Keep it simple stupid.

Today's Tids Issue 2,278

Opening Stuff:

K.I.S.S. has always meant Keep it simple stupid! But I could also say it means Kids in School Suffer. Not because it is hard, but because in the main the adults have screwed up a good thing.

The problem with education has been and will be the word "Reform". Too many people with degrees want to play in the kids sandbox with their pet theories, when things used to be just fine when left in the hands of the teachers teaching kids who basically understood that getting smarter was the real cool thing.

Only about 18% of Americans think that the New Health Care Bill is ok the way it is. This is according to a brand new Rasmussen poll. Over 75% think it needs to be dismantled and rebuilt or at least have many key areas fixed or eliminated. It needs help. Even several prominent Dems have joined the chorus saying it needs help. Where were they when it was being rammed through Congress without being read? Maybe, every bill done by this overwhelmingly caustic Congress of the past two years should be redone. Passing bills to meet timetables generally results in bad legislation. After about 225 years, I'd have to say that no new bill is absolutely urgent. Because I would guess that somewhere, someplace in the wording of all of the laws and bills that have been placed there is something that can cover just about anything.

The President of China, America's largest creditor, said in advance of this week's meeting with 0-Man, "The Dollar system is a 'Product of the Past'." This society of ours isn't our grandfather's world anymore. The return to normalcy will never be what it has been.

The Question:
Kevin Costner has made some of the worst movies in history and a few of the best. His first one of notoriety was one of my favorites. Name the first and some winners and losers.

The Headlines:

--China's President Hu Jintao Arrives; US Companies Stress Many Goals Including Stopping Theft Of Intellectual Property.
--Baghdad Suicide Bombs Kill 45 Iraqi Police Recruits.
--CitiBank Revenue Report Has Futures Backtracking.
--In Pre-Market Trading, Apple Shares Drop 4.5% Over Job's Health Concerns.
--0-Man Says He Will Review All Gov. Regulations With the View To Eliminate All That Slow Job Creation And Reduce Global Competitiveness.
--UN Seize Iranian Weapon's Shipment In Nigeria.
--Nostalgic Romanians Eye Return To Communism.
--Cheney May Have Heart Transplant; Comedians Ready To Pounce.
--Swiss Bank Whistle Blower Hands Over Cayman Island Secret bank Account Records To Assange And Wikileaks.

Back to More Stuff:
So did you hear about the doctor who fixed his squeaky desk with caster oil?

How Things Change Department:
In Pawtucket RI, the birthplace of America's Industrial might, there is a place called the Kalon Club. In a way it symbolizes success across a manufacturing rich America. It was an exclusive Men's club. You know the kind, scorned by feminists and looked down upon by the self appointed righteous. But in fact, its members (And members of clubs like this over the country) were the people who through their sweat, genius and risk taking investment gave America its solid and critical middle class. The middle class that has always been the core of our country's overall strength in the world economy. But, today I learned that this venerable old Kalon Club will be turned into a marijuana growing farm in the center of Pawtucket. So that is what has become of America. Weed instead of wrenches. Pot instead of productivity. Joints instead of job security. Mary Jane instead of Manufacturing. What's next? I shudder to think.

It stuck me as odd that a section of the Sunday Paper would be called "Beauty", and then would be featuring Snooki. Man, what a mess. Maybe I'm not hip.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --She opened the door to cocafony of hustle and bustle. Grand Central Station on the Cove. She felt energized and immediately noticed several faces that may have been familiar. Josh Simpson, editor of the little newspaper, Sara McRusterson who owed the insurance agency, Jerry Hendricks the boat-builder and Margery McNaughton who she rememebred as a policemen and now looked like the chief. Several shot glances at this intruder into their club. But, they all went quickly back to their discussions and laughs, showing no recognition. This was not the homecoming that she had expected. She was sensing a graying of her vision; Like of clouds slowly blocking the sun.
Rather than push as she had with Mrs. Fletcher and Jimmy, she moved towards and sat at an empty seat at the counter. She shuffled the knife and fork, placing them in a design that suited her compulsions. The glow in her face desolated into doubt. She didn't look different. Her hair is still brown and tied back. She still smiles that enormous smile from the heart. She feels she in her perfect place. But, the people she knows or at least thinks she knows, don't seem to be there with her. Now she talks silently to herself, "Maybe Aunt Ginny can sort it out for me. Maybe I have forgotten more than I remembered."
An older waitress approached. Her face looked as sad as Samantha now felt. "Ain't seen you here before," and then she laid down the menu and turned over a cup. "Coffee?"

Some times I get the feeling that Government is letting the costs of traditional fuels rise so the so-called "Green" alternatives won't appear as outrageously high priced and cost inefficient as they are today. Where is the anger over rising gas prices as there were in the Bush era. Actually, elitists and some academics have always liked high gas prices. It makes them feel so "European." And now they like it even better. It makes "Green" appear affordable.

People are now saying that Gold will rise to $25,000/ounce in anticipation of the US government creating massive inflation to pay for the deficit in cheaper dollars.

Most of the people I see shouting "Let's return to civility in our speech.", really only mean that everything will be ok if you agree with them.

Some day, some how, we have to bring down the EPA. The first amendment line on Religion might just do the trick: "Congress shall make no law repecting the establishment of a religion". It might just work, as this powerful and quite arrogant group represents to many a "Religion". They have the unbridled power to force citizens to do their bidding under penalty of severe punishments. They are behaving much the same as the Church of England and the monarchs who created it. Or like the Catholics in the Spanish Inquisition. Or like the Town Fathers Of Salem mass. This goop group knows no bounds and tends to see all average citizens as "witches".

You have to love The New York Post and its Sunday Pre-Game front cover. A large picture showed a right foot with "Go" painted on the big toe nail and J-E-T-S painted on the other four. The huge black Headline above: "Lick-em"!

Next year the New England Patriots, in addition to their division, play the NFC East, AFC West and Pitt and Indy. At home it's NYJ (Again!), Indy, KC NYG, SD, Miami, Dal Buff. Away it is Pitt, NYJ, Phil, Oak, Mia, Wash, Den and Buff. I'm predicting Superbowl. Hey...we're back!

I'm a NIMBY and proud of it.

My spies in Chi-Town report that our Gov. Lincoln Log-head was the subject of ridicule on Chicago Talk Radio Monday Morning. Now there's the kind of national recognition we need to bring in more business. However, I was told by this Tids reader that no matter how bad Chafee-Lite may appear for RI, RI will never be as bad as Illinois.

The Answer:
Some of Kevin's worst were Prince of Thieves, Waterworld and The Postman. The first great Costner film (To me) was No Way Out. He followed that with a great performance as Eliot Ness in The Untouchables. Of course, Dancing With Wolves is is most famous. He was acclaimed for acting but the real achievement was the Best Picture and Best Director awards fro him. Also good were Revenge, Field of Dreams, JFK, Bodyguard and Bull Durham.

The End:
And in closing, a new report says that 45% of college students learn nothing in first two years! Gadzooks. That's $50-100K down the drain and what for? Well the report goes on to say that only 36% learn anything after four years!! Oh, the kids know how to get good grades, but they are retaining little according to testing designed to determine exccctly what they may have learned. Here's how the students say they spend their time during a full week -- 168 hours: 51% of the hours is for socializing, 24% for sleeping, 9% Outside activities (Working, Volunteering, Student activities), 9% attending class and 7% studying.

You think maybe the problems of the education system maybe one of misguided priorities..By all participants?

Hard work improves luck.

Today's Tids Issue 2,252
Opening Stuff:

Pinch me! These Patriots are for real.

A couple of Tids ago I suggested that the real problem with the education of US kids probably isn't the quality of teachers or the system in general, but an over abundance of outside influences pulling upon kids minds. And then someone reminds me of a new song form "Pink": "You're too cool for School." Yup, just what kids need...another excuse not to study.

As far as I can see, the biggest threat to potential terrorists is themselves.

Personally, I think way too much is spent on Christmas gifts. I was impressed, therefore, by the statistic that showed cash buyers spending an average of $41 while credit card users average more than double at $87! In other words, it is possible to control overspending if you create limitations. It's great for post holiday depression.

The Question:
Two parter: 1. A well known children charitable organization was founded in December of 1946. What was it? It also became associated with a another big Holiday. Name the holiday and when it happened. How much do you think has been raised by kids during the holiday effort? 2. Unless she can hook into a Boniva commercial, an actress in her sixties can fall off the radar no matter how successful her past. We like to remember them. Teri Garr had some great roles. Name five. What's she doing now?

Bonus Puzzler: We received a Christmas card with the following statement: "Wishing you all the peace and beauty this holiday season brings...and to the decision makers a rekindled interest in communicating and seeking consensus." What do you think it means?

The Headlines:

--Nation Awaits First senate Vote This Morning On Tax Plan.
--Stock futures Rise, Bonds Fall Ahead Of Vote.
--Midwest Cattle Brokerage Company Collapses Owing Ranchers $130 Million; Several Cattle Ranches Could Go Under.
--Palin Visits Haiti; Says It Is Much Harsher Then Imagined.
--National Stress Over Economic Woes Falls To 18 Month Low.
--Snow Buries Midwest.
--As San Francisco Plan Wavers, Newport RI Could be Back On Top As America's Cup Host.
--Ahmadinejad Fires Forign Minister; names Nuclear Chief As Top Diplomat.

Back to More Stuff:
With the addition of Adrien Gonzales and Carl Crawford to the Red Sox, there is a lot of talk up here about Boston as the sports dynasty town considering that the Celtics and Pats are on top and the Bruins are near the top. But depending on what the Chicago baseball teams do in the off season, the same can be said of Chicago with strong showings to date by the Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks. Sports homer-ism is a lot like ideological political thinking where people fail to recognize good ideas in others.

And, by the way, even though my heart is quaking with the Sox additions, I still don't like the big market, small market division in major league baseball. I still believe that a balanced schedule (With no inter-league play) would be the best thing especially if the KC's, Pitts and other step children ( farm teams for the Bigs) are competitive. Ecery game having some importanmce is much better than a few big time rivalries mainly promoted for big TV.

So, did you hear about the ancient King Ozymandias who was low on cash in his war against the Hittites? Desperate, he went to a local pawnbroker Croesus to sell the most valuable diamond of the times, The Star of Euphrates. Croesus offered him 100,000 dinars. Ozymandias was aghast: "I paid a million dinars for it! Don't you know who I am? I am the King!" Croesus replied: "When you wish to pawn a star, makes no difference who you are."

This Bush tax Cuts thing has turned into exactly what the people voted against last November...A giant earmarks boondoggle. Business as usual. When somebody in DC says "Compromise" read that as "Earmarks". Do you think it will all stop when the Tea Party-ers become more influential next year? Everybody will be watching.

Why do they bury politicians 3 times deeper than average citizens? Because deep down, politicians are good people! I just had to steal that from the "Shoe" comic strip. Thanks.

I see where the cute, innocent and adorable Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) allowed herself to be video'd smoking some kind of new hallucinate drug! And today I learn is the day that Taylor Swift turns 21 so she can join the other role models doing outrageous things...legally.

If the American Film Institute has the ear of Hollywood, then it looks like the leading Oscar contendersbased on the AFI's Top Ten of 2010 list will be Inception, The Fighter, The Black Swan, Toy Story 3, The Social Network, The Town, True Grit, The Kids are Alright, 127 Hours and Winter's Bone. The AFI also strongly suggests that the British film The Kings Speech will be in the running. Get out you scorecards.

Living in the east, you see colleges struggling to get a few fans into a game. I think it's some kind of intellectual elitism thing. So when you hear that 113,000 packed the U Mich stadium for a hockey game in frigid weather, you see dramatically the differences in attitudes by region. No matter how hard the Politicians try to homoginize us. Viva la defferance'!

The Answer: 1. UNICEF has become a giant world wide charitable organization with 191 offices since its beginning as an emergency organization established by the UN to meet the needs of children in post war Europe. In 1950 a minister's wife in Philly recruited her children and neighborhood kids to collect money for the organization. they raised $17 and sent it in. UNICEF liked the idea and in 1953 created the "Orange Boxes." Children in US and Canada have raised over $239 million! 2. Lakewood Ohio's Teri Garr started as a background dancer in many films include 9 Presley movies. Her first significant speaking part was in The Conversation. She was nominated for an Oscar for Tootsie. Other big films were Young Frankenstein, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, One From the Heart, Mr. Mom, After Hours and The Black Stallion. In 2002 she announced that she had MS and in 2006 suffered a brain aneurysm. Now in her wheelchair she works hard for charity. Her good humor has never wavered.

Bonus "Q" Answer: I'm thinking this old but rarely seen friend must be a rabid Obama supporter who now looks for the kind of bi-partisanship his guy(s) never offered as they have now been neutralized and can no longer bludgeon Republicans.

The End:
Lose a little sleep tonight and see best meteor shower.

I just wonder how much society will change by the end of next year.

Lunch Rhymes with Munch and Crunch.

Today's Tids Issue 2,249
Opening Stuff:

You are never going to believe this! I've been wrestling with a medical issue, and yesterday (This is the truth) my doctor advised me to eat more potato chips! eeeeeeeHah!!!

Rumor has it that if Assange is harmed in any way the next big WikiLeaks release will include Obama's birth certificate and college academic records.

The Question:
Today marks the anniversary of Lennon's murder. Name the Top Ten all time Beatles' songs.

Today's Headlines:
--Ruckus In Washington Has Stock Surge Pausing.
--New Overnight Dem House Bill Would Freeze Budgets; Senate Bill Takes Different Tact; Confusion At High Level.
-- Feds Send Out More Subpoenas To Hedge Funds And Other Investment Institutions; Investigation Into Insider Trading Expanding.
--Pete Sampras Trophies And Memorabilia Stolen From Public Storage Facility.
--Northwest Pakistan Bomb Attacks Continue; 15 Killed In Bus Attack.
--New Video Shows US Serviceman Being Held By Taliban.
--New Worldwide Uniform Tests Of 15 Year Old Students Has US Falling To Middle Of Pack.
--WikiLeaks Releases More As Leader Is Nabbed.

Back to More Stuff:
With countries like China, and yes Finland, zooming to the top in the worldwide battle for academic honors for fifteen year old's, the US education system will surely come under scrutiny. But, I say not so fast. We have over corrected an educational system much too often. We spend too much time planning lunch menus. But, the biggest detriment to learning may be outside diversions. Incessant texting and adullaton of career opportunities that don't appear to need education at all. Celebrity for all seems the promise. As opposed to dedicated work in fields that contribute to mankind and economic achievement. There seems to be too much of an "Why am I here" attitude among too many students without enough explanations. Dedication to learning is really all about understanding end game focus, and China and Finland, and yes Canada, seem to have it.

Yesterday's open ended "Q" about your suggestions for Walters Most Fascinating person brought recommendations of Taylor Swift, "The Fox News Team", the Pope, George Bush, Patrick Byrne, Denzel Washington, Michelle Obama and Hillary.

It must be Christmas season again because the "Clapper" is back on TV.

John McPherson wonders if making "Live Free or Die" license plates is bad for the morale in the New Hampshire prison system.

Some of the early House leadership posts are going to Tea Party candidates. It is a signal that the insiders are taking this party of average concerned Americans seriously. Maybe this party has replaced the so called Free Press as the country's watchdog.

Another sign that I'm operating in another universe is the announcement by PETA that they are looking for "The Sexiest Vegetarian over Fifty". So far a leading candidate is Paul McCartney. God help me if I would ever grow up to look like Paul McCartney.

Here's a simple tasty treat recipe to tuck away for Christmas get-togethers. Parmesan Crisps! Preheat oven to 375. Line two cookie sheets with baking mats or parchment paper. In a bowl combine 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbs all purpose flour and a pinch of cayenne. (Keep mixture thoroughly blended throughout process.) Place table spoon mounds of mixture on cookie sheet. (1 1/2 inch space) Press.flat with hand or spatula. Bake 9-12 mins til brown. Cool on sheet 2 mins then remove. (Note: I picked this snack over "Orange and Fennel Olives" and "Granola with Dried Fruit".

You have to wonder if all of these stocks reaching 52 week highs will engender a profit taking sell off at the beginning of 2011.

The Answer:
Please Please Me is #1 and is the follow up to their first big hit "Love Me Do" which is not in the top ten. Next is I Want To Hold Your Hand, followed by I Feel Fine. Yesterday, In My Life and I Am The Walrus are the next three. The Ten is completed by All You Need Is Love, A Day In The Life, Hey Jude and and Something. Somethingv and Yesterday are the two most coveered beatles songs. Perosnally I like "Sergeant Pepper's..." and "Lucy in the Sky..."

The End:
Some days the world just comes together as if you had designed it.

The end is near.

Today's Tids Issue 2,224
Opening Stuff:

This November has started in such state of cacophony, that we all probably forgot to pray for All Saints and All Souls. After all, that’s what Halloween represents in case its meaning has been lost in the advertising. But then, that’s November. November where we always start out confused and end up being thankful. Where we start out needing massive infusions of insulin and end it overdosing on Zantac to combat the over commercialization of Christmas. It’s a month both real and surreal. Where we try to wade through all of the mud to pick the right leaders, and end Thanking God for helping us to make the right choice, or praying to him to help our leaders make the right decisions. November: The Conundrum Month.

As I sit here this Monday before Election Day I’m reminded of the words of Ethel Barrymore: “When life knocks you to your knees, and it will…Isn’t that the best position from which to pray?”

The editor of an Internet Newsletter called Chit Chat sends along this suggestion for another critical Mom’s group: MASK – Mothers Against Stupid Kids! How great is that? He also saw the Community College research Center at Columbia University data that said 60% of HS School graduates entering community Colleges need remedial courses in Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic. And, it applies to kids from Urban, Suburban and Private Schools alike. And we wonder why the employment rates are going up?

Here’s something I’m likin’ about the new world. If you fall asleep before the end of one of your favorite programs and forgot to DVR, you can still watch it on the Internet.

The Question: 

Name the five top selling candy products and the biggest candy companies by share of market.

The Headlines:

--Candidates Nationally have Spent $2,000,000,000 to muddy minds and slur reputations.
--52 Dead In Siege Of Baghdad’s Largest catholic Church.
--Strong China Manufacturing Data Has US market Futures Up.
--Voters In Washington State Oppose Bill That Would Increase Taxes On Wealthy; Vote Is Being Closely Watched Across Country.
--iPhone Glitch Has Thousands Late for Work Friday As Alarm Feature Fails To Operate.
--Last Minute Campaigning Tries To Stimulate Failing Campaigns.
--al-Qaida Actively Recruiting Westerners In Europe And America.
--Republicans Expected To make Large Gains In Governorships; Dems Hoping To Limit Congressional Losses.
--Indonesia’s Mount Marape Erupts In Fiercest Blast To date; Volcanic Activity In Nation Increasing.

Back to More Stuff:
All the talk around here is about the Governor and 1st District Congressional races. But, to me the most critical race is the AG contest. The Governor in RI has no power, and if it is a Republican probably shouldn’t even show up for work. But, an honest Attorney General can effectively neutralize corruption in the general Assembly and in administrations of cities and towns. That is if he doesn’t get shot, or at least verbally assassinated by the power brokers in the State. I would take a long hard look at the “connections” of each candidate. We need at least one honest, unattached watchdog in this state. And if we don’t get one, we may just as well “Shove it!”.

How come that within minutes after the trash hauler carts away your last wire clothes hanger, you have an urgent need for a long stiff piece of wire?

I have complained this year about the thoughtless editorial endorsements by the formerly reasonable Providence Journal – each one in praise of continued hackism and government mediocrity. Rubber stamping tired politicians. But, now the paper has gone too far, beyond sensibility in this brainless reorientation of its editorial mission. Never has the insanity been more apparent than in the recent migration to the sports pages where, the once rational Bill Reynolds wrote an extensive column wishing that the Ya-Ya-Ya-(WYKWIM) were in the World Series. That somehow it isn’t the same for him without them. God help us.

There’s a lot of talk and entertainment about zombies these days. I don’t think you have to look any further than at a school kid plugged in walking down the street.

The Dems who are making last minute gains in the polls all seem to have one thing in common:  They're pulling a Saint Peter by denying their association with “the Messiah”. That screech you hear from every mountain top is not that of the American Eagle but of the cock crowing three times. I guess they have forgotten about separation of Church and State.

That Geico Antique Road Show parody commercial that ends with the line “So your bird in the hand is worth at least two in the bush”, taps into my quirky mind and makes me laugh very time.

The Stuart/Colbert Washington event (Supported by the DNC) was said to have been designed “To target young people because they tend to vote democratic.” Isn’t it interesting that when the young’s minds are still mushy they vote the “D”, but when they become responsible after having lived in the real world for a while they start migrating to the “R”. Maybe votes from the young should only be counted as a 2/3rd’s vote – until they reach 30 for women and 45 for men.

The big difference between the large, calm gathering of Beck and the party hosted by Stuart/Colbert, is that the Beck crowd came because they were fed up and the S/C crowd came to laugh.

BTW, I am always suspect of people who spell their common names Jon or Thom.

One of my favorite boyhood heroes was Rhode Islander, Red Sox fan and Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Clem Labine. He was more than just a superb pitcher and unlike many of his clubhouse mates, was taken by book learnin’. The depth of his considerable, intuitive mind may be found in one of his more famous quotes: “I hate anything in pinstripes.” What a guy!

Did you hear about the Prince who became a ruler because he measured up?

The Answer: 
Number one seller happens to be a favorite of mind – Reeses. M&M’s are next with Snickers, KitKat and Trident following. Mars Company (M&M’s, Twix, Milky Way, Snickers) has 29% of the market. Next is Hershey’s 23% (Reeses, KitKat, Hershey’s Kisses, Twizzlers), Cadbury 6% (Dairy Milk Bar, Cream Egg, Trident), Nestle’ 3% (Crunch, Smarties, Nerds, Butterfinger) and Tootsie 1% (Tootsie Roll, Andes Mints, Junior Mints, Charms Blow Pops). All of the other companies total 37%! There must be an awful lot of them if none can come up to 1%.

The End:

A vote for keeping RI’s name is a vote that reflects pride in the state’s magnificent past. It’s contributions to fairness and understanding.

America and Kenya.

Today's Tids Issue 2,095
Opening Stuff:

Stay healthy! Don’t let “The Monster” get traction.

The new hierarchy for totalitarian countries going forward will be President for Life and Minister of Firewalls.

So, did you hear about the glue factory worker who when handed a whisk declined, saying he didn’t want to beat a dead horse? Oh, you didn’t hear about that?

Daily Question: It looks like the US and Russia are close to a new Nuke treaty to replace the expiring current agreement. Name the top five Nuke countries and the number of warheads fro each.

The Headlines:
--New Language In Senate Will Send Health Care Back To House For Final Approval.
--Netanyahu And 0-Man Have Extended Talks.
--Iraq Election Still Razor Slim.
--New Jobless Claims Fall More Than Expected; Shows Sign Of Layoff Slowdown.
--New Home Sales Fall To Lowest In February History.
--Best Buy Revenue Up On Heavier Laptop And TV Sales.

Back to More Stuff:

The objective in Kenya these days as they struggle for inner peace is to get all of the tribes to call themselves Kenyans Over here we are gong in the opposite direction. Instead of everybody being Americans, many are becoming ethnicity-Americans. Of course the US pols love it because then they can pit the different groups against each other – just as many other African despots having been doing for years to assure that their tyranny continues. We are no longer a melting pot. We are a box of nuts and bolts trying to screw each other.

I guess Paige was pretty miserable Tuesday and her dismissal on AI last night was certainly justified. But, Tim is below average and should have gone (And Paige is innately more talented). We are losing too many women, leading me to think that most of the voters are younger girls who keep the “Cuties” (In their minds) alive. While I like Katie, I thought she belonged in the bottom 3 last night. I’m ready to vote out Tim next week. Next week is R&B/Soul, and I’m guessing a boring night and some shaky performances.

I like many will be watching Cornell vs. Kentucky tonight. This is the classic “Team” versus exceptional athleticism game. Kentucky is probably the favorite now to go all the way. I’d love to see Northern Iowa and St. Mary’s keep on going. Of course, my bracket has West Virginia winning it all and they are still there. I’m picking W.Va, Cornell, St. Mary’s, Duke, The OSU, Northern Iowa (MS has lost key player), Xavier and Syracuse. Hey I like the little guy. Shoot me. All of the games are very interesting match-ups.

Rajon Rondo is one of the most exciting basketball players I have ever watched.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 62 continues. –“You know Paul, Kent just took his good fortune in stride.” Sally continued, “But that’s just Middleton.” She thought a few minutes, and added “He’s either the smartest person alive, or he knew this was happening. Because as soon as the decision was made to pick up Bromsky’s work, he had a plan in place.”
I almost blurted in response, “Don’t tell him I said it, but he can be eerie at times. But he is very smart.” A couple of his people made non-committal nods and then looked around the room. We started some heavy duty work on the task at hand. After a couple of hours of mental depletion, we agreed to sit back and let our brains come back. Like running your laptop on a battery from time to time so it remembers that recharging is good for it’s long term health.
We started walking towards the cafeteria when Randy Montrose said, “Your wife looks like a very nice person.”
“Have you met my wife?” I replied. It was always good to hear nice thing about the woman you loved.
“Not really,” he countered, “But I have seen her many times with Middleton.” He looked over at me with a little grin. “I figured that she must be nice because he seemed to know how to get Middleton laughing!” And he added. “Not many people can do that.”
“Oh, she’s pretty sensational.” I countered while thinking of that image of Kent laying on Sarah’s hospital bed.

Apparently in a lot of countries around the world, kids score better than Americans on tests that measure education. I think it is surprising, since our kids despite what the critics say get a pretty good education. So I’m thinking that the problem is that our kids just don’t test well. Maybe our kids just sit there thinking about the next text message.

Of course, if you flunk out of school there are still plenty of opportunities remaining for you in America. For instance you could become an Octomom. In this country where amoral activity has never been a bar to success, you could reap the benefits of irresponsibility too. You may have heard that this incubator is in trouble with her mortgage, owing the bank a balloon payment of $450,0000 to th banks. Even media sensations don’t have that kind of dough lying around. In comes our beloved PETA, they have offered her $5,000 plus free veggie burgers and hotdogs for a month if she agrees to put a sign in front of her home: “Don’t let your dogs and cats become Octomoms.”

And…Porn maker Vivid Entertainment said it would pay off the $450K if she would make an X-Rated film. Vivid owner Hirsch said it would be “tasteful”. See, you don’t have to study in school to make a bundle.

Oh, and while we’re on education, I wondering where the school boards are taking out children. I have noticed that good fattening cafeteria food will soon be replaced by carrots and lettuce. Couple that with the free condom give-away programs and you see schools programs producing a generation of rabbits. Hey, it will be great for Easter pageants!

I always paid attention when Robert Culp came on the screen. He had a certain degree of affability that was always comfortable. His “! Spy” comedy espionage show with Bill Cosby was one of the all time classics. Thanks for the smiles!

Quiz Answer:
Russia has 2,707 warheads. The US follows with 2,202. the new agreement calls for a max of between 1,700 and 2,200. (Two warheads will soon be available at your local Army-Navy surplus store.) The rest are France – 300, China – 166 and Britain -160.

A long closing statement about nothing Department:
I was whipping along this morning when all of a sudden the President of the New England Patriots came on the radio for an interview. The Patriots seem to be floundering to me, so I was diverted. It’s tough to make up stuff for “Through the Same Eyes” when your mind is on the football field.

I told you this was a long closing statement about nothing. Why did you read it?

Be who you are.

Today's Tids Issue 2,081
Opening Stuff:

As snow flakes chilled my neck in the early morning dawn, I had the sense that it may become a day that signals an air reborn. As the sky brightened beyond the clouds, the grey of depression became a promise fulfilling hope. In other words, stop sittin’ around and get out of a stultifying house and enjoy a new day. Smile!

“Let every man practice the art he knows best.” --Cicero. I believe that too many people get side tracked from who they really are in order to make money. Now, if who you are is making money, that’s a good thing too.

The Question:
Today is the 47th anniversary of the death of great country singer Patsy Cline who along with singers “Cowboy” Copas and “Hawkshaw” Hawkins was killed when a plane piloted by her manager Randy Hughes went down near Camden TN. Name five of Patsy’s greatest songs.

Today’s Headlines:
--Californian Resentful Of Government Travels Cross Country With Automatic Weapons To Kill Two Pentagon Police Officers.
--Unemployment Stays At 9.7%; 35K Job Loss better Than Expected.
--Favorable Jobs Report Brightens Stock Futures.
--China’s Wen Announces Growth Goal Of 8% For Economy.
--White House Considering Reversal To Permit Military Trials Of Combatants.
--Turkey Warns Obama Of Consequences Over Coming Vote On Alleged Armenian Genocide In Early 1900’s.
--Clashes In Greece Accelerate As Gov Asks For Debt Help.
--70% Of Tomato Crop Lost In Frigid Florida.
--Conservative Sarkozy Says State Will Assume Bigger Role In Running Businesses.

Back to More Stuff:

The Republicans continue to find new ways to hang themselves by their big toes. Ouch. I truly believe that it is time to do away with the two parties, where their management has become a big business and they are as inept as some for the geniuses on Clueless Lane. I wouldn’t send any National party a nickel. Frankly, I don’t like to send anybody money.

Naomi Campbell should be playing in the NFL.

It looks like the bluest of the blue are oozing the reddest of the red. The five top states with the biggest financial woes are Illinois, NY, Conn, Cal and NJ –all five with strong Democrat majorities. Deep blue. The five fittest are 3 red – Utah, Nebraska and Texas – and 2 that skew Democrat – NH and Virginia. The reason, according to Professor Ken Redfield from U of Ill, is higher than average obligations for social services and other debt pushers like coalitions with construction companies and road builders. The fact is, says Redfield, Democrat states have a higher incidence of Union control and the Unions are doing what they do best too well…Making demands for the above budget drainers to which they are historically closely related. Nothing just happens.

Did you hear about the woman who developed a fear of frying after learning that there were more accidents in the kitchen than in the air?

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 57 continues --“Well Henry, thanks for letting me play amateur sleuth in our little village episode. Who would have known that it would develop into a major conspiracy?”
“No problem, Kent. I enjoyed getting to know you and Sarah. Of all the people in town, who would have thought that I would be working so closely with you the hermit”, He smiled at his little bit of humor. “And Sarah the visitor.” He paused. He always takes long pauses in the middle of sentences. “But, it was my pleasure to get to know the two of you. You were both a great help. Ity looks like you and Sarah got along well too. That’s good for neighborliness.” I smiled at that one..
“Enjoyed it”, I answered quickly. “And I will continue to enjoy her company”. It is imperative. And essential that I stay close as his good ole’ boy buddy. Keeping track of Bromsky is important.
I left the station and got into my car for the short drive home. I wished I didn’t have the car. A short walk after all of the tension would be relaxing. People never see the tension in me. But, being deceptive is just one of my favorite pastimes. Looking at microbes all day long can get a little tedious.
I walked into my nice tidy little home. There was a magazine laying on the floor next the soft green couch. There was a imprint in the cushion. I smiled and went to the kitchen for a Diet Coke. I popped the top. Pffft. Ahh, one of my favorite sounds.
“How’s the old woman treating you?” I looked up and smiled. Laura slinked over and wrapped her arm around me.

Back to More Stuff Again:

Wherever there is an organization there is somebody who wants to run it and ultimately create a massive bureaucracy. And this goes from giant social service non-profits to small art groups to communes to global mega-corporations. Watch out Tea Party loyalists. Should I say? Should I say it? O well…somebody sees you as there cup of tea for career advancement. It’s in the bag.

The Tids Entertainment Editor must have snoozed off this week, as American Idol came and went with nary a comment. I liked that Haley who was knocked off last night. But after hearing her off key final song, I can agree easily with the voters decision. My favorites on the women’s side are Chrystal and Siobhan. I think Lilly will be in the mix, and hope that Katie keeps moving along. The woman are far stronger than the men in my estimation. The men are monotonous. My personal favorites are Lee and Aaron. I thought that Michelle could have stayed and that Tim should have gone. The younger girls must like him, and that is always a plus on this show..

Anybody who doesn’t think there is pure evil in the world should take a look at the life of Joe Stalin who died 57 years ago today.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The new Alice in Wonderland looks like a weird horror film to me. This is a Hollywood “update” which only makes me ask, “what are the moguls and elite up to now?” This is a star laden film with Alice as a young adult about to marry an annoying dolt who is beckoned down the famous hole one more time. It doesn’t look like it’s for kids, and certainly not me. As great as Carroll’s work is, it never appealed to my senses. I always found the story irksome.
--The only good thing to “Training Day” semi sequel Brooklyn Finest is authenticity of grizzly living in a crime ridden housing project. It is basically a reminder of another America existing side by side with gentrified homes of Wall Street’s bonus babies. (Or at least the apartments for their girl friends.) Gere is back in this well known and often repeated story of police corruption.

I see where global warming is continuing its wrath as Sweden had to send out emergency ice breakers to save four large ships, including passenger ferries, frozen in the Baltic Sea.

They announced the states who were winners of the “Race to the Top” education competition held by the Department of Education. The feds will award the states who inaugurate “Radical School Reform” with millions to execute change. Little Rhody with among the highest paid teachers and very mediocre results was one of the 16 winners among the 41 that applied. The head of education in the small state is a gutsy woman named Dorothy Gist who stands toe to toe with the very powerful and state legislature supported unions. This is a big victory for her, and I applaud her. But, here is my take. Now we have the biggest of governments lurking in our school yards. Which…makes it highly unlikely that my wish of school boards coming under the thumb of town councils will ever make it.

While everybody is worried about the feds taking over the health care system, they have successfully made a big first step to take over our local schools.

The Answer:
On a day that promises sun and a little warmth, “Crazy” may be a thing of the recnt past, but it will always be remembered and associated with he great Cline. Other big hits include “Walkin’ after Midnight”, “I Fall to Pieces”, “Sweet Dreams” and “She’s Got You”. She also recorded 117 other songs before her premature death. The country music world is still morning.

The End:

The only thing that can keep the sun behind the clouds is to plan today as the day to work on income taxes.

Politics of snow storms and gravy

Today's Tids Issue 2,064
The Opening Stuff:

There is something very special to a Global Warming skeptic and dietary pragmatist about watching the wind-down of a blizzard eating broccoli smothered in rich pork gravy. Luscious gravy that heightens the taste buds while preparing the body for a walk outside into yet one more Arctic blast. Hey…wait a minute…I thought Arctic blasts were supposed to be warm.

Ellen DeGeneres says that Simon is meaner than she thought. Ellen must be one of those people who thinks telling the truth is mean. How do you ever get what is best if you continue to justify mediocrity. I mean, Ellen thinks she can dance because her audience’s manic applause keeps those little feet moving.

The Question:
What three products do consumers recommend most often to each other?

The Headlines:
--New Winter Storm Reburies Middle Atlantic; Fizzles In New England.
--Iran Proclaims New Success In Uranium Enrichment.
--Observers Expecting Big Afghan Offensive Soon; 0-Man Troop Build Up Ready To Move.
--0-Man Says US Will Add 95 Thousand Jobs Per Month.
--Psychiatrists Renaming Mental Diseases.
--World Markets Rise Cautiously As All Eyes Are On Greece.

More Stuff:

If a conservative wrote a lyrical piece about his love of trees and rolling green hills and grassy, stone wall caressed fields that flow gently down to a calming sea, do you think that Liberals would accept it as a poem?

The way Google is going, Eric Schmidt may be the first President of the Universe instead of 0-Man. Yesterday the Search, and everything-else-it-seems, giant announced their entry into a fiber optics broadband delivery service. Why do I have this feeling that we are all being gobbled by Google and don’t know it.

Don’t you think that God is sending Washington DC a message about Global Warming?

If anybody thinks that Republicans are going to help out Democrats with health care compromises about eight months before a very critical election day, they must be smokin’ something. And if Republicans think that Democrats are going to give them some credit for being good guys and gals for cooperating, then they must be stoned out of their gourds.

I see where London England is designating a huge area of land in the city as an outdoor workout center for seniors. Just what I would love as an old person…being herded into a playground to perform regulated exercises. Think of the noise as the bones creak and the participants groan in unison. This could get ugly.

The Novel:

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 54. –Kent is the best medicine, I was thinking as the nurse walked in, “Ok Sarah, time to start walking again.” She laughed and I felt more buoyed than ever. I immediately pulled back my arms to give me leverage to sit up by myself. I thought it was pretty fluid, for in seconds I was sitting staring at her. “Let’s rumble!” I said. We both laughed. I was ready to get out of this place. “Ok super girl, be careful. You look like you have taken some energy pills, but believe me you’ll feel weak.” Yeah, sure I thought. She doesn’t know me. I swung my legs around to the side so I was sitting now looking at the floor. Now I was tired. But, I was ready. “How do your legs feel”, she said as she squeezed my foot. “Pretty good. I can feel your hand”. “Good”, and now she put her arm behind my back and nudged me forward til my toes touched the floor. “Oooh, that’s cold.” “And that is good Sarah. Feeling the cold is what normal people do. Ok, drop down…slowly…slowly. Now stand and put weight on you legs. Good. How does that feel”? “It feels wonderful”, I answered quickly, “But, I’m a little dizzy.” Just stand there a moment. Feel better?” “Yup, I said” “Ok, take a step.” I put my left foot forward and then my right. I felt proud of myself.” Then I heard, “You look more beautiful than ever.” I looked up and there was my proud husband Paul, and the kids starting to clap their hands.

More Stuff:

In Rhode Island, the city/town with the supposed worst school system has students bright enough to be the perennial state chess champions. Think about that for a second. That’s kind of an interesting paradox. The question in education has always been though: Where is the problem? Is it bad parents? Is it a bad environment? Is it bad teachers? Unfortunately, the answer is always a firm yes to the question -- Do we need more money? I’m a huge believer in the bell curve and the distribution of human attributes. In every given population center there are good brains and less good brains. We know that in this poorest performer in education there are great brains. Contemporary wisdom often says take the good brains out and put them in so called better schools. What happens to the promising brains left behind that need to be fertilized? Basically, we need teachers for the parents. Education has to start where life starts. I’d better get out of here before I say something brainless.

The people who can’t figure out how to run a football play-off system, often using the excuse that they don’t want the “student-athletes” out of the class room too long, are proposing a 96 team NCAA basketball tournament. This by necessity will keep about 500 more kids out of the classroom for extended periods of time. The United States of Hypocrisy motors on.

About a week or so ago I wrote that most of the big web operations are adding a “Friends” component to their sites to take advantage of the social networking craze. I implied with some sarcasm that the idea of friends you don’t know is nutty. Aha! Now we read that many are dropping out and feeling “relieved” to have their privacy back again. This has always been too much of a bad thing. And no…I’m not interested in whether or not you love gravy.

The Answer:

People look to others most often for advice on buying automobiles. After autos at 66% come grocery stores at 64% and banks at 62%. How often do people change banks? BTW, more and more people are leaving giant banks for small community banks.

The End:

The Tids Entertainment editor has been keeping an eye on American Idol. As you remember, the Tids has often been a fairly on-target of analyzer of talent. We do it from the heart of a simple soul. So far, I’m not seeing boffo. Everybody sounds the same to this tin ear.