SB Week Survival Kit.

Today's Tids Issue 2,520

Opening Stuff:

One thing you can take to the bank this Super Bowl week is that some newspaper or Internet site will publish a story about how to have a nutritionally healthy, Green, SB Party!

Over the years in this little column about everything and nothing, I have looked for and reported on human oddities. I am finding now that odd and weird have become the norm.

The Middle East seems to be at the point where the rest of the world was in 1636 before Roger Williams and John Clarke established freedom for all religions in Rhode Island.

This week the Tids management will help take you away from the onslaught of irrelevant SuperBowl information and favorite team angst by turning your stomach with an avalanche of varied and sundry equally annoying subjects.

The Question:

Who was the wealthiest President? Who have been the 10 richest Presidential candidates?

The Headlines:

--Florida Multi-Car/Truck Crash Kills 10, Injures many More; Observers Say Smoke Shrouded Area Looks Like End Of The World.
--Catholic Sunday Masses Across Country Included Letters Written To Protest Obama Dictates That Force Religious Non-Profit Groups To Offer Birth Control Under Obama Care.
--Romney Surging In Florida; Even More Conservative Panhandle Region Pausing Over Newt baggage.
--Greek Debt Wrangling Will Keep Stocks Lower.
--Over 400 OWS Protestors Arrested In Oakland Cal.
--"The Help" Dominates SAG Awards.
--Assad And Syrian Rebels In Open Fighting.
--RI Looking For Ways To Improve Fishing Industry.

One thing I really don't like about the Internet is that when being intrigued by a headline I'm brought to a video story as opposed to a written story. I rarely listen to the video story but will always scan the written versions. Most of the time I find that the headlines are better than the "Rest of the story"!

The Florida political story coverage is becoming a little too heavy. I tuned into a couple of Cable News networks yesterday after hearing on the radio the news about a massive and particularly gruesome multi car accident on I 75 in Florida. All I got were the barbs and sniping of candidates crammed in between the pompous pronounce-iations of pundits. They managed to slip in 3 seconds or so about the Florida tragedy. A horrendous accident where at "Least" 10 lost there lives and others were badly injured. I think we have lost our perspective.

Good news for Michelle Obama...she did not kill the Twinkie all by nutritious herself. The burdensome Union contracts are the main culprit. There are over 100 separate contracts within the company, most inhibiting attempts at improving efficiency. Example: Instead of using one truck to deliver multiple brands to super markets the company is forced to use multiple trucks i.e. One for Twinkies, one for Wonder Bread. In addition to eliminating opportunities to be more competitive, the years of unrealistic contracts has produced a pension overload in the Billions of dollars. One that cannot be met.

There are a lot of cool things in this new world of technology, but one that amazes me every time I use it is wireless printing -- from DeskTop, laptop, IPad or smartphone. There's still a lot of genius goin' on around here.

If athletic teams would play with the precision teamwork of a symphony orchestra, they would be impossible to beat. Maybe the new generations of Bach, Beethoven and Dvorak could write the game plans. And orchestra members could teach subjugation of talented persona for the benefit of all.

Of course the big dichotomy is the jobs versus lower priced goods for consumers. Let's see, wages are going down and will probably continue to do so for a while. People with less cash in their pockets demand lower prices and sellers look for cheaper produced goods. In the US there are two ways to for US companies to accomplish this: !. Make them in cheap labor countries or produce them on highly automated machines that don't require people. Which of course means that the historic higher paying middle income jobs continue to evaporate. And people wonder why JC Penny just instituted a 40% discount on all merchandise. That's because the just passed so-called Boom Christmas sales season revealed that people mainly bought highly discounted products. And, that's the way it is, this January in America 2012.

Last week the traditional network news reports hailed the reported 2.8% GDP growth rate for December. "It's over. We're back!" What the gleeful faces didn't report was the opinions of most economists who said the 2.8 December brought the yearly GDP to a quite lackluster 1.7% and more importantly that much of the 2.8 came from the production that built up business inventories, which will necessarily slow the first six months at least, of 2012.

One of the latest "weirdness-is-taking-over-the-world" incidents is that insane reaction to a High School's choice the name Cougars for it's teams. This was for a new Utah High School in a state known for the wily felines in the wild and where one of it's Major Universities, BYU, is already known as the Cougars. The reason: It was considered insensitive to Women! Can you believe that? I can't. The authorities overrode the students own choice for that nickname and told them they would be known as the Chargers. To a person the students asked, "What's a charger". Editors Note: Since the incident, a well known Cougar, Demi Moore, has been sent to rehab. I guess she couldn't take the insensitivity. Help me, please!

I was pleased to see this morning that the Providence Journal followed the Tids lead in last Friday's bit about the lunacy of another grandstanding state law, this one banning cell phones in schools. A law the Editorial writer said would result in another unnecessary mandate from above where each school district would have to locate additional funds to enforce. They summed up with the sentence: "Red tape and mandates continue to swamp RI's local communities, as part of America's propensity to turn everything into a law." OK, Providence Journal. that's good...but how come you are so for Obama and so against anything Republican. That is mainly what Repubs are asking for -- Less regulations, less federal dominance, more freedom for individual states to act in the interest of their citizens.

"The Good Wife" was excellent TV last night.

The Answer:

Of course the Father of our Country George Washington was the wealthiest of all Presidents. However since he was never a candidate, this richest list is made up entirely by modern day hopefuls. There may be others like the Roosevelt's, Adams, Hoover, Jefferson or Kennedy who may have made the list if their wealth was calculated in today's Dollars. Number Ten is John Edwards! After the infamous Personal Injury Lawyer we have Rudy Guilianni, John Huntsman, Hillary (She did well after coming to the White House having never owned a home of her own), Al Gore, John Kerry, Mitt, Steve Forbes and Ross Perot.

Have some extra dough for Super Bowl Wagering? Here's some bets you can get: Odds on whether or not Kelly Clarkson's belly will be bare - 3-1; What color will be Madonna's hair when she begins the show; Will she be wearing fishnet stockings. How many times will the cameras show Peyton Manning; Giselle Bundchen; Tom Brady's son. How many times will they show David Tyree's 2008 SB catch. Let the nuttiness begin!

Yikes, it's Friday.

Today's Tids Issue 2,519
Opening Stuff:

The fog horn blows. The air is still. The seas are calm. We enter the morning in peace caressed by the soothing mist.

Every once in a while you need a good fog to block out the incessant noise of childish political bickering

But how about that ABC "News" interview with 0-Man last night. Talk about a carefully orchestrated campaign kick-off. I think that every Repub candidate in Fla should demand equal time. It was blatant favoritism by a so-called news organization -- 10 or 12 minutes of carefully crafted softball questions which would enable the the Prez to blunt criticisms with no follow up Q's, "What" are you kidding me. C'mon Mr. President, You're jokin' aren't ya?"

The Question:

1. Who was the creator Of Fannie Mae? 2. Bonus Q: Why is today known as Let their be Light day?

The Headlines:

--Greece Must Act on Austerity Before IMF Will Commit to More Funds.
--After Strong 2011 Q4 Finish, Economists Hinting At Slower Growth In early 2012; Higher Inventories And Lower Capital Goods Spending Main Reasons.
--Romney Increasing Lead In Fla Primary Polls.
--Egypt Barring Travel For US Pro-Democracy Advocates.
--Tired And Broke Santorum heading Home To Do Taxes.
--Costa Cruise Group Offers Each Passenger $14,460 For Ruined Cruise.
--Bus Sized Asteroid To Pass Within 35,oo Miles Of Earth Tonight. No Danger, Scientists Say.
--Thousands Spend Hours Saying Good-Bye To Joe Pa.
--Is Colt's Irsay Building Case Against Manning 1 To Avoid $28 Mil Payoff?

You have to wonder...why would the Fed just announce that they are extending their low rates out til 2014 if they didn't think that the economy was going to suck til then.

People often talk a lot about the US not being like it used to be. Today's aggressive youth typically attribute that to the nostalgic memories of the old rather than reality. Hey, everybody wants their own era's to be unique and memorable. But I remember mortgage rates on the late fifties early sixties at always being stable, and around 5-5.5% and for a while in the 80's-90's thinking rates will never be stable again like the "good ole days' when you didn't have to rate hunt much less renegotiate. But, now they are in the low 4's and high 3's. Yikes. That's really, really low. It is probably the main indicator of just how fragile the current economy is today.

Newt is beginning to sound like a grasping, gasping, nonsensical blasting politician about ready to die.

No matter how many awards Zuckerman gets, I still don't get FaceBook.

I'm really glad that I don't have to eat school lunches anymore.

The headline read, "Paula Dean caught eating a hamburger." What in hell is that all about. What a small minded world we have become. Let her eat cake!

Frankly, I'm at that point where it is hard to believe any words from the mouth of the President of the United States. that's a sad day for me.

It is inevitable. The internet will be come the center of life. Hulu, YaHoo, Netflix and YouTube are commissioning their own programming -- scripted dramas and reality "TV". There is going to be a lot of sorting out between the networks, Cable and Internet as they continue to grow and duplicate each other's work. Expect a lot of mergers and acquisitions. After all, all America really wants is entertainment.

Someday I'm going to learn never to use information that originated in broadcast emails. Ed Freeman died 3 1/2 years ago.

And, I'm not going to turn off Celtic's games at half time. 27 points down and they win by 10! Zowie! And, three starters out of the game in street clothes.!

Reading between the lines Movie Reviews:
--The Gray is a pretty tense survival tale about when after a plane crash in remote Alaska, a group of oil rig workers set out towards safety pursued by a band of fierce, bloodthirsty wolves. One by one the men are knocked off, as the audience goes white knuckle waiting for stuff to jump out of rocks.
--Albert Nobbs is one of those actors dream movies. In this one Glenn Close plays an introverted man who is a staffer at a posh London hotel. he dreams of finding a woman and getting married. Pretty good surprise ending they say. I think it will hold your interest.
--Man on the Ledge actually looks tedious to me in the trailers. I guess it really isn't much better than what I see. A guy on a building ledge is there not to jump but to divert attention form two of his pals trying to prove his innocence with an overly complex scheme. As the movie wears on you would hope he did jump.

Almost Near: Chapter 58 continues. --Sparrow looked down at the now trembling woman. "What was that all about? People I have been interrogate generally don't jump into my arms."
Samantha moved back, face reddened, "I'm sorry." She looked down now embarrassed. She shouldn't be she thought. "He was here. He just left down that stairway" She turned her head and pointed to the red Exit sign. I mean just here, Less than a minute before your elevator reached this floor."
"Elliot, Jim, take the stairway." He was pulling out his phone as he directed the two officers. "Mike, Mike. pick up now! It 's Sparrow.
A second later, "John, what's up?" Get around to the rear entrance of the hotel, now! The guy in the picture I gave you just left this floor. I'll call the hotel security to watch the lobby. He turned towards Samantha, slightly out of breath. You want to come with me or stay in the room.?
With you, definitely with you." She started running with him. "But, you knew that already, didn't you?
Of course," he said as they reached the elevator and he pushed the button." That's why I'm the detective!". He smiled broadly at her, and she finally relaxed.

The Answer:

1. FDR gave us Fannie Mae. Before that, interest rates varied around the country according to the needs of local banks. But FM was brought on board to help people keep their homes in the Great Depression. Sound familiar. 2. Tom Edison invented the Light Bulb 132 years ago today.

Do you realize how much extra money people have to spend for events to make them "Green". I think I'm going to become a "Green" consultant for my retirement job.

Have a terrific weekend!

In Text we Trust.

Today's Tids Issue 2,518

Opening Stuff:

The state legislature here wants to pass a bill banning texting in classrooms. I'm not sure that's the way to go. Kids should learn why it is not smart to text in classrooms and parents should be teaching them. The state ruling on private actions is never the best road to pursue.

But then, who is going to teach the parents who continually text in restaurants and entertainment venues interrupting the enjoyment of many of those around them. But that's the problem, isn't it. People these days think "freedom" is just another name for irresponsibility. Every time somebody doesn't use his or her mind, the Gov rushes in with more regulations.

You probably didn't know that Ed Freeman died last Wednesday -- Ed Freeman, Captain in The United States Air force. Maybe it was reported but got lost in the rush to report the Seal/Klum breakup or the latest about Kardasians. That's the way it is these days. The real heroes are lost in the cacophony of a throw-away culture. Remember Ed? He's best described by the words of a Viet Nam soldier lying in that God forsaken jungle wounded, his unit outnumbered 8-1; Intense enemy fire 100 yards away. The CO had ordered that MedEvac helicopters stop coming in. It's too dangerous. The soldier lies there knowing he's not getting out. The gun fire intensifies. His thoughts drift to a family 12,000 miles away he will never see again. Over the gunfire, faintly at first, he hears the thump, thump, thump of a Huey. It looms above, with no MedEvac markings. Is it the enemy, he wonders. But, it's Ed Freeman who is not a MedEvac pilot. Freeman a battle tested Huey pilot while on an incursion heard the radio call and on his own came over to the trapped unit. He came, into the midst of machine gun fire. He lands as deadly salvos envelop the space around his copter. 3 of the injured are loaded aboard. No time is wasted. He takes off, again through deadly fire. He returns 13 times. Returns to take every one of the wounded out. 29 guys. Buddies. Ed Freeman kept coming back even though he himself had been hit 4 times in the arms and legs. You may have heard of Captain Ed -- He won the Medal of Honor. But, you didn't see a report of this heroes death.

One of the Tids more brilliant readers suggests that the Republicans should be arrested for "Indecent Exposure"! Love it.

The Question:

Name five characters from the TV program "Chuck" which bites the dust Friday after doing a good job over the years of growing up from their inane beginnings to a watchable and sometimes moving program.

The Headlines:

--RI Mourns Popular Governor Of Late 70's, Early *0's Dies At 81; Ed garrahy Was A Nice Guy, Who Kept the State Working During 1978 Blizzard.
--Ahmadinejad Says Iran Ready For Nuclear War.
--New Home purchases Fall In December; 2011 Worst Ever Year For Home Sales.
--Unemployment Bennies Request Rise; Trend Still Positive.
Tears Over Giffords retirement Show Softer Side OF Congress.
--China Not In Favor Of EU Ban On Iran Oil.
--McElroy Leads Woods By 3 In Abu Dhabi Golf; Luke Donald 4 Back Of Leader; McElroy Tied With Gareth Maybin, Richard Finch and Jean-Baptiste Gonnet.
--NBC's Grandstanding Williams Disrespects Paul And Santorum At Latest GOP Debate.

Gina Raimondo has this advice for all who are fighting government expenditures for pensions and public employee benefit deficits: "Don't sugarcoat the problem for expediency's sake; Have your facts straight so when Union negotiating begins the numbers are indisputable." Sounds like good advice for anybody in any negotiation -- personal, public or otherwise.

Jack Bauer's new...oh wait a minute...Kiefer Sutherland's new show "Touch" will for some take time to get used to. There were times last night when I wasn't sure I was watching the show or a commercial for a movie about a comedian in Iraq. Actually I was confused most of the time. And then, there was that phone that worked its way around the world! Anyhow, it kind of came together in the end with some cool, heartwarming scenes and an understanding where it will be going in the future. I know one thing, you will need to use your imagination and suspend reality at times.

Newt is starting to sound like a Liberal slug. Now I don't know if he approved his latest commercial that said Romney hates Immmigrants, purposely leaving out the qualifyer "Illegal". This omission is a long time, well known trick of the agendized Left. Newt is just another divider, a political hack who is playing the class warfare card, who appears to be able to do anything to get elected. A genuine political insider plays in the arena of divisveness that today's voters are saying they hate. Hey, Newt can bring down the house with his one liners, and bombast. I like it too. But, on closer exmaination, can he bring the country together. Get things done.

On the other hand, Romney doesn't seem to be able to connect with the man on the street. Or at least that's the new tact that Government give-away artists are using against him today. And fellow Republicans too.

I guess the best way to pick the GOP nominee is to listen to the Dems and which candidate they are dissing most.

I don't know whether I"m more excited about the "Chuck" two hour finale this Friday, or the Pat's Super Bowl game. Life is tough.

In case you missed it, John Matson, the "Carpenter" from Hopkinton RI has announced that he will run against 2nd RI district Congressman Langivin. This time this candidate, I should say warrior, who is sick and tired of everything about government that everybody else is sick and tired of, and has the guts and is willing to do something about it, has put a lot of his own cash into the kitty and hired an experienced consultant. People in restaurants, on golf course, at work, in social gatherings complain, but it's guys like John who listen, and say why not? -- "I can do it. I can carry their message to DC. I can make the people heard." Send your donations to the John Matson for Congress campaign. He is the guy who can make your best investment pay off.

Almost Near: Chapter 58 continues. --Samantha felt like she had ben holding her breath for ten minutes. But, after a little over a minute of perfect silence, she let it go. She stood there silently. Breathing in. Trying to work the tension out of her body. To free up her mind so she couold think. Be alert. She took a couple of steps towards the door. And placed her hand on the knob. Slowly she turned the knob. He can't be there she thought. The door cracked open and she looked down the hall towards the elevatiors. It was empty. She pushed opened the door and as she looked behind it, the elevator bell rang. She froze. She tried to get her feet moving backward. they weren't working. The doors to the elevator opened. One leg, finally, moved back into the door frame. As she started to move the other leg, a figure appeared out side the elevator. It was Sparrow. She stared running towards him. And he towards her.
"Samantha. Samantha! Are you ok?" She didn't answer, but ran into his arms, stunning him, throwing her arms around his neck.

The Answer:

--First there Is Chuck Bartkowsy (Zachary Levi) and the fantastic Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski). The rest of the long timers are Mogan Girnes (Joshua Gomez), John Casey (Adam Baldwin), Ellie Bartkowski (Sarah Lancaster), Devon Woodcomb (Ryan McPartlin), Lester Patel (Vik Sahay), Jeff Barnes (Scott Krinsky) and Big Mike (Mark Christopher). In case you are interested, Sarah Walker, Chuck's wife, has been brain washed by evil villain and ordered to assassinate her husband. I guarantee you will enjoy the ending. It's simplistic, but I like it. Hmmm!

More people have to learn, understand and feel why things are, rather than being told by the government.

A second wind.

Today's Tids Issue 2,517
Opening Stuff:

I have pretty much avoided State Of the Union addresses by any president. They are typically a laundry list paying homage to every possible group in America with it's hand out. And awfully long, mainly because of choreographed applause lines. Last night's was certainly a prelude to a campaign that would highlight class warfare. And, the Republican rebuttal previewed what is sure to be a no holds barred fight between two very divergent parties. Frankly I watched a "Chuck" marathon, and was really happy doing so.

I see myself running...running, running along the rocky coast of Newport. The unseasonable warmth at my back as I push myself on past rambling winter lawns on one side and the deep blue ocean on the other. I feel the cold spray from wind blown crested waves mingling with the warm sweat trickling down my face. My eyes clinch against the wind. My legs ache, my breath comes in gasps. The ache in my lungs says stop. Stop you fool. But I push on and on, never giving into the pain. Oh that pain. I'd like to see that...but it will never happen.

Actually, that's a lot like being a citizen these days. You keep on pushing hoping that somebody will get the message, that the pain will go away. But I'm not sure it ever will no matter who gets in. The only thing I really know is that you can't give up fighting. Some where there is a "second wind" for America.

The Question:

Double bonus day! 1. Name the cult movie for which director Tobe Hooper is best known. Name 3 of his other movies. 2. James Farentino a decent actor in a myriad of TV programs and films died yesterday at 73. For what is he best known?

The Headlines:

--Prez Delivers Predictable Speech Well; GOP Countered With Mitch Daniels Who Detailed Obama Extremism And Castigated Reckless Spending.

--Apple Reports Soaring Revenue And Profits.

--Despite Apple Excitement, Euro Debt Could Blunt Markets Today.

--Europe Leaders Confused As New Zurich Economic Conference Opens.

--Nevada, Cal And RI Top List Of Most Jobless States. North dak

--Egyptian Liberals Say They Have To Continue Fighting Year After Mubarak Ouster.

--Four Mount Rainier Hikers Presumed Lost.

--Wisconsin Gov Mounting Fight Against Recall; Badger State Becoming National Battleground To determine Sane Government Spending.

--Rare "Calico" Lobster Found In Newport RI Catch.

Signs That Obama may run again for President:
He and Michelle are being photographed going to Church. He's avoiding talking about tough things that really matter. He has stopped playing golf. He's singing. He is never in the office.

Oh yeah, when Bill and the Hill were photographer going to church, it generally meant that Hillary had caught him again with his pants down.

A lot of Repubs will come away from last night wondering why Mitch Daniels isn't their candidate.

Ok...all of you out there who are really concerned about the Bobby Seal-Heidi Klum break-up please raise your hand. Hello? Anybody?

While in Glitterland, I was surprised to learn that the apparently solid Demi Moore has checked into Rehab for substance abuse. Maybe she just missed her friends and wanted to join them. Or more probably, she couldn't bare watching Ashton fumble around in the new awful 2 1/2 Men.

I don't see the OWS'ers running to Cal to protest Apple's $13+ Billion profits.

The Dems are starting to count their chickens way too early.

Is Callista made of plastic? Let's see...she convinced the speaker to change his ways and convert to Catholicism while they were fooling around in adultery for 6 years. Is that about it?

Almost Near: Chapter 58 Continues. --I must have a brain, Samantha laughed to herself as she stood motionless in the vending room. Somehow she knew that Tucker was nearby when he called. Within minutes of finding this hiding place she heard the light rap on the door to the room she had just left. A pause and another rap. "Samantha, Sam...it's me."
 Samantha backed up next to the Pepsi machine at the sound of his voice. Don't panic she told herself. Stay calm. Think. He'll never look for you here. Maybe it's really nothing. Maybe I'm overreacting her mind said. But her body said don't move a muscle.

  "Samantha, God Dammit...where are you." The doorknob rattled. She heard the sound of a foot kicking the door. No in the distance, she heard the elevator bell. A few seconds later footsteps running from her room door towards this room. Don't come in here to hide, She grabbed her right hand with her left and squeezed. Tightened her lips over her teeth. Stopped breathing all together. Complete silence except for the foot steps. Nearer. Nearer. Then past the door. Within seconds she heard another door creak open and then slam. The foot sounds disappeared. The Exit stairway. It must be. She hoped he was running down the stairway. She still didn't move.

The Answer:

 1. Of course Tobe was best known for the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. His other well known movies were CSM 2, Poltergeist and Salem's Lot. Frankly. Hooper floundered a bit with most of his efforts directed attempting to recreate the success of Chain saw. 2. Farentino was a likable guy in screen, but not so much by Nancy Sinatra. In 1994 he pleaded Nolo to 24 counts of stalking the girl walking in boots; charges that also included making embarrassing phone calls and violation a restraining order. His modest career tanked after that mainly because of some sever alcohol problems.

There is one really good family values guy running for President -- Mitt. The entire message of the State of the Union was essentially to block the ascendancy of Mitt because he was successful. And Newt continues to keep the President's campaign on track.

I should be skiing.

Today's Tids Issue 2,516
Opening Stuff:

Why am I expecting tonight an Occupy Wall Street Speech?

The Tids Naval adviser makes this observation about the recent movement of the Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln through Hormuz. His last sea duty was on a Carrier Group Staff, spending many long months in the Indian Ocean. He notes: When a carrier enters the Persian Gulf, it must be very careful because in order for planes to fly, the carrier needs 30 knots of wind over the deck. In the event that the carrier, Lincoln in this case, finds no ambient wind while operating in the gulf, it must generate its own wind. Very difficult to launch and/or recover aircraft because at 30 knots, the ship will quickly run out of space. So, he wonders strategically, why would the US want to send the Lincoln into the Persian Gulf when there is so much more area outside the Straights of Hormuz that would more efficiently facilitate jet take-off and landing? Good question. Could it be a simple show of strength with a built in excuse not to use it?

The Question:

Name five best nighttime visual sights according to "SmartTravel.com"?

The Headlines:

--Supreme Court Says Police Need Warrant to Attach GPS To Cars.
--Stock Market Slinging On Greece.
--Lehigh University Moves Up To #15 On list Of Top MBA programs.
--S&P Downgrades Greece To Selective Default.
--Pres Prepares Biggest Campaign Kick-Off Speech.
--Iran Repeats Homuz Threats,
--Romney Releases 2 Years Of Taxes: Pays $3 Mill In Taxes, Gives $3 Mil To Charity; Everything Above Board.
--Florida Debates: Romney attacks; Newt Flubs.

Ok, it's Oscar announcement day. National self-indulgence week. The film getting the most nominations is Hugo, an animated film by the idolized Martin Scorcese which, as I remember, being not so well received. The rest of the Bigs are The Artist, Midnight in Paris, The Help, War Horse, Tree of Life, Moneyball, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and finally, The Descendents which I call an average moderately enjoyable film. In other words -- in the "It didn't suck" category. Best supporting actors are Kenneth Branagh, Jonah hill, Nick Nolte, Christopher Plummer and max Van Sydow; supporting actresses -- Berenice Bejo, Jessica Chastain, Melissa McCarthy (I thought she was unwatchable in an awful movie), Janet McTeer and Octavia Spencer. Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams are up for best Actress while Denien Bichir, George Clooney, Jean Dujarin, Gary Oldman and Brad Pitt are there for best actor.

For all of you hoping to see a movie about Margaret Thatcher's great achievements, you will be entirely disappointed with Iron Lady, a film mainly about her oncoming Dementia/Alzheimer's and some domestic trifles. This from a wise Tids reader.

You have to worry about a state legislature that said it was smart to pay pensions that were unaffordable, now telling us that wind-power that costs 4 times that of traditional energy sources is a good idea.

Oh no! Yesterday I saw a Boston Bruins jersey with the name Obama firmly affixed across the back.

You have to wonder if the curious mind of Jessica Ahlquist, supposedly a smart young woman, really tried to understand the beliefs of Roger Williams and other founders that led to the first amendment's "Freedom of (not From) Religion", or whether she is simply the product of a myopic father.

When it's Winter, I'm really not ever interested in warmer days.

There seems to be an awful lot of Dolphins these days being stranded on shore a round here. Do you think it's because animal experts are telling them they're almost human...and now think they can walk on land.

What a crock Department:
The NY Times has just named Oakland Cal has the fifth best place in the world to visit! Say what? The so-called experts say the town has a newly renovated art deco theater and is gritty with great people roots that are the basis for many Restaurants; And where people (OWS) are willing to take a stand despite adversity. Hey!...how about Cranston RI. It has a newly renovated art deco theater, people with great roots and a superior array of terrific restaurants. And of course, people who are willing to take a stand for causes in which they believe. Oh yeah, and unlike Oakland, Cranston does not have out of control crime.

Almost Near: Chapter 58 continues. --Sam sat there looking at the silent phone. She felt rigid with indecision. I have to fight this she started saying to herself. She clinched her eyes. How many times must have she run from similar moments in the past? She was seeing things clearer now. She must be because she wasn't looking for a place to hide. Like she must have years ago in tucker's Lobster Cove world.
She dialed Detective Sparrow, slowly methodically. The phone was answered. "Detective Sparrow please." No panic in her voice. She awaited patiently. She didn't fidget.
"Sparrow."
"John, Sam. Tucker just called. he said he'd be coming to see me. he could be here already, or he could be leaving Little Rock."
"You all right?"
"Never better. Maybe it's you. But, some how I feel confident." There was silence on the phone.
"I'm on my way"..........and after a couple of beats of silence. "Thanks".
Samantha hung up the phone, grabbed her bag and opened the door to the hall. She looked both ways, the walked fast to the Ice/Soda room door doors away down the hall.

The Answer:

Number 1 is Aurora Borealis followed by Yosemite, The Milky Way, The galaxy fromatop Mauna Kia in Hawaii and the Providence RI Water Fire! Paris, the City of Light is 8.

Let's see. I have rented a movie. There's a Celtics game...Yup I think I'll make it thorough the State of the Union.

What are the odds that 0-Man will begin tonight saying -- "The State of the nation Sucks and 65.3% think it is going in the wrong direction"?

Don't Eat the Yellow Snow.

Today's Tids Issue 2,515
Opening Stuff:

"Wallow!:. To billow forth. 2. To devote oneself entirely; to take unrestrained pleasure. 3. To luxuriate. 4. To indulge oneself immoderately. 5. To roll oneself in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner (Patriots fans wallowing in the soft fluffy exuberance of an incomprehensible conclusion). Yes, my friends, wallowing is a lost art. We need more wallowing in this world; more unadulterated exultation over simple accomplishments. Less gloating and more altruistic self-indulgence. Some people just click off the game at the end and walk away. But others know that the game isn't over til the wallowing ends. That wallowing is the game.

In essence, the grand battles within the USA have generally boiled down to Iceberg Lettuce versus Arugula. It's good for the general heath of the country that Iceberg Lettuce is making a comeback

I think Gina Raimondo is on her way to the top. Spell Check recognizes her name now. That's huge!

What this country needs is a three party system -- Conservative, Liberal, Rational. For instance a rational party would endorse the Canada pipe line while investing in green alternative technology for the future -- like every good strategic planner would do. Or, that there is practical breathing room within the concept of Separation of Church and State. In other words, a common sense party, one which would necessarily include both Democrats and Republicans. But of course it would never work because someone would always say, "I'm more rational than you are."

The Question:
Whatever happened to Gena Davis. Name five her best movies.
 
The Headlines:
--New England Patriots To Face NY Giants In Super Bowl.
--Aircraft Carrier USS Lincoln Maneuvers Through Strait Of Hormuz Into Gulf Of Persia.
--"0" Admin Sneaks Out ObamaCare Ruling That Abridges Rights Of Religious Organization To Resist Abortion Demands Under Provisions Of Massive Government Program; Religious Orgs Who Drop ObamaCare Because of Abortion Requirements Will be Subject To Fines Up To One Half A Million Dollars.
--Romney Tells Fla Crowd, "Gingrich Failed Leader Who Resigned In Disgrace"; Newt Says He Will Release Freddie Mac Records; Newt Attacks "0" As Anti Religion.
--Russia To Deliver Combat Jets To Syria.
--EU To Ban Iran Oil Imports.
--After Hot week, Wall Street Opens Flat.
--US Companies Predicting Growth, But Few Additional Jobs.
 
Joe Paterno was one of the great football coaches of all time. He wasn't God. He wasn't a poet. He wasn't social worker. He was a human being who happened to be good at coaching football. And, he did it very, very well for a long time. He gave a lot to millions people who get a lot out of football. And they thank him for it.

Did you hear about the boss who told his employee to start acting his wage?

“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, "the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.” ~ Senator Barack H. Obama, March 2006

The next time Stephen Colbert says something that's really funny it will be the first time. He is the king of bombast; grandiloquent rhetoric. He pretty much summed up his talent as -- longevity! Saying that if you get a TV gig and stay at it long enough people will tend to take you seriously and laugh at anything you say. It's a lot like going to a comedy movie where a 4 year old says s_ _ _! -- and the audience goes berserk with laughter, rolling in the aisles, sticking to chewing gum. It's the American way.

Say, did you hear what they are saying about the local diner's new breakfast menu? "It's eggciting!"

The biggest deception statistic: The highest economic growth rates are in countries out side Europe and North America. Well Duh! It's like Clinton was fond of saying, "Arkansas education has shown the most improvement in the nation." When you start at "0", as in Z-e-r-o, growth is always supercharged. Politicians and espousers of agendas should not be allowed to used statistics with the general public unless they explain the true meaning of them.

I have to chuckle at the headline concerning the aftermath of a decision about removing a prayer from a school: "Public unleashes vitriol against girl who takes a stand." This is the same public who was happily going about it's business comfortably with a so-called prayer on a school wall since 1959. Then one day a selfish young lady decides it offends her, and uncaring about the 500 in her class, grandstands before her misguided constituency for her singular benefit. It is exactly why everybody will never be able to get together. She would not be a memebr of the "Rational" party.

This morning cartoonist Wiley describe the Chinese Year of the Dragon as meaning a year of presidential politics will seem to drag on longer than usual.

There was lot of press last week about two woman partners with three kids telling the world proudly that they just revealed the gender of their 5 year old son. The piece was generated by the "Raising kids gender neutral" crowd, meaning somehow that it is good for kids to not know what they are. Really? These people would not be memebrs of the "Rational" Party. (See above).

Aren't we lucky that Christopher Columbus didn't come over on the Costa Cordova.

Laura Ingraham characterizes the Gingrich/Romney race as the High School fat kid embarrassing the good looking football team quarterback. She implies that there is nothing wrong with being the good looking smart kid who gets things done.

I have always felt that for the benefit of being able to operate their businesses in a free enterprise system, companies have a responsibility to the people of this nation who allow that favorable condition to exist.

The Answer:
My very favorite Gina Davis movie was "Long Kiss Goodnight". But this Mensa member, former Olympic level archer starred many more including her Oscar winning performance in Accidental Tourist. Others were Thelma and Louise, Stuart Little, The Fly, Beetlejuice and A league of their Own. Gina grew up down the road from here in Wareham Massachusetts. She was a bright kid who loved music and as a teen was the organist for her local Congregational Church

Yes folks, we are in the yellow snow season. And by that I'm talking about political campaigns and abnormal rhetoric that may appear compelling and inviting, but not necessarily good for your health.

Hey, leaders are humans too. Whoops!

Today's Tids Issue #2,514

Opening Stuff:

What a magnificent moment. You don't need fireworks and orchestral crescendos to feel the beautiful magic of the world around you. Pure quiet, standing at the end of a dock in the Winter, alone in a chilling wind may be as heart warming and exhilarating than sitting amidst 10's of thousands cheering Pats or Michigan fans in a giant stadium. I didn't think it could get better as I stood their yesterday, occasional snowflakes bouncing off my nose, the quiet frigid waters below; the huge harbor with bobbing empty moorings, devoid of the magnificent sailing machines. Just the quiet cool waters and the gentle ripples. suddenly I heard a splas to my rights. I turned. Eyes peered back; A whisker covered nose. A small seal, down for the winter from Maine. he looked at me with what looked like a smile, Nice to see you human! It turned its head. darted away. The ripples faded. It was quiet again, except for my beating heart.

There may be a primary in South Carolina I hear, but the only thing that really matters this weekend is the NFL Playoffs. Actually anticipating the Pats-Ravens game, my body and mind are a physical and mental mess trying to interpret the opinions of so-called experts. But, it appears my heart trumps everything else -- that and the focus of Tom Brady which is becoming contagious in the New England locker room -- so I'm picking, guess who, in a dogfight. The other game is equally distressing from a pickers point of view too, The giants they a ll say are playing better than everybody. But then the voices in NYC are always a bit louder than normal human beings, so you have to discount that a bit. I'm going for an SF "upset", even though they are favored by 2 1/2.

The actions of the captain in the wreck of the Costa Concodia further reinforces people's growing distrust of leadership.

The Question:

Name five famous cast members form teh TV show "Laugh In".

The Headlines:

--Last Night's Debate Winner: Santorum; Romney Stronger But Stumbles Again On Tax Return Segment; Gingrich Gets Standing "O" For Attack On Distrustful Media; Paul Inert; Conclusion: Santorum Could Take Away Enough Newt Votes To Give Mitt Win.
--Bell-weather GE Revenue Levels Lower Than Expected; Google Also Disappoints; Wall Street Lower.
--6 Marines Killed In Afghan Helicopter Crash.
--US/Iran Relations Continue To Deteriorate; Iran Amping Up Rhetoric Against Israel..
--RI Unemployment Creeps Back Up To 10.8%; RI Leaders Propose Tax Increases.
--20 Homes Destroyed In Reno Wildfire.
--New England Patriot Cheerleaders Named #1 Team In NFL; Cowboy Gals Second; NE Team Loaded With RI'ers

Don't you think the extent of the housecleaning at The Indianapolis Colts is a little weird? The front office, the head coach and now the 8 assistant coaches are gone. This after one losing season following a decade of championship level teams. But, of course, we're talking about the Irsay's here. Maybe they're lightening the load so when they sneak out of town to LA, they won't be noticed.

The five "most Useless College Degrees" probably look good to kids on paper, but there just aren't that many career opportunities. The five are: 1. Agriculture -- 64,600 fewer jobs in next decade; 2. Fashion Design -- Better as a minor so you'll have something to fall back on. Very few of the "Glamour " jobs exist; 3. Theater -- Erratic earnings for most and lots of down time, unemployment; 4. Animal Science -- Only 3,800 Animal Science Jobs in US!; 5. Horticulture -- In decline despite how pleasant Farmer's Markets appear to be.


Newt is starting to appear quite Clintonesque, isn't he? Maybe that's a great strategy for election. He'll at least get the Kardashian and Dr. Phil vote.

Kicking the Can Down the road Part 1, or How to hide the bad stuff for 2012 Department:
"The per person Medicare insurance premium will increase from the present monthly fee of $96.40 to: 2012 - $104.20; 2013 - $120.20; 2014 - $247.00. These provisions; incorporated in the Obamacare legislation, are purposely being delayed so as not to 'confuse' the general public in
the 2012 re-election campaigns."

Kicking the Can down the road Part 2, Department:
Our mild mannered, often confused Governor said yesterday in what was for him a simple unencumbered statement: "I'll tell you, it's not good." Six words that have an Armageddon tone about them. This after the Gov last Fall was accepting the accolades for Gina Raimondo's courageous work that our deepest financial problems are over. Nope, it was apparently just one of those now common governmental band-aides. Oh Yeah, and the chief Union guy says it's only fair to raise taxes to keep pensions secure -- raises taxes to many who can't afford them; to many who have already paid the taxes that were misspent by union owned legislators over-promising gov employees.

Irresponsibility was illustrated again by a couple in new Mexico where the man took to the dunes in the dessert for a romantic proposal. Nice mood except that the doofus groom got lost and a very expensive helicopter had to be sent in for a rescue. Make them pay!

NASA just reported that 2011 was the 9th warmest year since 1980, and that 9 of the top 10 have been since 2000. But, The US Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin (NOAA) says it was 23rd warmest year on record. So what is it? When it comes to climate change, there's a report for everybody.

I guess Government reports are designed to confuse. Take poverty for example. The Census released in November a new measure of lower income called the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) which did not show more poverty, but redefined middle income levels as "near poverty. The media left hyped up this new apples to oranges comparison beyond reason, encouraging unthinking lawmakers and poor people proponents to demand more food stamp payments. And basically little had changed. Except of course, we had to ask China for more money.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is an interesting titole for a movie that could have been better. It is a chance to be a heart warming family story, as an introverted son tries to uncover his Dad's secret after the Dad dies in the 911 WTC attacks. Along the way he develops a better understanding of the world around him.
--Red Tails is certainly a film about true American heroes, but somehow this Hollywood offering about the famed all black Tuskegee Airmen is part of glitter-town's contribution to "O's" 2012 PR campaign. That aside, it is a good WWII action war flick with a lot of on the ground drama about race problems of the day.
--Haywire is one that's on my list. It features a super woman CIA style agent working for an Independent security firm. Along the way she realizes she is the target of an assassination. She must find the truth about who authorized the killing or die. Good cast and a lot of body blows. Men fear her.
--Carnage is a tedious one room film where a discussion between four adults deteriorates into childishness arguing about the childishness of the kids. Afet a hal hour you'll just want to get up and leave. It's the waste of a cast -- Kate Winslet, Jodi Foster, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly -- and show that a bad idea cannot be saved by star power.

Christoph? Aaah Hollywood.

Almost Near: Chapter 58 --Samantha sat on the bed in her small hotel room thinking about all that happened this past hour. Most of all she thought that it all was starting to make sense. Even though she felt that there were huge holes in what she knoew about her life, she now knew who she was. She knew that Tucker had been Tommy and her first love. She stopped and felt a little awakening in her heart. She now remembered the comfort she had felt over the years from Tucker's poems and writings about Lobster Cove. She wondered why she had accepted his fantasies. What was she running from. Why did her parents really die? And her husband Rudy? That's a fear that shook her most. But she knew she had to face it. Just as she had to face the new Tucker. That Tucker who that ran down a nice man who she knew. The quiet in the room was interrupted by the ringing phone.
"Hi Samantha, Miss me?" It was Tucker. She sucked in air and held her breath. Sammy, Sammy, are you there?"
She squeezed the phone until her knuckles turned white. Shje let out that breath.
"Hi Tucker, she said in a very friendly way. "Sorry, I tripped as I picked up the phone. You know me...kind of a doofus." She laughed a little.
"I only know you as a beautiful woman who I loved watching eat dinner on my boat in the cove. That's a special place, isn't it Sam?"
This rattled Samantha. Where was he trying to take me? "It was nice Tucker. Where did you go? One minute you were here and then nobody could find you." Sam knew he was out somewhere with Audrey, whoever Audrey is.
"Oh I had an appointment with my publisher. I'm coming back to Dalesford now. You sound great. See you soon!' The phone clicked off

The Answer:

The most famous alum of "Laugh In" is probably Goldie Hawn with Lily Tomlin a close second. Of course Dan Rowan and Dick Martin led the way and were great. The others are Gary Owens, Ruth Buzzi, Henry Gibson, Arte Johnson, Jo Anne Worley, Judy Carne, Alan Sues, Teresa Graves, Chelsea Brown, Dave Madden, Pamela Rogers, Jeremy Lloyd and Dick Whittington. There were many repeating guest performers from John Wayne to Flip Wilson to Johnny Carson to Richard Nixon. "Sock it to me?"

Why do I have this feeling in my mind that the political climate is ruining the Tids?

Go Pats! What more can I say.

The garbage is starting to smell.

Today's Tids Issue 2,513
Opening Stuff:

So, a few minutes ago "sources" have confirmed that Perry is dropping out and throwing his support behind Newt.

The Catholic Church says there is no Limbo any more. So if the GOP race appears once again to be back in there, then it must be nowhere.

But, this new(t) scenario (Newt 33%; Mitt 32% in SC) will be short lived as a former Newt wife Marianne is expected to throw new slime into the race by diminishing the integrity of Gingrich-speak. She will say that the former Speaker once told her that, "it doesn't matter what I do, people just want to hear what I say.".

Of course, the "0"-Man has helped out a bit with the overt political decision to nix the pipeline. If you're thinking I'm exaggerating the political side of this decision, then why did the White House make "this decision" a centerpiece of a fundraising effort sent out last night?

This is not a pretty opening for the Tids today, but it kind of illustrates why Americans are just plain fed up.

The Question:

Quick! Give me three Everly Brothers hits.

The Headlines:

--Obama Kills Pipeline To Assuage Lib Base; labor Upset.
--New unemployment Claims Fall 52,000 To 4 Year Low.
--Might Kodak Declares Bankruptcy; Ironically, Kodak Was Inventor Of Digital Photography.
--New Bank Earnings Reports Positive But Feeble; B0A, Morgan Stanley Latest To Stumble In.
--Iowa Now Says After final, Final Count That Santorum Won Iowa; Repub Leaders Officially Calling It A Tie.
--National Average 30 year Mortgage Rate Down To 3.88%.
--Congress backing Off PIPA, SOPA After Yesterday's Protests.
--Florida Polls: Average of All Polls -Romney 40.5%, Gingrich 22, Santorum15.
--Italian Rescue Teams Resume Search For Missing.
--Four Inches Of Snow Brings Seattle To Knees; Forecast "Snowmageddon" Less Than Predicted But Too Much For Seattle.

Do you think Black Leaders will be upset if I keep calling this 2012 debacle a race?

After last night, the leader in the American Idol clubhouse appears to be Phillip Phillips. I don't know many of the names yet, but I thought is aw some pretty good competitors emerging from the Savannah auditions. Last night's AI premiere, made X-Factor look pretty abysmal, didn't it?

Hints about new revenue reports from Microsoft due out today suggest that the Giant is losing it's grip on American computing. It is an arthritic condition called tabloiditis.

It was interesting to note that the percentage of 16-29 year olds with driver's licenses has fallen from 80% in 1983 in to 67% now; 16 Year Olds from 50% to 33%. Could it be that people are just sitting inside on social media sites and Skyping? What a dreadful life.

There is nothing wrong with somebody paying 15% income taxes. Most of those paying 15% already paid 30% on the original generation of the money now producing from investments.

It isn't just the Billionaires who are benefiting from the low capital gains tax. More-so, it is the average hardworking person trying to liquidate investments for retirement.

It seems appropriate that this morning that the Prez will make his latest economy speech in Disney World. Can you say Micky Mouse? And...how about those people who have saved up for the big trip with their kids only to find "Main Street" closed for a politcal speech only designed to blunt the publicity generated by the Republicans for the Florida primary. and who's paying for this trip? Let's hope it's his campaign fund, becasue it certainly doesn't have anything to do with making the USA a better place. It's a small world after all.

The Answer:

Wake up little Suzie was always one of my favorites...probably because I had a great daughter named Susan. The Everly brothers -- Don and Phil -- 33rd on the 100 All Time Greatest Artists List also had hits Bye, Bye Love, All I have To Do Is Dream and Cathy's Clown (Another daughter).

Last night Jimmy Carter essentially called Newt a racist. This is the kind of talk which will keep the racial divide alive forever. He was a bad President, and despite being seen with a hammer at habitat for Humanity, he is basically the great divider. So, I worry if those houses he worked on will stand.

I'd rather be funny.

Today's Tids Issue 2,512
Opening Stuff:

There are things that continually gnaw at my stomach. Things in life that I hope will go away. One that will never go away is the memory of that bitter loss by the beloved Undefeated Patriots to the Giants in that almost eerie Superbowl. Another that never seems to ever go away but should be easily correctable by using a little common sense, is the continuous legal attacks on religion in public places. Decisions here most always go against the vast majority by misinterpreting a first Amendment that "promotes" freedom from government interfering in religious pursuit. And the complainers always comes across as selfish and uncaring about the people around them. 99% of the circumstance are not a serious infringement on anything except a small mind.

It was eerie this morning when I ventured into Wikipedia to get some info for the Tids. It was similarly ghostly as I switched over to Google where the Google name was blacked out. Wikipedia wasn't there at all save for a message: "For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the largest encyclopedia in human history. Right now the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open internet." It was inevitable, you know. The government is just incapable of not meddling, of allowing something good to continue with out bringing it under the menacing wing of political manipulation.

The Question:

The most tense movie I have ever seen, the one where I had to summon inhuman courage to sit through, was Midnight Express. Who was the star. Where is he or she now?

The Headlines:

--ABC News/Washington Post Poll: 68% - "America Headed Seriously Off On The Wrong Track"; 45% now Agree That economic Recovery On the Way.
--Goldman Sachs Profit Down 56% As Revenues From Trading And Investment Banking Plunge; GS Beats Street Estimate Through Cost Cutting.
--Russia Warns West Against Military Action In Syria.
--WS Flat As Initial Enthusiasm For IMF Lending To Euro Wanes.
--Rough Weather rolls Cruise Ship; Search Fro Missing Called Off.
--If Your Not Interested In The SC Primary, There's Not A Lot Of News; Left Columnists Crawl Out From Woodwork To Criticize Repub Debate Remarks..

Wouldn't it be nice if The USA beat Wall Street estimates through cost cutting.


Duh! Politics Department:
Obama can't lose the next election. 50% of Americans don't pay taxes at all.

No matter who wins the GOP nomination, the Tea Party will be very active in supporting the candidate. The group's main objective remains bringing common sense and financial reality back into what was once an open, reasonable and free America that has over time gone severely astray.

Some people think that movies and TV shows are better if the actors curse and cuss continually. They say it is more realistic, more like life. Really? In their next episode titled "Little Bo Bleep", Modern Family is making a mockery out of the concept of being modern by having a little 2 year old girl drop an "F-Bomb" as a flower girl in a wedding. Excuse me, but I don't get it. It's not funny or cute. Count me out.

The economy does appear to be making strides forward. However, the nagging increase in the price of gas has the possibility to slow growth to a snail's pace. Some are saying that the price by this summer could hit $5/Gal! Going to work could become a money losing proposition. Restaurants and elective entertainment options could suffer greatly. Gas prices make people really mad.
Romney/Santorum in 2102?

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --When Tucker had gone around the corner headed towards the rest room area, Audrey pulled the arm of the detective asking the question. I talked to John Barton about ten minutes ago. he said he had learned sometime about Tucker," she pointed in the direction he had gone, "And I should be careful. That's why I came over here when you arrived. I thought John had sent you.'
Just as she was finishing, the nicer policeman pressed the off button on his phone and turned to wards them, "I just finished talking to Barton, and he is on the way here. He didn't say much other than to keep Louttite from leaving. Where'd he go?"
Audrey pointed down the hallway, and turned to follow the police officers now trotting towards the men's room door. Audrey didn't see or hear the car starting in the parking lot behind her. Nobody saw the car without headlights back into the street and and turn to drive away from the extinction of Little Rock.
"There's nobody in there. Check the ladies room. Audrey heard doors banging. The nasty cop came out showing empty hands. Joe the good cop was on his phone again. "Barton, the guy Tucker is missing. Keep an eye out for...he turned to Audrey... what kind of car was he driving?"
"It was European. I think it was a small Audi. Dark color."
"You stay here and wait for your friend Barton. He thinks a lot of you by the way. We're going to take our two cars and head the way Barton isn't coming form." With that the two left and the third guy joined them at the front door.
Audrey stood. She felt exhausted but now all of a sudden safe.

The Answer:

Irene Miracle played the girl friend and was quite good in this movie that set your heart beating wildly in the opening scene and never stopped. Brad Davis was outstanding as the teen drug smuggler Billy Hayes sent to a dangerous and inhuman Turkish prison. He won the Golden Globe Award for that performance, and I though Davis would become one of the great actors. However, he died from aids at 41, supposedly due to a one time experience with cocaine. Yeah, sure. While the movie was memorable to me, it also became a giant source of irritation to Turkish officials and caused problems in US-Turkey relations.

Romney, if nominated, may have trouble getting beyond the disingenuous and reaching the masses during the big national campaign. But, he should have no trouble getting to the intelligent who still use their brains.

A man walks into a shoe store...
...and tries on a pair of shoes.
"How do they feel?" asks the sales clerk.
"Well ... they feel a bit tight." replies the man.
The assistant promptly bends down and has a look at the shoes and the
man's feet.
"Try pulling the tongue out." offers the clerk.
Nath theyth sthill feelth a bith tighth." He says.

Shoot me!

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date.

Today's Tids Issue 2,511
Opening Stuff:

Just when you think you're having a good day, Zappo's gets hacked. Does anybody ever remember the Sears-Roebuck catalog getting hacked? I don't think so.

I think Romney is leading the way now purely on potential electability in the Fall.

The Question:

Bonus Day: 1. The fans have spoken -- Which match up do you think America wants to see in the Superbowl -- Balt/SF, NE/SF, NY/NE or Balt/NY? 2. Name the five top all time NCAA Basketball points scored.

The Headlines:

--China Economy Growing Better Than Analysts Predictions; World Markets Strong; Dow Up 140 At 11:00AM..
--GOP Debate Better Than Average; Romney May Release Tax Returns By April.
--CitiBank Profit falls 11%.
--Wikipedia To go Black In Protest Of Congress Bills That Will Attempt To Regulate Web Site Activities; Big Boys Google, Facebook et.al. Agree With W, But Will Operate.
--Denver Says Tebow Will be #1 QB In Training camp.

The SuperPac idea may have been a good one if all of that money was used for truthful education instead of lies and spewing seeds of hate and division.

You get a sense of how fragile the world economy must be when the market drops significantly on fears of the high costs of suits from one cruise-liner mishap

I thought last night that Santorum looked pretty strong; Newt knows how to get to the belly of the voting beast; Paul is compelling, funny and a bit loony at the same time; Perry was better than he was in the beginning, but it's too late; Romney was playing the game of trying to avoid being caught. I didn't think it was a good night for Romney, and in no special order, the audience liked Newt, Paul and Santorum best.

Before TV the big event for kids growing up was getting ice cream after a tonsillectomy.

To be honest with you, I never really understood Alice in Wonderland.

"Alcatraz" premiered last night, and while it was well produced, it is a bit of a stretch and other than the intrigue of watching a killers plot their specialties, mainly another police drama. A kinda weird one.

Everybody loves Downton Abbey.

Republicans are conceding a Romeny nomination because they feel it is inevitable and they just want the agony to end.

You have to figure that the NFL league office is torn between having a San Francisco-Baltimore Super Bowl with two telegenic brothers facing each other. Or, a rematch of the New England/Giants thriller of 3 SB's ago. But, it's a happy problem. A Niners/Pats match could be the Leftist Bowl, Ninth Circuit Court Versus Ted Kennedy.

Voter ID is really about regaining a tinge of honesty in a political world that has lost its direction. Yet it has become another of those bogus racist arguments, leading me to believe that instead of capitalizing on progress, black leaders want to keep the divide alive so they will remain important.

The Answer:
1. Pete Maravich is the all time scoring leader with 3,667. The next nine are Freeman Williams, Lionel Simmons, Alphonso Ford, Harry Kelly, Keydren Clark, Hersey Hawkins, Oscar Robinson, Danny Manning, Alfrederick Hughes, Elvin Hayes, Tyler Hansbrough and Larry Bird. Note that most of these top scorers were before the 3-Point rule and when freshman couldn't play. Of course they were around before kids left college after one year. Whatever happened to Bevo Francis? 2. A New York-Patriots (37%) game gets the nod from the nations fans just ahead of Pats-Niners (35%). Niners-Balt is next with19% with NY/Balt at 9%.

Sorry for the thinning Tids today, and the speedy good-bye, but life is pressing and I must raise to the challenge.

If there were no problems in the world we wouldn't need leaders.

Statue under repair.

Today's Tids Issue 2,510

Opening Stuff:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred; Only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.

A morning of soft Bach is worth 5 blood pressure pills.

A morning with no politics is worth 10.

The conviction and sentencing of a Newport Woman, Elizabeth Baldwin, for Investment fraud is a reminder that she in fact represents the absolutely worst kind of criminal. One who belies trust. Not unlike a sexual predator adult who takes advantage of an innocent child. Amoral to the core. She, who would look investor customers in the eye while they told her of how they were mortgaging their homes, raiding the kids college funds to take advantage of her promises. She a "socialite", who's life style was built upon the backs of average working families and her "dear" friends, many who are now broke, without homes wondering where their future had gone. Capital-ism punishment?

The Question:
Define the following words -- Coffee, Willy-Nilly, flabbergasted, Flatulence, Pokemon, Freisbeetarianism.

The Headlines:

--Huntsman Out; Will Shift supporters To Romeny.
--America Remembers MLK Jr.
--Bodies Still being Found In Hull Of sunken Cruise Liner; Cowardly Captain In Big Trouble; Ship 2 1/2 Miles Off Course.
--Choppy Trading Expected Today.
--Now Prez And Congress Have to Figure Out How To Pay For Contribution To SS Cut; Prez Wants To raise Airline Fees(?); Ideas Range From Cutting Corp Jet Tax Breaks To Dumping Surplus Gov Stuff On Ebay.
--Iraq Bombings Continue.
--AlQaida Captures Town South Of Yemen Capital.

From the latest in the ongoing harangue about fat Americans I read that in the 1970's the obesity rate was 14% while now it is 34%. That seems to parallel the corporate growth of Dunkin Donuts. Yes, to paraphrase their slogan, "America waddles on Dunkin Donuts".

I grew old with Margaret O'Brien, but she never knew it.

In my pre-game Prep Saturday, I went to the cupboard to get some popcorn. I pulled out two boxes. One said, "Paul Newman's Organic, 94% Fat Free, Unsalted, No Partially Hydrogenated Shortening". The second box said, "Orville Reddenbacher's Butter." Which box do you think I picked?

Why do I think that going on a dinner date with a nutritionist would be like going to another job?

Well, the old cliche "Defense wins Championships" ain't dead yet. Two really high powered offensive teams, NO and GB, lost to better defenses and a third defense dominated team Baltimore also moved into the final four. NE looked like an all-world defense Saturday night, but this was against a one dimensional offense, so the fans will have to wait til next week to see if the improvement is really there. We lost Brees and Rogers, but still have an excellent final four with the San Fran, NY Giants and Balt/NE games. TV execs should be happy. And the world needs happy TV execs.

Also over the weekend was the latest in the Celebs fawning over each other award ceremonies, which are becoming as monotonous as the GOP Debates. Hollywood was aghast that the really awful Bridesmaids movie didn't get the best of nod, but to me the omission suggested that perhaps there was a bit of sanity remaining Glitterville. However, everybody seemed elated that the overrated Descendants and its star got awards for best Drama film and best actor -- which seemed more like a longevity award for Clooney. Streep won for Iron Lady and The Artist won Best Pic. I'm betting that's the way Oscar will go too, so I'm DVR'ing some old episodes of "Chuck" for that evening.

Ok, everybody who thinks John Edwards is really sick raise their hand.

Political Ploy Department:
Anybody who doesn't think that Obama is running against the Congress just has to look at his announcement last week about seeking powers to cut the size of government. (A long time Conservative, or should I say Sane, position.) What this really does of course is to force conservatives to join him in his grand plans for America, or if they resist be branded as obstructionists. That's the formula now...isn't it? If I were Congress, I would say great, we'll give you power, but the EPA and energy departments have to go. This could be one of the great new battles.

Spring is just around the corner -- I just sent in a check for my Golf League! And I'm just getting started skiing! Ain't life grand.

"Subway" has lowered the bar for the Great American sandwich.

It appears that John Edwards will be employing the Providence Mafia defense -- wheel into court on a gurney with hanging drip bags.

Finally some statistics that verify the Tids solid reporting by the Economics Editor that Manufacturing is not the salvation for jobs recovery. Manufacturing jobs are down from 30% of all jobs in 1950 to about 9% today. Yet, factory output is way up and so is productivity. It's the old formula, when output goes up in times of declining jobs productivity soars. Manufacturers are finding was to produce without people. So all this talk about bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US will result in lots of job losses overseas in third world countries but minimal job additions here. There is also talk about bringing back "call-center jobs" using new technology, but they are lower wage jobs in the $10/hr area as opposed to the manufacturing jobs in the $20+/hr that produced the great American middle class. I'm sorry to be negative, but that 's the way it works. Bringing back "Made in a America" is a great feel-good slogan, but I'm afraid the grassy suburban neighborhoods of your will be populated by advanced, intelligent machinery.

I read where some celebs paid lots of dough to look great on the Golden Globe Red Carpet. In fact one wore $5 Million with a capital M in jewelry and dress. $5 Million and she didn't look as good as a lot of women I know wearing Fleece and jeans. I don't get it. Really. America's economy is based on people buying over priced stuff they don't need. And that includes everything fro $10 dollar hotdogs at sports events to designer clothing.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --Audrey nudged closer to the older policeman as Tucker joined them. She watched him closely, his calm, his shift into charismatic mode. "What's all the excitement?" He put his arm around Audrey in a mock hero to the rescue gesture.
The policeman looked at Audrey for a clue. "We're lookin' for someone", was all he said.
"You know that Audrey here," he squeezed her, "is one of the great investigative reporters for the Little Rock Gazette."
"Have you been drinking again," she glared. "You sound a little more weird than ever."
The policeman scratched his head. "We have work to do." Audrey didn't want to leave the group.
The policeman ignored her and Tucker as the other, brusk cop turned back towards the old policeman. "Nothing here." Tucker started moving away now. The first guy stared after him as he moved down the hallway to the back of the bar. "You know that guy lady?"
"Yeah, he's my date."
"I hope you aren't as rough on him as you were with me." all of a sudden this guy seemed human."
"She's an ace reporter from the big city. Know's that John Barton. Why'd you ask if Barton sent us?"

The Answer:
Of course, I'm looking for alternative humorous answers: Coffee - The person upon whom one coughs; Willy-Nilly - Impotent; , Flabbergasted - Appalled over how much weight you have gained; Flatulence - Emergency vehicle that picks you up after you have been run oer by a steam roller; Pokemon - A Rastafarian proctologist; Frisbeetarianism - The belief that when you die, your soul flies up onto the roof where it gets stuck in the gutter. Thanks to the expansive mind of a Pennsylvania reader.

I was going to end the Tids this Morning with some funny lines from the Golden Globes. But, I couldn't find any.

"Well, that's Politics".

Today's Tids Issue 2,508
Opening stuff:

The Golden Globes were on TV last night. I'm glad I had a good book.

You know how vehement the Government regulators get about commercial advertisers who may imply things that aren't exactly true. Why can't we poor citizens who are beholden to prevaricating candidates in political campaigns demand that anything in commercials "Taken out of Context" be considered totally illegal. It certainly makes sense to me. It would be a start towards getting a more informed voter.

Correction Department: This is not good for the image. If I could spell, this Tids might be readable. In describing the ingredients of a veggie burger yesterday I tried to be humorous in closing by suggesting you add an "a" and a "n" to the name of their restaurant Choklad. Of course that would give you "Choakland" which wouldn't spell anything and you all would look blankly at the page. I should have said add an "e" and "n" for Chokeland. It was a bad attempt at a joke in the first place. Sorry.

The Question:

Who were Motown Record's greatest stars?

The Headlines:

--New Jobless Claims Rise To 6 Month High To Hair Under 400,000; Dramatic Rise Surprises Analysts.
--December Retail Sales Rise Weakest In 7 Months.
--Successful Debt auctions In Spain, Italy Has Stock Market Looking Up Even As US Numbers Fall Short Of Expectations.
--New "What If Election Was Today" Polls: CBS -- Mitt 47, "0" 45; Quinipiac -- Mitt 46, "0" 44; Polls Taken Yesterday.
--Romney Opposition Continue Maniacal Course Intent On Disparaging Basic Capitilistic Company Saving, Creation Mechanisms.
--DNC, Obama Jointly Raise $68 Mil In Q4; Last Night's $35K/Plate dinner In Chi To Ad To Totals.
--Ahmadinejad Denounces Capitalism In Cuba Visit Speech; Joins Newt In Outbursts Against America's Innate Strength.
--Royal Bank Of Scotland to Can 3,500 Investment Bankers; US Citizen's Bank HQ's In RI Seems Untouched.
--Taliban To Talk Peace With "Karsai, Illegitimate Stooge Of The West"; Fighting Will Continue During Talks.

If it is to be Newt Gingrich running against the "0", I won't vote. His destroy Romney, disparage US free enterprise campaign is exactly what's wrong with US politics that contributes to a divided culture, and frankly it is disgusting.

The first week of Tids Playoff Picks was exactly that -- weak. The Giants showed up with their Championship face, Cincinnati did what it always did this year in games against good teams and the Tebow mystique reemerged. Baltimore should be the easiest game to pick and the Pats are picked to win by the most points -- as they have been in their last three playoff games and lost. NO and SF is the toughest to pick, but I rank the GB-NYG right there too. For the NFC, I'm going with the GB homefield advantage, the fact that NO is playing better than anybody. In the AFC, Brady is looking mean in the dressing room, obviously not wanting to be embarrassed as he has in the previous three playoff games. Brady and the Pats determination will overcome fleeting magic for the Broncos and the miracle man. I think that Houston will upset Baltimore.

People who condone lying and the bastardization of the truth with the words "Well, that's Politics" is like society saying bad behavior is acceptable with phrases like "Manny being Manny" or "Lindsey doing her Lindsey thing" or "How About that Charlie Sheen".

You think labor negotiations are illogical in the US...how about the current situation at the China X-Box factory. Dozens of workers there climbed the roof of the factory to and threatened suicide. Do you get the feeling that the Chinese don't take things casually?

The Governor of RI is promoting the new Air/Rail location as a great draw for new companies coming to the state. The only reason the air/rail complex would be enticing to prospective companies is so they can get out fast when the see the high taxes and general anti-biz climate. The Gov may hire Newt to head up the economic development department.

I see where in RI public employees, firemen and Police are picketing Brown U because it doesn't pay taxes. Maybe Borwn and other Providence U's should picket state buildings, firehouses and police stations who also do not pay taxes.

The saddest thing in current politics is that the Obama systematic condemnation of the rich and successful is taking hold as a way to divide the country. This is the fodder from which socialist societies are nourished.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --Audrey reached over and touched his hand. "This really is a beautiful evening, Tucker. Lil's was a masterful choice." Tucker looked at her quizzically. Audrey noticed his expression. She felt her stomach tighten. "Some day, I'll have to rid myself of my sarcastic tongue. It isn't fitting for a night like this, is it?" Tucker loosened his lips into the beginning of a smile. Audrey felt cold creeping up her spine.
He squeezed her hand slightly, and then rubbed his finger softly atop her hand. "Maybe I am a little frustrated. We have had a nice trip together. Maybe your humor and...well maybe I saw something in you about me that was good. Maybe I just jump to conclusions about women." His hand left Audrey's and picked up a the bottle of wine, and poured without asking. She didn't want any more wine, but also didn't want to interrupt this quieter moment. "You may laugh at this, but I though that at sometime we might have something together. You know... like... Jeez I sound like a damn teenager..." He laughed loud. I guess being jilted is my destiny." His eyes closed.
"I never said anything about jilting or leaving you." She almost shouted it. Too loud she thought. Too panicky. Calm down. Don't get excited. "I'm enjoying tonight. I'm a reporter. I've always been a loner. I have to get used to sharing myself with somebody. You make it easy Tucker. You make it easy." He noticeably relaxed and now genuinely smiled. He reached over and then just looked off at nothing.
"What do you think Barton is thinking about Rudy's death?" Audrey felt her thighs press into the chair.

The Answer:

Ok, how about Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, Four Tops, Isley Brothers, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvelettes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes with Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Darin and one of their earliest big names -- Billy Eckstein. "That old black magic has me in its spell, that old black magic that I know so well...".

Every time I hear music of the early Motown days I think of standing around in the Army PX beer garden. Lots of guys pouring quarters into the Juke box. That uncomplicated music made the daily grind of army life a little brighter. Perhaps I should put on the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas when the Politicians start misusing the truth.

Doin' the right Thing Ain't Easy.

Today's Tids Issue 2,507
Opening stuff:

Actually I find the extremely low approval rating of Congress curious. As I remember, the overwhelming victory by the Repubs in the House last year was spurred by an aware group of voters concerned about the out of control increases in the National Debt. Much of the Repub action, continually misreported by the press, was to start the process of getting this gigantic debt down. Yet every time they block some "Promotional" add-to-the-debt program by the Prez, they are branded obstructionists. When they disagreed with maintaining the FICA contribution to Social Security, they were accused of hurting the little guy in favor of their rich friends. Yet the lower FICA contribution removes billions of new revenue from the Social Security Fund, one of the most fragile of all big government programs. So, I look at congress doing what it was elected to do and that is to reign in the big spenders and get sensible again. So count me in as one of the 9% who are rooting for Congress to continue being tough on waste and lunacy.

I thought that Romney gave a great victory speech last night after his solid NH victory.

The Question:

If Americans were asked the question, "Of what groups are Americans most intolerant", the vast majority of the answers would probably not be correct. Of which groups(Ethnic, Racial, cultural, religious et.al.) are Americans least tolerant

The Headlines:

--Obama Declares NH Primary Victory "Stunning"; Says He Feels Vindicated, Rejuvenated After 4 Years Ago Tough Loss To Hillary; Commends Staff On New, Efficient Campaign Strategy - No Opponents; Will Seek 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals To Abolish Two Party System: "We Only need One", He Adds.
--Reuters Says Euro In For Tough Days Ahead.
--Syria's Assad Goes Public To rally support.
--Romney Looks Strong Coming Out Of Solid NH Primary Victory; Paul A Strong Second, Huntsman Third; No Mo For Newt.
--Twinkies Declares Chapter 11; Newt Vows To Keep Eating Them Til Company Turns Around.
--Tensions Rise In Pakistan As PM Sacks Defense Secretary..
--Downward Mobility Of Middle Class Unfortunate New Trend In America.

Things I don't get Department:
The Lords of Baseball in their infinite wisdom have decided to pay 77 yo. Bud Selig $25 Mill in salary to hang around and bumble through another year. And do what? There must be an awful lot of extra money laying around the Baseball commissioners office. Is this why ticket prices are so high.

The only good thing about peas is that they are green and distinguishable when trying to pick out of soup and chicken pot pies.

Providence Journal Columnist/Humorist Mark Patinkin suggests, "The phrase 'Social Justice' is a euphemism for not making lazy people work."

A local culinary twosome has introduced a new line of Natural Gourmet Veggie "Burgers" made of black beans, brown rice, corn, tomatoes, soy protein, red pepper, onion and panko. The name of their restaurant is Choklad. I think they left out an "a" and a "n". Figure it out.

People will say, "Yeah but, why can't Congress get along with each other and the Prez. Two reasons: 1. Scratching each others back while getting along is what got us into the mess in the first place. 2. The Prez doesn't want to get along with the Repubs. Never has since the first day in office.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 Continues. --"There's more. Louttite -- Audrey thought it's never good when the police call somebody by their last name -- has been seen in tis town before. But, he was here just two days ago, and said he had never been there. We have solid information that indicates he may have been asking about Samantha's parents, both dead...or..." Sparrow paused so that Audrey now held her breath. "...at least one known dead." For your information, we're re-opening the mother's suicide case."
"I'm not feeling real relaxed right now. But, I should get back to him because it doesn't take this long to pee. Do me a favor and call John Barton of the Little Rock police. explain what you have told me, and tell him I'm out at Lady Lil's." I'll be nice to Tucker, and hopefully keep him comfortable. I think he likes me. I know he does. maybe I'll ask him to marry me."
"You sound like a helluva person, Audrey."
"I'm a good liar. I'm petrified right now. Call Barton!"
"Right away."
Audrey primped her hair, looked into the mirror and saw a frightened woman. She patted her cheeks to get a little color. Scrunched face around, and started smiling at some of the contortions. Ah, she thought, a smile does the trick. She dropped the phone into a packet where she could hear the vibrations. And opened the door. She saw Tucker sitting there, and wondered if it would be best if she snuck out the back door and ran. But where would she go. She took a positive step forward and walked back to the table.
Tucker looked up as she put her hand on the back of her chair and pulled.
"Oh, I would have gotten that for you. You must be in a weakened condition after that long stay in the ladies room." he was smiling, but seemed to be searching for something in her face.
"Ladies rooms are slow, You know that."
"Of course I do."

The Answer:

Of all the groups in America, the people are most intolerant of Mormons! 30% sad they would never vote for a Mormon just higher than Muslims, Gays and Atheists. Only 4-5% said they would never vote for a black or a woman. People over 75 also rank low in the hearts of voters.

I've never met a Mormon I didn't like.

John 3:16

Today's Tids Issue 2,506
Opening Stuff:

Bain Capital, and Romney's involvement, is being assaulted by the weak of mind, generally not capable of understanding, or wanting to understand, the function of business and capital in the US economy. Private capital is how an economy exists without Government intervention. Separation of Biz and state and the creativity and innovation it fosters, is why the US catapulted forward in the 19th and 20th Centuries...creating millions of jobs; the envy of the rest of the world. The negativity towards this very basic component of American greatness, and the propagation of misunderstanding to a mostly uninformed public of by all people fellow Republicans including the so-called "wise one", Newt, is unfathomable to me. I can see how the disingenuous White House would leap upon the tough side of making businesses work, but fellow Republicans? It is a travesty at many levels.

Oh yeah, and the Prez and henchmen will continue the assault on Romney's business practices, but now they can accuse and disparage using Newts words. Disgusting.

Everybody would probably admit that the end of the Denver-Pitt game was thrilling beyond the usual excitement. Maybe, even among atheists. But, what impressed me was the aftermath and the media exposure. The usual suspects were more in awe, more respectful of the moment and the man than they normally are when overt religious enthusiasm is part of their story. They seem to see a good guy who works hard, who believes. And frankly, I felt many of them also felt something positive in their hearts.

The headline read: "47 from 23 Countries Sworn in as US Citizens." The system works and always has. And, everything is legal and genuine. And people who hate illegal immigration love it.

The Question:

Who were the core members of the Steeley Dan band? Name three of the best known songs.

The Headlines:

--NH Primary Deadlocked After Dixwell Notch; Moderates Huntsman and Romney have 2 votes each. Newt and Ron Paul tied for second at one vote each.
--Wall Street Looks To Up day After Positive Earnings From Alcoa.
--National Debt Now Larger Than Total Of All Goods And Services Produced In US.
--Hyundai Elantra Wins "Car Of Year" Award At Big Auto Show.
--Syria Prez Cites ABC News As Leading Foreign Meddler; Says Walters Interveiw With Him Was Deliberately Edited To Distort.
--Admin Chief-of-Staff Daley Fired.
--Alabama Completely Dominates LSU Winning NCAA BCS Championship; People Wonder What Playoff Would Have Produced.
--New Jersey GOP Senate leader collapses, Dies On Senate Floor.
--Missing 21 Yo. Son Of GB Packer's Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin Found Dead In Icy River.

Oh, BTW, the White House invested billions in GM, and is now touting a turn-around that happened mainly because of plant closings, firing employees and reducing wage scales. In case you are interested.

The NH race is all about how strong the rest of the slate can finish behind Romney. When you combine a big NH win with what was for Romney a very strong showing in the Conservative Iowa caucuses and the endorsement from Niki, it appears that the Mittster will come out of South Carolina nicely too.

Hey, Twinkies is going out of business! Thanks Michelle "No fun Eating" Obama. Another good business goes by the wayside along with its jobs because of nanny state fanatics. How many more?

If life was always fair, than maybe we could understand it better. But, alas it is encumbered by misinformation, misconceptions and misgivings, and that is why the logical and pragmatic have so much trouble dealing with it.

The cast of Jersey Shore should never be allowed to go outside beyond their own brainless public. It's embarrassing for the country. Some Islamist would take tapes and show it to their Muslim masses --"This is America; This is why we will rise!"

Biblical Pigskin Department:
I'm a Little worried about this Saturday's contest between my beloved Pats and the miracle man and his formidable Denver team. January 14? Hmmm John 1:14 -- "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth". I wonder.

New Amendment Department:
I was reading about the Supreme Court decision to take up the Stephen Tyler suit urging more casual raunchy swearing on TV. The first amendment protects lots of evil or things in questionable taste like pornography, gambling and other negative ingredients potentially destructive to a healthy, civilized society, as long as it has socially redeeming consequences. Well, I think the next Amendment should be "Freedom of Eating." Or should that read "Freedom From Persecuting happy larger people: From? Of? It's tricky little word choice.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --"Hi Audrey Johnson. I'm sitting here with Samantha Wilcox who you also may know as Samantha Jergens."
"I have never met her but know a lot about her."
"That's not important. You don't have to talk. Just listen." Audrey sat up. Now tense, aware. "Samantha just finished talking to an assistant to a lawyer named Dante who just awoke form a coma after a hit and run accident. Where are you?" Sparrow interrupted his town train of thought.
Audrey began to worry more. Come out with it she thought. "I'm in a middle of nowhere restaurant north of Little Rock with Tucker Louttite, a friend of Samantha."
Audrey heard silence on the line, then muffled voices in the background. "Is he with you now?"
"No, for some reason my suspicious mind told me to take this call in the ladies room."
"Ok, that's Good." We have just learned that the lawyer says it was Tucker who ran him down and left the scene." Audrey paled. She turned again to the door. She found it hard to breathe.

The Answer:

--Bard College graduates Dan Fagan and Walter Becker (Dubbed "Manson/Starkweather of Pop") were a couple of songwriters living in Brooklyn who first gained a little fame with a Barbra Streisand song "I mean to Shine". The duo started as traveling musicians with Jay and the Americans. Their songs it was determined were much too complex for most musicians so a producer named Katz urged them to start their own band to play their own music. Some early hits were Do It Again, Dirty Work and Reelin' In The Years. The most memorable early hit was Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Some others were bad Sneakers, Black Friday, Doctor Wu, Peg, Deacon Blues, Josie and Chain Lightening. The duo was more about writing lots of ingenious music for albums. They didn't particularly like traveling and in fact Fagan had a serious case of Stage fright.

The world is an incongruity.