Of. By. For.

Today's Tids Issue 4,050

For The People:

Remember when mousepad styles and graphics set a certain standard for coolness?

Mainly last night, I watched the Democrats for hand movement – i.e the occasional clapping. There were a few who stood with Repubs, probably because of something said, dear to their districts. For the most part the Dems masked a willingness to see the positive side of just about everything orated. After all, it is an election season and they would certainly never want to give the other side credit for anything, But, they could not remain sitting bored and placid when the Prez mentioned heroes, The American People and vocational training!

I thought President Trump did a pretty good job. His guests and stories about them were poignant and moving. He tempered himself quite a bit, to the point where the initial reaction from CBS observers was that it was very good. He probably didn’t do much to soften the minds of those how hate him. He probably won back a few of his initial supporters who had come to doubt him for any number of reasons. But all in all, most of these speeches sound the same to me, regardless of party. As I said, I mainly watched the reactions of Democrats, to see if there was slightest bit of spark for possible support of anything. Nada…even for Daca.

The chef’s rabbit stew didn’t cut it. He was having a bad hare day.  –“Shoe”

A news item gives us in a nutshell is what America is all about today: “Hollywood stars unanimously hate Trump speech -- even though none of them watched it”. Nobody wants to understand what the other side is saying, where points of agreement might be found.

The Question:

Who are considered the Five greatest Players in Super Bowl History?

The Headlines:

--President Speaks For One Hour And Thirty Minutes All About The Importance Of Every American Person.

--Market Returns To Plus Side After Speech; Trades Retract From Yesterday’s Overaction To 3-Compnay Health Care Announcement.

--Dreamer Arrested For People Smuggling; That Is Third In A Week.

--“Passion of Christ” Sequel Planned As Big Hollywood Production.

--Blue Moon Spectacular.

Personally, I think vocational training should be a major objective for the US. Re-Skilling is imperative for all families, individuals in order to survive a rapidly changing future.

We used to know what stuff was because it was what it appeared to be. Now we have to officially define everything all over again because of liberalized interpretations or artificial recreations.

Duh Headline of the Morning:

RI Delegation Derides Trump SOTU Speech.”

A note at the end of an On-Line article form The Guardian reminded me that much of the dough being raked in by “News Transmitters” is based upon the expense and worked of content providers like newspapers and magazines. The Guardian was pleading for advertising. It is hard to monetize online content, even though on-line potentially reaches a broader audience than print. Weird, huh?

I would also say that the popularity of the celebrities is also base on the hard work of the writers who make them look smart in film or on the tube.

As the markets plunged yesterday, I had this thought that George Soros had called on his liberal pals in Hollywood and elsewhere to sell holdings in order to discredit the president’s boast on market success. It was also a good market strategy as they dumped losers and bought back winners at lower prices.

CBS news interviewed a “Dreamers” now teaching who tearfully rued the moment when all of these promising contributors to America – doctors, scientists and professionals—would be sent packing. But one thing stood out tome. Even when asked directly, he never acknowledge for an instance that condoning illegality sucks the lifeblood of the fabric of any decent society. It was all prescribed talking points, not honesty.

I have never watched a post SOTU speech by the opposing party of either side. But, I can imagine from what I read that last night Kennedy may have become a possibility for the Dem 2020 effort.

If, he can control the drooling.

The Answer:

Number one is Tom Brady, followed by Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Terry Bradshaw and Charles Haley. The next five are Doug Williams, Emmitt Smith, Eli Manning, Terrill Davis and Joe Namath. I’m sure there are few other viewpoints out there, like for Bart Starr, Lynn Swan and Larry Czonka. Czonk versus Gronk – I like that.

I guess what I liked best about the speech was that DJT did a very good job of reminding us all that the US of A government is all about the people and not the bureaucrats.

Now I have to go out back and watch the dolphins leap.

They’re dropping like flies.

Today's Tids Issue 4,049

For Tradition:

Say it ain’t so, Chief Wahoo.

People who hate, generally disassemble to stupidity.

The future of Technology could be a homogeneous world. How dreadful. How gray. But it won’t be grey if AI autos get their way – it will be white and silver. Yes, Autodriving schemes see white and silver better than colors or blacks. Except of course, I would expect, when there are snow banks! How about black cars for winter and white cars for the rest of the year. How totalitarian!

The Question:

The Patriots have won five super bowls. Two other teams have won five and another six. Who are they? Bonus: New York is the second most “HashTagged” city in the world. Which city is first?

The Headlines:

--President Could Have Big Night Tonight If He Achieves A Little Humility; President Expected To Offer Dems Deal In Speech.

--Stocks Set To Open Lower; Aetna Profit Up 75%.

--GOP House Votes To Release Supposed Shocking Memo.

--CIA Says China As Big A Threat To US As Russia.

--Ingram Kenprad, Founder of Ikea Dead At 90

You may have heard about the Boston sports show talk guy who insulted Tom Brady’s 5year old kid for basically being a five year old kid. Well, this guy has been annoying me since he set foot on that radio stage. He is a typical “poke-you-in your-eye” to get attention kind of kid, One of those new millennials who thinks he has all the a answers – no info form experience accepted, please. Although, he wouldn’t say please. Is used to listen to that station, WEEI, all of the time, until the last year when they brought in a lot of the new wave announcers to get edgy. What the have become is egotistical self-serving and tedious. Boring. Count me out.

Next year I would like to see the Grammies show opposite to the Crammies –The Christian Religious Aesthetic Musical Melodies awards. That would be quite the contrast, and a very nice retreat form the absurd and repetitious music.

Did you hear about the woman who was itching to get to the flea market?

Do you realize that many of the more successful young financial geniuses have never experienced an economy with rising interest rates, and the adjustments that must be made to accommodate them. Could the next panic be based on successful brokers being flummoxed by old time reality? Stranger things have happened on Wall Street.

The headlines following the Grammies used to be like, “The songs were beautiful and the performers magnificent. Today they are, “The politics were raw, the self-righteous raving mad.” 

There are also huge groups of serious women marching to support the lives of babies in the womb, just in case you missed seeing where that was hailed on the nightly news broadcasts.

I hear the cost of down is up.

Transportation Companies Have ordered a record setting $200 Billion In Large Trucks. Do you think they may be seeing a continuation of a strong economy?

The Answer:

San Fran and Dallas have also won 5 Super Bowls. Pittsburgh is the leader with 6, a number that NE hopes to get to next Sunday. Bonus: London is now the leading “HashTagged” city I the world. I know. I don’t care either.

The endless, mindless SB Stories have just begun, and I am already out of my mind waiting.

Will there be any grand old institutions remaining in the USA by 2025?

Have to rush!

Thanks for your patience. But, I would think otherwise of Tids readers. How else could they have ever survived day after day reading this mess.

The opposite of Political Correctness: Honesty.

Today's Tids Issue 4,048

For a Return to Sanity:

“Having your blanket in the wash is like finding that your psychiatrist is gone for the weekend.” –Linus

That what I felt like after watching last night’s Grammies…for three and a half minutes.

The other day I watched two guys sitting in their car in front of me drink a big drink from a giant plastic cup, and then throw the empties out the window onto a main street in our town. It started me thinking that the eternal activists can ban plastic bags, straws, cups and sandwich wrappers…and yes trying to oust guns… but they still haven’t come close to doing anything about real problems, human irresponsibility or endless stupidity. Banning is a croc. It takes from honest people to control he actions of the inept or criminal.

I actually listen to Edward Elgar symphonies and enjoy them.

It’s always nice to see a battler finally win the big one – as did Carol Wozniacki yesterday beating#1 seed Simona Halep for the Australian Open. Maybe that will inspire Rory to get serious again.

Of course, I am totally not interested in seeing battlers like the Philadelphia Eagles finally win the big one. Maybe next year. I have a big heart,

The Question:

There are lots of oils used for cooking. Name the four healthiest and the six least healthy cooking oils.

The Headlines:

--Markets Expected To Open Lower; Apple Set To Halve Projected XPhone Production; Intel Said To have Warned China About Chip Defect before The US.

--Feederer Wins 20^th Tennis Grand Slam.

--Trump Polishing Speech For Tuesday Night.

--Pelosi “Make America White Again” remark Bashed By Democrats.

--Stev Wynn Resigns As RNC Finance Chairman.

--Bruno Mars And Kendrick Lamar Rake In Grammy Awards; Politics Dominates Music; Hillary Received Like Queen By Fawning Screamer’s In Surprise Visit To Read Fire And Fury.

--Nicki Haley Says Great Entertainment Ruined bY Readying Of Tratsh By Clinton.

--At least 100 Dead After Taliban Operative Plows explosive Laden Ambulance Into Kabul Checkpoint.

--

The Taliban will never go away no matter how many times outside countries say “We’ve won the war”. I was crucified by Obamaites for saying that 6-7 years ago, so I guess now I’ll be crucified by Trumpites.

Tiger Woods is back, and he is overwhelming the field, with publicity and fawning journalists. I mean, the guy is one of or two of  the greatest of all time, but if you watch a tournament with him in it now, you wonder where all of those emerging stars, who took over and have been exciting the past couple years after he left, disappeared too. Now, it’s Tiger and the afterthoughts.

I see all these people who are looking at houses to buy and asking for the so-called “Open Concept. Wait until they move in and try to figure out how to control their heating zones.

Politicians don’t like disruptors.

The Pats have one thing going for them that the Eagles don’t. After this Super Bowl they will lose their two key coordinators who will be on their way to Head caching jobs in Indy (OC – Josh McDaniel) and Detroit (DC – Matt Patricia). My guess is they will pull out all stops to go out as winners. The game is always a matter of small edges.

Speaking of old guys winning, how about that Federer, still strong, still dominating as he won the Australian Open. The Goat?

When you think about it, last night’s Grammies looked a lot like the Democrat National convention.

Actually, Elgar Symphonies sound like variations of Pomp and Circumstance. Or is it vice versa. 

If I could have one thing back in society, it would be plastic bags.

The Answer:

The four healthiest cooking oils are Olive, Coconut (Unrefined), Macadamia and Tea Seed. The unhealthiest are Hydrogenated Margarine, Hydrogenated Coconut, Shortening, Cottonseed, Corn and Palm. I have a cool chart that tells you all about cooking oils. Send me an email if you want it.

What happened to the music?

Black plus White equals Grey.

Today's Tids Issue 4,047

For looking for, and finding the Grey:

One of the things I have noticed over the years is that people read differently than I write. Assumptions are made based often on parts of sentences. Oh. I have leanings – there isn’t any question about that. But, I also believe firmly in the goodness of people. I especially try to adhere to the simple yet often forgotten concept of understanding, which includes listening. Each morning I like think I’m creating a lyrical song. I like to give you a tune that can reach into your heart, with diminuendos and crescendos that stimulate and vary emotions; a cadenza where you can lift up to express your personal variations. I question myself all of the time, but I always try to seek answers that are based more on facts than emotion. I realize some facts are irritable to some, but they are there. Jumping on unsubstantiated bandwagons can only lead to one thing – losing credibility. I always seek an uninterrupted melody, which when the last tone fades you can look back and say that didn’t seem so bad after all… despite a few flat notes along the way.    

Hey, waddaya know! There are no NFL picks this week. Something must be going on.

RCP (Real Clear Politics) updates us today on the Dems “Sure Thing” congressional victory in November. This impartial statistics keeper says they have seen a 40% shrinkage in the Dems Congressional lead over Repubs in just one month – 13 points to 7.9 this morning. That is still a significant statistical advantage, but it indicates substantial event influenced instability. RCP sends me stuff every day, and they actually balance it our quite well, For Every Dem or left leaning opinion they send along an equal opportunity right leaning or Repub comment.

Scandinavian -- when a Norwegian analyzes a bird.

The Question:

When and where were the first Winter Olympics? Bonus: Queen Elizabeth II is currently reigning in England. Who was the mother of Queen Elizabeth I?

The Headlines:

--Global Stock Holders Watching Trump; US Markets Up Solid, And Look To Finish Higher Again; Retail Energized By Higher Wages And Bonuses; Earnings Continue To Be Positive.

--Trump Talks Up Plan That Have 1.8 Million Dreamers On Path To Citizenship, President Says He Did Not Go That Far To Fire Mueller As Reported In Shocking Story Yesterday.

--Trump Selling US To Davos Attendees – America Open For Business”, “America First Dies Not Mean America Alone”; Political Attendees Say Isolationism Is Not Good For Global Economy; World Biz Execs Applaud US Tax Cuts; Soros Says Trump Biggest World Danger.

--At World Economics Conference, IBM’s Ginni Rometty Touts AI As Integral to World’s Future.

--Anheuser-Busch To Invest $32 Billion In New US Plants As Results Of Tax Bill.

--Dems Calling Company Bonuses That Elate Workers, “Crumbs”.

--Kim May be Running Out Of Real Money To Pay For Missiles.

--Clydesdales Miss The Cut For Super Bowl Ads.

You know there is a big difference between Right leaning and left leaning voters versus Democrats and Republicans. At least, the way I look at it. Repubs or Dems hold certain base values dear, but can see right or left depending on issues. On the other hand, Conservatives or Leftists, in today’s you’re with us or against us mentality, don’t seem have that flexibility.

One of the silliest, no-news reports I have seen lately was about angry Europeans fighting to buy Nutella on sale.

A news blurb I read this morning was reminding us of an earth quake in Portugal in 1531 that created a tsunami and killed 30,000 people. Tsunami? We used to call it a Tidal Wave, and I’m sure that Marco Polo hadn’t brought that term back from the far east. Alas, I have learned that the current use of that hip term for deadly waves is more than cultural trendiness. Only Tsunamis are the result of undersea seismic disturbances while Tidal Waves are entirely different. But, before the scientific lexicologists corrected common usage, tidal waves were scarier than hell to me.

BTW, Tidal waves do exist but are only shallow water waves produced by the sun and moon gravitational pull combined with non-seismic outside disturbances. Science can be accurate, but it can be quiet confusing too. Personally, I just think modern generations like Asian phrases, and they create scientific evidence to support them. I’m sure the Portuguese weren’t concerned about what to name what was killing thousands. It was probably more like -- “Run, run, get out of the way of that F---ing wave.”

There may not be tidal wave of support for Apple’s new but late entry into the home personal servant world. Their entry price is $349! This creative company is now adding mustard to benefits as they play catchup in the one pop-tech world they don’t own. For comparison, Amazon Echo is $99 and Google Home is $129. The big difference in price is definitely not worth it at all to me. But then, Apple lover will buy anything Apple.

One of the unsettling political realities of today is that we condemn too many people by association.

Global warming alarmists do more to undercut their credibility than do global warming skeptics.

I found amusing the news yesterday about scientists achieving the cloning of monkeys. How do you tell a cloned monkey from a naturally born monkey? There is not truth the rumor that while Conservatives would ban cloning of humans based on ethics, the left is looking to clone key voter demographics. Let’s see – Democrats, Republicans and Testubics.

Anymore, the use of the word “Firestorm” in headlines just is a cue to me to wait awhile until the facts come out.

Every educational or institutional leader now must realize that no matter how hard they try to run a safe operation, there will always be monsters roaming though the darkest corners of their domains.

I had just finished reading an item saying Oprah was definitely not going to run. No, there was little chance of me ever considering voting for her as I always try to look at positions over personalities. But I had to agree with the Hagar the Horrible comic strip a couple of pages later, which maybe Oprah had read too. Hagar’s son says, “Dad, am I smart enough to become King?” Hagar says, “Son, you are good enough to become King,” he paused, “But you’re too smart to enter politics.”

Today, what appears to be the most popular trends are generally those that editors of all the various media outlets like most.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--The movie touted as an old fashioned western, Hostiles, is pretty good. It is about the conflict between US soldiers and Indian tribes of the old west. There is plenty of slaughtering on both sides, but the essence of the story is about one Army officer looking for redemption by trying to understand the anguish of his enemy, and doing something about it. Some will say his turnaround is a little hard to believe. It’s an “Only in Hollywood” moment.

--The final in the Maze Runner Series continues the fast paced excitement, intense drama fans have come to expect. In the most dangerous venture yet Thomas and his gladers must break into the Last City. If anybody gets out alive, many complex questions will be answered. People like it better than critics.

--Please Stand By is about a young autistic woman who runs away to deliver her script to a Writing Competition in H-Wood. Her story about Star trek is what she relies on to keep her going, as she resorts to Spock: “It is there for us to conquer, not tofear.” I suspect it is emotional and uplifting at times.

--I’m thinking that American Folk will be quite entertaining. A couple of strangers, folk singers, are stranded after their plane is grounded following 911. They embark on a 3,000-mile trip in a used van to get back to NYC. Along the way the find comfort in their mutual love for classic folk songs, and mingling with regular folks. I’m liking it from the vantage point.

My only question, is why didn’t they wait for a day or two and take a plane back East. Oh, I get it…no movie.

The Answer:

The first Winter Olympics were in 1924 at Chamonix France. Bonus: The Mother of Queen Elizabeth I was Anne Bolin.

Well, that’s about it for today. Hope to be able to get to you next week, but be ready in case I don’t show. You’ll get over it. After all a missing Tids is not like it’s a Tsunami heading your way.

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

No matter where you roam.

Today's Tids Issue 4,046

For that comfort zone:

One again my exhale mist turns to ice.

Oh, I know I have said this once or twice,

My body thinks this cold is quite nice.

Invigorating, adding to life a little spice!

Crystal skies, brisk step, a frigid paradise?

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of smart phones is having a variety of stuff to read while waiting in a doctor’s office.

In the “What the Hell is Going On, Department”, I have just learned that University of Connecticut offers mental health counselling for students who feel offended by conservative viewpoints. Maybe the entire country needs mental health counselling.

It’s tough to do inventories in Afghanistan because of the tally ban.

The Question:

Colors come and colors go, but you can always be sure paint and design companies will always be seeking to clutter your mind with new options each year. What will do you think you’ll be seeing in 2018? Bonus: Why was the mid-19^th century American Natives First party referred to as the “Know Nothing Party”?

The Headlines:

--Dow Hits new record; Good Earnings Continue As Caterpillar And 3M Soar; US Home Sales Post Large Drop.

--Lawyers And Friends Surprised By Trump Saying He Looks Forward To Talking To Mueller.

--North Korea Shows Off Captured USS Pueblo; NBC Embarrassed After Anchor Lester Holt Falls For NK Propaganda.

--Trump Appears To Make Up With Britain’s Theresa May.

--Home Depot Joins The Parade Giving $1,000 Bonuses To Hourly Workers.

--NBA Banging The Drum For regulated Sports Betting Market.

--Hospital Giants In New England To Merge; RI’s Care NE (Women’s and Infants, Kent) and Boston’s Partners” (Mass General, Brigham and Harvard) ready to Ink Agreements; Brown U In RI Disturbed At Possibility Of Harvard Inroads.

You really have to feel sorry for all the good Democrats who all of a sudden are looking up to find that the media is quoting Rosie O’Donnell as their spokesperson. Disturbing.

Who is the meanest looking Defensive Coordinator – the Eagles’ Jim Schwartz or the Patriots’ Matt Patricia? Case closed. The Pats win.

How do all of these students who need mental health counselling become so grounded in the left in the first place. Is it their parents, or perhaps…teachers?

An Old Shoe Revisited, Department:

“We will bury you.” That was a quite the controversial statement, or threat, form the then Soviet leader Khrushchev. Americans laughed at the time, thinking how could a communist society that had destroyed a great country ever be of interest to free and independent Americans. I have think that crafty old Nikita knew that potentially susceptible US people could fall prey over time to the promise of extreme government largess. Perhaps Russian analyst s could see trade unions gaining ground in state legislatures and key government jobs. He might have noticed groundswells of new ideas from immigrants (and the future generations they spawned) from socialist countries who honestly looked for precious freedoms here, but only knew what they knew from the old country. Maybe he saw today.

That’s just a thought I had as I watch relatively intelligent people gravitate to a socialist system, a system which basically has never worked over time where it has been used in the past, including not only the USSR, but also close to home, Cuba and Venezuela.

That phrase “We Will Bury You”, a phrase that sent Americans scurrying about building fallout shelters, was probably originally misinterpreted. It is now considered to have meant – “We will outlast you” – Communism will plow under Capitalism. I seem to have heard words to that effect in the USSRI Statehouse.

I see where the always gaudily dressed, one-time superstar Cher is besmirching Sarah Saunders for her choice of clothes. That’s what schoolyard children do when they are losing. I personally think that Sanders most likely got a huge chuckle over that one.

England doesn’t have a kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool

President Obama could have easily legalized the Dreamers, as he and the Democrat House and a 60 Vote filibuster proof Senate majority. He chose not to. You have to think that Chuck Schumer now is wishing he had.

I was reading about the “Know Nothing” party which came into existence in the mid-19^th century mainly out fear of rapidly expanding Catholic immigration and the possible threat of eventually moving toward a USA dominated by the Pope. Kind of rings a bell about today, and Muslims and the threat of imposed sharia law.

The Answer:

Paint and color companies like Pantone now create “palettes” instead of just a series of individual colors. First, I am hearing that pastels are out and intense, vivid colors will be what you see. Here are the Palettes: “Resourceful” -- Complimentary Blue an Orange, cool and warm.  “Vedure” – This healthnut array includes the colors Celery, Berry infused Purples, and Eggshell Blue.  “Playful” – This is supposedly playful Lime popsicles and Yellows coming together. “Discretion” – Also fun loving, they say, as coming together are Elderberry and Hawthorne Rose, Powerful Pink.  “Far Fetched” – This is supposed to be earth with Cornsilk Yellow meeting Rosy Tones. “Intricacy”  – It has neutral Metallics with hints of Holly Berry Red and Yellow Sulphur.  “Intensity” – An eclectic mix of colors implying strength balanced upon Gold and Black. “Tech-niques” – Think about how you would like to sit in a room of Turquoise, Pink and Purple anchored by brilliant White and frosted Almonds.  Did I actually write that mess above? I would say, look at yourself, know what you feel and go to a paint store and see what you like. Bonus: The America First party of the 1850’s was very secret. So, when members were asked by reporters and officials about their party they were told to reply, “I know Nothing”.

I’m lobbying for next year’s new palette: “Satisfaction” – Featuring Cheeto Orange Crunch and Chicken Gravy Yellow, with tints of KFC Fried Chicken Skin Toned Sepia.

Enjoy the room you are in. It’s cheaper to love what you have.

Okidoki.

Today's Tids Issue 4,045
For a creativity revival:

Current society has just got to stop with the “Oh my God’s” as their only options for expressing, enthusiasm, amazement or appreciative glee. What about going back to Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat, Gee Willikers, Heavens to Mergatroyd or my personal favorite that always makes me smile, “Holy Cow”. I guess it takes a lot of moxie to disrupt the millennials as self-appointed guardians of our culture. If you ask me, there is nothing Hunky Dory about “OMG!”

China’s competitor to mighty Amazon, Alibaba, just keeps on going up and up based in innovation and strong earnings reports. Not only is it one of the two giants in their field, their field is the 800 pound gorilla in retail.

Shoppers these days don’t look at promotional discounts less than 20 %. And, they often wait for 40% or 50%. People, now with the availability of the internet, have become used to finding a better price just about anywhere if they keep on looking. But, the problem is that as retailers and product manufacturers reduce prices to match the demands of buyers, the companies bottom lines grow weaker. The tumbledown effect has more of company’s money seeking better, less common products they can sell at higher process. – and this will over time be at the expense of jobs. I can see an interesting cause and effect crisis on the horizon.

The Question:

How many vegans and or vegetarians do you think there are in the USA?

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Markets Opening Higher After GE $10 Billion Loss; General Dynamics And United Tech Report Strong Profits.

--Islamic State Group Attacks “Save the Children” Office In east Afghanistan.

--Gronk Pal Says All Star End Will be Ready For Super Bowl.

--Schumer Takes Away Wall Promise; Trump Says Schumer Puts Daca Back On Fragile Foundation; Daca Supporters Protest Outside Charlie’s Home.

--Kentucky High School Kids Shaken After 15-Year-Old Kills Two, Injures 18 in Shooting Spree.

--EU Fines Qualcom $1.2 Billion For Illegal Payments To Apple For Chip Exclusivity.

--La Bron Hits 30K Points; Youngest Ever To Reach Milestone.

--Competition Forcing Toys r Us To Close 180 Stores.

--Super Bowl Tickets Expected to be Most Expensive Ever.

--Starbucks To Use New Tax Advantages To Increase Wages,  Improve Benefits for 150,000 Workers.

--Uganda President Yoweri Museveni Says He Loves Trump; President of African Country Says He Appreciates Talking Frankly to Africans.

The flipside of a contagious gum disease is an infectious smile.

Blather Department:

Democrat politicians seem to have trouble putting two simple sentences together when asked by reporters about companies dispersing raises and other benefits to employees following the big Tax change. Actually, as I look around our own state legislature, it is hard to find a lawmaker who actually knows what capitalism is, much less have a clue about how free-to-roam capitalism is far better, and more efficient than socialist driven government mandates.

I don’t know a lot about a lot, but I really don’t know a lot about buying wine. I walk into a booze store and stare at the oceans of racks of bottles, white, red and pink, and have not a clue about where to begin, or even what to ask a clerk. But, I have recently learned that most whites are served too cold and most reds too warm. The problems go way back to the times where in an old musty castle the recommended “Room Temperature” was 60 degrees. 72 is much too warm, and only serves to over-enhance alcoholic content. 50 to 65. Whites also were naturally cooled in old castle cellars to about 45-50 degrees. Regular refrigerators are about 35. Too cold. With super chilled whites, the flavor and aroma is masked. So now I know how to sore em’, but still haven’t a clue about negotiating the racks.

Uganda President Museveni says, “It is the fault of Africans that they are weak.” –Washington Post

If you are like me wondering about cycle changes over billenniums, the news is that scientists have matched rocks in Northern Australia with those in North America – indicating that the two continents were one, 1.7 billion years ago. Yikes.

Speaking of change, I don’t think that Google search is as smart or accurate as it once was. Its seems they are more concerned about finding out who we the users are, or finding ways to corrupt simple searches with multiple advertising results.

How do liquor stores control their wine inventory costs? Or for that matter, the explosion of vodka varieties.

Mueller seems to be moving up the officialdom ladder getting ready to ask The President a few questions. If it feels humid around DC, it is just reporters salivating.

While we’re floating though cyberland, it is almost time for Apple to introduce their competitor to Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home. The “HomePod” will offer easy broad-based messaging, better sound, greater access to music and maybe most of all better privacy. When you say “Hey Siri,” the device will only be interested in your question and will not connect the request to known data about you personally – as do info collector Google and sales opportunist Amazon. That said, Apple has a lot of catching up to do.

The Golf Channel has initiated “Tiger Tracker” service. Spare me.

The Answer:

If you look around at newspaper food columns or chit-chat on those endless TV talk shows, you’d think that the majority of Americans are at least Vegetarians. According to “The Vegetarian Times,” 3.2% of Americans are vegetarians while 0.5% are vegans. Now different groups with different commercial or ideological objectives can find studies to support the growth of meatless meals. I have seen numbers for vegans as high as 6%. But, another very recent study by Harris Poll supports the Vegetarian Times study – 3.4% vegetarian and 0.4% vegan.

I would start a vegan restaurant in a known so-called culturally elite neighborhood. Vegans and vegetarians are loyal and spend money as long as the preparation is exciting and gains popularity among their brethren...and there is a good conversational wine selection available. Of course, I would keep plenty of rich creamy chicken or beef gravy in the fridge for those times when I had to eat while working.

Does anybody have any extra McDonald’s or KFC coupons?

See you all tomorrow.

Do it yourself.

Today's Issue Issue 4,044

For Finding a Way:

I love an intense, luscious, romantic flutter,

That thrills like pancakes dripping with butter.

(I’m just warming up for Valentine’s Day Tids)

Who needs corporations, Department:

RI and other States’ Dem controlled legislatures probably like Bitcoins, because they have always operated under the premise that money materializes out of thin air.

As serious and fair-minded journalistic opinionator, I have to report on Oscar nominees, but I don’t have to watch the show or see many of the movies. The Shape of Water dominated, but most I know who have seen it say, “not worth the time”. Three Billboards and Dunkirk, though, are probably two to watch for as Best Pic. The rest of the Best Pic films are Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Phantom Thread (Tedious), Get Out, Lady Bird and The Post (Not great but topical for people of that generation). Top Actors are favorite Gary Oldman, Timothee Chalamet, Danial Kaluuya, Danial-Dey Lewis and Denzel Washington. Pre-“Me-Too” favorite Franco was left out for political purposes. For the Actresses we have favorite Frances McDormand , Saiorse Ronan, Sally Hawkins, Margot Robie and Meryl Streep. No women were left out for political purposes. It has been noted that the list was developed following some of the newer rules for diversity, just in case you are interested in fairness.

“Timothee?”

The Government shutdown scam ended with no visible effects on anything. Sorry Jose Diaz.

While the economy remains solid, this may be the time for a perfectly normal, angst clearing pullback in the markets. Nothing is wrong except that everything is too good. A pull-back would establish a new basis for a strong finish in 2108. We’ll see.

I have never been a big fan of artificial aids to success…like tariffs.

The Question:

When the Clintons left office after George edged out Al, they and/or their staff left lots of annoying pranks in the White House. Name five.

The Headlines:

--7.9 Earthquake Hots Vicinity Of Kodiak Island Off Alaska; Original Tsunami Warning Rescinded.

--Trade Concerns Have Dow, S&P Opening Lethargically; Trump Issue Tariffs On Solar Panels, Washing Machines.

--JP Morgan Hikes Pay By 10%; Opening Hundreds Of New Offices; Kimberly-Clarke To Cut 5K Jobs.

--Oscar Nominations Revealed; Shape of Water Leads With 13.

--Five Months Of Missing Texts Between Anti-Trump FBI Lovers Causes Extreme Concern.; Page And Strzok Talked Of “Secret Society” Inside FBI The Day Trump Was Elected..

--Don Imus To Step Away From The Radio On March 29.

--Kabul Hotel Attack Death Toll Rises To 22; Many Americans Now Revealed To Be Among Dead And Injured.

The Government Shutdown was very good for sales of Eagles and Patriots championship memorabilia. Why else would so many supposed working people be flocking to the stadiums to by shirts and hats?

A good reader responded to yesterday’s Tidlet on fake service dogs on planes. She told me of a recent plane trip sitting amidst not-service cats and dogs, and of her allergies awaking fiercely to the point where the first days of her vacation were near agony. She also informed me that people who don’t need pets like the blind and more, can get so-called certifications easily from vets.  BTW, this reader’s husband is an excellent “Vet” who fought for our country many times. There are vets, and then there are vets who skirt the intent of the laws.

I had seen the Neil Diamond live concert a couple of times. He put on a great show. But, now he is closing it up due to Parkinson’s disease. Whatever happened to Jonathon Livingston Seagull?

By the way, have you noticed more of the Hotel ads that say, rooms available for “Service Dogs” only.

Philly fans and players are already showing an irascible, hostile, sometimes vicious, anger towards the Pats. Haven’t teams learned yet that it is not nice to awaken the Champs.

The “Untucket” company says, “they design shirts for comfort, not convention”. Shirts fitted to the body are not comfortable to me.

I know you all think of me as a puritanical, moral icon, but I have many sins among which is an idolization of butter.

Women demagogues can be annoying marching in public, but they all know that men will continue to chase them to the ends of the earth. Politics can’t undo natural urges.

Did you know that the Las Vegas Golden Nights, a first year NHL team made up of other team’s castoffs, is in first place in the tough Pacific division? If you follow the Patriots, you’ll notice that many of their key players had been a year ago a reject from another team. Winning is not always about super stars in the fancy positions, but a team of people who do their individual jobs ell working with each other. Coachability is the name of the game. One man’s reject is another man’s valuable acquisition.

Did see where the left on CNN is slamming Meghan Kelly for reiterating the truth about the traitor to the troops, Jane Fonda, who continually works to create new public face with public relations plastic surgeons.

Warning: Sporadic Tids Alert! While I think of it, beginning next week you may find your favorite Morning Mess arriving at various times, and maybe not as full-bodied as usual. Be patient, that will be a mere bump in your road to daily happiness. Hey, but maybe there’s an idea there, short Tids. Eureka!

Lots of people across this great country of ours will be rooting fiercely against the New England Patriots. But, they forget the poor beleaguered fans who look to the Pats as something bright and uplifting to cheer while living under the liberal, progressive regimes in the Northeast. Think of the downtrodden before you slur their heroes.

If you need another reason to perhaps soften your venom against the Pats, to understand their goodness, consider that Jake Tapper, a CNN commentator who has no clue about the wisdom of the right, has just reiterated on TV the tired old nugget about Pats Cheating. Now the lemming like left will probably rally around support for the Eagles. It’s time to understand that the Pats win simply because they do things right more consistently, more often than anybody else. They make their own luck. They don’t need tariffs to win.

The Answer:

Actually, while the Left leaning press called it tension relieving good natured fun, the adults in the room called it what it was – pure childish vandalism and angry revenge. Number 1 – They removed all of the “W’s” from typewriter keys. 2. They left “Adult” photos on copy machines. 3. Voicemails were filled with obscene Anti-Bush messages. 4. Random doorknobs, some real antiques, were missing. 5. Letters on signs were rearranged into vulgar cusses against Bush. 6. Desk drawers were covered with glue. 7. Bathrooms were heavily destroyed ala some high school brats.  8. Anti-Bush stickers were everywhere. 9. Phone Cords were cut or ripped from walls. 10. Several US Presidential antiques were stolen including the Prudential Seal form the Eisenhower Exec Office Building. Hillary followers are doing the same things with childish rhetoric.

“Typewriter Keys?”

Kids always pray before a Trigonometry test hoping for sine from above.

I’m sorry to have betrayed my facade for fair journalistic efforts. I’m an unabashed Patriots rooter. Love can make you do some crazy things like going overboard and being entirely insane.

Cycles.

Today's Tids Issue 4,043

For waiting things out:

I have always liked the Iggles, and now I have to hope they flounder against my beloveds in the Super Bowl. Maybe it’s a historical thing with me. I have always held dear those cities where the Revolution caught fire, where the foundations of a great America were built for all. But, regardless of romantic sentiment, I’m hoping for a big Pats win. Sorry rest of country, but that’s who I am. A provincial homer. Yes, I do have bias in my heart.

Do you know why old people are generally more apathetic to supposed ground breaking news? It’s because they have seen so many trends come and go over so may years.

I thought the Sunday comic strip “Pearls Before Swine” about the six stages of marriage was pretty good. Google it.

Anti-Smoking activists will always iterate phrases like: “Big Tobacco has a history of manipulating public opinion.” All companies manipulate public opinions to attract customers…as do politicians and agenda driven activists.

It is not just average passengers who are becoming annoyed at the growing number of pets in airline passenger cabins. It has become a major concern for all of those who can’t function without pet assistance. People like the blind are very concerned that problems with pets in aisles will encourage airlines, or worse hysterical government legislators, into banning all pets. Now, I realize that everybody thinks their pet is just perfect. But the only pets trained to be calm and obedient in public places are those of the handicapped, who rely on them to exist in public places themselves. Regular pets are animals who see passenger’s legs as fire hydrants…or worse.

Opportunities Wasted Department:

Government shut-downs come, and government shut-downs go. I only wish the Government would come back each time with fewer employees.

Worst Pun of the day: “My horse was on the small side, so I decided to make him larger. I used a bronchodilator.” I think it’s time to ride off into the sunset.

The Question:

One thing that isn’t getting better with time is Spell-Check. I’m always amazed that when I start a word with P-e-o…and mess up the final letters, S-P never considers “people” as one of the correct words. How many basic words start with Peo? Bonus: How many Government shut-downs has there been since 1976, the year of the first shut-down. When was the longest shutdown?

The Headlines:

--Senate to Vote On Budget at Noon.

--Dow Opens Slightly Down; Other Stock Markets Up; Shutdown No Factor On Markets.

--Super Bowl Set: Philadelphia To Play new England Patriots.

--Everybody Blaming Everybody Else For The Shutdown; Red States With Meager Fed Jobs Base Least Affected By Budget Shutdown.

--United Airlines Saved 170,000 Gallons Of Fuel By Printing Inflight Magazine On Lighter paper.

--New Interagency FBI Texts Indicate Fix Was In For Exoneration Of The Hill In Email Probe.

--Over 10% Of Funds Raised In “Initial Coin Offerings”, $3.8 Billion, Lost Or Stolen By Hackers.

--Billboards Continues Winning Streak At SAG Women Rule.

--Navy’s Newest $440 Million, Rapid Response Ship Stuck In Ice Since Christmas;

And if older people have managed to be around for 5000 or so years, they have seen ice ages transform to desert droughts and back again.

The big question of successive eras: Which is more addictive – smoking or smart phones?

The Super Bowl could be called the Founding Fathers Game. Oh yeah, including Betsy Ross and Abigail Adams. Don’t want Hollywood slamming me.

I saw a photo of a 9 yo holding a big sign at Saturday’s Women’s march. It read, “I march for my future.” Unfortunately, her future has been usurped by her parents who apparently have taken away her ability to see the other side, and make her own choices.

NBC Weekend News Anchor Jose Diaz Balart has just got to temper down the hysteria. I was ready to a call an ambulance for him. Jose, take a breath – you are supposed to be knowledgeable. We have had shutdowns before. Get over it. 

I’d like to see that pendulum swing back to the times when people looked up to civility as a paragon.

Nothing ever really changes where people are involved. It’s just the costumes.

If you don’t think the “New California” separation away from the increasingly socialist mother state is rational, consider that a bill has been introduced in the State Legislature to mandate that corporations give the state half of their savings under the new US Tax bill. Communists would demand to take it all, so, California is only half way there…so far.   

With weather people naming snow storms, I would be surprised if horticulturalists try to get into the act naming the return of waves of flower types as seasons change and grow. Like its’s Jennifer for Jocular Jonquils, or Cathy for cheery Chrysanthemums or Susan for the pretty black-eyed flower.

I have always been one who appreciates the ability to be flexible as times and technologies change. But for too many these days, adapting to change, means lowering the bar.

Governments are good for one thing – through over-hiring they keep down the unemployment rolls, which is generally good for the stock market, and the country at large.

One thing I had always learned is that if you can ride out the bumps, it tends to be incredibly smooth on the other side. And often, when you look back, the bumps don’t generally seem to have been that rough.

The big “One-and-Done” basketball U’s tend to get better this time of year after the super recruits begin to understand and gain experience in the college game… and realize that one and done doesn’t mean one on one.

The Answer:

There are more than 3 “peo” words, but they are all extensions of but three -- People, Peon or Peony. Why can’t Spell-Check find them? Bonus: There have been 18 government shut-downs. The longest, 21 days, was in 1995. The last shut-down was in 2013. Hey, wait a minute, those were in the admins of Clinton and Obama. How can that be? Does Jose Diaz Balart know this?

Adapting to change shouldn’t mean giving up basic moral principles.