nuke Talks: Key Differences remain Two days Before Deadline; Iran Adds New Demands; “O Admin Expected To Move Deadline Out If Agreement Appears Near; Netanyahu Says Iran Wants To take Over All Of Middle East.

--Bulls Running With Yellen As Futures Look Brighetr To Start Week.

--Iran Says US Drone Killed Two Of Its Advisors In Iraq.

--Carli Fiorina May be Next Repub To Announce; Dem’s O’Malley Rips Hillary, Jeb And Fiona..

--Church Bus In Southwest Florida Plunges Into Canal; 8 Dead, 10 Injured.

--Mike Pence, Gov. Indiana, Stands Firm In Support Of New Religious Liberty Law.

--UN, US Ganging Up On Israel, Calling Country Worst Human Rights Violator.

--Sports: NCAA Final Four Basketball – Kentucky, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Duke; NCAA Frozen Four Hockey – Providence College, Boston University, North Dakota, Nebraska Omaha.

--Hillary May have Wiped Server Clean, Say Some Insiders.

--Volvo To Build $500 Million Manufacturing Plant In US; Handful Of Stets In Mix; This Follows Mercedes Announcement For Similar US Facility; Mexico The Loser.

--Florida’s Panama City To Clamp Down On Spring Break After House Party Shooting Wounds 7 People.

 

I have yet to see the President and AG rushing frantically to mikes to deplore the senseless shooting of Boston policeman, John Moynihan, who incidentally had been honored for bravery during the Marathon tragedy by Obama in the White House.

 

The Tids “Dancing With the Stars” Expert showed up at Tids HQ over the weekend. She is liking Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovsky to go all the way to the top. She’s worried though that Derek Hough and the limber Nastia Liukin could sneak in, which as she says, “Would be devastating as Derek always seems to get the best partner.” She has also been impressed with Michael Sam as a potential finalist, but as some critics are now saying, he is unwinnable. “Shark” Robert Herjavec doesn’t seem to be warming the hearts of the dance aficionados. It’s always nice to have a knowledgeable assistant to help me through this dance stuff.

 

An alert reader overheard Hillary ranting: “I. Did. Not. Have. Textual. Relations. With. That. Server,”.

 

A wise old friend tells me that the book “Being Mortal; Medicine and What Matters in the End” is worth taking time to read.

 

The bioscientist was depressed when he discovered blue genes.

 

I’m sorry to see that Dennis Hopper died, but truthfully, I never understood him in movies.

 

Be careful for what you wish for because you’ll probably will get Schumer.

 

The height of selfishness is to hope it rains on somebody else’s vacation.

 

The Answer:

1. Dolly Payne Madison’s sister Lucy Payne Washington married SC Justice Thomas Todd. Oddly, Dolly’s first husband was James Todd, who died of Yellow fever along with one of her children. Her other child, Payne Todd, was gambler in debtor’s prison and after hubby Prez Madison died Dolly sold off his estate Montpelier to pay the debts of her son. She probably served ice cream at the wedding. She was highly regarded in Washington. 2. The Knights of Columbus were established in Connecticut. 3. William Calley was the Soldier of the My Lai Massacre fame. Bonus: Wheel of Fortune proudly boasts 32 years on the Tube, but it’s sister-in-law Jeopardy has been there 51 years since 1964 when Art Fleming first gave the first “answer”.

 

I thought I’d start off Easter Week with this college Symphony orchestra playing “Death and Transfiguration” by the great Richard Strauss:

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrBT8T9vRZVaBMAiD1XNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA21vejIteXRmZi15ZmYxNgRncHJpZANaRURaLldURVJUU3NsMnhiZURiUUxBBG5fcnNsdAMwBG5fc3VnZwMxBG9yaWdpbgNzZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tBHBvcwMwBHBxc3RyAwRwcXN0cmwDBHFzdHJsAzQyBHF1ZXJ5A3lvdSB0dWJlIHN0cmF1c3MgZGVhdGggYW5kIHRyYW5zZmlndXJhdGlvbgR0X3N0bXADMTQyNzU1NDc1Nw--?p=you+tube+strauss+death+and+transfiguration&fr2=sb-top-search&fr=moz2-ytff-yff16

 

As this music builds past the trauma, I see a bright sunny spring day, brighter than any day before in the history of the world; the giant rock rolled back from the cave of Joseph of Armethea, love flourishing for all to come. There is a feeling among people gathering there that the world has changed. As the music builds you will feel it in your heart.

Eventually it always gets back to sales.

Today's Tids Issue 3,310

Opening Stuff:

 

There’s just got to be more to life than talking about the weather.

 

Companies can only manufacture profits through cost cutting for so long. Eventually reality will take over, and it appears that it has. Be careful out there.

 

You have to wish you could be a fly on the wall of Debbie Wasserman Schultz next strategy meeting discussing the new CBS poll –Reported last Night by Scott Pelley on CBS News -- which pretty much casts The Hill as a dishonest person. Not even DWS can spin the numbers that show that only 42% of Americans think she is honest! 29% say that the new info on emails has affected their opinion of her negatively. And, only 26% of Americans view her favorably, which is off 12 points since the falloff 2013. And here is an interesting factoid – her poll numbers go up when people can’t see or hear her, but decline when she is visible and condescending again to people. This could be a significant campaign detriment. Sit at home in Chappaqua in a dark with your server and roll the dice. Who knows, she could be the first person who never campaigned to be elected. You can never tell with the American voter.

 

Lear Capital sure looks like a company that tried to corner too much of the silver market. Can you say Hunt brothers?

 

The Question:

As a point of reference, consider that RI added population of a little over 1,000 making its total population about 1 million out of the USA 320 million! In Florida, though, the state had added 803 people per day for the year July 2013 to July 2014. Of course that is important because he majority of new comers are oldsters who contribute to a Fla death rate higher than the birth rate. Florida moved up a notch in total population passing what state? What are the five most populous states in America. What are the fastest growing “Metroplex” areas. (Metroplex is basically a newish term for the amalgamation of what were small towns that now have morphed into giant population centers.) What is the fastest growing municipality in America?

 

The Headlines:

--Middle East Accelerating Conflicts Has Wall Street Nervous; White House In Muddle As Battling Escalates Beyond US Control.

--GDP Slows To 2.2% In Fourth Q; Corporate Profits Down In Q4 Posting First Annual Dcline Since Mid-Recession.

--Wall Street Major Banks Threatens Withholding Dem Campaign Contributions After Elizabeth Warren Calls For Breaking Up The Bigs!; Fed’s Fisher Calls For More Hedge Fund Scrutiny.

--Harry Reid To Retire 20 Years Too Late.

--Senate Follows House Passing Conservative Budget That Helps Preserve Medicare Payments To Docs.

--Authorities Trying To Unravel Mystery Of Suicide Pilot.

--White House Apparently Cut Off Access To Bin Laden Captured Documents That Conflicted With Admin’s Version Of al-Qaida Future; Valuable Time Has Been Lost, Say Intelligence Experts; White House Secretly releases Data On Israel Nuke Program.

--Assad Would Welcome Large Presence Of Russian Ships In Styria Ports.

 

The words “Pork Loin Au Poivre” are like a symphonic climax to me.

 

The icy highway to the Frozen Four, The NCAA Ice Hockey Tournament with 16 Teams, begins tomorrow at four arenas across the country – Manchester NH, Providence RI, Fargo ND, Omaha, Nb.  The teams are, corresponding by region: Boston U., Yale, Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth;  Boston College, Providence College, Miami Ohio, Denver; North Dakota, Quinnipiac, St; C loud, Michigan Tech; IMSU-Mankato, Rochester Inst, Harvard, Omaha. Those are this year’s top 16 powers in college hockey, and it is a nice diverse little group. But, they all love their hockey.

 

Ireland was a melting pot before the USA was a melting pot.

 

That headline I wrote above – “Wall Street Major Banks Threatens Withholding Dem Campaign Contributions After Elizabeth Warren Calls For Breaking Up The Bigs!” – reads like “Bankers to cease bribing elected officials if they don’t get their way!” Campaign contributions, my ass.

 

How do you keep Castillo down on the farm after his hitting spree?

 

There is something eerily sad about the idea of this state imposing a second property tax on anybody who owns land. Aiming at the “rich” does not make it right. It smacks of a state takeover, without representation. This idea that people who happen to have a piece property worth a million and it makes them rich is totally misleading. It may be somebody who bought well 20-30-40 years ago, and it will be part of their retirement package. People in government who rely on government pensions have little understanding of what others have to do to survive the so called retirement years.

 

That brings me to another small item sent to me this morning by a good friend – the Government is now calling SS payments a “Benefit. Tell that to all the people and companies that contributed hard earned money ito the fund with the expectation of getting it back with interest. How dare the Politicians take credit for giving people back their own money? How about the small businesses and sole proprietors who over the years have contributed both ends of Fica out of their revenue? This Federal Government should be ashamed of themselves But then, maybe they just don’t understand anymore how America really works! And of course, the government has no shame.

 

Dean Smith, recently deceased Hall of Fame Coach of North Carolina – ordered in his will that $200 would be sent to each of the 180 players who lettered during his tenure, with the note, “Have a nice dinner on me”. I wonder how much money they got when they played.

 

Today is the anniversary of that day in 1902 when First Lady Helen Taft and Japan’s Ambassador’s wife Vicountess Chinda planted In Washington DC the first two of 3,000 cherry trees given by the Mayor of Tokyo. I wonder if they bloomed in 1941?

 

It must be the rainy weather, because Spell-Check seems a little drowsy today.

 

OMG, am I talking about the weather!

 

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--It Follows is a “Smart, original and above all terrifying” horror film that could be worth your time... if you like being scared. After a strange sexual encounter, a girl is haunted by a nightmarish vision that somebody is after her. You’ll be looking over your sho8idler on the way home. Be sure to check out the back seat before driving! Very well executed and contemporary film.

--A Girl Like Her will reach into your heart and grab you. They say there is a message and a character in this one for everybody. A girl is bullied by her best friend, and when it gets to be too painful she and another girl set out to expose the villain. Very well done.

--Get Hard, as one critic sad is about as funny as going to prison. Infact tis is one of those all time lame comedy;s that is relying on star power to overcome a really bad and unfunny script.Will Farrell a silver spoon successful investmanet banker is going to prison fraud, so asks street guy Kevin Hart to twach him the ropes about being “Hard”  in prison. This one totally misses it. Could be in line for a Razzie.

 

The Answer:

The fastest growing metro area in the USA is The Villages, and immense retirement community in Florida in the rolling hills horse farm area below Ocala. It grew 5.4%, by far the largest growth, to its current population of 1i4,000. It started as a trailer park in the 1970’s but really took hold in the early 90’s. The other fastest growing metro areas are Myrtle Beach SC, Austin Tx, Odessa Tx, St. George Ut, Cape Coral Fl, Bend Oreg, Greely Colo, Midland Tx and #10 Naples Fl.  Florida moved passed NY to become the third largest state after California and Texas. The rest of the top ten are NY, Ill, Pa, Ohio, Ga and NC.  Oh yeah, NYC remains the largest Metro area and Cleveland and Detroit are the two big cities losing people. West Virginia is losing people d=faster than any other state. Vt, Ct, NM, Ill and Alaska were the other losers.

 

I’m not talking about the weather for the weekend, but, I’m not putting away my fleece just yet.

 

Let a smile be your umbrella, and have a great weekend, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

When the forests turn pink.

Today's Tids Issue 3,309

Opening Stuff:

 

The rains came today. It was a refreshing, cleansing rain that was pushing the temps upward, and the grime of a decaying winter away. It might be the rain that begins to bring the buds that turn today’s bleak forests to vibrant pinks and red; infuses with green the miles of rolling fields that run down to meet the roaring, deep blue seas. It’s a cloudy, rainy day that forecasts sunshine ahead. And then come the daisies, the tulips, the daffodils in colorful arrays. It feels good.

 

The passengers of Germanwings knew they were about to die for 8 minutes. My heart aches. I weep and pray.

 

The scariest driving moments that I remember are those when trying to navigate on a foggy day.

 

Yesterday it was announced that Amazon was going to build a giant Eastern distribution Center in Fall River Mass (Which abuts RI) that will guarantee 500 full time jobs for 5 years and also large temp seasonal workforces. The day before in Rhode Island, a TV station featured a new RI business, a strip joint that promised to have no closed doors on private areas. Need I say anything more about the RI Legislature and their jobs program. Everybody admits the problem except those who can solve it.

 

The impending Q1 earnings season going tobe that inevitable straw that breaks the Bull’s back.

 

The Question:

What are the five top brands of Heinz and Kraft?

 

The Headlines:

--Congress Passes Bill In True Bipartisan Harmony That Would Block Medicare Cuts; Size Of House Pro Majority Expected To Brings Senate Dems Into Yes Column; Physicians Had Been Warning Of Not Treating Elderly Unless Payments Could Be Stabilized..

--Evidence Suggests That Co-Pilot Purposely Killed Himself And 149 Others.

--Iran Seizes US Intel In Yemen Collapse; Saudi Bombing Iran Backed Efforts In Yemen; US Bombs In Tikrit To Reenergize Iran Iraqi Forces; Iraq Shiite Forces Pulling Back Because of US Involvement.

--Oil Jumps Past $50 After Saudi Strikes In Yemen; Stocks rebounding.

--Jeb Bush With $100 Million Way Ahead In Repub Campaign Funding Derby; Some Are Looking At Strong Scott Walker-Marco Rubio Ticket.

--Bergdahl Could Get Life Sentence.

--Putin Tells Rhouani To Stop The Action In Yemen.

 

Contrary to popular opinion, potatoes are far more nutritious than wheat and grains with the little spuds being rich in protein, minerals and carbohydrates, and providing vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin C. In a comparison to grain eating English and French peasants in the 18^th, 19^th century, the potato eating Irish toilers of the soil were significantly taller and stronger. So, there you have it. French fries with pork gravy please!

 

The Chinese are building like crazy. A new report says that between the years 2011 and 2013 the Chinese used 6.6 Gigatons of Cement. That is more than the 4.4 gigatons used by the USA in the 20^th Century! This just happens to be concrete evidence of a possible economic melt down in China as debt mounts from that overbuilding sprint which still has 20% of homes unsold. This is a crash we don’t want to happen. Unless, of course, it tends to reduce traffic in tourist areas.

 

The news says there are about 10,000 Iraqi troops in Tikrit trying to oust 100 to 1000 ISIS militia. It just tells you how difficult in-city fighting an be!

 

I hear that searching for celebrities can be dangerous to your computer or smart device health. Apparently, the bad guys are faking celebrity web sites to gather personal information from these fawning searchers. Two of the top really bad searches are for Jimmy Kimmel and Bruce Springsteen. Stars in your eyes can induce you to make bad decisions.

 

With the news that the Saudis are out there bombing Iran led ops in Yemen, will It be long before there is an all out war in the Middle East? Or as some US detractors may say, the Meddle east.

 

“Justified is the fastest hour on TV”.

 

The Answer:

Kraft (Remember it bought the giant General Foods) is huge with many brands but the best known are of curse Kraft and Cracker Barrel cheeses, and then that little box of Mac & Cheese which nourished my kids. They have A-I Sauce, Breakstone’s, Maxwell House, Cool Whip, Planters, Grey Poupon, Jell-O, Kool-Ade, Kraft Caramels, Oscar Meyer, Stove Top Stuffing and Miraclewhip – plus about a 100 others. For Heinz we have the Ketchup and baked beans. There’s Ore-ida, Weight Watchers, Classico sauces, Lea & Perrins, TGI Fridays Frozen Foods.

 

That’s about it. Another day pouring out my soul. It’s refreshing as a cleansing rain. Go out and get wet!

I’d sit proudly upon the shoulders of the kids of today.

Today's Tids Issue 3,308
Opening Stuff:

I finished this Tids with a nice little piece of music by Randall Standridge, “Gently blows the Summer Wind” – played by a Junior HS band. What’s all the ruckus about, I thought, as I watched these talented boys and girls. They say kids aren’t doing much today; that they weren’t like we were. Yet every day I see kids creating, giving a helping hand. I see extraordinary talent and resourceful intuition. I see them performing on stages, in orchestra pits and on playing fields; in labs and in academic challenges. And, performing at a very high level.  I think these young people are going to keep America going, despite their occasional disappearance inside a smart phone.. That is if the Politicians leave them something to work with.

 

Do you get the sense that the Ted Cruz announcement will bring to the surface other down in the polls Repub hopefuls? And, how about that Hill at her arrogant best in front an adoring crowd and fawning newspeple, making jokes about her devotion to secrecy and possible flaunting of the law. If we’re going to elect the first woman, lets at least try for integrity. The 2016 knockout round is under way, and I’m not talking about The Voice.  The pols will be singing for your votes, and it’s going to get pitchy.

 

On a brighter note, Aunt Carries will open for its 95^th season. Grey, weathered shingled Aunt Carrie’s is one of those wonderful throwbacks to the era when a jaunt to the beach was indeed getting away from the madding crowd, from big city and small suburb congestion. This seaside comfort food institution serves fish and lobsters and clamcakes and chowder…and homemade pies. I still maintain that their fried fish made with local fresh flounder or sole is the best of all the fried fish up and down the USA coast. This annual Spring opening is a sure sign of a warming Summer. Next, the openings of the local ice cream stores.

 

The Question:

It’s not too early to start thinking about your Easter and Passover menus. What are considered the top traditional foods for these major Jewish and Christian holidays?

 

The Headlines:

--Kraft Foods To Merge With Heinz; Deal Seems to Have Been Forged Out Of Pressure From Giant Brazil Investment Company 3G Looking To Buy Kraft A Day Earlier.

--Two Americans Among Those Who Perished In Germanwings Crash.

--For a Nuke Deal, Iran Insists On Removal Of All Sanctions.

--0-Man Apparently Snubs New Head Of Nato Who had Asked For Meeting Over New Expected Aggression From Russia.

--Google Execs Had Free Pass To White House Pals During Tense Negotiations With FCC.

--Ted Cruz To But family Insurance Through ObamaCare.

 

Last night he Voice had several pretty good battles. One guy I liked quite a bit, Cody of West Virginia, got knocked out. I was surprised he wasn’t stolen. Cory is ok, but I don’t rhapsodize over him like the d=judges. I like Deanna  a lot and personally don’t notice her supposed lack of confidence as defined by the Judges. Hannah is intriguing to me tough at times she has the look in her eyes of a person ready to leap from the Newport Bridge. I liked Kaitlin better in previous efforts. She didn’t impress me last night. It’s almost time for the real thng.

 

The Judges on American idol have surely lost their collective minds using their save on Quaasem Middleton. Egads!

 

I saw an interesting juxtaposition of two photos, one of the Selma Bridge 50 years ago and the other at the recent commemorative ceremony. The 50 year old pic showed a bevy of American flags proudly waved. The new pic showed nary a one. What going on here?

 

It’s getting tougher and tougher to find the perfect, quiet getaway place, unless you have a couple of billion and can buy an island with a heliport. And if you do come  across the idealic pasture overlooking the rolling seas, it’s sure bet that a developer somewhere has it already in in their sights. Might as well just stay home where it’s always comfortable and warm.

 

The word is out that Castle is on the chopping block. I have always enjoyed it, but their time slots were often conflicting with some pretty good shows. I thought it was more playful before Castle and Kate got together officially. But shows come, and shows go. They’ll make big buck in reruns.

 

If a bear starts chasing you, the best defense is to have a hiking partner who is slower than you. RIP.

 

Rand Paul makes a lot of sense in is critical opinions of Ted Cruz. I’ve always liked Paul.

 

Today’s pro teams sometimes go more for the “Look” than the combative skills of the player who is often a winner without the ooohs and ahs. I wonder if Larry Bird would have still made in this new glam era? I’ll take a few winners in my trenches any day.

 

The Volvo Round the World Sailing race is in its toughest leg going from Aukland New Zealand to Brazil. In just the first third of the leg, they have encountered an over a half mile wide iceberg which immediately put them on the lookout for growlers (Large ice chunks that are hard to see and which can easily rip a hull to shreds.) Now, apparently having passed through he ice field they have encountered a fierce storm that has knocked three boats to their sides (Death Rolls) and wiped out another --  the Team SCA (All Woman). The woman survived got back underway, but lost a lot of time. The leaders are Mapfre, Team Brunel (13.8 miles back), Team Alvimedica (Bristol RI Skipper, American team) (18.9), Abu Dhabi racing  (28.7), Dongfeng (31.2) and SCA (151.8). Vestas Wind didn’t start due to damages from previously reported grounding. See the adventure (Navigate the site): http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/video/37295_Inside-Track-Leg-5-5-Southern-Ocean-death-rolls.html

 

I guess if I were to overreach for one thing, it would be to try my hand at the Volvo round the world race, even though my heart is in my throat just reading about it.

 

The Answer:

Well, first Roast lamb is tops for Easter, mainly because it goes back to the first Passover! The lamb was roasted abd eaten together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs in hope that the Angel of Death would pass them over. The early Christians who after all were Jews brought the lamb to their early Easter dinners. In the US, ham has become the most popular main dish, along with, in many households, lamb. These dishes would be accompanied with early Spring vegetables, and maybe a nice creamy potato dish like Scalloped or au Gratin Potatoes. and of course Hot Cross Buns. And finished with a hard boiled Easter Egg. ( Also great for the Egg cracking game) In Italian households, sugary rice and ricotta pies are standards fro dessert. E Passover meals are much more rigid to the past. The Seder is a feast over 7 days, and much oif the food is symbolic. Matza and vegetables are dipped in slt water. The six items on the Seder plate are 1&2.  Bitter herbs, typically horseradish and romaine lettuce. 3. Brown pebbly paste of nuts and fruits. 4. Vegetables other than bitter herbs usually celery or cooked potato for dipping. 5. Roasted lamb. 6. Hard boiled Egg.

 

I had the good fortune to attend the RI All State Band Orchestra and Choral concerts. The Junior All State band played this following piece. Gently Blows the Summer Wind. Now isn’t that a nice thought! This might also warm your heart on a cold day in March:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=randall+standridge+gently+blows+the+summer+wind&vid=e2e780bf00f4597d58628df04f78ae0a&l=6%3A18&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608037764682092486%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D3fTHYUci94U&tit=Gently+Blows+the+Summer+Wind+by+Randall+Standridge&c=0&sigr=11b6lg5fu&sigt=11in96m23&sigi=11r7g3r54&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Drandall%2Bstandridge%2Bgently%2Bblows%2Bithe%2Bsummer%2Bwind%26ei%3DUTF-8%26type%3Dverizon_access%252Fverizon_dsl%26hsimp%3Dyhs-vz%26hspart%3Dvz&sigb=14ohpnkd1&ct=p&age=1333947115&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&hsimp=yhs-vz&hspart=vz&tt=b

(The Hopewell Middle Cchool version is pretty darn good too.)

 

What really is being taught about America.

Today's Tids Issue 3,307

Opening Stuff:

 

Whether it’s 80 degrees or 30, it is a truly beautiful morning. Whether the sun is warming your skin, or being filtered through a couple of layers, it is still a perfect day to get up and breathe in crisp cool air or warm sodden air, and love the world you are in. Thank God for being alive, and living in America. As I listen though, I hear intelligent people saying they love America and it will be perfect with a little tweaking, like a strong central Government; being more like Europe. The sun in the morning sky treats everybody equally. And I always thought that what shown upon the USA was to treat all people the same. Why doesn’t everybody understand the strengths of the true America? Why can’t they see it.

 

Brookins and MacNelley are saying that a shotgun wedding is a case of wife or death.

 

A guy born in Aleppo Syria I know said that after leaving his home country for a number of reasons, he was surprised then first arriving in Lebanon that people on the street would bump into him. Then he remembered that when walking with his father, a well known doctor in town, people would step aside and say “Good Morning Doctor.”

 

The Question:

What are considered the Ten Best TV Cooking Shows of all time?

 

The Headlines:

--“Germmanwings” Airliner With 48 Aboard Crashes Into Alps.

--Feds Examining Isis “Kill List”, ISIS, al-Qaida, Boco Training Together In Africa; SIS Skimming 10’s Of Millions Per Month Off Of Salaries For Iraqi Troops In Mosul.

--Eurozone Economic Recovery gained Momentum In March.

--UN Says That In 15 Years World Will Have 40% Less Water Than  It needs.

--Taxi Drivers In Brussels Attack And Block Uber Drivers.

--US Counterterror Plan In Yemen Collapses; “O” Slows Troop Withdrawal In Afghan..

---Coast Guard Rescues Two Fisherman Off Newport.

--Jolie Loses Ovaries In Precaution Against Cancer; “24” Actress Alberta Watson Dies From Cancer At Age Of 60.

 

The Voice is still in the paring down process, but maybe it’s time to get a handle on some of the potential finalists. Personally I like the kid Sawyer, a young voice that just simply takes over the arena without the usual theatrics. He hasn’t missed yet. I’m also fascinated by another youngster Koryn Hawthorne who also seems to have that ability to own a stage with a powerful voice. Not far behind on my list are Mia Z, RI’s Sarah Potenza, and Meghan Linsey. Nathan Hermida showed me some potential, but most of the other guys, while often quite talented, were just the same ole’, same ole’. There will be 6 more contestants tonight facing off in three rounds. There’s several good candidates here too.

 

Hey, I was surprised last night when I saw that “The Following” was back for another year with a two hour premiere. I have enjoyed the grizzly, bloody show where you never know who’s good and who’s a serial killer. It helps me grow out of my choirboy past.

 

Two kids looking a land line phone in the living room: “That’s an instrument you use to find your smart phone.” Thanks to Hillary Price.

 

The average value of imported auto parts per car is $12,500. So while the American industry is being heralded for a banner year, the US worker is seeing the formerly great paying manufacturing jobs going to Mexico, China and India, among others. This is just the nature of the Global economy. What it was, ain’t. So beware of Pols who say they will bring back manufacturing.

 

“Operation Choke Point” is one of those cute little rascally endeavors you would expect to see in say..Russia or Venezuela, not America. Apparently Congress is investigaing the operation where the “O” Admin through the DoJ , FDIC and other agencies would systematically squeeze legal company’s finances objectionable to some moralists. Bankers allegedly were told that they would face increased audits and scrutiny if they kept accounts for businesses selling cigarettes, guns, short term loans and gambling among many others. Could fast Food companies be next? It’s scary to see this and even more so to realize that we have people in our government who think KGB tactics are just fine.

 

The UnAmerican School Administrators are coming, Department:

On the other side of the aisle we have a bunch of HS students in Lexington Mass, where the revolutionary War began, who wanted to reinforce American Patriotism with an American Pride Dance Yes, you did hear that correctly, Massachusetts, the communist state where the kids seem to get it. But of course, it wasn’t really that simple, as School “Officials” thought it needed to be more inclusive. There’s that word again. The students said the school Mahoofs were against their “Red, White and Blue Dance” because it “excluded other nationalities”. The School Board pronouncement was the second “Shot heard round the world”. The town went Bonkers. Students said, don’t school officials understand the great American concept – “The Melting Pot?” Guess what” The Kids won. The American Pride Dance is on Target.

 

A guy named Bullard, a supposed Wall Street Guru, “Fears Violent reaction to rate hike.” Now, I had made notes to write today about the supposed June increase and predicted that it will be a day of panic on Wall Street. So how come after discounting the future rate for two to three years now each time somebody at the Fed blinked, we still have fears f the actual day? Gadzooks. And I suspect somebody has been playing the rate increase game for the past two weeks too, simply because it’s just that WS doesn’t make the sense it used to. An excuse for playing is the new mantra.

 

The Answer:

Number one is Julia Childs “The French Chef”. After that we have Alton Brown “Good Eats”, Iron Chef, Molto Mario, East Meets West with Ming Tsai, Top Chef. PBS America’s Test Kitchen, “Chopped”, Two Fat Ladies and Number 10 – The Naked Chef – Jamie Oliver. Some famous chefs ranked lower like Guy’s (Fieri) Big Bite at 12, Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen at 17, Emeril at 18, Barefoot Contessa at 19, Bobby Flay at 21 and Cake Boss at 23.

 

O say why can’t you see,

This nation that set people free.

This country under God that put people first.

Saved by those under flags, bombs that burst.

Who do many less fully understand,

What’s been so great about this land?

Yet in my heart, I and many good folks do believe

The soul that was America, we can again retrieve.