Not Central to the Argument.

Today's Tids Issue 4,147

For Clarity in a Disjointed World:

It’s one of those mornings where I feel,

My mind drifting, towards lands surreal.

The goosebumps, the racing heart;

Out of thin air, a romantical start.

S’not the bright dawning lifting me aloft.

Tis the lilting strains of Rachmaninoff!

I was moved Friday evening by what will be the final words ever written by Charles Krauthammer. I was driven to reach back into his literary treasures. He was a master of getting to the point, dismissing the side shows and manipulations. He like many other very smart people, is able to discern beyond the deafening rhetoric. To see and explain the truth, even to those who try to bar it from their opinions. To those who never listen -- to pause, to think. When I grow up, I want to be Charles Krauthammer.

There is a lot of importance happening the world over, and yet too many get caught up in sensationalized irrelevance.

And Patriotic irreverence – like last night when spoiled children at the Tony Awards erupted in riotous applause and laughter after an aging movie star uttered the “F” word against the President of the United States of America, who just happens to be as we speak in Singapore on a mission that could help bring a new peace to the world. Contrast the yahoos at the Tonys with the 50,000 people at the RI Air Show who fervently sang our national anthem as the Navy Jump Team unfurled the American flag on their way to a safe landing on the vast tarmac. They say there are two Americas these days. I’ll take the second one.

The Question:

We all know and take for granted that a week consists of S-M-T-W-T-F-S. But, how were these seven days named?

The Headlines:

--Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump Meet In Singapore; Possibility Of A New Relationship Could Add Peace To A Tattered World.

--Markets Keep Close Eye On Summit And Tarde Insults; Later In Week Fed Action Could Have Effect.

--Oil Prices Drop As Russia Reserves Grow; Arabia To Up Production.

--Justify Looks Like Real Champion In Cruising To Triple Crown  At Rrigorous Belmont.

--IHOP Changes Name To IHOB – “B” As IN Burgers.

--CEO Of Twitter Savaged By The Intolerant For Eating At Chick-fil-A; He Meekly Agrees He Forgot And Shouldn’t Have Enjoyed Sandwich.

--Body Of South Florida Woman Believed To Have Been Attacked By Alligator Found Nearby Her Home; Neighbor Hood Alert had Issue Wild Animal Warning Earlier In The Day.

I believe one reason that many Americans don’t see truth is because side arguments are so cacophonous.

What the hell just happened up in Canada?

Or, Perhaps I am achieving calm,

Listening to chorales from Brahms.

I have to tell you that ever since June 1 when new controls over things Internet went into effect, my Tids Web site visits are down a bit. I have to hope the decline is because of the “Cookies” warning that Google plops up front and not that the Tids have lost their ability to inform and entertain. There are days when I sit here and wonder if I’ve gone stale. I much prefer rye humor to stale bread.

When the buck deer took over diaper duty at home, it was considered a big game changer.

How about that Google company succumbing to anxious employees who for some reason don’t want to contribute to the betterment of national defense? Remember, like when most companies thought it was an honor to contribute to the protection of neighbors. Google’s rejection of a Military drone contract was based on some kind of a supposed employee revolt, which on the face of it seems rather ironic. They may abhor the thought of war, or maybe they just won’t support anything associated with Trump regardless if it is good for all. Obviously, the employees don’t understand that the threat of war will always be a black cloud that hangs over the globe, and that drone warfare is much more targeted than broadly destructive missiles and other weapons of the past. Why wouldn’t they want to contribute to a warfare instrument significantly more humane, that could in some future instance protect so many fellow citizens in this country that gives so much.

Below is the Google Employee letter to management that was signed by 3100 employees: “Dear Sundar (CEO of Google),

We believe that Google should not be in the business of war. Therefore, we ask that Project Maven (Advanced Drone Technology) be cancelled and that Google draft, publicize, and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology.” Yikes! Rosie the riveter, where have you gone?

I’m trying to give up snacks, but I think my body is rejecting me.

When I think of reverie, I see me walking hand in hand on a moon lit beach. I feel cool waters creeping up, sifting between my toes. I hear Chopin’s 2^nd movement of his first piano concerto somehow drifting upon breezes in darkened skies.

You may have noticed over the years that I have though Cyber security technology should be at the forefront of our defense efforts. Last Friday it was revealed that China has hacked into our super-secret plans for future submarine and weapon technology (BTW -- Right here in a Newport Underwater Defenses Company). We can build all possible mighty weapons of steel, but what good are they if their operation can be subverted from afar. If I’m a congress person, I’m voting for increased defense spending. I’m prioritizing high technology, regardless of what Google employees think.

I may have to find a new browser…and search engine…and Android operating system…and blogging system. Hey wait a minute – Google is already a tyrannical dictator.

Just in case you thought the US might be losing its edge, we just reclaimed the Super Computer title from China.

When I watch a movie lately, I have this strange feeling that all of the actors up there on the screen don’t really like me.

In Oregon, marijuana retail sellers have grown much too fast for the marketplace, forcing a reduction in prices and opening the door to big companies buying up smaller operations. Reality of business is seeping in through the clouds. 20 or so years from now class action lawyers will be employing the same tactics as they did with the big Ciggy-butt companies to bring down pot.

There is no truth to the rumor that NYC’s latest street scape problem is the growth of seeing eye dogs for pedestrians with heads buried in smart phones.

Have the Dems had it with Progressives? The DNC has just adopted new rules that would bar independents like Bernie from getting the Dem nomination. So, basically, the Dems have just helped create a potentially powerful socialist Party in the US. How fracturing would a three-way race become? Interesting set of possibilities developing here for politics addicts.

What in hell are we doing, Department:

The Salem Witch trials could be considered the bridge between medieval times and a growing sense of enlightenment -- Reasonable people rebelling against the irrationality of madding crowds. I’m glad we of modern society have gotten past ideological anger overwhelming common sense.

The Answer:

The seven days were originally named after the classical planets in Hellenistic astrology – Sun Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. While these designated planets were described by many different languages over many centuries, what we have today are Basie to Germanic Old English. This replaced the Latin (Roman) Latin words for the planets and is loosely tied to them through German and Norse gods. Yeah, right, it’s really confusing, yet we live with it, not questioning, every single day. Sunday is from Sunnandaeg meaning Suns day. Monandaeg is for the Moons day. Tiwestag after Norse one handed god Tiw, is Tuesday. Wodnesdaeg relates to the German God Wodin, the Norse god Odin and also is somewhat related to the Latin dies Mercurii. Modern English (T)unresdaeg is Thor or Thunder which is often written in as German Donnerstag or Scadinavian Torstag which corresponds ot Latin dies lovis – Day of Jupiter. Friggs star was Venus and Old English was Frigedaeg. Lastly, we Anglo-Saxonized the roman god Saturn, to give us Saeturnesdaeg -- Saturday.  There is no truth the rumor that Lincoln Chafee of RI will run for President on a platform that would return us to the Latin days of the week.

The things we accept as Gospel without knowing what things really mean: I always thought that day’s names were Latin for: Sunday meant go to church; Monday, do the wash. Of course, Tuesday was iron the clothes and Wednesday was mending clothes day; Thursday was upstairs cleaning day and Friday was for baking.  Saturday was for downstairs cleaning, and not sitting down with beer and a bag of Cheetos and watch the Red Sox day.

Truths and Dissembling’s.

Today's Tids Issue 4,146

For Moderation:

Military pilots have something quite special inside them.

Borrow money from a pessimist. They don’t expect it back –Steven Wright

A local church has declared itself a sanctuary for illegal immigrants. The minster said she doesn’t believe any human is illegal. Sure. Cute. When you break the laws, you are a fugitive from justice. Societies need laws to avoid general chaos and ensure safety just as churches are built upon the Ten Commandments. The same ten commandments that are the basic to almost all laws. It’s much too easy these days to create misconceptions in order to enable avoiding responsibility.

Are you loving if you are not honest with those you profess to love?

I wonder if Kate Spade’s succumbing to her demons had anything to do with Anthony Bourdain choosing to her follow her. Beyond the spotlight there are dark corners.

The Question:

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the world’s most successful race horse owners, having run horses even before she began her longest British monarchy ever. Who are considered the elite racing horse owners?

The Headlines:

--G7 Conflicts Along With Tariff Turmoil Causing Concern In Markets Today; Stocks Wandering At Midday; US Prez To Skip Climate Portion Of Meeting; DT Calls For Readmission Of Russia To G7.

--Celebrity Chef Bourdain Accuse of Sexual Misconduct Commits Suicide.

--Apple Warns Of 20% Drop In Phone Sales; Facebook Suggests That Users May Want To Update Their Privacy Settings.

--Buffet, Bezos, Dimon Health Care Project Moving Along.

--All Eyes On Belmont Race Track Tomorrow As Justify Goes For Triple Crown.

--Jody Foster’s New Movie Hotel Artemis Now Leader In Clubhouse For Razzberry Honors (Worst Movie Of The Year).

--38 Year Old Indiana Couple Jailed For Fraud That Enabled Theft of $1.2 Million Form Amazon.

I keep on finding grey hair in my brush. It’s disconcerting. When I look in the mirror I see blond.

I’m taking a stance and you’re not included, even though I need your support make it work. That’s what I seem to be hearing these days.

Basically, I don’t care if a movie makes political points, I watch them if they entertain me.

It’s tough to be tongue in cheek these days. Everybody takes everything much too seriously.

Weasels I don’t need in my life, Samantha Bee and Scott Pruitt.

Every year around this weekend, a couple of my friends and I play golf at the old Quonset Air Station, Seaport golf course, now town owned and public. (Remember Seabees and Quonset huts?) Well we pick this time because it is two days before the big air show when great flying teams like the “Blue Angels” practice for several hours. It maybe a little disconcerting for putting, but it is truly amazing to watch. I mean, truly amazing.

Would you go Tail Walking with me?

Mitt Romney who has never had anything positive to say about DT, said that the president could easily win in 2020 if the Democrats insist on moving to a progressive far from the mainstream of American thinking.

Also, from Steven Wright: “I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met.”

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Ocean’s 8 Is getting a lot of pre-release publicity mainly because it is an all-female cast. But, is it any good? That is the question. Scam artist Debbie Ocean (Sandra Dee) is released from prison and immediate sets out to form a gang of like-minded female thieves (Many other well-known actresses) in order to steal a$150K neckless.  Debbie says she is using only women because they are less likely to draw attention. Say what! Critics sort of like it and audiences are pretty much luke warm.

--This movie is telling us to be careful of what you hope to learn from information about your ancestors. It’s a horror movie that follows a family unraveling family’s past after the death of the matriarch. How do they out run the fate that might befall them?

--Hotel Artemis is a lackluster film starring Jodi Foster as a nurse who runs a secret hospital for criminals in the not too distant future. Critics try to like it a little, but audiences generally dislike it a lot.

--Hearts Beat Loud is probably a nice little film about a Dad,   wannabe musician (Nick Offerman), and his daughter. Before she leaves for college he forms a band with her. One song becomes a hit on line and complicates both of their lives. Ina nice way.

--There is also new movie called “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” which is about the life of Fred Rogers. Yes, that Fred Rogers. There’s a good chance you will like it.

The Answer:

The “Bigs” in racing are Shadwell Racing, HRH Princess Haya of Jordan, Darley Racing (Sheikh Mohammed), Michael Tabor (UK), Bridget Oppenheimer, Aga Kahn, Coolmore, Frank Stonach, Dato Tan Chin Nam (Australia), Godolphin Racing, John Magnier (Driving force behind Coolmore), Team Valor and Mike Pegram (teams with Bob Baffert.) You don’t know them perhaps, but if you like racing you should. BTW, QE2 has the British version of the Daily Racing Form delivered each morning. International Horse racing is not your neighborhood mahjong club.

S. I. Hayakawa taught me to always look for the grey. But more and more people seem to want everything to be either black or white, and nothing else in between. And now, some mindless observer will accuse me of being racist.

Have a great weekend, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y! Within moderation, of course. Of course.

Shhhh!

Today's Tids Issue 4,145.

For Stone-faced consideration:

“Silence is Golden”, Department:

What’s with Giuliani saying out loud in a public place that Kim came crawling on his knees begging for the meeting? Is that dumb or what? Loose Lips sink Summits.

After California, could it be that the big Blue wave crashing upon the pacific shores has turned into a quiet ripple amidst the summer doldrums. It appears that George Soros who spent big bucks in support of “Cop-Bashing” prosecutors has failed miserably. That’s the kind of far side thinking that wakes up rational citizens.

Installing auto mufflers is exhausting work.

The Media keeps on reporting things like Melania is back after a “controversial absence”.  Controversial? It is only a controversy is in the middling minds of those trying to create descension in the country. For any other First Lady, regardless of party, it would have been about America praying for recovery of (Fill in the blank). Are the media Xenophobic? But, these are disingenuous days, my friends, and it is all about forgoing human feelings in favor of ideology guided by and anger.

The Question:

The Crusades is one of historic those eras that just about every intelligent person has heard about, and it seems like they just existed. But when did they start: 720, 1090, 1237, 1450 or 1607?

The Headlines:

--WS looks To Keep Stock Momentum Going As Trade Worried Abate.

--Airlines Concerned Over Rising Fuel Costs.

--92 Million At “My Heritage” DNA Service Hacked; Company says It Appears No Members Data Compromised.

--WVa’s Manchin Says He Could Back Trump In 2020;

--Chicago With 254,000 Homes Underwater Leads the Nation. LA With 70K And San Fran With 20K Follow.

--Disney Stock Off After Roseann Mess And Failure of Solo.

--Volcanos Continue To Spew.

Silence can speak volumes without saying a word.

The tech stocks seem to have overcome their negatives about privacy and other safety concerns. It appears their position of influence upon the future of global economic activity far outweighs problems of the moment. People want to be on that machine as it moves into arenas probably not yet even in the minds of 99% of the country. “Irrational exuberance” is certainly a potential problem as it always has been in stock super run-ups. But when it all filters out some day, the big tech giants will be seen emerging from the dust. And they will go on innovating and transforming.

The left doesn’t seem to understand the real values of America.

“Speak only if it improves upon silence.” Gandhi

Howard Schultz, formerly of Starbucks fame, might be a 2020 presidential candidate worth listening to. He scoffs at the idea of the Dem Bernie/Elizabeth progressives and their everything for free programs, including single payer health insurance, cradle through college education and jobs for all. He must wonder, have any of these promise-everything candidates ever balanced their family checkbook, much less run a busienss?

Can Justify become the next Triple Crown winner this weekend at the Belmont Sates in NYC. A lot are saying that Justify looked real tired winning the much shorter Preakness. Can he run the longer distance? With namesake Rob Gronkowski back in Patriots camp, will the horse Gronk be inspired? Gronkowski is 12-1. Justify is the favorite at 4-5 followed by Hofburg 9-2 (A very strong horse who could be the spoiler down the stretch.), Vini Rosso 8-1 and Bravazo at 8-1. Also at 12-1 is Tenfold followed by Blended Citizen at 15-1, Noble Indy 30-1 and Free Drop Billy 30-1.

BTW, the Belmont represents one of the reasons I don’t like New York – they mess with tradition for the sake of contemporary populism. At the derby we have My Old Kentucky Home. When the horses trot up to the Preakness starting gate we listen to Maryland, My Maryland. For eons it seemed we enjoyed the start of the Belmont with East Side, West side all around the town. But now with the popularity of Sinatra’s (A Jersey Boy, BTW), New York, New York is what we get.

“It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.” – Maurice Switzer

I really didn’t like Red Schoendienst, the great Saint Louis Cardinal, second basemen extraordinaire, premiere clutch hitter and extraordinary manager. No, I didn’t like him because I always thought he was at his Hall of Fame best in key games against my team of the 40’s, the Brooklyn Dodgers. What a great player he was – dead at 95.

One of the keys to getting through the Summer of TV tryouts and also-ran programming is finding good series on the Streamers.

“Among my most prized possessions are words that I have never spoken.” O.S. Card

The Answer:

It was 1090. I would have assumed 1325. I just didn’t think the world was that advanced militarily, and England had barely recovered from the after effects of William the Conqueror.

The smartest people I have ever met are those who just looked at me and listened. Or as Elizabeth Kostova said, “There’s nothing harder, at moments, than talking to someone who has all the power of silence.”

Maybe it’s time the Tids went silent before I get into trouble.

Could I?

Today's Tids Issue 4,144

For Valor Of Men Upon Cold Seas:

I wonder if. I wonder, what would it be like. I wonder about D-day and try to see me sitting stone-faced in my LCI, as wind-blown waves beat against that metal hull plowing through turbulent seas. The steel echoes the pounding rush of water, resonating through all bodies rigid, with courage, or with fear. I feel cold and I shiver. I feel the jolt as the ramp flies open into the sea, baring souls to the devil on high cliffs above. I hear the roar of cannons muffling that of the churning seas. I wonder, would I be brave enough to wade ashore. I sit here today behind a keyboard seeking words that would express the intensity of those feelings of yore. And, I shiver again. I see men rush the beach. I see men crumble into blood red waves. My mind is traveling back seventy-four years to where one bewildered young man finally realizes it is his time. He raises his head, looking beyond his own conflicted mind. He sees men running, wading, crawling; craft after craft assaulting the beaches wide; inch by inch, yard by yard, finally to a place to catch a breath, to feel the courage rising above fear. A place finally, to wonder, can I, we go on. I see bravery and resilience on a day that turned the tide. I think of the men who did it and I wonder, could I?

Helen Keller once said that the only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.

As far as I’m concerned, bacon is an essential condiment.

Is Marx’s tomb a communist plot?

The Question:

Omaha got all the credit, and that was before Warren Buffet. Omaha beach that is. Name all of the other beaches where valiant solders stormed.

The Headlines:

--EU To Counter US Tariffs beginning In July; US Trade Deficit Falls To 7 Month Low; US productivity Growth Looks Weak.

--Repub’s John Cox Surges In Cal Primary To Win Spot Against Gavin Newsom For Governor; Most Congressional Primaries Too Close To Call; Pelosi Disturbed By Lack Of Dem Gains That Would Shut Out Repubs.

--Obama Admin Allegedly Gave Iran Access To US Financial System; New Senate Report Says O-Admin Misled People.

--Fashion World Shocked At Death Of Popular Kate Spade; Her Family Says They Are No Surprised.

--Hundreds More Houses Destroyed By New Lava Flows In Hawaii; All Neighborhoods Now Cut Off.

--FBI’s Former Deputy Director McCabe Seeking Immunity For Testimony About Handling of Clinton’s Email Investigation.

--Gennifer Flowers Comes Out With New Allegations Against Bill.

Would I rather be known for refuting the American Flag, or for wading through bloody waters towards Omaha beach?

What was that I just ate, again…Department:

One of those little mysteries of life is: What exactly is the difference between Baby Backed Ribs and Saint Louis Style Spare Ribs. And More important, what kind of ribs were they that I really enjoyed the other night. Well first, Baby Backed Ribs are the most popular, and therefore higher priced mainly because they are in greater demand. BB Ribs are cut from where the ribs meet the spine after the loin is removed. BTW, baby backed ribs don’t come from baby pigs. They have the name because they are smaller, shorter than the Spare Ribs. BB Ribs are tender and lean. (They may also be called “Pork Loin Back Ribs”, “Back Ribs” or “Loin Ribs”.) Spare ribs are meaty ribs cut from the belly of the animal after the belly has been removed. Saint Louis Style refers to the process that trims away cartilage and hard breast bone, leaving manageable meaty ribs. Spare Ribs are meatier than BB Ribs, and generally more flavorful because of high fat content. Also, while both types of ribs require slow cooking, the Spare Ribs brown easier because they are much flatter than the curvy BB Ribs. Regardless, the best taste result always relies on the BBQ mastery of the chef, be it in a fancy restaurant or back yard smoker. 

It is purported that at his Bachelor Party, Prince Harry said, “It’s really weird stuffing money into a stripper’s G-String when every bill has a photo of your grandmother printed on it.”

They should change the name of America’s Got Talent to America Imports Talent. Will Simon Cowell have to pay a tariff to keep his show going, as many of the top talent live abroad? I’m still wading through the early stages of this event which often I find hard to watch. Fortunately, there is generally a Red Sox game on another channel to which I can flip while judges are talking or some phony act is on stage. I also wish they were more like The Voice where the judges can’t see the person but only hear he or she without visual prejudice influencing judgments. I feel the same about some of these heart tugging tales, which while incredibly admirable in many cases, still potentially interfere with the sanctity of the judging. The judges are always enamored it seems with all of these dancing troops and acrobatic acts. As I have said in the past, what do you do for the second act? Last night a guy with a sword “wowed the intrepid four, but I thought he was just fair, with far too many lulls in-between less than sensational action. The final singer had a great voice, and I liked his song choice. But I wonder if much of his accolades were the result of his goodness in life.

Basically, I really don’t like the show, but I do enjoy some of the acts.

Tell me again, what exactly is a free gift. Aren’t all gifts free?

I think I was smarter before my subscription to the Wall Street Journal ran out.

I don’t know about you, but I liked it much better when I could sit in my hometown and watch the clouds roll by… and not see small local incidents of human foible-ism blown out of proportion into national events.

The Answer:

Utah Beach, the western most beach, was added in the final hours before invasion in order to put allies in striking distance of Cherbourg. While Omaha was indeed the bloodiest, heavy fighting also occurred during the British assault on Gold beach and Canadians slaughtered early at Juno. At Sword beach, British and Canadian airborne groups emulated the American actions at Cherbourg beyond Utah.  Despite the early carnages at Juno, then Canadians advanced the farthest on the first day. But in the end, they are all equal in bravery.

There is so much rancor and shouting, it is tough to know what is really important.

I know D-Day is important.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1BDlJvr8yQ

Tolerance goes two ways.

Today's Tids Issue 4,143

For seeing points of view:

I believe we are about to become a “Retraining” economy. Everybody is trying to predict the next big career move for kids graduating from college – healthcare, data science, artificial intelligence – to name a few. But perhaps the real big opportunity will be teaching people how to keep pace with a rapidly changing employment landscape. So, let’s take artifact intelligence for example. When that gets roaring, what will be the most likely outcome? It will eliminate human jobs, and even entire industries, and it will do it over shorter and shorter time periods than ever before. The US economic world crashed for many when the so-called somewhat lower paying “Service Industry” mega business became the hot button for MBA’s. Now it’s getting to that point when service jobs have become a salary burden for Wall Street progress. Let’s be honest, in most cases it is the cost of people that dictates business model changes. AI will be accepted and people will need to look once again at career changing. And this phenomenon will occur at a more condensed rate over time. Retraining will become second nature to daily living, and restrainers will be in high demand.

From a friend: “Do not touch” must be one of the scariest things to read in braille.

The Supreme Court was entirely correct in supporting the baker from Colorado. The case was about freedom to practice religion, and in my estimation, stopping social network lynching’s.

From this culture observer’s point of views, factory cut-out knees on jeans is one of the all-time lamest fashion trends.

The Question:

What was the name of the author and the novel which was first to win a Pulitzer? Bonus: Who was the first astronaut to walk n space?

The Headlines:

--China Offers To Buy $70 Billion Of US Goods To Avoid Tariffs.

--Stocks Stagnating; CEO’s Not Liking Blurry Trade Situation; Kudlow Says Likes Separate Nafta Negotiations With Canada And Mexico.

--California Weird Primary On For Today; Will Dems Lose Momentum Due To Crowded Dem Slates In Elections Where Two Highest Voters Take All Regardless Of Party.

--Philly Eagles White House Visit Called Off After NFL Flag Dispute.

--Starbucks Founder Howard Schultz Steps Down; Rumored To Be Preparing For Presidential Run In 2020.

--Is ICE Stepping Up Activity Against Employers Of Illegals?

--Mueller Team Accuses Manafort Of Witness Tampering.

--King Of Jordan Names New PM After Citizens Complain About Austerity Rules.

--Apple Announces New Crackdown On Ad Trackers.

--Arizona Killer’s Murder Total Up To 6.

--If Nuke Deal Fails. Iran Will Go Back To Enriching Uranium.

The way I see it, Mueller is just sitting back watching the White House change stories. Prosecutors love it when their targets have two or more stories for each suspicious scenario.

Isn’t it interesting how in America legal citizens are routinely called Nazis and racists, while illegal aliens are called dreamers.

Uh-oh, I think I have a problem. The Tids issue I send to myself yesterday wound up in “Spam”. They’re onto me. Check your spam.

Find your talent where you can and pursue it. An upholstery company in this state was essentially founded on the battlefields of WWII. The founder, a member of the 82^nd Airborne, learned to sew to save his life, mending parachutes. He mastered that talent to the point where he established one of the premiere businesses in that decorating industry. You never know what you have inside.

I’m playing golf these days like I’m getting ten bucks for every shot I take.

The “Pearls before Swine” comic strip proposes a new economic theory. Instead of big tax cuts for corporations that may trickle down, give the big break to the middle class and let it float up. They are calling it the Up Yours economy.

In the brief before the Supreme Court, several justices were upset by the statement of one Colorado commissioner, Hess, who said “Freedom of religion used to justify discrimination is a despicable piece of rhetoric.” Kennedy went on to imply he felt the comment demonstrated hostility against religions.

Coincidently, a week or so ago I received from a reader the following quote from William F. Buckley: "Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other points of view, and are then shocked and offended when they discover there are other points of view." I wasn’t going to use it, and then I realized that was basically the essence of the Baker SC case.

Did you hear about the guy who planted bird seeds and within a few weeks had a garden sprouting birds? Now he doesn’t know what to feed them.

Edmunds has listed the 25 most desirable luxury cars for 2018. #1 is the BMW X3. IN order the rest are Audi Q5, BMW X5, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Chevrolet Tahoe, Acura RDX, Volvo XC90, Volvo XC 60 and #10, Mercedes-Benz E Class. The next five are M-B C Class, BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and BMW X1. The rest are Audi A5, Lexus ES 350, Audi A3, Chevy Suburban, Range Rover Sport, GMC Yukon, Porsche Cayenne, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKX and at #25 – Lexus GX 460. Save your money.

Baseless opinions become facts in this new era of rapidly disseminated hearsay journalism. You may have read opinions by Philly Eagles players Lane Johnson and Bradon Brooks stating with “Authority” that the new England Patriots’ players have no fun, and that it isn’t a good place to be a football player. The fact is that neither of those spokespersons for fun have ever been near any New England Patriots training session. Yet, intrepid news people race to the spotlight to condemn something based on nothing knowledgeable. It happens every day it seems in many fields.

Economic Volcano? Department:

50% of US home prices are considered overvalued. Car debt is piling up, as are repos. The stock market has daily “new highs”. I think we are peaking. Is boiling over next?

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

The Answer:

The first novel to win the Pulitzer was “His Family” by Ernest Poole in 1918. Next in 1919 was “The Magnificent Andersons” By Booth Tarkington. The three following that were “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton , “Alice Adams” by Tarkington and “One of Ours” by Willa Cather. Other author winning in the 1920’a were Margaret Wilson, Edna Ferber, Sinclair Lewis (He declined the Prize), Louis Bromfield, Thornton Wilder and Julia Peterkin. Bonus: Edward White in 1968 left the orbiting space capsule for the first walk in space. I wonder what he was thinking as he moved the latch to open the hatch door.

I’m listening to you. I know you are human, as am I. We err. Do we understand?

Just a few candles.

Today's Tids Issue 4,142

For Optimism:

Oh, what a beautiful mornin’. Oh, what a beautiful day. I’ve got a beautiful feelin’, Everything’s goin’ my way. Hope you all will be joinin’ me.

Sometimes you don’t have to make things up because somebody like Oscar Hammerstein has already said it best. Humming yet?

Opiner Tammy Bruce wonders how CEO Hillary Clinton will ever get all of Facebook’s servers into her bathroom.

If all comedians were Geminis, we’d have much more congenial humor.

On Saturday at the Rhode Island School of Design (Supposedly Number one Arts school the country), the graduation speaker was a humanoid, a “lifelike” robot named Sophie. It was the invention of a RISD grad. Now here’s the problem. Sophie’s talk was definitely on the liberal side of the national persuasion. So, what are we going to do about diversifying robots in the future? Robots, no matter how Artificially Intelligent they may be, will tend to take on the beliefs of their caretakers. Who’s going to fund the majority of Robot research and development – George Soros or the Koch Brothers? That, is the question.

I see nothing good in tariffs. Free market capitalism works when government bows out.

The Question:

I can tell you that I don’t agree with the answer to this question: What are considered the Ten Most beautiful classical symphonies?

The Headlines:

--Major Volcano Erupts In Guatemala; At Least 25 Are Dead. Undetermined Number Of People Missing After Fuego Blasts Skyward.

--Positive Economic Optimism Expected To Push Markets Higher; US Growing Oil Supply Affecting World Markets.

--US, China End Trade Talks Without Agreement.

--Black Unemployment Hits Another Record Low.

--In “Confidential” Memo, Trump Lawyers Argue To head Off Historic Indictment.

--China Says Trade Talks Of If US Issues Tariffs.

--President To Hold Ramadan Dinner.

--Antifa Activists Attack Conservative “Patriot Prayer” Group Rally In Portland Or.

The Wall Street Journal had as its weekend feature, “Are American children overprotected?” I would counter with, are all Americans over protected to the detriment of self-determination. We have way too many reactionary laws, mostly unnecessary when common sense is sitting their right in front of us.

Think about this law for a second. In 1924 The US congress had to write a law that said all “Native Americans” were citizens. Say what?

In a medium bowl, mix 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup butter using spoon or low speed electric mixer. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla and one tablespoon milk. Gradually beat in another tablespoon of milk. If frosting looks a little thick add a bit of milk. If thin add a bit of powdered sugar. Sit back and think of how delicious, how mouthwatering, buttercream icing will be as you open your mouth and sense the bountiful aphrodisiactic satisfaction. Lick fingers. Say yum.

I’m concerned that the new RI Casino will lead to the demise of “All-Natural” Tiverton. The casino boys already have money grabbing town fathers bending over to their rapidly inflating demands.

There are many saying that Trump pre-tweeting enthusiasm over yet to be reported government info, like jobs growth, is like insider information for Wall Street tweet readers. I tend to agree that it is better for equal playing fields to wait until the pre-published times for official info release. Of course, it is well known that LBJ liked to gab ahead of time about positive reports from the government.

Were there giant western forest fires before 24/7 cable news?

Oh yeah, for three or so weeks now the network nightly news channels have been showing Hawaii as Dante’s inferno, and now they are doing features on why tourism is down in the same island paradise.

Antifa Makes The USA look like a third world country.

I would have finished making my soup earlier, but I ran out of thyme.

The unsaid reason for the continuing dismissal of beautiful Rhode Island as a place for big corporations to move their factories is the well-known power of Unions and their penchant for organizing anything that walks.

California has banned state paid trips to Oklahoma. My conscience bans me from stepping inside Hollywood’s stepchild.

Based on yesterday’s news about our more deaths plus several illnesses in NYC, I’m seeing eating lettuce like Russian roulette. And by the way, sitting fruit smells. Other than that, I’m 100% behind healthy eaters.

Has Star Wars jumped the shark?

One of my favorite foods has always been ordinary, plain unenticing saltines. Nobody has ever died from them.

It’s almost impossible to write intelligently about politics, as the “facts” just keep changing from day to day. It’s always been weird, but not ever as weird as today.

The Answer:

When answering questions about “best of” any music genre, opinions can be as diverse as a Harvard Freshman class. Here’s the list I found listing the most beautiful: #10 is Erich Wolfgang Korngold: Symphony in F sharp Major. Working our way form10 to one we have Caesar Franc: Symphony in D minor, Schubert: #9 in C Major, Mendelssohn #2 in B Flat Major, Mahler #8 in A minor, Beethoven #9 in D minor, Dvorak #9 in E minor (The New World), Sebelius #5 in E flat Major and Rachmaninoff #2 in E minor. The most beautiful Symphony according to this list is -- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky #6 in B minor. I would put any number of Brahms symphonies in there and certainly others of Pyotr Ilyich, Like #1. How about Saint Sans # 3. I’m sure you have your own favorites.

Beautiful days are what you feel.

I love vanilla buttercream icing.

Why am I not laughing?

Today's Tids Issue 4,141

Fighting for Funny Bones:

I can’t believe it is June, June, June! It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was walking through slush. Now on this glorious first of June, I’m meandering through fog. But, that’s ok, because June is so much grander than a simple misty morning. It is just a special month where many great people are born and many other get married so more new babies can enjoy the bounties of our good earth. (Oh, it doesn’t work that way anymore?) June is special to me. I like the way it rhymes with moon and swoon and red balloon. It’s crazy like a loon and funny like a baboon. So, the first day can never come too soon. I’ll croon you a love tune as soon as I finish my juice named prune. Love the month that still is cool, and always gives romance a chance. And laugh and romp like the kids getting out of school.

Remember when comedians went for the funny bone? Now they focus on the bile duct, and they are angrier than ever. Apologists, call it edginess. I call it rude, uncivil, vulgar. Comedians once pulled off insult commentary humor with a twinkle in their eyes, But, now you only sense the vitriol in their hearts. And when the damage is done, one or another ideological backer rides in to rescue a flagging career. And… each outrageous occasion always ends with: “(Fill in the comic’s name) says that what I said was inappropriate and inexcusable and I crossed the Line”. Yeah, right.

Happy National Donut Day, Everybody! You tell me your favorite, and I’ll tell you mine -- crunchy old fashion fresh form the fryer, best exemplified by Allies Donuts in North Kingstown. The day Allie’s closes will be the day RI will lose its soul, again. But in the meantime, forget the anger, and munch on a donut.

Did you hear about the tornado chaser wo got carried away by his work?

The Question:

I am not in favor of banning anything, especially the ever-convenient plastic bag. But, lots of Americans spend their nights dreaming of banning stuff which mainly helps out dolts. What are the top ten things the banning anarchists want to do away with.

The Headlines:

--President Trump Pre-empts Official Release Of May New Jobs Report; New Jobs Up To 228K and Unemployment Down to 3.8%; Job Turnover Lower, Stagnating Wages; Fed Perplexed About Rate Action; Strong Jobs Produces Stock rally.

--Kim Jong Un meets With Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

--Political Operatives Worried About California Unorthodox “Top Two” primary; Dems or Repubs Could Be locked Out Of General Elections; California Mess Could Impede Dems Rush To House Takeover In November.

--Morgan Stanley Chief Says Soros Hysteria Over Potential Market Disaster Is BS.

--Boeing Workers Vote To Unionize South Carolina Plant.

--Trump Using Tariff Strategy To Hopefully Produce Fair Trade; China Says It Is All For Free Trade; Canada’s Trudeau Says They Were Almost There With New NAFTA Agreement Until Pence Called With One More Demand.

--Tech World Awaits June 4 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.

--Australia To Prosecute ANZ, Deutsche Banka And Citigroup On Criminal Cartel Charges.

--Facebook Drops To Number Three In Teen Popularity Ratings; Instagram And SnapChat Are New Favorites Of Next Generation.

--Kansas Governor Candidate Picks Wife As Running Mate.

Today begins “Hands Free Device Day” for RI Drivers. It’s an attempt to get divers to unhinge from their phones while driving, which to me is a very good idea. I wonder if that law applies to shaving while driving? If it does, I’m going to be late for a lot of appointments.

I have been hooked on The Americans since its first episode. After six tense seasons, I was nervously looking forward to Wednesday night’s final episode. My stomach was rolling from the opening scene as the communist family began reacting to learning they were now all of a sudden known to the FBI and had to get out of Dodge. How would it end? How would justice be served? After all, they were devoted Russians spying on the US during the Reagan years. They would have to meet their ignominious destiny, wouldn’t they? I won’ tell you the ending lest you are anticipating the final yourself. Let’s just say, it was tragic, and well written and executed by writers Joe Weisburg and Joel Fields and director Chris Long. And, of course the actors Kerri Russell and Mathew Reis (Who fell in love during the show and married) were as excellent as they have been for 6 years. Emmys? Holly Taylor who grew beautifully in her role as the daughter, was key in the last moments. Noah Emmerich was always perfect as the tormented FBI agent neighbor, and he also rose to the occasion. Loved it.

Well, I could have written for days about this show and how it ended, but I will get outta here with this line that came near the end: “We may have met on a bus in Moscow.” It said a lot to me. But then, I’m just an old romantic at heart.

Several years ago, I was coaxed into watching a TV show called Full Fontal. I bowed out within minutes after listening bad humor from an angry bitter woman. So, if Samantha Bee gets fired, I won’t be crying at all.

One of the problems with today’s angry humor is that audiences laugh at it.

Blago?

Just In case you like looking at Apple developments the tech crowd is anticipating new apple info on Digital Health (Counteracting designed in smart phone addiction), ARkit (Augmented Reality, computer generated senses that enhance real images) and expanded NFC (New Payment options already available with Android) and better parental controls. Get used to this new buzz tech, cause your younger friends will be into it.

I’m thinking that augmented reality will be better than demented reality.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--It seems like I have been watching trailers for Adrift since last December, but it finally arrived and it isn’t too bad. It is based on a true story and extremely well executed, believable. Shailene Woodley is the strong woman who saves the day after the sailboat s destroyed during a once in a century hurricane, and Sam Claflin plays his role well as the only man she ever loved. It is moving and terrifying, a story of human resilience.

--I think Upgrade could be on my “see” list. During a mugging in which his wife is killed, a man finds himself paralyzed. In an effort to get out of a wheelchair, he agrees to enter a trial experience of a billionaire inventor, which if it works would give him back his body and the chance for revenge.

--Breath Is A petty good coming of age movie form Australia. Two boys come under the influence of a mysterious  older surfer who has a profound influence on their lives.

The Answer:

Remember, if it is on this list you may feel pressure in the not too distant future to give up something you find helpful. Number one is plastic bags. #2 is single serving coffee pods. Getting nervous yet? #3 is disposable straws followed by Single Use Beauty Products, Disposable Coffee Cups, Single Serving Condiments, Disposable Food Containers, Disposable Razors, Disposable Dinnerware and Cutlery and #10  Single Use Cooking Pans. Some others are single use Batteries,  Laundry Capsules, Air Freshener Plug-ins, Coffee Filters, Disposable Diapers, Cupcake Wrappers. Plastic Toothbrushes, Paper Towels, Tampons and Condoms.  Well, you get the picture. There are social nihilists out there that won’t stop working until every conceivable convenience is gone. But, people who, litter will continue to find something to throw on your front lawn or into the nearest body of water.

The great TV show “The Americans” is over, but the music lives on…

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmSdTa9kaiQ