Gandhi giot it right.

Today's Tids Issue 2,149
Opening Stuff:

Sometimes the perfect opening for the Tids just walkss up and slaps you across the face. As did a note yesterday from a reader about Mohandas Gandhi’s “Seven evils that can destroy an individual and even countries: ‘Politics without Principle, Pleasure without Conscience, Wealth without Work, Knowledge without Character, Business without Morality, Science without Humanity and Worship without Sacrifice’!” I can’t add anything to that.

So…did you hear about the guy who when telling his new airline hostess girlfriend he had some baggage, she responded, “it has to fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment.”

And God looked down and said let there be Steve Strasberg, and Steve Strasberg smote the enemy with a heavenly array of fastballs, curves and change ups! And the angels said “Let the new phenomena begin.” And the media became self indulgent. And the Congress worshipped the golden calf. And then God said, “What have I created”.

The Question:
Name the five leading web Browsers.

The Headlines:
--Woman Romp In Major Primaries; Millionaires Fiorina And Whitman To Take On Boxer And Moonbeam In Cal; Tea Party candidates Do Well; Arkansas Centrist Dem Lincoln Beats down Union Special Interst Millions; DC Shake Up Looming.
--Illegal Teen Killed As Stone Throwing Mexican Mobs Assault US Border Guards; Mexico Irate.
--NK Warns UN Not to Open Debate On SK Ship Sinking.
--French Government Selling Off 1,700 Gov. Owned Buildings To Help Lower Growing debt Problems; Social Promises Outflank Economic Reality
--Goldman Looking At New Legal Headaches As Settlement Talks With Australian Hedge Fund “Timberwolf” Break Down; Fund Had Invested $100 Million In Now Toxic Mortgage-Linked Security.
--Celtics Lose Advantage.

Back to More Stuff:

I have a new bumper sticker for my golf bag: “I’d rather be skiing.” My game is ice cold.

I remember when the 42’ Merc was the most sought after car by teens with the mechanical gene. Chopping and channeling anybody? Then it became the brand that nobody needed.

I’m really big on tradition. But, the auto industry continues prove that spending big money on old favorites is a bad idea.

There is no truth to the rumor that the Ya-ya-ya…(Well you know who I mean)…those guys with the funny flat brimmed hats…have already offered Steve Strasberg $100 Million for the 2016 season.

In case you missed it, the Pew Research Center ongoing Poll (March 2009 – Present) tracking the opinions of people on Obama’s handling of the economy continues to track lower. The proportion of folks who say his policies have mad the economy worse are up from 16% to 29%. The curve that says “No change” or “Too early to tell” has fallen from 53% to 38%. Perhaps more interesting though, is that after 13 months of the bailouts and Recovery Act “Jobs”, exactly the same say “Is now recovering” (13%) and even more now (50% versus 48%) are saying “Will take a long time to recover.”

Somehow the small news item about Russian soldiers guarding the site of the disastrous crash of a Polish Airliner that took the life of President Kascynski and Family, taking and using bank and credit cards from the dead victims, says a lot about the general state of morality in the world today.

For years up here in little ole’ RI, the state legislature has been trying to get the folks to go along with their plans to bring casinos to the Ocean State (Read that Oceans of Debt State). To do this the citizens must vote for it on a referendum and have by wide margins consistently voted it down. So now, I se they are putting it forth as “State Run” casinos. Why would the ever think that the addition of the descriptive phrase “State Run” would make more palatable to the voter. It may be great for legislative friends and relatives…but have you been to the DMV lately.

A columnist ran a story under the headline: “Blaming Obama for not being God.” Here’s the deal columnist person. When you naively (Or not) cast a wide net to the unwashed masses for votes by promising a free HD TV in very pot, it is practically impossible to not to disappoint. Even after adding trillions in debt. The people who didn’t vote for him always thought of him as a false god. A devil standing on a cliff urging us to believe and fling ourselves to the desert below. No thanks.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 76 continues. –“Hi Henry,” opened Kent in his usual, yet friendlier than normal matter of fact tone “How’s our caper going?”
“Well, Detective Middleton,” Stop the detective crap Henry, I thought. “We are making progress.”
“That’s good. Just want to be sure you didn’t need me for anything. Oh, have you talked to Sarah lately?”
“Nope.” A distinctive pause beyond Henry’s folksy style. “I think she’s in Boston trying to catch up on her real job.” Another pause. “This past month or so has been tough on her, you know.”
“That I know, Henry.” I was about to end it and hang up when Henry continued.
“You know that Laura girl?” Of course I do Henry, but I ain’t talkin’ I thought. “Well she is missing.”
“Really!” Missing!” I said in a surprising tone. “I thought you told me you had just talked to her. How could you say she is missing so quickly?”
“Well,” he responded…”Police can tell when something is different.” Then he added, “Did I ever tell you there’s a lot of similarities between you and Sarah Durham. I bet she could see inside your brain.” He paused a second and then added, “Gotta go. I’ll call you when I need some more input. Always enlightening to talk to you Kent.”
I barely got out “Thanks” when I heard the click.
So I guess Jason did make it look like something suspicious at Laura’s apartment. That is too bad. How can “experts” be consistently stupid, I thought? I wonder what Old Henry is really thinking. Maybe I’ll drop in and surprise him tomorrow.

There’s an awfully lot of really smart and talented people in this world who will never get to center stage. But it doesn't make them any less smart or talented.

Quiz Answer: The five top browsers are Internet Explorer, Firefox (Mozilla), Google Chrome, Safari (Apple) and Opera. I try Firefox from time to time, but honestly, I’m just as happy using the same one all of the time. I have Safari and Chrome on my desktop, but never see any reason to confuse my mind with them.

Maybe they should inscribe the words of Gandhi around the grand cornices of the national Capitol Building across the green from the towering monument to our George Washington. Of course we would also have to inscribe in big red letters “This is not what to do.” Do you think they would get it?

I wonder what gandhi would say if he read Todsy's Tids and noticed that in three consecutive tidlets I started with the word "I". It probably wouldn't be nice.

National Day of Morning.

Today's Tids Issue 2.138
Opening Stuff:


Now what?

Tis a day of morning indeed. Because even after a commendable final episode for “24” that included a Presidential meltdown, a couple of tense assassination events, a shot to Jack’s chest and a teary good-bye between Jack and Chloe – it ended. And the reaction I had wasn’t “Man was that a great ending”. It was “It’s over and I’ll never have it to look forward to again. It was hollow.

One of the outcomes of a disappearing manufacturing base is the artificial inflation of non productive wages to maintain the semblance of strong middle income populace. The result becomes an economic house of cards based on economically unsustainable tax supported state and local government jobs and many fairly unskilled service jobs. A recent example of this came to light when several RI towns thought they could save money by converting water meters from manual reading to electronic reading. They went out for bids and were the process of accepting one from Ohio, when they were informed that there is a RI “Make Work” law requiring that Licensed RI plumbers do all of the work. The bid they wanted would cost $365K to replace 7500 meters. The one they would be forced to accept by law would cost $526K for only 3500 meters. Can you say Greece!

The Question:
Name the five most infamous Germans of WWII.

The Headlines:
--World Stocks Weaken On Euro-Economy Fears.
--North Korea Threatens Military Action In Disputed Waters; US Begins Submarine Maneuvers In Same Area.
--Oil Taker Collides With Bulk Carrier Off Singapore.
--Lindsay receives Serious Ankle Bling.
--Britain Bans Doctor Who Linked Autism With Vaccine.
--Cal Legislature Pushing For $5 Billion In Tax Increases As Opposed To Necessary Budget Cuts.
--Analysts Looking At Cooling Of House Sales.

Back to More Stuff:

Protective Helmet Society Department:
Our save-you-from-yourself national leaders have infiltrated the venerable Naval Academy at Annapolis. Yes the leader of the country’s fearless marine based military is about to ban a 70 year old obelisk climbing ritual because somebody might get injured. A good fun, everybody love’s annual event will be banished from the face of the earth because of blatant nannyism. What’s next? Are we to succumb to more lobbying by the manufacturers who forced hi-tech car seats upon us? Only this time the effect will be forcing children to wear helmets until they are seven?

Common sense runs amok even in battle. The so-called beginning of the end Afghan offensive is stalled where it began in Marjah. Many who looked at this based on past Taliban activities could see it failing over time. The Generals are hemmed in by artificial deadlines, and the Taliban are best at abiding time. In the meantime, blood is flowing faster than the Gulf oil spill as the bad guys routinely lop off heads of Marjah collaborator suspects and scare the bejesus out of Afghans in general –undermining the objective the campaign which was to acquire unyielding allegiance for the citizenry.

A reader sends along this bit of quirkiness. Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn , Germany . Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly. The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.

I am always looking to better my health. So in an effort to “Go Brown” – replacing whites like rice and bread with brown versions – I am mixing KFC gravy with my rice. It takes on a healthy glow and tastes great.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74: I felt more comfortable with Paul in bed last night. But I kept thinking the intensity wasn’t the same as with Kent. Was it because of the adventure with Kent. Was it because Kent Middleton was a special person. That Kent was like me and we were totally compatible. I was trying to calm my self with motherly chores like getting the kids breakfast and then laughing with them as they ate. All to what? Assuage my guilt. Or to procrastinate my feelings. Where were my feelings anyhow. I never felt anything but pleasure when with Paul…or Kent.
The phone rang. The woman I hate most in life, the caller ID lady garbled the name of “Clax Tonwill” and I picked it up the receiver. “How are you feeling” were his first words. The he went on about my plans.
Today was my first day to drive back to work and test my energy. (Even though Kent has thoroughly tested it already and I passed with flying colors.) “I’m feeling good, and should be there by 10:00. I ave had a few meeting, as you know with Izzy and others, but I really want to catch up with you. Get your opinions. A lot has happened since I was in the accident, and I am positive that I am light years behind you.”
“Don’t worry Boss,” he replied in his usual comforting way. Then he added somberly. “You will be interested in talking to our lawyers about the conspiracy mess and how it may relate to the company’s fortunes.”
“Thanks, Bill, I can hardly wait.”

I have noticed lately that when talking about antiques you I have to use the expression “at the previous turn of the century.”

A terrorist named Khay Rahnajet didn’t pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with “Return to Sender” stamped on it. Forgetting it was a bomb, he opened it…and you can understand the rest of the story.

The Answer:
After Hitler, the leading men in the 3rd Reich were Herman Goring, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolf Hess, Heinrich Himmler, Ernst Rohm and Martin Bormann. They wouldn’t have lasted so long if Jack bauer had been on the scene.

It's Over:
The good news is that Jack was last seen running, probably to the set of the promised movie. I can hardly wait.
KThunk. KThunk. KTnunk.

The band are my friends.

Today's Tids Issue 2,065
Opening Stuff:

I find it more interesting going to music concerts where the bands are unknown as opposed to paying tons for a big name. Often the results are incredibly satisfying, especially if you go to a place known for bringing in good talent. It is an adventure in discovery. You sit there waiting, “what have I gotten my self into”. The band ambles up on to the stage. “Looks like any other band”. They play, and you muse, “I don’t think this is what I expected”. “But, they are talented”, you concede. The various members talk to you between songs, and you start to like them as people. You get into the power of the music, and you become part of the excitement. It feels good. By the end of the evening you are examining them minutely…the way they move their fingers over strings. The facial expressions…the way they interact with each other. Now they are distant relations. And by the time you leave they are like new friends. And you are close to them. Maybe they’ll say “Hi!” if I meet them on the street. Or go to another concert.

A US Census commercial says “Help fill out the census so you can get money from the government to make your town better.” How un-American is that statement? How about keeping the money the town so the towns and the people can do it themselves? Is the census the only way people can get back what was there’s in the first place? Is this Admin approved commercial an indication of socialist thinking?

The Question:

We used to honor which Presidents in February. Now we honor the office. Which four Presidents were assassinated and which presidents were nearly assassinated.

The Headlines:

--Evan Bayh Says He Will Not run For Re-election; Shocks Democrats.
--Snipers Slowing Marine Advance On Marjah.
--Hill Says Iran Becoming Military Dictatorship.
--Deep South Gets Second Day Of Snow; Snowbirds Cry Fowl…Or Is It Foul.
--Harry Reid Down 30 Points In The Polls.
--U Alabama Huntsville Students Concerned University Un aware Of Killer Professor’s Violent Past.
--Astronauts Overcome Problems And Attach New Lookout Section.
--Belgian Trains Crash Head On Killing Over 12 Including Governor.

Back To Stuff:

The new life saving exercise, Continuous Chest Compression CPR seems to work and you don’t have to breathe into a stranger’s mouth. It’s simple, but you must do it right. If someone collapses due to cardiac arrest, immediately dial 911. Position the victim back down on the floor. Place the heel of one hand on the other and the heel of the bottom hand on the sternum (Center of chest), Lock elbows and begin compressions at rate of 100/min. Raise heel off chest after each compression. The object is to force blood to the brain. Once it reaches the brain, continuous pressure will keep it there. It is best to set up a relay team to make sure compressions are totally continuous until EMT’s arrive. In the case of drowning or drug overdose, it will require two mouth-to-mouths after 30 compressions.

Snakes live in tropical rain forests. I don’t like snakes.

You have probably seen a lot about Danika Patrick’s first big NASCAR effort. Most of the stuff I have read relates to her unfortunate accident, portraying her as a “victim” being in the wrong palce at the wrong time. The facts from a major behind the scenes player in NASCAR are that she was not ready for the big Nationwide series yet. Early in the race it was noted that she had a lot of trouble drafting, and became noticeably unnerved according to radio conversations when she encountered “dirty air” when riding close on the tail of the car in front. This caused her to fall back in the pack, although she was continually urged by her crew to claw back up. Each time falling behind, and finally into the morass that caused her game ending accident. It was noted that any driver coming out of Indy or road racing needs time, a lot of time, for the transition. The promoters jumped the gun on this one.

The currently “Chic” Trader Joe’s food emporium has a line of “Reduced Guilt” brand name products including Brownies and Potato Chips. I can’t remember the last time I felt guilt eating something that tastes good.

Let’s hope all of America doesn’t resemble some interesting economic facts just released about Rhode Island. In the 1999-2009 decade 22,900 jobs were gained and 16,900 (74%) of those were in the deficit building areas of Health and social assistance and education. Of the 41,100 lost jobs, 35,500 (86%) were in the traditional economy drivers, manufacturing and retail. This is not a plan for a growth economy. It’s a plan for draining public treasuries.

The new most powerful person in that depressed state of RI, Speaker of the House Gordon Fox, vowed that his primary drive will be Jobs, jobs, jobs. His first key appointment was a woman to head the Labor committee who has been a major player in the state AFL/CIO. Labor’s stranglehold on the operation of the state is one of the major reasons why good companies with real jobs in growth industries don’t come in or, if here, leave.

Has there ever been a meaner little kid than Lucy Van Pelt?

“Sucker born every minute” Department:
Why would anybody spend good money for a seat in outer Slambovia in a 90,000 seat stadium to watch a bad basketball game which you probably can’t see anyhow?

The Novel:

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 55. –A lot has happened during the past few days. Isabelle called me as soon as Henry left with the state police detectives. She was cold, and the meeting that followed started out icier than the Northwest Passage in January. Mainly, she was upset with me for not keeping her in the loop about my suspicions about Bromsky. She was also disheartened to learn from Henry that I had worked closely with Sarah who just happened to be the most important person for the financial future for BiEmbryo. I told her that it was just a casual coincidence. I reminded her that we were only looking into a series of fairly innocuous acts of vandalism. It was only at the last that they led us to Bromsky. I listened for about ten minutes while she aired out all of her irritation. I have to admit, she was right about every little innuendo, except Sarah and my relationship. Which is the only thing that matters. When she finally relaxed a little. She said, “Jack Wiley will be here at 4:00. He called to tell me what Sarah Durham had said, and about her recommendation that we move forward together. I decided to stop playing hard to get and take the offer before everything broke apart. I need you here then.” I said, “Good.” She finally smiled, a little…”Ever the wordsmith, eh Middleton.”

More Stuff Again:

In the “Tids Saturday Shorts” review of the Olympic’s opening ceremonies: “While on the subject of commercials, there was one that was particularly offensive because of the circumstances. Immediately following the gut wrenching videos showing the death of Luger Nodar, a RI furniture company selling mattresses, Cardi Brothers, showed in a cartoon ad the three owners bobsledding and one dozing off ultimately causing an accident eerily similar to the luge tragedy. Note: Cardi’s is a very good bunch of people, but somebody wasn’t watching the store.” On Sunday, the Cardi Company ran a full page ad acknowledging the horrible coincidence and sincerely apologized. But that is just the way the Cardi organization has always been – They care.

I think what will become apparent as the new US and Allies military attacks in Marjah continue is that fewer and fewer Taliban will be found. This gorilla style army seems to know overwhelming odds when they see it. Better to scoot and live to fight another day. Which, as far they should be able to determine according to the broadly announced Obama strategy, will be a bout a year or so from around now.

“House”, “24” and “Damages” are a pretty good Monday night 1,2,3 punch!

Dick Francis kept me interested page after page, book after book. When in doubt, I always reached for a Francis mystery. He died yesterday at his home in The Caymans at the age of 89. His son will carry on.

The Answer:

Of course , for some reason PC thought it better to stop honoring Washington and Lincoln and fete them all. Don’t ask me why. Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy were assassinated. Attempts were made on Jackson, T Roosevelt, FDR (Before inauguration), Truman, Nixon, Ford Carter, Reagan, HW Bush, Clinton and GW Bush. There were several attempts to get Obama before he was elected. It is rumored that both Zachary Taylor and Warren Harding were assassinated by food poisoning. Interestingly, Giuseppe Zangara, who killed the Chicago Mayor Cermack during what was believed the FDR attempt, was executed one short month after conviction. What ever happened to swift justice?

The End:

Is Uncle Sam the brother of the Father of our Country?