Green that mean's something.

Today's Tids Issue #2,322

Opening Stuff:

May you have no frost on your spuds,
No worms in your cabbage.
May your goat give plenty of milk.
If you inherit a donkey, may she be in foal.
Don't walk in front of me I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me I may not lead.
Walk beside me and just be my friend.
--Irish Saying.

Did you know that 56% of the people have 3 or more email addresses. And...that only 5% have just one! How amazing is that? Feel out of it?

!!!! I am getting some good returns on yesterday's queery about sorting out the Repub race. I'll give a full report tomorrow. If you haven't already, send in your three favorites for the Republican President nomination. I can tell you now that it is very varied.

The Question:
It is pretty much accepted that women love shoes. How many pairs on average do womewn own. Wat are the favorite heel heights?

The Headlines:

--Futures Indicate rebound For US Stocks.
--Japan Desperately Trying To cool Reactors; Power Could return To Run Cooling System.
--Daffy Taking Charge.
--Malaysia Gaga Gaga Gay Lyrics.
--Shiite Versus Regal Sunni Powder Keg In Middle East.
--Conservative Repubs Want Short term B udget Fixes To Stop.

How bad would be for the country if this effort to disbar Supreme Court Justice Thomas succeeds? I shudder to think.

It looks like the Wisconsin teachers have stooped to using the children now. Nice.

O'Bama says he is Irish.

If you ever see me wearing those white orthopedic shoes, pull the plug.

American Idol had a good night last night, but I wasn't blown away. Te hardest jobs is picking the bottom three. We know that its generally as much about demographics as it is performance. This kid Scotty is a very polished country western singer. Langone is generally good as is Casey. Lauren and Pia seem to be the top girls. I tink Haley is very good, but she may blow it before she shines. And Niamo is better than she was last nigt. The judges like Paul, but I'm not getting hit. His little dancesza re becoming more of a distraction than an addtion. Bottom three: Paul, Niamo and Thia

Isn't anything private any more? I was sitting on the beach a day or so ago when a young, attractive couple, maybe in their thirties, walked by talking at a very high level. Well, she was talking and everybody on the beach was listening. It sounded like it was about the end of a relationship with lots of phrases similar to "You don't seem to get it.". About twenty minutes later they walked up the other way with the woman still talking and the man coolly plodding along. As he approached I heard him say, "Well I guess it just doesn't look like it is going to work." There whole life unraveling in earshot of anybody on the beach. it must be a FaceBook thing.

This love affair with the exploits of Charlie Sheen is all about watching car wrecks. Another American pastime.

They say that up in Connecticut they are having a lot of trouble picking a jury to try the second savage in the brutal murder of that Cheshire Mother and two daughters. Too many of the prospects think he is guilty. Well duh!

You have got to laugh at the irony of NY Rep Paul Weiner (Pronounced weener) leading the charge to disbar Clarence "Long Dong Silver"* Thomas. *Part of the Anita Hill testimony.

The Answer:
Woman on average own 17 pairs. 39% prefer flats. 26% like low --1/2 t0 1 inch. Medium heels (! 1/2 to 2 1/2) are the favorites of 20% only 8% go for high heels 2 1/2 and over. Many of those are strippers.

The Emerald Isle:

Of all the money that ere I had, I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that ere I've done, alas was done to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I cannot recall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.


Of all the comrades that ere I had, they're sorry for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise while you should not,
I will gently rise and I'll softly call, "Goodnight and joy be with you all!"


Oh, if I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosey cheeks and ruby lips, she alone has my heart in thrall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.


---The Parting Glass From Waking Ned Divine.

Take a Leprechaun to lunch

Today's Tids Issue 2,089
Opening Stuff:

“When Irish eyes are smiling, / Sure, ‘tis like a morn in Spring, / In the lilt of Irish laughter / You can hear the angels sing. / When Irish hearts are happy, / All the world seems bright and gay. / And when Irish eyes are smiling, / Sure they steal your hearts away.” I’ll drink to that.

While you are finishing up that last piece of marginal tasting corned beef, remember to start thinking about buying those Zeppoles in honor of St. Joseph’s day and in celebration of all of your good Italian friends. When Italian eyes are smiling, it’s usually when good red gravy is dripping of their chins.*

The Question:
Damn St. Patrick! He chased all of the snakes out of Ireland, and now we got em’. Name the five most poison snakes, other than the Red Obama, Green Eyed Pelosi or the Non Compos Mentis Mambo also known as the Slackjawed Reid.

The Headlines:
--Five Virginia Men Charged In Pakistan Courts With 6 Counts Each Of Violating Terrorism Laws.
--House Members Show Concern About Using Slight Of hand To Pass LollaPelosi!
--“Big East” Confere3nce To Remain Headquartered In Founding City Providence For At Least 10 Years.
--Fed Maintains Low Rate; Offers Modest Upgrade For US Economy.
--Hilton Head Beach Jogger Killed By Plane Landing On Beach; Without Engine Humming, Jogger Never Heard It Coming.
--Rhode Island Public Pensions Underfunded By $9.8 Billion.
--0-Man Continues To Mislead In HC Stump Speeches.
--World Bank Says China Economy Should Grow 9.5% In 2010.
--Feb Wholesale Prices Drop 0.6%

Back to More Stuff:

Here’s a nice side dish for your St, Patricks day feast – Cheesy Irish potato pancakes. In a non-stick skillet cook 2 slices bacon cut into small pieces and ¼ cp finely chopped green onions. Set aside and save 1 tbs grease. In large bowl mix together 1 cup prepackaged hashed browns, 1 cup prepackaged mashed potatoes, 1 cup all purpose baking mix and ½ cup shredded Irish cheddar (Go for the expensive brand. St Pat is worth it. Afterall he got rid of the snakes.) bacon, onions, ½ cp milk and 1 lightly beaten egg. Mix til moist. Heat bacon grease (Add veg oil if needed.) Pour ¼ cup mixture (about 4 per pan) and flatten slightly into pancake. Cook about two mins each side. How bad can they be?

24-um: Monday night’s 24 moved. It was one that created lots of emotions and then took them away. That’s the way the program should be all the time -- Get you in and fake you out. But, I am still having a problem with the Dana issue. There are continuing red herrings in that side story which make it interesting, but I’m still not sure why it exists.

While we’re on my favorite program, I’m hearing some sad news from a person inside the great white way. “24” will be cancelled after this season. Ratings slippage and idea vacuum are probably the reasons. They are planning one last encore – a big Movie for 2011. They will probably have to put me away. I have never looked forward to and enjoyed an hour on TV like I do with “24”.

American Idol finally got it goin’ last night with a string of very fine performances – most notably Didi, Siobhan, Aaron, Katie, Paige and yes Andy for a change. Chrystal was good and solid and actually smiled. And Casey another favorite continued to perform well. Among the weaker performances were Big Mike, Lacy, Lee and Tim. Lee is still one of the better singers, and Big seems to have the voter appeal. That puts Lacy in jeopardy if you listen to the judges, but frankly I liked her again. Tim should go and I am tired of his act.

The March Madness Odds makers are warning not to put too much on Lehigh at 10 googolplex to 1. What's a googolplex, you ask? Dictionary.com helps us out: The number 10 raised to the power googol, written out as the numeral 1 followed by 10100 zeros. Or this: 00,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000. Doesn’t look good for the old Brown & White. I’m looking for a big surprise against an over confident Jayhawk team.

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –For the first time in months, I wasn’t sure I wanted Kent sitting here. I felt that same magnetic sensations. I remembered vividly the last time he kissed me between my legs. My skin was tingling again. I could barely stand this assault on my senses. Yet, I wanted him to leave. Through a throat that felt constricted I joined the cordiality. “Nice to see you again Kent.” He looked into my soul. I shuddered slightly. Did Isabelle notice? “Izzy and I were just beginning to review the technology progress, so it is fortunate that you dropped in,” I lied.
Izzy interrupted. Yes Kent we were going to talk without your input. Sarah thought it might be purer for the two of us without the emotional involvement to assess our situation.” I glanced quickly at Kent. His face had changed just barely. Maybe it’s a good thing to be his lover I thought. You tend to see things that to most would not be perceptible.
I jumped in, “That is true Kent. As you are entirely aware we are committed to your company, and we like to measure opinions against opinions.” He remained stony. My original Kent. What was he thinking? “So, now that you are here, why not outline the technical situation post the Bromsky affair.” I pause before I added, “You know how much we are all concerned over the ramifications of that. How are you managing that?”

*Best bakeries in which to buy Zeppoles in RI: Cranston – A&J Bakery, Calvitto’s, Defusco, Solitro’s, Superior and Zaccagnini’s; Providence – Borellis (Coventry too), Crugnale’s Also N., E. Prov, Cumb, Cran) LaSalle, Original Plamieri’s and Scialo Bros. Other spots are Cater to You, warren; Felicia’s E.G.; Zaccagnini’s Pawtucket. These make you smile too!

“When Irish hearts are happy, all the world is bright and gay”…Hmmmm. Does this have something to do with priests and altar boys?

Nicknames in the Obits Department:
We covered the facial gamut the past two days when we saw the last notice about Hank “Ugly” Carpacio followed by that for Raymond “Cutesy” Cunningham.

The Answer:
The most poisonous snake is a sea snake -- the Hydrophis Belcher. The most poisonous land snake is the Taipan found in the Savannah Grasslands to Dry Australian plains. A bite assures death within the hour. Ouch! The rest are the Comman Krait (Asia), Phillipine Cobra, Indian King Cobra, Russell’s Viper (Responsible for more human fatalities than any because of innate irritability), Black Mamba, Yellow Jawed Tommygoff (Mexico, SA), Multibanded Krait, Tiger Snake (Australia) and Jarararcussu. These are ranked in order of toxicity, but the real danger lies in their mental behavior. Snakes on Prozac are unlikely to be a problem. If you are tired of congress but still want more on slithery creatures, read more: http://kalyan-city.blogspot.com/2008/07/worlds-top-10-most-poisonous-venomous.html

Final thought for the day:
If St. Patrick came back to rid the Congress of snakes, would he be barred under the separation of church and state regulations?

Warm hearts and flashing eyes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,087
Opening Stuff:

Through misty eyes I see thee standing there. / Your beauty reflects the warmth of this land of green. / Thy grace is intrinsic in every Irish scene. / From ancient Dublin streets to the cliffs of County Clare. / Your raven hair and green eyes that glow. / Reflecting shamrocks which in rolling fields grow / The beauty of Ireland is the song in your heart / A boy’s love for a lass that will never depart. I’m trying to write a new song that’s a little more upbeat than Danny Boy. Don’t worry; I’ll keep working on it.

One of the greatest scams ever perpetrated on Mankind is that corned beef and cabbage tastes good.

The Question:
This is not only the week of St. Patrick, but also the week for College basketball no-lifers. The March Madness season begins Thursday. Name five colleges that have both men’s and women’s reams playing.

The Headlines:
--China Trims US Debt Holdings For Third Consecutive Month; Oil Countries Boost Holdings; Economists Fear Potential For Higher Cost Of Lending.
--Dems Upbeat On HealthGodzilla Passage; Reality Shows Lack Of Firm Votes Remain.
--Stocks Open Lower On News From Moody’s That USofA Could Lose “Top-Notch” Credit Rating.
--Socialist Parties In France Regain Regional Power Over Sarkozy’s Party, 53% to 39% People Upset Over Economy And Encroachment Of Muslims..
--Northeast US A Soggy Mess.
--Government Engineers Say Runaway Prius A Mystery.
--Super Liberal ACORN Renames Branches With Hopes Of Reinstating Grant Money.
--Guns Used In Recent Las Vegas And Pentagon Shootings Came From Same Location: Memphis Tennessee Police And Court Systems!
--Drug Gang In Ciudad Juarez Ambush Cars Carrying People With Ties To US Consul; Three Killed.
--100,000 March In Thailand Asking For Dissolution of Parliament.
--Obama Names Most Liberal Of Legal Minds To US 9th; Berkeley Law Professor Goodwin Liu Could Be First Asian SC Justice.

Back to More Stuff:

Do the New England Patriots actually have a plan?

I was amused by the update I saw in the paper of an old tongue twister: “If a woodchuck swallows a poison-tainted piece of wood and you stick a finger down its throat to learn if a woodchuck can upchuck wood, and then wonder that if a woodchuck can upchuck wood how much of the wood could a woodchuck upchuck, and would the upchucking woodchuck upchuck enough wood to chuck out the poison.”

Speaking of upchuck, an insider reports to the Tids that Freddie and Fannie have asked banks to stop foreclosing on delinquent loans until after the November elections. This is from a reliable source with strong ties to the big time financial world.

Have you noticed that the only people who criticize an athlete for not being able to deal with the media are the media? Some of these self-righteous clowns will actually try to keep good players out of halls of fame because they weren’t nice to talk to.

Did you ever stop to think that perhaps the Irish never drank until English lawyer Frederick Weatherly wrote Danny Boy?

When Weatherly originally wrote DB in 1910, he wrote it to another tune. His sister in the US sent him a recording of “Londonderry Air” which he liked. He altered the lyrics to fit. Interestingly, many Victorians urged changing the name of the tune to Air from County Derry. It was thought that the original name sounded a bit too much like London Derriere’! Another legend has it that a formerly wealthy Irish landowner whose lands were confiscated, Rory Dall O’Cahan (“Blind Rory) wrote it as a lament. And that he probably had some help from fairies who often paid a visit when he was in a drunken state. I’ll buy that.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60. –“You look beautiful this morning!” were the cheery words of Jill who met me as I almost gingerly stepped into the kitchen. I was really excited this morning. I had been rigorously going through rehab and now felt strong enough to start getting back into action. This morning I was going over to BiEm to see Isabelle. Bill had been filling me in on startup activities, and Sanchez and Symington had been getting things going without their usual blather. I’m looking forward to a stimulating meeting this morning. Of course just getting back into the swing is most important. But, in particular I’m anxious to be getting into the sticky problem of product development. I have feeling that Izzy likes the advancements made during the Bromsky experimentation, but is concerned of the misdeeds becoming widely known beyond local law enforcement. This is a situation into which I can get my teeth. And also where I can spend time with Kent. I haven’t seen him since the hospital, but he called several times.
“Good morning,” I said pleasantly as I came up to the desk. Beatrice, who had my badge ready, was calling Izzy’s office. “It’s been quite a couple of weeks around here” I said curiously.
Beatrice looked up. “Oh yeah,” she said. “I loved every minute of it. Henry said I was very helpful”. Then she really smiled. I had better warn Henry I thought.

Hanks and Spielberg unfortunately are bringing race into the War in the Pacific, their new mega-venture. The Japanese snuck in and bombed the hell out of Pearl Harbor. They were ruthless bastards. Just ask the Chinese, a people the Japanese had been raping and pillaging for centuries. Unfortunately too many people with a stage are over using new ploy a called historical “Presentism”. This is the art of reassessing history in a way that would nourish flawed agendas for today. I think it is sad.

Just for the record, I think Jackie K/O was overrated even when in her White House prime.

As predicted in the Tids, The White House is pouncing on the aspects of the Health Care Godzilla with which 98% of the people agree, but which also effectively obscures all of the negative stuff in the bill. There’s a little email floating around about a business man asked to dine with the president. The waiter puts a roll on a plate and then another takes it and starts eating it. The president explains that he is hungry. The dinner guest remains silent. Subsequently various WH employees grab all of the guest’s food (While Obama eats comfortably), finally pick pocketing his wallet where they use his credit cards to take his money, identity and house; throwing his family onto the street. Eventually the Gov. confiscates his factories. A beaten businessman looks up at the Prez who says, “You should have stopped me at the roll.”

You have to believe that condo living was better before the advent of surround sound home theaters.

More Obama voters watch Fox News than the combined audience of CNN and MSNBC.

Travel Tip Department:
In case you are interested, the Ten “Craziest” Cities Are San Francisco, Cincinnati, Providence, Milwaukee, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, NYC, Tucson, San Antonio and New Orleans. Be sure to pack strait Jackets when visiting.

Think about this for a Minute – If the awe inspiring giant statue of Christ that looms over Rio de Janeiro was on, let’s say the Palisades over looking NYC, how many protest groups in the land of the free would be marching for its removal.

The Answer:
The list is pretty long. Tennessee, San Diego State, Texas A&M, Vermont, Xavior, Northern Iowa, Ohio State, Duke, Gonzaga and Lehigh…(Rewind)…Duke, Gonzaga and Lehigh…(rewind)…Lehigh…(Rewind)…Lehigh!

The Self-Serving Close:

I know, I know, that was a sham question. But sometimes academic pride takes over. Did you know that the Patriot League with members, Lehigh Colgate, Lafayette, Bucknell, American, Holy Cross, Army and Navy is the league with the highest rate otf athletes graduating among all leagues in the USofA? So when Kansas pounds the Lehigh men, we know which team will win the degree war. Or maybe, there will be an upset. You never know.

IWHC

Today's Tids Issue 2,083
Opening Stuff:

Some economists want you to feel that if you don’t buy stocks now, you are going to miss out on the big bonanza. Many other equally reputable economists say it is a time to be really, really cautious as there are still too many unknowns about the scope and safety of the recovery. Sounds a little like walking the plank. On one hand you’re off the scary ship. On the other hand you have to swim 40 miles through shark infested waters to gain your freedom. If you can find the right direction!

I was thinking over the night about our current and just past conflicted Presidents and their obsessions over the Iraq War (IW) and Health Care (HC). IWHC, hmmmm. IWHC – The Infernal Woes of Hapless Chiefs.

The Question:
Mare Winningham had a nice part on “24”last night. Name some of her movies when she was in her prime.

Today’s Headlines:
--Prime Time Launches Latest Campaign Against Insurance Companies.
--Toyota Shows That Shorting “Gimmick” Shown In ABC Lawyer Promo Video And Later To Congress Affects All Cars The Same Way; Professor To Privately Meet With Toyota Engineers.
--Malicki Looking Like The Winner In Iraq; Total Voting Down From 2005 Election.
--Culture News Special: Tiger And Elin Caught Kissing In Public.
--1 Year Anniversary Of Stock Market Low Has Stocks Futures Lower.
-- NBA Star Allen Iverson May Have Gambled Away $200,000,000 In Earnings; Reports Say High Paid Star May be Destitute.

Back to More Stuff:

New York up-state Democrat Congressman Eric Massa may be seen by some as an angry man spouting off frustration in a sour grapes tirade. But when he evoked the name of Rahm Emanuel, describing the Admin operator as the son of the spawn of Satan who would kill his mother for a vote --- he became entirely believable to me.

Remember that the Tids political columnist warned at the time of the selection, that Rahm Emanuel's presence diminsihed the credibility of the new admin for "Change and Hope" before it got started

Too many people think that smart people are smart about everything.

Roll around in your mouth for a couple of minutes the names of these two organizations: National Enquirer and Pulitzer Prize. The tastes don’t compliment each other well, Do they? That’s what the chiefs of the PP thought when the NE story about the John Edwards Love baby was nominated for the esteemed award. The chiefs of the prize committee initially nixed the idea saying we don’t recognize the efforts of checkbook journalism. Surprise. It turns out that the NE did it the old fashioned way, with dogged legwork and courageous reporting. They got the tough story while many of the so called media elite probably tried to suppress the dirty dope to protect the slime ball from North Carolina. At least, that’s the way it looks to me.

For years I always called the august organization’s award the “Chicken Shocker” award – Pullet Surprise.

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 58 continues. –It felt good to be in real clothes again. I felt like twirling as I might have done as a child. Watching my skirt flair out in the backyard breeze. But, my still wobbly legs were not cooperating even though my feelings were in fantasy land. I was deeply inside my imagination when I heard a clatter. When I looked up I saw Jill and Jax standing at the foot of the bed with these incredible monster grins on their faces holding a huge sign “Our House Needs Mom’s Laughs”. Talk about teary… I beckoned them over, and behind them a beaming Paul moved into take the sign. They bolted to my open arms knocking us all back on to my bed. We laughed uncontrollably.
“Thanks everybody.” I looked up at Paul. “And especially you my beautiful husband.” He actually turned red. He could not speak.
He came over and kissed me hard. “The kids giggled, “OooooooooH!” I looked at them and then I turned red.h
Paul went over and packed all the junk I had accumulated during the past two weeks. The kids took the vases of flowers out to the nurses. I felt really good. The phone rang. Paul glanced my way.
“Oh hi” It was Kent. “I’m doing very well Henry.” I said. Why did I do that? “I’m in the process of getting out of this place, so I can’t talk.” He was telling me how lovely I looked when he was last here. “Ok. I’ll drop by when I can walk a little better. I’d love to hear from you all of the dope about our little caper.” I smiled at what Kent had replied.
All of a sudden the room didn’t feel quite so happy.

Back to More Stuff Again:

"24"-um: As they have quite often this year, almost the first 45 minutes were devoted to re-establishing or affirming some characters and situations A lot of time was spent on the tense bomb sequence, and it was well done. But, that was the first excitement and it was almost 50 minutes into the hour. The revelation of the bad leader being the daughter's lover was a much needed spark to the storyline. But, that was kind of in the back of my mind. Or at least, I hoped for that. Next week could be sensational if they live up to the promise!

When you think about it, maybe the salvation of the print press is to start digging deeper and reporting with more gusto stories that may even go against the papers bias. To begin to hold feet to the fire instead of looking for the excuses. The people are crying out for a credible defense against the free-to-do-as-they-want politicians.

While I’m all for protecting the second amendment (As I am for all of the freedoms), I’m having to think that packin’ heat in a hip holster at a mall or restaurant is a little bit of overkill. .

Controlling 3-4 Word Phrases Used By Moms Department: “You like that blouse?” You’re wearing what?” “You’re dating whom?” “You like that make-up?” “You like that haircut?” “You’re going there?” “Of course you’re busy!” You get the picture. You always know, even when you are approaching your own “senior” status. Send in some you may have experienced over the years.

The news item about the Tiger/Elin public kiss had my mind reverting back to the staged Bill/Hill dance by the lagoon in the post Monica days. You know how victims of fires and disasters call the refurb teams to get out the stench? Celebs have the same hot line available personal mishaps. Cleaning up after stupidity is big business.

A headline that starts “Gibbs brushes off…” always means to me, dig further.

Irish Extortion(?) Department:
A well known music store and tourist trinkets shop in Newport RI was the scene of picketing yesterday by members of the large Irish community. The object of their scorn were T-Shirts with the usual insults to Irish like drinking and partying jokes. However it may be deeper than that. The owner, a respected Newport businessman, for the first time in recent memory (Because of the economy) refused to buy an ad in the official Saint Patrick’s Day Parade program. The Leprechauns made us do it!

Did you hear about the middle aged ex-athlete who saw in the mirror, a waste of time?

There is evidence aplenty that many Democrats are running openly against Obama policies. This is one reason why the Commander in Chief is ordering (Strongly suggesting) his troops to give up their seats for health care. The end-of-March deadline proposed by the nations leading political showman is probably their because once in anti admin campaign mode there is no turning back.

The Answer:
Interestingly, one of Mare’s notable first parts occurred when she was 12 yo in a school play. She played Maria in a version of Sound of Music…opposite classmate Kevin Spacey! She started in TV with parts on Police Woman and Starsky & Hutch and continued as a feature player throughout her career in many TV Movies. Her first film successes were in One Trick Pony and Threshhold. She received more fame in Saint Elmo’s Fire and was one of the original “Brat Pack” alums. Other films were Miracle Mile, Turner & Hootch, Wyatt Earp and The War. Her greatest recognition came in the form of SAG and Academy Award Nominations for her work in the 1995 film Georgia. She also won Golden Globes and Emmys from her strong TV movie performances.

A Bang-up Ending:

I see the second amendment as assuring a margin of protection for average citizens against the potential of an aggressive armed government. I don’t see it as a perpetual license for people running around shooting each other, or themselves in after hour’s clubs.