Civics 101.

Today's Tids Issue 2,59
Opening Stuff:

How evil is "60 Minutes"...bringing out a report against sugar the week before Easter. It is criminal. I think Kids Twitter Nation should organize a protest rally and Cadbury Egg the CBS world headquarters. I would be more than happy to abet, sitting in protest with a box of chocolate and caramel on beautiful and expensive West 57th Street. Go kids, go.

Just in case you are interested, Newport RI was named by Forbes Mag as Prettiest Town in America. Pictures of pretty town regularly posted at todaystids.blogspot.com.

The Question:

1. Cloud will be in your future whether your head is in them or not. Name five of the Cloud storage giants. Bonus: Name the five biggest drug stores/services by prescription revenue.

The Headlines:

--Shooter Who Killed 7 At Oikos University Had Been Kicked Out Of School And Was In Serious debt.
--Stocks Expected To Pause After S&P Reaches 4 Year High.
--Student Loan Debt Reaches $1 Trillion; Surpasses Credit Cards And Auto Loans As Debt That Could Most Disable Recovery.
--Mock Movie Poster Warns That al-Qaida Is Returning To NYC.
--Kentucky wins Big Prize; Campus Erupts; One Man Shot.
--Media Ugliness: NBC Altered Martin Case 911 Tapes; Out Of Context Edit Made Zimmerman Appear Racist; Other Evidence Suggests Someone Altered Video Tape Of Zimmerman Injuries.
--Air Tran Named Airline That Does best Job For Passengers.

Finally, my skinny ties and wide lapels are back in style. Or, was that wide ties and skinny lapels? O well, I'll just keep wearing what I wear and someday somebody will come up and say. Cool man, Cool. Or, don't they say "Cool" any more? Of course, the key to tie survival is eating gravy carefully.

The Tids has always sought to upgrade the world's appreciation for good grammar. Let's examine "Complete" and "Finished". They appear to be the same, but are quite different. For instance, If a man marries the right woman he is complete. If a man marries the wrong woman he is finished. But, if the right woman finds him with the wrong woman, he is completely finished. So there you have it. Viva le differance'.

Our "Republican to the Core" Governor Chafee-Lite has just endorsed Mr. Sleazy Congressman Cicilini for re-election. I guess when you are owned by the unions you'll endorse anybody.

Yesterday the President warned the Supreme Court to be careful or else. He said it would be an "unprecedented, extraordinary step" to overturn the health Care law. OK, let's review basic grammar school Civics. It appears that this is where this President needs to start. This President who only seems to believe that the President has any power. OK, "The Supreme Court is a separate but equal branch of the US government. It's purpose as defined by the Constitution is to act as a check on the Executive and Legislative branches. One of it's three main functions is to 'Determine the constitutionality of Federal laws.'." Maybe the President has a problem with the Supreme Court because it is a "uniquely American institution". What's really extraordinary here is a President threatening a Supreme Court, not the supreme court doing its job.

Oh, it appears that the Admin and/or the Dem National Committee is calling on Ex-Prez Clinton to add credibility in Obama's fight against the Supreme Court. Clinton? Credibility? I don't get it.

Statistics say that 1 in 5 American kids are going hungry. Michelle says that American kids are over weight.

Let's be honest, Jaguar is making a great design comeback now that it isn't in the hands of Ford's accountants. This flagship of the India Auto Company Tata.is beginning to look like the special car it had been before Ford turned into a stretched out Focus. And, you can bet that Volvo will rediscover it's distinctive side again, now that it is out of Ford and under a Chinese management. They'll just steal a good idea or two form BMW or Audi.

Deep pocket investors are buying depressed homes at super low prices. It is expected that will increase dramatically rental opportunities -- until the market's rebound and houses can be sold. So the next great American tragedy in a couple of years will be people being forced out if they can't afford to buy. And, it's all because some dim bulb in the government decided to find a way that everybody should own a home whether or not they could afford it. Mixing socialism with capitalism will never work.

Almost Near: Chapter 67. --Samantha sat in her hospital bed just drinking in the smiles of her children. Rebecca was in hospital garb like her mom, being admitted after her ordeal with Tucker. The two were hanging on to their mom's arms like they would to branches on the edge of a cliff.
Samantha understood how much further she would have to go. How she would have to sort out all of the people she had met in her many lives. But that would be the easy part. She was still coming to grips with the reality of her life which she discovered the moment she saw Tucker with her daughter. It triggered the memory she must have suppressed for so many years. The reason she ran away from Tommy Lambert, her finance'. She saw clearly now that day when walking by a play ground, Tommy Lambert fondling a nine year old girl. She remembered the horror of her own father watching her undress, his eyes never leaving her young body. Her mother trying to step in between them. But she was never strong enough. How she walked fearfully through her own house. How Tommy was her only safe harbor, her hope. All of those years when Tommy and she had been best friends, destined to marry and be a perfect family. Like the one she never had. And now she discovered that the man she was to marry was as perverted as her father. Maybe even worse than her father.
So that night she wrote a note to Tommy Lambert saying she couldn't marry him. She packed a few clothes, found as much money as she had, money saved for a wedding. She drove to Portsmouth, and got on a bus. She didn't care where it was going.

The Answer:

1. ICloud with 100 Million subscribers is largest. Next is potential IPO fave Dropbox (50Mil). Microsoft Skydrive, box, and Amazon cloud drive (music only) round out the bigs. 2. CVS/Caremark with $56 Bil is the largest followed by Walgreen ($45B). Medco Health Solutions/Express Scripts ($40B), Wal-Mart ($17.4B) and Rite-Aid $17.1B.

If the President can't seem to comprehend the significance of the Supreme Court, how are we supposed to believe that voters can grasp the significance of real issues.

Michelle Obama should really be against illegal immigration. The ethnic group with the greatest percentage of fat kids is Mexican. Do you think she'll ever ban Tacos? Not in an election year. Here's the dope on percentages of overweight kids: White - Male 31.9; Female 29.5. Black -- Male 30.8; Female 39.2. Mexican - Male 40.8; Female 35.

Green that mean's something.

Today's Tids Issue #2,322

Opening Stuff:

May you have no frost on your spuds,
No worms in your cabbage.
May your goat give plenty of milk.
If you inherit a donkey, may she be in foal.
Don't walk in front of me I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me I may not lead.
Walk beside me and just be my friend.
--Irish Saying.

Did you know that 56% of the people have 3 or more email addresses. And...that only 5% have just one! How amazing is that? Feel out of it?

!!!! I am getting some good returns on yesterday's queery about sorting out the Repub race. I'll give a full report tomorrow. If you haven't already, send in your three favorites for the Republican President nomination. I can tell you now that it is very varied.

The Question:
It is pretty much accepted that women love shoes. How many pairs on average do womewn own. Wat are the favorite heel heights?

The Headlines:

--Futures Indicate rebound For US Stocks.
--Japan Desperately Trying To cool Reactors; Power Could return To Run Cooling System.
--Daffy Taking Charge.
--Malaysia Gaga Gaga Gay Lyrics.
--Shiite Versus Regal Sunni Powder Keg In Middle East.
--Conservative Repubs Want Short term B udget Fixes To Stop.

How bad would be for the country if this effort to disbar Supreme Court Justice Thomas succeeds? I shudder to think.

It looks like the Wisconsin teachers have stooped to using the children now. Nice.

O'Bama says he is Irish.

If you ever see me wearing those white orthopedic shoes, pull the plug.

American Idol had a good night last night, but I wasn't blown away. Te hardest jobs is picking the bottom three. We know that its generally as much about demographics as it is performance. This kid Scotty is a very polished country western singer. Langone is generally good as is Casey. Lauren and Pia seem to be the top girls. I tink Haley is very good, but she may blow it before she shines. And Niamo is better than she was last nigt. The judges like Paul, but I'm not getting hit. His little dancesza re becoming more of a distraction than an addtion. Bottom three: Paul, Niamo and Thia

Isn't anything private any more? I was sitting on the beach a day or so ago when a young, attractive couple, maybe in their thirties, walked by talking at a very high level. Well, she was talking and everybody on the beach was listening. It sounded like it was about the end of a relationship with lots of phrases similar to "You don't seem to get it.". About twenty minutes later they walked up the other way with the woman still talking and the man coolly plodding along. As he approached I heard him say, "Well I guess it just doesn't look like it is going to work." There whole life unraveling in earshot of anybody on the beach. it must be a FaceBook thing.

This love affair with the exploits of Charlie Sheen is all about watching car wrecks. Another American pastime.

They say that up in Connecticut they are having a lot of trouble picking a jury to try the second savage in the brutal murder of that Cheshire Mother and two daughters. Too many of the prospects think he is guilty. Well duh!

You have got to laugh at the irony of NY Rep Paul Weiner (Pronounced weener) leading the charge to disbar Clarence "Long Dong Silver"* Thomas. *Part of the Anita Hill testimony.

The Answer:
Woman on average own 17 pairs. 39% prefer flats. 26% like low --1/2 t0 1 inch. Medium heels (! 1/2 to 2 1/2) are the favorites of 20% only 8% go for high heels 2 1/2 and over. Many of those are strippers.

The Emerald Isle:

Of all the money that ere I had, I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that ere I've done, alas was done to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I cannot recall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.


Of all the comrades that ere I had, they're sorry for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise while you should not,
I will gently rise and I'll softly call, "Goodnight and joy be with you all!"


Oh, if I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosey cheeks and ruby lips, she alone has my heart in thrall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.


---The Parting Glass From Waking Ned Divine.

And…voters know what?

Today's Tids Issue 2,215)
Opening Stuff:

As the voting season heats up, I’m reminded of a John Wayne quote: “Life is tough. It is especially tough when you’re stupid.”

Let’s have a big hand for the valiant comeback try by the Americans in the Ryder Cup. And polite applause for the gutsy work of Graham McDowell who was admittedly nervous beyond comprehension.

While searching for the meaning of life, I came across an equally perplexing conundrum. What would happen if Pat Sajek’s final spin landed on “bankrupt”?

If you have been reading the Tids for a while you probably have noticed that litterers are among the lowest form of human being in my mind. Irresponsible, uncaring, uncivilized are adjectives that quickly come to mind. So, how surprised was I to learn that litterers held their own convention in Washington DC this past weekend. Now I don’t like to draw any conclusions, but the rally of unions and just about every liberal organization in Washington at the behest of the always angry and often illogical CNN commentator Ed Schultz left an awful lot of crap behind in the Nations mall! And this was a crowd that came to support the current travesty in Washington, appeared to be less than a quarter of the recent Tea Party “Restoring America” event – when a huge group came, listened, went home…and left no trash…at all. (See reports of amazed journalists who searched high and low for just one piece of paper.) Do we really want a country run by litterers?

The Question:
Q1; There was a lot of press yesterday and this morning about the new Supreme Court and it’s three women. But another milestone occurred with the opening of the session. What was it? Q2: Name the five most eligible females according to a CBS 60Mins/Vanity fair Poll.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Opens Higher After Positive Stimulus Moves By Japan Bank.
--French Trader Jerome Kerviel Of Societe’ Genrale Convicted Of Fraud; Must Repay $6.8 Billion After Jail Time; SG Spokes Person Gratified That Well Regarded Bank Will Get It’s Positive Image Back.
--Russian Scientists Win Physics Nobel For Technology That Will Speed Up Computing And Enhance Touch Screens.
--Raids Kill Five German Islamists Training In Pakistan.
--France Rounds Up 12 Islamic Extremists In Southern Part of Country.
--Moody’s Warns Of Ireland Debt Downgrade; Irish Officials Retreat To McCarthy’s Pub For Additional Stimulus..

Back to More Stuff:
Did you see where two of the top ten pop music songs are by the Cast of Glee?

Those who were patient were rewarded. Rubicon is coming together, and cool and lethargic appearing Will Travers is in deep, deep danger, and still doesn’t know who all of his enemies are. Only two more episodes left and I’m hooked.

And I have to say that “The Event” has a unique ability to suck you in too. Even when key pasts of the plot are way out there and apparently not part of our world.

How come at the end of commercials for medicines that treat all sorts of female annoyances, the woman in the message always winds up with a new hair-do? Powerful medicine indeed!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96 continues. –I pressed my body, my being, against his back. I felt his moistness, his warm seeping blood oozing through my blouse; on my chest. His life draining out upon me. I held him tightly as his weight started pulling me down. I strained to maintain comfort for him. I lowered my self to one knee still holding him hard and near.
“Call somebody…9111…I shouted!” but every body I now saw gaping were just too stunned. Paralyzed. “Wake up!” I shouted again. “This man needs help”. My lovely Kent is dying. Help me I said to myself.
He turned towards me. His eyes caressed my heart. My eyes started to drain. My chest heave. I lowered my mouth to his lips. And kissed him ever so tenderly, so gently. Drawing out all of the good I have known in him. Filling my body with a love I could never deny. That I know now will never leave.
He moved his head aside so his lips were at my ear.
“My beautiful Sarah/Maggie.” He whispered ardently, not as a man dying but as a man who has loved his love of me. “This is as it should be. I asked for more than you could give…”
“No, No Kent, you didn’t. I looked for every moment with you.” I whispered back. Almost violently. Don’t you understand? Don’t you understand? I thought. If he was to die, I wanted him have all of my love in his heart.
“I would never want to take you away from your family. That’s how much I loved you.” I could say nothing through the increasing beat of my sobs. “That I die, means you will always have my love as part of your life. You taught me how to have emotional meaning in my life that was always too pragmatic. Too logical. I have never had so much life in my being than I have had during these few months. And I am so content at this moment because you live. And, because all of my love that is in you will never falter after I’m gone. You will keep me alive as you love others.”
He started breathing rapidly.

Rahm Emanuel is behaving a lot like an Illegal Alien. He running for Mayor of Chicago Illegally, in that he has not satisfied residency requirement clearly defined in Chicago law. But like the border crossers, he is assuming the same “not for me” attitude as our southern border criminals. That legal exception that some say laws aren’t meant for the downtrodden. Wait a minute Emanuel isn’t downtrodden (He made $16.2 Million in his 2 year post Clinton banking stint.). I guess it’s the legal loophole that says, “not for the downtrodden and the privileged”.

I love the title of political satirist PJ O’Rourke’s new book: “Don’t Vote. It Just Encourages the Bastards.”

And whatever happened to PJ anyhow.

Let’s see…Paris Hilton (who should be sitting I jail like many would be without her financial resources) is about to start her new reality TV show. And this morning we hear that the lowly Eliot Spitzer is getting his own new TV show. This will certainly raise the intellectual standard for voters. Break the Law. Get famous. Make money. Nobody cares.

At the current rate, I expect that pretty soon there will be more physical therapists per person than Lawyers.

I see where bedbugs are starting to invade government offices in Washington. Maybe all of the workers there will quit.

How ironic is it that Public Employees Union superior health care packages will keep them living longer to collect superior pensions fund payments.

The Answer:
Q1: I thought it quite interesting that the supreme Court of a country founded by Protestants and ushered through its formative moments by Protestants was now comprised of 6 Catholics and 3 Jews. And no Protestants at all. And just think, as little as 50 years ago, many thought the JFK could never be elected. Do you think this is reflective of the decline of the famed “Protestant Work Ethic” in America? Q2: New SC Justice Elena Kagan (4%) is sixth on the most eligible women list. The list is topped by Jennifer Anniston (29%) and is followed by Haile Berry (21%), Elin Nordegrin (15%) Betty White (11%) and Lady Gaga (5%). Gentlemen…Start your engines.

The End:
How many times have I heard some one say that the future of American is dimmed because the majority of voters don’t know what they are voting for? That something that makes infinite sense doesn’t count because to many people won’t take the time or make the effort to understand what is really happening. “Just gimme what I want and leave me alone and I’ll be happily sitting around waiting for your next promise”.

The New England Patriots looked very exciting last n ight.

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

If Congress did it. Don't trust it.

Today's Tids Issue 2,170
Opening Stuff:
Donald Berwick, the latest nutcase from Harvard to bring romanticized academic theories to an important government department, has said he is emotionally addicted to British style health care. In fact he admits that when it comes to government controlled health care, he some what of a romantic. How romantic will it be when some of his insane medical rationing theories have oldsters dying or living in misery prematurely and loved ones mourning the losses? And the real tragedy in this appointment is that the gutless leader of the world’s greatest free nation snuck him in under the cover of a darkened national capital.

Amused at the Tids guy’s heat induced befuddlement yesterday, a loyal reader sends in his own most confusing moment – “Standing there looking down at a rope in my hand I couldn’t remember if I had found a rope or lost a horse.”

The Question:
As a kid I was always enthralled by the exploits of the great Portuguese explorers – Magellan, de Gama, Prince Henry the Navigator. Naval heroes all. That led me to follow naval officers in general (Or should I say “In admiral!”). Name ten great American Naval officers.

The Headlines:
--Buffet Seeing A Better US Economy Ahead; IMF Upping World Outlook On Healthy Asia.
--Three al-Qaida Bombers Arrested In Norway; Terrorists Allegedly Plotting Attacks In New York And England.
--New Jobless Pay Requests Drop More Than Expected.
--Heat Down; Humidity Steady.
--Mortgage Rates Drop To New Low.
--Geithner Says Taxes To Remain Business Friendly; White House Reacting To Unkind Comments By Former Ally Imelt And Other Biz Leaders.
--Merck Closing 8 Manufacturing Plants And 8 research centers WorldWide; Two Of Shutdowns In US.
--TV’s High School Musical Comedy “Glee” Tops Emmy Nomination List.

Back to More Stuff:

Of course, you don’t have to sneak things past Congress. You can do it out in the open and they won’t see it. For instance, the new financial services law eliminates Auto Dealers from regulatory scrutiny. Of all people, Auto Dealers! Did you ever feel you are getting a straight story from an auto dealer? Especially when it comes to financing. I haven’t. And Congress thinks it’s ok to give them a free pass. It is probably one of the greatest, latest examples of just how inept our government has become. And why our national system of special interests is broken.

It Happens Every Time Department:
Bristol Rhode Island, which was proclaimed “America’s Most Patriotic Town” on the cover of last weekend’s Parade Magazine, was just named by “Family Circle” Magazine as one of the Ten Best Places to raise children. Rats. Now everybody will want to move there and the Town fathers will be besieged by developers with plans that will eventually ruin the fabric of the town. Great places are far better off remaining unknown.

Subway sandwiches are designed by accountants.

It took a power blackout to enlighten me. I walked into a Dunkin Donuts Sunday to get a few munchkins for a 4th parade sideline get-together, only to find a power outage and a line of eager customers out the door. And there wasn’t a donut to be found. Nor could they cook a sausage-egg-biscuit. But everybody was happily ordering and overpaying for some elaborate coffee concoction. These shops don’t care of they sell their main product. They are just like restaurants that make their real money on booze. I propose that the these stores start making edible bakery products and have BYOC Wednesdays – Bring Your Own Coffees. (Sounds like a theory from a nutty Harvard professor.)

Basically, the only difference between eaters of organic foods and those eating the crappy regular stuff is that the organic people are eating happier chickens and asparagus. A new study proves conclusively that there are absolutely no health advantages to eating organic eggs over regular eggs. The organic eggs are just laid by hens with smiles on their faces. Oh yeah, and the organic eggs cost more.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 81 continues. –Isabelle took her time. She carefully placed the folder before and slowly opened it, taking out a very legal looking page. She feigned reading it for a moment, and then looked up. She smiled, but not the smile of a person I have begun to enjoy as a friend.
“I’m not going to read the legal black magic wording. What this essentially says is part of what we have been discussing internally.” She looked into my eyes. It was one of those unemotional, robotic stares. She was trying to eliminate all feeling. “Our lawyers are seriously concerned with a potential conflict of interest between our financial sources and a leading technology supplier.”
That would be me and Paul. Obviously. I didn’t react. I just became as robotic as she.
“I don’t want to go into the rest of this note. It is pretty obvious,” her face lightened a little, thinking she had taken control, “that business operations and complications are the norm. And, I know you understand that.”
“So basically,” I started without flinching, “You are threatening the people who have taken the risk to underwrite the unknown output of your potential.” Her eyes moved quickly. But, she didn’t back down.
“No, it is just the opposite. We are only trying to be open and honest with our most important business partner.” She is good I thought. But, I also know that they really need what Paul’s company has to offer.
“Nor did I come here to threaten you, so I’m surprised that you would dive so quickly into a legal sounding cover before listening to what I had to say.” I waited a few beats. “We think you should look more deeply into an event which remarkably benefits your future. Where there is now suspicions about a suicide of a major BiEm player in the event. I came to talk to you as your partner. Obviously, you overreacted.”
I stood up, “I have to get back to the office.” As I turned to leave I saw Kent Middleton at his desk staring -- Was it angrily? – into Isabelle’s office. I didn’t turn as I heard Izzy say “Sarah?” I just closed the door, gently.

Despite all of this hand wringing over the appointment of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, nothing is going to change for a long time. Justice Kennedy has stated that he expects to be around for a long time, and the rest of the more conservative leaning side are even less apt to be leaving. So, perhaps the next to go would be Ginsberg, which of course would bring another Obama appointment probably similar to her. So all that has happened or will happen is a change in the personalities on the liberal side, which is to say that nothing has changed. Kennedy was the Liberal hope, and he likes his job.

So, if Ginsburg hangs on but finds it necessary to exit, say during the Palin administration, then the courts could be quite conservative for a long, long time.

The Answer:
Many Naval Heroes like John Paul Jones are household names. Other’s are Oliver Hazard Perry (Lake Erie), Commodore Matthew Perry (Opened Japan to the West), Thomas Truxton (Revolutionary War and first to trade with China.), John Rogers (Senior and Junior), Thomas McDonough, James Lawrence, Isaac Hull, Stephen Decatur, William Bainbridge and Joshua Barney.

The United Sheep of America:
One thing you can be sure of in this unstable world is that TV networks are commissioning new TV programs to emulate Fox’s “Glee”.

Don't worry; Stand out in the rain.

Today's Tids Issue 2,163
Opening Stuff:

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

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

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

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

Back to More Stuff:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing stays the same.

Today's Tids Issue 2,144
Opening Stuff:

The good news today is that the balance of power has shifted back to the police. The chances of technicalities setting criminals free has been greatly reduced. And the ability of the police to find out what is really going on increased. And, the possibilities of a “He/she said, she/he said potential controversy is practically nil with the advances in monitoring technology. But, I still regret that it was yet another 5-4 SC decision.

Mike Peters reports overhearing a couple of Mr. Potato Heads talking in a restaurant, “If you say that again I’m going to rearrange your face.”

Hewlett Packard announced yesterday that they will lay-off 9,000 US workers (They will replace 6,000 with sales and service workers in foreign calling centers. But, that’s another story.). This gets back to my comments yesterday on the potential growth of “Pad” type computing as the new norm. H-P is the largest PC maker, and their objective here is to redefine the company more like IBM. To rebuild their core businesses to reflect capabilities in computer services. It turns out that the other PC giant, Dell, is doing exactly the same thing. And, Xerox, seeing declines in their main business, also is hoping to hitch their star to IBM style businesses. Maybe what they are seeing should be telling us that owning Microsoft stock is not any longer the “No-Brainer” it has been for 25 years.

The Question: With the Japan PM stepping down over Okinawa, I wondered how many of you know how many islands comprise the Japan archipelago. What are the four largest?

The Headlines:
--H-P To Lay Off 9,000.
--Japanese PM Steps Down After Breaking Campaign Promise To Rid Okinawa Of US Presence.
--Ireland Unemployment Hits New Highs; Stocks Flagging Under Dark Cloud Of Erratic Economy.
--US Investors Can Look To Modest Rebound This Morning.
--BP Trying New, Risky Capping Procedure.
--Militants Attack As Afghan Peace Process Begins.
--Israel Defends Actions; Deports Foreign Activists.
--New York School Must Reinstate 13 Year Old Boy Suspended For Wearing Rosary Beads.
--World Religious Leaders Unite Against Proposed Comedy central Jesus Cartoon.

Back to More stuff:

I think my golf game is sucking because of all the bad luck coming my way for not forwarding “Must forward” emails!

Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson is fast approaching white trash status.

And how about that Oprah…”The Great Enabler”.

Who woulda thunk it – The ever so cute Tipper and the ultra cool Gorester in splitsville. Must been all of those “Green” girls running around the office of AlGore Inc.

Or maybe Gore was going to accept an offer as compromise President of Iraq since the disputed election of which the Al-ster is an expert is retarding formation of a government.

The new campaign slogan for November 2010 is something even husbands can understand: “Take out the Trash.”

I guess I just don’t like the opening programs for entertainment competitions like America’s Got Talent, Ai and others where the focus is on the weird. I just can’t get into those until they get serious. But “America’s Got…” has many more problems. For instance the first thing I’d do is “Triple Red X” host Nick Canon. Jeez, is he annoying. And then I’d can the director who continually creates mind numbing camera cuts… especially to the irrelevant antics of Canon. And, how about that screaming audience. I still have a headache. The worst part of the opener for this summer show was the infatuation with Howie Mandel who was totally not funny. So, I’ll have to wait a couple of weeks before tuning in again. Because when the talent arrives and the gimmicks fade, I genuinely like the acts.

“Young Victoria” is one of those movies that I hated to see end.

A few days ago while listening to a good friend talk about her distaste for smugness in people, I remember sitting there thinking about how to properly define the term. Then last night, it walked right out of my TV screen – Al Gore.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74 continues. –At that point Jack intervened. “Agent Rivera, we will tell you everything we know. The resolving of this is as important to us as seeking justice is to you. I have to tell you that our people who jumped in when Mag…Sarah was injured did only what they were supposed to do. They developed procedures to get BiEmbryo up to speed with our systems. As you know, when a company is using investor organization’s money the investor is always in control. Or, at least tries to be in control.” He smiled a little. “As you know Sarah was out of commission when the bad thing went down.”
Rivera and Hanson nodded, apparently in appreciation. Hanson started, “We appreciate your openness and help so far. And we understand. But,” There’s always a but, I thought. And I think I know can tell where this “but” is going. “But, we see the Middleton as an interesting character and certainly one individual remaining who had most to gain for the alleged criminality of Bromsky.”
“And,” Josie added, “We’re not so sure that the Bromsky death was a suicide…”
Jack Interrupted, “And thanks for being so open with us.”
“Sherriff Boulder thinks very highly of you Mrs. Durham,” started Josie as she quickly pierced my comfort zone.
“I love Henry too”, I offered pleasantly.
“Well, it was your ’lover’,” she laughed at herself, “Who told us of your friendliness towards Middleton.”
“Well, I guess since we were together fairly often during the vandalism caper and we didn’t batter each other, I guess we would look friendly. And, I liked Middleton. But, he is just too cold ever to be a great and warm friend.” My insides were churning. And all of sudden I fantasized Kent dropping to his knees in front of me and wrapping his arms around my hips. I shuddered and hoped I wasn’t seen. Rivera’s eyes widened slightly.
Then she turned to Jack. “By the way Jack, who is Mag…?”

Republicans should worry about credibility with large numbers of voters if they over-prosecute 0-Man as inept. Many see his cool exterior as conflicting with “worst ever” tag. Many voters don’t analyze, but feel. Surprisingly, Obama’s cool demeanor is more like that of his polar opposite Ronald Reagan. Reagan a man who in the face of intense disparagement by the left, got much stronger by pressing on with his convictions. Harsh criticism must always seek a balance.

The Answer:
Japan is made up of 6,852 Islands (Actually, this number is seen in many accounts, but others show estimates in the 3-4,000 ranges. So, I guess we’re talkin’ a lot of rocks here.). Imagine that! The four biggest -- Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku – comprise 97% of the land. Of other smaller Islands, Okinawa is the most well known.

The surprising end:
And just think…when the powerful Clinton was using the youngster Monica, he turned to the Gores for guidance. I guess it is just one more example of what we should all know by now, nothing is at seems.

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.

Celtics in Seven!

Today's Tids Issue 2,119
Opening Stuff:

There is a new war a minute it seems in this changing world of ours. But, the only war I’m interested in is the one that is set to begin in Cleveland this weekend – the Boston Celtics versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. We New Englanders think it will be a bloody doozy! Note to Cleveland readers: We are most concerned about the ever energetic Anderson Varajou. James gets what James gets; even, it appears, with one arm tied behind his back. Of course, some think that his left handed foul shooting trick is all about increasing his already out of sight visibility, and assuring prime ESPN Sportscenter highlights! Is this series all about winning before James’ next contract, possibly elsewhere? Will that scenario place more pressure upon the Cavs? Probably.

You have to like that reasoned approach from the Supreme Court about religious symbols on Public Land. Some don’t think the real reason why Christmas exists should be acknowledged. Crèches don’t necessarily champion a religion, but recognize a fact. Several years ago, around 1992, a guy (A professor at liberalish type college that specializes in social services) moved in around the corner from me. The first thing he did after signing his deeds and mortgage papers was to sign another set of papers authorizing a suit against the town for removal of a cross on a small island in the middle of an intersection of two country-ish roads. The cross was placed there in 1927 as a memorial to the good work of a local country doctor. This was similar to the reason that the cross in the Mojave was placed on a rock in 1935. The cross in the middle of two roads wasn’t a religious, in your face movement. It was a symbolic representation to honor a man who did unto others as he would have others do unto him.

A media observer commented yesterday, “We are in the era of fact-free journalism.”

The Question:
What do you think Americans are doing this year with their tax refund?

The Headlines:
--Oil Slick Bigger than Thought; New Estimates Say That Damaged Well Is Producing 5,000 Gals/Day Instead Of 1,000.
--New Obama Appointees, If Approved, Would Make 5 Of & Federal Reserve Board Members Obama-ites; Janet Yellen, Sarah Raskin and Peter Diamond Expected To Be Approved.
--SEC To Probe Hedge Funds Use Of “Side Pockets” As Means To Prevent Clients From Withdrawing Billions During Crisis.
--Spain Downgraded As EU Crisis Widens.
--US Profits Indicate America Ready To Reignite.
--Head Of Pakistan Taliban Plays Mark Twain: “Reports of My Death Are Premature”; Militants Get Propaganda Victory As Early Reports Of Leaders Death Are Discredited.
--Fla’s Crisp Expected To Run As Independent.
--Man Walks Into China Kindergarten And Stabs 28 Children.

Back to More Stuff:

One of the things I like about cooking is having lots of things going on at once and having them all come together at the right times. Tasting good is just hopeful fallout to the process.

In response to a couple of yesterday’s items about illegal alien laws and banning of toys at fast food joints, a California reader writes: “I care more about my grandchildren’s toys being stolen out of their homes by illegals than toys being eliminated at McDonalds’s!!!”

Another reader commenting on the Goldman affair suggests that Goldman had to figure out what do to with all of the paper which was the result of Government forced bad mortgages.

The more you listen to the anti-Arizona law zealots, the more you realize that they are either irrational or disingenuous. They will never equate the word illegal with the word criminal. And, there will never be agreement on a good solution for a serious problem. Especially as Pols turn to jelly.

With people pouring billions into things like “Synthetic CDO’s, you have to wonder why others think there is safety in gold. Nothing is backed with much any more. There’s something about the word “Synthetic” that is scary and all too descriptive of financial bubbles.

Smoking on subs has been banned. So, I guess going out on deck for a smoke is problematic. How would you like to be under the ice cap with a guy trying to crack the habit?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 68 continues: --Sarah was looking at me in a knowing way. She had a small look of concern on her face. She could not possibly know what is in my mind or heart. Nobody does. Even those I seem to let in to roam around. They think they feel what I feel, but they never will. Yet, my Sarah/Maggie thinks a little like me. I should be more aware when I’m with her. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to her. I like her.
“How are you feeling now, Sarah?” I decided to change the subject.
Henry chimed in before she could answer. I have to believe she was happy for that. “Sarah is one tough person. Frankly Kent, I have really enjoyed working with both of you. Most lawmen wouldn’t admit that two civilians could be so helpful.” He just paused and smiled that pleasant smile of his. I like him, but he is a cagy old guy, and I know he loves to make people feel too comfortable. “How is your business going now that this has all come out?”
“We’re doing Ok, and you just reminded me of all the work I have a ahead today.” I took the opportunity to quickly stand and walking behind Sarah, where I gently drew my hand across her back, like a waitress looking to increase her tip.” A reminder to Sarah that my touch was important to her. I got what I wanted. I had to do something about Laura.
“Good-bye Kent,” she smiled. “Maybe I’ll see you around town.

A reader writes to make us aware that a Movie “Corpus Christi” is set to be released in theaters between June and August. It is a mockery of Jesus, depicting him as a gay leader of a group of homosexuals. Maybe we need more crosses at intersections after all.

Britain’s Gordon Brown proves once again that he should never have been elected Prime Minister in the first place.

It has been pretty clear that loving Great Britain as a long time and important ally has never been a priority in 0-Man’s heart. But that could all change (And Change is the word) as upstart Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg as been surging lately on a campaign eerily similar to that of our own beloved “Prime Time”. Right now Conservative Party leader Cameron has a slight edge over Brown and new young darling Clegg. Brown looks like a loser to me. Clegg and Cameron, both 43, are emerging as energetic and very good debaters. Clegg uses Obamesque lines like “Something really exciting is beginning to happen. People are beginning to believe, beginning to hope”. But political pollster Andrew Hawkins noted that “many of Clegg’s enthusiastic new supporters know little about his party’s centre-left policies, raising questions of sustainability.” Interesting reminiscence of the last year and a half in US politics.

The Goldman thing has given me a new idea for post retirement income. I’m going to bundle all of the credit card bills of my neighbors, slice and dice them into mini securitized packages, set up a lemon-ade style stand in front of a local brokerage and hawk them to greedy investors. “One to a customer” will really suck them in.

The big difference between the US Debt/GDP ratio and that of EU debt bound nations is that the US can print it’s own money if necessary. Not good, but possible. The EU nations in trouble like the US – Greece, Italy, Ireland, Spain, France – are tied to the Euro and thus not in charge of their own money supply, making their debt more binding. But, not a pretty picture for the US or EU bad boys.

The Answer:
It appears that sensibility and necessity is winning out over irrational exuberance. 30% are paying down debt, 28% are saving it. 26% are paying for energy and food. 7% splurged and went on vacation. 9% aren’t sure or don’t know.

Green Ending:
Celtics In seven!