What Solar storm.

Today's Tids (#2,549)
Written 3/8
Opening Stuff:



For a pedestrian electronics guy like me, the big news about the just announced "New" Hi Rez IPad is that you can now buy IPad 2 for $399.

There's more to Rhode Island than an out of control public employee pension plan Department:
Why would anybody move to Rhode Island? To win PowerBall, that's why! So, to make it easy for everybody to have a good chance of attaining instant wealth, I'm starting a new Web Site: http://www.sendmeyourmoneyandi'llbuyapowerballticketfor10%ofthepot.com. Oh yeah, RI is also filled with beauty, surrounded by a magnificent ocean, is loaded with history and has some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

If somebody said to me, "Quick, who is your all time favorite athlete," I could easily answer Roger Staubach. If I thought about it for a moment I'd add Carl Yaztremski, Bob Cousey, Ben Hogan and of course Bobby Orr. If I reached down a bit I'd go to Pee Wee Reese, Dom DiMaggio and Carl Furillo. And I'm probably forgetting 2-3,000 other faves.

The Question:

Peyton Manning is identified with the Indianapolis Colts, but it appears his career will end elsewhere. Three other greats -- Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath and Joe Montana -- were and are identified with their original teams. Name the teams and where did each of these Hall-of-Famers end their career?

The Headlines:

--The Effects Of Solar Storm Miss Earth.
--Congress Wrestling With Syria Dilemma.
--Wall Street Brighter As Greek Swap Takes Shape.
--Kofi Anna Rejects UN Intervention; He Says, "More Force Could Make Things Worse."
--Household Debt Rises For First Time In 3 1/2 Years.
--Israel Seeking Arms from US.

American Idol: I am definitely being entertained this year. First -- This Jessica Sanchez is an amazingly mature singer with a great voice that is expressive and shows humor and humanity. Before looking for the winners and losers, thee are several singers who bring something different to the show and should be kept just for entertainment value. Phillips, Skyklar, Erika, Colton and d'Andrea are a handful that come to mind. There are other good singers, but these bring more than a good voice, the extra something that makes a show like this more interesting. Last night, I had trouble seeing all of the negativity expressed by the judges about Shannon. I thought Elise and missed it, and Jimmy Rosado gives me nothing. My favorite performances were Colton Dixon and EVP. I like Skylar too. I thought Phillips was fun, but couldn't really hear his voice. My guess is that the bottom three will be unfortunately Shannon (I think she can grow), Elise and Rosado. My early guess to win it all -- Colton Dixon.

Some world leaders are saying about Iran, "Actions speak louder than there words." That's exactly the same way I feel about President Obama.

This Iran thing is a conundrum if there ever was one. Satellites have just observed Iran cleaning up nuke experimental evidence just as they saying for the benefit of the US and others, "Let's talk". Other sources say they have recently tested a nuclear trigger. There is word among those who know that China is delivering missiles to Iran which could carry war heads to the US Mainland in 3 years or less.The Prez wants talk, and the Israelis are fearful for their very existence. Panetta wants to talk to the UN and congress is saying, "What about us?".

We have to stop with all of these memorials around the National Mall. There's a lot of discussion now about an Eisenhower 4 football field large memorial. I mean I like Ike. Who didn't. But you have to stop with these precedents, or some day we'll be forced to add Clinton and Obama.

After enjoying the best efforts of a decent restaurant, I find that upon coming home, the handful of Ruffle's potato chips is just as tasteful and satisfying. I guess I'm not much of a gourmet. Actually it's a lot cheaper not to be a gourmet.

The Lie of the Week Department:
On the Indianapolis podium yesterday, the day before the Colts would have to pay Peyton Manning $28,000,000, owner Irsay said "It isn't about the money.". Meanwhile Manning all class stood and thanked the fans.

Almost Near: Chapter 64 continues. --Tucker had ordered a couple of on-demand movies for the kids who were no in the bakc bedroom of the suite laughing and kidding each other, nervously in anticipation of seeing mom. "Everything Ok in there!". Tucker yelled from his perch at the front room window opposite Samantha's Hotel.
Within a half hour, he saw what appeared to be an unmarked police car, pull under the portico at the other hotel He sharpened his eyes. The driver door opened and that Detective Sparrow jumped and went to open the curb side rear door. "My, my", Tucker said to himself, "Look what we have here. Two for the price of one!" He watched Audrey get out and look around the area. Her eyes seemed to look into his as she made the 360 degree scan." She's a smart one he thought. I should have taken care of her when I saw her last week. I guess I'm getting soft. "I'm sorry Audrey, I really liked you. But you should know it's all about Samantha. You always called her my girlfriend."
"Can we go out to eat tonight? Who you talkin' to in here anyway." The girl looked around the room. Tucker looked around at s Sheila, and then bakc down at the hotel entrance. Samantha had gone in but Audrey and the detective were talking. This kids knew Audrey. "Why sure my firned. He quickly moved toward sthe girl and ushered her into the room. "So where do you guys want to eat."
"When are we going to see our mother?" Rebecca stared at Tucker with Rudy's eyes.

The Answer:

Unitas, Namath and Montana will always be known as the QB's for Baltimore Colts, NY Jets and SF Forty Niners, and not where they finished, San Diego Chargers, LA rams and KC Chiefs.

The solar storm missed the Earth but seems to be residing in my mind, That's why the Tids are so late. Man it's weird in here. Ooooooo-weeeeee-oooooo.

Gold at the end of the Rainbow.

Today's Tids Issue # 2548
Opening Stuff:

How about we start with a little puzzler that will get the cranial synapses zapping. This little poser is all about using the logical side of your brain. There are three bins of socks, one marked "Black", one marked "White" and one marked "Black and White". But, the three boxes are mislabeled. Your task is to correctly label the boxes by reaching without looking into just one of the three boxes and pulling out a sock. From that you should be able to relabel the boxes. What box would you start with? Why? Answer below.

The word from friends around this town of mine is that the phrase "Good things happen to good people" came true for sure when the big lottery winner was revealed as Louise White. Her son Leroy is a well known, much loved musician, and even better known as a man with a gigantic heart. It is expected that he and Mom and extended family with their trust "Rainbow Sherbert" will do a lot of good for a lot of people with those winnings.

The Question:

Double Q Day: 1. When was the Star Spangled Banner Made Official? What was the previous anthem? Bonus: Bobby Sherman composer of among many things, the music for Mary Poppins. He and his brother also write the most played song in the world. What is it?

The Headlines:

--Mitt Wins Ohio, VT, Mass, Virginia, Alaska, Idaho; Rick Gets Oklahoma, Tenn, North Dak; Newt Georgia; Delegate Math Makes Likelihood Of Mitt Win Almost A Certainty.
--Private Sector Adds 216,00 Jobs In Feb; Market Up On News.
--Super Con-Man Alan Stanford Found Guilty Of Bilking Investors Of Billions.
--Apple Holding Press Conference Today On new IPad; Faster Chip, Sharper Pic New Claims.
--Peyton Manning To Become Free Agent Today; Miami, Washington Appear As Leading candidates To Land Super QB.
--Akhilesh Yadav New Rising Star In India; Heir Apparent Rahul Ghandi Thrashed By Young Man From Nowhere.
--NYC Muslim Group Steps Up To Support NYC Police Department; Say They Protect Us And If They Have To Look At us To Find Terrorists, Than That is Good For All Including Us.

90% of all allergies are due to just 8 foods: Eggs, Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat, shellfish and fish. Let's see -- Cheeto's - OK! Gravy - Fine Red Meat - perfect. Life is good; Other Three Vow To Stay.

So...what do you think are the chances of the Prez calling ex Governor Sarah Palin to apologize for one of his mouthy supporters, Bill Maher, calling her a "C---"...and then returning the $1 Million the crass late night ideologue donated to the "O" SuperPac? I mean, at his press conference he implied how he is all for women while the Republicans are against them.

My next door neighbor is a kindly Doctor from Israel. Also a man who is involved politically here in pro-Israel groups. I could see the worry in his face yesterday as we both walked in from parking our cars. His mother is still there, and in conversations of the past he has always said, "we have gotten used to living in that on-the-edge world. It's part of life." Yet last night he was talking the possibility of obliteration. How impossible it might be attacking the bunkered Iran weapons. But, he saved his greatest concerns for the instability of Egypt, just south on the Israel border. I think he feels that there is still a certain amount of face saving, time borrowing bluster in Iran, but the hatred in Egypt is at a point of erupting in an all out assault. Sometimes it's good to get a feel of reality through an unflitered source

Based on what I see from the Obama Admin, I think its about time the ACLU steps up to defend the entire American population. Unless of course ACLU means really American Civil Liberties "As We See um' " Union.

Sarah Palin revealed last night that she voted for Newt and would be a candidate for the 2016 race. Just in case you are bored with the current race and are looking ahead.

The new IPad is supposed to have a much clearer picture! Really? The only reason my Picture isn't clear is because of the potato chip grease on the screen.

The Answer:

1. Francis Scott Key's poem set to the music of a popular British drinking song "To Anacreaon in Heaven" (And also tune for Luxemburg's National Anthem), was first used officiall in 1889 by the US Navy, the White House in 1916, and then after public pressure made the official anthem by Congress in 1931. Before that the National Anthem was considered to be "Hail Columbia" composed by Philip Phile for the inauguration of George Washington -- "Hail Columbia, happy land! Hail, ye heroes, heav'n born band, Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause...". Bonus: The world's most played tune is "It's a Small World After All."

Yesterday morning it was 19 degrees. Today it is a robust 60. Get out those shorts and stow away the socks. Maybe the song should be renamed "It's a weird world after all."

Puzzle answer: You reach into the box labeled "Black and White. Let's say you pull out a white sock., then it means of the remaining boxes the one marked "white" should be  "black" and the one marked "Black" should be "Black and White".

The imperfect umpire.

Today's Tids Issue 2,144
Opening Stuff:

When the fog rolls in, the world gets a little softer. It envelops your senses with anesthetizing arms. It soothes fears and calms doubts. I makes you wish you hadn’t been so cheap and bought the fog light package.

Did you hear about the Harley rider who punched a lion in the nose to save a 6 year old girl the lion had grabbed at the local zoo. A reporter who had witnessed the rescue and the elation of the overjoyed parents ran to the biker and said I’m going to do a beautiful feature on this. You were amazing. Tell me about yourself. “Well,” he said, “I’m a marine and a Republican and I love my Harley.” The next morning the headline read: “US Marine Assaults African Immigrant and steals his lunch.” Probably.

Actually, there is some evidence that the media is having some second thoughts about white washing everything Obama. .

The Question: Frankie Valli was a popular entertainer in the sixties, but nobody I changed my schedule for. But today with the huge success of “Jersey Boys” he is practically a candidate for sainthood today. It appears that much of the singer’s success was due to the songwriting of Bobby Gaudio. Name five Gordio Valli and non-Valli hits.

The Headlines:
--Armando Galarraga Becomes First Pitcher To Get 28 Outs In Perfect Game; Red Faced Ump Admits Keeping Galarraga Out Of History Books.
--Stock Futures Rise; Hope To Build Upon Yesterday’s 220 Burst.
--Productivity Growth Slows; Retail Slows; New Jobless Claims Fall For Second Month.
--BP’s Latest Effort Hits Snag.
--0-Man’s Admin Admits Offering Another Candidate Job To Leave Colorado Race Against Prez Hand Picked Candidate.
--1.3 Million Maytag Dishwashers Recalled Because Of Potential
--Blago Trial Starts Today.
--Ford To Eliminate 71 Year Old Mercury Brand; Will Expand Lincoln Line-up.

Back to More Stuff:

So the question of the day is: Should Commissioner Selig award Armando Galarraga with the perfect game he clearly earned? I say yes.

And what is it with all of these so called hardest to achieve perfect games. Galarraga’s was the third already this year, but only the 27th in history of the game? Are the pitchers all of sudden that much better?

Did you hear about the guy who asked his caddie for sand wedge and he came back ten minutes later with a ham and cheese on rye?

I’m with Joe Biden on this one. Yes, that Joe Biden. The Veep has come out strongly in favor of Israel, saying that they have every right to know what is being smuggled into their territories. I thought the raid was more than an acceptable tactic and would have been a harmless incursion if not for the aggression of the peace lovers.

iThings are overpowering the broadband capabilities of the major carriers. AT&T is doing something about it. For the crazed smart phone and iPad users, the rates are going up based on usage. Those currently with unlimited contracts can renew indefinitely, but starting Monday new subscribers will l have to choose between two programs – one which will actually reduce costs for light users (That includes heavy eMail users) and a second which will limit to two gigs for heavy users (Movie watchers et al). It actually sounds quite fair as even reasonably heavy users will have the chance to add bandwidth each month and still stay under current costs. But, if you go crazy, it will cost.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 75. –I left the meeting thinking that this is going to be a long haul. I liked the agents, and frankly their curiosity is remarkably similar to my own. It is obvious that they see something in Kent which I don’t think they are totally revealing to us. Henry will know, I thought.
Maybe I should know. After all, wasn’t I originally attracted to Kent because he seemed to think like me? He saw things the way I did. Bill knocked on the door interrupting my thoughts. “How’d it go boss?” he asked too cheerily. As if he was happy I was back to talk to the feds and not him.
“A love fest.” I answered quickly. “Kumbaya all the way.” He laughed almost boyishly. I think he was really happy to have me back.
“Want to talk about BiEm now?” he asked now more serious.
“I think, Bill…that we will be talking a lot about our favorite new client for weeks to come.” He nodded, and shuffled a piece of paper on my desk.
“Do you think we should consider altering our contract to hedge against some legal difficulties.”
“Actually Bill,” I answered, “Our original agreement has plenty of legal protection for this kind of situation. What I want to know from you is the scuttlebutt. Your sense of the situation.” I looked at him. My older son, I thought. “I have to get out of my recovery act and back on the field.”
“Uh Oh”, he laughed and then got back to the mood of the minute. “Jeff and Gloria have done some good work with their finance people. And I have tried to keep Isabelle happy. She thinks highly of you, you know.” I nodded. “Anyhow, Gloria and Jeff are working with the general finance people and also those who had been in charge of the two competing projects.”
“Go on.” This was getting interesting.
“It seems, according to Gloria, that the Bomsky guy has some questions about Middleton. He paused.” He was a friend of yours, wasn’t he?”
“Not really.” My chest tightened.

I live in a small city that has many of the big city advantages…and problems. You get to see basic human nature at it’s worse. About a week ago for no reason at all except maybe for basic brain damage to the morality nodule, some character just tore out by the roots seven bushes from a beautiful little boxwood hedge and left them strewn upon the street. Hey what fun! And a week later pots of flowers out side the door were just taken. This is a common occurrence, BTW. You know I often rant about litterers. People who just don’t seem to understand what living in a civilized society is all about. And then, some politically correct loon will enable them. And add, “Hey, what’s a few bushes?”

As Mickey Mantle once said, “The guy with the fastest golf cart never has a bad lie!”

The Answer:
Gaudio was quite the prolific song writer, producer, arranger. For Valli and the 4 Seasons (Of which he was a member) he wrote Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Rag Doll, Walk Like a Man, Bye, Bye Baby, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of you. His first hit came at age 15 – Who wears short shorts. He wrote many for Neil Diamond including I’m Glad You’re Here with Me Tonight. He also wrote Talk is Cheap, Whatever You Want, Please be Mine, The Sun ain’t Going to Shine Anymore.

I am, I said:
These musical group Broadway love fests (Mama Mia , Jersey Boys) seem quite popular these days. I think the next great candidate for one of these would be Neil Diamond. He has packed them in for years. And lord knows he needs the extra dough for alimony payments. I’d start it off with 38,000 Red Sox fans singing their daily Sweet Caroline and segue to his Brooklyn beginnings in the shadow of of the Dodger’s Ebbit’s Field. Could be a winner. But, they had better hurry before all of his fans die off.

Languishing is good.

Today's Tids Issue 2,090
Opening Stuff

Today, I think I will just languish. My mind needs a rest.

I am officially declaring that as of last night I stopped reading anything about Tiger Woods and The Masters.

The Question:
 What are the top rated TV shows in money earned? What are the top rated shows to date?

The Headlines:
--New Virus Enables Hackers To Steal Facebook Members’ Financial Passwords.
--European Stocks Slip As Potential For Greek Rescue Dims.
--Iraqi Election Results To Close To Call After 83% of Vote Counted.
--Kucinich Caves To Obama Pressure; Or Was It A bribe?
--CIA Says al-Qaida Leaders Forced Into Hiding Are Ineffective In Waging Their War.
--Fargo Residents Display Their Toughness Yet Another Spring.
--Dem Fence Sitters Trying To Rationalize Flip-Flop On HC Vote.
--US Urging China Cooperation Against Iran.
--Feds Bank Auditors Paid Big Bonuses During Go-Go Real Estate Bonanza.
--NCAA Tournament Begins Today.

Back to More Stuff:

Something is wrong in AI rating’s Land. Why else would Seacrest get in Cowells face. It’s the old sports Coach/Manager ploy – Get thrown out of the game to stimulate the troops.

And then – you have to wonder why for two weeks in a row American Idol’s Seacrest has failed to reveal the voting totals. Usually that has been a highlight of their boasting. So, maybe the votes are way down and people have lost interest in a show that has become repetitious. Or maybe they just miss Paula and hate Ellen. Personally I like some of the current bunch quite a bit. I was bummed at the dismissal of Lacy, when the very mediocre Tim was available for booting. My top tier is Syobhan, Chrystal, Katie, Aaron, Didi and Lee. Maybe it’s because I think they’ll be more apt to sing the kind of music I like.

The sooner people learn that the word entitlement is nowhere to be found in the constitution, the better the possibility that the US has a chance of returning to greatness.

The Tid’s NCAA Picks Department:
Here’s my Final Four – I picked on the basis that none of the big powers are as dominant as the ratings may imply. Oh there are good teams and bad teams as usual, but this year, the so-called good teams can be beaten by more so-called average teams than usual. Does this mean that Lehigh U has a shot at the Final Four? Probably not. Roll the drums Bracketman – The Sixteen: Kansas, Maryland, G-Town, The Ohio State, Cuse, UTEP, Pitt, Kansas State, Kentucky, Temple, Marquette, West “By God”, Louisville, Tex A&M, Baylor, Villanova. The Eight: Maryland, The OSU, Syr, Pitt, Kty, WV, Lou, Vil. The Four: The OSU, Syr, WV, Vill. The Two: Syracuse, WV. The One: West “By God” Virginia. I don’t stand a chance.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 60 continues. –Kent seemed to like his stage. He assured us that the experiments with the teens had not gotten to the point where there could have been some real danger. Most of what had happened was a long series of complex base line measurements of human DNA and cells from key areas critical to our product development. He pretty much directed his words to Izzy, but turned to me when he mentioned how important Paul’s company had become in their development program. I started to feel that perhaps he didn’t think he had to explain himself to me. That maybe he thought I was much to in love with him to protest.
“What is the status of the Bromsky team” I asked sharply. Maybe too sharply. Or maybe to remind him that I’m a pretty good financial manager too. He looked at me for a good 10 seconds. It was that intimidating look that I know he uses effectively in his meetings. Then he smiled just a little. It made me feel a little better. I hated this line I was walking. I have never had this complication ever before. It wasn’t me at all.
“We have interviewed them all thoroughly. I was personally involved. My big concern,” now he was himself and confident. “…my concern is that if these people lack the ethical judgment to get involved in secret human testing, how can this company trust them if we let them all go…or keep them.”
“What do you plan to do, Kill them,” I joked. He didn’t laugh.

The headline read, “Experts Debate Dangers of Wearing Popular Sheepskin Boots.”. I’m thinking some cuddly lamb lovers are starting a Public Relations campaign to slow the killing of these curly haired animals with the mesmerizing eyes. Of course, they are talking about Uggs and cheap imitations. And you may know that Uggs were first promoted to America by Rush Limbaugh, so his general dismissal of the animal crowd fits too. But, the story has nothing to do with sheepskin at all. It’s about the movement of the foot inside a loose fitting boot that has the critics in arousal. But then, maybe this is a subliminal ploy to slow down the killing of the lammykins. Or am I just paranoid about underlying motives of journalists.

After watching Orianthi as a guest superstar On AI last night, I was ready to call in to vote her off. Today’s singers are more about glitz than singing. It all goes back to Elvis who changed the way people look at entertainers -- A good wiggler doesn’t have to be a great warbler.

Hillary looked angry a couple of nights ago. Her visual venom was the result, it is said, of being asked to tone down her rhetoric against the so-called Israel poke in the American eye fiasco. That reminded a man I know of a story he was told by ex-Nebraska Senator Bob Kerry. During Netanyahu’s first reign, Kerry was peppering him in public with a series of questions that Bibi had no intention of answering. Upon returning home, Kerry’s first phone call came from his biggest financial backer warning him to lay off the PM. Apparently Netanyahu had called the backer saying that Kerry was crossing the line. The conservative Jewish organization is extremely well organized and a powerful lobby. People in the US Government tend to listen.

People have been borrowing casually on credit cards for so long that the word “Budget” has lost its meaning especially to people who think they are entitled to something.

Detroit probably looks more like Haiti than any other US city. And, probably has less cause for hope than the devastated island. Yesterday the City closed 44 schools.

The Answer:
The Tids reported last week that the future of “24” maybe in doubt as ratings decline. But, when it comes to money earned for the Networks “24” is #3! The top five are American idol, 2 ½ Men, 24, Grey’s Anatomy and “V”. The top rated shows to date are AI Tuesday, AI Wednesday, NCIS, Sunday Night Football, Dancing With Stars, Undercover Boss, The Mentalist, NCIS: La, Dancing Results and CSI.

The End:

So, the good news is that “24” has a chance of hanging in there. The bad news is that there is a rumor that Fox may hand it off to NBC who will have Jack Bauer singing Kumbaya after voting for Obama. And that his main mission will be trying to win the Peace Prize.
,

The world is a hedge fund.

Today's Tids Issue 2.085
Opening Stuff:

In these days of cable news fame and character superficiality, I am reminded of a quote from Cary Grant: “Let them see you and not the suit.”

One of the new oft cited modern day culture terms that is really starting to bother me is “Reality Star”.

TheQuestion:
Newport RI is so steeped in Irish tradition and heritage that St Patrick’s Day celebrations there take a full month! But, it is not one of the ten most Irish cities in the country. What are they?

The Headlines:
--24,000 HSBC Swiss Accounts Stolen; Could Expose International Customers To Tax Violation Prosecution.
--49 US Governors Agree On Education Standards For Math And English; Action Could Preempt Federal Mandating Or Ownership Of Local Education..
--House Dems Say They Are Close To HC Bill.
--New Richest Man In the World Is Mexico’s Telecom Tycoon Carlos Slim.
--Societal Woes: NJ Man Accused Of Raping, Beating Five Daughters.
--Some Economic Analysts Starting To Wonder If US Is On Same Downward Path As Greece.
--Foreclosure Rate Increase Smallest In 4 years.

Back to More Stuff:

Eric Massa is now looking like poster child for the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” controversy.

What percentage of the world’s countries would cease to exist without foreign aid and organizations like the IMF? Think about how many countries are basically welfare states primarily dependent on the largess of the big guys who probably need their geographic location for something.

Africa doesn’t have a chance. Unless China or India buys it some day.

Looking for Cold Cash Department:
Iceland is a step away from being foreclosed upon unless they can negotiate something with the British and Dutch banks holding a huge percentage (Like 70%) of the cold nation’s debt. The people are outraged because it will cost each of them tens of thousands of Krona. Basically, the leaders of the small country were sucked into investment banking bonanzas that ere highly risky. In fact, the risky investing became so pervasive in the Iceland banks and government that the country transformed form a country into a “Hedge Fund”. Now, the big bill is a problem for mom and popcycle. Looking back, it appears to have been a scam of major proportions. But, all of that money went somewhere as it did in the Madoff affair. The repayment solution may lie in an investigation and persecution of the perpetrators.

Tomorrow I’ll tell you about Daniel Moi scams. (Moi is one of those African despots who made personally about $12 Billion at the expense of his country Kenya)

American Idol Update: Well the men went at it last night and tey  looked a little better. I have to say that Big Mike, who I hadn't enjoyed much in earlier shows, was outstanding last night. Others who looked safe to me were Casey, Aaron and Lee. I didn't think that Tim or Todrick were as good as the gushing judges thought they were. In fact I would say Urban should be one to go except for the cuteness factor (Young girls opinion, not mine). Todrick's Queen piece just didn't get there. Alex looked stiff and Andy looked most vulnerable. I think Hall and Garcia go.

The report about Pelosi’s declaration of the Dems being close to agreement on Health Care contained this phrase: “After days of ‘Secretive Meetings’, key Democrats are close…” Isn’t “Secretive Meetings” what got this “plan” off on the wrong foot in the first place”. I’m still all for using existing criminal laws to prosecute fraud, common sense to eliminate waste, and some teeth to regulate some of the well publicized activities like denying for pre-existing conditions before we pass GotchaZilla. I’m particularly concerned that in this current rush by cities and states to ban tasty foods that gravy bans maybe become part of this giant Federal HC meatball.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 59 continues. -- I was having dinner alone one night about 3 months ago in a little country inn about ten miles south of Fosterville. I was just enjoying myself after a day of frustrating progress on our research project. Isabelle Phillips our CEO, who I liked and respected, had this crazy plan where she decided to hire another Phd like myself to create duel projects, hoping competition would get her to a marketable product faster. Or at least get her to a point where she could build a case for outside financing. She hired this guy Bromsky, who I immediately disliked. But, in the back of my mind something said to me that I might be able to take advantage of his huge ego. And arrogance.
Just about the time the waitress came over to check on my needs, Bromsky himself walked in followed by a youngish, good looking but sullen woman. I continued to eat, but noticed that the woman seemed bored with Bromsky, and in fact seemed to be taking an interest in me. We played eye games and after a while I decided, why not. I got up and went over to the table. I noticed her eyes followed me there. Bromsky was so into his ego that he didn’t notice.
Just as he put a fork full of green beans in his mouth I said (in what would be considered jovial for me) “Seymore!”,. He looked over, finished eschewing, wiped his mouth and replied, “Kent, what are you doing here”. Now that is a stupid question, I thought. He looked at me for a second or two, recovered and said “Oh, this is my little niece Laura.’ I could tell she hated that. I turned and held out my hand which she grasped in a way that sent shivers down my spine.

The Toyota defense could be one of the most important new legal tools for prison lawyers. One man serving time in NJ for manslaughter has already filed an appeal based on the “Car made me do it” Defense. And then you have to look at the new rash of complaints as perhaps attempts to climb aboard the Toyota acceleration suit express. You just know that lawyers across the fruited plains are pinching themselves wondering if the acceleration problem is a dream. There’s an old maxim that says when people think something may happen they look for ways to make it happen.

And, of course, there is the fact that the US Government and Labor Unions own GM and Chrysler and that anything bad that happens to Toyota is good for them. But, Congress would never do anything that wasn’t above reproach. Would they.

Don’t be surprised by the action of Israel announcing the expansion of West Bank development. Even at the 0-Man/BiBi sit down following their first meeting last year, it was fairly obvious that Netanyahu wasn’t buying what Obama selling. Under Ben’s leadership Israel will always do what Israel wants to do as opposed to bowing to the desires of their biggest financier..

The Answer:
 Milton Massachusetts is number one followed by Pearl River NY, Braintree Ma, Collingdale Pa, Marshfield Ma, Scituate Ma, Gloucester City NJ, Drexel Park Pa, Pembroke Ma and Weymouth Ma. Newport is not only not on this list, it isn’t even number one in RI. Narragansett takes the honors there. But don’t tell that to the Newport Irish. Oh, if you are wondering where Sarah Palin gets all of her Blarney. Wasilla Alaska is the most Irish in that state. Check out your state:
http://www.epodunk.com/top10/irish/

Final Thought:

Maybe I’m biased, but it warms the cockles of my heart watching Irish enjoy each other’s company at the St. Pat’s Day parade. Add in a couple of bagpipes, and it is as good as it gets.