Is this the new history?

Today's Tids Issue 2,849

How many things do we reject without knowing? How many people do we avoid without understanding? Isn't sad to know how many opportunities have passed us by, how many challenges we have not accepted; How many people we have missed the chance to love. We close our eyes and make judgements, when a simple turn of a key to unlock our minds would reveal a treasure chest of gold.

When the silence is deafening, there must be a lot of noise we can't see. It's the old "where there's smoke, there's fire" scenario. The complete absence on the stage of vapid talker Joe Biden, and the complete and utter disappearance of Hillary, just cries out, "Don't say a damn word and this will all go away. It's the old Carville-Clinton strategy of "Deny, deny and then deny again", updated to C-C Strategy 2.4 - Don't say anything you may have to deny in the future. Low level IRS agents don't act on their own unless somebody way up top has created an environment in which such an unconstitutional act would be considered acceptable. And Benghazi just cries cover-up. It's really not hard to believe that something really bad is festering in the White House.

The Question:

What happened today in 1989?

The Headlines:

--US Trade Deficit Grows 8.5% On Surging Imports From China.

--Markets Ready to Continue Streak?; Analysts On Contradictory Paths As Market Recovery Matures.

--Egypt Court Sentences 15 Us Citizens "in Absentia" to Five Year Jail Terms For Promoting democracy; America and German Jailed For Same Reasons.

--Eastern Europe Fighting Worst Flooding In decades.

--Turkey Government Still Trying To Stop Protests.

--Fire Fighters Battling Blazes In West.

--Boston Bruins Beat Stifle Crosby, Beat Penguins Again At Home To Go 2Up; Heat Trounce Indiana To Move On To San Antonio In NBA Finals

Truth is stranger than Fiction, Deportment:

Around six o'clock last night a woman received a text from a friend, "I am drunk." Then that texting friend crossed the line and plowed her car into another. Maybe we should call drunken texters "Accidental terrorists"

A Milk dud is not a defective cow.

The "Peoples" Republic of China tells you all you need to know about how governments try to deceive the citizenry. 

The teachers of RI are angry as hell about Ed Commish Gist's increased paper work load basically designed to develop an accountability program for teachers. Maybe they should look about 125 miles south to NYC where a couple of days ago the powerful Union there and the Ed commish agreed on a tough accountability program. It is designed to weed out the not-so-good teachers, which all finally agreed are not good for the students nor the image of the Teacher in general. The action brings the NYC 75,000 teachers in 1,700 schools into compliance with the state law...after years of bickering. The new accountability rankings would be a mix of principal's observations (And in classroom videos), results for students measured against state and local school standards, and even in some cases student appraisals. Up til now teachers there were rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Now they could be in one of four classes: "Highly Effective", "Effective", "Developing" and "Ineffective". If you are a teacher, you don't want to be ineffective more than once!

Last night told me that The Voice would be best if Michelle, Sasha, The Swon Brothers and one of the three almost similar country singers stayed. Michelle, Wood Allen separated at birth look-alike is by far my favorite now, in that I look for what creativity she will next bring to the stage. I like the Swon Brothers for their  feel good entertainment performances, though I wish the skinny Swon would solo a bit. Sasha is just a blossoming great talent. Now for the three others, Amber, Danielle and Holly...I can't separate them. I think in the long run Danielle will emerge as the biggest talent but right now, well last night anyhow, Amber seems to be coming on strongest. It all really comes down to the way country music lovers vote...doesn't it. The final four for me would have been Sasha, Michelle, Swon Brothers and Judith Hill. Her dismissal was one of the crimes of the century.

So, I'm seeing that Dunkin Donuts has a new sandwich made on one of their so-so donuts, and Pizza hut gives you sugar topped cinnamon sticks with a pizza. I'm thinking they have stopped reading Michelle O's handbook, "Health food for Dummies."

It seems as I observed things like the latest economic "Recovery" from a financial disaster, that we may be at a new point where history starts now. The intrusion of new technology may change the way we replicate the past forever. The continuing growth of the government and its disruptive insertion into every day activities business and otherwise, naturally changes the way the US of A plodded comfortably through the ages til now. Yes, this may be the era of new base lines, the era when History began all over again.

The Answer:

1. Today marks the 24th anniversary of the massacre at Tiananmen Square. I guess there weren't any good-natured Geminis in the People's Republic. 

At any time, you may be experiencing a new beginning and not even knowing it.

Bustin' out!

Today's Tids Issue 2,848
I cannot ever say enough about June. I don't know why this month, to me, stands out so brilliantly, like a diva standing alone on a stage, brilliantly lit, singing Un Bel Di; While you sit with a tear on your cheek from it's beauty, and with rapturous smile because of it's Magnificence. Maybe it's because all of the longest days are in June. Or that the warmth is there without the terror of the midsummer's heat. Or maybe it's just because everything seems greener under the brightest skies you'll ever see.

Oh yeah, let's hear it for Geminis, the happy people who give June its personality.

You know we live in an Internet universe when pigs can become more popular than humans.

The Question:

Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is one of my all time favorite albums. Name five of the songs in it. Bonus: Paul McCartney drove the concept of the album and patterned it after what album by what group? Bonus, Bonus: who was the only Prez to be married in the White House?

The Headlines:
--Reversal Of Fortune: Market It's Days Highs At Close; US Auto Sales Up -- Ford -14%, Chrysler - 11%, GM - 3%, Nisson - 25%, Toyota - 2.5%; Volks Down 2%.--SC Rules That Police Don't need Warrant To Get DNA Sample; Super Conservative Scalia Pens Scathing Decent, Joining with Liberals Kagan, Ginsberg And Sotomayor.
--US Slams Turkey For Denial Of Freedom Of Expression.

--Hillary's Favorability Numbers Down; She Still Polls Ahead Of Possible GOP Frontrunners.
--Tornadoes Kill "Storm Chaser" Tim Samaras And Son.
--Poverty In Suburbs Growing Faster Than In Cities.
--European Flooding Closes Down Danube; Prague, Saltzberg And Budapast Under Assault In Days Ahead.
--Liberal Senator Frank Lautenberg Dies.

Professional Sucking from the pig's teets, Department:
When it comes to knowing the ways around the US Gov give-away prgranms who better than the US employees themselves. Our WQashingtng resident expert informs us that the furlpoughed US employees are living happily ever after collecting unemployment for their time off. It is.... my dear...quite frankly, impossible to shut down government spending!

A local sportswriter and humorist opines that the Rutgers' athletic department looks like it's being run by Rhode Island.

Thieves and politicians are rarely sorry for what they do, but are always really sorry for getting caught.

How can you not like Dana Plano who is after-all...a huge Wheel of Fortune Fan.

A tip-o-the-Tidsters green eye shade to the Providence journal for naming Edward Alchorn the new chief of the editorial pages. Alchorn is not afraid to tell the real story about this state, the real story that needs ot be told if expect to ahve a state inthe future. Are they awakening over there on Fountain Street.

The OSU Prez Gordon Gee has spent $64,000 on 200+- bow ties! No wonder college tuition is going up! I think he is tying them too tight.

Just in case you are interested, within those GM sales reports of a modest 3% increase, we saw Cadillac up a large 40%. Maybe the new Caddy is starting to turn US heads again.

The way to follow pro golf these days is to start early. Get to know the young kids who show well in the early season tournaments, many of them fresh off the Web.com tour. Then around now you won't be truning to your pals saying, "Who are these guys." You'll be following them, trying to find yourself the next surprise big contender. That's the way golf is going to be from now on, with news stars of the future evolving all of the time; with so much talent down on the farm. It's like being a real fan of any team, not just a sycophant of the sports promoters. Here's seven to watch: Russell Henley won early and has been in the mix several times since; Former NCAA Champ Scott Langley; 55 Week Top Ranked Amateur Patrick Cantlay; Almost local boy Peter Uilein playing on European tour with splashes over here; Luke Guthrie already 23 in FedEx; Ben Kohls has made 5 of 7 cuts, more that mcElroy(?) and is 33rd on FedEx; Jordan Spieth may be the best of all and he is only 19. So the next time you see a tournament without the so-called "big names", check it out for the pure enjoyment of watching the future, and picking your own favorites.

The Question:
I probably like the album becasue of its cover song Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. "Lucy in the sky with Diamonds" also turns me on. Some other big hits are "A day in the Life", "Wit a Little Help form My Friends", "She's Leaving Home:", "When I'm Sixty Four", Lovely Rita", Good Morning, Good Morning", Getting Better and Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kitel". Bonus: McCartney patterned Pepper after the Beach Boys album, "Pet Sounds". Bonus, Bonus: Grover Cleveland Married Francis Folsam in the Blue Room at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The feelin' is gettin' so intense,
That the young Virginia creepers
Hev been huggin' the bejeepers
Outa all the mornin' glories on the fence!
Because it's June...

Check it out an smile:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I-790dGx-o

Nuttin' Hapnin'.

Today's Tids Issue 2,846
Summer came early today, that is if you were on the leeward side of the islands and Mainland. But God's great air conditioner, the ocean deep and the breezes that flow upon it, creates a peaceful Eden on the western shore of Aquidneck Isle. If everybody who hears this revelation inverse to the woeful sighs in ninety degree Providence and it's sprawling plantations decides to come to this City by the Sea, then beware of the intensity of mass body heat. Which is, as all rational people understand -- the real cause of global warming.

When Obama and The Hill go into hiding, it's tough to write the Tids. Hel-lo, can you hear me?

Hat's off to East Greenwich RI Special Olympics Unified Vollyball team -- Winner of the National Title Yesterday. What a triumph for these handicapped kids, who find the chance to compete at a high levels under pressure conditions. On the way to the championship, these players with the aid of EG HS mentors beat everyone they faced including teams from North Carolina,, Arizona and New Hampshire. Can you imaging the gigantic smiles on thee faces of these winners!

The Question:
McAfee has a list of the 10 most recent spam email subject lines. What do you think they are?

The Headlines:
--US Consumer Sentiment Highest In Iix Years.
--SoD Hagel Says Cyber Attacks Biggest National Security Worry.
--Britain Asks Germany To Help Lead Reform Of EU.
--Syrian War  expected To Go On For Years; Russian Missiles To Arrive There In Two-Three Months.
--Kennebunk Maine Zumba Prostitute Gets 10 Months For Conspiracy, Fraud and Tax Evasion.
--Oklahoma Could See More Tornadoes Over Weekend.
--US Woman Facing Drug Charges In Mexico, Released.
--Iraq Ends Deadliest Month I  Five Years.

So, is there anything stranger than the quality of people leading the Italian Government. Associates of the ever so odd Berlusconi have been accused of contracting the services of an underage prostitute for the former Prime Minister.

So did you hear about the dog in obedience school who said to the wildebeast, "Sorry you're ineligible for this...you can't teach an old gnu dog tricks.

If they had an Olympics for handicapped state legislatures, RI would win that going away. I'll stand by that statement until I hear from Illinois.

They dedicated a restoration of Queen Anne Square here in Newport this morning. I tell you this as a reminder of why RI led the charge for true Freedom of Religion. While the early towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut built the Church on the town square implying that this is he only choice, A government approved churc by inference, RI welcomed all comers and to signify equality for all religions, built the churches in the neighborhoods. Th eopeness of RI i s a reason why pesecuted Jews, Quakers and other religions sought refuge and were welcomed in this enlightened state. This new "Square restoration returns the concept of neghborhood to open space with beatifully designed symbolic foundations here and there. Quite inventive, but more important, relevant to the true histroy that was in fact the foundation for the First Amendment and Freedom of Relgion. Maya Lin of Virt Nam Memorial fame was the architect..

A good and wise reader commenting on the Puns yesterday, says that they were only 2/3's of a Pun -- PU! Shoot me.

Zonked out Citizenry Department:
The battle for the viewer's eyeballs is going to be a great one as mentioned yesterday. It is is reLEVANT that new announcements are almost daily. For instance, Netflix which first came out with a home grown show "House of Cards", a political drama that is very good, will now have Amazon lurking who annonuced today their own self produced products. With all of this program production, what happens to the networks and all the cable outlets. When will TV makers like Samsung and TV maker wannabes like Apple and Google get into the act.

Some analysts are now saying their ain't no bubble in this market. That's the good news for the...moment.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--So what's the gigantic summer type movie for today...oh yeah, After Earth with Will Smith and son Jaden. The duo crash lands on Earth a thousand years from now destitute after a cataclysmic event. It's a jungle out there and the two now stranded on a prehistoric style Earth stumble their way through it in a terrible movie mostly about a son looking for the father's approval. Don't go. Don't even be intrigued by the concept.
--Now You See Me is a Robin Hood type tale where a bunch of Illusionists pull off ingenious heists againts corrupt business people and redistribute the wealth. Sounds like the Obama plan! But, if you can stand another anti-business movie from actors and directors sucking millions out of the biggest, most heartless businesses of them all, it is entertainng.
--I think that The East may be the best of the weekend. A female former FBI agent joins a private intelligence firm thatruthlessly protects the interests of "A" list corporate clientel. All's well, until...

The Answer:
Number one is from the number one category of spam by far "Pharmacy": "50 Cents per pill." The rest are "Enjoy our summer discounts', "Girls like that", "The ability to eat smaller meals", "Your pharmacy order". "Buy #1 diet pill", "Superstock Investor", "Urgentemente! Aviso de seguridad!", "Wassup" and "Make the switch to Dish network"."Mine is "Last chance for free creidt report."

Well, enjoy a warm weekend and drink lots of water. We'll be alive and well and ready to go with some Superhero Tidding next week!

Frankly, this is a dangerous time of year here in tourist laden Newport...that time of year when you have to look both ways on One Way streets! If you get my drift.

Just do it...within reason.

Today's Tids Issue 2,845

So, Congress is saying that Eric Holder may have perjured himself. Of course, he'll deny it, because he is just that kind of arrogant individual who doesn't believes that laws, ethics or moral codes apply to him. Maybe he'll get a job in Hollywood next!

There are several "Could be's" and "May have's " in the Congressional (King R-NY) accusations of Holder, but my sense from watching the AG in action says "Probably". But, proving it to the standards of perjury could be very difficult.

The Question:

Annette Benning has been around long enough to have a stable of movie roles. Name five of her best films.

The Headlines:

--Strong Housing, Stock Market Has US Consumer Confidence Levels Ticking Upward.

--Hazy Future Of Stimulus Programs Has Stocks Stalling.

--Mom Top Earner In 40% Of US Households.

--Michelle Bachman Says She Will Not Seek Reelection.

--Buddhist Mobs Attack Muslim Homes In Myanmar For Second Day.

--US Accuses Costa Rica Currency Exchange, Liberty reserve, Of Laundering $6 Billion.

Wow! What a gigantic surprise on The Voice last night. The amazing Judith Hill was axed and equally surprising, the magical Sarah Simons also. These were two of the pre-finals candidates to take it all. It appears that the Country music crowd is dominating the voting. Judith and Sarah made the show great, but as some observers are saying, plain vanilla wins, especially if it's plain vanilla with a hayseed topping.

I guess in the future you'll be doing Google searches and the results will be valuable in 3D Printing. Think of what that will do for Match.com!

I have a new money making venture that will help break the bonds of static income growth -- a chain of franchises called, "Institute for Mentally Diminished Golfers." How can I lose! Now if I can just get Congress to pass a law declaring MDG a serious US disease.

In comments about their distancing the company from Lance Armstrong, Nike says "Just do it" doesn't apply to doping."

Or...Tiger whoring around or politicians and Governemtn officials stepping outside of ethics or hedge fund captains not considering the hurt to the masses...or Willie Sutton robbing a bank.  When you think about it, "Just do it" is a license to steal and do who knows what else. And too many Americans but t bea=casue it is dressed up in sneaker achievement.

OMG, I said sneakers!

The Answer:

Annette Benning is not one of my must-see actresses, but her movies have been pretty good. Her first breakthrough role was in The Grifters where she earned a nomination for best supporting. Other big hits were Bugsy, Regarding Henry, Love Affair and American President. Of course her Biggie that gave her the Oscar was American Beauty. Some post Oscar roles were in Being Julia, The Women and The Kids are Alright.

In response to some Memorial Day ramblings from the Tidster, a good reader who lives in Fort Bragg NC tells me, "In downtown Fayetteville we have the Airborne/Special Operations Museum and the recently added Veterans Park.  It was a sobering experience (Monday) to walk through the hundreds of American Flags blowing in the gentle breeze among the Iron Mike Statue, Hugh Shelton Statue and a the beautiful, meaningful sculptures throughout the park.  The highlight occurred, however, when  the evening ended with a wonderful performance by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the United States Army Ground Forces Band.  They played a four movement, 45 minute piece titled Quiet Heroes composed by Chris Brubeck.  The piece was narrated by Wilford Brimley.  It tells the story of the 6 Marines who raised the flag atop Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima." Memorial Day lives in the hearts of people all over the US of A, bigger than life. more profound than we can ever imagine.

There is no truth to the rumor that for the 2016 race, Barney Frank is endorsing a ticket of Anthony Weiner and Eric Holder! Sleep tight, The US is in good hands.

Distorted Mirror..

Today's Tids Issue 2,844

The true personal view of the world really depends on which side you are on.

Rhode Island continues to lose population, and you can bet it isn't the smart ones who are staying.

It looks like Assad is using the NK, Iran playbook, agreeing to a peace meeting while solidifying battlefield gains. Assad is not dead. Even Israel, who is Syria's true natural enemy and closest neighbor, says that Assad's position is strengthening. The astute Israeli's say that he will retain at least half of his country, the mean half. The rest will be a wrestling match between the good rebels and the Islamic rebels...unless of course you are an Islamic and then it's the bad rebels and the Islamic rebels!

I'll tell you something that was a pleasant treat yesterday. We drove from Mid Maine down to RI, through many a small town filled with colonial era houses. On the greens in the center of these towns were flag raising ceremonies and people, just every day people and all shapes ans sizes, standing shoulder to shoulder honoring the heroes. Just the people, and that's really what America is all about.

The Question:
Give me ten unusual jobs that pay quite well.

The Headlines:
--Positive Support from Japanese Banks Should Push Stocks Higher.
--McCain makes Surprise trip To Syrian Rebels.
--
--Texas Continuances To Offer Better Tax Breaks To Attract Businesses.
--WH Security Adviser Calls For Deeper US/China Military Ties.

--Colorado Gun Control Supporters Facing Recall.
--Travon Martin's Less Than Angelic Past Subject Of Evidence Discussion In Forthcoming Trial.
--Greece Conservatives Increase Popular Favorability In Public Opinion Polls.

All good actresses have several excellent blond wigs on hand...for court appearances.

Last Friday I did a little expose on the origins of puns. Did you notice that Ancient Egypt and Iraq were among the first to use that literary orphan regularly? Could it be that this use of puns since the beginning of human activity is the real root cause for disruption today in the middle east...no punderstanding?

Why do construction project activities always seem noisiest at 7:00 AM?

Rhode island continues to lose population and the developers keep on developing. Weird, huh?

As towns, states and the Feds continue to create new laws with more restrictions, could it be that the biggest industry in the US of tomorrow will be Inspectors? I mean already I'm seeing institutions hiring inspectors to inspect inspectors. Yikes!

How about a look in the eyes and a simple handshake, Department:

I just read of a dispute over $250,000 that went to court and now has accumulated legal feels of $2,800,000! Is there something wrong with this picture. Distrust of fellow human beings is very expensive. Countries have Trillion dollar armies standing around to react to the egos and paranoia of dictators and megalomaniacs. Corporations have legal armies designing products. Doctors are leaving the business becasue of the high cost of patient actions. Whatever happened to -- Look-into-the-eyes-and-shake-a-hand-in-agreement.

Despite what the Government tells us, yesterday was not Memorial Day, May 31. But frankly, every day, we should be aware and not stop remembering the brave -- the scared kids, the grisly veterans -- who went onto the fields of battle to protect the freedoms for all. As one delightful reader "banged" out on her computer keyboard yesterday, "...to the home of the free because of the brave."

The new wedding vow seems to be, "Until debt do you part."

Isn't a pop-up that drops between fielders because of mutual indecision also a fielders choice"?

When a state continues to lose population in a world that's populating madly; When it is also a state that is completely and utterly breathtakingly beautiful, and quite pleasant in which to live; Then something must be awfully, awfully bad...somewhere.

The Answer:
--Did you ever feel sorry for a NYC Hot Dog Vendor? Don't, these hawkers earn around $100K /year. Also you may want to be an Embalmer, Personal Shopper, Ice Cream Taster, Virtual Head Hunter, Funeral Service Manager, Body Part Model (Hands, Feet), Live Mannequin $100/hr, Genetic Counselor and Cruise Ship Entertainer.

There's no truth to the rumor that Newport Creamery's "Awful Awful" was named after the State Legislature.

May I be Pun-ished.

Today's Tids Issue 2,841
I had to love the little news piece about Lily Carter, a Tiverton RI voting poll worker, who said she practically crocheted a lap blanket waiting for voters to show up to cast ballots. Kind of paints a picture of a pleasant woman sitting by a wood stove while people in horse and buggies show up to vote. But, it was this past Tuesday where nobody came to vote on a referendum. Your Republic at work.

And God said, "Let there be Lite." And, it was good...but not great.

I have written pun after pun over the years like Hall of fame Puns, "Atheism is a non-Prophet organization" or "I wondered why the baseball kept getting larger. Then it hit me." or "Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: Transcend dental medication." Occasionally I stumble into one myself, like the proverbial squirrel finding a nut. And then I go out and try find that elusive new one never before seen by a Tidsee. Because of a higher cost of living, funeral expenses have risen by 50%.

The Question:
Double "Q" Day. 1. Name Bib Dylan's first hit. 2. What were the origins of "Puns"?

The Headlines:
--Long Term Investors Should Become Aware of Shorters As Heated Market Nears Maturity.
--Taliban Attack UN Compound In Kabul.
--Washington State I-5 Brige Collapses; Truck Crash May Have Been Cause.
--5.7 Quake Hits Northern Cal.
--Boy Scouts Open Arms To Gay Youths.
--Active Hurricane Season Expected.

If we give peas a chance, won't lima beans feel left out?

I think it's a good idea to pay Corporate executives based on what they accomplish. Unfortunately there are too many ways to accomplish something that looks good on paper, but not necessarily for the good for the future.

The national debt rises about $2 Billion a day. The Federal government just said it would make a payment of $35 Billion. That covers about 17 1/2 days. After Jimmy Carter the debty stood at $1 Trillion. Today it is $16.8 Trillion and growing as we have seen by $35 million an hour. So there is a way to pay off the debt now. Stop all governemtn spending for a year and raise taxes across the board by 10%, taxes that would 100% go to paying down the debt. Simple.

Now as we walk gloriously into the warm sun of summer we find that we will be not alone. Insects also like the warmth and swarm, some carrying deer ticks and West Nile diseases. But, harken, some great repellents are available for your comfort and protection. Four of the best just tested by brave volunteers are: Off Deep Woods Sportsman II; Cutter Backwoods Unscented; Off family care Smooth and Dry; 3M Ultrathin Insect repellent 8. Also considered effective was a non-Deet product Natrapel 8-Hour with Picariden.

It's just mean to call somebody average!

Isn't it too bad that the great people in the state of Washington always have to say "State" to describe where they live. I think it shoul be the other way around, eliminating Washington for the Capitol's name and just using District of Columbia, or Columbia. In a republic, the State's allow the central government to operate. It's just they way it is supposed to work. So let's begin by changing the name.

One of the toughest things about writing, is feeling it as special and never getting a response. Of course the hardest thing about writing is getting a response -- that it is a piece of crap

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The Hangover was a one joke movie. Number sthree should never have been made.
--I would never go to a movie with #6 after it's Title -- Like fast and Furious.
--The Iceman looks like a real cool movie about a very stoic, professional hitman. It is a good story with surprisingly great acting.

The Answer:
1. Bib Dylan's first hit was "Lettuce have peace!" 2. Puns were used in ancient Egypt in the development of myths and interpretation of dreams and 300 BC China , 2,500 BC Iraq, and also early Maya and Japan. But they became defined in the mid 1,600's with the rise of clever writers like Shakespeare - "Now is the Winter of our discontent made glorious this Summer by the son of York." Or perhaps in 1640 with the advent of the character and wit, Mr. Puny, in Alexander Crowley's comedy The Guardian.

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

Have Pun this weekend!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu5g86nhWK4

Intimidating, Rebarbative, Stressful

                                                                                                                                               
 
Today's Tids *Issue 2,840
he growing revelations about USA Government agencies intruding on citizens freedoms is mushrooming into what may be the biggest scandal in History., This is so eerie because, while their have been other admin scandals around sex and serial lying, this is one that appears to be undermining the very pillars of America's freedoms.

Remember the Clint Eastwood empty chair? I think they moved it to the desk in the oval office.

I see where The USGA and Royal & Ancient Golf Club have set the date for banning the long putters as 2016. The way I have been shriinking late ly I may be in trouble with my regular putter; an old friend of a putter I've played with since 1975.

This summer expect to see woman looking fresh and modern using all white accessories from sun glasses and bags to wristwatches, sandals and belts. The clean white look will lighten the mood of summer get-togethers and nights out. Designers aren't advocating the all white bridal virgin look with shirts and slacks or skirts, but colorful garb accented by white.

The Question:
Name the ten most valuable brands on the planet.

The Headlines:
--Oklahoma Rescuers Blanket Rubble To Find Live Survivers
--Disgraced Congressman Weiner To Expose Himself In Race For NY Gov.
--Congress Now Asking IRS Why It Demanded That Anti-Abortion Group Give Up Their First Amendment Rights; IRS Lerner Invokes Fifth..
--New Groups Of reporters Found To have Been Invaded By D0J.
--Big Retailers Target, Staples And American Eagle Report Lower Profits.
--Bernanke Says Stay The Stimulative Course.
--FBI KIlls Third Man Tied To Boston Bombings,
--Markets Up Nicely, As Brkers Try To Understand Next Move.

A good reader and Publisher/Editor of Tampa's best conservative news letter "Chit Chat", was first in with the correct answer to yesterdays Detroit Redwings Q. He also said it started him on a beautiful trip down memory lane. Then he sent me a joke, and I realized it was a trip down Mammary lane!

I rarely know what day it is anymore. I just wait to be pointed in the right direction.

Frankly, I was surprised that Chris Thomas got whacked on The Voice last night. But, the competition there is tough, and anybody could win. The favorite still looks like Judith, followed by Sarah and my growing fave Michelle. In case you missed it, the 8 remaning finalists are Judith Hill with a full range voice and great stage presence; Sarah Simmons, a soulful balladeer who can also light it up; Michelle Char, delightfully quirky but who continues to surprises with a great range and and powerful delivery; The Swon Brothers, a couple of good country boys who match perfectly and get people clapping; Danielele , a 16 year old country girl who may bethe best singer in the place; Holly with a powerful voice that gets inside a Christian heart; Sasha who just goes out there an sings like hell every time, and while nobody is looking often comes up with a performance of the night; Amber the crossover singer equally strong with country and pop rock. So how do you pick the winner? It all comes down to the demographics of the voters.

Dancin' is shmmying quickly to the end. To many, last night was a big surprise when year long favorites Aly and Mark were eliminated early before Jacob and Karina -- this after a rather excellent performance on Monday. So now it's down to a precious three, really six --Zendaya/Val and Kellie/Derek are neck and neck, so it looks like next week Jacoby/Karina will be the ones to go. But then...who knows. Eh Eh Eh.

I was in a mild traffic slowdown an hour or so ago. After a few minutes of crawling I realized that before us moving slowly down the busy road was the latest in green, 100% non-polluting vehicle -- a woman with a walker. God help us.

The current president has changed Harry Truman's famous sign to "Ain't No Bucks Here".

Bristol-Meyers is not only appearing-to be a possible very good stock purchase, but it maybe the company that saves a lot of lives in the future. A new cancer treatment drug Nivolumab now in final testing and is expected to win approval early next year. The drug which has already shown to be an effective ingredient in the treatment of melanomas, is also looking like it can be expanded outside initial indications to treat lung and renal cancer. It is, say many, a backbone drug that could lead to a breakthrough that would be "the beginning of the end of all cancers." Yikes!

The Conscience: Chapter21 continues.
   I watched their faces as I asked the question. It's a question that has bothered me from the beginning. Tey were all searching for the right answers, because they knew what the question meant. Or becasue the question made no sense?. Sanna's eyes showed me the most reaction, but just momentarily because she turned severe, then spoke. The other pairs of eyes turned to her as if knowing she was the one.
   "First, Mr. Morgan, Jeff, I and we are glad Jason sent you to us." She gave me a soft grin. My body relaxed, "Quite simply, we are in the marine busness and you are a marine lawyer. While marine la w is bascially iternational law, we are two companies with countries who try to intrude upon common sense with too many laws of your own. We want to put our companies together in a manner that would preclude legal  action against in the event we in Italy were to have neglected to have adhered to a US regualtion or ship design guidelines. As to your drinking," now she smiled broadly, "It only matters if it hurts us, and so far we," she turned torwards Angleica,' Like the way you are." She loked now down at my hands, "Even when you shake."
    I was at a loss for words for a change. I just managed a "thanks,' raised my glass, and said, "well now, lets all drink.." I sipped my drink this time. As I watched my new Italian friends, I also knew there was more to this than building boats to standards,

The Answer:

Number one is, Guess -- Apple!. After that we have Google, IBM, MacDonalds, Coca Cola, AT&T, Microsoft, Marlboro (Yes Cigarettes*), Visa and China Mobile**. Smoking still huge worldwide. ** China's Cell Phone market bigger than US.

I may have to start eliminating the words IRS and Deartment of Justice from my emails. You never know who's watching any more.

Speakin' of scary, did you happend to see that 60 Minutes program on "face recognition" -- the new finger print. They're saying that if you have your face on FaceBook, LinkedIn or some other broad ranged Internet site, your most prized asset, the personality in  your face may be lumped into that giant data base in the sky. That means that any place you go where there is a camera in sight of you, you and all of the data associated with that face, could be recognized anywhere you are. Oh yeah, and don't rush now to remove your pic from a site or two -- it's already too late.