Remember, the word is Alleged.

Today's Tids Issue 3,985

Prayin' for Tom Brady:

Mueller may be thinking he’s making news, but he didn’t trade Garoppolo to San Fran for a 2nd round draft pick! Holy Cow!

Mueller got some charges against lobbyists who were alleged to be doing really bad stuff, but he didn’t show anything except though innuendo (Which the biased press seized upon), with respect to Russia/Trump campaign collusion. BTW, where was the offsetting journalistic professionalism that should have accompanied the Manafort story and pointed out that Hillary campaign chair and Clinton pal Podesta’s Brother resigned yesterday. Podesta Bro was a Lobbyist and principle in The Podesta Group which was in constant contact and in support of Manafort’s main shell, “European Center for Modern Ukraine.” If Mueller has Indicted Manafort than his tentacles, according to sources in the Podesta Group, are creeping under Podesta’s door too. BTW, if the News Media missed that, it was probably on purpose. The Podesta Connection was described in the Manafort indictment, and many a good, honest newsman would query, “What the hell is that all about?”

It’s always better to wait than to get momentarily hysterical.

I almost had a hit novel. I titled it Shortstop in the Rye.

The Question:

500 Years ago today a momentous, game changing religious event took place. What was it? Bonus: What is a fungo?

The Headlines:

--Markets Looks To Open In Positive Land.

--Big Northeast Storm Left Over A Million In New England Without Power; Progress In Rural Areas Will Be Slow.

--Senator Graham Says Trump Would Be In Deep Trouble If He Fired Mueller; Trumps Says No Chance He Will.

--City U Of NY Prof Jessie Daniels Says Propagation Of All-White Families Is Racist; Conservatives Concerned over Mental Status Of The Left.

--Warrant For Alleged Drug Possession Issued To Harvey Denier Rose McGowen; Are Weinstein Operatives Ganging Up On Accusers?

Meanwhile, Americans continue to be slaves to government largess.

How many TV shows will be cancelled in the coming year due to exposed stars? Will they have to revert back to Milton Berle re-runs. But then, maybe somebody knows something about Berle too. Maybe Netflix just saw the Spacey caper as an easy and noble way out of this expensive to produce show.

I just loved the song “Beneath Your Beautiful” as sung by Addison Agen on the Voice last night. And not far behind, for me, was Chloe Karanski singing Landslide (She lost to Ashland Craft, but was saved by Blake). After that, I liked Davon Fleming singing “I Can Only Imagine”. The rest of my personal faves in order were Esera Tuaolo and Ashland. I liked Dennis Drummond and his guitar but his song was blah. Also, I just wish that Karli, a singer I have enjoyed but no more, had chosen a better tune than that Blue Bayou. I have never enjoyed Blue Bayou. Karli was beaten by a very strong singer Janice Freeman, who for me was just a little too much over the top. But she is highly regarded by the pros. Onward

Well, the LGBT organization is certainly not letting Spacey off the hook by his slipping under the cloak of Gay.  Now you have to  wonder what feminists are thinking about the picture of Ellen DeGeneres seen slack jawed gaping at Katie Perry’s breasts?

Speaking of new era Hollywood icons, Breaking Bad’s star Bryan Cranston has come out firmly in support of President Trump succeeding. He reminds everybody that Trump was far from his first choice for president. But says, Trump succeeding is best for America. He feels that many of those who want Trump to fail are only hoping so to feed their own egoism – “I want him to fail so I can be right”. A failed presidency is never good for a country.

Based on what we saw in the indictment of Manafort, I suspect many a DC lobbyist didn’t sleep too well last night. But for an early morning knock on the door, there goes I.

Garoppolo for a 2nd round draft choice. What happens of Brady goes down? Bryan Hoyer? Excuse me for the tinge of homerism, but this is real news.

Speaking of knocks on the door, how embolden are party members in China now that XI has been supremely exalted! They are saying that with hours of the big change, Communist party members were mounting pics of the old Hammer and Sickle on their desks in offices in “American” and other foreign owned factories. Can government controlled labor strife be far behind. Will the cost of American goods from China go up? This could be profound, and China knows they can make trillions just selling to their own giant country. Watch this one.

They are saying that Trump was quite surprised by the indictment of young George Papadopoulos, especially the “Plea Deal”.

The Answer:

1t was today in 1517 when Martin Luther wrote is condemnation of many actions of the Catholic Church and began the Protestant reformation. Among his several complaints at the time was the selling of indulgences. Bonus: The word “Fungo” was first used in the year 1867, but nobody knows it’s origin. Fungo is the hitting of a self-tossed baseball. A Fungo bat is a bat designed to be more effective hitting fly and ground balls to fielders in pre-baseball game warmups.

Hope all of the balls you have in the air are one smash hit after another.

Are we in the stupid age?

Today's Tids Issue 3,985

For Enlightenment:

You really can’t freely say or do anything anymore lest you be caught on a hidden mike or a cell phone. In fact, anything you say will be probably be criticized as demeaning by somebody or some organization. I wouldn’t worry though. While those of the concerned angst will get the news exposure, the silent half will probably agree with you. So, while my head and arms are firmly locked in a Stock on the town square, I will hear the cheers in the background…and smile inwardly as the lashes keep coming.

How stupid are people who think there could be such a thing as nuclear war? And why would anybody want to consider beginning mutual destruction?

Feeling sentimental about wonderful companies of the past is a human frustration that will be occurring at a more rapid pace than ever.

A local sports columnist suggests that the next Zombie movie will have everyone walking around looking at cell phones.

Much of the accusations being voiced these days between warring political parties are basically about nothing. Much of what happens in politics, while distasteful to regular human beings, is not illegal. For instance, opposition research is just part of the game. Yet many of the so-called explosive headlines against Trump and or Hillary are just that, politics as usual. Now, hacking into another computer system is exactly the same as picking a lock at The Watergate. I tell you this to help reduce unnecessary agita. It’s better to feel good and healthy than over concern yourself about what one politician is doing to another. You’ll know when something really important happens.

On Friday a couple of locals sailing from Jamestown across East Passage towards Newport were followed by a pod of playful dolphins. The name of their boat was Arion. Arion was the poet of Greek mythology who after being pushed off a pirate ship was saved by a pod of …you know what…Dolphins. Oooooo-Weeeee-Oooooo.

The Question:

What do you think were the five main causes of death in 1910? Bonus: Today murder is a scary aspect of daily life. How many murders were there in 1910? Super Bonus: What were Richard Dreyfus best roles? Extra Super Bonus: A number of well-known movie stars were first discovered in American Graffiti. Who were they?

The Headlines:

--Markets Tip-Toe Into Morning After Mueller Action and In Anticipation Of Fed Chair Pick; September Consumer Spending Increase Largest In 8 Years..

--Paul Manafort and Aid Rick Gates Surrender To Authorities As Result Of First Mueller Indictments; Likely Charge Is Money Laundering; Direct Ties To Trump-Russia Unknown.

--Powerful NHBA (National Homebuilders Association Comes Out Against Tax Revision Proposal.

--Iran’s Rouhani Says Country Will Continue Producing Missiles; Mattis Says Threat Of Nuke War Is Accelerating.

--New WSJ/NBC Poll Has Trump Rating At Lowest Point; Largest Downward Change Is From Independents: All – Approve 38%, Disapprove 58%; Dems – 7%, 89%; Repubs – 81%, 17%; Indies – 34%, 57%.

--Kevin Spacey Said To Have Harassed 14 Year Old Boy; Comes Out Gay.

I don’t know any pop songs. I don’t recognize the names of any of the newer actors and actresses; I barely know a name on an NBA roster. I think I’ll just enjoy living in my own little world.

We may be producing smarter and smarter, better educated people than ever before in history, but then, if they can’t get along with each other, than how bright are they really. I grew up with and stayed in touch with an old neighborhood friend who stopped talking to all of his old friends the day Hillary lost. That’s doesn’t seem too bright. He lost more. You know, they talk about air and water pollution, but the real poison is in words of organizers that would infect minds so disastrously.

Lately, I have had several meals with a variety of sensational gravies. Now see, gravy is supposed to be bad for your health. But the rich taste of that creamy meat based nectar is so thoroughly enjoyable to me, that my body relaxes entirely, suppressing undue stress. Aaaahhh!

Did you know that the skin and pit of an Avocado is poisonous to many birds and animals? Yes, it is a fungicidal toxin known as Persin. Happy guacamole dip everybody.

I have learned over time not to believe positive reports about the potential of the stock AMD.

I’m stocking up on regular old, simple AM/FM radios just in case some CEO somewhere says we’re not making radios any more. Nobody uses them in the App age. Really?

Remember when in all of the old adventure movies the biggest threat to our intrepid heroes was the dreaded “quicksand”. Whatever happen to quicksand. “Don’t panic Roger, don’t wiggle. I’ll find a tree limb to get you out.” “Glub, glub, glub.” “Damn, too late.”

As you can see by the Question today, I have stumbled over some facts abut 1910, which happens to be the year my grandmother, a school teacher, died during childbirth along with her baby girl. Of interest among many things, doctors at that time when only 6% of Americans had high school degree, said that heroin was deemed the perfect guardian of health. Readily available along with Marijuana and morphine at corner drug stores, “H” was said to: Clear the complexion; give buoyancy to the mind. Regulate stomach and bowels. Halleluiah! Sounds a lot like what Pot retailers are pushing today. I wonder why it was later banned from drugstores.

Achieve a buoyant mind – read the Tids.

Sitting there on Friday night I was watching reports on a storm coming up from the south about to go head to head with a big storm coming from the Midwest, and all I’m thinking this could be another “Perfect Storm”. And low and behold on Saturday morning I learn that this is the anniversary of that huge storm of 1991! I hope George Clooney is safe in a home port.

As look at old companies trying to reinvent themselves it is becoming apparent that they don’t like the cyclical nature of capital goods manufacturing. So. My question is, who will manufacture heavy machinery for America if we go to war against today’s major manufacturers of Capital equipment. Maybe we can inundate the enemy with confusing apps.

The Answer:

The big five to worry about were Pneumonia and Influenza, Tuberculosis, Diarrhea, Heart Disease and Stroke. Bonus: There about 280 murders in the entire country in 1910. Super Bonus: Personally, I remember Dreyfus first from Jaws. He was the guy I looked to for comic relief to bring me down from utter terror. I liked him in Goodbye Girl too (He won Best Actor Oscar), but his true first winning role was American Graffiti. He was great in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Always, Down and Out In LA and really delightful in Mr. Holland’s Opus. Extra Special Bonus: Along with Dreyfus, we found Harrison Ford, Ron Howard, Cindy Williams and Mackenzie Phillips.

When the power goes off, the cable TV ceases and the Wifi stops, you can still feel attached to the outside world with an AM/FM battery driven radio. Don’t give up the ship.

One of my favorites Laura Ingraham begins her new Fox show tonight at 10PM.

Artificial Barriers

Today's Tids Issue 3,984

For Digging Deep:

It is simply impossible to describe the stunning beauty of the Autumn seas.

When I watch those kids struggling to learn how to walk in those moving Shriner’s hospital commercials, I realize that deep down in the hearts of all people there lies this innate courage to overcome obstacles. In many cases, achievement is just getting beyond the mind. 

Standard opening for most news broadcasts: “President says….” “Critics quick to respond.”

A tree expert responding to a home owner’s concern about what appears to be an ailing tree, “It’s bark is worse than its blight.” (Thanks to Shoe).

So, what are we going to do about the Kurds. You know, the Kurds a people scattered throughout the Middle East that historically have loved America; a group of earnest people who have been a solid ally. They have been such an ally that some leaders in that vast community have suggested they become our 51^st state. There are 20-30 million Kurds, now seem to be caught between diplomatic jousting. Somebody here should be standing up tall and just saying, thanks. They have fought bravely and smartly for the US and other Western countries. But, now they seem to be a pawn on the desert chessboard. Something positive should happen for these people. Maybe they are the only people in the Middle East who need a country of their own. The plight of the Kurds weigh heavily on my mind.

The Question:

Name the Top Ten All Time Baseball Players.

The Headlines:

--US Q3 GDP Running At 3% Growth.

--Tech Earnings Power Strong Nasdaq Opening; Dow Follows: Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon Earnings Up Significantly

--Russia Test Fires Four ICBM’s With Advanced Warheads.

--Catalonia Votes To leave Spain; Spain Prosecutor Expected To Level Rebellion Charges Against Those Responsible..

--Released JFK Docs So Far Show Little New.

--Slipping ESPN Expected To Layoff More Staffers.

--Leftist billionaire Tom Steyer Spending Over $10 Million Calling For Trump Impeachment.

Now that Catalonia has declared its independence, maybe it could merge with California. It has a nice ring to it.

All that is needed for a good Autumn golf game in the North is warm mittens and soft balls.

Some of these left-wing commentators on the Niger ambush seem to dwell on the separation of Sgt. Johnson separated from the rest of the unit. The way the ask it seems to imply that they could make this into a segregation scandal. These days, you never know what shotgun accusation may be coming your way.

This Virginia Governor race could be very telling. Keep an eye on it. Most recently, Repub Ed Gillespe has taken a small lead in the new poll, but there remains huge undecided of 27%. Good race to follow if you like analyzing the mood of today’s political leanings.

Did you hear or read that on November 8, 2017 the embittered left is planning on renting halls in communities around the country for “Scream Outs.” Yes, the party goers are expected to lift up their heads towards the sky and scream violently for an hour. You know, to get rid of that anger that continues to linger after a full year. Has America gone nuts.

Actually, I feel sorry for good old traditional democrats, many who seem to be befuddled by the grassroots takeover of their party by the intolerant left. An old local Dem legislative battler left the party yesterday for a couple of reasons, but the main one which he stated was that just doesn’t recognize his party any longer.

But then, Bannon versus Republicans is equally as confusing.

When did the NFL become a political football? Now they are taking surveys to determine the beliefs of fans defined by their political affiliation. Frankly, I always though football fans liked football first, and were defined by the teams they supported.

BTW, I think the TV show, Designated Survivor is written by the DNC, or worse the far left. Where have you gone Jack Bauer?

My random golf swing is tending toward the power fade, which is quite trendy these days,

The Golf tournament in Shanghai this week has a field that rivals some of the big four Majors. What’s interesting watching golf in Malaysia, South Korea or China is that it looks exactly the same as here or Europe; the people dress the same, they move the same; the course looks the same. You think you should see golfers being toted around in rickshaws instead of golf carts. It just shows that so many of the stereotypes of yore have basically disappeared. Except of course in the veiled Middle East.

I feel sorry for the Assistant Principal of a high school around here who was forced to resign after he pinned down a15 year old student who had been assaulting two members of the High School staff. My personal observation is that perhaps a few more students need to be pinned down occasionally. The super lib mayor of Providence thought the resignation was appropriate.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Nobody seems to like Director Clooney’s Suburbicon. I was prepared to enjoy this murder mystery, built around social satire, but it tries to do too much and fails at most of it. It mocks 50’s tranquil suburbia (The left doesn’t want anybody to believe that the fifties were that happy). This apparent mess was even written by the Coen Brothers who I happen to like. They say it is a tale of flawed people making bad choices.

--On the other hand, “Thank You For Your Service” is a nice film well-acted about a group of soldiers returning from Iraq who struggle to integrate back into civilian life and even their own families. Will the war ever leave their minds?

--There’s another new film that revisits that eerie house in Amityville LI. Not so hot say the critics, but I have a hunch it is a decent film for those who like scary things.

The Answer:

This is a list that everybody will have an opinion about. Babe Ruth still comes out on top. He is followed by Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, Stan Musical, Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner and Rogers Hornsby. The next ten are Marilyn Monroe’s lover, Cy Young, Ken Griffey Jr. Walter Johnson, Roberte Clemente, Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Sandy Koufax and Randy Johnson. Shoeless Joe is 21. My man Yaz is 52. There are a few of those currently playing in the top 100 – Albert Pujols (24), Mike Trout (55) and Clayton Kershaw (72)

Some of what many have to overcome are barriers put up by others wanting to retain power.

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