Beware of vegetarian politicians.

Today's Tids Issue #2,395
(Written 7/26)
Opening Stuff

The word out of Washington is that they are bringing in Jerry Springer to mediate the dysfunctional debt meetings.

Let's see...Moody's says it is ready to downgrade the US credit rating. This is the same austere group who gave sub-prime loan packages triple AAA ratings that eventually led to the worst crumbling of America since the 1930's.

The heat wave always breaks one day after you finally succumb to buying an air conditioner. Actually, where I live it never got too bad and certainly not even close to what they had in the Midwest and parts of the East. But people complained anyhow, probably because they were conditioned to do so by the media.

The Question:
Who was Marjories Lord? Who is her famous actress daughter?

The Headlines:

--NFL Back In Business.
--The Prez And Boehner Make Opposing Speeches.
--Norway Killer Says There Are Other Cells Like Him.
--World Community Leaning To allowing Daffy To Stay In Country If He Steps Down.
--Huntsman Building Team To Go Head To Head With Mittster In NH.
--Monster And Other Big Employment Site Adviing Unemployed Not to Apply.

Overpriced Department:
Just what everybody needs, an $80.00 hot dog. Yup, you can get it at the Brocton Rox Stadium (The Mass. member of the Canadian Baseball League). A 1/2 pound dog is deep fried and rolled in truffle oil, then sprinkled with porcini dust, white truffle shavings and creme fraiche...and finally topped with roe and caviar! How precious is that. How disgusting to the palate of a gravy boy. And the wallet of a cheapskate.

I played golf yesterday with three guys I didn't know, one of whom prayed before the god "Vegan". When he saw my stash of Oreo's, he tried to get me to eat his fruit while adding in-your-face sanctimonious hints about healthy living. But I kept my cool. Then, I noticed something -- he took at least one stroke off his actual score for six holes in a row. I asked one of the others what kind of guy Lenny was. He answered, "He's a stickler for the rules." Going to church does not make you a Christian. I'd rather be fat and honest. Or maybe fruit just rots your brain.

Apparently the Dem lawmakers are upset with Harry Reid's blind support of Obama at a point in this never ending, no-hope-in-sight debate where they really want independent leadership. Meanwhile, Chuckie Schumer continues to be pictured standing behind anybody available in every News clip. How does he do it?

Here's an example of how the media colors the news. In a crowd photo of the Norway mourners this morning, the center of the picture featured, even highlighted, one perfect smiling black boy. This in a country that is predominately white, with only 3% people of color. What are they trying to prove?

You know something serious is going on in Washington when it was learned yesterday that 0-Man had cancelled not one, but two Fundraisers. Nobody in DC ever cancels fundraisers.

There are a lot of promising TV show plots that don't quite make it for me because too much attention is focused on making the stars attractive or sexy for publicity. Prime Suspect appears to be headed in that direction with the only resemblance to the great British show being the name.

"Go Figure" Department:
At a time when more and more heterosexual couples are living happily together unmarried, the gay community is running to the altar.

Almost Near: Chapter 31. --Just as there car pulled out to follow who they though was Florance Quimpierre, Tucker's phone rang. He looked down and saw Samantha's name. It said Samantha Quimpierre. He looked over at Audrey, now seriously following her prey, and let the phone ring. "Who was it? Samantha? You should talk to her." Audrey was talking professionally, not taking her eyes off the car a couple of hundred yards ahead. "It could be important. After all, it's because of her that we are in this swamp. I think you're too emotional for this job." This time she did turn and smile at a confused Tucker.
He looked down and saw "Missed Call" that quickly morphed into "Voice Mail". He pressed the button and put the phone to his ear. His face ashen-ed as he heard Samantha's plea. "I think I'd better call her back."
"Don't worry I'll still love you!" Again, a soft smile.
"Hi Samantha. What's the problem?" He listened as she told him about the waitress and the picture from the New Castle yearbook. "New Castle?" he was now nodding into the phone. "You say you never heard of this Dante and have never been to New Castle. Of course you haven't," he said in a soothing tone." Tucker sat back and just listened while she talked. His face reddened a bit. He looked over at Audrey "Of course I miss you. I'll be home in two days." he nodded some more and smiled into the phone. All of a sudden the car became deadly silent.
"She sounds bad. but..." the car came to a screeching halt, and then quickly swerved into a side road. "What the hell happened?"

The Answer:
Marjorie Lord became a household name as Danny Thomas's wife in the late fifties-early sixties TV series Make Room For Daddy. Marjorie married actor John Archer and they produced the very successful Anne Archer. Hollywood is not unlike state and local governments -- nepotistic!

Let's see...Michelle O has a vegetable garden. Hmmm. maybe we should check The "O's" golf score.

Why don't people like "Happy" any more!

Today's Tids  Issue #2,397
(Written 7/27)
Opening Stuff:



They say the President finally used the Veto word yesterday. I think they are wrong. I think he has been using it all along as in the context of..."If you don't do what I'm askin' I'm sendin' Vito to break your legs!". Wadda country.

"Circus Smirkus" is worth the price of admission.

How many people going into a fast food restaurant do you think read the calorie content of meals they order? How many do you think know exactly what a calorie does?

The Question:
Three Quickies! 1. What is fibula? 2. What does Mahatma Gandhi and Genghis Khan have in common? 3. Name one of the early achievements of Romans. Bonus! What was the name of Bigs Bunny's debut movie?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Open Down For Third Day In Row; Markets Expected To meander Until Government Figures It Out.
--There is No Hole in Dunkin's Stock Debut; Share Prices Of New Offering Soar To $44.
--President At a Loss; Congress Befuddled.
--Putin Close To Running For President Of Russia.
--Syrian Troops Still Killing Citizens; 8 Is Latest Death Total.
--Congress Preparing To Investigate Credit Rating Executives.
--Kandahar Mayor Killed By Suicide Bomber.
--Walter Reed Hospital To Close After 102 Years Of Serving Soldiers.
--Olympic Silver Medalist, Skier Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, Commits Suicide.
--Winehouse songs Move Up On Charts After Death.

A meal that cuts french fries in half and substitutes apple slices for dessert is not "Happy". It's MMMMMM --Meals My Mother Made Me Munch -- all over again.

America's Got Talent Department:
First, Mauricio Herrera sucked, looking more like a Gong Show loser. And, the three little kids were cute but not as good as some first and second grade end of year talent recitals I've seen throughout the years. But, how do you "X" cuteness? The rope skippers were energetic -- and good, but an act that could wear out its welcome. Seth Grebel's escape act was professional and he could move on. The band Poplyfe captured my interest, but I found my mind wandering. Maybe YoYo man Ian Johnson could join up with the Summer Skippers...again good but limited. I am not a big fan of the Rat Pack songbook, but I have to admit, the kid Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. did the crooners proud. I can't watch Captain and maybelle and I hope they lose. Period. I'm not interested in cheerleaders Becquerel cleavage is not talent. Monet is another of those cases where you wnat to "X" but the heart breaking story says know. Professor Splash is a hold your breath act, but...common. It's one and done. Lys Agnes is brilliant and the most talented of the bunch. The final four from this group should be Agnes, Murphy, Grabel and...and...Poplyfe or Monet.

Netflix is one of my hero company's because they are so efficient. But their streaming while cool, actually sucks unless you love loser movies and old TV programs. Now, the mighty Wal-Mart rears one of it's serpent's heads with fresh to DVD streaming movies. And. that could be a huge problem for Netflix future. Netflix should have a better price (If they can get fesh to DVD movies) because while Wal-Mart says their movies range from a $1 to $4.99, I suspect the new ones are in the higher price range. The best part... another big business war in the world of paradigm change. I love watching the movements.

I just saw a bunch of people dancing the "Charleston" and it is a totally happy event compared to many of today's dances.

I think we're living in an "In your face" world. "These are my morals, my life style, my ethics...and you'd better get used to it -- or else!"

I just want to get back to unlocked doors and open minds.

Almost Near: chapter 31 continues. --"Jesus! What happened!"
"Her car slowed, and I thought she started turn. I wanted to get out of the way." Audrey put the car in Park and turned to Tucker. "How is your long lost former fiance?"
"Not good. I would say very bad. But, she mentioned something about a picture of a girl form the New Castle High School Yearbook being shown on TV, and Thelma -- she's a grouchy waitress at the little cafe in Lobster cove..."
"God, everything is so quaint up your way. Go on."
"Thanks for the comment. It's really helpful. Samantha is from New Castle and so am I. And I bet that picture was probably of her. And here's the bad part. She told me she didn't recognize the girl."
"That does sound bad. Uh-oh. She's pulled the car out of the driveway and is continuing down the road again. Maybe she saw us, or got worried about about all of a sudden being followed on road that nobody travels; Right after two strangers show up at her house. Maybe she's smarter than I think. Get out a map. Where could she go on this road? We are going to have to guess at her options, or she will never lead us to where we think she should lead us." Audrey now frowned as she put the car in reverse while Tucker looked at the map.
Before Tucker could speak, Audrey suggested that he should call an airline and arrange a trip back to his friends side. "She needs you." There was a genuine kindness in Audrey's voice.
Tucker looked at her. He heard it too. Now he felt torn.

The unintended consequences of the liberalized "Illegal" immigrant laws that allows kids to become citizens with freebies is what 0-Man recently stated as part of self-serving speech, "...The heartbreak of families split up by deportation..." How about this -- Deport the entire family! No heartbreak. Or how about the cost of all the freebies that's draining the National Wallet. There is nothing good about "Illegal" immigration, especially the condoning of lawbreaking. And it all gets worse when Pols try to fix it.

The Answer:
1. A fibula is a small lie. 2. Gandhi and Khan both have strange names. 3. The Roman's first major achievement was learning to speak Latin. Bonus: Bugs made his debut in "Wild Hare" in 1941.

Better sell all you stocks. One of the major contributors to the Dot Com irrational exuberance era was the over expansion of Krispy Kreme and the out of controls stock price. Dunkin Donuts went public today in a big way. A sweet sign. Or a stale economy emerging.

Are you happy yet?

If you were paying for this, you'd be short changed today.

Today's Tids  Issue #2,393
Written 7/28/2011
Opening Stuff:


In a Nutshell Department:
A reader sends a terrific cartoon that say's all about the mess we are in. (Picture)Two news reporters at a desk. The first says "Today both Republicans and Democrats moved closer to raising the debt ceiling to solve America's financial problems." The second reporter says, "In other news, blood alcohol levels will be raised to solve...".

Obama man and US "Jobs Czar", Jeff Imeldt his moving the headquarters of his General Electric X-Ray division to China. He says no jobs will be lost in the US, but also adds that all of the new high tech (higher paying) jobs will be in China. So the question is why would a big Obama supporter take jobs away from America? Could it be that it's because the X-Ray plant jobs are now in Wisconsin. And that the Union Prez is doing this to get back at the Wisconsin Repubs for screwing with the collective bargaining? Nah. Politics isn't like that. tis is the kinder gentler President.

The Question: 
What common drink increases the power of aspirin and other pain killers?

The Headlines:

--House Vote On GOP Bill Could Be Key Step Towards Resolution.
--Market Fades As Concern Over Debt Vote Escalates.
--Better Jobs Repiort Brings A Little Tittilation To Wall Street Hearst.
--US Slams Iran For Secret deal With al-Qaida.
--Professor Splash Surprises At AGT.

One thing we know, is that the Tea Party can count, can add. And their numbers which almost anybody with a half a brain will agree with tell us that we need to do something big to start a downward trend on this debt thing. The thing the Tea Party doesn't get is that they can take a little now to get a lot later. Stop the spending.

If a deaf person goes to court, is it still called a hearing?

Being right and getting things done are too different things. Believe me I want what the Tea Party wants. but at times these enthusiastic, concerned people let being right get inthe way of constructive judgement. I reminds me of the woman who said she was Right, after being hit by a car in an intersection. Not looking both ways before entering an intersection even if you are entirely right, is not always the best course of action.

It's either S or V. That is in the Debit mess either ending in Resolution or Revolution.

The tongue is the only muscle in the body that is only attached at one end? Maybe that's why we don't understand politicians.

I was at a place today where you couldn't hear a thing. Incredible silence amidst towering pines and in marshes caressed by wild flowers. It was totally amazing. I'd never seen anything like it. Oh, occasionally you'd hear the lonely crack of a golf ball blasting from a club face. And then a another more distant crack as it careened through the towering pines. And finally a saaawoop as it gets sucked into the marsh.


The swine flu vaccine in 1976 caused more death and illness than the disease it was supposed to cure.

The Answer:
Barrista's are also doctors of a sort, as they dispense the coffee that enhancs the action of pain killers.

Aren't you glad you don't pay for this mess anyhow?

The best thing for everybody, whether or not they know it, is a cessation of spending

It's The VJ month...whether you like it or not.

Today's Tids Issue #2,400
(Written 8/1, 2011)

Opening Stuff:

Wow, it's August already! The month with no Holidays, unless of course you live in RI where despite numerous attempts by the "kinder and gentler" to eradicate memories and shoot down a momentous day in US History, the people here still celebrate VJ Day! Oh, they've tried to disguise it with a various succession of new names, but enough publicity remains to get the word out. Happy VJ day everybody!! After that, most of August is waiting for the end of Summer and the beginning of beautiful Fall! And of course Back-to-School sales.

"One Day More". It's still the biggest headline for today, even as 0-Man announces an agreement. It must clear the two houses. "One day more" today is not unlike these selected lyrics from Les Miz: "One day more! / Another day, another destiny... / One more day before the storm... /Tomorrow we'll discover / What God in heaven has in store / One more dawn / One more day / One day more." And the there is the optimistic, Tea Party side of the One Day More: "One day to a new beginning / Raise the flag of freedom high / There's a new world for the winning / There's a new world to be won." But, in the aftermath of hope, if you remember the scene, come the scavengers crawling though the sewers taking the gold teeth form the mouths of the brave, "Watch them run amok, catch them as they fall, never know your luck when there's a free for all." Which way will it fall? Has it all been disguised to fool us all?

Some people have dyed their hair so much, they have to hire a genealogist to find the historic roots!

The Question:
According to PGA statistical rankings, who is the best all around golfer on the PGA tour? Quickie Bonus: What are you doing when you are doffing?

The Headlines:

--Prez Announces Agreement That would Save Two Trillion And Establish Select Panal To Determine New Path To Fiscal Sanity.
--Boener Says republicans Got It Done With No Tax Increase.
--World Markets Out Front With Uptick After Positive US Debt news; US Futures Look Good.
--Giant British HSBC Bank To Cut 30,000 Jobs Worldwide.
--World Factories Barely Move In June; Europe Stalls, China Slows.
Syria Citizens Bombarded For Two days Over Weekend, )ne Eve Of Ramadan, 80 Dead In Hama.
--Extremists Groups Use FaceBook To Find Recruiter.
--New Micro Distillery Law In NC Has One Entrepreneur Producing Legal Moonshine.

The bicycle rider found that the seaside road was good for coasting.

There are just too many people out there wanting to help me through my life. Like the latest recommendation form Fortune Magazine -- Stepchild of nanny-state fostering Time Inc: "Get a retirement Coach!" Here's some retirement coaching for you -- Stop hiring all of these coaches and assorted facilitators so your retirement money will last until you die. And, that advice is free to you. Medicare will not pay for advice from the Tids. It's too practical.

I think my favorite All-Time Tennis players are Evonne Goolagong and Ken Rosewall.

And then, I have to believe that the media left loved the emergence of an excuse like Anders Breivik upon which they could rale against the "Right", just as they did when they targeted Palin as the reason behind the Gabby disaster.

The next big culturally popular way for young upwardly mobiles and their fawners to lose their minds will be with the advent of chic "Moonshine". I can see the wheels turning in the minds of Booze marketers after reading about the new Shine operation in North Carolina. "Moonshine overT Manhattan."

Put a fence around the Middle East. Now that the Prez has Detroit making better mileage cars, we don't need them anyhow. The new State Department report underscoring new levels of violence in Iraq, just reminds us that there is probably no possible solution to the turmoil anywhere in the region. Two many factions with too little restraint seems to assure instability as the rule in the ancient sand hills and alleys there. Maybe that's why Militant Dictators have been the most successful rulers in the mire we call the Middle East.

I have met some amazing Middle Easterners. Brilliant, warm, humorous and peaceful. The problem there isn't the individual. it's the groups that individuals gravitate to.

The battling reports about cancer from cell phones continues. The latest is a report based on an extensive study that says there is absolutely no chance of cancer form cell phones. Have you notice that reports warning of cell phone induced cancer always are couched with the phrase "Might be" while the reports refuting them always use the phrase, "Absolutely no."

Almost Near Chapter 31 continues. --"Actually, I'm just going to stroll up that way to see what I can see. I think two people would be too obvious." She turned to walk but stopped. "You know I'm beginning to think you are perfect. Maybe you've noticed. But, don't get a swelled head." Tucker just sat there with a dumb look on his face. He never knew how to respond to words and looks like that.
Audrey continued. "This is a tender moment. -- No, not between you and me!" She laughed an smiled. "I've been thinking about this a lot while we drove. These kids may be severely traumatized, based on what you believe may have happened to your girl friend. I'm starting to feel for them. The last thing we want to do is barge in and add to their discomfort. I just want to be sure they are safe. And, Florence may have gone to this place now, to move them again. I'll be right back."
Tucker just sat there thinking about this amazing person who he was watching walk down the street. And then his mind ran to Samantha in Lobster Cove. He pulled out his cell phone.

The Answer: 
1. You probably did not guess that when you review all stats, Webb Simpson is #1 on the PGA Tour! He's 33rd in Driving Distance, 77th in Driving Accuracy, Greens in Reg 22nd, Eagles 66th, Birdie Avg. 5th, Scoring Avg. 6th, Sand Save 26th, Total Driving 10th. So, that's what it takes to be #1. But, he has never won a tournament. Quickie: When you are doffing,you are removing an article of clothing, or tipping your hat.

Most people in the world are just about the same until they come under the influence of something or someone.

Today is Head-in-Sand Day.

Today's Tids Issue 2,405
Opening Stuff:

What stock market?

I have noticed that people are often amazed to find out that people from diverse countries such as Korea, France, Iran or Argentina for example are exactly like they are. That may be because the media reports on the extremes of these peoples, or characteristics that occur only in the minds of the myopic like Hollywood directors. People are people everywhere and want to be treated and understood just like we do here. They have the same problems raising families and making ends meet. They rejoice at good news with the same enthusiasm.

When I read labels on products in grocery stores, passers-by probably admire me for being calorie and nutrition consciousness. Actually I'm usually checking to be sure there isn't anything healthy like fruit in it.

All winter and Spring I have been happily watching on the Golf Channel a bevy of young stars vie for the weekly championship. Today it became the Tiger Channel and the rest of them disappeared from the face of the earth. Watch Tiger hitch his belt. Watch Tiger analyze grass. Watch tiger fade a carve. All this while 30 other golfers were ahead of him in the standings, still competitive with each otehr, still making great shots. It's all about money.

The Question: 
How old was Marilyn Monroe when she died? Name five of her best known movies. (Editor's Note: Isn't it interesting that when dealing with "Pop Culture" actors you have to ask about "best known" rather than "best" as often many are quite mediocre.)

The Headlines:

--Economy Adds 117K Jobs; Unemployment Dips To 9.1%.
--Dow Stocks Up 1% At Opening; Then Drops Off Cliff; NASDAQ Down Even More.
--Italy's Increased Borrowing Cost Casts Cloud Over Europe.
--Daffy's Youngest Son And Key Military Leader May have Been Killed In Most Recent NATO Air Attack.
--Second British Newspaper Group, Trinity Mirror, PLC, In sights Of Hacking Litigation Lawyers.
--USPS Posts $3.2 Billion Loss In Quarter; Faces Possibility Of Default.
--North Kingstown RI's Elizabeth Biesle Wins More Gold In National Swim Championships Following Her Success At World Event In Shanghai.

Back to More Stuff:
This is the time when the best thing to do is what is really hard to do...hold onto stocks. There are at least two good reasons 1. The "Duh reason is that if you don't sell the market doesn't go down as deeply. 2. The strategy reason is that by holding you don't have to "time" the return of the market. But then, logic becomes impossible when considering that it is really all about the big institutional investors.
You have to figure that part of the reason Tiger Woods is back is becasue of disappearing sponsorships and a looming $54 million mortgage. Which suggests the question: Did the pain in his pocketbook over come the pain in his knee?

The reason why the debt ceiling debate became so confused was that nobody in DC knew how to deal with a party with principles.

Reminder Department:
We have a small host of new readers. They may not be aware that they can see all of the Tids old and new, and pretty pictures of RI too -- at http://www.todaystids.blogspot.com

Why do I think that Jason Day could become a bigger star than Rory. Already I'm just using McElroy's first name. Jason hasn't arrived there yet.

Happy Jumping Off Tall Buildings Day, Department:
A reason why the market is so unpredictable and ornery these days may be found in the headline this morning: "Employment improvement eases recession fears.". The number 117K isn't like fantastic, or even close to what it takes for a robust economy, but it "beat expectations". And, these days that's all it takes to eaed recession fears.Amazing!  Based on that sketchy report, how long do you think this fragile market will stay up. 2:00PM today? Oops...it didn't even make it that far. Up 167 at the opening, it is already wobbling a between -98 and -114. Make that -148.

And then there are the experts who believe that we never left the first recession.

I wonder what Sharpton would say if I titled this Tids, "How would have Little Black Sambo tamed Tiger Woods." Actually, Sambo was one of my boyhood heroes. Frankly I always thought he to be one of the smartest, coolest and bravest of all childhood story characters. But, he disappeared simply because of the overreaction to race hysteria.

If historians were to label our current era in time, I could accept "The Irrational Age" as appropriate.

People on opposing sides try to out shout each other as to who caused this public/private recession and general financial decline in the fed, state and local governments -- Obama, Bush II, Clinton, Frank, Pelosi,,,you name him or her. But I put the blame on the mother of all give-away artists, LBJ. The beginning of the end began with the great society. Period. It was that moment that began to produce asociety of takers rather than doers. Whne the government and Pols starting making promises that were economically unsustainable.

Almost Near: Chapter 32 continues. --"I'll be back in your area tomorrow, and I'll give you a call. Let's just say that we seem to be both working the same thing. That you know some things that I don't, and I have a lot of information that could be helpful to you." Tucker didn't tell him that Samantha had no idea yesterday who Dante was. Was it his feelings for her not to make her look foolish. He looked down and started started thinking about this poor disturbed woman sitting in his home or on his boat alone in the world; in a world of conflict. How awful it must be. How damaging is it to the little she has left. He barely heard Dante through his trance saying he would await Tucker's call.
"And thanks for contacting me. "
  Tucker said a mechanical good-bye. He pressed off and the on in rapid succession. He punched in Samantha's cell phone. He could hear his heart beating as he now hoped she hadn't done anything drastic since they last talked.
"Hello?" came a soft reply. "Is that you Tucker?"
"It is surely me, my beautiful Samantha!" Tucker tried to be as upbeat as he could . "Are you sailing?"
"Are you crazy Tucker!" Then she laughed, and Tucker's body came back to life.
"I just thought you had watched me enough and could get it going. You are a pretty good sailor you know. It must be inbred from your childhood days." Now there was a silence.
"My childhood days?" She was back to sounding unsure. Tucker quickly changed the subject.
"I'll be home tomorrow, and we can have a big celebration!"
"Oh Tucker. That's sounds wonderful. I can hardly wait." He heard a kiss into the phone. Just then the door was yanked open.
"You look like a man in love." Audrey smiled warmly at him and kissed his cheek. Tucker clicked the off button and slid it into his pocket.

Reading between The Lines Movie Reviews:
--Rise of the Planet of the Apes is easily the best of the genre. Not only that, it is good for any genre. It could be called The Curse of PETA as the apes rise up against the humans who cage them and use them as test rats. It is very believable which makes it very scary. Here Rover, have my Filet Mignon, I don't really need it. See best friend, I'm nice. Oops, Filet Mignon? Could the next one be Rise of the Planet of the Cows? Anyhow, worth the dough if you like this kind of stuff. May be a little too moralistic for me.
--First, I'm having trouble writing an unbiased report about a movie that relies on baby poop for humor. It is actually raunchy in general, but supposedly with an important message. It is another of those body switching, the grass is greener stories. Too best friends, free wheeling Mitch and perfect family man Dave envy each other's spot in life. But it's not so rosy when man-boy Mitch wakes up in Dave's body which requires raising kids and dealing with a wife...and, a girl friend? Dave looks for the joys of a no responsibility Mitch life an soon finds it lacking.

The Answer:
MM was 36 went she put herself to sleep for eternity. Some Like it Hot may be her best known, although 7 Year Itch and Gentlemen Prefer Blonds rank high. Her last movie with Gable, The Misfits, was a disturbing loser. But then many who went to watch Monroe on screen didn't really care about a plot. Others were How to Marry a Millionaire, Niagara and river of No Return. her first movie in 1947 was "Dangerous Years".

The Weak End:
Is it safe to turn on CNBC yet?

Lie on a wildflower covered hill and find faces in the clouds.

Dusty August

Today's tiods 8/4 (#2404)

Today's Tids Issue #2,404
Opening Stuff

i have always considered August as the dust bowl month. At this point in the long summer, droughts abound throughout the country including an East that may only look lush and green. My thoughts always drift back to those pre-season HS football practices in sweltering heat with dust flying and sticking to your sweat drenched face as another pal outside the field of battle squashes your head into the sun baked turf. So, as much as I sweat now over the August Tids, they always look a little dusty to me.

Thanks God for 0-Man's 50th. Just when you think that the fodder was packed away in suitcases of fleeing Senators, along comes the Celebrity-in-Chief with a giant self-serving Birthday bash. "Daddy, can I charge kids $30K to come to my Birthday party of Mom serves veggies from her garden? Huh, daddy, huh?"

I like the comment from a Marketing company CEO: We don't introduce new products, we unleash them!" Arf. Arf.

This is that time of the year when the media reports more information from Press Releases than real honest to goodness news. So, be wary of what you read.

The Question:
Kraft Foods says it will split into two businesses. Name them and name five products in each group.

The Headlines:
--Stock Markets Tumble Even As New Jobless Claims Fall And GM Profit Doubles; Deeper Seeded Indicators Rule.
--UN Focusing On Syria; Daffy Appears Sainted Next to Assad; Is Another Non-War Brewing?
--New IMF Chief Christine Lagards Probed By French Court For Suspect For Favorable 4$00 Million Arbitration Deal For Controversial Tycoon.
--Post Deal Worries: World Financial Leaders Now Appear Less Confident In There US Holdings And Stability Of Dollar.
Daffy's Son Says His Camp Nearing Deal With Islamist Rebels.

It bothers me a lot when an historian building burns to the ground or some unaware developer razes it in the name of "Progress". But yesterday's news about he fire destruction of the 178 Groton Inn in Groton Mass. bothered me a little more than most. I may have driven past it once as I have always gone out of me way to savor the beauty of old new England towns. The buildings in these towns are often as meaningful as the neighbors of the people. Citizens tip their hats and look with pride at historic landmarks that in some way describe the character deep within the hearts of the people. And one day it is gone. Just like that. And everybody feels the void. And nothing that replaces it will recapture the spirit.

Remember when "PS" stood for Public School. Today if you mention "PS", people start talking about Play Station. And that may be part of the problem.

Did Putin just declare economic war on the US? With his recent comment about irresponsible spending in the US I could only think of Khrushchev's comments in the 60's, "We will bury you." Well communism failed big time, but maybe Putin sees the US heading into a socialistic morass like they did and thinks it's time against to strike with words.

I think one of the reasons I dislike Obama is that he tends to turn this mild mannered, happy-go-lucky Tidster into a raging beast. I just hate that.

The only thing that makes me feel smart in August is the inability of "Spell Check" to come to logical conclusions about simple words.

The more you read about Al Sharpton, the harder it is not to believe that he is the biggest racist in America. From the early days of his gigantic Tawana Brawley fraud to his petty accusations today for trivial misuse of words by conservative white men, he has been an overt race baiter unequaled at least in modern history. Pat Buchanan, the latest victim of AS, had to crawl through gauntlet of media breathlessness for the use of a common phrase used to describe another person's favorite. I wouldn't have spent so much time on this if I could find more to write about!

Almost Near: chapter 31 continues. --Dante told Tucker his story of the woman coming to his office looking for information about her parents that eventually led to a disparate call for help, which eventually landed him in the hospital. "So you see, I liked this woman from your past, and I think she is in some kind of trouble. I was hoping to help her, but now I am really worried about her." he paused. "Her mood really changed as I sat and talked to her, I thought in a non threatening way. Almost as, I have to admit, a boy smitten by her presence."
"And then she jilted you at the alter,"Tucker now remembered his own fateful moment."
"So, why did you call me? I've been blurting out in an un-lawyerly way my true feelings, and just realized, what is this Tommy Lambert all about."
  My name now is Tucker Loutite," Tucker then proceeded to tell his tale of Samantha showing up one day in his town, without mentioning the town's name. He also didn't mention that it was his writings that drew her there.
  Now sounding a bit more like a suspicious lawyer. "How odd that this woman who you used to care for deeply would just show up in your town after, what was it 16 years?. Where did you say that was?"
Now Tucker became more cautious. "I didn't." He decided also it would not be a good idea to mention where he was.Audrey would be proud of me, he thought.

The Answer:
Kraft has announced it will split into two publicly traded companies: Snack foods with revenues of $32 Billion and Grocery business with $16 Bil. The snack foods have well known brands Oreo's, Trident gum, Ritz, Planters and the ever lovable Cheese Nips. The Grocery side includes Maxwell House, Kraft cheese products, Jello, Seven Seas Dressings and Grey Poupon. Check it out -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kraft_brands

After the August dust settles, and Congress returns in September, will there be any money left in the stock market.

The summer heat is fading and cooler nights are making me happy again. Congress can't do anythng to us for 3-4 weeks, so I'm turning into a pussycat. Purrrrrrrrrrr. Feeling better.

Terrorist nation.

Today's Tids #2,401
(Written 8/2)
Opening Stuff:


Schubert's great Ninth is one of those full-of-emotion symphonies that some conductors get, and others miss by a mile.

Irony Department. Or, is it Hypocrisy Department:
As Gabby walked upon the Congressional floor amidst adoring applause yesterday, the same kinder/gentler people that targeted Sarah Palin for incendiary speech were out there on the radio and TV labeling honest Americans who want sensible spending as "Terrorists" and "Suicide Bombers". And that included America's National Plagiarist Laureate, VP Biden.

I think the next big Golf trend should be wooden putters. It could be a bonanza for the person who markets them first. Why? Because, golfers will pay anything to improve putting. And, generally failing to realize that their putting woes may be in their head or hands or both, it rarely works. So, if someone is going to pay $200-400 for a putter that really doesn't work unless you change your putting ways, they should overpay you for one that at least looks great. You can get some very elegant wooden putters. And walk to the green amidst the accolades..."Nice Putter."

The Question:
1. After a reader comment to my opinion about my two favorite tennis players yesterday, I was reminded just how great tennis was when the Aussies were dominant. They were a bunch of lovable characters who could flat out play. It was the heyday of Tennis popularity spawning indoor Tennis centers in every village and town, and finally a rash of exciting young American stars. Name the top Aussies of all time. Bonus "Q": Quick, name the top five "Party Colleges". And which college won the "Stone Cold Sober" award?

The Headlines:

--11 Year Old Missing New Hampshire/Canada Boarder Town Girl Found Dead; Police Suspicious.
--Stock Futures Lower On Economic Concerns; Manufacturing Down Significantly; Consumer Spending Faltering.
--Geithner Unsure Of US Credit Rrating Going Forward.
--Central Falls First City/Town In Rhode Island To Go Bankrupt.
--Italy Pulls Envoy From War Torn Syria As Murdering Of Protestor Citizens Continues.
--Saudi Signs Deal To Build Tallest Building.
--Newport Folk Festival Best Ever.

If you ask me, Congress and the exec Branch punted.

Strauss-Kahn is the Albert Haynesworth of International banking.

It looks like Putin is running for President of oil rich Russia and it appears he's doing it on a "Cold War is Good" platform. Calling the US a parasite living off the world economy; A country living beyond its means; Implying that the US economy is in the hands of the Russia/China bondholders...he put himself squarely atop an anti American message that are not the words of a potential bosom buddy. Of course a lot of pretty smart people in America know we're living beyond our means. But we'll get back at him the American Way -- Next year's Jersey Shore will move from Florence to The Kremlin.

The last people I want "Working for me" is AARP.

A couple of lobster and steak dinners for the Moody's auditors will have the US credit rating back on top in no time.

Most people don't know that the Post Office doesn't get a dime of taxpayer dollars. They just think it does because it runs as inefficiently as the federal government. Maybe that's why some Senator or bureaucrat probably thought of charging for email stamps! It's not hard to believe considering that soemwhere soem legal mind suggested that anything that uses the word "mail" is beholden to the government ownership of the word.

With 16 million employees of the Feds thinking about something somewhere, it's really not hard to make up just about anything about the Gov that could be true... even as outlandish as it may sound.

I think New England Patriot fans are going to have a Psychotic Fall: To applaud or not to applaud for Albert Haynesworth.

I can now calculate the errors in my golf swing by where the pain occurs in my rapidly deteriorating body.

Almost Near: Chapter 32. --Audrey was walking cautiously down the other side of the street opposite the house where Florence's car was parked. Her eyes appeared focused on a drug store on a corner a couple of hundred feet away. The cell phone ringing in my hear was finally interrupted with a cheery, "Good Afternoon, Law Offices of Dante Wallowalski."
"Hi, my name is Tommy Lambert. I think I can help him with the missing woman case."
"Oh really, Why do you think that."
"Aah, what an excellent gate keeper you are," Tucker laughed into he phone. he didn't hear laughter at the other end. "You may know that Tommy Lambert was Samantha's jilted fiance', and I am him. I know exactly where Samntha is right at this moment." "He paused a second. "Look me up in that yearbook you have there and then ask me what my goal in Life was."
"Just a moment."
"So you're Tommy Lambert,"came the almost too eager male voice."
"The very same, Dante. One of those guys who looked to pick up Wallowalski's female leftovers." Tucker chortled, and he thought he heard a smile in Dante's voice as he came back on.
"But of course you were taken and probably didn't look at the other girls."
"You are right. I was taken. But, I wasn't dead."
"So you know where Samantha is right now?"
"I know exactly where she is, and in fact I'm going to call her when I hang up from you. But first, tell me about why you are looking for her."

The Answer: 1. The top two woman were Goolagong and and the very dominant Margaret Court. Lefty Rod Laver may be the greatest player anywhere of all time. Others of that era were Rosewall, Roy Emerson, Lew Hoad, John Newcomb, Tony Roach, Ken McGregor and the first of the Aussie greats, Frank Sedgman. Of course, the coach of these rascals was harry Hopman. Bonus Q: The top five party schools are the brandy new #1 Ohio University. It is followed by U Georgia, U Miss, U Iowa and U Cal Santa Barbara. Brigham Young U retried the Cold Stone Sober award years ago.

With about 150 days left in the year, it's about a hard 8 iron or soft 7 iron til the end of Christmas shopping.

I expect that now that the "Deal" is done, all of the media will take the rest of August off and there will be no news at all until after Labor day. That's the way it works. Now watching the Pols clearing the Capitol and running off to vacations, I'm reminded of a 40's Kids Radio Show guy named Uncle Don, who after a show unknowingly said into an open mike,"That should make the little bastards happy for another day." He was fired. We have to wait another year to fire Congress and by that time they will have rewritten the history of the deal mess.