Missing Big Pictures.

Today's Tids Issue 4,122

For Dear Old Quirky, Lovable Abby:

I figure we’ll stop seeing masses of humans with their heads in their smart phones around the time when all brains are wired directly to the internet.

That smile on my face people notice when I return from grocery shopping in Massachusetts, is the result of enjoying the convenience of plastic bags again.

The real problem facing Iran is their own people, who are seeing economic opportunities and freedoms disappear. There is no truth to the rumor that Iran has hired OPEC oartner Venezuela’s Madura as a consultant to help them with citizen control.

The Question:

Antoine Lavoisier was guillotined during the post French period of enlightenment – Reign of Terror. What else is he known for? Bonus: What are the ten best Kirkland products at Costco

The Headlines:

--Stocks Biding Time As Trump Iran Decision Looms; Macron And Trump Talking; Money Is On US President Exiting Deal. Note: Unconfirmed reports Just In Saying That Trump will Postpone Decision Has Oil Slumping.

--International Community Awaiting Trump Decision On Iran Deal; Kerry Admits he Urging People To “Do the Obvious” -- Staying With His “Legacy” Deal.

--Kim has Another Secret Meeting With Xi; China Titan Says He Would Look To Helping NK Shift Towards Economic Development; Kim Says He Sees Phased And Synchronized Measure To Bring About De-Nuking.

--New York State’s AG Sneiderman Resigns After Charges Of Female Physical Abuse.

--Japan’s Takeda Buys Drug Maker Shire for $62 Billion; Comcast Seeking $60 Billion To Buy Fox Before Disney Can Close Deal.

--Medvedev Confirmed As Russian Prime Minister.

--Lava Still Pouring Out In Hawaii; Earthquake Rocks Southern California.

--Cleveland Cav’s Rising To The Occasion At The Right Time.

--Leopard Snags And Eats Toddler In Kenya,

A new study says that among 8,688 college professors with Phd’s, there are 10.4 Democrats to every Republican. Basically, Repubs enter the private sector while Dems look for ways to increase payments from the government.  In addition, 40% of liberal arts colleges and universities won’t let Repubs with Phd’s teach. Maybe they should be called Constrictive Arts schools.

The Voice had a pretty good Top Ten sing off last night. In fact, I have trouble picking a loser who would be a shoe-in for elimination tonight. And this week, two have to go. Among the possibilities are Rashun Lamarr who is one of the most entertaining but who last night had a song that just didn’t cut it. But he is incredibly likable. Another possibility to go ifs Caleb Lee, who last night I thought did very well. And, he has the country people on his side. The third best possibility to leave is Christiana Danielle. Yet, she was very good last night. I just don’t think she has the voting block. Last night the show began with Lyla Jade singing a heartfelt “This is me” from “the Greatest Showman”. She is one of the greatest snowwoman on the stage every time she sings. She had the top iTunes sales it at #6. Next on the iTunes chart was Brynn Cartelli at #8. I really liked her tune, but song experts though her pitchy. I didn’t notice. One of the most formidable week after week is Britton Buchanan, #9. He was very good, but I noticed a few flaws in his singing of the Tina Turner song. I have to say, the most consistent is Pryor Baird, and he was again last night getting out of his all growl all the time, rut. He made the Top Ten iTunes at #10. He could leader in the club house. At iTunes #14 is Sensha Baker, who I like, but I thought she got lost a little last night. Great voice, great smile. Christiana Danielle hit #17 in sales, so I guess she will make it through. Personally, I like Caleb Lee and he made it to #22 in sales. The country boy gets that genre support. Jackie Foster turned in her best performance, for me, and her #53 sales rank was her best. Probably in my personal top three is singer Jackie Verna, #70, who sings great country. She may not eb raucous enough for voters. The delightfully irascible Rayshun LaMarr missed the top 100, coming in at 140. So maybe he is going. Maybe Jackie Verna is also out, not because she isn’t one of the best, but voters look for stuff I don’t see. As I lookback over these musings, what I think I’m seeing is a possibility for some real surprises tonight.

I just can’t see all the love for standing desks. I guess in some companies you have to share your Fitbit data to get a job.

Tom Brady looks much better in football togs than he does in some of the designer metro-sexual stuff foisted upon him by his wife.

I did some stupid teen stuff in my day. But nothing equates to what our restless teens of today seek. The latest craze, now mainly in England, is called the deodorant challenge. This is where one teen sprays deodorant on the forearm of another for as long as possible until it burns, often becoming a disfiguring burn. Well, I guess it is better than eating Tide pods.

The Answer:

Lavoisier is best known as the father of chemistry. He was a nobleman, who dismissed a career in law to pursue science. He isolated Oxygen, predicted the existence of Silicon and helped construct the Metric system. And, though a social reformer, a man who gave of his personal fortune for the good of the poor and helpless, he was guillotined because he also figured away to collect more taxes for the Government; not the peoples favorite activity. Bonus: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is number one. Next is organic Maple Syrup followed by Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (6 oz Can), Organic Large Brown Eggs, Parmigianino Reggiano (Great Buy), Organic Peanut Butter, Vodka, Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream and Pure Vanilla Extract. How can you not love a company that’s great with vanilla!

My beloveds play the red hot Ya-Ya’s tonight. I’ll be anxious.

Soaking of anxious, I’m thinking, No Tids Thursday. Going to be tough. Suck it up. But, that’s probably a good thing. It will give you all more time to plan great stuff for Mom’s day.

It's been great knowing you, Abby. Thanks for the laughs.