If rains this weekend, we got the Open.

Today's Tids Issue 3,111

Opening Stuff:

 

 

Don’t you love to see a rainbow

Where colors never end above.

And it’s even that much better

When holding hands with a love.

 

The US Open Golf Championship starts today. TDSP, Tids Dedicated Sports Pickers have been up all night analyzing course conditions and matching it to the games of the most prominent players.  This is going to be a tough picking year. The NBC/ESPN networks and USGA are touting Phil Michleson, but that is mainly to increase TV viewership among non-golfers – as in “Tune in to watch big happy guy hit into 6 inch roughs”. This is not Phil’s course. In fact Bubba will have trouble here, as it looks like a no room for error track. I’m thinking the victor will be among the most boring, most mechanical on the tour. Like Zach Johnson, Luke Donald or Henrik Stenson. An exception to that could be Rory McElroy who seems to be regaining his form after shedding his fiancé minutes before the big plunge. Or Matt Kucher could emerge.  And…It could easily be a big surprise, one of those out-of-nowhere young phonons who seem to show up each week; even at this open with tough roughs and concrete lickety split, domed greens. Ouch!

 

So, the RI Senate last night approved a new minimum wage of $9.00/hour. They are mandating businesses to give un skilled employees a 12.5% wage increase. They must think all businesses are run as frivolously as state government. How do you factor a raise of that magnitude into business plans that project 1, 2 or 3% “earned” increases. And what about all of the people who have earned increases over the years that brought them to $10,-$12.00/hr. Nope, the legislature just bought themselves some votes at the cost of sticking a dagger into a business community already among the most beleaguered in the country. To a business it is a 12.5% tax.

 

The Question:

The Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown NY is celebrating it’s 75^th Anniversary. Who were the first players inducted?

 

The Headlines:

--al Qaida Takes Second Major City In Iraq; The Rebels Are Moving Onto Baghdad; Malicki Gives Ok To US To Commence Bombing; Iraq Could Become Giant Islamic State In center Of Middle East..

--China/Japan Blame Each Other For Military Jet Encounter.

--Wall Street Awaits May Retail Sales Numbers; Hopes Good Car Sales Bodes Well For Month That Will Negate Miserable April; New Jobless Claims Also On tap For Today.

--Clintons Made $12 Million In Year After White House.

--Texas Governor Perry Compares Homosexuality To Alcoholism; He say they can beat it if they want to.

--Illegal Immigration Seems To Be Surging Again.

--FBI Confirms Criminal Investigation Of Veteran’s Admin.

--Brazil Military Moves In To Protect World Soccer Games Opening Today.

 

“Iraq Developments Catches US Off Guard”! That was a headline this morning. It’s really not surprising to me and many who seem to understand that the objectives of the Islamist effort are extremely long range. I would expect that there are plenty of Fed employees outside the immediate reach of the White House who weren’t caught off guard, but were not allowed to do anything about it. You just can’t tie up these conflict secessions in pretty plaid ribbon and say it’s done in a rose garden full of thorns. Politics is not the real world.

 

Did you hear about Jason Millard? Jason is a regular golfer who through regional qualifying tournaments earned a trip to the US Open at Pinehurst. He drove there, but just as he was arriving he turned around and went back home to watch on TV. You see, something was gnawing at his gut. When in a sand trap during qualifying, he remembered that “perhaps” his club touched the sand before taking away to swing at the ball (That’s illegal). Being a golfer, his conscience would not let him proceed if there was even a hint of rule breaking. Nobody saw him. There were no videos. It was just him and his heart. His honest heart won.  Just think of the harmony in the world we would have if everybody were golfers.

 

The good thing about the Cantor dumping is that it confuses New Yorkers who probably viewed Eric as a Tea Party militant white supremist. So now these cloistered urbanites are wondering exactly what makes Brat more conservative. Will it mean tanks on the bridges into the Apple? Well Brat isn’t really  more conservative. In fact he is simply a real Republican believing in what republicans have always preached – smaller government, free enterprise, earning your way, obeying laws, freedom and opportunity for all. Socialists observe sensibility as weird and rational thinking scares the hell out of em’.

 

I think the Thames street merchants here need a beautification committee. It’s looking pretty seedy on the North end. But then, judging by some of the outfits on tourists, I’m thinking they’ll never be bothered, only seeing the trinkets in the windows and feeling comfortable in the drab. But then, maybe I was spoiled by recent visits to Woodstock VT and Quebec City.

 

Friendly Home-Town banker, Department:

I wanted to have my bank change a ten dollars Canadian for ten dollars American. The woman said nicely, that will cost $12.50! What!. She said maybe the back next door could do it. I went there and asked the same question. The teller with a straight face that it would cost me $20 to get my $10! The bank’s commercials say friendly hometown banker, but the CFO doesn’t watch them.

 

I worry about the Repub chances because research says that the country is pretty much moderate, and tend to avoid extremes. So how come they keep voting for Dems with socialist philosophies of a state run society.

 

Summer must be over because it’s getting colder.

 

The Senate Repubs have blocked Obama’s election year give-away to students. The real answer to the student loans is cutting costs at colleges.

 

Cantor’s biggest problem was that he became Big Government.

 

The Answer:

The Hall opened in 1939, but voting began in 1936, so on opening day in Cooperstown there were foru classes to be inducted. 1936 – Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth. 1937 – Nap Lajoie, Tris Speaker, John McGraw, Connie Mack, George Wright, Cy Young and Executives Bulkeley and Byron Johnson. 1938 – Grover Alexander, Alexander Cartwright and  Henry Chadwick. 1939 – The hero of Brooklyn Wee Willie Keeler, Eddie Collins, Lou Gehrig, George Sisler, Cap Anson, Buck Ewing, Candy Cummings, Charles Radborn and Manager/Execs Charles Comiskey and Al Spalding. Wee Willie was a Brooklyn Icon and important to the Republican party, so much so that my father working as a kid for the party had to deliver a bottle of whiskey to Keeler’s door every Friday. That was before pols could buy votes with welfare.

 

The US Open is to golf championships as a recession is to an economy. It hurts for while, but it feels unbelievably great when it’s over.

Mayday! Mayday!

Today's Tids Issue 3,110

Opening Stuff:

Yikes! The Repubs continually eat their young. Cantor is out! How will they ever get behind a Presidential candidate? You gotta figure that all of a sudden the Dems may be feeling a little better about retaining the Senate. The Dems may be bumbling, but the conservatives are committing suicide.

I was about to begin today with a softer message. A message of feeling, tasting the beauty of the world so sumptuous in its morning offering. Enjoying the fruits of God and the love of humans. That is until I read of the tragedy in Richmond Va. But, then the beauty of nature and the energy of the seas around us can bring you back fast. After all, politics is fleeting, but love is forever.

As far as I’m concerned the best all time comedy duo is Rocky and Bullwinkle.

The Question:

Who was Jay Ward and what did he do?

The Headlines:

--Repubs Nationally Stunned At Cantor Upset; College Professor David Brat Sends Him Home With Continuing Attacks About Majority Leader Support Of Immigration reform; Brat had Support Of Laura Ingraham.

--Moldova And Georgia Sign Contracts With EU Despite Warnings From Moscow; Ukraine Nixes Russia Gas Discounts.

--White House Now Blaming Bergdahl Deal On Hagel; President Shultz Moves Back Into denial.

--Key Iraq City Of Mosel Falls To al Qaida Troops.

--Negotiations Between BoA And DOJ On Fraud Charges Break Down.

--San Antonio Womps Heat.

--Markets falter As Dollar Slips Against Yen.

Hillary has within nano-seconds backtracked on her “Dead Broke” characterization of she and Bill’s financial situation at the end of his Presidency. Hillary Clinton – “The Backtracker”. Too bad she can’t back track to decisions that could have saved Ambassador Stevens; Smith, Woods and Doherty. How come she is capable of repairing her own deficiencies so quickly but didn’t appear to have time to hear the urgent pleas of Americans in danger.

Maybe the biggest news of the day is the California court declaring Teacher Tenure unconstitutional. Maybe all Union contracts that protect groups arbitrarily over the freedom of people to earn based on accomplishments are unconstitutional. Maybe this court decision is as big as the US Constitution. But then, 0-Man will probably issue an exec order to dump it. These days, everything is weird.

This is the 375^th anniversary of our town here. It has more 18^th century homes than any city in America. But, as I look around I rue the mid Sixties and that awful federal government program known as Urban redevelopment, which did nothing but line the pockets of builders and developers while decimating the historic core of cities. I’ve seen it in my home town and little villages where I have lived along the way. And I see it out my window this morning.

Actually Eric Cantor is pretty much like every guy who goes to DC with principles…and then finds that survival demands bending… as big money takes over.

Crossing the Pacific in a kayak seems like a dumb idea. It is also a costly idea for taxpayers now that the inevitable distress call has gone out and the Coast Guard came to the rescue.

Open the Piggy bank, Department:

It’s beginning to appear difficult to determine where to invest now that the Dow is looking more and more to be overbought. Actually, only 26.8% of stocks are overvalued compared to a historic average of 21.1 %. However, only 13.4% are undervalued compared to the histioric28.9%. So, investors are gobbling up what’s available at a faster pace than ever. The good news though is that 42.9% of stocks are still within The “Rising Trend” category meaning they are out of undervalued but still short of overvalued. The top ten “Undervalued” B+ to A+ stocks with strong dividends as a bonus are CVS Caremark, Occidental, Chevron, Exxon, Coca-Cola, Baxter International, Abbot Labs, Apache Corp, AT&T and TJX. Kaching.

Developers and contractors should have as part of their license sensible architectural or some level of aesthetic training before being allowed to gouge out a piece of precious landscape. When replacing what God grew, it should be worthy of what has gone before.

The Conscience: Chapter 5 continues.

       Jason just stood looking at me, slowly shaking his head from side to side as I crossed the room. I was now between a wonderful woman whose mother I had just killed and my friend whom I had betrayed so many years ago. I wanted to confront my past, but I knew I could mend the tear.

      “What were you thinking?” I stepped back. That voice of Jason’s was always so intimidating. He had a way of controlling people, maybe because he was of a society that was feared.

    “I…”

      “He was only thinking what many thought of the tyranny of 1950’s Mobile. That truth was determined by people with no souls. No heart.” James had moved forward and now held Jason’s eyes, in his. “Jeffery Morgan felt what every person not of the chosen felt,” He said that with a small sneer in his lips. "He knew he would not get justice especially from an incident that arose out of the character in that man’s heart." he pointed at me. "A man who lashed out against the ugly inherent in your society.” My chest pumped up a bit, but then who am I fooling.

     Jason hadn’t uttered a word, but I could see his face reddening as he heard the truth from a black man. “I own you now, Jason.” James just appeared content. He was calm. “You will have to live now with knowledge of every black man you spat upon, every black family you and your society ruined; every life that went astray because fo your persecution. “ He paused. “You have no idea about how ugly you are.” James took a step forward, “And now if you’ll just move away from behind my desk.”

    Jason did move and took a step towards me with grotesque anger possessing his face and heart. I took a step towards him, but before anything occurred, Milton Washington stepped between us.

    “It’s time for you to leave Mr. Montgomery”.

The Answer:

Of course Jay Ward was the creator of Rocky and Bullwinkle. To me, Ward was an incredibly creative humorist, satirist who also gave us Dudley Do-Right, Peabody and Sherman, Crusader rabbit, George of the Jungle and all of tose great supprtin characters like Boris and Natasha, and Sweet Nell. Ward was great with Puns like his titles for episodes, “Mine eyes have seen the gory” or “When a felon needs a friend”. Yup, I just laugh when thinking of all that he gave the world. He’d like that.

Have a great day!

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=youtube+bullwinkle+natasha&ei=utf-8&hspart=vz&hsimp=yhs-vz&type=verizon_access%2Fverizon_dsl

If you have nothing to do today, you can binge on Bullwinkle!

Where are you, Peter Zenga?

Today's Tids Issue 3,109

Opening Stuff:

 

The so-called mainstream press continually characterizes bloggers as lonely nuts living in basements, bags of Cheeto’s by their side. Of course it is anything but that, as many of the bloggers have a firmer, more realistic grasp on what’s really going on in government, culture and society at large. Some of course have agendas, but they are typically so blatant that they are quickly exposed as emperors with no clothes. Me, I think I look pretty good in my moose pajama bottoms and three days beard growth.

 

The Triple Crown is a significant achievement because it is so hard to accomplish.

 

Now even staunch liberal columnist Al Hunt is joining in that denouncing of Obama’s war on media.

 

The Question:

I’m continually looking for the most nutritious vegetables and fruits. The Center for Disease and Protection Journal has just published the lists of “Powerhouse” Fruits and Veggies. They are defined as food most strongly associated with reduced chronic disease risk. What are the top 5, and what do you think are the ones rated below minimum “Nutrient density Scale” (NDS)?

 

The Headlines:

--5 US Troops Killed In “Friendly Fire” Incident In Afghan.

--Prime Ministers In Australia And Canada Say Economic Concerns Trump Climate Change Controls.

--Reuven Rivlin Named Israel’s Next President; Hardliner Opposes Palestine State; Abbas, Perez Praying For Peace At Vatican.

--Supreme Court Says Immigrant Children Of US Citizens Or Legal Residents Must Go To Back Of The LIne For Visas After Reaching 21.

--Forbes Announces Best And Worst States In which To Make A Living: Worst is Hawaii followed By NY, Miss, Rhode Island, Conn. Best Are Washington, Texas, Minn, Col, Utah.

--Pakistan Gunmen Launch New Assault On Airport.

--6 Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Swimmer Amy Van Dyken 41, Svers Spine In ATV Accident.

--Separatists, Ukraine Fighting To Gain Control Of Eastern Borders.

--Russsia’s Lavrov Lashes Out At EU’s NATO Expansion.

 

The people you never see hold your heart in their hands, Department:

It is becoming more and more apparent that the continued growth of the Dow towards 17,000 is mainly because there aren’t any good alternatives. A booming market like we have would indicate fat profits instead of the Flat profits we are seeing. In fact any type of stock ownership by households has gone from 67% in 2002 to 54% in 2011 to an estimated 45% today. It’s the wealthiest 5% of Americans who 82% of stocks, and the pro traders who are pushing the market to record braking levels. And, the bigs are genially guided algorithms! Yikes! Somewhere there is a computer governing your financial future, no matter how smart you think you are.

 

All it takes is a couple of nuts like those in Las Vegas to give honest, hard working white supremists a bad name.

 

For some boasting of living in the most corrupt sate is a badge of honor. Actually in RI we are so low on positive economic scales that we need to be number one in something other than restaurants and beauty. But, a new study finally determines the most corrupt by “time served” by politicians: 1. Mississippi 2.  Kentucky 3. Rhode Island 4. Illinois. What, no New Jersey?

 

You have to wonder how long Washington will remain the top state in which to earn a living now that they have enacted a whopping $15/hr Min Wage. The unskilled will be happy, but probably not so much when owners of small businesses close their doors and consumers slow down buying due to higher costs. Washington will become an island, Like Hawaii and Rhode, two of the worst.

 

Coburn in his rant forgets that The NY Racing Association gave his horse a break on nose strips, an advantage denied to other favorites in the pursuit of the elusive Triple Crown.

 

Good ole’ Radio Shack is beginning to look like a goner to me.

 

Freedom of the press was a great idea when the press were actually watchdogs of the government. Now it has become a playpen for publicists.

 

The Answer:  

Are you ready. Yup, there’s going to be a run on Watercress which got a 100% rating on the NDS. Corner the market an become a millionaire! The rest of the top 5 were Chinese cabbage, chard, beet greens and spinach. Only six of all the F7V studied didn’t make the scale – tangerines, garlic, onions, cranberries, raspberries and blueberries. That’s why don’t eat fruit – waste of time. Also way down on the list but still above the Powerhouse line are Kale, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts and strawberries. Everything else is above Kale (54.8 % and spinach.

 

Of all the scandals we have had in the USA over time, the IRS thing may be the scariest of all.

 

Hillary is out there in public shedding negatives like a rattlesnake in the Texas dessert sheds skins. But you can hear the snake coming and you know what you are going to get.

 

But then, is there a Republican who can beat her.

Facing reality on a Monday morning.

Today's Tids Issue 3,108

Opening Stuff:

 

Hillary is running, and already running hard. She wouldn’t take the time for an interview about her concussion if she wasn’t. She wouldn’t have made a point of not wanting to jump upon the bandwagon to criticize Sarah Palin if she wasn’t reaching out to women. She takes time to say that of all the things that she has accomplished, being the Mother of a Bride was the best, and family essential. She is desperately trying to get Benghazi off her back. She muses publicly about the only thing missing now in the progress of America is a woman President.  And now I see that her friends in Hollywood are announcing a new Fall TV series – “Madam Secretary”. It’s about a no-nonsense, super-woman Secretary of State. Her hesitation is just part of the teaser phase of the big promotion. The gears of a well oiled machine are starting to mesh. God help us.

 

Graduation always means that your life is just starting over again.

 

I think Tracy Morgan is a pretty funny comedian and a good guy too. Hope everything works out ok.

 

One minute life is perfect and everything si going your way; your sitting comfortably in a Mercedes Bus-Limo, and suddenly your laying a hospital in critical condition.

 

The Question:

What was Oscar winner Liam Niesson’s first great film? Name five others.

 

The Headlines:

--Pakistan Taliban Attack Karachi Airport.

--New Report Shows That Just 62.5% Of Eligible Americans Have Or Are Actively Seeking Jobs; Government Looking For Idle 37.5%.

-Two Police Officers And Bystaders Shot In Las Vegas By Two Nuts I n Their Twenties; Married Couple Then Shoot Themselves.

--Tracy Morgan Slightly More Responsive After Surgery; Wal-Mart Says They Take Full responsibility For Their Killer Truck.

--Nadal Wins French Open; Miss Nevada Wins Miss USA; Heat Evens Series.

--Obama Ready To Expand Student Loan Program.

--Tyson Foods Wins Battle To Buy Hillshire Farms.

 

At first Steve Coburn’s post Belmont loss remarks seemed disturbingly sour grapes. Actually, they still sound a bit unsportsman-like. But, he has a point -- all contenders for the three races should have started in the Kentucky Derby. Actually though, all previous Triple Crown winners have faced the same problem of late comers to the Belmont. By the way, how come a superb beast that doesn’t drink or smoke and mainly eats vegetables can’t recover during the three weeks between Preakness and Belmont. I think the horse just wasn’t up to the task. Sour grapes. Sour grapes.

 

I had trouble finding some funny Tracy Morgan jokes because most of what pops up in searches are complaints about his anti-Gay jokes and his sarcasm about cripples. Ironically, he may be a little maimed when he gets out of the hospital.

 

 Hot water limiters are unconstitutional.

 

“Bryce Harper using PlayStation to rehab from thumb injury”. This was a headline from one of the several sports news service emails I receive each day. I just looked at it and thought, “Why would I ever want to read this story?”

 

Obama has talked a lot about finding ways to ease the burden of College Loans for graduates. What he and others never discuss is the outrageous inflation of college costs over the years? People keep paying and paying more and more, and then go back to live with mom and dad where they can all pay and pay back more and more together. So, how’s all that money earned by sports packages working out for paying for part of the operations?

 

Some days you just gotta eat something other than steak.

 

People speaking French just seem more pleasant. Maybe it’s because you can’t understand that they are saying, “Stupid American Tourist pig. Let’s take him for everything we can.” “Bonjour monsieur”. :o)

 

Every time a state or locality creates something to further their tourist industry, it is selling part of its soul.

 

I may have to move up to Maine or New Hampshire. I’m seeing way to many Ya-Ya-Ya…caps moving into the neighborhood. Vermont is already a NYC suburb.

 

The Answer:

Liam rose to prominence in Schindler’s List. He was also his usual great self in other big movies like Suspect, Nell, Michael Collins, Rob Roy, Les Miz, The Haunting, Love Actually, Gangs of New York, Kinsey, The Crucible, K-19: The Widowmaker A-Team and Taken. He was also nominated for the “The Raspberry” worst supporting actor award in Battleship and Wrath of the Titans. I always enjoy him.

 

High School graduations always have one more speech than needed. The speeches always miss a good point for an ending and go on 3-5 minutes longer than necessary. But, invariably, the kid’s speeches are brighter, more poignant, more in tune with the soul than those of the adult chieftains. In the end, they are happy days.

 

 

 

 

Please remove your helmets an bow your heads. Thank you.

Today's Tids Issue 3.107

Opening Stuff:

 

(Preface: 1. In Quebec loaded with cafes full of sweet temptations and rich coffees, I saw not a person carrying around a cup of the brew. And of course nary the discarded cup by the roadside. 2. Yesterday morning I sent out the Tids below only to have Damon return each and every one as undeliverable. In Quebec, they discourage litter, physical and mental!)

I was standing on the clifffs of Quebec next to the Plains of Abraham where the British in 1759 defeated the French. It was a battle that most Generals of the day said couldn't be won. How could an army possibly scale those cliffs, with cannons and supplies? I'm sure the French felt safe atop their hills. Today. we remember another force of heroes who also accomplished the impossible, facing a daunting enemy high above with powerful weapons, the sea to their backs. In 1944 I'm sure the French onlookers atop the hills were hoping that brave men could overcome the cliffs, the raging seas and the constant gunfire to begin the process of liberation And, the soldiers of America and Britain and other allies did, never wavering, always surging, moving through oceans turned red, forward across the bloody sands, until the victory over the monster evil was their's. It wasn't easy, and today we honor those in fields of white crosses and their brethren who continued forward until total victory was ours. Fought for us and and all on the day the world was saved.

I really want to try Breyer's Gelato with caramel and crunchy stuff.

After the massive outpouring of information about Bowe as a traitor or at best a deserter, I'm seeing a big liberal push to be fair! You just can't be accurate in today's society because the various denominations proclaiming their interpretations of right and wrong are just so far afield.

This is an attempt to get a little bit of the Tids onto you plate before the weekend. My mind is so full of new information while traveling around the magnificent old world French city of Quebec. A ton of what is cramming my brain is visual, so I expect I'll be shooting pics up to the Tids Blog Wordview: Etc nwxt week.

PS: The computer I found to work on this and get it out doesn't have spell check, unless it is French. So, be prepared!

The Question:
We just celebrated the worst Baseball promotion ever. At first I thought it was Bill Veeck in 1951 sending midget Eddie Gaedel up to bat for the hapless St. Louis Browns, but it was something else in my favorite Midwestern city Name it.

The Headlines:
--The World Leaders Honor D-Day.
--Jobs Additions Higher Than Expected; But Here And In Canada Jobs Are Mostly Part Time As Summer Hiring Begins.
--Putin, Obama Talk But Gap Still A Grand Canyon; Separatists And Kiev May begin Talks With Likely Outcome For Cease-Fire Ceding Of Eastern Ukraine To Russia.
--Shootings In Seattle Kill Wound Wound 3, 1 Seriously.
--Man In Moncton Canada Opens Fire On Police.
--Euro Stocks Up, Setting Stage For Stong day On Wall Street

The Dow is approaching 17,000! Yikes! It's getting scary. A time when good is not so comforting. You have to wonder when all those people you cannot see will start to take their profits before the guy on Main Street knows what hits them.
I notice that Fox News is not available on Quebec TV. I'm thinking that the French have yet to figure out how to translate conservative views into French.

You know, there are many great little colonial New England towns with cute little down towns. The more you visit them though, the more you learn that they all sell the same little trinkets.

In French speaking Qubec, bags of Cheeto's Puffs are labeled differently..."Cheeto's Soufles:. Hey, I'm a gourmet.

This is a good time to assess the early developments in baseball. The standings tell us that there will be a lot of competitive baseball left. A month ago the scribes crystal balls were saying the AL East could be anybody's championship, But TB and Toronto have changed the out look quickly. Toronto has jumped ahead and TB is sliding quickly out of the race, and it is likely that because of pitching the Ya-ya's will falter and the Sox with confusion reigning will also lag. This could be a Balt-Tor race, If you have faith in Toronto.. The AL Central and AL West are very exciting, with Cleveland coming on strong lately. Detroit seemed unbeatable with their great pitching and hitting, but have hit a wall, keeping the other competitive four -- KC, CWS, Minn, Cleve -- in the game. The Central is definitely up for grabs. In the West, Oakland has jumped out, but I believe that LA and Texas, maybe even Seattle (Showing Improvement this year) will pull them back.  The NL East is like the AL Midwest with every team in it. Atlanta should be the favorite...But, Wash is strong and Miami is surprising! Actually, the Mets are surprising too, but I don't like the Mets. In the NL West, The Giants have been playing well, but the loaded on paper Dodgers and scrappy Colorado will chip away. The NL Central has a host of teams capable of knocking each other off, except perhaps the Cubs who continue to languish despite Terrific Theo at the helm. The statistical probabilities are infinite. As I said in the beginning, it's still anybody's ballgame. Stay tuned.

The Red Sox haven't won since Steven Drew arrived and interrupted the "Mo".

Zim died. The NYC based nightly news sations all based in NYC are trying usurp his past showing him a as proud wearer of Pinstripes. Sacrilege! Zim was a Brooklyn Dodger, a real favorite of the Fans from Flatbush. A tough, gutsy player who anchored the infield at third...until he got beaned, and his head was literally screwed back together. Maybe that's when  he became a Ya-Ya-Ya...

The only reason there is a controversy on the state of Bowe is because there are two sides. Most things would be simple if one side or the other didn't think it was their duty to protect something real or imagined.

People can get together, despite significant differences. A reader sent me a delightful story about a couple who lived in a completely happy marriage for 37 years, all the time sleeping in a bed that had on the wife's bed post a Red Sox cap, and on the husband's a Ya-Ya-Ya....well you know what I mean...cap. Anything is possible when love is in the air.

The U. Kentucky alum must be really, really rich becasue they are paying a basketball coach $52.5 Mil for the next six years. It's a good thing that the NCAA has put the focus on education.

The Answer:
The worst promotion ever was "10 Cents Beer Night" in the old Municiple stadium in Cleveland. Men and women ran to the field to disrobe and moon, among other things. The fans got so out of contorl that the game had to be called after five innings. As they say, don't feed the animals

Sorry for the minimal Tids fodder this week.

Have a perfect weekend!

Of the people?

Today's Tids Issue 3,106

Opening Stuff:

President Obama continues to prove exactly why the founding Fathers thought this country needed a checks and balances system of Government, built upon three sturdy legs.  But, when you have such a system it is required that the President understand that the Congress is the representative of the People.

 

This could be the week that the Tids didn’t show up. Just a warning, but this could be reality,  the week when I can’t find a way to send it. But, I can always upload it to worldviewetc.blogspot.com.

 

My military friends are not real happy with returning killer Taliban prisoners to the battlefield who now probably really hate the USA even more after years in their island paradise. The working soldiers are also not particularly happy about this trade because of questions about the pre-capture behavior of Bowe. He was at least a deserter, and at times appeared to be a Taliban sympathizer. And the fighting men and women haven’t forgotten that US lives were lost in attempts to get back this former deserter being praised as a hero.

 

The Question:

--A new U Illinois survey shows that people are most scared of hurricanes with men’s names. But, It is the perceived kinder, gentler women who do the damage! What are the names of the five most destructive hurricanes?

 

The Headlines:

--Bears Continue To Call for A Market Crash.

--Boehner Calls Obama’s new Energy Plan, “Nuts”; Coal States Slam Plan.

--Julia Collins Defeated After 20 Straight Wins On Jeopardy; Julia Won Most of Women $428,100. She is Thrid All Time.

--“O” Asking For Billion To Build UP US Forces In NATO; See Additional Presence For US As Comforting Concerned Europeans In Face Of Putin Aggression.

--Graham Says Obama Released Taliban “Dream Team”.

--18,000 Prisoners In For Drug Crimes Sign Up For Obama Early Release Program.

--FBI Arrestys Potnetial San Fran Bomber.

 

Happy official start of the hurricane season everybody!

 

I figure that if there was a new 10 Commandments handed down it might read like this. –Do not honor false Gods, like Global warming –Thou shalt not make false images especially in Hollywood  –Do not take the name of ethnic minority’s in vain. God? Not so bad. –Remember to keep holy the Sabbath unless you have to shopping. –Honor thy parents even during lawsuits for new cars and college tuitions –Thou shalt not kill with guns –Thou shalt not commit adultery unless you can get a good reality TV show –Thou shalt not steal unless you are in Global finance – Thou should not bear false witness against your neighbors unless you are a politician. –Do not covet your neighbors house until it is in foreclosure; Do not covet your neighbors wife until you receive a selfie!

 

“24” is all for women. In the latest episode we saw Kate Morgan endure extreme torture with guts and determination similar to the mighty Jack Bauer…and then in the end have the energy to overcome and kill her torturers.

 

Dogs are cute?, Department:

Up in Canton Mass a German Shepherd puppy excited about going for a walk around a local pond, jumped into the car, accidently hitting the gear shift which slipped in to drive; the puppy then falling on to the gas pedal sending the car careening into the missile of the water! Ain’t he cute? –A US Air flight out of Philly had to return after the crew ran out of cleaning fluids trying to clean up the remains from a serial pooper. Yes a large dog just kept on going and going an going, delivering overpowering aromas into the compact crowded passenger cabin. It was a crappy trip. Ain’ he cute.

 

If you think that the stock market is about to poop out, Merrill Lynch has some advice. They are saying avoid headlining hot stocks” like Salesforce, Priceline, Mastercard, Chipolte Mexican grill and Michael Kors. However some very good stocks are under-owned, and they include stalwarts like GE, Caterpillar, Cisco, Broadcom, Zimmer, Urban Outfitters and Eastman Chemical. Often in exploding markets, solid performing companies get lost in the shuffle. It never used to be that way.

 

I wonder what dad Robert Bergdahl does for fun? It appears he spends time finding ways to elevate the goodness of Islamic fighters while disparaging those in the US.

 

A group of doctors over the weekend spent time urging against the popularization of food fads. One of note was gluten free. They said there are about 3 million ciliacs who should avoid gluten. Gluten though is actually good for everybody else, and the avoidance of it could actually be harmful to non-ciliacs. That’s just one example of people blindly latching on to hyper promoted food fads, often myths. Just eat and enjoy and don’t interrupt your diets. Moderation is the best of all healthy food habits.

 

Here’s some other “healthy” products that are probably bad for you: Museli, Banana chips, Tuna Sushi, Energy Bars, Trail Mix, Restaurant o r prepared Salads and Low fat yogurt,

 

The Answer: 

Number one was Katrina. The rest of the top ten were Charley, Andrew, Hugo, Camille, 1935 Florida Labor Day, 1928 San Felipe (Near Palm Beach Fl) and 1900 Galveston. In case you have favorites of your own, there is a more complete list below. Hurricane destruction may be based on different parameters, hence different rankings. Of course the worst hurricanes are those that affect where you live. http://www.wunderground.com/hurricane/usdeadly.asp

 

Hope to be with you tomorrow, but remote Tidsing can be difficult. Have courage, you can get through a Tidsless week. Realy, it is possible.

 

Is summer over yet?

Today's Tids Issue 3,105

Opening Stuff:

 

 

June, June, June…June…June June…June June June…June! I love June. Maybe it’s because a day in June was the first thing I ever saw. Maybe it’s because of beautiful brides, and dreaming grads. Or happy,  contented Dads. Or the flowers and green and everything in-between; bees a buzzing, honey dripping, veggies poking through the ground. The beautiful long days. The Longest day. D-day, the day for the daring and the brave. The day the ugly began to run and hide. Yup, I sure do love June alright.

 

Joe the plumber has become a bore, like most people who are giving a little bit of the spotlight for doing not much more than just being there.

 

Anne B. Davis Died at 88. She made me laugh in all of her roles. She is best known fro The Bradey bunch, but I liked her on the Cummings Shows.

 

The Question:

Too prove once again that world has moved beyond me, I looked up the Top Ten Drinking Games. My, how bars have changed. What are they?

 

The Headlines:

--Obama Imposes New Regs To Reduce Utility Emissions.

--Repubs Say The 5 For 1 Prisoner Trade Is A Potentially Dangerous Precedent; Afghans Fear released talibans Will Rejoin Fighting.

--Idaho Rejoices At Release Of Bowe.

--Ukraine Separatists Attacking Border Guards As Fighting Intensifies.

--Ukraine Exoected To be Continuing Topic As “O” Goes To Europe For D-Day.

--Are REITs Going To be The Next Hot Item As Investors Seek Income.

--China Blats US Provocative Military Challenge.

--Euro Stocks Up On Positive Economic News from China.

 

Most everybody knows about Mimi in Pucini’s La Boheme and the beautiful, sad arias associated with her plight. But Leo Delibes created an incredibly moving aria, The Flower Duet from his opera Katake, another tragic tale of two forbidden lovers -- The handsome English officer Britain controlled India and the princess daughter of a Hindu leader. It’s a familiar theme with extraordinary music.

 

The more I see the antics of politicians – the lies, the deceits, the disservice to the human spirit – the more I remember long ago  my Dad’s words quickly squashing my thoughts of going into politics.

 

What make’s writing a column like this difficult is waking up and reading the paper only to find that somebody else has already written your ideas, or expressed similar things better. The Tids is an Un-Joe Biden venture – no plagiarism.

 

The end is near, Department.

Be prepared for new regulations as our leaders start to inure us against another cosmic devastation…in 2 billion years. Yes the warning signs are already apparent for a collision between our galaxy – the Milky Way- and a larger galaxy – The Andromeda. Even before that, life will disappear from earth as the massive suns approach each other. If you manage to find a well stocked storm cellar, you can expect in about 7 billion years a merger of the two galaxies into one giant mass of color and light – and new life, new friends as your ancestors emerge. Aren’t you glad your leaders are thinking of you today? Aren’t you happy we invs=ested in the Hubble telescope?

 

Have you noticed that more and more doctors seem to be marrying each other. I guess they need that double income unfder Obama care.

 

Do CD’s get old, or is it the aging CD player that causes the gaps?

 

 

While the writers and editors and illustrators and photographers wili remain gainfully employed as the convenience of the IPad style devices supplant the physical reading materials. And, while the stocks of companies like Apple will explode, millions of people will find their jobs eliminated, poof!; millions you never saw but essential to the system, in jobs necessary to get the magazine to the sales points -- drivers and handlers and sellers. Progress giveth, and progress taketh away.

 

The Conscience: Chapter 45 continues.

    I felt the tension in the room. The conflicts in my own mind. The beautiful young woman next to me, younger than my daughter, my new support system even though I had just killed her mother. Where was her anguish? The questions. Why so many questions, when there had been a gruesome ending?

       But mostly, it’s  what I was feeling on the back of my neck as I stared at Angelica, as I heard Eliot stammering under the constant barrage of questions from Jason. I could feel the anger of Jason rising as he began to understand a plot that had him on the outside looking in as his company was manipulated away from him. I felt his realization that I had deceived him 30 years ago as he was suddenly confronted with the death of his old friend Sally, who he thought had disappeared forever in the fifties. That he had been played by James and James’ man Eliot. That it was James who put me into the mix as part of a grand three act play designed to humiliate Jason for his past abuse of James and his family and friends. I was back on Blueberry hill, and there were no thrills. Mabelline had died, and so did the old coup Deville.

       I put down my glass. A little of the liquid jostled out on my fingers, which I licked now as I walked to Jason. I felt Angelica tugging my sleeve, but just for a second. I was off to confront yet another demon.

      “What were you thinking back then?” Jason was looking at me with those eyes that have always been able to control rooms.

       “I wasn’t”. I decided not to beg; To race to excuses. I just held his eyes.

 

The Answer:

After reading the rules for these Top Ten Drinking Games, I may not have survived til 25! The top drinking games are 10 – Flip, Sip, or Strip  9. Quarters  8.FUBAR  7. Asshole (Seems to speak for itself. Or maybe all of the games combined) 6. Edward 0 hands  5. Power Hour  4. California Kings  3. Flip Cup  2. Boxing and…#1 Beer Pong. You can look them up at but mainly the rules are simple, drink huge amounts of beer fast.

 

Here’s a little musical relaxation for the day to take you into the week;  hangover not included – enjoy this, The June Hymn by the Decemberists   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPsLeHR26xM