полезный идиот

Today's Tids Issue 2,210
Opening Stuff:

There is a term sometimes attributed to western sympathizers of Lenin’s ideologies -- полезный идиот or “Useful Idiots. It has come to identify all those naïve or elite minds being manipulated by political movements, hostile governments and terrorists looking for support of suspect but emotional causes. It was recently mentioned to describe the reason for Obama’s latest college tour – rounding up the useful idiots.

Here’s a rule of life you can count on: “A pot roast on Sunday assures gravy for the rest of the week.”

When a snowstorm cancels all flights it is called a Winterruption!

The Question:
Who was the Guest Host on the first telecast of Saturday Night Live? Name three things for which he was known.

The Headlines:

--It’s Hold Your Breath time In Chile; Rescuers Ready To Haul Out Survivors.
--Seniors Expected To Cut Down On Spending After Learning Of SS Freeze.
--Transportation Unions Expected To Shut Down France In Response To Sarkozy Move To Raise Retirement Age By Two Years.
--New Study Says Too Much TV Harms Children; Bloomberg Mulling Banning Of TV IN NYC.
--Attentions Seeking Author Hurls Book At Obama; Prez Employs Full george Bush To Avoid Missile.
--Market Futures Pointing Down.
--Unemployed Lack New Skills Necessary For Available Jobs.

Back to More Stuff:
This Food Stamp thing in NYC is just the tip of an iceberg that could sink the good ship America. As the Big all encompassing government pays for more and more of the groceries they gain the right to tell you what groceries to buy. Be that wall street firms and banks, auto companies, energy companies, doctors, healthcare facilities, towns and cities. When you accept the government dough, you are in for plenty of woe. It’s just the way it works. And too many people these days want it to work that way.

All this talk about the yuan is a big yawn. But, in fact it should be a wake up call for the US Economy.

Politicians talk about bringing jobs back to America. Actually it is easy, but that is the one reason why they will never tell you how it can be done. Jobs will flow back if wages in America go down. All of this global talk is great for a select few. But remember, the oceans are global and they are all at the same level. That’s just economics 101.

Newspapers covered that national convention of litterbugs – you know the “The one nation working together rally” in response to the Glen Beck rally – with reverence. In fact a letter to a local newspaper points out that the photo of people peacefully holding innocuous signs accompanying an AP article, was far from the whole story. The writer said that other signs just out of sight were for groups that included “National Conference on Socialism”, “Socialistalternative.org”, “Socialism for the 21st Century”, “Ohio U. For Democratic Socialists”, “Capitalism is failing, Socialism is the alternative” and “Organizacion Marxista-Leninista de los Estados Unidos”. It’s a new world out there and there are plenty of Useless Idiots to support it.

Things are changing too fast for me. In fact, I think the vegans have taken over the ant-acid business. Do you realize how hard it is to find a Tums that isn’t fruit flavored? Another push into berry-ville? What’s that all about? Don’t they know that peppermint, wintergreen and spearmint are leaves. Are green leaves supposed to be good for you? It’s getting tough to live in this world.

The big news for 2012 isn’t going to be about which republican is going to run against “Prime Time” but whether or not 0-Man is there after The Hill challenges him for the Dem nomination. .

Seismologists are reporting that there actually no earthquakes in southern cal. It is an odd cultural occurrence that produces’ the simultaneous revving up high bases car radios in South Central LA that is rattling the buildings.

The Answer:
I rank George Carlin up there with the funniest of all time. First, George could be very funny while being clean. Although he was widely known for his 7 words you can’t say on TV and for a long list of names for a certain part of the female anatomy. Mostly, though he could comment humorously on simple acts or facts of daily life. Like “If the Cincinnati Reds were really the first major league baseball team, who did they play?” And, “A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.” Check out http://blogzarro.com/2007/05/100-greatest-george-carlin-quotes/ for a long list of Carlin Quotes.

And, Carlin has a good close for today’s start: “Think how stupid the average person is, and realize that half of them are stupider than that.”

The Veggie Gravy Train.

Today's Tids Issue 2,214
Opening Stuff:

If the video hits YouTube, there’s a good chance I’ll be kicked off of the Michelle Obama Healthy Eating Lecture Circuit. Friday I was seen eating potato chips smothered in rich, creamy pork gravy!** O...M...G!

In case you missed it, the “Brainiest” cities (Those with the greatest % of college degrees) are DC, San Fran, San Jose, Tie Boston and Raleigh, Austin, Minneapolis, Denver, Seattle and NYC. The city with the lowest percentage of degrees is Riverside Cal followed by Las Vegas, Memphis, Tampa, San Antonio, Louisville, New Orleans, Detroit, Orlando and Cleveland. Hmmm. Washington DC is the brainiest? I’ll take Cleveland any day.

I don’t think my mind is up to the daily task of managing a lot of “apps”.

The Question:
Name the colleges of the members of USA Women’s Basketball Team that is crushing all comers in the current World Championships.

The Headlines:

--Asian Stocks Hit Two Year High; US Futures Pointing Lower.
--Pakistan Attacks Two NATO Convoys.
--Japan Joins In Issuing Travel Warning For Citizens In Europe.
--New Study Shows That People Who Appear Moderately Obese Can Still be Quite Healthy.
--Supreme Court Begins Fall Session this Morning; Freedom Of Speech Advocates Looking Close Ly At Gay Protest Signs At Funerals And Banning Of Violent Video Games For Children.
--US Mutual Funds Re-Enter Black

Back t More Stuff:
I see where Bin Laden’s latest series of messages is a change from his usual rants against the US. Instead he is trying to broaden the appeal of al-Qaida by targeting groups he apparently thinks are likely to be moved by his message. One of the first groups in his list is Global Warmers. I wonder what Al Gore thinks about this.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 96 continues. All I could see was the opening at the end of the gun barrel, and it kept looming larger…and blacker. And I could see clearly it was aimed directly between my two eyes. I now heard Symington’s rants only as noise in the background of scene that may be my last. Fear blocked out my ability to hear distinctive words. I didn’t think any part of my body was moving. My eyes were transfixed, yet I sensed a blur to my right.
  If as under a magnifying glass, I could see almost too clearly his finger squeezing the trigger. Unemotionally, sentencing me to death. Taking the time to enjoy my last seconds. Then every thing speeded up. A black shadow emerged from my right just as I heard an explosion from the mouth of my executioner. I instinctively tried to move my body to my left, while awaiting the impact of the bullet into my skull, and then deeply into my brain as my world would fade to black.
  But, it wasn’t pain I felt or black I saw. It was a scream, an awful scream that I heard. And then the noise of bodies crashing into the door. I saw Kent’s back as his body engulfed Symington’s. I rose slowly and started to run towards that back which I could now see was a mass of blood.
  “Kent!”. I saw Symington’s eyes peering over Kent’s shoulder. Now, trying to kill me with hate. Kent’s arms were wrapped viselike around Symington’s, pinning his gun holding hand to his side. Symington was desperately trying to rid himself of Kent’s lifesaving grasp. He was trying to raise his hand with the gun. I had to get to Kent. Right now, I only wanted to get to Kent. I was moving forward quickly now. I lunged
  Another shot rang out. I saw the head of Symington reel backwards. Looking down towards the sound of the gunshot I saw Dan lying on his side with a gun in his hand. His eyes wide, yet a small smile creeping across a pained face.
  I heard Symington’s gun hit the floor just before I saw Symington’s body fall to the ground. Kent’s body was starting to fall, just as I reached his back. I wrapped my arms around him.

I think this whole obesity thing is a scam. Especially when you consider that the government probably wrote the definition of what’s obese.

I was reading yet another in a long line of tedious political cartoons depicting Sarah Palin as the dumbest single person on the planet. Which just proves once again that intelligencia are so wrapped up in their own smugness that they miss the world around them. Maybe Palin isn’t going to write a Pulitzer Prize play or discover a cure for cancer. But she responds to the needs of people. She gets it and explains it. Hey… all you have to do is look at which city is at the top of the Brainiest list, to know that degrees don’t translate into common sense…or good decision making. .

The only people with advanced degrees who, in my simple mind, count are doctors. The rest of them just avoided working a little longer. I never evaluate a anyone by the number of letters after their name or lack there of. But, simply by what they say, how they think and what they do.

I don’t work very hard. I don’t exercise in a programmed manner. Yet, I feel tired more than ever. But then I realize I spend much too much time these days being nice in groups of people a barely know. I think friendliness is wearing me out. I’m going to become a grouch.

I’m wondering if this current rash of Vampire movies and our increasingly bloodsucking Government is just a coincidence.

Speaking of rashes, so far George Bush has not been blamed for the FDR era syphilis testing on Guatemalan women.

If “permanent” means eternal or everlasting or forever…how do beauty parlors stay in business?

Obama continually tries to create hostility between the masses and the super rich, yet the masses continue to bow down at the altar of dimwitted super rich reality stars like Paris Hilton. Yes, she is back again for another reality show, this time about her life and the Hiltons.

Did you know that the word “Copper” comes from the Roman Cuprum which means…”Metal from Cyprus” – the place where it was first discovered. Kind of a let down, huh? Like learning the actual words beneath the magnificent music of operas.

Quiz Answer: 6 of the 12 are from Mighty University of Connecticut: Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tina Charles, Asjha Jones, Maya Moore and the amazing Diana Taurasi. The others are Jayne Appel- Stanford, Tamika Catchings – Tenn, Candice Dupree – Temple, Sylvia Fowles – Lousianna State, Angel McCoughtry – Louisville and the marvelous guard…Lindsay Whalen form Minnesota.

**Here's an easy recipe for perfect pork gravy every time. In a bit of butter, sear boneless pork chops in a large skillet until noce and brown on both sides. Scrape up all of the brown stuff in the bottom, thrwo in a small handful of chopped sweet unions and a tinge of chopped garlic. And a can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup. Simmer covered for a.bout 45 mins or unitl meat is nice and tender. You'll cry when the last drop of gravy is gone. Actually, broccoli goes very well with it. (I have written this recipe from a remote computer which is untraceable.)

It's a camouflage world.

Today's Tids Issue 2,188
Opening Stuff:

I was thinking this morning…You know how it has become popular to embed news people within the ranks of the military as they bravely try to fight wars against people who really want to kill them. And how the soldiers and their leaders have to spend too much time worrying about how what they do may be looked upon on the Tube or in print. So…why not have the press embedded in the families of Congress people as they go one their extended summer breaks. Think of all the great stuff we could get for the Tids.

World out of Whack Department:
(Or is it “Whacky World” department?) When you adjust for inflation, it would cost $159 million 2009 dollars to build the titanic. It cost over $200 million in 2009 dollars to make the movie about the titanic.

The Question:
Give me twelve good reasons to continue eating fattening foods laden with rich creamy gravy.

The Headlines:
--Tropical Storm Colin Forms In Atlantic; Could Follow Atlantic Coast track.
--Senate To Start Kagan Debate Today.
--Six Teens Drown After Stepping From Wade-able Shallows Into 20 Foot Chasm In Louisiana’s Red River; Non-Swimming Adults Watch Helplessly as Non-Swimming Teens Die.
--Market Enters Mystery Day; Bulls Not Sure Whether To Take Profits Of Keep Mo Going.
--State Workers Having to Work Longer To Collect massive Pensions.

Back to More Stuff:

A reader remarked that the Tids editor has a unique ability to write long paragraphs well about nothing. Is that good or bad?

I have a new game …one that allows you to fully understand the meaning of politically related statements. It’s easy. All you do is type out the latest statement about anything from the White House or Congress, and then add the words “For the elections”. It’s fun kids, and it puts everything in perspective. For instance, here’s how the big headline in the morning paper would read: “Obama: US Troop withdrawal from Iraq right on schedule”…”For the elections”. It’s fun and it reminds you that you won’t really know anything factual until after November 3.

I will never watch any TV program that thinks it is a good idea to promote the characters of “Jersey Shore”.

Somebody…anybody…please tell me why it is a good idea to waste time and money talking about giving Billy The Kid a pardon. Does that make him less of a ruthless murderer? Actually it is a lot like the authorities claiming justice by getting Charlie Sheehan to plea to a lesser misdemeanor and wave more severe charges. Does that make him any less of a woman abuser or general all around out of control ass hole?

Yesterday I mentioned a series of today’s trendy popular songsters of whom I had never heard or even having seen their names. And, then last night I read that Mitch Miller, host of the highly successful Sing Along With Mitch TV program (Bouncing ball and all), died at 100. His was a program about songs with melodies and cornball lyrics where people actually sat in their living rooms and sang with Mitch and his chorus. You’d have to wonder what today’s kids would think about that. What they would think of the older people who actually enjoyed watching it. Maybe they’d find “Sunny Side of the Street” more enjoyable than “Murder Yo Hoe”. Maybe.

You have to love the sympathizers of the disadvantaged who are condemning new financial regs that make it harder for those who can’t pay to get loans. Have they looked at the bloodshed across the country lately? At the disadvantaged who are far more disadvantaged today as they wallow in the aftermath of bad loans. Whatever happened to renting and saving?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 87 continues. –I could tell that Kent still loves me deeply. But, for the first time he appeared conflicted. Then, I was unsure of myself when I walked in. Conflicted myself. And as much as I wanted not to feel his presence, I felt it more than ever. Is it because I believe it, us, me and Kent, is nearing an end, and I could never imagine life without knowing he would be there. And I want us to be together more than ever even as I learn more about Kent’s possible implications in something very big and very dirty at BiEm.
I closed the door of Marie’s and stepped down to the parking lot, still thinking about Kent and I running to some glorious place. Nothing makes sense. Why would I even think of leaving Paul and the children? But, I do freely. Is deep love such a master? Is it deep love or the pure joy of sex? Or is it just illicit sex? Am I that much in need beyond something that is entirely correct and beautiful? I have it all, don’t I?
I saw a movement as I walked around the back of my car to the driver’s side. It was just a green Chevy pulling out from the rear of Marie’s. I looked at the driver. Did he look away from me? I don’t remember him as one of the four people in the small room. I quickly looked away and opened my purse to fish out my keys. I think I have seen that Chevy before. Things that don’t belong stand out in small towns.
Does Marie think that Kent and I don’t belong enjoying each other in her place?
I started the car, backed up and entered slowly onto Main Street. Then I gunned it and sped off. I didn’t turn around to look but looked in the rear view mirror. I didn’t see the car enter the road from Marie’s parking lot. Maybe it was my imagination.

Some guy on early morning radio (Really early morning) said that we need these illegal immigrants because they will be the basis of our taxes going forward. In other words, he was saying that to maintain our leadership position in the economic world we need to have lots of Mexicans sneaking in to provide tax money for future bloated governments in say 2050…when whites will most certainly be a minority. Pew Research projects the Hispanic population to be 29% (Now 14%) by 2050. The rest: Whites 47% (67%), Black 13% (13%), Asian 9% (5%) and Foreign Born 19% (12%).

Frankly, I’m a little surprised at the low number of Asians. Oh, wait a minute, they’re coming in legitimately.

It’s not hard to believe that while congress was messing around trying to come up with regulations for credit cards, credit card companies were getting creative with new ways to entrap consumers into new schemes. Politicians will do anything to get elected and businesses will do what it takes to keep the money rolling in. It is just a basic law of nature.

The Answer:
According to “Consumer Reports”, 12 so-called dietary supplements many with the label “Natural” are contaminated and can cause liver and kidney damage, heart rhythm disorders and unhealthy blood pressure levels…and cancer. This is not a good thing. The dirty dozen are aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia and yohimbe. Make that a Big Mac and large fries please.

The End:
I just hope the Tids turn out to be better than August. That’s not asking for too much, is it?

National Day of Morning.

Today's Tids Issue 2.138
Opening Stuff:


Now what?

Tis a day of morning indeed. Because even after a commendable final episode for “24” that included a Presidential meltdown, a couple of tense assassination events, a shot to Jack’s chest and a teary good-bye between Jack and Chloe – it ended. And the reaction I had wasn’t “Man was that a great ending”. It was “It’s over and I’ll never have it to look forward to again. It was hollow.

One of the outcomes of a disappearing manufacturing base is the artificial inflation of non productive wages to maintain the semblance of strong middle income populace. The result becomes an economic house of cards based on economically unsustainable tax supported state and local government jobs and many fairly unskilled service jobs. A recent example of this came to light when several RI towns thought they could save money by converting water meters from manual reading to electronic reading. They went out for bids and were the process of accepting one from Ohio, when they were informed that there is a RI “Make Work” law requiring that Licensed RI plumbers do all of the work. The bid they wanted would cost $365K to replace 7500 meters. The one they would be forced to accept by law would cost $526K for only 3500 meters. Can you say Greece!

The Question:
Name the five most infamous Germans of WWII.

The Headlines:
--World Stocks Weaken On Euro-Economy Fears.
--North Korea Threatens Military Action In Disputed Waters; US Begins Submarine Maneuvers In Same Area.
--Oil Taker Collides With Bulk Carrier Off Singapore.
--Lindsay receives Serious Ankle Bling.
--Britain Bans Doctor Who Linked Autism With Vaccine.
--Cal Legislature Pushing For $5 Billion In Tax Increases As Opposed To Necessary Budget Cuts.
--Analysts Looking At Cooling Of House Sales.

Back to More Stuff:

Protective Helmet Society Department:
Our save-you-from-yourself national leaders have infiltrated the venerable Naval Academy at Annapolis. Yes the leader of the country’s fearless marine based military is about to ban a 70 year old obelisk climbing ritual because somebody might get injured. A good fun, everybody love’s annual event will be banished from the face of the earth because of blatant nannyism. What’s next? Are we to succumb to more lobbying by the manufacturers who forced hi-tech car seats upon us? Only this time the effect will be forcing children to wear helmets until they are seven?

Common sense runs amok even in battle. The so-called beginning of the end Afghan offensive is stalled where it began in Marjah. Many who looked at this based on past Taliban activities could see it failing over time. The Generals are hemmed in by artificial deadlines, and the Taliban are best at abiding time. In the meantime, blood is flowing faster than the Gulf oil spill as the bad guys routinely lop off heads of Marjah collaborator suspects and scare the bejesus out of Afghans in general –undermining the objective the campaign which was to acquire unyielding allegiance for the citizenry.

A reader sends along this bit of quirkiness. Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn , Germany . Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly. The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.

I am always looking to better my health. So in an effort to “Go Brown” – replacing whites like rice and bread with brown versions – I am mixing KFC gravy with my rice. It takes on a healthy glow and tastes great.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74: I felt more comfortable with Paul in bed last night. But I kept thinking the intensity wasn’t the same as with Kent. Was it because of the adventure with Kent. Was it because Kent Middleton was a special person. That Kent was like me and we were totally compatible. I was trying to calm my self with motherly chores like getting the kids breakfast and then laughing with them as they ate. All to what? Assuage my guilt. Or to procrastinate my feelings. Where were my feelings anyhow. I never felt anything but pleasure when with Paul…or Kent.
The phone rang. The woman I hate most in life, the caller ID lady garbled the name of “Clax Tonwill” and I picked it up the receiver. “How are you feeling” were his first words. The he went on about my plans.
Today was my first day to drive back to work and test my energy. (Even though Kent has thoroughly tested it already and I passed with flying colors.) “I’m feeling good, and should be there by 10:00. I ave had a few meeting, as you know with Izzy and others, but I really want to catch up with you. Get your opinions. A lot has happened since I was in the accident, and I am positive that I am light years behind you.”
“Don’t worry Boss,” he replied in his usual comforting way. Then he added somberly. “You will be interested in talking to our lawyers about the conspiracy mess and how it may relate to the company’s fortunes.”
“Thanks, Bill, I can hardly wait.”

I have noticed lately that when talking about antiques you I have to use the expression “at the previous turn of the century.”

A terrorist named Khay Rahnajet didn’t pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with “Return to Sender” stamped on it. Forgetting it was a bomb, he opened it…and you can understand the rest of the story.

The Answer:
After Hitler, the leading men in the 3rd Reich were Herman Goring, Joseph Goebbels, Rudolf Hess, Heinrich Himmler, Ernst Rohm and Martin Bormann. They wouldn’t have lasted so long if Jack bauer had been on the scene.

It's Over:
The good news is that Jack was last seen running, probably to the set of the promised movie. I can hardly wait.
KThunk. KThunk. KTnunk.

Experts are a dime a dozen.

Today's Tids Issue 2,129
Opening Stuff:

It is very unsettling to see that world economics seem to have more to do with problems of out of control, over socialized governments than whether or not business is winning or losing.

After a day of golf on a crystal clear but blustery 43 degree day, there is nothing better for warming the soul than piping hot rice with rich pork gravy.

The Question:
Name the ten greatest all time men and women tennis players.

The Headlines:
--Spain Makes More Cuts Offsetting Worries About Expanding Euro-Debt; European Stocks Rebound Smartly On News.
--Market Opener Up Sharply.
--Surprise!: Gas Prices Expected To Tumble For Summer Driving.
--Brown Steps Down; Queen Smiling As Conservative Cameron Takes Post; Conservative Quickly named To cabinet Posts; Coalition Partnership Gets Top Business Post.
--10 year Old Dutch Boy Only Survivor In Libyan Airliner Crash That Killed 96.
--US Home Prices being Cut As Tax Credit Program Ends.
--Morgan-Stanley Shares Drop On News Of Derivatives Probe.
--Celtics Excel in 5th Game.

Back to More Stuff:

Is technology taking over? Last week we had Klutz boy pushing the wrong button on stick trade and computerized programming taking away from humans control of most people’s wealth. And now we have a Zombie satellite – affectionately known among the nerd herd as Zombiesat. Well this former Galaxy 15 lost contact when a solar flare fried its brain. But, the brainless orbiter still operates at full power. Confounding scientists. And you know how dangerous that can be. We have seen the brainless in DC and Wall Street operate on full power and look what that’s gotten us.

I enjoyed listening to the singers last night on American Idol. The judges seemed to have some problems with song choices, but, frankly, I was generally entertained by all. Especially with the Lee/ BoSox duet and to a slightly lesser extent Big/Casey pairing. But, of course some were better than others. After all, this is a competition. I thought B0Sox was the best and I thought Lee was a close second, better than some of the judges thought. Casey was quietly pleasing and sang it well. I thought Big, although enjoyable, didn’t quite reach the promise of the song. Mike will probably go this time. Oh, Siobhan may have been the best this week it she was still there. But, that’s just me.

Question of the day: Are politicians just shallow dummies, or do they really want to destroy the country.

Gas prices could have been the political game changer come November if they had gone upwards of $5.00 as some experts were predicting as little as a month ago. But, the new estimates of “lower” gas prices could make the voting public feel relaxed coming out of a summer, going into campaign season. Everything about politics in reality is mood.

Some days Spell-Check is dumber than a politician.

Why do I have this feeling that the new Robin Hood movie will bear no resemblance to my youthful love of the resourceful thief, the merry men, Little John, Will Scarlet and Maid Marion?

The Biggest Panhandler Department:
As you may you by now, two brothers from RI won the big Million dollar prize for winning the Amazing Race TV competition. Each brother will receive $325,000. But Big Brother who did nothing will get $350,000, more than the two who busted their scrawny butts meeting and surpassing challenges beyond their own belief. But, unfortunately that appears to be real life these days -- The strivers are getting less and less.

One thing for sure…Congress in its typical grandstanding investigation of the oil spill will provide lots of information for the lawyers who will be bringing on the law suits.

Of course, the scariest thing going on in the world today is the fact that the geniuses still can’t figure out why the stock market dropped 1000 points in less than a half hour.

Have you noticed that in all areas -- sports, economics, politics – the popular phrase “experts say” has become totally unreliable?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 71 continues. –“I’m far smarter than poor old Seymore, aren’t I Sally?” I felt Sarah/Maggie press her neck back into my thumb. I released the pressure and walked around to look into Sarah’s eyes. She looked reddish. A little unnerved.
“What I meant…” Sarah started but Sally drown her out blurting,
“Why of course you are, were…whatever.” I felt like the wicked stepmother in Snow White. Sarah the mirror reflecting my heart and Sally my brain. And me begging for approval. Have I become this shallow?
I put an end to the stammering. “Seymore was a brilliant guy. And I admired him even though I didn’t particularly like him. His ambition just got in his way and we became the fortunate recipients of his misdeed.” I scrunched Sarah’s shoulder in a natural gesture. She smiled up at me. The tension disappeared. Sally was glad the discussion was over. But I have to wonder where this conversation between them would have gone if I hadn’t walked in. Sarah, if you need any more technical insights you can stop in as you leave.” Her unseen foot ran up my calf. She smiled and said meekly Ok. No problems with Sarah I thought. I peered as far into her eyes as I could and she responded with that look I have come to love. It halted me for a moment. “Hope to see you later,” I said as I left. I looked up at the doorway and saw standing there, Sarah’s husband Paul. “Here for your weekly techno-meet?” I routinely asked. How long had he been there?
He just answered, “Yes I am”. Then he stepped aside. He looked as cold as me.

A reader commenting on Monday’s “24” and torture sequence said it was “hard to stomach…”!

Speaking of stomachs, did you hear about the personal trainer who told his client that she should exercise – restraint!

Kagan has many of the characteristics of an unabated liberal. Probably, even a chortler who plays well the “good ole’ boy” game to move forward. For instance, people like her who would ban army recruiting on campus certainly aren’t reasoned giants, but small minded emotional midgets. Yet this person who has also advised against banning late term abortions, does not consider gay marriage a right, is not morally against capital punishment and believes that terrorists have less rights. I don’t really know what or who she is. But even though she seems not to look at all issues through one ideological microscope, I have a feeling that this brainy NY-er does not represent the views as what I would like to see for America.

In another small political item, the former Mass state senate seat of Scott Brown went to a republican.

The Answer:
Tied for Tenth among males are McEnroe, Becker, Wilander and Edberg. 9. Jimmy Conners 8. Bill Tilden 7. Andre Agassi 6. Bjorn Borg 5. Ivan Lendl 4. Roy Emerson 3. Rod Laver 2. Pete Sampras and #1 is Roger Federer. There will be lots of arguments on a list like this – Budge is better than Sampras. How about Jack Kramer and Pancho Gonzales/ ken Rosewall? But lists are typically skewed in favor of the most current. Number 10 for the women is Justine Henin. 9. Evonne Goolagong (My personal favorite) 8. Serena Williams 7. Monica Selas 6. Billie jean King 5. Helen Wills Moody 4. Chris Evert 3. Margaret Smith Court 2. Steffi Graf and without question number ! Martina. I would have put in there Mo Connelly and Althea Gibson…and maybe Maria Bueno (19 Grand Slam titles!). Suzanne Langton?

"All you need is..."
So, all of this tennis talk reminds me that this is a great day for love! Enjoy.

Beef drippings for peace.

Today's Tids Issue 2,102
Opening Stuff:

Occasionally you read of a new product that could literally change the world. Let’s face it, some of this new technology stuff is simply tweaks of old stuff with more apps than you could ever use. But this new product discovered today by the Executive Food Editor of the Tids at the Christmas Tree Store is such a powerful idea that it could bring peace to the Middle East, bi-partisanship in 0-Man’s heart. It’s called “Better than gravy”! Imagine that! Better than gravy. Kind of rolls off your tongue doesn’t it.

To keep my last night’s two hour 24 high going, I’m prepping my nerves for what should be a very tense and exciting UConn-Stanford Women’s Championship game tonight. This has the potential of being one of the all time greatest upsets. I’m think Pats/Giants in the Superbowl surprise. The big question, are the UConn women more dominant than Brady and crew.

The Question:
 Today is the 63rd birthday of John Ratzenberger. Name the rest of the original cast on “Cheers”.

The Headlines:
--25 Now Confirmed Dead In West Virginia Mine Disaster.
--45 Now Dead In Baghdad Blasts.
--Maoist Ambush In central India Kills 75 Policemen.
--Butler Takes NCAA Champ Duke To last Second; “Opie” Haywood Misses Last Second Midcourt Shot By A Fraction.
--Serious Overdosing From Prescription Pain Killers Dramatically On The Rise In US.
--Britain’s PM Gordon Brown Sets May 5 As Election Date; Economy Wracked Country Puts 13 Year Rule By Labour Party In Jeopardy
--British Lawmakers Attack US Kraft Company For Antics In $11 Billion Takeover Of Cadbury.
--Stock Futures Point Lower.

Back to More Stuff:

A dark horse should no be taken lightly.

Have you ever read the funny sarcasm site the http://www.theonion.com Some current articles are ”City of Chicago to Modernize Outdated Graft System, “Rich Guys Feeling Left Out of Recession”, “Chimp in Cocaine Study Starts Lying to Friends”, “Pope Vows to get Pedophilia Down to Acceptable Levels”, “Freakonomist Keeps Close Eye On GE Stock Versus Height Of Mexican Weightlifters” and of course the main feature “US to Save Billions By Cutting Wasteful Senator Program.

There is no truth to the rumor that Phil Mickelson has hired a female flasher to run by Tiger Woods as he tees up Thursday morning.

A new report shows how creeping Taxation will stifle initiative. It isn’t just isn’t because of taxes, it’s the infringement on give-away programs that is the big retardant. For instance, as wages grow, parents with college age kids will lose advantages in aid opportunities, sapping net income growth. Forbes magazine has completed a report that details many instances where the tax code will make earning $30K can be more rewarding than $60K or that a promotion from $60k to $120K will net as little as $10K extra for the added workload and responsibility. It isn’t exactly income redistribution, but it works that way.

24-um: Was that a fast two hours last night or what? The sad thing is that we are in the wind down mode of one of my favorite all time programs. Let’s see, they have the bomb; The president is dead. And Dana, who turned out to be a pretty good villainess, is in the can. Is Russia the next villain? And there are only ten hours left to great a tense scenario and bring an end to all of the characters I have watched since Day 1 Hour 1. When, I first saw that intro of the morphing “24” the great split screens and heard those Kthunk, Kthunk, Kthunks. Every other program I have ever seen drags when compared to 24. Maybe it is time to start slowing down my heart. It’s like another retirement. I’m thinking that next year I’ll write an hour of 24 in each Tids.

Through The Same Eyes: Chapter 64. --“Hi, It’s Henry”.
“Oh, hi Henry. Hearing your rough country tones is Always a delightful way to start my day.” I could see his face turning red through the phone.
“Why don’t you come down here?” he asked after a pause and in a kind of mysterious tone.
“Am I under arrest?” He laughed.
“No. No, I have a several of the teens in here, along with their parents and a lawyer or two. I need your mind to help me interpret what they are saying. Can you be here in ten minutes or so?” He then told me that he thought this could go somewhere, and that it wouldn’t take long.
“You kids be good,” I yelled. “Remember I’ll be with the Police Chief and he knows how to look for evidence!” They laughed. I closed the door and within three minutes I was walking into Henry’s office.
Henry introduced me to Richie and Jen and then to two of the kidnapped kids Barbara and Murph. I just sat and listened. Henry appeared most interested in Murph, the alleged leader of the group and boyfriend of Bromsky’s niece Laura.. Richie seemed pretty bright in a teen sort of way. They started talking about the vandalizing night when the first two were taken. “So, how do you think those lights went out?” Henry asked. I always thought that was a pretty critical event in this entire mess. It just so far outside the realm of teen thinking.
“I have no idea,” Murph grunted. “This plan was Laura’s idea,” he quickly added trying to shift the guilt to the woman who wasn’t here.
“When did you find out that Laura was the niece of Bromsky,” I asked first.

Did some anti-soda person dream up the new caps on my Diet Coke and Pepsi? These little twisters hurt my fingers and make looking forward to a cool drink a journey in angst instead. I have seen it on several different kinds of drinks. One day you’re happy, the next someone changes the course of your life.

Oldsters may not know how to work an iPhone, but they are the wisest on social issues so says some new research. The study says old people from all kinds of demographic backgrounds have unique ability to draw upon wisdom based on experience. And the regular folks without a string of degrees are just as able as those with Phds. Listen to your Grandparents.

It looks like he latest White House repair job on their boss is to turn him into some kind of lovable smiling jokester. As I have always said, beware of left wing comedians.

Haiti could be a great test for the effectiveness of the moribund UN. They have proven over the years that they are pretty much inept. Haiti is pressing need of security first just keep those ravaged people secure in a civilized society. It’s small and UN troops should be to easily accomplish that objective. Unfortunately they have had too many meetings that go nowhere. Just do it. While we are on Haiti, the prospects there are not good. There are plenty of good charitable groups in the country, but no leadership. There is tons of dough flowing inward, but it is probably being siphoned off into Swiss accounts as we speak.

The Answer:
The show started in 1982 and featured Ted Danson as Sam Malone, Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Rhea Pearlman as Nicholas Colastano as Coach, George Wendt as Norm Peterson, and of course Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin. The rest who came later were Kelsey Grammer, the awful Woody Harrelson, Beb Neuworth, Kristie Alley, Tom Skerrit, Jackie Swanson, Roger Rees and Reid Shelton. Another my favorites, and love d the Rhea-Shelley conflict best along with Norm and Cliff.

A Small Finish:

I don’t believe Butler will be the last of the small college teams to make noise in the NCAA.

Ice Cream for World Peace

Today's Tids Issue 2,079
Opening Stuff:

I loaded up on gravy last night, so there’ll be no stopping the Tids this morning. There is nothing like gravy to bring fervor (and maybe some other stuff) to the heart of a Tids writer. First, gravy makes you happy! Zowie! Good start. Next, gravy slows down your blood flow. This tends makes you less impulsive, more thoughtful. It stabilizes the mind which is good for balanced discussion and reporting. In fact, gravy is the elixir that could be the basis for a true non partisan Washington.

Lots of people thought that Bunning was right on the money. He never said let’s abandon the jobless. He said let’s use this to start changing the process. This leads me to what I really want to say. Why doesn’t the free press think beyond their often too apparent Democrat allegiance. Why doesn’t a free press reach into their guts every once in while to say things like, “Maybe Bunning has a good idea there. Maybe we the press should be the real instrument of change around here. Maybe we should stop enabling mediocrity.” Maybe if that happens, the hard fought freedom that the press now enjoys won’ be in vain. Maybe newspapers will cease being pamphlets for politicians.

The Question:
Name the Japanese auto manufacturers in order from largest to smallest based on world wide auto production.

The Headlines:
--0-Man Offers HC Tidbits To GOP To Improve Political Position of Democrats For Fall Elections.
--String Of Deadly Bombings In Baghdad Kills 30.
--Nissan Recalls 530,000 Cars; Brake Problems On 178K 2008-10 Titan Trucks, Armadas, Infinity QX56 and Quests; Feul Gage Problems On 2005-8 Titan, Armada, Infinity And 2007-8 Frontier, Pathfinder And Xtera.
--Republicans Dismiss Pentagon Study On Gays As Biased.
--Texas Governor Perry taps Into Anti-Washington Fervor To Defeat Kay Hutchison On GOP Primary.
--Investors Cautiously Entering Wednesday Trading.
--Shell reports Attack On Nigerian Oil Flow Station;

Back To More Stuff:

While reading some headlines this morning, I came across this interesting puzzler of two headlines on the same page: The lead Headline read “Costco 2Q Profit Rises”. The second and smaller headline Read “Warehouse Clubs Costco, Miss Profit Estimates; Costco Stock Hit”.

The only good thing to come out of the Chili tragedy is the potential hiatus on that tasteless Chilean Sea Bass.

Personally, I think this federal government of ours, if it is worth anything, should be waging an all out war against Internet fraud and crime. After all, isn’t that the only reason that states need a big brother – to help out across state lines? You certainly don’t need the federal monster for welfare, health care or retirement benefits. Of course one of the biggest defects in internet commerce is the requirement by many for that dreaded SS#, which has become the basic instrument of fraud and outright theft. I will avoid where possible doing business with any entity that asks for that number. Period.

I always found a pleasant simple meal to be a couple-a-3 varieties of Italian sausage (Sweet, spicy, chicken) over polenta with rich red gravy (Sauce) atop of it all. Sautee a little spinach in garlic and butter with a hint of chicken broth, and you’ll be one happy eater.

A reader asks, “When did Chili become Chilay?” It became Chilay because too many news anchors eat where uninformed waiters try to sell bad fish to wanabees calling it Chil-ay-an Sea Bass. Always proceeded by a pretentious “A wonderful…”. Not even Beur Blanc can make the bland formerly “Patagonian Tooth Fish” taste good. And when rich creamy sauces and gravies can’t make something taste good, you know it is intrinsically bad.

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 56 continues. –Paul looked at Kent a bit oddly. Kent never lost his composure, but broke into an enormous smile and walked quickly to Paul to shake his hand. “I think the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner for you two.” He looked at me. I knew what he was thinking.
Paul seemed to relax a little. “Sorry you have to go Kent”. He smiled slightly at me.
With that, Kent started to the door without saying good-bye to me. Then he turned, looked at me, through my eyes and into my soul, “Maybe I’ll bump into you when you meet with Isabelle.”
“Are you leaving without me” I heard Isabelle jesting. Now it became clear that Kent just wanted to get out of there, and he may have even forgotten that Izzy would be returning.
After a little more chit-chat, they left, and Paul appeared to be more at ease. All of a sudden with a flourish, he whisked a beautiful tray of dinner before me. “I spare no expense for my Princess”. I was coming down a bit by now, and I was pleasantly responsive to Paul. Why shouldn’t I be?
The dinner was actually very good and we had a wonderful lively conversation. Often though my mind drifted to Kent and the power he had over me. When I first met Kent I felt a beautiful connection. I thought we could become close friends. But now I am addicted to his touch and the way he loves me.

Back to More Stuff Again:

Kim Kardasian is today’s Lee Radziwell – fame based on nothing but associations that beget fame.

You know that there is a lot of good left in the world when the comic strip “Family Circle”, the polar opposite of some of today’s sacrilegious, irreverent, four letter word laden comedy, is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year.

In another good sign that some common sense and decency may be returning, The Smithsonian refused to exhibit -- and thus glorify a horrendous crime -- the trial suit of OJ. Good for them.

Throughout history, wars have been started in the name of religion. Today the new god is oil.

The Answer:
The big Japanese companies in order are Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Fuji and Isuzu. Looking at this list you may have two observations: I’ve never seen a Fuji car. And: Where is Subaru? Subaru is the automotive division of Fuji! Of note, while all eyes are on the rise of Korean cars, it is China that has moved into 2nd place ahead of the US of A on the worldwide auto production list. The top five are Japan, China, US, Germany South Korea and Brazil.

The End:

Ice Cream for world peace; Gravy for understanding in Washington; Life is simple when you boil it down to the basics.

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.