World View: etc!: A matter of time.

Today's Tids Issue 6,043

Clear eyes:

It looks like the blockade could lead to a Iranian peace faster than more bombs. With that we are talking about money in pockets. And to that pressure will be pervasive throughout as millions of regular Iranians can’t work because of bombed out factories, Anfd that includes all the businesses that serve the former active manufacturing operations. And those factories still viable, which now can’t get materials. So, we know h hardship is increasing. It is hard to get a reading on the internal squabbles there, but there must be plenty of anxiety and friction despite bravado public statements. There are certainly leaders who a scared, others who are confused and many seeking alliances against each other. How strong is the religious factor now that the money is disappearing? Could the Republican Army rise against civilian authority? Yes, the blockage inflicts pain on real people living. But by bringing the leaders back to the table, as hunger pangs ache, it will provide the nourishment for a better future.

Meanwhile it is Humpday here – weekend winddown in sight. It is also National Jellybean Day. Now you can eat your way into the Weekend and feel patriotic. Though I would say now several weeks past easter, the Jellybeans could be a bit stale.

And then there is the other 7.86* billion people in the world who are going along with their daily lives. Though it isn't so calming in the Ukraine. And China and Europe are agonizing over fuel supplies with Iran and Venezuela tied up. Yet generally the great percentage of the billions are waking up in the morning all over the globe; eating breakfast and wondering what their workday, school day, pa play day is going to be about. People are making love, having arguments, enjoying hobbies, reprimanding kids and feeling their love too. Yeah outside of Iran and and Israel and teh US the focus is more or less like every other day. I do have to wonder what China is thinking about, the big company with the enormous economic stake in global activities. They tend not to appreciate people and events messing with their plan. They must be watching everything going on very closely. Yeah, sometimes the bright spotlight obscures what’s happening backstage.

*7.86 billion is the world population minus US, Iran and Israel.

The Question:

Name the ten MLB Teams with the highest Payroll.

The Headlines:

--Trump Resets Cease-Fire Extension; Iran Gunboats Seize Two Container Ships in Hormuz.

--Stocks Open Higher After Cease Fire Extension. Continue Strong into Mid-Morning through Early Afternoon; Today begins Earnings Report Period.

--Virginia Voters Ok Redistricting Map that Favors Ten Dem House Seats to One Repub.

--Texas Voters Ok Ten Commandments in Schools.

--Lufthansa Cuts 20,000 Summer Flights.

--Tariff Refund Process Underway.

--Southern Poverty Law Center Facing Fed Fraud Indictment.

--Tucker Carlson Apologizes to Americans for His misleading Support of Trump.

Today is also National Hug-a-Plumber Day. But I would suggest a hug before he or she works on your sewer pipe overflow.

Martini: “A classic cocktail made with Gin and Dry Vermouth garnished with an Olive or Twist of lemon. If garnished with an onion it is a Gibson.” So there you have it. But the classic martini has been corrupted, mauled and morphed by a new generation that seems intent in altering facts. For instance, I read this morning: ”Here’s a Latin version of an expresso martini – to several types of rum add dark Cacao, black tea, vanilla, citrus and Banana Lequado”. First an Espresso “Martini” isn't a martini. Second, a latin version using rum as the main alcohol certainly isn’t a Martini. Ginpurists are reluctant o allow vodka! I will fight the martini contamination battle till my dying breath, and I haven't had a drink in fifty years. But accuracy is accuracy. Truth is truth.

On Friday night I biked to the liquor store to get a bottle of whiskey. I put it in the basket, and just when I was about to head back, I thought that if I fell, the bottle would break. So I decided to drink it all right there and then to be on the safe side. Good thing I did as I actually fell 5 times on my way back home.

I look at Fed nominee Kevin Warsh and wonder if his name really should have been Walsh but that he had an Asian mother.

I think that too many people pay more attention to other people’s opinions instead of their own. Which brings me to movie critics. Movie critics rate pictures and TV series on an entirely different scale than I do.

I have been reducing my Cheeto time, but rapidly increasing my cheap popcorn c gorging. I think it is a healthy step forward especially considering the Fake butter. See, old people can change.

The Celtics let the Sixers back into the playoffs last night. Let downs don't work well in the NBA Playoffs.

Obviously, NBC has to do everything possible to get a decent return on their gigantic investment in NBA broadcasts. And they are starting to annoy me by interrupting stuff that doesn't need interrupting. Incessant talking is not appealing.

The Answer:

Number one is the LA Dodgers ($395M) followed by the lowly NY Mets $386M) and NY Ya, Ya, Ya... WYKWIM. The rest in order are Philadelphia, Toronto, San Diego, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago Cubs and Detroit.