Who are the Jone's? And, why should I care?

Today's Tids Issue 2,287
Opening Stuff:

Some of the best things in life are often hastily put together. That's an awkward way of saying "Indulge yourself in spontaneity".

"All you really need is Love"...and $75,000. That's what Princeton U is saying is the basis for happiness. The study says that day to day you can be totally happy all of the time once you achieve $75K (Maybe a little more in big Metros and a little less in Dakota). More income doesn't add to over all happiness, just to your pile of stuff. More wealth will boost a person's life achievement assessment, but it won't change daily happiness. For instance, if you have nice Ford and decide that you'll feel better with an expensive BMW, you will discover that driving that richer car every day will not add to basic contentment. So maybe that's why according to recent real estate reports average home purchase square footage is falling form 3.5-4000 to 2200-2500. Maybe the perceived pleasure from a gigantic bathroom with spa wears off real quick. Life is bigger than bidets.

And then there is Natalie Portman who at last night's SAG boondoggle (Yes another awards ceremony) wore a gown that was so expensive that she had to have securtiy guards attneding her all of the time. Money can buy you fear.

Grass roots uprisings like the one in Egypt, no matter how noble, often produces a vacuum of leadership. A vacuum that is often filled by an organized group that may be worse than the overthrown. A group that may be in reality the faceless inspiration for the people's urge to overthrow. And when the overthrow is complete, the elation of the feat will satisfy the masses who will go home to await the promises of the next tyranny.. And the group behind it all will say all the right things and quietly assume leadership amidst the rhapsodic euphoria of the event as it rises to a crescendo. A new unannounced agenda will be woven into a new culture.. It has happened often in history, from the Bolsheviks to the overthrow of the Shah in Iran. the odds are high that it may bean Islamic/muslim group, which could be worse for Israel and American interests..

The Question:
It's only 15 days til Pitchers and Catchers show up and the crack of the bat resounds in ball fields across the gracious southland. So, how about a basic baseball question -- Name the year in which the first Hall of fame class was inducted. Who were they?

The Headlines:

--Good be A Million In The Streets In Egypt Today; US Saying Transition Away From Mubarek Regine Could be Difficult.
--Cairo Airport In Chaos.
--99% Of Southern Sudnaese Vote For Secession And Independence.
--New Massive Winter Storm Approaching Midwest.
--Chrysler 4Q "Better Loss" Numbers, Coupled With Forward Uptick Forecast Bright Spot For Rebuilding Automaker.
--Markets Expect To Over Come Egypt Negativity And Bounce Upward On Good Earnings Reports, Higher Consumer Spending In December.

Back to More Stuff:
There seems to be a movement afoot to reexamine the "Living Will". As you know, most of these wills specify that nothing mechanical shall be used to keep the patient alive. Now, many are asking for a codicil that would simultaneously erase their hard drive to ensure that their cyber-legacy dies with them. It will be called a Power of Attorney for Executive/Executrix Eraser.

Have you noticed how people barely react to alarms, whether in stores, parking lots or places of amusement...or from national debt warnings. United States of Apathy.

Good provolone doesn't come in floppy white 3 1/2 round slices. Sorry Subway.

With all of this talk about toning down the rhetoric, isn't it interesting to realize that the most acerbic are the "Nannyists". The healthy food folks, the furry friends lovers, the alternate energy excitables. Many of them don't call others names or put targets on their heads. No, they just demean viciously by looking down condescendingly at the unwashed amongst them and sneer.

Stop with the Public Relations BS. Charlie Sheehan needs help. Basically the publicist is helping him die with a good image.

Almost near: Chapter 4 continues. --The last time Samantha sat down to eat, she was overly aware fo the people around he. All those people of her memories that were ignoring her. This morning, she sat looking at the stranger across from her. Wondering why a stranger was the most friendly person in this room where everybody knew everybody but her.
"Actually, I've only been here for 13 years." Tucker theatrically pulled up his rolled paper napkin by a corner so it flung the utensils noisily on the table. Samantha flinched. "I'm a writer, so I have gotten to know these people becasue they are characters I live with. "And hell! Even in New England 13 years is a long enough time for the people to get familiar with you and start accepting you." He laughed comfortably, which induced Samantha laugh conspiratorially along with him.
For no other reason that it was what came to her mind first, Samantha started, "I'm form lower Maine, but used to spend a good part of life here with my Aunt Ginny. This little town feels more like home to me than anywhere I have been. then softer, "Well, it did."
Tucker nodded understandingly, "I can see how you feel. But, I have to agree with you, your reception in this little place does sound odd.


A good reader sent me several good ideas...one of them being the need for a good "sarcasm font".

OK everybody, raise your hand if you ever added less than a whole can of water to Campbell's condensed soup. Be honest.

0-Man's electric car rhetoric must be as quiet among the unwashed masses as that of a Hybrid car engine, because it's roar of Palin Pick-ups that are pulling the heavy load for GM. Complete with the choice of BlueTooth or gun rack. (GM is building a new factory for Pick-up production.)

There is plenty of well documented evidence showing where Parts of Rhode Island and Connecticut were once connected to Northern Africa. I wonder what greedy business man caused that environmental meltdown.

I remember being underwhelmed while driving through the Napa Valley wine region. For instance, I think the wine area in the hills overlooking Erie Pa are amazingly beautiful and frankly make the Cal grape yards appear drab. Just shows you how publicity can make a difference. Actually a couple of small vineyards along the Sakonnet in RI are pretty darn special. But, that's just me. Actually, if we didn't have a state government, RI would be perfect.

If you have a lot more money than $75K you could have bigger birthday parties for your pets and be the envy of your neighborhood.

The Answer:
In 1936, the first five were inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. they were Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter "Big Train" Johnson. Hall of Fame members should be the creme de la creme. The truly outstanding of an era. that is why I have a problem with the committee that from time to time will vote in some "Undiscovered" super player of the past. This may have been apropos for the negro league players but not for some player, who while very good, played in the shadow of the truly Great.

The End:
Think of all the money you could save if you stayed home and appreciated what you had.

Be contented and relax.

BTW, a new government report on the causes of the big recession has just said that probable root cause was the penchant for too many to live too far beyond their means. The overstating of income for mortgages and the general denial of personal economic reality.

Hey! I'm Ronnie.

Today's Tids Issue 2,286
Opening Stuff:

The Prez threw down the gauntlet Tuesday night when he challenged Americans to "Get to Work" in his "Win the Future" SOU speech. Little did we know that in reality he probably was trying to inspire admin gremlins who appear to be kicking off a monumental new branding campaign in Time mag that would try to induce Americans into believing that "Ronald Reagan is Obama's new role model". (And the future was 2012!) Huh? The cover photo will show two happy presidents laughing together with the headline, "Why Obama (Red Heart) Reagan." Does this sound like a man in panic mode. I think so. Last week I thought all of our respected pundits were comparing 0-Man to JFK for his can-doism rhetoric. This is a smart move right? Surely it will bring together all of the Libs who absolutely hated Ronnie and surely the Conservatives who will be scoffing in disbelief over their meatloaf. Meanwhile Time is trying to survive by putting just about anything on their cover that will move magazines. What a crock.

BTW, who do you think thought of this PR clunker? Time? Probably not. How about the White House and their new Press guy, ex-Time Magazine child prodigy Jay Carney. What a mess.

It doesn't get much better than driving down a narrow road with massive white drifts piled high and the crunch of night frozen snow under the tires. And maybe moonlight filtering through leafless trees.

The "Academy" (Doncha love the precious little term for H-Woods Narcissistic bandits) says that the outstanding documentary ""Waiting for Superman" was excluded from nominations because some experts deemed it, "An inaccurate exaggeration of Charter Schools." And yet this same "August" group of quasi-intellectuals in denial gave the Oscar to Al Gore's fairy tale look at the global climate - "An Inconvenient Truth." Beware of the movie exec who snidely remarks that it is impossible to believe that Hollywood has anything to do with the decline of American values.

Smart shopping can save a ton of money...especially now as prices skyrocket. I wouldn't buy anything that isn't on sale. Nothing is that dear that you should be coerced into overpaying for it.

The Question:
Weekend Double Special -- 1. Name those tragically killed in the Challenger Tragedy. 2. The media has induced many into complaining about the snow, but my only woe is the absence of "24". Give your five favorite moments and I'll give you mine.

The Headlines:

--Challenger Victims Honored 25 Years Later.
--4th Q Economic Expansion OF 3.2% Good But below Expectations Of 3.5; Ford reveals Steep Earning's Drop For 4Q; S&P 500 At 29 Month High.
--Egypt Protests Grow In Violence.
--Arizona Files Plan Opposing Automatic Citizenship For Children Of Illegal Immigrants; Hope Is To Bring Dispute Into The Courts To Test Constitutionality Of Fourteenth Amendment.
--Medvedev Signed Nuke Pact This Morn.
--Geithner In Davos Swiss Is Cautious Saying Economy Moving But Don't Look For Boom.

Back to More Stuff:
Since 1904 the snowiest January's have been 1995, 2005, 1948 and 2011.

I see where oil man Kennedy and his heat for the poor commercial is acknowledging that perhaps Hugo may not be the kind of guy you want to bring home to Mom. But it goes on quite forcefully to say that he runs the only country who cares enough to help the poor by offering sympathetic heating oil pricing. In other words, Communism is good. Weasel.

A recent celebrity birthday report puts Alan Alda's age at a year and a half older than me. But when I was in high school with him he was 3-4 years ahead of me. Either he was a child whiz or I was slow or his publicist lies.

In response to the Kucinich/Olive Pit saga, an Ohio reader suggests that Kucinich is a true "Buckeye" -- "A useless nut." Frankly, I think he is Pitiful.

Almost Near: Chapter 4 continues. --"By the way, I'm Tucker. Tucker Louttite." The stranger hauled on the rope, pulled the gray dory close and took a giant step up to the dock -- wavering a bit so that he had to grab Sanantha's shoulder for balance. His face was close to hers. "You can call me Tuck." he backed away.
Samantha seemed flustered, and relieved in some way she couldn't comprehend. I'm Samantha Jergans" And then she laughed, "You can call me Sam!" "Sam and Tuck." And she laughed again.
Tucker just stood there and enjoyed what he saw. "This way, Samantha." They waked up the dock as Sam told him how much she loved this town of his.
"Oh I'm not from here. I was born in New Castle up out of Portsmouth." He nodded his head North.
He opened the door and they walked into the hubbub. The place seemed friendlier to Sam. The stone faced waitress watched the pair move to a corner table by the window. Tuck was shaking hands and quipping with just about everybody along the way.
Samantha was thinking that this is a comfortable joint. She was smiling as Tucker pulled out her chair.

A winter without snow is a waste of three great cold months.

No president in my memory has been better at staying in the spotlight than the old White House rascal Bill. Unless of course you remember Gerald Ford beaning the innocent with Golf balls.

Reading between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The Mechanic is about an assassin, Arthur Bishop, of extraordinary capabilities -- thorough, efficient and Clean. He is always in demand for the most complex challenges. It all changes when his best friend Harry is murdered, and the next killing becomes personal. The revenge becomes more complicated when Harry's son Steve approaches Bishop with the same goal. And, asks to learn the assassin's killing secrets. The critics will pan while the fans pay out big bucks.
--Anthony Hopkins The Rite will be another fan favorite and critics victim. A young seminary student in the Vatican to learn about exhorcism meets an older, unorthodox priest who introduces him to the pervasiveness of the devil in the most unsuspecting places. The student must rise above the ugly forces of Satan. This is a scary and at times cover-your-eyes flick. The ending is worth waiting for.

Tiger Woods Inc. is a classic example of how public relations works to the detriment of the truth or reality. All of the papers and Radio this morning lead with "Woods shoots 3 under 69; Looks like he is back" or some variation of that. He is in a tie for 24th place. The real head should have read "The Woods P/R Machine is back".

Oops! Crop Circles have appeared in Indonesian rice paddies. I guess that means we have equal opportunity, politically correct aliens. Ooooo-weeee-ooooo

The Answer:
1. Of course, everybody knows teacher Christa McAuliffe, but equally deceased are the Commander Francis Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Ronald McNair, Ellison, Onizuka, Judith Resnik and Michael Smith. 2. For some reason the death of the wonderful Edgar character always comes to mind. Then I see the bride-to-be secret spy murdering her fiance, Nina being revealed as the mole, Michelle loving Tony, Chloe's enigmatic eyes at all times, the cancer ridden Chief taking over for Jack steering the nuke laden plane in to the dessert. And that music that closed the moving scene. There are so many that I frankly have trouble describing them all. It is a hard question when there is so much that was so good! KThunk. Kthunk. KThunk.

The New Beginning (Or is it the End?):
Now that "Ronnie" is back in the White House I'm going to stop worrying about the growing national debt and declining national sence of responsibility. So rest easy this weekend and enjoy.

Ziggy Circles.

Today's Tids Issue 2,285
Opening Stuff:


One of the great things about email, is that on cold cloudy days, lots of warm sunshine can come your way.

The problem with vegetarians is that they are promoting their food so much that prices are bound to climb way beyond the level of good value. (Value is measured as dollars divided by taste bud modules.) As almost anybody moderately aware of economics knows, the poor tend to be heavier because they eat the cheapest foods -- Pastas, taters and Tasty Cakes. Hmmm? What's wrong with that?

How many people think like I do that it is odd how the media follows Gabby Gifford's every movement, every flutter eyelid, every ambulance transfer? I wonder why? Is it because it is the only Democrat with any guts that the media has left to write about.

The Question:
Another bonus Double "Q" today! 1. Actually, this morning I'm savoring a big win by Providence basketball over Villanova (PC's 2nd in a row over a top 25 team) Which conferences have the most teams in the top 25 list? 2. Exactly what is a "Ziggy Circle"?

The Headlines:

--Egypt Fiery Anti-Gov Protests Continue For Third Day.
--SS Fund To Be Kaput By 2037.
--Dollar Spikes After S&P Downgrades View Of Japan's Debt.
--New Unemployment Data Rises Unexpectedly; New Apps Surge 51,000 To 454,000; Stock Futures Down.
--Econ Doubts Have Foreclosures Rising In 149 Of 207 Largest Metro Areas Across The Country; Continued Unemployment The Problem; Phoenix, Chicago, Detroit Metros Hit Hardest.
--Bombs Kill 37 At Baghdad Funeral.
--Palin PAC Has More Than $1.3 Million In Cash.
--Mandela Hospitalized.

Back to More Stuff:
I see where the IRS has new "App" for easy filing. Just what I need, the initials IRS on my smart phone. I only think about that intimidating collection agency once a year. I don't need to see them when I'm scrolling to my favorite app: "Junk food of the Day".

The world was a lot nicer before the arrival of mass produced lawyers.

I don't follow American Idol too closely in these early rounds. Just a little too much contrived stuff for me. But, it looks like the talent pool in Wisconsin was better than that of the Apple last week. Among the promising aspirants are Scott Dangerfield, Beghun, Emma Henry, Jerome Bell, Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia, Molly DeWolfe Swensen, Scotty McCreery and Chris Medina. I'm think that I could get to like Emma, Naima, Thia and Scotty a lot as this goes on. That is, if they can continue to get better as the competiton moves along. And is this a year we can get the boppers to vote for someone other than a cute guy with a modest talent?

I'm thinking that the media has just discovered manufacturing as I'm seeing lots of frothy reports by wide eyed wet behind the ears "veteran" newsmen touting the amazing things that go into making product. Things any body from the lowest spot on an assembly line to head of engineering has known for 200 years.

Grow Up Department:
Some of you may remember the kid who showed up on the sandlot with baseball almost devoid of tape and a bat without a screw holding it together. Then he would say "If you don't let me play I'll take my bat and ball and go home." That sounds a lot like Robert Burton, the mega rich UConn Football booster who wants his money back ($7 Mil) because they wouldn't let him pick the football coach. This public incident is probably repeated in private throughout the land of scholar-athletes. Major college sports teams are all about money, not any longer about "My college team is better than your college team." -- pure and simple. AD's are businessmen with business training. But, Burton is right, UConn made a poor choice for Coach!

The Union bought Chafee-Lite appears to be supporting the NEA gang in RI in its desire to be rid of Education Commish Dorothy Gist. Oddly, Gist's ideas of pushing the students to greater achievement seems to be right in line with "In the NEA Pocket" President Obama. Go figure.

How about that Dennis Kucinich suing the Congressional cafeteria because he found an olive pit in his wrap. His suit says the sandwich contained a dangerous substance. Is that anything like a weapon of mass destruction. In a related story, it has been learned that the kinder gentler 0-Man admin is arming border guards with bags of olive pits.

Almost Near: Chapter 4. --All of sudden Samantha found herself standing at the end of the dock looking down at the stranger in the dory. He was concentrating on what he was writing and appeared oblivious to his voyeur. It was almost five minutes before he looked up slowly, as if to draw and idea out of the sky.
At once he noticed Samantha. His face broke into the kind of unconditional smile reserved for the closest of friends. Lovers.
Samantha was startled at his sudden expansive attention. She stammered, embarrassed. "I. I. I don't know what I'm doing here." The stranger saw the confusion in her face and his smile turned to concern.
"I hope I didn't startle you," He said kindly. A caring tone. Kind eyes putting her at ease. "I was suprised to see you standing up there and I immediately thought you were somebody I knew. But, I can tell by your reaction that I'm not." He said it comfortably like it was somebody Samantha should have known.
"I just came down to eat breakfast, and I saw you here...and .. I ...I don't know why I came over here."
"Breakfast!" he exclaimed, deftly ignoring her discomfort. "I need breakfast too. Would you join me at Lillies?" Samantha seemed to relax.

Olive pits would be one reason why I never order olive sandwiches. The other is that olives aren't any good unless in martinis. And then they are only good in martinis so you can throw them at friends across the bar.

The Non-Sequitur strip this morning announced the next national trauma with a street preacher's sign: "Repent! Unfriending is near." There's always something.

The Tids Sports department has no football predictions today. The big story is the first big tournament in golf where the Tiger returns. His fans and even those who now have a deminished view of the this super player will be wondering if he can come back. There is no truth to the rumor that his manager is placing strippers in his motel room to help him regain the magic.

The Answer:
1. The big East is up front with 7 closely followed by the Big 10 with 6. Then we have Big 12 with 4, SEC - 3, Mountain West - 2, Pac 10 - 1 and the mighty "Dick Vitale Conference" (ACC) with but One! Say it Ain't so Coach K. 2. A "Ziggy Circle" is a frivolous term used to describe fanciful play in the snow. As in...a girl running to be caught after throwing a snowball at man of her dreams.

The End:
It looks like a perfect morning to run in ziggy circles and throw a couple of snowballs.

Cooperation + Contradictions = Business as Usual.

Today's Tids Issue 2,284
Opening Stuff:

The Prez said a lot of the right things you might expect for a 2012 Campaign kick-off speech. But, he himself really didn't look interested in what he was saying. His dissing of the oil companies as an intro to his proposal for a Gov. run alternative energy program was not only mindful of his previous two year dislike of business, but missed the fact that the big Energy companies are investing heavily into the develop of potential alternatives. The rest sounded like every other SOU speech, but this time without much enthusiasm.

Interesting that SOU pronounced Sow, as in mom and her piglets at the taxpayer trough.

I am getting real tired of David Axelrod, a host of whimpering White House flunkies and Dems from all over Washington coming together and urging that we all got to cooperate; How we got to do it for Gabby; That Tucson has taught us that we have set a new tone. They're doing it because they got killed in the election! Plain and simple. They can no longer browbeat, demean, ridicule, slice, dice, ignore and slur Republicans as they have been for 4 years. Did I say "killed"? Oops!

The Question:
A company called Pollstar has announced the big concert tour gross dollar winners by category. Pick the winner in each of the following: Soft Rock - James Taylor vs. The Eagles; Old Timers -- Paul McCartney vs. Roger Waters; Drive Time Rock -- Bon Jovi vs. DMB; Teeny Boppers -- Lady Gaga vs. Black Eyed Peas; Pretty Boys -- Michael Buble vs. John Mayer.

The Headlines:

--Market Could Soar Over 12,000; Futures Strong After SOU.
--Finally. World Economic Forum (Davos Swiss) Says Global Economy Out Of Woods
--Antique Desk By Famed Newport Furniture maker Goes For$5.7 Million.
--RI Unemployment Still Among Five Worst In Nation; Other Lagging Economies Are Cal, Mich, Nevada And FLa; States with Lowest Unemployment Are Nebraska And North/South Dakota.
--Various And Sundry Uprisings Continue Around World.

Back to More Stuff:
Do you know why so many people complain about the cold? It's because weathermen and newscasts tell you you should feel cold and miserable. Just like they say something must be wrong because plowing budgets are overspent...which is exactly what they say almost every year about this time. Weather comes and weather goes. Live with it. It won't feel so bad.

BTW, Nancy Pelosi in a post-SOU interview with Greta Van Susteren never looked slimier than she did when trying to reinforce the latest democrat travesty that after Tucson we have to work together.

Almost near: Chapter 3 continues. --Samantha didn't sleep well that night. Her mind was so full of contradictions she wasn't sure that she was who she thought she was. Two days ago life could not have been more perfect. Now she was losing her mind. Gray was covering the sun. Her thoughts continually tuned to the man in the dory. She was positive she had never seen him before, but it appeared that he had more than a passing interest in her.
She was happy to finally see the dawn, not because it was a bright new day, but because she could leave that bed which was feeling more like a prison. She sat up and turned slowly to bring her legs over the side. She sat there, not eager to get up now because she was wary of what she might encounter.
Samantha, packed up her suitcase, expecting to check out right after another lonely breakfast at Lillie's counter and the old bat waitress.
Samantha said a less than enthusiastic Hi to Jimmy and walked out. She heard him start to say something about his Dad as the door closed behind her. It didn't matter. It wouldn't be good.
It was another nice day, so she thought that was better than being miserable under a cloudy sky. She smelled the bacon and coffee again, but this time she walked past it and down the dock. As if drawn there. She saw the stranger in the dory. he was sitting there writing something on a note pad.

Hoard incandescent light bulbs.

Last night 0-Man said that he will "freeze annual domestic spending for five years" while he proposed "we redouble these efforts (Transportation and road projects)." Go figure.

How about that poll that said 14% of pet owners would choose their pet over their mate. Boa Constrictors give good hugs.

Since the November elections, convoluted logic has become the new national eccentricity.

In a post-SOU focus panel analysis, "Flat" was the dominant word used to describe the event. The panel consisted of 13 Repubs and 13 Dems. In specific Q's about believability and future voting, only 4 of 13 Dems believed what 0-Man said and 5 of the 13 said they would not voted for him again (All 13 had voted for him in 2008).

I have to agree totally with Obama urging parents to create a better environment for learning in the home and instill in the kids greater respect for learning over extra-curricular activities and extraneous cultural demands. The essence of the learning problem has a lot to do with student priorities. And it doesn't cost a dime to change that inadequacy.

The Answer:
The Eagles beat Taylor $64.5 Mil to $50.7 Mil; Waters beat McCartney $89.5 to $61.8; Bon Jovi walloped DMB $108 to $72.9; Gaga edged Peas $51-50; Buble riffed Mayer $65.7 to $49.9.

The End:
Remember when GW decided to work together with Teddy, and 8 years later he was still trying to get that knife out of his back? Did I say Knife? Oops.

Judging from a report by a SOU Facts Checker, it looks like we needed a couple of "He lies" last night. Oops, Did I say that.

Now that the posturing is over, let's find out what's really going to happen. Just so long as they're noce to Nancy. That's all I care about.

He Lies!

Scary reality.

Today's Tids Issue 2083

Opening Stuff:

It may see like an odd analogy, but love is a lot like a dog whistle that only dogs can hear. Don't laugh. Lovers see in each other little things that only each of them can see, feel, enjoy. Yeah, I guess it is a stretch.

Running as the Vice-Presidential candidate in 1968, Air Force General Curtis LeMay said, "There are only two four-letter words that hippies don't know: Work and Soap."

I think 0-man's selection of Jeffery Immelt for Jobs Czar and his current new focus on jobs and big business is a very good political move. Let's face it, he made some cursory "Jobs" promises last year but promises he knew he could never keep.He never did anything to support the promises. If he had over promised in a sluggish economy that would give him no chance for success he would have looked the fool (Well, more foolish). So, maybe he was smart or maybe he is simply a big government guy who really thought that Gov can create jobs. But now, it's a different story. We are far enough along where the chance of the economy getting stronger during the next two years is very good. Frankly, he can probably do nothing and the job outlook would improve. Because a perfect economic storm of higher consumer confidence, business investment, more active lending and a world economy that just upped its yearly growth forecast to 4.5% is not only on the horizon, it is happening today. Tonight he will attach his name to business and jobs and an economy that is most definitely picking up steam. And he will take credit for everything that happens. And the people will forget about is inaction last year and the media will never report it. He will be praised. It's just the way it is. Think about that if you decide to watch the SoU Address.

Is remembering a club recruiting campaign?

The Question:  

One of the most competitive arenas in TV advertising lately is that for Property/Casualty Insurance. Name five companies you have seen regularly hawking their wares and which commercials do you like best and dislike most.

The Headlines:

--Toyota Remains As #1 Car Maker In World; GM Closing In Fast.
--House Prices Fall Again In December.
--Wall Street Analyzing Earnings Reports; Could Slow Today's Anticipated Surge To 12,000.
--"Kings Speech" Leads The Way With 12 Oscar Nominations; Most Of the Nominees Already Feted In Previous Barrage Of Awards Shows.
--Candidate Of Iranian Backed Hezbollah To Form New Lebanon Government.
--Rom Emanuel Mayor Bid Nixed By Court.
--Jesse Ventura Sues Dept. Of Homeland Securtiy Over X-Rays Ant Pat Downs; Says They Violate His Right To Be Free From Unreasonable Search And Seizure.

Back to More Stuff:
Cube Dwelling can be atrophic. I don't about you but I like to see our corporate cube dwellers as healthy, happy cave people. Here are some simple ways to keep the juices flowing while buried under mountains of paperwork. Keep a pair of 5 pound weights in your drawer and do 10 curls 2-3 times a day. Always look for opportunities to walk briskly up and down stairs. While waiting for coffee to brew, turn back to counter, grasp edge with hands, bend elbows and dip til thighs are parallel with floor. Do squats next to desk a couple of times a day. Walk during lunch time. If someone laughs at you, perform middle finger exercise. One. Two. Three.

The wheel was a revolutionary invention.

There's been a lot of talk the past few days about how if we could just get China to bend a little we could get manufacturing back. Yeah sure. Manufacturing started to disappear in earnest over 40 years ago when China was basically a third world style nation. It started when the "Conglomerate" fad came upon the biz scene. This led to accounting led companies buying successful manufacturing powers and milking them dry. Eventually the lack of research in new products and processes caught up with them, and outsourcing became a salvation. Couple the accounting led companies with the increasing demands of unions...and the lack of initiative for owners of some small manufacturers to get away from their WWII machines...and the demise of manufacturing is not that big a mystery. Bringing it back is a lot more than sharing Apple Pie and Ice Cream with Hu.

There are just too many countries who love the way manufacturing has improved their standard of living and hope for the future, to cede it back to the US. And the employees in those countries seem to have a winning attitude and love their new positions in life.

Almost There: Chapter 3 continues. --Samantha sank to the ground beneath the giant maple. She looked up as she heard that scratching of a squirrel climbing out upon a long limb. It turned and looked down at her. She wondered if this was her only friend in this town of contradictions.
Tommy Lambert. Somehow she remembers his love, but can't remember his face. But that memory is the strongest emotion she has felt since returning home.
Nobody knows me but a tree, she thought. This is exactly like it was, but nothing else is.
Samantha continued to sit, for an hour, maybe more. Her hunger had past, filled in by the nourishment of a love long gone.
Around four she stood and started back down towards town. Everything seemed a little more beautiful now. Maybe it was the evening shadows. Maybe it was the discovery that something about her town was as it should be. She apporached the Inn, and found herself once again turning to the end of the dock. To the littel dory. The stranger was there. He ws staring at her, but looked down as she began to stare back.

The Oddball TV Commercial Tid yesterday generated this response from a loyal reader. He suggests as the absolute worst and tasteless commercial the "Ladders" (Web Employment Site) ad where some basically unattractive people assume some grotesque seductive positions. I totally agree.

What is so unusual about Oprah finding a step sister?

Jack Lelane has proven that exercise allows you to die healthier.

Roe v. Wade Department:
How come it is not ok to make a choice to kill your next door neighbor?

The Answer:
Auto and Home Insurance ads are rampant throughout TV these days. I have seen commercials for Amica, Travelers, State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive, Geico, Farmers, Liberty Mutual and um...All State. Personally, I like the Travelers "Big Umbrella" ad, the Geico Psychiatrists couch and I used to like the campaign about unforseen disasters out of the blue (It may have been nationwide). The new nationwide "Best Salesman" is tedious and wearing thin to me. I find Progressive annoying. Amica is solid, but not terribly entertaining. All State has gone from the believable Dennis Hastert to a hard to believe character named "Mayhem". (AS will always have "In Good Hands" to save them no matter how off base their ad agency gets.) Actually a couple of them work but most are a stretch. Farmers trying to hard to be clever.

The End:
Oscar Nominations: You probably know pretty much everything that will be happening at the Oscars. But, here's the nomicnaitons in case you didn't hear. Bext Pic: Kings Speech, Inception, The Social Network, The Fighter, True Grit, Toy Story 3, Kids are all Right, Black Swan, Winter's Bone and 127 Hours. Actor: Firth, Eisenberg, Bardem, Bridges,and Franco. Actress: Bening, Portman, Kidman, Lawrence and Williams. Sup Actor: Bale, Rush, Hawkes, Renner, Ruffalo. Sup Actress: Leo, Adams, Bonham-Carter, Steinfield and Weaver.

I think I'm tired of watching Hollywood pat itself on the back. I love movies, but the celebrity of it all is getting out of hand.

Never alone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,282
Opening Stuff:

I sometimes stand upon a grouping of ocean ravaged rocks, alone enjoying the breezes in my face. Thinking that this wind, this gentle breeze, caressing my being may have touched a special friend along its journey. You never know.

Here's a little Latin phrase to tuck away for those panicky moments or maybe when you are called upon to speak in public: "Fastina Lente" -- Make haste slowly.

Every sports team should have a National Anthem singer like the Chicago Bear's (Borrowed form the Blackhawks) Jim Cornelieson.

I couldn't agree more with Chafee-Lite's urging the Economic Development Commission to focus on re-energizing urban areas as biz centers. (Like what's happening with Shilling's company putting new life into a good looking but tired Cathedral Square office complex.) But, while this appeals to my common sense heart -- that says if it's already messed up, rebuild it instead of messing up another part of the pristine rural landscape --it is only less than half of the real job that needs to be accomplished. How do they get companies to want to come and invest in RI? I fear that Chafee's union pals will never let him "go all the way", if you know what I mean.

Making a living as a touring pro is tough enough. But, now it appears that there are legions of golf nannies sitting on the couch with rule books in their laps ready to pounce upon any lapse in judgment by a pro. It seems almost weekly that you hear of a some pro being tossed after a phone call or email form a TV viewer. Golfers for the most part are very honest people who pride themselves on playing by the rules. But now a new self-appointed watch dog group is ready to butt in. The same guy is probably counting the calories of his next door neighbor and sending emails to Michelle Obama.

Red Sox and Pats fans will appreciate these comments from Boston Herald writers Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa: "Tom Brady has blown every big game since the advent of the Giselle era. We're calling it the 'Curse of the Babe-ino'."

The Question: 
Everybody knows Linda Blair. Right? Doncha? What was the name of the little girl she portrayed in her most famous role?

The Headlines:

--New Englanders Find Morning A Bit Brisk.
--Business Outlook For Jobs More Positive Than In Decade.
--Market Opening Appears Flat As Big Corp Earnings Reports On Average Don't Thrill.
--Explosion Rocks Moscow's Busiest Airport.
--Lebanon Acting PM Rejects Any Government With Hezbollah; Unsettled Conditions Could Result In Violence.
--Pack Versus Steelers In Superbowl
--Kieth Olbermann Quits MSNBC; No Explanation Given.
--North Kingstown's Elizabeth Beisel Named To US World Championships Swim Team.

Back to More Stuff:
I was shocked one day when I heard somebody I knew say out of the blue say "I hate Copeland" -- as in Aaron Copeland the brilliant composer and conductor. There are so many things to like about Copeland that I couldn't understand "merely disliking" must less "Hatred" . So I played my many Copeland CD's and came away liking him even more. From "Our Town" to"The Red Pony Suite" to the acclaimed "Appalachia Spring" he provides a fresh creative diversion from the Brahms and Mozarts. One you might want to try yourself is his Portrait's Of Freedom CD which includes the majestic "Portrait Of Lincoln" highlighted by James Earl Jones moving recitation of The Gettysburg Address.

Things You Never Heard About Pelosi-Palooza (Health Care) Department:
--Since the passage of this expensive give away that does little if anything to repair the innate problems of the health care system, the Obama admin has granted over 220 Healthcare reform "waivers" to unions, corporations and non-profits in order to stave off massive policy cancellations and rate increases that would affect 1.5 million employees. This data form the Department of Health and Human Services clearly indicates many flaws in the bill that was never read but passed under pressure to achieve for the sake of achieving. The largest single waiver went to (New York's) United Federation of Teachers Welfare Fund. Thanks to a brilliant and thoughtful, non-hysterical reader for that insight on what is really happening.

The Odd new World of Advertising Department:
So how about that TV commercial that has a couple of toothy sharks in advertising/brand research focus group and they are trying to determine which boy shown in pictures was the tastiest! One ginning shark goes on to describe the nuts and creamy caramel and chooses the kid who ate Snickers. Weirdness.

TV has become the "Great Enabler" with much programming making excuses for or normalizing bad behavior. This Skins thing form MYV is just the latest example where execs looking for ratings will ignore the conventions of civilized taste, general morality and even laws. Of course, many would label me as a older generation dolt for not seeing the benefit of a progressive entertainment industry. To them I say they are in denial or trying assuage their guilt. Having a Rib Eye with Hu is not going to change the USA culture. And I firmly believe that the substance of a society and its national morality has a lot to do with achieving positive success.

Almost Near: Chapter 3: --Samantha lay at the bottom of that hill for what seemed like hours. After the door slammed, there was silence. Perfect, oppressive silence. Nobody came. She remembers that nobody came.
Samantha remembers that, but she doesn't remember how she got to the top of the hill that over looked the town. She looked down and the town appeared inanimate. Lifeless.All of a sudden foreign to her. Like she had never been there at all. She stared beyond the town to the tidal cove and the sand bars in the passage; and Essex beyond. The magnificent New England beauty was still there. But now it was sterile.
Her stomach growled, and she looked at her watch. It was 2:37. It has been almost 8 hours since she had eaten her lonely breakfast. Now she was hungry and she pushed herself up. There were grass stains on her shirt and a ragged looking piece of a tulip in her belt. The front of her blouse was damp from lying on the ground.
She needed to eat. As she took her first step towards the town, she noticed seventy five yards away that giant maple that had made her heart pound yesterday. Now it loomed almost meaninglessly. Another challenge to her memories. She shrank inside to a new fear. But she was drawn. She started walking towards the tree. Forgetting her hunger.
Dare she face another disappointment? The spreading, soft limbs gave her comfort as she walked closer to the trunk. She went right to where she remembered the initials.
There it was. The heart exactly as she remembered it. And inside TL loves SW. Samantha Wilcox, her maiden name. Tommy Lambert, the man she has always loved.

It is interesting to note that as a large area of the nation is poised to enter into a mini-ice age, the media is being flooded with publicity releases about old stories of rising oceans due to you know what. Odd, isn't it. I wonder how that happens?

I don't know about Eduard Elgar. Oh, you can't dislike somebody who composed the enduring, hauntingly beautiful 9th of his Enigma Variations. But, I have tried reaching deeper into his works. And I always come away with sameness...pleasant sameness...but sameness none the less. Maybe I'm not smart enough to understand. He is an enigma.

I am often asked how I can get out all of this stuff in the Tids every day. While you will never know the secret to Coke or the eleven herbs and spices in Kentucky Fried Chicken and gravy, I'm revealing for the first time ever mine for the world to know. The art of Tidsification is simple. A child-like mind!

Hot car brands come and hot car brands go, but the Honda Accord keeps on rolling along.

The Answer:
Regan was the little girl of green pea soup and rotating head fame in "The Exorcist".She never did much else after her first smash -- mainly lesser films of the same genre. However, her latest interests may be cause for looking into hiring an Exorcist -- PETA and a new book "Going Vegan". A rumor tells me that the original title was Going Vegan without Peas." So, when the career goes down you give up the gravy.

The End:
Every poem about love should be written over a background of Elgar's 9th Enigma Variation.

Repubs and Dems sitting together at the SOU is lame. It feels like a reality show tactic.

Never think for a moment that you can't do something.

Standing behind me.

Today's Tids Issue 2,281

Opening Stuff:

I have found over the years that having a person you can rely upon for strength in difficult times is one of the most precious treasures of life.

Where was the bombastic Rep Steve Cohen when the White House issued a report saying there are 129 Million Americans under 65 with pre-existing conditions. Talk about seeding a big lie! Or at least the biggest slight of hand trick of the decade. Of course this is just one more of those statistical manipulation games. The number may correct but irrelevant to reality. It covers people who have been diagnosed with problems like arthritis and others. But the problems have never led to somebody being denied for coverage.

Hopefully you figured out that when I mistakenly wrote yesterday, "Most liberal scientists", I really meant most liberal senators: Unless you thought I meant most liberal political scientists. Actually, as far as I can determine all Pol Sci's are progressives as they are always liberalizing the truth in favor of their candidates. I mean...that is the art!

The Question:
Who do you think are the Fifteen Top Companies to work for in 2011.

The Headlines:

--Gidffords Leaves Hospital For rehab Sting.
--BoA Reports Big Loss On Mortgage Problems.
--0-Man Names GE's Immelt EcoMan.
--New Obama Poll Says People Are Buying The man But Not The Progress.
--Risky So. Korea Raid Saves Ship Crew From Somali Pirates.
--Newport Art Museum Cancels Lecture On Wyeths As Speaker Is Snowbound In Maine.

Back to More Stuff:
A 1922 AP Report in the Washington Post said, "...that the Arctic Ocean is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot. The Commerce Department added that reports from fishermen, seal hunters and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of temperatures in the Arctic zone." It went on to talk about the absence of white fish and seals and described disappearing glaciers. It finished by saying, "Within a few years it is predicted that due to the ice melt the sea will rise and make most coastal cities uninhabitable." I wonder what the Governemtn was selling in 1922?

I just got an email that said "A friend just sent you $1,000." I don't have nay friends who would send me a $1,000.

After hearing Chafee's call for advertisers to boycott talk radio, I'm starting to think, Lincoln Chavez? Come to think of it, Chafee-Lite does seem to have some dictator type qualities.

3D is not worth the extra money, and wearing the glasses adds to the discomfort. The technology adds nothing ot the enjoyment of the movie and in many cases detracts from it as the director adds unnecessary special effects. Paying a lot for 3D Televisions is not even on my radar screen or long range list to Santa.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 Continues. --The door opened and Samantha stood staring at her favorite relative. She looked older but still had that spunky look in her eyes. Her hair was simply styled, straight and coarse with a part on the left side. It was now a nice heavy gray instead of the dark blond she had remembered.. She wore her usual jeans with a checked shirt. She stood tall as always, but her legs looked weaker. "Who the hell are you", Ginny burst forth in that raspy voice so familiar to Samantha.
Samantha stepped back. Her mouth opened. Ginny stared back. Then she laughed hard. "Why you old goat, I'm your beloved favorite niece Samantha Jergans."
"Niece?" "I have a niece?" Ginny responded with no emotion.
"Of course Aunt Ginny. And it is me. Remember how much I loved this porch?" Samantha turned and waved her hand. "Remember how I used jump up and down in the upstairs bedroom, and you would yell, 'Samantha, you sound like a god dammed elephant up there.' Remember how I Loved your chocolate cream pie with Graham Cracker crust?" Ginny just stared blankly. "And you always said you'd have one ready for me any time I came to see you?"
"I don't remember any of that crap...What'd you say your name was.?"
Samantha felt tears running down her cheeks. She felt her body begin to tremble. She turned and ran down the steps. Falling half way down and rolling the rest of the way, through the dying tulips til she hit bottom She lay on her stomach and felt the waves of heaving sobs come over her.
Above, Ginny stood there stonily. Unflinching. She stepped back. Pulled the door. "What the hell was that all about." the door slammed. Shut.

Harmony on MLK Day department:
--At a downtown MLK rally in Columbia SC Monday the NAACP covered the large statue of George Washington (Remember him?) in the Public Square where the gathering was held saying, "We don't want to offend anybody." Excuse me-- "Father of our Country"!
--And up in Maine the new Governor upon hearing complaints by the NAACP because he wouldn't attend any of their functions replied, "Kiss my butt." He went on to say that he does not cater to any special interest, and that the NAACP is exactly that. He added, "My son is black."

The big Blizzard of Lawsuits facing NYC due to no response from life saving services may boil down to whether or not the Union was in a work slow down protest. Think of the ramifications if that could be proven! this is big. a Immunity

I see where last night's State dinner observers were blown away by Mrs. 0's dress. As, they said, were most of the attendees. President Hu was over heard saying, "Hey wait a minute I thought I was supposed to be the star. I should have wore my red dragon outfit." He never smiled.as he dug into his Rib Eye.

Green Hornet is a better movie than many critics would lead you to believe. It feels a little goofy in the beginning, but it grows on you.

How many celebrity losers these days are described as "Reality Stars"?

When your car is repossessed, do you call an exorcist?

The Kennedy publicity machine keeps pushing out the information despite the fact that there aren't any Kennedy's left worth publicizing.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The big one today is No Strings Attached starring Austin Kucher and Natalie.Portman. It si better than average romantic comedy about a very bright woman who is very emotionless and A guy madly in love with her try to get beyond her icy barriers. It works well.

The Answer:
#1 is SAS with many great perks from childcare to car cleaning. Most are in the top group because of pleasant extras: 2-15 are Boston Consulting, Wegman's Food, Google, NetApp, Zappos, Cmaden Property Trust, Nugget Market, Recreational Equipment, Dreamworks Animation, Edward Jones, Scotttrade, Alston & Bird, Robert W. Baird and Mercedes Benz USA. Of course there are many small companies who learn about the perks of the Bigs and try to emulate them with solid employee bennies. So, don't read lists, ask around.


The End:
A little late this morn, but had to deal with a major catastrophe on another project in which I am involved. It was one of those deer in the headlights moments when you realize how great it is knowing you are not alone in this world. Write a friend today.

Common Cold; Uncommon courage.

Today's Tids Issue 2,280
Opening Stuff:

There are irritants in life and then there is that winter's cold that produces a red sensitive nose and a steady stream of running liquid that makes you wonder where it all could be possibly stored in your head. All the while you are sitting atop of a stack of Kleenex boxes. And you constantly find used tissues in all of your pockets. A special Tids salute today to all of the unsung heroes fighting the dreaded common cold.

In case you missed it, The Farmer's Almanac had been right on the money with the cold weather. Sometimes a good old fashioned aching knee or furry woolly bear is much better than a hundred computers.

Does a Vampire in AA have to be careful about the blood-alcohol content of his victims? "Jeez officer, I didn't know the blood was loaded."

The Question:
Who were the ten Most Liberal Scientists at the end of 2010 and how many are still in The senate now at the beginning of 2011.

The Headlines:

--Hu dines With 0 On Ice Cream And Apple Pie.
--Wall Street Declines On tech Fears; Clueless Lane Also Concerned Over China's Rapid Growth.
--Iraqi Bombs Kill Fifty Pilgrim Shiites On Wat To Holy City In Karbala.
--South Korea Accepts North's Proposal On Defense Talks.
--Obama Aims To Assure A,mericans Not to be Fearful Odf China's Rise; A Successful China Will Create Nore Jobs For US Workers, He Says.
--New Unemployment Apps Fall To 404K.
--100 Mafia Mobsters Arrested In Ny, NJ and new England; It is Severe Blow To NYC Five Families.

Back to More Stuff:
Contradictions Department:
How about that Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen. Talk about the root of the problem in American politics. Last week he called for a kinder, gentler rhetoric and then yesterday said the republicans were using the kind of Nazi like tactics that led to the Holocaust. Of course he later denied likening Repubs to Nazis, but only used the caparison to dramatize a tactic of seeding lies in the minds of the public. Like this hypocrite Cohen tried to do when likened the Tea Party to the KKK! He as said in his defense that he is an "Expert on Lies" which means that he knows more about lying than the average person. It was a disgusting display of a man who thinks everybody is wrong but himself.

I was thinking of contributing to the San Diego Mexican Drug LordHhealth Care Fund. But I was informed by a local cultural observer there that they have "No head for money management."

A reader sent in a very cool weather map and I thought I'd pass it on. It gives your data in a flash for any place in the USA, Tuck it away in a handy place for fast retrieval.
http://www.wrh.noaa,gov/zoa/mwmap3.php?map=usa

Did you ever think, that perhaps the national weather service enters into their computers data on the length of woolly bear's fur?

One thing Sarah Palin is learning is that most of the outrageous personal assaults and ridicule are out-of-thin-air gasps by a fearful opposition. Say what you will about the Alaskan grizzly, but one thing I know is that she will not back down. And that the louder the assault the more fierce will be her reply. I will applaud her guts, regardless of whether or not she is a good Presidential candidate.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --Samantha stood at the bottom of the 22 steps leading up to her aunt's charming home. The sight of this white house with its ells and and heavily detailed wood work has always been one of her most pleasant memories from her childhood right up to this moment. The 250 year old house looked perfect on its hilltop acre. Like God had designed it with the same care an love that he designed trees.
The wide front porch with old lattice up to the ceiling at either end had been a special place for daydreams, especially on those summer nights as crickets chirped and lightening bugs danced their fiery romp.
Her nerves intensified as she climbed up the long stair way lined with tulips almost past their peak.
She walked over and rubbed the back of porch swing with her hand, then took a deep breath before moving to the door and knocking using the heavy brass clamshell knocker.It all of a sudden became deathly quiet. She could smell the flats, and that was all.. She rapped again. "I'm coming. "I'm coming. You can bang the hell out of that old rocker,but my old legs aren't going to move any faster."
The door opened and Samatha found herself looking into that kind face she has loved for so many years..

A giant new species of Crayfish was found under a rock in the Tennessee creek. At 5 inches it is twice as long as any other cray fish known to man in the history of the world! I'm thinking, hey, is that near the Oak Ridge Nuclear research center? I wonder what else is in there? Oooooo-weeee-oooooooo.

Duh Headline of the week Department:
"RI (Congressional) Delegation Gives Obama High Marks at Midterm." Like that is news from four liberal Democrat ideological puppets.

Many around New England are sucking up to face -- another storm? No, a patriot-less weekend. Climbing over shattered dreams. Rising above ignominious defeat. This weekend will be the test of all those who must now remove their Brady or Wilfork shirt and hang it in the closet next to their Bill Buckner jersey. And wait another full year. If you see somebody crying go over an give him or her a hug. You will feel as good as you make them feel wanted again.

I guess I have to choose one, even though I have an intense dislike for both. The Jets or the Steelers? Hmm. Another 2-2 playoff weekend was surely not as disappointing as the one loss by the Beloveds. I'm picking the Steelers by a couple of points -- 27-24. I like Green Bay a lot. Chi has been resilient, but I am not at all convinced that they are a complete team. GB's defense is excellent even as the media focuses on the QB. GB 30, Chi 18. I love my Chicago friends but I don't like da Bears yet.

The more I read newspaper columns about health, the sicker I get.

Rep Steve Cohen basically said I am the only person in America who can rightfully accuse people of being Nazis. What a guy! What a country.

The increased fees at the local gym stretched the family budget.

The Answer:
The Most liberal was Sherrod Brown (OH). Then you have Roland Burris (IL), Ben Cardin (MD, Jack Reed (RI, Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), John Kerry (Ma), Frank Lautenberg (NJ), Barbara Mikulski (MD), Chris Dodd (CT and Dick Durbin (IL). Gone are Dodd, and Burris. Burris was replaced by GOP Mark Kirk and Dodd by a guy iwht the potential to vault inot the top Liberal spot -- Richard Blumenthal.
-
The End
We wage many a small battle in daily life that the world never sees. Little victories that elate will never be understood by anybody but yourself. Today is a good day to pat yourself on the back and wallow for a moment. You deserve it.

Life is deeper than a new haircut.

Today's Tids Issue 2,279
Opening Stuff:

I read an opinion the other day by a reliable, logical source that said basically, "When it comes to the way you look don't listen to the opinion of others." First, other opinions are most likely overrated and probably based on some outside influence totally unrelated to you. Second, Why would you want to adjust your appearance to please others. If they don't like you the way you are, why would you want to be with them in the first place.

During World War 2, a law was passed banning bakeries from selling pre-sliced bread. The reason: They didn't want to increase the demand for metal parts. Think of the uproar today if espresso was banned from high end coffee shops because it was needed as fuel for short range missiles? "You kidden' me? You want me to give up my cappuccino frappagooey for Freedom?"

I see where The New England Patriots Players Union has affiliated itself with the RI AFL/CIO. Does this mean we now have to pay for the Patriot's Pensions? Actually George Ney, despotic head of the RI AFL/CIO is expected to exonerate the Pats for their loss saying that it wasn't their fault. Sunday was a legal Union Holiday and the Pats did what all good Union members do -- they took it off. Hey, I feel better now.

The Question:
Here's a couple of food words: Pesto, Ragout, Gratin, Chutney, Creole, Nougat, Glaze. Define them.

The Headlines:

--Hu Get's US Red Carpet Treatment Reserved For Who's Who.
--Goldman Sachs Earnings Fall 53% In 4th Q; Investment Banking Biz Declined Sharply.
--Apple Q1 Dazzles Investors; Investors Say Apple OK During Jobs Hiatus.
--Dems Unify Against HC Repeal Vote.
--New Flooding Swamps Australian Towns.
--2010 Is 2nd Worst Year In Fifty For Homebuilders.
--Euro Surges After Successful Portugal Bond Sale.

Back to More Stuff:
Excuse me! When we want to impress A List foreign dignitaries we send Joe Biden to greet them? I don't get it.

Kids are the future. Right? The core for tomorrow's America. I guess it will all work out if they survive the coddling of today's mamby-pamby world.

Machine tool sales are way up. So? November 2010 sales of these machines that serve as the basis for everything made the world over are up 99.98% compared to November 2009. That is the fastest MT turn-around since World War 2. Durable goods spending and income averages are rising positively and steadily, but not wildly. This bodes well for continued MT sales and factory productivity improvement. So manufacturing is back, but it may not have that big an effect on easing unemployment. Obviously, machine tool builders will start hiring, but new the efficiencies they offer their customers will slow the need for extra employees that normally would contribute to a fast turn-arounds in past labor intensive economies. Overall though, it is a healthy signal.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --Samantha sat snugly in her gray cocoon and ate in silence.The waitress was depressing. The sea air inspired food and aromas from Lillie's had dissipated and the bacon, eggs and hash browns now laid dully on her plate. She ate quickly, tasting nothing. Her mind was whirring like the drone of an air-conditioner interrupting sleep. Her town still looked like the perfect town. But it had lost the personality. She was a complete stranger in a room full of lifetime friends. Maybe she should have written more. Sent pictures of her new home in...in...where was it?
She closed her mind, left a small tip for the ogre, moved over to the cash register. Lillie's sister was there talking to a couple of men going out the door. She turned towards Smantha as she was handed the scribbled light green check and a twenty dollar bill.. Her eyes looked up and then immediately to the register keys. Samantha wanted to say, "Nice to see you again, Rose. You look the same, even after all of these years." But, now she knew better. Something had happened to her town. Rose counted out the change and turned, looking Samantha directly in the eyes, smiling. "Thanks for comng in," then she paused. "Is this the first time in town. You look a little familiar."
Samantha smiled back a little and a lot inside. "Oh, I was here a long time ago, but I doubt if anybody would recognize me. I used to eat here a lot." She didn't say she was Ginny's niece. She didn't want to hear, "I didn't know Ginny had a niece," again. "Thank you!" and her eyes betrayed a new enthusiasm. And she saw that Rose felt good because of it.
The sun was still shinning beautifully off the water. She glanced down towards the end of the dock, but saw that gray dory bobbing aimlessly...empty. She started up the steep hill to Ginny's.

It seems like only yesterday I was watching Alfred Hitchcock protege Tippi Hedrons panicked. running down the street as The Birds overwhelmed a little seacoast town. She turned 81 today. Just like that. This mom of Melanie Griffith is old! I thought she was still a starlet looking for her next big role after The Birds. Man, time catches up with you. I guess I just haven't been paying attention.

Of course the big news last night across all networks was the retirement of Regis Philbin. Say what? Next I am expecting a new reality show that will be a host-off competition to find his replacement. I thinking Piers Morgan, but he just began his Larry King replacement gig. Hey, he would be alike a Geezer in Waiting. How about Kelly and Howard Stern? Kelly and Anderson Cooper? Kelly and Glen Beck? Kelly and Robert Gibbs!

I think the really, really big question today is, "Why exactly did Baby Doc return to Haiti?". What does he know that the rest of the world doesn't know. Is he there to take charge in the midst of chaos. Is his ego so large that he doesn't see the risk of coming back to a place where he is wanted by the law?

American Idol is beginning again. It will surely be interesting to see how this powerhouse program functions without you-know-who. I really never watch until they get over the early trials. I don't enjoy watching rejects, even if they have heartwarming stories. But, I may tune in to see how the new panel works together.

The Answer:
The meaning of the word Pesto is being liberalized, say like Scampi (It used to be Italian for shrimp but now means garlic butter et. al.) Pesto used to be a safe understood order because it simply was crushed basil garlic, pine nuts in grated cheese and olive oil. Now you can find Peas, dried tomato, spinach or whatever pesto. It's scary. Gratin means topped with brown crumbs, but most know it as a cheese dish. Chutney is an East India sweet pickle, but now it can be any chopped up jellied mess that looks inedible. Creole simply means with tomatoes. Nougat is no more than a mixture of almonds and sugar. Ragout is a stew made of meat and or veggies served with a sauce. Glaze as presented on menus appears to be way more than it is. It is cooking down meat juices to make foundation for ...Gravy! That;s why a always look for "Glaze" next to any pretentious appearing meat dish.

The End:
And then there is Salsa. Don't get me started on salsa.

I remember a couple of good friends in Vermont telling me that they loved calls by salesmen from New York City. On those days they would wear their seediest clothes and play the doofus game as the pinstriped New Yorker with shiny shoes smudged by their parking lot snow took pride in overwhelming the "yokels" with his ultra-smooth presentation. At the end of the pitch, they would fumble a bit and then ask a question so astute and insightful, that it would have the New Yorker stumbling, er-ing and ah-ing. The phrase empty suit is one of the best comments on today's society. Or maybe all societies throughout history.

My hair looks kind of messy today. I can't figure out if need a haircut or a shower.

Keep it simple stupid.

Today's Tids Issue 2,278

Opening Stuff:

K.I.S.S. has always meant Keep it simple stupid! But I could also say it means Kids in School Suffer. Not because it is hard, but because in the main the adults have screwed up a good thing.

The problem with education has been and will be the word "Reform". Too many people with degrees want to play in the kids sandbox with their pet theories, when things used to be just fine when left in the hands of the teachers teaching kids who basically understood that getting smarter was the real cool thing.

Only about 18% of Americans think that the New Health Care Bill is ok the way it is. This is according to a brand new Rasmussen poll. Over 75% think it needs to be dismantled and rebuilt or at least have many key areas fixed or eliminated. It needs help. Even several prominent Dems have joined the chorus saying it needs help. Where were they when it was being rammed through Congress without being read? Maybe, every bill done by this overwhelmingly caustic Congress of the past two years should be redone. Passing bills to meet timetables generally results in bad legislation. After about 225 years, I'd have to say that no new bill is absolutely urgent. Because I would guess that somewhere, someplace in the wording of all of the laws and bills that have been placed there is something that can cover just about anything.

The President of China, America's largest creditor, said in advance of this week's meeting with 0-Man, "The Dollar system is a 'Product of the Past'." This society of ours isn't our grandfather's world anymore. The return to normalcy will never be what it has been.

The Question:
Kevin Costner has made some of the worst movies in history and a few of the best. His first one of notoriety was one of my favorites. Name the first and some winners and losers.

The Headlines:

--China's President Hu Jintao Arrives; US Companies Stress Many Goals Including Stopping Theft Of Intellectual Property.
--Baghdad Suicide Bombs Kill 45 Iraqi Police Recruits.
--CitiBank Revenue Report Has Futures Backtracking.
--In Pre-Market Trading, Apple Shares Drop 4.5% Over Job's Health Concerns.
--0-Man Says He Will Review All Gov. Regulations With the View To Eliminate All That Slow Job Creation And Reduce Global Competitiveness.
--UN Seize Iranian Weapon's Shipment In Nigeria.
--Nostalgic Romanians Eye Return To Communism.
--Cheney May Have Heart Transplant; Comedians Ready To Pounce.
--Swiss Bank Whistle Blower Hands Over Cayman Island Secret bank Account Records To Assange And Wikileaks.

Back to More Stuff:
So did you hear about the doctor who fixed his squeaky desk with caster oil?

How Things Change Department:
In Pawtucket RI, the birthplace of America's Industrial might, there is a place called the Kalon Club. In a way it symbolizes success across a manufacturing rich America. It was an exclusive Men's club. You know the kind, scorned by feminists and looked down upon by the self appointed righteous. But in fact, its members (And members of clubs like this over the country) were the people who through their sweat, genius and risk taking investment gave America its solid and critical middle class. The middle class that has always been the core of our country's overall strength in the world economy. But, today I learned that this venerable old Kalon Club will be turned into a marijuana growing farm in the center of Pawtucket. So that is what has become of America. Weed instead of wrenches. Pot instead of productivity. Joints instead of job security. Mary Jane instead of Manufacturing. What's next? I shudder to think.

It stuck me as odd that a section of the Sunday Paper would be called "Beauty", and then would be featuring Snooki. Man, what a mess. Maybe I'm not hip.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --She opened the door to cocafony of hustle and bustle. Grand Central Station on the Cove. She felt energized and immediately noticed several faces that may have been familiar. Josh Simpson, editor of the little newspaper, Sara McRusterson who owed the insurance agency, Jerry Hendricks the boat-builder and Margery McNaughton who she rememebred as a policemen and now looked like the chief. Several shot glances at this intruder into their club. But, they all went quickly back to their discussions and laughs, showing no recognition. This was not the homecoming that she had expected. She was sensing a graying of her vision; Like of clouds slowly blocking the sun.
Rather than push as she had with Mrs. Fletcher and Jimmy, she moved towards and sat at an empty seat at the counter. She shuffled the knife and fork, placing them in a design that suited her compulsions. The glow in her face desolated into doubt. She didn't look different. Her hair is still brown and tied back. She still smiles that enormous smile from the heart. She feels she in her perfect place. But, the people she knows or at least thinks she knows, don't seem to be there with her. Now she talks silently to herself, "Maybe Aunt Ginny can sort it out for me. Maybe I have forgotten more than I remembered."
An older waitress approached. Her face looked as sad as Samantha now felt. "Ain't seen you here before," and then she laid down the menu and turned over a cup. "Coffee?"

Some times I get the feeling that Government is letting the costs of traditional fuels rise so the so-called "Green" alternatives won't appear as outrageously high priced and cost inefficient as they are today. Where is the anger over rising gas prices as there were in the Bush era. Actually, elitists and some academics have always liked high gas prices. It makes them feel so "European." And now they like it even better. It makes "Green" appear affordable.

People are now saying that Gold will rise to $25,000/ounce in anticipation of the US government creating massive inflation to pay for the deficit in cheaper dollars.

Most of the people I see shouting "Let's return to civility in our speech.", really only mean that everything will be ok if you agree with them.

Some day, some how, we have to bring down the EPA. The first amendment line on Religion might just do the trick: "Congress shall make no law repecting the establishment of a religion". It might just work, as this powerful and quite arrogant group represents to many a "Religion". They have the unbridled power to force citizens to do their bidding under penalty of severe punishments. They are behaving much the same as the Church of England and the monarchs who created it. Or like the Catholics in the Spanish Inquisition. Or like the Town Fathers Of Salem mass. This goop group knows no bounds and tends to see all average citizens as "witches".

You have to love The New York Post and its Sunday Pre-Game front cover. A large picture showed a right foot with "Go" painted on the big toe nail and J-E-T-S painted on the other four. The huge black Headline above: "Lick-em"!

Next year the New England Patriots, in addition to their division, play the NFC East, AFC West and Pitt and Indy. At home it's NYJ (Again!), Indy, KC NYG, SD, Miami, Dal Buff. Away it is Pitt, NYJ, Phil, Oak, Mia, Wash, Den and Buff. I'm predicting Superbowl. Hey...we're back!

I'm a NIMBY and proud of it.

My spies in Chi-Town report that our Gov. Lincoln Log-head was the subject of ridicule on Chicago Talk Radio Monday Morning. Now there's the kind of national recognition we need to bring in more business. However, I was told by this Tids reader that no matter how bad Chafee-Lite may appear for RI, RI will never be as bad as Illinois.

The Answer:
Some of Kevin's worst were Prince of Thieves, Waterworld and The Postman. The first great Costner film (To me) was No Way Out. He followed that with a great performance as Eliot Ness in The Untouchables. Of course, Dancing With Wolves is is most famous. He was acclaimed for acting but the real achievement was the Best Picture and Best Director awards fro him. Also good were Revenge, Field of Dreams, JFK, Bodyguard and Bull Durham.

The End:
And in closing, a new report says that 45% of college students learn nothing in first two years! Gadzooks. That's $50-100K down the drain and what for? Well the report goes on to say that only 36% learn anything after four years!! Oh, the kids know how to get good grades, but they are retaining little according to testing designed to determine exccctly what they may have learned. Here's how the students say they spend their time during a full week -- 168 hours: 51% of the hours is for socializing, 24% for sleeping, 9% Outside activities (Working, Volunteering, Student activities), 9% attending class and 7% studying.

You think maybe the problems of the education system maybe one of misguided priorities..By all participants?

Good People in Small Places.

Today's Tids Issue 2,277
Opening Stuff:
All deeply moving tragedies aren't national events, happenings. Yesterday morning outside the "Middle of Nowhere Diner" -- Exeter RI -- chickens were pecking in the snow for food, oblivious of the intense drama around them. Waitresses were crying and customers were remembering Bobby Bates, a "Swamper", a good guy, who lived around the corner down Route 165 near Bates School House Road. 82 year old Bobby was a morning regular, same seat, same order, every morning of every day. This morning after his regular two cups of coffee, he left as usual around 5:20AM to go back home to wake up his wife. But, he never made it. As he left the parking area, a car barreled into him. Killing him. Bobby was part of the "Middle of..." family. We have eaten there and it is a big family. Waitresses, cooks, customers and owners; They all care about each other. (Foods great too!). Many customers yesterday morning, some who had gone to one room school houses with Bobbie Bates, are swampers too (Swamp Yankees who have been avoiding progress for 300 years.) There will be a hole in their hearts because swampers are close; They stick together. And there will be empty seat at the counter for a long time to come, Bobbie's seat. And a good wife alone who called that morning around 5:45 wondering why Bobbie wasn't home yet. And the distraught waitress who answered the call, holding back emotions, could only say: "We can't talk to him right now. He's across the street." Bobbie wasn't a hero. He was just a good guy who drank coffee with a lot of friends. A loved member of a good community.

The only thing I like about the Jets is the name D'Brickashaw Furguson.

While we weren't looking, 157 banks went under in 2010. So far this year, three have been withdrawn from Main Street. Is this most under reported event that affects the public? It sounds serious to me. Or am I missing something?

After the parade, the confetti is just trash to be cleaned up.

Calling a person a "Dupnik" takes on a whole new meaning, doesn't it. Or is that Noodnik?

The Question:
One of my favorite songs is "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. You know..."Proud to be an American..." and all that cool stuff. In it he names several cities and states. How many and what are they? This may force you to listen to it. But, it is always worth it. At least to this patriotic emotional wreck. There is nothing too cornball for me.

The Headlines:

--Jets Throw Blanket Over Pats; Final Four Set: Pack-Bears, Steelers-Jets.
--US Celebrates MLK.
--Unrest Remains In Tunesia Awaiting New Unity Government.
--Swiss Authorities Want US Diplomats Kicked Out Over Alleged Spying.
Killing Of Newborn Babies On rise In Pakistan.
--Scientists Say With Cloning They Can Resurrect Woolly Mammoth In Five Years; Yippie.
--Australia Floods Expected To Be Costliest Disaster Ever.
--GG Winners: Movies -- Social Network Receives Most Awards, Best Drama; Best Kids: Toy Story 3; Best Comedy: Kids Are All right. Best Actors: Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, Paul Giamatti, Annette Benning, Christian Bale, Malissa LeoTV -- Broadway Empire, Glee Best Drama, Comedy. Actors: Steve Buscemi, Katey Sagal, Jim Parsons, Laura Linney, Chris Colfer Jane Lynch, Al Pacino, Claire Danes.

Back to More Stuff:
So I walk into McDonalds and see side by side an order of sausage-egg-cheese on a biscuit with hash browns next to an order of oat meal covered with apples, cranberries and raisins. Not much of a decision there!

The New RI Chief Executive is beginning to sound more like Governor Lincoln Log-head. He is focused on these little titillating, emotional visceral issues while thousands of RI'ers in this high unemployment state wonder why The General Assembly still makes it tough for new companies to want to open businesses here and older successful companies to stay here.

How come posing artists always look like caricatures of artist stereotypes.

I think it is pretty great the way Rhode Island roads are cleaned up after big storms. But being your basic shallow, aesthetic, superficial guy, I wish they would use something on the street that wouldn't "spraypaint" black (Or at least mucky gray) on the snow berms along side the roads. Pristine is better. Frankly, it wouldn't bother me if they didn't plow at all, and we could just sit home for a couple of days until the ruts got better.

Egos have a way of turning potentially intelligent people into Dupniks.

Life Passages Department:
I noticed that my beloved fleece is failing, unraveling at the core. This comfy outerwear that has given me sartorial confidence for well over ten years may be on it's way to the thrift store in the sky. It takes a long time to break in a good piece of clothing. And even longer to get over the absence of something loved.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --Samantha Left the Inn a little less spirited. Maybe Zach Whithers Junior didn't remember her because he was so much older at the time. She remembered watching him and his beautiful face as she often took care of little Jimmy while Zach Junior worked with his father. "I guess I had a school girl crush on him," she muttered to herself as she walked down the small hill past the clapboard Post Office. "Puppy love is often so strong in the minds of the young and young at heart that it can make you feel as though you are loved back as intensely". She paused and then laughed. Why am I talking to myself?"
Activity was at a high point on the docks now, as boats readied for another hard day at sea. Men and a few women were scurrying everywhere, oblivious to passers-by like me. She thought she probably knew many of them, but this was not the time to ask.
As her heart thrilled to the excitement of a typical port morning, she noticed a lone man in a small gray dory tied loosely to the far pier staring her way. The long morning shadows combined with sun glistening off the water created a surreal image in her mind. This man looked different. He didn't look like the other fishermen. She quickly truned eyes away and reached for the door of the cafe. The aroma of coffee and bacon were overpowering and was all she cared about now..

Citizens of Australia and Brazil must be looking up thinking, "Where are you Noah when we need you?"

Did you know that the "Spell Check" in this email system of mine doesn't recognize the word Rhode? Is this a sign?

Remember when microchips were those found in the bottom of the bag?

I think I'll start a "Dupnik of the Week Department:".

The real problem with the Pats loss is that Ryan and his Dupniks will keep on talking and the media will fawn over them.

I think it is interesting that the anagram for Jets is Jest. Or at least I did before Sunday.

My team going froward is the Green Bay Packers.

And, I wasn't surprised by the Pats loss. On the point of depression, maybe even suicide...but not surprised.

The Answer: 
Lee Greenwood writes it this way: "From the lakes of Minnesota, To the hills of Tennessee. Across the plains of Texas, From sea to shining sea. From Detroit down To Houston, and New York to LA. Well there's pride in every American heart, and it's time we stand and say. That I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the soldiers who died to give that right to me." Humming yet?

The End:
Crusty old Bear Bryant once said, "It doesn't cost anything to be nice." He probably would have liked the Middle of Nowhere Diner.

Pass the Tums please.

Today's Tids Issue 2,276
Opening Stuff:

I have two knots in my stomach this morning. The first of course is because of the weekend game between the beloveds' and the NY Jets. The reason it is so stomach churning is because I cannot think of anything worse than losing a game to the dastardly Jets. Since they first appeared on the radar with their playboy QB I have had this queasy feeling in my gut. But that's me. The Jets are good and probably very mad about the December thrashing. I'll be pacing a lot the next two days.

The second Tums' moment revolves around the latest action by Chafee-Lite (The union owned RI Gov.). You know the "Trust Chafee" administration. Last week, he banned his admin from appearing on talk radio saying it was early in the term and they couldn't afford to spend the time. So, yesterday we learn that this is the second big lie from the Honest Llinc. He came out urging advertisers to boycott talk radio shows to drive them off the air. Now he may be doing this because he is weak and jellied at the kneecaps. But more than likely it is his Union Pals who would like nothing better than to have the radio talkers stop telling the folks the truth about the way they are being robbed blind. This is a sad moment. God help us.

One of our more astute readers reminds us that the most effective "Mending" speech of all time took but 2 minutes to deliver. It was Lincolns Address at Gettysburg.

The Question:
I always enjoyed Faye Dunaway. Name five of her best movies.

The Headlines:

--New Mideast Concerns After Lebanon Gov. Collapses; US Supported Israel Surrounded By Iran and Iran Controlled Syria, Lebanon And Hamas.
--Above Expectations Earnings Reports For JP Morgan And Intel Fail To Nudge Market; Analysts Say Good Earnings Already Built Into Stock Prices.
--1 Million Americans Expected To Lose Homes In 2011.
--House Set To Vote On Health Care Repeal.
--Italy Premiere Berlusconi In New Prostitution Proble; This Time he Is A ccused With Cover Up Of Encounter With 16 Year Old Prostitute.
--Gas Costs Push Up Consumer Price Index.
--Pope John Paul II to Beatified In May.

Back to More Stuff:
0-man Is at his highest point in the polls, 50%, since late May. But, the same ABCnews/Yahoo Poll said the path to a 2012 return to the White House is not all that rosy. The poll reveals that the economy will still be the 600 pound gorilla in the forthcoming elections. And the poll says that only 47% of Americans say they are optimistic about the future of the US economy. In April 2009, the height of the super recession, 55% said they were optimistic. It is a strange global world out there. This makes it much more difficult to predict based on traditional measures. My sense is that the economy by November of 2012 will become palatable enough to allow the Messiah to keep on preaching. Sorry repubs, but that 's the way I see it today.

And of course, the results will also be shaped by how well the new Congress lives up to their promises.

While we're on 2012, I just have to believe that the Dems and their left side in particular are really concerned with Sarah Palin. Their venom against her just isn't human even for a liberal. Maybe it isn't her, but what she says that they want to squash. She enlivens a huge majority of thinking Americans. And they are not all on the right or in the GOP party.

Here is a tasty chicken recipe that has my mouth watering before I write it. First the sauce. In a saucepan melt one tsp butt and add 2 tsps flour and whick into roux. Now add 1/2 cp white wine, 1 cp chic broth and juice of one lemon. Cook til thick and then add 2 oz garlic butter (Butter, garlic, parsley).
In a bowl mix with 4 eggs 1 oz romano, pinch - pep, salt, granualted garlic - and 1/2 tsp pars. Drench 8 boneless chix breasts in flour and place in 1 cup veg oil in fry pan. Cook 2 1/2 mins/side. Drain oil. Spread thin layer pesto atop each breast, then top with sliced plum tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 til cheese melts. Top with sauce. Sounds reasonable.

Some thought that 0-Man, who was the model of solemnity Wednesday night, probably should have looked up when the hootin' and hollarin' began, raised his hand and said simply..."Please."

More people should look back as their life's accomplishments the friends they made and loved along the way.

I used to be a nice guy before I became a Tid's writer.

Almost near: Chapter 2. Samantha literally jumped out of bed as the morning sun bounced off the cove and into her room at the Inn. She quickly moved to the window to watch the early activity on the docks. It hadn't changed at all. Clam boats puttering out for a hard day's raking. Lobster men roaming the docks picking up their bait from the fisherman already returning from four o'clock bait-fish runs. She couldn't believe how great the scene made her feel. Now at 6 in the morning she was anxious to get going. She looked around her cozy antique filled room, picked few things out of her open suitcase on the golden colored ladder-back chair and went into the bathroom.
25 minutes later she was showered and dressed comfortably in jeans and a plaid shirt. She threw a navy blue cable knit sweater around her shoulders as she literally bounced down the well warn 1753 stairs. Jimmy was already busy at the front desk. "Hi Jim" she yelled wth exclamation point enthusiasm, And she started towards the door to her destination, Lillies Cafe, nestled dockside.
"Oh, Mr's Jergins!" Jimmy was waving and smiling as she turned towards him. "I talked to my dad last night, but he said your name didn't ring a bell." Before Samantha could react he continued. "I said he should try to remember, or else he is going to make a really pretty woman mad." Samantha stopped and appeared a little concerned even though she smiled back at Jimmy. "Well, dad laughed, and said maybe he'll work extra hard remembering."

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Beware of movies released in January with star studded casts. If they were any good, they would have made it out during the big important Christmas season.--
--One of those is The Dilemma with a so-called A-1 cast that includes Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder plus Star director Ron Howard. People will go to see a comedy but find they are watching "B" drama. James and Vaughn are biz partners who a long with their good wives are on their way to big successes. that is til Vaughn sees James' Wife (Ryder) out with another man. Everything crumbles around them as Vaughn wrestles with telling James about his wayward wife. it will probably be the box office smash for the week despite all of its inadequacies.
--More dissappointing is the old 40's Radio and Comic book fave The Green Hornet. Wealth son of dominant father, Britt Ried, sets out with dad's trusty aide Kato to stop crime. the develop the ultimate weapon, acar named Black Beauty, and enter the world of crime only to meet up with master criminal Benjamin Chudnofsky. Unfortunately the action and plot falls flat. This too will probably do well if anybody under 50 remembers the Green Hornet.

The Answer:
Faye Dunaway made over 50 movies starting in the 70's. She rose to enomous height as Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde. I particualrly remember hher for some reson for her roll in Coutry Girl. But the experts will tell you that she was greatest in Chinatown Greatest all-time mystery), Network (Oscar),Three days of the Condor and the Champ. She was also in Thomas Crown Affair, The Arrangement, Eyes of Laura Mars and Mommy Dearest. I'm sure you have your favorites.

The End?
Feel the wobble? Sense your life careening out of control? Well you might if you believed in the power of astrological signs. Apparently an unstable earth's axis is negating the two thousand year old astrological charts. This basically means more work for Astrologers and little else. There are now 13 signs instead of twelve with the newest being Ophiuchus representing the period between Nov 29 and Dec 17. It also means that I am not a happy and carefree Gemini any more So maybe it's my sign that is making me angry and not writing the Tids. Isn't anything sacred any more? Go to http://www.csmonitor.com/science and see how you have been shuffled around while not looking.