From A Hodge-Podge Mind.

Today's Tids Issue #2,340
Opening Stuff:


If MLB comes to me and asks me to start a new team, I'm starting with Dustin Pedroia.

A new report shows that support for Obamacare (Or Lolla-Pelosi as I call it) has fallen to an all time low of 35%. No wonder. The public is finally getting the real facts about this monster passed in rather surreptitious fashion. It made me laugh during the recent budget debate when The jetsetting Nancy herself (Who had said "We have to pass the Health care Bill so you can find out what's in it") commented pompously, "We have to start acting like adults." What a crock.

A reader observed: "If it were not for all of the realities of today, we would have no humor."

Saving your pennies is centsible.

The Question:
Hollywood/NYC Director Sidney Lumet just died. Name his five top movies.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Edge Up.
--March Retail Sales Up Modestly; Auto Sales Plunge; Higher Gas Prices Stretching Consumer Budgets.
--Mubarek And Sons Detained For Investigation.
--0-Man To Unveil Budget Plan; Prez May Be Boxed In By Growing Appreciation Of GOP Spending Cut Initiatives.
--Oil Prices Rebound Slightly After Two Day Drop Of Over $6.00; There Are Signs Of Reduced Gas Purchases.
--Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Passes Naga Viper To Become Worlds Hottest Chili Pepper.
--Outside Consultant Report Issues Stark Warning About State Pension Gap; Legislature Orders More Sand To Cover Heads.
--Libyan Rebels Want More From The US.
--US Fast Food Companies Counting On India For Growth.
--$200 Million+ Payroll 2-9 Red Sox Now Officially Worst Team In Baseball.

Back to More Stuff:
I just received a phone call from a woman who said she loved my ketchup. That's always good to hear.

Here's a potentially disastrous use of a word that seems correct. You could say your "Wizened elder" or you could say your "wisened elder". Wizened elder would mean withered, wrinkled, shrunken old man. While wisened would mean probably nothing because it isn't a real word. But I would take poetic license and use it anyway to describe a sensible, learned man with experience.

You have to wonder why the President would embrace, as he did last week, a congenital liar and race-baiter like Al Sharpton? Any clues?

Actually, I was watching that clip from yesterday where an arrogant, insufferable appearing Obama dissed a man in the audience first because he complained about high gas prices and needed a van for his ten kids. And then he belittled his having ten kids. 0-Man came across as a typical liberal who knows what's good for you more than you do. As a condescending elitist who abides the masses for political purposes, and not much more.

Personally I love Royal Weddings, but this interminable countdown is starting to annoy me.

There has been a new report saying that sand is eroding at an increasing rate from RI beaches. However a new investigation hints that the culprit is a State Legislature that has been important truckloads of sand to the Statehouse in which to bury their heads. "It will go away if we close our eyes and click our heels three times." says one worried lawmaker.

Feeling Older Department:
Leave it to Beaver's Tony Dow turned 65 today.

Almost Near: Chapter 15 continues. --"That was pretty startling to me," Detective Jackson commented. "But because he was a juvie, there is a lot more hearsay than details and facts."
Tucker nodded in a musing sort of way and changed the subject. "I have located some Quimpierres in Louisiana, but I'm finding it hard to make contact with one called Florence who may be significant." Tucker paused as if he was trying to put Monty's new pieces into his puzzle. "But, I have found that the woman discontinued her phone about the time of the disappearances."
Monty interrupted Tucker's random thoughts as each of the men tried to steer the conversation towards their own views. "Did this Samantha person you say is Rudy Quimpierre's wife look like she was running away from something. That someone was hunting her?"
"Not at all. Infact she was very contented in her new self...until she began to discover that this past she loved so much started to fall apart. In this case, I know why she disappeared. And I don't blame her. But, I would guess that she probably now feels she doesn't know who she is, and may be starting to look for that real person. Inside, she is still that person I loved 18 years ago. And that was a very strong person."
"A person who for no apparent reason also ran away from you 18 years ago." Monty peered at Tucker and waited for an answer he knew wasn't there.

The Answer:
Lumet, a Philadelphian, chose to live in NYC as opposed to LA. His first big movie was 12 Angry Men. 18 years later he became a legend with Dog day Afternoon. And the Network. Other bigs were Serpico, the Pawnbroker, Murder on the Orient Express, Long Day's Journey Into Night, The Prince of the City, The Morning After, The Fugitive Kind, Fail-Safe, The Hill, The Anderson Tapes and many others.

The End:
I'm beginning to think that these days you can make up any word you want or redefine existing words to you needs and eventually some almighty being at a dictionary company will deem them acceptable under common usage laws.

So, does that mean that all of those typos of mine...aren't?

Children would do better than the kind of adults we have in Congress.

The Easy Way Out Country.

Today's Tids 4/11 (#2,338)
Opening Stuff

Saturday and, in particular, Sunday was the kind of TV days that keeps you thin. With no comercials and with more great shot making every five or so seconds, you dare not run to the kitchen for Cheetos. What a great Masters. With five or six good guys you could root for all showing superb guts under pressuring, really pressuring, circumstances. And maybe most revealing was Tiger making a charge and the others not folding as they may have in the past. McElroy looked cool until... But he will be back. The Masters is always great to me, but this one was one of the very best in many years.

Raising taxes is no more the solution to a governmental economic disaster than raising prices by an embattled sales manager is a solution to flagging sales. Few really attack problems any more. They just mask them.

When I feel the need for lilting travel within my imagination to wonderful places where nobody has ever been, I put on R. Strauss's Eine Alpensifone, close my eyes and drift into surreal serenity. Have I told you that before? Well...if I did, it must be true.

Anybody out there who momentarily thinks that the U.S. of A. has any chance of regrasping its former world stature and inspiring greatness, I have one word for you -- Snooki!

There are few certainties in life, but here's one you can take to the bank. I will never visit, or even be tempted to visit, the just dedicated "Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate".

The Question: 
 What do Hugh Hefner, Dennis Quaid, Sevie Ballestaros, Cynthia Nixon and Keshia Knight Pulliam have in common? Q2: Who said, "You can't produce a baby in nine months by getting 9 women poignant."?

The Headlines:
--New 7+ Quake rattles The Spirits Of A Fighting Japan.
--Steady Earnings Should Raise Stocks.
--Libyan Rebels Protest The Arrival Of African Leaders to Broker Cease Fire; Rebels Say Daffy Out Or Nothing.
--Tablet Sales Expected To Rise from 17.6 Mil in 2010 To 70 Mil In 2011 And 108 Mil In 2012; Apple's 69% Share Should Decline To 47% In 2015 While Google's Droid Will Increase To 39% From A Current 20%
--France Bans Face Covering Islamic Veil.
--Over heated Texas battling Wildfires.
--San Franciscans Worried About Tech Bubble 2.0.

Back to More Stuff:
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras seems to fully understand the importance of, and has an uncanny ability to implement, balance in government. He has the feel of the first Hispanic President.

Some Wall Street analysts say that after a review of the all the facts, that AIG Execs only guilty of stupidity. Say what? If a mechanic did something stupid to a car resulting in death, it would be called gross negligence and he would be in jail. Aren't these guys paid like geniuses? Do too many of them use their genius to manipulate ethics, morality and legality? How about if financial execs who are determined to be "guilty of stupidity" giving back their bonuses for the past four years. Main Street investors should get more than stupidity. What has the Tids always said -- "Clueless Lane".

I don't know about you, but I'd much rather have corn in my food than in my gas.

Oops! The old movie critic department forgot a good movie Friday. Soul Surfer. This is the true story movie starring Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton. It is about the 15 year old, very religious super Hawaiian surfer who had her arm ripped off by a shark. Through courage and faith Bethany overcomes the loss and becomes a champion again. It is a wonderfully entertaining and inspiring movie that, according to our favorite San Diego observer, is perfect for the entire family.

Serious non-politicized economic analysts viewed Paul Ryan's budget proposal as exactly the kind of measure needed as a "first" step to get the embattled country back out of the jaws of the menacing deficit monsters. And at that, a measure that may seem harsh would still take thirty years to right the ship. before anything can be accomplished however, American must try to figure out once again what it really is and what it wants to be. Is the second coming of America about redistributed wealth to the point that the government becomes the America, or will it be the America of hope, freedom and unlimited opportunity with out the festering shackles of growing socialism. America has become a whining child and the citizens have to become parents who say no.

Almost near: Chapter 15 continues: --Tucker was surprised to meet Monty Jackson. he had expected a Jumbo Jim, but got a Monty Jackson in a crisp tweed sport jacket and very contemporary tie. With, an educated voice. "Nice to meet you Mr. Louttite" he said with a firm handshake.
"My pleasure too, detective." Tucker pulled a chair closer to the desk.
"So, the desk sergeant says you are here about the Quimpierre case. not much of a case, except that it's odd. Maye you have something that can inject substance into it." he sat back figuring that Tucker must have something to offer, or why wold he be here."
"I don't have much, or else I wouldn't be here." Monty smiled. "Let me start at the beginning. I was going to be married to Mrs, Quimpierre about 17 years ago." He went into the story starting with how he had seen her two weeks ago and that it was obvious she had been traumatized and that something grave must have induced it. "I'm no psychologist, but it was easy to see she was not who she was. That something very serious must have occurred to block her memory so thoroughly. In fact, she didn't know who she was. She though she was somebody I had made up. She wasn;t depressed, but actually quite happy witrh herself. Until, I fear that she discovered my writings."
Now that is an odd story. Sounds like a writer made it up". He laughed and Tucker joined him. But this is very interesting, because I too believe something serious happened even though there absolutely no evidence that anything at all happened. The only thing we know is that a family is missing. Your story tells me a lot."

Tom Brady and Albert Poulhos seem to rely on the same driving force to spur on their greatness. Both snubbed in the drafts, they seem to wake up every game day with one goal in mind: Showing the snubbers where to stuff it. But these two "Look at me now" guys seem to be divergent in how they spend their money. Poulhos and his Family Foundation are intensely involved in helping the have-nots like handicapped children and the extreme poor in depressed third world countries. As far as I can see, Brady seems to living in the make believe world of Hollywood Let's hope he is doing something else.

0-Man, the ultimate politician, has already announced the start of his new campaign. So I have to feel that anything he says from now till voting day will be designed to contribute to a victory and not necessarily to the betterment of the country. He is already entering the gutless phase of his presidency just as Congress did last September when they punted on the budget vote.

The Answer:
The celebs Hefner, Nixon, Pullium, Quaid and Ballestaros all have the same birthday. I know, dumb Q. Q2: These word were uttered by Warren Buffet when trying to emphasize that there few shortcuts to financial success. At least honest ones.

The End:
If Congress only had the guts of Schwartzel, Scott, Day, Ogilvy or Donald think about how easy it might be to get out from under the cloud that is smothering America.

I see a lot of publicity lately about academics re-investigating slavery. What they should be spending time with is a system of welfare that further binds many descendents of slaves to the new plantation owners -- Congress and their supporters.

A country of hope and freedom and unfettered opportunity must rely on the successful to voluntarily contribute to the needs of the struggling. Or else, socialism will always have an avenue for growth.

And in closing, where does veil fit in to the "i before e, except after c" thing?

What to do. What to do.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,330

Opening Stuff:

As the debt mounts every day and the deficit clock continues click away to the point when creditors stop lending or rapidly increase interest, Congress has come up with a new plan. They'll all gather in a large dark room and repeat 100 times, "It will go away." It will go away..."

As Libya enters it's annual insect infestation season, citizens rejoice over the new "No Fly" zone.

The Question: 
People often wonder about what to do about their jobs/careers. Give me Ten signs that it is time to quit your job.

The Headlines:

--March Jobs Addition Number, 201K Meets Expectations; Feb Number Revised Downward To 208K.
--Stocks Rise On Data And M&A Activity.
--NASA Sends Back First Photo Of Mercury. http://www.space.com/11254-nasa-photos-mercury-orbit-messenger-spacecraft.html
--Libyan Rebels Retreat.
--Japan Nuke Dangers Rise.
--House Kills Obama's Ill Fated Foreclosure Rescue Plan; Left And Right Have Criticized The Plan As being Ineffective And Too Costly.
--Economists Worry That Nations With Strong Economies (China, India) Are Improving Too Fast And Weaker Economies (US) Too Slow.
--Ariz Gov Brewer Signs Into Law First Bill In Nation Banning Abortions Because Of Race Or Gender Of Fetus; Ban Prohibits Parents From Using Abortion As "Selection" Aid.

Back to More Stuff:
Have we forgotten the masses of Japanese dead and suffering and the devastated cities as the ADD news media turns its attention to the sexier nuke story? I haven't

Woman's Final Four looks good. UConn overwhelmed Duke on the way to what could be the second three consecutive championship run in the last 9 years. Baylor's loss was a big surprise, making Texas A&M the potential upset king...queen. Baylor has everybody coming back and could go into 2012 as #1. I love the guard play of Notre Dame. Stanford, the only team to beat UConn, could meet again for the championship. Great scripting here.

The powerful Eastern teams were shut out of the "Frozen Four", with mighty New Hampshire the last of the east bowing out in the eight. Much of the country overlooks the NCAA hockey championships, but they are among the most exciting.

Almost There: Chapter 13 continues. --Audrey turned serious and put on her reporter hat. "I went to the files and found what I thought I remembered. The Quimpierre disappearance was actually a fairly popular event about a year ago. You know, one day they are a family living on a street, coming and going. Taking kids to sports events. Occasionally going to church. Having people, over for cookouts. Then one day nobody sees them. Just like that, gone with no word of where they went."
"Family?" Tucker asked.
Audrey shuffled a couple of papers. "Yup, kids about 13 and 14. Two girls." Tucker nodded for her to continue. "There were a lot of interviews with neighbors and friends of Rudy. His friends, male and female, always wondered how he snagged a beautiful, well educated intelligent woman like Samantha. Rudy apparently had a wild childhood and ran with a pretty tough crowd before he became a "model" citizen.
"I met her alone. No husband. No 13 and 14 year old girls. Maybe I have helped you stumble on a book possibility that will make you famous!"
She smiled, "I looked you up on the web and found that you are a pretty good writer yourself." Audrey seemed very comfortable with this stranger.

Something must be going on because one by one NFL Team owners are coming forward saying "There will be a football Season this year." Bud Adams and Arthur Blank are the latest two. They must know something.

If chanting doesn't work, Congress people are expected to don Ruby Red Shoes, close their eyes and click there heels together three times. Yup that should do it. Talk about no heart, no courage and no brain!

My brother -in-law and I played golf with a couple yesterday. The woman said her name was Ruth, but she hated her name so she said, "You can call me Charlie." Golf is better when the atmosphere is relaxed.

The Boston Red Sox have just announced that the name for their new spring training stadium to open next year will be Jet Blue. For me it is much too close to the blasphemous Jet Green.

The Answer:
1. You aren't learning anything new. 2. You never (Rarely) have a day when you wake up excited to go to work. 3. You spend the majority of the time web surfing. 4. You don't like your co-workers. 5. Too little money to pay bills. 6. You spend time looking for other jobs. 7. You haven't had a raise in two years. 8. The boss sucks. 9. The company isn't doing well. 10. You are always stressed.
I would add that you hate the politics, you're stuck in a quagmire and the job doesn't allow you to maximize your personal strengths.

The End:
Jan Brewer for President.

I still can't figure out why I picked the name Audrey for my newest character in Almost Near.

This just in: The entire Congress has voted to resign on mass and leave the deficit problem to successor solons named by Governors.

What flew over the cuckoo's nest?

Today's Tids Issue 2,250
Opening Stuff:

Happy Hanukkah everybody!

A WikiLeaks item reveals that Arab people felt better about America because of "Desperate Housewives" and David Letterman. I don't know about you but I feel worse for America becasue of David Letterman and Desperate. Let's hope they don't think Jersey Shore is America. I really hate being defined abroad by US Television.

You have to wonder about the sincerity of the newly empowered Republicans when they name "The Prince of Pork", Kentucky Rep Hal Rogers, as Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He says that the people voted and I hear them! Yeah, sure! Lets hope the tax payers aren't getting barbecued...again.

The Question: 
A new poll this week had GW Bush approval ratings up to 47%, far above his exit ratings. The poll also rated all modern day Presidents starting with Kennedy. How do you think they rate?

The Headlines:

--Market Looks Up After Better Jobless Report.
--Democrats Reluctantly slogging Towards Obama Compromise Tax Plan That Serve All Americans.
--New Jobless Claims Fall Again.
--WikiLeaks Payment Processor To Sue Credit Card Companies For Their refusal To Process Donations To Company.
--Chasen Murder Mystery Apparently Solved; Lone Man On Bicycle Who Later Took Own Life Named As Killer; Police Say Not A Murder for Hire Conspiracy But Robbery Gone bad.
--Morgan-Stanley will Pay 10-25% Less In Bonuses This Year Due To Volatile Market Conditions.
--FBI Stings Averts Bombing Disaster At Maryland Recruitment Center

Back to More Stuff:
Now Obama knows what every recent President has learned. Peace in the Middle East is a nice idea, but love isn't the answer. Yesterday the US esentially thorough up their hands and walked away.

I thought the NFL season ended Monday night after the Pats firmly beat the Jets! But there's a quarter of the season left and it is meaningful to more teams than ever. And this week's picks are as tough as they get, and what makes them tougher are that many of the slightly favored teams are visiting teams. Like the Pat's at Chi, Denver/Ariz, TB/Wash, Phil/Dallas and Balt/Houst. I think home teams Buffalo, Pitt, Jax, NO, SF, NYJets and San Diego (KC's Cassel had an appendectomy last night) will win. As will Visitors, Indy, Giants, Atlanta and Green Bay. So now the tougher ones: I got to go with my heart and pick the Pats over "da Bears". Then I go Arizona, Tampa Bay, Dallas and Baltimore. Last week's 10-6 brought us to 128-63 (67%). I hate to think what next week looks like.

Among the many records achieved during Monday night's Pats-Jets game was the most arrests ever of intoxicated Pats fans after the game. What do you expect in 20 degree weather? It was all medicinal.

An insightful reader with consistently keen observations on Tid's remarks, yesterday sends this reply to a piece about Tea Party power gains: "Or. this means that the insiders are setting them up to get crushed by the system so they will be gone in four years...". Yes, you never know what's really happening in Washington...especially when they say they are being open and honest with you!

There's talk going around that points out that the US didn't really get serious about Wiki until it was revealed that the next big leak was to be about big banking and financial institution operations. We know where the real power lies.

I debated yesterday on whether or not to add to the Elizabeth Edwards onslaught. I decided that this pleasant women with nice children and relatives who will miss her dearly had had enough, and I couldn't add to it. I received several notes thanking me for not adding to the pile-on. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that her sleazebag husband would announce for the President in 2012 "Because Elizabeth would want that way". He is that low.

I actually had another Q for today, but I'll just use it as an informational piece for all of us who get confused at Dog Shows. The AKC divides all breeds into 8 groups. For instance, the big show in RI this weekend expects 5,000 dogs including 160 breeds. You have your Sporting dogs (Setters, Retrieves, Spaniels). You got the Hounds, the Terriers, the Toys. Then there are the Working dogs (Boxers, Dobermans, Huskies) and the Herding Dogs (Collies et. al.). A big catch-all category, Non-Sporting Dogs, includes poodles (Originally a hunter), Alaskan Eskimo, Dalmatians and French Boxers. The eigth group is called "Miscellaneous" and includes breeds that nobody understands like the ever popular Xoloitzcuinili! These dogs can compete in that category but do earn any Championship points. It is expected that they will be included in the new "Dream Act working its way through Congress. So...feel smarter?

Vegetarians will probably be dismayed knowing that animal products are widely available and indeed critical to many products they all use regularly. 1. Plastic shopping bags and in the future disposable diapers and hispital gowns. 2.Animal stearic acid help bicycle and car tires hold shape under surface friction. 3. Wood glue in instruments like violins and furniture. 4. BioFuels. Yes veggie people, it's not just corn and sugar cane. There's Beef bio-diesel and chicken bio-dieesl Yum. 5. Fireworks! (No hot dogs or firecrackers on the 4th! Gadzooks. 6. Fabric Softener. 7. Shampoo and Conditioner. Manufacturers have removed the word "animal" from ingredients lists to fool the vegans. 8. Toothpaste. 9; White and brown sugar. Wouldn't life as a vegetarian be an awful thing...always doubting what you touch or wear or eat. God, life is tough enough.

At this reading only Buffalo, Denver, Cincinnati, Carolina, Detroit and Arizona are dead in the NFL Playoff picture. 4-8 Dallas is near death, yet 4-8 San Fran has a decent chance in the NFC West. That's why picking games has been so tough this year. Anybody can win and that includes Buffalo and Cleveland who actually look quite strong at times. Unless the bottom drops out for some current leaders, the final 12 looks like the Pats, Jets. Pitt, Balt, KC, Jax and Indy. The next best to make it in the AFC are SD and Oakland. In the NFC I'm seeing the Giants, Eagles, St. Louis, Bears, Packers, Saints and Atlanta. Tampa Bay and Seattle are hanging around and Seattle has a real chance to get in. In the meantime there are four games left and they will be wars throughout the leagues.

Has there been a more threatening lame duck session of Congress than this one? This so called dream act just incentivizes illegal behavior. It says, "hey common' over. You can't lose." On the other hand, it is refreshing to see that the Supreme Court seems to be leaning in favor of Arizona's Law that would require employers to check documentation. Let's face we already have plenty of immigration laws fair to people throughout the world. Frankly I'm tired of being called an immigrant hater because I believe in laws.

The Answer:
JFK actually had relative low approval ratings while in office but his dramatic martyrdom combined with pleasant positive memories make him the Prez with the highest approval rating at 85%. Ronald is second at 74% followed by Clinton (69 - Way up from "most dishonest" after Monica), GHW Bush (64- With Clinton, Johnson, up the most since 2006 poll), Ford, (61), Carter (51 - Most and only down since last poll), Johnson (49), "W" (47) and Milhouse (Still a lowly 29).

The End:
Has Congress ever been nuttier? The left is typically illogical, but they get irrational when they lose. It must be the old cornered animal thing. Kum bye ya.

Congress: Laughable.

Today's Tids Issue 2,208

Opening Stuff:

Isn’t the current Congress already doing enough to make a mockery out of a once great institution without having to bring in a comedian to pile on? But then, nobody takes congress seriously any more?

Which brings me to the Quote of the Week*: It’s from Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. “Roger Clements could get 30 years for lying to Congress, but Congress people lie to us and they get re-elected for two years.”

Did you hear about the horse trainer who decided to move over and work with deer to make a fast buck?

Bach’s Brandenburg concerti are a great way to start the day. But, I only listen to four at a time.

“Government Doesn’t Create Wealth; It Uses Wealth Created By Others“ Department:
Last night on Fox, John Stossel -- in a special titled “The Battle for the Future” -- did an excellent job breaking down the ills of an American ideal gone astray and where there is hope for getting the country back into the hands of the people. It looked at “Makers vs. Takers”; The biggest danger in America – Public Employee Unions…the parasite killing the host; A disincentivized workforce; A far too big Government. Look for reruns of this program. It covers all of the reason why the tea party has been successful as an upstart; Why Americans across the land regardless of party, socioeconomic status color of skin, are so angry

The Question: 
What was Andrew Lloyd Weber’s first hit show? Name five other big shows form this master of melody.

The Headlines:

--Failing Levee Frocing Portage Wisconsin Residents To Leave Town.
--Israeli Settlers Cheer Expiration Of Construction Ban.
--Unilever Deal And Other M&A Activing Copuld Push markets Much Higher This Morning.
--US Helicoptors Continue To Effectively Kill Insurgents In Pakistan.
--Only 36% Of Teens Think Texting While Driving Could Kill Them; 55% Think Drinking While Driving Could Kill.
--Powerful Endicott Nips Salve 29-28.
--Unilever Buys Alberto Culver For $3.7 Bil.
--Malls Across Country See Up Tick In Biz After Banning Unaccompanied Teens.

Back to More Stuff:
Did you see that news item about the discovery in Bing Crosby’s basement of a long lost film of the final of the 1960 World Series? I was living in Pittsburgh then and really got into the team, especially when they were facing the dreaded You-Know-Who’s! It was actually a memorable week, work in the morning and make the rounds of supplier hotel parties in the afternoon. It was a week of a wide emotional variation. Huge ups and sudden downs. The worst of downs coming as the e Ya-ya-Ya (WYKWIM) went up in the top of ninth. And then there were two outs. The bottle of Bourbon had enough for 4 shots, enough for four distraught Westinghouse ad guys sitting forlorn in a now empty room. Now the four ready to toast a job well done. And then…and then Tony Kubeck made “The Error”. Man on first. And now the great Bill Mazeroski was at bat. Still last of ninth. Still two outs. We glanced at the screen and lifted the glasses. What!!! Maz hits it out! You could hear a deafening roar of cheers emerging throughout the city. From open windows throughout the city. From the streets below. Our amazing Pirates had beaten down the pompous team from New York. Now we lifted the glasses in a victory toast. It was a grand day.

Best Golf Tip Ever Department:
I pulled up to the designating parking spot and two guys came over and started unloading the back of my Jeep. The older guy, said smiling, “Want us to take the golf clubs too!” We both started laughing. It was the fall “Free Shredding of Old Documents Day”. Golfers know the real problem.

What is more efficient…Millionaires paying more taxes so it can be filtered through a wasteful, bloated bureaucracy? Or leaving the money with them so they can spend it efficiently at their discretion. Creating jobs or distributing it to Charities or for projects throughout the towns and regions in which they live.. Where 100% of the dough gets to the charity unless it is corrupt or has a crook for an executive director. Or a bookkeeper who hits the local casino a little too often. Oh wait a minute, the Gov already doles out what’s left of the tax dollars to suspect local organizations like Acorn.

The AG candidate who says he’s going to root out corruption in the General Assembly and look under the hood of the unions running this state will definitely get my vote. Not a candidate who promises to be tough on elderly abuse. Which is nothing more than pap for a large voting block.

Giving up a seat on a bus for an elderly person is an act of "chairity".

Another funny line from a local columnist suggests that Jets receiver Brayton Edwards probably taunted the police officer when he was arrested for drunken driving.

Doonesbury has been very funny this week. It’s about Warren Buffet visiting a fellow billionaire who has yet to join the group pledging half their assets to combat disease in Africa. The more I think about it, the more it becomes apparent that these self made billionaires have egos big enough to want to stand alone in front of their fortunes and determine where their charity goes with out the help of other Billionaires. And, lets face many of these billionaires give to charity all of the time, and don’t seek credit notoriety. Basically, Buffet and Gates are acting like Big Government billionaires – “I know better,; Let me spend your money.”

Duh Headline of the Week:
“Obama Rejects GOP Plans.”

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96. -- I saw the three of them sitting there in the glass bowl office; that of my trusted mentor Jack Wiley as I walked with confidence now next to Trooper Dan. Which one was the biggest manipulator? Jack, the man who’s every instinct I followed on my way to the top of the corporate financial world? Isabelle, a person I now realize I barely knew? My beautiful lover? My Kent? A man who has made feel like I always wanted to feel. A man who has touched, explored, stimulated every part of my body. Surely intimacy would not blind me.
The trooper moved forward and grabbed the door for me. My eyes were riveted on the threesome. Jack looked scared. Isabelle looked like a mad woman. Kent’s eyes looked deeply into mine. Into my heart. And I felt the fever of true love.

I saw a news program lauding a school class for letters they wrote to get money form companies. Are we teaching the next generation to be grant writers? Is that the future of our society? Creating a new middle class of beggars who are experts at getting money from producers. It’s like walking out of your supermarket to hoards of kids essentially begging for money for sports leagues, school trips, scouts or other after school activities. Not too many years ago, kids just went out and did it.

Do you think that moms let kids play things like X-Box because they don’t get as dirty as they would playing outside? Is that because working moms didn’t have time for extra washing? Bill Keane suggested that.

I just read a Wedding Notice that said the Bride had a Masters Degree in Exercise Science! Exercise science?

The Answer:  

Weber’s first hit written with Tim Rice was The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Weber and Rice soon followed up with Jesus Christ, Superstar. The two
some continued with Evita, their last together. Weber’s firsts solo effort was Cats followed by Phantom, Starlight Express, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful games, Bombay Dreams, The Woman In White and Love Never Dies. The two people who most influenced his dream to be a songwriter were Frederick Loewe, Lionel Bart and Richard Rogers.

The End:
American starts coming back this Novemeber.

*(I had already written it down for Today, but saw repeated in a Saturday sports column. Which leads me to believe that it is sweeping the country and you may have already seen it!)

The end of the big war.

Today's Tids Issue 2,192
Opening Stuff:

Happy VJ Day everybody! as you may know, RI is the only state that celebrates VJ Day as a full fledged holiday. You just have to know that this celebration makes a lot of people in this just named "Most Liberal States in America" really, really mad.

It's hard to argue that a perfect American home would have a flag waving from a pole next to the front door, and the wash waving from a clothesline in the back yard.

The total amount of oil spilled in this largest spill ever was 200 Million gallons. That is the amount the US consumes every...6 hours! Think about that for a moment. Let's see, if we started raising herds of dinosaurs now, in about a million years or so we might start replenishing our reserves again.

I will never be tempted to attend an edible mushroom workshop.

The Question: Give me 5 myths about fitness. Clue: One of them isn't Gravy is bad for your health.

The Headlines:
--1,000 Chinese Missing As Massive Floods Rise.
--North Korea Fires Artillery At Sea Border; Tensions High.
--Wall Street Rising; Positive Comments From Fed About Adding Liquidity Fuels Enthusiasm.
--House Members Scurrying Back to Pass Jobs Bill.
--BP Nearly Ready For Final Plug.
--On Of The Murdering Arizona Escaped Prisoners Captured In Wyoming.
--Nation Mourns Murdered Afghan Medical Givers.
--Berkshire Hathaway Profits Down 40%; Derivative Value Decline Destructive.

Back to More Stuff:

Lets hear it for Patricia Neal. She was immense as an actress. But her finest award was for her amazing fight against brain cancer. She died last night at 84.

You probably have seen that news items where two overwrought public officials decided to clamp down on a 7 year old's lemonade stand because she didn't have a license. In fact, the two lunkheads fined this latest trustee of a significant American entrepreneurial tradition -- $500. I see this is as a great example of what happens when there are too many public employees enforcing too many laws that were never necessary in the first place. Vote them all out -- Federal, State, Local -- in November.

When I was a kid I was fined five cents each time I said "Ain't". When you consider that my entire earnings for a week through an allowance was 25 Cents. you can imagine the pain. If that happened today, the kids would call ACLU! Well, I still say ain't and I don't eat peas. And, they way Wall Street is treating my savings, 25 Cents is still a big number to me.

If you don't think public employee unions are out of control, just take a gander at what the Teachers Union for Milwaukee is trying to suck out taxpayer's wallets. This town which has been fighting big deficits has laid off 392 teachers. There's just not enough money. Period. But in their wisdom, the Union is not trying to save jobs with there new negotiations. Nope. They are demanding that the city spend nearly a million more to pay for Viagra, Cialis, Levitra et. al.! That is the cost of saving 24 teacher's jobs. Actually with the passage of the latest "Jobs" bill, it may enable the Union o get that extra dough. Now, that is a stimulus package. Has the world gone mad.

You just have to know that there are a bunch of habitual whiners who hated the day the oil spill was plugged. And they really hate the fact that destruction of the ocean floor so far seems quite minuscule.

I'd never want to be accused of profiling...but, any time I see a picture in a crime story of guy with long stringy, dirty hair, mustache and beard, I say Guilty as charged. And, if I see one hitchhiking, I stomp on the pedal and check the rear view mirror!

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 88 continues. --"Henry, there's a car following me. You know that cars coming up behind me make me nervous." Why do I make little jokes when it isn't a funny situation.
"Where are you Sar?" He sounded concerned.
"I'm deep up the Whitaker's driveway. I saw a guy in an ordinary looking Chevy come out from behind Marie's I thought I saw him looking at me. I stayed calm, but when I got out onto the road I stomped on the accelerator, and turned up the first driveway beyond the curve.
"That's good Sar. What color is ordinary?
I smiled. good ole' Henry. "Green. Dark green. I watched him drive slowly by heading north towards you end of town."
"Stay where you are. I'll get back to you."
He wasn't jolly old cool and collected Henry any more. But I liked who he was. "What do I do if the Whitaker's come home?"
There was a long pause, like that was the stupidest question ever asked. And then..."Smile at them."
He hung up. I pulled my car further around the back of the house. It was a beautiful back acre or so. maybe I should organize a garden tour.
I decided to call Paul, but he beat me to it. Before I could paint a picture of a damsel in distress, he blurted" Sally O has been let go. She is with me now."
"What?" I can only think of stupid questions right now. She wants the three of us to get together where nobody is watching.
I briefly explained my situation.
"Holy shit!" was all Paul was capable of saying. "I'll call back. Stay right where you are."
I already am. I thought.

How many times have you heard a politician say to an ex Military man, "Thanks for your service!". How about some day saying that to an old Ad Man or woman. With the the Ad biz, The huge economy the US has enjoyed over the years is clearly the the result of the work of ad people. Creating markets. Exaggerating need. Creating jealousies and envy among citizens who thought they were happy with what they had. And how about tht politician...and all other politicians. The people would have seen them for what they really are. Shallow and self centered. Yeah I'm proud to have fought the advertising wars as a young man. Without me this country would have been nothing.

Seriously, people throughout the nation should be thanked for their service to the country. Great countries don't just happen. They are the sum total of all the people working diligently at what they do best. Plugging leaks, filing files, singing songs, healing the sick, saying prayers, making decisions...and yes getting out the information through ads.

I guess the Dems are having a little trouble with the PayGo Deficit reduction plan they pushed through last January. Apparently some Senate Republicans are learning that the Dems view of "PayGo" is: The people Pay more taxes and they go crazy with spending.

I have to smile at the image of congress people "scurrying"! They don't scurry much unless there's money to be spent frivolously.

The Answer: The Myths: 1. Walking is not as good as running. 2. Exercise increases hunger. 3. It doesn't matter where your calories come from. 4. Diet alone is enough for sustained weight loss. 5. There is no best time for exercise. (In case you are interested, it is better to exercise in the late afternoon.)

The Beginning...of a new grand week.
It is Monday and I'm have a wonderful day. Hope you all are.

Stupid is as stupid does.

Today's Tids Issue 2,184
Opening Stuff:

One of the ongoing problems contributing to the continued collapse of what was once the greatness of the US of A is American’s addiction to stupidity! In fact, one of the fastest growing industries in America has as its basis Americans doing stupid things and other Americans paying to watch it. And of course, the hottest industry of all requires people to put all of their most personal thoughts and data on the world wide web for all to see. I mean God just has to love all of this creativity from his beloved humans.

It’s a good thing I’m perfect!

Uh-Oh! Lincoln Chafee just lost my vote. And I expect many others. How inept can a politician be? In case you missed it, the former Senator now Independent front runner for the RI Governor’s office said Monday that Curt Shilling’s famous “Bloody Sock” was a fake. It’s one thing to make a false claim about one of the most memorable events in Red Sox history, but to say it in a stronghold for Red Sox Nation -- insanity. His claim was 100% wrong. And more than that, stupid. It appears that his wife may be retracting some of her campaign funding.

Remember that one of the big contributors to the Scott Brown upset was his opponent Martha Coakley’s dissing of the Red Sox fans.

The Question:
People also pay enormous sums of money for art. The prices equal sums that could be used to start five or six good industries. Name the five most expensive paintings ever sold.

The Headlines:
--152 Die In Fiery Pakistan Air Plane Crash; 2 Americans Among Dead.
--Judge Expected To Rule On Arizona Law Today.
--Surprise: Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Comes Out In Support Of Tax Cheat Rangel; Pelosi Agrees; Ethics Panel, Rangel Lawyers Talking Settlement.
--Jury Mulling Blago Case.
--30 Homes Near Majave Destroyed In California Wildfire.
--Factory Orders For Big Ticket Items Down 1% In June; Market Down Slightly On Durables Report.
--French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarcozy To Make Acting Debut In Next Woody Allen Movie Midnight In Paris.

Back to More Stuff:

After listening to comments from the CBC about their view of the lyin’ and cheatin’ by Charles Rangle, it appears that race is destined to become a big and growing part of the equation, It is now likely that the Billy Daniel’s effect is going to get him off -- That old Black Magic!

The American Civil Liberties Union has to be one of the most dishonest organizations in the country. But, that’s what happens when you get a bunch of lawyers defining honesty.

In case we have forgotten, the nation got this current Democrat Congress mess because the Republicans failed miserably.

So maybe we should be looking for only independents and mavericks to vote for in the next election. It can’t be any worse than it is now. And besides it would take them at least a few years before they became professional liars and cheaters.

NFL camps open today. So at least something is going right in the country. I think the Jets are going to be a bust. And, I am going to love watching them go down.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 85 continues. --Now what am I going to do for a half an hour. I called Cotter and he confirmed what I already knew, Sarah was at the police station. Then I asked him about Laura, and he suggested that she was a pain in the ass and that I should tale to her. He gave me the number of their so-called safe house. Calling her was a bad mistake. She reamed me out for ten full minutes. I didn’t say anything. When she was finished I said, So? She paused for about fifteen seconds, probably to catch her breath and slow down her pulse. Finally she asked me to spend the night with her at the rat trap. I told her I’d try. She said wrong answer. So, I decided it would be a good idea to spend some time with her. And it wouldn’t be so bad anyhow. But, I’d have to alter my plans for Sarah.
Laura’s angry voice was still playing with my serenity when I drove into Marie‘s parking lot. No Sarah. I walked in, smiled at Marie, Again, she looked at me strangely. “I think I’ll have blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream.” I was actually moderately ebullient.
“And a Diet Coke” she added. Her eyes sparkled a little.
Just as the DC arrived, my beautiful Sarah/Maggie breezed in. She had that look that I love, and her eyes penetrated mine to the back of my brain all the while she moved confidently to me. She didn’t sit opposite, but came and kissed me on the cheek, while firmly grabbing my upper thigh. The glow in her eyes was amazing.
She sat. “You look beautiful, Kent.” She had me.

If you sit on a beach for a long time you begin to realize that most people, including myself, look far better in clothes.

Do you know what’s making me happy today? Mike Lowell hit three home runs for the PawSox last night. I really want good things to happen for Lowell.

The Answer. The most expensive painting eve sold cost $140 Million – Jackson Pollack’s #5. next ios William De Kooning – Woman III ($137Mil); Gustav Klimt – Adele Block-Bauer I ($135); Pablo Picasso – Nude, Green Leaves and Bust ($106); Pablo Picasso - Gargon a la Pipe ($104); Andy Warhol – Eight Elvises ($199); Pablo again – Dora Maar au chat #95.2); Titian – Dina and Actaeon (#91); Klimt = Adle Block-Bauer II ($87.9); Francis bacon – Tryptich ($86.3). Want to see the rest of the sales over $50 Mill? Check out http://www.theartwolf.com/10_expensive.htm

The End:
So, I guess having a lot of money just means you can pay a lot for things that probably should cost a lot less.

And, so what does Forest Gump's "Stupid is as stupid does" mean. It means you are defined by your actions no matter how smart you are. Even if you read the NY Times.

The subversion of common sense.

Today's Tids Issue 2,181
Opening Stuff:

The good thing about the upcoming elections is that Congress will probably start passing less costly bills. The bad thing is that we know they do it grudgingly and don’t believe a word of what they are saying and can hardly wait for November 3 after they are re-elected and can start spending again. This is not a time to be lulled.

Unfortunately, retirement today means that it is your investments that stopped working.

Meanwhile down in Arizona, Clinton appointee US District Judge Susan Bolton asked the Obama Justice Department lawyer Edwin Kneedler, “Why can’t Arizona be as inhospitable as they wish to people who have entered the US illegally?” That sums it up nicely for me.

And…How about the name “Kneedler” for an annoying federal prosecutor.

The Question: In a short Period of time Phillip Seymour Hoffman established himself as one of the better actors for a variety of complex roles. Name five of his best movies.

The Headlines:
--Congress Extends Jobless Benefits.
--“Bonnie” Halts Work On Oil Spill.
--Ford Continues To Post Strong Profits; Pays Down More Debt Without Government Assistance.
--Rangle To Face Congressional Trial On Ethics Charges.
--India Company Introduces $35 Version Of iPad; Device Expected To be Available In 2011.
--US Confronts North Korea Over Ship Sinking.
--Senate Forces House To Pass Afghan Funding Bill Minus $20 Billion In Domestic Spending!

Back to More Stuff:

To that person who asked me the name of the architect for the historic Trinity Church in Newport: It was Richard Munday (1685-1739), who was influenced by England’s great Christopher Wren. In fact Trinity is akin to Wren’s St. James at Piccadilly in London. He also did the Old Colony House and many fine Georgian homes still standing in the City.

I’ve been watching America’s Got Talent” and I have just one question – When do they start bringing out the talent?

The big local news is that Government regulators have stepped back from their plan to ban lobsterin’! It’s a huge relief for the local fishing industry, which steadfastly maintained that the Government reports of the death of the lobster population were greatly exaggerated. So, for the time being, a reprieve. I say time being because the power hungry little people in the environmental regulation business don’t like to be called wrong. And they are probably working already to get even. Hard working fisherman be damned. For one thing in life is for certain – Builders got to build; developers got to develop; regulators go to regulate. And iron clad facts and logic never stops them.

This an important day for sports fans and NFL fans in particular. You may not have known that up until this morning no first round draft pick had been signed. It all had to do with uncertainties about a new NFL contract and possible lockouts and strikes. But last night the Dallas 1st rounder Dez Bryant signed. This will signal other agents to release the apron strings and get their guys under contract for a good training season. Let’s hope.

Isn’t it interesting that “u” is the difference between a guy and a gay

Two women were out for a Saturday stroll.. One had a Doberman and the other, a Chihuahua. As they walked down the street, the one with the Doberman Said to her friend, "Let's go over to that bar for a drink." The lady with the Chihuahua said, "We can't go in there. we've got dogs with us." The one with the Doberman said, "Just watch, and do as I do." They walked over to the bar and the one with the Doberman put On a pair of dark glasses and started to walk in. The bouncer at the door said, "Sorry, lady, no pets allowed." The woman with the Doberman said, "You don't understand. This is my seeing-eye dog." The bouncer said, "A Doberman?" The woman said, "Yes, they're using them now. They're very good." The bouncer said, "OK, come on in." The lady with the Chihuahua thought that convincing him that a Chihuahua was a seeing-eye dog may be a bit more difficult, but thought, "What the heck," so she put on her dark glasses and started to walk in. Once again the bouncer said, "Sorry, lady, no pets allowed." The woman said, "You don't understand. This is my seeing-eye dog." The bouncer said, "A Chihuahua?" The woman with the Chihuahua said, "A Chihuahua? They gave me a freaking Chihuahua?!"

I could never make it as a screen writer. I just couldn’t bring myself to a continuous cacophony of “F” words.

Reading between the Lines Movies Reviews:
--Salt is a Angelina Jolie spy thriller, and typically right up my alley. It’s the type of film I go to despite the favorability of reviews. This one has everything I like – intelligence, hopelessness and tension. Jolie a loyal CIA agent is accused of being a Russian sleeper spy. She goes on the run using her covert operative skills to protect her husband and stay one jump ahead of her “friends” at the agency. I’m hooked. It may not be great for people who like excellent movies.
--The critics love Ramona and Beezus, film about the humorous exploits of two children, sisters caught up in the family madness of today’s times – Family layoffs, foreclosures and small family tragedies. They say it is funny and heartwarming. What kind of name is Beezus?

47% of all movie ticket buyers earn over $75K. 12% earn less than $25K. 19% earn between $50 and $74 and 22% between $25 and $49. The way prices are going up, it may take a 100K to enjoy a movie.

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 84 continues. –Isabelle hung up from her necessary evil security expert and immediately dialed the extension for Sally Orstein. “Hi Sally, Izzy, here,” she said comfortably. Before Sally could answer, she added, “Please come up to my office.” Sally was mumbling something when the CEO placed the phone back in the cradle. She stood up, walked to her door and signaled Kent to join her in the office.
Within moments after Kent had seated himself to her left and before Isabelle could tell him what she was doing, Sally Orstein walked in. “You look nice this morning,” Izzy said pleasantly.
“Thanks,” came the immediate reply as Sally eased into one of her gigantic smiles. Kent said nothing which was not unusual. But it was obvious that he was wondering why he was there and what was going on.
Isabelle didn’t waste time. “It’s crunch time around here, Sally. With the merger of the Bromsky/Middleton groups we have to think about efficiencies.”
Sally was quick to interrupt. “I have been thinking of ways to use all of the people in our,” she nodded towards Kent, “Program. There are many great people coming over from the Bromsky crew. And…” Isabelle raised a halting hand and Sally stopped in mid sentence.”
“I know there are many good people from the Bromsky group. I’m sad to say that one is going to replace you, Sally.” Kent Middleton’s jaw tightened.
Sally’s head turned quickly towards her boss, “Kent?”

The Answer:
Hoffman was first noticed in film in Scent of a Woman and became a major factor after The Talented Mr. Ripley. Of course he received critical acclaim as the annoying Truman. He Also is recognized for great work in Doubt, Charlie Wilson’s War and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. He also was in The Savages, Synecdoche, Boogie Nights, The Big Labowski, Magnolia, Almost Famous, 15th Hour, Punch Drunk Love, Cold Mountain and Pirate Radio. You probably have other favorites. His mother was a liberal activist and his father was a corporate executive. They divorced. How odd.

The Weekend Begins:
I seemed to have used the word “annoying” a few times today. But, it doesn't mean I'm in a bad mood. I'm just being accurate. Besides, I would never end the Friday Tids in a bad mood. So instead, I leave you with ,the "Bumper Sticker" of the Week: "If Obama's the Answer, How stupid was the Question."

The sponge economy.

Today's Tids Issue 2,179
Opening Stuff:

Washington these days is all about the Democrats forcing the Republicans into “When did you stop beating your wife” dilemmas. It’s a savvy political strategy that will result in a lot of bad and very expensive laws

A reader after reading the Comedian list and the “…Standing in the rain.” line, sent along this poignant message from Comedian/cancer survivor: "The secret of happiness is not to curse the storm, but to learn how to dance in the rain."

The Question:
Business people find it hard to be without their smart phones. It has become a necessary appendage. What do Business travelers use their phones for most?

The Headlines:
--Relief Well Should Reach Broken Well This Weekend.
--Government Watchdogs Tell Congress That 0-Man’s Mortgage Salvation Program Is Not Working; That US treasury Has Failed To Fix The Program.
--Pedophile Hedge Fund Billionaire Jeffery Epstein Set free After Five years Of Legal Wrangling.
--Scientists Discover Star In Galaxy 100 Times More Massive Than Sun.
--Obama Gang Outlines New Sanctions Against North Korea.
--Wall Street Flat Awaiting Bernanke.
--0-man Signs Finance Overhaul Bill.

Back to More Stuff:

As of yesterday, the national debt was $13.1 Trillion and growing at a rate of $1.5 Trillion per year. To be able to start paying down the debt, the Government budget must generate surpluses of $500 Billion to $800 Bil per year. That ain’t gonna happen because nowhere in the White House or Congress do I see people jumping up saying they can’t afford this or that mammoth bill.

What are we starting to notice as earnings report are delivered? Lower than anticipated revenue (Top Line) but healthy bottom lines. This is typical of a recovery in normal times. I don’t think these are normal times. These are times when average wages are forced to decline meaning that real growth rates will decline too. And revenue will fail to return even over time.

You can never have enough khacki shorts for Summer.

Through the Same Eyes: I have entered the severe writer's block phase of this novel. Be patient.

Cute little Lindsey Lohan is looking about 45 years old these days. Jeez, acting must be tough on the body.

Supermarket prepared “Home cooked” meals are never as good as what I remember as home cooked meals. But a lot of people must be buying a lot of them because they are ubiquitous.

Isn’t a ubiquitous a South American dish using the bark of the Cockspur Coral Tree?

I’m still slaving away poring out the Tids, but my mind is on a vacation in a secluded get-away. I fact, it is so secluded that I haven’t been able to find it for weeks.

Somehow, to me, a summer landscape doesn’t inspire a lot of poetry.

The Answer:
56% use it to adjust travel plans. 49% use it to make dinner reservations; 43% -- Get sports scores; 41% -- Check into hotel, But, surprisingly a full 39% use smart phone apps to find a coffee shop.

So, are they telling me I should by a $400 smart phone so I can find a coffee shop? Don’t you think that there is something really sad about an economy that relies on coffee shops and coffee shop locators?

If Congress did it. Don't trust it.

Today's Tids Issue 2,170
Opening Stuff:
Donald Berwick, the latest nutcase from Harvard to bring romanticized academic theories to an important government department, has said he is emotionally addicted to British style health care. In fact he admits that when it comes to government controlled health care, he some what of a romantic. How romantic will it be when some of his insane medical rationing theories have oldsters dying or living in misery prematurely and loved ones mourning the losses? And the real tragedy in this appointment is that the gutless leader of the world’s greatest free nation snuck him in under the cover of a darkened national capital.

Amused at the Tids guy’s heat induced befuddlement yesterday, a loyal reader sends in his own most confusing moment – “Standing there looking down at a rope in my hand I couldn’t remember if I had found a rope or lost a horse.”

The Question:
As a kid I was always enthralled by the exploits of the great Portuguese explorers – Magellan, de Gama, Prince Henry the Navigator. Naval heroes all. That led me to follow naval officers in general (Or should I say “In admiral!”). Name ten great American Naval officers.

The Headlines:
--Buffet Seeing A Better US Economy Ahead; IMF Upping World Outlook On Healthy Asia.
--Three al-Qaida Bombers Arrested In Norway; Terrorists Allegedly Plotting Attacks In New York And England.
--New Jobless Pay Requests Drop More Than Expected.
--Heat Down; Humidity Steady.
--Mortgage Rates Drop To New Low.
--Geithner Says Taxes To Remain Business Friendly; White House Reacting To Unkind Comments By Former Ally Imelt And Other Biz Leaders.
--Merck Closing 8 Manufacturing Plants And 8 research centers WorldWide; Two Of Shutdowns In US.
--TV’s High School Musical Comedy “Glee” Tops Emmy Nomination List.

Back to More Stuff:

Of course, you don’t have to sneak things past Congress. You can do it out in the open and they won’t see it. For instance, the new financial services law eliminates Auto Dealers from regulatory scrutiny. Of all people, Auto Dealers! Did you ever feel you are getting a straight story from an auto dealer? Especially when it comes to financing. I haven’t. And Congress thinks it’s ok to give them a free pass. It is probably one of the greatest, latest examples of just how inept our government has become. And why our national system of special interests is broken.

It Happens Every Time Department:
Bristol Rhode Island, which was proclaimed “America’s Most Patriotic Town” on the cover of last weekend’s Parade Magazine, was just named by “Family Circle” Magazine as one of the Ten Best Places to raise children. Rats. Now everybody will want to move there and the Town fathers will be besieged by developers with plans that will eventually ruin the fabric of the town. Great places are far better off remaining unknown.

Subway sandwiches are designed by accountants.

It took a power blackout to enlighten me. I walked into a Dunkin Donuts Sunday to get a few munchkins for a 4th parade sideline get-together, only to find a power outage and a line of eager customers out the door. And there wasn’t a donut to be found. Nor could they cook a sausage-egg-biscuit. But everybody was happily ordering and overpaying for some elaborate coffee concoction. These shops don’t care of they sell their main product. They are just like restaurants that make their real money on booze. I propose that the these stores start making edible bakery products and have BYOC Wednesdays – Bring Your Own Coffees. (Sounds like a theory from a nutty Harvard professor.)

Basically, the only difference between eaters of organic foods and those eating the crappy regular stuff is that the organic people are eating happier chickens and asparagus. A new study proves conclusively that there are absolutely no health advantages to eating organic eggs over regular eggs. The organic eggs are just laid by hens with smiles on their faces. Oh yeah, and the organic eggs cost more.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 81 continues. –Isabelle took her time. She carefully placed the folder before and slowly opened it, taking out a very legal looking page. She feigned reading it for a moment, and then looked up. She smiled, but not the smile of a person I have begun to enjoy as a friend.
“I’m not going to read the legal black magic wording. What this essentially says is part of what we have been discussing internally.” She looked into my eyes. It was one of those unemotional, robotic stares. She was trying to eliminate all feeling. “Our lawyers are seriously concerned with a potential conflict of interest between our financial sources and a leading technology supplier.”
That would be me and Paul. Obviously. I didn’t react. I just became as robotic as she.
“I don’t want to go into the rest of this note. It is pretty obvious,” her face lightened a little, thinking she had taken control, “that business operations and complications are the norm. And, I know you understand that.”
“So basically,” I started without flinching, “You are threatening the people who have taken the risk to underwrite the unknown output of your potential.” Her eyes moved quickly. But, she didn’t back down.
“No, it is just the opposite. We are only trying to be open and honest with our most important business partner.” She is good I thought. But, I also know that they really need what Paul’s company has to offer.
“Nor did I come here to threaten you, so I’m surprised that you would dive so quickly into a legal sounding cover before listening to what I had to say.” I waited a few beats. “We think you should look more deeply into an event which remarkably benefits your future. Where there is now suspicions about a suicide of a major BiEm player in the event. I came to talk to you as your partner. Obviously, you overreacted.”
I stood up, “I have to get back to the office.” As I turned to leave I saw Kent Middleton at his desk staring -- Was it angrily? – into Isabelle’s office. I didn’t turn as I heard Izzy say “Sarah?” I just closed the door, gently.

Despite all of this hand wringing over the appointment of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, nothing is going to change for a long time. Justice Kennedy has stated that he expects to be around for a long time, and the rest of the more conservative leaning side are even less apt to be leaving. So, perhaps the next to go would be Ginsberg, which of course would bring another Obama appointment probably similar to her. So all that has happened or will happen is a change in the personalities on the liberal side, which is to say that nothing has changed. Kennedy was the Liberal hope, and he likes his job.

So, if Ginsburg hangs on but finds it necessary to exit, say during the Palin administration, then the courts could be quite conservative for a long, long time.

The Answer:
Many Naval Heroes like John Paul Jones are household names. Other’s are Oliver Hazard Perry (Lake Erie), Commodore Matthew Perry (Opened Japan to the West), Thomas Truxton (Revolutionary War and first to trade with China.), John Rogers (Senior and Junior), Thomas McDonough, James Lawrence, Isaac Hull, Stephen Decatur, William Bainbridge and Joshua Barney.

The United Sheep of America:
One thing you can be sure of in this unstable world is that TV networks are commissioning new TV programs to emulate Fox’s “Glee”.

Where have you gone Adam Smith?

Today's Tids Issue 2,168
Opening Stuff:

I think that a positive outlook can help beat the heat.

Some new economic research is saying that depressions/recessions are deeper and more painful ever since the Government started getting into the business of trying to save the situation. That the intrusion of the Feds in 1929 has essentially stolen the spirit of true capitalism from America. The clearest example being the recent the bailouts that exonerated bad decision making. With no bailout, the need for new Fed Fin regulations would have been totally unnecessary. Pure capitalism is self regulating. And Government intervention at any level is contamination.

Just as too broad a government safety net steals the human soul. And condemns the lowest levels of society to eternal bondage.

When some clown thinks it’s a good idea to set off a few fireworks after most neighbors are snug in their beds, I think twice about it and am thankful I don’t live in a neighborhood with drive by shootings every night. But he/she is still an irresponsible dolt.

The Question:
Most of know Nancy Davis as the person with her eyelids sewn to her eyebrows. But, in the forties and fifties when her eyes were aflutterin’, she was an able actress. Name five of her best known films. Bonus: Who did she date before Ron?

The Headlines:
--Unstable Stocks And Rickety Bonds Have Some Worried About Next Dip.
--Heat Smothers US.
--World Markets Up As Europe Gobbles Up Last Week’s Pummeled Stocks.
--Obama And Netanyahu To Hold Fence Mending Talks.
--Stoudemire First Of Big NBA Free Agents To Fall.
--News Light This Morning As Hot Weather Neutralizes Hot Air From DC.

Back to More Stuff:

As the larger than normal sun bore down, I noticed the bristling of leaves in a large hydrangea bush out side the window. Aah!, I thought, a nice breeze stirring to counter the high heat. But, no, it was bees darting from flower to flower doing their daily work. No complaints about the heat. Just doing what they gotta do.

I don’t follow hot dog eating contest champions.

The local paper keeps printing a news item “More of state budget allocated to prisons than education.” Maybe if the schools had been doing a better job, the prisons wouldn’t be so full. But then we give education too much credit. First, it has been fairly well proven that increased funds does not a better education system make. We also know that home and neighborhood environments are more likely the root cause of habitual criminal lives. So the headline may be a clever idea for those who released the story to the newspaper. But, it is a disservice to the public for the newspaper to publish it without thinking.

How about those Dems now in love with “Their Guy” General Patraeus. He’s the same guy that the Dem lefties labeled General “Betrayous”. And the Conservatives were up in arms. Of course now, some conservatives are trying to poke holes in the selection of the skillful general. Which proves once again that nothing in political rhetoric is real.

If you don’t move fast in high heat days you’ll remain relatively cool.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 81. –Isabelle looked tense as I walked in. Not as tense as I felt after being in the middle of two men who didn’t know what each other was thinking and only completely opposite parts of what I was thinking. I needed to vent, but I decided that this was not the time to be hard ass with izzy. She was clearly nervous. I could get more with a lot of understanding, while still getting across our position.
“Good morning, My friend’ she started as I entered the grander appearing than usual office. Or was I just thinking it looked more luxurious now that she was spending our money? Ah, the paranoid lender. I laughed to myself. Maybe tension becomes me. And I smiled inwardly again. Kent smiles inwardly, I thought.
“And a beautiful morning to you too Izzy.” She rose and moved towards her work table where she had neatly stacks of files. I hate stacks of files I thought. I continued as we walked to chairs opposite each other. “How is BiEm progressing?” I asked the harmless question first.
“We had a good meeting last night and it appears that the Middleton Group is moving forward better than expected with the new Bromsky data.” Interesting, I thought – Better than expected/? That is what Paul thought too.
“Well, as you have probably assumed, it is precisely the Bromsky data that brings me here this morning. Not that, we your Mountain of cash,” I smiled and she smiled nervously back, “don’t like having breakthrough data like that on our side. But, frankly,” Now I put on my best business stare, “Our legal department is worried.” She said nothing, but nodded in understanding. “Have you been talking to your legal department too.”
She moved her right hand to one of the stacks. Ah, the stacks. She was ready. I put up my hand hopefully to stop her from reading some deadly legal terminology. “Just give me a two or three sentence plain English opinion. I paused. “I trust you Isabelle.” She turned back towards me. But continued to withdraw a file and flip it open.

( Note: It is possible that some of you because of yesterday's holiday were forced to miss the latest installment of you favorite novel in progress. Go to the archives to your left anc lick on "Here a hero; There a hero".)

So, you probably heard about the guy who Ran out of gas on a deserted road. While contemplating his fate a bee flew in the window and said. ”What’s the problem?” After telling the happy bee of the his problem, the bee said “Wait a minute” and flew away. Within seconds, a swarm of bees appeared and flew into the gas tank. A moment later the friendly bee reappeared and said “Try it now.” The man turned the key, and sure enough the engine roared to life. “Wow!” said the man. “What did you do?” “It was easy”, said the new bee pal…..”BP”.

Some Americans are smartly taking advantage of lower priced, foreclosed home market.

The government mortgage aid programs simply prolonged the agony of people who had no chance of ever paying anything back. Probably from the first minute after signing the original mortgage papers.

The Answer:
Her best efforts were in East Side, West Side, Shadow on the Wall, The Next Voice You Hear, Donovan’s Brain, Hellcats of the Navy (Some say her best acting job), Night into Morning, It’s a Big Country and Shadow in the Sky. She was typically cast as a “Loyal housewife”, “Responsible young mother” or “The Steady Woman”. Before the future Prez, she dated Clark Gable.

The End:
I don’t think there is a chance in hell that the US can ever restore pure capitalism. All we can do now is dream about what used to be great. Oh, wait a minute, we could close down Congress for five years. Hmmmmmmmmm.

I'm a Yankee Doodle with dander up!

Today's Tids Issue 2,165
Opening Stuff:

Baaaaaaam!! It’s here. The Red, White and Blue month this year arrives on a frothy wave of fantastic weather; and a stock market which will dump you head first on a rocky shore. The bands are tuning up and Mom is pickin’ blueberries for that special pie. But, I’m thinking this year will be more about patriotism than any in the recent past. Maybe ever. The folks won’t be just sitting idly by while some arrogant politician tells them why they are lucky to live in the land of the free. Nope…this year it will be the people doing the talking. And they will be telling the smug, self centered pols that the land of the free is being taken away from them…and that they are damn mad. Damn mad! This will be a Fourth that will make our Founding Fathers proud.

And do you want fire works? Well you will be getting them in RI’s 2nd Congressional District where a fighter for America, John Matson, just filed papers to run as an independent against one of the four RI lightweights, Jim Langevin. Matson will be running on the basic premise – The taxpayers are getting screwed at all levels of government and nobody is doing anything about it. John will, because John really cares. And he isn’t afraid. And he isn’t beholden.

Also starting on this most beautiful of July firsts is the Lebron James Derby. Unless you have been living in a cave, you know that this is the summer of the premiere NBA free agent. But, it all centers around James. The rest of the so-called elite B-Ball millionaires are just waiting to see what James pulls in. It’s a good thing these former student athletes all spent a little time in college so they could make hedge fund manager style money.

England’s King George didn’t have a very good opinion of the colonists. In fact he thought they were revolting.

Daily Question:
High college tuitions are scary, but a new Wall Street Journal story centers around a new report that reflects earning power and lower unemployment rates among degree holders and lists the Colleges and Universities with the best returns on investment. Which colleges make up the top 20?

The Headlines:
--Market Tanks…Again.
--More Gloom Expected Today As World Markets, US Futures Are Lower…Again; China Manufacturing Data Weak.
--Oil Prices Lower.
--Kagan Looks Like Shoe-in For Approval.
--Portland Oregon Police Re-Open Gore Alleged Sexual Groping Case; Authorities Admit They May Have Dropped The Ball On This One.
--Coach Doc Rivers To Stay With Celtics.
--Premiums For So-Called Uninsurable Likely To Be Very High Under New Nirvana Health Plan.
--Toyota Announces That 270,000 Cars Worldwide, Including Luxury Lexus, Have Motor Problems.
--University of South Carolina Wins NCAA Baseball Championship; Rhode Island Freshman Evan Marzilli Is Teams Leading Batter.

Back to More Stuff:

Photo Journalism is the most deceptive of reporting. A captured instant they may capture the emotions of the viewer is often entirely out of context with an event as a whole. A writer should be able to paint the same visual in words and place it meaningfully into an entire event. But, all too often writers are becoming as singularly minded as the focused lens.

It will always be a great event when a dolphin swims into North Kingstown off the town beach as it did yesterday. I have seen occasional herds of our friendliest mammals swimming around. Maybe word is getting out that it is good eating in Narragansett Bay.

A lot of people rejoiced when it was announced by our friendly politicians that now all will be insured including those with precious health issues. And I am sure that they joyfully thought that it meant that there would be subsidies aplenty for those in the higher risk categories. Now the truth. It costs more to insure the riskier and the riskier will pay more, a lot more. I can hear the screaming now. It’s not unlike the people you hear complaining, “I thought Obama was going to buy me a flat screened TV?”

If you crossed Geroge Washington with cattle feed you’d get “The Fodder of our Country”.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80 continues. –Paul looked at me. I could tell happy talk time was over. “Sally, you know Sally Orstein,” I nodded. “Sally says that she occasionally saw the kid Laura stop by Kent’s office after her visits with Uncle Seymore”. He paused and looked at me. My eyebrows rose slightly. “I think that is very unusual.”
“I agree,” I said quickly, leaving room for Paul to continue.
“You know I have had reservations about him just because of the way he reacted to the transfer of Bromsky team data to his group. Like he was expecting it.” Paul paused and looked up for a split second. “Maybe I didn’t say ‘like expecting it’ to you before, but now I am definitely thinking that.”
“You should talk to the FBI about this”, I said confidently, without hesitation. “They are on the case and I have talked to them about the financing. That’s why I am here today.” He appeared receptive. “You are the good third party they are looking for. To them, I have too big a stake.” Then I smiled. “But then so do you…we. But they won’t view it the same way. I waited a second. “I like the two agents I spoke to.”
I picked up my coffee and took a sip. I saw Paul suddenly look up, and then heard. “Looks like home in Fosterville.” I turned and saw Kent standing behind me. His hand was moving to the back of my chair. Then I felt is finger tips graze the back of my neck. It was totally natural movement that nobody would notice, including my loving husband sitting across from me. I shivered slightly. “I imagine you people have less and less time to see each other alone.” He laughed in a friendly way. “I bet I have seen more of your wife during this vandalism caper than you.” And Paul joined into the humor.
I was tense. I never get tense.

I’m sorry to hear that writer Christopher Hitchins has throat cancer, but that doesn’t mean I have to like him now.

It’s a sad state of affairs when the leaders cater to lawbreakers for votes. Hey, in Rhode Island they have been doing it for years. But, this illegal immigrant thing is really disconcerting. I mean…the Republicans actually believe that if they are nice to these criminals that they will vote for them. How dumb is that. Non contributors have always been the mainstay of the Dem base.

When you cross a patriot with a small curly haired dog you get a Yankee Poodle!

If ever the Congress of the United States of America needed to take and early and extended vacation it is now. This President, rightfully fearing that he will lose many Pals this November, is trying to juice up his legacy now with full court presses on a host of bad bills – Cap n’ Trade, Immigrant Reform and Bailouts. There is nobody scarier than a President who sees a potentially legacy fading away.

Quiz Answer: Some may think it would be the lower tuition State Universities. Or just the popular elite. But, while it is centered around the elite tough-to-get-into colleges, it is also an interesting mix. #1 is MIT, which is but a hair above California Institute of Technology. Mighty Harvard is third followed by 4. Harvey Mudd, 5. Dartmouth, 6. Stanford, 7. Princeton, 8. Yale, 9. Notre Dame, 10. Penn, 11. Duke, 12. Lehigh U., 13. Union, 14. Amherst, 15. Worcester Polytechnic Inst, 16. U. Cal Berkley, 17. Carnegie Mellon, 18. Colgate, 19 Columbia and 20. RPI. You’ve got it. Engineering is still king. Real talent still dominates.

And Finally…
The cartoonist in the Continental Army was known as the Yankee Doodler.

National Demagogues Day.

Today's Tids Issue 2,155
Opening Stuff

Some days you wake up and all of your thoughts are incredibly beautiful.

I have to be honest with you…when it’s Henry Waxman asking questions of BP CEO Tony Hayward, I find it very easy to root for Hayward.

The Question:
Give me 10 great uses for Baking Soda!

The Headline:
--Stocks Wallow In Pool Of Questionable Economic Recovery Reports;
--Texas GOP Rep Joe Barton Accuses White House Of $20 Billion BP Shakedown.
--Rising Jobless Claims And Poor Manufacturing Report Cripple Early Markets.
--New Estimates Put Afghan Mineral Wealth At $3 Trillion.
--Sea Animals Moving Towards Shore to Escape Oil.
--Congress Playing White Knight’s Against Oil Smeared BP Head; TV Watchers Seeing Congressional Demagoguery At Its Best

Back to More Stuff:

A couple of days ago I did a little tongue in cheek piece about the interesting correlation between the decline of American culture as we knew it and the rise in popularity of Soccer. Yesterday, a couple wanted to rent our little cottage for a week as their son was getting married in the area. Nice people. I learned that he had been in RI (He’s from Arkansas for a convention of US Soccer officials of which he is President. I told him I loved soccer!

Declining towards general cultural lunacy Department:
A teacher at a Coventry RI, Tiogue Elementary School gave is 8 year old students an assignment to create a hat that would honor the “Armed” forces. Good idea. On young boy proudly walked in with his camouflage baseball style cap – and American flag on the frond and a 2 inch plastic pin next to it that was a soldier carrying a weapon. The kid balloon was burst violently as he was rushed to the Principal’s office by an aggrieved teacher and then sent home. Kids are not allowed to bring guns to school…even for an “Armed” Forces day celebration by showing member of the “Armed” Forces with arms! I can’t take it any more.

It looks like the only double dips we can we look forward to during the next few months are ice cream cones. There will be plenty of double dip recession forecasts popping up, but most economists are calling for a slow growth economy with little sharp downward risk. – 2.3%-3.5% growth with about 5 Million new jobs over two years. The economy will be sluggish, but not dead, they say. I would stay really, really conservative.

Who woulda thunk it, that Kendrick Perkins absence would be a major determent to the Boston Celtics chances of taking home the Trophy. After all, they are loaded with big named stars. But, a guy like Kendrick is the essence of what the word “Team” really means. He clogs the middle, blocks out, sets picks, all of the little things that few ever notice yet are so meaningful to a winning team. Champions have always been made up of starts and well integrated contributing team members. Too often in our celebrity world we forget how things really work. How takes highly skilled, yet faceless “stars” to make things work. Perk reminds us of that.

Have you noticed how when there is a huge media consuming event like this endless oil slick drama, that there is a dearth of other news. Maybe there really just isn’t a lot of real news. Ya think?

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 78 continues. –I sent the kids scurrying and then reluctantly pressed the talk button on my cell phone. I took a deep, deep breath to ease my nerves and apprehension. “Hi Kent!” I said in a little more upbeat manner than I thought I felt at the moment. “I was hoping you’d call.” I continued.
“I thought you were avoiding me.” I couldn’t tell how he sounded. He has that ability to be inert.
“I think of you all the time.” That’s what I said -- I think of you all the time. “You know what you do to me, don’t you.” But does he know what he’s doing to me now, I thought.
“You sound good, Sarah/Maggie. You sound very good.” He changed the subject. Got softer. I have to be strong. I have to stay in control.
“Thanks, Kent” I had a long day and I feel surprisingly great after it.” Stay in control I said to myself. Stay calm. Lead like I always do. “How about having breakfast with me at Marie’s tomorrow morning.” I never thought that such a small remark could affect me so positively.
“I’d love to see you now,” he responded, again softly. I’ve missed your warm body and soft skin against mine.”
He was having an effect on me. I felt that wonderful familiar warmth spreading throughout my body. ”I can’t talk now.” I lowered my voice. “I feel you too.” I did. But I need to stay in control. What will I do when I see him in the morning.
“Ok, Morning it is,” he snapped unemotionally. And then, “I will have trouble sleeping tonight.”
“We’ve had some wonderful mornings together’” I said in a now raspy voice. Then I hung up before I lost my control

One congressman on the Oil panel suggested that governemtn regulators should be sitting along side Hayward too. I couldn’t agree more. Just as Fannie and Freddie officials should have been sitting along side the Goldman characters during that inquisition.

The Answer:
It makes great toothpaste. Dabbed under the arms it neutralizes body Oder. It can be an effective antacid or relieve the itches from insect bites. Mix it with shampoo for your hair or with gentle liquid soap for washing hands. You can clean sponges or polish silverware. It can take the odor out of refrigerators or sports equipment. And it can put out kitchen fires.

The Final Score:
This is the beginning of a great four days of sports. The NBA final is tonight. The US Open at Pebble Beach starts this afternoon for four days. And if you think soccer is worth watching you can find lots of that. Amd there is always your favortie baseball team. In Boston the fans are taking bets on whether the return of Manny will genrate more cheers or boos. It should be boos. Unfortunately, too many people seem to like rewarding bad behavior. I think they feel it makes them kinder.

I’m so happy, that I’m losing my mind.

Today's Tids Issue 2,133
Opening Stuff:

A new study reveals that people in their 50’s are happier. Happier than what…a prisoner at Abu Ghraib; a guy who stole from a Mexican drug cartel; A conservative Republican in Rhode Island?

And therefore, are people well past their fifties so happy that their constant state of deliriousness’ leads to the ultimate collapse of all mental comprehension?

Eric Holden Department:
The Attorney General seems to have trouble saying Islamic Extremist. I was thinking of this as I noted how many Terrorist bomb plans have been disrupted before the fact by many countries in the Middle East and Asia. So my multiple choice question of the day is:
Did they nab the potential bombers because:
A. They were lucky.
B. They targeted people who looked like Swedes.
C. They targeted people who looked like Mexicans.
D. They targeted people who looked like Middle Eastern Islamic Extremists.

The Question:
Name Ten Female Aviation Pioneers. Many were incredibly courageous, but footnotes of history. The Tids has always sought to elevate footnotes to headlines.

The Headlines:
--Primaries In Penn, Kentucky, Arkansas and Oregon May Indicate National Mood Of Voters.
--Taliban Suicide Bomber Kills 17 In Attack On NATO Convoy.
--EU Overrules UK And Tightens Hedge Fund Rules; New Restrictions Could Bar US Hedge Fund Activities In London Markets.
--New Study Says That People In Their 50’s Are Happier.
--Home Construction Up; New Building Permits Fall Sharply.
--Pfizer Lays off 6,000, Closes 8 Plants Worldwide.
--Stocks Climb In Early Trading.

Back to More Stuff:

My use of the term gravy is largely symbolic. An Icon for sanity. Protecting those who like things that taste good as opposed to just healthy eating. You can find a healthy eating site anywhere these days. But try to find a site tempts your inner cravings for fatty diets. Without a little gravy in your life, you too could become gaunt and despondent. Untrusting. A nagging mother-in-law to sensible living. What this world needs is a little more contentment. Wallowing in the sin of eating rich gravy, fried scallops or hot butterscotch Sundays. The Tids will always fight the battle for the dietary oppressed. Once they take away your gravy, what’s next? Scary, isn’t it?

I was going to write this Tid a week or so ago. I didn’t think at the time my personal observations were enough proof of what my eyes were concluding; There has been little or no damage to the shore and wildlife as a result of the oil spill. After all, headline after headline has been proclaiming the doom of mankind. The spreading of toxicity up and down the east coast after it finished ravaging the Gulf Coast. Yet I only saw a dark spot on the map floating off shore somewhere. And close up pictures didn’t show a contiguous mass, but merely disjointed streams. So last night on the ABC Nightly News of all places they said exactly what I and many had been seeing -- no damage to beaches; just seven wildlife creatures killed; and seafood havens still thriving; no overwhelming masses of thick oil. Moral: believe your eyes and not the press.

The same could be said about press reports against the Arizona law.

Head scratcher: Why did the annoying Press Secretary Gibbs say yesterday, “The President will be following the elections, but not closely.” “But not closely.” Why shouldn’t he watch them closely? That would seem natural. It reminds me of the self proclaimed intellectuals who announce triumphantly things like “I rarely watch TV.”

24-um: --The energy just keeps on coming. --How about Logan? He folded like a cheap suit. The ultimate gutless slimball. But. what agreat actor Itson is! --Lots of nice scenarios to be solved on next weeks don’t-miss-it finale of finale’s. They are saying you will see a surprise of surprises. --But Jack can’t die, cause they need him around for a movie. --Maybe a doctor will call saying “We were just foolin’ you Jack, Renee is alive.” And Jack will shoot himself in the head due to the guilt from his revenge trip. Then he will awaken from that deep slumber after sex with Renee. After all he hadn’t had sex in eight years and was probably really, really tired. (Remember the great “Dallas” cop out.) --Will Hassam’s daughter shoot President Allison? --Will Jack Marry Chole, or will Chloe stab Jack for leading her on all of these years.

I read somewhere yesterday that people now get paid to prove things that most people innately knew 20 years ago were true.

Speaking of Government waste, the esteemed Congress of the US of A says it will only take a few “tweaks” to fix Social Security. Then I read the tweaks that were mainly centered around raising the FICA Tax in one form or another or cutting benefits to seniors. But not once did I read, “Put a giant padlock on the SS Trust Fund so Congress can’t get their hands on it”.

Congress has been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to regulate the misdeeds of Credit Card companies. How about enforcing usury laws that have been in existence pretty much since the beginning of time.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 continues. –“Well, hi there Mr. Durham. We don’t see you in here much!” Marie took a quick glance at me as she dropped menus on the table. I turned my eyes toward Paul in a soft and loving illusion. Marie seemed to relax. I didn’t. I ordered coffee. I almost said Diet Coke for Paul but he spoke up quickly and ordered Coffee and an éclair. And then chatted with Marie as though he was the happiest guy on the face of the earth.
“Do you come here often when in town?” He asked curiously, but non threatening when Marie had left. Why was I measuring ever word, every nuance.
“Often a bunch of us come down after one of our crime chaser meetings.” I answered casually.
“Ah yes, the vandalism caper.” He laughed a little.
“Hey, that turned out to be a big deal”, I protested! Then we both laughed.
“I think something is still going on.“ Now Paul got serious. “Nothing is adding up to me anymore. Especially Kent Middleton.” I didn’t show any emotion. “As I think back to my early days of proposing our solutions to BiEm, I never realized until just recently how odd…” he paused, “…well maybe odd is a bad word. Ambitious, yeah ambitious Middleton’s first requirements had been. Hey, I’m all for looking out beyond, but Kent was looking for technology that could never happen under the guidelines of legal development of embryo research.
“Maybe Ke…, Middleton is just smarter than the average researcher. Always looking several steps beyond. And you know, what’s legal today could change in a flash. It’s a new world.” He looked at me. Nodded as in “go on”. We looked deeply into BiEm before arranging the financial package. What we liked best wasn’t about where they were, but the built-in flexibility to go with ease where the winds might take them.”
“I’ll give you that, But that doesn’t change the way I see Middleton as a person now versus then.”

It is interesting how learned disciplines can interact to cause confusion. I have had a conflict ever since I took German for 7 years. And it all has to do with “ie” or “ei”. I always go by the relative clear-cut German rules which are often in opposition to the old “I before e…” In German, words that sound like “eee” are “ie and those that sound like “I” are ei.

Are umpires becoming worse at calling Balls and Strikes, or do we just have more technology now that can measure their inaccuracy? It’s the same for the instant replay in football. But think about this for a second or two. All of the technology monitors the officials. But, the players are still making human mistakes. Does that mean that in the future some people will figure out how to put chips in, for instance foot players, so that running backs will always make the perfect cut? Or maybe batters will wear video wrist bands that sow the umps error, and those arguments will be based on fact. How crappy would that be? On the other hand, maybe we should get rid of all the technical assistance in a game played by humans. Let the fans boo bad calls. And laugh inwardly when the ref makes an error in the home team’s favor.

The Answer:
Everybody knows about Amelia Earhart. But, do you know Bessie Coleman an extremely poor black southern girl who couldn’t find a teacher in the US and found a way to get to Paris for flying lessons. She became an inspiration to black men and women pilots and a very successful flying barnstormer. Neta Snook taught Amelia to fly. Also, Shiela Scott – First British person to fly round the world; Beryl Markham – 1st person to fly East to West across Atlantic; Jaqueline Cochran – 1st woman to break sound barrier; Harriet Quimby 1st women to get pilot’s license, fly across English channel. Other pioneers are Ruth Law, Katherine Stinson, Anna Low, Ruth Nichols, Elinor Smith and Florence Klingensmith. Anne Morrow Lindberg was the first womnan to get a glider’s license.

Happy Ending:
Happiness is having nothing to do that will keep you from rereading the Tids for typos. If you are a simple soul like me, it doesn’t take much.