Ray's explode; Sox implode.

Today's Tids Issue #2,432
Opening Stuff:


Yesterday Red Sox manager Terry Francona said, "This is good for baseball." So that 's why he created the biggest September collapse in the history of the storied game! For the good of baseball? Are you kidding me.

The good news is that federal agents catch obscure potential terrorist bombers just in the nick of time. How do they do it. They must be really good or potential terrorist bombers are really, really stupid. I'm happy the Feds are good. But I am just amazed how among 300,000,000 people they are able to ferret out one innocuous person just before he/she plans to fire a bomb.

The Question:
Name the Top ten Colleges with respect to having the highest average mid-career salaries.

The Headlines:

--Red Sox Set New Record For September Futility.
--Stock Futures Up; Better Than Expected Readings On Jobless Bennie Apps And 2Q GDP; However, 1.3 2Q GDP Growth Considered Dangerously Weak.
--Merkel Wins Bailout Vote With Own Coalition Majority; Coalition Support Seen As Vote Of Confidence In her Drive To Stabilize Eurozone.
--Maine Ups Speed Limit To 75MPH.
--Consumer Spending Down 2% Except For health Care And Transportation (Gasoline) Which Are Up.
--Greek Civil Servants Shut Down Doors Of Government Ministries In Advance Of New Austerity talks.
--Syria Regime Loyalists Pelt US Embassy With Tomatoes.
--Pakistan PM Says US Must Stop Blaming Islamabad For Regional Instability.
--Younger American Jews Do ot Share Parents Vision For Israel.

Many were surprised yesterday when the 0-Team decided to ask for a Supreme Court hearing on ObamaCare. People in the know weren't. The main reason for anything these days is the election in 2012. The fear in the White House was that this would drag on til next summer. Second, if this were to remain in the 11th Circuit Court, the Admin would have lost decisively. So now we have a new debate to watch on TV other than the guilt or innocence of Michael Jackson's Doc. One that may actually have something to do with our lives.

Greek civil servants are destroying the pensions of American seniors. I'm off moussaka forever.

Last night may have been the most incredible baseball night ever. With the Rays down comfortably 7-0 and the Sox appearing to be playing with determination up 3-2 before the rain delay, I went to bed happy. We got it, I thought. I awoke at 2:30 and turned on the TV to see the end of the rain-out game. Zowie! How could it be? Right between the eyes. I turned on the radio and cried along with callers and sports talkers.

I feel like I'm back in the "Sox" days before 2004. When in the Fall your heart always seemed to be residing in the bottom fo your stomach.

Duh comment of the Week:
Bernanke: "Lack of Jobs a Crisis." How much are we paying this guy. I think it's about time he goes back into the vault. Many say that monetary policy fixes will have no effect on improving the economy. And that includes KC Fed head Thomas Hoenig. He was not in favor of either of the two QE's nor the Fed's pledge to keep interest rates low. Robust economies don't exist on lending based on Zero, he opines. Now, 3 other Fed Bank Heads have joined his chorus. Meanwhile Bernanke keeps talking and the Dow sinks every time. Is there a clue in here somewhere.

Correction: Speaking of 2 QE's, that was not the QE II in Newport harbor yesterday. It was the Queen Mary II. Sorry. Still majestic, though.

Is there a more celebrated child rapist in history than Roman Polanski. How demented is this Worldwide film crowd that continually fawns over this guy who if he were Joe Shmoe on Elm Street would have a sign on his door "Warning: This guy is a danger to neighborhood children". And Hollywood would be making movies about their despicable acts.

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Samantha heard footsteps on the dock. The sound of footsteps walking slowly on the dock seemed to be inches from her hiding place. "Samantha, it's Tucker. Are you here?" Sam froze. held her breath. "I remember those beautiful days when we were kids playing on these docks. How much fun we had. You were always happy here. Remember how you and I loved it here. 'I feel safe' you always told me. 'If anything happens I can always get away on a boat,' you said. I thought you might have returned. But, maybe you don't remember." Samantha tried to breathe quietly. She thought she sounded like the exhaust of jet taking off. But the footsteps didn't come nearer. "I remember the first time we kissed, sitting on the end of this dock. I will never forget that."
That seemed to ease her fear, but still she decided not to move, not to be found. She moved her clenched arms and felt a small tingel as the blood began recirculating again. Her body sagged as she relaxed a bit.
"Why would you want to feel safe from Dante and me. Dante seems like a nice guy."
Why isn't he moving away, she thought. Then she smiled a little as she thought of Dante. He didn't seemed bad. Why she running. Is there something wrong with her? Finally she heard foot steps moving down the dock to shore. She remained quiet. It was getting cold sitting in the puddle in the bottom of the boat. She wanted to move, but didn't think she should.
"Samantha". She heard footsteps on another dock, much farther away this time. She had to get away; be by herself. Find out what was happening. Something was happening. She moved her head enough to peak out from under the canvas look around the boat. And then she saw them. Just like she remembered from some time long ago. Keys in the little cubby by the center console.

The Answer:
#1 is Princeton. It is followed by CalTech, Harvy Mudd, Harvard, MIT, Dartmouth, Duke, NYU-Poly, Tie -- Lehigh U, Colgate, Stanford --, Holy Cross, SUNY Maritime, Bucknell and Amherst. See em' all -- http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-us-colleges-graduate-salary-statistics.asp.

Why do I have this feeling that the Pats are going to disappoint me this year more than the Sox. Is it becasue their defense sucks? probably.

Sign in a restaurant: "Don't throw cigarette butts on the floor. the cockroaches will get cancer."

It ain't what it is.

Today's Tids #2,430)
(Written: 9/27)
Opening Stuff:


I have mixed emotions about this Amanda Knox thing. I think there's a lot more going on behind that sweet innocent appearing face, and that she may be a master at disguising it.

Every time I look at the political landscape, Dems unhappy with 0-Man and Repubs disillusioned with everyone, I'm thinking Hillary sneaking through in 2012.

And, Newt Gingrich with his game face on can take anybody in a debate including a possible Dem Candidate. Unfortunately he evokes a passion among voters similar to that of Red Sox fans for John Lackey.

The bunch of kids diving off a wharf created a lot of pier pressure.

The Question: 
Bonus Day! 1. Name five Jackie Gleason characters. 2. Apparently a guy named Matt Kemp of the LA Dodgers may become the first guy to win baseball's triple Crown (Average, RBI's, Homers) since...what year? Name the five previous winners.

The Headlines:

--Progress With Greece Portends Better Days On Wall Street. (That Is Until WS Traders Need A Sell Off -- Greece Will Be Bad Again).
--Congressional Haggling Has Disaster Victims Up In Air.
--Fighting Continues In Syria, Libya And Yemen.
--Typhoons Pound Philippines; Tens Of Thousands In India Stranded By Floodwater's.
--S&P Sees Some Liquidity Problems With China Property developers.

It looks like 1 1/2 Men to me.

Tell me again why I'm supposed to feel sympathetic towards people who broke the law coming to our country, putting their kids in jeopardy dragging them along with them.

Last night I was stwtching channels between the Red Sox and Monday NFL games when I came across two chunky people in a ridiculously inane conversation. I thought it was the Biggest Loser. But then they started dancing, if you call it dancing, and amidst thunderous approval from a naive audience I found it was Chaz Bono and his/her partner. What farce. I watched it for 30 seconds.

Don't you think it's about time to retire the headline: "Diana Nyad forced to quit swim."

To the average outsider RI looks like a Union driven State, and for the most part with respect to economics, it is. But there is another slice of Rhode Island, beyond the state legislature, beyond the hitmen, beyond the jobless standing in lines -- "Swamp Yankees"! these are the rock-ribbed, hardworking, invisible communities of people who's ancestors probable helped settle the cities first, and then outreaches later...as far back as the 1640's. Many were probably outcasts back then, or just people who didn't like hanging around with he masses. They moved or were assigned by the establishment towards the cheapest land generally near a swamp. They reflect the industirousness of Wasps past and now live for the most part without wanting or requiring big Government fixes. Yup, RI is much more than the Illegal Alien State.

The US manufacturing industry is seriously heading towards a "so-called "Lights-Out" discipline, meaning that machines will do more and more of the work without people. It's one of the few ways to bring manufacturing back to an America void with people skilled enough to do the work of past generations, and probably the only way US manufacturers can compete in the new global economy. Of course, the problem is that this onetime foundation for higher income middle Americans will need fewer and fewer people. But...it doesn't appear that the declining job opportunities will be only relegated to manufacturing! The service industry jobs are under attack too. For instance, restaurants are putting IPads on tables so customers can view the menu, choose their items and pay their bills (Including splitting between credit cards) without the aid of a waiter or a waitress. Lower paid (And tipped) Servers will deliver whatever the consumer plugs into the tablet, which could be requests for more water, new silverware. et. al. in addition ot the meal. The consumer comes out ahead with a sense of immediacy and lower tipping.

So, if all of this technology replaces lots and lots of jobs, what will the people do? It's kind of a discouraging dilemma isn't it. With the potential for a return to single earner households, which would undoubtedly produce serious deflation among other negative results. The good news is that the US would be able to compete with third world countries.

Maybe the decline of the Red Sox is casting a gloom throughout the Tids room today.

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Samantha huddled down in the boat, listening again. Was she mistaken, or is somebody out there.
"Samantha." It was here name and the vice sounded closer. Did anyone see her or is it a coincidence. It sounded like Tucker. Why is he over here and not by the restaurant or the bluff where she originally went to after running from the restaurant. Does Tucker somehow know that this was a favorite place that she has somehow remembered? "Samantha, it's Tucker. Don't be afraid."
"But she was afraid. Was she afraid of Tucker and Dante, or was she afraid of her self. She was infatuated with Dante, but Tucker has been very nice to her. She felt like she was in love with him. We are lovers, aren't we. She was so confused. She pulled her self together to make herself feel smaller. She didn't think she wanted to be found. She saw a canvas boat cover in the bow. She crawled over through sea water residue, and scrunched in under it. She needed not to be found. She would do what she had to do alone.

Do you know what bothers me most about restaurants? It's when immediately after being seated (Especially after a wait) the waiter/waitress doesn't stop by with a cordial greeting to let you know at least that they recognize you are there.

The Answer: 
1. Of course Ralph Kramdon of the Honey oomers is best known. But many other were just as good including, Reginal Van Gleason, Rudy the repairman, Joe the Bartender (With Mr. Dennehy), Te Poor Soul, Rum Dum, Fenwick Babbit, Charlie Bratton and The Bachelor. 2. Carl Yaztremsky was the last Triple Crown winner in 1967. The precvious four were Frank Robinson 1966, Micky Mantle 1956 and Ted Williams 1947 and 1942.

Funny headline of the Day: "Topless Rhianna shocks Northern Ireland farmer." Say what?

Doomsday...or?

Today's Tids Issue #2,431

Opening Stuff:

Tonight's the night for Red Sox fans. Some are silently hoping that the Sox don't make the playoffs because it would be so embarrassing if they did and played the way they have been playing.

As I road over the bridge this morning I watched the mighty Queen Mry II ease into our harbor. That massive, magnificent ship gliding easily as if floating on air. First the bow. Then the turn to starboard. And finally all 963 feet laying before me in still waters; Rippling sunshine reflecting the beauty of a new morning. It's a nice way to wake up.

I have no interest in the trial of Michael's Doc, but it looks like it's going to dominate our lives on TV.

The Question: 

How many essays has Andy Rooney delivered on 60 minutes?

The Headlines:

--New Europe Uncertai8nty (Again) Has Stocks Slipping Towards Negative.
--Amazon Introduces IPad Competitive Tablet For $199.
--Mortgage Apps Up; Business Spending Up; Durable Goods Orders Down.
--Listeria Outbreak From Colorado Cantaloupes Infects 73 nationally; Tids Health Editor Recommends Gravy And Cheetos.
--Health Insurance Premiums Growing At Rate Triple That Of 2010.
--Middle East Continues To Confuse World.
--Iran Sending Ships To US Territorial Waters.
--Finally: US Scientists Find That Dead Satellite Fell Harmlessly Into Southern Pacific.

Fleece shirts appear to be the new winter wear of choice, at least among fleece lovers like me.. This new thinner fleece material is lighter and less bulky, but still keeps you warm.

A friend of mine who plays golf at one of NYC's most prestigious clubs received an email because he was a former US Marine. The reason...Medal Of Honor winner Marine Sergeant Dakota Meyer was coming to play in a charitable event. My friend said Dakota, who wore his medal while playing, was one of the nicest guys..and very funny! He said he felt a lot of pride in his aging Marine heart as he walked the course. As did all around.

Andy Rooney is 92! He will give his last opinion on Sunday. Andy was the reason I watched 60 minutes. Actually I rarely watch it. I just tune in about 12 of 8:00.

Chris Christie got Republicans salivating last night, but it is still a no-go for the presidential run. Maybe he's just setting them up for a Convention surprise. After all, he will be more experienced by then.

The Answer:
Old Eyebrows has given us some advoice 1,096 times. That's pretty good for an amateur. the Tids is up to 2,431.

The weather is just too nice. I'm going sailing. See you with another fun packed Tids tomorrow

That is... if the Red Sox win and TB loses.

Timeless Tunes.

Today's Tids Issue #2,429
(Written 9/26)
Opening Stuff:


I'll never get tired of singing Roger and Hammerstein's "Oh what a beautiful Morning!". Inspiring simplicity at its' best.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning Candidate, Department:
I'm voting for Barry Hinkley as the new Senator from RI -- Period. He's campaigning on the "We're-runnin'-outta-money-and-you-gotta-learn-to-deal-with-it" platform. He has lots of facts and tons of commons sense. But, you'd better listen to him now before the well known forces in the is state start distorting his message and character with irrelevant side issues. He's a life long New Englander from a family of boat builders, And an 8th generation descendant Col. James Barrett who led the minutemen at North Bridge in Concord and fired some of those first shots "heard round the world" But Hinkley does not dwell on the past; He looks to rebuilding a future that may measure up to the greatness and ideals of America's past.

Separated at Birth Department:
Hunter Mahan and Aaron Baddeley.

The Question:
Quick now, which NFL Teams are 3-0?

The Headlines:

--New EU Doubts Have World Stocks Falling.Today's Headlines:
--Legal Battle Between Apple And Samsung Could Crimp Growth Of tablets.
--Government Shutdown Looming As House Takes Sides.
--Amazon Tablet Due Out This Week Would Rival IPad, Experts Say.
--Palestine/Israel Agreement Possibilities Boil Down To Settlement Hiatus.
--Ellsbury Helps Sox Live for One More Day.
--Bill Haas Wins Fed-Ex And PGA Tour Tournament.

Calling for Apps Department:
I'll be hunting for them for you, but what better source for ideas and commentary than all of you who are able to decipher the Tids each day. So, here's the deal. I'm going to enable The Tids as an Apps sharing transfer station. Send me your App experiences. Then you'll be getting ideas and warnings from people just like your self -- smart and wary. So send in your App suggestions and app Stories.

The headline shouted, "Putin agrees to run for Presidency." How magnanimous of him! What a scam. But, he is a powerful force and doesn't appear to be a friend of our country. And certainly doesn't buy into kumbaya diplomacy.

You may have been reading a lot lately about the mass migration of football schools from the Big East to the ACC. Why I say? In the history of NCAA Bowl games for all conferences The Big East has the winning-est percentage of .568. Next at .560 is the SEC. They are followed by Pac-10, Big 8, ACC (.489), Big 12, Big 10, WAC and Southwest. But, here's the odd part. A big percentage of ACC's .489 win total were from Miami and VaTech while they were in the Big East. So, I gotta think that all of these schools are really moving to get the halo effect of the ACC basketball teams because except for Fla. State and occasionally Clemson, the ACC has been rather enemic. Almost as weird as why Obama got elected!

A Hinkley-Whitehouse campaign would be a great one. They agree on barely nothing.

Isn't amazing how many Americans sitting in the comfort of their quiet living rooms, love associating themselves with the perceived romance and idealism of the so-called "Arab Spring"; while the wives and children of those Middle East fighters sit in dark, torn homes in fear, or in mourning, wondering if it is worth all of the blood.

Once the song "There's A Place For Us" gets into my mind, I'm humming it all day long.

People are loving the movie Money Ball.

I think I have found a flaw in my "Vigorous Localism" theory of Government. It's Called the "Gordon effect". One of the perceived advantages of a bottom up government is knowing your candidates and elected officials, hopefully almost personally. However, there's a Republican, yes a republican in RI, named Gordon who was elected to the General Assembly. But the voters never knew he had been in jail in MA for attempted murder and has a rap sheet continuing many other misdemeanors. When he held a press conference to restore his image, he out and out lied about receiving a Purple Heart and fighting in Iraq. He was never near Iraq, in fact spent all of time as a mechanic in an area thousands of miles from bullet one. But maybe, if the the spotlight was turned locally upon the most important players in the Governmental chain, the no-names wouldn't slip though as they do now. the no-names would slip through into Washington. But, there wouldn't be any money there to waste.

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Samantha shook her head. "I've got to do something about this." She was talking to herself, but this time it made sense. "Who can I trust. And, why do I feel a sense of trust with some and not others." She rose and peeped quickly over the breakwater. Nobody was there.
She ran to the closest dock. She knew this area. But she should if what everybody has been saying was right. This was her home. If this is my home, what is Lobster Cove? A dream. But, Tucker isn't a dream. He's real. Isn't he.
She almost tripped as she sprang up to the docks cathing her toe on the hard weathered wood. Her eyes shut as she felt that pain. Put she kept running, through "Boat Owners Only" gate and down the floating piers.
As she found the Grady White she had seen form the breakwater, she turned and jumped in. Crouching immediately. She thought she heard her name being called.

Quiz Answer: 

Surprise! Perrenial patsies Buffalo and Detroit join last year's champ Green Bay as the only two 3-0 teams. And.. another long time loser, The Skins, could make it four tonight.

Another of my all time favorite songs is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Maybe out there where bluebirds fly, there lies a government that works. And, maybe some of our new style candidate will find it.

Too many people disregard other people because they aren't exactly like them.

Yesterday was an incredibly tough one. I had to watch the Red Sox, Pats and PGA all at once. First the Sox lost, then the Pats. And then none of my golf favorites made a charge. Rats.

Speed is too fast.

Today's Tids 9/23 Issue 2,428
Opening Stuff:


Happy Autumn Everybody! What you have sensed for 3-4 week now is officially here. The promise of color on mountainsides, pumpkins on porches and vodka and apple cider martini's will be fulfilled as the days and nights have finally become equal. Dentists will rail against cute kids in expensive costumes eating candy. But, the cheerleaders will cheer ad the players will smash heads. Enjoy Soccer, football and field hockey; The cheers and accomplishments; The pride in hearts and the smiles on faces. There is no better time of year. Next stop, Winter. Do you smell the snow in the air?

Most good drivers look two three cars ahead in an effort to anticipate problems to provide time to react positively, under control. That's the way Wall Street used to look at the world of business too. But, not today. They seem to have their eyes riveted to the car in directly in front of them. A slight variation in the norm leaves no time for a thoughtful adjustment often resulting in panic or bad decisions and the inevitable crash. Actually, it's the computers in charge of watching the car ahead. Oh, they can react much faster than humans, no question about that. But, are they as thoughtful as humans. Can computers say, "Hey, wait a minute. Let's not be hasty. Maybe there is an alternative." Speed is great for the traders, but it's destroying the confidence in everyday Main Street investors.

In case you don't remember, one year ago Obama said to the UN That he would welcome a Palestine state right away. That led the Palestinians to believe they had the US support to get to the point where they find themselves today -- submitting a bid for UN membership. But, now the Prez says he will veto the action...that very action he in fact inspired. I guess the Palestinians aren't up on the shallowness of US politics.

The Question:
In an effort to counter the dangerous effects of soap on the cultural environment, "All My Children" gets thrown into the dumpster this week. Name five of the show's more famous alums. Which one of the actors is most famous for not winning anything?

The Headlines:

--Romney Appears Strongest In Latest Debate; Perry Sags In Stretch Run; Seemed Unprepared For Obvious Questions.
--Stocks Appear To Rebound After Early Sell-Off.
--Late Thursday Night: Finance Minister From 20 Leading Economies Pledge "To Take All Necessary Actions To Preserve The Stability Of Banking Systems And Financial Markets...".
--Palestinians Prepare UN Statehood Bid.
--Solyndra Execs Take The Fifth At Congress Hearing.
--Italian Prosecutors Say Judge Must Throw Out Amanda Knox Appeal; Asks Judge To "Ignore 'Obsessive' Media Campaign."
--Yemen Prez Surprises, Returning to Capital War Zone; Everybody Confused.
Nothing is Sacred Department:
Did you see where some scientists are disputing the foundational theories of Albert Einstein. Apparently they found a subatomic particle that moves faster than the speed of light! Gadzooks! The next thing you know someone will come out and say the Cheetos are unhealthy.

As far as I can tell, the AARP has become a branch of the Democrat Party and a mouthpiece for the unions.

Debate Notes:
It looks like Perry could be eaten alive by Obama in a debate...maybe with a little Texas hot sauce. Romney and Newt could be the strongest candidates in terms of national TV debates with 0-Man. --On the under-card last night, Bachman slipped down to tier three after Santorum clearly was the best performer of the "All the Rest" crowd. --In fact, with Perry's act getting a little thin, the Rick-ster from PA may become the new darling of the Iowa Social Conservatives. --Cain and Newt also looked good. --The big disappointment to some was the failure of Huntsman to capitalize on his strong showing in a recent NH poll. One glaring problem, he needs a better joke writer. --Paul went the somber, statesmen route, which left him appearing as dull as the stage curtains. People love his off the cuff oddities, and last night they were disappointed. --And then there was the other almost Libertarian Gary Johnson who got the best laugh with "My neighbors dogs create more shovel ready jobs than President Obama!". unfortunately Johnson ripped that joke off of Limbaugh who used it earlier in the day on his program.

Shortbread comes and shortbread goes, but you can always count on Walker's.

Remember when companies would spend many thousands on annual reports to perhaps sway the investors in their favor. Seems kind of laughable today, doesn't it.

Do you know what bugs me, really bugs me? That they are just starting the trial in Cheshire Connecticut for the second soulless barbarian who killed and raped Doctor William Petit's wife Jennifer and daughters Haley and Michaela. Brutally butchered three innocents. It was way back in 2007, and now the doctor has to live it again. The brutality of Steven Hayes and Joshua Komissajevsky will live now again in the hearts of Petit and the rest of the family. And there is just no just reason why it should. People are up in arms about the death penalty because of the recent Georgia case. This pair should have been executed 4 years ago, laws or no laws.

PETA should love executing these two who are giving animals a bad name.

You're always surprised when waiting in a Dermatology office seeing a person limp in. What.s that all about?

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Within five minutes Samantha found her self near a breakwater that led to a little harbor. She climbed up the giant rocks stumbling twice, cutting her knee and scraping her hands. She winced.
Standing on the mass of rocks, she was in the open for all to see, but it was the only way out. She quickly looked around and saw nobody. She had to act fast. They are probably not looking for her down her, but that could change in a second. She took off her slippery shoes, put down her head and ran along the pier, jumping what at times looked like small chasms with dark bottoms. As she neared the end she felt nimble, never slowing for any of the challenges. She jumped the five feet down to the sand at the harbor side of the breakwater. She leaned back against a rock and started breathing again. At first deep, and then fast.
Her eyes now scanned the harbor, criss-crossed with connecting docks. It may be her safest way to get away from...from...what? Why was she running. She closed her eyes. Think. Think. I must be running from something. It seems like I have been running for years.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Moneyball based on the book by Oakland A's baseball team GM Billy Beane is a winner. Even if you don't like baseball. It's really baout the little guys beating the Big Guys. Beane's "A's" had little money so invented, with the help of mathematicians and other creative people systems to pick the best young talent and find the best on the trash heap. It's true. It's interesting. And...it moves. I'm going.
--Killer Elite is an over the top action movie with a plot that's tough it decipher. DiNiro is a retired special ops agent, looking like DiNiro all the way. He is to rescue his mentor. To do it he faces 3 tough as nails assassins and their cunning leader. I'll wait til it gets to TNT.
--Abduction is another weak movie. The first "Star" vehicle for Twilight delight Taylor Lautnor is a loser, not coming close to quality of the twilight series, and he is lost in mediocrity. He learns that his parents are not really his parents. Subsequently he finds on a website a picture of long time missing child -- him. He flees in fear while The FBI races to save him and unravel the mystery. Sounds interesting, but it is just a bad movie that had audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter over the inadequacy of the dialogue and script.
--Dolphin Tale is a very pleasant, heartwarming family movie. Obviously it's about a dolphin and kids. What could be better, even if you have seen the plot before.

The Answer: 
Of course, Susan Lucci is the Biggest Loser in Soap history. If you're a Regis watcher, you know Kelly Ripa. Others are Josh Duhamel, Sarah Michelle Geller, Christian Slater, Malissa Leo, Lacy Chabert, Michelle Tractenberg, Linsy Price and Kim Delaney. They have to start somewhere. Where will they go as the soaps go?

Maybe there are just too many people trying to make too much money for Wall Street to be sensible any more.

Michelle Bachman is toast.

Have a great weekend!

It's always blue above the clouds.

Today's Tids Issue #2428
Opening Stuff:


This mornings skies are grey and solemn. They seem predatory, daring humans to venture forth. What will they bring. Will they open up to torrential rains; Northeast winds that churn the seas. Mighty winds that deleaf trees? Or will they intimidate, lay there dull and dreary? But it is September; beautiful September; September, when the skies bring gloom, the air that surrounds exhales the aroma of crisp, stirring Autumns. And the smiles of people you see bring the sunshine.

Talk about dreary...this morning many of the financial experts are saying "Preserve capital, go to cash". Yikes!

I think 0-Man's biggest obstacle to reelection is that huge block of 2008 voters who thought he was refreshing and are now incredibly disillusioned.

The Question:
R.E.M. announced that the party is over. Name the three principle band members and five of the their hits.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Nosedive...Again.
--Abbas Rejects US, French Statehood Proposals; Palestine Wants It Now; Palestinian Protestors Slam 0-Man Over His UN Speech..
--House Dems And tea Party Join Together To Kill Disaster Relief Bill.
--Perry/Romney GOP A Tier In Tonight's Important Florida Debate; Straw Poll To Follow Next Day.
--Weekly Jobless Bennies Apps Drops To 423K; Four Week Average Rises To 421K.
--NATO Says Daffy Fighter Still A Force To be considered.
--New Guidance From Arne And The White House Effectively Guts The "No Child Left Behind " Law; GOP Says Waivers Will Put More Control Of Local Education In Big Gov. Hands.
--Carter Executed.

Bernanke lowered the interest rate yesterday to jump-start lending in an unimaginative attempt to stimulate business growth. He's been doing this for three years, and nothing has happened yet. I don't think they have a clue. Just another one trick pony.

Oh yeah, and the Fed's convoluted "Operation Twist", announced at the same time, will provide another negative impact on the nation's largest Pension Funds, already struggling with funding shortfalls.

I see where the loons in San Fran are rallying to the safety of their fellow avian brethren. Yes the city will require "Bird Safe" glass in all new building construction, at double the cost of glass currently in use. They say "millions of birds have met their death" crashing into buildings. I find "Millions" difficult to believe. But then you know bird lovers.

The new TV show Revenge could grow on me. Nicely paced with some cleverness and plot twists. A bit of a soap opera in the Hampton's, but not bad.

If air is free, why does electricity generated by ocean wind power farms cost twice as much as traditionally generated electricity?

Rhode Island has some excellent new politicians in waiting. People with imagination, integrity, balance and brains. Pols who give us hope that someday in the future our beautiful state will actually have real Senators in Washington instead of the embarrassing puppets we have today. I'm thinking of Allan Fung (R), Gina Raimondo (D) and Angel Tavarous (D), three people fighting the demons that previous irresponsible and unaccountable politicians left as pollution upon the state's financial landscape.

Has TV ever been more disgusting than it was last night on the X-Factor? Fortunately a male singer in a shiny outfit was so bad, that after just four/five sour notes I switched to the Red Sox (Also Disgusting). What I missed was this deplorable act where the A-Hole of the week (Or is it just one more A-Hole on bad TV) strips down to frontal nudity. Paula Abdul walked off horrified. Of course, this was a taped show and there was no reason at all (Except to use depravity push up ratings) to show it to a national audience. Do the producers think their show sucks so badly that they have to resort to this even lower common denominator than other bad TV shows. Shame on Simon Cowell.

I knew there was a reason that studiously avoid "Audition" shows for competition series.

It's Pickum' Time on the Tids gridiron. Last week we improved slightly to q respectable 13-3 bringing the year to 23-9 or 71.2%. The tough ones are Houston-NO, NE-Buff(?), Phil-NYG, Det-Minn, Jax-Car, GB-Chi Wash-Dal and TB-Atlanta. For those I'm picking No, NE, Phil, Det, Car, Gb, Wash, Atlanta. The rest are SF, Tenn, Cleve, SD, NYJ, Balt, Ariz and Pitt. Deos it appear that there are a lot more injuries already tis year. The Pats, for instance, have already shelved for the season their very good center and a top DL. This could make picking difficult if the injuries continue.

"Get the Rich" is an economic policy that will never work.

That $16 muffin which was reported yesterday as standard fare at Washington DC coffee breaks seems indicative of how our Gov. employees view spending. The baker should be arrested fo price gouging. No wonder the DC area has the neighborhoods with the highest priced a housing and highest family incomes. $16 for a muffin. The country is insane. I find $2.00 muffins outrageous. The government looks at the way they spend as normal just as a career criminals raised in a criminal environments think what he/she does is normal.

The Answer: 
 R.E.M. who announced their retirement yesterday had 15 studio albums, 10 compilation albums, 64 singles and 56 music videos. Soime of the hits from the Michael Stripe, Mke Mills, Peter Buck band were: The one I Love, The End of the World as We Know It, Fall On Me, Can't Get there from Here, Orange Crush, Superman and Radio Free Europe.

Ron Paul will never get his due, because the media plain just doesn't like him.

Too many great people and their accomplishments are obscured by the lies of the afraid and the inadequate.

Your favorite serial novel will return tomorrow.

2 + 2 = 5?

Today's Tids Issue #2,427
Opening Stuff:


I'm getting worried. Up til now NASA was saying "No Problemo" with respect to that 1/2 ton of used-up space satellite ready to plunge from the sky. But, this morn I read the Headline, "Plummeting satellite stumps NASA. " It goes on to say that NASA scientists have no idea where the Junk will land. Yikes! If you can't trust Scientists, who can you trust.


Bad news for AlGore Inc., Department:
And, that brings me to Global Warming. Did you see where Nobel Laureate scientist Dr. Ivar Giaever "resigned in disgust" from the august American Physical Society? When questioned by APS executives he responded that he "Could no longer support the APS position that global warming is occurring and being caused (or exacerbated) by the activities of Man's technology -- especially those activities that generate greenhouse gases. He also singled out for criticism Gore's use of the phrase "Consensus of Scientists. He said there is no consensus on GW, but there is one on Climate Change, and that it is leaning towards, "...climate change is cyclical in nature and unstoppable with the current level of technology."

If a sixteen year old girl named Alexis Thompson moseys up to the first Tee and asks if you want to play a round for a buck a hole, say no!

The Question:
I was a pretty big fan of singer Leonard Cohen. Name five of his best.

Today's Headlines:
--US Economic Outlook Dims; Fed Expected To Ease Policy.
--"Waiting For Bernanke" Keeps Stocks Down.
--US Alleged Spies Freed From Iran Prison; Heading Home; Ahmadinejad Ready To Come To NYC.
--Obama, US ready to Make Final Push In Effort To Blunt Palestinian Bid For Statehood.
--Suicide Bomber Kills Head Of Afghan Peace Council; Could Be Fatal Blow To Finding Agreement On Political Settlement
--GOP Stepping Up Push To get To Bottom Of Solyndra Mess.
--No Surprise: NBA Hatchet Man Artest Out Of DwtS.
--Death Toll Rising In Yemen; Syrian Forces Kill 3 More Of The Folks.

John Lack-y has the right name.

So...does "relaxed" mean returning to the Los Angeles Airport? Hey man, I'm cool.

Arrogance is a disease that brings down nations and Netflix.

CBS reports that the new 2 1/2 Men with Kutcher had the highest viewership of 27.7 million pairs of eyeballs. Of course, the big question is "What about next week after they've seen a less than dynamic Kutcher".

People in the financial world keep on complaining about the sluggish housing market. But, at least the way I see it, housing starts and new construction is probably about where it should be based on real market needs as opposed to that highly inflated market of unqualified buyers 3-6 years ago.

Could it be that in their effort to salvage a once great newspaper, the Editor of the Providence Journal is finally getting honest about the various Obama proposals -- he used to rubber stamp. This bright and sunny morn he came down upon the illogical idea of reducing payments to the cash poor SS "Trust" fund a as poor idea in general and certainly not a good way to stimulate an economy. (See Tids 9/16.)

Almost Near: Chapter 41. --Samantha was sitting on a park bench overlooking the widening Piscataqua River just before it flows into the Ocean. Her face looked confused, but her mind seemed rational. She knew she had been in what she was now calling her "in-betweens". Those places she had been traveling into, where only parts of why she was there was known. These were the places she saw one person and thought about herself as a person from another past. She remembered running but didn't know why. She felt afraid, but she didn't understand the fear.
She was worried about Dante. She thought it odd she didn't feel the same about Tucker. After all, he was nice to her. He made beautiful love to her. She felt a tie to a past she didn't quite remember through him.
Suddenly alert, she jumped up as if responding to an internal alarm. "I have to move," she thought. She looked around her. She was standing in a open bluff above the river. Anybody could see her. Who didn't she want to see her, she wondered. To her right she noticed old wooden steps leading down to the clam flats below. Looking back she saw no cover. Just the entrance for the street where the restaurant sits a block away. They would have known she was gone by now.
She knew that she had to be alone.
She moved to the stairway. It looked worse as she approached. It swayed as she walked quickly down. Now grasping the handrail that felt loose as she moved. Finally she was on the bottom step. She jumped and felt fer feet sink into the black muck. She reflexively looked back up. She felt safe. Hidden. Somehow the black of the low tide river bottom reminded her of something special form many years ago.

The Answer: 
The first one I think of with this great singer songwriter is Suzanne (A big Judy Collins hit). Then there is So Long, Marianne. Others are Master Song, Winter Lady, the Stranger Song, Sisters of Mercy, Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye, Stories of the Street and One of us Cannot be Wrong.

Deep feelings never stray from the heart.

Midwife good, Middlemen bad.

Today's Tids Issue (#2426)
Opening Stuff:


Why do we need bureaucratic middlemen to take care of poor family around the corner. Huh? Huh? Answer me!

Just when you think you have finally made it to Chics-ville by eating Applewood Smoked Bacon, the gourmet elite changes it to Cherrywood smoked bacon! How about Tigerwood bacon for your libido? Or balsawood bacon for runway models?

The Question:
All of a sudden I have seen songwriter Paul Williams in photo reviews. Name five of his great hits.

The Headlines:
--Gays Get Into The Foxholes With Barely A Ripple.
--Fighting In Yemen's Streets Escalates.
--Daffy Says He Is Alive And Well And Calls Alleged Takeover Of His Country A Charade.
--China Says It Will Support Palestinian Statehood.
--Death Toll 81 In Nepal/India/China Quake.
--1.3 Million Japanese Told To Evacuate As Typhoon Nears Nagoya.
--Bombers Attack neighborhoods In Iraq And Turkey.

Yesterday as Obama spoke the Stock market plummeted. Was it because of Greece, or because the anointed one was stretching the truth again. If you recall, he said, "Middle class families shouldn't pay higher taxes than millionaires and billionaires.". Well, they don't according to the IRS. 1% of millionaires pay little or no taxes and it is all legal, and maybe even contributory to the economy. That means 99% pay far more and at a higher rate than any middle-class wage earner. Was our leader just stretching the truth or just plain lying to our face. It all started when Warren Buffet, or should we say Buffoon, said he paid a smaller rate than his secretary. He is paying taxes based mainly on capital gains while she probably makes aorund $100 K (Analysts estimates) and paying accordingly. Is the 0-Man proposing raising capital gains taxes, another assault on the earnings of fixed income seniors? 0-Man's words have been meaningless for about 3 years now.

I'd like to be able to report on the dancing with the Stars show, but I just can't get past the judges. However I did see the NBA Basketball thug "dance", which just adds to the theory that DWTS is becoming a freak show. Oh yeah, after their comments, the judges better look out for flying elbows when Artest walks by.

Good News for Texters Department:
Yesterday a Volkswagon Passat safely negotiated the streets of busy downtown Berlin...without a driver. Or any human in teh car! It was a combination of precision satellite tracking system, computers and cameras that enabled the car to see other cars, traffic lights 70yards ahead and the meanderings of pedestrians. All with a quicker response than human drivers. You can have one too for $551,800!

The ten states with the highest unemployment (All over 9.9%) are first Nevadas (13.4) followed by Cal, Mich, So. Car., DC, Fla and Rhode Island. The five best for employment are North Dak (3.5), Neb, So. Dak, New Hampshire, Okla and Wyo, VT, Iowa, Hawaii, Virginia. And they will be until the unemployed rush their to find jobs.

I know the problem with Greece. The public employee union promised two of those Great Big Fat Greek Wedding's for each employee. And since that movie, the costs have gotten way out of hand.

I'm voting for anybody who gets rid of ObamaCare. How easy is that.

I'm getting a response to form a political party based on Vigorous Localism as defined by my bottom-up taxation and distribution plan and elaborated in yesterday's Tids.

I read that so-called "In your face" apology from the CEO of Netflix. It appears that once beloved movie distributor is on the you-know-what list of a onetime adoring public. And it is due to the arrogance, and even more disconcerting the apparent ignorance of Cyber Darling Reed Hastings.Is apology read basically, I'm sorry I made you made, but live with it. And then he announced that "Mail" Netflix would have a new name "Quickster", meaning the former dual subscribers would have to visit two web sites to do their ordering. Once I recommended that Netflix take over and run the Government. It looks now as if they are the government all over again.

I've been reading all of the Fall TV new network Line-ups trying to find something of interest for frustrated "24" fans. So far I'm only seeing Person of Interest.

I met a guy from Queens NY yesterday who started talking politics. He said he was befuddled and was having trouble with Obama. He told me he had voted for "Laserman" because his words were so electric and promising of a better America. Now he said "it was all about an America he would never want to live in." And I could tell it was bothering him, because he kept on talking while I was trying to putt. See, Obama is ruining my golf game.

For that matter, why should we allow middlemen who flip houses?

Almost Near: Chapter 40 continues. --"I'll tell you Detective, it doesn't really surprise me about the possibility of of Rudy abusing his wife. I've met the family and I like you have heard about Rudy. Andm the fact that the kids are missing suggested to this old reporter that it may have been a protective act by the mother."
Now it was Barton's turn to listen unemotionally. "I could agree with that, and I will also suggest that that could be the motive for murder." He paused, this time for what seemed like 30 seconds.
"Is that a question?"
Audrey was sitting there knowing a lot more than she thought she should tell. She didn't want to appear uncooperative, and she certainly didn't want open the door to bring Tucker into the investigation. After all he was just the messenger. She felt a small quiver of satisfaction inside.
"No, that's just me agreeing with you." He smiled at her. It seemed real to Audrey.
"I am part of your team. And I'm a reported who m]smells a great story. It behooves us to work together. Don't you think John?"
"Consider us linked."

The Answer:
Paul Williams was quite the prolific songster writing "A Old fashioned Love Song" for 3 Dog Night, "You and Me Against the World" for Helen Reddy and "We've Only Just begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" for The Carpenters. Among others he wrote for movies the beautiful "Evergreen" and my favorite "Rainbow Connection". he also write Moonlight becomes You, I Won't Last a day without you.

I really have a hard time watching that Mastercard commercial where four guys are standing around admiring the beauty of the Sawgrass golf course. It is irresponsible for any body to promote slow play. I just watch it and fume as I would watching people dawdle on the green.

Toothpaste back in tube?

Today's Tids Issue #2,425
Opening Stuff:


In case you never noticed, Jane Lynch can sing.

There's an old biblical based expression, "Good things come to those who wait." I think God was thinking of those who don't rush out to buy the first run of the latest digital gadget, but hang around for for glitch removal and lower prices

Great Man Department:
Dave Gavitt died on the eve of the impending destruction of his greatest achievement. This wonderful human being, former PC Coach, Former NCAA B-Ball Tournament Chairman, Olympic Team coach and President of the Boston Celtics died the day before Pitt and Syracuse decided to move into the ACC. A death knoll to Dave's creation that changed the world of College Basketball, The Big East. But maybe, just maybe the Big East to be will now emulate the purity of Dave's original dream...good schools playing great basketball. Without the associated greed of NCAA football.

Let's see, Social Security is on the verge of bankruptcy, but one of the parts of the 0-Man's jobs plan is to reduce the employee and company contributions to the collapsing "Trust" fund. Government logic at its best!

I want to be a Rhode Island Judge!

The Question:
One of my favorite movie musical moments ever was Kermit the Frog singing "The Rainbow Connection". In fact the Muppets were one of the all time great entertainment ensembles, at least to this dreamer. Name 5 other Muppets.

The Headlines:

--0-Man To Propose $1.5 Trillion In New Taxes; Prez To Reverse Himself On Supporting Improving Efficiency Of SS And Medicare Behemoths.
--Moody's Says Its Outlook On States And Local Governments Remains Negative.
--50's/60's Drama Mad Men And Modern Family take Drama/Comedy Best Show Awards; Drama Acting To Kyle Chandler, Julianna Magulies, Comedy Acting
--Bernanke: EuroZone Instability Driving US Markets.
--Germany's Merkel Faced With Sixth Defeat In A Year To her Conservative Party As Euro-Skeptics Gain Support.
--Libyans Can't Agree On New Government.
--UN Members Scrambling For Position On Palestine Statehood.


Back to More Stuff:
I see where Hillary is the most popular Politician in the US. It's not surprising. She's standing tall in a tough, visible job and she is not tainted by the bad stuff in the economy. She even rates quite well with republicans including a high percentages of the tea Party folks. But, as popular as she is, and as much buyers remorse as 0-Man voters have, nearly 60% say the economy would not be better with her as Prez and 13% say it would be worse. So there you go.

I have had a "Vigorous Localism" plan for years. Way before Tidsland became a speck on the USA landscape. I would pose it at various gatherings and even some of my liberal friends would see the advantages, although wondering how anything could be possible without a gigantic smothering Government. Th basics of my plan for a better America is that all taxes go first to the Village Town or City. The city or town would establish funds for the basic services, safeguards for their needy and then allocate money''s to the states and upward to the feds for the things that they do best which require inter town/city and interstate or international coordination. But the money pool would be under the close watch of the tax payer at the local level. I figure that the government employee base, not including military, could be cut from 16 million to 250,000 or better. Lobbyists at state and fed levels would virtually disappear. private enterprise would grow.

You hear a lot of talk these days about the $2 Trillion in cash sitting in Corporate bank accounts waiting for the reaffirmation of economic confidence. So, I decided look around to see how much that represents per corporation. According to the latest available census data, there are about 27.8 million firms doing about $31 Trillion. Nearly 21.8 million of those firms are sole proprietors with no employees. That leaves about 6 million organized firms. Reducing it further to companies with 20 or more employees, 655,500, that would mean on average $3.060 Million/firm. For the 20,500 firms with over 500 employees the cash on hand average would be $97.5 million. The polls speak as though one person in the sky can push the button that releases that $2 Trillion. You can see it is a bit more complicated than that.

So now, it looks like the Dems are down to saying, well at least we elected a great vice president. Really?

Dolphins are so smart that within a couple of weeks in captivity they can teach humans ot stand at the edge of their pool and throw them fish.

The Answer:
In addition to the Green one, there is of course the adorable Miss Piggy. And then there was Fozzie Bear, Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo the Great, Rowf the Dog, Dr. Benson Honeydew and Beaker and The Swedish Chef.

Paul Ryan said over the weekend: "Class warfare may make for really good politics, but it makes for rotten economics."

If you don't think big money is driving college football, just consider the fact that NBC asked the PGA to complete the third leg of their FedEx championship tourney by 3:00 so the Notre Dame/Mich State Game could start as scheduled.

Finally, an honest quarterback. I have always thought QB's get too much yardage accrued to their stats from short passes where the receiver does all the work. Often the pass is just another means, after handoffs and laterals, to get the ball into a runner's hands. Yesterday Tom Brady said of his so-called 99 1/2 record setting TD: "I only threw he ball 25 Yards. Welk did all the work."
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The baseball bat era?

Today's Tids Issue 2,420
Opening Stuff:


I drove along Route 1 on the Coast of Maine Friday, just as I had done 10 years ago within hours after the Attack. What I still remember most vividly -- after the devastation, after the anger, after the horror of man's evil against man -- What I remember most was the resolve of the American spirit, the innate patriotism of people. By the time I had reached Route 1 in Brunswick and North, in the immediate hours after, before the buildings had crashed, was the highway for the next fifty miles lined with American flags and signs, "America the Beautiful", "God Bless America", "United we Stand."

How come that when the Government says $448 Billion, I immediately think One Trillion.

The Question:
Name the 10 largest US Banks.

The Headlines:

--America Remembers.
--Sox Fading.
--Global Stocks Blasted; US Futures Bleak.
--Greece has Enough Cash Until October.
--Daffy Supporters Putting Up Stiff Resistance
--Study Says Sponge Bob Dangerous To 4 Year Old Mental Heath.

Many of the the comic Strips in the Sunday papers were devoted to remembering 911. My favorite was in the strip "Baby Blues."

There's mini undercurrent pushing for Jeb Bush to step up to the plate in the Prez race. Didn't we just finish a rumored groundswell for Rick Perry? Are the pundits and pushers tired of him already? Will too much media make fickleness "ADD" America's political destiny?

I wonder how the nutritionists would view my suggestion that school kids be allowed to enjoy as I did making sugar-butter bread for snacks in the class? Yum!

On Thursday when "Laser Beam" gave his make-labor-unions-relevant-again speech, the International Longshoremen in Longview area of Washington (State) were taking baseball bats and crowbars (Ouch) to the shins and heads of security fighting for their lives and police coming to the rescue at ports in Tacoma and Seattle. They destroyed trains and emptied ready to be shipped grain stocks. Are those innocent dock security guards the "Sons a bitches" Hoffa Jr. was talking about? (Note, this wildcat, barbarian work action was for the most part unreported on the nightly news or in newspapers.)

Will the Pats tonight manage to repel the disturbing images of my fading Red Sox. Actually it's beginning to feel like the good old days.

The consensus of Macro economists on the AJA is that it will produce modest short term economic growth. They're looking at far below robust growth of 1.3% GDP for 2012 which would reduce the jobless from 8.9% to 8.6%. The short term small biz benefits would fade to zero by the end of 2012 giving us about a 0.3 GDP growth rate for 2013. The consensus is that it does nothing to improve or repair rather substantial inter-structural problems, but does stem the possibility of reentering recession. And looking at the above, it most definitely could give us four more years for you know who.

Notre Dame fans across the country are ready to jump off of high buildings.

Some governors across the US of A are saying there are plenty of jobs openings around, but the skills of many of the unemployed just aren't sufficient to meet the job requirements much less the challenges. Tax incentives to hire are useless if the hire-ee can't do the work. Maybe they should create a bill to take all of those teachers to which 0-man promised jobs and start the Retrain Adults Corps.

So-called experts on various matters and government officials seem to have little awareness of the acuity of the citizen's mind. But then, they don't possess the common sense of most people.

The world would be a better place if we also didn't live with sheep.

If it does anything, the Jobs Act will certainly perpetuate bad, irresponsible, over-spending,. over-promising may State Governments like California and RI.

Almost Near: Chapter 39 continues. --It was obvious Dante wasn't that nervous -- laughing comfortably, walking arm in arm with Samantha into the restaurant. Tucker ambled behind the twosome. His face was inert. While his thoughts manged to flicker, conjuring up a distant image of Audrey, he was focused on the backs of the heads in front of him. He seemed torn between what he had found in Louisiana, and what he seemed to be losing from his 18 years of romantic mourning.
When they reached the table Dante stopped and came around to pull out a chair for Sam and then usher Tucker into the seat next to her. He walked around and sat opposite the twosome. He opened the menu briefly and set it down. "So, Sam, tell me about Little Rock." Tucker stiffened, and he felt Samantha lean into him. No, attach herself to him.
Sam's expression didn't change unusually, but Tucker felt something retreating in her body. "Little Rock?"
Dante peered at her, brown Italian eyes locked into hers. She fidgeted. "Didn't you tell me you lived there?"
Tucker could now see that Dante had put on his lawyer hat. "I think I told you I thought Sam had lived in Little Rock." This is not what Dante wanted. Samantha did. She moved closer into the protection of her knight.

One of the disturbing feelings I get while reading Letters to the Editor in various newspapers in different regions is the seething, naive anger that so many have against anybody they perceive as rich, or having been successful. When the fact remains that many of those perceived rich are just regular people who worked hard, saved well and managed their lives responsibly.

The Answer:
The embattled BoA is the largest followed by JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Wells-Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, MetLife, Taunus, HSBC, US Bancorp. Bank of NY Mellon, PNC Fin, Capital One, TD Bank, State Street, Allly Fin, Suntrust, BB&T, American Express and at #20 -- Providence RI's Citizens Fin. MetLife?

Among the things on the humorous side that pop out of the ObamaSpeak was, "And everything in this bill is paid for." And then he looked at the Super Committee (SC) telling and you are going to do it. As usual he has no clue, no plan. Just rhetoric. But, hey maybe there is an opportunity for some irony in this massive Public Employee Unions Bailout program. How about if the SC recommends eliminating the useless federal Departments of Education, Energy and Environmental Protection. That would go a long way of reducing the costs of living and doing business in addition to a significant reduction in the national angst! The National Association of Psychiatrists would complain.

The most moving thing I saw yesterday was at the Portsmouth RI Fire Station. It was simple,m yet robust, and it got to me.

Well time to put on my U.S.A. baseball cap and go hit a couple of golf balls.

What Speech?

Today's Tids (#2,418)
Opening Stuff:



If he expects to hit a home run tonight, "Laser Beam" Obama will have to become "Floodlight" Obama.

In that GOP debate last night, the big argument was about job creation. Of course they were all lying through their teeth because not even Republican governors and politicians can create jobs. At the outset, they all could have rejected the notion that governments create jobs and provided a big service to the US citizenry by stating at we are arguing about which of us created the most efficient, positive framework that enabled bright and resourceful entrepreneurs to build and grow companies that provided jobs. And, of course, "Laser Beam" will perpetuate the same myth tonight.

You have to believe that the Obama Cable Network MSNBC which sponsored the debate, loved the Republicans eating their young. What could be better for their candiadte than to have a sullied Republican emerging from these preseason skirmishes.

This has always been that time of year when I look forward to the new TV shows knowing that the next step would then be the premier of the new year of "24". See, I'm still not over it. I don't think I ever will. I'm a hopeless case.

Daily Question: Bonus Day! 1. How about starting with a football question in honor of today's big event -- the NFL Season Kickoff. Forbes just named their "Most Valuable" NFL Sports franchises. Name the top five. 2. What do you call a fish with no eyes?

Today's Headlines:
--43 Of 45 memebrs Of Major Russian Hockey Team Killed In take-Off Plane Crash.
--100,000 Northeastern Told To Flee Latest Round Of Flooding.
--WS Choppy Ahead Of Speech; Currently On the Upside.
--Texas Wildfire Destroyed Home Total Up To 1,400.
--Cheney Talking Up Hillary 2012 Campaign.
--Team ILuminate, PopLyfe, Silhouettes and Murphy Move On At AGT.

So, who won the debate last night. An NBC Internet Poll with 123,725 votes has it Paul 49%, Romney 17%, Perry 14%, Huntsman 7, Newt 5, cain 3, bach 2 and Santorum 1. Opiners, mainly Liberal leaning, think that Perry was not good on his feet after the Jobs thing and that of them all Romney was the most presidential and Coolest. ABC News echoed the support for Romney for the same reasons.. However Forbes thinks Perry won mainly becasue he took chances and backed up his statements (Most noticeably SS is A "Ponzi Scheme" [I believe it is too]) while Romney annoyingly took the safe way of "Tweaking" instead of overhaul.

The Kennedy Center Honoree lineup just posted is making me feel older. I remember when as an adult I saw these kids trying to make it -- Neil Diamond, Meryl Streep, Yoyo Ma, Barbara Cook and Sonny Rollins. Well, maybe not Sonny Rollins. I'm hoping they'll do "Jonathon Livingston Seagull" for Diamond, "Marian the Librarian" for Cook and Bach's Cello Suite #1 for Yoyo. I'm really hoping they don't let Streep sing "Winner Takes it All" with Remington Steele (Or is it Pierce Brosnan?), recreating one of the most awkward movie scenes I have ever scene.

Several readers seemed to like yesterday's parlor game "Q" trying to guess the most common 0-Man cliches from tonight's speech. In addition to what I had delivered, they came up with "This is not acceptable", "Middle Class
Families", "Wall Street banks" and "Millionaires and Billionaires". How about..."Did somebody turn off the teleprompter?".

It's NFL  Pick-em' time, and I don't mean apples or noses. The NFL opens tonight with the Saints and the Champs, The Pack. Last year we won at a 67.5% clip, picking 172 and missing 83. So lets pick tonight first, and it it sets up on paper like a tough choice between the two previous SB winners. I'm going Green Bay. Then we got the stomach roilers with the Rolaids pick of the week being Pitt versus Balt at hime. Hmmmm. One Rolaids, two Rolaids, three Rolaids...I'm going Pitt. The other posers are TB-Det, Atlanta-Chi, Houst-Indy, Jints-Wash, SF-Seattle, Jets-Dal and Den-Oak. I'm picking Detroit, Atlanta, Houston (No Peyton), NYG, Seattle, NYJ and Oakland. The rest of my winners are New England, San Diego, Arizona, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Kansas City.

I can't leave this without a few words about my mighty Pats. Will they be mighty or will this be a close but no cigar year? I can actually see the potential for eight losses, especially when you look at that mid season sched of eight games, October 9 through December 4 -- Jets, Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Jets, Chiefs, Eagles and historic arch rival Colts. They also play San Diego in the second game, this a team picked for the SB by many.Yikes!

BBC America's conspiracy thriller set in a 1950's BBC TV newsroom, "The Hour", could draw me in.

I find myself trying to save "ink" while typing on a computer. You know, reusing letters already typed. Skinflints are like that..

Whatever happened to Stephanie Zimbalist?

Let's see...All business people are greedy and evil except greedy business people who make movies. Is that about it?

Quiz Answer: 1. The Dallas Cowboys are the Most Valuable according to Forbes and just behind the Manchester United Soccer team among all sports businesses in the world. The rest of the top fv ie NFL teams are #2 Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, New York Giants and New York Jets (Which are actually both in NJ). 2. FSH. Shoot me.

Two gruff ole hillbillys were sittin' in front of their West Virginia Cabin in the hills. A truck hauling rolled up turf drives by, and Bubba turns to Jimmy Joe. "When I get rich, I'm gonna do that." "What's that, Bubba?" "Send my grass out for mowin'."

So, what did I learn about the GOP after the debate. That we are still in the fringes of the campaign. That Newt may have been the smartest on the stage. That to many, Romney may be too establishment. And that beleive it or not Sarah is still on the wish list for those who looking for more choices. And that Ron Paul could be hauled off the stage in a straight jacket and he'd still get the nod as being best.
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"Let's roll."

Today's Tids Issue #2,417
Opening Stuff:It seems likely now that the news media will over-report the anniversary of 911. Perhaps even turning it into a political harangue instead of the intended incredible solemn moment. All I really need from them actually is about 5 minutes of revisiting the scene of the burning tower and the plane crashing into the second tower to remind me of the devastation. The loved one's lost. The courage of the responders. The fear of a city and then a nation. The Anger. The resolve of the American people. I'm just afraid that too many politicians will be telling me how I should feel. It's already in there. It will never leave.

There was an old song. "Don't let your children grow up to be Cowboys." I was reminded of that when I read that Pauly "D" was tapped to be the celeb of the moment at the opening of the new NYC "Kardashian Store"! Somebody is stealing the character of the nation.

The Question:
Here's a little parlor game you can play as friends and family gather around the TV Thursday evening to watch the 0-Man create jobs out of thin air. Have each person right down five words or expressions you expect to hear during the speech. The one who gets the most right gets a dinner with James Hoffa Jr. Bring a catcher's mask! Now give me your favorite O-Words and O-Phrases.

The Headlines:
--Markets Could Rebound This Morning.
--Rebs Say Daffy And The gang surrounded.
--GOP'ers Looking Forward To Perry Debate debut.
--Texans Shedding Tears After Massive Wild Fires Destroy Over 1,000 Homes.
--Wash Post/AP Poll: A New High Of 53% Disapprove Of Of Overall O-Performance; 38% Of Americans Want Bigger Gov. With More Services, 58% Say Smaller With Less; 2/3rds Say They Are Not As Financially Well Off As They Were At Start Of O-Reign.
--Yahoo Board Fires CEO Carol Blatz As Profits Fail To Ignite.
--0-Man Expected To Announce $300Bil Jobs Package; Would be Combo Of Tax Cuts And New Job Creation Spending.
--0-Man Warming To Redo Of Mortgage Bailout Package.
--Katia Moving Northwestward; Still expected To Turn East Sparing US Coast.

I think I'm beginning to understand the concept behind the Post Office "Forever Stamp". The economics was based on "Forever" being very short.

America's Got talent: Howie Mandel got has to come down from Berzerkdom. He is just too manic about wanting his faves to win. But, that's not the story, just the irritation. Lys Agnes is a great talent. But, I'm not thinking her trip into Pop-Land was a good one last night. Her voice is too strong for a simple song. Anna should have used the piano. But, she is still one I like. Swank pulled a fish form the tank. How the blankity-blank di he do it? the judges went ga-ga over the ladies and girls from Silhouettes. I thought it was ok. The Smage guys can do it! But how many more times do I want to watch motorcycles jump. I thought the victim kid running around was choreographically awkward. Murphy can sure croon, and the big band staging was groovy. Good make-up West Springfield, but it was a ho-hummer. Everybody goes bonkers over Team ILuminate. I liked their big finish, but the rest was just more dancing with lights. Miami looked like an average half-time show. I think PopLyfe are winners, even though I thought Kelani's voice was a little off and the boys in the band not as impressive as in the past. The four I would enjoy watching next time are Anna Graceman, Landon Swank, PopLyfe and...ok, I'll give ILuminate and other shot at making me a believer. Based on standing "O's", Pop, Silhouettes, Iluminate and Murphy should be the top four. If so, Mandel will wet his pants. Morgan will look down in disbelief. And Osbourne will say, "That was wonderful!"

People like me think that this 0-Man admin has been bought and paid for by the Unions and that he has delivered way to much with interest. The Unions don't think' he's done nuttin'.

If I'm starting a Major League Baseball team, my first three players are Jacoby Elsbury, Dustin Pedroia and John Lester. My Manager is Jason Veritek.

The new highly promoted "Prime Suspect" looks like a more of the same, over the top, Hollywood bad copy of another great British Series.

I get the sense that Palin is waiting for the uproar surrounding the publication of the McGuinnis book to settle out before she commits.

The Tea Party continues to grow stronger and is more resolute than ever, especially after the continuing senseless assaults from the scared in power. Hoffa's call for the "Baseball Bat" approach to negotiations will bind  together even closer those tired of big government and its henchmen bullying.

Once you get the hang of it, wallpapering is easy.

It appears to me that there will be more lawyers involved in computer tablet product development than engineers.

I like Yahoo! But in this new world of immediacy, it's not enough to provide services and content that seem complete, accurate and comprehensive without the PopPizzazz! If you don't appear to be "edgy" in the minds of those who pursue edginess, you might as well be manufacturing slide rulers.

Almost Near: Chapter 38 Continues. --As soon as Audrey clicked off the boss, she dialed Tucker. She heard a flat "Hi" and asked "What's wrong with you.?"
"Oh, nothing. I'm just hanging around while Dante, he's that lawyer, finish there conversation. Why, do I sound bored?"
"No, you sound like you're in outer space. and you missed the 3:37 rocket back home."
Tucker cracked up, and it took him 30 seconds to come back on. "You're quick, You are quick. Then he chuckled one more time. "So, what's up?"
"Lot's! I just got off the phone with my Editor. Somebody found a body that turned out to be Rudy." She heard nothing. "You still there?"
"Oh, oh, aa yeah. That's is a shocker. They know anything?"
"They know that that Bounty is hoppin' mad and that you and I were snoopin' around. And they think your old girlfriend is as good a suspect as any."
"She wouldn't do something like that."
"How do you know? It could be one of her other people you don't know and have never met."
"I still don't think so."
"I'm going back up to Little Rock. We're in the middle of big story and I'm going to cover it."
"I'll try to see you there. But, I don't know when>'
"That's fine. I'll be too busy to hold your hand and lead you around. But, before you leave...you still have time..."
"Yeah."
"I have to fill you in on my talk with the kids. It's a sad and scary tale."

The Answer:
Well let's start off with "Me" and "I". How about "Tea Party", "Previous Administration", "Corporate Greed" and "Wall Street". Then there are the standards -- "Let me be clear" "Make no mistake", "At the end of the day", "Back form the brink" and of course "Relief for working families". And, don't forget "Job Creation", "Recession", "Bush", "Bi-Partisan", "Entitlement", "Plan", "Shovel Ready" and, yes, "Compromise".

There is plenty of evidence -- Like forcing up non-union prevailing wages -- that would suggest that the Labor Unions are running the US Department of Commerce except for one thing, Secretary Hilda Solis is steadfast behind "Illegal" workers to the detriment of honest people seeking jobs. This good be the weirdest. most schizophrenic administration in the history of the US of A! It seems like everything today is "Regulated", except the US Federal Government.

I'd rather my kids be cowboys and cowgirls.

A Wikipedia Education system?

Today's Tids Issue 2,416

Opening Stuff:

Is the day after Labor Day the day that the adults come back to Wall Street?

Book Recommendation Department:
Want some insights about the financial mess we are in, how we got there, how it has been manipulated, how we have all been taken to the cleaners? Pick up the terrific, reader-recommended book by Matt Taibbi -- "Griftopia". It goes into depth about the ravages as a result of the FED: the housing debacle; the dot com bubble; Goldman Sachs...and lot's more. and more. "Couldn't put it down," he says.

Government stimulus programs will always appear to produce a more vigorous economy, just as a more extensive use of credit cards by consumers will tend to make households look richer.

The Question:
What are the five most popular passwords used by Americans for Internet security?

The Headlines:

--Texas Wild Fire Near Austin Destroys 500 Homes.
--Daffy Says He Is Determined To fight His Way Back Into Power.
--Wall Street To Return To More Orderly market In Europe After Yesterday's Plunge; Early News Sees Futures Lower On new Recession Fears.
--Big Banks In Deal Talks With State Prosecutors: Pay-up; No Legal Liabilities.
--Katia Ramping Up To Cat 4 But Seen As Missing US.
--Big Apple Riddled with Bullets; 25 Shot In 24 Hours; East Side, West Side, All Around The Town.
--Romney Unviels Economic Plan Ahead Of 0-Man Speech; Mittster Says Plan Is Gov Framework In Which Private Sector Can Grow Instead Of Being Impeded.

Take em' where you find em' Department:
Did you see the announcement that the largest Hispanic group in RI is now Domincan Republicans! This is great news for the beleaguered GOP here who are overwhelmed by the vast majority of Dems in the legislature. Let's hear it for the GODP!

Microsoft is US Steel; Apple is General Electric.

I like the idea of supplying the kids at colleges and schools with tablet computers as a replacement for the old text books. It should be cost effective over time and provided teachers with a lot more flexibility in teaching. And continuous updatability. Unfortunately for a few disingenuous teachers, that might mean making it easier to re-write history.

And...how about those text book authors who write it, submit it, have it published, get paid and walk away to ponder the next edition -- Now they'll have to be on standby for continuous updating. The world is achangin'.

If life's rules were like those in golf, what would liberal judges do? A rule in golf states that a player cannot ground his club in a hazard. (Note to non-golfers: Hazards are like sandtraps, marked areas around ponds et. al.). Yesterday Nick Watney hit a ball into a marked water hazard, but the ball did not roll entirely into the pond. Instead of taking a drop, he decided to hit the ball from where it lay. The ball hit a rock and went backwards into the Pond. In anger he swung his club in to the ground forgetting that the ball was till in the hazard, thus "grounding the club". Penalty: 2 strikes, No pleas, no questions asked. "Jeez Judge. It was an accident. The girl was talkin' too much so I swung her head into the wall! Maybe it's becasue I had a bad childhood.".

Oh yeah, and golfers routinely call penalties on themselves because it is the honest thing to do, even when nobody else sees it.

Have you noticed how when a woman is caught by authorities after operating a terrorist organization, she's described in the press as "Housewife, Mother". What? To evoke sympathy? How about dad when caught -- Wage earner and father? Nooooo -- Fierce and ruthless killer. I think we need an equal rights amendment for men.

Many voices are coming out to validate the early opinions of many after the 2008 elections about the thinness of the Obama message. This week for instance, ATU Union Prez Larry Hanley stated: "Obama campaigned big, but governed small." 0-Man defined by his own, and it couldn't be more concise.

But don't expect California voters or perhaps even the Princeton Falculty to admit the truth of how they were taken in by the Obama scam. The wizened from "Paper" Tiger Town New Jersey gave 97% to democrat candidates and a mere 3% to GOP in 08". And they continue to defend their emotional, elitist choice of four years ago. Over in near bankrupt Cal, voters are backing Obama much to the disbelief of all of those other West Coasters with brains. So that's the deal: Too many people just don't want to or won't let themselves see the truth.

Glad to see Princetonians have the chance to come out of College with and open mind. But then, who needs principles when you can make a billion or so in a hedge fund op. Lehigh beats Princeton next weekend -- 34-13.


How Government Officials Think Department:
The guy next door rebuilt his house from a one story cottage to a three story home. When the upgraded tax appraisal came, it showed his land value as increasing from $300 to $400 Thou. "What?", He asked. "It's the same land." "No," replied the bureaucrat. "the land has a better view!" Yikes.

The bouncing ball on Wall Street fluctuating daily between "recession fears" and "no recession-in-sight" is becoming very tiresome. In fact it's beginning to look like the big lie to support buying and selling for profit only. Actually WS making big profits would be great if they ever filtered down to the average investor.

Almost Near: Chapter 38 continues. --Before tapping into her phone, Audrey got into her car and drove down the street out of sight of the bungalow windows where she saw two sad faces pressed against the window. This, she was thinking, was becoming much too much emotional for a hard bitten cold reporter. She had rarely felt like she was feeling at the moment. It's no supposed to happen to a person like me.
"Hi Jess, Audrey.
Jess, her boss and editor, sounded solemn and got right to the point. "The police left my office an hour or so ago. They found the body of Rudy Quimpiere. It was badly decomposed but there was enough evidence there to clearly identify him before autopsy. It looks like you are clairvoyant."
"Is that a question?"
She heard silence on the other end of the line. "The police didn't come to the newsroom to give me a scoop. They had already talked to Rudy's mom and destructive brother, Bounty. They said you and some guy were nosing around about Rudy. And they both thought you might know the where-about's of Rudy's missing wife. Who, in case you haven't already guessed, is the main suspect."
Now it was Audrey's turn to be mute. She knew a lot, and as far as she knew, there is no reporter/suspect privilege. "I know a lot, Jessie, and it is mostly all disturbing. Very disturbing. This was looking like a big story without the murder." She looked over her shoulder back towards the pleasant appearing simple home. "I'll be back tomorrow. And Jess...I'm afraid of Bounty."
"When you get your schedule, let me know and I'll have the police meet you. When you say you're afraid, I get the message." Jess ended with a fatherly "Be careful, Audie".

The Answer:
You know passwords...what you create to prohibit hackers from getting into your stuff. I looked at several lists of top ten and here are the passwords that occurred most often that hackers will try first. #1 is 123456. next is Password. Other most common included consecutive numbering for 123 to 12345678 and also consecutive lettering like qwerty or asdfgh. And, abc123, 666666 and 7777777. Also Letmein, jesus, princess, iloveyou and for some strange reason -- monkey! First names are high on the list with the top man's name being thomas and the girls jessica and jennifer. Mine is easy -- tidsmakeyousmarter. Oops.

Somebody could produce a new reality show just using the amazing range of facial expressions from Dowd Simpson as she watches her husband golfer Webb finish a tournament.

It wouldn't surprise me if new elementary school curriculum's would include courses on using the Internet safely. Hey, it's where we're at.

Listen to the roar.

Today's Tids Issue 2,415
Opening Stuff:

Life seems better when the Rhode Island Symphony comes to a town. Any town. It's more, much more than the grand music. It's the gathering of people. Like it was when the families and kids and music lovers gathered at old Eldritch Field in the middle of downtown East Greenwich, the town that gave birth to the US Navy. Nobody cared what anybody looked like, they just consumed the smiles on each others faces. Every race, ever gender, every political persuasion gathered in the melodies and savored the peace of the night exactly the same way. If they couldn't, God help them. You always know it's a great night when people leaving are saying almost unison, "Why don't we do things like this more often".

Sunday Newspapers are better when football is back on the sports pages.

In the politics just get weirder and weirder department, how about a 2012 clash featuring Hillary, Trump and GOP'er. Some Execs are starting a Trump Third Party movement! Hillary could win that one.

If you don't throw wild thoughts onto the table, new ideas'll never get there.

Obama supporters keep repeating that the Prez is focused like a Laser beam on the jobs problem. I like that. "Laser Beam" Obama. What better? He is so singularly focused that he misses the realities affecting 2/3's of the Country. Is laser beam just a contemporary way of saying "Head in the sand"?

The Question:
1. Every time I think of the planes flying into the towers on September 11 2001, my heart stops and my stomach turns over. It is the one of great American tragedies that have occurred in September in the last century. name the other one? 2. Bonus Q: Who is Iva Ikuku Toguri?

The Headlines:

--Euro-Doubt Has World Stocks Falling While WS Rests; New Italian And Greek Questions And Political Defeat In Germany Casts Clouds.
--Hurricane Katia Looks To Be On Deadly Path Towards East Coast; Experts Expect It To veer North And Away Leaving heavy Surf On beaches And Rocky Coasts.
--Possibly Peace Deal In Libya Breaks Down As Daffy Forces In key Stronghold Reject Rebel Offer.
--RI Gov. Chafee-Lite's Admin Payroll Up (25.25%) From $1.94 Mil To $2.43 Mil; New Gov Has Encouraged New Kinds Of Taxes To Bail Out State.
--MS Sans Lewis Expects To Raise More Than 2010.

"Oh no! It's raining on our Baseball game!": "The rain stopped! Who did you call, Charlie Brown? The weatherman?" "No, Dial-a-Prayer."

Are all of these storms really larger, or do they just look larger becasue of all that red swirling stuff they now show on TV?

Apparently the big popular phrase around here in the post-Irene days -- "Congratulations on your Return to Power." is being Tweeted around the world. Gadhafi was seen ordering a big "Return to Power" Cake! How about that social networking.

Just what Rhode Island needs -- More administrators.

When you look at a lot of individual companies, it appears that the economy is doing quite well. The real problem may be that the economy is just not big enough any longer to produce jobs the American way. Oh, it has the capability of producing piddling jobs for ever and ever. But, the continuing encroachment of new technology upon the manufacturing as well as the service sectors will tend to make those jobs more piddling. Tis overtime reducing average income and the discretionary spending necessary to support piddling jobs. Then the Gov will step in and pay more and more to people to do less and less, further reducing discretionary spending. Sounds like the potential for a bad couple of cycles.

I worry when I first see new neighbors all dressed from head to toe in black.

Could-get-very-interesting, Department:
That suit brought by the US of A on behalf of Fannie/Freddie against 17 of the financial bigs could make for some great morning reading. The suit basically accused the "Bigs" of fraud in the selling of allegedly known Toxic investments to the big Gov mortgage houses. What will be revealing will be the defense arguments which could expose complicity on the part of the Quasi-Gov behemoths. This is a conspiracy mongers dream come true! There will be lots of squirming going on.

I was researching the expected $23Bil+ unfunded pension liability for GM prior to the upcoming IPO thinking there may be a good story there. I hit a roadblock when some financial WS experts said it would have little or no effect on the much anticipated coming out party for the once proud biggest company in the world. Wait a minute...did I say Wall Street expert? Uh, oh!

Stock Tip: The Movie "Contagion" is going to be great for the sale of Purell Hand Sanitizing Dispensers. That is, if Wall Street still worked that way.

Supply and Demand was always a nice, simple economic model upon which companies and consumers alike would make rational business and investment decisions. But rampant speculation techniques made possible by lightning fast computers has done away with that logic, effectively taking opportunity and sensible planning out of the hands of business and home owners. Of course house flipping was one of the more repugnant money grabbing fads of the last decade. Most speculation adds significant amounts of cost with no increased value... and puts tons of dough in the pockets of a few.


All of a sudden it seems like everything in the world is happening on September 6!

I thought that one of the great travesties in recent history was Fed bureaucrats forbidding Boeing from building a plant in Carolina because it was a "right ot work state.". It's scary for the future of America to think that the exec branch has forgotten the premise of what made the country great and has gained that much unfettered power that it can circumvent private entities from making rational decisions.

Brian Bassett seems like a guy with a heart.

People I don't read about: Winners of food eating contests.

Almost Near: Chapter 38. --Audrey didn't press the children. They were responding to her, more than she could have hoped. Yet she, a reporter, found it surprisingly easy to walk away without asking more. The heaviness in her heart was telling her to leave them alone.
She rose almost immediately after they began to cry after telling of Bounty. She wrapped her arms around them and found them willing to snuggle deeply within a stranger's caress. The three stood still, posed in a sculpture like moment, not moving; comforting, each other. Audrey found difficulty to break it up. She looked up and saw Florence staring, little rivulets of tears on her cheeks.
These two little girls would need a lot of help. She knew it. It is why she didn't press sleeping with Daddy. When she felt the sobbing diminish and a sense of calm within them, she released the two and stood back. And looked at them as if they were her own. She could tell they didn't want her to go.
"I'll be back tomorrow. Your Aunt Florence is a good person and will take good care of you."
"We know that." Did they say everything in unison, Audrey wondered.
Within minutes, a drained Audrey was rushing down to her car. To what? Sit and cry her eyes out? She wondered.
She felt the vibration from her cell phone. She it pulled out as she reached the main sidewalk, and instinctively looked back at the house. It was a text, "Call your office."

The Answer:
1. For some unexplained reason, forty-four years ago Ford decided to introduce the Edsel to an unsuspecting American Public. The reaction was one of horror. 2. Iva Toguri was "Tokyo Rose". There is much evidence pointing to he the fact that she was coerced to utter anti-American sentiments, as opposed to Rachel Maddow who does it from the heart.

Only 110 shopping days left til Christmas! The Tids: Working to build a better economy.

Wal-Mart Nation.

Today's Tids Issue 2,414
Opening Stuff:

Some mornings I sit here and wonder "what the hell am I going to write about today". And then all of a sudden it appears before you. God acts in mysterious ways.

Don't go to school, Wal-Mart will take care of you! Department:
(But, be sure to vote!)

(Note: If you didn't get the picture, the headline above makes no sense. If you want to see the pic, email me and I will forward it to you. Basically it is a pic of a sign over the cash register: "Express Lane - 15 Items" and under that 3 hands with fifteen fingers.)


So...what do you think the chances are of a Hillary challenge in 2012? Me not so sure she and the 0-man are best of buds. 2012 is better suited to her age, if she wants it. I think she could win the whole thing.

The Question:
What are the DOW winners and losers since 12/31/2010?

The Headlines:

--**Employers Add No New Net Jobs In August; Alarming Set Back For Sluggish Economy; Could Prez Speech Change All This?
--Wall Street Down 216 At 10:00.
--August Is First Month Without Death Of US Soldier In Iraq.
--Britain Bans Import Of Syrian Oil.
--Libya Short of Water, Fuel, And Medicine.
--Slow Moving Tropical Depression In Gulf Could Pummel Gulf Coast States With Up To 20 Inches Of rains.

The Leader of the free world is betwixt and between. His ballyhooed speech on job creation was originally scheduled against a major GOP Debate, the first in which Rick Perry would be sparring. Even Mr. Democrat James Carville thought it"the White House was out of bounds", stating that this Cal GOP war of words was an important eventand that thought would be great TV for all, including himself. So the Prez changes and schedules against the opening of the NFL season featuring Green Bay and NO. The only reason I would watch the speech is to see if there was actually something new, or just more political boilerplate.

(Note, the newspaper didn't report that segment of the Carville interview on GMA. It did report on the subject saying "Carville dcried the spectacle of the President being forced..." accompanied with Carvilles words: "This last thing the White House needed was to cave into the speaker [Referencing a previous opinion that the WH must first win the economic battle with the republicans] and that's what happened.)

I noted yesterday that one of my absolutely favorite people was born in September. I always think of the people I know as I write my monthly intro columns. But as I thought further, I realized I don't don't have birthdays in Feb or April. I'm figuring that many of you readers must have been born in those months, so from now on I'll think of you...whoever you are.

The New York Post reports that the "I want more taxes" Guy's Berkshire Hathaway company has been fighting the IRS about a 10 year old $1 Billion back Tax bill! Can you say hypocrisy?

Hey, good news! The first big college football weekend is upon us. I think some of the more interesting games will be ND-So, Fla, Boise State-Georgia, Oregon-La. State, BC/Northwestern and BYU-Ole' Miss. Most of the others are beat up on your small across the state college games. You know 62-7, 85-0.

Have you noticed that Presidential Press Guy Jay Carney is getting surlier and surlier? That's a basic liberal character trait.

I asked the Q in the Headlines Department about the content of the Prez Thursday speech being capable of changing the alarming slow jobs growth thing. I think he can, and this new bad news may be just what he needed to help him make good decisions. He can advocate eliminating regulations, taking a new look at ObamaCare (He would never say abandon it) and easing certain tax burdens. He will have to make his liberal base mad. It all depends on how much he cares about the country, and perhaps the legacy creation that may be upon him 4 years early. I think the upcoming speech can start the process if he can do it right. Stay tuned.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Debt is the big one and seems to be alot more than just another Holocaust film. It is a tense thriller about a retired Mossad team learning that a case they had thought closed 30 years ago, shows signs of still being active. Good opening action and surprises in the end.
--Apollo 18 is the story of a secret mission to the moon funded by the DoD. You see real footage of a sight the astronauts captures on that mission. Nasa denies it is true. Some say it is the reason we have never gone back to the moon.
--A Good Old Fashioned Orgy could be considered a unexplicit bad porn film and a very bad comedy with now socially redeeming features. It is bad. Don't go.
--Shark Night 3D is Jaws on a Lake! 7 friends spending a weekend in a lake house discover that the lake is infested by sharks. You can gues the rest. But it is far better than the "Orgy" movie above. It's just a different kind of orgy.

Almost Near: Chapter 37 continues. --Tucker quickly told Audrey about the new developments in Samantha's ever changing personality. "I'll talk to you more about that when I call after I'm finished talking to Rebecca and Sheila." Audrey glanced over at the two different faces both now looking intently at Audrey, wondering what the conversation was about. Audrey decided not to tell them that Tucker was with their Mom.
"That was a friend of mine who is also worried about you. He grew up with your Mom and knew her real well, and we are looking for her, too." The two faces relaxed. "So you see, what you can tell me can help us find where your mom is hiding." She was thinking what is mom really like and can we get her out of the place in which she is hiding.
"Let's see. You said Dad was bad?" Audrey looked at Rebecca, but noticed at the side Sheila's lips tighten.
"Dad used to sleep with us and it made Mom mad." Rebecca said it with no emotion. Audrey felt emotions rushing to her chest. Her heart was pounding. Some how she thought this is where it was all going.
Rather than respond to that, Audrey changed subjects slightly, "And why shouldn't I tell Bounty."
The two girls looked at each other. Sheila spoke, softly. "He's mean. And when Daddy gets angry, he makes Bounty hit people."
"No, but he hit mom while dad laughed, and then he always turned to us and said, 'Do what your dad says.' And we didn't gnat to get beat up too.

RI is formulating a tax incentive plan trying to keep a big Japanese Company Tory Plastics, from moving to Virginia. The whizbangs in this fairly impoverished and high unemployment State are talking a million dollars in encouragements. Tory, a big manufacturer of palstic film is asying out energy costs are too high -- Ri 11 cents/KWH vs. Va's 5,5 cents. Our big state news paper says ugh to Va's 5 cent cost because it comes from "heavily polluting coal". The same newspaper and the Governor Chafee-Lite are advocating green energy from windmills in the ocean (Sounds like a song title) that will produce energy at 20 cents/Kwh. Do you think we are crazy up here?

The Answer:
The big 3 were McDonald's, IBM and American Express up 17%, 16% and 15% respectively. The rest of the ups in order were Kraft, Pfizer, Chevron, Coke, J&J, Boeing and Exxon(1%). Verizon was flat. The big two on the loser side was BoA (-41%) and HP (-39%). The rest in bad to better order are Cisco, Alcoa, JPM/C, GE, Disney, Travelers, Merck, UT, MSFT, Home Depot, Cat, 3M, Intel, DuPont, AT&T, Wal-Mart and PG. The total DOW was down -1%.
It looks like the investors thought Exxon's profits were lackluster as opposed to the rants of the political harangue-ers. Most experts are saying drug companies are good. Maybe Merck is a buy. Travelers took a big tumble in advance of Irene. HP must be still paying off the campaign of Carly! I have a lot of admiration for HP products. I guess they don't have the Steve Jobs Zing!

If an industry works, RI will ruin it it.

Money in the bank betting tip: The Democrat side of the aisle will leap to their feet in mindless adulation so many times that this speech will become the longest in the history of the World.

Yesterday after four good economic news blips the market went down 119 because it didn't know what this morning's job news would be. Well, as you know it was real bad, so the market went down another as of now 175. So that means the combo of news that wasn't news and news that was news produced a real downer of 294! Yikes. I think Wall Street is loony. Well, maybe the computers are happy.