Stan Modic: A perfect Friend.

Today's Tids Issue 2,339
Opening Stuff:

One of the great contributors to the Business Press and US Manufacturing in general passed away yesterday morning at 9:27 AM. His name was Stan Modic. Most Americans have surely never heard of him and the nightly news media probably won't do a piece about him. But they should. He was all about America's greatness, and the leading people in American manufacturing industries, from Ford to Fred's Machine Shop, read him religiously. He didn't take kindly to the stupid, the lazy and the self satisfied. Inefficiency, complacency and waste. He warned of China years before warning about China became chic. He urged technical and cultural change within companies so they could meet a changing future. He was a no nonsense editor who gained the profound trust of all his readers. He was a tough Editor-in-Chief, but those demands, high standards and inspiration drove each editor who worked for him to achieve their own greatness. And best of all, Stan was a good guy. A true friend. Even when he was scowling.

The government keeps on telling us there is no inflation. Yet people are throwing up at the checkout when seeing grocery bills, and many are getting to a point where they can't afford the gas to get to work. And to make matters worse, Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary in her White House garden is promoting organic veggies which are several times more expensive than regular produce. You can't have as a national domestic policy "Wish Upon a Star" and you certainly can't have a KumBaya foreign policy.

The Questions:
While the vast majority of Americans drive Fords, Chevy's, Carollas and F-150 pick-ups, they all have aspirations of someday owning the very best. In a new JD Powers survey, Americans picked what they view as the best. Name the top five.

The Headlines:

--Stan Modic, 74, Dies Peacefully With Family At Home.
--No Surprise: San Frans 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals Says Nay To The Arizona Law That Would Make It Easier To Catch Lawbreakers Sneakiing Into US; Next Step Supreme Court.--Lower Than Expected Alcoa Revenues Have Stock Futures Lower.
--White House Warns Of Debt Armageddon If US Debt Limit Isn't Raised; Prez Says His Senate Vote Against Similar Bush Request Was Ideological.
--Japan Ups Nuke Crisis Severity To Match Chernobyl.
--Obama Budget Proposal Favors Tax Increases Over Getting To Crux Of Problem With Spending Cuts.
--FBI Releases Lgendary Hottel Memo That Says Aliens Landed In New Mexico,

Back To More Stuff:
In truth, everybody somewhere in their inner self understands the importance and value of advertising. Yet few dare to admit it.

One of the good readers of this daily hodge-podge had in his youth been a speech writer for the Senator and Presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey. He tells me that the Veep was a great guy, and probably would have been considered a moderate today even though he was described in the 40's and 50's as an "Anti-communist Liberal" and a "Leading Progressive.". In fact, when he became VP, his liberal followers felt let down by their trusty Happy Warrior who among other things had paved the way for Civil Rights more than any other man. In fact, humorist Tom Leher wrote a ditty, "Whatever happened to Hubert? Has anyone heard a thing? Once he shone on his own and now he sits at home and waits for the phone to ring. Once a fiery Liberal spirit, but now when he speaks he must clear it..." It was more a derision of the vacuum of the office rather than the character of the man.

Actually, when you think about the vacuous VP Office is perfect for Joe Biden.


I got several good tips from my mention of the "i before e" rule yesterday. One great reader gave us this list of exceptions to "i before e" which don't necessarily conform to "as in neighbor or weigh" addendum: Beige, Feint, Feisty, Foreign, Forfeit, Heifer, Height, Heir, Heist, Reign, Rein, Seismometer, Their, Vein.

No matter what you achieve in your lifetime, there comes that time when you will accomplish the most that a human can accomplish, a void in someone's lives.

The big scary statistic for the week seems to be a new discovery that says people who sit at there desk all day at work are more apt to have heart attacks. I can see it now. People suing not to sit at desks.

No wonder the celebs are so eager to support liberal causes giving away government money. So many of them "forget" to pay taxes. The latest are the Osbournes are the latest owing $1.7 Million in back taxes. No steak, no sweat.

There is no truth to the rumor that in order to increase the take on income taxes, Harry Reid is proposing a law that would ban tax accountants. Not true...although you have to believe that somebody like Maxine Waters may have thought of it.

Have you noticed how state legislatures are rushing to make laws that would enable easier access to marijuana. And that at the same time are creating intimidating dictates that would basically criminalize drinking a can of soda pop.

Almost Near: Chapter 15 continues.  --"Here's what I know." Monty then proceeded to tell Tucker about his interveiws with neighbors who said for the most part the Quimpierres seemed quite normal, like other families on the block. "But, many neighbors said that the children didn't look happy. In fact some of them said the kids at times appeared scared. And Martha, or whatever her name is, lost some of that upbeat enthusiasm she always had at the beginning of the marriage."
Tucker stopped writing and looked up. "Tell me about Rudy."
"Ah, now Rudy is an interesting player in this drama. If there is a drama?" He smiled a Tucker. "Rudy was a loner for the most part. He had a decent job in his father's salvage business. His father was a well known bastard, the kind of crusty geezer who scared kids and pit bulls equally. And I have the feeling he was hard on Rudy. But, it is Rudy's early teen years that are most revealing. While there aren't any records for that underage kid, I personally remember that he was the subject of school investigations into alleged sexual advances towards young girls in his class. More than one," Monty added as he clenched his teeth.
Tucker dropped the pencil on the desk front.

Probably the toughest little springtime chore is trying to scrape off the old Newport parking sticker to replace with new one.

For those who frequently eat out, keeping one's waistline and clogged arteries under control is a considerable challenge. But there are a few simple tips that may help. Most have to do with igredients and preparation. A Cobbs salad with mayonnaise dressing will kill, while a switch to a balsamic based dressing dramatically reduces bad stuff. Always looked for grilled meats and avoid fried. Go for a bowl of fruit instead of tiramisu. And then there's gravy. Hmmmm. Hey, eating out should be fun. Forget what I said.

The Answer: 
Volkswagon topped the list of cars that Americans thing are the best! next was Audi followed Acura, BMW and Lexus. For your information, last year Porsche was the dream car.

The End:
Today, I'm going out to take some new pictures for my todaystids.blogspot.com site. The pictures up there now are of what maybe some of the most historic places in the US. And, they are all in Newport RI -- The first Quaker Meeting House, the home where the Great French General Rochambeau lived for two years prior to the successful surrender at Yorktown, the church the man himself George Washington worshiped on trips here and where Queen Elizabeth came to proclaim one of her Episcople favorites, the sun over the Newport Harbor that grew rich from the "Triangular Trade".

Stan Modic may have been the Godfather of this Tid's daily view of the world and the people in it. He was the ultimate curmudgeon, and I try to emulate him every day.

(Ed Note: The continuation of the premiere Internet serial novel wll be published in later additions of the Tids)

The Easy Way Out Country.

Today's Tids 4/11 (#2,338)
Opening Stuff

Saturday and, in particular, Sunday was the kind of TV days that keeps you thin. With no comercials and with more great shot making every five or so seconds, you dare not run to the kitchen for Cheetos. What a great Masters. With five or six good guys you could root for all showing superb guts under pressuring, really pressuring, circumstances. And maybe most revealing was Tiger making a charge and the others not folding as they may have in the past. McElroy looked cool until... But he will be back. The Masters is always great to me, but this one was one of the very best in many years.

Raising taxes is no more the solution to a governmental economic disaster than raising prices by an embattled sales manager is a solution to flagging sales. Few really attack problems any more. They just mask them.

When I feel the need for lilting travel within my imagination to wonderful places where nobody has ever been, I put on R. Strauss's Eine Alpensifone, close my eyes and drift into surreal serenity. Have I told you that before? Well...if I did, it must be true.

Anybody out there who momentarily thinks that the U.S. of A. has any chance of regrasping its former world stature and inspiring greatness, I have one word for you -- Snooki!

There are few certainties in life, but here's one you can take to the bank. I will never visit, or even be tempted to visit, the just dedicated "Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate".

The Question: 
 What do Hugh Hefner, Dennis Quaid, Sevie Ballestaros, Cynthia Nixon and Keshia Knight Pulliam have in common? Q2: Who said, "You can't produce a baby in nine months by getting 9 women poignant."?

The Headlines:
--New 7+ Quake rattles The Spirits Of A Fighting Japan.
--Steady Earnings Should Raise Stocks.
--Libyan Rebels Protest The Arrival Of African Leaders to Broker Cease Fire; Rebels Say Daffy Out Or Nothing.
--Tablet Sales Expected To Rise from 17.6 Mil in 2010 To 70 Mil In 2011 And 108 Mil In 2012; Apple's 69% Share Should Decline To 47% In 2015 While Google's Droid Will Increase To 39% From A Current 20%
--France Bans Face Covering Islamic Veil.
--Over heated Texas battling Wildfires.
--San Franciscans Worried About Tech Bubble 2.0.

Back to More Stuff:
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras seems to fully understand the importance of, and has an uncanny ability to implement, balance in government. He has the feel of the first Hispanic President.

Some Wall Street analysts say that after a review of the all the facts, that AIG Execs only guilty of stupidity. Say what? If a mechanic did something stupid to a car resulting in death, it would be called gross negligence and he would be in jail. Aren't these guys paid like geniuses? Do too many of them use their genius to manipulate ethics, morality and legality? How about if financial execs who are determined to be "guilty of stupidity" giving back their bonuses for the past four years. Main Street investors should get more than stupidity. What has the Tids always said -- "Clueless Lane".

I don't know about you, but I'd much rather have corn in my food than in my gas.

Oops! The old movie critic department forgot a good movie Friday. Soul Surfer. This is the true story movie starring Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton. It is about the 15 year old, very religious super Hawaiian surfer who had her arm ripped off by a shark. Through courage and faith Bethany overcomes the loss and becomes a champion again. It is a wonderfully entertaining and inspiring movie that, according to our favorite San Diego observer, is perfect for the entire family.

Serious non-politicized economic analysts viewed Paul Ryan's budget proposal as exactly the kind of measure needed as a "first" step to get the embattled country back out of the jaws of the menacing deficit monsters. And at that, a measure that may seem harsh would still take thirty years to right the ship. before anything can be accomplished however, American must try to figure out once again what it really is and what it wants to be. Is the second coming of America about redistributed wealth to the point that the government becomes the America, or will it be the America of hope, freedom and unlimited opportunity with out the festering shackles of growing socialism. America has become a whining child and the citizens have to become parents who say no.

Almost near: Chapter 15 continues: --Tucker was surprised to meet Monty Jackson. he had expected a Jumbo Jim, but got a Monty Jackson in a crisp tweed sport jacket and very contemporary tie. With, an educated voice. "Nice to meet you Mr. Louttite" he said with a firm handshake.
"My pleasure too, detective." Tucker pulled a chair closer to the desk.
"So, the desk sergeant says you are here about the Quimpierre case. not much of a case, except that it's odd. Maye you have something that can inject substance into it." he sat back figuring that Tucker must have something to offer, or why wold he be here."
"I don't have much, or else I wouldn't be here." Monty smiled. "Let me start at the beginning. I was going to be married to Mrs, Quimpierre about 17 years ago." He went into the story starting with how he had seen her two weeks ago and that it was obvious she had been traumatized and that something grave must have induced it. "I'm no psychologist, but it was easy to see she was not who she was. That something very serious must have occurred to block her memory so thoroughly. In fact, she didn't know who she was. She though she was somebody I had made up. She wasn;t depressed, but actually quite happy witrh herself. Until, I fear that she discovered my writings."
Now that is an odd story. Sounds like a writer made it up". He laughed and Tucker joined him. But this is very interesting, because I too believe something serious happened even though there absolutely no evidence that anything at all happened. The only thing we know is that a family is missing. Your story tells me a lot."

Tom Brady and Albert Poulhos seem to rely on the same driving force to spur on their greatness. Both snubbed in the drafts, they seem to wake up every game day with one goal in mind: Showing the snubbers where to stuff it. But these two "Look at me now" guys seem to be divergent in how they spend their money. Poulhos and his Family Foundation are intensely involved in helping the have-nots like handicapped children and the extreme poor in depressed third world countries. As far as I can see, Brady seems to living in the make believe world of Hollywood Let's hope he is doing something else.

0-Man, the ultimate politician, has already announced the start of his new campaign. So I have to feel that anything he says from now till voting day will be designed to contribute to a victory and not necessarily to the betterment of the country. He is already entering the gutless phase of his presidency just as Congress did last September when they punted on the budget vote.

The Answer:
The celebs Hefner, Nixon, Pullium, Quaid and Ballestaros all have the same birthday. I know, dumb Q. Q2: These word were uttered by Warren Buffet when trying to emphasize that there few shortcuts to financial success. At least honest ones.

The End:
If Congress only had the guts of Schwartzel, Scott, Day, Ogilvy or Donald think about how easy it might be to get out from under the cloud that is smothering America.

I see a lot of publicity lately about academics re-investigating slavery. What they should be spending time with is a system of welfare that further binds many descendents of slaves to the new plantation owners -- Congress and their supporters.

A country of hope and freedom and unfettered opportunity must rely on the successful to voluntarily contribute to the needs of the struggling. Or else, socialism will always have an avenue for growth.

And in closing, where does veil fit in to the "i before e, except after c" thing?

Politics suck.

Today's Tids Issue 2,337
Opening Stuff:

The responsibility for the budget in question was that of the all democratic Congress and President in power before the November elections. The previous Congress failed to perform its basic Constitutional duty and now they are demogoguing the current Congress's effort to make up for their failure. Do you think perhaps that the previous congress didn't propose their big spending, deficit busting budget because the tea leaves said America is tired of irresponsible spending and Government waste. So they were cowards and now we are faced with a dysfunctional government.

While observing all of this unrest in the Middle East including Afghan suicide bombings, I remember thinking while watching the movie Blackhawk Down that it wold be next to impossible to really win in this new kind of war.

Daily Question: Who were the stars of the original Arthur?

Today's Headlines:
--Prez, Congress Continue The Shutdown Shuffle.
--500,000 Japan Homes Powerless After Latest 7+ Quake.
--Wall Street Quietly Awaits New Earnings Reports.
--In Response To Killing Five Rebels, NATO Says "We Didn't Know They Had Tanks.", Stay Tuned For New TV Series "Abbott And Costello Wage War."
--New Data From Demographer Says That True Gays Represent 1.7% Of Population; 1.8% Are Bisexual; 8.3 % Have Experienced Same Sex Relations.
--Trump Continues To Hammer Away At Obama Birth Credentials.
--US Crude Over $112.
--EU Says Portugal Needs About $114 Billion.

Sorry Gabbie, Department:
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) said in a speech Wednesday at the National Mall that "Republicans are in Washington to kill women." God help us.

American Idol: Wow!. Hey dudes, Pia was good entertainment every week. I had her in the final two with James. What a surprise. But, the real crime here is that no man has been eliminated. It's down to two girls and 6 men. I have enjoyed this year's show more than many, but I'm not liking the balance. What it is saying to me is that more woman than men are voting and that the country-western vote is huge. This may be the reason we have had so many lackluster # 1's the past few years. We live unfortunately in David Archuletta world.

It's a bout this cupcake fad... First, cupcakes were always that treat where I would take off the bottom cake and just eat the top cake with the icing. Now that would be a waste considering that these beauties cost on average a whopping $4.00 apiece. Lets see, you can get a good whoopie pie for about a buck, a twinkie for about 25 cents, a Tasty-Cake for about a half a buck. So what are you getting for this enormous price? Decoration. Of course the real reason I'll stay clear of these expensive fattening morsels is that I don't want to make Michelle Obama mad! I'm doing it for my country.

Brown and Walker observed that there is a new App for relaxing tired eyes called "A Site for Sore Eyes."

I rediscovered last night why I haven't watched CBS News in quite a while. In a report about the shutdown, they had reporters stationed in front of four different "heartstring" locations saying: "Republicans are going to take a way your______!" It was horrific that a news media cold be so blatantly biased.

Why the Education really is in trouble department:
In a report about how budget paring is diminishing some athletic programs in schools at all levels and interviewee "student" said, "Sports is the reason most people go to school"! You think that maybe the ED people have undereducated the masses. The sports is the frosting. It's tough to face the challenge of the bottom half of a cupcake, but it is very rewarding when you eat your way to the top.

Almost Near: Chapter 15. --Tucker ambled into the police station which was crowded with drunks and assorted redneck characters you might find in the wilds of a small southern area. He fought his way through the rowdy crowd, who actually seemed comfortable in the station house. "Relatives of yours I said to the desk Sargeant." He didn't laugh, probably taking offense with my Yankee accent.
"Youall not startin' on the right foot boy."
"I'm sorry officer. I thought the boys, he nodded behind him, looked like they'd been here often, so I tried a little humor. Bad right?"
"Real bad, but maybe I don't get yankee humor." Wadda ya want?"
"I need to talk to the detective or officer who may have been involved in the disappearance of the Quimpierre family. Do you remember that?"
"What ya need that for. you some kind of writer like that Capote feller."
"No. I know Rudy's wife. Sound's like Quimpierre was a bad one."
''Ah didn't say anythin' about Rudy." Hang on.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
There seems to be a plethora of watchable movies this week.
--One that isn't is "Your Highness" which hits a new low on the crassness scale. Don't go. It will probably be the big Box Office hit of the week.
--Hanna looks excellent to me. It stars Saoirse Ronan as Hanna, a cute, blond, blue-eyed, demure, 16 year old killing machine. That got my attention. She lives with dad, ex CIA agent Eric Bana in a rustic cabin below the Arctic circle. He teaches her the art of killing well. She goes after a veteran operative and charmingly ruthless Cate Blanchett, who just happens to have a vested interest in keeping Hanna alive. It all works with very good acting. On my list.
--The hidden gem winner this week is Win Win. Starring the wonderful Paul Giamatti as a lawyer who devises a can't fail scheme to keep the income flowing. The government pays him as guardian to care for a dementia ridden older woman. he has deposited in a care facility and lives in her house. All is well until a drug addled, 16 yo. grandson of the woman shows up. The comfortable life in his house of cards becomes more and more complex. The director handles this comedy drama very well. It's on my list.
--Arthur is the big promo film of the week, but I have a couple of built in Biases on this one. I didn't like the original Arthur, and I find the star Russell Brand annoying. Couple that with a less than enticing trailer and I'm probably out. In checking critics around the country, it is getting 1 1/2 to 4 stars. Beware. Most I have read (Which are several) are saying it isn't as endearing as the original.

Don't you RI'ers think that the Union owned State legislature has gotten a bit cavalier lately. More dismissive of the people than usual. Less interested in business. You think it's because they installed their own puppet -- 37% Chafee-Lite. Sounds like Skim Milk doesn't it.

Quiz Answer: Dudley Moore was Arthur and the rest were Lisa Minelli, John Gielgud, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Jill Eikenberry (Susan now played by Jennifer Garner.)

Do you know who is really, really happy about the government shutdown? Government employees who will enjoy their paid vacation.

There is speculation that the next big window of opportunity for Wall Street will be the Shutdown -- when the SEC watchdogs aren't functioning. That's comforting, isn't it?

Politics suck.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,337

Opening Stuff:

The responsibility for the budget in question was that of the all democratic Congress and President in power before the November elections. The previous Congress failed to perform its basic Constitutional duty and now they are demogoguing the current Congress's effort to make up for their failure. Do you think perhaps that the previous congress didn't propose their big spending, deficit busting budget because the tea leaves said America is tired of irresponsible spending and Government waste. So they were cowards and now we are faced with a dysfunctional government.

While observing all of this unrest in the Middle East including Afghan suicide bombings, I remember thinking while watching the movie Blackhawk Down that it wold be next to impossible to really win in this new kind of war.

The Question: 
Who were the stars of the original Arthur?

The Headlines:
--Prez, Congress Continue The Shutdown Shuffle.
--500,000 Japan Homes Powerless After Latest 7+ Quake.
--Wall Street Quietly Awaits New Earnings Reports.
--In Response To Killing Five Rebels, NATO Says "We Didn't Know They Had Tanks.", Stay Tuned For New TV Series "Abbott And Costello Wage War."
--New Data From Demographer Says That True Gays Represent 1.7% Of Population; 1.8% Are Bisexual; 8.3 % Have Experienced Same Sex Relations.
--Trump Continues To Hammer Away At Obama Birth Credentials.
--US Crude Over $112.
--EU Says Portugal Needs About $114 Billion.

Back to More Stuff:
Sorry Gabbie, Department:
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) said in a speech Wednesday at the National Mall that "Republicans are in Washington to kill women." God help us.

American Idol: Wow!. Hey dudes, Pia was good entertainment every week. I had her in the final two with James. What a surprise. But, the real crime here is that no man has been eliminated. It's down to two girls and 6 men. I have enjoyed this year's show more than many, but I'm not liking the balance. What it is saying to me is that more woman than men are voting and that the country-western vote is huge. This may be the reason we have had so many lackluster # 1's the past few years. We live unfortunately in David Archuletta world.

It's a bout this cupcake fad... First, cupcakes were always that treat where I would take off the bottom cake and just eat the top cake with the icing. Now that would be a waste considering that these beauties cost on average a whopping $4.00 apiece. Lets see, you can get a good whoopie pie for about a buck, a twinkie for about 25 cents, a Tasty-Cake for about a half a buck. So what are you getting for this enormous price? Decoration. Of course the real reason I'll stay clear of these expensive fattening morsels is that I don't want to make Michelle Obama mad! I'm doing it for my country.

Brown and Walker observed that there is a new App for relaxing tired eyes called "A Site for Sore Eyes."

I rediscovered last night why I haven't watched CBS News in quite a while. In a report about the shutdown, they had reporters stationed in front of four different "heartstring" locations saying: "Republicans are going to take a way your______!" It was horrific that a news media cold be so blatantly biased.
 
Why the Education really is in trouble department:
In a report about how budget paring is diminishing some athletic programs in schools at all levels and interviewee "student" said, "Sports is the reason most people go to school"! You think that maybe the ED people have undereducated the masses. The sports is the frosting. It's tough to face the challenge of the bottom half of a cupcake, but it is very rewarding when you eat your way to the top.

Almost Near: Chapter 15. --Tucker ambled into the police station which was crowded with drunks and assorted redneck characters you might find in the wilds of a small southern area. He fought his way through the rowdy crowd, who actually seemed comfortable in the station house. "Relatives of yours I said to the desk Sargeant." He didn't laugh, probably taking offense with my Yankee accent.
"Youall not startin' on the right foot boy."
"I'm sorry officer. I thought the boys, he nodded behind him, looked like they'd been here often, so I tried a little humor. Bad right?"
"Real bad, but maybe I don't get yankee humor." Wadda ya want?"
"I need to talk to the detective or officer who may have been involved in the disappearance of the Quimpierre family. Do you remember that?"
"What ya need that for. you some kind of writer like that Capote feller."
"No. I know Rudy's wife. Sound's like Quimpierre was a bad one."
''Ah didn't say anythin' about Rudy." Hang on.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
There seems to be a plethora of watchable movies this week.
--One that isn't is "Your Highness" which hits a new low on the crassness scale. Don't go. It will probably be the big Box Office hit of the week.
--Hanna looks excellent to me. It stars Saoirse Ronan as Hanna, a cute, blond, blue-eyed, demure, 16 year old killing machine. That got my attention. She lives with dad, ex CIA agent Eric Bana in a rustic cabin below the Arctic circle. He teaches her the art of killing well. She goes after a veteran operative and charmingly ruthless Cate Blanchett, who just happens to have a vested interest in keeping Hanna alive. It all works with very good acting. On my list.
--The hidden gem winner this week is Win Win. Starring the wonderful Paul Giamatti as a lawyer who devises a can't fail scheme to keep the income flowing. The government pays him as guardian to care for a dementia ridden older woman. he has deposited in a care facility and lives in her house. All is well until a drug addled, 16 yo. grandson of the woman shows up. The comfortable life in his house of cards becomes more and more complex. The director handles this comedy drama very well. It's on my list.
--Arthur is the big promo film of the week, but I have a couple of built in Biases on this one. I didn't like the original Arthur, and I find the star Russell Brand annoying. Couple that with a less than enticing trailer and I'm probably out. In checking critics around the country, it is getting 1 1/2 to 4 stars. Beware. Most I have read (Which are several) are saying it isn't as endearing as the original.

Don't you RI'ers think that the Union owned State legislature has gotten a bit cavalier lately. More dismissive of the people than usual. Less interested in business. You think it's because they installed their own puppet -- 37% Chafee-Lite. Sounds like Skim Milk doesn't it.

The Answer: 
Dudley Moore was Arthur and the rest were Lisa Minelli, John Gielgud, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Jill Eikenberry (Susan now played by Jennifer Garner.)

Do you know who is really, really happy about the government shutdown? Government employees who will enjoy their paid vacation.

There is speculation that the next big window of opportunity for Wall Street will be the Shutdown -- when the SEC watchdogs aren't functioning. That's comforting, isn't it?


Enjoy a no-government weekend.

Some people are never happy even when it's free.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,335

Opening Stuff:

I guess people don't dream as much any more because they just pull out their long suffering credit card and buy a plane ticket

The Libyan spokesman for the Rebels says they are disappointed by the UN help. You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but never all of the people all of the time.

The Question:
What was the name of Dagwood's father? In what town do Blonde and Dagwood live? Bonus: Andre Previn was nominated for 13 Oscars. How many did he win and what were they?

The Headlines:

--US Prepares For Shutdown; Sides Far Apart.
--al-Qaida Is Smelling Blood As Yemen Crisis Deepens.
--Dish Network Acquiring Blockbuster With $228 Mil Bid At Auction.
--Ozone Layer Loses During The Winter.
--Japan Stops Seepage Form Nukes; Now Building Safeguards To Stop, Suppress Explosions.
--Government Decision To Allow Construction Of Massive Nationwide Broadband Network Using Airwaves Next To Those Used For GPS Could Interfere With All Navigation Systems.
--Wall Street Betting That Earnings Will Grow And M&A Will Flourish Has Markets On Upward Track.
--Jamestown Golf Club Hails The First Foursome Of The Year; the Mighty Four Posts A Record Team Total Of 223.

Back to More Stuff:

Obama's budget speech yesterday afternoon was fraught with contradictions...just like any of the other politicians he was ridiculing.

Forget the Mayan calendar. People paying outrageous sums of good money to watch Charlie Sheen do nothing is a sure sign that the end is near.

Have you ever seen so much movie publicity as there has been about naming the cast for the upcoming Three Stooges film. Maybe Sheen would fit right in there.

I see where Bristol Palin made $262,000 about teen pregnancy prevention. Better than going to college. I hear that now men's groups are organizing to sue for equal opportunity. Stay tuned.

Almost Near: Chapter 14 continues: --Samantha talked to Dante as she walked to her car and started the drive downtown to the police station. "Dante! Thanks for calling. I juts spent about a half hour with a woman here in Dalesford who was the neighbor of my parents. It was hard to pay attention to her, but in the end she gave me the name of a detective who could be helpful."
"Can I talk now?" Dante started laughing. "Hey, I think I came up with something too. I was at court when I bumped into an old classmate -- remember Lloyd Cameron?" I don't remember anybody Samantha thought to herself.
"Oh yeah, wasn't he the goofy guy with the black rimmed glasses in the chemistry club?"
"Not even close, he was the curly headed guy on the baseball tema who could pitch like hell." Samantha interjected saying she did remember so he would get to the point. "Well, he is second in command at the police department now, so I asked if he knew anything about the Wilcox family. At first he squinted, then paused. Finally he said 'Why do you ask'?"
"That sounds like something did go on before they moved so quickly."
"He wouldn't talk in the lobby of the courthouses saying he had a meeting. I think there is more to it than that. I'll be seeing after work."
"Maybe we'll both have more juicy stuff by then! Look forward to your report!" Samantha felt good. Kind of. She still didn't really know who she was, or better why she wasn't her anymore.

The Providence Journal has been using this "Truth Meter" idea since the weeks prior to the last elections. The object is noble trying to examine the veracity of political statements and claims. Of course, I worry about built-in bias from a newspaper that told us the best candidates for the two hottest offices were Linc Chafee for Gov and David Cicillini for Congress.

The Answer:
Dagwood originally was the playboy son of billionaire railroad tycoon J. Bolling Bumstead. (Dagwood was so inept as a playboy, that once he got lost in his mansion and had to join a sightseeing tour to find the front door.) With the depression though, a comic strip about a millionaire neer-do-well and a happy go lucky flapper (Blondie) didn't fit the national mood of anguish, so the strip had them married and becoming the ultimate loving family living in Farmville. Bonus: Andre Previn as first nw as a jazz pianist. But his love was classical composition. Along the way he had thirteen Oscar nominations and won four -- for Gigi, Porgy and Bess, Irma la Douce and My fair Lady.

The End:
Have you noticed that the people who get something for nothing are the ones who complain the most?

It doesn't appear that experience in business counts as much as being able to rapidly adapt to new technology. It is probably why middle aged people have more trouble finding better jobs.

As the life expectancy average keeps on rising, I might be approaching middle age again.

It can't happen to me.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,334
Opening Stuff

I always look askance at somebody who says "Just lighten up". What they are usually saying is lower your standards and get in the sewer with me.

Judging by the number of cars on the road, I'd have to say that people are still in denial about rising gas prices.

The smart person is invariably beaten out by the person who works harder.

The Question:
Never get smug, because your fall could be eminent! Within a data base of 700 U.S. industries, 200 are in decline...and ten are on the verge of extinction here (Either by going out of business or moving off-shore).

The Headlines:

--UConn Rewards Smug New England Lunkheads With Third NCAA Title; Butler Played Hard and Often Well, Left Shooting Shoes At Home.
--Red Sox Bring NE'ers Back Down To Earth.
--Wall Street Flat; M&A Deal Activity Offsets China Rate Increase, Re-weighting Of Apple Stock And Slower March Growth For Services Sector.
--Bombardment Pushes Libyan Rebels Back; US Air Force Spending $4 Mil/ Day Enforcing No Fly Zone.
--Boehner To Visit Prez.
--Middle East Riots Continue.
--P&G To Sell Pringles To Diamond Foods; Tids Food Group Misses Out On Bid.

Back to More Stuff:
Researchers reported yesterday that a poll about opinions of FaceBook found that 85% of women say that they have been annoyed by postings of friends. The most common annoyances are bragging about accomplishments and "perfect" lives, Constant complaining and whining and sneaking in political views. How about telling tales that were supposed to be secret? Personally, I see no need for facebook at all. I'll just annoy you with Tids instead.

Love has a chance of surviving if: 1. Each are genuinely interested in others day-to-day dreams, goals, likes, dislikes, achievements. et.al. 2. You ask each other open ended questions prompting for more info and details. 3. You show signs of affection like smiling, laughing, touching, holding hands.

The rumor on the street is that the leading contender for the Katie CBS job is Scott Pelley. If you think that CBS borders on socialism now, it would be out and out communist manifesto with Pelley in charge.

Almost Near: Chapter 14 continues. --Barbara told Samantha she was asked if she had noticed any suspicious activity ever at the Wilcox household. She remembered that the Detective had implied that the department had had the couple under watch. "I don't why I felt that," she hedged, "But, it was just the way he talked." She smiled as if proud of herself. "I told him that I thought they looked like regular people, especial Mr. Wilcox. He seemed friendly, but really didn't socialize much. His wife was very pretty but almost looked fragile."
"That's a big help," said Samantha standing and reaching for the buisness card. "Mind if I take this? Or, I can just write down his name and number. By the way, where is the police department?"
Barbara gave Samantha directions and the card. "I'll never need this." They shook hands and Barbara looked sad to see Samantha leave. "Joey, do you want to go to the Supermarket with me. I'll buy you some Cheetos." The door slammed and Smantha's phone started ringing. She looked down. It was Dante. She smiled.

I had been reading the Projo on-line off and on for the past month or so. What a pleasant surprise yesterday when I once again held the real thing in my hands. All of the stories right there in big headlines before me on one supersized page. I found tons of small items that I never found on-line. Excuse me for momentary ludite-ism. but some technology just isn't better no matter how much the purveyors captivate the lemmings. Save the newspapers!

The Health Care Industry accounts for 1/5 of the US economy. It is growing at an impossible rate because the of the pile of gold sitting there fueled by Government plans and "Insurance". Part of the growth is due to out and out waste, a phenomina which invariably occurs when the money supply appears endless and unrestrictive. The US HC business in particualr invests in very expenseve new technology, much of which has been proven to have contributed marginal results at best. Legislaors could attack big money programs like Medicare, for instance, successfully if the opposition could resist extreme condemnations like "Murdering old people."

The Answer:
Advances in technology, industry stagnation and external competition have put once too big to fail US industries on death watch. In addition, regulations and high labor costs force the strugglers to move off-shore and cut prices and valuable R&D expenditures. It is a spiraling downward cycle. The next to go are Wired telecommunication carriers, Record/book stores, Photofinishing, Video Postproduction, Newspapers, DVD/Video Rentals, Fromalwear and Costume rental, Textile mills, Apparel manufacturing, Manufactured home dealers. me I'm going to buy several Bose CD players so my CD collection will live on no matter what happens.

The End:
It costs more to house one person in a hospital for a month or two than it would to build a small factory or two.

One of the things I learned as far back as college that stuck with me about business was that you should always be on alert for things that could fail or obsolete your products. How many businesses are on the sidelines today because smug executives said, "Nobody will ever pass us."

The Bottled Water syndrome.

Today's Tids Issue #2,333
Opening Stuff:

Meal of the week: Blackened shrimp, hush puppies and the best crab stew you ever ate at a redneck bar by the side of a Georgia road...And the Red Sox game on TV! Talk about Southern hospitality!

The Repubs are dead if they can't come up with a better 2012 strategy than hoping that unemployment stays high.

How do you expect an America that spends about $30 Billion per year on bottled water to get excited about Congressional extravagance that is tossing the economy into a black hole with no bottom? Everybody thinks that their irrational spending habits are responsible.

I'd say that after two final Two's in a row, we have to stop over looking Butler. Calling them a "Cinderella". And stop being surprised when the so-called mid majors knock off the so-called giants. Tonight, I'm picking UConn because I'm provincial new England lunkhead.

The Question:
The Interstate Highway numbers actually have a meaning. What do the prefixes to interstate numbers like 2, 3, 4 mean? Why are some interstate numbers low and others high?

The Headlines:

--Flash: House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan Releases Republican 2012 Budget Which Would Cut $ Trillion (With A Capital "T") Over Ten years; Would Alter Medicare And Medicaid; Dems Will Scream You Are Murdering Old People.
--Notre Dame Women Upset UConn Machine.
--Prez Officially Declares candidacy For 2012.
--Desperation Mounts In Japan As Radiation Leak Still Elusive.
--Blago Asks Judge To Turn Over FBI/Obama Interview Notes.
--Katie To resign From CBS News Post.
--Southwest Finds Cracks In thre More Planes.

Back to More Stuff:
The use of this word "Extreme" is a bit...well...extreme. It has become more of a common slur than anything meaningful. The Dems love to label the Tea Party as extreme, but to me they look like a bunch of regular people fed up with stupidity, deceit and general all around lying. I am actually proud of what I am, which is a person who believes that society runs better if adhered to the Ten Commandments. You know, no murdering, no lying, no stealing. That governments and people in general shouldn't spend what they can't afford. That the strangling of of America's future with debt interest higher than almost of the world economies put together is bad for everybody including people on the freebie train. Stuff like that. Call me extreme and I'll say thanks.

I saw an air conditioning repair truck with the sign on the side saying: "586-0007: Licensed to Chill".

Well at least we know that Michelle Obama isn't Marie Antoinette! Michelle says "Take away their cake"!

Almost Near: Chapter 14 Continues. --It didn't take long for Samantha to learn very little. The woman, Barbara Hersch, was pleasant. She basically iterated what she told Samantha to lure her into Barbara's lonely kitchen. But, Samantha smiled and prodded hoping that there might be something tucked away in her lonely mind. Samantha finally rose and reached over to shake Barbara's hand and say thanks. Barbara came arond the table, and they passed through the living room where the teen lay zoned in front of a computer game, Barbara said, "How stupid of me. Wait here." She turned and ran up stairs.
With seconds she was back down slightly out of breath, but with a big smile on her face. "Here. This is the card of the detective who interviewed me about your missing relative."
Samantha took it and sat on the steps. "So, do you remember what he asked, what you said.?"

Have you noticed that most companies now say: "Look for us on FaceBook." Why? Isn't that like, Redundant. Most of those who say that to me I don't know anyhow so I wouldn't know who to look for unless I had a gigantic list of people/companies who said that in my pocket. What was wrong with "see us at www..."? Do you sometimes get the impression that most new big money growth companies are just supplanting other big money growth companies with superficial window dressing?

I'm really impressed with seeing eye dogs. I saw one in a restaurant the other day and was taken by its restraint. I know that if I were a seeing eye dog laying under a restaurant table I'd be a problem. "Sniff. Sniff-sniff. Sniff, sniff,sniff. Ehhh, ehhh, ehhh (That's heavy breathing.) Is that gravy? I hope, I hope, I hope. Chicken? Beef? Merlot sage reduction? Maybe he'll drop something. Maybe if i just raise my head fast and nudge his hand...."

I was riding up in a hotel elevator and noticed the guy taking up most of the cab with one of those luggage caddies hotels provide. On it he had a large wheelie suit case and a complete "Desktop Computer". I said, "most people just bring a lap top." He looked at me and said "I hate laptops". Of course I laughed at his little joke only to find he wasn't kidding at all. He started explaining the problems with a lap top and I knew he was serious. I wanted to say, "Then an IPad must be totally out of the question", but I decided, you never know who may shoot you these days. Do you know how hard it is to suppress a good laugh.

Basically, the only thing many of these Congress people know about budgeting is that saying "They're going to kill your children" is a good strategy.

The Answer:
All main Interstates have one or two digit numbers. Odd numbers run north to south and even numbers east to west. The lowest north south numbers start in west (i.e. I-5 in Cal) and the lowest east west numbers start in south (i.e. I-10 in Fl). Circumferential routes off main interstates are 3 number routes with an even prefix of 2, 4, or 6. (These change if there are multiple cities in one state with circumferntial roads (i.e. 295, 495, 695). Spurs off these circumventing roads wild use odd prefixes like 195, 395. Get it? Travel made easy.

The End:
If there is a gov shutdown, it is the result of the Dems wimping out from their congressional responsibility during the months before the last elections. That is the only reason we have a problem today.

Today is the anniversary of MLK Jr.'s assassination, Many groups (Read that union organized protests) appear to be poised to use this solemn occasion to protest State and Local governments getting their financial house in order. I don't seem to remember that King's dream for America was about sendign the country into financial ruin.