Financially Illiterate.

Today's Tids Issue 4,378

Positivity:

Too many people think that money comes from the government. And too many politicians gladly play that tune

Spring “Clean-Up” day gets lots of huzzahs in the press and on Nightly news programs. But, frankly, it makes me sad. It reminds me of the slovenly, uncaring, irresponsible among us who just throw their trash along highways and upon pristine beaches. In fields of waving flowers. Disgraceful, and it makes me mad every time I see some gleeful volunteer cleaning up somebody else’s mess.

Poor Maine.  I love Maine. But, the good ole’ Mainers have succumbed to the ban Columbus, hail Indigenous people’s hoax. Like Columbus was some kind of tyrant. He was just a sailor who helped to open up opportunities. Caesar marched into London England 43 to 54 AD and disrupted the lives of the local Celtic tribes there, notably, the Trinovantes. (There were 27 tribes in Scotland, Wales and England, most of which were at odds with each other.) Where’s the outcry for Indigenous Londoners day? What if socialists were to take over America and purposely smother the people who firmly believe in the founding principles. Would there be a hullabaloo for Indigenous Believers in the Constitution day. IBC forever.

The Irish should be rich because their capitol is always Dublin.

If you don’t think things are achangin’, consider that Burger King is rolling out nationally the new “Impossible” Whopper. Yes, that is a whopper made of veggies. This veganwich has been tested in 57 BK’s around Saint Louis and must have passed the test. It is made of Soy, Coconut oil and Heme.

With all due respect to the green community, it is Cyber-attacks that could destroy civilizations fastest. That is probably the #1 man-made problem that threatens the world today.  (Note: This Tid comes with guidance from Warren Buffet.)

Bluebirds are subjects of happy, upbeat songs. But, there aren’t many around here in the Northeast. At least, that’s what my eyes tell me. They are certainly among the prettiest of birds, and they really do sing a beautiful song. The good news is that they are far from extinct. Maybe I’ll spend this summer trying to find a bluebird living here. Zippity Do-Dah!

The Question:

Who was John Luther Jones?

The Headlines:

--Markets Open Lower; Corporate results Mixed; Google Profits Up But Revenue Misses Target; GM Misses as Global Sales Soften; Still Waiting For Economic Data.

--Venezuela’s Guaido Urges Military To Rise Up And Overthrow Maduro.

--Trump, Schumer, Pelosi Meeting; Infrastructure On Tap.  

--New CNN/SRSS Poll Has Dems Surging In Support Of Biden; Biden 39%, Bernie 15%, Warren 8% and Buttigieg 7%; “Morning Consult Survey” hs It Joe 36%, Bern 22%.

--Bernie says Disney Should Give Avenger’s Profits To Employees Instead Of Geiger; Meanwhile, Gieger Counting Money.

--FBI Foils Ambitious Terrorist Plot By New Islamist Combatant.

--Trump, Trump Organization And Family Suing Banks From Releasing Financial Information.

The US economy is rolling, and its success has been the bane to Democrat candidates trying to take down the President. But, perhaps it is not that much a sure thing for the incumbency as new research is showing that the masses have latched on to the rhetoric that the top people getting the most from the red hot economy. And many of those changing attitudes are among Trump supporters of 2016, including the huge Independent sector. 60% of potential voters are now thinking that perhaps they haven’t been benefitting from the strong economy.  While Dem voters overwhelmingly feel this, the real news is in the attitude changeover of Independents. Repubs need indies.

The Voice had a big night last north where 24, count em’, singing aspirants did their best to capture votes and stay alive to make the final 13. I thought it was more noise than melody, and I didn’t find myself jumping out of my char. But maybe I’m getting too old for modern songs, which are basically more about lights, beat in and fever than soothing to the ears. There were some good moments but, not as many as you might expect. I liked Andrew Sevener; Cella Babini, Gyth Rigdon, Kim Cherry, Lisa Ramey and Dexter Roberts. I’m sure there were a couple of other moments, but nothing is embossed on my brain. Maybe the song choices are biggest factor for me. Maelyn Jarmon is a favorite but I was looking for more last night. Still, talented though, she’s talented. The other super talent wo dropped a bit last night was Jej Vinson. I like Selki, but she is just not coming through well any more. Rebecca Howell really disappointed me especially after being so strong the previous week. Maybe Kelly will save her, if she doesn’t have to save Jej first. Most likely to go are Selki, Abby (I thought she was decent last night), Betsy Ade, Jacob Maxwell Kim Cherry. Of course, and then there is the Country factor.

Note: I-Tunes sales for The Voice singers are just warming up. Only one made the top 100 – Gyth at 23. There were only four in the next 100 -- Maylyn, Jacob Maxwell, Kim Cherry and Dexter Roberts.

BTW, it appears more people are not taking summer vacations. The main reason given by 60% of them – can’t afford it. The cost of housing and food in popular decatenations has risen uncontrollably. It not only makes vacationing more costly, but also very expensive for people who just happen to live in these smothering locations.

Personally, I think the best time to take vacations is in off season, especially if you pick locations where the weather is not a factor. Better deals and fewer crowds.

5G is on the verge of becoming widespread in communities across America. Technocrats clamor for it, but for the average user it will just be a financial hit for a new phone that has 5G capability.

I get the sense that many countries around the word are having a problem with deciding wwho in Libya to support -- The UN backed Tripoli Government or the Popular ex General Khalifa Haftar. In case you may have forgotten since the death of Kadaifi, ancient tribes still have a major influence on the unity of the country, and a distant obscure central government isn’t going to have much influence them. And, of course, regardless of leadership or politics, it’s always all about a lot of Oil. That is until the Green revolution takes hold.

Legislatures all over are banning the use of plastic bags by retailers. Do they really think that they will make uncaring people more responsible?  After all, plastic bags aren’t the problem, people are.

The jobs that could vanish by 2016 are Locomotive firers, respiratory therapy technicians, parking enforcement workers, word processors and typists, watch repairers, electronic equipment installers and repairers, foundry mold and coremakers…you get the picture. Postmasters are at #14, legal secretaries at #25. Among them are several classes of metal machine production operators.

My daily pet peeve is Spell-Check not knowing that words starting with “p-e-o-p” are most likely going to be “People”.

A town around here has cut in half their Library budget. Of course, towns are under a lot of pressure to stabilize budgets without adding to the tax burden of people. So maybe traditional services like libraries are an option as the cost of public employees go up. With all of the new sources for information, are libraries in more danger of becoming extinct faster than AOC’s earth? Interesting question. Almost a sacrilegious thought tomany.

Just so you know, our RI Governor Gina Raimondo who is also the Chairwoman of the National Democrat Governors Association got caught in a whopper yesterday. She accused a Mayor of besmirching a major RI company thinking of moving to Massachusetts (So, what’s new?) Of course, the Mayor of the City, Pawtucket which is home to Hasbro is a big supporter of that company and is doing everything he can to keep it there. He never said discouraging or as Gina said, Adversarial word”, about the company. Is the Gov, seeing the handwriting on the wall, looking for a fall instead shining the spotlight 0n Union owned RI, the historic reason for this wonderful state not being acceptable to companies doing real business.

Children failing their coloring exams always need a shoulder to crayon.

The Answer:

If I had said “Casey” Jones then you would have known that John Luther was the Illinois Central Railroad Engineer who on April 30 1900 saved many lives, one hand on the brake to slow, one hand on the whistle to warn as his train headed towards a stalled freight train.

The US is number one in the word in negativity. I wonder how we would improve if Social media just disappeared one day. If news media didn’t get more viewers from adversity than accomplishment. If politicians just stopped scaring people.

Just look up and see the sun.

Even when clouds loom high.

Work out difficulties, don’t give in.

Adore your friends, a human prize.

Look beyond petty divergences.

Say a prayer when dark appears.