Behind the fluff.

Today's Tids  (#2552)
Opening Stuff:


Every morning I enjoy listening to interviews of European financial analysts. (Yeah, I know, borrrring). But we get so much news about everything filtered through media, it's informative to listen to what the people on the scene say. Cutting thorough all of the ups and downs of the daily news, Europe is coming down to this. Greece is still the tip of a titanic like ice berg. And Greece will get worse as its main source of jobs, the Government, is forced to make cuts to meet the demands of lenders. Portugal is looking like Greece, but Spain may be the real problem being too big for a bailout. European financial analysts are now reluctantly resorting to the American phrase, "Kicking the can down the road" as the best way to describe the reality of the progress. The up shots: The healthy countries are talking to each other about getting the losers out of the Euro. The Euro will continue to fall against the dollar; resulting in a run up of the US trade deficit as exports from Germany get cheaper. And like a seasonal, allergy it will continue to irritate Wall Street.

As far as I can see, the New IPad is basically a figment of the Eye-magination. The IPad 2 is perfectly acceptable for the majority of people. The HI Rez of the "New" does not make the "2" look bad at all. Most people can't do anything more on the new one than they are already doing on the 2. It's like my watching the big HD TV screen and then going to another room to watch on the 25 year old Sony -- no significant satisfaction change to me. It's like buying a house on the ocean for the view, and then a year later often not noticing that the ocean is there.

Congrats to the Brown U Women's Ski Team for winning the NCAA Slalom championship and for second place in the Giant. Come to Providence and watch them practice on College Hill...avoiding buses and tourists. Excuse me, I like to cheer the locals. It's part of my DNA.

One of those things that has haunted me over the years is Francis or Frances?

The Question:

Quickie "Q" Plus:1. One of my favorite acting performances ever was by a newcomer to me playing a car dealer in the frozen north-land. Who was the actor and co-star and what was the movie? 2. One of the most prolific songwriters was Neil Sedaka. Name five tunes.

The Headlines:

--Retail Sales Up; Market waiting For Godot -- I Mean Bernanke; S&P 500 At 4 Year High.
--Political Eyes On Alabama And Mississippi.
--Arab League Accuses Syria Of Crimes Against Humanity.
--NYC Police Chief High In Polls After Muslim Flap.
--US Drone Attacks Kill 16 Alleged Militants In Pakistan.
--Iraqi Death Squads Target Gays And Emos (Men Who Dress In Distinctive Western Influenced Style)
--Former World News Editor Rebekah Brooks Re-Arrested.

I read a column this morn that doesn't surprise me at all. In fact, it verifies much of what The Tids has observed the past several years that so much of the news is publicity driven. The proliferation of news outlets combined with tighter reins on Newspaper personnel leaves the door wide open for other people generating and writing the "news". And the other people are Public Relations people hired by governments, groups and businesses who want to control what is read and seen. Check out these facts: In 1980 there were about 45 PR workers per 100,000 and 36 journalists. In 2008 it was 90 PR to 26 journalists. And that doesn't take into consideration the slews of amateurs hammering stuff out to the Net. Be careful about what you believe.

Where there's smoke there's Fire, Department:
The White House slipped out a report from one of their Economists late last week that issued a warning of slow growth going forward. They indicated that it would be slower than what the US has enjoyed for decades. I happen to agree, and we have talked often the past several years about paradigm change going on with middle class wage opportunities. We've noted how globalization eventually tends to level all waters. So, this admission is quite significant, and probably very accurate considering that bad news in an election year is not good for candidates. But, the WH economists see the truth and the Politicos are getting out the forecast preemptively, probably to reset the bar lower. I'm thinking this is maybe the Department of Education running the campaign now -- You know, lower the standards and everybody starts looking pretty great.

After the outburst by American Airlines nutty flight attendant, there was the typical knee jerk reaction for new laws that would require mental testing of Airline employees. I suggest they test Youth League Sports coaches first. And, for that, matter, kids parents.

I have a lot of fun during the year poking fun at experts..mainly in sports, politics, finance. Now there is a new website called Pundit Tracker. It will track the predictions of the political talking heads, as well as people like Jim Cramer and even Oscar prognosticators. Could be fun, and even informative. The site may be a little lightweight, but it's a good idea.

This could be the year of US City bankruptcies. And that's exactly what kicking the financial can down the road will get you every time. Often, band-ades can't hold back the blood.

As I was watching Tiger Woods packing up and leaving the golf course Sunday, I'm thinking he got a text on the 12th hole; "Your playing like crap. Use the old ankle injure ruse and come over for an exciting afternoon. You'll like what I'm wearing" Now we know why he was limping.

I can't think of anything more that I would want to do less than this supposed new exercise fad,"Stationary Bike Racing". All work and no scenery. Help me.

According to a very knowledgeable source, Iran's game plan for nuclear development appears based on the North Korea playbook. This is the combined opinions of both NK and Iran watchers -- Agree. Buy time. Renege. And then do it all over again. Iran is also considered buy close observers to be saner than it appears. There threat gives them a degree of control but the reality is that they recognize that launching --and launching is the operative word here -- The Bomb is pressing the button that result in their own annihilation. This is not their objective. The nuclear deterrent strategy lives.

The Answer:

1. I loved William Macy in Fargo. And was there a better co-star than Frances McDourmand? 2. Sedaka was kind of a happy but goofy little singer but he could write songs. He has written or co-written (Mainly with Boyhood pal and lyricist Howard Greenfield) over 500 songs! Yikes! Some of Sedaka's (He was Edye Gorme's cousin) best that he sang were were Oh Delilah, Stairway to heaven, Calendar Girl, Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Bad Girl and Next Door to an Angel. He also wrote, Who's Sorry Now, Where the Boys Are, Love Will Keep us Together, Laughter in The Rain and That's When the Music takes Me. Enough.

I have a little bit of the White House within me. That's why I'm tucking my Final 4 picks down here: Baylor, Wisconsin, Michigan State And Kansas.

Thanks to Hyat Alvi, Ed Fitzpatrick and assorted London analysts.

Eco is the word; Nomics is the suffix.

Today's Tids Issue $2,412
Opening Stuff:
I started to type that the US has a major EcoProblem. But of course, the interpretation of that would depend upon whether you are an environmentalist or business person. When you live in a fragile waterlogged state like RI, you just have to be an environmentalist. But, the issue at hand is all about economics , or we won't be able to afford ecological planning and implementation. And one of the problems that always comes with a swinging pendulum is that the warm and fuzzy eco's have gone to the out edge producing many too many restrictive regulations that make it more and more difficult for economic entities to survive. It is now the other Eco's turn.

Yesterday the traders found their positive news in mergers and some economic data. Today they'll find some negative news to make some extra dough on the profit-taking downslide. It will probably be something about the plight of Europe which has become a handy little investment tool for the manipulators. As in -- Plight equals Blight for American investors.

Normally I don't like the results when I see old favorites "brought up to today". But this Dr. Seuss redux sent in by a reader is not the usual lark, but actually on the mark -- "I do not like this Uncle Sam, I do not like his health care scam. I do not like these dirty crooks, or how they lie & cook the books. I do not like when Congress steals, I do not like their secret deals. I do not like ex-speaker Nan, I do not like this 'Yes We Can'. I do not like this spending spree: I'm smart, I know that nothing's free. I do not like their smug replies, when I complain about their lies. I do not like this kind of hope. I do not like it. Nope, nope, nope...."


The Question:
A reader blasted me yesterday for my mildly disparaging inference about the tediousness of Nat King Cole. He suggested a question: In what movie did we first hear the song "Nature Boy".

The Headlines:

--Fitch Rating Service Reaffirms USA AAA.
--WS Drops On Weak Euro-Data (See Item Above Written BeFore Opening)
--Industrial Output rises; Calms Recession Fears.
--Europe Solution Stalls; Merkl-Sarkozy Meet.
--0-Man On Trail Grapples For Eco-Fix And Political narrative.

Back to More Stuff:
All of those experts deconstructing Tiger Woods these days have has indicated that his guiding principle underlying the comeback could be found in the maxim: "Change is always better". He'd better check Obama on that one.

It looks like Iraq needs a good ole fashioned brutal dictator to quell the violence of freedom. Ooops!

I play so much Free cell on the computer that I think my cards are fading. Maybe it's the afternoon sun. I could put #30 lotion on my screen.

I heard someone comparing the Federal government to a family that makes $21,500/year, has expenses of $38,000, with credit card balances totaling $126,000. Sounds like a pretty deep hole to me.

Analysts on both sides are saying that the Prez is turning into "Cliche Man" as the ability to generate realistic solutions to an enormous problem elude his grasp. And I agree that a fix to an economy is not a simple one despite the cries form both sides.

I don't know whether or not the newest US export will help with the trade imbalance, but it is certainly going to add to a negative US stereotype -- Gang organization! Yup, the English gangs say proudly that they are copying the American model for street violence. I wonder if we can claim copyright royalties?

For the newcomers to The Tids, the Novel in serial form, "Almost Near" is about a woman who returns to the town she loves only to find that nobody there knows who she is. While there she finds one man who seems to care. Unbeknownst to her, he does who she is. He sets out to find the causes behind her apparent trauma. She sets out to find out who she is.

I have never had any inclination to eat shark fin soup. Does that make me an environmentalist? Save the environment -- Eat Cheetos!

Almost Near: Chapter 34 continues. Before Tucker could stop the car or ask about "Tommy", Samantha was the out the door of the still rolling car. She hurried up the front walkway of her home. She slowed for a minute, turned, "Common Tommy, you'll love seeing what Martha has done to the house." Then she turned and ran up the stairs. She looked so happy, he thought.
Tucker took his time, trying to figure out what to do next. he thought meeting Dante might be tough on her, but never expected this. By the time he reached the door, it was open and a little girls was hugging Sam's legs. "Mama, Samantha's back".
Back? Tucker then realized that this was where she must have gone the days he ran from Lobster Cove.
A woman came up behind the girl and smiled enthusiastically at Sam. But then her eyes opened wildly, "Tommy! You're back together." Then she ran out and gave him ahuge friendly hug.
"Yes, Tommy and I seemed to have oicked up right where left off." Tucker closed his eyes and shuddered.


In reaction to the Tea Party Movement, ex-"O"staffer Van Jones has launched the "American Dream Movement". Jones, a true progressive says his party is for higher taxes on the rich, corporations and Wall Street; Expanded safety Net More $$ for Education & infrastructure; Curbs on Lobbyists (Like the American Dream Movement?). The basic premise of the organization's campaign and "Contract" is that "the nation isn't broke; it's merely imbalanced."

The Last American Dream Movement I remember was when Frank and Congressional panels made it easy to assure home ownership for all regardless of their ability to pay the mortgage. The American dream has always been about equal opportunity for all. Not equal results for all.

The Answer:
The song "Nature Boy" always bothered me. It was from a wierd little movie "The Boy with the Green Hair." I didn't see it becasue it didn't have guns or Bugs Bunny in it. The song was also revised in the 2001 movie Moulon Rouge.

The End:
While I believe in protecting the environment, I am not particularly infatuated with environmentalists who build unwieldy tyrannical organizations that seem to take pleasure in intimidating their fellow citizens.
.

Today is Head-in-Sand Day.

Today's Tids Issue 2,405
Opening Stuff:

What stock market?

I have noticed that people are often amazed to find out that people from diverse countries such as Korea, France, Iran or Argentina for example are exactly like they are. That may be because the media reports on the extremes of these peoples, or characteristics that occur only in the minds of the myopic like Hollywood directors. People are people everywhere and want to be treated and understood just like we do here. They have the same problems raising families and making ends meet. They rejoice at good news with the same enthusiasm.

When I read labels on products in grocery stores, passers-by probably admire me for being calorie and nutrition consciousness. Actually I'm usually checking to be sure there isn't anything healthy like fruit in it.

All winter and Spring I have been happily watching on the Golf Channel a bevy of young stars vie for the weekly championship. Today it became the Tiger Channel and the rest of them disappeared from the face of the earth. Watch Tiger hitch his belt. Watch Tiger analyze grass. Watch tiger fade a carve. All this while 30 other golfers were ahead of him in the standings, still competitive with each otehr, still making great shots. It's all about money.

The Question: 
How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died? Name five of her best known movies. (Editor's Note: Isn't it interesting that when dealing with "Pop Culture" actors you have to ask about "best known" rather than "best" as often many are quite mediocre.)

The Headlines:

--Economy Adds 117K Jobs; Unemployment Dips To 9.1%.
--Dow Stocks Up 1% At Opening; Then Drops Off Cliff; NASDAQ Down Even More.
--Italy's Increased Borrowing Cost Casts Cloud Over Europe.
--Daffy's Youngest Son And Key Military Leader May have Been Killed In Most Recent NATO Air Attack.
--Second British Newspaper Group, Trinity Mirror, PLC, In sights Of Hacking Litigation Lawyers.
--USPS Posts $3.2 Billion Loss In Quarter; Faces Possibility Of Default.
--North Kingstown RI's Elizabeth Biesle Wins More Gold In National Swim Championships Following Her Success At World Event In Shanghai.

Back to More Stuff:
This is the time when the best thing to do is what is really hard to do...hold onto stocks. There are at least two good reasons 1. The "Duh reason is that if you don't sell the market doesn't go down as deeply. 2. The strategy reason is that by holding you don't have to "time" the return of the market. But then, logic becomes impossible when considering that it is really all about the big institutional investors.
You have to figure that part of the reason Tiger Woods is back is becasue of disappearing sponsorships and a looming $54 million mortgage. Which suggests the question: Did the pain in his pocketbook over come the pain in his knee?

The reason why the debt ceiling debate became so confused was that nobody in DC knew how to deal with a party with principles.

Reminder Department:
We have a small host of new readers. They may not be aware that they can see all of the Tids old and new, and pretty pictures of RI too -- at http://www.todaystids.blogspot.com

Why do I think that Jason Day could become a bigger star than Rory. Already I'm just using McElroy's first name. Jason hasn't arrived there yet.

Happy Jumping Off Tall Buildings Day, Department:
A reason why the market is so unpredictable and ornery these days may be found in the headline this morning: "Employment improvement eases recession fears.". The number 117K isn't like fantastic, or even close to what it takes for a robust economy, but it "beat expectations". And, these days that's all it takes to eaed recession fears.Amazing!  Based on that sketchy report, how long do you think this fragile market will stay up. 2:00PM today? Oops...it didn't even make it that far. Up 167 at the opening, it is already wobbling a between -98 and -114. Make that -148.

And then there are the experts who believe that we never left the first recession.

I wonder what Sharpton would say if I titled this Tids, "How would have Little Black Sambo tamed Tiger Woods." Actually, Sambo was one of my boyhood heroes. Frankly I always thought he to be one of the smartest, coolest and bravest of all childhood story characters. But, he disappeared simply because of the overreaction to race hysteria.

If historians were to label our current era in time, I could accept "The Irrational Age" as appropriate.

People on opposing sides try to out shout each other as to who caused this public/private recession and general financial decline in the fed, state and local governments -- Obama, Bush II, Clinton, Frank, Pelosi,,,you name him or her. But I put the blame on the mother of all give-away artists, LBJ. The beginning of the end began with the great society. Period. It was that moment that began to produce asociety of takers rather than doers. Whne the government and Pols starting making promises that were economically unsustainable.

Almost Near: Chapter 32 continues. --"I'll be back in your area tomorrow, and I'll give you a call. Let's just say that we seem to be both working the same thing. That you know some things that I don't, and I have a lot of information that could be helpful to you." Tucker didn't tell him that Samantha had no idea yesterday who Dante was. Was it his feelings for her not to make her look foolish. He looked down and started started thinking about this poor disturbed woman sitting in his home or on his boat alone in the world; in a world of conflict. How awful it must be. How damaging is it to the little she has left. He barely heard Dante through his trance saying he would await Tucker's call.
"And thanks for contacting me. "
  Tucker said a mechanical good-bye. He pressed off and the on in rapid succession. He punched in Samantha's cell phone. He could hear his heart beating as he now hoped she hadn't done anything drastic since they last talked.
"Hello?" came a soft reply. "Is that you Tucker?"
"It is surely me, my beautiful Samantha!" Tucker tried to be as upbeat as he could . "Are you sailing?"
"Are you crazy Tucker!" Then she laughed, and Tucker's body came back to life.
"I just thought you had watched me enough and could get it going. You are a pretty good sailor you know. It must be inbred from your childhood days." Now there was a silence.
"My childhood days?" She was back to sounding unsure. Tucker quickly changed the subject.
"I'll be home tomorrow, and we can have a big celebration!"
"Oh Tucker. That's sounds wonderful. I can hardly wait." He heard a kiss into the phone. Just then the door was yanked open.
"You look like a man in love." Audrey smiled warmly at him and kissed his cheek. Tucker clicked the off button and slid it into his pocket.

Reading between The Lines Movie Reviews:
--Rise of the Planet of the Apes is easily the best of the genre. Not only that, it is good for any genre. It could be called The Curse of PETA as the apes rise up against the humans who cage them and use them as test rats. It is very believable which makes it very scary. Here Rover, have my Filet Mignon, I don't really need it. See best friend, I'm nice. Oops, Filet Mignon? Could the next one be Rise of the Planet of the Cows? Anyhow, worth the dough if you like this kind of stuff. May be a little too moralistic for me.
--First, I'm having trouble writing an unbiased report about a movie that relies on baby poop for humor. It is actually raunchy in general, but supposedly with an important message. It is another of those body switching, the grass is greener stories. Too best friends, free wheeling Mitch and perfect family man Dave envy each other's spot in life. But it's not so rosy when man-boy Mitch wakes up in Dave's body which requires raising kids and dealing with a wife...and, a girl friend? Dave looks for the joys of a no responsibility Mitch life an soon finds it lacking.

The Answer:
MM was 36 went she put herself to sleep for eternity. Some Like it Hot may be her best known, although 7 Year Itch and Gentlemen Prefer Blonds rank high. Her last movie with Gable, The Misfits, was a disturbing loser. But then many who went to watch Monroe on screen didn't really care about a plot. Others were How to Marry a Millionaire, Niagara and river of No Return. her first movie in 1947 was "Dangerous Years".

The Weak End:
Is it safe to turn on CNBC yet?

Lie on a wildflower covered hill and find faces in the clouds.

Hey! I'm Ronnie.

Today's Tids Issue 2,286
Opening Stuff:

The Prez threw down the gauntlet Tuesday night when he challenged Americans to "Get to Work" in his "Win the Future" SOU speech. Little did we know that in reality he probably was trying to inspire admin gremlins who appear to be kicking off a monumental new branding campaign in Time mag that would try to induce Americans into believing that "Ronald Reagan is Obama's new role model". (And the future was 2012!) Huh? The cover photo will show two happy presidents laughing together with the headline, "Why Obama (Red Heart) Reagan." Does this sound like a man in panic mode. I think so. Last week I thought all of our respected pundits were comparing 0-Man to JFK for his can-doism rhetoric. This is a smart move right? Surely it will bring together all of the Libs who absolutely hated Ronnie and surely the Conservatives who will be scoffing in disbelief over their meatloaf. Meanwhile Time is trying to survive by putting just about anything on their cover that will move magazines. What a crock.

BTW, who do you think thought of this PR clunker? Time? Probably not. How about the White House and their new Press guy, ex-Time Magazine child prodigy Jay Carney. What a mess.

It doesn't get much better than driving down a narrow road with massive white drifts piled high and the crunch of night frozen snow under the tires. And maybe moonlight filtering through leafless trees.

The "Academy" (Doncha love the precious little term for H-Woods Narcissistic bandits) says that the outstanding documentary ""Waiting for Superman" was excluded from nominations because some experts deemed it, "An inaccurate exaggeration of Charter Schools." And yet this same "August" group of quasi-intellectuals in denial gave the Oscar to Al Gore's fairy tale look at the global climate - "An Inconvenient Truth." Beware of the movie exec who snidely remarks that it is impossible to believe that Hollywood has anything to do with the decline of American values.

Smart shopping can save a ton of money...especially now as prices skyrocket. I wouldn't buy anything that isn't on sale. Nothing is that dear that you should be coerced into overpaying for it.

The Question:
Weekend Double Special -- 1. Name those tragically killed in the Challenger Tragedy. 2. The media has induced many into complaining about the snow, but my only woe is the absence of "24". Give your five favorite moments and I'll give you mine.

The Headlines:

--Challenger Victims Honored 25 Years Later.
--4th Q Economic Expansion OF 3.2% Good But below Expectations Of 3.5; Ford reveals Steep Earning's Drop For 4Q; S&P 500 At 29 Month High.
--Egypt Protests Grow In Violence.
--Arizona Files Plan Opposing Automatic Citizenship For Children Of Illegal Immigrants; Hope Is To Bring Dispute Into The Courts To Test Constitutionality Of Fourteenth Amendment.
--Medvedev Signed Nuke Pact This Morn.
--Geithner In Davos Swiss Is Cautious Saying Economy Moving But Don't Look For Boom.

Back to More Stuff:
Since 1904 the snowiest January's have been 1995, 2005, 1948 and 2011.

I see where oil man Kennedy and his heat for the poor commercial is acknowledging that perhaps Hugo may not be the kind of guy you want to bring home to Mom. But it goes on quite forcefully to say that he runs the only country who cares enough to help the poor by offering sympathetic heating oil pricing. In other words, Communism is good. Weasel.

A recent celebrity birthday report puts Alan Alda's age at a year and a half older than me. But when I was in high school with him he was 3-4 years ahead of me. Either he was a child whiz or I was slow or his publicist lies.

In response to the Kucinich/Olive Pit saga, an Ohio reader suggests that Kucinich is a true "Buckeye" -- "A useless nut." Frankly, I think he is Pitiful.

Almost Near: Chapter 4 continues. --"By the way, I'm Tucker. Tucker Louttite." The stranger hauled on the rope, pulled the gray dory close and took a giant step up to the dock -- wavering a bit so that he had to grab Sanantha's shoulder for balance. His face was close to hers. "You can call me Tuck." he backed away.
Samantha seemed flustered, and relieved in some way she couldn't comprehend. I'm Samantha Jergans" And then she laughed, "You can call me Sam!" "Sam and Tuck." And she laughed again.
Tucker just stood there and enjoyed what he saw. "This way, Samantha." They waked up the dock as Sam told him how much she loved this town of his.
"Oh I'm not from here. I was born in New Castle up out of Portsmouth." He nodded his head North.
He opened the door and they walked into the hubbub. The place seemed friendlier to Sam. The stone faced waitress watched the pair move to a corner table by the window. Tuck was shaking hands and quipping with just about everybody along the way.
Samantha was thinking that this is a comfortable joint. She was smiling as Tucker pulled out her chair.

A winter without snow is a waste of three great cold months.

No president in my memory has been better at staying in the spotlight than the old White House rascal Bill. Unless of course you remember Gerald Ford beaning the innocent with Golf balls.

Reading between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The Mechanic is about an assassin, Arthur Bishop, of extraordinary capabilities -- thorough, efficient and Clean. He is always in demand for the most complex challenges. It all changes when his best friend Harry is murdered, and the next killing becomes personal. The revenge becomes more complicated when Harry's son Steve approaches Bishop with the same goal. And, asks to learn the assassin's killing secrets. The critics will pan while the fans pay out big bucks.
--Anthony Hopkins The Rite will be another fan favorite and critics victim. A young seminary student in the Vatican to learn about exhorcism meets an older, unorthodox priest who introduces him to the pervasiveness of the devil in the most unsuspecting places. The student must rise above the ugly forces of Satan. This is a scary and at times cover-your-eyes flick. The ending is worth waiting for.

Tiger Woods Inc. is a classic example of how public relations works to the detriment of the truth or reality. All of the papers and Radio this morning lead with "Woods shoots 3 under 69; Looks like he is back" or some variation of that. He is in a tie for 24th place. The real head should have read "The Woods P/R Machine is back".

Oops! Crop Circles have appeared in Indonesian rice paddies. I guess that means we have equal opportunity, politically correct aliens. Ooooo-weeee-ooooo

The Answer:
1. Of course, everybody knows teacher Christa McAuliffe, but equally deceased are the Commander Francis Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Ronald McNair, Ellison, Onizuka, Judith Resnik and Michael Smith. 2. For some reason the death of the wonderful Edgar character always comes to mind. Then I see the bride-to-be secret spy murdering her fiance, Nina being revealed as the mole, Michelle loving Tony, Chloe's enigmatic eyes at all times, the cancer ridden Chief taking over for Jack steering the nuke laden plane in to the dessert. And that music that closed the moving scene. There are so many that I frankly have trouble describing them all. It is a hard question when there is so much that was so good! KThunk. Kthunk. KThunk.

The New Beginning (Or is it the End?):
Now that "Ronnie" is back in the White House I'm going to stop worrying about the growing national debt and declining national sence of responsibility. So rest easy this weekend and enjoy.

I don’t hate you.

Today's Tids Issue 2,208
Opening Stuff:

I think the media has finally gone too far by over promoting…The Sun. Stirring peoples passions to the point where they must mindlessly jump in their cars to follow the big ball of heat in the sky. And when they have savored their god while roasting their bodies, what is their reward? Gigantic traffic jams.

I’ve talked about this before, but now that the silly season (Isn’t it odd that we can dub the period in which Americans analyze and determine who will be their future leaders, the silly season) is in session, the “Hate” rhetoric accelerates. Isn’t it awful that people can actually say that they hate people because of party affiliation? I mean people have to start being a little more flexible. How can you hate another human being who you could easily like personally…and vice versa…just because of some superficial tag they are wearing? How can we assume that all people dubbed with some ideological designation automatically think exactly alike. Frankly, it is impossible. Like just because you are for a strong military, it doesn’t mean you have to support fighting stupid wars. Or just because you feel for the poor, it doesn’t mean you can’t help them without giving them money for no effort. I may not agree with a lot of things other’s believe in, but I don’t hate them for believing. I find it hard to believe that everybody can’t be perceptive and as understanding as me!

Every generation of kids always looks back at pictures and swears they neve r wore those ugly clothes of their era. Burnt orange, saddle stitched, pegleg pants! Never.

The Question:
Name five of the earliest great explorers of the US East Coast.

The Headlines:

Stocks Down In Lightest Volume Of The Year.
--& US Soldiers Killed In New Afghan Fighting.
--Prez Exhorts GOP To Halo Pass Small Biz Bill; GOP Faithful Wonde3rs Why Prez Didn’t Listen To Public When Signing Public Unions Extortion Bill.
“Earl” Roars Through Northern Caribbean; Could U’S’ East Coast Be Next?
--American’s Spending A Bit More; Economy Still Limping.
--100’s Of Thousands Of Good Old Americans jam Lincoln memoriam For Beck’s “Restoring Honor’ Rally; CBS Lowballs Crowds At 87,000 (+9K); Most Other Media Have It Between 300-500K.
--Roger Clements Pleads Not Guilty.

Back to More Stuff:

Two of the best picks by the Patriots in recent drafts have been Gostkowski and Gronkowski. I think they’re onto something.

I was thinking as Woods got off to his 6 under start in the FedEx, that if he would win some writer will argue that the FedEx should count when measuring majors against Nicklaus. You know it is going to happen someday when somebody decides to rewrite history.

After a long hard winter, Spring brings a welcome releaf.

When Calderon preaches to American citizens, I'm trhinking... is there a worse person to talk about how to run a country

The Sun is ruining my summer!.

Regardless of what the media declares as the official estimates for the Beck rally, the reality is that there is an incredibly strong undercurrent of “Lets do something about this rudderless government of ours” grabbing the American public. This will foster higher turnouts by conservatives and independents which may get lost in “do you like” polling. Let’s say that the polls say 51% Dems over 49% GOP, but 85% of Republicans and Indies show up to vote -- GOP wins. That has been evident in some polling misreads in the early primaries.

There is nothing new under the sun Department:
Pundits are praising the cleverness of Google for the way it changes its logo for the occasion. And I agree it is clever…just as it was very clever for the same logo alteration technique for Time Magazine promotions 35 years or so ago.

As far as I can see, this entire fascination and over saturation of news about “green diets” is sure to accomplish one thing – higher priced lettuce.

I have come to the conclusion that the group in America most deserving of the title “Entitlement Kings”, are adult bicycle riders.

In addition, through careful observation I have determined that the car most consistently baring the Obama bumper sticker is the Subaru. Call me an ideological profiler, but I now look askance at anybody driving a Subaru.

The Answer:
The first that comes to my mind is Henry Hudson. Then I think of Adrian Block. Samuel de Champlain, Lief Erickson (Maybe Newport RI), Thomas Walker and Giovanni da Verrazzano’

The End:
In response to Today’s Tids, Subaru reports a high incidence of service reports with the words “scratch off Obama sticker”.

Due to an extraordinarily slow computer, TTSE didn't not make it today.

They may have Subaru, but I love them anyhow.

And they lived happliy ever after.

Today's Tids Issue 2,0106
Opening Stuff:

How ironic. How apropos. How delicious. While the TV cameras caressed the body of golf’s all time greatest reprobate (Albeit a talented reprobate), the finale scene was a perfect ending for a beautiful fairy tail with the Prince kissing the battling Princess. With tears running down the cheeks of all who could see. Amidst cheers for goodness and love. It is a perfect ending to a terrific sports event where we weren’t forced into the gutter to find the stories.

Yester-daze is a nostalgic discussion.

“You Can Call Me Ray…” Department:
“…You can call me Jay. But just don’t call me Johnson.” Not so fast Ray J. Johnson. Two of the five most respected US companies according to a new Harris poll of all Americans are #2 Johnson & Johnson and #5 SC Johnson! The others in the top five are Berkshire-Hathaway – 1, Google – 3 and 3M – 4. What you don’t want to be called is BB as in Bobby Bailout – The bottom 9 with the worst reputations in America in the eyes of Citizens and taxpayers are Freddie Mac, AIG, Fannie Mae, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Chrysler, GM, JP Morgan and Bank of America. And you might want to add Nike to that list after their blatantly bad taste commercial in support of their money machine. How about you can call me Eldritch but just don’t call me Tiger.

The Question:
145 years ago today a wonderful General Robert E. Lee Surrendered to U.S. Grant who just happened to be in charge at the end of the war.. Name five top Confederate and five top Union generals. Who are considered the worst generals?

The Headlines:
--Polish Mourn Death Of President Lech Laczynski And 95 Military And Civilian Leaders.
--Two Of Remaining Four Teams In reality Show Amazing Race Are From Rhode Island.
--Nuke Summit Convenes In DC; Aim Is Stop Security Gaps That May Lead To Terrorist Nuke Capability.
--Hillary’s Name Whispered As Potential Supreme Court Nominee.
--New Survey Says Recovery Expected To Remain Sluggish Into 2011.
--Google CEO Says His Company Can Help Newspapers Make Money On Line.
--Kirgyz Riots Said To Have Been Incited By Russia.
--Another new Bailout Plan Has Prospects For Greece Brightening.

Back to More Stuff:

This is the month when the trees in the forests must feel like parents of children going off to war. It is annual report month when millions of pounds of paper are sent to war in effort to justify the operations of companies. And, practically nobody reads them. And the older forests wonder why their children were sent off to die.

Did you hear about the boy trapped up in a tree? He yelled down to his cousin to find his dad. The cousin cried uncle!

The Tiger Woods travesty is just the latest example of the “Too big to Fail” mantra that allows Americans to be conned on a daily basis. While Alan “Not Me” Greenspan soaked in his beloved bathtub, the scammers on Clueless Lane (Wall Street) ran wild loaning money they never had. Knowing that they didn’t have to worry because the government would ever let them fail. And the bailouts, regardless of their apparent success, are in fact the crack cocaine of an addicted financial community. Check this video out. It explains it all in a nice neat, easy to understand package: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/36233217#36233217

Eldritch Woods should be studying avian science. Yesterday, two Alaskan eagles apparently got caught up in the throes of intense lovemaking in the air. They forgot about the rocky cliffs. In there irrational exuberance, they came crashing into the cliff, killing the male and seriously injuring the female. She is still in a dazed, confused state but has been overheard saying, “It’s never been like that before.”

Editors Note: For years now I have been labeling Wall Street as “Clueless Lane” primarily for either their inability, ineptitude, or maybe strategic disinterest in guiding the fortunes of the average investor. They appear to have no sense of what’s happening and seem to have a profound incapacity of seeing warning signs in advance of disaster. But, to call them Clueless, probably isn’t fair – considering the fortunes they have built for themselves building products that nobody understands. So basically, they are good for themselves.

If they are experts, why were they surprised that Woods did pretty well at the masters?

Sarah Palin would be better if her voice wasn’t so screechy. But don’t tell that to the apparent millions who adore her…or at least what she says.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 65 continues. –After I had learned what I had wanted from Henry, I spent the rest of our meeting trying to gracefully get away. Henry likes things to just wind down pleasantly. It would do me no good to push to get out. Although I must admit I was starting to exhibit some of my inner sensations as I looked forward to seeing Sarah.
But, Henry didn’t stop or ewven look like he was winding down. He seemed to be on a mission. “Did you ever meet Bromsky’s niece Laura?” He paused, “I mean did Seymore ever bring her to the office where you might have met her? I don’t say a word. I simply continued my stony posture for about ten seconds. “Laura?” I quickly added, “She was one of the vandals, wasn’t she?” Then, “Why do you ask?”
“Well,” he started, “She is becoming an intriguing person. I know you are a good observer of people and thought you may have seen her at BiEm with Bromsky.”
“I have seen her,” I quickly responded, “But I can’t tell you where.” Henry nodded.
Then He looked at his watch and quickly said slowly but strangely abruptly, “Well, I gotta go. Good to see you Kent.” He stood and reached out his hand which I shook. Henry was thinking about something. I left with head full of new questions.

How to Ruin your Superficial Credibility Department:
Sally Quinn, one of those basic elite liberal minded columnists who fool wanabees by writing and speaking well, started a discussion about the Obama/Palin flap over Nukes by actually saying “She (Palin) didn’t say ‘Nuclear’ correctly!” How tired is that? What it means to me is that Quinn thinks that Palin probably got the upper hand in the Prez/Gov skirmish. Nucular. Nucular. Nucular! I love to watch English majors squirm.

BTW, if you look back in time, nuclear has been pronounced nucular by Eisenhower and , surprise, Bill Clinton. Jimmy Carter pronounced it “newkeeuh”.

Do you have the feeling that the Pope is employing the well proven Bill Clinton strategy of deny, deny, deny until the reporters get tired of talking about it?

For nearly twenty five years I have used the type font “Century Gothic” as the basis for my little company’s standard look for invoices, proposals, letterheads, fax covers etc. This morning I learn that experts say it is the most efficient typeface for saving ink! Hey! I’m an environmentalist!

I received a letter Saturday form the Dean of something at Lehigh U informing me and fellow fraternity brother alums that our Chi Phi was being brought up on police charges resulting from some hazing activities. The letter suggested that it might not go well for our undergrad group at all since they were still on probation for something like cocaine distribution! Yikes. But here’s the funny part. My inside unnamed source writes to tell me that, “One of their pledges, for some reason that I will never understand, wrote his English paper on how he was hazed at Chi Phi. The English teacher turned it into the police.” Now here’s the big question. What kind of English teachers are we tuning out these days?

The straw poll from the latest Republican confab in New Orleans has Romney and Paul tied at the top at 24%. Second is Palin and Gingrich tied at 18%. In the previous GOP get together the straw poll had Paul at 31%, Romney at 22%, Palin at 7% and Pawlenty at 6%. Romney did weel despite being the only no show candidate in NO. He was out there explaining his Mormonism to Christian groups. Seems to be working. He, Sarah and Newt made the biggest leaps forward. And coincidentally the three recently have made the boldest anti-Obama statements.

You have probably heard about Spirit Airline’s announcement of a $45 charge for carry-on luggage. Chucky “I never miss an opportunity to spout” Schumer says he is going to do something about it. Here’s what you do about it Senator Socialist, Nothing? Do you have any concept of the American free enterprise economic model? If people don’t like it, they’ll find another airline. If they are dumb enough to pay it they’ll get ripped off. It’s the same thing as letting banks fail. If you are stupid you get burned.

My current personal favorite politician is Michelle Bachman.

While the papers are filled with congressional investigations and personal injury lawyer assaults on Toyota, Forbes announces the new list of “America’s Worst Built Cars (and Pick-ups)”. Tops is the Cadillac Escalade followed by the Chevy Aveo, Chevy Colorado, Dodge Nitro, Ford F-250, GMC Canyon and Jeep Wrangler.

The Answer:
Tops for the South after the brilliant Lee were Stonewall Jackson of Clarksburg WVa, P.G.T. Beauregard, AP Hill, George Pickett, Jeb Stuart, James Longstreet, John Pemberton and Jubal Early. The North had problems finding aleader among Ambrose Burnside of RI, George Custer, Abner Doubleday, George Meade, William Tecumseh Sherman, Phillip Sheridan and George McClelland. Most of the Top 10 Worst Generals were form the North – The worst was Butler followed by McClellan, Burnside, Bragg, Siegle and Banks all USA. Then comes the first and only CSA, Gideon Pillow followed by Buell, Rosecrans and Kilpatruck.

Musings:

Doesn't it appear that a lot of the common sense opposition to this run-away Congress and admin is coming from the Southern states? Let's all hope they win this war!

President Pollyanna

Today's Tids Issue 2,105
Opening Stuff:

At his inauguration yesterday, the new President of the University of Rhode Island he vowed among other things to turn the phrase often used sarcastically and derogatorily – “Only in Rhode Island” -- into a positive description of unique statewide innovative and creative thinking and action. Commendable! But, I’m not holding my breath.

Most things are hard before they are easy.

It is no surprise that Justice Stevens just announced his decision to step down in June. The big question is just how much of his far left personna will the Great Mocker show in naming a replacement. Stevens is reputed to be the leader of the left on the court and I have to expect that he stepped down now before the Novemeber elections fearing that the Republicans will regain strength to the point of being able to squash truely liberal nominees. This may be the last chance for the 0-Man to ge the liberal activist he wants. Should be good TV.

The Question:
51 years ago today NASA named the first 7 astronauts. Who were they?

Today’s Headlines:
--Nuke Treaty Dramatically Reduces Arms Of The Two Mightiest; Will Have No Effect On “Loose” Nukes, Suitcase Bombs and Other Instruments Of Catastrophic Terrorism.
--North Korea Vows To Keep Building Nukes.
--Israel PM Cancels Attendance At Nuke Summit In Washington.
--Survivor Producer Bruce Beresford-Redman Is Person Of Interest In Death Of Wife In Cancun.
--The Newt-ster Calls Obama Most Radical President Ever; Says 0-Man Heads Giant Secular, Socialist Machine.
--Brad Stupak To Retire From Congress.
--Toxic Smoke, Fire Fears Have WVa Rescue Team Backing Off; 4 Minors Still Missing.
--Thailand Protestors Take Over TV Compound.

Back to More Stuff:

Newt Gingrich’s no holds barred words weren’t the only indication that he maybe launching a 2012 presidential campaign. He strode into the Southern Republican Leadership Conference to the triumphant sound of “Eye of the Tiger”! Oops. Tiger?

General news reports from The Masters are saying that cheers for the reprehensible sex maniac were louder than ever. But a more insightful analysis showed that over 30% of the watchers stood defiantly with arms severely folded across their chests. CBS announcers were whoring it up in their over the top cheery evaluation of the Tiger effort…except Curtis Strange who was the single source of honesty. (Will they let him talk today?) While the adulation by the morally bankrupt fans was going on, Woods lover and stripper Joslyn James strode on a stage at the Pink Pony yesterday afternoon wearing a “Green Jacket”…and with back up dancers all with the curious look of Elin! Don’t expect CBS to send Katie Couric there for an up close and personal!

Meanwhile in San Francisco the enlightened there in the form of City Supervisors passed some new rules. In addition to things like banning plastic bags at grocery stores they passed a resolution to promote “Meatless Monday”. Hey if it’s illogical, go for alliteration! They say they are not forcing citizens to go meatless, but you know that is exactly what they would like to do. Strangely these secularists often on the side of atheists are behaving more like the Catholic Church with their meatless Fridays. The world gets weirder and weirder.

If many successful people are married to their jobs, does that mean that temporary employees are just dating?

UPS drivers average $75,000 per year. Brown is beautiful.

If you still think you are young, I remind you that the cute little Cosby tyke Keisha Knight-Pullam turned 31 today!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 65 continues: Henry was busy writing a report when I arrived. He asked me to sit for a few minutes. This is out of character for the affable lawman. If the Bromsky affair came under his jurisdiction I might understand his busy-ness. But, this is still just Fosterville. It didn’t take long for him to look up, but it took longer than it usually takes. “Hi, detective Middleton” he smiled. He loved to say that.
“You look busier than ever,” I started.
“Oh,” he began, “I’m not really. I just got so caught up in that great mystery of ours that I let a lot of mundane paperwork slide. Sorry for the delay.”
“Apology accepted, Boss”. I played along. Better to be amiable with this cagy codger. I decided.
“Since we have the evil gang in hand, I’m putting this vandalism case to bed. There are plenty of unanswered questions, though. I guess the biggest is this lights out episode. It seems to me that it was more than just a coincidental technical failure. What do you think?”
I know how and why the lights went out. So instead of revealing anything, I asked, “What did your interviews with the electric company people tell you?”
“They told me that it was some kind of momentary outside circumstance like a lightening strike. They said like a lightening strike. We know it was a clear and pleasant evening.” He paused and looked at his shoes. “I’d just fold up this case if it wasn’t for the kidnapping of the two kids eventually found in Bromsky’s lab.” I just nodded.
Stop talking Henry, thought. I’m not going to say anything, and besides I’m getting anxious to see Sarah. I just said in my usual non-committal way. “It is odd. I don’t what to say.”
He looked right through me.

Do you think people in government really care who put them there? In Iraq the loser doesn’t care that the people put the other guy there. He isn’t stepping aside anyhow. His logic – I’m here. Does anybody rally care about anything? Golf fans don’t care that Tiger is a slug. Losers didn’t care if the voters want them out. In’s don’t care if the people they represent want something else. Politicians in general don’t care if they lie. We live in the cover-up age.

You may have read about 0-Man’s new nuke strategy which essentially eliminates many nations from general targeting. The Tids has obtained the 0-List for US nuke targets – North Korea, Iran and Fox News. Jay Leno sent it over from an unnamed source.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Date Night looked pretty good in the promotional trailers, and it seems to have fulfilled the promise. The Tids never looks at star power, only plot and satisfaction. But the Carell/Fey duo looks great together. A couple out for their Friday night date think they are pretty clever and daring when they snag a table reserved for another couple at the latest “In” restaurant. Unfortunately for them, the original couple is in big trouble with the mob. Fey and Carell don’t know what hit them, and they carry the relentless chase through well. I’ll be there.
--One of the great newish mystery series is that of the recently deceased Stig Larsson. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first of the series, and it turns out to also be a fine 2 ½ hour movie that zips along. A disgraced reporter is sentenced to jail. A millionaire industrialist hires him to find the murderer of his niece 40 years earlier. A mystery female hacker, an eerie Goth, hacks into his files. They become a duo in the chase to uncover the murderer and it leads them on a frightening journey and the discovery of a series of similar murders of young women. Some will cover their eyes at the all too vivid scenes of grisly murder, sodomy, sadism, torture and rape. It’s a Swedish film.
--The Runaways almost makes it. In fact half of it, the wrong half , makes it very well. The movie is about the Dokota Fanning character Cherie Currie (It is her memoir), but the most intriguing part is about her band mate Joan Jett played outstandingly by Kristen Stewart. It’s about the formation of the band that eventually launched Jett. Currie was selected for her body and good looks as the cherry on top of whipped cream. It is supposed to be about her fragile psyche. It’s a decent look at the sometimes ugly, seedy inner workings of rock bands.

The Answer:
Until April 9, 1959 the only spacemen familiar to people were Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon…and maybe a Jules Verne character or two. But 51 years ago today fearless space travelers became real people – Alan Sheppard, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Deke Slayton. In that followed Americans idolized their every movement. They were national heroes.

Punning off:

It often takes blunt talk to make a fine point.

Nausea at Ray's Creek.

Today's Tids Issue 2,104
Opening Stuff:

Remember when a Shrimp Cocktail was a premiere appetizer at any restaurant and often a highlight of special occasion dining? Now the little swimmers are ubiquitous accompaniments to all occasions large and small. “Oh no, not shrimp again!” They still taste great though. Actually I have my cocktail party sports jackets made with specially lined waterproof pockets. When you are tired of talking about the weather and health insurance plan options, reach in your pocket and offer a shrimp. You’ll be the hit of the do.

How many people across this great nation last night threw up on their living room carpets while watching the introduction of the new Tiger Woods self serving commercial featuring the voice of his dead father? The Woods rescue plan is as despicable as his total disregard for morality.

The Question:
What significant event in the history of recent American Culture happened this week?

The Headlines:
--New Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly.
--Icelanders Leaving Homeland In Drove Amidst Volcanic Disruption And Corruption (Or Maybe Stupidity) Induced National Bankruptcy Fears.
--Riots Force Kyrgyzstan To Form Interim Government Backed By Army; Opposition Want US Base Closed.
--Stocks Expected To Pull back After Months Of Gains; Opening Futures Down.
--0-Man, Mevedev Sign Nuke Treaty; Pact Contains Easy Out For Russia.
--Oil Prices Fall After Month Long Rally.
--Search Continues For 4 remaining Missing Miners In West Virginia; B-Ball Team Coach Huggins, Brings Gear, Good Will To Help Console Relatives Of Dead.
--Greece Plunges Deeper into Crisis; Borrowing Costs Surge.

Back to More Stuff:

GM, 61% owned by taxpayers lost $4.3 Billion in the last half of 2009. That’s the period after it emerged from bankruptcy. But here is the real problem. They need to add a hefty $12.3 Billion to their pension fund by 2014. If they let their pension fund fail the pensions will be paid by the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation funded totally by you, me and Aunt Lizzie. It doesn’t appear that GM will out of bankruptcy for long. GM is just the tip of the iceberg in this country’s growing underfunded pension programs. For instance the 3 biggest California State pension funds are ½ Trillion dollars short. Taxes will go out of site to pay for California and plenty of other states. Can you say Greece?

Woods must have the same image rebuilders as 0-Man. All of the new photos are of a smiling Tiger! :o)

American Idol had a lot of drama last night. Big Mike sang for his supper and he sang with great emotion and heart…and talent. I think the judges like having him on the show anyhow. Next week two singers will go and nobody can be saved again. I’d like to see Tim and Andy go, which would leave a pretty good group of competitive singers. I rate the rest BoSox, Casey, Siobahn/Lee tie, Big Mike/Kate tie and Aaron. And, there are times like last week when the surprisingly big voice of Kate can move her towards the top.

The US during its greatest periods of economic growth, the eras that molded this country of the free into the giant of powers, dominated the world in the manufacture and sale of machine tools. Rhode Island became on of the richest States because of them. Machine tools are the basic instruments of a manufacturing economy. Machine tools are the basic instruments of the highly leveragability manufacturing economy. The US is still the third largest consumer of these tools, but has declined significantly on a per capita basis. China has soared in consumption and was 6x that of the US last year. On the production side, the US is now down from its top spot to seventh behind China, Germany, Japan, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan; And just a nose above Switzerland.

A new IRS report says that half of the US households don’t pay any taxes. Does that mean that fifty percent of Americans take care of the other half. And obviously not the better half. Also noted is that 10% of earners pay 73% of taxes. So, why is Obama looking to expand income redistribution programs?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 65. Laura just left for Worcester where she waits on tables in a small restaurant in an old mill. As usual she left me in a blissful state of pure satisfaction. We agreed that she should avoid coming here for a while. I suspect that this investigation into the Bromsky affair is just beginning I would hate to have to sentence her to joining her uncle. Maybe I can find a few hours with Maggie/Sarah later today.
The new data is producing some amazing results and speeding our progress. Isabelle loves me. I am a most intriguing person for just being a socially awkward scientist. I smiled to myself. I picked up my phone and called Henry. “Hi my friend,” I said. He informed me that my partner in crime, Sarah had just left. Actually he invited me to join him for a minute or two. He said he’d like to bounce a few things off my “brainy” head. Then he did the folksy chuckle. He was a man to watch.
While driving over I called Sarah who agreed readily that she would love to have a diet coke with me. She added that she was feeling stronger today. And I could tell she was smiling when she said it. I loved to watch her vacate her morals.

According to the new Forbes Survey, The Ya, Ya, Ya…(WYKWIM)…the NY hedgefunders are the most valuable baseball team with a net worth of about $1.8 Billion. The Beloveds are second at $830 Million. The rest are the Mets, LA Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Angels, Cards and White Sox.

And, I think shrimp taste better with a little mayo in the red cocktail sauce. Incredibly tangy. And, also for better taste, you’ll achieve delectable consistency and satisfying bite appeal when cooking raw frozen shrimp as opposed to thawing previously cooked frozen shrimp. That’s just one man‘s opinion. And of course you have to learn how to time the cooking perfectly.

The Answer:
For the first time, the venerable American Idol which has been skunking just about everybody for years by super wide margins, lost the battle of Tuesday night to Dancing With the Stars 23 to 21.8 million. An observer says it is because of a good celebrity dancer lineup and mentions Kate Gossilin and Pamela Anderson! Kate Gossilin? Pamela Anderson? These are stars?
Maybe it is the absence of the ditsy Paula. But, more likely it was the poor to fair performances of the singers on the first live AI shows. Remember the Tids pointed out the failure of Seacre Remember when a Shrimp Cocktail at restaurant was a premiere appetizer at any restaurant? Now the little swimmers are ubiquitous accompaniments to all occasions large and small. OIh no, not shrimp again! That still taste great though.
st to mention voting totals. They must have really declined.

The End:

Reading about the demise of America day after day makes me despondent. But then I think of all the great people still out there working hard, and loving sincerely, and I say…maybe we can still do anything we want.

Ronmey doesn't make mince pie.

Today's Tids Issue 2,094
Opening Stuff:

Congress is taking aim at Clueless Lane (Wall Street) with a host of new regulations which are probably already in there, somewhere, anyhow. The most deterrent of regulations against runaway greed and risk taking is a system that allows utter failure; where the out-of-control risk takers are reduced to quivering, jelly-like blobs wallowing in the gutters just outside their former financial playground. Let them fail miserably and the system will generally take care of itself.

If you think about it, “Abuse of Power” is the biggest sin against the spirit of the American constitution.

The Question:
Newport Jazz Festival Impresario George Wein has just announced a stellar group of performers for the Summer 2010 effort by The Bay. I noticed immediately the name Ahmad Jamal, one of my favorites of yesteryear. I first bought his record albums around 1957. Now 80, he came to fame during an era of great jazz pianists. Name five other big names.

The Headlines:
--Federal Reserve Issues New Rules To Protect Consumers From Gift Card Abuses.
--Congress Welcomes Netanyahu; Israel Approves Construction Of New Buildings In East Jerusalem.
--Major Rating Agency Slashes Credit Worthiness Of Portugal; Stock Futures Fall; Frantic EU Still Seeking Greek Solution.
--Investors Looking For Munis As Move To Higher Risk Instruments Grows.
--Budget Crisis Has California Easing Requirements For Parole.
--Banks And Private Lenders Expected To Loses $70 Billion/Year As Health Care LollaPelosi Takes Over Student Loans!
--NFL Changes Rules For Playoff Overtime Games.

Back to More Stuff:

Romney On Health Care Department:
"America has just witnessed an unconscionable abuse of power. President Obama has betrayed his oath to the nation — rather than bringing us together, ushering in a new kind of politics, and rising above raw partisanship, he has succumbed to the lowest denominator of incumbent power: justifying the means by extolling the ends. He promised better; we deserved better.
He calls his accomplishment “historic” — in this he is correct, although not for the reason he intends. Rather, it is an historic usurpation of the legislative process — he unleashed the nuclear option, enlisted not a single Republican vote in either chamber, bribed reluctant members of his own party, paid-off his union backers, scapegoated insurers, and justified his act with patently fraudulent accounting. What Barack Obama has ushered into the American political landscape is not good for our country; in the words of an ancient maxim, ‘what starts twisted, ends twisted’.” How do you flip-flop on that?

You Can’t Make this Stuff Department:
In an interview this morning by a local morning sports show with Josselyn James, Tiger’s Porn Star Lover, she was asked if she had considered turning a child fathered by the golfer in to a big pay day opportunity. She said…she actually said…”I didn’t want it to suffer so I aborted it”.

When I read about the 16,000 new IRS agents authorized by the LollaPelosi boondoggle for the sole purposed of harassing companies and good honest citizens on a “Monthly” basis about health care, I can only conjure up images of Brown Shirts.

American Idol in this man’s eyes was kind of bland last night. (And how about that Miley Cyrus. I was amazed at her size! She was bigger than everybody except Big Mike. She seemed nice. But that’s not why we are here.) The dour Chrystal Bowersox was again the best. I like her style and the way she sings and would vote for her to be at least one of the final two. Unfortunately the voters look for curb appeal, which is often lacking in Chrystal’s non-singing personality. My other favorite, Siobahn, was also above the fray last night. I don’t agree with Simons that she “screams” too much. I think that Aaron, Mike, Katie, Casey (Although I thought he sucked slightly) Didi (I thought the judges were too harsh here) and Lee did well enough to return. Paige was off key, Andy was awkward and vulnerable, but man, you got to get rid of Tim Urban.

Now that it appears that the Prez has set as his personal goal (and believe me, it is his personal goals that count now) the establishment of the largest entitlement society in the history of the universe, don’t be surprised if we start seeing a European style VAT (Value Added Tax) in the not too distant future. To make it fair, the under-salaried in our nation will be issued “Po Boy Cards” which wave their tax on purchases.

A State Farm insurance agent has this huge sign in front of his business: “A Taxpayer voting for Obama is like a chicken voting for Colonel Saunders.”

Through the Same Eyes Department: Chapter 62: I received a lot of “”Hi Paul’s” as I walked into Middleton’s lab operation. We’re not talking about a room with a couple of instruments and beakers, we are talking about 20,000 square feet of some of the most sophisticated technology and experiences scientists in the country. And, best of all, a growing supply of products from my favorite company GenInst. “Hi gang,” I answered. Sally Orstein was still my main contact and I liked that. She and I plus Kelley and Montrose had worked closely together on the GenInst setup. We seemed to get a lot more done when Middleton wasn’t around, although I have to admit he knew how to get to the nub of problems with good ideas. (A little like my wife, I thought.) I hadn’t figured out yet what the team actually thought of their boss. He made me feel uneasy. Yet, when he wanted to win me over, he had an easy way of doing it.
“So, what is step one?” asked Sally.
“I have no idea,” I joked. “All of this new data potential is going to require extensive, new recalibrating to accurately reflect projections from bases with no known comparability’s. It sounds like trial and error, but we have designed computer programs that adjust to data shifts. This is a dramatic data shift. But simpler in that it is closer to where we want to see our final results.” They agreed they understood. Then I added, “Isn’t it amazingly fortuitous how this data fell into Our, Middleton’s, lap?”

Things Never Change Department:
Mark Twain said: “If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.” Dwight Eisenhower said: “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” Thomas Jefferson said: “A democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those willing to work and give to those who would not.”

For three days now the media has been talking about the increase in food serving size in paintings of the Last Supper. Has America lost its collective mind? It’s just another example of too much taxpayer money going to too many professors with nothing to do.

One of the real dangers these days is for people to think that just because someone can speak eloquently or write beautifully that they actually know what they are talking about and have come to the correct conclusions.

You probably read where ACORN is disbanding. That means that the activists behind it are probably reorganizing through another series of sham fronts…and who knows…Congress may have already voted for funding under the heath Care boondoggle. Activists, If anything, know how to persevere. The former ACORN gang just has to do it in a way that doesn’t embarrass their pal in the White House.

The Answer:
Ahmad Jamal, born Freddy “Fritz” Jones, came to fame in an era of giants and in particular three – Dave Brubeck, Errol Garner and George Shearing. Other names were Earl Peterson, Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum. Of course the great holdovers – Count Basie and Duke Ellington. But the Jamal, Shearing, Brubeck, Garner foursome were leading the new era of jazz piano.

Final Thought:

Text messaging is bad for your health.

The 70 Bruins never die.

Today's Tids Issue 2,091
Opening Stuff:

Some days are better than others. This one of them! So while you’re reading this crap this morning, remember that I am smiling a long with you. Smiles are contagious.

Yesterday Putin announced that Russia was moving forward on their nuclear plant deal with Iran – just as Hillary was getting off the plane for a two day sit down with the Russian leader and his henchmen. Are you seeing a trend here? Biden goes to Israel and they announce a project bitterly opposed to by the admin. Hill hits the Kremlin and likewise another issue strenuously opposed by O-Man is announced positively to the world. Is this the world’s way of saying they’re tired of the US buttin’ in? China has also shown us a resolute “do it my way“ attitude. Is this what happens when you are a debtor nation and a fading industrial power?

The Question:
1952 was a great year for movies, and the annual Oscar award ceremony was televised for the first time March 19 in 1953. Name the actor, actress, supporting A&A, director and film. Who was the first host? How many people watched?

The Headlines:
--Woods Porn Star Mistress Most Visited Site.
--Democrats Carefully Moving $950 Billion LollaPelosi To Sunday Vote.
--US Gov. Says Driver May Be Responsible For NY Prius Crash.
--First Day Of Madness Is Crazy; Big East Teams Mauled; Ohip U. Is New Fan Darling.
--Demi Moore’s Twitter Account May Have Saved Orlando Youth from Suicide.
--US/Russia Nuke Agreement Still On Track.
--SiriusXM Gets Second Warning From NADAQ; 88 Cent Stock In Jeopardy Of Being Kicked Off Listing.

Back To More Stuff:

Yesterday was one of those days where everybody looks and sees warmth. Then they go out for a walk underdressed and spend the rest of the time hunched over with their arms folded trying to get warm fighting the cold breeze off the harbor.

I was reminded yesterday of one of the first reasons why I never cottoned up to the Clinton administration. They gave us Maya Angelou.

So, 0-Man postpones his Indonesian trip til June. Now some are saying he is doing that because of Health Care. But others are saying that the demonstrations against him, a former resident and schoolboy, by Indonesian Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir are potentially dangerous. What ever happened to the Lord of Peace? Indonesia with a population of 200 Million Muslims is the most Muslim nation. While two larger factions support the planned visit, this particular huge protest group considers the US the definition of evil in the world.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –“You were rough on me in there, Sarah/Maggie.”
I was walking to the women’s room, before I returned to have lunch with Izzy. Kent left at the same time to go back to his section. I was hoping it was to be close to me, but now I see that he is trying to see, perhaps, where I was going with my questions.
“Really, Kent,” I responded. “I guess you have never seen me at work.” Then I realized that my tone still sounded a little cold. I moved my body slightly to the right so my shoulder was touching his. The warmth was immediate. He didn’t move away. “You know I have never been anything but lovingly caress-able with you my daunting Kent!” I turned my head and smiled! His face muscles relaxed.
“I’m sorry,” he said.” I know that this is serious stuff. Maybe you could keep me in the loop. I could be helpful.”
“Thanks, Kent,” He doesn’t appear uneasy about this. Maybe I just surprised him. I always intended using him as my technical guru anyhow. “I guess we’ll just have to work closer.” I pressed closer into his shoulder as I casually brought my hand up to the back of his neck. He shuddered. “If I have any energy left after this meeting, maybe we could have a cup of coffee at Maries.”
“I you have any energy left, maybe we could have a cup of coffee at my house.” My skin tingled with that peasant Kent induced glow that I love.

An Avon lady in an all deer community is known as a Doe to Doe salesman.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The Bounty Hunter with Anniston and Gerald Butler is a stupid romp with a plot much too complex for the simplistic movie. Anniston skips out on her bail and bounty hunter Butler is all too happy to catch his ex-Wife and get the $5K. Expect all of the clichés of a divorced couple story forced together. It is a childish film, but probably will do Ok.
--The Repo Man is a very weird story, and is probably as bad and irritating as the trailers make it appear. These repo men don’t pick up cars, but artificial body parts when payments are overdo. And in this gory, cover you eyes film grizzly recovery operations are performed whereever they find the deadbeat – in an elevator, cab or wherever. One of the repo guys, Forest Whitaker gets a conscience along with burn out. But one day he mysteriously wakes up in a hospital with a new heart valve, and the evil empire -- “The Union” -- says he doesn’t have to pay if he continues his work. He doesn’t and he becomes the chasee along with new pal Alice Braga. Jude law so caves up victims.
--Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows around a wise cracking middle school student. The Boston Globe thinks it’s dreadful, the Chicago Trib thinks it’s near sucking and Roger Ebert, speaking of wimpy kids, thinks it’s “nimble, Bright and funny.” It is probably pleasant but is slow to get anywhere. Personally, I’m tired of wise cracking kids in movies being portrayed as heroes.

I have always railed against band wagon jumping. If you are a fan you’ve got to take the bad with the good. But, I have to admit that I jumped on the Boston Bruins bandwagon big time in the early 70’s. Why wouldn’t I they had the fantastic Orr (Still one of all time favorites athletes) plus Espo and McKensie and Cherry, and Hodge and Bucyk and Cashman and Stanbfield and Carlton and Sanderson and Westfall and Green and Awrey and Leach and Marcotte and Johnston. I think you get the picture. But, as you listen to or read the experts on the Boston Hockey scene, you realize you aren’t the only person still living in that era. There have been teases and a few very good players during the past 35-40 years, but nothing that compares to then. Basically, they just let you down.

Tiger’s text messages can’t be read aloud in a civilized world.

The Answer:
The first host wasn’t Howdy Doody, although he may have been funnier than this years duo. Bob Hope was certainly funnier has he oversaw the ceremony that gave us the Winning Film “The Greatest Show on Earth” which won in major upset over the great classic and heavy favorite High Noon. Two of the other films are also classics - The Quiet Man and Moulon Rouge. The fifth was Ivanhoe which I personally liked because I was in to Knights in Shining armor and Elizabeth Taylor at the time. For best Actor, Gray Cooper’s role in High Noon beat out Marlon Brando, Alec Guinness, Kirk Douglass and Jose Ferrer. Shirley Booth won BA for Come Back Little Sheba over Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Susan Hayward and Julie Harris. Gloria Graham won SA for The Bad and the Beautiful and Anthony Quinn won for Viva Zapata. John Ford won director for Quiet man. High noon was the first movie for Grace Kelly and Jose Ferrer was married to George Clooney’s Aunt Rosemary.

The Final Question:

I wonder what I’ll be writing about the Health Care LollaPelosi on Monday?

IWHC

Today's Tids Issue 2,083
Opening Stuff:

Some economists want you to feel that if you don’t buy stocks now, you are going to miss out on the big bonanza. Many other equally reputable economists say it is a time to be really, really cautious as there are still too many unknowns about the scope and safety of the recovery. Sounds a little like walking the plank. On one hand you’re off the scary ship. On the other hand you have to swim 40 miles through shark infested waters to gain your freedom. If you can find the right direction!

I was thinking over the night about our current and just past conflicted Presidents and their obsessions over the Iraq War (IW) and Health Care (HC). IWHC, hmmmm. IWHC – The Infernal Woes of Hapless Chiefs.

The Question:
Mare Winningham had a nice part on “24”last night. Name some of her movies when she was in her prime.

Today’s Headlines:
--Prime Time Launches Latest Campaign Against Insurance Companies.
--Toyota Shows That Shorting “Gimmick” Shown In ABC Lawyer Promo Video And Later To Congress Affects All Cars The Same Way; Professor To Privately Meet With Toyota Engineers.
--Malicki Looking Like The Winner In Iraq; Total Voting Down From 2005 Election.
--Culture News Special: Tiger And Elin Caught Kissing In Public.
--1 Year Anniversary Of Stock Market Low Has Stocks Futures Lower.
-- NBA Star Allen Iverson May Have Gambled Away $200,000,000 In Earnings; Reports Say High Paid Star May be Destitute.

Back to More Stuff:

New York up-state Democrat Congressman Eric Massa may be seen by some as an angry man spouting off frustration in a sour grapes tirade. But when he evoked the name of Rahm Emanuel, describing the Admin operator as the son of the spawn of Satan who would kill his mother for a vote --- he became entirely believable to me.

Remember that the Tids political columnist warned at the time of the selection, that Rahm Emanuel's presence diminsihed the credibility of the new admin for "Change and Hope" before it got started

Too many people think that smart people are smart about everything.

Roll around in your mouth for a couple of minutes the names of these two organizations: National Enquirer and Pulitzer Prize. The tastes don’t compliment each other well, Do they? That’s what the chiefs of the PP thought when the NE story about the John Edwards Love baby was nominated for the esteemed award. The chiefs of the prize committee initially nixed the idea saying we don’t recognize the efforts of checkbook journalism. Surprise. It turns out that the NE did it the old fashioned way, with dogged legwork and courageous reporting. They got the tough story while many of the so called media elite probably tried to suppress the dirty dope to protect the slime ball from North Carolina. At least, that’s the way it looks to me.

For years I always called the august organization’s award the “Chicken Shocker” award – Pullet Surprise.

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 58 continues. –It felt good to be in real clothes again. I felt like twirling as I might have done as a child. Watching my skirt flair out in the backyard breeze. But, my still wobbly legs were not cooperating even though my feelings were in fantasy land. I was deeply inside my imagination when I heard a clatter. When I looked up I saw Jill and Jax standing at the foot of the bed with these incredible monster grins on their faces holding a huge sign “Our House Needs Mom’s Laughs”. Talk about teary… I beckoned them over, and behind them a beaming Paul moved into take the sign. They bolted to my open arms knocking us all back on to my bed. We laughed uncontrollably.
“Thanks everybody.” I looked up at Paul. “And especially you my beautiful husband.” He actually turned red. He could not speak.
He came over and kissed me hard. “The kids giggled, “OooooooooH!” I looked at them and then I turned red.h
Paul went over and packed all the junk I had accumulated during the past two weeks. The kids took the vases of flowers out to the nurses. I felt really good. The phone rang. Paul glanced my way.
“Oh hi” It was Kent. “I’m doing very well Henry.” I said. Why did I do that? “I’m in the process of getting out of this place, so I can’t talk.” He was telling me how lovely I looked when he was last here. “Ok. I’ll drop by when I can walk a little better. I’d love to hear from you all of the dope about our little caper.” I smiled at what Kent had replied.
All of a sudden the room didn’t feel quite so happy.

Back to More Stuff Again:

"24"-um: As they have quite often this year, almost the first 45 minutes were devoted to re-establishing or affirming some characters and situations A lot of time was spent on the tense bomb sequence, and it was well done. But, that was the first excitement and it was almost 50 minutes into the hour. The revelation of the bad leader being the daughter's lover was a much needed spark to the storyline. But, that was kind of in the back of my mind. Or at least, I hoped for that. Next week could be sensational if they live up to the promise!

When you think about it, maybe the salvation of the print press is to start digging deeper and reporting with more gusto stories that may even go against the papers bias. To begin to hold feet to the fire instead of looking for the excuses. The people are crying out for a credible defense against the free-to-do-as-they-want politicians.

While I’m all for protecting the second amendment (As I am for all of the freedoms), I’m having to think that packin’ heat in a hip holster at a mall or restaurant is a little bit of overkill. .

Controlling 3-4 Word Phrases Used By Moms Department: “You like that blouse?” You’re wearing what?” “You’re dating whom?” “You like that make-up?” “You like that haircut?” “You’re going there?” “Of course you’re busy!” You get the picture. You always know, even when you are approaching your own “senior” status. Send in some you may have experienced over the years.

The news item about the Tiger/Elin public kiss had my mind reverting back to the staged Bill/Hill dance by the lagoon in the post Monica days. You know how victims of fires and disasters call the refurb teams to get out the stench? Celebs have the same hot line available personal mishaps. Cleaning up after stupidity is big business.

A headline that starts “Gibbs brushes off…” always means to me, dig further.

Irish Extortion(?) Department:
A well known music store and tourist trinkets shop in Newport RI was the scene of picketing yesterday by members of the large Irish community. The object of their scorn were T-Shirts with the usual insults to Irish like drinking and partying jokes. However it may be deeper than that. The owner, a respected Newport businessman, for the first time in recent memory (Because of the economy) refused to buy an ad in the official Saint Patrick’s Day Parade program. The Leprechauns made us do it!

Did you hear about the middle aged ex-athlete who saw in the mirror, a waste of time?

There is evidence aplenty that many Democrats are running openly against Obama policies. This is one reason why the Commander in Chief is ordering (Strongly suggesting) his troops to give up their seats for health care. The end-of-March deadline proposed by the nations leading political showman is probably their because once in anti admin campaign mode there is no turning back.

The Answer:
Interestingly, one of Mare’s notable first parts occurred when she was 12 yo in a school play. She played Maria in a version of Sound of Music…opposite classmate Kevin Spacey! She started in TV with parts on Police Woman and Starsky & Hutch and continued as a feature player throughout her career in many TV Movies. Her first film successes were in One Trick Pony and Threshhold. She received more fame in Saint Elmo’s Fire and was one of the original “Brat Pack” alums. Other films were Miracle Mile, Turner & Hootch, Wyatt Earp and The War. Her greatest recognition came in the form of SAG and Academy Award Nominations for her work in the 1995 film Georgia. She also won Golden Globes and Emmys from her strong TV movie performances.

A Bang-up Ending:

I see the second amendment as assuring a margin of protection for average citizens against the potential of an aggressive armed government. I don’t see it as a perpetual license for people running around shooting each other, or themselves in after hour’s clubs.

Find the Broken Tooth.

Today's Tids Issue 2,068
Opening Stuff

In case you are wondering, I’ve been in class learning how to write. So…there is hope for Tids readers.

Tune in tomorrow for the biggest, high stakes shell game in the history of the bamboozlement industry. A small nation of handlers will manage Tiger Woods first public appearance since all of the porn stars came out of the forest. He will be surrounded buy friends, the friendly and Mom. He will read a spit polished script to a most likely handpicked audience of media fawners. Nobody will learn anything new. But the promoters are hoping that this will be the start of the next generation of Brand Tiger.

The Question:

Many of the so called “Greatest Authors” really only make on one good book. J.D. Salinger comes to mind. Salmon Rushdie has made a career out of one book too. What was the name of it. What other books has he written? What is his basic philosophy?

The Headlines:

--Over 75,000 Computer Systems In Over 2,500 Companies In Health And Technology Hacked!; The Largest, most Sophisticated Cyber Attack Ever, Begun in 2008 And Discovered Last Month, Centered on Proprietary Corporate Data, eMails, Credit Card Transaction Data and Login Credentials.
--Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly; Wholesale Inflation Surges.
--NATO Controls Marjah’s Key Roads, Government Centers.
--UN Head Of Climate Change To Step Down.
--Vonn And White Win Golds Impressively.
--Dalai Lama Happy About Talks With 0-Man; Chinese Government Isn’t.
--Authorities Saying That Plane That Crashed Into Texas IRS Building May have Been Intentional.
--Stock Market Hanging In There.

Back To Stuff:

Mike Peters tells us that they are remaking Lawrence Welk’s old polka music into “Hip-Hop”. It’s called bubble rap.

I think the Swiss have been on to something for a long time. It’s just that nobody looked. This country of 26 cantons (like our states) has a government with three branches like us with a huge difference. The house and senate are chosen by the people who in turn name the President…for one year! The federal government only has responsibility for three things in addition to ceremonial appearances – the borders, the military and some general taxation. Everything else is canton driven, including the majority of taxes. I think they got the idea from out founding fathers.

In this continuous stream of newspaper and TV news stories we seem seeing lately about Marijuana, you would have to believe it is the new miracle drug.

Lindsey Vonn is intense.

This Greek economic disaster is very interesting at many levels. First, most of the EWU nations don’t feel sorry for Greece one bit. The country lied not once but twice on successive applications for membership into the EU. The EU charter does not allow the organization to give any member nation the boot. Greece can only pull out if they resign. So, they are stuck with Greece and the worry of a defaulting Greece weakening the Euro. Germany and France are indicating they would bail out the country if it lived up to demanding cuts in government. The powerful Unions say no way, and in fact went on strike. German, and to a lesser extent French, citizens are protesting vociferously the use of their tax dollars to bail out the corrupt laggards in Greece. The big problem is that standing in line are with their hands out ready for a grab if Greece gets greased are Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Italy. So, the gist of it is that nobody really cares about Greece but they are truly worried about Italy.

Lets see...unions destroying an economy. There is no money left but unions strike for more money. Can you say Rhode Island; California; Michigan waiting for Obamadough? Or as Laura Ingraham says – Obamulous.

As I read the White House comments on jobs saved by the stimulus, I can only say that it appears they are saying that the stimulus was all about paying back the NEA.

It looks to me like we are rounding up a lot of al-Qaida.

I was walking through the super markets a little while ago and saw a carton of Edy’s Caramel Delight ice cream which, after 3-4 seconds weighing the pros and cons, I bought..

Did you know that you can’t just move to Switzerland to retire or live unless you have net assets of $1.9 million or more?

The Answer:

“Satanic Verses” helped make Rushdie an International household name. His best publicity came from the protests of the Islam religion (You have to wonder if Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code wasn’t created precisely to anger a major religion. It wouldn’t surprise me.) Rushdie’s second novel “Midnight’s Children” actually gave him his first fame. His first book “Grimus” went nowhere, barely noticed. After Verses he wrote the well received Shame about poetical turmoil in Pakistan. It was in his favorite style of History combined with magical realism. He also wrote The Moors last Sigh, Fury, The Ground Beneath her feet. The Jaquar Smile and Shalimar the Clown. He is an atheist who believes that extreme religion is very dangerous. Although, he reconverted back to Muslim a few years ago to get the Islam assassin off his back. So, basically he is a hypocrite trying to have it his way so he can make lots of money and enjoy the limelight.

The End:
Some days just don’t go the way you planned them.