A beautiful silence.

Today's Tids Issue 2,251

Opening Stuff:

The northern wind freezes December days / A somber hush falls over city streets / As though the world inhales and holds its breath / Awaiting that Christmas morning that lightens the mind.

Only fourteen days til I start Christmas shopping.

A famous Viking returns from a long voyage and finds his name missing form the town register. His wife insisted on complaining to the local official who apologized profusely: "I must have taken Lief off my census."

Jumping jacks are stand-up snow angels.

The Question: 
How many Black people have won the Nobel Peace Prize and who was the first? Bonus Q: In news item below about strongest economy poll, name 6 economies US people think are strongest now and in 20 years. Bonus 2: Who was America's longest living President.

The Headlines:

--In A New Poll Only One In Five Americans Say US Is Best Place For Jobs And Prosperity; Half Say China Is number 1; 3/5's of Americans Say Low Wage Jobs Elsewhere Will Keep Future US Standard Of Living Growth Down.
--Stock Mark Pares Early Gains After New Consumer Data.
--Obama Predicts tax Bill Passage With Possible Changes.
--China Nobel Winner Gets Standing "O" IN Absentia; China Still Calls Ceremony "Clowns".
--US $700 Billion Bailout Has Earned $35 Bil In Two Years.
--Prince Charles And Camilla Attacked By Mobs On London Street.
--FAA Says They have Lost Track Of Owns 119,000 Of The 357,000 Private And Comercial Aircraft In US; Could be Terrorist Problem.
--Gorbachev Says Russian Undemocratic Political Landscape Is Threatening Country's Stability.
--Ex-Wiki Worker Establishing New Secret Leaking Organization.

Back to More Stuff:
This whole WikiLeaks thing raises an interesting argument. Open Book Government versus necessary secrets for the public good?. Freedom of expression versus censorship? This of course brings us to another question, "Is there too much information available to many who don't see, know or understand the whole picture. I think this transparency issue is much like the chicken and egg thing. Depending on how you look at it, two divergent answers can be completely right. When you think about it, it really comes down to trust in elected officials. After all, we are a representative government and not a democracy. We have to hope that the vast majority of representatives are honest and that often secrecy is necessary to run an efficient government in peace and most certainly war.

This Pats/Bears game could be one of the best and I won't be surprised to see the Bears win. I'm already pacing and it is about 54 hours til game time!

I hate stories like this. And the irresponsible disregard for personal property and revered institutions seems to becoming much too prevalent these days. In England, the Glastonbury Holy Thorn Tree is said to have links to the earliest days of Christianity there. In fact, tradition holds that the original tree was planted by Saint Joseph of Arimethea -- he who provided the Tomb for Jesus. It is said that upon his arrival in Glastonbury 2,000 years ago, he planted his staff into the hillside and the tree grew from there. Last night it was cut down to a six foot stump. Creeps.

The "...Mother of Invention" theory doesn't always work that well when you consider that the first can opener wasn't invented until fifty years after the tin can.

Mark December 19th down on your sports viewing calendar. The UConn women's basketball team will be playing to tie the great record of John Wooden's UCLA men's team for the most consecutive wins at 88. Even better they will be up against the powerful Ohio State team (#6) in Madison Square Garden NYC. Could be a classic.

Did you hear about the down and out electrician strapped for cash who wired for money?

US life expectancy rates out and it isn't good. They are down about a tenth of a year off the all time high of 77.9. Women can still look to 80 while men start to fade around 75. I guess I'll have to eat healthier to live longer to keep women readers happy. More good news is the decline in death rates for 6 0f the 15 leading causes of death -- heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, accident and homicide. Keep on jogging and doin those standout jumping snow angels.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--I was looking forward to The Tourist mainly because it sounded like MR. Everyman getting caught up in a web of intrigue ala Gary Grant in North By Northwest and Jimmy Stewart in The man Who Knew Too Much (One of my all time faves). But, alas the too super stars fail to connect at all. A guy dallies with a stranger and is entrapped in an international conspiracy scheme to which there is no apparent out for him. I may rent it anyhow.
--The Fighter is a very good movie and true story that traces the life of boxer Micky Lowell and Brother trainer on drugs as he rises from a bleak Lowell mass childhood to become champion. Great cast of Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Mallissa Leo and Jack McGee makes it work.
--Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader is a beautifully rendered animated spectacular as out courageous warriors battle magical creatures and reunite with protector the "Great Lion". Can't miss for kids.


The Answer:
Dr. Ralph Bunch in 1950 was the first black man to win the Nobel peace prize. there are 7 others -- Albert John Lithuli, Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, Wangari Maathai (First black woman) and Barack Obama (may have been his white half.) Bonus Q: 47% say China is biggest today, while only 37% say they will be biggest in 20 years. The rest of the six remain in the same order, but the support %'s change. US (20%, 34%...that's good), Japan (11%, 6%), EU 6%, 5%), India (5%, 5%) and Russia (2%, 1%). Bonus 2: He didn't do much, but he lived the longest of all Presidents -- Gerald Ford - 93 years.

The Weekend:
Enjoy the peace of of scintillating early winter.

The "Dancin'..." Scam.

Today's Tids Issue 2,240
Opening Stuff:

All of a sudden (Probably because of a fairly self-serving, highly publicised letter from Warren Buffett) there a lot of kudosbeing sent around to various government officials for their actions following the initial days of the doomsday prognosis for Wall Street and US corporations. The fact remains that the Gov action rewarded financial barons for incompetency, negligence and even criminality. The Government gave away a lot of money and negotiated little from the recipients in exchange. And of course, the government in many ways created an environment that led to the entire mess, particualrly with the 1997 repeal of the Glass-Stiegal Act. So while some are saying Huzzahs to gov for stepping in, the way they stepped in has just opened the door for for bad risk taking again in the future. The only people who felt real pain were the people who had nothing what-so-ever to do with the mess.

My local golf course on Jamestown Island closes for the season on Sunday. I think this morn was my last there. And it wasn't bad. I think that the incessant talking by a guy who hooked up with us made me concentrate more. Usually my mind wanders into fantasy land.

I'm one of those people who could buy just about anything made by LL Bean or Woolrich.

The Question:
Multi Q day! 1. How many days can a cockroach live without a head? 2. What % of MacDonald's sales come from "Happy meals"? 3. What was the original name for a Butterfly? 4. What % of Americans consider Blue their favorite? 5. What is the only word in the English language with three consecutive double letters?

The Headlines:

--Jennifer Grey Top Dancer In finale; But Q Remains, Will She Win?
--North A nd South Korea Exchange Artillery Fire Over Island Near Disputed Sea Border.
--New Poet election Poll: 81% Expect Gridlock By 2012 Elections; 40% Of Americans Say Nothing Will Change; 34% say Country Will Move In Right Direction; 21% Say US Going Wrong Way.
--Political Chaos Erupts In Ireland; Could Dela Bailout.
--Feds Step Up Insider Trading heat; rais Three Hedge Funds.
--Existing Home Sales Fall More Than expected.
--Lehigh U MBA Program Moving Up In rankings.

Back to More Stuff:
I find it really hard to believe anything from the mouth of Charlie Sheehan or is mouthpiece.

You may not have noticed, but when the Catholic Bishops chose NYC's Cardinal Dolan as their new leader and by passed up the recommended succession selection, they moved the Catholic Bishops the the conservative side of the agenda. Something to keep an eye on, as it probably will affect the political landscape over time.

The more I think about it, the more I feel that this ideological support for a relatively talentless Bristol Palin on "Dancin' " is reason why America will be hogtied for years to come. It 's not much deifferent than Democrats in RI continuing to vote for losers and thieves for the State Assembly.

I only remember one thing form the bible. It is the parable where God punishes those who don't use their talents.

Did GM sell all of their leftover Pontiac grills to Ford's Lincoln Division?

Oh, and about that Jane Seymore designed so called "Open heart" pendant. Is there anything uglier than that? I don't think so. But that leads to the bigger question: How would a woman feel if her husband or lover just took the easy way out and bought this highly advertised product that any vacuous dolt could buy. Where;s the imagination? Where''s the thoughtfulness? Where's the personality?

After I wrote yesterday: " If you lose something, just remember that it is always going to be somewhere", I got this rather irate response fromm a reader: "Is this supposed to be comforting? Like if you drop your diamond ring of of an ocean liner. You know it is at the bottom of the ocean but, that just makes it more frustrating that you also know it's totally out of your reach. And what about losing your lunch? Or your mind?" Of course if you drop your ring into the ocean you really didn't lose it. And if you lose your mind you'll never know it.

The Answer:
If you see a cockroach without a head it could be a long as 10 days before he dies. Mac gets 40% of its sales from Happy Meals. Before it was Butterfly, it was a "Flutterby", which is kinda nice. 80% of Americans consider Blue their favorite. And..."Bookkeeper is the only word in the English language with 3 consecutive double letters.

The End (Or was it the beginning?):
Oh, and case you are interested, Genesis 1:20-22 says that the chicken came before the egg.

There is no green in Ireland

Today's Tids Issue 2,230

Opening Stuff:

One of the reasons I like reading a newspaper on a cold winter's evening is that the lamp keeps my head warm.

For some reason the voters of Newport decided that a giant monolithic elementary school which will eventually homogenize children was a better idea that smaller neighborhood schools. It's all about big Government getting its arms around towns and the people in them. It's all about sucking the life out of individualism and the inventive thinking that goes with it. Frankly, if I had children, I'd move.

Have you noticed all of the hype around the fifty year anniversary of the election of JFK? I don't seem to remember fifty years for Ike or Harry. Media people are such suckers.

The Question:
With thanksgiving coming up, here's a question to consider. You have just finished dinner and you are full. There are two lukewarm spoonfuls left in a casserole Do you eat it or throw it out?

The Headlines:

--0-Man May Cut Short Visit To Country Of His Childhood; Mt. Merapi Rumbles.
--Good M&A Earnings News Has WS Opening Higher.
--Stress from Economic Woes Dipping.
--Charitable Giving Off A Third.
--Engine Room Fire Cuts Power Stranding 4,500 On Cruise Liner Off Mexico.

Back to More Stuff:
I had just finished golf on this blustery Nor'easter kind of day, when my partner and I found ourselves chating over hot coffee and sweetroll with a nice woman from Ireland (Here 20 years) who runs the pro-shop, cash register and lunch counter. She had plenty of time to talk. We were the only fools on the course. She quickly read us as conservative cretins and began railing about the potential of an America under Obama beginning to look like the dreadful Ireland. There is so much Government money available for even able bodied people that people have just given up working and that they teach their children to look forward to a life on the government dole.That skilled tradesmen have all but disappeared, because not working is so rewarding. It has become a society that pays for babies and gives free housing. Free housing inhabited by irresponsible homeowners is plunked down in the middle of homes owned by hard working people sucking the value out of their homes. Industrious Europeans who came to woirk when Ireland was booming have left to return to Poland which is now the preferred spot for manufacturers. She says that Ireland is ready to go under. Don't be fooled by the green valleys, stone walls and golf courses.
Today's headlines:

I see where Novartis is in the last stages of a research project which would produce a marketable embedded microchip to monitor your body. So what is this idea of Smart Pill technology anyhow. "Warning: Cheetos alert" Send food Nazies to..."

What ever happened to good old fashioned "Stigmas". Like the stigma of not working. Or having children out of wedlock A society that doesn't feel pain will eventually deteriorate.

There is no reason on earth why it should take well over three years to bring to trial two men caught red handed after the brutal torture, rape and murder of three innocent woman in Cheshire, Ct. And, how many years now will appeals go on over the death penalty?

Every kid and juvenile thinking adult will be whining for a "Kinect" this Christmas. And the usual black-market deals will be available as lemmings walk off cliffs for entertainment that will be passe in a year or two, And, most amazing about this marketing effort are the mass of comprehensive cross. promotions.

I don't read stories headlined, "What Women Want.".

Have you noticed how the Government is starting to squeeze seniors? The new Medicare year comes with a premium increase while the SS checks stay the same. Eventually this will force blocks of seniors into Medicaid and the the bloated bureaucracies will be happy. It's called maintaining job security.

The Answer:
Interestingly, if you were born in the thirties or forties, you would probably eat it. In the fifties or later you would probably throw it out. In the depression and WWII years, food was precious. It is probably the reason why the earlier born keep things like TV's that just work fine.

The End:
Erin's Gone Blah!

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.”

It's a Public Relations World.

Today's Tids Issue 2,210

Opening Stuff:

You can tell the network “news” is fighting for its existence when the news has become an afterthought and book promotions, saccharine tales and slanted opinion pieces the norm.


The US is in danger of having an economy based on industries full workers doing jobs for people who could easily do the jobs themselves.


It appears to me that the TV show Glee is in danger of succumbing to it’s success by overplaying the visiting celebrities, the antics of the gym teacher, the emotional problems of the cast -- overshadowing the one thing that made it unique and actually very entertaining – the wonderful talents of the kids singing and entertaining. But then Chorus Line didn’t make it big because of the music.


Now…if 0-Man is imploring the Left Wing to wake up and get interested in the elections, it can only be because he wants to keep socialism alive.

The Question:

Name five books written about President Obama.

The Headlines:

--Officials Strictly Monitoring Terror Threats In Europe.

--Obama Retreats To Left Wing Base; Passionately Implores Them To Wake Up.

--Stock Futures Lower; Major Investors Content To Enter Market On Dips.

--Toys ‘r Us To Hire 45,000 For Holidays.

--Financial Gurus Predicting Bloodbath At Bond Trading Desks:

--Anti-Austerity Protests Throughout Europe.

--Pelosi’s Promise Of Cleanest Congress Ever Falls far Short Of Pledge; Lobbyists Continue Unfettered And Two Dems Await Ethics Trials.

--BP Promises New Safety Standards And Stricter Exploration Controls.

--Kim’s Sin Likely To Keep MK On Same Rogue Path.

--Body Found Buried In Stonehenge Came From Mediterranean Region.

Back to More Stuff:

If, (As Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker proposes) the Bay State changes its tax laws to compete with its northern neighbor New Hampshire, the largest city in its southern neighbor Rhode Island will be Seekonk!!


Nearly nine months ago, the U.S. through Hillary Clinton pledged $1.15 Billion for the rebuilding of Haiti. According to officials at the State Department, UN and US Senate the reason why not a penny has been spent one week before the end of the US fiscal is because of the c omplex bureaucracy, disorganization and a general lack of urgency. These are the same people who will be running your Health care.


Tampa is not a Major League city.


The Food Nazis will send me directly to hell without passing “Go” for printing this bread pudding recipe made with “Donuts”. We could call it our “Blue” Plate special in honor of US Police departments. –Brush 9” pan with butter and cut 8 cake donuts into 1 ½-2” chucks and put in pan. In bowl mix 4 tbs butter, ½ cp brown sug, ¼ tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Add 4 eggs and whisk to blend. Whisk in 2 ½ cps heavy cream, ¼ cp Jack Daniels and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over donuts soaking all. Let stand 1 hour (Or cover and fridge over night). Bake at 350 covered (w/alum foil) for 30 mins; 15 mins uncovered. Now for the bad part – The sauce. Combine 1 ½ tbs cornstarch a 2 tbs JD whiskey. In small pan combine ¼ cp heav cream and 2 tbs gran sug. Over high heat whisk 2/3 mins til bubbles form. While whisking ad whiskey mixture and whisk til sauce is blended and thick. Pour sauce over portions and top with whipped cream or caramel sauce or van IC; or all of the above. The devil made me do it.


Anybody who tunes into the new Hawaii 5-0 for a pleasant touch of nostalgia is in for a huge disappointment. It is just another weak police drama with plastic characters. The only difference being that it takes place in the sun instead of bleak alleys near housing projects.


Why do voters disgusted with their government vote for the same old people expecting that they have the capability to change. They'd still be paid by the same special interest groups.


A writer Susan Maushart has an interesting new book that warns of a succeeding generation that literally doesn’t know how to do anything -- kids with no house hold chores, drive-through meals and outsourced basic chores like house-cleaning an lawn care. She says we have college kids who’ve never done laundry, put a stamp on an envelope or taken a bus ride alone. Kids stay in strollers til they’re five and never learn out to open a can with a can opener. And the real tragedy is a future generations of button pushers with a loss of independence and initiative.


Actually, I have to be honest. I don’t think I ever learned the correct way to tie my shoelaces.


Mastering the relatively simple art of making things out of eggs like omelets and frittatas can make you look like a pretty savvy chef.


The intelligence communities around the world are doing a helluva job.


I’m one of those people who wants Kim’s son to keep on doing the same thing because it makes the news more interesting. That is, if the news media still knows how to report it.

The Answer:

The one with all of the hype to, day is of course Obama’s Wars. But we also have the “The Manchurian President”, “The Case against Barack Obama”, “The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality”, and the longest title ever written -- “Fleeced: How Barack Obama, Media Mockery of Terrorists Threats, Liberals who want to Kill Talk radio, The Do-Noting Congress, Companies that Help Iran, and Washington Lobbyists for Foreign Interests are Scamming Us.” (Short and Pithy – I fell asleep reading the title). And this doesn’t include all of the books written about himself by himself.

The End:

Now that all of a sudden, almost out of nowhere the Prez is emphasizing his love for Christianity, it is a sure sign that he doesn’t think things are going well in the elections.


When the Prez says as he did yesterday to his liberal base, “Change is hard, ‘real’ change takes time”, he is saying that just because most Americans think socialism is dumb idea, and I need you more than ever.


Through the Same Eyes will return tomorrow.

Keep it simple.

Today's Tids Issue 2,200
Opening Stuff:

What do you think would happen if a space ship full of aliens landed on earth with the intent of destroying all humans, and the first thing they saw was a little puppy sitting there looking up at them with big brown eyes wagging its tail?

There are some things in this world that will always make your heart flutter and face light up in a great, humongous smile. Of course one is the little puppy with big brown eyes and a wagging tail. And then…of course…there’s the Bride looking beautiful, standing at the front of the church waiting to make that most important stroll. And the parents beaming in the front row. It always gets to me, I’ll tell you.

Good ole’ logic tells me that any sane taxpayer would vote against any candidate endorsed by any public employee’s Union.

I learned two things from the gulf oil spill: First, the Government should never force oil companies to drill at depths a mile below the surface. Second, the companies employ brilliant engineers and possess great technology which will enable them solve/fix any program without demagoguery from government officials.

The Question: Two Parter: 1. Off the top of your head give me five of what you consider the most famous naval ships and I’ll give you mine. 2. Which five states have the highest percentage of DWI highway deaths?

The Headlines:

--Yemen al-Qaida Branch Warns That Israel Action Against Iran Would Provoke Jihadist response Across The Globe.
--Philly Fed Consumer Confidence Index Lowest Since July 2009; Stocks Tumble 1%.
--New Jobless Claims Top 500m000 For First Time In 9 Months.
--Last Combat Brigade Leaves Iraq.
--Flood Aid Now Pouring Into Pakistan.
--New, Junior Senators Want To Change The Way the Senate Works; Younger Group Fed Up With What They See.


Back to More Stuff:
I’ve always been a big advocate of not paying for something that is readily available free. Like mowing your own where you can save twice by not hiring a lawn service and by not having to pay for exercise at a gym. And then of course there is water which comes out of taps and doesn’t have to be in plastic bottles that eventually mar the country side. Books are free at Libraries (Remember them?). Also free is basic software, cell phones with contracts, credit cards, tax preparation, DVD Rentals, checking accounts, shipping, News (Though I will balk here and buy a newspaper), Pets at pounds, and lots of personal financial assistance like credit reports or budgeting plans.

There is something that intrinsically bothers me about the idea of press releases from the CIA. And the idea that the press needs to know.

In the Dungy against Ryan flap, the press has to associate Dungy’s criticism with the phrase “He is a Christian”. Did it ever occur to these mindless observers that it may be better if people in society knew more than one universal adjective? And, Dungy sees this. Which brings me to HBO, a company that seems to think their TV fare is better because they can use the “F” word liberally. Like that some how that makes their stuff more authentic. Personally I think it’s sad. Like littering minds with trash. Who’s going to pick it up?

BTW, if you’re keeping score, Ryan’s mom called to wash out his mouth with soap. Rex said “Sorry Mom”. Maybe he should also add…thanks for your concern Tony.

Obama’s Foreclosure Act might be a decent idea if the Government was not involved in any way.

One of the disturbing aspects of this foreclosure problem is the use of Government approved services like Safeguard Properties who are employed to winterized abandoned properties. Many home owners and new buyers find that not only are they irresponsible (And inept) in the way they treat the homes, but that often fixtures and other personal property is found missing. A local real Estate company selecting a local plumber, engineering service would be safer and much…much faster.

Sometimes the dumbest joke makes me smile for a while…like this morning when cartoonist Wiley said “Before the wall there was China’s Great Velvet Rope”.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 89. –“Kent, maybe we should just go somewhere. Get lost. together.” Laura looked over at me. She seemed so soft. So vulnerable. I was looking at her differently all of a sudden, which was a bad idea since I was driving. A bad idea because we were not part of an idle incident we could walk away from. The human test body was good idea that is now approaching disaster because there are way too many people involved. Sarah would never have brought so many people on board. I looked again at Laura.
“Stay calm Laura. You are now free. But, you have to stay out of sight. I’ll get you a place in Keene New Hampshire. You’ll like it there and it is easy for me to get up there”. I didn’t expect I’ll be going that way much, but she needs to believe I care. My cell rang.
It was Izzy. As I picked it up I heard Laura mumbling, “you need a cooler ring tone.”
“Hi Iz…what…”
“Come in to see me now.”
“That’s it? Iz. No Hi Kent, hello Dr. Middleton.” Jeez, she could be annoying with her regal impression of herself. Like she thinks it was her ancestor who gave her jewels to finance Columbus. “I’m busy right now.” I didn’t show any more emotion.
“Ok. Get here as soon as you can. It’s Important.”
Laura looked over at me and actually smiled. “Maybe you would like to come to Keene with me!”
We both laughed. That’s odd.

Did you read where there is a bed bug infestation at theaters and other locations around Time’s Square the Big Apple? You thought it might have been fruit flies!

Memo to college freshman who have never seen a phone with a cord: Between 1941-45 the biggest industry in Newport RI employing 12,000 was the torpedo factory on Goat Island. With surrounding areas chock full of Victory Gardens. And air raid sirens going off on a regular nightly basis. Sometimes you can’t have everything you want.

Mexico Prez Calderone Loves to complain about American citizens while his own are living in severe fright or reeking terror through the streets and alleys of small villages and large cities. Last night police found the body of Edelmiro Cavazos, Mayor of Mexico’s 3rd largest and quite quaint tourist city Santiago. He was blatantly abducted from his own home by four SUV loads of drug Cartel killers. Maybe he should start emulating American’s concern for law and order.

What do you think a band of illegal aliens would say as crossed the border and saw a little puppy sitting there looking up at them with big brown eyes, wagging its tail? Dinner!. Sorry folks, it was in there.

The Answer: My list includes Providence (J.P. Jones), Constitution (Old Ironsides), Monitor & Merrimack (Break through Technology, USS Arizona (The Beginning), USS Missouri (And…The End) and USS Nautilus (First Nuke).[ A historian names the ten most historically significant ships of all times – Victoria (Magellan), Lusitania, Mayflower, Nina, Titanic, USS Arizona, USS Constituion, Noah’s Ark (!), Bismark and Yamato (The defeat of which for some marked the beginning of the end of WWII). 2. The highest DWI States are North Dakota (46%), Wyoming (42), Montana (40), Hawaii (39) and Rhode Island (38).

The Hope:
I sit here hoping that some day everybody will wake up and learn to understand the value of money again. Maybe it could start with a couple of “No’s” at the Wal-mart toy department or Apple iPod store.

Gin or chocolate.

Today's Tids Issue 2,194

Opening Stuff:

One of my favorite all time songs is “The Big Rock Candy Mountain.” Not only did put stars in the eyes of kid who loved sweets, but was a great country western tune. And I was then and am today a big fan of the pluckers and twangers.

I had to laugh when reading the bios of principals at a financial planner firm I saw that one of the younger people had come directly from the Mashantucket-Pequot Gambling Casino. How appropriate is that?

And this note from the Tids resident statistician: “If you stood next to a single file line of everyone in china, and they started to walk by you at a reasonable walking pace, the line would never end because of their rate of reproduction.” So you have to know that China is deadly serious about becoming the worlds largest economy.

The Question: Who was the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Name 5 other Chairmen. (Hint Harry S. named number one). Which two Presidents haven’t named any? How many each did the other 10 presidents since Harry name?

The Headlines:

--WWF’s Linda McMahon Leads Group Of Washington Outsiders Who Won Primaries Last Night.
--Stocks Retreating As Fed Goes Conservative On Growth Estimates; China Reports Smaller Manufacturing Gains.
--US Trade Deficit Widened By Huge 18.8% In June.
--11 Killed North Of Baghdad.
--Muslim Holy Time Of Ramadan Begins This Week.
--Ice Island ff Greenland Could Be Major Shipping Hazard.
--Fires In Russia And Mudslides In China Overwhelm Populations.
--Record Low Mortgage rates Have Little Effect On Home Sales.
--SB Champs Saints Practicing With Pats In Foxboro.

Back to More Stuff:

What all of these new government programs are proving fairly conclusively is that good companies that used to work very well are now looking very inefficient as they act as middlemen for government programs. Simply…Things used to work and now they don’t. And if things keep on going the weay they are, nothing will work.

OK, let’s call it what it really is. The “Jobs” bill is in reality the “Public Employee’s Union Bill. And, it is the latest in a series of moves where 0-Man and his congressional henchmen pay back the big campaign investment from the Unions. This presidency is all about the unions, pure and simple.

I saw a story in the newspaper expressing amazement at the new and rapidly expanding collection of spy, conspiracy shows and movies. Did these geniuses ever stop for a moment to think that there are millions of apoplectic, depressed ex-“24” fans huddled in dark corners hungering for a glimpse of anything that might resemble Jack and Chloe in action?

Are you starting to get the idea that Separation of Church and State is not operative when dealing with Muslims? I am.
,
Poetry Department:
You’ve got to love this from a 15 year old student in Arizona: Now I sit me down in school, Where praying is against the rule, For this great nation under God, Finds mention of Him very odd. // If scripture now the class recites, It violates the Bill of Rights. And anytime my head I bow, Becomes a Federal matter now. // Our hair can be purple, orange, green, That’s no offense; it's a freedom scene. The law is specific, the law is precise. Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice. // For praying in a public hall Might offend someone with no faith at all.. In silence alone we must meditate, God's name is prohibited by the state. // We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks... They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible. To quote the Good Book makes me liable. // We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King. It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong, We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.. // We can get our condoms and birth controls, Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.. But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, No word of God must reach this crowd. // It's scary here I must confess, When chaos reigns the school's a mess. So, Lord, this silent plea I make: Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Is Levi Johnson on track to become the next Kim Kardashian?

When making your favorite Quiche it is always a good idea to bake your crust before pouring in ingredients.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 89 continues. –I nodded to the security guy as I walked into the house where they were keeping Laura. “She’s upstairs”, he offered as he barely looked away from “The Price is Right”. Looking at a slug like that made me wonder what I had really gotten myself into.
I didn’t understand my feelings as I got involved in a scheme that I could rationalize scientifically, but not in terms of human life. And I knew Isabelle was driven, but not heartless.
Laura made me feel good, but I didn’t particularly like her. I opened the door and she sprang up from the bed where she was lying and stormed towards me. Her fist slammed my chest, and my arms came up to grasp her upper arms. “Where the hell have you been? Out with the old woman?”
“Laura, Laura, my love…”
“Don’t you give me that ‘Love Me’ crap”, she screamed. Just get me out of here.” And then surprisingly she laid her head on my chest and felt the heaving of sobs. I didn’t know what to say. I just lifted up her head and looked into her tearing eyes. Eyes that were reddened well beyond her current emotions. This stone hearted woman had something else in side her. I kissed her. And she responded.
After a few moments, I was getting aroused. She would be dragging me over to the bed.
“Not now”, I whispered reluctantly. Two times in the last two hours I’m saying not now. “Look, we have to get you out of here without calling attention to your absence.
“You’re getting me out of here?” She sounded like a little girl. Maybe form a childhood she never had. Was Laura always an adult? She hugged me harder, but it wasn’t sexual anymore. It was something she may have never experienced.

The new "jobs" bill is the latest bailout that will encourage bad budgeting and and general all around irrationality. Just as the first bailout ensures a continuation of destructive risk taking on Wall Street, this latest dole will justify inefficient management of government and education.

I loved that Big Rock Candy Mountain because I envisioned lakes of chocolate, lemonade streams and peppermint trees. In actuality, the composer Harry McClintock was writing about gin, cigarettes and how to get by on other people's money by avoiding work at all costs.

The Answer: 
 There has been 17 between Harry’s choice of Omar Bradley and today’s Adm. Michael Mullen. In between we have had Colin Powell, Maxwell Taylor, Nathan Twining, Earle Wheeler, Arthur Radford, Lyman Lemnitzer, Thomas Moorer, George Brown, David Jones, John Vessey, William Crowe, David Jeremiah, John Shalikashvili, Hugh Shelton, Richard Meyers and Peter Pace. Ford didn’t and 0-Man hasn’t named a Chair. Harry – 1, Ike – 3, JFK – 1, Big Spender Lynden – 1 Nixon – 2, Carter – 1, Reagan -- 2, GHWB – 1, Monica’s Pal – 3, GW – 3. There were 12 Generals and 5 Admirals…and Shalikashvili was the hardest to pronounce. Kind of a dumb question, wasn’t it.

The End:
Did you ever have one of those mornings when your computer just sat there and looked t you. It didn’t -do nothin’. Just an hour glass sitting there. It must be a humidity-in-the-sand thing.

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?

Tree in the forest syndrone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,175
Opening Stuff:

A test tube baby is a “womb with a view.”

Dennis the Menace got it right when this morning he said to his Mom, “Why do they call it news when it’s just the same old thing.” Not only do they dwell on old stuff but they try to refresh the old stuff by stretching the truth about it. For instance…The news about the oil spill is the prospects of the recapping and valve adjustment. But, for a more sensational story they seek out a couple of those who’s pay-out requests may have been turned-down by BP. Obviously these selective few are going to appear bitter and cast a pall of uncertainty over a process that actually may be working quite well (We will never know from the limited report). But, are these naysayers representative of the thousands who properly filed requests and were quickly funded? They never tell you the whole story, but only the story they want out.

Maybe Dennis should ask, If an event happens and nobody reports it, did the event really happen. It's a summer thing.

The Question:
Linda Ronstadt is 64 today. Give me 5 of her best songs. I think liked her best when early in her career she was part of a group. Name the group.

The Headlines:
--Oil Spill Admiral Says Ok To Test New Well Cap.
--Banks Expected To Foreclose On 1 Million Homes IN 2010.
--Argentina Votes for gay marriage.
--New Time Mag Poll Says People Like 0-Man Better Than Policies.
--Weak Manufacturing Reports Have Stocks Falling.
--New Jobless Claims Drop Significantly.

Back to More Stuff:

I mistakenly implied yesterday that our chief executive was Muslim. A reader brought it to my attention that I was wrong. I had justified my conclusion by an obviously shady memory of his Cairo, Egypt Address to the Muslim World. Here’s what he actually said: “I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment…”

Michigan has joined Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia as a growing list of states in defense of Arizona’s right to enforce the restriction of criminals sneaking unlawfully into their state. Actually, I see this as a pretty good common sense issue. The feds aren’t doing the job they are being overpaid to do. The people who are paying are saying enough…we don’t need you. We can expect more states to join as the feds drag their feet.

The group of men watching the perfumed woman walk by were smellbound.

You have to think that Apple execs got a little full of themselves when they decided to bring out the iPhone. Is it possible that arrogance outweighed sensible business judgment? There is something seriously wrong with a state of the art technology company’s new product when a user needs to apply “Duct tape” to gain proper signal strength. .It sounds like a Mad Comic look at the technology industry. It’s always good for a successful company to experience a little humble pie from time to time.

Maybe the current White House would work better if we wrapped it in duct tape!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 82 continues. My winning personality seems to be abandoning me lately, I thought. Then I chuckled a little to myself. Sarah is dismissing me. Laura is missing and Izzy is catatonic. And I have always been such a ladies man. I got up and walked behind Izzy’s desk and grazed her bare shoulder with my fingers. “Relax. Everything is going to be just fine. I hate it when you look evil. I will control Sarah.”
Izzy turned her head upward; reached up and touched my hand briefly. These new corporate open door policies are not very good for intimacy. “Do you really think you can handle her?”
“I’ll try”, I said with a perfectly straight face. “I just don’t want you doing anything rash. My team says we are on the verge of that breakthrough we need. At that point we can relinquish any need to own that Bromsky data. RL&H will see dollar signs in their eyes. And their thoughts about illegal activities will disappear. Guaranteed.” Izzy then smiled a little.
“That’s why I love you Kent.” She looked deeply inside me for a moment. “I’ve got to get back to work.”
“I hope you didn’t raise too many alarms with Sarah. She is not the helpless flower she may appear to be.” I will call her and see if she would like to meet tomorrow.” I turned and left. There was something about Sarah’s distant look this morning that was making me doubt my self.

When people say the word “veggies” I get the impression they are talking about friends.

With Congress and the President being so quiet these days, don’t you get the eerie feeling that somebody is plotting against you.

You’ll get a more positive feeling about America if you watch the actions of responsible citizens as opposed to those of the elected megalomaniacs.

The Answer:
It’s tough to boil down Ronstadt’s enormous output to five. But the best known may be Blue Bayou (never did much for me), Different Drum, Hurt so Bad, You’re no Good and All my Life. She sang with the group “Stone Ponies”. Frankly, after reading through her life’s work, I guess I just wasn’t much of a fan of her. Sometimes when a person gets so much publicity, you think that you probably knew everything about her.

Is it the End if Nobody reads the Beginning?
Dennis the Menace should add that their seems to be an absence of good Tids out their too. The world is feeling kind of inert to me. A calm before a storm. Maybe it’s just because people are so hot they are staying inside in air conditioned bliss and not outside doing stupid things.

Vapid and Hollow again.

Today's Tids Issue 2,164
Opening Stuff:

So far Kagan sounds like just another well rehearsed lawyer being vapid and hollow. And she’ll say all of things she needs to say to get approved, and then do what she wants. Which is what nearly all politicians do these days –promise them anything to get in office.

Much too often these days the weather is much better than the golf. Great for your ethereal side, but not so for the athletic self esteem.

The Question:
Who are this year’s Top 10 most powerful and richest Celebrities?

The Headlines:
--Early Stock Gains Wiped Out By Poor Jobs Report; Friday report Expected To Show 110,000 Lost Jobs..
--Hurricane Alex heads Towards South Texas/Mexico.
--Mortgage Apps Up As Rates Hit Historic Lows.
--Paying Back: Ford Paying Off $4 Billion In Debt; Dubai Developer Begins Reducing Dept With $1 Billion Payment
--Google Scrambling To Retain License In China.
--Larry King Announces retirement From CNN;; 25 years Enough Says Talker Who Wants To Spend Time With “Wife” And Kids At Ball Games; Industry Sources Say It’s Because of Bad Ratings.
--World Cup Down To Eight: Brazil-Spain, Argentina-Germany, Uruguay-Netherlands, Paraguay-Ghana.

Back to More Stuff:

Here’s an idea for you if the emails in your box have dried up. Make a list of all your friends and acquaintances who are away from the office on vacation or on business. Send them an email. You’ll be flooded with lots of familiar and favorite names in you inbox. Your eyes will light up and your heart will skip a beat as people you like show up in bold typeface. But then comes the message: “You have received an automatic out-of-the-office reply.” It’s instant gratification the American way. But, hollow and vapid.

An abbreviated talk about school vacation is called a summerization.

I find it harder and harder to stay interested in tennis.

I may be out of the loop, but I have to say honestly that I have never thought Chicago deep dish pizza was worth eating. But then, of all the things in life, Pizza is among the most personal.

I’m pretty positive I’m not going to like what Kagan does when she gets there.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80 continues. –I smiled as I saw Paul sitting alone at one of those sterile tables in the cafeteria. As hard as designers try, corporate cafeterias always look like cafeterias to me. He looked upa s he sensed a person nearing. And then broke into a huge smile, not unlike what I remember the first time he saw me. His love for me has never wavered. I have never felt anything but undivided love from him. What’s wrong with me?
I spoke first. “It is so nice to have this time, Paul. We never see each other much during your busy days.” He stood as I reached my chair and came over to kiss me tenderly on the cheek. He was so tender. It was hard to believe that a man so tender could be so tough in business. But he was. “I’m anticipating a difficult meeting with Izzy. Our lawyers are really concerned about this conspiracy and the validity of the research. I might have to renegotiate our entire package.”
Paul was just sitting there staring at me. Elbows on the table. Chin in his hands. A little grin. A loving grin? “Who wound you up this morning?”
“Maybe it is just seeing you that has my motor running.” He laughed a little.
“How well do you really know Kent Middleton?” He asked immediately. I was taken back, but it was just an innocent question, wasn’t it? I played it straight.
“I worked with him on that town vandalism effort. I found him more to be pleasant than he appears. And smart. Very smart.” He really didn’t ask for all of that information, did he?
“Have you heard that Bromsky’s niece Laura is missing?”
“Henry told me,” I answered. Where was he going.

I just read where the Cleveland Baseball writers have already written off the team for the year 2010. It is only late June. This is not a good thing. And it says to me that there are many flaws in the concept Major league Baseball itself. I have always viewed the league and the teams as actors in a play. Where the play is only as good as the consistent quality of the actors. All of the schedules should be balanced and the interleague play should be eliminated. All payrolls should be equal. It sounds like communism, but it is the way it should be. The NFL has that “On any given Sunday” thing going for them. And the Baseball league has to get to that point where a Cleveland/Red Sox series in August is as important as a RS/Ya, Ya, Ya,…(WYKWIM). Every team should play every team 12 times – Four three games series an=on a home and home basis.

The Answer:
#1 is still Oprah, although I hear that the ratings for her show have taken a substantial hit. The rest are surprises to me. Beyonce Knowles and James Cameron are 2-3. 4, 5 and 6 prove once again that bad behavior and the ugly American pays big as “I ain’t no Lady” Gaga, porn star addicted Tiger and bad girl Brittany Spears rank well. The rest are U2, Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga’s mother, Madonna. Check out the whole 100 http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/lady-gaga-oprah-winfrey-business-entertainment-celeb-100-10_land.html?boxes=Homepagetopspecialreports

The End:
Having good memories of great times and people past can bring a smile to your face on the grimmest day

Don't worry; Stand out in the rain.

Today's Tids Issue 2,163
Opening Stuff:

Our California watchdog informs us that California welfare recipients are allowed to use their state issued debit cards to withdraw money at casinos for gambling. Is this a great country or what!

“Free Balloons” Department:
I can hear the first graders asking, “Now exactly what am I supposed to do with this” as the school nurses in Provincetown, Massachusetts hand condoms!! Yikes. But that is the requirement of a new law in this quaint Tip-O-the-Cape town which is well known as a haven for the gay. Are the minds of residents so attuned to flamboyant sexual activity that they have lost sight of the possibility of rational behavior among their youngest? Maybe we could ask Elena Kagan about that.

The Question:
Name the five top characters on “The Love Boat” and the actors who played them. What was the real name of the boat?

The Headlines:
--RI Dem Convention Snubs Powerful Lynch Brother team; Endorses Caprio (Gov.), Cicilini (Congress); History Shows That Endorsed Candidates Not Sure Things In Primaries.
--Kagan Questioning Begins In Earnest Today.
--10 Long Time Soviet Moles Arrested.
--High Court Rules Hand Guns Ok.
--Stocks Expected To Go Lower On World Worries.
--Poor Housing, Jobs Reports Combined With continuing Large Retail Sales Indicate Declining Economy Or A Recovery That never Happened; Economists Crying New Blues.
--Supreme Court Says Ok To Proceed Against The Vatican In Sexual Abuse Case; Vatican Maintains It Has No Liability.

Back to More Stuff:

I heard the question asked on a radio program, “Is Bill Clinton worried that the Al Gore sexual dalliance with a massage therapist will place a stain on his administration?” It’s one of those things I wish I thought of first.

The stuff about the health care program is leaking out like a slow water board to Abu Grabe. The latest I have heard is a 3.5% tax on real estate transactions beginning after the next Presidential election in 2013.That means that if you sell your house for $400K the government gets $14 Thou! That’s great news for downsizing retirees.

Meat and Potatoes Department:
Remember when potato based Vodka was the favorite of alcoholics because it was odorless. But then came fruit flavored vodkas and it became hard to tell if a person was drinking too much or just a health nut. Now you have to wonder if vodka makers are drinking too much. With the introduction of “Smoked Salmon” and “Bacon” vodkas you can shortly expect “Meat “ flavored vodkas. “Don’t you think Bob smells a little like ground chuck?” Beef breath will become the new term of disfavor. And a how about Sally got porked last night? Whoops.

Russian Roulette Department:
One of the more relaxing places in this universe is the summer outdoor shower. That is, until you hear distant thunder. And you have just begun. You start counting the seconds between rumble and flash. 11seconds! Toes, ankles, calves. 10 seconds. Thighs, waste, butt. 9 seconds. Arms, chest, back. 7 seconds. Time to wash the hair. Where is that shampoo? Damn! 6 seconds. Wash. Rinse. 4 seconds. You take a deep breath. Is there time for a shave. Go for it. Oops a nick. No time to stop the bleeding. Get the chin. Oh no, I missed some on the neck. Phew! Finished. Flash!! 2 seconds. Time to dry. It’s starting to rain. Can’t dry any how. Don’t for get to wrap the towel around your waste. Don’t panic. Run…now. Inside. EeeeeHah! Crrrrrrrrack!

Of course…I could just stand out in the rain and lightening and get washed and dried at the same time! Ouch.

George Will wonders how Elena Kagan would react to the observation by James Madison: “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which remain in the state governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Actually, Will raises and suggests many good questions for the woman who has an “Aversion to vapid and hollow” (Confirmation hearings) devoid of “Legal analysis.” Like, what would be her opinion on whether or not the fed’s enumerated powers on interstate commerce could cover just about everything from obesity to poor student testing to mandates for carrying health care insurance. Will wonders what her opinion might have been on watching “equal opportunity” under the new1960’s Civil Rights Law transform immediately into “Unequal” Opportunity for minorities. It could be lively if Senators were capable of asking questions with real substance.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80: --I sat looking at the steering wheel for minutes. I really don’t know how long I sat there after Kent left. He leaned warmly against me as he gave me a high five. I hate high fives and I know he does too. He was acting again for Marie. A charade. Were my tears a charade too? No, this time they were real. I am confused. I wanted to go home with him. I wanted to jump into that bed and make love even better than it has been these past two months. But, for the first time I had thoughts about my deceptions. I thought about Paul. I felt the love of the kids. I knew also that I had an ulterior motive. I had to manipulate Kent to stay close to him. At first I thought Kent was doing the same to me. But, there was something real about him. His caring seemed real. His concern about my reputation seemed earnest. His desire to be with me seemed overwhelming. Yet he was measured. Looking for something. Guarding something. What? My cell phone rang. It was Paul.
“Why, Hi Paul”, I said cheerily. How easy it is for me to switch emotions. ‘Do you miss me?”
“I always miss you”, he answered pleasantly. And it made me feel good inside. Stronger. Needed. What’s wrong with me.
“Me too,” I muttered softly. Too softly?
“How’d you like to have a cup of coffee with me out here at BiEm. I have some interesting new stuff about Bromsky and his niece.
Something real for a change I thought, and I smiled inwardly. “Of course Paul. I don’t even need an excuse to have a cup of coffee with you during the day.” He agreed totally with me. I have no morals I thought. I hung up and started the car. I backed out and started home to clean up before going to meet Paul. I didn’t notice the Ford Focus as I left Maries parking area.

I don’t know about you, but with the spate of daytime retail establishment robberies, I always look around at other people when entering a convenience store. Actually the thieves are behind the counter charging $1.84 for a 20oz. soda pop.

I fear we will live in uncertain economic times up til the November elections. The Dems will send out favorable recovery reports and the GOP will counter with doubtful recovery reports. The traders will make bundles off the confusion and the average guy who really needs it will flounder. Just be prepared to be cautious. These are the days when it is possible to twitter an economy.

The Answer: The characters on the Pacific Princess were Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin McCleod), Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes), Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell)< Burl “Gopher” Smith (Fred Gundy), Isaac Washington (Ted Lange), Vicki Stubing (Jill Whelan), Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans (Ted McGinley) and Emily Heywood (Marion Ross). Bonus Q: What did Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans do on the boat?

The Big Finish:
The Supreme Court is one of America’s greatest safeguards. You would hope it was always sound and sensible in the face of the loonies in Congress and consumate politicians in White House . But in the wake of all too many 5-4 decisions, I fear that this august body is just another group of politicians. And Kagan appears to be the most ostensible Pol of them all.

Of course, the real issue is how will the Red Sox continue to be competitive with all of the injuries and a line up of aging journeyman and untested rookies?

Believe in your heart.

Today's Tids Issue 2,140
Opening Stuff:

Let’s hear it for thoughtful people. You know the kind of people…nice people who decided to so something nice for another human being just because it is a nice thing to do. It could be a small gesture for a husband or wife, sister or brother, lover, friend or complete stranger. Something a thoughtful person knows he or she does for someone else who may not even see it but somehow senses their life is a little better in some way. Without question, unrewarded thoughtfulness is one of the finest of human traits. Oh, did I say unrewarded? A thoughtful person always has the greatest of rewards…the goodness in their hearts.

On the other hand we have Wall Street. The losing turn-around yesterday was ascribed to “Euro Jitters”. I’m thinking that euro jitters is just the latest excuse of the day for traders who, in the face of increasing skepticism by the general public, want to justify taking profits. Remember when the market was supposed to reflect an economy 6 months down the road?

Diet books are successful because they reach a wide audience.

The Question:
Name the four terms used to define the severity of a declining stock market. And what are the percent of decline represented by each? Bonus Question: The Tilapia has become ubiquitous in seafood counters everywhere. What exactly is a tilapia?

The Headlines:
--Oil Leak Plugged.
--Stocks Rise As Large Debt Holder China Shows Confidence In Europe.
--Economic Rebound Slowed Last Quarter.
--9th Chinese IPhone assembly Line Worker Jumps to Suicide In Protest Of Bad Working Conditions At Job’s Factory.
--NK Rips Up Military Agreements With SK.
--Many States Set To Ban “Silly Bandz” In Schools; Child Bracelets Said To be disruptive.

Back to More Stuff:

The energetic BoSox (Chrystal Bowersox) overwhelmed the retiring DeWyze during last night’s AI finale. I will say that week after week leading up to the final choice, Lee D was consistently solid. But in this observers eyes BoSox grew each week and during the final two shows when the rubber meets the road, she was the power. I would say also after watching last night’s extravaganza that the finals could easily have been Bosox and Casey…and even Siobhan who was strong and professional. DeWyze may have been the fifth best performer on that stage last night. It’s all about the demographics of the voters. Plain and simple. He’s looked at as a “Heartthrob”. Why? I have no idea.

“Hang on Sloopy” by The McCoys is still one of those songs that gets my juices aflowin’.

How come it takes a recession to get the roads fixed? I and all others have been paying taxes for our entire working lives and one of the things most think we should be getting is decent roads. It couldn’t be that the government officials are squandering our money? Nah!

I like to read those little columns entitled something like “On This Date in History”. I have noticed of late that many of the most exciting accomplishments occurred in 1937. Kudos to those born in that year.

Writing handwritten notes on the steering wheel while driving is much more dangerous than texting. I cringe at the many little acts of stupidity of my life time which today have been declared criminal acts.

I don’t think the majority of hard working Americans ask for much from their taxes. Good roads, garbage pick-up, police, fire and education. And on the national side defense and…and…and…jeez, I don’t know what else we need from the Feds.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 74 continues. Just as I started to say Hi to our own smiling receptionist, Bill came around the corner. His eyes reflected the mood of the environment I felt as he elevator doors opened. Molly said “It is so nice to see you back here Mrs. Durham. I wish it was a happier day.”
“Why? What happened,” I started to ask. But, Bill interrupted and said let’s go to your office. I made a funny grimace at Molly and she actually smiled a little more cheerily.
Bill wasn’t so cheery. In fact Bill was not in the slightest like the boy I promoted two months ago. I placed my laptop next to the desk, looked around to see that everything seemed to be the way I left it. That was comforting. I always look for comfort just before the storm. I sat and spun my chair towards Bill who was now sitting to my left in front of the desk. “Well, it’s nice to see you too, Bill!” I said with syrupy sarcasm.
“Sorry, Boss,” He answered quickly but still somberly. “I’m a little nervous. The FBI showed up here this morning. You couldn’t have picked a worse day to ease your way back into work.” The phone rang. “That is probably Jack”, advised Bill. He watched me pick up the Phone.
FBI I thought as I placed the receiver to my ear. “Maggie, get down here.” Then dead air. “Oh, and welcome back.” Jack hung up.
I looked up quickly into Bill’s eyes. “So?”
“The FBI wants to talk to us about BiEmbryo. They have been with Jack most of the morning. I have a feeling Jack is dying in there and will throw everything your way as soon as you walk in.”
“He should!”. I stood up. “This isn’t going to be a walk down the Main street of Fosterville.” I smiled down at Bill. I think he enjoyed it.

The new Governor of New Jersey hit it on the nose when he told a complaining teacher that if the amount of salary wasn’t sufficient that maybe she should seek another career. And explained that the revenue to support government style jobs is finite. Do they still teach economics in High School?

Is the ragin’ Cajon Carvelle starting to beat the drum for his candidate Hillary for 2012? His blasting of Obama yesterday over the oil spill certainly looked like the first salvo against The Hill’s opponent. Then of course, he went on to beat unmercifully BP, which made it also appear that he was on the payroll of oil spill litigation lawyers.

The Answer: The four levels of a declining stock market are “Noise” (0-4.9%), “Pullback” (5-9.9%), Correction (10-19.9%) and Bear Market” (20%+). Bonus Q Answer: Tilapia is a fresh water, warm climate bottom feeder that grows fast and big and is ideal for aquaculture. Not only does this fish have the commercial advantage of reaching edible size quickly, its fast growth and relatively short life assures minimum amount of mercury in the system. This popular fish is also herbivorous assuring that there are plenty of edible delicacies for other fish and less algae and oxygen sucking plants that undermine pond or lake health. But, as most New England fisherman say, “It isn’t Seafood”.

End Tids:
The Celtics are making me really, really nervous.

Hey Arlen Spector…the American Idol job is open.

I thought Paul Abdul was excellent in last night’s tribute to Cowell.

There ain’t no vacancy in the swamps.

Today's Tids Issue 2,139
Opening Stuff:

Have they lost their collective minds? Playing a Superbowl in frigid New York Area all for the chance to be over charged in NYC. If you think you have seen manic frivolity over Superbowls in the past, wait to you see the over the top giddiness by the most Giddy of them all. You will see The Donald, Regis and assorted glad-handers raising giddiness to heights never before seen even in the rosey red apple.

When you look at many of our leaders, it is easy to see that Americans in the goodness of their hearts readily accept sociopaths as normal. Yes, we are led by those who have no guilt, no morals and see no dishonor in the most grievous of activities. Isn’t great how we care here in American; To allow these less fortunate with severe sociopathic tendencies the opportunity to serve and rise to unprecedented levels of power. Check out this profile of a sociopath and see how your beloved political leader meets these standards: http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html Makes your heart flutter, doesn’t it.

The Question:
Quick now…imagine in your mind the alphabet A,B, C….X, Y, Z. Now tell me the two words you can find and one man’s nickname.

The Headlines:
--BP To attempt Closure Of Well Technique This Morning; Results Could Be Known By Evening.
--Gate’s Saying Not So Fast On “Don’t Ask…”
--Prez Authorizes Sending 1,200 National Guard troops To Border.
--North Korea Ramps Up Tension; Cuts Ties With SK.
--World Stocks Up; Fears Over Euro-Econ And Koreas Bring Caution.
--Stocks Make Come Back On Bottom Fishing.
--Nicole Scherzinger And Partner Derek Hough Nip Early Fave Evan And Partner For “Dancing” Title; Glitter Abounds.
--“The Great Mocker” Tries To Charm GOP Lawmakers With Lunch; It didn’t Work.

Back to More Stuff:

Good news for California Republican Senate candidates…The Prez flew out to campaign for Barbara Boxer.

If you go by the performances, BoSox blew Lee away on Idol last night. All of her three performances were stronger than Lee’s and her “Black Velvet” was one of the best by anybody for the year. So, based on last night, BoSox should win it all. It all depends on the demographic make-up of the voters.

Oh, and “BoSox” is back to being an honorable nickname for Chrystal Bowersox. The beloveds, the BoSox (Boston Red Sox) are playing like champions again.

Lets hear for Nimby’s. This tribe of peace living people are certainly among the most persecuted in a modern civilization. Especially by many the press who for some reason don’t think people should like what they have. Of course the smartest band of Nimby’s ever were the venerable Swamp Yankees of RI and New England. These were people who just didn’t like the encroachment of over crowded cities, towns and villages. They would move to exclusionary pieces of inexpensive land, often found near forbidding swamps. Of course when the Towns folk would look and see those happy people they would want to move there too. And then the SW’s would pack up move down to the next bog. So if some body demeans you by calling you a Nimby. Just say thanks. I’m proud of it.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 24 continues. –Driving time is one of pleasures, and I haven’t done it in over a month now. Billy’s comment on lawyers made me realize how much I have been living down a rabbit hole for so long now. I had stopped thinking, stopped analyzing. Accepting everything at face. Of course there are issue with building a company’s future around data obtained illegally. Even though the company appeared to be an innocent bystander. Did I overlook everything because I felt so good for Kent’s project? And what about Kent? How am I going to control myself when I am with him? I saw something in his eyes when he found me in that bathroom. Was it something I should have feared? Obviously I wasn’t. All he had to do was brush his finger tips against my neck, and my body reacted almost immediately with an almost ravenous need.
All of a sudden I noticed that I was passing the scene of my accident. I automatically peered into my rear view mirror. Ah, no big black SUV’s I thought, and laughed out loud. Just a simple Chevrolet about 60 yards behind.
The trip was a breeze, and it was good to see old Jake at the parking garage. “Why Misus Durh’m he shouted and that absolutely bright and lovable manner of his. Jake made getting out of bed and starting work a pleasure.
“Why you are in excellent humor, this morning,” I replied to keep the good mood going.
“It’s just because it is so good to see you again Misus. Just so Good…” he was muttering as I stepped into the elevator.
“The scene at the office as I entered was another story.

There is something that bothers me about a world economy that needs the governments to pump in gigantous sums of money to get it going. And that includes the once formidable USA economy. Has economics lost its way?

After my little piece a couple of days ago about taxing sugary drinks, a reader reminds me that this is a Michelle Obama plot. You have to wonder if Prime Time yesterday serve up a lunch to the GOP that featured all healthy foods.

No question that the firemen and women of the world are among the bravest of individuals. But, has their recent exalted almost celebrity like status made them arrogant intimidators of taxpayers and home owners?

So far most of the finale’s have been pretty satisfying. But that NCIS program last night was a disaster. Maybe the most disjointed program I have ever seen. What were they thinking. And it is one of my favorites. I think they tried too hard to establish new story lines for next year by sucking our brains out of our heads last night. Good grief!

During the Prime Time-The Great Mocker-0-Man sponsored peace pow-wow yesterday, one of the criticisms of the increasingly thin-skinned President that seemed to capture the political divide perfectly was this: “I (Senator Corker) told him there was a tremendous disconnect between his words and his administrations actions.” I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I don’t believe or react to any words he says.

The Answer:
The two words see are “Hi” and “No”. The man’s nick name is “Stu”. We live in a world full of puzzles ,and often miss them.

Say Good-Bye Dick:
Well, gotta go. I just found a nice little piece of land away from every body under a majestic green mountain. “Oh…that’s a landfill.” Maybe I’ll move to a small town in Alaska. There’s nobody up there to bother you. “Oh, Joe McGinnis is moving in next door.” Aaargh! How about Burillville?

Tids Pulitzer...your leg.

Today's Tids Issue 2,100
Opening Stuff:

The IRS has sent a cease and desist order to the Tids management. It appears under the new “Value for Estimating Taxation System” (where the government will now tax products based on their perceived value instead of actual sales) The Tids has been levied based on a value of $247,065,190. The Tid s Treasurer said in a terse statement, “Impossible”. The Tids will be forced to shut down.

On a lighter note, the Easter Bunny was seen talking to Tiger Woods looking for tips. Apparently the rabbit wants to turn into a tiger, and the tiger wants to continue to progress as a rabbit.

The Question:
Which of The headlines below are True?

The Headlines:
--Obama Announces Off Shore Oil Drilling; Says He Has Pact With Hugo Chavez Citgo Comp=ant To Manage Oil Production.
--Scientist Are Saying Toads Are Best Predictor Of Earthquakes.
--RI’s Senator Reed To Step Down; Long Time Senator Admits He Cannot Operate Without Lynch Pulling The Strings.
--Photos Of Woods And Pelosi Discovered; Golf Says He Wanted To Do Something really Weird.
--Large Snow Storms Battering Scotland And Wales.
--US Funding Allies In Afghan War; Program Will Ensure Longer Periods Of Cooperation.
--I-95 To Remained Closed for Third Day.
--Pope To Announce End Of Celibacy.
--Easter Bunny Sees Shadow; Snow Forecast for May.
--Laughter In Rats Produces Chemical That Eases Depression.

Back to More Lies:

These floods here are reminiscent of the Noah story. Unfortunately all of the companies that might have been here at one time to build arks have been forced out by the state legislature to find friendlier states.

The Greek bond issued last week as part of program to refinance the terminally ill country is already being discounted. Investors look at the inability of the Civil Service Unions to acknowledge the problem and worry that there is no hope, or at best little chance for Greece. And, when you think about it that is exactly the same problem we have in RI.

I’m already trying to understand what my life will be like next year when “24” fails to show.

American Idol needs to stop the bleeding of female singers. Earlier, this looked like the year that the women would dominate, but somehow many very weak male performances seem to go unnoticed. I just gotta figure that more women/girls are voting and they are voting for the men of their dreams. Last night would again have been a good time to get rid of Tim who just basically annoys me. Didi may have had a bad Tuesday, but Aaron was certainly worse. Next week is McCartney/Lennon week, a week that the singers traditionally butcher.

You know you should start worrying about your mechanic when you bring in a smoking car and he applies a nicotine patch.

New discoveries in Syrian ruins show that Moses ended his 40 days and 40 nights in the desert when his wife knocked on a sheepherder’s door to ask directions.

It used to be Holy Saturday. Now it’s iPad availability day! Talk about Golden Calves. Where is the good bolt of lightning when you need it?

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 64. –I lay there with my eyes wide open. Paul and I had a wonderfully frank talk. But, I became concerned as I listened that while he may have believed that Kent and My detective spree was just an innocent coincidence, there was something that told me I’d be watched. I wasn’t nervous or apprehensive though. I was my normally cool self; that self that had helped climb over corporate bodies to the top. I slowly slipped out of the blankets and went quietly into Jax’s room. I quickly located his Swiss Army Knife. Back at my bed, I looked down at the innocent sleeping Paul. He was a good man. I opened the sharpest blade. I only paused a moment. Quickly I drew the blade across his throat. Almost immediately blood began to seep until the arced cut looked like a big red smiley face. His eyes popped open, panicked. He stared at me. But he couldn’t talk. I smiled softly from my heart that once was his and just said, “Sorry Paul. Then I turned, wiped the blade on my nightgown, folded it back in and returned it to Jax’s dresser. I said bye Jax. Then I went in and said the same to Jill. I changed into my jeans, went down and stuck a match. I lit the drapes in all of the rooms. This old colonial would go up like a tinderbox. Nobody would believe that I could do this to my family. I wonder if Kent still loves me. He’d better.

There is nothing April foolish about the tragic murder of the Arizona rancher. His grieving wife two years earlier had written to the US government about the nearly $6 million in damages from illegal border crossings. And the family’s growing fear of out of control illegal immigrants using their land. Of the drug trade that was being operated on their lands. Washington tries to theorize about illegal immigrants, but to people, Americans, living near the boarders it is not theoretical, a classroom exercise. It is a daily life of fear and the unknown. Why does it take a tragedy to wake up the theorists? Our elected clowns couldn’t reform HC. Why would we think they would be any better with law breaking Mexicans?

The Answer:
The true headlines are “Laughter in Rats”, “Snowstorms in Scotland”, “Toads and Earthquakes”, US Paying Allies to fight and “I-95 Remaining closed”

The Big Cream Pie:

It must be a fun day for scientists working in labs full of laughing rats. Do they lie on their backs and guffaw? Do tears come to their eyes?” Or do they just chuckle a bit? Do they throw cream pies at each other? Or do they just tell one liners.

Actually we do have laughing weasels. Those people in Congress laughing at the taxpayer as they do it their way.

I love April Fools Tids when I can just make things up. Oh, wait a minute, I do that every day. Just ask a Democrat.

Presidents and Popes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,096
Opening Stuff

There are periods during the Winter when you wonder if the gray will ever end. Often the gray is so consuming that the sunny crisp days of the coldest months are a buried memory. But in the heart there is always sun ready to burst forth. And the pervasive appearing gloom can always be overcome with a smile full of love.

The Prez is on his gloating tour and not looking very Presidential at all. His ridiculing of concerns by honest citizens before a fawning crowd of pseudo intellectuals is just no the way to bring about the unity he professes to crave. And, he is using low ball, hack like tactics when he tells his slobbering mass that in six to seven months the opposition will see no change in theirs lives, No asteroids form outer space. Of course nothing is planned to happen until 2014. So, he is either being disingenuous or he hasn’t yet read the bill.

The Question:
Name Seven songs you associate with Easter.

The Headlines:
--Pope Under Fire For Inaction While In Charge Of Papal Legal Operations.
--Pakistani’s Kill 34 Militants.
--Police In Arizona Arrest 10 Illegal Smugglers and 50 Illegal’s.
--Eurozone Announces Stopgap Program For Greek Situation; Bankruptcy Will Be Averted But Plan Shows Weakness Of EU Concept.
--Allawi Position In Iraq Strengthens.
--New Fed Program Will Help Some Foreclosure Situations.
--Markets Looking Better For Strong Week’s Close.

Back to More Stuff:

You know that I like to get away from the political hurt from time to time, but the antics associated with the passage of this highly partisan monster keep me on high alert. And the excuse by supporters that “It’s not perfect but we have to start somewhere”, just makes my stomach turn. Some day we’ll have to start getting something right.

While we are on the ‘un-Presidential” express, Sarah Palin’s over exposure is rapidly diminishing an aura she once held. Maybe she has just fallen in love with the dough – and I don’t mean apple pies in Wasilla.

A judge in Florida dismissed a suit by an Atheist demanding holy days for them like Easter for Christians and Passover for Jews. After objections from the Atheist’s lawyer he explained that the atheists already had one – April Fools Day and cited this passage from Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart there is no God”. The adjourned saying your client is a fool and he has April 1.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 63. –“Hi Kids!” I heard Paul’s happily robust voice as he walked in the side door from the garage.
The kids both in unison responded, “Mom told us never to talk to strangers! Our dad never shows up until 8:00.” Then they laughed and I’m sure they ran over and gave them super hugs. But, I thought, he really is home early.
I was walking out towards the mud room when he looked at me and gave me a big “Hi Beautiful!”
I played the blushing bride role, “Who little ole’ me?” I smiled at him and he gave me a nice kiss and a tender hug. I hugged back. I wonder why he is here so early? But, it was good and the kids loved it.
He followed me into the kitchen and watched me for a moment while I cut ups some cheese chunks. “This is a pleasant surprise,” I started.
He chimed right in, “Oh, I was at BiEm most of today, and we got so much accomplished that I decide to relax with you for a while.” I told him I was glad. He looked at me a little more seriously.
“What do you think of Kent Middleton?” He just sat there for a moment. I shuddered inside. I felt my heart beat a little faster. I found myself on edge. Then he added, “I know you got to know him pretty well when you were involved in that vandalism thing”. That vandalism thing that you thought was nothing, I thought. I decided to take my time before I answered this.

Let’s have a new name for ACORN contest. We know that the operatives in the old gang living high off the taxpayer hog will be back some where. How do they replace that kind of income – Brain Surgery? Hedge fund Manager? Politician? They’ll be back just in time to fake voting records in November. So I’m throwing into the pot: CRAP – Community Radical Activists Profiting; OBAMA – Opportunistic Bolsheviks Against Majority of Americans. Well that's a start. Send in yours!

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Hot Tub Time Machine is a Buddy picture which in fact is a cheap imitation of “The Hangover” idea. Pals who were once popular guys in the eighties are now taking a second look at their evolution into a humdrum existence. The decide to get together and it all comes together when while sitting in a hot tub at an old decaying once a playground resort, They are taken back to 1986. You get the picture. Some laughs. The problems: 80’s nostalgia doesn’t measure up to the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.
--How to Train your Dragon is the Kids animated film of the week. It is based on a familiar Viking tale about a puny boy among peers who decides to slay a Dragon to gain popularity. Of course he comes across a Dragon in pain and helps him out. They be come friends. Not bad.
--Chloe is a fairly bad sexual thriller –a poor man’s “Fatal Attraction. A successful Doctor suspects her husband of infidelity. She hires a prostitute (Chloe) to tempt him and see how he reacts. Bad idea, because before you know it she and her family are in grave danger. Might be moderately enjoyable if you are hard up for something on your Netflix list.

The "Unity President" finally got what he wanted – Bipartisanship...only it was opposition to the Monster. And the tactics. “Most Liberal” Senator never changes principles. They just change suits.

From the lying Cardinal Law in Boston to the-jury-is-still-out-on Cardinal (Now Pope Benedict) Ratzinger in the Vatican, Catholic leadership has been gutless at best, and probably criminal in their handling of the known clerical predators. The Catholic Church has done more for God haters than a congress of Satans roaming the earth. It is sad.

The Answer:
I first think of Easter Parade, Halleluiah Chorus and Here Comes Peter Cottontale. Ode to Joy form Beethoven and the powerful 2nd Mahler Symphony “The Resurrection” also come to mind. Then there’s that Old Wooden Cross and Christ has Risen. Also Amazing Grace has slipped into some Easter repertoires. There are lots and lots of Christian Hymns.

Final Thoughts:

Business opportunity: Write popular songs for Easter.

It’s already early, and it already looks like a great start to a weekend. And, it is gloomy looking outside. Which means that the weather in the grand scheme of things has little to do with your outlook if you don’t let it.