You can have my GPS thank you!

Today's Tids Issue 2,205
Opening Stuff:

Where is Noah when you need him?

What if everybody in the world bought a T-Shirt with that message from the trapped miners on front. It would raise money for the rescue and the miners families and remind everybody that there are still people in this world with self-discipline and strength of character. I’d wear one.

How about if kids wore one that said on the back, “No thanks Mom and Dad, I don’t need another iPod.”

I see where Elizabeth Hasselbeck has come out saying she isn’t as conservative as she appears to be while battling the liberal antagonizers on The View. In fact she says, I would call myself a Federalist! Wah, I’ll be doggone!...I’m a federalist too! She says she wants the power to get back to the states so we can stop the mandates from big Gov. I like a strong, but limited Federal government, with all issues not involving defense, interstate commerce, foreign treaties and…and…hmmm…anything else?...being determined within the individual states.

The Question:
Since his early fame as a well known super spy, Sean Connery has become one of the most watchable actors of our time. Name his first three super spy movies and five of his other best performances.

The Headlines:

--McCain And Jan Brewer Romp In Arizona GOP Primaries; GOP Rubio And Dem meek Look Strong In Florida – Will Face Indy Crist; Alaska GOP Sen Murkowski In Trouble Against Unknown Palin Backed, Gun totin’ Miller; Ben Quayle Overcomes “Dirtiest Campaign” To Take Congress Nod In AZ
--Stock Futures Fall On Much Lower than Expected Durable Goods Orders Report.
--43 Dead After String Of New Attacks In Iraq.
--Danielle Downgraded To Tropical Storm.
--RI One Of Ten States To receive “Race To The Top” Grants For Education Reform.
--Iran Says It has Successfully Test-Fired New Short range Surface To Surface Missile.
--Wild Fires Destroy 11 Homes Outside Of Ashland Oregon.
--Toyota Sets Goal Of 5 Million Hybrids By 2015.

Back to More Stuff:
Potato Chips are starting to approach overpriced status.

No Thanks to New Technology Department:
The Cal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that it is ok for government agents to sneak into your driveway and secretly attach a GPS device to your car without a warrant. Can you say George Orwell? These dreamers who must be overdosing too much on that pervasive California Medical Pot say it doesn’t violate your 4th Amendment Rights because, “…you do not have any reasonable expectation of privacy in your own driveway - and no reasonable expectation that the government isn't tracking your movements.” Is there any common sense left in this world?

If you need a dose of convoluted logic on a daily basis you can always find it in those so-called intellectual Op-Ed pieces (Left or Right) in your daily newspaper.

The media has so successfully demonized the Tea Party movement that many conservative candidates are hedging their relationship with this broad group of concerned Americans.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 90 continues. –“Well boss, that noise you heard when you called in was Jack. Jack as in your boss. He was here to tell me that he was putting me in charge of the BiEm account in place of you, He’ll be calling you I’m sure.”
“Looks like I’m too late. What did he say to you?”
“He was not kind to you, which I thought was odd for Jack. He told me he had a call from Isabelle who told him that you had been distant and distracted. Jack said he had noticed that too. And, you know that I have mentioned to you that I was concerned about your lack of response at times.”
I took it in and wasn’t surprised. Of course I was distracted, I thought. For the past several months I’ve been thinking of the next time I could see Kent. Like I’m starting to feel now. “I’ll handle Jack. What are our lawyers saying?”
“Do you mean about the technology scam?” I nodded at the phone knowing that my silence would keep Bill talking. “Well, they don’t like it more and more.”
“I don’t either, and I think it is going to get much worse for a lot of people at BiEm. The first thing I want you to do as the new manger of the BiEm account,” I said that sarcastically, “Is to go down to Jack’s office and tell him that HR&L should cancel its financial agreement with BiEmbryo. Here’s what you should say to back up your reccomendation.” I outlined a vigorous defense for his decision. To which Bill immediately responded.
“You don’t sound distracted, Boss,” He said in a smiling tone.
“I’m not at all. This is very important and you have to get it done.” Then I added, “I’m coming into the office.” As I hung up, I looked around the room at three questioning faces. I put on my most confident face, “I’ll explain later. What else do we have to talk about?”

A reader sends in a list of the worlds shortest books. They include: “The Amish Phone Directory”, “Things We Know To Be True” by John Kerry and Al Gore, “My Black Girl Friends” by Tiger Woods, “Dating Etiquette” by Mike Tyson, “Things I cannot Afford” by Bill gates and Things I Did To Earn The Nobel Peace Prize by Barack Obama.

The best selling book in China is about how Goldman Sachs is out to kill China. It draws heavily on information from a Rolling Stine Magazine article – “…a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money." – and adds its own sensationalized descriptions of the all consuming financial giant. Author Li who describes the company as, “…(having the) cruel character of a Manchurian tiger, the group creeps around the world, like a veteran hunter stalking its prey, when it smells blood it pounces!", says his book is no exaggeration and that Goldman may have been the cause of the entire world crisis.

Because housing sales aren’t up to the level of the go-go years, some economists are calling for a “Double Dip”. In fact it is the main topic of discussion this last week of Summer vacations. The fact is that the Housing boom was an aberration from true economic reality. Most of the excess sales in the market were the result of selling to people who couldn’t afford what they were buying. It is unfair to measure a recovering economy against a major industry sales curve that should never have happened. Now, there is a real problem with the growth of the National Debt. And the Global banking Leaders are now meeting with the idea of printing more money at the top of their wish list.

The Answer:
Connery as James Bond came on the scene with three early winners – Dr. No, From Russia with Love and Gold Finger. He actually made 7 Bond movies in all with the other four being Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever and Never say Never Again. He won awards for his work in The Untouchables, The Name of The Rose, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Hunt for the Red October. Personally he was in one of my favorite all time movies “The First Great Train Robbery.” H was always a joy to watch and might also be remembered for Rising Sun, The Russia House and Finding Forester. I’m sure you have other favorites.

The End:
New technology lets other people find you maybe when you don’t want to be found. Allows the world to know your every action if you are inclined to be an open book. Allows small events in once obscure locations have an effect on your daily life within seconds. Allows the Tids to sneak into your home when you are not looking. See, technology looks good, but in reality it could ruin your life. Where’s my cave?

A genius dies.

Today's Tids Issue 2,143
Opening Stuff:

Every year around this time I burst out in that wonderful Rogers and Hammerstein song: “June is Busting Out all over”. (It gets pretty annoying in my household.) But, that’s just the way it is with this month that is typically among the finest in the Northeast. When the temperature is consistently moderate yet the sun is bright and the days are the longest. Brides love it and kids who finally see the school doors shut behind them love it most of all. And of course the world is treated to the wisdom and understanding of Gemini’s! Sleep well.

Mark Malcovich died Sunday night in a single car crash in Minneapolis. So? Well, Malcovich was the impresario of perhaps the finest music festival in the Country, if not the world. Where truly amazing classical performers from countries everywhere, often for their US première, would come to the City of Newport and for three weeks and charm, move people with music. It is impossible to describe with mere words the grandeur of the event set in the gilded mansions of Vanderbilt and Astor.. Malcovich was a wonder. And, he will be missed.

Trying to watch The Celtics on TV is a little like watching my stock portfolio on-line. Based on past performance during the year I am always expecting the worse. So consequently I spend most of the time not looking.

One of the worst things you can do for weight control is to buy pants with elastic waists.

The Question:
I have to be honest…if I heard that a movie was coming starring the late, very capable Dennis Hopper my immediate reactions was that it would be goofy and probably undecipherable. Name five of hs films.

The Headlines:
--China/Euro Worries Have World Stocks Down; This After World Stocks Gain While US remembeed.
--Oils Dips To $72.
--US Missiles Kill Number al-Qaida’s Three.
--McChrystal Says Taliban Insurgents Coming From Iran.
--Israel Says Those Wanting To ban Nukes In Middle East Are Hypocrites.
--Israel Raids Convoy To Palestine; Netanyahu Cancels Obama Meet.
--Oil Problem Remains A Problem; Finger Pointing Continues.
--June Begins On Time.

Back to More Stuff:

Now with the down grading of Spain, it is becoming quite clear that all of these European models for the Obama dream are or will be crumbling socialist experiments.

Dismantle the government before it dismantles the nation.

Financial Advice ruse department:
It was reported that the five favorite companies of hedge fund managers are Apple, Bank of America, Google, Microsoft and JP Morgan/Chase. It suggested that small investors might use this list from the smartest people in the world as and investment guide. What it didn’t say is that Hedge fund managers have two months in which to make holdings public. In other words, by the time the people see them, they could easily have been sold. And as usual the folks are left holding an empty bag.

And then, there are the synonyms for the word “Hedge”! – Circumvent, dodge, duck, elude, evade, fudge, parry, put-off, sidestep and skirt. Maybe the new symbol of Wall Street should be the hedgehog.

I always thought that Gary Coleman was pretty funny. But he led a sad life after the glory years.

Is the traffic sign “SLOW Children Playing” politically incorrect?

I realize that it doesn’t bother many when over paid athletes and celebs lose all their money. But it does for some odd reason bother me. I wonder why advisors to the first time rich are so inept. It bothers me that people can be sucked into bad investments and frivolous spending. And that they can’t see all of the good they could do with new found riches, while sill living a luxurious life.

For a taxicab driver, a rainy day is fare weather.

How come the news media reports that the new Dem sponsored stimulus bill as passing largely along party lines when 14% of democrats voted against it?

And why would they think that wasting an additional $70 Billion is going to be a solution after $750 Billion gave us a steady 9.9% unemployment?

It will probably come out that Sesteck was offered the Secretary of the Navy job by Joe Biden. And Biden will get off with the plea “I didn’t know I was doing it”. (Chortle, Chortle) Actually, I plagiarized that line from Newt Gingrich. But then, I guess plagiarism is ok when Biden is involved.

Meanwhile, the Brown university women crew who can be seen laboring on the mighty Seekonk River in downtown Providence RI, continue to be on of the great sports programs in America.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter74 continues. –“Yes.” I answered quickly again. Then I hedged “Well maybe I’d say we were acquaintances out of habit.” Was I looking odd to her? When the vandalism started in Fosterville, we worked together pretty closely with sheriff. I liked his intellectual side and enjoyed discussing the case with him.” She and Michael showed now emotion. “Have you talked to him?”
“Yes,” Michael answered.
“He is hard to read,” added Josie, “But, I would call him quietly charming.” She looked up at me. “How would you classify your acquaintance?” S he didn’t smile.
‘I would say he is stonily cold when he wants to be, but in reality he is fairly pleasant. But,” I added, “When you are talking about serious matters than he is interesting all of the time.”
“How are you feeling?” Michael asked out of the blue.
I looked at him and he appeared sincere. “I get tired,, but I’m happy to be back in the swing of my business” I paused. “Although this is definitely not what I expected”. Jack laughed. I decided that I should only answer what they ask. Primarily because Siegal was sitting there, and that’s what I knew she liked best. It isn’t me though.
Josie broke in. “We realize you have a new and perhaps important future client who needs your help. And we realize that you aren’t going to tell us everything unless we pull it out of you. And we know that you probably don’t like the prospects today of baking a tinged business that looked like a winner a month ago.” I looked at jack and he was expressionless. As was I. “But, the fact is that the more we look around we think something really quite odd is going on. And one of those things is your accident Mrs. Durham. It tells us that you might have known something. That said,” she continued and now rather emphatically while looking at Siegal, “We know you will play the legal game a
D we will attempt to be fair with you. But, the more you fight us, the more this episode will start ot air out in the public.”
Josie Rivera was no pussycat, I thought.

I don’t like all of this politicization of disasters. That goes for Bush and Katrina as well as The Great Mocker and The Oil Spill. They can’t stop the disaster nor are governments designed and equipped to repair the damage. All the pointing of fingers does is give Congress ideas about how to expand an already overwhelming big brother.

It is becoming obvious that too many people in 2008 voted for credible grammar and correct pronunciation over realistic thinking. Presidents cannot deny the existence of wars. Nor can they unilaterally dismiss practical solutions to difficult problems like housing of terrorist. It is impossible for Presidents to stop natural disasters or change human emotions. Rhetoric is the killer of societies.

I’d call eating a Tim Horton’s sausage, egg and cheese on a biscuit while sitting in a car going through a car wash uncomplicated living.

Could the “Pad” be the undoing of the great Microsoft Company. Big companies disintegrate pretty quickly these days. PC leaders H-P and Dell are starting to believe that the Pad is the way of the future, and they aren’t turning to Seattle for answers. H-P bought Palm for it’s smart phone software and Dell is s proposed Pad. going to use Google’s Droid software for it.

The Answer:
Hopper just finished Alpha and Omega. His alpha was Rebel without a Cause which launched James Dean. He also played along with Dean in The Giant. He is probably best known for his breakthrough movie Easy Rider. But I always, for some strange reason, remember him for the mind boggling Blue Velvet. You may also remember Rumble Fish, Apocalypse now and Speed which launched Sandra Bullock. He received an Oscar for Hoosiers. Hopper appeared in well over 100 films, so your choices may be far from mine.

Weird End:
As I look back on yesterday I am think of launching a new campaign for the betterment of Shut-ins. TV, radio and sports teams somehow forget about big weekends there for leaving all of those with no friends or family with out their favorite company…the TV. I think that Congress should pass a law to force networks to play their best every weekend, all year long. The friendless deserve it. Humans have to speak out…”we’re cuddly like pets too!”

I’m so happy, that I’m losing my mind.

Today's Tids Issue 2,133
Opening Stuff:

A new study reveals that people in their 50’s are happier. Happier than what…a prisoner at Abu Ghraib; a guy who stole from a Mexican drug cartel; A conservative Republican in Rhode Island?

And therefore, are people well past their fifties so happy that their constant state of deliriousness’ leads to the ultimate collapse of all mental comprehension?

Eric Holden Department:
The Attorney General seems to have trouble saying Islamic Extremist. I was thinking of this as I noted how many Terrorist bomb plans have been disrupted before the fact by many countries in the Middle East and Asia. So my multiple choice question of the day is:
Did they nab the potential bombers because:
A. They were lucky.
B. They targeted people who looked like Swedes.
C. They targeted people who looked like Mexicans.
D. They targeted people who looked like Middle Eastern Islamic Extremists.

The Question:
Name Ten Female Aviation Pioneers. Many were incredibly courageous, but footnotes of history. The Tids has always sought to elevate footnotes to headlines.

The Headlines:
--Primaries In Penn, Kentucky, Arkansas and Oregon May Indicate National Mood Of Voters.
--Taliban Suicide Bomber Kills 17 In Attack On NATO Convoy.
--EU Overrules UK And Tightens Hedge Fund Rules; New Restrictions Could Bar US Hedge Fund Activities In London Markets.
--New Study Says That People In Their 50’s Are Happier.
--Home Construction Up; New Building Permits Fall Sharply.
--Pfizer Lays off 6,000, Closes 8 Plants Worldwide.
--Stocks Climb In Early Trading.

Back to More Stuff:

My use of the term gravy is largely symbolic. An Icon for sanity. Protecting those who like things that taste good as opposed to just healthy eating. You can find a healthy eating site anywhere these days. But try to find a site tempts your inner cravings for fatty diets. Without a little gravy in your life, you too could become gaunt and despondent. Untrusting. A nagging mother-in-law to sensible living. What this world needs is a little more contentment. Wallowing in the sin of eating rich gravy, fried scallops or hot butterscotch Sundays. The Tids will always fight the battle for the dietary oppressed. Once they take away your gravy, what’s next? Scary, isn’t it?

I was going to write this Tid a week or so ago. I didn’t think at the time my personal observations were enough proof of what my eyes were concluding; There has been little or no damage to the shore and wildlife as a result of the oil spill. After all, headline after headline has been proclaiming the doom of mankind. The spreading of toxicity up and down the east coast after it finished ravaging the Gulf Coast. Yet I only saw a dark spot on the map floating off shore somewhere. And close up pictures didn’t show a contiguous mass, but merely disjointed streams. So last night on the ABC Nightly News of all places they said exactly what I and many had been seeing -- no damage to beaches; just seven wildlife creatures killed; and seafood havens still thriving; no overwhelming masses of thick oil. Moral: believe your eyes and not the press.

The same could be said about press reports against the Arizona law.

Head scratcher: Why did the annoying Press Secretary Gibbs say yesterday, “The President will be following the elections, but not closely.” “But not closely.” Why shouldn’t he watch them closely? That would seem natural. It reminds me of the self proclaimed intellectuals who announce triumphantly things like “I rarely watch TV.”

24-um: --The energy just keeps on coming. --How about Logan? He folded like a cheap suit. The ultimate gutless slimball. But. what agreat actor Itson is! --Lots of nice scenarios to be solved on next weeks don’t-miss-it finale of finale’s. They are saying you will see a surprise of surprises. --But Jack can’t die, cause they need him around for a movie. --Maybe a doctor will call saying “We were just foolin’ you Jack, Renee is alive.” And Jack will shoot himself in the head due to the guilt from his revenge trip. Then he will awaken from that deep slumber after sex with Renee. After all he hadn’t had sex in eight years and was probably really, really tired. (Remember the great “Dallas” cop out.) --Will Hassam’s daughter shoot President Allison? --Will Jack Marry Chole, or will Chloe stab Jack for leading her on all of these years.

I read somewhere yesterday that people now get paid to prove things that most people innately knew 20 years ago were true.

Speaking of Government waste, the esteemed Congress of the US of A says it will only take a few “tweaks” to fix Social Security. Then I read the tweaks that were mainly centered around raising the FICA Tax in one form or another or cutting benefits to seniors. But not once did I read, “Put a giant padlock on the SS Trust Fund so Congress can’t get their hands on it”.

Congress has been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to regulate the misdeeds of Credit Card companies. How about enforcing usury laws that have been in existence pretty much since the beginning of time.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 continues. –“Well, hi there Mr. Durham. We don’t see you in here much!” Marie took a quick glance at me as she dropped menus on the table. I turned my eyes toward Paul in a soft and loving illusion. Marie seemed to relax. I didn’t. I ordered coffee. I almost said Diet Coke for Paul but he spoke up quickly and ordered Coffee and an éclair. And then chatted with Marie as though he was the happiest guy on the face of the earth.
“Do you come here often when in town?” He asked curiously, but non threatening when Marie had left. Why was I measuring ever word, every nuance.
“Often a bunch of us come down after one of our crime chaser meetings.” I answered casually.
“Ah yes, the vandalism caper.” He laughed a little.
“Hey, that turned out to be a big deal”, I protested! Then we both laughed.
“I think something is still going on.“ Now Paul got serious. “Nothing is adding up to me anymore. Especially Kent Middleton.” I didn’t show any emotion. “As I think back to my early days of proposing our solutions to BiEm, I never realized until just recently how odd…” he paused, “…well maybe odd is a bad word. Ambitious, yeah ambitious Middleton’s first requirements had been. Hey, I’m all for looking out beyond, but Kent was looking for technology that could never happen under the guidelines of legal development of embryo research.
“Maybe Ke…, Middleton is just smarter than the average researcher. Always looking several steps beyond. And you know, what’s legal today could change in a flash. It’s a new world.” He looked at me. Nodded as in “go on”. We looked deeply into BiEm before arranging the financial package. What we liked best wasn’t about where they were, but the built-in flexibility to go with ease where the winds might take them.”
“I’ll give you that, But that doesn’t change the way I see Middleton as a person now versus then.”

It is interesting how learned disciplines can interact to cause confusion. I have had a conflict ever since I took German for 7 years. And it all has to do with “ie” or “ei”. I always go by the relative clear-cut German rules which are often in opposition to the old “I before e…” In German, words that sound like “eee” are “ie and those that sound like “I” are ei.

Are umpires becoming worse at calling Balls and Strikes, or do we just have more technology now that can measure their inaccuracy? It’s the same for the instant replay in football. But think about this for a second or two. All of the technology monitors the officials. But, the players are still making human mistakes. Does that mean that in the future some people will figure out how to put chips in, for instance foot players, so that running backs will always make the perfect cut? Or maybe batters will wear video wrist bands that sow the umps error, and those arguments will be based on fact. How crappy would that be? On the other hand, maybe we should get rid of all the technical assistance in a game played by humans. Let the fans boo bad calls. And laugh inwardly when the ref makes an error in the home team’s favor.

The Answer:
Everybody knows about Amelia Earhart. But, do you know Bessie Coleman an extremely poor black southern girl who couldn’t find a teacher in the US and found a way to get to Paris for flying lessons. She became an inspiration to black men and women pilots and a very successful flying barnstormer. Neta Snook taught Amelia to fly. Also, Shiela Scott – First British person to fly round the world; Beryl Markham – 1st person to fly East to West across Atlantic; Jaqueline Cochran – 1st woman to break sound barrier; Harriet Quimby 1st women to get pilot’s license, fly across English channel. Other pioneers are Ruth Law, Katherine Stinson, Anna Low, Ruth Nichols, Elinor Smith and Florence Klingensmith. Anne Morrow Lindberg was the first womnan to get a glider’s license.

Happy Ending:
Happiness is having nothing to do that will keep you from rereading the Tids for typos. If you are a simple soul like me, it doesn’t take much.

Gravy Makes Veggies Taste Good.

Today's Tids Issue 2,132
Opening Stuff:

Well...it’s time to set the sundial.

I Love Great Achievements Department:
While the Tids was keeping an eye on the progress of the now failed Abby Sundland around the world adventure, another 16 year old girl, Jessica Watson of Australia, this weekend slid her 34 foot boat into Sidney Harbor to the cheers of a tumultuous crowd. This after 23,000 tortuous miles that included 40 foot waves and seven - count em’ – seven knockdowns. She said it was a blast! Now this very cool and incredibly courageous teen ahs but one worry…can she pass her driver’s test!

Economic theory ceases to exist when Big Government gets too big, too involved.

The Question:
The Farrelly Brothers I hear locally are planning another movie, probably once agiain with some of their home state (RI) ties. Name five Farrelly Brothers movies!

The Headlines:
--Oil Falls Below $70; Euro Falls To Four Year Low.Asian Stocks Plunging.
--Euro News Has
--Thailand “Red Shirts” Offer To talk Peace.
--BP Making Some Progress Plugging Oil Leak.
--Allawi Still Victor In Iraq After Recount; Malicki Will Probably Do Something Stupid.
--Another Violent Attack In China Has Man Cleevering 7 Women To Death.
--Celts Get Neutralize Home Court Advantage With Opening Round Upset Of Orlando.

Back to More Stuff:

So, did you read that a New York City “Gentlemen’s Club” has offered LeBron James free lap dances for life if he joins the New York Knicks. The way I see it, however, this should be a reason not to take the Knicks deal. With that kind of public knowledge out there, every time someone says “Where’s LeBron”, someone else will say smirkingly, “Don’t you know?”.

Whatever happened to pedestrians looking both ways, and waiting for cars to pass before crossing?

Tids Guy for Congress Department:
The meeting with party leaders was depressing from the opening statement. “Well Tid’s Guy, we’re happy to have you on our team!”. / “I’m really happy too. I want to put myself on the line for the good of the people.” / They looked at me quizzically, “Noble, noble” The two looked at each other. I saw a quick smile. “First,” they continued, “To do well on the East Bay we’re running you on the platform ‘Veggies For School Lunch.” / I gasped, hopefully not too audibly. “Veggies?” / “Yes” they affirmed, Veggies for kids make moms happy.” A silent pause. / “But, I’m a gravy man.” / “Not any more,” they countered immediately. / “But, gravy tastes better. It even makes veggies taste better.” I waited. But I only felt stony silence. “And gravy makes Kids happy!” I smiled in triumph. / “We don’t want happy kids. You can build a crisis with happy kids.” They both looked me in the eye. “You love veggies”. / “But that would be a lie”, I replied, now with more vigor. / Now, the duo got serious, almost sociopathic in their tone. “There are no lies in Politics. Just adjustments.”

I thought of this while watching Arlen Spector.

One thing that we know for sure is that the geologists were right. It is one great source of oil!

The tortoise and the hare Department:
You know that somebody still loves you when you find that over the winter an 85 year old, four inch neck, giant snapping turtle has decided to move in under your shed. And that a family of 3 inch long baby rabbits is living in a small hole out side the front door. And then we have the robins and sparrows building nests in the rose bushes. I feel like Uncle Remus, Zippity Doo-Da!

Or is that Doctor Doolittle?

It’s better than last year when a family of skunks moved in under the shed. And a feral cat gave birth to kittens under the deck.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 72 Continues. –After a little more discussion on Laura – I didn’t want to tell Sally what the Henry was doing – It was Paul who stood and said he had to get back to his office. He looked at Sally and said something in technology talk to which she nodded vigorously. Then he turned to me. “I have a few minutes for a cup of coffee. Want to have a quick date at Maries before I go back?”
That was a surprise. I was going to wander over into Kent’s office before I left for home. “I’d be honored,” and then I broke out into this amazing smile. And looking at Paul’s face, I think my reaction surprised him.
After thanking Sal, Paul and I walked out. I managed to turn my head towards Kent’s glass. I noticed his eyes following me down the hall. Or was he looking at Paul There was something odd about the way he appeared.
After walking through the lobby and nodding a good-bye to smiley, Paul turned to me as the door shut behind us. “Do you think that there is something odder than usual about Middleton these days?”
“You have always thought he was odd?” With that an unusual feeling washed over me. What would he ever think if I told him I had made love to that odd ball. In savored every minute every touch. He wouldn’t think Kent odd if he knew him better. Like I do. “How is he odd? I went on.
Paul told me quickly how terrified he was of Kent in their first meetings. How much it took to hold his ground against Kent’s sharp mind and impenetrable persona. That after a while he found Kent likable though still odd. But that now there was a new air of strangeness that he had never seen before.

Speaking of the collapse of economic theory, it appears that the biggest “Gimmie” crowd is no longer single moms from poor neighborhoods, but any organization that has screwed up its operations primarily through excess. And that includes Wall Street, Public Employee unions and governments of all sizes. In fact, just about every other day somebody pops up on the news asking for a bailout.

You don’t think that big Gov has the ability, if they want, to monitor “everything” you do doo? These new septic systems have monitoring systems that trigger alerts. So, you may get a call from your service saying, “We have noticed more flow into the system than usual”. How prying this that? How do you answer, and why should you feel intimidated in the first place? Do you say, “It must have been something I ate.” Where is this world going.

Speaking of overwrought technology, the haughty umpires must be seething now that the technology is proving how bad most always thought they were on balls and strikes. How much happier was a world without too much information or in your face continual communication?

The Answer: It was all inspired by the RI Legislature when they brought out Dumb and Dumber. Other big hits were There’s Something About Mary; Shallow Hal; Kingpin; Me, Myself And Irene; Fever Pitch; Stuck On You and The Heartbreak Kid. I know, you are smiling as you remember.

The End:
Well gotta go out and stare at my turtle.

Experts are a dime a dozen.

Today's Tids Issue 2,129
Opening Stuff:

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

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

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

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

Back to More Stuff:

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

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

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

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

Some days Spell-Check is dumber than a politician.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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