Good-Byes always make my throat hurt. I need more Hellos. – Charlie Brown

Today's Tids Issue 3.414

Opening Stuff:

I remember clearly how my life changed dramatically the day a friend told me I could use “Undo” on Free Cel.

One of the phenomena in the world of anarchists and ideologues is that what they say and what they do gains favor with their supporters, but antagonizes, and alienates them from, the people they are trying to convince to move their way. Weird.

The Question:

What was the original Name of Tokyo? Bonus: This is question where the answers will certainly be subject to debate. What are the Ten Best Comic strips?

The Headlines:

--China Markets Take Two Days Off; US Will Focus On Traditional Economic Factors; Europe And Asian Shares Rise; EuroEconomy Showing Signs Of Rejuvenation.

--Sweden Considering Nato Membership Fearing Russian Aggression; China To reduce military By 300,000.

--Guatemalan President Resigns Amid Corruption Investigation.

--Ex-Clinton Aide To Plead The Fifth On Hillary Servers.

--Maryland Judge Refuses To Dismiss Charges Against Police In Freddie Grey Case.

--Death Toll From Legionnaires Disease In Illinois Up To 8.

Do you sometimes get the feeling that China and Russia are in the beginning stages of a gigantic chess game that could change the world? I do.

If there is a place to put a computer, somebody will figure out how to do it make it useful. The latest is the “Smart” Tennis Racket! It records your slices, cuts, topspins under spins, head spins (No not that) and where the ball lands on the strings at what speed. And more. Basically you can analyze your game, and if you’re smart enough you’ll know what to do with the data. – Also on the chips-in-sports equipment front, we have the NFL using chips too (No, not to determine ball inflation). Chips will be in pads to measure force of hits. So, does this mean that players will be penalized if they hit outside of the NFL official power limitations. A commish being paid $34 Million per year has to have something to do.

E.B. White said that the perfect sentence is one from which nothing can be added or removed. Every word plays a part.

Good news for my dusty, maybe moldy, 33RPM record collection – Panasonic is bringing back the Tecnics turntables. It’s just acase of analogue doing some things better. In fact, many things that are digitally cool were better as analogue. Cheaper to make, easier to use an d less susceptible to expnsive repairs. Do we really need a complex computer for a fridge when two simple dials that said “cooler” “warmer” did the trick, and you didn’t have to go to MIT ot get it fixed. How about modern car radios which are far more complex than necessary. And then there is tea automobile in general where a great mechanic just is unable to fix it any longer unless he has a computer analyzing system.

Calvin Of Calvin and Hobbs: “Isn’t it strange that evolution woyuld give us a senc=se of humor? When you think about it, it’s weird that we have a physiological response to absurdity. We laugh at nonsense. We like it. We think it’s funny. Don’t you think it’s odd tat we appreciate absurdity? Why wouold we Develop that way? How does it benefit us?” Hobbs: I suppose if we couldn’t laugh at things that don’t make sense, we couldn’t react to a lot of life.” Calvin (After a long pause): I can’t tell if that’s funny or really scary.”

There must be something going on in the world, but I just can’t seem to find it today.

How can you be bored with something you have failed to participate in? But that’s the new opinion of the main stream media on the Hillary caper -- "they are bored" The problem with today’s press is that unless the info comes wrapped in a pretty package with colored ribbons and a note that says “Open me”, the press can’t find it. Maybe they wouldn’t be so bored if they put more of their sweat into determining the truth instead of making excuses for the Conniver Candidate.

The Parking Lot: Chapter 12 continues.

    Richard Hicks’ eyes deepened as his son told what he saw at the camp. He was particularly concerned about his friend, and tribal chief, Joseph’s reactions. It was not like him to easily disavow Richard or his family. Based on what he had heard of a meetin gbetween Plymouth Governors and Joseph’s brother King Phillip, things did not go well. When Phillip is angry it is felt throughout the nation.

   Richard had sensed lately that tension between the Wampanoags and colonists had been increasing lately as the expansionist Plymouth Colony took more of the Indian lands. He was certainly one of them, but he had always gained land through honest trading with the Wampanoag’s. The problem was that the leaders in Plymouth wanted more than land, they wanted control of all people including their own and the native population. He had heard the contingent from the Plymouth had gone in with a list of new regulations, which would further diminish the stature of the proud Wampanogs people and in particular their mercurial leader King Phillip.

   Regardless of friendships, this moment became one of protection of his family. He called to Jeremiah, “Hitch the large wagon to Matilda,” their biggest work horse. “Jenny, Emily, Robert. Go into your rooms and pack in a blanket as much of what you can carry.

   Eliza, bring what you need to run the home, we’re going to our little island in the lake. Richard went off to pack his weapons, maps and some documents signed by Sachems Joseph…and Phillip.

The Answer:

Tokyo was originally Edo. If you got that right, you can go onto th bonus answer: #1 is Calvin and Hobbs. After the little boy with the wonderful dreams we have Peanuts, Garfield, Pearls before Swine, The Far Side, Bloom County, Beetle Bailey, Foxtrot, Zits and Dilbert. I can go with those except Garfield. The next five would be B.C., Dennis the Menace, Doonesbury, The Adventures Of Tintin and Archie. Dagwood and Blondie are #20.

Some days the Tids are short and snappy, and some days they are just short. But, I hope all of your days are snappy.

Calvin: “Life is full of surprises but never when you need one.”

  

In a land of milk and honey, white doves coo..

Today's Tids Isue 3,413

Opening Stuff:

There really is nothing better than being in love. The smile on the face, the tingles, the absolutely wonderful feeling of giving. Yup there’s something to be said about walking on air; head in the clouds; blue birds singing.

I had the chance yesterday to talk to a guy who is one of the top three marine photographers in the world. He had just returned from a shoot in Rio de Janero in Brazil, so I asked him about the infamous dirty waters. He said that the reported hysteria about disease is total bunk. He had just spent 10 days sailing in those waters photographing the races and saw nary a sick sailor. In fact he said, “There are local waters here in RI that I would avoid way before anything I saw in Brazil.” Complainers like to complain, and the media will always pick up on the most negative of criticisms, especially when “pollution” is involved. The real pollution in this world may be in printers ink and in the pens of the reporters.

If you think about it, if wasn’t for Social Security and retirement pensions, most restaurants would close.

Some times when the world is particularly frustrating I think of doing something drastic, like dropping my membership in Publishers Clearing House (PCH) Sweepstakes.

The Question:

According to USA Hiring Mangers, what are considered the top ten best US colleges?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Open Up 200; China Has Rebound Day; Gold Looking Risky; Private Sector Added 190,000 Jobs; Factory Orders Rise In July, 2^nd Month I A row.

--Obama Gets Last Vote Needed To Ok Iran Deal.

--Illinois Cop Killer Search Broadens As Murderers Elude Police; Illinois Killing Is Fourth Police Officer Death In 8 Days.

--RNC Debate Rule Change Assures A Spot For Carly Fiorina At Grown Up Table.

--Russia And China Strengthen Ties With Largest Joint Naval Operation Ever.

Serena Williams has had her negative moments during a long career, but she may be one of the all time great tennis players. She seems to be getting better with maturity.

Walking on air is great unless somebody tells me I’m light in my  loafers.

As far as I can determine, one of the biggest lies of the new millennium is “Hands up, don’t shoot. And, I contend that is getting a lot of good policeman shot. So that isn’t politically correct – Shoot me.

One of the biggest problems in trying to sort out the decaying stock market is that historical based analysis isn’t quite as relevant for today as it has been in the past. Today, with computerization of trading and global markets that seem inches away, huge paradigm events can transpire in seconds, instead of the decades of the past. It isn’t like “US Steel has turned on another blast furnace,” anymore.

Case For Voter ID, Department;

7 Counties in Texas List More Voters than Residents! Must have something to do with Political Science or whatever.

I hear that Mayor DiBlasio is thinking of banning Brazil.

My head was in the clouds this morning, until I realized it was low hanging fog.

These AGT (America’s Got Talent) judges (Especially the ever unctuous Howard Stern) are just much too an annoying intrusion into what are some pretty entertaining performances. But, I endure their bias and simplistic opinions because I like some of the talent. Just 5 of 12 will be selected from last night’s show and it will be tough with some good acts going. First, I’m concerned about Derek Hughes, who I like, but who may have not outperformed another magician/illusionist OZ. I love Mountain Faith Bluegrass, and apparently so do many with a broader view of the world than the narrow minded NYC denizens. 12 year Old Arielle Baril, the little girl with the big voice was a little disappointing last night. Still good, but maybe the song was just too big for her. I liked the Craig Lewis Band again. Siro-A is quite the amazing modern, electronic dance team. I would also like to see Benton Blount make it through, but then I’m showing my Country bias. But, he is good. Samantha Johnson is definitely another strong contender. Didn’t like her song last night, but she did it well. The Metal Mulisha Army daring motor cycle riding acrobats certainly thrill, but I’ve seen enough of them. Drew Lynch is sympathetic but really not funny to me. Ira was good in the beginning, but has lost me. I think Oz Perlman, Mountain Faith, Samantha Johnson, Craig Lewis and Siro-A make the cut. That leaves out three of my favorites Benton, Arielle and Derek.

It might be fun  to keep a  eye on the PC market now that Intel has just announced a new super chip that enables facial recognition technology instead of passwords, reduces power consumption, eliminates wires needed all while boosting performance. The password elimination sounds great, and I don’t believe there is any way I can forget my face. Does that mean I’ll have to shave everyday?

Yesterday Obama said, The Glacier Is Melting, The Glacier Is Melting. Today news broke that he ordered more Coast Guard Icebreakers. Go figure.

I don’t which is more annoying, PCH Sweepstakes or Howard Stern.

The Parking Lot: Chapter 12.

    Jeremiah Hicks was shaken as he rode his horse into the small coral next to his parents tidy frame house. Their home and the acres that went to the sea on one side and large lake on the other had always been a sense of pride and independence for this hardworking, innovative family. But, today it looked different. It wasn’t simply because of the coolness of Elizabeth at the way she dismissed him from the camp. Or even anger he saw in her father’s eyes, eyes that had always been kind to him. He always felt a part of the tribe, But at that moment he felt like an intruder. You should go now, she said to him. She didn’t reach up to touch his sleeve, or indicate in any way a sense of loss at him leaving. She seemed resolute to whatever was happening, resolute like daughter of the chief should.

   The tension was apparent as the boy went inside and saw his parents whispering. Their heads looked up as he entered and their eyes flashed recognition, but only that. The only sounds above the hushed conversation were chopping by the kitchen sink as his two sisters and younger brother prepared food for mom to cook. That seemed normal, except for the lack of the laughter.

   His father stood and nodded for him to come to the table. His mother sat back, but gone was the smile that always welcomed him home from the Indian settlement. “What was it like at the camp,” his father asked.

   Now he knew that his father and mother knew all about whatever caused the commotion when those riders appeared. “Angry, it felt angry”. Then he started rattling words like a kid would. “The women were all doing what they always do. But after the riders appeared and started talking they began looking at me like I was a coyote or bear coming to steal their food. Elizabeth’s eyes went blank like the rest. And her father, who is your friend dad, our friend, became rigid. Like he didn’t know me.”

   Could you understand anything they said?” asked mom softly.

   “I heard “White intruders.” Time to rise up.” “King Phillip.” His mother placed her hands on her opposite upper arms and hugged herself, and shuddered.

The Answer:

#1 is Harvard. Next is MIT which is followed by Stanford, Yale, Princeotn, Duke, Columbia, Penn, Dartmouth and Cal Berkley. The next group is a tie between CalTech and Cornell followed by Chicago, US Naval Academy, Northwestern, Georgetown, Michigan, Virginia, Johns Hopkins and Military Academy. Rounding out the top 25 we have Carnegie-Mellon, Brown, NYU, Notre Dame and Boston College.  Another way to look at the hirers favorite college for employees is to rank colleges by “highest median starting salary among graduates. Here’s the list of the highest ($60K and Above)”: Naval Academy, Harvey Mudd, Military Academy, CalTech, MIT, Stanford,  Carnegie-Mellon, RPI, Babson, Georgia Tech, Lehigh U, and a tie between Rice and Princeton.

If I see you humming a love song, I won’t intrude. I‘ll just enjoy your smile.

Division is for math, not “United” countries.

Today's Tids Issue 3,412

Opening Stuff:

Happy September morning everybody, where the sunrise is a little later, and the heat feels cooler. In olden days we’d be cutting mums to adorn beautiful dates at first football games. September arrives with a burst of energy that seems to lifts us all out of the doldrums of August. Kids traipse fields in pads and soccer shorts. or with pointy shaped inflated balls and curved field hockey sticks; black and white balls and a touch of yellow for penalty cards. Road side stands have more tomatoes but diminishing stacks of corn. It’s a enigmatic month where kids hate school but love going back to see friends, When a sense of quiet begins to reappear and towns in tourist areas become once again what they always were – beautiful, sensible places to live. It’s easy to be rapturous about September. I’d better stop now before my heart beats out of my chest.

For all of those who like the evening setting sun but never feel the beauty of the dawn: I’m standing with a friend at the top of a broad green lawn, watching the skitterish play of a mom and her fawn. It’s 10 minutes before the sun, you know when there is a special glow before the flickering bright. Two beautiful deer getting in some play, just before the light. And those rascally humans who may be a fright. The orange sun rises across the blue sea The ruminants disappear, we hear a chirp from a tree. And frantic burst of sound, calling us to turn around; to see their but 12 feet across the ground, regally unmoving stands a hawk, proud. Mighty and exposed, but not afraid of we two, my pal and I. Then we see it beneath that talon, his prey, his food to start the day. He doesn’t move or flutter a wing, but resolved, the beast stays. And the frantic chirps we had heard, grow aloud, and it is alarming. Suddenly we see a small bird fluttering, swarming, angry at the demon giant neath her nest, She attacks the predator, which doesn’t sway. Again  and again she pecks away. Begone the fiend seems to say. But to no avwil we see. And neath that talon, a dying peep, it’s momma bird’s child in eternal sleep. Her anger mounts and she, this sadden mom attacks again, But the monster never moves, just looks away. And as we watch, our hearts are heavy with grief, for this saddened mom who lost a child this beautiful day. And it hurts, we agree, as we walk to begin our play.

Today’s Question:

Name five songs with the word “September in the Title”. Or about the month.

Today’s Headlines:

--Weak China Economic Date Has World Markets Lower, US Could Have Seriously Down Day; Exchange Invoked Rule 48 For Smoother Opening. Dow Down Over 370 By 10:00.

--Refugee Problems Growing Out Of Control; Merkle Says Huddled Masses Should Be Distributed Fairly Across Europe.

--Washington State Federal Judge Sides With Anti-Abortion Group Challenging Key Key Birth Control Provision Of O-Admin’s Healthcare Overhaul.

--O-Man Changes Tune, Now Vowing To Push For Police Safety; Law Enforcement Lives Matter.

--New Release of Hillary Emails Creates New Mysteries; State Department IT Department Says They Had No Knowledge Of her Email System.

--Deadly Protest Clashes Disrupt Kiev.

--Newt Gingrich Says Trump Is Electable.

From now on I’m making up my own news, Department:

I could conger up news in my head that would be more accurate than some of the reporting I see. Like last night when Scott Pelley reporting on the change of the name of Mount McKinley only said that a mountain only named by a propesctor from Ohio where McKinley had won the republican nomination. He never mentioned that McKinley was a very well respected President of the USA who easily, overwhlmingly own his second term. He was a progressive politician who changed politicos, and the power of the Presidency. He oversaw a robust economy and led America through the war with Spain. And then this President McKinley was assassinated by an anarchist’s bullet. And America wept, and hundreds of thousands of his citizens from all walks of life passed his casket and mourned his death. No, the word from the left on high must have been that he official story was that it was just a mountain that happened to be named by a prospected. Certainly not a memorial to a very good American President brought down by a mad man. –And then there as the woman who I generally look to for reasoned analysis of news events, Dana Perino. Last night she went on against Tom Brady, after opening her harangue saying she knew nothing about Brady or what he does, and little about deflated footballs; and then-after she said , “Well I guess I’m  Denver Broncos fan,” she said “Nobody likes Brady, so he must be wrong.” God save us from people with opinions on TV.

The real sadness of the day is the closing of the Original The Palm restaurant on NYC’s 2^nd Avenue. It had the best of great simple meals in the town maybe the country. Great steaks and spectacular hash browns were always plenty for me.  The institution with the surly waiters in black vests and long white aprons was the inspiration of all of the current copy cat steak houses. It was the club of admen, writers, journalists and political scoundrels. It was of lunches that lasted til dinner, and checks that required visits to Fort Knox. It was just plain perfect and always a special treat for me, even if I could only afford it once every three years. 89 years, and it is gone. Just like that. Just like Mount McKinley

The top three Repubs in the Iowa Caucus Polls are non-politicians – Trump, Carson and Fiorina.

I see where President Obama is going to appear on the NBC show – “Running Wild”. That is certainly an apt name for the what appears to be the agenda for his remaining months. How much further can he divide a nation in a year? That is the question.

A couple of days ago we were awaiting friends to join us for breakfast at a dockside restaurant. We saw them and waved, They both came over smiling, and the husband looked towards me appearing generally happy to see me. I raised my hand to shake, but he moved past and behind me, to a dog. He was all abeam about a dog sitting in the chair behind me. Whatever happened to humans?

RI First woman Governor Gina Raimondo is looking exactly like another union hack. She is proving once again that there is absolutely no correlation between voting for first in gender, race or ethnicity getting good government for all.

Have you noticed over the years that the news media only reports on melting glaciers in the Summer?

Chris Christie could be the center of attraction during the next Repub debate as he is thinking of going nuclear against trump; What does he have to lose?

If somebody said to me, “Quick, give me two words to describe President Obama?” I would answer, “Useless” and “Divisive”.

The Parking Lot: Chapter 11 continues.

   Nancy bent low now has she moved swiftly up the small levee like embankment that was hiding her small cabin. She had several perches along the ridge which allowed her to observe almost 360 degrees without being seen.

    Her heart skipped the proverbial beat when she saw with the heavyweight duo her “date” from that dreadful night in the Parking lot. The good news was that were looking at the island with disinterested glances. Why were they out here in the first place she wondered? Did I not cover my tracks at the shoreline behind my home? Or was it just a guess by people who are good at finding prey. The motor rumbled on, while her eyes measured every movement. Finally, their heads tuned towards a larger island down the way, about a quarter mile from her. The boat sped up, and thankfully left her in its broad wake.

   She wasn’t going back down to the cabin until she was sure they were off the broad lake. She moved to get a better view and put the sun more to her rear. She brought up binoculars, which she had not deemed safe earlier because of glints off the glass. She was searing the images of the three into her mind, when she felt the vibration of her phone. It was Beth again. “Be fast,” Nancy answered.

   “Jared Old Guy walked in after we hung up. He says he has something you might like. Wants to meet.” Has something? Nancy felt a small smile, thought a minute, wondering when it would be safe to leave her secure place. In the predawn light, she could probably be make it to shore. But, going to her home would be a bad idea. What have I gotten into?

  

The Answer:

Of course there is the September Song. Then you have Earth, Wind and Fire’s September. There is September in the Rain, September Morn, See you in September, My September Love and It might as walk rain until September. And the thre is the lyrics – “It’s a long, long way from May to December, and the days grow short when you reach September.”

I am asked frequently how I can come up with such a jumble of meaningless information every morning and make it at times even worth reading. Well, folks it is just you, my inspiration: https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-006&ei=utf-8&fr=ytff1-yff16&p=youtube%20chicago%20inspiration&type=