Headless Horsemen.

Today's Tids Issue 2,207
Opening Stuff:

They say that the sale of Halloween decorations is starting to approach that of Christmas. But, amidst all of the skeletons and ghosts, orange and black we have also been introduced to a highly skilled, new set of artists -- Pumpkin carvers. And it is very enjoyable art form. And you have to believe if Van Gogh, Leonardo and Cezanne were around today, they’d be doing some great work with everybody’s favorite orange Fall gourd. But maybe not up to the level of some local carvers I’ve seen.

And like a broad field of orange pumpkins, it is harder and harder to pick out a winner in politics too, as candidates moderate their views to get a elected. They look good from the top, but when you turn them over you often find something rotten or at least discolored. And of course the handlers hollow them out, carve a personality into their face and brighten them up with a candle. But after a few weeks, like a politician in office, they become useless.

The latest report says that 42,000,000 Americans are on food stamps! And the total is growing. Just in case you were wondering how the recovery is going. (Note: In April 2009 it was 33.2 Million up 19% from the year before.)

The Question:
Everybody up here in New England is taking a position on the randy Moss trade. Some think it will kill the Pats as Moss was not only a great pass catcher but also an important decoy that freed other receivers. Others say that the loss of Moss will allow the Pats to return to their Super Bowl winning schemes of the early 2000’s. This is a discussion that will go on, but one thing for sure, Randy Moss put up the numbers. How does he stack up against the all time NFL receivers?

The Headlines:

--Alcoa Report To Begin Earning’s Season; Revenue Gains Or Losses Should be Major Factor.
--Stock Futures Flat.
--Russian Military Successfully Tests New Advanced Ballistics Missile
--Roy Halladay Pitches Second Playoff No Hitter In History; No hit Effort Is Pitcher’s Second Of Season.
--Killing Floods Continue To Overwhelm Asia
--Toxic Red Sludge Reaches Blue Danube.
--Peru’s Mario Llosa Gets Nobel For Literature; Gifted Story Teller Cited For Work On Political Power Structures.
--Powerful LA Teachers Union To Fight New Layoff Agreement; Results Could Affect Teacher Job Management Throughout The Country.

Back to More Stuff:
I’m at that point in this crazy political season that I’m feeling more and more like Ichabod Crane…beset upon by Headless Horsemen.

What I learned last week that there are no “Easy” weeks for NFL pickers. What looked like a potential big win week turned into a disaster with many upsets, or at least games not going to form. An 8-6 week brings us to 41-21 or 66%. What I’m seeing this week is that there are no clear cut winners, even though Buffalo is playing. I go Detroit, Balt, Houston, Washington, Chi, Atlanta, Jax, Cinn, Indy, NO, Tenn, San Diego, San Fran and NY jets…and pray.

With over and mis-reporting by wall to wall media, the new national pastime is jumping on and off hysterical bandwagons.

And, for sports fans the next overdone event will be the Monday Night Favre/Moss hookup against the raucous Jets. Count on it.

If I lived in New York State, I’d move. The next thing you know, this “Nanny” state will be forcing everybody to eat their peas, or Cable TV to their homes will be shut down.

Yesterday in a group of story tellers, we were discussing the use of the word “Substantial” to describe a large woman. Everybody agreed that there are many large people who aren’t “Obese” just because they are heavy. Some people are just big, and it is all about inheriting “big” genes. We agreed that substantial was a word of affection. But, some of the overly gaunt healthy eating despots don’t want to hear about larger people being “just right” for who they are.

Actually, you don’t have to turn over the Obama pumpkin this time. He is campaigning like an out and out socialist. No hidden agendas now. It is an obvious panic attack as he tries to reestablish himself with his beloved lefties.

To all TTSE’s lovers. I need a break after yesterday’s traumatic ending. Or was it traumatic. Maggie/Sarah has Kent’s love in her heart forever and is not fighting it any more. And Kent died knowing M/S would hold him her heart until that time when perhaps they might meet again...depending upon here they are.

Come to think of it, the amoral Ichabod is probably a bad choice for an analogy since his behavior is more a like that of a congress person. I am therefor invoking Poetic license.

I thought vision yesterday of the “Presidential Seal” falling off the podium while the Prez spoke, was quite symbolic of a disintegrating Presidency.

The Answer: 
Randy Moss 935 is 10th in number of receptions behind Jerry Rice (1,545), Marvin Harrison, Cris Carter, Tim Brown, Terrell Owens, Isaac Bruce, Tony Gonzales, Andre reed and Art Monk. It is unlikely that he will catch Rice, but with 3-4 seasons left he could move into second place with only fifty or so catches per season. Moss with 152 TD catches is already second behind Rice (207). And in yardage, Moss is 6th with 14,465 behind Rice (22,895), Bruce, Owens, Brown and Harrison.

The End:
As we approach the Halloween season, my only wish is that the early settlers would have planted Cocoa trees instead of pumpkins.

Let’s keep the pumpkins out of office.

Warning: Tomorrows Tids could be short. Take out a book from the library.

It's a Public Relations World.

Today's Tids Issue 2,210

Opening Stuff:

You can tell the network “news” is fighting for its existence when the news has become an afterthought and book promotions, saccharine tales and slanted opinion pieces the norm.


The US is in danger of having an economy based on industries full workers doing jobs for people who could easily do the jobs themselves.


It appears to me that the TV show Glee is in danger of succumbing to it’s success by overplaying the visiting celebrities, the antics of the gym teacher, the emotional problems of the cast -- overshadowing the one thing that made it unique and actually very entertaining – the wonderful talents of the kids singing and entertaining. But then Chorus Line didn’t make it big because of the music.


Now…if 0-Man is imploring the Left Wing to wake up and get interested in the elections, it can only be because he wants to keep socialism alive.

The Question:

Name five books written about President Obama.

The Headlines:

--Officials Strictly Monitoring Terror Threats In Europe.

--Obama Retreats To Left Wing Base; Passionately Implores Them To Wake Up.

--Stock Futures Lower; Major Investors Content To Enter Market On Dips.

--Toys ‘r Us To Hire 45,000 For Holidays.

--Financial Gurus Predicting Bloodbath At Bond Trading Desks:

--Anti-Austerity Protests Throughout Europe.

--Pelosi’s Promise Of Cleanest Congress Ever Falls far Short Of Pledge; Lobbyists Continue Unfettered And Two Dems Await Ethics Trials.

--BP Promises New Safety Standards And Stricter Exploration Controls.

--Kim’s Sin Likely To Keep MK On Same Rogue Path.

--Body Found Buried In Stonehenge Came From Mediterranean Region.

Back to More Stuff:

If, (As Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker proposes) the Bay State changes its tax laws to compete with its northern neighbor New Hampshire, the largest city in its southern neighbor Rhode Island will be Seekonk!!


Nearly nine months ago, the U.S. through Hillary Clinton pledged $1.15 Billion for the rebuilding of Haiti. According to officials at the State Department, UN and US Senate the reason why not a penny has been spent one week before the end of the US fiscal is because of the c omplex bureaucracy, disorganization and a general lack of urgency. These are the same people who will be running your Health care.


Tampa is not a Major League city.


The Food Nazis will send me directly to hell without passing “Go” for printing this bread pudding recipe made with “Donuts”. We could call it our “Blue” Plate special in honor of US Police departments. –Brush 9” pan with butter and cut 8 cake donuts into 1 ½-2” chucks and put in pan. In bowl mix 4 tbs butter, ½ cp brown sug, ¼ tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Add 4 eggs and whisk to blend. Whisk in 2 ½ cps heavy cream, ¼ cp Jack Daniels and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over donuts soaking all. Let stand 1 hour (Or cover and fridge over night). Bake at 350 covered (w/alum foil) for 30 mins; 15 mins uncovered. Now for the bad part – The sauce. Combine 1 ½ tbs cornstarch a 2 tbs JD whiskey. In small pan combine ¼ cp heav cream and 2 tbs gran sug. Over high heat whisk 2/3 mins til bubbles form. While whisking ad whiskey mixture and whisk til sauce is blended and thick. Pour sauce over portions and top with whipped cream or caramel sauce or van IC; or all of the above. The devil made me do it.


Anybody who tunes into the new Hawaii 5-0 for a pleasant touch of nostalgia is in for a huge disappointment. It is just another weak police drama with plastic characters. The only difference being that it takes place in the sun instead of bleak alleys near housing projects.


Why do voters disgusted with their government vote for the same old people expecting that they have the capability to change. They'd still be paid by the same special interest groups.


A writer Susan Maushart has an interesting new book that warns of a succeeding generation that literally doesn’t know how to do anything -- kids with no house hold chores, drive-through meals and outsourced basic chores like house-cleaning an lawn care. She says we have college kids who’ve never done laundry, put a stamp on an envelope or taken a bus ride alone. Kids stay in strollers til they’re five and never learn out to open a can with a can opener. And the real tragedy is a future generations of button pushers with a loss of independence and initiative.


Actually, I have to be honest. I don’t think I ever learned the correct way to tie my shoelaces.


Mastering the relatively simple art of making things out of eggs like omelets and frittatas can make you look like a pretty savvy chef.


The intelligence communities around the world are doing a helluva job.


I’m one of those people who wants Kim’s son to keep on doing the same thing because it makes the news more interesting. That is, if the news media still knows how to report it.

The Answer:

The one with all of the hype to, day is of course Obama’s Wars. But we also have the “The Manchurian President”, “The Case against Barack Obama”, “The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality”, and the longest title ever written -- “Fleeced: How Barack Obama, Media Mockery of Terrorists Threats, Liberals who want to Kill Talk radio, The Do-Noting Congress, Companies that Help Iran, and Washington Lobbyists for Foreign Interests are Scamming Us.” (Short and Pithy – I fell asleep reading the title). And this doesn’t include all of the books written about himself by himself.

The End:

Now that all of a sudden, almost out of nowhere the Prez is emphasizing his love for Christianity, it is a sure sign that he doesn’t think things are going well in the elections.


When the Prez says as he did yesterday to his liberal base, “Change is hard, ‘real’ change takes time”, he is saying that just because most Americans think socialism is dumb idea, and I need you more than ever.


Through the Same Eyes will return tomorrow.

It's a camouflage world.

Today's Tids Issue 2,188
Opening Stuff:

I was thinking this morning…You know how it has become popular to embed news people within the ranks of the military as they bravely try to fight wars against people who really want to kill them. And how the soldiers and their leaders have to spend too much time worrying about how what they do may be looked upon on the Tube or in print. So…why not have the press embedded in the families of Congress people as they go one their extended summer breaks. Think of all the great stuff we could get for the Tids.

World out of Whack Department:
(Or is it “Whacky World” department?) When you adjust for inflation, it would cost $159 million 2009 dollars to build the titanic. It cost over $200 million in 2009 dollars to make the movie about the titanic.

The Question:
Give me twelve good reasons to continue eating fattening foods laden with rich creamy gravy.

The Headlines:
--Tropical Storm Colin Forms In Atlantic; Could Follow Atlantic Coast track.
--Senate To Start Kagan Debate Today.
--Six Teens Drown After Stepping From Wade-able Shallows Into 20 Foot Chasm In Louisiana’s Red River; Non-Swimming Adults Watch Helplessly as Non-Swimming Teens Die.
--Market Enters Mystery Day; Bulls Not Sure Whether To Take Profits Of Keep Mo Going.
--State Workers Having to Work Longer To Collect massive Pensions.

Back to More Stuff:

A reader remarked that the Tids editor has a unique ability to write long paragraphs well about nothing. Is that good or bad?

I have a new game …one that allows you to fully understand the meaning of politically related statements. It’s easy. All you do is type out the latest statement about anything from the White House or Congress, and then add the words “For the elections”. It’s fun kids, and it puts everything in perspective. For instance, here’s how the big headline in the morning paper would read: “Obama: US Troop withdrawal from Iraq right on schedule”…”For the elections”. It’s fun and it reminds you that you won’t really know anything factual until after November 3.

I will never watch any TV program that thinks it is a good idea to promote the characters of “Jersey Shore”.

Somebody…anybody…please tell me why it is a good idea to waste time and money talking about giving Billy The Kid a pardon. Does that make him less of a ruthless murderer? Actually it is a lot like the authorities claiming justice by getting Charlie Sheehan to plea to a lesser misdemeanor and wave more severe charges. Does that make him any less of a woman abuser or general all around out of control ass hole?

Yesterday I mentioned a series of today’s trendy popular songsters of whom I had never heard or even having seen their names. And, then last night I read that Mitch Miller, host of the highly successful Sing Along With Mitch TV program (Bouncing ball and all), died at 100. His was a program about songs with melodies and cornball lyrics where people actually sat in their living rooms and sang with Mitch and his chorus. You’d have to wonder what today’s kids would think about that. What they would think of the older people who actually enjoyed watching it. Maybe they’d find “Sunny Side of the Street” more enjoyable than “Murder Yo Hoe”. Maybe.

You have to love the sympathizers of the disadvantaged who are condemning new financial regs that make it harder for those who can’t pay to get loans. Have they looked at the bloodshed across the country lately? At the disadvantaged who are far more disadvantaged today as they wallow in the aftermath of bad loans. Whatever happened to renting and saving?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 87 continues. –I could tell that Kent still loves me deeply. But, for the first time he appeared conflicted. Then, I was unsure of myself when I walked in. Conflicted myself. And as much as I wanted not to feel his presence, I felt it more than ever. Is it because I believe it, us, me and Kent, is nearing an end, and I could never imagine life without knowing he would be there. And I want us to be together more than ever even as I learn more about Kent’s possible implications in something very big and very dirty at BiEm.
I closed the door of Marie’s and stepped down to the parking lot, still thinking about Kent and I running to some glorious place. Nothing makes sense. Why would I even think of leaving Paul and the children? But, I do freely. Is deep love such a master? Is it deep love or the pure joy of sex? Or is it just illicit sex? Am I that much in need beyond something that is entirely correct and beautiful? I have it all, don’t I?
I saw a movement as I walked around the back of my car to the driver’s side. It was just a green Chevy pulling out from the rear of Marie’s. I looked at the driver. Did he look away from me? I don’t remember him as one of the four people in the small room. I quickly looked away and opened my purse to fish out my keys. I think I have seen that Chevy before. Things that don’t belong stand out in small towns.
Does Marie think that Kent and I don’t belong enjoying each other in her place?
I started the car, backed up and entered slowly onto Main Street. Then I gunned it and sped off. I didn’t turn around to look but looked in the rear view mirror. I didn’t see the car enter the road from Marie’s parking lot. Maybe it was my imagination.

Some guy on early morning radio (Really early morning) said that we need these illegal immigrants because they will be the basis of our taxes going forward. In other words, he was saying that to maintain our leadership position in the economic world we need to have lots of Mexicans sneaking in to provide tax money for future bloated governments in say 2050…when whites will most certainly be a minority. Pew Research projects the Hispanic population to be 29% (Now 14%) by 2050. The rest: Whites 47% (67%), Black 13% (13%), Asian 9% (5%) and Foreign Born 19% (12%).

Frankly, I’m a little surprised at the low number of Asians. Oh, wait a minute, they’re coming in legitimately.

It’s not hard to believe that while congress was messing around trying to come up with regulations for credit cards, credit card companies were getting creative with new ways to entrap consumers into new schemes. Politicians will do anything to get elected and businesses will do what it takes to keep the money rolling in. It is just a basic law of nature.

The Answer:
According to “Consumer Reports”, 12 so-called dietary supplements many with the label “Natural” are contaminated and can cause liver and kidney damage, heart rhythm disorders and unhealthy blood pressure levels…and cancer. This is not a good thing. The dirty dozen are aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia and yohimbe. Make that a Big Mac and large fries please.

The End:
I just hope the Tids turn out to be better than August. That’s not asking for too much, is it?

Plant well!

Today's Tids Issue 2,183
Opening Stuff:

I watch the grasses, the long stemmed flowers wavering in the breezes. The playthings of fickle winds willing to be drawn to the whims of shifting wafts; Or violent gusts. Yet the roots are strong. They flirt but never leave. I watch the wind driven grasses hoping that we can build strong roots for generations of those to come. That they may resist the winds of temptation. The breezes of appealing lures. I wonder. Are we loosening too much of the soil around the bases of our children?

Frankly, I kinda liked Tony Hayward.

A new Gallop Poll reports a high degree of uncertainty looming for the 2012 elections…at this point. Overall it has the 0-Man leading Republican candidates in general 44% to 42%. In other words, it’s any body’s game. The big new difference is that 45% of Independents prefer a Republican candidate to 31% for “Prime Time”. The survey names Romney and Palin as the two leading candidates. Specifically, a Rasmussan poll has Romney and 0-Man in a dead heat and 0-Man leading Palin 48-42. A “real Clear Politics” Public Policy Poll shows that Huckabee will be Obama’s toughest foe come 2012 with 0-Man a scant 46-45 leader. This same poll shows 0-Palin – 50/44, 0-Romney – 47/42 and 0-Pawlenty – 48/35. A little hypothetical idea stimulation for you. How will the November elections affect what 0-Man will become for the remainder of his term?

The Question: Today marks the 70th birthday of one of the famed Warner Brother’s cartoon characters (Hint: His antagonist had a lot of twouble with “R’s”.) Name five WB cartoon favorites. Bonus Question: Bobby Gentry is 66 today. Who is she and what did she do?

The Headlines:
--White House Circling The Wagons Around War Leaks.
--New Nielson Poll Shows That Hispanic Support Of El Presidente Is Cracking.
--Strong June Existing Home Sales Keep Market Flying; Good Earnings Reports Also Support More Positive Outlook For Economy.
--Balgojevich Trial Nearing End; Blago Lawyer Risks Contempt Charge As Dispute With Judge over Mandated Exclusions From Closing Gets Heated.
--Russian Spies Receive Celebrity Treatment On Their Return To the Mother Land.
--Huge Natural Gas Reserves Found In Mediterranean Waters Bordered By Israel And Lebanon; Ownership Dispute Could Rise To Conflict Between Two resource Poor Nations.
--World Profits Picture Has US Futures Market Soaring This Morning.

Back to More Stuff:

One of the major leaks about the current wars in the Middle East and central Asia is that allies like Pakistan aren’t as strong as they are portrayed by admin officials. Duh.

With the stock market looking quite strong and news supporting continued steady economic recovery you can count on one thing for sure. We are going to have a scary retraction in stocks sometime in the next five weeks.

Somehow, I think Blago will go free.

Has the arrogance of politicians ever been more apparent than there in little Bell California. Is there a grimier demonstration of leadership corruption or sadder example of the lack of voter intelligence?

I think the greatest example of “Change” is the President’s willingness to appear on any TV show with a few points in ratings. Of course, his latest kicking and screaming adventure in Boob Tube land is on the equally annoying “View”. Gag. And then there is “Hope”. Hope that this President would just lock himself in the Oval Office and read the constitution.

On a similar note…will there be a more overwrought, smarmy news period than that day or two when Babwa Walters returns to the public from heart surgery.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 85 continues. –“Hello Kent.” Somehow, her voice always makes me feel like something I have never been. Even as I become leery of her subtly changing persona, I am always drawn back to her. I find it hard to escape her.
“Hello Sarah/Maggie,” I replied. “It is unusually good to hear your voice today. You put Isabelle in a bad mood.” I laughed a little.
“Oh really,” she said almost triumphantly.
If you have a minute or two, I could really enjoy a Diet Coke at Marie’s. If you have the time.” I added. Are you at Henry’s I thought? And then without a moment’s hesitation she said she would love to see me. She would love to see me, I thought. I would love to see her I knew. Something has happened since she last left my place. Yet, she still looks into my eyes the same way. She still makes feel like somebody I have never been.
“I’m in the parking lot at Bi-Em. I just had to get out of there. How about fifteen minutes?”
“How about a half hour, she replied.” That’s odd I thought. Why do I feel what I feel so rapturously, but examine every word she says. Because I know she isn’t telling me the truth. At least some of the time. I’ll take a drive trough town, I thought. “That would be fine,” I answered.
And Sarah/Maggie replied softly, almost in a whisper, “I’m looking forward to it.”

Well, tonight’s the night. Yup, it is the night when America decides if its most talented people climb walls, perform fiery magic, sing yet another soulful song and or belt out with vigor just about any song ever written.. I personally like the rock climbers, but it will be between Alice and Antonio. It’s totally a guess. For the encore, It would be helpful if they voted the host Nick Cannon off the program.

The Answer:
Everybody has to love Bugs who is 70 years old today. Also from WB Loony Toons is the frustrated wabbit chaser Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Tweety Pie, Sylvester, Daffy Duck, Pepe LePew, Road Runner, and a host of some of the most lovable characters in American entertainment history. Bonus: Singer, songwriter Bobby Gentry had a meteoric rise with her huge hit song “Ode to Billy Joe.” This was the biggest hit of the year knocking the Beetle’s Sgt. Pepper’s album out o top place she won Best Female Artist and Best New Performer Grammies. And then just as if she jumped off a bridge into darkened waters she faded from the public view. She lives quietly and presumably happily ion LA.

The End:
I have been moved by breezes, shaken by powerful winds. Yet I have felt the tug of strong roots bringing me back.

Credibility, Confusion, Courtesy.

Today's Tids Issue 2,176
Opening Stuff:
This foggy dawn is one of your basic limp waffle mornings.

Speaking of limp, I think I’m getting a little soft on the politicians. At times in order to maintain credibility and avoid unfounded, factually incorrect rants, I find my self trying to understand the opposition. But, the more I research current events the more I find evidence that we are under assault by the “Nanny State” advocates and others who would take away freedom after freedom over time. Unctuous little people who hide behind contrived theories based on exploiting the emotions of loving people. People who advocate replacing personal responsibility with government controls and mandates. Yesterday we get Financial Reform law where the biggest benefit is to those people advocating bigger Government and more big government intrusion. A law that even supporters deem “Imperfect” but “a necessary compromise”. Everything these days that comes out of DC is imperfect. This is not a time to be lulled. This is a time to start looking to November. To begin ending the madness.

A reader reminds me that “Both politicians and diapers need to be changed often; And for the same reason.”

The Question:
Today is Friday, so it must be a double bonus Q! How great is that? 1. The British Open is underway (You can watch it on ESPN starting at 4:00AM – That’s AM) so lets ask a little historical BO Golf question. Name five golfers who have had the most rounds under 70. 2. A survey group was given 4 choices and they had to pick one – Save $50/ week; Have more sex; Gain an hour a day; Drop a clothing size. Which one do you think came out on top?

The Headlines:
--All Eyes On Well Tests.
--0-Man Continues To Campaign Against Bush.
--Minor Earthquake Rattles DC Residents; Resident Says, “Tremors Nothing Compared To What Congress Does To Us Every Day.”
--Habitual High Heel Wearers Could be Finding A Lot Of Leg Pain In Older Years.
--Authorities Trying To Unravel Mystery Of July 7 UFO Sighting Over China Airport.
--CitiGroup reports 10% Profit Drop; GE Reports Higher Earnings On Cost Cutting, Down Revenues.

Back to More Stuff:

Yesterday in our continuing effort to report the truth, I wrote the words of the Prez in his speech to the Muslim world. As I read the speech before I write the paragraph, I became aware of the conciliatory, apologetic tone inferring once more from President Wimpy a condemnation of the US past. A reader wrote to inform me that, Yes, while he may have been a Christian, his Christian mentor was the intolerable, white hating Reverend Wright. That the intellectual, enlightened Muslims were devoured 1,000 years ago by the religious zealot factions thus ending Islam’s contributions to science.

On the other hand, I condemned ABC news yesterday for selective reporting of anecdotes from a bitter few to emphasize the inadequacies of BP. A day later, the news org reached out further and actually showed the BP efforts to compensate as very effective. Many LA residents said that compared to the Government’s handling of Katrina payouts, BP was amazingly efficient and their hope was that the Government would stay away and out of the way. Other parts of the report told us that seaside restaurants were have a great year, maybe one of their best in a decade as clean-up workers filled the seats. There is always more to the stories as reported, and occasionally we get it. But not often enough.

Apparently, a lot of the uglier scenes of tar balls flying around the internet are photographically altered or from older oil spills around d the country.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 83. –Paul answered my call quickly. He said he was still in a meeting and it may take an hour or so. But he was in an up beat mood and told me that it must have been because he saw me earlier. I responded that I felt the same way too. But, I didn’t know how I felt.
Paul went on to tell me more than I wanted to know at the moment about how critical his equipment had become to everything that was being accomplished at BIEm research. Then he said, “Maybe it isn’t you at all, but just that I am needed by these poor scientists.” He laughed at his little jest.
I laughed along with him. I always laughed along with him. It was part of what we have always done. From the first time I saw him. The connection. Our connection. “Maybe you don’t need me at all, now that you are so successful.” But, this time he didn’t respond with one of his quips.” It was just silent. Did I hit a nerve that I was unaware of? Have I been feeling all along that he didn’t really need me?
“Sarah,” he started slowly, softly, “You are everything to me. You are my life. I would sell my company and become your house mom in Fosterville if you asked. All I want is you and your happiness.” I listened silently. He was crying. I could tell.
“You will always have me,” I answered sincerely. Then I wondered about who I really was. This person who actually has everything. Was becoming…what? My hand started to shake. Then I added. “Thank you Paul.” He didn’t say anything. Maybe he couldn’t.
“Call me when you are finished. I’ll be at Henry’s” Am I that cold? “Love you,” I added. I hung up.

I think a good name for a restaurant would be “No Trendiness Here”. A lot of perfectly good menus are spoiled by some misinformed restaurant owner jumping upon trend bandwagons.

Of course there are exceptions. The current “Lobster Mac n’ Cheese trend at restaurants around here has definite merits.

Every day I seem to see or hear about another example of inconsideration. There are just too many people, it seems to me, who don’t understand the simple facts about commons courtesy. It can be simple littering, or parking cars on somebody’s lawn because a party had grown too big. The over crowding of animals in neighborhoods. There is just a little too much “I’m for me” going on around towns and villages these days.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews –Confusion Friday:
--Remembering that Leonard’s last big film Shutter Island was totally not what it appeared, it is easy to understand why The DeCap would venture into the confusing Inception. Which is totally not what it appears to be “squared”. The big difference here is that the audience will be confused from the beginning in Inception while it was only confused at the end in Shutter. DeCaprio heads a Mission Impossible style team that invades minds, reads dreams and plants seeds. The particular target is a business rival who has plans in his mind that would grievously injure the operations of the business man who hired DeCap. The promos say you may want to see it twice to figure it out. This is the same Director who gave us the mindboggling “Momento”. Personally, I like to boggle my mind. And this sounds like a winner to me.
--The Sorcerers Apprentice is about a man Balthazar Blake in current times seeking to be come the long sought after replacement for the magical Merlin. He and his young associate find magic in an old antique shop. The young boy associate (The sorcerer’s apprentice) takes a nesting doll that has imprisoned the nasty Morgana for ten centuries. If released, Morgana would destroy the world. Ten years later Balthazar seeks to find the apprentice before his evil rival Horvath does. Horvath wants to release Morgana to do her evil deeds. Lots of special magical effects. Would be fun if you could figure it out. It’s a giant “Who cares?” movie.
--The Girl who Played with Fire could be confusing too, if you hadn’t seen the first in the series…The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Lisbeth finds her self a suspect in a case revolving around a sex trafficking ring and three murders. She goes on the run. It’s a pretty good yarn but it hasn’t the same depth of character as Dragon tattoo. It plays like a standard TV cop show. But it serves a purpose as a reasonable interim between Dragon and the next in the series The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s nest. If you liked Dragon, you may be a little disappointed, but it will still be enjoyable.

The Answer:
1. The golfers with the most under 70 rounds in the British Open history are jack Nicklaus (35), Nick Faldo (35), Tom Watson(27), Greg Norman(23), Lee Trevino(21), Seve Ballesteros(20) and Nick Price(20). They are remembering Seve at this years event as he had to stay home in Spain because of his illness. 2. 57% chose to save $50/week. Figures factored into the #2 answer with 31% going for a drop in clothing size. 6% said they’d like an extra hour while only 6% are sex starved. Personally, I can’t understand why anyone would want an extra hour. And also. Maybe those who voted fro a drop in size figured they’d get a little more sex after that.

The biggest danger to the effectiveness of the loyal opposition is destroying credibility by stretching the truth beyond belief.

Here a hero, there a hero.

Today's Tids Issue 2,167)
Opening Stuff

A unique 4th of July setting is the original Providence RI neighborhood of George M. Cohan where current residents and passers-bys’ set up lawn chairs to sing “It’s a Grand old Flag”, “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy”, “Give My Regards to Broadway” and “Over There”. No fireworks, just pleasant memories of a a great American who liked to sing about America.

For many, today is the Fourth of July because they don’t have to work. Pure and simple..

Why is it when you are painting that you manage to step in the only glob of paint on the drop cloth just before you run into the house to answer the phone?

The Question: This is the time when we think of heroes past. Yet there are many heroes working silently among us every day. Name five well known Service Organizations and their Founders.

The Headlines:
--BP’s Clean-up Total Up To $3 Billion.
--US Geologist Sentenced To 8 Years By China Court For Stealing China Oil Secrets.
--Arizona Residents Afraid To Travel Near Their State Boarder As Drug Killings Escalate.
--Pro Business Candidate Bronilaw Komorowski Now Likely Winner In Poland Presidential Election; America Turns It’s Lonely Eyes To You.
--Toyota Issues new recall Of 90,000 Lexus.
--World Stocks Soft Awaiting Postiive News About US Recovery.

Back to More Stuff:

It really isn’t an official 4th of July until you hear the Boston Pops play Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”.

Actually when you come right down to it, the best thing about July is that by the time it’s over the NFL teams are back on the field practicing, and you have been talking about it for a couple of weeks!.

A new Consumer Reports says the best places to buy appliances are Abt Electronics and Pacific Sales followed by independent appliance retailers. Also reliable were Lowes, Sears, Best Buy. Home Depot got low grades.

I was watching the Ford Theater National 4th of July Celebration extravaganza (It came across as a poor man’s America’s Got Talent), when they introduced a segment called Kids in the White House. The narrator itemized many Presidential kids finishing with the Kennedy’s, Carters, Clinton’s and You-Know-Who’s. I thought the 4th of July Celebration, especially for this “Bi-Partisan” President, was for all Americans. The audience looked like a George Skoros Corporation organization chart.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80 continues. –I looked at Paul, and moved my body forward a few inches. Beyond that “touch” of Kent. Paul didn’t notice, because he had no idea that he should be noticing anything at all. Only I felt he should be noticing. Little moves. Little hesitations. Inflections. Small shivers. But, he only looked at me like it was the first day that he ever saw me, and was marveled by what he saw. Only I saw what was missing.
“Well, Mr. Middleton,” Paul started. “Nice to see you outside the fortress.” I looked back and up at Kent, but he didn’t smile. He was just his scientific self. All gathered and unemotional waiting for test evidence to show him something. But, there was nothing to be seen. Paul was playing his game. I was hiding mine and Kent was Kent.
“Automatically”, Kent said, “I hear your people are adapting well to our new state of progress. That is good.” He paused. “It’s like an unbelievable novel the way your company, my technology group and your wife’s financial acumen all merged together into, forgive me, ‘A perfect Storm’.” Now he laughed. Then Kent looked down at me. “What brings you here today, Sarah Durham?”
When we met earlier I hadn’t told him I was coming over here. I had not meant anything about it. I think I was so emotionally involved with being with him, and these feeling of guilt that for the first time are entering my mind, that I forgotten to mention it. As, what it was, irrelevant. But now do I sense a little paranoia coming from Kent. The rock. “Oh, have a meeting with Izzy .It’s something I seem to be doing all of the time now.” I looked up at him. “You l know, we have a big stake in you Middleton, and a want to make sure the money flows.” I gave him my most radiant smile. I think he shivered a bit now. I know shivers.

RNC Chairman Michael Steel is the single dumbest person in history.

State workers around the country are being laid off and wondering what happened to their security. Well, that disappeared when they decided to have their cake and eat it too. In other words, they pushed for private sector income and growth along with public sector security Economics don’t work that way. Public sector incomes are tied to other people creating value in an economy. Fifty years or so ago the choice was go in to private businesses to make more money. Or, go into public job for a more modest income but with total security. The economics don’t allow both

I hate being blunt, but Brittany Spears is beginning to look like a washed up hag.

You don’t have to look at the nightly news for courage, heroes, great people. They are neighbors, friends, family. I know a woman who has been in a hospital bed for 7 months now. Medical experts have shifted around internal organs from here to there. She has lost one leg up to the groin. She has marauding bedsores that baffle the minds of medicine. Yet in her eyes you only see hope and determination. She buoys the spirits of those she loves. She looks at each day as the day when she may stand on one leg for a few seconds. Or even sit in a chair. And when that doesn’t happen, as it has not happened just about every day, she accepts it and looks forward to the next day for a new accomplishment. Her agony saddens me. But her spirit makes me want to be like her every day.

The Answer:
The key to this question is knowing what a service organization is. Sorry if I was incoherent. The Red Cross is one and it was founded by Clara Barton. The Salvation Army was founded by William and Catherine Booth in London England, Also there is Catholic Charities (Founded 1727 by French Ursuline Sisters in New Orleans). Goodwill Industries was founded in 1906 as an urban out reach at Boston’s Morgan Methodist Church pastured by Edgar Helms. Travelers Aid was founded in 1851 by St. Louis Mayor Bryan Mullanphy, It is the oldest nonsectarian social welfare organization in the US.

The Final Boom!
Time to put away the fire crackers til next year. Frankly, I saw more rockets red glare zooming through the skies this year than ever before!

Red suspenders and a proud heart.

Today's Tids Issue 2,166
Opening Stuff:

Well it’s time. Time to start the hunt for my broad red suspenders to go with my whitest shirt and bluest blue jeans. Time to stand proudly along side the cozy Main Street and salute the Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen and women as they march by. Along with wonderful colonial garbed military units from the past. And those fife and drum corps that are ancestors of fifes and drums corps that played in the background as the original Declaration of Independence was read in town squares and greens across the fledgling country yearning to be free. “When in the course of human events…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator…We therefore…mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

I read with a bit of amazement the other day these words from a present day politician trying to accomplish an emotional piece of legislation in the face from strong opposition from a sensible majority of people, “History is meant to be changed. It changes every day.” In other words, if you don’t like the truth, change it. Gadzooks! The world is going mad.

I just hate coming home and finding a snake sunning it self on my front door steps.

The Question: I have dreamed of becoming a well known author, but then I think…Ernest Hemingway was a well known author and he shot himself in the head 49 years ago today. Maybe being a well known author isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Name five of Ernest’s greatest or at least best known books.

The Headlines:
--0-Man Delivers Hollow Immigration Speech.
--Recovery Seems To Be Stalling; Applications For Jobless Benefits Trending Upward For Last Five Months.
--House Axes $7 Billion From Prez Budget Requests.
--Jobs Report Disappoints; Stocks Continue Malaise; Factory Orders Down 1.4%.
--Schwarzenegger Ready To Play Hard Ball To Reduce $19 Billion Deficit; Gov. Orders Minimum Wage Pay For 200,000 State Workers.
--America’s Cup Trophy “Comes Home” To Newport Rhode Island; * Former America’s Cup Boats Parade Around Harbor In Celebration.
--GM Says Auto Sales To China Overtake Those To US For First Time!
--Euro Stocks Up Ahead of US Jobs Report.

Back to More Stuff:

America’s Most Talented seems to be desperately looking for “Susan Boyle” style moments.

Doesn’t it appear that the only journalists willing to to do the total job are with the super market tabloids?

Every home should have at least one room decorated in what I would call “Organized Intellectual Clutter”. Don’t ask me what it is. I just know it when I see it…as they say.

I wasn’t concerned about Elian Gonzales during his 15 minutes of fame and I’m surely not interested in what he has to say on his 16th birthday.

Talk about cover children for the “Self Centered Gazette”. How about that Blago and his wife spending $400,000 for clothing for themselves. Running up $200K in credit card debt to walk like a peacock. Attention Blago: It didn’t work.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The latest installment in the Twilight series – The Twilight Saga: Eclipse -- seems to be getting tired. Not much new in this latest installment of the teen vampire soap opera. Bella must choose between two loves as malicious kills freely around town. Good acting, but more like a “C”. But, gushing girls who drag along dates will help fill theaters once again; And with schreeks of emotion at bared pecs and sultry glances.
--The Last Airbender is about four Nations – Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Fire declares war on the other three, and after 100 years there is no end in sight. Asng discovers he is the lone avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements and he joins with Katara the waterbender to bring and end to the destruction. It isn’t very good. Probably a “D”.

Wouldn't it be nice that when stocks are said to be in a malaise in meant that they just stayed the same. BTW, if Wall Street experts are so smart, why do they keep on selling stocks?

All the sports news is about the final destination of Lebron James. All I want to know is how the Boston Celtics are going to salvage this team so they can be competitive next year.

The Answer:
Hemingway’s books are among the easiest to recall: A Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises, Old Man and the Sea, For Whom the Bell Tolls, A Moveable Feast and The Torrents of Spring. And about Hemingway’s suicide…it seems to have been a family tradition. So maybe a goal of author isn’t such a bad idea after all. Now if I could only write.

The Final Bang!
All I want for this weekend is that I go somewhere that’s serving bratwursts. That’s not too much to ask, is it.

Oh yeah, and I hope my neighbor hasn’t bough any fireworks that he intends to set off around 10:30.

Other than that, love your long weekend.

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.

Vapid and Hollow again.

Today's Tids Issue 2,164
Opening Stuff:

So far Kagan sounds like just another well rehearsed lawyer being vapid and hollow. And she’ll say all of things she needs to say to get approved, and then do what she wants. Which is what nearly all politicians do these days –promise them anything to get in office.

Much too often these days the weather is much better than the golf. Great for your ethereal side, but not so for the athletic self esteem.

The Question:
Who are this year’s Top 10 most powerful and richest Celebrities?

The Headlines:
--Early Stock Gains Wiped Out By Poor Jobs Report; Friday report Expected To Show 110,000 Lost Jobs..
--Hurricane Alex heads Towards South Texas/Mexico.
--Mortgage Apps Up As Rates Hit Historic Lows.
--Paying Back: Ford Paying Off $4 Billion In Debt; Dubai Developer Begins Reducing Dept With $1 Billion Payment
--Google Scrambling To Retain License In China.
--Larry King Announces retirement From CNN;; 25 years Enough Says Talker Who Wants To Spend Time With “Wife” And Kids At Ball Games; Industry Sources Say It’s Because of Bad Ratings.
--World Cup Down To Eight: Brazil-Spain, Argentina-Germany, Uruguay-Netherlands, Paraguay-Ghana.

Back to More Stuff:

Here’s an idea for you if the emails in your box have dried up. Make a list of all your friends and acquaintances who are away from the office on vacation or on business. Send them an email. You’ll be flooded with lots of familiar and favorite names in you inbox. Your eyes will light up and your heart will skip a beat as people you like show up in bold typeface. But then comes the message: “You have received an automatic out-of-the-office reply.” It’s instant gratification the American way. But, hollow and vapid.

An abbreviated talk about school vacation is called a summerization.

I find it harder and harder to stay interested in tennis.

I may be out of the loop, but I have to say honestly that I have never thought Chicago deep dish pizza was worth eating. But then, of all the things in life, Pizza is among the most personal.

I’m pretty positive I’m not going to like what Kagan does when she gets there.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80 continues. –I smiled as I saw Paul sitting alone at one of those sterile tables in the cafeteria. As hard as designers try, corporate cafeterias always look like cafeterias to me. He looked upa s he sensed a person nearing. And then broke into a huge smile, not unlike what I remember the first time he saw me. His love for me has never wavered. I have never felt anything but undivided love from him. What’s wrong with me?
I spoke first. “It is so nice to have this time, Paul. We never see each other much during your busy days.” He stood as I reached my chair and came over to kiss me tenderly on the cheek. He was so tender. It was hard to believe that a man so tender could be so tough in business. But he was. “I’m anticipating a difficult meeting with Izzy. Our lawyers are really concerned about this conspiracy and the validity of the research. I might have to renegotiate our entire package.”
Paul was just sitting there staring at me. Elbows on the table. Chin in his hands. A little grin. A loving grin? “Who wound you up this morning?”
“Maybe it is just seeing you that has my motor running.” He laughed a little.
“How well do you really know Kent Middleton?” He asked immediately. I was taken back, but it was just an innocent question, wasn’t it? I played it straight.
“I worked with him on that town vandalism effort. I found him more to be pleasant than he appears. And smart. Very smart.” He really didn’t ask for all of that information, did he?
“Have you heard that Bromsky’s niece Laura is missing?”
“Henry told me,” I answered. Where was he going.

I just read where the Cleveland Baseball writers have already written off the team for the year 2010. It is only late June. This is not a good thing. And it says to me that there are many flaws in the concept Major league Baseball itself. I have always viewed the league and the teams as actors in a play. Where the play is only as good as the consistent quality of the actors. All of the schedules should be balanced and the interleague play should be eliminated. All payrolls should be equal. It sounds like communism, but it is the way it should be. The NFL has that “On any given Sunday” thing going for them. And the Baseball league has to get to that point where a Cleveland/Red Sox series in August is as important as a RS/Ya, Ya, Ya,…(WYKWIM). Every team should play every team 12 times – Four three games series an=on a home and home basis.

The Answer:
#1 is still Oprah, although I hear that the ratings for her show have taken a substantial hit. The rest are surprises to me. Beyonce Knowles and James Cameron are 2-3. 4, 5 and 6 prove once again that bad behavior and the ugly American pays big as “I ain’t no Lady” Gaga, porn star addicted Tiger and bad girl Brittany Spears rank well. The rest are U2, Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga’s mother, Madonna. Check out the whole 100 http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/lady-gaga-oprah-winfrey-business-entertainment-celeb-100-10_land.html?boxes=Homepagetopspecialreports

The End:
Having good memories of great times and people past can bring a smile to your face on the grimmest day

Don't worry; Stand out in the rain.

Today's Tids Issue 2,163
Opening Stuff:

Our California watchdog informs us that California welfare recipients are allowed to use their state issued debit cards to withdraw money at casinos for gambling. Is this a great country or what!

“Free Balloons” Department:
I can hear the first graders asking, “Now exactly what am I supposed to do with this” as the school nurses in Provincetown, Massachusetts hand condoms!! Yikes. But that is the requirement of a new law in this quaint Tip-O-the-Cape town which is well known as a haven for the gay. Are the minds of residents so attuned to flamboyant sexual activity that they have lost sight of the possibility of rational behavior among their youngest? Maybe we could ask Elena Kagan about that.

The Question:
Name the five top characters on “The Love Boat” and the actors who played them. What was the real name of the boat?

The Headlines:
--RI Dem Convention Snubs Powerful Lynch Brother team; Endorses Caprio (Gov.), Cicilini (Congress); History Shows That Endorsed Candidates Not Sure Things In Primaries.
--Kagan Questioning Begins In Earnest Today.
--10 Long Time Soviet Moles Arrested.
--High Court Rules Hand Guns Ok.
--Stocks Expected To Go Lower On World Worries.
--Poor Housing, Jobs Reports Combined With continuing Large Retail Sales Indicate Declining Economy Or A Recovery That never Happened; Economists Crying New Blues.
--Supreme Court Says Ok To Proceed Against The Vatican In Sexual Abuse Case; Vatican Maintains It Has No Liability.

Back to More Stuff:

I heard the question asked on a radio program, “Is Bill Clinton worried that the Al Gore sexual dalliance with a massage therapist will place a stain on his administration?” It’s one of those things I wish I thought of first.

The stuff about the health care program is leaking out like a slow water board to Abu Grabe. The latest I have heard is a 3.5% tax on real estate transactions beginning after the next Presidential election in 2013.That means that if you sell your house for $400K the government gets $14 Thou! That’s great news for downsizing retirees.

Meat and Potatoes Department:
Remember when potato based Vodka was the favorite of alcoholics because it was odorless. But then came fruit flavored vodkas and it became hard to tell if a person was drinking too much or just a health nut. Now you have to wonder if vodka makers are drinking too much. With the introduction of “Smoked Salmon” and “Bacon” vodkas you can shortly expect “Meat “ flavored vodkas. “Don’t you think Bob smells a little like ground chuck?” Beef breath will become the new term of disfavor. And a how about Sally got porked last night? Whoops.

Russian Roulette Department:
One of the more relaxing places in this universe is the summer outdoor shower. That is, until you hear distant thunder. And you have just begun. You start counting the seconds between rumble and flash. 11seconds! Toes, ankles, calves. 10 seconds. Thighs, waste, butt. 9 seconds. Arms, chest, back. 7 seconds. Time to wash the hair. Where is that shampoo? Damn! 6 seconds. Wash. Rinse. 4 seconds. You take a deep breath. Is there time for a shave. Go for it. Oops a nick. No time to stop the bleeding. Get the chin. Oh no, I missed some on the neck. Phew! Finished. Flash!! 2 seconds. Time to dry. It’s starting to rain. Can’t dry any how. Don’t for get to wrap the towel around your waste. Don’t panic. Run…now. Inside. EeeeeHah! Crrrrrrrrack!

Of course…I could just stand out in the rain and lightening and get washed and dried at the same time! Ouch.

George Will wonders how Elena Kagan would react to the observation by James Madison: “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which remain in the state governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Actually, Will raises and suggests many good questions for the woman who has an “Aversion to vapid and hollow” (Confirmation hearings) devoid of “Legal analysis.” Like, what would be her opinion on whether or not the fed’s enumerated powers on interstate commerce could cover just about everything from obesity to poor student testing to mandates for carrying health care insurance. Will wonders what her opinion might have been on watching “equal opportunity” under the new1960’s Civil Rights Law transform immediately into “Unequal” Opportunity for minorities. It could be lively if Senators were capable of asking questions with real substance.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80: --I sat looking at the steering wheel for minutes. I really don’t know how long I sat there after Kent left. He leaned warmly against me as he gave me a high five. I hate high fives and I know he does too. He was acting again for Marie. A charade. Were my tears a charade too? No, this time they were real. I am confused. I wanted to go home with him. I wanted to jump into that bed and make love even better than it has been these past two months. But, for the first time I had thoughts about my deceptions. I thought about Paul. I felt the love of the kids. I knew also that I had an ulterior motive. I had to manipulate Kent to stay close to him. At first I thought Kent was doing the same to me. But, there was something real about him. His caring seemed real. His concern about my reputation seemed earnest. His desire to be with me seemed overwhelming. Yet he was measured. Looking for something. Guarding something. What? My cell phone rang. It was Paul.
“Why, Hi Paul”, I said cheerily. How easy it is for me to switch emotions. ‘Do you miss me?”
“I always miss you”, he answered pleasantly. And it made me feel good inside. Stronger. Needed. What’s wrong with me.
“Me too,” I muttered softly. Too softly?
“How’d you like to have a cup of coffee with me out here at BiEm. I have some interesting new stuff about Bromsky and his niece.
Something real for a change I thought, and I smiled inwardly. “Of course Paul. I don’t even need an excuse to have a cup of coffee with you during the day.” He agreed totally with me. I have no morals I thought. I hung up and started the car. I backed out and started home to clean up before going to meet Paul. I didn’t notice the Ford Focus as I left Maries parking area.

I don’t know about you, but with the spate of daytime retail establishment robberies, I always look around at other people when entering a convenience store. Actually the thieves are behind the counter charging $1.84 for a 20oz. soda pop.

I fear we will live in uncertain economic times up til the November elections. The Dems will send out favorable recovery reports and the GOP will counter with doubtful recovery reports. The traders will make bundles off the confusion and the average guy who really needs it will flounder. Just be prepared to be cautious. These are the days when it is possible to twitter an economy.

The Answer: The characters on the Pacific Princess were Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin McCleod), Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes), Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell)< Burl “Gopher” Smith (Fred Gundy), Isaac Washington (Ted Lange), Vicki Stubing (Jill Whelan), Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans (Ted McGinley) and Emily Heywood (Marion Ross). Bonus Q: What did Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans do on the boat?

The Big Finish:
The Supreme Court is one of America’s greatest safeguards. You would hope it was always sound and sensible in the face of the loonies in Congress and consumate politicians in White House . But in the wake of all too many 5-4 decisions, I fear that this august body is just another group of politicians. And Kagan appears to be the most ostensible Pol of them all.

Of course, the real issue is how will the Red Sox continue to be competitive with all of the injuries and a line up of aging journeyman and untested rookies?

The confidence of love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,161
Opening Stuff:

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

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

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

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

Back to More Stuff:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good people deserve everything they get.

Today's Tids Issue 2,160
Opening Stuff

Don’t you just love it when good things happen to good people!

You have to think that LA Gov. Bobby Jindle feels the same sense of frustration as AZ Gov. Jan Brewer as he stands helpless, watching an unending morass attack his southern border. And he wishes that like her he had taken state action when it all happened instead of waiting for fed approval. Has there ever been a better case for strengthening States Rights than these two man-made disasters?

The Question:
What are Obama’s new poll numbers?

The Headlines:
--Robot Error Reopens Capped Well.
--0-Man Fires McChrystal; Petraeus Duties In Mid East Wars Expanded.
--Droid X Ready To Prick The Balloon Of iPhone 4.
--Pakistan Court Sentences Americans for terrorism.
--Market Sucks Again.
--Tids Almost doesn’t Make Newsstand.

Back to More Stuff:

Generals have been politicians for a long, long time. That’s how they got there. It becomes the problem is when the politics of political correctness suck the spirit out of the soldier. But, the fact remains that the President and not the General is unequivocal boss. Whether a leader or not, the Presidential is the head of the US Armed Forces and must be respected. Do we want o decline even further to third world status and have the Generals take over the civilian leaders of government? I don’t think so.

I really hate myself when I write the word “leader” as an adjective for people in high government places.

Where there’s Fed Dough, There’s somebody figuring out some scam on how to get it:
The latest…the US Treasury is out $28 million on the Home Buying Credit program. In one scam, one house was used 57 times as the basis for mortgages. 1,400 prisoners have been getting $8,000 credits on non-existent homes. How many scams are being plotted to take advantage of the Oil Leak money?

In South Carolina they are hailing the election of a Republican black and Indian for Congress and Governor as a breakthrough from the old bigoted South. “Not so fast”, shouts the media who say the are too conservative to be consider of black race or ethnic minority. This is true folks.

I have been talking to a lot of blue collar workers lately and to a man they can hardly wait to through out incumbents. And I don’t bring up the subject .

If the housing market is sluggish with mortgage rates hitting a new low of 4.69%, then you know there are some deep rooted problems still within our economy.

The Answer: His job approval rating hit a new low of 45%. 48% disapprove. 62% think the country is on the wrong track. His “being firm and decisive is down from 63% to 44%. Less than 50% rate him “honest and straightforward”.

Thank God it's Over:
This is the worst Tids ever…bar none

It is what it is; We are who we are.

Today's Tids Issue 2,156
Opening Stuff:

A Rose Department:
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; / Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. / What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, / Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part / Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! / What's in a name? that which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet; / So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, / Retain that dear perfection which he owes / Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, / And for that name which is no part of thee / Take all myself.

Never hurts to start the day with a little Shakespeare logic.

Roses are blooming one by one and soon will be arrays of pinks and reds and yellows. And the heart would leap and the senses would explode exactly the same no matter the name. This is probably why I have trouble remembering people’s names, but never forget who they are.

Identity theft is running rampant among penguins.

The Question:
Who said the following, and what does it mean?: "What has defined us as a nation since our founding is the capacity to shape our destiny--our determination to fight for the America we want for our children. Even if we're unsure exactly what that it looks like. Even if we don't yet know precisely how we're going to get there. We know we'll get there."

The Headlines:
--Ethnic Clashes In Kyrgystan Leave Over 2,000 Dead.
--Celts Lose Championship Final 83-79; Green Team Controlled Game For First 45 Minutes, But Sagged At end.
--Some Worried About Abundance Of Methane In Gulf Oil; “Most Vigorous Methane eruption…In History” could create Massive Oxygen-less Dead Zones.
--Prime Time Back On Campaign Trail After Kicking Some Butt.
--Killer Tornados Hit Minnesota.
--Unsettled Market To Give Small Investors Jitters Once Again Today.

Back to More Stuff:

Nobody really cares about the ravaged moonscape that is Kyrgystan, except of course the families who watch their loved ones needlessly die on a daily basis. But this human tragedy is more than an event in a faraway land that doesn’t have any affect on our cloistered lives here. Except that it does. The conditions in Kyrgystan are exactly what Jihad groups look for in their unrelenting campaign for recruitment of new terror operatives they can send throughout the world. They prey on the disenfranchised, the hopeless. Good people so in need and hope that they turn to anybody who extends a hand.

In their infinite wisdom, the RI State Legislature just passed a law making legal the type of fireworks that were the cause of the massive Station Nightclub fire that killed over a hundred and maimed many more.

Cassat and Brookins point out that today a rare medical condition is one that is covered by health insurance.

One of the great mysteries in America today is how exactly a guy named Alvin Greene who was “involuntarily” discharged from the army, is facing obscenity charges, has no job, doesn’t own a cell phone or computer and did no campaigning, won 59% of the vote in the South Carolina Democrat primary for the US Senate. And beat a guy who did all of the right things while crisscrossing the state.
Authorities are thinking it could have been a malfunctioning voter machine system or some type of fraud. But they are now actually thinking that the real explanation is that. “Green appeared first on the ballot and was a more dulcet-sounding name”! Doesn’t say much about the thoughtfulness of voters, does it. Oh, and Greene, when interviewed says it (hoe election) was because he is the best man and “I am also the best person to be Time Magazine’s Man of the Year.”

The most intriguing part of the Oil Slick Watch are the people running around to microphones.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79: --“Sar…”. Why she hung up on me. What is she up to. What did she and Henry talk about. Why did she lie to me? The security people told me she went directly to the police station. She didn’t go home to check on a sick child. Her voice, her voice reminded me of what I have felt while making love to her, even as I was using her. Are we so alike that she is capable of using me. While have felt guilt, I never saw her as concerned about her family as brought me alive.. Yet, why I felt guilt, but she seemed so cold with regards to her family. Has her infatuation with me been an act. Is she playing me now. No, she likes me. I’ll be alert tomorrow morning. Do we know too much about how the other thinks?
Enough Kent. Enough, I said to myself. There are more pressing things. I picked up the phone and dialed Jason’s direct number. He answered after three rings. “What took you so long,” I started
“I have other clients,” responded as sarcastically as ever. But you, my friend, are certainly my most important.” Then he laughed his best corporate chuckle. “So, what’s up?”
“A couple of things. First Sarah Durham is playing games with me. Your guys followed her directly to the sheriff. So, I now know she is hiding something. You were right about watching her. Also, Henry Boulder tells me that there is something strange about the Laura disappearance. Hat did your guys do there? And, how is she. I hope you are taking good of her.”
“You know what, Kent? You fall in love to easily. And both of your women look like trouble to this trained eye. We have Laura safe, and while she is being a large pain in the ass, we are making her comfortable. You have to watch the Durham woman. She good be your biggest nightmare. No matter how good you feel when you are porking her.” Then he laughed like the maniac he was.
“She means more to me than that,” I said with a hint of outrage. “I’m having breakfast with her tomorrow morning. I’ll be careful.”
Have fun,” he said snidely. He hung up.

I won a small award the other day and in a press release about it I was described as “Intellectually Lively”? I take that as meaning confused and indecipherable.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Toy Story is …well…Toy Story, with all of its wonderful characters and a story that is enjoyable to watch as previous two versions. Of all the sequels that pop into this column, TS always receives the most consistent raves.
--Cyrus is probably a decent piece of entertainment in the genre I call always-predictable-but-heartwarming-romantic-comedies. A divorcee who has failed to find new love after 7 years is urged by a friend and his ex-wife to date a woman they know. It is the woman of his dreams but she is committed to another man – her some! Get it.
--Oliver Platt and Katherine Keener star in a quirky little story about a couple who own a big city antique shop and a business which they describe as “Buying from the children of dead people.” It is about their hold on the apartment of their aging, about-ready-to-die 90 yo. next door neighbor (Ann Guilbert) and her two daughters, Amanda Peete and Rebecca Hall. It is about people learning how to give. It is funny and warm and perhaps one of those little buried gems to find this summer, among the glitz.

The Answer:
The 0-Man said that Tuesday in his remarks on the Oil spill, and what it means to me is that we definitely have a lawyer in the White House.

Just One more Petal:
I’ll be thinking about roses all day long. That can’t be bad. Hope you get a few good whiffs of them during the weekend.

Look for it. it's there.

Today's Tids Issue 2,153
Opening Stuff:

As you drive around through city streets or comfortable country lanes; As you look at houses big and small or rich and poor or urban and country; As you see a housewife getting into her car or a man walking across a field or a woman jogging on a rural lonely road. You are always looking at something that could turn into a novel or a great story. Just let your imagination run wild.

There is absolutely no restaurant to which “I just have to go!” It probably costs too much anyhow.

A tip of the helmet to those remaining Big 12 College conference members who are saying “No!” to expansion offers, and working hard to keep their own traditions alive.

The Question:
What are the two most heavily regulated industries in America?

The Headlines:
--European Stocks Up.
--Hitmen Kill 10 Mexican Police; 28 Die In Jail Riot.
--Brown Rice Eaters Less Likely To get Diabetes.
--America On Edge Of Seats Awaiting 0-Man Talk In Prime Time.
--US Demand For Oil Ups Barrel Price To $76.
--5.7 Earthquake Rattles San Diego Baseball Fans During Game.
--Rates On US Short Term Treasuries Fall In Auction To Lowest Levels Since January.
--Obama Mouthpiece Gibbs Says, “We Have To Get BP Out Of The Claims Business.”; New US “Change” Government Poised To take Over Another Private Responsibility.

Back To More Stuff:

I just changed the layout and appearance of this "The Tids" blog. – Check it out and let me know what you think and send your opinion: --I hate It. --It makes me sea-sick. --It’s confusing. –You have no taste. –It’s soothing and makes me want to pay you good money for the Tids. –I never read the old blog anyhow, so I don’t care.

The Novel.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 78 continues. –I still didn’t know how I felt when I walked into my beautiful Fosterville home and saw Jill and Jax standing there; With smiles on their faces; Just as though nothing at all happened and there were no traumas that could affect their entire lives. I just saw my two wonderful children waiting to welcome me home.
“Hi Mom!” Jill said cheerily. Naturally.
I looked at that smile and her handsome brother standing next to her. And I started crying. Uncontrollably. Then I felt through my teary mist four arms wrapping around my thighs and waist.
“Was your first day back to work too much for you mom,” I heard Jax say in a loving, consoling almost manly tone. “Huh Mom?” And then quiet except for my sobs. “Mom?”
I’m Maggie the Magnificent I told myself. The strong one. Nothing bad ever happens to me. I ride in on white horses.
I stooped down and wrapped my arms around them. But still didn’t, couldn’t, say anything.
The phone rang.
Jax left me and ran to it. Jill hugged me tighter.
“Hello,” I heard Jax’ voice. A take charge voice. “Mom’s crying’” I heard him say.”I think work was too hard for her today.”
That made me smile. I stood picking up with me a much too heavy Jill. I felt the sobbing slow. I had strong people who knew how to take care of me. I couldn’t lose with that kind of love.
“Who is it Jax.” I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand.
“It’s Mr. Middleton,” he said proudly.
My heart leapt. Or was it a stab of pain?

Signs of the Times Department:
In gigantic letters in front of a neighborhood BP gas station: ”Locally Owned!”

The left were the first to shout, “Get out of our bedrooms”…but they are the first to rush into people’s homes and tell parents how to raise their children.

Just as drug users have been the reason for the growth of now violent Drug Cartels, environmental activists rushing around the world in trains, planes and automobiles have contributed to manic deep water drilling. Celebs in private planes can’t say that the fuel they use doesn’t affect demand.

I could get stoned for this, but I’m beginning to think that Trader Joe’s is overrated. Except for Two Buck Chuck.

One of the newest fast growing intrusions into a persons life is in the area home selling and buying. The government will soon be all over that. In fact I just read a little squib that offered a state sponsored “Course on Home Buying” which when completed would “entitle the participant to a certificate of completion that would be necessary before being able to buy a house” under certain circumstances. Shoot me.

I’d like to have the chance to vote for Michelle Bachman for something.

It’s starting to appear that the new Health Care monster was designed to eventually force corporations into breaking the rules so they (Big Gov.) can take over company supported healthcare too. And then BG can say that they tried to keep the promise: “If you like your current program you can keep it”. But corporate greed forced them to step in to protect the common person. This is because the way the plan is written, it gives little leeway for companies to make changes based on sound business practices.

The Big Government propaganda seems to be working as I have heard stories of seemingly intelligent people in business saying that America should do a way with big corporations and make all business individually or family owned.

The Answer:
The two Big’s encumbered with the most Government handcuffs are the Nuclear and the Financial industries. Well , at least they stopped the contamination from the nuclear industry.

A Simple Observation:
I have always been the master of the obvious, and many years ago a friend coined a term to describe my simple utterisms: “Huntisms”. One I remember saying and him being astonished over the simply stated logic was “Health is Good.” So there you have it; Today’s problem in a nut shell. Everybody wants health, and could be easily fooled into overlooking the grave potential injustices of our current Big Government monster. That is why we have to be especially vigilant and not bow to emotional urges based on mainly anecdotal evidence. There is no better way to control the masses than by telling them “We are going to help you not die.” We need to make a change in November just to vote out this expensive intrusion into the American way of life.