And…displaying the Ten Commandments is wrong Because…?

Today's Tids Issue 2,221

Opening Stuff:

Some people are running around outside, flapping their arms and shouting Eeeeeeeeee-Hah! But for me, this warm spell is turning me back into a slug, a spongy mushroom. And just at the time when my body started moving again.

Around here, and probably in many other cities and towns across the country, schools aren’t allowed to teach anything about religion lest some single minded person will drag a town to the Supreme Court. This raises a question: If you can’t mention religion, how can you teach US History? Huh? Like, much of the US was settled based on religious beliefs. Like the Pilgrims who were trying to escape persecution in order to practice their religion. And how these Puritan became depots in their own right, forcing enlightened leaders like Roger Williams, John Clarke and Anne Hutchinson to found RI. RI, the state called “The Lively Experiment” by Clarke because of all things it separated church from state while promoting freedom of religion for all sects. Amazing. It was this state that first allowed Quakers. Which, because of their ties to Barbados, fostered the idea of economic trade between the island, RI and England. And eventually slavery. Yup, I think there is something to be said about teaching Religion in the schools. Not to mention that it has something to do with the moral integrity of a society.

The Question:
Name the Top Ten States for worst business climate. Hint: think political leaning or drift.

The Headlines:

--Indonesia Double Disaster Death Totals Rise; Tsunami Up To 272 With About 300 Missing; Volcano At 30.
--Hurricane Like Storm Leaves Midwest With Heavy Damage.
--Technical Glitch Knocks Ten Percent Of US Nukes Off Line.
--Surgical Instruments Left In Patient At RI Hospital – AGAIN!
--Stocks Decline; Fed Fix Found Flimsy.
--GOP Congressional Candidate Laughlin Accuses Foe, Prov Mayor Cicilini, Of Hiding City Financial Problems.

Back to More Stuff:
Nobody is working harder on his campaign than RI’s 2nd Congressional District candidate John Matson. John is the kind of fearless guy who could go down to DC and start turning things up side down for the betterment of all people. He has a big heart and high degree of common sense. And boundless energy. The problem is that there are many little laws and regulations that make it very hard for the independent People Candidates to get out the message. It’s time to send the Puppet back home and put a doer in Washington.

Last night on Dancin’ With the Stars, what’s good and what people think is good were in dramatic conflict. The high scoring and judge favorite team of Audrina Patridge and Tony Dovaloni were knocked out by the voters in a shocking episode. Actually it, like “American Idol” “America’s Got…” has become less about the talent and more about who people like and which voting bloc is the largest. Frankly it’s a lot like the US elections where the best people are left sitting on the sidelines.

The Unions must be breaking editorial knees, because all of the Providence Journal Election Day Editorials endorse the same old political hacks who have put Rhode Island in jeopardy of being sold to China for cents on the dollar.

Hanging around the pro shop for early morning tee-off’s is getting depressing. Yesterday the discussion was about enumerating ex golf partners who one day are playing and the next day are laying silently in boxes surrounded by gladiolas.

I’m starting a new protest movement named C.R.A.P. –Committee for Restricting Apples in Pork! There are so many food writers promoting recipes with the fruit that got Adam kicked out of paradise, that soon some people will begin to think that pork actually tastes better bathed in fruit juices. It’s pork gravy that makes pork taste great. Gravy then, gravy now. It has always been gravy! Let’s get that straight.

My Boston Celtics had a nice win against The Miami Hype last night. But I guarantee that the next one is going to be tougher. James is good.

The Answer:
Believe it or not, the once great New York State is at the of the list of states with the worst biz climate. Odd since this is the seat of the financial world. Next is the liberal California followed by the very democrat states of New Jersey and Connecticut. Ohio, once a bastion of Republicanism has been drifting further and further left as has been Iowa. Maryland is next and is loaded with big Government workers. Next is the state just declared most liberal in the nation -- RI. Which, probably edged out that long time liberal nest of lefties, Minnesota. Last but not least is North Carolina, which lured thousands of jobs from Union ravaged states, only to se that round of jobs move out because of high labor costs.

The End:
Thou shalt Love God, not swear, go to church, honor mom and dad, not kill, not steal, not lie, not covet wives or things. Hey, that’s pretty radical stuff and should be stricken for the human mind.

John Matson for Congress.

Today's Tids Issue 2,209)

Opening Stuff:

There’s no Truth to the rumor that as the NY State nanny government passes more and more laws banning foods, drinks and activities, gangland leaders are knocking off each other to gain control of black markets for sweet soda and transfats. If successful with these products, Gang and organized crime leaders are expected to use the profits to open a chain of smoking huts on beaches…disguised as Ticketron booths for the Eliot Spitzer show.

Which leads me to my main topic of the day…turning our government back over to citizen leaders instead of career politicians. Neighbors who enter the fray without the big money backing; People who see the need to change a declining system; Who have the guts to sweat out raising money from real people; Who want to restore a sensible, limited government. Independent thinkers without cluttered minds being pulled astray from the people by special interests. I’m talking about a guy like John Matson, a hard working carpenter from the rural South County in RI. A good man who is just tired like many of his neighbors of watching Party Puppets elected to Congress year after year. Lifetime politicians joining in with other members of an out of control congress who just don’t get it any more. Whom somehow think that Government built this outstanding country of ours. A congress that has seemed to stop listening to those who really built the country. The people. Matson, and I know many other new candidates like him around the country, have the brains and the courage to question, and then stop, the accepted antics of these apologists for agendized parasites.

My body seems to loose its edge when the Patriots are in Bye Week.

The Question:
Since a lot of people enjoy celebrating the Discovery of America and have some leisurely time, here’s an anagram Q to test your minds. Rearrange the letters in the following phrases or words to make new phrases. 1. “Dormitory”. 2. “The Eyes”. 3. “George Bush”. 4. “Election results”. 5. “Eleven plus two”

The Headlines:

--World Applauds As Chile Rescue Breaks Through To Trapped Minors; Steel Reinforcing Tube Installed. First Minor Expected To See Daylight Tomorrow.
--No Cost Of Living Increase For Social Security Recipients For Second Consecutive Year.
--Chinese Arrest Wife Of Jailed Dissident Who Won Nobel Peace Prize.
--Microsoft Expected To Enter Phone Biz With Partner AT&T; New Competitor To Google And Apple Will Use Windows.
--Stocks Rise As benanke Utters “S” Word.
--Chinese Buy 1/3 Control Of 600,000 Acre Huge Chesapeake South Texas Oil Field.
--Peter Diamond, Dale Mortensen and Christopher Pissarides Win Nobel Economics Prize For Theories On Unemployment/Available Jobs Dichotomy; Some Note They May Have developed Prize Winning Theory While Reading The Tids.

Back to More Stuff:
Over the weekend I was in a group of people who were talking about how well the “Recovery Act” was repairing local roads. I guess I’m not that smart, because I always thought that one major reason for our state and local taxes was the maintenance of roads, streets and country lanes. I guess I have been living under a misconception. Silly me. I must be from another planet.

If Whitman and Firorino win in California, you can bet that somebody will ask the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to place an injunction on the results. And the court will do it.

Our Nobel Peace Prize dissident is living in the White House.

Tonight’s NFL pre-game will be dominated by sex, Moss and video phone photos. But in reality, it should be an exciting games by two good teams. The Je-Je-Je (WYKWIM) are unfortunately a formidable team, but the Vikings have more urgency. That said, I’m looking forward to the fans signs.

You know the country Is in trouble when you realize that RI Senator Whitehouse is on the “Intelligence“ committee.

When an athlete says, “I got to get me some of that Bling”, he is by definition saying “I got to become showy and tasteless.”

Through the Same Eyes: Epilogue. –The days following the slaughter at HR&L were hectic and confusing…and heart wrenching for me. My heart went out the door with the stretcher carrying Kent’s body. I don’t remember how long I sat on the floor with blood pooled around my thighs; clutching the cooling body that will always be warm to me. I only remember arms lifting me as other arms took Kent and laid him flat on the floor. I felt arms encircling me from behind and realized it was Paul. Paul tying to give me strength as I stared transfixed into Kent’s now lifeless eyes. But filled with the life of memories past. An EMT walked over and placed a sheet over Jack Wiley and then Kent. I slowly expanded my arms to gently break the grasp of Paul. I took a step, bent to a knee and pulled back the sheet to take one last look at that face. I then pulled the sheet back up knowing that Kent’s image will never leave my mind, and will always affect my body. I stood, turned and looked at Paul, who showed me loving concern. I reached my arms behind him and laid my head on his chest. I felt my friend Henry’s hand warmly touch my back and give it an anxious rub. Now for the first time I wondered what Paul was thinking. Knew.
Hours later I was still there talking to police. Dan, was not hurt badly and joined me filling in the blanks as law enforcement people tried to put together the events. Dan said that Kent was the hero of the day and probably saved the lives of many in addition to mine.
The people in the office were all sent home for the rest of the day. It was obvious I realized even as sat there rattled trying to remember details of a tragedy, that was going to be up to me to put everything back together. I was going to have to be Maggie the Magnificent again. But then as I thought about Jack using me as well as Isabelle and maybe even Kent, I wasn’t so sure I could ever be again what I thought I was.
Finally, I was able to leave, worn but still living on memories of my deceased lover. Paul was sitting by the elevator. He looked tired. His eyes rose up. He smiled. A loving smile. “Ready to go home to Fosterville?”

There is no truth to the rumor that Will Travers, shocked by the in ability to stop the Houston Harbor terrorist attack, will spend the next year in the series looking for Jack Bauer.

It would be nice if on my computer there was also a little thermometer reading down near the time. To warn me that I’ve been sitting in the cold too long.

I get it, our taxes pay for brainy people who set up the circumstances that cause recessions so that our tax federal money can be returned to local governments to fix roads. I knew there was a plan in there somewhere.

The Tids goes to great lengths to bring opinions and facts about just about everything that is going on in the world. But, I’m sorry to say that I just don’t have the stomach to tune into the Eliot Spitzer show. You’ll have to figure it out yourself. Sorry.

The Answer:
I think these are pretty clever and kind of amazing: 1. “Dirty Room”. 2. “They See”. 3. “He Bugs Gore”. 4. “Lies – Let’s Recount. 5. And Truly amazing…”Twelve plus One”. And, you have to wonder if the original Presbyterians knew the anagram of the name was “Best In Prayer”!

The End:
Remember, there is a John Matson in your Congressional district too. Don’t let a good candidate, who will work for you, get lost in the morass of party bosses and biased media politics as usual.

Hey, I’m a little late. So what. It’s a holiday.

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.