Salty air in my hair.

Today's Tids Issue 3,399

Opening Stuff:

I’m sorry August, I blew you off

With bad jokes and belittling scoff

In fact. you are these days, very cool

Which must make me a total fool.

It is becoming apparent that Repubs are looking for “New”. Unfortunately for Jeb, who may be an extremely competent, nice guy potential President, there is nothing older than Bushes. I’ve felt from the beginning that even if the Repubs came on strong for the third Bush, the Dems would batter him with myopic, caustic, sophomoric criticisms. So it is not surprising to see in the new CNN/ORC Iowa poll, Trump comfortably on top with a fast rising Ben Carson closing in. By the way Walker, who once led I Iowa, has fallen to third just ahead of another fast riser, Carley Fiorina, and Marco and Cruz. Repubs are looking hard and finding something they like, And, for the most part, it is brand spanking new.

You have to love that judge in the NFL-Brady soft balls affair. He said it seemed to him that the amount  of the air in the ball had no influence on Brady’s games (Or the “integrity of the game”) as he trounced the Colts with NFL secure, inflated balls. Which brings us to the question: Why is the meaningless debate Deflategate bigger than the cultural decline of America?

The Question:

After Mexico, which countries according to Homeland Security are the leading countries of origin in states.  Bonus: Which states have the highest immigrant populations? Bonus 2: Trump has named 7 women who he would consider for VP. Who are they?

The Headlines:

--Europe and London Markets Strong; Greece Showing Economic Progress.

--Death Tolls And Injuries Mounting After China Explosion; 44 Known Dead, 500 Hurt.

--FBI Siezes Hillary Server; State Deparetment Fightin Back On Releasing 30,000 Emails.

--Clinton Trails Saunders For The First Time In NH Poll.

--ISIS Claims Responsibility For Bomb That Killed 62 In Baghdad.

--American Troops In Ukraine Rattling Putin.

--US Warns States About Defunding Planned Parenthood.

A lot of smart people have been saying for a long time that if Ben Carson can get heard, people will like what he says and how he says it.

117 years ago today, the US and Spain reached a peace agreement. This was the day that the USA became a true global power.

63% of Americans believe that global warming is happening. The top state is New York where 80% believe. Some will say it is because there are a lot of smart people in NYC; others will point out that the NYC elite are easily led astray by the NYT’s into vacuous trendiness.

Hey, don’t look at me…I didn’t elect Mayor DiBlasio.

Between you and me, I personally think my hair looks better after swimming in the ocean. Yup, the salt must strengthen my wispy locks. So, I’m embarking on a new venture where I will be introducing a shampoo made with sea water. I’ll call it Ocean Crest. And, consider this, if sales go well, I’ll be pumping so much water out of the seven seas that it will neutralize the effects of Global Warming. Buy Ocean Crest – approved by the EPA.

John Kasich looked good to me at the debates, but didn’t nudge the poll ratings. My keen political staff tells me that it was because he talked only about what he did in Ohio (Which was considerable and good), but the hungry-for-the-White House Repubs wanted new ideas about America.

In case you are interested, more Tidsters write to say that they favor Ben Carson and/or Carley Fiorina over any of the other 17 or so.

The Parking Lot: Chapter 9 continues…

   Nancy’s arms were beginning to ache, but it was just yards now until she reached the safety of her special place. She continued to focus on the battering she took in that car that awful night. It hurt, but not as much as the knowledge that somebody knew who she was and had her in their sights.

   And she thought as she pushed herself forward, who was that old guy? Was he telling her the truth about the contents of her bag he picked up in the lot? Was he just an innocent bystander? How did they find her house? Did they get to somebody, a friend? That’s the problem with paranoia, she smiled to herself, everybody looks bad, including friends. The only thing she knew was that if somebody had picked up what she had in her compact, they wouldn’t be still looking for her.

  She pulled hard now on the right paddle which drove her into a snug cove, which enveloped her boat. She felt safe. She let the tension drain and just sat now calmly in the coddling waters making licking sounds against the side of the canoe. Her fear was now growing into excitement. The chase was on and she was in charge. She knew her enemies.

The Answer:

In almost all states, Mexico is the main country of origin for immigrants. (Does that count illegal immigrants?) The other countries sending in most immigrants are Burma, China, India and the Phillipines. Bonus: The states with the highest immigrant populations are California, Texas, Florida and New York. Bonus 2: Trump makes a politico apology by naming as his VP’s Rosario Dawson Megyn Kelley, Carley Fiorina, Conde Rice, Cecile Richards, Boxer Ronda Rousey and Dem Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Other rumors have him in talks with Oprah Wimphrey. He’ll say anything to get elected.

Gotta run again, but tomorrow will be less hectic and my brain will be connected. That should be refreshing.

Try setting your clocks early and get out into these beautiful cool mornings; enjoy the breezes and watch the grass turn green again. I’s almost as good as Cracker Jax.