The US of China.

Today's Tids Issue 2,477

Opening Stuff:

The only things more irritating than calling a Christmas tree a "Holiday" tree, are the convoluted explanations that follow to justify the irrationality. We used to come together as a nation to celebrate a special day -- C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s. We celebrated the Birth of Christ on Christmas. And the C-h-r-s-t-m-a-s Tree was a treasured symbol. And now we are getting Materialism Month, and anything goes. Sanctity be damned. Christ? What does he have to do with anything? To many seem to be able to cede the meaning of Christmas to others. Out of "Fairness". Too many have become more interested in celebrating the growth of the China economy. Count me out.

Speaking of fading American substance, today we learn sadly of the closing of the Steuben Glass Factory, one of the last remaining symbols of true American craftsmanship. I guess the new mantra today is, if you can't cheapen it effectively or make it in China then it's bye-bye -- To grand traditions and the master craftsman employees.

The Question: David Mamet, one of our great theatrical writers, has won numerous awards for plays and movies. For which Tony Award winning play is he best known. Name five other of his more famous works -- in movies and theater.

The Headlines:

--Central Banks In US, EuroZone, Canada, Switzerland, Britain and Japan Take Action To Avoid Global Liquidity Crunch.

--Wall Street Jumps At Central Bank Action; DOW Near 400 At 10:30.

--Islamist Apparent Victory In Egypt Poses New Problems For US.

--S&P Downgrades Credit Rating Of 15 Big Banks; Action Will Add To bank Costs.

--Private Sector Adds 206K Jobs IN November; Biggest Jump Since December 2010; 564,297 Year-to-Date Job Cuts Higher Than 2010.

--UK Expels Iranian Diplomats.

--200 OWS Arrested In LA; 50 In Philly As Cities Try To Clean Up Mess.

--Nutcracker Begins At Newport's Rosecliff.

Black Friday Turns Red China Green Department:

226 million Americans spent $52.5 Billion this past weekend and the happiest group on earth are the Chinese workers and growing middle class in that humongous country. Over fifty percent of all products, including Apple, were made in China factories, while another large percentage of the most popular gifts came from Korea, Japan, Europe and India. There was a time when retail sales were just the tip of the deep American economy. Now US retailing is the indicator for a global economy.

I get Omaha Steak emails all of the time. You know the ones that say "Prices Slashed". So I decided to take a closer look. What a rip off! For instance, 10 6oz Tenderloin steaks for $165 reduced to $114 is reducing a $44/pound steak to $32/lb! No steak is that much better. I mean a well trimmed superior tenderloin in a supermarket may be around $16/lb. Omaha has done a brilliant job of creating the illusion of perfection. Maybe they should start making them in China!

Speaking of agendas, the RI PUC keeps pushing the ocean windmill project, which would produce electricity at a cost "3 times" higher than gas generated or that from other common sources. And nobody in officialdom seems to care that the company that would be hurt most is one of the biggest employers in the state. This in RI with the 6th highest unemployment in the nation and well above its five New England neighbors.

By the way, if anybody is thinking of giving me a gift certificate for the new chi-chi Providence Restaurant - The Dorrance - forget about it.

Somebody is always trying to slip it to us. The little folks with agendas, like changing "Christmas " to "Holiday", use the media to plant subtle messages disguised as humorous asides. For instance, last night on the crime show Body of Proof, a tired Meghan Hunt comes home only to find she must now do battle with her annoying precocious daughter, who in a flippant manner strolls through the kitchen, peeks at her moms meal and mutters "Meat is Murder".

By the way, did I say "Good Riddance" to Barney yet. Despite the fawning of the liberal press, American will be a better place with his retirement.

Almost Near: Chapter 51 continues. --"Well Samantha, ready to do some heavy lifting." Sparrow stopped, looked around. Her chair was empty. He walked towards the table, placed one cup of coffee near her place thinking that she was probably in the Ladies room. He notice the open folder and a large color picture of her father staring up at him. Uh-oh, he thought. He pulled out his internal communications device. "Jessie, have you seen that woman who was in here with me. No?" He slammed the cover shut, and ran from the room to his assistant. "Angie, go into the ladies room and see if there is a woman in there. She's good looking, about five foot four, brownish hair, wearing a dull orangy top.
 "Dull orangy?" Angie smiled at him and seeing is concerned jumped up and ran into the ladies room. He heard the stall doors slamming. Within seconds though she came out, hands extended, palms up, "Nothin' boss."
  Sparrow looked worried now. This was a fragile woman, he knew. The photo of her dad must have triggered something. His phone rang, The desk Sergeant Jessie was calling. "I think I seen her John. She ran out the front door."
  Before Jessie finished, Sparrow was running. His leather shoes slid as he tried to take a corner too fast. He awkwardly stumbled into the front room where Jessie was pointing to the door. "always chasin' the women, eh John." But Sparrow wasn't laughing.
  Hhe opened the door, squinted at the bright sun. And then nearly tripped over Samantha, who was lying on the bottom step. A little blood tickling down her scalp. Sparrow knelt. "Samantha, Samantha."

The Answer:

Of course, Glengarry Glen Ross was his best know play, and a very successful movie (With a fantastic performance by Alec Baldwin). He also received a Tony nomination for Speed-the-Plow and oscar nominations for one of my favorites The Verdict and Wag the Dog. Some other early plays were American Buffalo, Sexual Perversity in Chicago and one with a great title Keep Your Pantheon. He wrote the screen plays for The Postman Always Rings Twice and the Untouchables. He directed movies -- House of Games, Heist and The Spanish Prisoner -- all about con-men and the games they play.

Chinese checkers anybody? I know where you can get some cheap.

Que Sera.

Today's Tids Issue 2,476
Opening Stuff:

They say that over the weekend 226,000,000 Americans went shopping! Yikes! I am happy to say that I wasn't one of them, unless you count buying a bag of Cheetos at the local supermarket.

I always chuckle when dialing into one of those automated phone systems and they start with, "Pay attention as some of out menu options may have changed." Like people actually remember what the menu options were in the first place. Just what we need, self-absorbed automated phone systems. Maybe they can start a reality TV series: "I don't understand what you are saying."

Librarians were the original search engines.

The Question:

I keep on reading stuff about FaceBook to see if there is any earthly reason why I would ever want to be on it. So far, nada. Give me 10 types of "FaceBook Friends". For Instance -- "Yakkers", who Sign in just to talk and say nothing like "Nice weather.

The Headlines:

--Consumer Confidence Explodes To 56% In November; Way Up From October's Low Of 40.9%.
--Stocks Open Up.
--Lebanese Rockets Hit Israel;
--Iran students Storm the British Embassy, Bring Down the Union Jack.
--US-Pakistan Relations Plunge To New Lows.
--American Airlines Plunges Into Bankruptcy.
--Russia Ready To Vote; Putin Popularity Fading -- 79% To 61% In One Year.
--Newest Cain Accuser Has History Of Financial Trouble.

Ok, I'll come clean...I was in love with Doris Day during the 1950's. My adolescent drifts in to dreamland probably cost me a chance at MIT. Or maybe not. But I'll tell you one thing, I will not be in line to buy her new CD of timeless oldies. She jilted me and went off to be kind to animals, and she' not getting me back!

I really enjoy the TV program "Sing-Off". These A Capella groups are incredibly talented and entertaining. They can even make "Rap" listenable. Frankly the music is just plain fun; I often look down and see my foot atapping. Also Host Nick Lechey is a nice guy, and judges Sara Bareilles, Shawn Stockman and Ben Folds are outstanding -- being intelligent, witty, informative and very likeable. Last night's finale was lively and enjoyable, especially Ben Folds singing along with his orchestration that included the Dartmouth Aires and the entire audience; and the the Top Ten Boys singing Springsteen.

The Egypt Generals say they won and their governance sanctioned. But out side observers say that the best organized group was the Muslim Brotherhood and that group. which the US wanted least, made the most gains. There's still a lotta shakin' out goin' on.

The ever haughty Diane Sawyer led into a story about the Greenwich Money Mangers Powerball win with the words, "How fair is this...". Fair? I think I noted a couple of days ago that this word "Fair" is fast becoming the most over used, and frankly potentially most devisive word of our times. Is Congress going to be called on to pass a law requiring ticket purchasers to bring copies of their tax return? Nobody earning over $200K can buy a ticket? More good may come of these winnings than probably any in the past, as the winning threesome has already established a trust for mainly charitable purposes.

Memo to all of those walkers who may not have noticed that it isn't Daylight Saving Time anymore. Stay off the roads. You may be the next to be killed. Obviously I don't like people being killed, but think of the poor drivers just using the roads for what roads are there for -- driving a car -- when all of sudden a black shadow appears out of nowhere and there's no time to react. Now all of a sudden a regular person doing nothing but driving home, or to their grandchildren are murders! And they have to live with it for the rest of their lives. Roads were made for cars.

I see where the Politicians are still using the phrase SS "Trust Fund". What a crock.

My official Ohio news source says their are rumors floating around the state saying that Ohio State in an effort of rid itself of the Tressel embarrassment, may have just hired something worse. Urban Meyer, while a more than competent coach, may, they say, have really left Fla because of a propensity of losing his pants around cheerleaders and coeds. Penn State here we come. But, it's just a rumor, probably planted by some Michigan fan.

Word of the Day: Frisson -- A moment of intense excitement; A shudder; A cold chill. Probably the feeling of many when Today's Tids appears in the subject window!

Let's see... Cain has about as many accusers as Clinton, and Clinton made President twice. And then there was JFK who had them sneaking in the back door of the White House. So, I guess Herman should stop being defensive and accept it all as a badge of honor.

OWS people keep on saying they are peaceful and calm. So is litter by the side of the road.

Almost Near: Chapter 51 continues. --"Ok Samantha. I don't don't if you are up to it, but I was hoping that we could spend time going over all of the files," now Sparrow looked serene and caring, "about you mother's suicide and father's disappearance. I have to tell you, I thought it was weird when it happened." He looked over and saw a soulful, pretty woman who seemed deep in thought. Fighting for something that must have become terribly elusive. "You have to do one thing for me...remember. Use every ounce of your energy to remember."
"That's why I'm here detective. Because things are happening now that are triggering some thoughts, when before, if I can remember before," she smiled at Sparrow and he smiled back in an understanding way, actually enthused by her little joke, "before, I would just accept things as normal."
Sparrow pushed his chair back and walked to the door at the side of of the office. He nodded for Samantha to follow. He opened the door revealiing a small, equally dingy conference room with piles of folders on the plain wooden table. "Want some coffee? This could take some time."
Samantha nodded yes, Sparrow left to get the coffee and she sat. The beating of her heart seemed to be warning, don't look. Yet, almost mechaincally her hand drifted to the first folder which she drew before her. She casually flipped open the cover. She froze. Her eyes widened. She shrank back into her chair. Frisson!

The Answer:
Diva --all about them; Birthers -- Perfect family inane blather; Lurkers -- See all but never write; Dullards -- So boring you feel sorry for them; Scolds -- Spank the inappropriate; Grandstanders-- Post in-crowd photos; Olympians -- Sync running shoe ship to FaceBook, report every mile; Jetsons - Tour trips; Gamers and Politicians - See Dullards and Divas; Feeders -- Always sending in the latest news; Lost friends - Found you and lick feet like stray puppy.

"Once I had a secret Love...". But, now she's 88.

Black turns blue, green and glorious.

Today's Tids Issue #2,475
Opening Stuff:

I loved Black Friday. I spent much of it roaming through God's perfect place, Little Compton RI. Stone walls -- framing well worked farms where Pilgrims once strode -- slide gently into the sea. Little hidden rock bound coves capture and hold the raging sea; secluded retreats that temper the mind. Home after 18th century home where, hard working early Americans toiled; rallied in support against tyranny; contributed to plans that made RI a paragon of freedom copied by the other twelve. This is the vision of quintessential New England I remember. Uncluttered. Untouched by the commercialism of the day. Yup, Black Friday is ok with me.

News reports with video about "Black Friday" looked like your basic all-American big city looting after a tragedy.

The Question: 
Designer dog breeds with Poodles as one of the DNA contributors are certaingly the rage these days. Name five dogs with "Doodle" or "Poo" in their names.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Opens Strong, Up 3%; DOW Up 3 Retail Stocks Lead Way After Strong Weekend.
--Egypt Holds Historic Election.
--EuroDebt Still Biggest Threat To Global Economic Stability.
--Financial Insecurity Of Americans Highest Since 1930's.
--Barney Frank Announces Retirement; Local Congressman Gets Out Ahead Of Sheriff.
--Another Suicide Bomber Kills 24 At Iraq Military Base.
--Ohio State U Hires Ashtabula OH Native Urban Meyer; Meyer Had denied Any Interest, Any Contact 4 Days Ago; Dishonesty In NCAA Lives.
--Syracuse U Fires Fine; Tapes Of His Wife Discussing, Condoning(?) His Tendencies Stomach Turning; Coach Boeheim Says He Regrets Insensitive Statements Supporting Assistant; Is Legendary Coach Next To Go?

Let's see, 3 so-called intelligent kids (Or maybe just wealthier college students on a educational vacation) from the US decided it was a good idea to throw fire bombs off the roof of a building into a raging crowd in somebody else's country, and then wonder why they should get arrested. Are they naive...or just another trio of coddled, out of touch American children.

Freedom of speech does not mean camping out in cities. I looked it up. It's not in there.

BTW, is there a lower form of human being than a looter. Oh, maybe a scandal mongering papprazzi. Or a litterer.

Hey, aren't you loving the Glitterati fighting back against the intrusive slugs in the tabloid segment of the Press. Hey, I'm not kidding myself, some stars crave publicity like cocaine. And some like Kardashian and Hilton have used it to their advantage by releasing so-called "secret" sex tapes -- basically their only real claim to fame. But for the most part, Celebs should be left alone. It's just the civil, human thing to do. I don't buy this philosophy that if you're a public figure, the Press has a right to stalk you, invade you and humiliate you. But of course, just like cocaine, it's really the add cited public which is the driving force that keeps the Mexican murderous cartels and the Paprazzi in business.

People just keep on abetting the lowering of standards. And probably don't know it.

Do you get the feeling that Clinton (Bill) is trying to create is own private government by continually presenting ideas that would preempt the existing incumbents. There's no truth ot the rumor that he is tweeting his followers to Occupy DC.

I am really tired of the over-promotion and unwarrented addualtion of dead celbrities like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presseley. And I'd throw in Frank Sinatra, too. I would throw in Frankie, except I fear for my health and wrath of the Sinatra aficionados. So, forget that I alluded to my disinterest in preserving the memory of a singer who had little meaning for me in my youth. So, just forget I said it. I would never disparage an average singer, with a good publicist. you never heard it. Not here. Nope. No way.

"Electric vehicles are central to President Obama's plan to reduce US dependence on oil." What does he think will efficiently power the generators that produce the electricity to recharge the car.

Oh, and by the way, the Tids has just learned that PETA is boycotting oil producers for violating the sanctity of dinosaur and other prehistoric animal burial grounds.

Providence RI will be awash in a sea of contraventions as the Netroots Nation 2012 holds it's annual convention there in early 2012. The featured speaker in this loose group of avowed progressive and liberal politicos and wirters will be none other than Kieth Olberman. I'll be interested in reading the reports in the local newspaper. I hope the bring along their Truth-o-Meter. It gould be a bonanza for great sarcasm and humor.

Syracuse Firings Headline Explained: In a taped phone call, Fine's wife Laurie said while talking to accuser Davies, "I think there may have been others". "I know everything that went on, you know. I know everything that went on with him." "You trusted someone you shouldn't have trusted." "He thinks he's above the law."

The Answer:

The first hybrid I ever heard of was a dog I bought many years ago which was supposed to be (They told me) a planned mix of a German Shepard and Black Lab, offering the owner calm and intelligence. Of course I got it for free because it was available and the cultural acceptance of today's higher priced dogs was still a dream in the breeder's eye. Enough preamble. The first new breed I had heard of was the Labradoodle. Now you can find as popular Golden Doodles, Cockapoos, Yorkipoos, Doxiedoodles, Schnoodles, Puggles and Shih-poos. I'll take Spot, thanks you.

The Tryptophan in Turkey blunted the Novel writing side of of my brain. But it will wear off by tomorrow.

Man, November sure went fast.

Personally, I think it is always better to attempt the hard way to do things.

Stay home and Love.

Today's Tids
Thanksgiving 2011


Some may say it's absolutely absurd
To take time off to honor a bird.
When, we should be shopping in stores
Owned by those retailing whores.

We should forgive their corrupt thought
About what's not being bought.
Feel sorry for those so innocent of...
A day that's for family; A day full of love.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!


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Today's Tids Issue #2.474
Opening Stuff:

Well, at least the Politicians, Secularists and Materialists haven't succeeded in ruining the simple purity and delight of Thanksgiving Day. Yet!

I was thinking of dying my hair brown, but then realized that I'd have to dye my scalp too!

I think we could get something positive going again in this country if everybody stopped adhering so rigidly to political party orthodoxies. Well...maybe if the Democrats did. Whoops!

If the people of Syria really want to take over the government, they should put 75%-Off TV's in the Presidential Palace and send out ads to the bargain hunters. Assad's tanks could not stop them.

The Question:

Name five if the cartoon characters in the Loony Toons and Merrie Melodies group.

The Headlines:

--Expect US Stocks To Continue Downward Spiral As EuroDisaster Worsens.
--Egypt's Military Picks Premiere From The Mubarak-Era; Move Expected To Intensify Riots In Streets.
--China Says It Is More Than Happy To Take Canadian Oil Now That US Doesn't Want It.
--1,000's Of Insomniacs Line Up To Take Advantage Of Black Friday Deals; Violence Reported As Minimal.
--Syria Snubs Arab League Deadline, Again.
--Portugal Debt Downgraded; Country Joins Biggest EuroLoser List; Italy Debt Loan Auction Described As "Awful" Doubles Cost Of 6 Month Loans.

Have you noticed that illegal immigrants are the only class of citizens who have to commit two crimes before they can be arrested.

Yesterday the Feds ruled that 5 cottages on Cape Cod's national seashore -- cottages in families for decades and before the National designation was administered -- are not important and will be demolished. The day before the Feds stepped in and "stole" a 835 pound blue fin Tuna, worth over $400,000 on the Japan fish market, from a beleaguered local fisherman in New Bedford. The theorists in the O-Admin are out of control. There is no heart in Government, unless it gets someone a vote.

Personally, I think that perhaps "The Big O", that's Oscar Robertson to the newbies, was the best basketball player of all time. Right after Bob Cousey. My favorite old time NBA players are the above and Max Zazlovski, Sweetwater Clifton, Dick Maquire, Bob Petit, Bobbie Davies, Dolph Shayes and Paul Arizin. These are the guys I would try to emulate day after day on the courts behind the school. It didn't work.

Misleading Stats Department:
The MLS organization his touting their recent passing of the NHL and NBA in average attendance at 17+K. The average seating capacity of MLS designed stadiums is 18-30,000. And for those MSL teams that play in NFL stadiums it's close to 50,000. The NBA and NHL play in arenas that average under 18,000. It is indeed an indication of the growing popularity of Soccer, but the fact is that the NBA and NHL will never get too much larger because of seating restrictions. And the MLS is filling stadium at a rate significantly below capacity. And...MLS total attendance for a season is less than half of that of the other two leagues.

After dealing with the new generation of workers in the so-called service industries, you have to be thankful that they aren't assembling critical parts for manufactured products. If you know what I mean.

One of the biggest disservices of the political sector has been applying liberal and conservative tags to Democrats and Republicans respectively. Many hard working Blue Collar (Including even union members) Democrats are rock solid conservatives. And vice-versa --Liberals among some Republicans. Not only is it a dishonest depiction by the scallywags for political gain, but it it obscures the principles held by each party. I guess Pols figure that if you can fog up principles, anybody can be elected.

Most of these OWS outfits are becoming even more laughable as Jon Stuart and other late night comedians take aim and pile on.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Arthur Christmas is a good kids (And probably Adult) Christmas Fare. We see Santa's new high tech toy making and delivery system far beneath the North Pole. Everything is ready to go, but first Santa's son Arthur has an urgent mission that must be completed before the dawning of Christmas morn.
--On the other hand Martin Scorsese's attempt and a kids movie is just a little too heavy handed, slow moving and complex for the average hyper-tyke. Hugo is the name of the movie and the clever and resouceful boy who lives in the Bell Towr of a church with robot. He is on a quest to unlock a secret left to him by his dad which will transform him and those around him, and reveal a safe and loving place he can call home.

Almost Near: Chapter 51. --"I'll tell ya somethin' Samantha, I like ya. I think you have big problems, and the least of them are with me." Sparrow looked concerned for this woman sitting in front of him. He had decided that she doesn't know anything and is groping, looking for help from anyone who can fill in the voids in her memory. He recognized now that what made him suspicious of her the last time they met was pure and simple her lack of knowledge. "For the record though, and for your benefit, try to remember what happened between you and that slick Eastern Lawyer Wallowitz." Sparrows eyes looked hopeful and almost pleading.
"I don't remember." Now she looked distant again.
"Let me give you some hints. You left my office and went back to your hotel and called tis Dante to help you with big bad me. He must be a pretty good guy," he saw Samantha smiling at that, "casue he dropped everything and flew out here immediately. Pretty nice of him, huh?"
"Samantha's eyes brightened. "How do you know all this?"
"Because me and my men pulled him from a car wreck, nearly dead. He told me the story, that while you and he were driving out of nowhere you or some phantom in the car whacked him along side the head."
Now Samantha lowered her head and slowly moved it back forth in a long slow emphatic No, No, No. Her eyes looked up at Sparrow. Blank. He thought he noticed a small tear in te corner of her left eye. "I would never hurt Dante."

The Answer:

The most popular over the longest period of time was, is, Bugs Bunny. Then we have nemesis Elmer Fudd plus Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester Cat and Tweety, Pepe Le Pew, Yosemite Sam and Foghorn Leghorn. Among the newest household names are Speedy Gonzales and of course the iconic Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. In the 40's many of these guys above achieved superstar status and brought many a laugh to a population fighting and supporting the biggest War in American Ho story. In fact, several of these characters were used in propaganda films against the various tyrants. Hitler had his hands full with Daffy!

Let's hope the stock traders get out of town early today before they can do too much damage! At this moment, the market is up $3.00. Hey it's better than Wednesday.

That's All Folks! Enjoy the long weekend.

"T" it up.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,572
Opening Stuff:

A great opener for Tomorrow morning is Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring.

The world is in quite the economical, ideological mess these days. And I expect it will stay that way for quite awhile. Suck it up.

Just for the record, the amazing accomplishment of Gina Raimondo reforming the Pension system here, is exactly what Former GOP Gov Carcieri was trying to accomplish for 8 years. Always blocked by the entrenched Union anointed legislators. Carcieri, a former successful global business man knew a house of cards when he saw one.

The signing of the bill permitting 3 casinos and one slot parlor in Massachusetts will certainly send the RI legislators a-scurrying to turn the two local "Non-Casinos in to real ones. You can bet on that one.

The Question:
Every year around now Forbes Mag publishes the lists of the worst Passwords based on the efforts of two Internet observers, "SplashData" and "Imperva" list Name the top five baddies for each.

The Headlines:

--US S&P Index Expected To Turn Lower For 6th Straight day.
--New Jobless Claims Rise To 393,000.
--Germany's Disastrous Bond Sale Yesterday Shakes Confidence, Warns Of Possible Euro-Recession.
--Huckabee Urges Conservatives To get ready to Back Mitt Romney.
--GOP Debate: Winners -- Newt, 0-Man; Loser -- Herman; Biggest Loser -- Americans.
--Nokia To Cut 17,000 Jobs.
--Egypt Protestor Clashes Continue For 5th Day.
--Fed To Test US Banks For EuroStress; Auditors To Hit BoA, Morgan-Stanley, Citi, Goldman, JPMorgan-Chase and Wells Fargo.

Why We Buy 5 Pounds More Turkey than We Need Department:
Here's a nice "Panini" recipe for that leftover bird. In a bowl mix 1/2 cup mayo, 6 finely chopped basil leaves, zest and juice of 1 lemon. S&P to taste. Brush one side of each piece of multi grain bread (Or chewy Italian) with 2 tbs OO. With OO side down place on bread ample turkey and two thin slices Gruyere cheese. Palce other slicee of brea (OO up) on top and insrert into Panini maker or sandwich grill. Or if you just a person wit pots and pans, cook like grilled cheese sandwich. How easy was that.

Of course all the chic new recipes will never surpass my childhood days of butter lathered Wonder Bread heaped with white meat turkey! Oh my achin' heart.

A way better than average 13-1 last week brought the yearly "Pickin's" to 109-51 or 68%. But it could disintegrate quickly this week. Starting with 3 close match-ups on T-Day -- GB-(T-Day Savvy)Det, surging Miami/confusing Dallas, Conservative Balt/SF -- it doesn't bet many better with the likes of NE/Phil, sliders Buff/Jets, QB lacking Chi/New Qb'd Oakland and upstart Carolina trying to keep Indy down for another week. I'm betting Det, Miami, Balt, NE (Gulp), Jets, Oakland and Carolina. That could be easily 0-8! The rest are st. Louis, Cinn, Tenn, Houst, Atlanta, Seattle, SD (Sorry Tebow ) and Pitt.

I don't know about you. but the word "Black" just doesn't encourage me to go shopping Friday.

I've been thinking of playing "Hard to get", but that presupposes that somebody wants you.

Based on the success of the $1 Store concept, an enterprising entrepreneur has developed the "$1,000 Dollar Store" for upscale neighborhoods. They just had the Grand opening.

Did you see the report where High School students in the wealthy NYC suburb of Great Neck LI are paying from $500-$3500 to college kids to take their SAT and ACT tests. The imposters even are given fake photo ID's. They will probably not make it to college now, but I hear that the CIA is making offers.

North Carolina and RI are tied for the 6th in highest unemployment at 10.4%. What makes that interesting is that the NC (And other southern states) boomlet came at the expense of RI (And the other 5 NE states). The Unions played their "demands" card too long forcing the inevitable wholesale evacuation of powerful NE companies to the non-union south. It was great down there...for awhile. Until the unions got in and grew til demands forced southern companies to seek out of country manufacturing locations. Meanwhile back in In RI unions, with fewer and fewer companies to organize, went after state and local governments to the point where companies started leaving again. Operating them and living in RI became costly; a hazard to the economic health of all sized businesses. Maybe the new reform will call a few of them back. Oh yeah...the other five NE states have unemployment below the national average.

The revised Q3 GDP report has been revised downward from the 2.5% estimate to the now actual 2%. After tax and adjustment for inflation, average incomes for Americans dropped 2.1%. But, October the month of Q4 seemed refreshing for retailers. Economists are confused at best.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--George Cloony is good in this film about a regular appearing guy, yet indifferent husband and father, whose life all of a sudden is falling apart. His wife is in a coma from a boating accident. He learns that his daughter are not there to help their distant dad. He then learns she had been having an affair. On top of this he must wrestle with the sale of thousands of acres of family land in Hawaii handed down from royalty and missionaries. A prefect Life in "Paradise" all of a sudden isn't.
--The newest Muppet Movie will make you laugh and make you smile even though the plot sucks.

Almost Near: Chapter 50 continues. --"I know Samantha quite well. In fact I just helped her avoid an embarrassing meeting with the police here." Audrey thought, The police again. Just what is this woman doing. "Actually I like the woman, and Dante did too."
Mary then told Audrey the complete story from the first meeting to the incident in Dalesford to the strange luncheon which eventually led to the near tragic death of Dante. "We all believe that Dante will come out of it. He's one tough guy."
"Maybe I can call you again when he is back on earth?"
Mary smiled at Audrey's remark. She liked this voice on the phone "Any time."
Audrey hung up just as she heard Tucker knocking on the door. God, she thought, he's here already. She took off her blouse, pulled one of those big terrycloth bathrobes form the closet, yelled out "Just a minute", ran to the bathroom and stuck a toothbrush in mouth. She opened the door with the toothbrush sticking out, "Thorrie..." she smiled broadly "Oops" and yanked the toothbrush out of her mouth. "Sorry, I guess I'm running a bit late!"
"Tucker actually laughed at the sight he saw. "You look great harried and un-programmed"
"When did you ever see me programmed?"
He kissed Audrey on the cheek, nicely, "I'll just sit patiently on the bed til you're ready."
"Don't peek." Audrey smiled and turned quickly, yanking a top and slacks out her suitcase by the bathroom. "I'll be quick." I wonder how much of what I have learned I should tell Tucker

The Answer:
From SplashData: Following the worst "Password" we go inorder to 123456, 12345678, qwerty, abc123, monkey, 1234567, letmein, trustno1 and 10 dragon. For Imperva it is similar with number/letter progressions and "password", but has also iloveyou, princess and rockyou. Some other prominent losers are baseball, master, sunshine, ashley, bailey, shadow, superman and football. I don't know if my passwords are good, but at least they aren't these.

You know, one of the things I'm thankful for is all of you out there giving me the chance to write each morning. Helping one person keeping an aging brain from atrophying. Doesn't that make you feel good?

Everything starts somewhere.

Today's Tids Issue 2,471

Opening Stuff:

Happy Birthday Providence Rhode island! That's the Providence known for 375 years of creative contributions to society that started on this day in 1636. Providence and the Great rationalist Roger Williams gave the nation the very principles that make our USA the most admired. This is where (Along with John Clarke and the people of sister enlightened sister city -- Newport RI) developed the principles of freedom in religion and speech...and general all around understanding. Providence along with Newport encouraged all races, all religions to migrate to the shores of the beautiful colony by the sea. Providence also set the highest of economic standards rising to the #2 most wealthy city in the land in the early 1900's. The downtown at that turn of the century filled with the leading manufacturing companies and industries in the world. Now today, a most beautiful city that has restored it's past architectural masterpieces and remains vibrant as a center of education and culinary opportunities. Legal, medical and yes...a financial center. And still a place that religiously espouses freedoms for all.

The problem in the US is Spending! Spending! Not declines in revenue.

The Question:
Name five movies made enjoyable by the delightful Goldie Hawn!

The Headlines:

--SuperCommittee Folds; 0-Man Pontificates.
--HP Delivers; Campbell Soup Q1 Boiling; US Market Futures Up.
--Rioting In Egypt Puts US Policy In The Middle.
--MF Global Missing Money Doubles To $1.2 Billion; Corzine Rumored To Be In Legal Trouble.
--Former Maddoff Employee Says Scam Had been Running Since Mid-q1970's.
--Surfer-Dude In Australia Leaves Suit case Full Of $1 Million In Italian Restaurant!

The Prez must love the failure of the SuperCommittee. It gives him a new pincushion now that people are smirking over his increasingly ludicrous Bush blame game. If he didn't want it to fail he would have stayed home and beat up on Congress  in the oval office. Everything, and I mean everything is about 2012 now. Period.

Isn't it ironic that the most liberal and one of the richest cities in the country -- San Francisco -- was built upon pure greed. The fabled "Forty-Niners" would walk upon their grey haired Grammy to get a nugget.

Personally it bothers me that the unthinking press continually vilifies hard working police mainly with their excessive emotional reactions to a vscieral appearing event, casting rational, measured investigation of an event aside.

Actually I'm kind of glad the Cubs got Sveum. I'd never be able to pronounce his name.

"Fair Share" is the most misused word in modern US political history.

Small business job creation is bandied about as the engine that drives job creation. In fact it is the engine that multiplies job creation. Large corporations in regions create small feeder businesses from manufacturing job shops to hairdressers to restaurants. It's just the way it works despite what the Politicans tell you.


This entire "tax the rich thing" is nothing more than the creation of a populist cause for the next election. The money generated from added taxation would be a drop in the bucket compared to the immensity of the task. Nothing will improve until spending (Which has become basically bribery to the voter) is seriously abated.

The headline read: "Is Newt ready For His first debate As A frontrunner?"Newt is always ready for a debate.

No matter how bad the country appears to be going, the demographics will always favor the 0-Man.

Almost Near: Chapter 50 continues. --"Is there anybody in his office I can talk to?"
"Sure."
"Comon. I need more than that."
"Ok, there's woman named Mary, his assistant, who seems to be pretty sharp, and I hear from my pals at the police knows a lot about what may be going on. The police tell me they suspect, that she may have had something to do with helping this woman, who might be named Samantha, get away from the hospital. And...!"
"And...what...
"I have her phone number right here. Yup, I'm holding this piece of paper right here in my fingers."
"What ma darlin' do you want?"
"Ah, I like that southern sugar. I don't want anything. I just thought you should work a little harder. That's the the old New England protestant work ethic." Audrey could now tell he was smiling, having fun with her.
"You know I'm gettin' tired of New England, but I'll tell you what. if you ver need information from Little Rock you got me."
"Does that include inside info on the Clintons?" he paused for a reaction, but Audrey had tried of the game. "Ok its 603 555 1212"
"Thanks, I really do appreciate your help. Really!"
"No problem. I'll keep Little Rock in mind."
Audrey quickly dialed the number. "Hello, the Legal offices of Dante Wallowitz."

The Answer:
As we all remember, Goldie was that vivacious little dancer/comedian on Laugh-In. She went on to have quite the formidable career in h-Wood. Some of her best know Flicks were Private Benjamin, Foul Play, Overboard, Bird on a Wire, Death becomes her, the First Wives Club, Butterflies are Free, There's a Girl in My Soup and her Oscar Winning performance in Cactus flower. She's one of those special personalities who genuinely lights up the screen or room when she walks in.

The key to mental stability in the next 12 months is to take every outrageous statement and or accusation by candidates as just one more unfounded utterance of those greedy for power. I just hate it when my stomach does flip-flops for no reason at all.

Kudos.

Today's Tids Issue 2,469
Openiing Stuff:


The RI legislature stepped up to the plate, avoided some wayward inside fastballs and hit one out of the park last night for the taxpayers and in general, for the possible return to all around sanity. These politicians in our beleaguered state had the guts and the integrity necessary to do what's right. Let's hope yours do too. The Country needs it.

Last night, the adorable, pleasantly brash little rapper on X-Factor turned out to be just another punk who thinks the world owes him a living. The biggest crime though wasn't in the immature antics of a moderately talented kid (Talented if you like Rap), but the judges not sending him home. Giving him a pass. But then it is typical of our society where the crass, irresponsible, lazy and child molesters are protected by personal motivations of the ruling class.

Consumers are merely income streams for banks.

The Question:
Name five of Natalie Wood's best movies.

The Headlines:

--Good-Bye Regis.
--Stocks Up A Smidge.
--Confusion Reigns As Record Amount Of Egyptians Prepare For First Democratic Vote.
--House Prepares To Vote On Balanced Budget Amendment.
--China Vows Closer Military Ties With North Korea.
--Massive Rallies Yesterday By OWS Groups Seems To Have Fallen On Deaf Ears.
--Syracuse U Number 2 Basketball Coach Accused Of Molesting Boys.
--Newport RI'er Ken Reid Leading The Pack In The 45,000 Mile Around The World Sailboat race.

Good news from Congress for a change. It appears they are going to reinstate Pizza and fries for school lunches. They got to start upping their approval ratings somewhere. Might as well start with the fertile minds of kids.

I think my spell-check service is Government designed and operated. For instance...I just wrote "pll". The spell check gives me poll and pall as suggestions. How much creativity does it take to suggest "pull"? Maybe it's because of what we have long suspected -- There is no "U" in the government lexicon.

You ain't seen deflation like you will see deflation if they go through with the elimination of the Mortgage deduction.

Tebow is proving that intrinsically being a winner, having the heart, is more important every time than passing the "experts" test for physical characteristics.

The other big story in RI is the steady flow of jobs away from the state. 20 or so years ago the powers that be proclaimed that Tourism would be just fine as a replacement for a deteriorating manufacturing economy that once reigned supreme. And so they got it -- A seasonal economy that will always struggle. Now, as October reports 7,000 more jobs lost (The third month in a row) they are craving the return of manufacturers and other year long businesses The only year long business we have is government employees and that just is not an economy at all. The problem. The business economy here pretty much sucks because of extreme over-regulation, high energy costs and significant taxation. In fact RI in most polls rates dead last as attractive to companies. Maybe the Legislature can step up to the palate again. Or maybe we should just call on Gina to do it one more time.

Ok, maybe Tebow isn't the worlds greatest QB, but the visceral hate shown against him is way out of whack with the reality that it's only a guy playing sports! It can only be because of his strong belief in God and commitment to a moral life. A guy like Tebow could make many face up to their innate guilt, and they probably hate him for the anguish he creates for them in the lives they love leading. Anyhow, that's my take on it.

The Cable news Networks must be licking their chops over the prospects of reopening the Natalie Wood case. It will provide many hours of repetitive TV, and good extra income for lawyers, detectives and assorted self-proclaimed experts. It appears the Yacht Captain has finally come out, saying he lied at the initial investigation and that Robert Wagner was responsible for his wife's death.


The next big Con for Status Seeking Consumers Department:
It's a green tea, and it will cost $35,000/Pound! Yikes! And then there is the secret ingredient -- Panda Poo. Yup, Those black & white fur balls don't digest their food too well, making their lumps of dung rich in fiber and nutrients and the perfect fertilizer for the perfect tea. So the next time you are gently sipping the rich and very expensive tea, what images will you be creating in your minds? I should have titled this segment "Does the bear S___ in the woods department?.

Call me stupid and really out of touch, but I just don't get FaceBook. Oh, I get why businesses want consumers to reach them through FaceBook, but I just don't understand why people enjoy exposing themselves to the world. Like say...a Tids writer.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Happy feet Two will be a winner because people love little waddling penguins. In this one Mumble's son Erik, a penguin who can't dance, runs away and meets a penguin who can fly. Mumbles loses his son to the charisma of the flying tuxedo, but regains it when he shows "guts and grit" fighting against powerful forces.
--The latest in the Twilight Series -- The Twilight Saga: The Breaking Dawn will also be a winner because teens love this series. And also because this is a much better film than the previous one. Bella and Edward must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon and tumultuous birth of a child.

Almost Near: Chapter 50 continues. --Being a reporter, Audrey decided that a reporter would give her the best head start at tracking down this Samantha person. A person she really doesn't know at all but who is turning her life up side down. Hell, I know where her kids are, she thought, and she may or may not depending what she remembers at any given moment. At least, that was the way Audrey was looking at the former lover of Tucker. At least that's what I know from Tucker. The she smiled, as a reporter, I should always check my sources! "Hi, this is Sam O'Brien."
Oh, Hi Sam, I'm Audrey Johnson, a columnist, you know reporter from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and I'm trying to find out about a woman who was born in New Castle -- which, I assume your Portsmouth paper covers."
"Oh yes, we do."
"I don't know exactly how to start this, because I'm just getting some meager details about her early life. Can you work with me?"
"Sure."
"You don't say much more than you have to, do you?"
"I'm a New Englander. I like to save energy."
"Well, bare with me, this women left New Castle about 17 years ago, and she'd be about 35-36. What kind of town is New Castle anyhow. Anything ever happen there?
"It's a pretty little place surrounded by water and the people are nice enough to let me live there."
"All your life?"
"Yup. And, funny you should ask. Cause about two days ago we had what appears to be an attempted murder of a good young lawyer here. And their is talk of a mysterious missing women, who maybe had ties with the town. We're waiting to see of the lawyer makes it out of the coma.
"Really!"

The Answer:
Natalie Wood was one of those actors who brought a special beauty to the screen. How perfect was that face for Maria in West Side Story? Or her roles in Spender in the Grass and how she lit up the screen playing opposite the biggest fad actor of the era James Dean in Rebel without a Cause! America first fell in love with her as the child star in Miracle on 34th Street. Some of her other big films were Gypsy, Love with the Proper Stranger and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Her final film released posthumously was Brainstorm. Her real name was Natalia Nekolaevna Zakharenko!

"There's a place for us...somewhere..." I always start humming that tune every time I type West Side Story.

Hope your weekend hums along and is lyrical and melodic.

.

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT
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Jingle Bells.

Today's Tids Issue 2,467

Opening Stuff:

Welcome to the Tids Annual big Christmas edition. Rudolph, Santa and all the elves generally show up and regale our readers with tales of getting the goods made and out to you, and....What?...It's not Christmas. But what about all of those decorations up a month and the Santa comercials...and the panhandlers with "Happy Holiday's" signs. I thought we had already passed Thanksgiving...Oh, that was advertised in August? Oh well, I guess that means there really is still time to put Christ back into Christmas. Sorry folks, back to the regular crap.

It looks like Rhode Island's new genuine hero Gina was not too fond of yesterday's remarks by Chafee-Lite, calling the surprising comments political sniping. This is a critical time for Rhody and its effort to pass a pension reform act, and Treasurer Raimondo emphasizes that all parties driving to fix underfunded pension debt must bond together as a unified force in the face of the typical unrelenting Union opposition. If the legislature can bore down and find the guts, the passage of this bill will assure RI as the first state in the USofA to get runaway pension costs under control. Well... sorta under control...for a political entity.

The OWS protesters held a sign yesterday that read "You can't evict an idea." And, what exactly is that ide?. Comon, help me on this one.

The Question:
Who was just named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People mag? Name others who have won.

The Headlines:

--Oil Up; Stocks Down.
--Bullet Found In White House Window; Mentally Deranged Man Suspected.
--Social Network Generated Boycott Of Kardashians Gaining Steam; Petition Signers Tired Of Program's Emphasis On Vanity, Greed, Promiscuity, Vulgarity And Over The Top Conspicuous Consumption.
--Prez Ok's Permanent US Military Installation In Australia; Strategy Designed To Control. Emergence Of China.
--Man Gets $500K In Pirates Gold At Storage Unit Auction.
--FaceBook Fighting Flood Of X-Rated And Violent Spam; Hackers Finding FaceBook Good Way To Pass Around Viruses Through Friends.

Of course, RI isn't the only entity with out-of-control spending. The Feds along with the Kardashians have written the book on over spending. But, that's all about to be resolved in the SuperCommittee. Right! Wrong. The Dems can make lots of political gains by not going along with needed reform of the big entitlements. By not compromising with Repubs, Dems preserve their ability to campaign to the nation that the GOP wants to throw grandma off the cliff and preserve millionaire tax cuts. Oh the Dems will posture, but politics will as usual win the day over honest results. It also behooves the Repubs not to agree thus creating the stalemate that would trigger automatic cuts in Defense and Domestic programs. Horrors -- The Repubs are cutting Deefense. It isn't so bad as these cuts won't be implemented til 2013 and are over a ten year period. Many an admin and congressional change will take place allowing Repubs to put back the defense dollars. Oh yeah, a Dem leader on the committee has said he as seen no sign of his guys being able to coalesce over one idea. No matter how you look at it, the Democrats are in control and will be the winners if nothing is done.

Did you realize that within two years of retiring from the NFL, 78% of the players are bankrupt!

I don't know how many of you heard that weird interview with alleged rapist Sandusky. His strange views of the events and his proclivity towards young boys sound like the talk of a man used to getting his way gullible children. He seems convinced that intelligent adults will submit to his fairy tales. Just as the innocent children he abused did.

Retired men often find that shopping is not high on their list of exciting things to do. One creative geezer found ways to pass the boredom in stores like Target. In fact he was barred from the store for stunts like hiding in clothes racks and saying "Pick me, Pick me", or while handling a rifle in the Hunting Department asking a clerk where the antidepressants were...among other inventive diversions. Thanks to NanaDoll for that report.

Science has a new report that says women who have carried and given birth to twins will on average live longer than women who haven't.

I read where 40,000 or so years ago the Homo Sapians arose and because of their much higher intelligence obliterated the neanderthal population that had reigned for millions of years before. But, not so fast. The same report also says that Neanderthal DNA has also been found in existing populations. Frankly, as I look around I think the neanderthal is making a comeback.

But then, if nothing is done by the SuperCommittee, there still will be Political winners and losers. But what about the people and the nation? Does anybody really care, or is everything still just about the next election. It is expected that if nothing happens by November 23, the credit rating of the US will receive another downgrade. But, some politicians will win. Doesn't that make you feel warm and fuzzy all over -- happy Politicians.

The Answer:
A bewildered Bradley Cooper questions hhis choice as Hottie of this year. Others have been Jude Law,, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Matthew McConaughey, and Johnny Depp. I'm checking out plastic surgeons now.

Life is good today, except for all of the "Almost Near" readers.

You never know.

Today's Tids Issue 2,466
Opening Stuff:

Good day today: The average age in the obits was 80 years and 4 months.

A local columnist notes that there is a movement afoot to have Kim Kardashian marry beleaguered towns, cities states and yes, even countries like Greece. Before the split, she and last hubby had earned $250K/day off their wedding. Think of the dough that could be produced from a world focused Kim-Greece union. Or better yet Kim-Italy with Berlusconi officiating. Hell that wedding might be over as soon as the ex-Premiere could get the Kardashian in a private room. Think of the profits from that one!

Regis Philbin has suffered the barbs and arrows of elitist critics for nearly 29 years. But his program thrived. He was Mr. good guy, Mr. Middle America. He was funny and human. But most of all he was a guy people liked. So, it's no wonder that so many of the bigs in Star world have been showing up to shake the hand of a man they personally enjoy. Everybody should take heart to the success of Regis Philbin. In world that appears weirder and weirder every day, there is a sense of honesty in the bosoms of most people.

The Question:

Double Bonus Day! 1. Why do you think that today the markets might be buying the stocks of CVS, Intel, General Dynamics, IBM and Direct TV? 2. What are the five categories of fish with the potential of containing the most ocean chemicals (i.e. Mercury)?

The Headlines:

--City Officials Continue To Break Down OWS Camps.
--Iowa Race Polls: Four GOP'ers Virtually In Tie -- Cain 20%, Paul 19%, Romney 18%, Newt 17%; Iowa Had Been Bachman's Too Lose.
--$100Million Of Freddie/Fanny Bailout Bucks Went Into Exec Pay Packages.
--NBA Talks Crater; Chance Of No Season Looms As Players Sue League In Anti-Trust Action.
--New Book Names Names In Congressional Insider Trading.
--Sandusky says He Was Just Horseplaying in NBC Interview; More Accusers Come Forward.

The headlines shouted: "World Population to Explode with Diabetes"! Duh! This latest bit of media hysteria centers around the giant remote African population, and it isn't because the Coca-Cola company has signed up more dealers. It's because as modern medicine cuts deeper into the jungles more people with the Diabetes Gene will be kept alive. Despite the efforts of the anti-fat junkies, that simply is the way it works.

Most people who write vehement complaint letters write in cursive.

You just don't know Department:
I was standing on line in the Post Office yesterday when a fortyish man caught my eye. He was a decent looking guy with flourishing mannerisms similar to those of Art carney playing Norton on the Honeymooners. Naturally being a seasoned people watcher my mind started creating a scenario that featured this guy as the king of night clubs. Dancer extraordinaire. An irresponsible whirlwind who floated through pop culture. As I left, he was standing at the front steps talking to another man, an obvious friend. What I heard was: "I was just told I have lymphoma - you know, like Hotchkins Disease."

We had dinner the other day with the wife of long time good friends. She's just a regular old person person with a family and grandchildren. We never expected the answer to our question about what's been going on in your life. "Didn't I tell you?' she asked. "One night a couple of years ago my daughter called, 'Mom, mom, he's gone crazy!' In the back ground I heard screams and crashes. 'Daddy Daddy, Don't!' More crashes. I yelled into the phone -- 'Kim, Kim are you alright? Talk to me Kim.! What's going on?' Another loud crash and breaking glass and a terrifying, deathly scream! A scream like I had never heard. I dropped the phone and ran from the house to my car. It was always just an easy ten minute drive to the colonial home on the Main street of a very colonial homes. My heart was in my stomach. The sweat pouring down. My foot tromped down on the gas pedal. I screeched the car to the curb in front of the home. As I opened the door I heard the screeming and crashes. I ran, burst in the door. I saw my Kim with a giant gash down her face. Blood everywhere. I ran towards her. Her husband Mac was about to throw a table through the window. To my left I saw little Johnny cowering, shivering. I ran and grabbed him just as Mac turned his way. I ran to the car opened the back door. 'Johnny. Lay down flat. Don't open the door. I'm here for you.' I turned to get Kim. Mac was standing before like a forbidding giant. 'Where's my son. His face was maniacal. I saw his right arm rear back. Wham! He hit me on the lower jaw with a candle stick. I fell backwards feeling a crack in my arm. I cringed as he looked down, but he turned and ran..." I think you get the picture. this was not the drunken rage of an ignorant down on his luck man. Mac was a well educated Trust Fund baby. The husband in a normal American family. You just never know.

For those of you who think that pop singers never grow old, Frida of ABBA is 66 today.

AARP is making it easy for competitive associations to form and thrive.

One of the eeriest aspects of this Penn State tragedy is the disappearance without a trace of the District Attorney Ray Gricar assigned to the first report.

The Polls ebb and flow for GOP candidates, and for sure Dem strategists abetted by media friends will magnify the confusion. But in the end it's Repubs going to the primaries and picking a potential leader who might be bale to change the funk in America.

Almost Near: Chapter 50. --Audrey was watching Tucker as the drove back to town. He seemed distant. It could be because the police now had firm evidence to support their suspicions about Samantha. But his inward retreat wasn't like that. Maybe I should try to find Samantha myself. The car stopped, and I looked over at Barton, who was still writng in his report log. "We're here Tuck." I smiled at him. He shook his head, as if trying to rid it of some kind of restraint. His eyes widened.
Smiling now, he looked at me. "How about some dinner tonight." Like i have been lately, I was briedfly enamored with his pleasant way. I paused a moment.
"Sure. Give me an hour." Barton turned towards the back.
"Audrey. Keep an eye on your friend. He has become very important in our case." he glared over at tucker who was very calem. Amazingly calm.
"I'm here for you, detective. Thanks for letting us go out there with you."
"Be in my office at 8:00AM!" He opened the door, got out and walked into the side door of the station. He never looked Back.
We got out and wet to my car. My mind was abuzz with new scenarios. Mostly revolving around a mysterious woman I had never met. "Where'd you say Samantha was from, Tucker?"
"I never did."

The Answer: 
1. Warren Buffet took stakes in those companies yesterday. 2. The fish "they" say to avoid they are Atlantic, Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic flatfish (Sole, flounder, halibut), Alaskan King Crab and Imported Shrimp. They suggest going for Gulf shrimp but this may be hard since well over 90% of all shrimp you see outside the Gulf are imported. Appears like a PR release from the Pacific fisheries.

Congress always makes sure that what they do is legal even though it is often ethically reprehensible.

There is greatness in all people's hearts. Somewhere.

Steel to cupcakes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,465
Opening Stuff:

I'm declaring the next year starting now as the "Dead Zone". Nothing will happen, beginning with the SuperCommittee. Our fearless leader will spend the time accusing other people of doing nothing while he puts off all major decisions to 2013. Future history books will color this era gray, when it should be fiery red and orange! It should be the era when the future of the nation began to be saved.

Why would Penn State think it a good idea to put in as interim a coach who has been with the program for 25 years. A coach who has probably been friendly with the PS Rapist, and has at least by osmosis seen or sensed it all. He's probably a nice guy, but...

I'm finding that this medicine I take for a bit of a lung problem is getting to be rather expensive. Through exhaustive research, I have determined that Cheetos Dust does pretty much the same thing. I'm in touch with The New England Journal of medicine.

The Question: 
Bernanke keeps on telling us that inflation is not a problem and that he expects to meet his 2% goal. Hmmm. How much will the cost of a Thanksgiving meal go up this year, and which items will go up the most?

The Headlines:

--Euro-Angst Could Depressing Stocks Today.
--New England No-name Defensive Backfield Rises To The Occasion Defeating The J-E-T-S 37-16 Pat's Fans Come Back from the Precipice.
--Italy's New Premiere Rushes To Apply Sound Economics To New Government.
--Police Clear Out Oakland OWS Swamp; Other Cities Taking Action Against City Campers.
--Jordan's King Abdullah Tells Syrians Assad To Step Down.
--Penn State Victims Begin Civil Suit.
--Buffet Says EuroZone Still A Major Worry; Economists Say US Is Years Away From Euro-Style debt Crisis. They Add Though -- Action Must be Taken Now To Preserve Stability In Future.

Whatever happened to P.J.O'Rourke?

A vote among NFL players said that the Coach they dislike most was NYG's Tom Coughlin followed by Tony Sparano and Bill Belichick! Oddly, the three who were ahead of the rest by a wide margin, are all disciples of Bill Parcels.

I see that the Federal Government allowed their employees to leave an hour early on the day before Veterans Day -- A day that is hallowed but rarely taken off in the private sector. I'm thinking that if we gave the 16 Million or so Fed employees an hour off a week with no pay, we could save about $9,984,000,000 a year (Based on average hourly wage of $12.00)! Yikes.

I drove through my home town a couple of days ago. Through my leafy quiet, modest neighborhood where totally pleasant memories abound. A shimmering glint caused me to glance up...and I felt crushed. The rush to build skyscrapers in the downtown is squashing my childhood!

Show me a pile of money and I'll show you thieves gathering like a swarm of flies over a carcass. And there is no larger pile of money than that in the Federal Government.

And how about that Government of ours? The department of Agriculture proposed a 15% fee atop of the cost of Christmas Trees! Zowie...right at the heart. They said it was for a fund to help promote the Christmas tree industry. But, wait a damn minute. The Christmas Tree Association should create its own fund from member growers and not rush to the government like every other gimme group. What ever happened to private enterprise initiative?

Speaking of Christmas and the gimme crowd, I notice a homeless person with a can in his stretched out hand and a sign in the other that read: "Happy Holidays". I told him that if it had read "Merry Christmas", I might have been interested.

Like we have been hinting here for some time now, Newt has risen to the top of leaderboard in the GOP Tournament. Let's face it, he is smart, he can debate and he drives the other side nutty. He was part of the joint effort working with President Clinton (Yes, as speaker "Working With") developing programs that actually reduced the deficit. I can see his slogan now: "I've done it. I can do it again." IDIICDIA!

Almost Near: Chapter 49 continues. --Sparrow looked at Samantha for what seemed to her like five minutes. "Wawl, Mrs., what was your last name?.. Quimper..."
"Quimpierre, Just call me Samantha, it's easier."
Wawl, I've bin thinkin'." He looked at her seriously, but in a kinder way. Ah bin thinkin' that if your commin back here knowin' that we were lookin for you cause of the accident and the injury to that lawyer, than you musta had somethin to tell us. Tell me what you think about that memory loss of yours."
Samantha told her as much as she could remember and it probably sounded very confusing to Detective John Sparrow. "You're frowning, "Samantha said in a humorous town. She laughed to herself a little, "Frankly I ve been frowning a lot lately myself, so I find it kind of amazing that you actually understand that I might know something."
Sparrow just waved for her to continue. But, he was smiling a little now too.
"I think what has been driving me is something I feel about a man named Tucker Lafitte who they say I originally knew as Tommy Lambert.

I like the idea behind the new Catholic mass book. They have said and I felt in the sixties that the words of the Mass went a little too pedestrian; That the the immensity of God was denied in the over-simplification of the words. So, the Bishops are proposing what we should be looking for in the leaders of the our land. Raise the bar. Don't give into the lowest common denominator. Take off your hats in restaurants and church. What's so hard about that?

The Answer: 
This year's feast on the greatest family holiday of them all will be 13% higher at $49.20. (In 1986 the meal costs$28.24.) The foods measured were 16 pound Turkey, gallon of milk, 30oz can Pumpkin mix, 1/2 pint whipped cream, 14oz cubed stuffing, 1 lb green beans, 12 rolls, 3 lbs sweet pots, 12 oz cranberries, 1 lb relish tray, 2 pie shells. Ahem...where's the gravy? The turkey had the highest increase at 22% followed by Pumpkin Pie mix (15.6), Whipped cream (15.2), Green Peas (16.6), Milk (12.9), Stuffing (9.1), and rolls (8.5%). The other items were around 2.2% except for the relish tray which actually went down...proving once again that relish trays look attractive but nobody wants celery and carrots. Oh, maybe Mrs' "0".

If you take the Turkeys out of T-Day dinner we can lower inflation. If we take the Turkeys out of Washington, we can lower the deficit.

Fogland

Today's Tids Issue 2,461
Opening Stuff:

How about this little note from Germany -- Angela M as authorized $8.3 Billion in tax breaks as "thanks" to the citizens for helping carry the burden of EuroLoser country debts. That almost sounds like the action of a rational government who actually believes that the people are important.

It appears that the biggest bargain this Christmas will be large screen TV's. And there could be a lot more goods at great prices as retailers pull it all out to have a big season. So keep a keen eye on the ads, and don't pay full price for anything.

I know a woman who always rushes to put her flowers outside when rain is coming. They're plastic flowers, and she puts them out to dust them off.

In a new Poll, 71% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion for both Big Business and Washington. The difference is that they know too much about Washington and not enough about the reality of big business.

The Question: Name ten of the top 25 Evangelical ministers in the country.

The Headlines:
--Italy Turmoil Pushes Stock Opening Lower.
--Greeks To Pick New Leader.
--Mississippi Referendum On Abortion Expected To Pass; Vote Will Determine That "Personhood" Begins At Fertilization or Cloning.
--Berlusconi Refuses To Step Down As Italy Debt Woe Crisis Grows.
--Nearly 200,000 Islamists Take Over Moscow Square.
--Observers Wonder If Joe Paterno Could Have Done More 9 Years Ago To Protect Children Caught In Web Of Monster Former Coach.

I was at a theater last night. It is big deal type of theater, and amazingly beautiful. As I read the program I noted that the Board of Directors was a large one and included many successful people in the community and, of course, all of the politicians who could weasel themselves onto the list. Oddly, each politician's name from local to state to federal was proceeded with the adjective "Honorable."! What's that all about? Honorable! Gees, what will they think of next.

Where is it written that yearly raises should be automatic.

I really don't like emails that start: "You will love this."

World get's Weirder Department:
An Iowa couple's house was set ablaze by a women who had just been "defriended"! Say what? I don't know whether this is a commentary on the social cyberworld, or the depth of anger in people today. Burning down a house is not a casual dismissal of onetime friend. It seems like everything is progressing except the civility of humans. What's next.. stocks and public floggings?

While traipsing through the net for information, I am learning that stories reported on video are far less inviting and practical than those reported in print.

Almost Near: Chapter 49. --Samantha retrieved the rental car and drove to the Dalesford Police Station. As soon as she saw it, she remembered much more about why she had come to this town at this time. After leaving the hospital, the thoughts of Dante laying there had triggered in her mind events that she had recently experienced. She was feeling better about herself, as her mind seemed to be less guarded about recent activities. She wasn't waking in a daze wondering why she was here, or there. As if pushed by an unseen hand. She was still feeling the push, but now there was a reality around it. She knew that she had to go to Dalesford because it was where her parents had died. When she saw that station she remembered how uncomfortable she had been there, and how she called Dante for help.
She didn't feel nervous at all as she walked up the stairs and entered the dingy appearing waiting room. Assorted characters lined the walls, sitting in well worn straight back benches. The desk sergeant looked at her approach, and she thought she sensed a spark of recognition. "I want to see detective Sparrow".
The desk sergeant stared at her for a few moments. "I've seen you before."
"Probably", she answered quickly. "Is he in?" The sergeant picked up the phone. "The Wilcox woman is back."
"I guess you do know me, "Samantha smiled a comfortable smile. "Thanks" Within what seemed like seconds she felt a large presence by her side. It was a familiar face, Detective Sparrow. Sam was confident now, and she didn't know why. Was it becasue she had nothing to hide. "We need to talk". She took control.
"Jeremy, " he looked at the sergeant. "No calls. I'm going to be busy."

The Answer:
Billy Graham has always been the tops with many Americans, and he still makes the list along with Franklin Graham. The rest are Rick Warren, Howard and Roberta Ahmanson, David Barton, Douglas Coe, Charles Colson, Luis Cortes, James Dobson, Stuart Epperson, Michael Gerson, Ted Haggard, Billy Hybels, TD Jakes, Diane Knippers, the LeHaye's, Richard Land, Brian McLaren, Joyce Meyer, Richard Neuhaus, Mark Noll, JI Packer, Rick Santorum (?), Jay Sekilow, Stephen Strang and Ralph Winter.

Just when memories of Super Bowl 42 were starting to fade, it was 2008 all over again. Yesterday the NE Patriots established themselves as an also ran.

This could be the week that was for the Tids. I'll be on a fast track mini-vacation spree. I will work to fit them in, but if you don't get them it isn't becasue I died.

Who needs Oprah.

Today's Tids Issue 2,460

Opening Stuff:

I have rarely stood by the ocean as I did yesterday and felt more of the simple yet magnificent beauty of the world around us. The wind, the waves, the salty spray in my eyes. The chorus of pounding surf and the screaming gulls reveling above. A symphony of nature's wonder.

I think we are in the midst of a new Pro-Global Warming PR campaign. In the past week we have had new reports of near catastrophic carbon releases and of course last week the ballyhooed Physicist former skeptic Richard Muller moving over to the cause. But, coming out this week is another member of the Cal Berkley research team, Georgia Tech world atmospheric expert Dr. Judith Curry who said Muller misrepresented the teams findings and there no reason to believe temperatures are getting warmer --"It was a huge mistake with no scientific basis". She went on to say that warming has ceased for an entire decade. Let's face it -- Global Warming is an industry and hyping the coming Armageddon is making a lot of people a lot of money. It's no different than a Clueless Lane fund manager picking winning stocks. It's all about making money.

When people say Technology is changing the world, it also means that more people can be fed falsehoods faster than at any time in history. That misconceptions can grow faster than mold in an ocean cottage outdoor shower.

The Question:
Week Ending Double Q: 1. There's a formula among Hollywood producers use to determine each year the most overpaid stars (That's dollar returned for every dollar of salary). Name the top five. 2. Name what are considered the most overpaid jobs in America.

The Headlines:

--Economy Adds Fewer Jobs In October; But 80,000 Dips Unemployment To 9%; Stocks Slipping On Unsatisfactory Jobs Report.
--House Agrees To Subpoena White House On Solyndra.
--Negative Economic Signs In Europe Hint At Return To Recession.
--"Groupon" Raises $700 Mil In Massive IPO.
--Obama Calls For Economic Stability And Job Growth Under EuroZone Seem Irrelevant.
--For The First Time, New Generation Will Do Worse Than Parents.
--Detroit Lions Only NFL Team Losing Money.
--CIA Following Twitter, FaceBook.
--Huge Asteroid To Pass Earth Within Moons Orbit November 8.
--Jackson case With Jury.

Kathy Griffen makes me not want to get interested in the new generation of comedians.

Poorly written Headline Department:
"Productivity climbs, but hiring still lags". Productivity can generally be defined as obtaining more value from the same resource. In this case it is humans. Productivity increases necessarily mean decreased need for more labor. Now if this author had said "Production climbs, but..." He would be closer to being correct. This is what bothers me about some news reporters writing about economic factors. It's the "A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing" syndrome, but when that misguided knowledge is in the minds of those with the typewriter or microphone, than it can be nuclear. A chain reaction that can create a contamination of uninformed minds. Just because one writer chose "But" instead "necessarily reduces".

From time to time we have cited examples of new technology with the potential to eliminate jobs, even industries. The last one was the idea of Tablet computing turning wait staffs into mere servers. Now in Idaho there is a law up before their Assembly that would require virtual learning as part of the qualifications for degree. The proponents see taking 2 courses per semester at home via computer as preparation for colleges. Obviously Teachers Unions don't see it that way. And, they are probably right.

Has the "Do not call" law been revoked?

I would not be surprised if 0-Man attacked Iran in some manner just before the election.

I would have liked The X-Factor to keep the big group "Intensity" going. I think the sprightly group would have added some upbeat singing interest to a lineup where sameness is starting to wear me down. It must be a generational thing.

I have to say something about Governor Chafee-Lite. I always thought he was an honest guy, except for his Rosie O'Donnell moment when he denied the reality of Shilling's bloody sock. But, he has shown a sensible thought process and a large amount of courage acquiescing to the determination and solid ideas of Gina Rainmondo, who he obviously admires and recognizes as a giant of a woman who knows her stuff. A lesser politician might try to stifle her dominance and move her popular acceptability to his side of the ledger. But, as a good thoughtful manager should, he has joined her in support, and in doing so is refuting the people, The Public Employee Unions, who helped him squeak-in in a three person race. But, that doesn't mean he still isn't a little goofy.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Tower Heist has an all star cast, and that what bothers me. I always worry about star laden marquis subverting the integrity of a dcent plot. A manager of a super high priced NYC residence learns that the penthouse occupant, a Wall Street Super star who also happens to manage the pensions of the buildings workers is a Madoff type crook. With the prospects of losing their money the Manager gets together his fellow workers with a plan to rob the Penthouse. Serious and funny, but not great.
--I was turned off to this one I read that one of the funny moments of A very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is when they get a two year old child high on Marijuana and cocaine. It follows the antics to the twosome scouring NYC for a perfect Christmas tree to replace one they ruined. Along the way they satirize Santa and Jesus. These are movies of which I have no use.

Almost Near: Chapter 48 continues. --"TL loves SW. What do you think that means?" Barton's eyes bore into Tucker's. Tucker didn't flinch. "I think it could mean Tucker Loutite loves some woman who's name starts with "S". Like maybe Samantha." Audrey leaned into Tucker's shoulder. "Have you ever seen this before?"
"No."
"How do you think it got to this God forsaken part of Little Rick Arkansas?"
"I have no idea."
"Yet you put it in your pocket." He turned to Audrey and then back to Tucker. "Just like that. You see something shining in the mud and automatically put it your pocket."
"Ok, John. Enough."
"No Audrey, not enough. I think that this is very odd. And don't try t protect him. I know you do too. You're just too smart not to be suspicious."
"Tell him Tucker. I'm sure you just reacted foolishly.
Tucker didn't say anything for a minute. Barton and now Audrey looked at him, the detective accusingly and the reporter hopefully. "I saw some thing shiny, and when I reached down I recognized it almost immediately. It's the kind of thing you don't forget. I gave it to Samantha when we graduated from High School. It became very meaningful to both of us. The fact that she must have saved it still after all the years struck me in my gut. I felt I had to protect her. And I don't know from what. It was just an emotional reaction." Audrey smiled a little smile, like a sign of relief and maybe belief in this man, a romantic, a knight riding to the rescue of his love.
"Well Loutite, you may become emotional again when you and I start talking about finding this woman. A woman who may be a murderer." Audrey thought of the stories about Rudy beating Samantha. She saw again the look in the eyes of her children.

The Answer:
1. The most overpaid in Hollywood are 1. Drew Barrymore 2. Eddie Murphy 3. Will Ferrell 4. Reese Witherspoon and 5. Denzel Washington. Denzel was a surprise to some because of the quality of his work, but a thoughtful quality product doesn't draw the big crowds. The efficiency of a stars salary is based on how many of the brainless you can cram into theaters. I saw 10 minutes of a Will Ferrell movie and I will never be again sucked in. 2. In reverse order -- 10. Wedding Photogs 9. Major Airline Pilots 8. West Coast Longshoremen (A paper shuffling "clerk" can make $136K) 7. Skycaps ($70-100K) 6. Real Estate Agents selling high priced homes 5. Motivational Speakers/ ex-Pols on Lecture circuit 4. Orthodontists (Versus harder working dentists) 3. CEO's of poorly performing companies 2. Washed up pro athletes in long-term contracts. and #1. Mutual Fund Managers (Make $750 to a Mil and are only 3 of 10 make money for investors.) At least that's better than washed up aesthetes who may be hitting .250.

Why should I watch TV and get angry, when I have all of nature to comfort my soul. Because I'm just another stupid human being that's why.

Wallow in the beautiful Fall days this weekend...and don't forget to turn your clocks...which way?...heeeeelllllllppppppppp....

It could work.

Today's Tids Issue 2,457
Opening Stuff:

Never Laugh at an Outrageous Idea Department:
One thing that has always bothered me is people saying without knowing about ideas: "That'll never work". And often the instant dismissal comes from some pretty smart people. Where would we find the progress if crazy ideas were routinely squashed. Check out these quotes: "But what is good for?" -- IBM Engineer on microchip. "The telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered by us..." -- Western Union. "The concept is interesting and well formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C', it must be feasible." -- Yale possessor to Fred Smith, founder of FedEx. "I'm just glad it will be Clark Gable falling oin his face and not Gary Cooper." -- Gary Cooper declining the lead in Gone with the Wind. "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olsen founder of leading mini computer company DEC. And..."We don't like their sound and Guitar music is on the way out." -- Decca rejecting the Beatles 1962.

The average household declined 2.6% during the 2 year recession. During the 3 year "recovery", it has declined 6.7%! This new info from the WSJ could affirm what we've been talking about. The emergence of a global economy will necessarily drive down average income for the USA. Water always seeks its own level and the damns of isolationism have been broken forever.

But US spending remains high...at least for Halloween costumes. While many consumers are anxious over rising food prices, they still went out and spent $6.68 Billion on the holiday including about $3 billion on costumes of which $140 Million was for their pets! "Halloween Costumes for pets? What a dumb idea." -- Tidster 2009.

I think a good way to cure laziness is to sit down and write grammatically correct, clear and concise sentences .

The Question: 
Tony Collette has been a popular star in many good movies. Which Australian movie first shown the spotlight of stardom upon this actor? Name five of her movies.

The Headlines:

--Europe May Avoid Meltdown, But Not Recession.
--Stocks Down After News Of Asian Economic Sluggishness Leading To World Slowdown.
--Obama Has Good Day In Doctor's Office; Health Is Good.
--Fed Expected To be Neutral Today.
--MF Global Screw-up Not Surprising Considering High Risks Taken By Corzine; MF Latest Victim Directly Related To EuroZone Ills.
--1,250,000 Still Without Power In Mass And Conn; Could Take Days.
--Peter Townsend Calls ITunes A "Digital Vampire; Imp[lies That Popular Song Distributor Is Stealing From Artists And Creators.

Well, at least she made $20 Million profit the wedding. Now he gets half! Not a bad 72 days.

You have to wonder how an alcoholic feels when reading the headlines "A drink a day can keep the heart attacks away." And, will medicare part "D" pay for a quart a week?

Michael Higgens is the new President of Ireland. He is a quite-to-the-left Poet and human rights activist who's campaign message was one of givng people hope in the face the massive record debts, property market collapse, 15% unemployment and severe spending cuts. According to an Irish immigrant I know, Ireland has deteriorated to the point of embarrassment for her as new generations find honor and comfort being on the dole. She is proud that her husband took an opportunity to move to America from Dell Corp, which had invested in manufacturing facilities there. She aches for her relatives remaining whom she feels have given up to the largess of socialism. Poems will help!

Don't worry about your health. It will go away!

OWS people look just like every other protestor in history has looked. I'd like to be able to say they are not stereotypical but rather a collection of everyday Americans. In fact though, they look like people dressed and made up in 60's-70's garb for Halloween.

The Answer:
The first time I saw her was in a very depressing dysfunctional family film which according to critics was an "Uproarious comedy" -- Murial's Wedding. I hated it. But she has been good and got big time recognition for Sixth Sense. Other's were The Hours, Emma, Changing Lanes, About a Boy, In her Shoes, Night Listener and Little Miss Sunshine (BTW another dysfunctional family film which I found irritating.)

After re-reading that, I guess I just like functional families better. Silly me.

I think I am just too much a private person to ever get interested in FaceBook, or similar social networking. Yes, this Tids guy who each day bares his soul to the world thinks it better to keep notes to people private and personal as opposed to communal. Frankly I don't get it at all. And I'm not even trying to get it.

There once a poet from Dublin
Who's election was just a-Bubblin'.
He wrote lyrical lines,
And warm happy thoughts
To keep the good folks from a-troublin'.

Poetry over prose today. Sorry