Tension Mounting.

Today's Tids Issue 4,315

Countdown:

There are so many things magical about cold winter days. None more than exploring the coastal villages, now free from littering crowds. The once bustling shorefronts are at peace, with but shorebirds taking charge under bluer, clearer skies. Marsh coves harbor an occasional old wooden rowboat, paint flicking off the sides, awaiting daily chores. Walking upon the wooden dock, the cold water, rippled by soft breezes provides a clear view to a silty bottom where winter populations scurry for food and lodging. I stand upon the dock’s end and feel the history of the founders from Plymouth seeing for the first time this new haven. This prefect village at the apex of a long, winding, uncluttered, Spartina rimmed estuary. Today at peace. And it is in me.

It’s getting to me. I’ve begun the pacing and the tum taking. I can feel my muscles tightening. I’m blocking out predictions that say the Pats can win it all. I have the faith but don’t have the conviction, yet. The more I think, the nervouser I get. Yes, it is about 3 ½ days before kickoff, and I’m crumbling.

Wall Street had to be happy yesterday. The Fed said it will be kind, and the huge new hiring data says that business is felling very good about the future and bringing aboard employees.

Have you noticed that the only thing that can get by eyelashes to poke you in the eye is a long eyelash?

The Question:

What do you think are the top ten US exports? Bonus: What are Venmo and Zelle?

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Look For Bumps In Road Following Huge Hump Day Rally.

--8 Dead Due To Frozen Chicago; 4 More Deaths In Iowa Attributed to Cold Weather.

--China- US Trade Talks Seem To Be Still Positive.

--Italian Economy Slips Into Recession.

--Tesla CFO Exits Causing Concerns Among Wall Street Analysts; Expiration Of $3,700 Tax Credits Causing Inventory Build-Up.

--GE Bouncing back On Strong Q3 Earnings.

--Democrat Rookie Congress Person Ilhan Omar Continues To Step In It.

Kamala Harris’s candidacy announcement speech sounded like it was written by RI Gov Gina Raimondo. Eerie. Coming to a state house near you: “Free Pre-school through College graduation day”. Rejoice.

Pavlov walks into a bar. The phone rings and he says, “Damn, I forgot to feed the dog.”

CBS is promoting the SB commercials for all of those who don’t really like football. For those whose pregame prep involves scouring the net for more ways to use avocado. The latest on the Ads is that they will feature plenty of star power. But, if they aren’t funny, a star can’t save them. Unless they enlist associate producers to flash “Laugh” signs to household audiences.

There are puns so corny they hurt your ear.

Now, after his rampage against the Intelligence community he hired, Trump will probably lose more diehards who hung on through so many of his misstatements

This is definitely Kleenex season for this old nose.

I feel I should be writing in depth analyses about the Wall and the arguments about immigrants, and the probability of another shutdown. But I’m just tired of the child play. What’s the sense of making sense when so many people won’t understand it?

I’m glad we have all of these Progressive Dem candidates. I can see their statements fueling the comedic side of Tids.

A Florida pest control company offers “Free Snowplowing” to all customers. Yeah, nice, rub it in

The Internet has been great for legislatures creating new laws against new crimes.

For every angry woman, there is a man who doesn’t know what he has done wrong.

The Answer:

In 2017, #1 US export was machinery including computers. Next was electrical machinery, equipment followed by Mineral fuels - Oil (The fastest growing segment), Airsoft/Spacecraft, Vehicles, Optical and Medical apparatus, Plastics, Gems and Precious metals, Pharmaceuticals and #10 Organic Chemicals. The two components that declined were Aircraft and pharmaceuticals. And all his time I thought US movies and the “Ellen Show” were number one. Based on exports from Jan through October 2018, it is expected that 2018 will easily pass 2017 -- $1.667 Trillion to $1,547 T -- with Oil perhaps moving to Number One. Bonus: Venmo is the leading Digital Wallet – a cash transferring system. It is owned by PayPal. Zelle is the same but newer, and is the product of bank-owned Early Warning Systems. For Venmo, you use a Venmo app. For Zelle, you use your bank’s app. There can be problems, like sending money to the wrong text or email. NJ is passing a law that would make it a serious crime to spend mis-sent money.

They laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a comedian. They aren’t laughing now.