Who are the Jone's? And, why should I care?

Today's Tids Issue 2,287
Opening Stuff:

Some of the best things in life are often hastily put together. That's an awkward way of saying "Indulge yourself in spontaneity".

"All you really need is Love"...and $75,000. That's what Princeton U is saying is the basis for happiness. The study says that day to day you can be totally happy all of the time once you achieve $75K (Maybe a little more in big Metros and a little less in Dakota). More income doesn't add to over all happiness, just to your pile of stuff. More wealth will boost a person's life achievement assessment, but it won't change daily happiness. For instance, if you have nice Ford and decide that you'll feel better with an expensive BMW, you will discover that driving that richer car every day will not add to basic contentment. So maybe that's why according to recent real estate reports average home purchase square footage is falling form 3.5-4000 to 2200-2500. Maybe the perceived pleasure from a gigantic bathroom with spa wears off real quick. Life is bigger than bidets.

And then there is Natalie Portman who at last night's SAG boondoggle (Yes another awards ceremony) wore a gown that was so expensive that she had to have securtiy guards attneding her all of the time. Money can buy you fear.

Grass roots uprisings like the one in Egypt, no matter how noble, often produces a vacuum of leadership. A vacuum that is often filled by an organized group that may be worse than the overthrown. A group that may be in reality the faceless inspiration for the people's urge to overthrow. And when the overthrow is complete, the elation of the feat will satisfy the masses who will go home to await the promises of the next tyranny.. And the group behind it all will say all the right things and quietly assume leadership amidst the rhapsodic euphoria of the event as it rises to a crescendo. A new unannounced agenda will be woven into a new culture.. It has happened often in history, from the Bolsheviks to the overthrow of the Shah in Iran. the odds are high that it may bean Islamic/muslim group, which could be worse for Israel and American interests..

The Question:
It's only 15 days til Pitchers and Catchers show up and the crack of the bat resounds in ball fields across the gracious southland. So, how about a basic baseball question -- Name the year in which the first Hall of fame class was inducted. Who were they?

The Headlines:

--Good be A Million In The Streets In Egypt Today; US Saying Transition Away From Mubarek Regine Could be Difficult.
--Cairo Airport In Chaos.
--99% Of Southern Sudnaese Vote For Secession And Independence.
--New Massive Winter Storm Approaching Midwest.
--Chrysler 4Q "Better Loss" Numbers, Coupled With Forward Uptick Forecast Bright Spot For Rebuilding Automaker.
--Markets Expect To Over Come Egypt Negativity And Bounce Upward On Good Earnings Reports, Higher Consumer Spending In December.

Back to More Stuff:
There seems to be a movement afoot to reexamine the "Living Will". As you know, most of these wills specify that nothing mechanical shall be used to keep the patient alive. Now, many are asking for a codicil that would simultaneously erase their hard drive to ensure that their cyber-legacy dies with them. It will be called a Power of Attorney for Executive/Executrix Eraser.

Have you noticed how people barely react to alarms, whether in stores, parking lots or places of amusement...or from national debt warnings. United States of Apathy.

Good provolone doesn't come in floppy white 3 1/2 round slices. Sorry Subway.

With all of this talk about toning down the rhetoric, isn't it interesting to realize that the most acerbic are the "Nannyists". The healthy food folks, the furry friends lovers, the alternate energy excitables. Many of them don't call others names or put targets on their heads. No, they just demean viciously by looking down condescendingly at the unwashed amongst them and sneer.

Stop with the Public Relations BS. Charlie Sheehan needs help. Basically the publicist is helping him die with a good image.

Almost near: Chapter 4 continues. --The last time Samantha sat down to eat, she was overly aware fo the people around he. All those people of her memories that were ignoring her. This morning, she sat looking at the stranger across from her. Wondering why a stranger was the most friendly person in this room where everybody knew everybody but her.
"Actually, I've only been here for 13 years." Tucker theatrically pulled up his rolled paper napkin by a corner so it flung the utensils noisily on the table. Samantha flinched. "I'm a writer, so I have gotten to know these people becasue they are characters I live with. "And hell! Even in New England 13 years is a long enough time for the people to get familiar with you and start accepting you." He laughed comfortably, which induced Samantha laugh conspiratorially along with him.
For no other reason that it was what came to her mind first, Samantha started, "I'm form lower Maine, but used to spend a good part of life here with my Aunt Ginny. This little town feels more like home to me than anywhere I have been. then softer, "Well, it did."
Tucker nodded understandingly, "I can see how you feel. But, I have to agree with you, your reception in this little place does sound odd.


A good reader sent me several good ideas...one of them being the need for a good "sarcasm font".

OK everybody, raise your hand if you ever added less than a whole can of water to Campbell's condensed soup. Be honest.

0-Man's electric car rhetoric must be as quiet among the unwashed masses as that of a Hybrid car engine, because it's roar of Palin Pick-ups that are pulling the heavy load for GM. Complete with the choice of BlueTooth or gun rack. (GM is building a new factory for Pick-up production.)

There is plenty of well documented evidence showing where Parts of Rhode Island and Connecticut were once connected to Northern Africa. I wonder what greedy business man caused that environmental meltdown.

I remember being underwhelmed while driving through the Napa Valley wine region. For instance, I think the wine area in the hills overlooking Erie Pa are amazingly beautiful and frankly make the Cal grape yards appear drab. Just shows you how publicity can make a difference. Actually a couple of small vineyards along the Sakonnet in RI are pretty darn special. But, that's just me. Actually, if we didn't have a state government, RI would be perfect.

If you have a lot more money than $75K you could have bigger birthday parties for your pets and be the envy of your neighborhood.

The Answer:
In 1936, the first five were inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. they were Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter "Big Train" Johnson. Hall of Fame members should be the creme de la creme. The truly outstanding of an era. that is why I have a problem with the committee that from time to time will vote in some "Undiscovered" super player of the past. This may have been apropos for the negro league players but not for some player, who while very good, played in the shadow of the truly Great.

The End:
Think of all the money you could save if you stayed home and appreciated what you had.

Be contented and relax.

BTW, a new government report on the causes of the big recession has just said that probable root cause was the penchant for too many to live too far beyond their means. The overstating of income for mortgages and the general denial of personal economic reality.

Time for Up.

Today's Tids Issue 2,231

Opening Stuff:

What could be worse than eating Spam while cramped on a boat in the middle of the ocean with no power while counting the hours as a tug boat shoves you slowly back to a save harbor. I mean...Spam? You can't make gravy from Spam.

These days, and I expect for a while during the next few months, a lot of info about the state of HC in America is and will be coming from The Admin in dribs and drabs. I wouldn't believe a word of it.

Interesting how a little chat yesterday with an Irish woman becomes this morning a precursor to a a news item about a horrific business report on the crumbling state of Green country's economy. (See Headlines)

The Question:
One of the most prolific composers of film scores ( Untouchables, The Thing, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) was 82 today. Name him and 5 other famous film music composers.

The Headlines:

--Investors Fearing Ireland On the Brink Of Drastic Financial Tumble Dump Bonds Forcing Interest rates To record Levels. Debt to Rise To Highest In Post-War Europe At 32% Of GDP.
--Stricken Cruise Liner Moving Slowly To Port.
--0-man Making Major Muslim Support Talk To Childhood Nation.
--Baghdad Christian neighborhoods Attacked Again
--GM Reports 2 Billion 3Q Profit;

Back to More Stuff:
As far as I was concerned, the just past elections in RI should have been about reversing the disastrous General Assembly trend that has put the Ocean State 20,000 leagues beneath the sea. And Governor elect Chafee's "Honesty" campaign seemed to reassure voters that things would be different because he could not tell a lie. Except for one little thing,. He was elected it appears through the overwhelming support of the very same Unions that that have created an economic environment destined to rob good people of a reasonable future. Ironically, the only way Lincoln Chafee can turn this state around is to walk up on stage before a combined meeting of the Public Employees unions, and say, "Thanks for your support, but guess what? I lied."

At least when there is a fire in the engines of a ocean liner, the liner doesn't drop out of the sky. So you eat badly for a couple of days. you're alive...to sue.

When You Wish Upon A Star Department:
Ever wonder why a cricket chirps all night long? A new science report says that the Tuberous bushcricket's testicles are the largest of any species in proportion to the entire body. In fact this little happy chirper's package is a whopping 10.6% of total body weight. These cricket's are not great hoppers.

If "W" could have been as glib and relaxed and just plain funny as he was on Oprah yesterday, he may have soften much of the manufactured hatred surrounding his presidency. Oh, wait a minute...liberals don't have a sense of humor unless it is assaulting the personality of someone they oppose.

What do you think are the chances of RI Gov. Chafee becoming Sarcozy?

In an actual court case an Attorney asked a witness: "Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a disposition notice I sent to your attorney?" The witness replied quickly, "No this is how I dress when I go to work in the morning."

To all of you fans of the world famous "Tids Installment Novels", I have another in the deep reaches of my cluttered mind. Stay tuned for drama, romance and excitement.

It will be done when I de-clutter all of the political hypocrisy.

I get drawn into all of this political rhetoric and combative opinions. And I kick myself for allowing myself to become over wrought. My entire political credo is very simple: "Keep it small and leave me alone."

The Answer: 
The oldster is Ennio Morricone and the rest are Henry Mancini (Moon river - Breakfast at Tiffany's), Jerry Goldsmith (Chinatown), Elmer Bernstein (Man with golden Arm), Bernard Herrman (Psycho), Alex North, Howard Shore, Danny Elfman, Max Steiner and John Willliams. Want to see em all: http//:www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/movie

The End:
Some are saying that the recent move by the Fed's Bernanke is the kind of move that is generally made to ward off recession...as in "Double Dip." Is it the news, or does everything feel as though it is on the verge of collapse.

Tommorrow will be a return to Happy Tidsville, where gravy and butterscotch flow and romantic fools dance upon the Oreo cookie avenues.

Jeszcze Polska nie zginela.

Today's Tids Issue 2,108
Opening Stuff:

My heart feels their love and at the same time aches for the misery of the Polish people.

Dumping on the Tea Party is becoming very tired. The Dems and Republicans have been lifting our wallets for years, and yet the erudite opinion makers think they should use their position to belittle good Americans trying to help make the country sensible again.

The bad news is that small business is not doing very well right now. Economists are saying that the economy is showing signs of life primarily because of big company advances. But, after last major recession, small business accounted fro 4,000,000 new jobs while the bigs at the end of that downturn came out with 500,000 fewer employees.

The Question:
Some like it hot! But, you should know how hot is hot. What are the hottest peppers/pepper based products and what is the name of the measurement for Hotness?

The Headlines:
--Earthquake In Western China Kills 400; 10,000 Homeless.
--76 In India Killed By Cyclone.
--Icelanders Evacuate As Volcano Erupts Again.
--Newest Economic Challenge: Stagnate Wages Versus Rising Energy And Food Costs.
--US National Security Council Says Cyber-Attack Us At Your Own Risk; Military Leaders Assert Right To respond Even When Not Knowing Identity Of Attacker.
--JP Morgan Earns $3.3 Billion In Q1.
--US Stock Futures Rosy After Strong Report From Intel.
--Carcieri Sees New House Budget As Spending More Of What They Don’t Have; RI Governor Says He Will Veto Unless Senate Makes Big Fixes.

Back to More Stuff:

I remember thinking that backward baseball caps reduced a guy’s IQ image by 50-75 points. But male fashionistas have topped themselves in a continuing effort to look dumber than hell by going to the flat brim baseball caps. That’s just one man’s opinion. I’m not stereotyping or nothin’.

I just read about a hamburger that could conceivably bring on an early death. It’s a ½ pound black angus burger topped with fried onions between to pieces of…fired dough! You know fried dough – doughboys, beaver tails, whale tails, funnel cakes, malasadas, and yes, zepolis. It’s great with powdered sugar. But think of them oozing with beef juice. Put your cell phone on auto-911 before eating. It’s served at Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar across from Fenway Park (Remy is the official Commissioner of Red Sox Nation.

Yesterday Bernanke said Americans should bone up on finance so they make better choices about their money, and thus avoid facing 2008 style disasters. Americans say that if Bernanke and his gang had been doing their jobs we might not have had the downturn in the first place. If the Fed doesn’t have the ability to recognize diminishing sound banking principles – like determining if borrowers actually have the wherewithal to pay back loans – who does? Leadership, schmeadership.

98 Years ago today The RMS Titanic proved the validity of the “Tip of the Iceberg” theory.

Today I’m going to save you lots of money and angst with this recipe for meatballs from one of those “Hot” NYC restaurants that really over-charge if you can get in. Rao’s is a place for people who really think it is important to be seen! Combine 1 lb ground beef, ½ lb grnd veal and ½ lb grnd pork in bowl. Using hands blend meat with 2 large eggs, 1 cp grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 1 ½ tbs chopped Itl parsley, ½ small clove minced garlic and blk pepper and sea salt to taste. Now mix in 2 cps fresh breadcrumbs and then slowly blend in two cps water, 1 cp at a time. Make little 2 ½-3 inch balls. Heat 1 cp OO in sauté pan. When hot but not smoking cook meatballs until crisp on both sides. Now simmer in your favorite marinara sauce for fifteen minutes.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 66 continues. –“Hi Kent,” I answered as I slid into the booth. I actually smiled radiantly, I thought. I reached across and he took my hand and squeezed it, gently. I shivered a little. Then I just sat and looked into his eyes. “It seems like years…” and I trailed off without finishing.
“Yes it does,” He agreed. Just as Marie came over to take an order. I quickly drew back my hand and placed it in my lap. At the same time I felt his foot on my calf. He had taken off his shoe. All of a sudden, my mouth became dry.
“So, what can I get you, Sarah”. I looked up at her always happy face. Was she looking at me differently? Did I look as appear as weird as I felt?
“Hmm.” I wasn’t prepared to order. I really didn’t feel like eating. I just wanted to get out of there. Did I want to go home, or did I want to go to Kent’s bed room. Kent kept playing with me under the table. He seemed content to stay where he was and manipulate my emotions. “I’ll have a BLT Club.” I blurted. She smiled and wrote robotically. Was my face red?
Kent ordered a cheese burger and what else…a Diet Coke. “You guys aren’t very exciting,” I heard Marie say sarcastically as she turned and went into the kitchen.
“I think we are very exciting, don’t you?” asked Kent in a coyish manner.
“I am…I mean, we are!” We both laughed at my little joke.
“Sarah/Maggie. Sarah/Maggie, it is so nice to be together. You know I worried about you.” Then he switched subjects, “I just Left Henry’s. He said you were in there earlier.”

I have to think that this summer more people will be arrested for salt water fishing with out a license that for drive-by shootings in Providence. And certainly more than irresponsible celebrities and thug sports stars.

John Holdrum -- the Admin’s Science advisor and extreme pro-abortion enthusiast who has said a newborn baby isn’t a human until it has been properly socialized – has now doomed the US to perpetual mediocrity. Yesterday in a speech before US science students he esentially enabled Americans to choose loserville and feel good about it. In that speech he said “We can’t expect to be number one in everything indefinitely. He said “Forget about being number 1”. American’s have always said “Why not!” Americans have always seen the challenge and conquered it. Americans have never said I’ll be happy if I do ok.

Twitter is really taking the guts out of information. It makes finding details on the web nearly impossible, as the tweets invariably dominate search results, especially for the more remote stories not properly covered by so-called real journalists.

I have never been much of an Elvis fan, and I think his songs last night on American Idol showed that his popularity wasn’t in his music. Overall – dullsville. BoSox continued her way to the top. I also liked Siobhan and Lee. Mike was very pleasant and maybe one of the more enjoyable for the night. Katie’s voice was strong, but I thought she was a little robotic. Casey was decent but didn’t make it big. I thought Tim was weak, but his song choice may carry him home. Aaron looked sullen and I didn’t think that Andy was as bad as the judges thought he was. So…two go home tonight. One has to be Andy. He has been squeaking by. Aaron deserves to go based on last night. But is he, like Tim, too “cute” to go. My six for the top five are BoSox, Siobhan, Katie, Mike, Lee and Casey.

The Answer:
The heat in peppers is called capsalcin. Pure capsalcin has a SHU rating of 16,000,000 versus sweet bell peppers at 0 SHU. A guy named Wilbur Schoville invented the scale to measure the strength of spicy chemicals in foods. The number represents the drops of water necessary before the pepper juice is undetectable. The hottest pepper at 850,000 is the Bhut Jokolia grown in India. After that we have the Habanero at 500K, Tabasco at 60K, Cayenne at 25K, Jalapeno at 16K and the Anaheim Peppers at 1,000.

The End:

Sarah Palin is in Boston today as the featured speaker in a Tea Party rally on The Common. Expect “Red Cambridge” comrades to be there with demeaning signage. And expect the media to show those signs and and not the calm faces of good tea Party members.

The Polish are bound together in love.