Milestones every day.

Today's Tids Issue 2,171
Opening Stuff:

This is a particularly great day.

The current stock market is an excellent example of a manic-depressive. I just wish they didn’t so often forget to take their medicine.

Are you the kind of person who causes happiness when you arrive…or when you leave?

The Question: People are able to list many or all of the 44 Presidents. But we have had far fewer Chief Justices of the Supreme Court, a position that can often dramatically affect the DNA of the nation. How many Chief Justices have there been and name at least ten of them.

The Headlines:
--Russia, US Swap Spies.
--Terrorist Bomber Kills Fifty In Pakistan; Suicide Bomber Kills 6 In Baghdad..
--China Renews Google License.
--James Snubs Home Down Fans; Bores TV Viewers; To Join Wade, Bosh At Miami.
--Bi-Polar Stock Brokers Convince Themselves That Today The World Is Recovering; Tomorrow is Another Day.
--The Tids Management Proclaims July 9 As National Understanding Day.
--San Francisco Picked For America’s Cup Over Newport RI; Cup’s Original US City Expected To get many Of Pre Event Elimination Races.

Back to More Stuff:

Why the US is Dying Department:
69% of Americans say they are unwilling to pay higher taxes to stop layoffs of state and federal employees (19% say ok; 11% unsure.). Public sector employees make an average of 45% more than private sector employees. Are you starting to understand the problem? Only 6 % of the private sector is unionized. The public sector is nearing 100%. Public Employees don’t add to the value of an economy. Is the picture becoming clearer? The US would have had a world class rail system today if union demands hadn’t crippled the railroads 60-70 years ago. The US was the greatest manufacturing society ever until corporations had to ship manufacturing overseas because of suffocating union demands(And wimpy management). And, service industries followed next. Does this mean that in a few years State governments will be run out of India?

The guy who had his long hair chopped off for a crew cut was dis-tressed.

United Sheep of America Department:
Lebron James. One hour. I can’t stand it! Whatever happened to individuality? Whatever happened to self-initiative? What is happening to the minds of America? And you know, come the Fall, some NFL player will turn his personal treasure hunt into another bad reality show.

I’d like to see the America’s Cup get back to a standardized hull design.

Even after 2,170 isues of TheTids, I still try to never repeat anything. This is especially difficult with some jokes and puns. I have to admit, though, that occasionally a humorous contribution by a reader which I have seen before and may have been already Tidsified, is funny enough in my mind to be repeated. Like William Faulkner’s insult about Ernest Hemmingway, “He has never been know to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.” And, that of Clarence Darrow: “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.”

All of you who think Lindsey Lohan got what she deserved, raise your hands.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Yet another animated feature for the kids – Despicable Me. It is not your typical children’s fare as the main character Gru (Steve Carell) is antisocial and very proud to call him self an ubervillain. He is incredible selfish, uncaring and disdainful of just about everyone. He will be hated by audiences. He employs cute little orphans in his schemes to become the worlds greatest villain. He has big mother problem. Mom played by Julie Andrews is even more hate-able than Gru. How will it end? Will his lovable supporters change him for the good? They say to be sure to stay till the end of the credits for the best 3-D effects.
--Cyrus is a charmer. A funny, yet poignant tale about a heavier than average man-child (Jonah Hill) who is looking for love but is trapped by the divorce plight of his mother (Marisa Tomei). That is until John (Played beautifully by John C. Reilly) enters moms life and changes Cyrus too. It is done well enough to rise above obvious potential for schmaltz.
--The latest Predators is very exciting with many jump out of your skin moments. Earthlings are brought by aliens to the jungle like planet for hunting by natives. It follows the “Ten Little Indians” scenario. You know some one will go next but each time the victim is a total surprise. Beware of extremely gruesome killings.

A president who is out there constantly campaigning is continually losing at least half of his people.

If you think about it, you can mark down just about everyday as one where you have achieved something beyond what you ahve done before. But then there are some that are major milestones -- a passage of time that represents an accumulation of small daily achievements.

The Answer:
There have been but 17 Chiefs in the long history of United States of America. John Jay was numero uno (Just in case illegals can’t find work today and have to read the Tids). Some of the notable names are Charles Evans Hughes, William Howard Taft and John Marshall. The rest starting with the current John Roberts are William Rehnquist, Warren Earl Berger, Earl Warren, Frederick Vinson, Harlan Stone, Edward White, Melville Fuller, Morrison Waite, Salmon Chase, Roger Taney, Oliver Ellsworth and John Rutledge. The last four were appointed by Republican Presidents starting with Ike.

Another Beginning:
If you can’t figure out who you are on a day like today, than you probably don’t have a clue about why you exist.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody! I will.

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other,
But looking together in the same direction." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Presidents and Popes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,096
Opening Stuff

There are periods during the Winter when you wonder if the gray will ever end. Often the gray is so consuming that the sunny crisp days of the coldest months are a buried memory. But in the heart there is always sun ready to burst forth. And the pervasive appearing gloom can always be overcome with a smile full of love.

The Prez is on his gloating tour and not looking very Presidential at all. His ridiculing of concerns by honest citizens before a fawning crowd of pseudo intellectuals is just no the way to bring about the unity he professes to crave. And, he is using low ball, hack like tactics when he tells his slobbering mass that in six to seven months the opposition will see no change in theirs lives, No asteroids form outer space. Of course nothing is planned to happen until 2014. So, he is either being disingenuous or he hasn’t yet read the bill.

The Question:
Name Seven songs you associate with Easter.

The Headlines:
--Pope Under Fire For Inaction While In Charge Of Papal Legal Operations.
--Pakistani’s Kill 34 Militants.
--Police In Arizona Arrest 10 Illegal Smugglers and 50 Illegal’s.
--Eurozone Announces Stopgap Program For Greek Situation; Bankruptcy Will Be Averted But Plan Shows Weakness Of EU Concept.
--Allawi Position In Iraq Strengthens.
--New Fed Program Will Help Some Foreclosure Situations.
--Markets Looking Better For Strong Week’s Close.

Back to More Stuff:

You know that I like to get away from the political hurt from time to time, but the antics associated with the passage of this highly partisan monster keep me on high alert. And the excuse by supporters that “It’s not perfect but we have to start somewhere”, just makes my stomach turn. Some day we’ll have to start getting something right.

While we are on the ‘un-Presidential” express, Sarah Palin’s over exposure is rapidly diminishing an aura she once held. Maybe she has just fallen in love with the dough – and I don’t mean apple pies in Wasilla.

A judge in Florida dismissed a suit by an Atheist demanding holy days for them like Easter for Christians and Passover for Jews. After objections from the Atheist’s lawyer he explained that the atheists already had one – April Fools Day and cited this passage from Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart there is no God”. The adjourned saying your client is a fool and he has April 1.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 63. –“Hi Kids!” I heard Paul’s happily robust voice as he walked in the side door from the garage.
The kids both in unison responded, “Mom told us never to talk to strangers! Our dad never shows up until 8:00.” Then they laughed and I’m sure they ran over and gave them super hugs. But, I thought, he really is home early.
I was walking out towards the mud room when he looked at me and gave me a big “Hi Beautiful!”
I played the blushing bride role, “Who little ole’ me?” I smiled at him and he gave me a nice kiss and a tender hug. I hugged back. I wonder why he is here so early? But, it was good and the kids loved it.
He followed me into the kitchen and watched me for a moment while I cut ups some cheese chunks. “This is a pleasant surprise,” I started.
He chimed right in, “Oh, I was at BiEm most of today, and we got so much accomplished that I decide to relax with you for a while.” I told him I was glad. He looked at me a little more seriously.
“What do you think of Kent Middleton?” He just sat there for a moment. I shuddered inside. I felt my heart beat a little faster. I found myself on edge. Then he added, “I know you got to know him pretty well when you were involved in that vandalism thing”. That vandalism thing that you thought was nothing, I thought. I decided to take my time before I answered this.

Let’s have a new name for ACORN contest. We know that the operatives in the old gang living high off the taxpayer hog will be back some where. How do they replace that kind of income – Brain Surgery? Hedge fund Manager? Politician? They’ll be back just in time to fake voting records in November. So I’m throwing into the pot: CRAP – Community Radical Activists Profiting; OBAMA – Opportunistic Bolsheviks Against Majority of Americans. Well that's a start. Send in yours!

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Hot Tub Time Machine is a Buddy picture which in fact is a cheap imitation of “The Hangover” idea. Pals who were once popular guys in the eighties are now taking a second look at their evolution into a humdrum existence. The decide to get together and it all comes together when while sitting in a hot tub at an old decaying once a playground resort, They are taken back to 1986. You get the picture. Some laughs. The problems: 80’s nostalgia doesn’t measure up to the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.
--How to Train your Dragon is the Kids animated film of the week. It is based on a familiar Viking tale about a puny boy among peers who decides to slay a Dragon to gain popularity. Of course he comes across a Dragon in pain and helps him out. They be come friends. Not bad.
--Chloe is a fairly bad sexual thriller –a poor man’s “Fatal Attraction. A successful Doctor suspects her husband of infidelity. She hires a prostitute (Chloe) to tempt him and see how he reacts. Bad idea, because before you know it she and her family are in grave danger. Might be moderately enjoyable if you are hard up for something on your Netflix list.

The "Unity President" finally got what he wanted – Bipartisanship...only it was opposition to the Monster. And the tactics. “Most Liberal” Senator never changes principles. They just change suits.

From the lying Cardinal Law in Boston to the-jury-is-still-out-on Cardinal (Now Pope Benedict) Ratzinger in the Vatican, Catholic leadership has been gutless at best, and probably criminal in their handling of the known clerical predators. The Catholic Church has done more for God haters than a congress of Satans roaming the earth. It is sad.

The Answer:
I first think of Easter Parade, Halleluiah Chorus and Here Comes Peter Cottontale. Ode to Joy form Beethoven and the powerful 2nd Mahler Symphony “The Resurrection” also come to mind. Then there’s that Old Wooden Cross and Christ has Risen. Also Amazing Grace has slipped into some Easter repertoires. There are lots and lots of Christian Hymns.

Final Thoughts:

Business opportunity: Write popular songs for Easter.

It’s already early, and it already looks like a great start to a weekend. And, it is gloomy looking outside. Which means that the weather in the grand scheme of things has little to do with your outlook if you don’t let it.

Always time for a dream.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,059
Opening Stuff:

The air is cold, the wind chill's worse
Good for pneumonia; Then the hearse

You are never too busy to take a chance and dream. There is a pleasant therapeutic elixir gained from ones ability to occasionally move from the confines of harsh reality onto a magic carpet ride. To float into an expansive mind of paths untrod. To release your heart. Untie your inhibitions. And, it’s cheaper to dream than to call a travel agent. And, you never lose your luggage.

The Question:

In Texas since 1973, 446 people have been executed. What do you think are the most popular words used in their “Last Words”?

The Headlines:

--Unemployment Falls Unexpectedly To 9.7%; Part Of Change Due To Reordering Previous Job Loss Estimates; Tids Economists Confused.
--Bomb Kills 27 During Iraq Shiite Pilgrimage.
--Hedge fund Managers Turning Bearish.
--Snow Could Paralyze Middle Atlantic States.
--World Stocks Hit By Fears Of debt Spreading Beyond Greece To Other Countries.
--Large Health Care Insurer Aetna 4Q Profit Falls 15%.

More Stuff:

The Prez/GOP get-together probably would have been more effective if held without cameras. Give a politician a camera and you never get the truth. The media loves transparency because it can fill up airtime. But, does it really help us air out the bad stuff and get to the meat of conflicts when Politicians are playing to the camera? I don’t think so.

Little did Gutenberg know when he invented the printing press that he also invented modern federal governments. Kaching.

Scott Brown had better get to work and stop trying to emulate “Prime Time”. The new and untried senator is in danger of out Obama-ing Obama on TV face time. And there is a huge bunch of the opposition tuning in just waiting for him to stumble.

The Novel:

Through the same Eyes: Chapter 52 continues: -- As Henry and the State Police detectives walked in the front entrance of BiEmbryo, they missed Seymore Bromsky walking out the back employee entrance to his car. Henry strode to the receptionist, “We’re here to for an appointment with Isabelle Phillips”, I said solemnly to Beatrice hoping she wouldn’t start playing her little flirty games. She had that glint in her eyes, but answered in a business like manner as she glanced at the imposing staties at my side. “I under stand she is expecting you Sherriff Boulder”. She stared at me and I could tell she was smiling to herself inside. “Do you know the way? I’ll buzz her assistant.” Thanks you I said. But before I turned I gave her a little wink. As we approached the double swinging doors, Beatrice must have pressed a button because they magically opened before us. Twenty feet down the hall we saw Isabelle’s assistant. She smiled , held out her hand and simply said follow me as she turned. “This is an eerie looking place”, I heard one of the Detectives say as we walked through this almost ethereal world of science. “It takes a whole to get used to it, but the scientists here are still just people like you and me.” I was about to elaborate when Isabelle Phillips, looking very Presidential and self assured, walked out of her office to give us a very warm greeting.

Back To Stuff:

Design and architecture trends come and design and architecture trends go, but you’ll never get me to stop believing that the classic New England colonial home with period furniture is by far the best.

Doctors offices are great places to catch up on the rest of the world by reading magazines you’d never even consider buying. There’s something for everyone out there, and it is a good thing to know what all those somethings are if you are ever going to understand people.

Recipe Department:

I had a chunk of really lousy lasagna the other day, so I thought I’d find a good recipe to help stop the madness coming from chefs who opt for innovation over classic perfection. In a large saucepan over med heat add 1 tbs OO, 1 large onion chopped and 4 cloves gar finely chopped. Cook five mins. Add 2 ¼ pounds mixture ground veal, pork and beef. And cook 8 more mins. Add 44 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbs tom paste, 1 tsp dry Ital seasoning, 1 tsp sug, 1 tsp salt and ¼ Blk Pep. Simmer covered 15 mins and uncovered 15 mins. Stir occasionally. Stir in 3 tbs basil. While cooking mixture cook 12 traditional lasagna noodles according to package directions. Heat oven to 350. Spreay 13-9 oven dish. In bowl combine 15 oz ricotta, 2 eggs, 1/3 cp shredded Parm and 2 tbs basil. Spread 1 cp sauce over bottom of dish. Place 3 cooked noodles over sauce. Spoon ricotta mixture over noodles, Add 3 more noods and top with 3 cps sauce mix. Top with 3 noodles and top that with 3 cups shred mozzarella. Top that with 3 noods, 2 cps sauce. Top with 2 cps Ital cheese blend. Bake 30 mins with loose foil cover and 30 mins uncovered til bubbly like the heart of the Tids Guy who is getting hungry.

More Stuff:

Arthur Ashe could have been the first black President. And… a great one at that!

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Dear John will be on my avoid list along with Nights in Rodantha, The Notebook and Message in a Bottle. But for many who loved those they will probably like this, though not as much. It’s about a romance between a conservative “Gidget”, Amanda Sayfield, and a Hunk soldier with dad induced anger issues on leave, Channing Tatum. They don’t connect particularly well. After 9/11, he goes to Afghan and lives on her letters, until time and distance gets us back to the title. Critics give it a “C”, but the folks who went say “A”. Bring Kleenex.
--What ever happened to good international thrillers based on brains instead of over the top explosions and daring do. From Paris with Love stars John Travolta as a bigger than life CIA, trigger happy, loose cannon who breaks all of the rules and sidekick Jonathon Rhys Meyer as a young guy who wants to make it up the espionage ladder but is sucked into a way of crime fighting which opposes his career path objectives. You’ve seen it before.

In the world of sales, Obama would be known as a classic benefit dumper. That’s the sales person who dumps everything he knows on a customer’s desk without ever asking the question, “What do you really need”.

One of the great joys of Winter is the wonderful sensation you feel when thawing out after couple of hours being active in the cold.

Before GM – Government Motors – when was the last time you heard about congressional hearings on carmaker recalls?

The Answer:

“Love" was used 638 times in “Last Words” and far and away the most used word trouncing number two Thanks with a mere 247 mentions. After that, we have “sorry” 211, “God” 175, “Death” 132, “Lord” 130, “Life” 126, “Peace” 96 and “Mom and “Jesus” 86. “Innocent” received 46 mentions, and “not guilty” 12. “Afraid” had 1 mention.

End Stuff:

--This whole TV census promotion looks like a gigantic effort to recruit more Democrat voters which necessarily means sending more tax dollars to communities. --Who has the biggest ego, Obama or Bill O'Reilly? --Other than that, I’m a pretty happy guy these days. I‘ve learned how to do without.