"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.