Layng quietly in fields

Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights

Friday, August 24, 2018

Watch my hands…



Today's Tids Issue 4,202
For Political Prestidigitation:

Where has the music gone that places a loved one on a pedestal. To where has the melody so warm disappeared; when hearts melted and eyes watered. Where are those songs of pure and deep love? Of giving to each other and never letting go. Chills rising, heart beating. Maybe it’s out there and I’m just not hearing it.

Like the classic magicians, the politicians are very good at sleight of hand, getting the folks to look the other way while they plot their major objectives. One of the other ways is looking at Trump character deficiencies, as opposed to their main objective of getting back the gains made under Obama but lost with Trump interruptus. Yes, a divide this deep in the USA isn’t about the character of a person, but of one side who thought they would continue to gain, but suddenly faced with having to worry about not wanting to lose more. And now, right now, it all boils down to conservatives getting one more SC Justice and the left trying to stop it. Pure and simple. In fact, a large part of the 2016 election was about getting the power to nominate and approve justices. That’s the focus again, and keeping the Congress for Republicans should be the only focus, not preserving the legacy of a President.

“When the escaped prisoner was caught camping out in the woods, it was clear case of criminal in tent”.

When Jerome Powell, Fed Chief, speaks today, analysts will be looking for opinions on economic threats from growing trade war, Trump criticism of rate hikes and financial turmoil in emerging markets. I will too.

The Question:
About 20,000, they say, were killed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 40AD. Now just about everybody knows that one of the two cities destroyed was Pompei. What was the name of the other? Bonus: Mid 19th century romantic composer Alexander Borodin was not only a great musician but more a social giant when it came to supporting the rights of women. To many, he is best known for a piece of music that was the basis for a hit Broadway show with hit popular tune of the 1950’s What was Borodin piece, the show and the hit tune?

The Headlines:
--Market Analysts Say “Apolitical” Markets Will Continue To Be Bullish; Today Opens Higher; Investors Awaiting Major Speech By FED’s Jerome Powell At Big Meet In Jackson Hole.
--Huge Slow-Moving Hurricane Has Already Dumped 31 Inches of Rain On Hawaii; Major Winds Could Hit Tonight.
--Scott Morrison, Leader Of Australia’s Liberal Party, Elected As Next Prime Minister.
--Pope Francis Visit To Ireland Not Necessarily Overwhelming Declining Catholic Population.
--1962 Ferrari Sells For $45 Million.
--NYC Prosecutors Considering Bringing Criminal Charges Against Trump Organization.
--Legal Professional Weighing In On Seriousness of Cohen Plea On Trump’s Future.
--2,000 Enjoy major Bash At Opening Of Massachusetts Springfield MGM Casino.
--Russia Announced New Electric Car That Would Rival Tesla.

There must be a lot of sick aching people in the small town at the northern tip of this island, because there was a traffic jam yesterday at the local medical marijuana retail outlet. I have never seen such lines for aspirin.

You know it is a slow news day when one of the top stories is about new book about Marilyn Monroe’s last days. But, hey it’s August. This is what happens in August.

Every once in a while, you discover delightful music never considered, and Borodin’s first symphony is one of them.

I’ll tell you one thing I know for sure, Spell-Check doesn’t like puns.

“Pay it forward”, Department
In the race to find more dirt on the President, a National Enquirer process called “Catch and Kill” was revealed. The internal program allowed the Enquirer to hide embarrassing transgressions in order to gain future favors from compromised celebrities. This became a treasure trove of Celebrity dirt. Wouldn’t that make a great book!

BTW, NI reporters hated it because it deprived them of beaning known as super sleuths for juicy exposes.

Why has politics seemingly become so overwhelming in a country that is not struggling for existence. Young people hear it and see it, and perhaps comment on it, when, that is, they aren’t looking out for their future. So, if the vast majority of our young people are too busy, and the older generation is napping after lunch, who is doing all of the shouting and condemning?

For me, most of the dire news of the moment is fluff. I am only interested in the health of the stock market and the approval of Kavanaugh.

I believe the real problem blocking unity in the USA is this all-or-nothing attitude. For instance, looking for new routes for sustainable energy is a good objective, but trashing everything that exists until we find nirvana is nonsense. Balance is the word. But, there ain’t no balance no more.

I have no interest in news about Ocasio-Cortez.

Oracle stock must be down, became after spending $100 Million to restore a local mansion, and a year after having certificates of occupancy issued, Larry Ellison has not finished his landscaping of the old Astor cottage by the sea. Neighbors are irate. Maybe he’s out sailing somewhere.

I don’t believe a lot of people really understand what the word impeachment mans. There have only been two presidential impeachments, Johnson and Clinton and neither were convicted. An impeachable US official can only be removed after conviction of Treason, bribery and the loosely defined “high crimes and misdemeanors”, making impeachment or “Indictment” often more political than purely legal. On the other hand, conviction can be quite fuzzy when examining the seriousness three chargeable offences. Making it even grayer is the fact that non-specific term “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” is solely defined by the House of Representatives. For instance, Johnson was impeached for violating the a newly created “Tenure of Office” act, which was later found to be unconstitutional. So basically, it may all come down to the definition of “High Crimes and Misdemeanors”. But, it takes a 2/3’s Senate vote for conviction. So, Trump will probably stay, and be hated.

The Answer:
The town most have forgotten was Herculaneum. Bonus: Borodin (1833-1887) was a renowned chemist, supporter of women and education, and  last in his own mind, a great composer. His opera “Prince Igor” became the musical basis for the play “Kismet” and the hit tune was “Stranger in Paradise”. Another popular song was, “This is my beloved”. This talented native of St. Petersburg Russia was a famous chemical professor with several important discoveries, and he also founded the first ever medical school for women. By the way, Borodin was awarded posthumously a Tony.

Keep your eye on the cards.

From Borodin and Mario Lanza: Something Loverly --

No comments:

Post a Comment