If Seattle wins, Smiley faces for all.

Today's Tids Issue 3,018

Opening Stuff:

 

Super Bowl Notes, Department:

--Aren’t you glad you’ll be sitting inside on a comfortable couch watching the Super Bowl this weekend? I haven’t noticed as many people boasting that they have tickets for the game, or that they’ll be flying down for the festivities. --The latest reports out of NY PR operatives is that it will be moderately balmy in the NY Metro Sunday, that is, until around 5:00 PM when the temps will be down around 30. --I’m still picking Seattle, mainly because I like Pete Carroll, and to rebuke New England sports experts who ridiculed him during his Pat’s tenure for being happy during games. I like happy. –If you can’t wear shorts in February, it’s not really a Super Bowl.

 

Holder called for the Death Penalty and surprised all. What he did though, is put the death penalty on trial for all to see and ponder. In fact Public Defended Dzhokhar Tsarnaev also has a renowned Death Penalty specialist lawyer Judy Clarke of San Diego on his taxpayer funded “Team”. Not only that, but this destitute defendant has a Legal Team featuring Miriam Conrad, defender of Richard Ried. So, the question is, did Holder authorize the pursuit of the death penalty with hopes that we would fry a man who murdered and maimed hundreds, or to expose a negative side of the much debated punishment through the poetic words of nationally known DP critics for all to see, with the hopes of getting it before the SC? Sorry for being so conspiratorial, but when Holder is involved you just never know the truth.

 

If the human is purported to be 98% water, then I guess the only difference between me and a snowman is a carrot.

 

Sign language is generally pretty handy.

 

The Question:

Name five types of things you should always buy at a Dollar store? Five that you should never buy I the cheap place.

 

The Headlines:

--Dow Collapses To Over 200 Points In Early Trading After Poor Earnings From Mattel And Amazon; India Forecasts Slower Growth; Food Stamp Cutback Has Wal-Mart Warning Of Declining Sales; Market Moves below 150 By 11:00.

--AG Holder Surprises With Call For Death Penalty For Boston Bomber.

--Amanda Knox Found Guilty Again; Will Not Return To Italy; Says: “I’m Going To Fight This To the Very End.”

--Kerry In Germany Soothing Merkle Over NSA Reports.

--Obama Says “Sochi Is Safe, But…”

--Russia Defends Assad On Chem Weapons Progress.

--Second Cruise Ship Returns To Port With Sick Aboard; Princess Joins Royal In Sickbay.

--Second Round Of Syria Peace Talks On Hold.

 

I think it’s about time that the Tids Entertainment Editor starts waking up to the 2014 American Idol. So far that judges Panel of Jennifer Lopez, Kieth Urban and Harry Connick Jr. looks remarkably sane and are quite knowledgeable. So, if they find the talent, it could be a good year for the oldest of singing contests.

 

So far. Rory McElroy looks like he may be coming back.

 

Some lunkhead Pols in Atlanta want to sue the weatherman because people got stuck in two inches of snow due to a highly publicized cold wave with precipitation. Get over it. Weather happens. 90% of lawsuits should be banned anyhow. The government flooded the streets with all of the school buses and government employees at exactly the same second. They should sue themselves.

 

Bounty hunters are not looking for paper towels.

 

Fox Bows To Corporate Pressure, Department:

The Fox Network has banned a Soda Stream commercial featuring Scarlet Johansson for what it seems to be the mentioning in negative terms Coke and Pepsi. Observers say it is because Pepsi, and Coke to a lesser extent, are huge supporters of the Super Bowl. Has the NFL dictatorship gotten out of control? The last I heard, talking about your competitors is fair game in the free enterprise system.

 

A movie critic describes the new American comedy genre as “Rude, Nude and Crude”. What more can I say!

 

Amanda Knox is guilty again. This is the most confusing of stories. It is certainly possible that she as a young person got caught up in something beyond her maturity which rampaged out of control. She looks pure and naive, but rationality is subject to change under the influence for even the best of people. She evokes plenty of sympathy, but nobody really seems to know the whole story. It is nice to presume innocence, but she has been found guilty three out of four times. I just don’t know.

 

Hags walking the beach are sand witches!

 

Talk about weird, Mayor Ford of Toronto, who’s worldwide claim to fame is for being an uncontrollable jerk, was the first out of the pack of celebrity fawners to make excuses for the spoiled and irresponsible Justin Bieber. The losers will always enable their own.

 

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Reclusive Mother and 13 yo Son on shopping trip are confronted in store by intimidating escaped convict who forces them to take him to their home over Labor Day weekend, This movie could be both tedious, and heartening to watch. Mom is drab with problems, and the kid is just a great kid, and both fall in love with the injured criminal. Critics like it, but there may be too much psychological chit-chat for me. I can see my eyes closing an head nodding.

--The Awkward Moment is another in the long line of new style American comedies, where anything goes and where the F-Bombs get the laughs. It is a look into teen dating and asks the question “Where is this going.” So it has it’s moments of enlightenment but still resorts to lewdity for levity.

The Answer:

Things to buy at dollar type stores: Seasonal Decorations, Gift Wraps, Greeting Cards, Plastic Food Containers, Cleaning Supplies, Personal Grooming (Hair Brushes, Toothbrushes), Picture Frames, Scented Candles, Shampoo and Party Supplies. You should not buy: Anti-Aging Creams, Batteries, Canned Goods, Chewing Gum, Electronics, Foil and Plastic Wrap, Knives, Paper Goods (Napkins, Paper Towels), Soda, Tools, Toys and Vitamins. The main reasons for the “do not buy” are two-fold: 1. The quality is inferior – i.e., Paper goods, tools, foils, batteries, 2. The prices are better at supermarkets and Big Box retailers: - i.e., Canned goods, Soda. I like reading gasses from Dollar stores, although they do break faster than cheapies from Costco, BJ’s type places.

 

There’s no truth to the rumor that before he became a star, William DeFoe’s name was William DeFriend. Audiences love the angry man.

 

The lizard wanted to make love, but he had reptile dysfunction.

 

With humor like this your weekend can only go up!

 

Have a great one, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!!

Flatulation aggravation.

Today's Tids 

Opening Stuff:

For some reason today feels like a Spring day! That may mean that spring really is not about hot or cold, or flowers popping through the ground, but about something marvelous in the air.

Could future terrorist organizations employ the Bovine factor? Well, if they saw the news out of Rasdorf Germany, and could convince the world that the cows seen walking along on Wall Street were just attracted to the Bulls, we might see the surprise attack of all time. The Islamic Mooo-vement could be udderly unstoppable. It appears that the 90 or so cows in the German barn last week generated a huge explosions when methane released by the animals was ignited by an electrical charge.  The methane is manufactured by a unique chewing system and the intake of grasses and grains. Hey, wait a minute -- those are health foods. Did you ever see a cow explode after eating Cheetos'? Of course, there would always be Orange patties in the green, green fields of Vermont.

I’m picking Seattle over Denver.

There’s something wrong with yahoo Mail. They’ve gone to great lengths it appears to improve it, but it was better before. Now they lose my words and I have lately had to retype Tids from memory…after I thought it was done and ready to send!. The memory does not accurately recreate the spur of the moment thoughts of the original, so that a lot was lost in the translation. I think they have made the system so complex that it confuses itself. I’ve gone to typing in “Word” and pasting it into emails. Of course most people don’t care much about the process, just the results.

The Question:
Which states employ the most people in the movie industry?

The Headlines:

--Markets Bouncing Back From Yesterday’s Disaster; New Jobless Claims Surprise Economists, Up 19K; End Of Year Quarter Gives Us Second Straight Q Of Rapid Economic Growth.

--Harry Reid Defies President's SoU Economic Promise; Harry Says Bad Idea To Fast Track New Free Trade Policy Agreements.
--Italian Gun maker Baretta To Build New State of The Art Gun Plant In Nashville Area; Company Shuns Union Ravaged Northeast, Traditional Gun Manufacturing Area In US.

--Amanda Knox Awaiting Latest Verdict From Italian Courts Due Today.

--Justin Bieber Charged With Assault In Toronto.

--China’s Lenova Buys Motorola Unit From Google; Google Retains Major Patents.

PPP (Public Policy Polling), a Democrat leaning survey company has just announced results in a poll about the best Republican candidates. Hunckabee, after his comments about American women being stronger and more self reliant than as portrayed by Dems, surprisingly shot to the top with 16% of the votes spread between nine GOP possibilities. People said they liked his honesty, and felt he was correct despite misleading reporting by the media. He was followed by Jeb Bush (14%), Christie (13), Rand Paul 11), and then at 8% Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Oaul Ryan. The last two were Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal.

The same Democrat leaning Poll also produced a likability rating for Republican Politicians, with Sarah Palin on top with 70%. She was followed by Huckabee, Ryan, Paul, Bush, Cruz and Christie. 

One of the great things about the North in Winter is that the tourist town restaurants have great prices. I'd list the best, but then they'd get too crowded.

When entities in America get successful, the crazies come out of the woodwork. We have a NYT's supposed intelligent writer Steve Almond imploring the people not to watch the Superbowl game because it is immoral. (Note: the myopic liberal writer left Boston College because the diverse university invited Condoleezza Rice to speak at the commencement.) Out in Illinois a former UCLA football player Ramogi Humi is leading a drive to organize the Northwestern Football Team for the United Steelworkers. Are they employees or students paying for an education through their sport? That will be the question as this goes before the NLRB. Unions like the idea, because unions like any idea that will produce dues for the declining union industry. But like most things that show signs of success and move into the center of the spotlight, the sins become too visible. And the original intent fades to black.

 

Did you see where ex-NFL bad boy Warren Sapp is making $45K per month as a less than great member of The NFL Network expert panel? The only problem is that he is committed to $65K per week in alimony and for the care of children he has fathered around the country=side. Of course that doesn’t include his giant mansion mortgage and all the lawyers he needs to keep the wolves away. This is just one example of money wasted where it could be doing so much good. Let’s hear it for the athletes who get it!

I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down.

The market went down yesterday about 199 points after the Fed cut their bank welfare program to $65 Billion. Now here's my problem --the Fed has been signaling this for a year or so, so how come the financial geniuses were so surprised yesterday? The answer, they weren't surprised. In fact they had already factored in the inevitable pruning of the handout, taking losses 6 months ago. It's just the game they play. They take a loss when they see things in the future and in these changing times, they take the same loss when they get to what they saw. It's just a big excuse machine for moving money.

Tim Thomas, former Vezina Trophy winning ex-Bruin Goalie answered last night after being whacked by his old team when asked how he liked his return to Boston, "I would have enjoyed watching the Obama Speech more." Tim Thomas was the Bruin player who refused to go to the Obama White House after the Bruins won the Stanley Cup.

The Conscience: Chapter 35 continues.

    The silence seemed to go on forever. Evvy just sat here, and I thought it best to to leave her to her thoughts. My sniveling and groveling was not what she needed. James had left, probably to make a call. I just sipped my scotch, now less anxiously, and walked to the window. I looked out at the manicured lawn and the purity of the manufactured scenery that they gave this place such a peaceful appearance. It was an enormous contrast from grimy Alabama, and the ugliness I have never forgotten.

    “I still love you, Jeff. I just have to digest this mess. But I’ve done it before.”

    “I was scared, Evvy.” I was about to go on, but James barged in.

    “Let’s get back to today. I know what you two are probably going through, but we have a problem with this woman now. We’ve backed her into a corner. She knows that somebody knows something. But she doesn’t know who.

     “She might start looking at Angelica.” Now my feelings went to her safety. Was it a guilty reaction when I looked over at Evvy, who now looked alert, watching the scene, absorbing everything as best she could. Her eyes seemed to say, I won’t stand in your way. I understand the danger.

    “I agree, Jeff. Everybody but Bruno and probably Earnest are in danger. I'm warning Melvin to stay clear. She is a heartless woman.”

The Answer:

With 120,127 movie industry employees, Cal is the giant. However, there as been a drop of 12% there over the decade as new areas offer many different opportunities at lower costs. Next is New York up 46%... followed by Florida, a second state showing a decline. 4 and 5 are the fastest growing states in the Movie biz, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. Texas with a large 27% decline is 6 followed  by Tennessee which declined by 7%. New Jersey, Georgia and Illinois round out the top Ten. Georgia is another fast rising sate, up 53%. It is expected that a new movie, “Ice Storm: The Sequel” will be shot there shortly.

 

There ain’t no flowers,

And the grass is brown.

But, there’s something out there,

That’s thrilling this clown.

 

The world is what you make it.

Have fun!

Change does not necessarily mean progress.

Today's Tids Issue 3017

Opening Stuff:

My lungs were burning, but I kept pushing myself forward. Against the sleeting rain and freezing wind's off the harbor, I ran. My legs were feeling like rubber as I plodded across wooden piers, waves lapping against winterized boats, seagulls screeching, angry, hungry birds fighting each other for scraps of food sent shivers down my spine. I looked back over my shoulder. The sight sickened me when I saw birds turn in my direction, also urged me forward. I could see the end as I glanced around looking through partially opened windows at the trance like faces of Newport denizens, staring, staring. I knew I could not give up. I dug in and surged forward again, until I stumbled, as my foot lost its grip; I was falling it seemed in slow motion. I saw a used Starbucks cup tumbling away from the spot where my foot had been. I landed with a crash curbside in a nest of Dunkin ' Donut wrappers. I frantically scattered them with flailing arms while grimacing in pain as my knee scraped along the rough cobblestone road. It was but a moment as I quickly arose, blood now running down my leg. pooling in my shoe. I felt the end nearing and saw again the mesmerized faces. Would I be in time. Sensing the morning Sun rising, I now sprinted, calling on every last ounce of energy, to the finish line midst Washington Square. Finally I was there, now bent, hands on legs, gasping. I couldn't give up now. With panting painful lungs I rose up and cupped my hands to my mouth. I took a breath and shouted, "The Speech is over. he's not talking any more." One by one windows opened and people emerged from zombie like fixations. First one pair of hands clapping. Then triumphant relief!

Old fashioned wind-up alarm clocks were much easier to set and worked quite well, As long as you remembered to wind them up the alarm too.

Pols are bandying about minimum wage suggestions as if it was some kind of a magical elixir for a slogging economy. The people who should be most concerned if the crazies get their way are senior citizens on fixed incomes who will see cost of mediocre goods and services rising beyond their reach over time.

The Question:

Name the four cities that read the bible most and the four that read it least.

The Headlines:

--President Resorts to Old Chestnuts To Fill Gaps In Speech With No New Solutions; Dems Applaud And Fawn.

--Repub Official Responder Cathy McMorris Rodgers Says We Miust remain "Champions of Free Markets And Trust People To make Their Own Decisions, Not become A Government That Makes Them For You.

--Markets return To Slogging After Key Companies Report Weaker Profits.

--Dem/Repub Citizen Panel Befuddled By Obama's "MyRA."; Too Cute To be Serious, They Said.

--Russia Chief Says, "Sochi Is World's Most Secure Venue."

--Holder Says DoJ To Investigate Target Data Breach; Hopes It Is Not Work Of NSA.

--Turkey Officials Visit Iran To Improve Ties.

--Syria Lagging behind In Chem Weapon Shipments.

I see where there is a push on in the Agricultural Department to urge hemp production in the US. What's next, a movement to have US Soldiers pack poppy seeds in their packs upon leaving Afghanistan? We'll have to change the lyrics from "Amber waves of grain" to "Orange ripples of smack".

I went a little over board on my Doves story yesterday. God still is good. The doves appear to have lived. Oh, they had more than a little scrape with the aforementioned vicious scavengers, but their pure, strong hearts and mission of peace seems to have won out. Maybe they had a hand from Pete Seeger.

I have to apologize for so many RI stories lately, but, they don't call us "The Red Flag" state for nuttin'. Yesterday we moved up to 9.1% take over the number one spot in unemployment. So, I tell you all of this stuff about our beautiful though dysfunctional state so you can see warning signs in your own. The only consistent economic remedies proposed by Pols and candidates here are, "Spend more on Education" and "Higher minimum wages" The only people happy with that are the leaders of the unions that in fact run this place. There are plenty of well educated sons and daughters of RI'ers and they go elsewhere for jobs because for the most part companies will not create business here, expand here or move here, due to oppressive regulations and an anti business preoccupation by Governemtn official (unless a Brother-in-Law is running a company). So if in your state you start hearing what we hear regularly, perk up your ears, rise up and shout NO!

One of the most disturbing TV ads I have ever seen is the new one by Panera bread featuring Super-Healthy Power Bowls for breakfast and lunch. I makes me feel sorry for vegans and near vegetarians if that's all they have to look forward to. I don't know what's in them but the pics sure look flat and uninviting.

People are rightfully concerned about declining average American wages, but a new report says that currently there are about $40 Billion in unclaimed Gift Cards" Yikes. That's ftory billion dollars that Americans have and don't spend. Check your wallets, they may be more profitable than a casino.

I had to laugh yesterday to what former shining RI political star Gina Raimondo said in answer to a question, "What taxes would you adjust or eliminate to help ignite our economy." She answered that she would not pick specific tax now but would have to wait till she is elected so she can see the whole picture. She's the F-ing State Treasurer for crissake! Nobody knows more about taxes than she. How the noble succumb to pettiness when thrust into the political games.

Congrats to North Carolina's declining unemployment numbers after cutting jobless benefits.

The Conscience: Chapter 35 continues.

    Evvy looked concerned as I gulped down my scotch. I wasn't. My fragile body might not have made it through the rest of the day without it. When finished, I raised my empty glass, "Here's to a healthy living Sanna!" I looked around at the two staring faces. "Oh, I'm sorry would you like a drink?" James Smiled at me and got up , moving to the bar.

     Evvy, through clenched teeth, said, "Why yes, honey I really need a good full glass of red wine, about now!". 

     I stood there and looked at her. Fuck, I thought. This story is all about her miserable life with me, too. I walked over, and reached down to help her rise up into my arms, but she sat there, not moving, not giving. "I'm sorry, I said. I was trying to protect you from what I knew. I didn't wnat to heurt you."
     Now her head turned. there was new anger in her eyes. "Do you know how much I hurt now, Jeff, leanring what you have never told me. We're married, God dammit! We share." Her eyes looked puffy, like they would burst. "Don't you think I could have helped you? Lord knows I've been carrying you through life becsause you were an uncontrollable," she paused, "occasionally lovable drunk."

    I couldn't say anything. That's just like me. Useless when it counts most. James came over and handed Evvy a glass of red wine, a very good wine I imagined. How irrelevant is that right now. She took it in her beautiful gentle hand. I watched her wet lips softly carress the glass. I felt that intense love I have always felt for this woman. I started crying. But, she ddin't reach out, glance up. I looked at her again and now, through misty eyes, I saw Evvy, sippin, staring off into dreams she may might have fulfilled without me.

   

The Answer:

The cities with he most bible readers from most are Chattanooga, Birmingham Ala, Roanoke, Springfield Mo, Sportive, Charlotte and Western NC cities. The least bible minded cities are Providence RI, Albany NY, Boston, SF, Cedar Rapids, Buffalo, Hartford/New Haven. But bible reading isn't the end all on religiousness. The least reading bible cities are the center of the states with the most Catholics. The most Catholic states are : #1 RI followed by Mass, NJ, Conn, NY, NH and Cal. Everybody knows that Catholics don't read bibles. Priests read bible passages to them. So the people in these least bible reading areas only need about 1 bible per 1,000. Beware of statistics.

Frankly, I didn't watch too much of the SoU speech last night. Actually, I watched "Storage Wars", where people make money on other's misfortune. But, at least they work for it. 

Grammar "Q": Should it be "Other's Misfortune" or "Others Misfortune"?

Always leave em' thinking.

Sticks and stones.

Today's Tids Issue 3,016

Opening Stuff:

Unfortunately in this new world of instant technological conversations, bitterness travels much faster and goes deeper than love. Is the world in greater danger of being polluted from physical waste or hateful words. I'm afraid to see the answer>

"Don't eat it unless it comes out of the ground" seems to be the new elementary school lunch room slogan. I'm thinking sugar cane and sugar beets and I'm saying, that's all right!

One of the biggest problems in  the country is the lack of really good Presidential candidates. You only have to look at George Romney to see it. Regardless of ideology, George Romney would have made a very fine "Executive" Branch leader, for lord knows this country is out of control in many ways. He had the ability to put things back together, and probably function better for all Americans.. But, like most candidates for the big office these days, he was crucified, not just by the opposition but by his own party too, often unfairly and in a degrading personal manner. His legacy may be one of discouragement for future good people. Oh, another good candidate will arise, another decent honest person, thinking he or she has the ability to rise above pettiness because they are right for all. But "right" doesn't seem to count much for anything anymore, only close-minded ideology. Good people will be shrouded in lies and ugly accusations. Parties win but America loses.

The Question:
Who are the top 3 musical performers for the decades of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's  and 10's?

The Headlines:
--So Far Market Breaking Downward Trend.
--Apple Sales, Profits Come Up Short; Stock Short Circuited; Analysts See IPhone Dominance Ending..
--Repubs Announce New Heath Program To Replace ObamaCare.
--Newest Chill Will Be Country's Coldest; Ice And Snow Cover The South..
--America All Atwitter Awaiting Prez Speech.
--Folk Singing Activist  Pete Seeger Dies.
--Hillary Rues Benghazi In Public; Appears As First Step Towards Candidacy.
--States Considering Bringing Back Electric Chair and Firing Squads.
--Prez Raises Min Wage To $10 For Fed Contractors; Move Makes Running Debt Ridden Fed Gov. More Costl.

ESPN TV contributes 40% of Disney Corp. profits. So, everything is cool., Right? Not, so much, as if you had read last week it's time to give up your Cable TV for the old mill Stream, Steam, Stream. What better evidence do we need than to see that the Sports network giant has invested heavily into equipment designed to cannibalize it's most profitable business, TV. But, all you have to do is talk to the youths to learn that they don't by the big bundles, but take want they want off the streaming media. We're just a hair away from being able to get most of the viewing you want at lower costs through Google Chrome or Netflix or Hulu hookups..or whatever is inevitably next. That is, until some middle man in the person of cable and telecom companies puts out a hand for a few extra nickles.

If you can't go viral, you're nothing.

When I saw that Stan Wawrinka had beaten Djokovic and then Nadal I'm thinking there is the next great tennis star. But Stan is 28 years old! He's either a late bloomer or a one hit wonder. I guess I have to pay better attention to Tennis.

Hey, leave it to the lovable Japanese to come up with the answer to true love. A lingerie company there has just introduced a romantic bra that can only be loosened under circumstances of true love. Yes, it is wired to a monitor that records just the right kind of true love heart beat necessary for unclasping. It does not say though, "Sorry buddy, you're just another creep!"

Speaking of good candidates, remember that two to three weeks ago the the Editor of the Tids Political pages put his two cents behind Scott Walker. All of a sudden Walker is emerging as an early favorite especially considering the decline of FridgeMan. Or is that Bridge man.

Walker will be on top until the slurs begin, and then will be fighting lies.

Ironically, while people are questioning the move of the Superbowl to the icy North, stadiums across the sunny south are covered with sleet and snow.

You have to wonder exactly what God had in mind yesterday after the Pope released to white doves for peace, only to see them attacked an killed by seagulls and black crows. Maybe it is a sign that the thought of peace in Middle East is hopeless.

Reports out of the NY Metro area are saying that unless the NFL gives a little more respect to New Jersey where the game will be played, the Governor is not only closing the bridges, but tunnels too. Calling all icebreakers for ferry service!

If 0-Man says tonight what his PR people have previewed to the press, "I will go around Congress with executive orders", the conservative opinonators will have a field day. I can hardly wait.

A reader suggests the real question of the day is: If worker funded Social Security is said to be running out of money, why isn't welfare?

Tom Gola died yesterday. The magical Tom became my and many others boyhood hero, when he led LaSalle College to the NCAA Title in 1954. I never forgot the heroics of that guy and his mighty band of tough little players, and for a while though that LaSalle must be one of the biggest schools in the land. He was one of those icons, where the kids on the asphalt courts would take turns being Tom Gola for a day.

RI has a mini celeb tossing his hat into the Governor's race. He is the Grandson of the proclaimed former richest man in the Senate, Caliborne Pell (Cousin of Liz Claiborne_ and scion of the family granted Pelham NY by the king of England in the mid 1600's). Clay Pell the candidate is also married to figure skating champion Michelle Kwan. So yesterday just after returning from Michelle O's" 50th B-Party, this true Obama boy tossed in his hat saying that he will turn around RI...but only mentioned objectives exactly the same as those of our stagnate Dem leadership that have dropped the state in to the bottomless jobless pit.

Today, the Repubs announced a new, improved Health Care package. Unfortunately, even if it is like, the perfect solution, it will be blasted and ridiculed by Dems just to get even. It's sad, isn't it. We just don't seem to be able to get to what's right for all anymore.

The Conscience: Chapter 35 continues.
       "It appears," James began, "That Sanna was beginning to question her heritage. as she grew not her late forties. I received questions from Washington, and mainly later form your friend Jason. As you might expect, two big boat builders like Biglietto and Bernard were destined to meet. Nobody knew the connection between the two most active owners, Jason an his old friend Sally. It seems that while Jason had no reason to suspect that the Italian Boat builder Sanna Biglietto was his his missing, presumed dead friend, she immediately recognized something in him.
      She left the early meetings intent in learning more. She incvestigated Jason's background and came across the stories about the missing woman. From old pictures associated with the reports she could immediately see it was her. Being the fierce woman that she was, she immeidaytely had feelings for the need for serious revenge. In fact, that drove her to the point where she ceded some of the management to Angelica. She learned everything she could about Jason, including all of his old friends, and you, the man who walked away. As part of her plan, she arranged to have inserted into the Berbard organization as the corporate lawyer, Elliot Wu . It wasnt hard to create the opening after she had the previous lawyer murders. Evvy moved closer to me.
      I interjected, "It seems we are we are getting closer to 'Now you know the rest of the story'."
      "Yes Jeff, I think you can start filling in some blanks." Jeff thought back to that very unusual sexual encounter with this woman who hates him. Now he patted his chest pocket for that security blanket, but instead rose to go to the bar in the corner of James' study.

The Answer:
Ok, time for controversy, as I'm only reporting a composite list from so-called experts on several different sites, which I know every body will question and insert their own favorites.. 50's: Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Patti Page, Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Miles Davis, Fat's Domino, Little Richard Perry Como.  60's: The Beatles, Supremes, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Beach Boys. 70's: Elton John, Stones, Pink Floyd, ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Crosby Stills et.al., The Who, Grateful Dead. 80's: Madonna, U2, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks, Nirvanna. 90's: Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, REM, 00's" Eminem, Brittany Spears, Beyonce, Coldplay. 10's: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood. The Decade spanders are Elvis, U2, Madonna, Stones, Beatles, Crosby and Sinatra. Earlier in the 20's 30's 40's you have giants like Al Jolson, Paul Whiteman, Bessie Smith, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, The Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller, The Dorseys, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Harry James and Guy Lombardo.

Since there are so many discouraging words these days, I'll leave you wit a little poem of hope:
There are words today that scar and diss
And irrational anger for bitterness sakes.
But love in the heart will overcome aches
For, it never leaves, except though a kiss.

Hey, wah'd you expect, Keats?

So, what's today's excuse.

Today's Tids Issue 3,015

Opening Stuff:

That Columbia Mall shooting Saturday was particularly disconcerting because I know a couple of incredibly beautiful people who live in that town, and that Mall shopping on Sat Morn could certainly be something they'd do. It is amazing the range of feelings that pass through the nervous system as your mind races to a place of rationality during the vacuum of information. But you also realize, that while the initial reaction is to be frightened for your own, people did die. That there are parents and loved ones who have felt the immensity of this mindless tragedy. Sons and daughters, husbands or wives, lovers, who went to work as they do regularly, are never coming back to say, "Hi,' mom or dad"; "Hi Honey"; "Mommy's home!". That the two in Columbia will never return; Just like the many other's across the land in senseless shootings. I know the sadness I feel. I will never know their grief.

In their latest move to restore RI's economic power, the legislature is selling the naming rights for the great architectural masterpiece State house to Alex and Ani. It will be called "Carolyn's Cupola." The lawmen wanted to name other Government buildings, but they couldn't find any other successful RI businesses. Oh, I take that back, they named the Treasury building, "Naval Underwater Warfare Center" and the Labor Department Building, "Job Lot".

To try comprehend and perhaps sort out the mess in The Ukraine, yesterday morning I put on Moussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" which ends with the triumphant "Great Gate of Kiev". Today this once proud land is far from it's grandeur. It seems to boil down to the fact that the Government wants the country to reenter Russian oppression and the people want to be flee towards Western freedoms and opportunities. It's a matter of the President and henchmen being beholden to Putin, or the people who elected them.

The Question:
47 years ago today there was a flash fire in the NASA capsule, and three Astronauts died. Who were they?

The Headlines:
--Market Builds Early Gains; Foundation Crumbles After Poor December New Housing report; Street Awaits Apple Report Today.

--Former Constitutional Law Professor, Now President Obama Expected To Say At SoU That He Will Bypass Congress And Order Done Through Executive Order The Things He Wants.
--Ukraine Continues To Rebel Violently Against President Who Would Bypass Wishes of People.
--Columbia Md Police Still Looking For Shooter Motive; No Connection To Dead Discovered.

--FaceBook Sees Slowing Growth; Social Network Companies Awaiting FB’s Profit Report And Futures.
--Frigid Temps To Envelop Midwest, East.
--Egypt Calling For Presidential Elections As Violence In Country Spreads.
--Congressman Trey Radel (R-Fl) To Resign After Cocaine Bust.

We seem to be in that portion of the financial season when any excuse will do, as long as it has the cachet to enable big market swings in divergent directions despite reality. The reasons must appear powerful enough to the uninitiated so that for the beefit of a few they can obliterate serious bad or good news -- like for instance a series of great earnings reports. The big players you can’t see rule the markets for the most part, and now is the time they see opportunities to capitalize on high prices, to position themselves for later activity and move money for their own benefits regardless of how it affects Main Street.

 

So, did you see where Jamie Dimon got a 74% raise? Think of what it would have been if JP Morgan hadn’t spent $23 Billion in settlements for “Criminal” and regulatory probes! To be fair, the Directors decided that his overseeing of operational performance that produced the 33% increase in stock was worth the loot, a performance by the way which was greatly enhanced by the Fed’s monthly welfare check to the financial downtrodden of $85 billion a month. Many observers feel that big financial leaders should be getting jail time to help stop the madness, as fines even in the billions are quickly absorbed buy the huge money flows. So, there;’'s good news for the good of heart.

If you are looking to write a novel, and need interesting character's names and quirky locations, you need not look further than the street names of rural RI and Conn. For characters we have road names that give us Pardon Joslyn, Widow Sweetsand Rubin Brown.  If you need places you might try Cucumber Hill Road, or Plain Meetinghouse Road or Money Swamp. I think one of the best names can be found down the road a bit in Connecticut: It appears a farmers wagon loaded with livestock was heading to town for slaughtering. The wagon was struck by lightening giving us, "Roast Meat Hill Road in Clinton, Ct. So I'm thinking that maybe we could be naming roads after events in the fifties like "Lost virginity Hollow or Alien Landing Pasture Road.

Are you sure "Money Swamp" isn't up there near the RI Capital building?

As I was typing the above it occurred to me that Republicans would like to see Hillary Clinton as Roast Meat.

These public shootings do change the way people think, even skeptics like me. Friday I was watching the new Jack Ryan film, alone in a theater, munching quietly on my buttery popcorn, when I heard the fast movement of steps followed by the sight of a man running across an aisle and out an exit near the screen. I remember instinctively scrunching down in my seat, and forming a battle plan in my mind. It was only a second or two, but it was real. Looking over our shoulders may be the new way of life.

Burma Shave as many may remember had its moment of fame when it dominated roadsides with witty series of signs and driving safety reminders. There are many funny poemlets like "Car in a ditch/ Driver in Tree / The moon was full / And so was he!," or "Cautious rider / to her reckless dear / Let's have a little less bull / and a lot more steer". But, my favorite is " The midnight ride / of Paul for beer / Led to / A warmer hemmisphere." The electric razor / And super sharp blades/ Have ole’ Burma down / right near Hades.

Nazi Germany considered paintings from modernists like Van Gogh "Degenerate art". That is code for un-arien. It is, though, a reason why there was so much great art floating around without homes or in the black markets immediately before, during and just after WWII. “Hey Buddy, I got this thing called starry night…”

The movement to legalizing marijuana, which is inevitable and always has been, is a great example of how unrelenting determination of organized groups can eventually lead to apathy on the other side worn down over time. Couple that with spineless politicians who rationalize pot heading as new economic front for the nation, and you have eventually the legalization of everything under the sun that can be taxed.

I'll admit it, I fell asleep during the Grammies last night. Actually, I don't think I got too far past the Beyonce opening. Must have worn me out. According to some sources, John Legend, playing the piano and singing was the best act of the night, because you could actually understand what he said. Pink was cool flying high. Ozzie was flying high and not so cool. The mass marriages by Queen Latifah accompanied by Madonna singing the same sex love song was silly, and the Willie/Kris finale was a bust. Robin Thicke had a great chance to merge generations with his Chicago gig, but Chicago left their enthusiasm at a 70’s concert. Basically we had a night of smoke and glare to cover-up the tedious sameness of the music.

We were disappointed to see NCIS favorite Michael Weatherly taking the role of mocking Jesus in the skit with loudmouth Silverstein. He deserves a couple of extra slaps along side his head from Mark.

The way things are accelerating in "Anything Goes USA", I wouldn’t be surprised if they issued Handicap License Plates for alcoholics.

When intolerant liberal Democrats don't like what Republicans are saying, they call them liars. When Republicans don't like what Democrats are saying they call them intolerant liberals.

I hate to be callous, but the recent series of pedestrian deaths in Newport, while incredibly sad point to one thing – pedestrians have to realize that crossing the streets is not just another entitlement despite the signage. They still have to look both ways.

Have you noticed that if mistype “The Tids will”, it can become, “The Tid swill”. Interesting.

The Answer: Gus Grissom was one of the truly favorite all-time Astronauts. He was killed along with Ed White and Roger Chaffee.

I‘ve decided to go to young idea school. I need to keep this thing fresh and current, since it won’t be long until there will be fewer and fewer readers who know Gus Grissom. I can visualize nostalgia columns from the nineties, and shorter sentences and paragraphs. Understanding the new youth and their quirky customs will lead to many illogical moments and of course rousing sarcasm. Of course the good news is that that younger people understand typos. The Tids will live.

I wonder what you might find in Money Swamp.

See you tomorrow.

Politician Alchemy: Gold to Asbestos

Today's Tids Issue 3,014

Opening Stuff:

Three little words that say frigid nights are cozy and delightful -- Chicken Pot Pie.

A year or two ago Gina Raimondo was my champion and darling to all with hope in their hearts for a RI Future. She was the lion, who took on the entrenched legislature to bring about much needed pension sanity and reforms; At the same time we had another gutsy new Dem who I liked, Angel Travarus, who as Mayor of Providence made the tough decisions to turn around the the great city left in shambles by the little prevaricator now US Congressman Ciciline. Now the two reformers are opposing candidates for Governor and they appear to be in a bidding war to see who can raise the minimum wage the fastest. The real disappointment here is that these two supposed intelligent people say that increases in the Min wage will improve the state's economy. Yeah, sure. Higher wage minimums are a great way to lure companies to the job starved state. Min wages are starter wage safety net, not economic engines as these two politicians advocate. The big winners would only be the candidate who got the most votes, with the employees and the employers both losing, again...witn RI continuing to flounder.

Once again, it appears that the Farmer's Almanac knows what it is talking about when it comes to weather.

The Question:
Hollywood fave President Obama spends a lot of time talking about Income disparity. Name the Ten Hollywood Celebrities with the highest "Net Worth".

The Headlines:
--Bonds Soaring; Sale Of Emerging Market Currencies, Global Sell Off, Low Growth For China Knocking Down US Stocks, Again.
--Islamists Awaken After Egypt Vote; 3 Cairo Car Bombings Kill Five, Send Message; Police HQ And Museum destroyed; Most Fear Attack Beginning Of New Wave Of Violence.
--Syria Peace Talks Appear Collapsing Before They Begin; Opposition Refuses To Meet Syria Gov. Some Moderation Attained As Two Positions Jostle For Control.
--Death Toll From Fire That Destroyed Senior Home In Quebec Could Hit 35.
--Obama Panel Says President's Message Wrong And NSA Snooping Unconstitutional.

The Tids Washington insider tells me that the A&E Network is cancelling Duck Dynasty and replacing it with a White House Saga: "Duck Responsibility".

I knew James Dean and Justin Bieber is no James Dean, department:
If the Biebster keeps on with his reckless life style he may end up in the same tangled mess of metal. He may even recieve the same kind of fan adulation -- But, James Dean, was James Dean.

I have never been able to laugh at Sarah Silverman, and her new attack on Jesus and people who like to see babies born alive was a new low in the new era of comedy, designed to ridicule, defile and defecate upon sincere and reasonable beliefs of others.

I didn't mind watching the premiere of "Rake" last night, the new legal TV show starring Greg Kinear. It has a problem trying to decide whether it wants to be a comedy or drama. But, Kinnear is good as a lovable anti-hero and it held my interest. You have to suspend reality often, but for some reason it worked. I'll watch some more and see how it flows. At times the plot seems more like a device to enable Kinnear to do bad things.

An observer points out that the Abbreviation for President of The United States -- POTUS -- may have taken on a new meaning after his New Yorker Magazine interview on marijuana -- "Pot-Us".

Oops, did I say Chicken "pot" pie?

Are you familiar with that Geico commercial that says, Auctioneers make bad Checkout clerks. Politicians are worse. Giving away the store is a surefire way for the store to go bankrupt. "Oh, you can't pay..."

In case you missed it, US News & World Report has just announced their new Best Jobs In America List. On the broader scale, the Information Technology Industyr rose up to knock down the Healthcare Industry a notch. Specifically, #1 is Software Developer. Next is Computer Systems Analyst followed by Dentist, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist, Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist, Physician, Web Developer and Dental Hygienist.

What happen to the Top five job standard of the past several years, Actuary? Pedicure specialist even topped that  one.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Limited pickin's this week end, and no foorball games too! Yikes! The only new premiere is "I Frankenstein". It is a monster of a movie in the worst of conotations. 200 years after the creation, Dr. Frankenstein's monster Adam still walks the earth. He finds him self in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, and that he holds the key. Will humankind be destroyed.? You'll have to get thorugh some heavy duty special effects and ponderous scriptwriting to find out. I may not see it it even when it's late show FX movie of the night 20 years from now. Sorry. Go skiing instead. I hope I'm still hear writing Tids 20 years from now.

The Conscience: Chapter 35 continues.
      "In my day to day business dealings in the marine industry, I sought out got to know your old friend Jason Montgomery of the black hating Mobile Alabama Montgomery's. I had spent my life trying to learn your whereabuts while I was also growng my finacial empire," James looked down at his shoes almost humbly after that mention of self-aggrandizement, "and when the trade papers reported on the new president and ownershp of Bernard yachts, I put two and two together, and figured he may be able to give me a lead about your whereabouts.
       "Am I boring you guys," he asked. Evvy was the frist person to answer that it is one of theis first times in  years that she has felt excitied in the rpesnce of her husband." I decided to keep quiet.She waved her hand to go on.
       "To be honest with you, Jeff, one of my objectives was to take over Bernard and destroy Jason. Little did I know that I had hit the motherlode." I raised my head quizzically. "Jason and I became friendly, he really wasn't a bad guy, though, at first was appeared a bit nervous in the presence of a black man. When I told him I was also from Mobile, and knew all about the white men in his life, he turned red and frankly stopped looking me in the eye."
      "So, did Jason know where I had been squandering my life?"
      "One day after a time when I thought I could, I brought up the subject of the missing white girl, asking him if he knew her. I remember clearly how he looked up to the ceiling, how the room went so quiet. I just waited. Finally he told me how hard that had been on him. She was a good friend.

The Answer:
Matthew McConaughey has $65 Mil and is #20. Next is Ludacris followed by Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin and Ben Affleck all at $65M. At $130 we Have Robin Williams who is topped by Al Pacino, Ashton Kucher, Julia Roberts, Larry King, George Clooney, Densel Washington, Bruce Willis, Samuel Jackson and Demi Moore. The top five are #5 John Travolta, Drew Carey, Robert de Niro, Will Smith and at #1 Tom Cruise with $200M

Drew Carey? The price, must indeed be right!

Writing Tids Twenty years from now... I may just be putting some helmut on my head and sending out ideation waves, typos and all, which you can pluck out of the air as the thoughts ooze by. Can you think in Typos?

Have a terrific weekend E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

When good is bad.

Today's Tids Issue 3,013

Opening Stuff:

A new poll from yesterday says that 74% of Americans believe we are still in a recession. Another story this morning says that manufacturing in America is humming to the point where companies are finally adding capacity -- with automated systems and no significant additional employees. So, the country's leadership says it is good times again because statistics like lowering employment and increasing productivity imply they are, and because people on top making the pronouncements are doing well again themselves. The big statistic, however, is the decline in average wages and increase in cost of basic living necessities, a squeeze that does not show in lower unemployment numbers. The US may through automation regain the innate economic leverage afforded by a manufacturing, but never the higher pay, direct manufacturing jobs. Basically, people are seeing what was once a way of life in the former comfortable USA slipping away as globalism rises. It's one of those inevitable, things.

The NFL, though, thinks the economy is great. Why not, they are not for profit (No taxes) and People are spending big bucks to go to games, while the TV networks are overflowing with cash to buy the product. In the most recent filing of Form 990 for "Non-Profits" it was shown the league had $255 Million in Revenue and $822+ Mil in assets. In order to achieve Non-Profit status the league must be run as a charitable foundation. They gave away 2.3 mill of which 2.1 went to The Football Hall of Fame. And Roger Goodell, the man who gives us a Championship in freezing weather, was the biggest charity of all, receiving $29+ Mil. There's something very weird abuout some big businesses masquerading as Non-Profits, where true NP's struggle every day to find an extra dollar to keep moving forward the benefit of others and the community.

In case you missed it, the new Nickname for Colorado is "Altered State".

The Question:

What are ten things that in 2014 you should consider not buying any more?

The Headlines:

--Zero and Below Zero Temps Still Big Story Across US.

--Negative China Data Has Markets Significantly Down; Netflix Big Star Of The Day

--Target Dumps Employees Into ObamaCare; Could Be Latest Sign Of Changing Healthcare Landscape; Aetna Says It Will be tough Swimming In New Pool.

--53% Of Americans Say Economic Growth More Important Than Equalizing Incomes; Americans Looking For Bigger "Pies", Not Mandates.

--Syria PM, US At Odds As Peace Talks Begin; Syria Says No Chance Assad Will Step Down.

--Iran Pre Rouhani Says Country Complying And Ready To Do Business With Rest Of World.

--Mickey D's Says It Is Seeing Fewer Customers, Declining Sales.

--Twitter Suspends Account Of Hamas; Hamas Cries Foul, Censorship.

--New Poll: Prez "0" Nice Guy, So-So President.

--ACA Signing Up More Unemployed; Gallop Poll Sees Little Change In Progress For 18-34 Signees.

--US Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board Urges US To End Phone, Data Spying.

You Can Sell Americans Anything, Department:

I'm hearing that seats are sold out at inflated prices for an outdoor Hockey game in 80 degrees Los Angeles and for the Football Championship in below freezing New Jersey. You can promote just about anything including Presidents, and people will buy it regardless of logic. As long as it looks good on TV.

I've been told that writers are at their best when they are creating stories based on their own experiences. So, I'm wondering about all of these stories and plays and movies about dysfunctional families that seem dominant these days.

I noticed this morning that an actor named Gil Gerard was turning 71. Gil, Who?, you say. Back in my Advertising Agency days around 1971-2 I had this important account  and we were looking for a spokesman for a series of commercials. At the cattlecall, about 70 or 80 actors showed, and this guy Gerard stood out for his easy going manner and sense of reality and integrity. The Arkansas boy became a pretty good spokesman, his believable demeanor connecting with the staid Yankees. After a while he told me that because of his TV exposure time in Conn/NY Metro area, he started being seen and getting a few roles in movies, the first big one Man on a Swing.. So, I looked him up this morning, and found low and behold that he was in a movie as late as last year -- Star Trek: New Voyage -- 40 years of "B" movies for showing up one day to a call for spokesperson. Too many great talents, far better than Gerard, never make it past waitress/waiter. For each big money star we see, there are probably a 100 very talented people who never got that one break. Actually, probably only I care about this Tid.

Pundits are wondering why Toronto Mayor Ford approval ratings are up. All they have to do is look at themselves and see the hours upon hours they have spent displaying the antics of this lout. Canadians, like Americans will buy anything, as long as it is on TV!

I am not minimizing in the slightest the horrendous crime of rape at all when I question why the Federal Government is inserting itself into local problems as it did yesterday with remarks about a College Rape epidemic. I always question the over reach of the Feds. Campus rape is an almost out-of-control attack on women, often accosted during drunken brawls. Maybe the movie "Animal House" wasn't such a great idea after all. The stats say 1 of five college women are raped and only 1 of 8 reported. They also go on to say that 7% of college men admitted to rape, and that 63% of those are serial rapists (averaging six) done under the illusion of good ole frat fun. Somebody in America has to rewrite the storyline. This cannot be ignored just as college kids being college kids.

If you're wondering why it is so hard for people to get along these days, all you have to do is look at the comments following the Richard Sherman display after the Seattle/SF game: Half of the people thought it was scary or crude and the other half thought it was Adrenalin fueled good old fashioned enthusiasm. Of course the real problem is that it gets far too much exposure on content starved cable TV.

I wasn't too impressed with Bill Belichick's rant against Welker. It smacked more of poor loser than football coaching genius. In case you are interested, the NFL reported that the Welker hit was completely legal and that there will be no fines.

The Conscience: Chapter 35 continues.

       "After a day or so the boys finally saw a healthier Sally reviving, but a Sally who had no memory of anything past. Simultaneously Joey, had been talking to his connections in South America and the Islands. It turned out that a good friend of his, as far as it is possible to have friends in the drug trade, agreed to take Sally off his hands. After picking up a delivery in Mobile harbor, he handed her off, telling her that she was going back home. She smiled back a blank stare and that was the last time I saw her about for 25 years.

      It seems she thrived in that culture, and not only became the girl friend of Joey's pal but a significant player in his operations. She became very involved in transporting the products, and along the way she met Earnesto, the owner of Biglietto as you know, during a meeting to purchase high speed motor boats. They both had black hearts which they mutually admired; they soon married. The new blushing bride flattered and cajoled old Antonio to the point where she became a favorite of his, and his most trustworthy executive. Little did he know about what she was really doing to produce the profits."

    "And those two produced the lovey Angelica?" I flushed when I turned to see Evvy sitting there, glaring. The honeymoon was over. "I only meant it's hard to see how she is the offspring of Earnesto and Sanna." Evvy stared at me, unflinching, for a few seconds that seemed longer.  

     "I'll have to meet this Angelica," commented Evvy in a commanding tone. James looked at the twosome and waited a minute for the truce. He smiled at the pair and continued.

    "Coincidentally, I had vast interests in ship building at all levels, one of them being high quality yachts. We did a lot of business with Bigiletto and my man Washington eventually became a fixture there."

     "So, when did you learn that Sanna was indeed Sally?"

The Answer: (Note: Not to the Question posed above by Jeffery. That's for tomorrow.)

First we have cable TV where young people in particular are using Netflix and Hulu to get what they want at far less money. The future may be bare min Network purchasing and finding what you need elsewhere. 2. Land line services. 3. GPS devices 4. DVD, Blueray devices giving way to streaming. 5. Hotel rooms for long stays -- See "Rentals by Owner" 6. 2-Year Cell Phone contracts 7. Desk Top and Laptop computers. 8. Extra Legroom in Economy class flying -- Check out Biz class instead! 9. Credit Cards with Miles or Points (Card Companies de-valuating them) 10. Digital cameras for every day photos. Phones are upgrading, especially the new Windows Smartphone.

A warm heart is never cold.

Enjoy the crystalline skies, and the bite in the air.