Good Bye.

Today's Tids Issue 2,499

Opening Stuff:

The Last Tids of the year...man where does the time go. Frankly, as I get older the time is so fleeting that I've stopped taking vacations because I seem to be coming home before I remember getting there. It was kind of a lost year in the big picture department. A year of economic survival struggles, and incredible political malfeasance. Frankly I had a good year, because I don't measure years the way I did years ago. I woke up, my mind worked, and the gravy was rich and creamy! Life is so easy when you cut away the clutter.

The nations economists have spoken and for them it's Romney over Obama. In a study of 36 leading US economists, 1/2 said O's economic policies were "Fair" and 13 (36%) said they were "Poor". 5 said "Good" and none said "Excellent". The economists tended to classify Romney as a technocrat as opposed to the typical political ideologues running for President. He has done things, accomplished things they opine. As for the economy in general, the group is thinking a higher GDP growth rate for 2012, about 2.5 vs. under 2 for 2011, but...they see little improvement in unemployment numbers. The stagnation nation continues to stumble along under the weight of an decreasingly suffocating government bureaucracy. But the will of the people is always there, hopefully more will see the light.

Jim Brown is still the best NFL runner ever.

The Question:

Friday Bonus: 1. Which two former TV Morning show hosts have their birthday on the same day 12/30? Which one is older? 2. In your mind, what was the biggest event of 2011?

The Headlines:

--Last Day Of Trading For Year Could Be Flat.
--Spain Warns Budget Deficit Much Greater Than Anticipated.
--Ford Sales Top 2 Million Cars For First Time Since 2007.
--China Factories Slowing Down; Country Expected To Institute Pro-Growth Policies.
--Congress Frees Up $40 Million In Aid For Palestine.
--NK's First Post Death Message to Outside World: "...Confrontational Stance Against South Korea Will Not Change."; Rogue Countries Labels Opponents as "Foolish".
--With Arab League Observers Present, Syria Protestors Emboldened; 10 Shot As 100's Of Thousands Take To Streets.
--Spain Warns Budget Deficit Much Greater Than Anticipated..
--NK's Nuke And Missile Maker Guy Expected To Play Big Role In New Regime.
--Repubs Step Up Rhetoric During Last Days Before Iowa Caucus.

Is Verizon becoming so arrogant and insensitive to customers that it is about ready to pull a Netflix? The big wireless company just instituted a new charge, a small charge, but when it is a charge to a customer "For paying their bills", then it hits consumers in the gut. Yes the world is increasingly whacko, and consumers have had it. Too much spaghetti thrown against the wall is sticking.

There is nothing that bores me more than some TV personality talking about the healthy foods he or she eats. Have you ever noticed that people who eat scrambled egg whites look like the walking dead?

One man's opinion of the Top Ten Movies for 2011 has it this way: The Artist, Midnight in Paris, The Adventures of Tintin, The Help, Sarah's Key, War Horse, Moneyball, The Descendants, 50/50 and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I've seen two of those Sarah's Key (An Ok movie of the type Critics typically score high) and The Descendants (Highly overrated in my mind.). Of the rest, I would go to Midnight..., Moneyball, 50/50 and maybe Girl with... (I've seen the Swedish version and liked it). This same critic also listed some favorite 2011 "almosts" like Harry Potter, Source Code, Drive, Margin Call, J. Edgar, My Week with MM, the really awful Bridesmaids and the really good Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Did you ever look at the rather bland Matt Lauer and wonder how he got to where he did?

My hope for 2012 is that more and more people learn that it isn't what you get from the government but it's what your contribute to the success of the country that counts. There are just too many people who come from generations where getting is the only thing they know. Not realizing that the greatness of USA past was based on the vast opportunities for self achievement that are always available in a free country. Too many think that "freedom" means they can do anything they want. "Hey buddy, its a free country". "That's great, but get your car off my front yard anyhow."

I wonder if Harry Potter uses the Sorcerer's Code?

The USPS has been given a bad rap, especially by all of these cheap pundits piling on, kicking this past vital part of America when it's down. The fact remains that the USPS package delivery program was cheaper and just as effective as the touted FedEx and UPS services. I guess people just thought anything under the government couldn't be that good, not realizing that the PO was a private, separated entity. The point of all this is that we will always have to live with the smug elite who contribute nothing and are only concerned about tearing down efforts of people of whom they will never understand. The Post Office coulda bin a winner.

A consortium of university researchers have finally concluded that there is only way to stop having hangovers -- "Don't Drink". Yup, after years of research and probably after millions of federal Grants of taxpayer dollars, that's it! Don't drink. Simple.

Yesterday the apps for unemployment bennies went up, but so did the stock market. The Clueless decided disregard the new number to take the news that the four month average was better than it had been. They could have pumped the market either way depending upon which of the glass half full or half empty view of the same news. So someone must have decided it's a day for an uptick. On a daily basis, the market is more about gamesmanship. Unless there is a financial catastrophe, the market ois in the hands of of the manipulators who use news.

Brazil has become the world's leading country in the development of energy resources and can compete with any industrialized nation in the world. China and India are the growth countries of the era. Meanwhile the US, Europe and Japan, the historic leaders in economic growth, are stagnant. Can you say fall of the Roman empire?

Almost Near: Chapter 56. --"It's been years since the deaths of your parents, but since your arrival here I have been going back into the files about the case." Sparrow was looking kindly at this woman in front of him. A woman he couldn't quite figure, but one who intrigued him. It wasn't that she was a pathetic figure, because she certainly wasn't that at all. It was the confusion in her face that tore at his heart. She seems like a woman who wants to love, but has found it difficult throughout her life. But what could he, a simple country detective no about such matters of the heart. Except that detectives feel things, have sense that mere mortals don't. He smiled to himself. "So, I came up with something that looks very interesting." Samantha's head looked up, her eyes brightened.
"It appears that while investigating your dad's disappearance not long after your mom's suicide, we heard from neighbors and couple of main street businesses a similar tale. It was about a man asking questions about your parents. They really didn't rememeber him well enough for a description, but we found it significant that several told the same story."
"They didn't remember him at all. No name. Nothin?"
"Only that he was a decent looking guy, dressed well but casually." He looked at her trying to imagine something in the air. "So this morning I asked one of my guys to ask around some more. To press a little. At the time we didn't, because, frankly the suicide looked like a suicide, and your Dad was grief stricken, from a cops perspective, in a proper way. Maybe we should have looked deeper after your dad went missing. Maybe he heard about a guy nosin' around and was afraid of him.

The Answer:

1. Meridith Viera and Matt Lauer were born on the same day, although Meridith three years earlier than Matt. 2. I think the catastrophic effects from the huge Japan earthquake were the most startling...just above the incomprehensible collapse of the Boston Red Sox.

Happy New Year Everybody. May it end with another ex-President writing is memoirs. May it be on of love, excitement and happiness for you all.

Cuba all over again?

Today's Tids Issue 2,498
Opening Stuff:

Why do I have this feeling that Iran wants to provoke the USA into attacking them?

For sure, the Constitution permits protesters like OWS. But nowhere in that revered historic document does it say that taxpayers have to pay a dime for their continued encampments.

In the irony of the day department, Mark Zuckerberg vacationed in communist Viet Nam which blocks his FaceBook site. So he had only the girl he brought along, Priscilla Chan, with whom to be friends. Which, probably made her almost as happy as the billions in his bank account.

The Question:

1. What was Jon Voight's first big movie success. What was his other major achievement? 2. Jude Law is one of those great talents who makes movies better. Name five of his best.

The Headlines:

--Iran Warns US That It Is No Position To tell Teheran What It can And Can't do.
--After Three Down Weeks, Unemployment Benefits Claims Rise By 15,000.
--Stock Market Could be Mostly Up Today.
--Arab Observers Fan Out Across Protest Mobbed Syria.
--Giant Chinese eCommerce Company Alibaba (30% Owned By Japan) Hires DC Lobbyist; Expected That It is First Move To Acquire Yahoo!.
--North Korea hails Military And Nuclear Achievements Of dead Leader; "Un Officially Named Supreme Leader.
--Last Minute Holiday Sales Have Retailers Smiling; Smiling Until Official reports Come Out.
-- Turn-Out Of More Iowa Moderates May Give Romney Victory.

Two questions will dominate "Pickin' " strategy this final week of the regular season: Who is going to show up? Which of the teams playing each other for a final playoff spot has the inner will to win. Last week's 13-3 brings the year to 161-79 (67%). The meaningful games, and quite difficult to predict games are Tenn-Houston, Jets-Dolphins and the potential winner take all face offs between Broncos- Chiefs, Cinn-Balt, Giants-Cowboys and Raiders-Chargers. Here I'm picking Tenn, Dolphins, Broncos, Cinn (Yikes, Cinn to actually show up in a meaningful game?), Giants and Chargers. In the who will show up match-ups, I'm picking Pats who actually need this badly, Vikings, Saints, Packers, Niners, Colts, Eagles, Seahawks, Falcons and the upset of the day Browns over Steelers!

It seems to me that fancy corporate annual report is another of the new dinosaurs. I remember when the annual report was the annual goldmine for PR People, advertising agencies and graphic designers. Being the "Brochure" for the CEO, the budget was more than robust and the opportunities for extreme creativity practically unlimited. Aaah, the good old days. But, alas, today everybody knows just about everything about everything way before the hefty, costly "brochure" hits the mails.

Have you noticed these days how companies now always end commercials or ads with "See us in FaceBook. Many wonder why don't they just give their website URL like always. It does the same thing for the customer. For the customer/prospect yes, but the company gets way more with FaceBook -- like all of the personal data recorded in FaceBook. When I want to go to a company, I go to the company. I don't need no stinking middlemen.

As I watch the media wallow deliriously in and promote the faux pas of Repub candiates I wonder where they were when the clown Joe Biden and the retrobate Teddy were running. And for that matter other assorted Dem miscreants. It's as if media people grew up in dysfunctional familes, eager to promote similar families as normal while putting down the solid families in the neighborhood.

The Yugo is hands down the worst car ever built. Among other deficiencies, this is a car that actually developed rust spots before it left the assembly line. Nice try Yugoslavia.

Classic Socialist View deportment:
There's a story in the Prov Journal this morning about a successful jewelry manufacturer here, Alix and Ani giving the business department of Bryant University $1,000,000 to help develop a superior International business school that would eventually lead to more companies and jobs coming to the state. One of the comments below this Internet PJ site said, "They should have donated the mil to help people stay warm this winter". That is typical of misguided dead end spending with no leverage for the future being espoused by many, make that most, in the Admin and congress. And why Greece and other government first countries are on the verge of collapse.

There seems to be new momentum building for an Independent Puerto Rico. Does that mean when they are not part of the US, we would have to send them more money as international aid? Probably -- that's the way the bureaucratic mind works, if they're Americans screw em'. If their foreign, illegal or undesirable, give them the key to the vault. It must be the DC water.

The fastest highway drivers, ranked in order, live in Mississippi, SC, Alabama, Ark, Kansas, New Mex, Ariz, Utah, Nevada and Idaho. The slowest are in DC, but then everything in DC is slow. If you want the slowest drever states, they are Hawaii, Rhode Island, Deleware, Oregon, Washington, Maine, NJ, Ill, Maryland and Mass.

Continuing in "Best of-Worst of" year-end reporting, the worst product flops for 2011 are 1. A-F's Ashley Push-Up Triangle -- A padded bikini top for girls "8" to 14. 2. Qickster, the Netflix separated mail delivery division. 3. Obama lauded GM Volt. 129 sold. The GM Chairman said "We were naive to think that people would rush to switch to a limited range EV. 4. HTC "Status" smartphone for easy linkage to FaceBook. 5. Blackberry's "Playbook" was no match for IPad first and Kindle Fire second. 6. The 12 foot long Fiat 500 was no match for the popular Mini. 7. The movie Mars Needs Moms cost Disney $175 million to make and made but $6 mil in theaters.

The Answer:

1. Jon Voight's breakthrough movie was Midnight Cowboy. His greatest accomplishment was his sperm that produced daughter Angelina Joli. I went to High School with Voight and his two brothers, and he was a acting phenom right from the beginning of his Freshman year, This son of a Golf Pro, could swing the club but acting was his love. Some of his other movies were his academy award (Nominated 4 times) role in The Champ plus Deliverance, and Coming Home. Some of his other notable roles were in Rainmaker, Runaway Train and Odessa File. (His brother Wes wrote songs like Wild Thing and Angel in the Morning under the name Chip Taylor). 2. Jude Law was great in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, Gattaca, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Enemy at the Gates, Sherlock Holmes, Contagion, Rage and Repo Man.

Maybe Iran is becoming warlike as it saw it's "Most Evil" rep slipping with the potential for craziness by Kim Jung un.

Gotta go and buy some noise makers for my New Years Eve party, mainly to wake me up at midnight! Or is that for the coming 2,500th edition of The Mighty daily Tids! Eeehah.

Celebrification of the USA.

Today's Tids Issue 2,497
Opening Stuff:

I am really tired of celebrities blowing kisses at me.

New IBD/TIPP Poll (Investors Buusiness Daily) among nations doctors about ObamaCare has physicians saying higher premiums, less service and "The best and the brightest of youth running away from a career in medicine medicine". This new poll totally contradicts White House AMA* proclamations of Doctor support for mammoth overhaul. 2/3rd's of docs oppose it. Hundreds of thousands (45%) said they will retire if it continues to become law. 72% of doctors say the program is not doable -- disagreeing with the claim that 47 million can be covered with better care at lower cost. *(The AMA a strong lobbying force for docs, only represents 18% of physicians.) More info: http://news.investors.com/Article/506199/200909151909/45-Of-Doctors-Would-Consider-Quitting-If-Congress-Passes-Health-Care-Overhaul.htm

Is the normal seasonal slowdown masking continuing problems in Europe.? Will new shoes drop January 2? Be careful in the market this week.

The Question:

What are Denzel Washington's top 5 movies?

The Answer:

--Expect Lower Volume Slightly Higher Market; nvestors Await Start Of 2012 Before Placing Bets.
--Iran Navy Chief Says "Closing Off Gulf to Tankers Will be As Easy As Drinking A Gauss of Water".
--Mad Bombers Continue To bring Horror To Nigeria.
--Senator Ben Nelson To Retire; Gives Boost To Repubs Chances Of Taking Back Senate.
--Italy's Debt Picture Improves.
--Celebrityville Fawns Over Itself At Kennedy Center

Word has it that after the Kennedy ceremony Neil Diamond was seen hawking commemorative Honoree CD's in the lobby to help with his ongoing, wor;d recod (At the Time) $140Mil alimony payments.

Last evening I gingerly walked into the bedroom of my 5 year old grandson who was preparing for bed, carefully evading the many Star Wars characters strewn over nearly every inch of the floor, "Harry," I said, you should move these. Some body could hurt their feet." Don't worry Granddad," Harry replied, "It's a booby trap for ghosts."

I thought maybe my conservative biaswas the reason for my long time distaste for Bill Mahar's self-righteous, snide liberalism and in-your-face atheism. But then I see he's on the Board of PETA, so I know that he's genuinely nuts.

And to Meryl Streep, an Emmy for her dramatic portrayal of an overly happy Kennedy Center Honoree.

The worst 2011 internet sellers for "Customer Satisfaction" are Overstock.com, Gap, Buy.com, Sony and Toys r Us. Netflix showed the largest drop on the "ForSee Satisfaction Index." The best in satisfaction was the perennial champ Amazon. The biggest gainers in the Index were TigetDirect.com and JCP.com (JC Penny). JCP joined other top performers Apple online, QVC.com and VistaPrint.com. ForSee runs these surveys monitoring Internet Commerce every six months.

When you think about it, the JFK/Jackie combo may have been the twosome that elevated the Celebrity world to regal status. How could you ever trust the emotions of an actor?

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues. --"I think you'll like this little place. It's what you might call real Arkansas. It's in the middle of nowhere, but it's in with the in."
"How do you know so much about Lady Lil's?"
"Oh you guessed. I guess that makes you in!" Tucker smiled and reach over to squeeze her thigh. Audrey didn't move or act playful.
"Everybody who lives here knows about Lil's, but you don't live here."
"The guy at the hotel said it was perfect for an out of the way spot. Nice and romantic he told me."
"Don't get overly excited. I'm not feeling romantic." Audrey looked out the rear view mirror.
"Just being with you is all the excitement I need." Tucker pushed down on the accelerator. "I'm worried about Samantha, and where e she is. And, what she may be doing. I've had this funny feeling ever since I found that silver chain and locket." He decelerated into a tight turn. then leaped forward coming out into a long straight stretch. "Barton have any new ideas?"
Audrey reached down and held tightly onto the door handle. It was very dark out here she thought.

The Answer:

What's Denzel's best -- Tough call. Personally, I liked Crimson Tide, Man on Fire, The Preacher's Wife and the Pelican Brief. He is also known for Glory, Training Day, Courage Under Fire, Remember the Titans, Malcom X, Ricochet, The Bone Collector, Devil in a Blue Dress, Antwone Fisher and Out of Time. you probably have your own favorites and will write in post haste. It always happens. It's got to -- he made 41 films. And people liked most of them.

Motion picture attendance is way down. It's not much of a mystery. It costs too much, and you can do it cheaper and lose nothing in presentation at home on the newer TV set. Is star power less valuable than in the past several decades? Probably not. There is always enough of the masses who will bow down and kiss their rings. It's just the way it is. Demographics and percentages is the answer to everything.

The Perfect Peace.

Today's Tids Issue 2,496
Opening Stuff:

A man who had hoped to sue the coffee manufacturer couldn't find the grounds.

Economists really, really want to offer good news predictions for the New Year. But mostly what we are getting is "Could look good'' with a gigantic But! The ole' EuroBut! remains a potential kick in the butt. The scientific problem with the US equation is the low rate of GDP growth. It is, state a majority of the nations economists, much too low at 2-3% to sustain a healthy economy in the event of a EuroTumble, which is still quite likely. With the election looming, you are going to ear a lot about US economic progress, especially from White House ecommunists. Oops, I'm sorry - Freudian slip. But my reading today is that as much as they would like proclaim dynamic recovery, they just don't know. It is a new world about us that is not yet in the text books.

I always thought with good advice the Indians, excuse me Native Americans, could have done better with their government donated lands than gambling industries. For instance I was thinking American Indian University and associated technology parks. Creating jobs that had breadth and weren't just sucking off of human vulnerabilities. But alas, the enticement of easy money from the gullible looking for a lightening strike was just too available for the picking. Now the big news is that the The NA's have a new industry which could move them beyond the very profitable gambling industry. -- the very lucrative high interest loan industry for people "who don't want to" or can't get loans from banks. Offering interest rates in the neighborhood of 36% and with collection practices that boarder on loan sharking, broken legs and all, the natives will continue to scalp into the most needy of Americans, creating a downward spiraling debt cycle. What's wrong with this picture?

The Question:

Between the holiday's hodge-podge-- 1. What was the name of the band to which David Knophler was a member. 2. Who was Cokie Roberts father? 3. Name five Neil Diamond Songs other than Sweet Caroline.

The Headlines:

--Iran Rattling Sword.

--Consumer Confidence Reaches new Recent High; Housing Woes Continue; Prices Hit New Low.

--Massive 6.9 Quake hits SE Russia Near Mongolia.

--Obama To Request Yet Another Debt Limit Hike; US May End Up Taking Loans Form New Native American Lenders.

--Nigerian Christians Under Assault' Religious War Predicted.

--Sears Holdings To Shutter 120 Stores; Sears Profits Have Tumbled Since Buying Beleaguered K-Mart Chain Five Tears Ago.

--Housing Rental Demand May Lift Residential Construction.

--al-Qaida Groups Becoming Active In Iraq.

--Ron Paul's Doomsday Predictions Has Him Leaping Into Lead; Suggests UN May Take Over US Money Supply.

--Stores Hoping For More Buyers Than Returners This Week; massive Gift Carding Should Move Needle To Shelves. Heavy Couponing Could Bring New Buyers.

An amazing number of people respond on the internet to tragedies involving people they have never known.

The news that Ron Paul says "UN may take control of the US money supply," is the kind of item that would normally have you running to Snopes!

Too many people measure successful shopping by how much they save as opposed to getting things they actually need.

What will down towns and malls look like after 20-30 years of Internet shopping growth? The landscapes would certainly look much better if one of the results of cyber buying was the evaporation of ugly malls across the fruited plains. But, the down towns are another thing. I see these as centers of community. a bonding device that brings people together; a reminder of the past, where they came from, intrinsically what they are; Positive reflections of local societies.

The world needs to be less organized and more open to personal choice. People are different even within their own race and ethnicity.

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues --Tucker shook his head. He had much more to think about than pleasant meanderings into the past. Audrey didn't say much, but he knew she was thinking more. He has come not only to like her, but to respect her mind. Now he felt worried about the insight of her mind and the character of her determination. He wondered what she and Detective Barton had been talking about.
--And then there was Samantha. She was escaping his ethereal grasp. A real woman who had become more in his poetic imagination, how much of her was still real to him? It would be best he thought if he could strengthen the case against her in the murder of the monster Rudy. Tucker shuddered at the thought of that awful person. He hadn't deserved to live.
--He walked about his hotel room and neatly placed his clothing and necessities where they belonged. If only for a night they must be neat, he thought. He stood back and smiled, it looked nice. He reached over and moved a pair of slacks a half inch to the right, then picked up telephone and dialed Audrey's cell phone. Dinner would be fun tonight he thought. He stood so he wouldn't wrinkle the bed.

The Answer:

1. David's band was "Dire Straits". 2. Cokie Roberts dad was Senator hale Boggs. In case you are interested, Cokie's entire name sounds like a southern history book or family tree -- Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Roberts Boggs. Oh yeah, Cokie makes sense. 3. Diamond was prolific and one of my favorite of his efforts was the Jonathon Livingston Seagull tone poem. He is best known for Kentucky Woman, I am...I Said (Another of my faves), Cracklin Rosie, Brother Love's Travelin' Salvation Show, Song Sung Blue, Play Me, Holly Holy, Stones, He Ain't heavy He's My Brother, September Morn, Beautiful Noise, I'm Glad You're here with Me Tonight, Solitary man, Cherry Cherry. As I said, he was prolific.

There are times that are always more perfect than others. One of them when working is that week between Christmas and New Years. I never wanted to take vacation time then, as it was so peaceful, and if I felt like it, productive in the office.

Christmas.

Today's Tids Issue #2,494
Opening Stuff:

Linus, dragging his blanket, walked to center stage.

"Ahem."
"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them! And they were some afraid...And the Angel said unto them, 'Fear not. For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the King. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly Host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."

"That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

Santa's Sack:

While the RI Governor was declaring it a "Holiday tree", employees throughout the Statehouse were erecting creches and menorahs. In fact there are this morning (Pre ACLU) over twelve scenes of the Birth of Christ, each representing one of the many ethnic groups in RI. You can pass the edict but you can't take the truth our of the heart.

Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brayton Edwards has become known for some of his off-field antics. But it should be his off-field heart that gets the notice today. About six years ago he told youngsters in schools across the city that if they worked hard and achieved a 2.5 GPA, he would give them $10,000 towards college. Yesterday he made good on that promise giving 79 kids a head start to a better life. In case you are multiplying, that's about $800,000.

The Question:

What is the more popular name for "Account of a visit by Saint Nicholas"? Who wrote it? When?

The Good News:

--New Polls: APgF Poll 1 On Christmas Says that 71% (Up From 58%) Of US Moms Believe In The Magic Of Santa Clause, For Themselves And Kids. Men Also Believe. Adults Says Big Guy Reminds Them Of Trust; APgF Poll 2 - 77% Of Americans Believe In Angels; 92% Of all Adults believe In God.
--Teen Comes Out Of Coma And Miraculously Heads Towards Regaining Full Life; Boy Had Been Prepped For Organ Donations; Docs Amazed.
--House Agrees To Continue Reduced Social Security/Medicare Contributions.
--Christ Church New Zealand Hit Again by Strong Quakes.
--Paul May Run As 3rd Party "Antiestablishment Candidate.
--Violence Continues In Streets In Lands Of Christs Birth.
--November Retail Sales Mediocre.

Lets hope all of those people who were pushing each other around on Black Friday find piece on Christmas day.

Melanie Amaro winning the X-Factor last night restores my faith in the judgement of mankind. And Josh Krajcik taking second place is a great choice too.

As a Christmas gesture, I promise to say nothing about Obama's inept leadership today.

Reading between the lines movie Reviews:
--You may have seen War Horse before -- Lassie, Black Beauty, Flipper. But none of these bring history to lefie as does tis picture abotu boys horse going off to World War I. This is very well done as we follow the boy's search for his best friend, the horse.
--Hollywood actually did a great job keeping the authenticity of the resignal The Girl with the Dragon tattoo alive and well, and exciting and tense. In fact the only difference is the absense of sub titles. I saw the original and loved it.
-- We Bought a Zoo won't do well with the critics I hear, and frankly I wasn't captivated by the trailers. But, I have a feeling that families with kids will like it a lot. Just so long as they don't overdo the animal rights thing. It's predictable and the title is the plot.
--The Adventures of Tintin is an English classic tail of a cautious reporter and his dog snowy who discover a model ship carrying an explosive secret. The bad guy Sakharine has him in his sights bu snow saves the day. Better than average Kids movie.

Almost Near: Chapter 55 continues. --That felt strange thought Tucker as he walked into the hotel.He normally felt comfortable, very comfortable with Audrey. I'll have to do something about that he thought.
His mood was interrupted by the flickering of lights to his right. He smiled immediately at the gigantic Christmas tree before him, with red and blue and green and yellow lights. With everything going on, he had totally forgotten about his favorite day.
He stopped, and sat in one of those cozy, leather lobby chairs and just exhaled at the view. His mind raced back to those childhood days in New Castle. And most prominent in those scenes he now created in his mind, was a smiling, laughing, beautiful Samantha. How he loved that girl of 12. He thought back pleasantly at how they grew together in love until that fateful day ten years later, when she walked away. Just said good-bye and walked out of his life. But, he thought Samantha will never be out of his life.
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing..." Tucker looked over at the carolers now singing robustly of good cheer, stood and started to sing along, remembering how beautiful his life used to be.

The Answer:

Of course I'm talking about Clement Moore's "Twas the night before Christmas", written in 1823. Moore's house is up the hill around the corner from here. It looks like the perfect Christmas house! Wtih frilly gingerbread woodwork on evry of the 12 eaves.

Merry Christmas everybody. What "Moore" can I say. Oh yeah... "And to all a good night!"

Christmas makes me Whacky.

Today's Tids Issue 2,493
Opening Stuff:

One of the great things about a cold Winter is jumping into a warm bed at night.

I figure if you still believe in Santa Clause, then you have a certain confidence in knowing that anything is possible.

There is a lot of talk floating around beneath the surface, under the Republican blanket that a late Spring surprise in the form of a Jeb Bush or Chris Christie announcement is still very much a possibility.

I am still utterly and totally awed by the voice of Jackie Evancho.

The Question:
I never considered Dallas Cowboys "Americas Team". In fact, I never ever got the idea that we needed something called America's Team. Anyhow, Dallas isn't it any more. The folks have spoken and they say Green Bay is their team now. Name the other NFL teams in the top 5. In the same poll, the favorite QB's were listed. Name them.

The Headlines:
--Deadly Blasts Rip Through Baghdad Neighborhoods In Coordinated Attacks That Killed 57.
--Unemployment Bennies Apps Fall To 364,000; Number Is Lowest Since 2008.
--Stocks Could Hiccup Up Today.
--Despite Repub Confusion, RNC Outpacing DNC In Money Race.
--Austerity Protests In Europe Bring Holiday Traffic To A lat.

Rhode Islanders, citizens of a state with an absolutely brilliant past, would be better served for the present and most certainly for the future, if their leaders were not Chafee, Reed and Whitehouse, but Gina Raimondo and Dorothy Gist.

The way teams were being upset last week, I thought the Tids Sport Department was going down 5-11. Yet the final 9-7 only appears decent because the reality was so bad. This is the time of year when you feel you have a handle on all the teams. But, nothing is ordinary this year. We're a discouraging 148-76 (66%). Onward! And, it does not get easier this week. Too many teams need to win badly, and several are playing each other. The tough games are Oak-KC, Jints-Jets, Ariz-Cinn, SD-Det, SF-Seattle, Dal-Phil and Atlanta-NO. I'm going KC, Giants, Arizona, Detroit city, San Fran, Philadelphia and New Orleans. The rest are NE, Houston (if they wake up after last weeks post championship hangover game), Tenn, Pitt, Denver, Balt, Carolina, Washington and GB.

As a followup to yesterday's Tid about the Lay-away Angels, I give you the woman crying over the generosity of an unknown person who paid for her children's gifts which would never have materialized because, as she said, she had no money -- this, as she pulled out her $250 smartphone with the $100+ monthly carrying charges. I wish I could afford a smartphone.

Dumbest research question I have read this Year, Department:
"Should Illegal aliens be allowed to vote?" Am I still on the same planet?

Well he did it. Eric Holder played the race card. He says people are out to get him and 0-Man because they are black! here we go again. How come Bush's AG Alberto Gonzales didn't play the race card when he was being persecuted by small minded Dems? Huh. Huh. Answer that!

Yup, it's Christmas alright. "Clapper" commercials are everywhere...like reindeer droppings.

The regulation mania in the 0-Man admin continues to hogtie business. Yesterday the egalitarian EPA came out with a set of regs so draconian that Utilities will be forced to spend $10 Billion per year to comply. I'm thinking, that this isn't really about clean air as they say, but a dastardly ploy to increase the costs of cheap electricity so the overly expensive "Green" alternatives are competitive.

One of the problems with corporate earnings improvement going forward is that many companies have already cut costs to the bone.

A Goldman exec and financial Prognosticator who first defined the economic power of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India China) says these four countries are still the world's growth engine. Jim O'Neill now adds that we should keep and eye on MIST -- Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey. These formerly developing countries are on the rise to economic powerhouse status. No longer emerging but here and now as "Growth" countries. This emergence is mainly because China realizes that they need a more diverse marketplace beyond the USA for their goods. This is why China will drive the world or the next decade. They consume buyers like I do Cheetos.

The Answer:
The Cowboys still come in high at #2. They are followed by da Bears, Giants and Steelers. Surprise -- Tim Tebow was voted favorite Quarterback. 2 and 3 were the Manning Bros, Eli and Peyton. The next three were tied -- Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rogers. At the bottom of the QB list were Dog Fighting man Michael Vick and Woman abuser Ben Rothlisberger. "America's Team"? I still don't get it.

No question though..."America's Audience" are the Tids readers.

Work interrupts play.

Today's Tids Issue 2,492
Opening Stuff:

Happy Hanukkah Everybody! A lichtigin Chanukah. L'Shanah Tovah.

Americans have been occasionally susceptible to some pretty outrageously silly fads. But, you have love the "Layaway Angels" -- Anonymous good people who walk into stores and pay the remaining bills for the layaway items of those less fortunate. It's a national trend. And one of the nice things I have heard is that a few of the recipients of the kindness are passing it forward, donating some of their paid for layaway items to others in need. Gotta love the American heart.

This is that great day of relief for all of those who miss Summer. The days are getting longer again. Feel warm!

I had a great day yesterday. but not such a hot start this morn. They forgot to deliver along with the paper the comics section! Aaaaaaaaarrrrgh!

I was looking for a good recipe for Christmas day, and I came across a moderately complex lobster dish. But, it was so smothered with herbs and foreign substances that I felt it sacrilegious to offer it to you. Anything that diminishes the pure flavor of fresh lobster with butter is not worth repeating.

The Question:
Give me five funny lines from Ray Romano.

The Headlines:

--Kim Jung un To Share Power With Uncle, Military.
--Stocks Open Down After New Eurofears Rise; Oracle Down 13%; Tech Stocks Following Oracle Down.
--Trump, Paul Among Repubs Considering Third Party Challenge; Divide Would Assure Obama Reign Continuation.
--Wal-Mart, Oracle Earnings Shortfalls Shock Investors; Oracle Disappointment Has WS Worried About Tech.
--ECB (European Central Bank) Lends Banks $639 Bil For Three Years; To Shore Up Financial System Now Under Pressure.
--Nor'Easter Could Make Northeast White For Christmas.
--In Japan, Olympus Offices, Exec Homes Raided By Black Garbed Investigators.

Think about the ills of the world, the hunger and the pain; the people battling outrageous, uncompromising diseases and family losses; Brave men and women dying for the good of others. Compare that with an asshole apoplectic over not having his comics in the morning.

So far, about 20-22 new books about the end of the world have been announced for publishing for 2012. The "End Date" is December 21, a year from now. Expect a rash of doomsday everything for the next 12 months, including preachings, movies and TV programs. Travel companies will be promoting "Bucket List" Get-Aways. Restaurants will promote "Last Meals". It could get crazy. And the crazy will make maddening.

I'm still waiting for somebody in Congress to stand up and say, "Hey, wait a minute"...this tax we're agonizing over isn't really a tax, it's a contribution to the ailing Social Security Pension system."

There are lots of things wrong about Big Time Football. But, I bet you never thought it contributed to lower grades, GPA's. And I'm not talking about "Scholar"-Athletes. In an exhaustive study, the U of Oregon has determined that a winning football team brings down significantly the grades of male students. Their euphoria over the bouncing ball has them studying less and partying more. Talking too much about the game-to-come rather than the square root in a Political science problem. Oh well, the Alums are enjoying it.

The most useless section of our local newspaper is the one that brings us quotes from Our Washington DC congressional delegation. US Senators "Puppy Dog" Reed and "Limo Lib" Whitehouse echo religiously the sentiments of the 0-Man and the Dems. Reps "Who me?" Cicilline and "Hey I'm Here Too" Langevin just float along upon a rain cloud, the huge State Dem majority. There's not an independent, original thought in their brains.

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues. --"You two talk about when I was gone."
"Only that you were a fool. And weird!'
"Oh good, you still love me. So, what do you two think. Is he going after Samantha?" Tucker looked out the window at a man passing by. "Rudy was a bad guy. He deserved to die."
Audrey looked at Tucker sharply. "What makes you think he was a bad guy?"
"He was, wasn't he. You figure somebody gets bashed by a shovel that somebody's mad at him."
Audrey continued to looked at him. "I'm not sure that Barton is serious about Samantha as a suspect. The necklace is incriminating, But, a lot of the other evidence says no."
"Like what?" Audrey chose her words carefully.
"He thinks it is more likely to have been a man. I don't know the details." She knew the details, but she just wasn't ready to tell Tucker everything she knew.
"Why don't you drop me off at the hotel. I'd like to clean up. Where are you going to be?"
She didn't answer. "Barton wants to see you again."
The car came to a stop in front of the Hotel. "I figured." Tucker reached into the back seat and picked up his small bag. He turned his face to Audrey. "You are a beautiful woman." He squeezed her hand, opened the door and stepped out to the sidewalk. "I'll call you at home," he said over his shoulder.
Audrey watched him walk into the hotel. Then she let go of all the emotions she had been holding inside. Her hands were shaking.

The Answer:
On golf: "I love hitting into the rough. It brings me closer to the people." "My wife gets all the money I make. I just get an apple and clean clothes every morning." “I feel like this is a dream - and I apologize for how I dressed some of you.” "If my father had hugged me one more time, Id be an accountant." "Every parent knows that for a kid, a car is chloroform." " For the sake of you marriage, Get a King-Sized bed. And if you really want to stay marries, get two." "I'll be spending the holidays with my family. Nothing special, just some light bickering and biting sarcasm."

If you don't think about what's going on in the world, then the world is a pretty great place.

Arab Inquisition?

Today's Tids Issue 2,491
Opening Stuff:

You are not alone in your amazement of the antics of celebs. Kim Kardashian tops the just out "Most Annoying Celebrity" list (There may be truth to the rumor that in the future because the "K's" are so symbolic of Celeb over the top behavior, that it will be known As the "Kardashian List"). The rest in order are Charlie Sheen, Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan Piers Morgan, Kris Jenner, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Donald Trump, and some guy who must be an inside the Glitzway thing, Brett Ratner. Trump nemesis Rosie "O" must be sitting on the sidelines laughing, but she hasn't been back long enough to qualify for this years list. She will return.

The rise of this Arab Spring could result in the decline of Middle East Christians. The dictators are gone or going but the Islamists replacing them seem to be taking aim at Christian establishments. In other words, it's confusion and hopelessness as usual in the land of camels and persecuted women, non-believers. Are we seeing the revenge of the Spanish inquisition?

Christmas Spirit Department:
A good old friend (And great Editor) sent me this song, "The Giver and the Gift", which she and two other women will sing at Midnight Mass in her Ohio town. http://www.myspace.com/music/player Enjoy!

The Question:

Which car company was first to offer heated seats?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Up $275 at 11:11.
--World Guessing Begins As NK Ex Kim Jong Il Lies In State; Soule Puts Military On High Alert.
--Stock Markets Open Stronger.
--Stronger November Housing Starts Report Not Enough To Keep 2011 From One Of Worst Construction Years Ever.
--Egypt Violence Increases; 13 Killed; Hillary Irate.
--Anyone Can Win Iowa Caucus.
--Killer Blizzards Paralyze Midwest Plains.
--AT&T Nixes T-Mobile Deal After Fed Harassment Too Much to Handle.
--Ex-New England Patriot Star To Run For US Senate In Texas.

What does a man know anyhow, Department:
I would have thought those popular Vera Bradley bags had all of the characteristics typical of fashion fads. Yet this product which accounts for 94% of the company's sales must be still doing great as sales this year are up 32%! Yikes. The next thing you will see is company owned store expansion and diversification. Get ready for more belts, wallets, luggage and in home decorative accessories, all with those happy Vera designs.

I will never get used to those emails that arrive urging, "This is funny. Laugh!". I have my assumptive moments, but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt...that maybe they can figure out for themselves that it's funny. Or, the best ever.

Tom Brady seemed to take the field Sunday with an attitude that said, "Tebow, humpf! I'm still the man."

If it wasn't for the media and outspoken opposition, most Repubs would look at this GOP thing as a sorting out process. Who has more to gain by exaggerating the the appearance of confusion in Repub hopes but Obama and the Dems.

Real Person of the Year Department:
RI's Providence Journal says that Time Mag made a mistake by not picking Gina Raimondo as their Person of the Year. In a nation divided and devoid of any real leadership, the RI Treasurer accomplished both resolving an enormously emotional and potentially contentions situation. As the Editorial say, she did with facts over cheap politics; facts the great equalizer.

Oh, and that same Ed praising Dem Gina went on to praise another facts oriented Pol - Wisconsin's GOP'er, Paul Ryan. He in his newest push Medicare reform pulled together a strong facts based Bi-Partisan bill in conjunction with Dem Ron Wyden of Oregon. A bill by the way, which Romney endorses.

San Fran last night did the Pats fans a huge favor by beating the Steelers. This puts the Top Seed in the hands of the New Englanders. The team that ranks last in defense is first in the AFC. Go figure.

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues. --Tucker was still thinking about Samantha as he stepped from the airport to the curb. As if choreographed, a car materialized before him. At once, he saw the now familiar welcoming smile of Audrey, and Samantha flew from his mind. He opened the rarer door, tossed in a small bag, jumped in the front seat, and as if by habit, leaned over and kissed her. She leaned her cheek into his lips, but immediately went back to the task of moving into the mindless traffic and away from the terminal. "Hi!", she said seconds later.
"Nice to come back to such a beautiful welcoming committee of one! I thought Barton would have been with you to arrest me as a fugitive from lunch."
Audrey turned and smiled at him. This was the Tucker she enjoyed, The sarcastic Tucker, whose words seemed to give control his life. And, maybe people around him. "Oh, Tucker, John was not a happy man. I just told him it was just one aspect of an insane man!" She reached over, but this time instead of that little punch, she stroked his upper arm. "I'm sorry I dragged you into that interview. But that's what you get when you make goo goo eyes at an inquisitive reporter. Still friends?"

The Answer:

The soon to be dead Saab was the company who gave us all those warm and cuddly heated seats. Is there anything better in a car in Winter? I don't think so. It is sad that this car will cease to exist. It was an automobile truly loved by its owners. It appears that US Government owned GM put the kibosh on a deal to China that could have saved the car and kept 3,000 Swedes working. Do you think maybe our Gov just doesn't understand the concept of private sector jobs?

Isn't it sad how people and groups never give up hating.

Twitching time.

Today's Tids Issue 2,490
Opening Stuff:

OMG! It's Christmas week 2011. The tortuous moments of the week here at last; finally that week that tests the courage of the procrastinators, the cooks, the travelers. The atheists are buried under a rising crescendo of goodness, Christmas music and love thy neighbor as thyself. Everybody is busy anticipating the final exhilarating peace; when it all settles down into pure calm and ethereal enjoyment that makes the true magic of Christmas so pleasant. But most of all this, the tremor in homes aquiver accelerates with the reslessness of kids with dreams of Saint Nicholas in their hyperactive brains.

A good pal, reader and keep-me-on-my-toes occasional critic sent a poignant response to Friday Tids "War Over" comments. This reader knows and lives the real feelings which for most of us are fleeting news stories. She and her family live near Fort Bragg. She says the war ."...is not over for the many school children I sent home this afternoon who will spend yet another Christmas without at least one, if not both of their parents. It's not over for the little guy who is going back to Georgia to live with Grandma - again - because his single mom is back to the sand pit." You won't see headlines like those from podiums and in the national press, my friend adds, because the people in her community will never forget the dead, and all the wounded who return to broken households, devastated lives. A flick of the authoritative wrist and scribble of a pen never ends the reality, the scars of war.

The Question:

Today is the first day of the year of that will give us the 120th anniversary of the premiere of the Nutcracker Suite. It is probably more popular than it ever has been. Name five of the musical dances.

The Headlines:

--NK's Jong Dead; Analysts Pondering Future And Nuke Dangers Without Him; Some Worry That Successor Kim Jung-un May Need To Take Military Action To Secure Power Base.
--Markets Set For rebound; Investors Going To Cash In Advance Of Jittery Outlook For 2012..
--Egypt Disruption Escalates.
--Bob Dole Joins List Of Romney Endorsers.
--GOP House Blasts Senate's Short term Solution.
--NFL Upsets Continue; Invincible GB Ousted From Ranks Of Unbeaten.
--0-Man To Inject His Campaign Into Iowa Caucus Time Frame.
--Lady Gaga Named AP Entertainer Of The Year.

In case you hadn't already realized it yourself, the five most annoying words in the eyes of Americans have now been made official by a Marist survey. The most annoying word of all they say is "Whatever". The rest of the precious five are "You know", "Like", "Seriously" and "Just sayin' ". How about "OMG"!; "My bad"?

The biggest rip-off in the history of the world -- Mushrooms.

The second is Barny Frank who now, after the Feds charged Fannie/Freddie officials, appears to have gotten out of Dodge just ahead of the Sheriff.

Speaking of seasonal angst, how about that government of ours and the turmoil over this payroll tax political ploy. We have a President promoting reducing contributions to an already devastated Social Security Trust fund. How dumb is that. And he is pointing that long accusatory finger of his at the Repubs for not going along with his plan to potentially shorten the life of a pension plan that seniors rely upon. But then, the Giv has been robbing Peter to pay Paul for years.

This is about the time we'd be starting the countdown to the annual January return of "24". Kthunk. Kthunk. Kthunk always sounded like Jingle Bells to me. Alas.

After reading the recent comments by GM CEO Dan Akerson that his company is a "Lumbering Bureaucracy resistant to change", it's no wonder the feds felt so comfortable with the takeover.

I have to tell you that one of the long time problems with US business has been the rise of the so-called "Professional manager". Too many chiefs have as their greatest asset the ability to play inside politics. Most don't have a creative bone in their body and just ride upon the success of the doers and innovators...and often a robust economy. They appear to spend more time figuring out how to get paid enormous sums of money for failure. In a magazine I once worked for, we often the wrote that the way to fix the decline of US industry in the 1980's due to the rise of Germany and Japan as competitors, was to ship our MBA's overseas to their companies.

I generally have liked Best Buy, but that was before their commercials belittling good ole' Santa.

When you read the often inane and simplistic columns of "Green" newspaper columnists, you get a real sense of what it would be like to live in a full nanny state.

On Friday Mrs Kobe Bryant announced she was seeking a divorce from her husband, a man she stood behind when accused of brutal assaults on women. She released the following statement, "In the interest of our young children and in light of the upcoming season, we would hope you would respect our privacy..." Excuse me, you made the decision to announce this during the "upcoming season". What is it with these people?

I think very little of a growing number of psuedo-intellectuals who seem to think it may make them appear smart with their disregard of good ole' Santa Claus.

The Answer:

You have probably hummed one of these tunes during your lifetime. The dances are Sugar Plum Fairies, Russian, Chinese, Arabian, Spanish and Mirlitons...and then the Waltz of the Flowers and Snowflakes.

By the way, what exactly is a mirliton you ask. It is a simple musical instrument like a Kazoo or a comb and tissue paper where the voice provides the tone. It is also a tubular French pastry found in New Orleans. In the Nutcracker it is the dance of the reed pipes; Although some over the years have interpreted it as the dance of the sweet candies.

The Christmas mood has entered my soul.

Happy Birthday Ludwig!

Today's Tids Issue 2,489

Opening Stuff:

At any given moment, any Beethoven piece could be one of my favorites. That was part of his genius. He could write to many moods. I think that is where he changed the music world. As brilliant as some of his composer predecssors may have been, they could never get out of their own way. Luddy, broke molds. Reached higher, and delivered majesty never heard before. Luddy?

How come the Fed keeps on boasting a decline in or a holding steady inflation rate at a time when the average person fears going to the Supermarket. It gets harder and harder to believe government stats.

Europe is on the brink of a recession, and those new austerity programs will contribute to the continent's downward spiral into a full recession in early next year. This will drag down the world economy and suck the air out of the USA already moribund GDP growth rate. So be prepared to feel the gloom for six months or so, according to leading London economists. But, China will emerge after the first quarter with very robust growth rate and pull along much of the rest of the world...except EuroZone. You can't put walls around your country any more.

The Question:

Steven Bochco was a prolific and inventive writer. Name five of his TV shows.

The Headlines:

--Markets will keep People Guessing Today.
--House And Senate Agree On Governemnt Funding Deal.
--New AP-GfK Oll: Americans 52 to 43 Say "Obama Should Be Voted Out Of Office"; It's 50-50 On Whether He Will Win; Job Performance -- Overall - Approve/Disapprove 44/54, Economy - A/D 39/60.
--Fitch Cuts Ratings Of Goldman, Deutshe Bank, Barclay, Credit Suisse, Citi, BNP Paribas, BoA.
--Popular SC Gov Nikki Haley Endorses Romney.
--Russian Customs Seize Iran-Bound Radioactive Material.
--World Court Says Killing Of Quadaffi May Have Been War Crime.

Some how the Tids Entertainment Editor muscled the Sports Editor aside, and the pig skin picks missed yesterday. (For the record, our crackerjack team included the Thursday Florida Championship -- and the winner we picked was Atlanta.) Last week was a little better and raised the year to 139-69 (67%). The puzzlers this week are Seattle-Chi, Miami-Buff, Det/Oak, Jets-Igles, Balt-SD and Pitt-SF. And because of the Tebow effect versus the porous NE defense, that too. Chi, Buff, Oak, Phil, SD and SF are my winners, mostly based on need to win versus nice to win. The rest are NO, Cinn, Houston, GB, Tenn, NYG and Ariz. Oh yeah, the Pats are the best team that Denver has faced this year. So, with a roll of Tums in my hand, I go with my guys. But something inside says that if Tebow starts rallying I could root quietly against myself.

Years ago when you forgot or failed to send out a Christmas card, people would think you didn't like them any more. Today, people think you died.

Debate Department:
Well, the Newtster continually under asault at the big debate last night, seemed to weather the storm pretty well.Hhe used self depretiating humor and facts to blunt the attacks primarily by Bachman and Santorum about Fannie/Freddie loot and ProLife stance. He brought down the house with his belittling of Obama over the Canada pipeline decision. Even though he was the focus, it wasn't all Newt. Romney and Paul looked very strong as did Santorum. Life marches on in Republand as all on the stage agreed with Paul's assessment -- "Everybody on this stage is capable of beating Obama."

The front page of the Prov Journal had in Gigantic black agate type -- "War Over". With all due respect to our fallen heroes, the headline for a war that most thought ended several years ago didn't seem to have the impact like it did for WWII.

Poser of the Day: Would you feel comfortable dating or having as a friend, Amanda Knox?

Putin seems to be a remnant of the old Us versus the evil West regime. In fact he seems to genuinely hate the the US. Now I'm no conspiracy theory guy, but I'm thinking that the CIA is organizing those protests.

Well, maybe Bach was pretty fantastic.

Some of the people down at ESPN are saying it's refreshing to be telling positive stories about Tim Tebow. They admit a certain level of being disturbed when mired down, as they often are with sports "heroes", in the mud with ongoing deplorable stories about slugs like Rothlesberger and Vick.

The culture didn't get any better when NBC decided to pick Howard Stern as a judge for America's Got talent. Stern was one of those early TV icons whose basic recognition was a result of a devotion to obscenity. Well, at least he didn't take off his clothes like some of our newer pop divas.

I was surprised to read that in the Latest Brown U Survey Gina Raimondo had but a 52% approval rating among RI'ers. But digging down you see that only 37% of Dems approve versus 60-61% for Indies and Repubs respectively. I guess Dems don't want to be saved from a deteriorating RI. Other RI stats: 85% approve voter ID's; It's 77% to 11% for the Christmas tree. And the best news of all- Cicilline has an approval rating in the low twenties!

Reading Between the Lines movie Reviews:
--I have enjoyed all of the Mission Impossible movies, and the new one, :Ghost Protocol, they say is even good! Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt's gang must go under the radar to clear their name and prevent another attack.
--There is so much action in the new Sherlock Holmes offering that it is nearly impossible to find the plot. It is another H-Wood effort that sacrifices a solid mystery for over the top action. Professor Moriarty is at large and his intellectual capacity may be equal of Holmes. His moral depravity eliminates any sense of logic in solving the case. That is the struggle.
--Alvin and the Chipmonks: Chipwrecked is...well...Alvin and the Chipmonks.

Almost Near: Chapter 56.
--I reached out with loving arms across the glistening skies.
To feel the warmth we knew as budding flowers blossomed.
To be your rock upon which to cling in the surging seas of life.
Now I see you running free, amidst the sandy dunes.
Will I disappear beneath the tides; Will I be hurled upon your shore.
  Tucker looked concerned as he sat in the window seat on the flight back to Little Rock. He would see the face of Samantha in the clouds, and then see it disappear, drawn apart by winds outside the rushing plane. He could feel the plane shudder has the face of Samantha disappeared. And then it would return. It bothered him
After the call from Audrey, he went back to the table and sat for a another half hour telling Sparrow pretty much nothing. Even though he knew everything. He could tell by Samantha's expression that she knew there was more. He had looked at his watch, and declared "Gotta catch a plane." Samantha rose and took his hand, quite tenderly he remembered, but not with that need she had shown these past months. Sparrow shook his hand, smiled, "Keep in touch," he said. Then Tucker/Tommy left not looking back. He had wondered what Sam may have looked like as he walked away. But he didn't turn. Sparrow could be a problem he thought.

The Answer:

Bochco got ink in his pen while working on a team that wrote shows like Columbo, McMilland and Wife and Ironsoide. He became a hit-maker with critically acclaimed Hill Street Blues. His other big hits were LA Law and NYPD Blue. He also wrote a series of lesser successes like Hooperman, Murder One, Brooklyn South, City of Angels, Over There, Philly and Most recently Raising the Bar.

I usually start pacing the floor Sunday morning in anticipation of the Patriots game. It seems that today I can't sit still awaiting the clash of two dissimilar quarterbacks. Brady the All pro who is 1-5 in Denver and who will be dodging two great edge rushers. And the miracle man Tebow, in reality still an unknown, facing the most porous defensive backfield in the league.

Love your weekend!

Waiting for Christmas rally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,488

Opening Stuff:

Occupy Amazon Department:
A few years ago our Tids Financial Department Editor suggested there may be an opportunity for a big box store that physically displayed tons of products as an aid to on-line buyers. I guess at that time I felt bad for the retailers, who are just used by Internet buyers. You know those hard working people who have to pay for the inventory and the help and the insurance and the rent; who may have invested their life savings into a business...to facilitate Buying On-Line. Of course now it is worse than ever, as more and more click to buy than ever before. You probably know that Amazon and others have an App that allows people to scan bar-codes in the shops of honest hardworking folks to find the best price, and then report it to Amazon -- who will give a discount to buy it there. If the company had any moral sense at all and fallowed standard Biz practices, they should pay the retailer a commission for helping drive the sale to them (The smart phone would record the point of price determination). The next sign you'll see next to that warning "No shirt,' no shoes, no entrance", should be "No Smartphones."

Newt Gingrich seems to have the ability to be whoever he wants. He wasn't conservative nor even a Republican when he damned Romney for his business tactics while at Bain Capital in turning around and invigorating businesses that provided far more jobs than those lost in the process.

The Question:

Name five of the most notable Political Consultants over the past several decades.

The Headlines:

--Market Looks To Recover; Debt Worries Dampening Enthusiasm After Positive Opening.
--New Jobless Claims At 3 1/2Year Low; Factory Data Not So Rosy.
--Morgan Stanly To Cut 1,600 Jobs.
--US Military Lowers Flags In Iraq.
--Dems Drops Tax The Rich From Discussions.
--Former French Prez Chirac Found Guilty Of Embezzling Funds.
--Putin Rejects Vote Re-Do.
--Defense Budget Passed After Removing Restrictions About Terrorist Prisoners; WH Says Prez Will Sign.

In response to our little Tid on "Worst Execs" for 2011, many readers were amazed that Corzine wasn't #1? The reason is that he is just a thief while the others were just the incredibly inept managers.

I am really happy that many, many years ago I gave up watching those droning Barbara Walters interviews. I hear the big one last night was basically unwatchable.

XFactor: Another program that is tough to watch, had it's final four sing-off last night. People were still annoyed by last week's cowardly Rachel booting, and booed Judge Nicole whats-her-name roundly at the opening. But, the show went on and the audience selected songs were better. Marcus Camby proved again why he should have been eliminated four shows ago. In the course of saving him we lost two excellent singers, Drew and Rachel. I don't particularly like Chris Rene, but he delivered on his second song. Melanie Amaro showed her class and professionalism again, and is clearly one who can win it all. Josh Krajcik was at his best and I thought the combinations of his two song selections showed his range better than the rest. Three minus Camby return next week. My final two right now would be Josh and Melanie. But Chris, the Hip-Hopper with a very strong stage presence and fan base, could win it all. But not with my vote.

This campaign for higher taxes on the rich is simply a strategy to divide the country for political purposes. The problem still remains over spending, and taxing the so-called rich is irrelevant as a solution. Period. But, alas, every President has set himself up as a defender of some bogeyman, and in 0-Man's case, his evil monster is "The Successful".

I guess the good news is that alcohol consumption by teens is way down. The temptation to jump up and down and an sing Alleluia! is tempered by knowing that at rapidly increasing rate, they are loving Pot! For medical purposes only, of course.

Pretty good Newt speech, if you are interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMjjce2Y

The Answer:

James Carveille pops into my mind, probably because his annoying New Orleans twang is ingrained in the back of my brain. Of, course the man in the Spotlight now is the latest Kingmaker, David Axelrod. But, few were better than Lee Atwater and even Pat Caddell who amazed the world by getting Jimmy Carter elected. Then there is Carl Rove who I dislike about as much as Paul Begala's incessant spinning. Another big player who twice came close to pushing mediocre Candidates -- Gore and Kerry -- into the Oval Office, is Bob Schrum. The only two political consultants I enjoy listening to are Mary Matalin and George Stephanopolis.

You know things are tough when the traders on Clueless Lane can't manipulate the market in their favor to pad year end bonuses. Hey, wait a minute, they probably are manipulating the markets in their favor. I guess I really meant my favor.

People are talking to me about January already. I thought it was still September.

Women in charge.

Today's Tids Issue 2,487
Opening Stuff:


Well...nothing happening in the world, I'm outta here! Just k-i-d-d-i-n-g.

There's a lot happening in the world, it's just that a lot of Americans don't seem to know it. As more evidence of America losing in its collective mind, I give you Yahoo's "Most Searched Items for 2011". Here's what Americans want to know: Starting with #1 we have iPhone. then the inquisitive minds go to Casey Anthony, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan, American Idol, Jennifer Anniston, japan Earthquake and Osama bin Ladem. Ask!'s list had Kardasian, Justin, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kate Middleton, Ashton Kuthcher M. Jackson (Dead -oooo-weee-oooo), Selena Gomez, Lohan and Sheen. "So that's the way it is, this Wednesday 2011."

The Question:

Name the the worst Corporate execs for 2011.

The Headlines:

--Euro Fade has Clueless Lane Looking To Declining Market.
--China Imposing Tarriffs -- 2%-21% -- On Car Imports From US;
--Obama Reaches New High In Un-favorability Rating.
--House Passes Payroll Tax Extension; Now In Hands Of Dem Senate.
--Time Mag Man -- Man, Person, Thing of the Year: The Protestor.
--Man Kills 4, Injures 122 In Belgian Shopping center.
--Media On Sideline Ready to Pounce Upon Gingrich Mistakes.
--Sandusky Lawyer Mistakenly Suggests Calling "Gay Sex Site" For Truth About Accusations.

I listen to the TV show "The View" in the background while working away, and come away with one thought: I hope if the country is ready for a woman president, that this is not an example of what we will get. Aspirin anybody?

I really hate that Idea of "American being ready for a woman, black, Hispanic et. al." Or "It's time for a ..." It was brought home as I watched a hokey local program (I watch it every year) that would choose the "Guest Host for A Year" for the "Rhode Show". They had five finalists as always and this year it happened to be all women. In little recaps of their resume's they all looked intelligent, spritely and attractive. Certainly Maria Gonzales was too, equal or better than the others. But, for her closing remark she said "It's time for a Hispanic." I don't think so...it's time for who is best.

Looks like the Cougar abandoned the cub. America's anchor woman Katie C has taken the milk bowl away from her 17 year young beau, Brooks Perlin. She says it was becasue of priority conflicts attributed to ...what?...age difference. For the record she is 54 and he is...what! math problem.

"Feeling Wanted" in the NBA is spelled M-O-N-E-Y!

I've been keeping an eye on those Tebow games. Last Sunday I tuned in with about 3 or 4 minutes left, Denver down by 10. With the ball in the hands of daBears. I thought, no miracle comeback... no way this time. Then I watched and wondered one more time -- who says he can't pass. I've played a lot of sports and watched tons of games and have learned one thing. The player with the big heart always has the chance to come out on top.

I love "Hokey" stuff.

A major difference between China and America is that China is all Chinese. Over here, the "Melting Pot" is looking more like a bowl of succulent creamy gravy or rich cheese sauce that separates upon reheating. It's time for oneness. Again.

I really don't like today's oft repeated phrases like "Man-up" and "Go girl."

Almost Near: Chapter 55 continues. --
"I grew up in the same town as Samantha, so of course I know them They seemed nice. I moved away when I was in my early twenties. Wanted to be a writer! Can't do that in your home town, can you?" Sparrow just looked at him with no reaction. Hi stare seemed to unnerve Tucker. He looked quickly towards Samantha. She was smiling quietly. "That's really about it. I heard they had moved. I think Sam and I heard that together from her friend....um..."
"Martha?" Samantha looked composed to Tucker.
"That's it. So, detective Sparrow, what have you found?"
"I didn't say we had found anything. I just always thought there was something odd about it all."
Tucker felt a vibration in his pocket, reached in picked up his cell phone, mouthed "excuse me" and looked down. He frowned. "I've got to take this." He rose and left the table, walking towards the cash register area.
"Waddaya think."
"I think what he said is probably true, but I don't think he said anything."

The Answer:

Topping the list is Reed Hastings who in twinkling took the smooth sailing Netflix into a chasm where 800,000 customers left in what seemed like seconds. Worse than losing customers, was the loss of the edge the company had enjoyed ahead of the rampaging Google and Amazon. Next were RIM co-CEO's Mike Lazardis and Jim Balsillie who forgot about the competition while trying to buy an NHL Team. And then there was that worldwide service outage atop of executive inattention. RIM joined Netflix in losing "half their market" in one year. Third is Leo Apotheker who couldn't figure out whether HP was keeping or selling its computer biz. He was only there 11 months, and missed every financial target. For is failure he received a $25Mil Chute, $7.5 mil Severance, 580,000 shares of various stock forms and a $2.4 Mil bonus to relocate his family. Maybe OWS has a point.

If you always found a ringing phone at home annoying, why would you want to carry a phone with you when you're away from home?

It's an anecdotal world.

Today's Tids Issue 2,485
Opening Stuff:

Is Intel the harbinger of Q4 reports to come? There have been rumblings as far back as the late summer about the shortfall in the PC supply chain. The rumblings may in fact have been early warnings about sour notes in the jazzy electronics products markets. And, it's not just slowing sales for PC's, but the inability to get components to make them if/when sales return. If you read between the circuit boards, the next wave for the popular tablets will be hardened, workhorse PC competitive tablets beginning, they say, with the soon to be announced IPad3. The big question, "Where exactly is Microsoft as a player in this potential paradigm shift?

One of the keys to less anguish during the pre-Christmas rush, is to never buy cheap Scotch tape imitations.

The more you think about the ills of America, the more apparent it becomes that term limits is the answer.

It's the Independents, stupid!

The Question:

George Gershwin was an incredible musician/composer, somewhat like a Leonard Bernstein, who was adept at creating exceptional jazz and popular music along with serious classical moments. Name five pieces of Gershwin's timeless music.

The Headlines:

--Retail Sales Miss Expectations For November.
--Small Bounce-back Seen For Markets Today.
--Repubs Now More Confident Adding Canadian-Texas Pipeline To Payroll Tax Saving Bill; Big Bill Would Also Curb Fed Agency Spending But Not Many Annoying Regulations.
--Canada Withdraws From Kyoto Protocol; First Country Out Deals Blow To Climate Nuts.
--Prez Says US Will Stick By Iraq.
--Sandusky Abruptly Waves Hearing That Would Have Him facing Accusers; Masses of Journalists In Area Expected To Go Ice Fishing..
--"No News" News: Corzine Re-testifies That $1.2 Bil Is Still Missing.
--Obama Asks Iran To Return His Airplane.
--Chelsea Makes TV "Reserved" Debut With Puff Piece On Black Woman Helping Kids In Ark.

I don't go to Chinese restaurants that put peas in their fried rice. Period.

A reader observes that Governor Chafee-lite will probably call the Hanukkah Menorah, the Holiday Candlestick.

Chinese take-out is made in America.

When you think about it, all of our current ills in households, government entities, companies and whole countries boils down to irresponsible spending of money they don't have.

I used to worry about losing a few good people due to term limits, but now I know that keeping a few good people isn't enough of a payback.

Newt sounds like a politician and Mitt sounds like somebody who's accomplished something.

It appears to this observer that redistricting in RI will make my town beholden to South Providence, and that we will be saddled with little prevaricator Cicilline for two more years.

Stores really look busy this Christmas. But, it's discounts that's drawing them in -- and drawing profits down. TV cameras can show masses of people, but they don't focus on the cash across the counter. It's like political soundbites that don't begin to tell the whole story.


Almost Near: Chapter 55 continues. --
Samantha's eyes lit up, and Tucker immediately turned his head towards her glance, There stood Defective Sparrow, smiling down at Samantha. "How are you feeling this morning You look great." He smiled broadly.
Tucker swung his head back to Samantha, "What happened to you?"
But Samantha stood without answering and went over to Sparrow, touched his wrist, "Thanks for yesterday. Sorry I'm so unstable!" She laughed and looked over at Tucker. "As in trippng, I mean." And she laughed even harder at the little joke. Turning to Tucker, "This is Detective Sparrow of the Police department her. he's looking back into the death and disappearance of my father and mother's suicide. John, this is Tucker Louttite, the man I rely on for my sanity. He has told me he knew my parents."
Sparrow, still laughing at Samantha's humor, moved his admiring glance away from Samantha and put out his hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Louttite." Then he pulled out a chair and sat as Samantha returned to her chair. He nudged it closer to Samantha. "You may be just the man we needed, Mr,.."
"Tucker, you can call me Tucker."

The Answer:

Frankly, I first think of "Rhapsody in Blue". But, The "(Piano) Concerto in F" and "American in Paris" are equally great examples of contemporary classical music. On the popular and Broadway side, Porgy and Bess is an American institution. Other shows are Strike up the Band, Lady be Good, Funny Face and Girl Crazy. Among his singes, as they would call it to day, we have Summertime, I Got Rhythm, Swanee, Embraceable You, Someone to Watch Over Me, Shall We Dance, I've Got a Crush, Somebody Loves Me, It Ain't Necessarily So on You and mountains more. One of his little known pieces for piano and vocal that could be really big today is "Vodka".

As they say in the tune, "I'm just drifting along with the breeze", avoiding any temptation at all to go Christmas Shopping. Procrastination is a wonderful thing,

8 More days to Hanukkah.

Today's Tids Issue 2,485
Opening Stuff:

Friday, Connecticut courts sentenced the second savage who in 2007 brutally raped then murdered a mother and two daughters in their Cheshire Connecticut home. It took four years and two trials, millions of dollars, and the repeated psychological assault on the lives and minds and hearts of the remaining, loving relatives. Why? I don't get law sometimes.

There's only one good reason to keep your cell phone on at all times. To call it so you can find it when it's lost.

Britain abstained from the commitment by other European countries to support the losers who are bringing down the Euro, and perhaps the world economy. Britain which at one time was moving towards adopting he Euro has now said, "We're never going to join the Euro, and we're not going to give up the sovereignty that other countries are having to give up." That's the problem with Euro-Style socialism, there always large group more than happy to live off those who do the heavy lifting. In Europe today it seems to be countries willing to give up their proud heritage to rescue not the poor, but the bad decisions makers. It's kind of like society today in General, isn't it? People don't think of the consequences, of the the people around them and the effects of their actions on others lives. I'll just get mine, and if I mess up, I'll just say I'm sorry. Pretty pathetic.

Driving around now-a-days is a feast of colored lights, Santa, reindeer, snowman and of course magnificent creches. The varying displays will draw oohs from many and criticisms from others. But the good, the bad and the ugly all say the same exact thing; people are pouring out their hearts in celebration! They all look great to me.

The Question:

Double day! 1. A boat has a ladder that has seven rungs, each rung being one foot apart. If there are two rungs above water and the tide falls 12 inches every 30 minutes for the next 3 hours, how many rungs will be above water? 2. Name the 2 best known Connie Francis songs.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Says Friday Jubilation After Euro Summit Agreement Over-Reaction To Minimal Plan; Stocks Look To Go Lower.
--Tebow Amazes The Masses Again.
--al-Qaida Inmates Escape In Yemen Prison Break.
--Obama's New Campaign Tact: Blame Country;s Unhappiness On Republican Mistakes; Signifies Prez Inability To Run On Own Record.
--Newt Survives Fellow Repubs Attacks In Latest debate As Frontrunner.
--Italian Woman Leaves $13.1 Million Fortune To Cat; Meow!

Interesting how the great Jewish observance Hanukkah sneaks upon us quietly, with reverence. Maybe it's because the Jews celebrate it for what it is, its intinsic beauty, and not because of how plays upon the national stage.

I think I spent a semester in college listening to Tchaikovsky's 4th and the death scene from Tristan and Isolde. For fun!

The Tids new working slogan is Maintaining Balance in Life through Sarcasm.

You look at the blood in the streets; the dictators chanting, ranting; the the crumbling houses; the anguish on the faces of the struggling throngs. And then, you look across the dessert to the Dubai Golf Championship. The mystery of the middle east. Amazing how the focus of a camera can change one's view, isn't it.

Mozart often lost his cool during concerts, but was always able to compose himself.

If the world's cameras only focused on our celebrity mayhem, the OWS in the streets, think of what the world would think of the USA.

You can take that to the bank, Department:
You can be sure that the "O" Campaign Team is working overtime to get the jobless rate to 8% before the election. And, considering the last report showing whopping 0.5 drop after a minimal private jobs creation number but a large left-the-seeking-work number, I'm counting on our unbiased 4th Estate to keep us properly informed on any admin finagling. Yeah, sure. Meanwhile 0-Man is firmly affixed in the above the fray mode.

The Unemployment number is one thing, but how about the wealth being lost by families? Over the summer American families lost on average $21,286! Maybe using the word "wealth" is the wrong tact...for that would surely bring down upon the "everyday savers for retirement" the wrath of the white house.

And then, there is Bobby Bonds awaiting sentencing -- the poster child for above-the-laws-meant-for-the-little-person celebs.

That Pats/Skins game in the DC area yesterday looked like it was refereed by government employees.

It is hard to believe that the insular French, and a German nation that started two world wars to expand their sovereignty, are actually willing to give some of it up.

But then, the NFL is becoming as PC as society in general, PC kind of takes the heart out of everything, doesn't it? Especially the truth.

Has anybody figured out yet just why 0-Man won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Did you hear about the guy who while standing at the graveside of the great Ludwig Von Beethoven heard the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th symphonies played backwards? He was decomposing.

Almost Near: Chapter 54. -- "Hi Samantha!" Samantha looked around and saw a smiling Tucker, calm, relaxed staring down at her as she nibbled on an English muffin in the hotel breakfast room. She rose immediately.
"Tucker, Tucker..." she threw her arms around him and buried herself in his. She stayed that way for thrity seconds. "Where have you been? You just disappeared."
"I'm just working to help you."
"How did you know I was here? Why would you look for me here?"
"Oh, it wasn't superhuman mystic powers," he pushed a ways and smiled. "I called the woman in Dante's office. Terrible what happened there." Tucker noticed a certain sadness in her eyes."
"It's awful Tucker. Just awful. He's a pretty nice guy." She moved away his arms and sat. "Want some coffee?"
She pushed the coffee carafe his was, and he poured. "So, why are you here?" he smiled as he added, "My mystic powers aren't that good."
Samantha explained the death of her parents, and how she thought there might be clues to her real life. She didn't tell him everyhting she had learned or what she felt inside about learning more about herself. "Did you know my parents? What were they like?"

The Answer:

1. As we all know the boat goes up and down with the tide, so two rungs are always above water. I know you got that one right away. 2. I never really liked Connie Francis all that much. I probably just hummed along because a girl friend of the moment liked her. Her best known twosome were Where the Boys Are and Who's Sorry Now.

Don't try to measure, define, critique the love in the hearts of people.

I have found that the vast majority of Jews look at the green tree for the season and say, "Of course it's a Christmas tree."

December hash.

Today's Tids Issue 2,484
Opening Stuff:

Are you getting the feeling that baseball salaries are bigger than the Greece GDP?

There are a lotta folks who coulda bin, but only a few who is.

You may not have noticed, but my aching fingers have -- The Tids is creeping up on its 2,500th Fun Packed issue! If I'm up to it, I may do something special, like know tyypos!

If you want to be "In" during 2012, stock your wardrobe with Pantone Color Institute's "Color of the Year" -- "Tango Tangerine". It's like a vibrant, redder, coho salmon with zing. Before cooking. Much more red than orange.

The Question:
Which National stock markets, both emerging countries and so-called established markets did best to date?

The Headlines:

--Big Countries Compromise Nationalist Views; Move to Save Euro.
--Consumer Confidence Best Since June'
--Markets Rising On Euro Action And Confidence.
--Putin Consulting With Image Makers.
--US Defense Experts Fear Iran Selling Stealth Drone Secrets To China, Russia.
--SC Meeting Today To Determine Whether Or Not To Rule On Arizona Immigration Law.
--African Nations Say Obama Push For Gay/Lesbian Human Rights Is "Abhorrent"; Uganda Senior Advisor Says "I Don't Like Her (Hillary) Tone At All"; Almost All Of Africa's 54 Nations Ban Homosexuality.


Illinois, California and the United States seem to think that the only problem with their near disaster deficit ridden budgets is that people aren't paying enough taxes. All of the other US entities seem to be gaining an inkling that perhaps they may be spending too much. It takes a while for politicians to wake up...or is that, have the guts to get honest with themselves.

At 25, Lindsey Lohan is just another average wasted blond has-been. Actually, it is kind of sad. Any time a human goes down the tubes it's sad.

It's early, but it appears that new URI Pres Dooley is the leader they've needed for a long, long time down there in beautiful Kingston. So far he looks up to turning the state university into one of the great learning institutions.

The food manufacturers are doing a good job with their quickie meal sides of rice, pasta or mash pots. As fast as advertised and quite tasty.

It's tough to get the Christmas spirit when there are so many people arguing amongst themselves over just who has the better idea about the Christmas spirit. But then, think about that great letter to a little girl who wanted to believe from "The Sun's" Francis Pharcelius Church, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." "He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist; And they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy." Believing without seeing is the faith that moves the world. Bah-Humbug to the mathematicians.

Jon Stewart delivered a humorous bit the other night featuring RI Gov. Chafee-Lite and slamming those who worry about the sancitiy of Christmas. In a snide reference about Congress historically being open on The Day just like a 7/11, he used the ACLU and an agendized History Channel special "Christmas Unwrapped" as his sources. Bad idea. An examination of actual Congress records showed he was 100% incorrect. "But Jeez Mom, it was on TV. It must be right because Jon Stewart is famous."

Goosebumps don't count on the X-Factor. Frankly the program has become totally unwatchable, especially the histrionics of the judges. They have done one thing well, they have connected with a demographic totally opposite that of AI.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Tinker, tailor, Soldier, Spy is, yes, that Great Jon LeCarre series of cold ar novels that often left my mind boggling and my eyelids heavy. But, the great story, the great intrigue was always there. You just had to catch up and keep pace. The movie seems to pull it all together as Famed M16 (The Circus) intelligence officer George Smiley narrows down a list of suspects who may be a mole...including himself.
--The episodic movie New Years Eve has one thing going for it -- if one story gets tedious there's always another around the corner. With stars aplenty tghis film looks at the stories of people as the dorpping of the ball approaches, including Hillary Swank as the woman in charge of the ball dropping. Some of the stories are quite connected and others lead to a connection. I tend to like that style, but I'm not sure this one isn't too much.
--The Sitter is probably pretty stupid with annoying precocious foul mouthed tykes (A new H-Wood trend?). Loser college student gets sitting job, but must take kids along on quest for sexual adventurer which gets dangerous. I think you can write the plot. Just get low and superficial.

I think I'm getting real tired of the new genre of movies featuring misfit, foul-mouthed kids coming home from rehab.

Trump is trying to create a controversy over the fact that several Repub candidates aren't showing up for his Newsmax debate. Do you think maybe that the Candidates are thinking the debate would only be about Trump?

Almost Near: Chapter 53 continues. --
"I met the kids and they are fine. Nice kids, leading me to believe they were raised buy somebody other than a Quimpiere. The Quimpiere Aunt, Florence, who has them is a nice woman who actually moved away from here to avoid the antics of her family. And she feels sorry for the boy's mother. But, You know all about that twosome."
"Everybody does. Keep going. But, I warn you I may hold you in contempt of detective!" He smiled. John is a nice guy, he's just a power mad pain in the ass. She stared back at him.
"The kids said the their mom hid them because their dad beat the crap out of mom, and Florence said she became worried he would go after them now that the were older."
"So, around the time she secures the kid's safety, the abuser gets whacked with a shovel. Doesn't look good for your woman."
"I'm telling you this John, because you are smarter than the average cop." She smiled an exaggerated smile. "The kids love that suspect of yours. And, she has a much bigger story than just that in which you're involved. I've been trying to get more out of Tucker, because I have this feeling he knows a lot. I'm beginning to believe he has been manipulating this poor woman for years."
John handed her the phone. "Call him. Get him down here."
"Uh-huh, I see. When. No kidding." Audrey looked up. He checked out!"
"For some reason , that doesn't surprise me."

The Answer:
The best average for the "Deveoped Stock Markets is the 2% gain for Ireland. For those emerging it is Indonesia with 4%. All of the rest are negative for the year. The rest of the developed in order are US (-2%), Spain (-15), Germany, France, Japan, Italy and Greece (63). On the emerging side it's Mexico, Russia, China, Turkey, India , Brazil and Egypt (42)

It's getting to be that time of year when I start wearing socks again. It's been a great ride while it lasted.

Go Lehigh, Beat South Dakota State.