Statue under repair.

Today's Tids Issue 2,510

Opening Stuff:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred; Only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.

A morning of soft Bach is worth 5 blood pressure pills.

A morning with no politics is worth 10.

The conviction and sentencing of a Newport Woman, Elizabeth Baldwin, for Investment fraud is a reminder that she in fact represents the absolutely worst kind of criminal. One who belies trust. Not unlike a sexual predator adult who takes advantage of an innocent child. Amoral to the core. She, who would look investor customers in the eye while they told her of how they were mortgaging their homes, raiding the kids college funds to take advantage of her promises. She a "socialite", who's life style was built upon the backs of average working families and her "dear" friends, many who are now broke, without homes wondering where their future had gone. Capital-ism punishment?

The Question:
Define the following words -- Coffee, Willy-Nilly, flabbergasted, Flatulence, Pokemon, Freisbeetarianism.

The Headlines:

--Huntsman Out; Will Shift supporters To Romeny.
--America Remembers MLK Jr.
--Bodies Still being Found In Hull Of sunken Cruise Liner; Cowardly Captain In Big Trouble; Ship 2 1/2 Miles Off Course.
--Choppy Trading Expected Today.
--Now Prez And Congress Have to Figure Out How To Pay For Contribution To SS Cut; Prez Wants To raise Airline Fees(?); Ideas Range From Cutting Corp Jet Tax Breaks To Dumping Surplus Gov Stuff On Ebay.
--Iraq Bombings Continue.
--AlQaida Captures Town South Of Yemen Capital.

From the latest in the ongoing harangue about fat Americans I read that in the 1970's the obesity rate was 14% while now it is 34%. That seems to parallel the corporate growth of Dunkin Donuts. Yes, to paraphrase their slogan, "America waddles on Dunkin Donuts".

I grew old with Margaret O'Brien, but she never knew it.

In my pre-game Prep Saturday, I went to the cupboard to get some popcorn. I pulled out two boxes. One said, "Paul Newman's Organic, 94% Fat Free, Unsalted, No Partially Hydrogenated Shortening". The second box said, "Orville Reddenbacher's Butter." Which box do you think I picked?

Why do I think that going on a dinner date with a nutritionist would be like going to another job?

Well, the old cliche "Defense wins Championships" ain't dead yet. Two really high powered offensive teams, NO and GB, lost to better defenses and a third defense dominated team Baltimore also moved into the final four. NE looked like an all-world defense Saturday night, but this was against a one dimensional offense, so the fans will have to wait til next week to see if the improvement is really there. We lost Brees and Rogers, but still have an excellent final four with the San Fran, NY Giants and Balt/NE games. TV execs should be happy. And the world needs happy TV execs.

Also over the weekend was the latest in the Celebs fawning over each other award ceremonies, which are becoming as monotonous as the GOP Debates. Hollywood was aghast that the really awful Bridesmaids movie didn't get the best of nod, but to me the omission suggested that perhaps there was a bit of sanity remaining Glitterville. However, everybody seemed elated that the overrated Descendants and its star got awards for best Drama film and best actor -- which seemed more like a longevity award for Clooney. Streep won for Iron Lady and The Artist won Best Pic. I'm betting that's the way Oscar will go too, so I'm DVR'ing some old episodes of "Chuck" for that evening.

Ok, everybody who thinks John Edwards is really sick raise their hand.

Political Ploy Department:
Anybody who doesn't think that Obama is running against the Congress just has to look at his announcement last week about seeking powers to cut the size of government. (A long time Conservative, or should I say Sane, position.) What this really does of course is to force conservatives to join him in his grand plans for America, or if they resist be branded as obstructionists. That's the formula now...isn't it? If I were Congress, I would say great, we'll give you power, but the EPA and energy departments have to go. This could be one of the great new battles.

Spring is just around the corner -- I just sent in a check for my Golf League! And I'm just getting started skiing! Ain't life grand.

"Subway" has lowered the bar for the Great American sandwich.

It appears that John Edwards will be employing the Providence Mafia defense -- wheel into court on a gurney with hanging drip bags.

Finally some statistics that verify the Tids solid reporting by the Economics Editor that Manufacturing is not the salvation for jobs recovery. Manufacturing jobs are down from 30% of all jobs in 1950 to about 9% today. Yet, factory output is way up and so is productivity. It's the old formula, when output goes up in times of declining jobs productivity soars. Manufacturers are finding was to produce without people. So all this talk about bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US will result in lots of job losses overseas in third world countries but minimal job additions here. There is also talk about bringing back "call-center jobs" using new technology, but they are lower wage jobs in the $10/hr area as opposed to the manufacturing jobs in the $20+/hr that produced the great American middle class. I'm sorry to be negative, but that 's the way it works. Bringing back "Made in a America" is a great feel-good slogan, but I'm afraid the grassy suburban neighborhoods of your will be populated by advanced, intelligent machinery.

I read where some celebs paid lots of dough to look great on the Golden Globe Red Carpet. In fact one wore $5 Million with a capital M in jewelry and dress. $5 Million and she didn't look as good as a lot of women I know wearing Fleece and jeans. I don't get it. Really. America's economy is based on people buying over priced stuff they don't need. And that includes everything fro $10 dollar hotdogs at sports events to designer clothing.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --Audrey nudged closer to the older policeman as Tucker joined them. She watched him closely, his calm, his shift into charismatic mode. "What's all the excitement?" He put his arm around Audrey in a mock hero to the rescue gesture.
The policeman looked at Audrey for a clue. "We're lookin' for someone", was all he said.
"You know that Audrey here," he squeezed her, "is one of the great investigative reporters for the Little Rock Gazette."
"Have you been drinking again," she glared. "You sound a little more weird than ever."
The policeman scratched his head. "We have work to do." Audrey didn't want to leave the group.
The policeman ignored her and Tucker as the other, brusk cop turned back towards the old policeman. "Nothing here." Tucker started moving away now. The first guy stared after him as he moved down the hallway to the back of the bar. "You know that guy lady?"
"Yeah, he's my date."
"I hope you aren't as rough on him as you were with me." all of a sudden this guy seemed human."
"She's an ace reporter from the big city. Know's that John Barton. Why'd you ask if Barton sent us?"

The Answer:
Of course, I'm looking for alternative humorous answers: Coffee - The person upon whom one coughs; Willy-Nilly - Impotent; , Flabbergasted - Appalled over how much weight you have gained; Flatulence - Emergency vehicle that picks you up after you have been run oer by a steam roller; Pokemon - A Rastafarian proctologist; Frisbeetarianism - The belief that when you die, your soul flies up onto the roof where it gets stuck in the gutter. Thanks to the expansive mind of a Pennsylvania reader.

I was going to end the Tids this Morning with some funny lines from the Golden Globes. But, I couldn't find any.

Irrational Exuberance, again?

Today's Tids Issue 2,363
Opening Stuff:

With the announcement of the Groupon IPO, and the Social NetWork Industry Group's gathering momentum in the rush for big $$$, I am reminded of the eerie big casino days of the late 1999/2000 Internet bubble where the uninitiated would overpay for often fictional values. Believe me, I was there and I know how superficial some of the stuff was. Many of the companies had as much substance as a campaign promise. And no financial achievements. Except for the business creators who sold out early.

Paul Ryan might just be the best GOP candidate for President. Facts based crisis managers like he and the proven Mitt-ster might be the best choice for the country over the shallow rhetoric mongers. This is, of course, if the good of the country as a whole is still what matters.

Gene Roddenberry fought hard against Hollywood's TV titans to get his Star Trek on the air because he was an enterprising kind of a guy.

The new annoying expression feeble DC Politicians are latching onto is "We have to sit down and talk like adults." Excuse me.

The Question: 

A special Saints and Sinners Duo: 1. How many Popes have there been since 1950? Bonus Q: Name the three best known men who beginning in the fifties engineered gigantic sex empires?

The Headlines:--Unemployment Ticks Up To 9.1% As Employers Add But 54,000 Jobs In May; Oops -- Stock Futures Plunge.
--Geithner Predicts Congress And WH Will Avert Debt Crisis; Moody's Warns US About Credit Rating.
--Explosion In Sunni Mosque Kills 16 Iraqis.
--South Korea Says It used Pictures Of NK's Ruling Family For Target Practice; NK Vows Military Action! Is This A Joke?
--China Says US Is Real Culprit In Global Hacking Wars; Accused G-Mail Hacker Says US Attempting To Bring Down Arab And Other Governments.
--Criminal Indictment Against John Edwards On Books.
--Microsoft Unveils Some Features Of Soon To Be Released Window's 8.

Back to More Stuff:
Most disgusting news item of the week:
A man apparently intent on committing suicide walked into the San Francisco bay area ocean...while local fire and police people stood on the shore and watched him flail and die. They said the budget cuts had stopped their water rescue training classes and the availability of survival equipment! They must be kidding. How about their hearts? Did reduced budgets cut out their hearts too? Let's hope this isn't a new low in Union negotiating tactics.

National Donut Day Department:
The day after much too much news about the healthy eating Pyramid being replaced by some circle gimmick, I'm happy to report that the nation has not lost its senses. Today is "Krispie Kreme Free Donut Day" in honor of the waddler's holiday. Suck em' up America!

I was looking at that nutritional healthy eating circle/plates design, and as far as I can determine all of the stuff I want to eat is on the back of the plates.

The USA has morphed into a collection of federal dollar supported fifedoms. Meaning, that too many many people are fighting too many people when they all should be working together for a better whole. Everybody wins when the entity is healthy and not splintered.

This just in from the high end fashion world: Tiffany's, the legendary jewelry company, has just announced a new, expensive line of diamond and emerald clustered electronic monitoring bracelets. Law authorities are concerned that the Hollywood loonies will be zanier that usual looking for home confinement. On a related note, local caterers are producing home confinement quick meals, which even celebs can cook! The world is a wonderful place. Obama says, "The US is constantly innovating, and this is good news for for job growth."

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--This week, it's the X-Men First Class, the ultimate series of "Diversity", it's-not-how-you-look-but-who-you-are, movies. Actually, acerbic tongue in cheek aside, this is a pretty good, entertaining movie as the mutants discover things about their abilities and powers. This prequel gives a better understanding of what has come before. There are surprises, humor and generally good all around watching. In fact, I will dsownload it with vigor from Netflix some day. If you can afford the theater, it would be worth the dough. But...be sure to bring along your nutritional circles when approaching the refreshment stand.
--Beautiful Boy is a grabber. Parents hopelessly grapple for an explanation why their only son committed a mass shooting at his university before taking his own life. Their already strained marriage is tested as they learn they only have each other. People like it.

When the stimulus money disappears in the next month or so, the States are expected to be facing daunting increased Medicaid spending demands of up to 20%. And then problems of today will seem like a gnat on an elephants rump.

Changing Times Department:
The worldwide admired "Steel City", Pittsburgh; The darling of productive manufacturing; Once after NYC the city with the most Frotune 500 corporate world headquarters -- US Steel, J&L Steel, Alcoa, Westinghouse, Gulf Oil, Heinz, Clark Candy to name a handful. Yes this city, the paragon of industrial might now boasts as its largest employer -- Pittsburgh Medical Center. Yikes!.

While we are on the subject of things that people tell us we shouldn't or should do about our health, I bring you news of two turn-around's on health advice. Did you ever see those people in rigorous almost etherial stretching exercises before and after athletic activity? Well, the US Track & Field association after a two year study of stretchers and non-stretchers have proven conclusively that both groups performed equally with no adverse effects! And then there those energy drinks -- which docs are now saying could be too much for most people especially gulping teens. And it appears nobody can pinpoint the effects of the so-called vitamins in them. They say, "A couple of cups of coffee will do the trick.". In other words, don't panic over medical news hysteria. It will change.

Almost Near: Chapter 24. --"Well, Audrey, that was better than I expected."
She looked up at him with fluttering eyes, "That's because you are so strong." And then she punched him firmly in the stomach, and he responded with an over acted Oof! They laughed.
"Right now everything possible is racing through my head. From how fast can I find those children to did Sam kill Rudy out of fear for her life. It is obvious that Rudy was the real monster in this insane family. Bounty is all roar, the sister Agnes crazy and the mother pitiful." He paused. "I feel for the mother."
"For starters, I like the New Orleans connection. Florence Quimpierre, if she can be found almost sounded rational compared to her sister Myra. In fact, I need a short vacation, and I love this story. I think you need me" Tucker looked down at her and grinned pleasantly. "Forget it Tuck!" and she tapped him again in the belly.
"I don't know if I could survive a couple of days with you!" And then they both laughed, again. And this time Audrey looked over and grinned pleasantly.
The grin was fleeting as she went Billy business. "Let's first check in with Detective Jackson. I think is is a good idea to sty in touch there. He 's a good guy, he's interested, he trusts me, and we might need his help along the way." Audrey reared back her fist, Tucker flinched and they both laughed. There heads turned towards each other with pleasant grins on their lips.

The Answer:
1. In 1950 the reigning Pope of 11 years was Pope Pius XII. John XXIII took over in 1958. Then we had Paul VI (1963), the one month term of John Paul I (1978), the beloved John-Paul II (1978) and Benedict XVI. 2. The big three who took advanatage of more liberalized view of communication are of course, Hugh heffner (Playboy), Larry Flynt (Hustler) and Bob Guccione (Penthouse.) In many ways this changed the USA forever.

The WeakEnd:
North and South Korea are going to war because the SK's were taking target practice at photos of the NK Royal Family? Gadzooks. The world has lost its mind.

All I can think of when I see the hoards hunched over tapping on little boxes in restaurants, buses, ballparks, churches or even atop Mount Everest, is that perhaps Samuel Morse had it right in the first place!

Love your weekend, and make your gardens grow.

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”.