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.

Quality is always special; It’s opinions that differ.

Today's Tids Issue 2,201
Opening Stuff:

The pop/rock star always wins. So it was no surprise last night when Michael Grimm won the America’s Got…” title over the immensely talented and utterly charming (Although robotic at times) Jackie Evancho. That’s just the nature of a Pop driven culture. It reminds me somewhat of the time I was with a friend on beautiful Block Island. At a bar waiting for dinner we encountered a young couple on the Block for the first time. We asked how they were enjoying it. The man said it is very nice but would be great if it had an amusement park or something. My friend and I looked at him said. “The absence of an amusement park or something is exactly why Block is great.”

In RI there’s a company called “Cross”; Run by a family named “Boss”; I thought it odd today when a board member stepped down…named “Doss”!

Guinness, the company that has plenty of time to measure and count everything offered from people with nothing better to do with their lives, has just dubbed “Mini-Moo” the smallest cow ever. This petite bovine likes to listen to BBC, especially contemporary music. Maybe this producer of small bottles of milk and regular sized calves voted for Michael Grimm.

The Question: 
As election year publicists try to make angels out of devils I thought it a good idea to see who you think are the all time greatest magicians other than James Carville and Carl Rove. Also name five magicians from fiction.

The Headlines:

--Karl Storms Across the Yucatan; Igor Is Still Massive But Heading North Away From Land.
--Pope Gets rude Welcoming At Start Of British Visit; Threats of Arrest For Crimes Against Humanity Called Off; Pope Admits To Failures In Abuse Scandal.
--Philly Fed Data Sets Back Market.
--Republican Leaders Adjust To Delaware Upset; Surprise Candidate Gets Nice Check From RNC.
--Skeleton In Greek Tomb May be Al the Great’s Pop.
--New Unemployment Claims Drop To 450,000.
--MidEast Peace talks In Hiatus As Skirmishes In Gaza Continue.
--Lenders Take Back More Homes IN August Than In Any Month Since Mortgage Crisis Began.

Back to More Stuff:
It may seem like common sense, but in today’s world often times it is hard to believe that commons sense still exists. In the pursuit of friends people often give up their privacy for what? So here are six things published by yahoo yesterday you should never reveal on Facebook or like social network (Network is the operative word.) : Your birth date and birth place, Vacation Plans, Home Address, Confessionals (Like hate job, lie on taxes, use illegal drugs), Password clues (Mom’s maiden name, first pet, fave song) and lastly Risky behaviors (Stuff like smoking or jumping off cliffs that would be music to Insurance company’s ears) To this I have but one comment….Duh!

The TV listings last night reminded me that the movie “Waitress” starring Keri Russell is one pleasant enjoyable movie for renting.

It was a good start at 13-3, but Week 2 looks tougher mainly because of week one surprises. How good are the surprise winners and how bad are the upset losers? That is the question. For instance, the ballyhooed Jets lost and the suspect Pats won bigger than expected. And the Jets defense is still very good and the pats defense is still…suspect. But, whoever said I was smart. I’m starting this week with a Pats pick. Other bafflers for similar reasons are Balt/Cinn, Pitt/Tenn and yes KC/Cleveland. And to some degree Dallas/Chicago primarily because the pundits are in love with Big “D”, a team that has looked like a piece of crap through last weekend. But I’m picking the flawed Cowboys and Atlanta, GB, Philadelphia, Tenn, Cleveland, Carolina, Minn, Denver, St. Louis, Houston, New Orleans and San Diego. That leaves Indy/Giants and Balt/Cinn. Hmmm. Ok let’s go Peyton over Eli and…and…I’ll flip a coin and pick Cinncy!

Yesterday they closed the schools ostensibly because they needed the school buildings as polling places. In my town, a small city, they didn’t use schools but instead the library and assorted other quasi public buildings including Catholic churches. They didn’t close Catholic Schools. Which leads me to believe, that the closing of schools is another on a long list of Public Employees Union scams designed to ensure that the maximum number of voters in their groups will have enough time to vote for candidates who will keep the tax supported expenditures moving along at a rapid pace.


Who cares? Department:
A new poll tells us all what we always wanted to know –exactly how do you define an American family. This is one of those things that a majority of people need no help in determining for them selves. It appears that the pollsters are trying to prove that like so many things, what perfectly normal in the past is not so any longer. That we live in a world of new normals and we had better get used to it or they will cram it down our throats. Surprisingly, 98.8% think that family is best defined as a married man and women with two or more children. Unmarried male females living together are considered a family by about 44%. And gays living together by about 30%. But add children to those situations and the family status rises to 83% and 64% respectively. Two heterosexual guys living and swilling beer together with their dog have no discernable respectable status at all.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 94 continues. –It appeared eerier than usual as drove up the ramp to my sacred downtown Boston reserved parking spot. Everything seemed darker. And I expected to hear the thumping of horror movie mood music drifting through my now open window as drove cautiously up the winding road. I subconsciously pressed the window down button. It closed with a noticeable thud. As I neared the top a dark gray expensive appearing BMW pulled out of a parking space to my rear left. I reached the top to turn, and c]glanced back to notice that the big car hadn’t moved to go back down the ramp. Was it my imagination? The imaginary music grew more intense. I pulled out my cell and punched Billy on the speed dial. Instead of making my usual left, I made an awkward right turn and quietly accelerated to the middle of the garage. Bill’s voice came over the speaker. “I’m on my way.”
“Go up to the roof. I’m almost up there.” Why am I scaring Bill? I saw the roof ramp ahead and fortunately it was way out of a sight line from my regular spot. Just in case I thought. Just in case. The daylight at the top of the ramp reinvigorated my confidence. I saw a parking place at the corner that was visible and a mere 30-40 feet from the adjoining building. Now I felt as though I was with people again. I quickly opened the door. There was no person anywhere. I didn’t pause to enjoy the view of the harbor. I ran to the center well away from my car and sat on a small railing hidden by a row of cars. I heard a door slam. I tensed. Then I smiled and relaxed a bit as I saw Bill emerge from the stair well cover area. He was looking around. I rose to wave, but my eye caught he movement of a man walking up the ramp.

The Silly Season begins Department:
The second place finish of Jackie Evancho reminds us that the best people don’t always win.

A local maxim that is getting truer and truer is that candidates supported by Providence’s East Side will probably cost taxpayers more and get them less.

We live in a world where it is much easier for the crazies to dominate the headlines.

The Answer:
David Copperfield seems to have taken a leap over the fabled Harry Houdini. Others on a top list are Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, David Blaine, P.C. Sorcor Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel and Harry Blackstone, Sr. Among the fictitious are Harry Potter, Merlin, Circe and assorted wizards from tales like Aladdin and Repunzel. Which brings us back to politics with the Wizard of Oz. Don’t pay attention to that man behind the screen.

The Magic:
Abracadabra! Poof!! Congress has vanished. David Copperfield has amazed again.

Have you noticed that the generals in Afghanistan and the heads at the “General” are singing the same song. Petraeus has been cautioning us to be prepared for a longer than proclaimed drawdown in the country of poppies. And this morning the new chief at GM tells us that paying back the taxpayers all at once now would be unrealistic. Which just adds to the proof that politics proclaim and the private sector gets real.

I think it is time for RI’ers to start listening to Moderate Party gubernatorial candidate Ken Block. He has some good stuff to say.

While Michael Grimm become just another rock star, the emergence of Jackie Evancho will be a memorable event in the minds and hearts of music lovers.

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.

Simple pleasure in the air.

Today's Tids Issue 2,180
Opening Stuff

The breezes are strong off the harbor. Sailors are busy readying their craft for journeys across combative waters. Waves lap at pilings as people on piers contemplate the soothing aura of the watery haven. And they shiver in the comforting air. As beautiful thoughts waken their minds.

Amoral people can always appear incredibly honest without batting an eye. Even if they are caught with a bloody axe in their hand; or on tape accepting a political bribe; Or accepting a Nobel prize for work on Global Warming.

Conspiracy Theory of the Week Department:
James Carville at his most devious is secretly the force behind “Birthers”. It is all part of his plan to discredit the President and enable his Democrat, Hillary, to be the party’s candidate in 2012. You read it first in the Tids.

The Question:
This is a question that is near and dear to my irresponsible heart. Name 10 typos that your computer spell check won’t catch.

The Headlines:
--North Korea Threatens US Over Military Exercises.
--Prez To Sign Bill That Allow Gov. To recover “Wasteful” Spending Payments.
--Archeologists Discover Second “Henge” Style Structure Near Stonehenge; Like The Original, They Have No Clue As To What It Means Or Why It Is there.
--Major teacher’s Union Supports Chaffee For RI Governor.
--Ebey, Qualcom Among New Very Positive Earnings Reports Boosting Stock Futures This Morn; 3M, AT&T and Cat Also Very Strong.
--Former Federal Reserve Board Member Lawrence Lindsey Predicts US Entering “Deflationary Trap” By End Of Year.

Back to More Stuff:
Did you happen to see that series of photos showing a 40 ton whale breaching and then slamming across the bow of a fairly large sailboat off South Africa? The boat was destroyed and the big mammal swam happily away with but a few nicks. Kind of makes you want to re-evaluate your feelings about Captain Ahab.

If I could afford to collect art, I’d concentrate of great sailing ships and deep blues seas.

China seems to be intent in not letting the USA lead the way on anything this century. The giant country now has its own oil spill covering 165 square miles in the Yellow Sea …and growing. Everything is about competition.

How come living in a modern world has become mostly about spending money? It’s probably because economies can only grow if populations buy lots of stuff they don’t need. It’s Goldman-Sach’s fault.

If you’re wondering about the recovery, Citi-group economists have just lowered the annual US GDP growth rate estimate from 3.4 to 2.6. In other words be conservative.

Politicians probably think that amorality is a gift from God.

A discovery yesterday in the shifting sands of South County RI of the hull of an old wooden sailing ships brings me back to my youth in the forties, walking the outer sand spits off Chatham where timbers of olden ships abound. When standing upon them it always brought thoughts of whales breaching or British gunships shooting. Ah the unfettered imagination of youth at a time when all of the video games were in the mind.

If an alien from outer space were to arrive and examine the balance sheets of America, they would see an emerging third world country, and decide to invest in Indonesia.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 84. –As soon as Kent left the room, Isabelle swiveled around in her big leather chair to face the rear credenza; picked up her phone and dialed
“Jason Cotter here,” came the reply as Isabelle tightened the phone against her ear as if to ward off eavesdroppers. “So what can I do for the Goddess of Genetics.” He laughed. Isabelle never liked Cotter, but he headed the best security firm in the state. And one that was perfect for her complicated business mission.
“Bring me up to date on the wanderings of Sarah and the status of Laura.”
“Doesn’t your boy Kent tell you anything?”
Isabelle didn’t play the game and just answered, “I like to hear it from you”. Isabelle always wanted first hand information. She always though there were far too many filterers in this world.
“Well, I just hung up from a call from my man tailing the Durham woman. She left your building and went immediately to the Sheriff’s office.”
Isabelle jumped in. “We may have to neutralize her. What is the status of the Laura problem?”
“The girl/woman Laura is an interesting package. I don’t think she has an ethical bone in her body. Completely amoral. Like a politician who can be bought and sold.”
“So, is she a problem of not,” interrupted Isabelle.
“First, she seems to be living with Kent Middleton.”
“That bastard” interjected Isabelle. And then silence.
“I believe after talking to her personally that she is the main source of new information for the police, and perhaps the FBI investigators. I think she can be easily bought and serve a better purpose being a disseminator for our purposes. And it would be a much better strategy than trying to explain her disappearance.”
“”Go on,” interjected Isabelle.
“Frankly, I think she would totally love being paid to play games with the authorities. And she could pull it off,” added the sleazy Cotter.

The Rhode Island race for Governor certainly didn’t end when Lynch gave the Dem nod to foe Caprio. Indy Chafee is mighty formidable with his name recognition, moderate bent and non-threatening political past. Let’s face it, despite his protestations Caprio is still a product of the despicable RI State Legislature. RI voters have proven in the past that they don’t like an all Democrat leadership. While they often insist on reelecting their own rascals they ease their conscience by voting for a second party Governor. And, I haven’t even mentioned two decent Republican candidates Robitaille and Moffitt and a Moderate Party candidate Block who could be the beneficiary of Chafee and Caprio neutralizing each other. As I said the race is just beginning.

A picture of Blagojevich sitting quietly in a courtroom is the portrait of amorality.

The Answer: Most common are apostrophe words – Its vs. it’s, your vs. you’re. For business people it’s sails versus sales (Implies sales are down because your mind is on sails.). How about effect vs. affect. And then there’s properly “would have” vs. the not so good “would of”. And through and threw. Finally we have “Then vs. Than”, Supposed to NOT suppose to, Wonder vs. wander, Their vs. there vs. they’re and farther versus further. FYI – Farther is typically a physical distance while further is a metaphorical distance. What this all means is that you actually have to know something when writing and you have re-check it all yourself. Aw shucks.

The End:
Fortunately there are many more people in this world of ours who proudly wear their hearts on their sleeve. For all of the loving, caring people to see.

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.

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

There ain’t no vacancy in the swamps.

Today's Tids Issue 2,139
Opening Stuff:

Have they lost their collective minds? Playing a Superbowl in frigid New York Area all for the chance to be over charged in NYC. If you think you have seen manic frivolity over Superbowls in the past, wait to you see the over the top giddiness by the most Giddy of them all. You will see The Donald, Regis and assorted glad-handers raising giddiness to heights never before seen even in the rosey red apple.

When you look at many of our leaders, it is easy to see that Americans in the goodness of their hearts readily accept sociopaths as normal. Yes, we are led by those who have no guilt, no morals and see no dishonor in the most grievous of activities. Isn’t great how we care here in American; To allow these less fortunate with severe sociopathic tendencies the opportunity to serve and rise to unprecedented levels of power. Check out this profile of a sociopath and see how your beloved political leader meets these standards: http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html Makes your heart flutter, doesn’t it.

The Question:
Quick now…imagine in your mind the alphabet A,B, C….X, Y, Z. Now tell me the two words you can find and one man’s nickname.

The Headlines:
--BP To attempt Closure Of Well Technique This Morning; Results Could Be Known By Evening.
--Gate’s Saying Not So Fast On “Don’t Ask…”
--Prez Authorizes Sending 1,200 National Guard troops To Border.
--North Korea Ramps Up Tension; Cuts Ties With SK.
--World Stocks Up; Fears Over Euro-Econ And Koreas Bring Caution.
--Stocks Make Come Back On Bottom Fishing.
--Nicole Scherzinger And Partner Derek Hough Nip Early Fave Evan And Partner For “Dancing” Title; Glitter Abounds.
--“The Great Mocker” Tries To Charm GOP Lawmakers With Lunch; It didn’t Work.

Back to More Stuff:

Good news for California Republican Senate candidates…The Prez flew out to campaign for Barbara Boxer.

If you go by the performances, BoSox blew Lee away on Idol last night. All of her three performances were stronger than Lee’s and her “Black Velvet” was one of the best by anybody for the year. So, based on last night, BoSox should win it all. It all depends on the demographic make-up of the voters.

Oh, and “BoSox” is back to being an honorable nickname for Chrystal Bowersox. The beloveds, the BoSox (Boston Red Sox) are playing like champions again.

Lets hear for Nimby’s. This tribe of peace living people are certainly among the most persecuted in a modern civilization. Especially by many the press who for some reason don’t think people should like what they have. Of course the smartest band of Nimby’s ever were the venerable Swamp Yankees of RI and New England. These were people who just didn’t like the encroachment of over crowded cities, towns and villages. They would move to exclusionary pieces of inexpensive land, often found near forbidding swamps. Of course when the Towns folk would look and see those happy people they would want to move there too. And then the SW’s would pack up move down to the next bog. So if some body demeans you by calling you a Nimby. Just say thanks. I’m proud of it.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 24 continues. –Driving time is one of pleasures, and I haven’t done it in over a month now. Billy’s comment on lawyers made me realize how much I have been living down a rabbit hole for so long now. I had stopped thinking, stopped analyzing. Accepting everything at face. Of course there are issue with building a company’s future around data obtained illegally. Even though the company appeared to be an innocent bystander. Did I overlook everything because I felt so good for Kent’s project? And what about Kent? How am I going to control myself when I am with him? I saw something in his eyes when he found me in that bathroom. Was it something I should have feared? Obviously I wasn’t. All he had to do was brush his finger tips against my neck, and my body reacted almost immediately with an almost ravenous need.
All of a sudden I noticed that I was passing the scene of my accident. I automatically peered into my rear view mirror. Ah, no big black SUV’s I thought, and laughed out loud. Just a simple Chevrolet about 60 yards behind.
The trip was a breeze, and it was good to see old Jake at the parking garage. “Why Misus Durh’m he shouted and that absolutely bright and lovable manner of his. Jake made getting out of bed and starting work a pleasure.
“Why you are in excellent humor, this morning,” I replied to keep the good mood going.
“It’s just because it is so good to see you again Misus. Just so Good…” he was muttering as I stepped into the elevator.
“The scene at the office as I entered was another story.

There is something that bothers me about a world economy that needs the governments to pump in gigantous sums of money to get it going. And that includes the once formidable USA economy. Has economics lost its way?

After my little piece a couple of days ago about taxing sugary drinks, a reader reminds me that this is a Michelle Obama plot. You have to wonder if Prime Time yesterday serve up a lunch to the GOP that featured all healthy foods.

No question that the firemen and women of the world are among the bravest of individuals. But, has their recent exalted almost celebrity like status made them arrogant intimidators of taxpayers and home owners?

So far most of the finale’s have been pretty satisfying. But that NCIS program last night was a disaster. Maybe the most disjointed program I have ever seen. What were they thinking. And it is one of my favorites. I think they tried too hard to establish new story lines for next year by sucking our brains out of our heads last night. Good grief!

During the Prime Time-The Great Mocker-0-Man sponsored peace pow-wow yesterday, one of the criticisms of the increasingly thin-skinned President that seemed to capture the political divide perfectly was this: “I (Senator Corker) told him there was a tremendous disconnect between his words and his administrations actions.” I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I don’t believe or react to any words he says.

The Answer:
The two words see are “Hi” and “No”. The man’s nick name is “Stu”. We live in a world full of puzzles ,and often miss them.

Say Good-Bye Dick:
Well, gotta go. I just found a nice little piece of land away from every body under a majestic green mountain. “Oh…that’s a landfill.” Maybe I’ll move to a small town in Alaska. There’s nobody up there to bother you. “Oh, Joe McGinnis is moving in next door.” Aaargh! How about Burillville?

Fix Mex or We Annex.

Today's Tids Issue 2,135
Opening Stuff:
America is doomed unless we can rid our lexicon of the words “misspeak” or “misspoke”. These popular crutches for politicians are not just overused, they are implausible in the context of which they are most often used. Politicians never misspeak. But they always try to manipulate by stretching the truth or disguising it. They only “Misspeak” when a third party discovers and points out the manipulation.

Did you hear about the patrolman who called his flat feet his arch enemy?

Is it me, or is Justin Bieber just another average talent well promoted. Or is just the fact that I’m not 13 any more? I don’t get the excitement.

And how about that president of Mexico lashing out against the Arizona law. A law of US citizens. How about this for an idea Mr. Calderon…Fix your Freaking country and the people will stay there! How simple is that. Or, do you like the idea of using the US of A has your country’s welfare system. Every time a creep like Calderon opens his mouth, I want to walk down to Arizona and shake somebody’s hand.

An even better idea, Mr. Calderon, is how about we take over Mexico. Hell we have already paid for it! First thing we do is send in drones to wipe our drug fortresses in the country. We can do that because our law enforcement and military haven't been paid off...yet. We will also introduce English to Mexican schools to help all assimilate into the new expanded country. And of course for a few extra trillion we can easily fot evryone there into our new Health Care LallaPelosi.

The Question:
Name Sonny and/or Cher’s all time hits.

The Headlines:
--Thai Opposition Leaders Call It A Day; “Red Shirt” Stragglers Still Disrupting Streets.
--Some Economists Are Saying Recession Is Over; Except For Those Unemployed And The Sucking Stock Market.
--Senators Want To Send National Guard Troops To Mexican Border.
--Mexican Translator Butchers Calderone White House Welcome Speech.
--North Korea Threatens War If South Retaliates For Torpedoed Naval Ship That Killed 57 Sailors.
--$300,000 Overdo Book Fine Goes Unpaid As George Washington Borrowed Book Is Returned To New York Society Library 221 Years Late.
--Biker Floyd Landis Admits To Using Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Back to More Stuff:

I thought I was reading a “satire” magazine when I saw the headline in this morning’s paper: “Mother of octuplets an advocate of pet birth control”. How weird has out media bcome?

While we’re on media, you can get an entirely different view of what is and what is not important between reports on TV versus the paper. And it all depends on whether or not there is a dramatic visual opportunity.

And, how about all of those frenetic tar ball reporters who are now learning that those well publicized blobs have nothing to do with the oil spill but are just something that occur naturally. (I remember tar adorned ankles from boyhood days on Cape Cod …in the 40’s!) Until the real truth came out, I was looking for an Al Gore backed, Michael Moore Directed film – “Uncle Remus meets the Tar Ball.” “Gotta an oil soaked bluebird on my shoulder…” It ok to hum Zippity Doo Dah for the rest of the day.

Do you ever get the feeling that in about twenty years the country will be overrun with filmmakers. And surprisingly this group could become more of a societal annoyance than the current over abundance of lawyers. As one, young aspiring filmmaker said the other day. “With a film, you can even penetrate the mind of a dunce.” (See Al Gore and Michael Moore).

And, speaking of a fast trip to a mental institution, try reading an essay on Matter versus Anti-matter. Aaaaaaarrrrrrgh!

My golf game has gotten so bad that most observers can’t even see potential in my swing any more.

The diet book made the NYT’s Best seller list because it was easy to digest.

Anybody want to put up some seed money for my new Reality Show for the Times idea? How about a show that recreates the daily adventures of Peace Corp workers? Where they are helpful to the disadvantaged. How they solve mysteries. How they use courage on a daily basis. I’m not looking at maudlin peace with a musical back ground from Simon and Garfunkle or Joan Baez. I’m talking grit and harrowing experiences. I’m serious. It could be a winner and 0-Man would endorse it in a flash.

Sign seen on the back of a marine’s Jeep: “It’s We the People, Not Me the President.”

The Answer:
The now jailbird Phil Spector discovered duo has had plenty of memorable hits. One you can always hear me singing and enjoying is of course “I got you Babe.” This classic was out just after “Baby don’t Go” hit the top of the charts. Also there is The Beat Goes On, Little Man, All I Ever need is You, A Cowboy’s Work is Never Done, Without You and United We Stand. Cher singles of note included “Bang, Bang” and the “Theme From Alphie”.

The End:
Tomorrow we start a new chapter for Through the Same Eyes. This time we’ll be in Middleton’s mind as he also starts to see some leaks in his scheme. Some tomes I get so excited about this, I have to take a day off.

It the meantime I’m boycotting Mexican restaurants. Which frankly won’t be hard at all, as that mush is for sure the most overrated food of our times.

Sickly Sweet Lawmaking.

Today's Tids Issue 2,134
Opening Stuff:


It looks like the vote for “Real” change moved forward significantly last night as it was out with the incumbents* and in with those who stand for something. Not the growing list of malleable centrists like so many of the lightweights who are the basis for Anti-DC sentiment in the country. Addicted serial spenders looking for safety in the middle. Some anecdotal evidence from last night suggests that there will be a land slide of “no incumbent” voting come November. *Longtime Arkansas Senator Blanch Lincoln didn’t lose yet, but was thrown in a run-off vote after weak support and no majority winner.

Disturbing my Heart Department:
The big wind farm project proposed for off-shore RI is a great example of runaway emotions in the name of environmental progress pushing through suspect, costly potential boondoggles. Basically the company, Deepwater Wind, wants a “bailout” before the project. Here’s the facts. The PUC denied the company’s request because their price per kilowatt/hour was 2 ½ times the current KW rate for consumers. The company then turned to the spineless state legislature to circumvent the PUC and state approval process. What the company is saying is that they aren’t going to put up their own money for this risky venture and that they are looking for an approval of super high consumer rates to help finance the effort. All, in the name of “Green”. The only thing green about this project is the amount of green it will suck out of the average homeowner’s wallet. The RI Tea Party is vehemently against the company.

“Glee!” gets better every week. Last night had some wonderful musical and dancing moments.

The Question:
Happy Birthday to producer/writer/director Nora Ephron! Name her most popular screenplays and movies.

The Headlines:
--Worldwide Stocks Slide On New German Curbs On Euro Trading And Lowest Euro Value In Years.
--Experts Say Tar Balls Showing Up On Gulf Beaches Are “Not” From Big Oil Spill.
--Clueless Lane Experts Still Can’t Figure Out Why Market Collapsed.
--Victims Of RI’s Station Night Club Fire Can Expect Shortly; 550 To Share $176 Million Minus Lawyers $59 Million; Victim Payments Will range from $3,000 To $3.5 Million Depending On Severity Of Injuries..
--Spain Turns To taxes On Wealthy To Bail Out Government’s Bad Financial Decisions.
--Oil Below $68.Corporate Earnings Continue To Come In Strong.
--Fire Bombing And Looting Continues In Thailand Mini Civil War.
--Latest Chinese Knife Wielder Maims 13.
--Taliban Launch Brazen Early Morning Attack Against Giant US Bragram Air Field North Of Kabul.
--Times Square Bomber Had Long List Of Potential Targets; Sikorsky Aircraft, Rockefeller Center And Grand Central Among Other targets; Lefty NYC Talk Show Host Says Bombers Tights Violated.
--Celtics Surprise Again.

Back to More Stuff:

Some of these super markets are so cold during the Spring that it’s nice to have heated seats in your car!

Going into last night’s AI semi-final I was ready to predict that Casey might sneak up and beat a better performer because of the over powering “Cute” vote this year. He is actually quite talented too. But, it was pretty clear last night that Lee has the power and the about to get some of the sorta-cute vote and that Chrystal is an enormous talent. And the import thing is that the now favored duo have grown immensely. I think Lee will win it all. And, I still think Siobhan should be in the mix.

While the RI economy continues to wallow like Greece, the legislature in their wisdom have decided to tax sugary sodas to help with the overweight problem. Like people who are willing to be gouged with a $1.75/20 oz bottle price at convenience stores are going to worry about an extra five cents.

I’m worried about Hillary Clinton. Really! She looks dreadful – tired, besieged, overburdened. Regardless of my past opinions, she seems to be giving taxpayers their money’s worth for a change. I still wouldn’t vote for her for anything, but when people work hard they deserve a pat on the back. Hey, we are still a civil society despite how bad the politicians make us appear.

Cassatt and Brookins point out that technology has become so pervasive in our lives that a guy in a restaurant needed a password to open a fortune cookie.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 continues. –Now Paul reached across the table and took my hand. Gently. He locked his eyes on to mine. Intensely. I felt as if he was peering into my soul and reading all of my secrets. I felt my hand shake in his. In a slow, very purposeful voice Paul started. “I know that Middleton has become a friend of yours through that town committee and the financial negotiations at BiEm.” Yes, friends I thought. Where is he going. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that you have to eliminate whatever personal emotions you may have developed for him and look through the fog. The way Sarah Durham always has. This fortuitous flow of data into Middleton’s project bothers me. A lot. My little company had a great opportunity here. And maybe we still do. But, the paranoia in me says there is now a cloud hanging over our efforts despite the cheerleaders in the executive suites.”
I just nodded. I wanted to listen to him. Then he switched subjects.
“How well did you know Bromsky?”
“Not well” I replied. Now that I was on safer ground I spoke up. “I talked to him occasionally about his project progress. It was always very formal.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding in.
“Do you think he was the kind of guy who would commit suicide?”
“No”. I didn’t even think about it for a second. Bromsky thought he was too important for this earth. “No,” I reaffirmed, “No I don’t.
“Me neither.” Paul agreed. And then he smiled at me. “Want to put on your detective’s hat again? And how would you like a new partner?”

Spector is just the latest politician to fall after 0-Man campaigning. The new White House strategy is expected to be fly-overs.

What’s a bigger drain on the health care system. Fat people swigging a Coke or 20 million or more criminals sneaking into the US and robbing Medicaid?

This centrist position being assumed by many incumbent pols will never work in the current climate. The voter is tired of mushiness. They want people who stand for something. In fact the Dems have a great opportunity for rebirth if they stand up against Big Finance. To paraphrase a well known pundit, “It’s the Fat cats stupid.” To me, that is the Republican’s Achilles heel.

The Answer:
Nora is a prolific contributor to our entertainment and thought process. She was nominated fro an Oscar fro her “Silkwood”. But she is best known for her lighter fair including Produce/Writer/Director for the recent popular movie Julie and Julia. Most love her When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless In Seattle. She was also writer or writer director or writer/director/producer for You’ve Got Mail, Heartburn, Cookie, My Blue Heaven, This is My Life, Mixed Nuts, Michael, Hanging Up, Lucky Numbers and Bewitched. Ephron is married to Carl Bernstein and did some work on the All the President’s Men script.

Let it Flow:
This sugar drink lunacy reminds me that if we just got rid of all law making branches of government for ten years or so and let the world flow, the old Darwin theory of natural selection would probably save us from ourselves.

Experts are a dime a dozen.

Today's Tids Issue 2,129
Opening Stuff:

It is very unsettling to see that world economics seem to have more to do with problems of out of control, over socialized governments than whether or not business is winning or losing.

After a day of golf on a crystal clear but blustery 43 degree day, there is nothing better for warming the soul than piping hot rice with rich pork gravy.

The Question:
Name the ten greatest all time men and women tennis players.

The Headlines:
--Spain Makes More Cuts Offsetting Worries About Expanding Euro-Debt; European Stocks Rebound Smartly On News.
--Market Opener Up Sharply.
--Surprise!: Gas Prices Expected To Tumble For Summer Driving.
--Brown Steps Down; Queen Smiling As Conservative Cameron Takes Post; Conservative Quickly named To cabinet Posts; Coalition Partnership Gets Top Business Post.
--10 year Old Dutch Boy Only Survivor In Libyan Airliner Crash That Killed 96.
--US Home Prices being Cut As Tax Credit Program Ends.
--Morgan-Stanley Shares Drop On News Of Derivatives Probe.
--Celtics Excel in 5th Game.

Back to More Stuff:

Is technology taking over? Last week we had Klutz boy pushing the wrong button on stick trade and computerized programming taking away from humans control of most people’s wealth. And now we have a Zombie satellite – affectionately known among the nerd herd as Zombiesat. Well this former Galaxy 15 lost contact when a solar flare fried its brain. But, the brainless orbiter still operates at full power. Confounding scientists. And you know how dangerous that can be. We have seen the brainless in DC and Wall Street operate on full power and look what that’s gotten us.

I enjoyed listening to the singers last night on American Idol. The judges seemed to have some problems with song choices, but, frankly, I was generally entertained by all. Especially with the Lee/ BoSox duet and to a slightly lesser extent Big/Casey pairing. But, of course some were better than others. After all, this is a competition. I thought B0Sox was the best and I thought Lee was a close second, better than some of the judges thought. Casey was quietly pleasing and sang it well. I thought Big, although enjoyable, didn’t quite reach the promise of the song. Mike will probably go this time. Oh, Siobhan may have been the best this week it she was still there. But, that’s just me.

Question of the day: Are politicians just shallow dummies, or do they really want to destroy the country.

Gas prices could have been the political game changer come November if they had gone upwards of $5.00 as some experts were predicting as little as a month ago. But, the new estimates of “lower” gas prices could make the voting public feel relaxed coming out of a summer, going into campaign season. Everything about politics in reality is mood.

Some days Spell-Check is dumber than a politician.

Why do I have this feeling that the new Robin Hood movie will bear no resemblance to my youthful love of the resourceful thief, the merry men, Little John, Will Scarlet and Maid Marion?

The Biggest Panhandler Department:
As you may you by now, two brothers from RI won the big Million dollar prize for winning the Amazing Race TV competition. Each brother will receive $325,000. But Big Brother who did nothing will get $350,000, more than the two who busted their scrawny butts meeting and surpassing challenges beyond their own belief. But, unfortunately that appears to be real life these days -- The strivers are getting less and less.

One thing for sure…Congress in its typical grandstanding investigation of the oil spill will provide lots of information for the lawyers who will be bringing on the law suits.

Of course, the scariest thing going on in the world today is the fact that the geniuses still can’t figure out why the stock market dropped 1000 points in less than a half hour.

Have you noticed that in all areas -- sports, economics, politics – the popular phrase “experts say” has become totally unreliable?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 71 continues. –“I’m far smarter than poor old Seymore, aren’t I Sally?” I felt Sarah/Maggie press her neck back into my thumb. I released the pressure and walked around to look into Sarah’s eyes. She looked reddish. A little unnerved.
“What I meant…” Sarah started but Sally drown her out blurting,
“Why of course you are, were…whatever.” I felt like the wicked stepmother in Snow White. Sarah the mirror reflecting my heart and Sally my brain. And me begging for approval. Have I become this shallow?
I put an end to the stammering. “Seymore was a brilliant guy. And I admired him even though I didn’t particularly like him. His ambition just got in his way and we became the fortunate recipients of his misdeed.” I scrunched Sarah’s shoulder in a natural gesture. She smiled up at me. The tension disappeared. Sally was glad the discussion was over. But I have to wonder where this conversation between them would have gone if I hadn’t walked in. Sarah, if you need any more technical insights you can stop in as you leave.” Her unseen foot ran up my calf. She smiled and said meekly Ok. No problems with Sarah I thought. I peered as far into her eyes as I could and she responded with that look I have come to love. It halted me for a moment. “Hope to see you later,” I said as I left. I looked up at the doorway and saw standing there, Sarah’s husband Paul. “Here for your weekly techno-meet?” I routinely asked. How long had he been there?
He just answered, “Yes I am”. Then he stepped aside. He looked as cold as me.

A reader commenting on Monday’s “24” and torture sequence said it was “hard to stomach…”!

Speaking of stomachs, did you hear about the personal trainer who told his client that she should exercise – restraint!

Kagan has many of the characteristics of an unabated liberal. Probably, even a chortler who plays well the “good ole’ boy” game to move forward. For instance, people like her who would ban army recruiting on campus certainly aren’t reasoned giants, but small minded emotional midgets. Yet this person who has also advised against banning late term abortions, does not consider gay marriage a right, is not morally against capital punishment and believes that terrorists have less rights. I don’t really know what or who she is. But even though she seems not to look at all issues through one ideological microscope, I have a feeling that this brainy NY-er does not represent the views as what I would like to see for America.

In another small political item, the former Mass state senate seat of Scott Brown went to a republican.

The Answer:
Tied for Tenth among males are McEnroe, Becker, Wilander and Edberg. 9. Jimmy Conners 8. Bill Tilden 7. Andre Agassi 6. Bjorn Borg 5. Ivan Lendl 4. Roy Emerson 3. Rod Laver 2. Pete Sampras and #1 is Roger Federer. There will be lots of arguments on a list like this – Budge is better than Sampras. How about Jack Kramer and Pancho Gonzales/ ken Rosewall? But lists are typically skewed in favor of the most current. Number 10 for the women is Justine Henin. 9. Evonne Goolagong (My personal favorite) 8. Serena Williams 7. Monica Selas 6. Billie jean King 5. Helen Wills Moody 4. Chris Evert 3. Margaret Smith Court 2. Steffi Graf and without question number ! Martina. I would have put in there Mo Connelly and Althea Gibson…and maybe Maria Bueno (19 Grand Slam titles!). Suzanne Langton?

"All you need is..."
So, all of this tennis talk reminds me that this is a great day for love! Enjoy.

Procrastinate or die.

Today's Tids Issue 2,128
Opening Stuff:
This morning was so spectacularly beautiful that you almost forgot that the stock market sucks.

I went to Ben’s Hot Dogs for lunch yesterday. A couple of days earlier there was a story about Jerry, younger brother of Ben selling the local institution to some other relatives…after forty three years of serving up nothing but hot dogs and mustard, chili, onions, cheese or relish. And I mean nothing else. O, maybe a coffeemilk or two. So I said to Jerry, “I thought you were leaving?” He answered, which is rare in itself, “I’m still helping out, but I come in a few less minutes each day.” I replied, “I see, you have to “wiener” yourself away!”. He smiled for the first time that I ever saw.

The Question:
“The Pill” turns fifty today. What are the most popular forms of birth control methods by percentage of usage by women?

The Headlines:
--Deadly Tornados Rage In Midwest.
--Stocks Fall Dramatically In Opening Trading; I Guess A trillion Doesn’t Buy What It Used To.
--European Euphoria Fizzles.
--Toyota Sales Up; Q Profit At $1.2 Bil.
--SEC begins Investigation Of Moody’s On Charges Of Misleading Public.
--Fannie Mae Wants You To Reach In Pocket For $8.4 Billion More After $13.5 Billion Loss.
--New Congressional Hearings Kick Off Oil Spill Blame Game.
--RI’s Portsmouth Abbey Takes New England Sailing Championship Again: Top Four After Abbey Are Hotchkiss (CT) Darien HS (CT) and St George (RI).

Back to More Stuff:

Looks like a trillion can do wonders for the stock market…for a day or two anyhow. Or maybe 18 hours.

24-um: –The big questions now is how does Jack rehab his reputation and ride quietly off into the sunset with only three hours left and everybody against him? Actually, they need to set it up for the planned movie. Which will probably begin with him escaping from jail or a mental hospital. –President Allison has slid into a morass.

So Babwa, what’s this heart trauma for ratings bit all about. I thought you might be above this kind of crass commercialism. And the episode was really over the top as a featurette on the Nightly News programs.

America will really hit bottom when Congress passes a law mandating the wearing of helmets by golfers.

I'm thinking that the geniuses on Wall Street are impotent unless governments can tap into taxpayers wallets for their benefit. A trillion is a lot for a temporary thrill. Hey, but at least it keeps the Clueless Laners standard of living up.

A bailout by any other name is still a bailout.

So basically this new Supreme Court to better represent the American People may have as its last two woman from New York City. It there a more narrow minded group than New Yorkers, especially New York elitists. Somehow balance has become to mean race and gender. But how about geography. How does another Bronxite represent the thoughts of an Oklahoman or an Alaskan or an Alabaman? Kagan may be the smartest, fairest person on earth, but I doubt if she sees into the heart of Willie Buzzard sittin’ on his rocker on a front porch in West Virginia.

Crooked Politician Tricks Department:
Three members of the North Providence RI Town Council, including the Chairman have been charged with serious bribery misconduct in dealings with developers.. One of their last big boondoggles was a $10,000 trip to Disneyland for a town government conference where they heard many helpful talks including “Guarding the Public Checkbook” and Local Economic Development: the Good, the bad and the ugly.” No kidding. I didn’t make that up.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 71 continues. –Sarah/Maggie didn’t see or hear me as I walked into Sally’s office. Sally’s eyes flicked my way, but she didn’t react. I stood quietly 3-4 feet behind Sarah.
“So,” Sarah continued her inquiry, “Bromsky was a very competitive man. And would do just about anything to get ahead. Is that about right”. Sally answered yes.
“So,” continued Sarah, most people knew of Bromsky’s intensity,” she paused, “almost uncontrollable need to win.”
“Need is a good word,” affirmed Sally. Sally never glanced my in my direction.
Sarah slouched a little in her chair. She looked comfortable. Sally may have been comfortable too, if I wasn’t there. “Would you say that Kent Middleton was smarter that Seymore, or the other way around.” Sally, obviously didn’t want to answer this. So I did.
“Why Sarah, I’m surprised you would even ask such a question.” Her head spun so fast I thought she might have hurt herself. Now she looked very tense. Too tense.
“How long have you been there,” she said quickly gaining composure.
“Oh, just a minute or so. I saw you walk in here, I came over but didn’t want to interrupt. Sorry if I scared you.” I walked up behind her, close behind her, and put my hands on the back of the chair. Out of the sight line of Sally I moved my thumb in a caressing manner over the back of her neck. I felt her shudder.

The Answer: Women like it this way. The pill at 31% leads the way. Next is tubal sterilization at 27% followed by condoms at 18% and vasectomy 8%

The end, I think:
I used to be a pretty good procrastinator, but reality is becoming much more intrusive.