All about nothing.

Today's Tids Issue 2,320
Opening Stuff:

Happy Ides of March everybody. Simply stated, in Roman times it was just a fancy way of saying March 15. Nothing more. Nothing less. Despite what Shakespeare may have inferred. Of course today in may mean, "I'm big government and I'ds be watchin' you."

Gambler's Anonymous Department:
Two guys who survived that horrendous NYC bus crash where 15 including their two best buddies were killed on the way home form a Connecticut casino, grabbed the next morning's bus back up north for another day of gambling. Gambling casinos, the salvation economy.

The Question:
The new slate of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Leon Russell, Dr. John and Darlene Love. Name two songs for each.

The Headlines:

--Red Sox Beat Ya - Ya - Ya...(WYKWIM)...2-1 In First 2011 Meeting.
--Hedge Funds Hammering Japan Stocks In Over Night Manipulations; US Stocks Expected To Tumble In Aftermath Of Nikkei Plunge.
--New Explosion Raises The Threat Of Nuclear Contamination; 140,000 Told To Seal Themselves Indoors.
--Japan Nuke Crisis Ignites Stock Sell-off.
--Record 157,000 Empty Nevada Homes Mar Neighborhoods Across State.
--Japan Earthquake Shifted Eastern Japan Thirteen Feet Closer To US, Sank The Coast by Two Feet, Shifted The Earth's Axis By 6.5 Inches And Shortened The Day By 1.6 Nanoseconds.

Back to More Stuff:
As the rest of the world continues to spin out of control, American Repubs seem to be liking Romney, Palin, Huckabee and Gingrich best. It seems to me that the up to 15 possible contenders are all waiting for the big funders to commit before hats start flying into the ring. The next couple of weeks should be interesting. Even if you are a Democrat.

Writing a novel is a little like being a jockey in a long horse race. You start by creating excitement that gets people wondering about the fate of their hero. Then you move through strategy part of the race offering little twists and turns, jockeying for positioning, setting the stage for the big finish. Providing small hints but leaving the end up in the air. Then the home stretch where you create a flurry of heart pounding excitement for a finale that may stun or leave readers angry. Or something like that.

When his girlfriend talking about a new business venture said "we can make-out like bandits", he showed up in a mask, hoody and kissed her in front of an ATM machine.

There is something that bothers me about the UN and the no fly zone idea. Clearly this a group overreaching it's charter, stepping inside another's sovereign state. No matter how despotic the tyrant may be.

The oddsmakers have as the favorites to win the NCAA's Ohio State 3-1, Kansas 9-2, Duke 5-1, Pitt 7-1, San Diego State 12-1, North Carolina 15-1 and Florida 18-1.

Almost Near: Chapter 12. --The Little Rock airport was comfortable after Tucker's confusing morning in Boston. It was a beautiful mid morning as he pulled his wheelie out it the taxi line. Witin a few secinds acab rolled up, the trunk popped, he through in his bag and jumped into the back seat. "Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, please".
"Yes suh." came the reply. "You a newspaper guy?"
Tucker didn't want to get into a conversation with the driver, but he seemed nicer than most back East. "I used to be a newspaper guy, but now I'm a writer doing some research for a book."
"Oh, what kind of book do you write? I love good mysteries."
"Oh," is smiled, "I only write bad mysteries, so you are out of luck." The driver roared and stuck his hand over the seat without taking his eyes off the road. "I'm Jimmy Buckworth". I shook his hand and he returned it to the wheel. "If you ever need any first hand info about this town, Jimmy B is yo man."
"My name is Tucker Loutitte, and I might just keep an eye out for you."
"Thanks! Tucker Loutitte? That's a right fancy name."
"I made it up so people would think I was smarter." Which is exactly the truth. Jimmy laughed again.
"Maybe you should write a comedy mystery." Tucker laughed in response. He knew that this was not going to have any humor in it at all.

I guess the big question in DC these days according to news reports isn't Libya, Japan, Afghanistan or even The Debt, but "How to fire up the Obama base". His big problem is that there is no more money left with which to bribe his electorate.

Remember Afghanistan where US soldiers are fighting and dying? The ADD Media is at it again.

The Answer:
Of Course Diamond is a prolific songwriter and singer with some of his favorites being "I am, I said", (Red Sox standard) Sweet Caroline, Kentucky Woman, and the often over looked Jonathon Livingston Seagull. Alice Cooper is known for hard rockers Eighteen, No More Mr. Nice Guy and Schools Out. Waits is another great song writer singer with some of best known being sung by Springsteen (Jersey girl), Ramones (I Don't Want to Grow Up), Rod Stewart (Downtown Train) and Johnny Cash (Down There by the Train).
he has won a best score Academy Award for "One from the heart". Russell is best know for Delta Lady and A Song for You. New Orleans' legend Dr. John is best known for "Right Place Wrong time". Darlene Love gave us "He's a Rebel" and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

The End...Thank God!
Some days this Tids mess ends and I look back and think, "What the hell was that all about?"

Quality is always special; It’s opinions that differ.

Today's Tids Issue 2,201
Opening Stuff:

The pop/rock star always wins. So it was no surprise last night when Michael Grimm won the America’s Got…” title over the immensely talented and utterly charming (Although robotic at times) Jackie Evancho. That’s just the nature of a Pop driven culture. It reminds me somewhat of the time I was with a friend on beautiful Block Island. At a bar waiting for dinner we encountered a young couple on the Block for the first time. We asked how they were enjoying it. The man said it is very nice but would be great if it had an amusement park or something. My friend and I looked at him said. “The absence of an amusement park or something is exactly why Block is great.”

In RI there’s a company called “Cross”; Run by a family named “Boss”; I thought it odd today when a board member stepped down…named “Doss”!

Guinness, the company that has plenty of time to measure and count everything offered from people with nothing better to do with their lives, has just dubbed “Mini-Moo” the smallest cow ever. This petite bovine likes to listen to BBC, especially contemporary music. Maybe this producer of small bottles of milk and regular sized calves voted for Michael Grimm.

The Question: 
As election year publicists try to make angels out of devils I thought it a good idea to see who you think are the all time greatest magicians other than James Carville and Carl Rove. Also name five magicians from fiction.

The Headlines:

--Karl Storms Across the Yucatan; Igor Is Still Massive But Heading North Away From Land.
--Pope Gets rude Welcoming At Start Of British Visit; Threats of Arrest For Crimes Against Humanity Called Off; Pope Admits To Failures In Abuse Scandal.
--Philly Fed Data Sets Back Market.
--Republican Leaders Adjust To Delaware Upset; Surprise Candidate Gets Nice Check From RNC.
--Skeleton In Greek Tomb May be Al the Great’s Pop.
--New Unemployment Claims Drop To 450,000.
--MidEast Peace talks In Hiatus As Skirmishes In Gaza Continue.
--Lenders Take Back More Homes IN August Than In Any Month Since Mortgage Crisis Began.

Back to More Stuff:
It may seem like common sense, but in today’s world often times it is hard to believe that commons sense still exists. In the pursuit of friends people often give up their privacy for what? So here are six things published by yahoo yesterday you should never reveal on Facebook or like social network (Network is the operative word.) : Your birth date and birth place, Vacation Plans, Home Address, Confessionals (Like hate job, lie on taxes, use illegal drugs), Password clues (Mom’s maiden name, first pet, fave song) and lastly Risky behaviors (Stuff like smoking or jumping off cliffs that would be music to Insurance company’s ears) To this I have but one comment….Duh!

The TV listings last night reminded me that the movie “Waitress” starring Keri Russell is one pleasant enjoyable movie for renting.

It was a good start at 13-3, but Week 2 looks tougher mainly because of week one surprises. How good are the surprise winners and how bad are the upset losers? That is the question. For instance, the ballyhooed Jets lost and the suspect Pats won bigger than expected. And the Jets defense is still very good and the pats defense is still…suspect. But, whoever said I was smart. I’m starting this week with a Pats pick. Other bafflers for similar reasons are Balt/Cinn, Pitt/Tenn and yes KC/Cleveland. And to some degree Dallas/Chicago primarily because the pundits are in love with Big “D”, a team that has looked like a piece of crap through last weekend. But I’m picking the flawed Cowboys and Atlanta, GB, Philadelphia, Tenn, Cleveland, Carolina, Minn, Denver, St. Louis, Houston, New Orleans and San Diego. That leaves Indy/Giants and Balt/Cinn. Hmmm. Ok let’s go Peyton over Eli and…and…I’ll flip a coin and pick Cinncy!

Yesterday they closed the schools ostensibly because they needed the school buildings as polling places. In my town, a small city, they didn’t use schools but instead the library and assorted other quasi public buildings including Catholic churches. They didn’t close Catholic Schools. Which leads me to believe, that the closing of schools is another on a long list of Public Employees Union scams designed to ensure that the maximum number of voters in their groups will have enough time to vote for candidates who will keep the tax supported expenditures moving along at a rapid pace.


Who cares? Department:
A new poll tells us all what we always wanted to know –exactly how do you define an American family. This is one of those things that a majority of people need no help in determining for them selves. It appears that the pollsters are trying to prove that like so many things, what perfectly normal in the past is not so any longer. That we live in a world of new normals and we had better get used to it or they will cram it down our throats. Surprisingly, 98.8% think that family is best defined as a married man and women with two or more children. Unmarried male females living together are considered a family by about 44%. And gays living together by about 30%. But add children to those situations and the family status rises to 83% and 64% respectively. Two heterosexual guys living and swilling beer together with their dog have no discernable respectable status at all.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 94 continues. –It appeared eerier than usual as drove up the ramp to my sacred downtown Boston reserved parking spot. Everything seemed darker. And I expected to hear the thumping of horror movie mood music drifting through my now open window as drove cautiously up the winding road. I subconsciously pressed the window down button. It closed with a noticeable thud. As I neared the top a dark gray expensive appearing BMW pulled out of a parking space to my rear left. I reached the top to turn, and c]glanced back to notice that the big car hadn’t moved to go back down the ramp. Was it my imagination? The imaginary music grew more intense. I pulled out my cell and punched Billy on the speed dial. Instead of making my usual left, I made an awkward right turn and quietly accelerated to the middle of the garage. Bill’s voice came over the speaker. “I’m on my way.”
“Go up to the roof. I’m almost up there.” Why am I scaring Bill? I saw the roof ramp ahead and fortunately it was way out of a sight line from my regular spot. Just in case I thought. Just in case. The daylight at the top of the ramp reinvigorated my confidence. I saw a parking place at the corner that was visible and a mere 30-40 feet from the adjoining building. Now I felt as though I was with people again. I quickly opened the door. There was no person anywhere. I didn’t pause to enjoy the view of the harbor. I ran to the center well away from my car and sat on a small railing hidden by a row of cars. I heard a door slam. I tensed. Then I smiled and relaxed a bit as I saw Bill emerge from the stair well cover area. He was looking around. I rose to wave, but my eye caught he movement of a man walking up the ramp.

The Silly Season begins Department:
The second place finish of Jackie Evancho reminds us that the best people don’t always win.

A local maxim that is getting truer and truer is that candidates supported by Providence’s East Side will probably cost taxpayers more and get them less.

We live in a world where it is much easier for the crazies to dominate the headlines.

The Answer:
David Copperfield seems to have taken a leap over the fabled Harry Houdini. Others on a top list are Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, David Blaine, P.C. Sorcor Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel and Harry Blackstone, Sr. Among the fictitious are Harry Potter, Merlin, Circe and assorted wizards from tales like Aladdin and Repunzel. Which brings us back to politics with the Wizard of Oz. Don’t pay attention to that man behind the screen.

The Magic:
Abracadabra! Poof!! Congress has vanished. David Copperfield has amazed again.

Have you noticed that the generals in Afghanistan and the heads at the “General” are singing the same song. Petraeus has been cautioning us to be prepared for a longer than proclaimed drawdown in the country of poppies. And this morning the new chief at GM tells us that paying back the taxpayers all at once now would be unrealistic. Which just adds to the proof that politics proclaim and the private sector gets real.

I think it is time for RI’ers to start listening to Moderate Party gubernatorial candidate Ken Block. He has some good stuff to say.

While Michael Grimm become just another rock star, the emergence of Jackie Evancho will be a memorable event in the minds and hearts of music lovers.

The confidence of love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,161
Opening Stuff:

You can step bravely into the world when you know you are held dearly in someone else’s heart.

There are two things for sure about the Afghan wars: 1. The Russians were right when they said at the outset we were jumping into a quagmire. 2. You can’t place an arbitrary deadline for troop removal when the enemy has absolutely no timetable.

The Question: Why do you think the guy was canned form the orange juice factory, axed from the lumber jack job and why he wasn’t suited for the tailor job?

The Headlines:
--Government Lowers Growth Estimate For First Quarter; New Estimate Lowered From Previously Released 3% To 2.7%; Fourth Q Was 5.7%.
--Morning Wall Street Quandary: Go Up On News Of Financial Regulations Agreement; Go Down On Lower Growth Number.
--Overhaul Of Wall Street Rules Legislation Moves To House And Senate for Vote.
--Palin To return $400K After Ethics Commission Rules Contributions Illegal.
--Heath Care Rules Reveal That Employer Insured Citizens Will Not Be Able To Keep What They Have As Promised By President “Whatever It takes”.
--Scientists Find Toxins In Whales.
--Tornado Topples Buildings In Connecticut’s Largest City, Bridgeport.

Back to More Stuff:

I admit I had to chuckle at the news item, “Dutch to use ‘Decoy Jews’ to stop hate crimes. My immediate image was that of a good ole’ country boy sittin’ on a front porch with a pile of people sized logs carving Jewish appearing people as enticements for crazed bigots. Think of the great new folk art market! But, this is a serious problem in The Netherlands. For over ten years now in this one time haven for Anne Frank, Jewish people who are recognizable from clothing have been unable to walk peacefully in the streets. The Government of Amsterdam is considering posting police in Yarmulkes to attract and arrest racists. Bigotry seems to be the most resistant to antidotes' virus in the history of mankind.

Which reminds me of a funny line from a Jewish friend the other day. In a small gathering I was telling people that some security experts are recommending that instead of mace or pepper spray, people carry a can of “Wasp” spray… To which he interrupted, “Wow, I could have used that when I was a kid!”

Why do I look at the picture of Barney Frank And Chris Dodd announcing the agreement on the Financial regs bill and not feel very confident that anything will ever get better.

As a long time supporter of States Rights, I couldn’t be happier to see the reactionaries in LA and Oakland Cal back down on their hysterical boycott of Arizona legislation.

This morning’s Wall Street picture is exactly why the markets are so quivery. Early this morning futures looked higher because the moguls finally knew what was coming out of Congress on new regulations. But, then just after 8:00 AM reality set in when the 1st Q growth rate was lowered due to lower actuals on consumer spending and increased imports. It is really hard to have a lot of faith in a market that more and more is day to day, manipulated by CYA traders seeking bonuses at the end of the year.

But then, when have recent executive salaries and bonuses ever been based on doing things well for customers.

A knowledge of history will always contribute to better decisions than emotions of the heart.

As far as I can see the on-going oil slick saga has come down to a debate between public CYA weenies and private CYA weenies. With much of it obscuring the facts.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79 continues. –I told her that Marie was looking at us like she was at home at with the afternoon soaps. She laughed, not like the lover but as a friend hearing a joke. But I knew she was faking it. She wanted to let everything inside of her come out like a swollen river after a deluge. I looked at my half eaten pie. It wasn’t the time to indulge. It was a time to care. I flicked towards Marie for a check. She produced it like a magician and moved forward.
As she came to the table, Sarah/Maggie looked up at her, looked at her wearing that amazing confident smile of hers. “Henry has fired Kent and I as detectives on the vandalism caper!” Marie’s lips eased. “We decided to celebrate at this table where we spent our most effective time deciphering clues. You probably never knew how critical your place was to easing the Fosterville crime wave” Marie’s shoulders relaxed.
“No I didn’t”, she answered now playing along with our little act. She handed me the handwritten bill.
I quickly paid the tab and as I left I pecked Marie on the cheek, “I’ll be back for your pie, crime on the streets or no crime on the streets.” She shagged her arm up and tapped me gently on the shoulder.
Sarah was at her car by the time I came down the 3 steps. She turned quickly and I could see the look of sadness in her eyes. I approached and saw a small tear in the corner of her eye. “I guess we’ll have to find another place to meet. You know that I will never be able to live without you.”
I felt fullness in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. Maybe she wasn’t lying to me. Maybe I was only imaging a change. I looked over my shoulder. Marie was staring at me. I wanted to crush Sarah/Maggie in my arms. Feel her heat next to mine.

Probably the thing I like best about Wimbledon is that they all still wear white. A reminder that if it is really good it doesn’t need glitz to keep it going.

In a short comment about the absurdity of keeping passengers imprisoned on an airplane for four hours in sweltering heat, it was said that the new law hadn’t gone into effect yet. Too my knowledge the laws of common sense have been with us since the beginning of time. When people are passing out in front of you, do you need a law to tell you that something is wrong? In fact it’s probably some regulation that kept the travelers in their tomb.

Reading Between the Lines Movies reviews:
--Well, first we had Four Seasons and then the Big Chill. So now it’s the slackers turn and we get the Grown Ups. Which it is definitely not about. Five comedic guys and former basketball teammates -- Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider -- get together at the funeral of their coach. Woman in their lives are played by Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph. It’s about a C- movie and not very funny considering the talent. But probably will be appreciated by guys who think they are old but rally haven’t discovered the definition of responsibility and commitment.

The Answer:
He was canned because he couldn’t concentrate, axed because he couldn’t hack it and was suited because it was a sew-sew job. He then found his job in the muffler factory was too exhausting. The only noteworthy accomplishment was in the music business.

Justifiable Homicide:
After re-reading that quiz answer, I now know why some apparently calm and caring people fly into rage and strangle other people

National Day of Morning.

Today's Tids Issue 2.138
Opening Stuff:


Now what?

Tis a day of morning indeed. Because even after a commendable final episode for “24” that included a Presidential meltdown, a couple of tense assassination events, a shot to Jack’s chest and a teary good-bye between Jack and Chloe – it ended. And the reaction I had wasn’t “Man was that a great ending”. It was “It’s over and I’ll never have it to look forward to again. It was hollow.

One of the outcomes of a disappearing manufacturing base is the artificial inflation of non productive wages to maintain the semblance of strong middle income populace. The result becomes an economic house of cards based on economically unsustainable tax supported state and local government jobs and many fairly unskilled service jobs. A recent example of this came to light when several RI towns thought they could save money by converting water meters from manual reading to electronic reading. They went out for bids and were the process of accepting one from Ohio, when they were informed that there is a RI “Make Work” law requiring that Licensed RI plumbers do all of the work. The bid they wanted would cost $365K to replace 7500 meters. The one they would be forced to accept by law would cost $526K for only 3500 meters. Can you say Greece!

The Question:
Name the five most infamous Germans of WWII.

The Headlines:
--World Stocks Weaken On Euro-Economy Fears.
--North Korea Threatens Military Action In Disputed Waters; US Begins Submarine Maneuvers In Same Area.
--Oil Taker Collides With Bulk Carrier Off Singapore.
--Lindsay receives Serious Ankle Bling.
--Britain Bans Doctor Who Linked Autism With Vaccine.
--Cal Legislature Pushing For $5 Billion In Tax Increases As Opposed To Necessary Budget Cuts.
--Analysts Looking At Cooling Of House Sales.

Back to More Stuff:

Protective Helmet Society Department:
Our save-you-from-yourself national leaders have infiltrated the venerable Naval Academy at Annapolis. Yes the leader of the country’s fearless marine based military is about to ban a 70 year old obelisk climbing ritual because somebody might get injured. A good fun, everybody love’s annual event will be banished from the face of the earth because of blatant nannyism. What’s next? Are we to succumb to more lobbying by the manufacturers who forced hi-tech car seats upon us? Only this time the effect will be forcing children to wear helmets until they are seven?

Common sense runs amok even in battle. The so-called beginning of the end Afghan offensive is stalled where it began in Marjah. Many who looked at this based on past Taliban activities could see it failing over time. The Generals are hemmed in by artificial deadlines, and the Taliban are best at abiding time. In the meantime, blood is flowing faster than the Gulf oil spill as the bad guys routinely lop off heads of Marjah collaborator suspects and scare the bejesus out of Afghans in general –undermining the objective the campaign which was to acquire unyielding allegiance for the citizenry.

A reader sends along this bit of quirkiness. Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn , Germany . Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly. The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.

I am always looking to better my health. So in an effort to “Go Brown” – replacing whites like rice and bread with brown versions – I am mixing KFC gravy with my rice. It takes on a healthy glow and tastes great.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74: I felt more comfortable with Paul in bed last night. But I kept thinking the intensity wasn’t the same as with Kent. Was it because of the adventure with Kent. Was it because Kent Middleton was a special person. That Kent was like me and we were totally compatible. I was trying to calm my self with motherly chores like getting the kids breakfast and then laughing with them as they ate. All to what? Assuage my guilt. Or to procrastinate my feelings. Where were my feelings anyhow. I never felt anything but pleasure when with Paul…or Kent.
The phone rang. The woman I hate most in life, the caller ID lady garbled the name of “Clax Tonwill” and I picked it up the receiver. “How are you feeling” were his first words. The he went on about my plans.
Today was my first day to drive back to work and test my energy. (Even though Kent has thoroughly tested it already and I passed with flying colors.) “I’m feeling good, and should be there by 10:00. I ave had a few meeting, as you know with Izzy and others, but I really want to catch up with you. Get your opinions. A lot has happened since I was in the accident, and I am positive that I am light years behind you.”
“Don’t worry Boss,” he replied in his usual comforting way. Then he added somberly. “You will be interested in talking to our lawyers about the conspiracy mess and how it may relate to the company’s fortunes.”
“Thanks, Bill, I can hardly wait.”

I have noticed lately that when talking about antiques you I have to use the expression “at the previous turn of the century.”

A terrorist named Khay Rahnajet didn’t pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with “Return to Sender” stamped on it. Forgetting it was a bomb, he opened it…and you can understand the rest of the story.

The Answer:
After Hitler, the leading men in the 3rd Reich were Herman Goring, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolf Hess, Heinrich Himmler, Ernst Rohm and Martin Bormann. They wouldn’t have lasted so long if Jack bauer had been on the scene.

It's Over:
The good news is that Jack was last seen running, probably to the set of the promised movie. I can hardly wait.
KThunk. KThunk. KTnunk.

The World is Full of Weirdness.

Today's Tids Issue 2,073
The Stuff:
If America isn’t in it, is it really a war?

Just when everybody was starting to think that it’s probably Ok to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, Turkey gets ugly on us. It’s coup time again in the EU wannabe. The military has run the show since 1982. They don’t like the fact that the civilian Government is beginning to get cozy with Islam. After learning of aan alleged military plot called “Sledgehammer”, the ruling Government arrested 50 of the highest ranking military including Generals and Admirals. The military plot would include the mass bombing of mosques to create civil unrest, which would require the legitimate call for Marshall Law. Next in this comic book plan, The Military would shoot down its own planes and blame it on Greece! You can’t make up this stuff.

The Question:
Yesterday was the 65th anniversary of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima because of that great symbol has been romanticized by many. But many great American soldiers fought equally well on many South Pacific Islands. Name some key WWII island battles.

The Headlines:
--0-Man Reams Out McCain For Asking Question About Bribes To Senators For Earlier Yes Votes; Democrats Asking For Jam It Through Approach As Possibility Of Broad Agreement Wanes.
--Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly.
-- Durable Goods Surge; Most Of Growth Comes From Huge Increase In Civilian Aircraft Production.
--Big Summit is Starting To Look Like Shallow Media Event; Both Sides lining Up For Post Summit Action.
--Killer Whale That Killed Trainer Has Attacked Humans Before.
--Hummer To China Deal Fails; Brand Axed; Only 364 Hummers Sold In 2009.
--Stocks Tumbling On Economy Fears.

Back to More Stuff:

In response to last week’s Tids call for best home cold remedies, one amateur physician recommends a brandy/honey cocktail with emphasis on the brandy. Boffed on brandy is a sure way to mask those pesky cold symptoms.

Isn’t it interesting that the civilian aircraft industry had a surge in production the same month that Wall Street bonuses went up 17%! Now that‘s a stimulus package.

Some ex Military are saying privately that while the US had to fight in Viet Nam with one hand tied behind their backs, they are fighting Afghanistan with two hands tied behind their backs. Pre-announcing “no killing of civilians”, they say, gave the Taliban their greatest defensive weapon. You will never see a Taliban without his group of civilians close in tow. In addition, the rule that says NATO cannot fire on any Taliban without a weapon, has the enemy firing madly until Americans advance. Then they throw down their weapons, stand up, wave goodbye, and turn and walk away. This is true. The world is a strange place.

I was totally and utterly underwhelmed by the first men’s session of the American Idol competition. Maybe I’m just getting old, but I was only entertained by about 11 of the 120 minutes. For the most part they all sounded the same with bad songs mostly sung badly. The only decent singers I saw were, Casey James, Lee Dewyze and Aaron Kelly. Also somewhat Ok were Joe Munos and Andrew Garcia. In fact I could grow to like Munoz. You could see talent in others like Todrick Hall, Jermaine Sellers and John Park, but they were mediocre last night. And Park might not make it to next week. Over all…I wish I hadn’t wasted the time. But, that’s what Tid’s Guys do for the fans!

The Novel:

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 56 continues. –
“Isabelle and Kent Middleton are coming out to see you this evening. I think Middleton said he hadn’t had a nice date in a long time”
I smiled to myself.
“Anyhow, that brought down the house because I guess Middleton is not much of a comedian.”
I just listened. I loved listening to other people’s stories about Kent.
“I’ll be up tomorrow sometime. I’ll call in the morning. I am particularly interested in learning more about this Kent fellow. This is a big investment, and somehow I have the feeling we are investing Kent Middleton”.
“Wow”, I said “you’re talkative today. Something big must have happened.” He laughed. “I’ll try to remember what I can about Kent. Maybe I’ll learn more about him tonight”. Did they say why they were coming?”
“Other than for a date?” He laughed again. “I believe that Isabelle thinks highly of you and now wants to make you feel comfortable with the’ family’. You know how that works. If Makes things smoother for our operation, I’m all for it. I don’t why Middleton is tagging along.”
I thought, “I do. Or at least I hope I do.”
“I’ll call in the morning” He hung up. I looked over into the mirror, patted the side of my hair and unbuttoned the top button of my PJ’s.

Back to More Stuff Again:

It’s starting to appear that the best new pick-up technique is having an authorized medical marijuana card! It seems to be working particularly well with the late fifties, early sixties set. Did you ever not think that medical marijuana was just part of the big plan to legalize marijuana?

South America seems intent in overcoming the Middle East on the weirdness meter. The Falkland’s, yes those Falkland’s with a population of about 3,000 ( 1K British Military), are a center of a black storm once again. This time the black is oil. Apparently the Brits believe there is a field surrounding their Falkland Islands that can produce 60 Billion barrels of that valuable commodity. Argentina is having economic problems, putting President Christine Fernandes on the hot seat. Argentina does not want to make it easy for the British get rich. For that matter they will dispute the territorial waters again as they did in 1982. Frankly, the Argentineans have hated the British (And vice versa) since around 1840, and is in new mood to help them anyway. This soap opera has become more complex now that Hugo Chavez has promised to send his troops to help Argentina defend against an attack by Britain. The world is a loose cannon. Stay tuned.

One of the interesting sidelights that came out of the Toyota hearings was that the company’s excellent Lexus brand was involved in several of the biggest law suits for unexpected acceleration. Lexus was never part of the recalls, but some of the most tragic accidents involved that beautiful hi-tech car. Maybe the officials were trying to protect their luxury brand? Do you think?

The Answer:
There were enormous battles on Guadalcanal, New Guinea, The Solomon’s, Guam, Tarawa, Saipan, Corregidor, Okinawa, Bataan. Major naval battles were prolific and key to victory – Leyte, Midway, Coral Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, Bismarck Sea. Americans came from e the city in little boats against overwhelming dug in armies, They kept on coming and they never gave in. What di I want to be when I grew up? A Marine on Guadalcanal. As it turned out, I wasn’t good enough.

The End:

Just remember when things seem a little difficult that you could be in a trench on a south Pacific Island waiting for the bullets to stop.

Snoozing through Canada

Saturday Shorts 2/13
Opening Stuff:

They could easily have cut an hour out of the Olympics opening ceremony and not lost anything. These shows are becoming tedious, and last night’s version was a more of a yawner than any…and a good cure for insomnia. The opening duet between Furtado and Adams was as lame as it was underwhelming as the signature start of the big show. In fact, all of the individual pop singing events were too long and not terribly well done. Hold that, Lang was ok, but again too long. Some of the graphics technology was very good but again to long. The tap dancing and fiddle segment was enjoyable, but too long. The wire flyer was very intriguing and pleasantly ethereal. Even with out the mechanical glitch at the torch lighting, it still was awkward, especially considering that Gretsky had to hop in the bed of a pickup truck and be driven two miles to light the real cauldron of flame. C-.

The new Democrat offensive appears to be that of pushing the Republicans into a corner on so-called “popular” issues where a no vote without substantive reason would become an opportunity to condemn the party as obstructionists for obstruction sake. And they would love nothing better than that. The ultimate aim being, get the GOP to bend on the Health Care morass. Or, allow the Dems to move forward with a reconciliation passage of health care arguing that their hands were obviously tied by generally uncooperative, negative GOP.

“House”, “24” and “Damages” are a pretty good Monday night 1,2,3 punch!

The Headlines:
--US And Allies Sweep Into Marjah; Key Positions Easily Secured By British Troops.
--Olympic Crowds Mourn Death Of Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.
--U. Alabama Huntsville Neurobiology Professor Amy Bishop Arrested For Shooting That Killed Three And Seriously Wounded 4 Associates; Knowledgeable Observers Say She Wasn’t As Good As She Thought She Was, And Her Tenure Was In Jeopardy.
--0-Man OK’s Loans For Nuclear Plants In Georgia.
--Slushy Snow Halts Opening Of Ski Competition.

Back To Stuff:

Sign on local commercial fisherman’s boat: “Tilapia is not seafood”.

Separated at Birth Department:
KD Lang and Wayne Newton.

It was nice to see the launch of the big offensive in Afghanistan. Every day it seems we see a new report of key victory and more deaths of Taliban fighters and their leaders. This new offensive is against a “major” Taliban force that numbers a mere 1,000. We’re not talking big numbers here, and there are no caves in Marjah in which to hide. Remember when Bush first launched the Afghan attacks? The Taliban were driven out quickly and efficiently. This could be the same. But, the big problem may not be the Taliban in this center of poppy production. It may be those dazzling orange flowers themselves. Ridding the country of income from poppy’s, rids the Taliban of finances. But in doing so, there is a danger of alienating the people who also benefit from the sales of poppy based products. It would be like trying to rid the US of a gambling based economy. It may not be an honorable profession, but it helps people eat.

I think the new robber barons are athletes and movie stars. Well maybe a few of clueless on Wall Street.

News Flash: The ads at the Olympics Opening ceremony were far better than those at the SuperBowl. Several on GE Healthcare were particularly well done. Other notables were AllState, Sun Chips, AT&T (Skiboards), Visa and British Columbia.

While on the subject of commercials, there was one that was particularly offensive because of the circumstances. Immediately following the gut wrenching videos showing the death of Luger Nodar, a RI furniture company selling mattresses, Cardi Brothers, showed in a cartoon ad the three owners bobsledding and one dozing off ultimately causing an accident eerily similar to the luge tragedy. Note: Cardi’s is a very good bunch of people, but somebody wasn’t watching the store..

As I watched the 99% white, winter Olympic athletes march in, I had to think that the biggest sports competition this weekend is the NBA Basketball game. Can you say equal opportunity lawsuit?

The good news is that the US team had nice hats for a change.

Love is good!