Get the Politicians hand out of the Cheetos bag.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,362

Opening Stuff:

Well, when I wrote that little piece about financial concerns yesterday, I didn't expect the crumbling quite that fast. But, I have felt for a while that the progress of the market was based more upon looking for good news rather than it really being there and poking us the eye. However, after yesterday, some are touting a "Depression" of all things. My sense is that the manufacturing number shortfall was based a lot on a weakened auto production output after the japan earthquake. And the awful jobs growth could be related there too. But, more deeply, the jobs failure is also a result of a grand, now failed stimulus plan that mainly created non- economic growth style national, state and local government employees jobs. And housing still sucks. Or...is it right where it is supposed to be now that the market is not based the hallucinations of homes for all.

One lesson I learned during my confinement of the past week or so is that it is really tough when wearing an IV to get your hand into the Cheetos bag. And, it is even tougher to get it out when you hear the approaching footsteps of the nutritionist.

Hey government, the nutritionist is approaching.

The Repubs did what they should yesterday. they went to the "Let's get rid of the nasty rhetoric President" and said this debt is serious and you have to stop the scare anecdotes and come up with a real plan. Carney says, "The President doesn't want to end Medicare as we know it." The Repubs say, "We want to save Medicare." The WH statement is a scare technique. The GOP's is about the problem.

The Question:
Name five great achievements of Marvin Hamlisch.

The Headlines:

--Romney Enters: "Barack Obama Has Failed America".
--World Health Org Says E.coli Outbreak New Strain; Europe Bans Veggies.
--Four Dead In Mass. Tornadoes.
--OPEC Gathering To Plan On Easing Gas Prices.
--Moody's Downgrades RI Bonds Over Murky Future Because Of Growing Unfunded Pension Liability.
--US/Pakistan Medicating relationship; Countries Form Joint Anti-terrorist Intelligence Squad.
--Woman Loses $300K Inheritance To "Rapture".
--Syrian Troops Renew Attacks On Town Killing 15 Citizens.

Back to More Stuff:
In the Comic Strip "Shoe" this morning, the press corps asks the Senator, "What are you going to do about the debt ceiling?" The answer, "Paint it." A little too close to the truth, isn't it. It's like when the the "Check Engine" light shines in my car and I tape it over with black electrical tape. Problem solved.

Warren Buffet: "When the tide goes out you see who has been swimming naked."

The so-called "Hottest Wine in America Is a California combo of Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel called "Apothic Red". ($9.99)

Here's couple of reader remembrances to yesterday's question about celebs killed in air disasters -- Ricky Nelson, Otis Redding and Leonard Skynyrd (Ronnie Van Zandt, Steve and Cassie Gaines). BTW, The name Leonard Skynyrd was a mocking tribute to their HS Phys Ed Teacher notorious for strictly enforcing policy against boys with long hair. Just in case you are interested.

After a good ball game, the catcher usually goes out for a pitcher!

Nothing is Forever Department:
Just look at RI. Yesterday began the start of the celebration of the June founding of the break-through colonial idealeading state, Rhode Island, 375 years ago! Today, Moody's downgraded the bonds over a murky financial future. You just can't go around saying we have a great contributing history, unimaginably beautiful vistas and say everything is lovely and ok, while giving away the store. Economics work. Part of the landscape. Oh, and RI was once the economic giant of the USA.

More kudos to RI water oriented sports teams. Roger Williams University on beautiful Mount Hope Bay just won the APS/iCSA national sailing championships out in Oregon ON THE Columbia River. They beat out Georgetown, Boston College and St. Mary's of Maryland. RI may be in deep water, but some here know how to make the most of it.

The US Gov. announces with pride that they are going to replace the "Food Pyramid" Graphic with a new easier to understand "Circles" presentation. Two questions: How many people are working on this and does anybody but them and a few nutritionists really care? The healthy scheme is all about fruits and vegetables, so I'm wondering if there is a legal disclaimer about E.coli?

While on stupid Government non-essential spending, how about all of the states who are forced to redistrict every 10 years. In this little state for instance, it cost $1.5 Mil too redistrict a state owned by the Unions. Guess what?

The Answer:
Hamlisch, originally a song writer for film first hit big with his adaptation of Scott Joplin for The Sting. He is one of a handful who has won n Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy. Oh yeah, and a Pulitzer Prize. He wrote alll the scores for Chorus Line including "What I did for love" and "One". Then there is "The Way we Were", "Through the Eyes of Love" and "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows". There are the James Bond songs "Nobody does it better" and "The Spy who Loves me." This is another of those prolific contributors to our musical enjoyment.

The End:
A Micro historical note from Pilgrim writings reminds why capitalism works. That the purer the economic forces the better the chance for sustained growth not only economically, but humanitarianly. In the early dire days of their fight for survival, The Pilgrims found that food production from communal farms was dismal. In fact in 1621 the system almost wiped out the community.The leaders passed a law saying that all food would be produced on family farms. The turn-around was enormous as those who during the communal activity let other do more of the sweat now responded with a vigor that raised up the production of all food. If you pay people not to do anything, that's what they will do.

True economic forces is why OPEC is scurrying this week to do something about high gas prices. They realize that making oil the most palpable energy source for Americans is a critical element of their entire economic future. And maybe they see the Admin's desire for higher gas and energy prices as a way to force over-priced alternative energy on the US.

Promise: No more RI tomorrow. But, if it is happening here, it is probably happening where you are too. Except, of course, for the Sailing Championships!

Mommy, can I get a balloon at the memorial service?

Today's Tids Issue 2,275
Opening Stuff:

Walking in the snow next to a wintry ocean beach at Sachuest Point is to me oneness with God and the wonders of the beautiful earth. I am hypnotized by the deep blue crystalline winter wavelets, mesmerized by the cliffs and gorge at Tuckerman and anthecised by the dreams inspired by simple majesty. I see footprints in the snow, meandering like me, and wonder if they are thinking what I am thinking, seeing what I am seeing. Have they noticed something I have missed. Are they inspired in ways I am not. Similar footprints, but different thoughts, different motivations, different joys, different heartbreaks. Are they the footprints of a lover thinking about a lover. Are they the footprints of saddened person thinking about a pain. Or are they the footprints of a person like me who thinks therere is nothing as grand as walking on a lonely seaside beach on a winter's day.

Take away the medicine man. the blatant U Arizona promotion, the rock concert style screaming students and the glad handing of a political rally, and we may have had a proper memorial service last night, with a tone that befit the tragedy. Lord knows, President Obama did his best to do it right. Remembering all of the people dead and recovering, and their families. Properly putting in perspective the motivations of the killing. Understanding that it is the hearts of the survivors and the memories of the fallen which are the reason for the gathering. Too bad it wasn't held in a quiet church atop a Tucson hillside.

That Westborough Baptist Church from Kansas is giving God a bad name.

The Question:
Reagan, Clinton and GW gave mending speeches similar to that of Obama's last night. What were the National tragedies? Who talked the longest?

The Headlines:

--Obama Talks.
--Illinois Buried Under Huge New tax Increase; No Effort Made To Cut Spending Or Cause Of deficit.
--Unemployment Claims Jump Up By Highest Level Since October; 35,000 Added As Retailers Cut Holiday Workers; Tids Economics Department Says Increase expected.
--Lebanon Government In Crisis As Hezbollah Walks Out.
--Sulfuric Acid Laden Tanker Capsizes In Germany's Rhine.
--Rains Ease In Drenched Australia; Increase In Muddy Brazil.
--Pop Culture Focused On Germany's Cross-Eyed Opossum.

Back to More Stuff:
I've had a lot of addictions over the years and kickin' them can be difficult. Really difficult. But getting "24" out of my system has been one of the toughest. I have had a lot of support from Bauer lovers throughout the nation. I'm setting up a "24" Hot-line here at Tids Central. If you feel the pangs, want to talk about special memories of your favorite character, cajesu@verizon.net will bring you to a very sympathetic, empathetic ear...one probably in need of your understanding too. It is a tough world out there.


Atlanta-Green Bay; Pitt-Balt; Jets-Pats! God help The Tids Sports department. I'm walking away form this week and letting the guys in the trenches stick out their necks. Well, even though I am secretly rooting for another Seahawks upset, Chicago at home just seems to be too much so I'm picking da Bears 24-20. (Hmmm: The Pats clobbered Chi at home.) Ok. The Pats aren't going to go 46-3 again, but they will find a way. 21-10 Pats. I have no clue on the other two. But, I'm going Balt 24-23 with a late Ed Reid pick the difference. I have to stick with Green Bay. I'm just not sure about Atlanta despite the record...28-24. Last week we were 2-2 and not even anywhere near being close onthe scores.

49% of Rhode Islanders voted in November. A mere 1/3 of those voted for the Gov. That means that that about 17% of the state voted for the new governor. That seems to be about the number of public employee union members and their supporters. And that 17% of the state now has the pwoer to run our lives and change our culture...and pick our pockets. Can you say Recall?

For starters, in the wake of this Tucson Tragedy, Tee Squared, I suggest that instead of the usual hysteria to ban guns, that Congress vote to put The Ten Comandments in all schools. "Thou Shalt Not Kill" seems to have relevance, and as far as I can see no religeous overtones. Just common sense. In fact, if there was no God, civilized societies would still have something like the 10 Commandments at their practical, moral and cultural core.

This reminds me of an old joke about devilish little kid who suddenly turned angelic after his first day at Catholic grammar School. A teacher asked what made him change. He answered: "When I walked into the classroom and saw what they did to that guy on the cross, I knew they meant business here."

You might want to check out today's 4th Q report form Intel. Not for their 4Q profit, but for their sales forecasts going forward. It is all about the future of the laptop versus the Tablets, and I-Pad in particular.

Almost Near: Chapter 1 continues. --"So you knew My Grandfather?" Jimmy stared at Samantha as if trying to place her face.
"I am Ginny's -- you know Ginny up on the hill -- neice. I used to run around town when visiting, and often found myself in the back yard here. Primarily, of course, because your grandfather had that creeky old fashioned swing. I used to sit in it and think about my boyfriend." Samantha's eyes drifted away, while Jimmy just stared at her patiently. "Oh...," She laughed. I am boring you to tears I bet. I'm here to get a room. I haven't been in town for years, and I just want to stay in town a few nights and explore everything. And see some old friends. I hope they are still here."
"I was probably too young to remember you, but you must know my Dad. He's down in Boston today and tomorrow. The Red Sox, you know!" Jimmy's eyes twinkled at that. "You never did tell me your name."
"Oh, " she laughed and a little tear came to her eye. "Oh, I'm Samantha Jergins."
"I'll tell my dad when he and I talk on the phone. He let's me run this place, but not really." Now it was his turn to laugh."Well, I think that old townies deseve the best room! What do you think?"
Samantha just nodded with a smile on her face. Things were beginning to work out.
After signing in, she walked out to get her suitcase and assorted stuff. She was on a real high now. Just as she stepped into the crumbling cobblestone street, a football crazily bounced her way and caromed off of her shin. She looked to her right as she bent to pick it up. Three boys, about ten, were standing, staring with their mouths open. Samantha picked up the ball and hurled a perfect spiral their way.
One boy stepped forward and caught it. "Gee, lady. You can really throw a ball! Want to play with us." She was home.

I happened to tune into Chris Matthews yesterday afternoon. Personally, I think he has lost his mind. I used think he was decent, and pretty smart even when in opposition. But that tingle in his leg has sent him in a complex direction.

A lot of people probably don't like the 10 Commandments because they get in the way of selling a lot of crap.

I love this irony. Animal lovers in the imagined goodness of their hearts have been tagging King Penguins to help provide scientific data that might add enjoyment to their old age on the ice cap. But what they learned decisively was that placing placing metal bands on the flippers shortened their lives and drastically cut down on their ability of procreate. Don't mess with Mother nature.

Liberals writing in the press often snidely respond to Politicians saying they want to do the will of the people by explaining that we are a representative government, not a true democracy. They add that Pols are elected to be reasoned and to use their "wizened" judgement to decide what's best for the people. There is one giant flaw in that. The vast majority of lawmakers aren't as smart as the people and have no Idea about what is good for them. Only what 's good for the propagation of their power and the satisfaction of those that own them.

The only thing less smart than politicians is the "Spell Check" system on this machine.

The Answer:
Reagan talked after the Challenger explosion. Clinton remembered the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and Bush of course delivered a caring memorial for 911. Obama's talk was 34 Mins (Some of the time due to political rally style cheering). Reagan was the shortest at about 8 minutes. Clinton and Bush were about the same at half that of Obama. Good things can be said in small talk.

The End
"Duh" Department:
Clueless Lane has done it again. This morning's financial headline says "Markets down on bad unemployment news". I though these folks looked beyond the moment. They should have built in that downturn at least four months ago. It is not rocket science. When an abnormal selling season like the holidays end, jobs are lost. It happens every year. God help us.

In closing, a special mention for the 14 wounded of Tucson rarely recalled by the press and observers: Ron Barber, Pat Simon, Susan Hileman, Eric Fuller, George Morris, Mavy Stoddard, Mary Reed. There are six more and I can't find them. Isn't it a shame that is is so hard to remember all of the people.

BudaBudaBudaBudaBuda…

Today's Tids Issue 2,209

Opening Stuff:

I believe the key in evaluating the next round of corporate reporting is revenue performance. Profits looked pretty hale so far this year. A rather fast return to profits is generally the first thing you see at the beginning of a recovery. Corporations can easily (Well maybe not easily) accomplish rosy profit pictures through general tightening, reduction in employment, heavy discounting or cost cutting. It’s an old story. But now the test. Are people buying again? Are companies getting good prices? Or, are sales continuing to be sustained through heavy discounting? Let’s check out some top lines on the third quarter reports. This is the test.

Pleasant moments with the second movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto Number 2 is like looking deeply into a lover’s eyes.

Countries around the world are starting to wake up to the fact that they are still giving China $2.5 Billion in foreign aid. And wondering why the 2nd largest economy in the world needs it. But, that’s like any other government program. Once instituted, it is almost impossible to get rid of it even in the face of overwhelming conclusive evidence against it.

Doncha kinda get the feeling that the NEA is sponsoring NBC’s week long focus on education?

The Question:
Yesterday we did Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. So today, let’s try Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Learner (In honor of NBC’s Ed Week!). What was this song writing duo’s first hit and biggest hit. Name five shows.

The Headlines:

--World Stocks Pulling Back Over New Concerns About economic Recovery In Europe; US Stock Futures Down.
--US Stocks Continue To Fall After Consumer Confidence Level Dips To Lowest Level Since February.
--NK’s Kim Makes Son 4-Star General; Sets Line Of Secession.
--Gap Between Rich And Poor Widening.
--Obama Wooing college Students Again; Students Expected To be more Selective This Time Around.
--LA Heat Reaches 113F!
--Tids To Boycott First Lady Speeches Until She Stops Talking About Vegetables.
--Red Sox Still In Race After Another Outstanding Effort By Cy Young Contender Clay Bucholtz.

Back to More Stuff:
While strictly against any leniency or compassion for illegal aliens, I have always felt that a work visa plan could work. There is an apparent need for lower cost labor in many industries. And I guess, it is work that is beneath many who are doing just fine on welfare or unemployment checks. Of course there would have to be a lot of restrictions governing such a plan. For example, there would be no government support beyond issuance of the Visa…or the deportation of criminals. The employer would pay for all basic benefits. If the worker was hospitalized and the employer had failed to provide HC, the employer would be billed for all medical services. Unions would not be allowed to organize of the legal temp workers. There would be no Gov benefits for family members. And any worker caught doing anything illegal would be immediately deported.

I don’t look good in form fitting clothing.

I think we are into a long period of a “Hand-to-Mouth” economy. Like now, when summer bursts of employment are winding down and we enter a lull before Christmas/Halloween rehiring. Loyalty on both sides of the employment spectrum has been waning for a couple of decades now. Many of the new middle class jobs require less critical skills, so that the layoff/rehire seesaw has less effect on operations.

The wealthy will slow down domestic investment because over time they can’t see the middleclass as sustaining as high a level of purchases as they have in the past. While the statistics show that the wealthy pay an overabundance of the total tax bill, they also show that the economy we have enjoyed for so many years is because of the unrelenting purchasing power of a consistently strong middle class. A middle class where the future for consistently high earning power is cloudy at best.

Frankly, doncha kinda get the feeling that the current Admin is being run by the NEA?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96 continues. –I quickly averted Kent’s piercing eyes. I needed to control my soul myself now. The fear of an hour ago had strangely morphed into resolve. I waved away Dan, and walked into the den. I heard no growls, but I felt aggression.
“Sorry I’m late,” I looked at them with the confidence of someone totally in charge, “But, thanks for waiting for me.” I saw Jack’s face relax ever so slightly. I was assuming that my favorite lackey Jeff was in charge of hiding the greasy one. I walked to the wall and pulled a chair to the center of the room. “I’m glad you thought of an extra chair or two Jack.” He rose, and started towards me, hand out. Ready to shake my hand and pull me in for a fatherly hug. Which he did. Izzy alone, sat like on an island, trying to plot out her next series of moves. Kent sat calmly unaffected by my little drama. But I felt his soft glance. I can feel the presence of this man who knows me so intimately.
“A funny thing happened on the way to this forum.” I said it matter of factly, informatively, but I knew they knew. “Yeah, I was chased by a couple of goons. And when they couldn’t find me, they beat the crap out of my friend Billy.” I stared at the blank expressions of the Izzy/Jack duo. God what psychopaths. I thought Jack felt for me. Like a daughter he never had. “What do you all think happened?”
Nobody spoke, which is not surprising. Finallly, I heard Kent.
“I am happy you weren’t hurt. His voice was soft, almost like he was contradicting some inner emotion.

Something strange happened Saturday night on the East Side of Providence RI. The stadium for the Brown/Harvard night game was packed to the rafters! With frenetically cheering people and…students. The last time Brown U probably saw a full house with enthusiastic students was in the sixties before campus radicalization., When the big game became mass protesting as opposed to “Root, root, root for the home team”. When a foot ball game became too clichéd, too establishment for the anointed elite. Before the late sixties, Ivy League powers like Yale and Princeton had SRO 70-80,000 packed houses…almost every Saturday afternoon. These were events! Could it be that good old fashioned, heart on the sleeve enthusiasm has a chance to be once again in vogue?

There’s a couple of good neighboring states races that I believe are terrific indicators for the depth of the mood of cirizens everywhere.. Charlie Baker, a Republican in Massachusetts, is running against a well known Obama pal, Deval Patrick. Baker is a business man in the mold of Scott Brown. He seems to know how to make things work. And why businesses are finding it harder to stay in Mass. On the other side of the “Hinge” state is Connecticut where the states AG Blumenthal is running against wrestling biz owner McMahon’s wife. She is for real. Knows the issues and has the money to get out the message. Blumenthal is exactly the kind of person we are trying to rid ourselves of; Big government give-away artist. If Blumenthal, and others like him get in, then you will know that all of the anger has accomplished nothing.

Our first lady has been extolling the virtues of the way early Native Americans (Indians) planted corn. Excuse me, but I think we have come a long way in 390 years.

The Answer: 
I don’t think many would argue about picking “My Fair Lady” as the duo’s biggest hit. Since it is also perhaps one of the all time Broadway favorites. Brigadoon was their first substantial hit. Camelot soared off of the success of “Lady”. Other big hits for the duo were Paint Your Wagon and the wonderful Gigi (Movie only.)

The End is Near:
So what’s this BudaBudaBudaBuda…thing all about? It’s about me turning into a mindless blatherer. And it’s the fault of all politicians good and bad. The airwaves are fraught with conflict. Overpromises. It is becoming as hard to watch programming featuring people I support as it is watching those I think are complete fools. I think it is an incumbent conspiracy. Throw as many issues at the people as you can and confuse them to the point where there only means to continuing sanity is to vote for the person they know…the dreaded incumbent. My mind is exploding. I’m turning off the TV. Changing the radio’s dial. BudaBudaBudaBudaBuda.

"Give me your tired...", legally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,203
Opening Stuff:On Friday, 20 new Rhode Islanders…no make that new US Citizens with a capital “C”, broke into enormous smiles as they finished their pledge. After coming to the US through legal channels, after taking the time and accepting the challenge to learn about their new country, they established themselves as worthy contributing citizens deserving of benefits and requiring responsibilities. Nobody protested immigration in fact it was just the opposite. They were welcomed with open arms and caressed by the warmth in every American’s heart.

Contrary to logical thinking, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are doing very well in this stock market and economy brought to its knees by shady real estate financing! Which just proves once again that it is always best to view Wall Street with the illogical side of your brain.

The Question:
What cities in America had the first radio stations? (Hint: Radio was the first electronic mass communication media and existed well before TV, the Internet and other devices that plug into ears. And deaden minds.)

The Headlines:

--Igor Driven Winds And Surf Pound Bermuda; No Damage Reports Yet.
--BP’s Total Spill Payouts Up To $9.6 Billion; Payments To Businesses, Individuals Affected Escalating; Well Finally Shut Tight.
Stocks Could Edge Up Today.
--As TARP Fund Winds Down Associated Fraud Office Expands.
--Ahmadinejad Asking US For Reciprocal “Humanitarian Gesture” And Release Of Iranians Held Captive; Shourd Says They Are Not Spies; Docs Say Shourd’s Health Fine.
--13 Missing Cal Sect Members Found Frolicking Park After Intensive Manhunt..
--Mexican Newspaper Says It Will Cease Covering Drug Wars After Second Journalist Is Myrdered.
--Nissan Builds Giant Auto Plant In Worlds Largest Car Market – China.

Back to More Stuff:
Feng Suie is the over dramatization of simple spatial logic.

In case you haven’t thought about them lately, the 33 miners in Chile appear to be doing fine in their underground prison. In fact, reports are telling us that the effort to create an escape tunnel is proceeding better than expected. Thought you’d like a little good news.

I always had this image of James Gandolfini as being an older man. But, at just 49 he is a mere yout.

When I read the headline “Taliban vows violence at Polls”, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Panthers.

This Just In: Randy Quaid and wife named King and Queen at “Entitlement Prom”.

Did you read about that couple, former Los Alamos nuclear scientists Pedro and Marjorie Mascheroni, who were arrested for attempting to pass secret US info that would have enabled Venezuela to enrich uranium? It’s good they were caught. But as the population grows, simple statistical understanding tells us that the demographic that would include a group of people with the inclination to be treasonous is growing too. As population rises, isolated incidents bind together into a substantial patterns.

What do the 3rd world dictators do when they want to consolidate their power? They subvert the intent of the constitution by running around checks and balance’s systems.

Which brings me to Elizabeth Warren. My first observation is that it would be very hard to have a comfortable conversation with her at a cocktail party, unless you agreed with every single word coming from her mouth.

We now live in a world it appears, that anybody who disagrees with a person or group can be declared an extremist. Even if they represent 80% of a population. Well, I guess it’s a step up from being called a racist.

If you are looking forward, “The Kings Speech” was named the fan favorite at the Toronto Film Festival and its three leads – Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush , Helen Bonham Carter – ar e considered strong possibilities for Oscar Nominations. So…a movie of quality that people actually like. How odd.

Out of Control Celeb Department:
Lohan has tweeted that she failed her latest drug/alcohol screening test and is ready to accept all consequences. On the other side of denial is Paris Hilton who is pealing guilty to misdemeanor charges to avoid the felony indictment. Which will allow her to keep on abusing common civility until something really bad happens.

While a pathetic 18% of RI’ers showed up for this past primary that could have set the stage for repairing broken state and US government, Afghans endured a rain of mortars and polling place explosions to vote for their future. Thinking you have everything is a great way to become complacent and eventually lose it all.

Through the Same Eyes Chapter 94 continues. –“Ring, Ring, Ring.” I froze. Something told me not to panic and do something. That something was speed dialing Henry, a live call that would block incoming ring tones. And get me outside comfort. For what that was worth. “Henry, I whispered. Can’t talk. Trapped on roof of parking garage. Two guys. Maybe they’re old friends. I doubt it. Get the state police up here if you can. Got to go” I pressed “off” before he could say a word. But, Henry doesn’t need to ask questions. He always knows…doesn’t he? As I watched the phone screen go blank, I decided the next step was to get off the ground. If I could look under cars, they could too. I snaked my way up upon the two foot high guard rail which kept me in no vision land. It was not comfortable, but luxury living is not an options. Living is. I decided it was time to take a chance. I squiggled forward til I could get a slim view of the area where I last saw the three sets of legs.
Now I could see Bills face, rigid but resolute, listening to what appeared to be a steady stream of threatening sounding questions. The third person had left. They appeared to turn t go back into the stairwell. The guy talking to Bill glanced out in direction that would put his buddy about 50 feet to my north. If true, that would put him into a sightline of my perch within seconds.
I dropped off the railing. Silently. Silently until my phone slipped from my hand. It clattered, like Santa coming down the chimney. I smiled and froze at the same time. The things that enter your mind. I was squatted down behind a tire. I felt safe. I heard footsteps move quickly. Maybe he thought it was the “Old rock throwing diversion trick”.

Often I rate a movie as ‘Better’ based on the quality of the music. In general, I am easily duped by superficiality.

There are a lot of half/no–truths floating around in political, mass distributed emails. It is always a good idea to research the facts before using them in public conversations or forwarding them along. That is, if credibility means something to you.

The Answer:
The first commercial radio station was Westinghouse Electric’s KDKA in Pittsburgh which went n-air in October 1920.. However before that, WWJ in Detroit broadcast news in August 1920. It gets more confusing with the claim of San Francisco’s WCBS that they are the legal extension of a San Jose experimental wireless effort that began in 1909. there was a lot of local and special event activity at the time so it is difficult to develop an undisputed list of firsts. Other early places were College Station Texas (WTAW), WDRC Hartford CT, WJZ Jersey City NJ, WBZ Boston. Stations started to proliferate starting in 1921. In 1922-1923 a new station or two came on the air every day! This continued at a fairly active place through 1928. It was slower but active into the 30’s. Providence RI was rather late the Providence Journal station WSAD saying “Good Morning” June 13 1923.

The End:
Colin Powell says he uses “Illegal Aliens” to fix things around his house. That’s what happens when you attain celebrity. Your mind goes dead.

Open your eyes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,215
Opening Stuff:

How scary is the current trend that has many financial analysts and observers jumping aboard the “Double Dip” and the “Bond Bubble’ bandwagons – two current hot topics among discussers of the US investing and the economy.

Left leaning creative people are really a pretty predictable, stereotypical group of people. Especially when you think about their personal lives. For instance, how many over the years have thought it quite clever naming their cat Atticus.

The greatest boom to the stock markets could be the election of Republicans and the resultant gridlock in Washington. Investors love Washington gridlock.

The Question:
What is the meaning of the word “Paraprosdokian”?

The Headlines:

--BP Blames Self And Mainly Other Contractors In Their Just Released Investigation Report.
--0-Man Continues to Promise Big Payouts to get Dems Elected.
--Most Americans Against Quran Burning.
--Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Cooler Than Average Winter And Next year’s Spring And Summer.
--Economists Lower Growth estimates.
--Stronger Euro Stocks Boost US Markets.

Back to More Stuff:
Notice how real news is dominating Wall Street now that the big hitters are back at their desks and European bankers are back from vacations.

I particularly dislike the flavor of pimento.

The big worry according to some pretty savvy investment analysts is that the problem of 2007/08 which is applicable to Greece and Euro Countries today as it was to Lehman Bothers then,  is simply stated too much leverage and not enough capital. That the problem still exists as the trillions spent in the various rescue plans were just wall papering over the problem offering no permanent solution to the problem.

I’m starting to see PR agencies working overtime to boost the image of Muslims. Docile, happy Muslims are everywhere on TV these days This brand building may help, but many Americans are still angry at the Islamic leadership’s lack of condemnation of the Islamic outlaws who perpetrated the destruction of the Twin Towers and the loss of lies of 3,000 innocent Americans.

Obama’s current give-away rampage is exactly what is wrong with the country’s system of elections and resultant government. It s plain and simple a vote buying campaign where the losers are the Americans who will have to pay dearly for ill conceived and rushed in to law bills. The 28th amendment should require that Congress and the President not be able to operate 120 days before elections.

Did you know there are 6 Amendments to the constitution that have been passed by Congress but not ratified by the states. The oldest pending amendment is from 1789 and is about House of representatives apportionment. (If it had passed then we would now have 5,628 Representatives. The Junket bills would be enormous!): The next from 1810 would ban Titles of Nobility (There’s no truth to the rumor that 0-Man is working to reactivate that one.); 1861 Corwin Amendment “Prservation of Slavery”; 1924 Child Labor Amendment giving Congress the right to regulate Child labor. The other two you are probably familiar with – Equal rights for women and the voting rights for DC.

Light travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

The Answer:
Paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the later part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes to reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is a technique of humorists and satirists. Examples: “She got her good looks from her father. He’s a plastic surgeon.” “I believe in making the world safe for my children. But, not my children’s children…because I don’t believe my children should be having sex.” “I like going to the park and watching the children run and jump around, because you see they don’t know I’m using blanks.”

The End:
Don’t worry…Spell-Check didn't know what Paraprosdokian is either!

War doesn’t determine who is right – only who is left.

Maybe not so clueless.

Today's Tids Issue 2,1206

Opening Stuff:

The first 37 potato chips are the best. After that the thrill starts to fade.

The Republicans could do worse for a slogan than the words from Florida Governor primary winner Rick Scott, “Obama, Ried and Pelosi are destroying the American Dream for the next generation.” And, “We are the guardians of the American Dream.”

Thinking about Scott and people like him…true outsiders and inexperienced pols – how interesting would it be if the entire house and senate were composed with them. I’m sure the country wouldn’t fall apart and it might even get better. I’m thinking that congress is one place where experience is a negative.

The Question:
What did Tiger Woods Shoot today?

The Headlines:

--Taliban Expanding In North And West Afghan.
--One In Ten With Mortgage Face Foreclosure.
--Alaska Primary Awaits Absentee Ballot Count.
--DOW Closes Below 10,000.
--Tids Editor Decries Lack Of Real News.

Back to More Stuff:
This is one of those periods in the Stock markets when the so-called expert analysts have tons and tons of diverse knowledge, and don’t know anything.

Get this from Clueless Lane. Bonds are a scary place to be safe. Stock prices are too high. That’s right too high. Gold has no right being where it is. And cash. Even cash could be valueless. Happy yet?

How about that kid from Spain who came to the US to become a day trader. Talk about not getting around. He was just handed a back taxes bill form the IRS for $172 Million. His first reaction…”What’s the IRS.” Welcome to America.

Maybe he isn’t the Messiah after all. Here he has been on vacation for five days; Five days in which it has rained constantly. In fact, the worst vacation week of the summer. Or else, out of the goodness of his heart, he is calling for rain for the farmers. Yeah, that’s what he is doing. Calling for rain for the hard scrabble farmers of Martha’s Vineyard.

The hot new insider term of the moment on Wall Street is the Hindenburg Omen which sounds really, really scary…and it is if the market follows what has happened 1 out the 4 times a bunch of technical levels based on 52 week highs and lows are achieved. It crashes and burns. But that means 3 of 4 times nothing happens.

I was playing golf with a friend who was having an awful day. He and I hit in the same trap. Trying to cheer him up after he hit another lackluster shot, I said, “I’ll smooth out the sand for you…You deserve a rake today!” He didn’t laugh.

The biggest environmental scam is not Global Warming but the Over fishing warning constantly perpetrated by marine environmentalists. Real science says that there are plenty of fish, but obviously some care must be taken. And good fishermen, experts inthis field knowit. The rub comes from the regulations where law has set arbitrary levels of what is overfishing, and the hardworking toilers of the sea can reach it regardless if there are a lot of fish or no fish.

As all of you know, I have dubbed Wall Street “Clueless Lane” based on the inability of these high priced financial gurus to really predict anything. But then a good reader says, “Maybe they aren’t so Clueless after all. “Reports are released showing things going up; Reports released showing things going down. The guys with the control and the money release bad news so that can buy as stocks decline. Then they release some good news so stocks go up and they sell. And so it goes…” Then he adds – “In the meantime we are left holding our heads and stomachs while we should be holding our "jewels" because they have got us by the you know what’s”

The Answer:
All of the Tiger sycophants are dancing in the streets as the #1 player in the world shot a 65. Could it be that the little bit of freedom was all he needed. Is golf that simple? Not for me.

Speaking of Clueless…have you read today’s TIds?

The confidence of love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,161
Opening Stuff:

You can step bravely into the world when you know you are held dearly in someone else’s heart.

There are two things for sure about the Afghan wars: 1. The Russians were right when they said at the outset we were jumping into a quagmire. 2. You can’t place an arbitrary deadline for troop removal when the enemy has absolutely no timetable.

The Question: Why do you think the guy was canned form the orange juice factory, axed from the lumber jack job and why he wasn’t suited for the tailor job?

The Headlines:
--Government Lowers Growth Estimate For First Quarter; New Estimate Lowered From Previously Released 3% To 2.7%; Fourth Q Was 5.7%.
--Morning Wall Street Quandary: Go Up On News Of Financial Regulations Agreement; Go Down On Lower Growth Number.
--Overhaul Of Wall Street Rules Legislation Moves To House And Senate for Vote.
--Palin To return $400K After Ethics Commission Rules Contributions Illegal.
--Heath Care Rules Reveal That Employer Insured Citizens Will Not Be Able To Keep What They Have As Promised By President “Whatever It takes”.
--Scientists Find Toxins In Whales.
--Tornado Topples Buildings In Connecticut’s Largest City, Bridgeport.

Back to More Stuff:

I admit I had to chuckle at the news item, “Dutch to use ‘Decoy Jews’ to stop hate crimes. My immediate image was that of a good ole’ country boy sittin’ on a front porch with a pile of people sized logs carving Jewish appearing people as enticements for crazed bigots. Think of the great new folk art market! But, this is a serious problem in The Netherlands. For over ten years now in this one time haven for Anne Frank, Jewish people who are recognizable from clothing have been unable to walk peacefully in the streets. The Government of Amsterdam is considering posting police in Yarmulkes to attract and arrest racists. Bigotry seems to be the most resistant to antidotes' virus in the history of mankind.

Which reminds me of a funny line from a Jewish friend the other day. In a small gathering I was telling people that some security experts are recommending that instead of mace or pepper spray, people carry a can of “Wasp” spray… To which he interrupted, “Wow, I could have used that when I was a kid!”

Why do I look at the picture of Barney Frank And Chris Dodd announcing the agreement on the Financial regs bill and not feel very confident that anything will ever get better.

As a long time supporter of States Rights, I couldn’t be happier to see the reactionaries in LA and Oakland Cal back down on their hysterical boycott of Arizona legislation.

This morning’s Wall Street picture is exactly why the markets are so quivery. Early this morning futures looked higher because the moguls finally knew what was coming out of Congress on new regulations. But, then just after 8:00 AM reality set in when the 1st Q growth rate was lowered due to lower actuals on consumer spending and increased imports. It is really hard to have a lot of faith in a market that more and more is day to day, manipulated by CYA traders seeking bonuses at the end of the year.

But then, when have recent executive salaries and bonuses ever been based on doing things well for customers.

A knowledge of history will always contribute to better decisions than emotions of the heart.

As far as I can see the on-going oil slick saga has come down to a debate between public CYA weenies and private CYA weenies. With much of it obscuring the facts.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79 continues. –I told her that Marie was looking at us like she was at home at with the afternoon soaps. She laughed, not like the lover but as a friend hearing a joke. But I knew she was faking it. She wanted to let everything inside of her come out like a swollen river after a deluge. I looked at my half eaten pie. It wasn’t the time to indulge. It was a time to care. I flicked towards Marie for a check. She produced it like a magician and moved forward.
As she came to the table, Sarah/Maggie looked up at her, looked at her wearing that amazing confident smile of hers. “Henry has fired Kent and I as detectives on the vandalism caper!” Marie’s lips eased. “We decided to celebrate at this table where we spent our most effective time deciphering clues. You probably never knew how critical your place was to easing the Fosterville crime wave” Marie’s shoulders relaxed.
“No I didn’t”, she answered now playing along with our little act. She handed me the handwritten bill.
I quickly paid the tab and as I left I pecked Marie on the cheek, “I’ll be back for your pie, crime on the streets or no crime on the streets.” She shagged her arm up and tapped me gently on the shoulder.
Sarah was at her car by the time I came down the 3 steps. She turned quickly and I could see the look of sadness in her eyes. I approached and saw a small tear in the corner of her eye. “I guess we’ll have to find another place to meet. You know that I will never be able to live without you.”
I felt fullness in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. Maybe she wasn’t lying to me. Maybe I was only imaging a change. I looked over my shoulder. Marie was staring at me. I wanted to crush Sarah/Maggie in my arms. Feel her heat next to mine.

Probably the thing I like best about Wimbledon is that they all still wear white. A reminder that if it is really good it doesn’t need glitz to keep it going.

In a short comment about the absurdity of keeping passengers imprisoned on an airplane for four hours in sweltering heat, it was said that the new law hadn’t gone into effect yet. Too my knowledge the laws of common sense have been with us since the beginning of time. When people are passing out in front of you, do you need a law to tell you that something is wrong? In fact it’s probably some regulation that kept the travelers in their tomb.

Reading Between the Lines Movies reviews:
--Well, first we had Four Seasons and then the Big Chill. So now it’s the slackers turn and we get the Grown Ups. Which it is definitely not about. Five comedic guys and former basketball teammates -- Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider -- get together at the funeral of their coach. Woman in their lives are played by Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph. It’s about a C- movie and not very funny considering the talent. But probably will be appreciated by guys who think they are old but rally haven’t discovered the definition of responsibility and commitment.

The Answer:
He was canned because he couldn’t concentrate, axed because he couldn’t hack it and was suited because it was a sew-sew job. He then found his job in the muffler factory was too exhausting. The only noteworthy accomplishment was in the music business.

Justifiable Homicide:
After re-reading that quiz answer, I now know why some apparently calm and caring people fly into rage and strangle other people

Get your hands off my money, or I’m calling Jack!

Today's Tids Isssue 2,137
Opening Stuff:
I’m at a loss for words. How can you possibly adequately express the grief over the loss of a friend? A friend that each year provided hope and relief. But, tonight I and many will have to face the truth. The horrible truth that “24” is to disappear form the face of the earth. The TV program that…I’m sorry…I may not be able to write the rest of these Tids. Whew. This is tough. Suck it up big guy. When the stock market dips, when democrats talk, when celebrities ooze, I could always say for the past nine years: “Don’t worry about the crap in the world, you’ve got “24” to look forward. That’s a true friend if there ever was one. Pass me a hanky please.

New celebrity couple of the moment: Fergie and Blago.

Nowhere in the list of ideas about saving Social Security (Mostly higher taxes and fewer benefits) does it recommend that no person affiliated with any congressional or executive branch of the monster can touch the “Trust” fund, except the person who pushes the button on the machine that prints the checks for those who paid into it. Or am I too late for that?

Richard Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde always tugs at my heartstrings.

Refreshingly Honest Department:
In this world of arrogant journalistic scoundrels wasn’t it a pleasant whiff of seaside air to hear Campbell Brown say that she is resigning because not enough people were watching her program. She added that nothing makes her madder than the company lines like “Wanna spend time with the family” or “seeking new career objectives”. She said it would be impossible for her to stomach spinning her own reason for leaving. So, when she turns up somewhere else, I’ll be watching.

The Question:
Name your ten favorite all-time “24” Characters other than Jack and Chloe..

The Headlines:
--0-Man Calls For Military Readiness As North Korea Threatens.
--Geithner Sees Global Economy Improving.
--Fergie Seen Selling Andrew Access For Princely Sum.
--Poisoned PDF’s Now Top Web Threat; 49% Of All 2009 (11% In 2008) Attacks Result In Flaw In Adobe reader.
--President Criticizes American Past And Demeans GW Bush In Speech Before Country’s Bravest At West Point (Well… Bravest After Annapolis).
--Jamaica Declares State Of Emergency As Drug Wars Excalate.
--Brett Michaels Wins Apprentis After Near Fatal Bout With Diabetes.

Back to More Stuff:
The almost good news is that next Fall NBC will première a new conspiracy thriller described as “Resembling 24”. It’s called “The Event”, and it is about a guy investigating the strange death of his wife who finds himself looking at a giant government cover-up. I’m putting this potential as a Tids fave on my “must give it a chance” list.

With all of the attention focused on Basketball, football or hot High School/College sport of the moment, unbelievable accomplished student athletes in minor sports often go over looked and underappreciated by the fawning public. Let’s hear it for all of those champions sweating and competing beyond the spotlight.

In case you are interested, the ratings for the 8:00 daily cable news slots (That’s where Campbell Brown resided) are Bill O’Reilly 3.3 Million, Obermann 1 Million, Nancy Grace 745K and Brown 575K.

So like I’m supposed to be really, really happy when I read that the return to volatility in the stock markets is good for the gam…, Oops, I mean traders. I have to believe that 99.6% of all stock market participants would love some stability more than anything.

I’m absolutely loving my Celtics!

I don’t know what to think about the successful production of a fully chemically based synthetic cell, but I can hear China and India officials talking now, “Oh great! Just what we need…another way to add to our overpopulation.”

Interestingly, Country Music sales is humming along, or at least remaining stable as the music industry in general is bucking some tough trends. The reason, say many observers, is because that while Wall Street magnets are pocketing the big bucks, most of the average Americans are still worried about jobs and shrinking assets. And, they “commiserate” with the woeful lyrics of country songs. Like “I got the Blankfein Big Bucks Blues” or “My Broker Took My Wife Ida And left me no IRA.”

We have given some ink to the 16 year old girls trying to sail alone around the world. But how about the 13 year old American, Jordan Romero, who successfully stepped atop Mount Everest on Friday. Can you say Best Selling Book? But, I still can’t understand one of the good luck charms he carried to the top – “Kangaroo Testicles”! Yikes!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 73: “Gray Matter” came the lilting reply. What do they inject into these receptionists anyhow? Kent laughed to himself at his little joke as answered the face of the security company. “Hello, this is Kent Middleton for Jason Cotter.”
After a few seconds the pleasant voice of my friend Jason came on. “Why Kent. This is a surprise! I thought you were trying to stay away from me. Too bad about Bromsky.” God he liked to ramble. You’d think he’d know me by now. But he continued. “So, how are you and the sheriff getting along?” He paused a few beats. “ I still remember the meeting we had with him, and laugh at our performance.”
“Are you finished?”
“Oh yeah, you called me.”
“That’s why I’m calling. The sheriff.” Now I paused just make him understand that I was still in charge. “The sheriff is getting nosey. And I’m sensing that this isn’t dying out as fast as it should have.”
“So, what do you want us to do?”
“Well,” I started. “If you can figure out how to get a couple of guys to blend with the surroundings up here, with big black SUV’s, I want to keep an eye on Laura and Sarah Durham.” I paused, “And we might consider making them inaccessible to the police?”
Jason jumped in, “I think another accident for the Durham woman would look suspicious.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about,”. Kent then changed the subject. “Your BiEmbryo security contract is just about completed.

Last week I mentioned that the dumber and dumber in the RI State Legislature are proposing a tax on sugary soda pop. I misspoke. (Oops there’s that very political word again). It now appears that this is a sweeping national trend among all legislative slugs. Under the guise of helping obese people cope, they are really trying to figure out how to pay for Obama’s bloated LollaPelosi Health Care Program. If it keeps going this way, health care will be cheaper but you won’t be able to afford to eat! Get this, the common thinking is to charge a penny an ounce for sugared sports drinks, teas and soda pops. For a 12 pack of 12 oz soda cans that would come to an extra $1.44/pack. Now if you wait for sales, you can always stock up on 12-packs for about $2.50/pack. That makes this tax equal to a whopping 57.6% tax!!!!! EeeeeeeeeeeeeeeOW!

The common thinking among people with brains is to vote them all out in November. I think we need more. Vote to shut down Congress and state legislatures for ten years. Believe me, nothing bad would happen.

The Answer:
The first two that popped into my mind are the great villain Nina and the loveable Edgar. Of course there is Renee Walker and the fantastic President Logan. I liked Jack’s wife, Kim’s mom Teri Bauer. And how could you not love President Palmer. I always though Michelle Dressler was terrific. And I liked Tony. I can’t remember the names but the Middle Eastern family of 2-3 years ago were outstanding. I liked Jack’s second love Kate Warner, and her sister Marie was one another of the terrific villainesses of the series. But one of the better guys was the CTU head George Mason who was dying and gave himself up to explode an A-Bomb in the desert in one of the most emotional scenes ever. As I got into this I found it was hard to limit it to 10. I probably had over forty very favorite characters over the series. But, that’s just the way it is with fans…we’re brain dead.

The End of An Era:
I’m thinking that next year the Tids will create and bring to you Season Nine of “24”.

And, I’m also thinking that KFC biscuits and gravy are going to be a great eating-along-with-24 snack.

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.

Life is an amazing race.

Today's Tids Issue 2,127
Opening Stuff:

It is not surprising to see the stock market make a correction. Most felt it was necessary, especially when you consider the lack of real substance that has been pushing it upward. And we all hope that the klutzboy episode was just an anomaly. The last thing the market needs is to make recent re-investors feel jittery. Fear takes hold too quickly in unstable times. And there is more instability than ever in the world and US economy at any time in my fading memory. It doesn’t take much – a strange suitcase on a corner in Times Square; The dilution of trust on Wall Street; A congress person selling votes; Countries “going out of business.” Wall Street needs “the people” back, and current conditions isn’t making it easy for them. And the people need a steady Wall Street.

You have to wonder what penguins wear on casual Fridays.

The Question:
Who are Jerry Scott, Jim Borgman, Lynn Johnson, Mike Peters, Chris Cassett, Gary Brookins, Chris Browne, Dean Young, John Marshall, Stan Lee, Bill Keane, John McPhereson and Brian Bassett.

The Headlines:
--0-Man To Name Former Harvard Law School Dean, Current Solicitor General, Left Of Center Elena Kagan As Nominee To Supreme Court; Insiders Say She Is Capable Conciliator, And Safe.
--Rhode Island Brother Team Takes Home Million As Amazing Race Champs; Reality Programming Contestant Is Number One Industry For RI-ers.
--$1 Trillion Global Rescue Package Temporarily Stabilizes Euro, Reverses Slide; World Stock Markets Surge.
--Times Square Bomber Was member Of Pakistani Taliban Op.
--Amazing Rondo Matches Stats Of Hall Of Famers “Bog O” and “Stilt” To Lead Celts To Series Tying Win.
--Legend Lena Horne Dead At 92.
--SK Says Torpedo Residue Found In Sunken Navel Ship.
--Euro Nations Beginning To See Sun Through Ash Hole.
--Conservative Cameron Trying To Hammer Out Deal With Liberal Democrat Clegg.
--Blobs Come Ashore On Gulf Coast; BP Fighting To Get control.

Back to More Stuff:

If the only space you can find around your home for a garden is shady…no problem. Plant bulbs.

Lucky are those who dial up http://www.todaystids.blogspot.com each day, for they are recipient of updates and weekend musings.

Some of these historic house tours are becoming more costly than a Broadway show.

At the giant basketball and football powerhouse universities, 300 pound tackles and 7 foot centers are too big to fail.

Where have you gone Lindsey Lohan? One of the great transformations from sparkling ingénue to sultry vamp is now officially complete as the often troubled Lohan accepts the offer to play Linda Lovelace in a new movie.

Did you realize that 40,000 men and women graduate from Law School each year? And finally somebody has figured out that we are producing far too many lawyers. Like any market, laws of supply and demand always win out in the end. Now smart kids will have tot overpopulate new areas of society. I hope it isn't Tids writing.

Instead of cursive writing, you have to expect that first graders will be learning texting techniques in the future. Writing? What’s writing?

Maybe the Muslims have a point about cartoonists. The smug down at the Comedy Channel have on the drawing board a new show named JC. Yes that JC. Apparently the Son of God who came to earth to give his life for all mankind will be portrayed as an average guy moving to NYC to get out from under dad’s shadow. And we will see “Dad” as an apathetic man playing video games. Beware of the chortlers.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 71. –“Good afternoon Kent. I didn’t know you were coming in this afternoon.” Sally seemed a little less effervescent. Almost guarded as I walked by to my office.
“You know I’m just one surprise after another!” She started to laugh at that.
“Oh yeah, Mr. spontaneous” she answered quickly. That even got me smiling. “Oh, I just didn’t expect you,” she said again. “I’m having a meeting with your friend Sarah Durham.”
“Oh”. I quickly turned back to her. I hope not too quickly.
“It’s no big deal. She is just curious about what I and others on our team may have thought about poor Seymore.” She seemed to look at me for approval. “I guess it’s part of her knowing everything when she’s paying all of our salaries!” She smiled at that.
“I responded similarly, “I guess when she is somebody who has become a friend you forget about how important she is to our company. Thanks, Sally.” I turned and went into my office. What is Sarah/Maggie looking for?
The phone rang as I sat. “Hello?”
“It’s Laura”. Now what I thought. “The Sherriff wants me to come down to his office again. I thought you had that old man wrapped around your finger?” she added in her surliest tone.
I looked up and saw Maggie walking over to Sally’s office. Strangely, that made me feel better. “Listen Laura. Just stay calm. Answer his questions with as little as you can get away with. You’re smart. I trust you.

On chortling: I often use the word “chortler” to describe those one dimensional megalomaniacs who love to make outrageous comments about things precious to most loving people and then soften their rhetoric with a snorting chuckle (The definition of a chortle). These are among the most dangerous people on earth. Closet atheists, groping liberals and insecure celebrities looking for substance are the most adept at the chortle.

The ten richest men of all time are John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Bill Gates, John Jacob Astor, Frederick Weyerhaeuser, Marshall Field, Sam Walton, Warren Buffet and Mexican Tel com guy Carlos Slim Helu.

The Answer:
Scott and Borgman are the creators of the comic strip “Zits”. Peters is “Mother Goose and Grim”, Cassett & Brookins – “Shoe”, Browne – “Hagar” and “Hi and ois”, Young and Marshall – “Blonde”, Lee – “Spiderman”, Keane – “Family Circus”, McPhereson – “Close to Home” and Bassett – “Red and Rover”. What is your favorite comic strip?

The End:
Maybe that trillion for Europe will keep our retirement funds stable for a week or so. Isn’t it scary how casually they throw around the word trillion any more. Today’s kids will be working to become trillionaires only to find in fifty years that Forbes is out with the Zillionaire 400! That’s Forbes on Twitter, by the way! Enjoy your new found wealth…for a week.

Wall Street and the Rolling Stones

Today's Tids Issue 2,125
Opening Stuff:

I paused for a moment yesterday to think about the many god-damned good friends I have had during my life. How they aren’t of one gender, race or ethnicity; or rich or poor; they are young and old; They can be successful or not so much; athletes or intellectuals; There are no guide lines that can help you determine your next friend. Something just clicks. Friendship is one of the great gifts of life. And, I savor them all.

Talk about typos. The Tids has never mis-punched a key like the klutz on Wall Street yesterday. The Klutz who Killed Konvidence Keyed in-Korrectly and my savings got Klobbered. Kouple that with Komputer programmed Komplicity and you have a Katastrophe. And it ain’t Okay with me.

Hey, the good news, we are assured by financial expert analysts that lots of brokers made huge pots of money with deft buying at the bottom. Kinda makes your heart leap for joy doesn’t it.

It looks like the NFL’s “All Time Greatest Defensive Player” is about to become the All Time NFL Defendant!

That "Giant Box" over the runaway oil well reminds me of what I do when the “Check Engine” light comes on in my car. I cover it over with black electrical tape! No problem.

The Question:
“I can’t get no…sat-is-faction…” Try humming that – or dancing around the house -- for the rest of the day, while thinking of your portfolio meltdown. It is one of the all time infectious tunes, at least to me. Name five other Rolling Stones mega hits.

Weekend Bonus Q: Why his Gibbs long time pal and medical examiner on NCIS called “Ducky”?

The Headlines:
--Wall Street Abuzz About The Numbskull Nosedive; Tids Editorial Board Urges Class Action Suit For Average Investors Against Fatfinger.
--Jobs Report Paradoxical: New Jobs In April At 290,000; Unemployment Grows To 9.9%; Underemployment Grows 17.1% Near All Time High Of 17.4%.
--England Conservative Garners Most Votes But Missed Required Number For Control; English Government Could Become Unstable.
--Stock Futures Point Higher; Fears That Euro Debt Crisis Could Spread Remain High..
--BP Puts Giant Box Over Leaky Well.
--Pakistan Taliban Say NYC Bomber Not One Of Us; But Cheer His Efforts To Terrorize Gotham.
--NK’s Kim Expresses Willingness To Resume Nuke Discussions.
--E.Coli Discovery Forces Lettuce recall; Tids Urges Banning Of Lettuce In School Lunch Programs.
--RI’s Burgeoning “Hall Of Shame” Grows By Three As North Providence City Council Members Are Arrested for Bribery.

Back to More Stuff:

Words and phrases you should never use at work, unless of course you don’t want the responsibilities associated with good career. In other words, if you don’t want to be a non-entity avoid: “Try”, “Whatever”, “Maybe”, “I don’t know”, “I’ll get back to you”, “If”, “Yes, but”, “I guess” and “we’ll see”. In other words be positive, assertive and respectful. I guess. Whatever.

Why our leaders make me feel safe Department:
Yesterday the ever brilliant Ben Bernanke said, “Banks should loan to creditworthy borrowers.”! How brilliant is that. How revolutionary! What guts. Why didn’t I think of that …”Lend to people who can pay you back”. Glad he’s getting the big bucks.

So, do you think that the Gore-ster built his $9,000,000 Ocean Side mansion on the only point of land not to be engulfed by his predicted GW induced rising sea? Al Gore, one of the great phonies in American history.

Has there ever been a more appropriate name for a leader of an African nation than that of Nigeria’s new president – Goodluck Jonathon! He’ll need it.

You know you are going to see columns by fawning sports writers about all of the hardships the great Lawrence Taylor had to over come in life. While a beaten and confused, defenseless 16 year old girl wonders what the confusing world she sees holds in store for her.

Through the Same Eyes; Chapter 70 continues. –Izzy and I had our usual good meeting and were now finishing a nice friendly lunch. I think we admire each other equally and never play the one-upmanship game. That’s why we accomplish so much in short meetings. We are jointly managing is a complicated financial structure at the moment; one primarily designed to bring the company public at the right moment. It is a tough time right now for IPO’s, but the bigger issue in my mind right now is the cloud over the research program. Izzy is less sensitive to the fortuitous nature of the giant technological advance and the fact that it was the result of a criminal act.
Rather that constantly confronting her over it, I decided to keep the positive side of our work moving while I find out more about the Bromsky mess myself. As lunch came to an end, I asked, “What does Middleton say about the Bromsky data. Does he seem disturbed that it wasn’t result of his and his teams personal efforts?”
“Kent is as happy as clam in clean salt water” She smiled confidently, probably reassuring any misgivings she may actually have over the mess. ‘You know, Kent is a pragmatist.”
‘’What was Kent’s reaction when you hired Bromsky to run a parallel program? Great idea by the way”.
“You know how hard it is to read Mr. Middleton’s mind.” She laughed a knowing laugh.
Is it, I thought.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The big hit of the Weekend is the highly anticipated Iron Man 2. The major problem with it is that all of the cool stuff from the original appears old hat in this sequel. The acting by Robert Downy, Mickey O’Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlet Johansson is very good. And the plot about Tony’s resistance to pressure from the government to reveal his technology, isn’t bad either. It’s just that fans come to these type of movies to be thrilled. And they aren’t there. So maybe it will be better for me. Maybe I should put it on my Netflix list

Scientists have proven what many women have always thought – men are Neanderthals. Yes new DNA research says it is official that the humans of today are direct descendents of Neanderthals. But after all of the millions have been spent, and all of the scientific backs have been robustly slapped with joy, I have to ask…”So?”

The Answer:
 Satisfaction is certainly one of the top faves. “Lady Jane” is one of my personal favorites. Then you have Time is on My Side, Get off of My Cloud, 19th Nervous Breakdown, Let’s Spend the Night Together, She’s a Rainbow, Jumpin’ Jack Flash and another I particularly enjoy, Ruby Tuesday. They had 91 singles, so there are going to be a lot of “Number Ones”. Pick you favorite and hum along.

Weekend bonus Answer: You probably all guessed that it is because the David McCallum character is Doctor “Mallard”!

The Grand Finale':
I can’t help it. Every time I see the words “Giant Box” in news stories about the oil leak problem, I just find myself laughing.

If today’s music was any good you wouldn’t need all of the lights, smoke, weird costumes and makeup. You could just stand there nekid on the stage and sing them.

Lots of potato chips for school lunch programs would effectively eliminate the fear of E. Coli.

And, my levity over the Giant Box is tempered by the big decision I have to make this evening at 7:00 EDT – whether to watch the Celtics in a must win game, the Bruins in a series clincher or the Red Sox against the Ya-ya-ya…(WYKWIM). Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrgh!!

May is the happy kind of gay.

Today's Tids Issue 2,121
Opening Stuff:

Did I miss International Workers Day again! Rats. The first Tids of May sounds like a bouncy little song, doesn’t it? The first Tids of May, Happy Bon Mots on their way, To help spruce up your day, Like good old Sol’s ray. / Glib Pols that stray, Other’s feet of clay, Will the army become gay?, Amoral athletes that play, Grim terrorists that slay, Con men that prey, Bonus babies big pay, Shooing illegals away, Star dancers that sway. / And to fruit I say nay, But for gravy it’s yeh, Which is why I weigh, like a horse that says Neigh. So enter the fray, After weekend of play, and Sunday to pray, With a spirit okay. / And I’ll creep away. God, isn’t May inspirational!

Wall Street and the Government continue to use numbers to influence, but much too often only tell part of the story. Stocks get bought or sold, disingenuous Pols slap each other happily on their backs and the public loses. Take, for instance, the report on economic growth Friday. The media proudly and wrongly exalted the Q1 3.2% GDP growth number as proof that the economy was on a rebound. Stocks leapt forward. Politicians implied how good they were for the country Of course they didn’t tell you that the previous quarter had a 5.6% growth and that the year ago similar quarter had a 5.4 number. And they didn’t even offer a hint to the public that in order for a successful rebirth of an economy that also creates jobs, the GDP needs to show five consecutive quarters with a 7-9% growth!

I remember when to get through the Sunday Newspaper I had to play a CD line-up which might include a lengthy Beethoven Mass, Grieg and Schumann Piano concertos and a series of Respighi symphonic landscapes. Today I can turn the last page on merely…a Cesar Franck oratorio and a collection of Richard Strauss tone poems.

The Question:
There are enormous sky scrapers all over the world. But this tower of Babel mentality started humbly in the US. Name the first skyscraper, number of stories and where and when it was built. What are the ten highest sky scrapers in the world today?

The Headlines:
--Oil Spill Just In Infancy; Damage Could Be Biggest In History.
--Video May Give Clues To Failed Times Square Bomb.
--India Convicts Pakistani In Mumbai Siege.
--Buffet Says Goldman Good.
--Warm Weather Has Northeast Basking; Floods Threatening Tennesee.
--Baghdad Recount Begins Today.
--Red Sox Fans Jumping Off Local Bridges.
--United And Continental To Combine To Form Largest Airline.
--China Raises Bank reserves; Asian Stocks drop.
--German Cabinet Takes Up Huge Greek Bailout.

Back to More Stuff:

I had to smile at the juxtaposition of the two main stories on the front page of the weekend section of the Saturday’s newspaper – The Ringling Brother’s Circus next to Goldman Sachs. Send in the clowns.

This entire discussion about financial activity is coming down to what too many decisions in America seem to boil down to any more. Legal versus moral or ethical. It is not beyond the realm of good reasoning that GS and others did everything according to the law. But, that doesn’t make losses any more tolerable. Like a serial killer getting off on a technicality. Or rally’s against an Arizona law in favor of a massive group of out and out criminals. People often perform to the letter of a law but often outside the intent of the law. I guess you just have to hope that people still know what’s right or wrong in their hearts. But, in my heart I know that it is slowly becoming but a hopeful fantasy…especially where big money is involved.

Which brings me to the hacker of the Palin email account. The lawyer tried to portray a serious invasion of privacy as a college prank. Hazing is a college prank. Putting the Dean’s car atop a flag poll is a college prank. Hacking is a criminal act.

What is the worst phrase in the English language? “It’s only a misdemeanor.”

Have you noticed that headlines which are accusatory of manufacturers of baby equipment and furniture make it sound like the companies have a secret, evil group of scientists in the back room devising subtle ways to kill babies? This leads me to believe that the newspapers are just being lazy again picking up releases from class action lawyer PR firms.

Think about how many fewer lawyers there would be in the US if the innate law of personal responsibility was taken seriously again.

One of the real problems with warming weather is that it becomes real tough to justify wearing a sweater to cover up winter growth. If you get my drift. Or should I have said…shift?

How incredulous was it Saturday when the “Great Mocker”, “Mr. Ridicule” himself was seen standing in that cavernous U. Michigan stadium urging for the secession of “…name calling under the guise of legitimate discourse.” This from a man who hasn’t hesitated to criticize America in foreign lands or demean the legitimate opinions of honest Americans. The best thing for American harmony would be to ban microphones from “Prime Time’s” hands.

I just received an email ad entitled “Unadvertised” specials! How do they do that?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 69 continues. –You alright, Sarah?” I heard Henry now in a kind, gentler tone. “You don’t look so well”. I looked over at him. He was staring at me. Yet, he looked truly concerned. “I think you are doing too much. Your body has gone through a lot over the past month.”
If he only knew, I thought. My repaired body responding too quickly to the urgings of Kent’s nearness. And now my mind conflicting with my heart. A heart that feels deeply the love of my family and a mind that knows that family is everything in my life. A heart that also can’t break away from the aura of a man I barely know. This man who some how has become a fatal addiction. But, as I sit here with Henry, I know that he sees something in Kent that neither of us have ever seen before. A sense of sinister manipulation. I finally slowly turned my head to this man I know I can trust. Another stranger. “Henry. You are right. I have done much too much too fast.“ He smiled as if he were my father.
“I’m going to bring in Laura again. I have a guy working on digging up more of her past.” He looked at me. Get some rest. I’ll call you when I learn more.”
I felt relieved. I am going to get myself back to who I was. Who I was was a pretty great person. I wonder if they make a patch for this addiction, I chuckled to myself as I closed the sheriff’s door behind me.

It seems to me that these days a good pragmatist will never make a lot of money as an inventor. “Who would ever need that?”

By the way, what ever happened to Francis Gary Powers?

Extreme liberals think that they are entirely right and conservatives are entirely wrong. Extreme conservatives think they are entirely right and liberals are entirely wrong. Hey…common ground! Maybe that’s a start. Maybe there is hope after all.

Most of the critics who write nasty things about Goldman have never sold anything. And that includes the Senators who were perplexed by answer to the question “Do you work for your customers or Goldman”. Every good sales person who ever toted a bag knows he or she is trying to serve the customer as best as possible within the confines of their own product offerings and pricing. For instance, if your company says we’re ok with 5% profit, a salesman tries for 10% first. If the customer is happy paying that price to gain the benefits of working with you and your company, then you the salesperson is doing the right job. A good sales person does work very hard for the benefit of the customer, but never sells out the company just to get an order.

Erich Estrada is alive and well…in case anybody is interested.

There is some word on the street that the Gulf oil catastrophe could quickly push the cost of a gallon of gas through $5.00. The is could be an economy recovery killer.

You have to question the character of the protestors against the Arizona law as they continually deny the existence of the word illegal.

The Answer:
The first skyscraper in the US was built in Chicago in 1884. This behemoth was built for the Home Insurance Company of NY and had an acrophobic 10 stories! The big ones are Burj Khalifa, Dubai; Taipei 101, Taipei; Shanghai World Financial, Shanghai; Petronas Tower 1, Kuala Lumpur; Petronis Tower 2, Kuala Lumpur; Nanjing Greenland Fin., Nanjing; Willis Tower, Chicago; Guangzhou West Tower, Guangzhou; Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai. The Empire State Building, The granddaddy is number 15. Check out the tallest 200 http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/sk/st/tp/wo/

The End:Never to leave you hanging…Francis Gary Powers would have been 81 now if he hadn’t died at 47 while piloting a LA Television news helicopter. His return to the US (He was traded t=for Russian spy Rudolpf Abel) was very unpleasant as his CIA buddies shunned him for not destroying the U2 Plane and/or taking a poison pill to kill himself.

Nobody ever sees the heroes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,117
Opening Stuff:

I awoke upon a cotton candy cloud. I floated through ginger ale skies. Slipping off my sugary cloud, I slid down peppermint sticks into butterscotch ponds. I walked through chocolate flower fields. Finding sweetness in a sour world. While trying to stay on my diet. One serving of this sickly sweet Tid is well beyond our daily carbohydrate requirement of 300 grams. But, it feels great!

I was bothered this morning about the report of the homeless person who was stabbed trying to save a woman from a knife wielding assailant. The unknown man fell to the ground and lay there for over an hour before medical help arrived. During that time street cameras showed many people walk by, glance and move on, while blood streamed from his gut. A Good Samaritan with nothing on this earth, trying to give another a better life than his. A hero that nobody could see.

It will be entertaining TV today as unctuous lawmakers take center stage in an effort to belittle Financial execs. Ever the cowards, these Pols feel that Americans are so against the Wall Street barons that they can sink to lows never before known even to congress people. It should be a juicy afternoon. Would any of these faceoff a knife wielding savage?

And, in about 4 months or so these same self righteous hypocrites will be standing in line on Wall Street looking for campaign handouts from the bonus babies.

The Question:
Portugal was one of the richest countries of all during the era of the great Portuguese explorers. I as a kid was always fascinated by their accomplishments. Name the most famous.

The Headlines:
--Ford Posts $2.1 Million Profit On Strong Sales.
--Oil Company And Authorities Race To Control Slick That Threatens Four States.
--Procedural Vote Slows Passage Of financial regulatory Package; Dems Now Looking At Changes To “Bailout” Component; GOP Sys This Bill Will Pass And Be Stringer In Fight Against Bad Behavior On Wall Street.
--Congress Prepares For Embarrassment Of WS Execs.
--Calif Tech Police Raid Home Of Gizmodo Editor; May Be In reaction To Story Broken About New iPhone.
--Strong majority Of Americans Agree With Arizona Anti-Illegal Law.
--Porsche’s Highly Touted Just Released Panamera In total recall; Could Be Black Mark Against Company Out To Take Share from Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes Benz CLS.

Back to More Stuff:

Do you get the sense that the medical drama “House” is turning into “Desperate Doctors”?

24-um: --President Logan was at his evil best. Is eye movements are among the best ever on TV. –And how about the weasel of the moment, President Allison. Frankly, I never liked the President. She made me feel irritable when she appeared. –I’m liking Chloe in her role. –But it is Dana, the woman who kept us all guessing, who has become the emerging centerpiece of this last great episode of the greatest program in TV history.

One of the things Dems like to do in the aftermath of the Health Care debacle is recall the Government run plans of SS and Medicare…and or several laws that apparently changed human inequities. Of course it is an irrelevant argument because absolutely nobody knows if we would or would not be better off without the two black hole programs which are not working very well financially at all. Or if natural evolution could change human garbage without a legal mandate. The Dems fail to take into consideration the indomitable spirit of American people and their resourcefulness in finding solutions without the assistance of big Government. They fail to understand that the heart of good people can always overcome. It is totally conceivable that without SS and Med we would have been a stronger than ever nation today.

What honest Wall Streeter wouldn’t want some regulations that keep the dishonest under control? An industry based on trust must rid itself of the untrustworthy.

I was a little disturbed about that stripe running down one side of Sergio Garcia’s trousers at the Zurich Open this past weekend. Worried that the athletic gear makers were plotting to infect the golf clothes industry with abominations I see on grown men walking in public. I was envisioning silky golf pants flopping in the breeze. Basketball style shirts with players names across the back. Where is Payne Stewart when you need him?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 68. –After my Sarah/Maggie left, I went back up to my room and bathroom. Nothing appeared disturbed. I wondered if she had seen Laura’s jeans in the closet. If she had, she would easily have connected them to my wife who was known by almost everybody in town to drop in from time to time. And he thought, if Sarah still was as under my control as she appeared she would definitely assume that. That’s the real question, isn’t it? What was she like last night? She certainly wasn’t reticent. In fact, she overwhelmed me for a change. She couldn’t get enough she attacked and attacked. She wore down these aging bones. I must have been out solid when she went up stairs. She showed no shame being there. She wasn’t look for me the wit, the intellectual, the shy appearing man who made her smile and feel comfortable. She was look for me the lust machine.
But, when she left me standing there in the bath room. She seemed different. Did she look guilty? Scared? Evasive?
My cell phone rang. Oh no, it was Laura. I hope she isn’t coming over. “Hi Laur!” I answered smilingly.
“I just saw your aging girl friend going down to the Sherriff’s office.”
“Don’t worry about her”, said matter-of-factly. One thing I don’t need is a hysterical Laura. Laura is very cool but capable of extreme weirdness when agitated.
“Don’t worry. I’ll stay cool. I’m coming over to clean your house. What do you want for dinner?”

Overkill Department:
I think almost everybody agrees that Blind Side was a fine movie and probably a very good book. But do we need any more of Michael Oher? He, an excellent human being, is about to publish his version of his story. And right after that, Liegh Ann Touhy and hubby Sean will bring forth their own memoir. Once again, the commerce watering down value.

From five to ten years ago during my time with a manufacturing industry magazine we were writing quite regularly about the need for the US machine shop industry to transform themselves from the commodity style product to the complex, super quality product. Software and amazing machines allowed these small companies to take on and accomplish formidable new challenges. Among the most visible of new opportunities was the arise of the medical component industry. Last Friday CBS News did a piece on a southern machine shop that beat the odds by moving from the traditional but now very fragile auto parts manufacturing to medical. Maybe a new Web news site that writes to consumers about coming economic changes in the world of industry would help prepare them for events heralded by the consumer media five-eight years later.

The Answer:
I’ve been to the fort and sailing academy of Prince Henry the Navigator which is at the most southwestern point of land in that narrow country. When standing n the cliffs looking westward you have a real sense of foreboding, about falling off the end of the earth. Your mind while staring into the depth of a black ocean pounding on the rocks far below marvels at the bravery of the history book titans - Ferdinand Magellan, Bartolemeu Dias and Vasca de Gama. There were 69 15-16th century Portuguese explorers, many with well known Rhode Island names like Andrade, Cunha, Escobar and Teixeira. Let’s hear it for the glory days of Portugal.

The End:
When I was in my late teens I mentioned proudly to my father (a son of a politician) that I was thinking of politics as a career. He then proceeded with a rant against the occupation with a torrent of four letter words that would make Wanda Sykes blush. So, I went into advertising, a nice honest occupation.

What will happen to the world as we know it when “24” fails to appear next year?