Hunkerin’ Down to sort it out.

Today's Tids Issue 2,227
Opening Stuff:

Well, the dust is settling with still a few more races to be settled. Should be an interesting few months of posturing as Boehner tries to figure out how he will balance the Dems, Republicans and enthusiastic new TP’ers. Let’s hope the squabbling can be held to a minimum and the lobbyists don’t digest the newbies too fast. Let’s hope they can actually do something to turn around the ship of state.

The line of the night following the electionsm may have come from Michelle Bachman in answer to one of those ad nausium questions from Chris Matthews: “I think people are thrilling tonight, I imagine that thrill is not so tingly on your leg any more…”

The menu in most restaurants today call it a demi-glaze. I call it gravy.

Is a book-on-tape about the 3M company?

The Question: 
What was the name of the site for the first episode of “Survivor”? Name five other sites for this long running show.

The Headlines:

--Applications for Jobless Benefits Jump Sharply; 20K New Claims Brings Weekly Total back Up Over 450K to 457K.
--Obama Has “Get-Me-Outta-Here Look As he Answers Tougher than usual Questions In Post lection Press Conference.
--Yemen Parcel Bomb Ten Minutes From Exploding.
--Solid Retail Gains Fueled By Heavy Discounting.
--Markets Open Higher After fed Action; Most say that Fed Move Will Not Help Restore Econmy faster Than 12 Months.
--Haitians Evacuate Tent cities In Advance Of hurricane.
--Ireland’s Finances Coming Under Intensifying Pressure; Investors Dumping Bonds Before Announcement Of Austerity Budget.

Why do I have this feeling that Pelosi will be a pit bull during this lame duck session? The feathers will fly like geese evading balls on a golf course. And what’s left on the floors of Congress will be the same as what’s left on the fairways. Step gently.

Back to More Stuff:

The post election night ratings has Fox News clobbering the networks and cable rivals CNN and MSNBC. They did it with a maximum of solid news reporters and a minimum of commentators.

I have to say that I like Governor Elect Chafee’s clothes.

Rhode Island…you know Rhode Island – the state that just elected the same guys who over the years have sent the state tumbling down into a black pit – that Rhode Island. Well, a strange duck Robert Healy running for Lt. Governor on the one issue platform that he will abolish the position of LG if elected received more votes (125,902) than Lincoln Chafee (123,388) who won the Governor’s race! Weird, isn’t it?

LaSalle Academy, a catholic school in Providence RI, now has two alums in the 100 person Senate – newly elected Republican Toomey from Pa and the Puppet Jack Reid from Stockholm Syndrome State.

Obama said at the press conference yesterday that he figures people were angry because the admin and Congress wasn’t making enough “progress” on the economy. Oh, it’s about progress all right. The deep seated anger is about a majority not liking what he and Pelosi think is progress.

They say that rabbit tastes like chicken. Does that mean that it also tastes like tuna fish too?

Do restaurants that offer music want to exclude people with hearing aids?

The Answer: 
Local Newporter and nut job Richard Hatch won the first Survivor which took place on Palau Tiga in Borneo. The others were Australian Outback, Africa, Nuku Hiva (French Polynesia), Thailand, Amazon. Pearl Islands, Vanuatu, Palau, Guatemala (Mayan), Panama (Exile Islands,) Cook Islands, Fiji, China, Micronesia, Gabon, Tocantins, Samoa and the current Nicaragua.

All of those candidates who think they can lie up to the promise of bringing jobs back from lower labor cost countries are probably going to be making excuses in a couple of years. Unless of course they get unions to drastically cut demands and benefits.

The Stockholm Syndrome State.

Today's Tids Issue 2,226
Opening Stuff:

Peaceful out there, isn’t it?

I’m depressed. Across America voters rejected the policies of Obama and a Government that doesn’t listen. But RI’ers seemed to have acquired a paradoxical psychological phenomenon, becoming hostages with expressed adulation and positive feelings towards their captors. Captors who have turned a once proud and dynamic state into Greece. A state on the verge of bankruptcy. A state where voters Ok a bond to build a new lab at the University but where the General Assembly chased out all of the businesses with good paying jobs for graduates. A state that chose their first “Independent” governor who was strongly endorsed by the unions that are destroying the state. A governor who has made noise about dismissing the only good thing about education here – Dorothy Gist (A thorn in the side of the teacher’s Union leaders). A state that elected for the most important corruption watchdog position of Attorney General a former majority whip of the Union owned General Assembly. (Talk about the old Fox and chicken coop thing.) A state that returned to the GA 95 of the 103 democrats who have brought this state to its knees. I’m moving. There is just isn’t enough beauty in the magnificent Bays, countryside and in the eyes of the good people of RI to overcome the ugliness in the government and the pain in your bank account.

My coffee probably tastes like mud because it was ground.

The Question:
What are the five freedoms enumerated in the 1st Amendment.

The Headlines:

--Republicans Take House With Record Turnaround; GOP Picks Up 6 Seats With Three Undecided..
--Boehner Vows To Shelve Health Care “Monstrosity”.
--Federal Reserve Expected To Buy More Billions In Government Bonds To Stimulate Economy.
--In California: Dope In; Dope Out.
--Indonesia’s Mount Merape Erupts In Biggest Blast Yet.
--al-Qaida Promising More Attacks On Christians In Iraq.
--Business Spending Up Strongly In September; New Private Sector Jobs Surprise; Stock Market Flat.

Back to More Stuff:
Of all the people who will be bashed between now and November 2012, Sarah Palin may get the most of the mud. Regardless of ho many times the opposition decries her mental capacity, the fact remains that they are afraid of her. And frankly the more the left and the elite insult her and Tea Party like organizations, the more the public in general resents the condescension. Whether or not you or I like the tea Party isn’t the point. The people in it represent the inner hopes and ideals of the majority of Americans.

They should have axed Pontiac 25 years ago.

If I ever got another dog, it would probably be an English Springer Spaniel. But I doubt if I ever will because of the leash laws.

Lobbyists are probably licking their chops at the prospects of all of that fresh new meat coming their way.

O great…now I have to learn how to spell B-o-e-h-n-e-r!

We could be looking at a hysterical lame duck session. The blood could flow freely as some of the holdover Dems will not acceded to the message sent and clutter the dockets’ with their pet projects. They won’t care. They’re not running for anything.

In an effort to bring Hawaii Five-O up to the present, they are ending it with “Kindle em’, Danno.”

With all of the hoopla over the Republican return to power in the house, nothing will change until the Dem and GOP party leadership stop thinking only about their need to retain power. I expect the Tea Party to get much stronger, even here in “The Masochist State”. The people have to keep up the pressure, because I still don’t trust any politician. We have been fooled too many times in the past...by both parties.

There are some who are saying that 0-Man will not move to the center as Clinton did after the ‘94 change, but will reaffirm his own vision of a Cuba like America and use lots of executive orders for the rest of the year.

The Answer:
Rhode Island, “The PT Barnum Sate” was actually the place where in colonial times where many of the freedoms that serve as the basis of the great US Constitution were nurtured by wise leaders and responsible citizens. The First Amendment was framed around many RI pacts and laws. The five freedoms are Religion, Speech, Press, Peaceful Assembly and the right to petition for a government redress of grievances. Thanks RI. I hope you are around for our future.

The End:
I’ve just got to stop thinking about politics.

I’m tired.

I’ve got to quit this racket.

I think I’ll open a U-Haul franchise. There’s going to be lots of RI’ers moving out.

Happy Freedom from Political Ads Day!

Today's Tids Issue 2,225
Opening Stuff:

Today is the day. A day that is important to every American. A day when the couch potatoes can anticipate a return to ignorant apathy without interruption. When all loving people live in harmony with their hands in a potato chip bag without programmed political phone messages. It’s the day the noise stops and muddling leaves the brain. It’s Tranquil Tuesday. Aaaaaaaah!

Regardless of the results from today, of this you can be sure. On November 3rd a plan will be launched to demonize the Republicans and anything associated with Republicans in preparation for the 2012 campaign of “House Mom”.

If Will Rogers were alive today he’d be saying “I only know what I see on YouTube.”.

The greatest thing that a new congress could to would be to interpret and read to the public all of the hastily passed budget clobbering bills of the last session. Like maybe helping the people understand what they are paying for. So that the public fully understands the extent of the inflictions they are to experience. If they can regulate the small print on credit card loans, why not that in House and Senate Bills?

The Question: I have a strange mix of Q’s today. 1. Who coined the word “Axis” as in WWII Germany, Italy, Japan? 2. What was the popular political slogan throughout the 50’s? 3. What were the first two words of Ted Sorenson’s most memorable line of his most important speech? What was the name of the first Hydrogen bomb and where was it detonated?

The Headlines:
--People Out Early to Vote.
--Wall Street Rises Early In Anticipation Of Republican Gains.
--Security Officials Says September Shipment Of Packages Of Books And Papers To Chi May have Been Dry Run For Recent Yemen Chi Shipment Of Bomb Material.
--“Wheel Of Fortune’s” Charlie O’Donnell Dead At 79; he Had been Opening Voice For Decades.
--Greek Mail Bombers Attack Five Embassies.
--BP Profits Sink As Spill Costs Rise.
--Dell Expected o Announce Several New Windows based Smart I-Pad Type Tablets By End Of Year; Company Also To Invest In “Cloud Computing” As Next Big Trend In PC Sector.


Back to More Stuff:
What more appropriate nut to lead the largest state on the edge of bankruptcy and urgently trying to pass a legalization of marijuana law, than Jerry brown. God what a mess. Pray for Californians.

Or how about the former largest state, New York The Empire State, the home of one-time gigantic and prosperous manufacturing base in vibrant cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Schenectady; A countryside filled with productive farm lands from NYC to Canada, from Connecticut and Massachusetts to Ohio. And now we see as the face of this state -- Charles Schumer. Talk about “Decline and Fall…”!

When advocates for weed whine about not having their substance legal like alcohol, aren’t they saying we want to help add to more deaths on highways, more broken homes, more abused women, more lost work hours.

Paranoia is fun, but it takes up too much time.

You have to wonder these days if a single guy with his best pal the dog, looks at a prospective bride and wonders not if she can cook in this Take-out world, but if she is averse to picking up poop in the park.

If as they say Government outsourcing is up, how come the Feds are adding employees at a faster pace than any industry in America? Is it to hire people to read reports from contractors?

The stimulus package may have added jobs, but can an economy grow upon the type of jobs that it created? That is the real question isn’t it? The only net gainer of jobs since the start of the recession was the federal Gov. at 198,000 (Not including Census Jobs). State gov’s were down 0.1%, Local gov’s 0.9% and private sector minus 6.8%.

Which reminds me of a recommendation for a new constitutional amendment. “People whose salary and wages are paid by the governemtn can’t vote.” Makes sense to me.

Three witches in a hot tub is a self cleaning coven.

And, from the land of Cheese Steaks, my favorite Philadelphia area reporter reminds us of why a Republican romp may be in the cards. HR 4646, a nasty little piece of legislation attached to the Debt Free America Act, Harkin and DeFazio sneak in a 1% Fed tax on credit card and bank transactions. It may never happen, but it is the way this gang thinks, and it isn’t pretty.

The evidence is in and it says that fans of Jon Stuart are not nearly as bight as they think they are. “2nd City”, in case you missed it, showed up with a sign that read “Obama is a Keynesian”. This sent Stuart sycophants into apoplexy shouting “He was Born in Hawaii” “It‘s been proven.” And on and on thinking it was a conservative slam about their Man’s birth. I think I saw frothing at the mouth. It was funny and sad at the same time.

The Answer:
This is a set of Q’s that will force some to remember and maybe inspire other’s to learn. 1. Benito Mussolini coined axis as in “The German-Italy alliance is an axis running through Europe:" Bad decision Ben. 2. “I Like Ike” was all it took to keep the popular President firmly entrenched as a  lovable leader. But, Ike was before attack advertising, a time when people tried to look for the good in people. Of course his Veep helped coin the slogan “Dick is Ick”. 3. The first two words of great speech writer Sorenson’s most well know line was “Don’t ask…” found in JFK’s Inaugural speech. That would be treasonous in the Obama admin. Today it’s, “Wanna TV, I’ll give you a TV.”. 4. The H-Bomb was exploded at Eniwetok Atoll and was named “Ivy Mike”. Sounds kind of cuddly, doesn’t it.

The New Beginning?
A local mister writes to the Projo: “The Journal has had commentary by people complaining about such ‘cruelty to animals’ as the pain felt by a fish caught on a hook and the abuse of a dog left in cars in 100 degree weather. I shudder to think of the pain brought on children in the womb who are being aborted. They most certainly feel excessive pain; they fight the agony as their lives are being gruesomely ended. Is this less worthy that the pain felt by fish and dogs?” – Rev. Gerald Bierne.

If the Republican party wins and goes back to its mid 2000’s persona, the Tea Party will just get stronger. As will Sarah Palin who would probably love running against the GOP establishment.

I can hardly wait ‘til this election over so I can stop being angry and get back to my cuddly self again.

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.

How good is your brand of tea?

Today's Tids Issue 2,213
Opening Stuff:

Wow! Time sure flies when the air is crisp, the sun is low and glistening and the leaves are turning. We’re half way through beautiful October and I have yet start sewing my Halloween costume. I’m thinking that there will be Chile miner costumes and kids dressed as Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. I heard of a couple going as Jack and Jackie – well half Jackie. The other half of the female costume will depict Marylyn Monroe. I heard of another humorous couple costume – interlocking puzzle pieces. I expect we will see Red, White and Blue Teabags or lots of scary Nancy Pelosi masks. Me, I’m going as a meatball sandwich.

I’m starting to see the possibility of a lot of fractured voting on November 2. As Tea Party candidates begin to make real progress in campaigns around the country, you have to wonder how many will siphon votes away from Republicans and Independent candidates, probably making the prime beneficiary Democrats, who the majority may not want. The net result is a continued Dem majority in the Congress…and the first Plurality Congress. It’s possible. It’s sad.

Some of the best golf of the year is taking place in the PGA Fall Series and the Nationwide Tour right now. The reason, every golfer is playing for their future and the avoidance of “Q” School. Every shot counts. Every player counts. You like tension? This is all tension.

The Question:
Based on a combination of the four categories Gas Prices, Insurance Rates, Infrastructure/Safety and Legal Protections…which are the five worst states for drivers? Bonus: What does Clint Eastwood say are his six favorites of movies he has directed?

The Headlines:

--Reid Angle Face Off In Debate; Twosome Unable To Agree On Anything.
--Fed Expected To Buy Treasuries To Rejuvenate Economy; Bernanke Undecided On Size Of Plan.
--GE Sales Slump Rattles Recovery Hopes.
--Unexpectedly Higher Auto, Electronics and Appliance Sales Push September Retail Numbers Up 6%.
--Israel Declared Hottest Real Estate Market On Planet.
--Whoopie! And Joy! Turn backs On Guest O’Reilly And Walk Off View Set.
--Swiss Complete Longest Tunnel.
--First Chile Miners Released From Hospital After One Short Day; Docs Impressed With Overall Health Of Group.
--3 In Cleveland Scam Mortgage Lenders Out Of $7 Million.

Back to More Stuff:
For some reason there are often some funny typos in Church Bulletins. For instance this one: “Today’s Sermon: ‘Jesus Walks on Water’; Tonight’s Sermon: ‘Searching for Jesus’. Or…”The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.” And finally – “low elf Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use back door.”

Some of the vacuous in the local intellectual elite crowd have managed to place a referendum on the RI November 2 ballot that would ask the people to vote to change the official name of state from Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to Rhode Island. The political correctness gone amok reason is obviously because the word Plantation dredges up thoughts of slavery. At least for the mentally brittle who some how think they are guilty of something that happened a couple of hundred years ago. Anybody with an ounce of curiosity would soon learn that “Plantation” refers to a “community where agriculture is a primary occupation”. And this word Plantation was applied to RI around 1660, long before the first slave was traded for a pint of rum. If the academic crowd thinks that changing a name will somehow make the past good again, they should look to Brown University – Named after John Brown who made oceans of money as the primary mover in the notorious Triangle Trade.

Did you see where Minister Terry Jones received a brand new car for not burning the Koran. (Or is it Quran). Extortion is alive and well.

Reading between the lines Movie Reviews:
--I’m seeing a decided trend towards geezer movies as agents try to keep fading careers going. The latest might not be bad primarily because of the presence of Helen Mirren who has the=e talent to push most things above formula blah. This one also has Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Richard Dreyfus and the oldest actor on the planet, Earnest Borgnine (Who is planning his 175th Birthday Party). It’s about retired former CIA assassins who are now framed fr a high profile killing and become targets of their old organization. They rejoin each other and uncover the biggest Government conspiracy in history.
--Conviction is a well done real life story about a woman with no career and no future, who after her brother is sent away for life for murder, goes back to get her High School, College and eventually law degree to free him. Uplifting tale about Rhode Islander who finds the DNA evidence that sets him Free. (Back Story: Brother died shortly after freedom falling off a fence as he cut through backyards. Sister is suing sister for not getting credit in film for her contributions to brother’s release.)y captured
--Buried looks like a bummer downer about a guy captured by Islamists and buried in a box with a cell phone pencil and paper. After ninety minutes it gets a lot tedious.

Whoopie and Joy seem like such happy names. You have to wonder why they are so angry.. And, if you haven’t noticed, Joy Behar may be the biggest bigot on National TV. Check out her anti Christian/Catholic rhetoric. 

For the most part weather people issue dire warnings of things we have experienced every year of our lives.

The Answer:
California (Ranked very low in all categories) is tops followed by Illinois (Low in all but particularly low in :Legal rights.), New York (Very bad in road maintenance and legal rights), Michigan (How ironic…This state crushes drivers on insurance rates. Q: Does this Auto Capital of US they know something about the quality of manufacture that other states don’t?) and Alaska )The gas pipeline state with highest gas prices, and frost heave roads). Of course you have to know what movies he has directed first! They are “Bird”, “Letters From Iwo Jima”, “Million Dollar Baby”, “Mystic River “, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Unforgiven”.

The Weak End:
Sometimes on Friday my brain just stops working. There is nothing left inside it. I’m taking the rest of the day off.

Love your weekend.