Today's Tids Issue 2.085
Opening Stuff:
In these days of cable news fame and character superficiality, I am reminded of a quote from Cary Grant: “Let them see you and not the suit.”
One of the new oft cited modern day culture terms that is really starting to bother me is “Reality Star”.
TheQuestion:
Newport RI is so steeped in Irish tradition and heritage that St Patrick’s Day celebrations there take a full month! But, it is not one of the ten most Irish cities in the country. What are they?
The Headlines:
--24,000 HSBC Swiss Accounts Stolen; Could Expose International Customers To Tax Violation Prosecution.
--49 US Governors Agree On Education Standards For Math And English; Action Could Preempt Federal Mandating Or Ownership Of Local Education..
--House Dems Say They Are Close To HC Bill.
--New Richest Man In the World Is Mexico’s Telecom Tycoon Carlos Slim.
--Societal Woes: NJ Man Accused Of Raping, Beating Five Daughters.
--Some Economic Analysts Starting To Wonder If US Is On Same Downward Path As Greece.
--Foreclosure Rate Increase Smallest In 4 years.
Back to More Stuff:
Eric Massa is now looking like poster child for the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” controversy.
What percentage of the world’s countries would cease to exist without foreign aid and organizations like the IMF? Think about how many countries are basically welfare states primarily dependent on the largess of the big guys who probably need their geographic location for something.
Africa doesn’t have a chance. Unless China or India buys it some day.
Looking for Cold Cash Department:
Iceland is a step away from being foreclosed upon unless they can negotiate something with the British and Dutch banks holding a huge percentage (Like 70%) of the cold nation’s debt. The people are outraged because it will cost each of them tens of thousands of Krona. Basically, the leaders of the small country were sucked into investment banking bonanzas that ere highly risky. In fact, the risky investing became so pervasive in the Iceland banks and government that the country transformed form a country into a “Hedge Fund”. Now, the big bill is a problem for mom and popcycle. Looking back, it appears to have been a scam of major proportions. But, all of that money went somewhere as it did in the Madoff affair. The repayment solution may lie in an investigation and persecution of the perpetrators.
Tomorrow I’ll tell you about Daniel Moi scams. (Moi is one of those African despots who made personally about $12 Billion at the expense of his country Kenya)
American Idol Update: Well the men went at it last night and tey looked a little better. I have to say that Big Mike, who I hadn't enjoyed much in earlier shows, was outstanding last night. Others who looked safe to me were Casey, Aaron and Lee. I didn't think that Tim or Todrick were as good as the gushing judges thought they were. In fact I would say Urban should be one to go except for the cuteness factor (Young girls opinion, not mine). Todrick's Queen piece just didn't get there. Alex looked stiff and Andy looked most vulnerable. I think Hall and Garcia go.
The report about Pelosi’s declaration of the Dems being close to agreement on Health Care contained this phrase: “After days of ‘Secretive Meetings’, key Democrats are close…” Isn’t “Secretive Meetings” what got this “plan” off on the wrong foot in the first place”. I’m still all for using existing criminal laws to prosecute fraud, common sense to eliminate waste, and some teeth to regulate some of the well publicized activities like denying for pre-existing conditions before we pass GotchaZilla. I’m particularly concerned that in this current rush by cities and states to ban tasty foods that gravy bans maybe become part of this giant Federal HC meatball.
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 59 continues. -- I was having dinner alone one night about 3 months ago in a little country inn about ten miles south of Fosterville. I was just enjoying myself after a day of frustrating progress on our research project. Isabelle Phillips our CEO, who I liked and respected, had this crazy plan where she decided to hire another Phd like myself to create duel projects, hoping competition would get her to a marketable product faster. Or at least get her to a point where she could build a case for outside financing. She hired this guy Bromsky, who I immediately disliked. But, in the back of my mind something said to me that I might be able to take advantage of his huge ego. And arrogance.
Just about the time the waitress came over to check on my needs, Bromsky himself walked in followed by a youngish, good looking but sullen woman. I continued to eat, but noticed that the woman seemed bored with Bromsky, and in fact seemed to be taking an interest in me. We played eye games and after a while I decided, why not. I got up and went over to the table. I noticed her eyes followed me there. Bromsky was so into his ego that he didn’t notice.
Just as he put a fork full of green beans in his mouth I said (in what would be considered jovial for me) “Seymore!”,. He looked over, finished eschewing, wiped his mouth and replied, “Kent, what are you doing here”. Now that is a stupid question, I thought. He looked at me for a second or two, recovered and said “Oh, this is my little niece Laura.’ I could tell she hated that. I turned and held out my hand which she grasped in a way that sent shivers down my spine.
The Toyota defense could be one of the most important new legal tools for prison lawyers. One man serving time in NJ for manslaughter has already filed an appeal based on the “Car made me do it” Defense. And then you have to look at the new rash of complaints as perhaps attempts to climb aboard the Toyota acceleration suit express. You just know that lawyers across the fruited plains are pinching themselves wondering if the acceleration problem is a dream. There’s an old maxim that says when people think something may happen they look for ways to make it happen.
And, of course, there is the fact that the US Government and Labor Unions own GM and Chrysler and that anything bad that happens to Toyota is good for them. But, Congress would never do anything that wasn’t above reproach. Would they.
Don’t be surprised by the action of Israel announcing the expansion of West Bank development. Even at the 0-Man/BiBi sit down following their first meeting last year, it was fairly obvious that Netanyahu wasn’t buying what Obama selling. Under Ben’s leadership Israel will always do what Israel wants to do as opposed to bowing to the desires of their biggest financier..
The Answer:
Milton Massachusetts is number one followed by Pearl River NY, Braintree Ma, Collingdale Pa, Marshfield Ma, Scituate Ma, Gloucester City NJ, Drexel Park Pa, Pembroke Ma and Weymouth Ma. Newport is not only not on this list, it isn’t even number one in RI. Narragansett takes the honors there. But don’t tell that to the Newport Irish. Oh, if you are wondering where Sarah Palin gets all of her Blarney. Wasilla Alaska is the most Irish in that state. Check out your state:
http://www.epodunk.com/top10/irish/
Final Thought:
Maybe I’m biased, but it warms the cockles of my heart watching Irish enjoy each other’s company at the St. Pat’s Day parade. Add in a couple of bagpipes, and it is as good as it gets.
Layng quietly in fields
Glstening lights
Showing posts with label toyota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toyota. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Never laugh at a beginner skier.
Today's Tids Issue 2,057
Opening Stuff:
One of the great things about riding a ski lift, other than wonderful solitude, is the opportunity to watch people taking care of people. I love watching the Moms and Dads teaching the smallest of children. Or, big sisters and brothers patiently, yes patiently, teaching their younger siblings. Or husbands teaching wives and wives teaching husbands. Girlfriends teaching boyfriends and vice-versa. Guys teaching their pals. And gals teaching theirs. The slopes is a place where people care. It always puts a smile on my face as I ride to the top.
Remember as you walk thought life that all con men are likable.
The Question:
Today’s is the anniversary of another day in US history that will “live in infamy”…the ratification of the Amendment that gave us the Income Tax. Name the year and the number of the Amendment. Name the amendments that followed the Bill of Rights up to the 2Oth.
The Headlines:
--Bomber Kills Three Children And Three US Troops In Pakistan.
--AIG Able To Pay Out $100 Million In Bonuses Because Of Taxpayer Support; Most Are Contractual.
--Mr. Bi-Partisan Ridicules Republicans At Latest Presidential Campaign Stop; Prez Expected To Play Kissy Face With Senate Republicans Today.
--GOP Kirk And Dem Giannoulis Win Illinois Primary Setting Up Battle For Obama Senate Seat; Kirk Way Ahead In Polls; Governor Primary Results In Dispute.
--More Americans Have Trouble Making Hard Choice Between Paying Down Credit Card Debt And making Mortgage Payment.
--Europe Remains Skeptical About Iran Nuke Plans.
--Toyota Hit By 100 Complaints About Prius Brakes.
--Stocks Slide As Growth of Services Industries Fall Short.
More Stuff:
Is the media’s infatuation with issues like gays in military and having ten instead of five films nominated for the Oscar an indicator of their inability to understand and discuss intelligently the complexities of some of the most serious issues in the history of the world? Or is it just that the reading public wants it light all of the time.
I love stories like that of Abby Sunderlund. In case you missed it, she is the 16 year old girl who has set out to sail around the world non-stop, single handed. She came up with a technical problem and will be sailing into to Cabo for repairs. But since she has not yet crossed the equator, legally she can call Cabo her start and end place and still qualify under the non-stop rules. Next to The Tids, following Abby on http://soloround.blogspot.com can be almost as exciting!
Cholesterol pill users are a lot like four-wheel drive car owners. Both groups think they don’t have to do anything different to help themselves.
One of the great little art museums in the country is the Richard M. Hunt designed Newport Art Museum in RI. For 83 years now, they have added to the fulfillment of members with a winter lecture series that is as versatile as it is venerable. This week after last weeks trip inside Mayan writing, a speaker Maury Klein will look into the “myth” of the Robber Barons”. This is quite the topical subject as it grew out of the 1930’s and the great depression. Just as today people are looking at Wall Street for goats, the pained people of that time sought to blame the captains of industry who created the world’s largest industrial economic force. It could be enlightening. Maybe those guys at Goldman Sachs aren’t so bad after all. Maybe Clueless Lane really does do something other than make my retirement portfolio decline.
Consumer Reports is now reporting what some of my friends have been saying for months – coffee sucks! In a new study of 37 blends and 13 decafs, no coffee made it to “Excellent” or “Very Good”. The best any coffee could do was a third place level of “Good”. Those best were Starbucks House Blend and Green Mountain Signature Nantucket Blend. The decaf high scorers, also at the third level “Good”, were Allegro organic, Peet’s, Caribou Daybreak and Bucks County. So, the good news is that it isn’t because your taste buds are getting old. The beans are.
Headline of the Week Department:
A headline in the Newspaper Food section highlighting cuisine for the new China year said “The Year of the Tiger Starts off with a Bang!”. Oops!
While we are into the vagaries of headlines and reporting, check out this gap between headlines and what really is happening. A business story about the year of XM/Serius Radio is headed by “Stock Price up 600%” and “Moody’s Upgrades Bond Rating”. Run don’t walk to your nearest broker, right? Wrong. The 600% increase was from 13 cents/share to 93 cents/share. This means that after a year the stock is still under $1.00 meaning that it could be delisted by NASDAQ and the shares would be worthless. The Moody’s rating was up to “Junk Bond” status. Look both ways before you run.
The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 53. –I took a deep, pleasant breath and slowly exhaled after I hung up from Kent. He was telling me something important and all I was hearing was those pleasant tones that soothe coming from a heart and a mind that I love. Kent. Kent. Why did you come into my life? My life that was totally perfect. My life that could be unbelievably perfect again. With Paul and of course my Jax and my Jill. Why is true love so strong? Why does my heart ache now with lovely pain? Can I lead two lives for the rest of life? Am I strong enough to make a decision? Why am I stuck in this hospital bed with barely any voice and no strength, and so much to do? I pressed the buzzer fro my nurse as I tried to see what if anything I could do about what Kent was telling me about BiEm. The nurse came within seconds. I love her, I thought. I gave her a huge smile which is about all I can give anybody now. “You called”, she said jokingly. I gestured for her to bend in closely. “Call Jack Wiley for me. I have to talk to him. Do you think I can talk?” “Honey”, she said gesturing wildly, I believe you can do anything you want to do”. I wondered.
More Stuff:
The smartest person in the room is always the person in the room who talks the least. I got by using the mute button for years.
And...that brings us to “Prime Time”. Can you say Las Vegas?
One reader worries about the recent Fed’s statement “We’re not finished with Toyota yet.”. He can only wonder if the US Government and Labor Union ownership of the two failed American companies is driving this action with the net result being a weaker largest competitor of US government companies. You have to figure that the Detroit big labor groups have always harbored a little hatred in their hearts fro Toyota who by building plants in non union states helped drive down wages in general. There is also a rumor out of the Midwest that Honda is next in the sights of our federal protectors. Honda was the first Japanese company to build in America.
The Answer:
These “Q’s” are getting a little heavy. We’ll be back to superficial tomorrow. The Income Tax amendment was number 16. and it happened 96 years ago. Eleven was “Immunity of Sates from suits by outsiders; Twelve Revised Prez election process; Thirteen nixed Slavery; Fourteen was about post Civil war citizenship deals; Fifteen prohibited denial of suffrage by race, color or servitude; Seventeen was direct election of senators; Eighteen said no more drinky-poos; Nineteen said woman could vote; Twenty set term commencement for Congress and Prez; 21 repealed eighteen; 22 set two term limit for Presidents.
The End:
No matter how slight, there is nothing more pleasant than blanket of white cleaning the landscape in the morning.
Opening Stuff:
One of the great things about riding a ski lift, other than wonderful solitude, is the opportunity to watch people taking care of people. I love watching the Moms and Dads teaching the smallest of children. Or, big sisters and brothers patiently, yes patiently, teaching their younger siblings. Or husbands teaching wives and wives teaching husbands. Girlfriends teaching boyfriends and vice-versa. Guys teaching their pals. And gals teaching theirs. The slopes is a place where people care. It always puts a smile on my face as I ride to the top.
Remember as you walk thought life that all con men are likable.
The Question:
Today’s is the anniversary of another day in US history that will “live in infamy”…the ratification of the Amendment that gave us the Income Tax. Name the year and the number of the Amendment. Name the amendments that followed the Bill of Rights up to the 2Oth.
The Headlines:
--Bomber Kills Three Children And Three US Troops In Pakistan.
--AIG Able To Pay Out $100 Million In Bonuses Because Of Taxpayer Support; Most Are Contractual.
--Mr. Bi-Partisan Ridicules Republicans At Latest Presidential Campaign Stop; Prez Expected To Play Kissy Face With Senate Republicans Today.
--GOP Kirk And Dem Giannoulis Win Illinois Primary Setting Up Battle For Obama Senate Seat; Kirk Way Ahead In Polls; Governor Primary Results In Dispute.
--More Americans Have Trouble Making Hard Choice Between Paying Down Credit Card Debt And making Mortgage Payment.
--Europe Remains Skeptical About Iran Nuke Plans.
--Toyota Hit By 100 Complaints About Prius Brakes.
--Stocks Slide As Growth of Services Industries Fall Short.
More Stuff:
Is the media’s infatuation with issues like gays in military and having ten instead of five films nominated for the Oscar an indicator of their inability to understand and discuss intelligently the complexities of some of the most serious issues in the history of the world? Or is it just that the reading public wants it light all of the time.
I love stories like that of Abby Sunderlund. In case you missed it, she is the 16 year old girl who has set out to sail around the world non-stop, single handed. She came up with a technical problem and will be sailing into to Cabo for repairs. But since she has not yet crossed the equator, legally she can call Cabo her start and end place and still qualify under the non-stop rules. Next to The Tids, following Abby on http://soloround.blogspot.com can be almost as exciting!
Cholesterol pill users are a lot like four-wheel drive car owners. Both groups think they don’t have to do anything different to help themselves.
One of the great little art museums in the country is the Richard M. Hunt designed Newport Art Museum in RI. For 83 years now, they have added to the fulfillment of members with a winter lecture series that is as versatile as it is venerable. This week after last weeks trip inside Mayan writing, a speaker Maury Klein will look into the “myth” of the Robber Barons”. This is quite the topical subject as it grew out of the 1930’s and the great depression. Just as today people are looking at Wall Street for goats, the pained people of that time sought to blame the captains of industry who created the world’s largest industrial economic force. It could be enlightening. Maybe those guys at Goldman Sachs aren’t so bad after all. Maybe Clueless Lane really does do something other than make my retirement portfolio decline.
Consumer Reports is now reporting what some of my friends have been saying for months – coffee sucks! In a new study of 37 blends and 13 decafs, no coffee made it to “Excellent” or “Very Good”. The best any coffee could do was a third place level of “Good”. Those best were Starbucks House Blend and Green Mountain Signature Nantucket Blend. The decaf high scorers, also at the third level “Good”, were Allegro organic, Peet’s, Caribou Daybreak and Bucks County. So, the good news is that it isn’t because your taste buds are getting old. The beans are.
Headline of the Week Department:
A headline in the Newspaper Food section highlighting cuisine for the new China year said “The Year of the Tiger Starts off with a Bang!”. Oops!
While we are into the vagaries of headlines and reporting, check out this gap between headlines and what really is happening. A business story about the year of XM/Serius Radio is headed by “Stock Price up 600%” and “Moody’s Upgrades Bond Rating”. Run don’t walk to your nearest broker, right? Wrong. The 600% increase was from 13 cents/share to 93 cents/share. This means that after a year the stock is still under $1.00 meaning that it could be delisted by NASDAQ and the shares would be worthless. The Moody’s rating was up to “Junk Bond” status. Look both ways before you run.
The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 53. –I took a deep, pleasant breath and slowly exhaled after I hung up from Kent. He was telling me something important and all I was hearing was those pleasant tones that soothe coming from a heart and a mind that I love. Kent. Kent. Why did you come into my life? My life that was totally perfect. My life that could be unbelievably perfect again. With Paul and of course my Jax and my Jill. Why is true love so strong? Why does my heart ache now with lovely pain? Can I lead two lives for the rest of life? Am I strong enough to make a decision? Why am I stuck in this hospital bed with barely any voice and no strength, and so much to do? I pressed the buzzer fro my nurse as I tried to see what if anything I could do about what Kent was telling me about BiEm. The nurse came within seconds. I love her, I thought. I gave her a huge smile which is about all I can give anybody now. “You called”, she said jokingly. I gestured for her to bend in closely. “Call Jack Wiley for me. I have to talk to him. Do you think I can talk?” “Honey”, she said gesturing wildly, I believe you can do anything you want to do”. I wondered.
More Stuff:
The smartest person in the room is always the person in the room who talks the least. I got by using the mute button for years.
And...that brings us to “Prime Time”. Can you say Las Vegas?
One reader worries about the recent Fed’s statement “We’re not finished with Toyota yet.”. He can only wonder if the US Government and Labor Union ownership of the two failed American companies is driving this action with the net result being a weaker largest competitor of US government companies. You have to figure that the Detroit big labor groups have always harbored a little hatred in their hearts fro Toyota who by building plants in non union states helped drive down wages in general. There is also a rumor out of the Midwest that Honda is next in the sights of our federal protectors. Honda was the first Japanese company to build in America.
The Answer:
These “Q’s” are getting a little heavy. We’ll be back to superficial tomorrow. The Income Tax amendment was number 16. and it happened 96 years ago. Eleven was “Immunity of Sates from suits by outsiders; Twelve Revised Prez election process; Thirteen nixed Slavery; Fourteen was about post Civil war citizenship deals; Fifteen prohibited denial of suffrage by race, color or servitude; Seventeen was direct election of senators; Eighteen said no more drinky-poos; Nineteen said woman could vote; Twenty set term commencement for Congress and Prez; 21 repealed eighteen; 22 set two term limit for Presidents.
The End:
No matter how slight, there is nothing more pleasant than blanket of white cleaning the landscape in the morning.
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