Who knows what’s next?

Today's Tids Issue 4,559

Write if you get a clue:

Most of the time I start writing Monday’s Tids on Saturday morning, mainly because I like to write. But this past Saturday I paused. I just had the feeling we would be hearing a lot more about the Iran situation throughout the weekend. Immediately after the attack Dems were generally saying that taking out the General was not bad, but that the Exec Branch needs more communication with congress, which is law. Many conservatives were surprisingly saying that this would be a great tine to remove all troops from the Middle East. Others were saying that now that we have out foot on tier neck. Don’t let them up.

Sure enough, Sunday morning came and it was learned that Iraq’s parliament had decidedly voted to urge the ousting US Troops. Many conservatives jumped on that to say, perfect timing to get out and end the quagmire in the Middle East. By Sunday Khamenei said that Iran’s retaliation will be military. Up to that point US and Europe countries were preparing for a massive cyber incursion. Pompeo said the US has no intention of leaving Iraq; Trump said I will issue killer sanctions if they try to force us out. Support and denunciations, quite frankly, are all over the map. Frankly, I have been convinced of nothing. I’m leaning towards getting out of that eternal mess, which just got messier. I’m tired of coffins draped with USA flags.

If you melt dry ice, can you swim in it and not get wet?

The big question before launching an attack of any kind should always be “What’s Next?” What’s plan “B”.

Kids still know how to classify snow: Good for snow balls, snowmen, sleds, toboggins, skis, cafeteria trays, and a great for snow angels. Worst snow – good for ice skating.

Could this be the time when you could make some good money on GE?

The Question:

What female icon was born in Dmremy-la-Purcelle on this day in 1412

The Headlines:

--Dow Backs Off Opening Triple Digit Lows As Fears Of Iran-Us Escalation Temper; Gold And Oil Prices Soar.

--House To Vote To Limit trump’s War Powers.

--Iraq Parliament Vote To Evict US Troops From their Country.

--Iran Abandons All Limitations On Creation Of Nuclear capability.

--No End In Sight For Australian Huge, Violent Fires.

--Al-Shabab Attacks US Bases In Kennya; US Military Equipment Destroyed; 4 Attackers Killed; 3 Americans Killed.

--UK’s Boris Johnson Warns Trump About Illegality Of Attacking Iran Cultural Sites; Other Global Exerts Say It Would Be A War Crime

--5 Dead, 60 Injured In Multi car Accident On PA Turnpike; It is Third Major Multi-Car Accident In A Week.

--Dem Iowa/NH Status: Iowa -- Bernie, Biden, Pete Tied At 23; NH – Bernie Over Biden By One Point; Julian Castro Endorses Eliz; Bloomberg Hires 500 Staffrs In 30 Key States.

Doesn’t it bother you that the stock index called DOW has the first three letters of the word Down?

And you have to think that Russia and China may like the idea of the US fighting all of the possible side wars as a result of the Iran affair or the serious attack by Al-Shabab or whatever comes next. Sometimes sitting on the sidelines can be very lucrative.

Hustler mag has always gone to the mat to protect freedom of the press, and this Christmas season they have exemplified why rational freedom is at risk if the press acts irresponsibly. As Hustler did with their Christmas Card depiction of Trump’s Assassination. Not funny. Unamerican and probably treasonous. Not good for society. But then, whatever did hustler contribute ot society?

You have to figure that somebody in Las Vegas is laying odds I where Iran will retaliate. Nothing serious is that significant anymore, unless it is a means to make money or entertain…or ridicule.

Speaking of entertainment, Rick Gervais did a number on the solemn and sainted Hollywood elite last night. You could tell the funnyman hit the mark by the scowls on the faces of super hierarchy Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg.

He is one funny guy, and that’s why I tuned in at the beginning. But I left after his show was over before the glitterati began massaging each other. I was happy to see Succession win the Best TV Drama. And it’s Brian Cox as Best Actor. It can be weird at times, but the storyline holds my attention. I was particular happy to see Olivia Coleman get the top Acting award for The Crown. She has been criticized by some, mainly for not being the actress she replaced as the show went from young queen to older queen.  It was also nice tosee Renee Zelweger win for “Judy”. And Russell Crowe in The Loudest Voice was certainly the right choices for Top Actor. Oh yeah, Kieran Culkin who played a somewhat disturbing, crazy heir in succession, was the right one for the best Supporting Actors in a TV Movie or series. But, he isn’t pleasant to watch at times.

In the good old days when roads weren’t plowed that well and salt was not a factor, hilly roads were great for sledding. And, so was hitching ride on bumpers of cars passing by. In fact, every kid wanted a pair of army boost which were terrific for sliding along behind cars. Galoshes didn’t work at all. And of course, If you could catch a kid on a speedy Flexible Flyer, it was easy to dump him because the closed runners were the easiest to grasp. Gotcha!

I like those Flex Seal commercials. They always have a great ending. And they have convinced me that they are must-buy products. If, I ever could get around to it.

Did you ever think you saw something four days ago and then two days ago you got something that needed what you thought you saw two days earlier? And when you went back to get it, and it wasn’t there. Which basically gave to you the opportunity to clean out the area where you thought you saw what isn’t there anymore. But then, cleaning up made your wife happy. Ah, the mysteries of life.

Or, am I dreaming more.? I wonder.

Someday people will learn that bumper to bumper driving can cause catastrophic, unescapable accidents. Or will they? I think bumper to bumper drivers are as addicted to their daily brush with mortality as are alcoholics and drug users. Unfortunately, they take others with them.

Most supporters of any institution only hear what they want to hear, see what they want to see. And if pressed are adept at creating excuses.

The Answer:

That was a pretty easy question to start the week. The town sounded French, and that date suggested that it could only be the great woman of France from that time, Joan of Arc, The Maid of Orleans. It is always interesting to read her story. She was a wonder woman before there was Wonder Woman.

Can you say “Duck and Cover”? This Iran thing is going to go somewhere, but I’ll be damned if I can figure out where based on all of what I have seen and read. Let’s hope it isn’t to the extreme>