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.