We've all been Charlie Brown.

Today's Tids Issue 2,588

Opening Stuff:

 

This is the best time of year for a walk down to and around the harbor. On Friday, the breezes were brisk off of 53 degrees water, and the air as clear as Shirley Temple's skin. This is that time of year when you can walk to the end of the longest piers, through gates that say "For Boat Owners Only." Makes you feel like you own something. Standin' there, alone in gigantic world, I felt pretty much like I owned the harbor. The only sounds were wavelets lapping at the pilings. The pling of halliards on masts of winter wrapped boats. The occasional thunking of a hammer as the working harbor people get the working harbor boats ready for the crush. There's something about those launches that have always fascinated me most. The hefty, clean. seaworthy lines. The rumble of the engines as they glide through mooring fields to perform their tasks. No motion, no rumbles today. I stand amidst this serene beauty watching the water, thinking that perhaps a fish will jump, a seal will pop up and stare me down. But, it never happens. Except in the imagination of my muddled mind. There I can see things that don't exist. What's happening neath the calm waters.

I'm betting that by the time of the election, President Obama will have issued an Executive Order in favor of every defined group, large and small, in America. And he will fly his AF1 to a signing ceremony somewhere in the US.

In my mind the greatest story of unrequited love is the one of Charlie Brown and the cute little red headed girl. It's the story for everyone who has ever had a ping in their heart.

A good eye-on-the-ball reader sends along this link about future or should we say, non-future of America. It is just the facts. A non-partisan look at the real problem, which few talk about much less admit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW5IdwltaAc&sns=em

 

The Question: A company called Interbank continually monitors the strength of all US corporate brands. What are currently the top ten?

The Headlines:
--Stock Opining Looks Steady.
--Spain Joins UK As Officially In Recession.
--7 Killed As Van Plunges Off Bronx River Parkway Near Zoo.
--China Relations Tense As Hillary Visits.
--Asylum In US Expected For Chinese Dissident.
--Rajon Rondo Bumps Ref In Hot headed Stupidy; Star Player Could Be Suspended.
  al-Qaida Still Strong Enough To Launch Revenge Attacks This Week.

Anything that says "Rich and Buttery" always catches my eye.

Hey, where is the White House outrage over Apple's $90 Billion in profit. You Mr. President wouldn't be playing favorites, would you? After all, fairness is your mantra. Break up Apple!  Go Exxon.

In case you are interested, I would not give the baseball to that whining baby in Texas Ranger stadium, the symbol of today's age of entitlements. And, shame on those Ya - Ya- Ya...(Well you know who I mean) announcers for berating an nice mother and father of seven who got the ball fair and square. That's one of the problem of the new vast social communication's devices and sites -- too many critics who don't know the whole story.

North Carolinian's considered personal injury lawyer John Edwards an unctuous creep way before he proved it.

For all of you secularist readers, only 238 more shopping days til that day when you-know-who was born. Can the ACLU get me for that.

Somehow when I watch the Boston Bruins I have this sense that nobody on the team knows how to score.

The most ludicrous of Obama commercials is the new one based on a mere assumption that if President, Romney would not have gone after and killed OBL. As several pundits have noted, Obama killing Osama was just about the only thing that he has done since in being office to unify the country. Now he using it to divide.

I was really rooting for an Ernie Els win this weekend. But it's about those white soled shoes -- he looks like he's playing in some kind of Senior league.

I was depositing some money from my old bank into a new account at my new bank. The teller told me that the money would be available next Tuesday. I said, "Really? I never heard of that at my old bank". She said, "Only government checks are cleared immediately." I replied, "But the government is more likely to go bankrupt than me." She sorta smiled.

Sign in Seafood takeout eatery: "Today's Special --Buy one fish and chips for the price of two, and get a second fish and chips absolutely free."

Is there something wrong with this picture, Department:
They are trying to get rid of a law in RI that has Election Day as a paid holiday for public employees. The employees say they need the day off to assist those running for re-election who got them their jobs -- and enormous benefits. Meanwhile the people paying for this have to go to work so they can continue to pay for it all; finding time during their busy day to vote -- to hopefully someday end the merry-go-round ride.

High School proms have just gotten way too expensive.

Obama just has trouble staying on the high plane, which he could easily do as incumbent president. His newest ploy is "My grandfather was poorer than your grandfather". Next it will be "Your mother wears army boots" Ah, to be a sixth grader again.

The Answer:

The top ten are #1 Coca Cola followed by IBM. Microsoft Google, General Electric, McDonald's, Google, Apple, Walt Disney and Hewlett Packard! Now here's the good news. An old investing adage is ""Invest in waht you know. Since 1999 the Top Ten brands have returned and average of 288% while the S&P gave back just 20%. Of course, that's just a numbers game.

Sign on front lawn of home: "Beware of dog. Cat isn't trustworthy either."

One of the fastest growing chain of Coffee cafes in England is called Rhode Island Coffee. The owner says that he is competing well with Starbucks because his shops are comfortable and friendly. "That," he says "is why I named then after the smallest state in America. In his web site he mentions lighthouses, fisherman, the Newport festival and most importantly that it is "Friendly, welcoming people, hearty natural food, a place of enjoyment and relaxation" -- "Just like us!". Yeah, right, if  you don't turn on the news. http://www.rhodeislandcoffee.co.uk/ Oh yeah, and the owner had never been to RI before he named his restaurant. He just thought it sounded like a nice place, He's quite right -- after we get the razor wire in place around the state house.

Getting the World Under Control

 

 

Today's Tids Issue 2,587

Opening Stuff:

 

Romney is beginning to do what political observers always thought was his advantage over Santorum and Gingrich: He is winning over the independents, this huge block that is probably the key to the election. In fact, in the newest poll he is 13 % ahead of the 0-Man among Indies.

You're seeing more and more, headlines like "Pension deficit for taxpayers is up $836 Million" atop articles about city and towns walking the tightrope towards bankruptcy. I always say "wait a minute, we paid our taxes." The elected officials mismanaged those funds or got hoodwinked by union officials into over paying for labor. They have to negotiate with the hoodwinkers, not come back to us. If so, the Taxpayer would be effectively fined for elected official's antics -- suspect activities or negligence or dereliction of duty. Plain and simple.

There's something just plain special about Aaron Copeland music -- Rodeo, Pink Pony. And of course, is there better music to underscore the awakening of a new day than his Appalachian Spring? I don't think so!

The Question:
John Cusack has come a long way from his "Actor with promise" days. Name five of his best movies.

The Headlines:
--Stock Rally Stifled As GDP Comes In Lower Than Forecast; Business Spending Slowing.
--Spanish Economy In ICU; One Minister Says Economy "Faces Crisis Of Huge Proportions; Credit rating Downgraded.
--US On Guard For Bin Laden Revenge Attacks May 2.
--Romanian Center Right Government Toppled; Czechs Facing Similar Test.
--Zimmerman Raised In Black-White Household; Had Black Partners In Business.
--Consumer Sentiment Scale Barely Moves.

--Biden Tells Stupid, Poorly Timed Secret Service Joke.

So, did you hear about the dog who was paper trained? He could read the comics.

Don't laugh, people are humanizing their pets at an alarming rate. Many seem to have convinced themselves that dogs are people. I often hear people interviewed saying things like "I have a beautiful four legged daughter named ...". "We have a family of four, my husband and I and Rex and rover." I loved the dogs I owned, but I would never own one again. Too expensive, and no Medicaid. Have to walk them on leashes instead of letting them run free to steal eggs from a neighbor's chicken coop. And of course, there is that dreaded plastic bag. Frankly, I'd have to teach them to read the comics so they wouldn't get bored staying inside at home.

I am really bothered at these small groups who seem to have a plan to pick off one religious appearing monument/remembrance one by one by one. They make a fuss, raise money and then essentially extort cities, towns and states to take down a local institution, "Or else".

How come when the ACLU sues to protect somebody's Civil Liberties they take away everything cherished by another group? How fair is that, Mr. President.

There is no way in my mind that three across the country trips by the President to Universities was a"Official Business" as stipulated by the White House Admin. I was happy to see the RNC finally wake up and challenge one of these transparent campaign trips.

So basically what I'm seeing in commercials for smart phones and the like, is that they new technology is hand writing! Do you think Apple and Samsung our working off of grants form the NEA? Cursive lives.

Last night's "Missing" was a good example of why it is becoming my favorite TV hour. I'm hooked, addicted. Actually, at one point I was thinking this is kind of slow tonight. Then ...Bam!...two totally unimagined surprises in a row. Now I can hardly wait for next Thursday.

American Idol: I've said it before, Holly has surprising staying power because she sings songs with melodies...and her voice is very powerful. Sure she's a little bit unpolished, but her biggest negative is the Judges. I think Phillip is getting a little ordinary, although he is talented and draws a lot of young girl votes. Sanchez is excellent, but doesn't always connect. Joshua is a talent. Skylar needs a couple of better tunes next week.

About today's music... Last night on Idol Katy Perry and last year's Stefano Lagano performed. Aside form the lavish sets, the words and techno-activity, the songs sounded exactly the same to me. We're are living in this hear-one,-you've-heard-em'-all-world. I guess it's all about the dancin' beat. Oh, and Stefano, who I didn't like last year, was far better than the highly regaled Perry. That's just the opinion of one tin ear.

A day or so ago the National Plagiarist Laureate described Romney as "Uniformed". Oh, that holds a lot of weight -- opinions of Joe Biden, the Veep that WH handlers would love to send out with a gag in his mouth. Save me.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--In Five Year Engagement we have a pretty predictable romantic comedy starring Jason Segal and Emily Blunt (Great In Salmon Fishing) as a couple who have fallen in love and are engaged. But incidents keep putting off the marriage, and it goes on and on. Some observers are saying "Break up already", "I can't take it any more". My guess is that it will be entertaining with a pleasant ending.
--John Cusack stars as Edgar Allen Poe in The Raven. Poe helps a detective solve a series of murders that are similar to his stories -- the Pit and the Pendulum et. al. It is pretty good and draws a realistic picture of Poe, the drunk and always out of cash writer. I'd go.
--Safe is a "B" movie about a second-rate Cage Fighter who leads a life of beatings for chump change. It changes when the Russian Mafia kills his family after he blows a rigged fight. The mob banishes him to the Streets of NYC. He is aimless until he witnesses a frightened 12 year old Chinese girl being pursued by the gangsters who killed his wife. His life changes as he gets involved in a giant conspiracy. It will be great some evening on FX.

The Answer:
I first remember Cusack  in a movie with Angelica Houston called the Grifter. He was in plenty of others like True Colors, City Hall, Grosse Point Blank, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Pushing Tin, America's Sweethearts, Runaway Jury and Grace is Gone. You probably have your own faves.

Well, it is Friday. For retired people it means it's Saturday tomorrow, which will be pretty much like Friday except for the date on the newspaper. For every body else it will be a welcome and wonderful repsite from the weekday pressures. Enjoy every minute of it. That's an order.

--

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT

Send

Sudden death is quick.

Today's Tids Issue #2,586

Opening Stuff:

Bummer! That's what you say when your hockey team loses in sudden death overtime. When the scraping of skates, the lethal flying puck and the desperate chaos all ceases in a vacuum. One minute your heart is in your throat, your teeth are grinding together, the grasp of the chair arm is turning your hands white. And then, just like that, nothing. The roaring stops. The hometown losers look to the heavens; The winners leap into arms. In complete silence. Your jaw drops. You click off the TV. It's over.

Bummer! That's what you say when your hockey team loses abruptly in overtime. But yesterday a good husband of a good friend died, suddenly. One minute two people are sharing what they have always shared. The next minute my friend is alone. Just like that. What do you say. What can you say." I understand." I can't understand. "I know how you feel" It is impossible for me to know how she feels. Maybe you just say, "I am here. I am your friend." "And, my heart aches."

The Question:
Name 7 stocks that reported significantly better than predicted earnings this quarter.

The Headlines:
--Fed Says It Will Keep Short Term Interest rates Near "0" Til 2014.
--Good Improvement In Contracts To Buy Previously Owned Homes Has Stocks Up.
--Analysts Say Improvement In new Home Building Is Way Off In Future.
--New Claims For Jobless Benefits Barely Moved Downward; Indicates Stubborn Recovery Continuing.
--Murdoch Admits Phone Hacking Cover-up.

American Idol: I like "Queen" and ironically the one contestant who could have done that uniquely creative  group justice, Colton Dixon, was booted last week. I thought they all struggled with "Q", although the judges loved Skylar and Joshua. Bohemian Rhapsody is one of my favorites, but Jessica offered an unfulfilling, choppy version. Phillip sound much too Phillip. I didn't enjoy Joshua. Elise was Elise. And, I thought the judges were a little harsh on Holly. I generally like Holly because she typically sings songs with actual melodies. And, she was terrific in her finale'. Also very good, to me, in their personal choice songs were Phillip, Joshua and Jessica. I love Skylar, but to many of her tunes bore me to tears. My guess is that the judges are hoping Holly will go. I'm guessing that Phillip, Skylar, Joshua and Jessica should be locks.

People you never heard of doing great things Department:
Yesterday I mentioned Obama missing another chance to properly remember the Armenian Genocide as he had promised. Two days earlier a good friend sent to me amazing music written by a young man, the son of a friend, called "Voyage to Amasia". The music is for a documentary of the same title, also produced by this incredible young man Eric Hachikian, to honor the struggles of his grandmother and 1,500,000 other Armenians who died during that death march at the end of the Ottoman Empire. Maybe this young man Eric can bring the truth to the world so long buried by politics. (Eric's music premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2005.) http://www.voyagetoamasia.com/About.htm

The Draft is one of those slow moving, nothing happening TV events which keeps me semi-glued to the tube. Maybe I just love football too much. It's a great night (Except for the inane Jet's fans in the audience) -- Wondering what Belichick will do. Which person you never heard of will be on the Pats roster this summer. It's a great night for second guessers, and there's always that hope that another GM will tell some self imagined Draft guru that he 's full of you know what.

Two guys with disgusted grimaces on their faces were looking into a barrel of monkeys after having just pried off the top. One says to the other: "It would have been more fun if we had used air holes."

(People with half a brain will skip this Tid):
Here are ten players with highly rated football credentials who are also the ten with biggest character flaws. Number 1 is the baby producing bar fighter highlighted here yesterday Janoris Jones. The rest: Donte Page-Moss (NC) -- Assault and general team disruption; Cliff Harris (Oreg) -- Tema rule suspension, driving scofflaw; Alfonso Dennard (Neb) -- Punched Police Officer last Saturday; Vontaze Burtict (AS) -- "Can't miss to can't take". Totally out of control off the field; Bryce Brown (KS) -- Serial College jumping, no experience; Mike Adams (TOSU) -- Test positive for pot, Numerous off field discrepancies; Bruce Ivan (WV) -- Numerous pre-college arrest and recently willful destruction of private prov[erty; Quinton Copes (NC) -- Most skilled pass rusher of all, but work ethic and playing hard all the time is questioned; Michael Floyd (ND) -- Underage drinking and DUI. The above are all considered "Top Talents". So just in case your team picks one, don't be surprised next year. See, I told you it would be kind of boring.

I'm thinking that in the future that a lot of dummies will be suing,  trying to equate "Stupid Speech" on FaceBook/Twitter et.al. with the protections of the 1st Amendment. "Hey, it's a Free Country, Buddy!" But you can't Tweet the Bosses wife is a slut and not expect that you may get fired.

Speaking of the uniformed leaders of tomorrow, a student at Purdue University had this comment during a discussion about the requirement that a presidential candidate be, among other things, a Natural Born citizen. This girl in the class stood and vehemently protested, saying how unfair it was to have the restriction of being a natural born citizen. She went on and on about how this would prevent many capable individuals from becoming President. Finally she said: "What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead the country than one born by C-Section?"

Yesterday the Senate dismissed a proposal to close the Post Office on Saturdays. The organization is losing about $25 Billion and the number is growing. Does this give you an inkling about why the Government should never run a business? In fact, governments should not run governments.

Could we have a government next year that would have Mitt - Pres, Rick - VP and Newt - Secretary of State?

Is this country coming to a point where debt forgiveness will become a given in the minds of borrowers?  Another step towards massive national irresponsibility.

The Answer:
By now everybody knows that stock darling Apple beat estimates by 12%. But, that only puts them in seventh spot far behind Morgan-Stanley's 61% surprise. The rest in order are US Steel (52%), Yahoo! (35%), Yum Brands (32%), Travelers (31%) and Hershey (19%). Interesting mix of industries, too.

Bummer. I hate it when good friends are so sad.

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT

Send

An Apple a day.

Today's Tids Issue #2,585
Opening Stuff



There' s plenty of room for all God's creatures -- right next to the mashed potatoes and gravy.

Yesterday, President Barak Obama broke a campaign promise for the 4th time. In 2008, he said: "America needs a leader who can speak truthfully about the 'Armenian Genocide'...". Apparently, either he wasn't talking about himself, or he was once again telling a big whopper. As Senators, Obama and his Secretary of State Hillary co-sponsored a resolution calling for the use of the word "Genocide " when discussing the tragedy that killed 1.5 Million Armenians during a death march in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire. That day was April 24 1915, and yesterday for the fourth April 24 Obama and his State Department failed to live up to a promise fanatically important to Armenians world wide. When you break the hearts hopeful millions, it is not "Just Politics", or simply Obama being Obama again. It's a knife to the hearts of grieving, loving people.

Oh, did you see that headline in any news paper?

The Question: 

Double Bonus Day: 1. What is the world's largest technologist Company by revenue? What is Apple's share of the world Smart Phone market? 2. Who was the last officer with the official title General of the Army? Name the 5 Five Star Generals in US History and 3 Navy Fleet Admirals. Name the four different General designations in order of importance. Do the same for the Navy Admirals.

The Headlines: 

--Great Britain Now Officially Declared In Recession.
--Apple Polishes Profit Picture; Delicious Outlook For Wall Street; DOW Up Strong, NASDAQ Romping.
--Durable Goods Output Plunges; 4.2% Drop Largest Since 2009; Business Spending Plans Down.
--Euro Economic Fear Could Travel Across Oceans.
--SC Taking Up Arizona Law Against Criminal Trespassers; SC Seems To Be Backing Arizona.
--Norway Mass Murderer Breivik Tails At Court Psychiatrists For Calling Him Insane; Says Report Contains, "Evil, Fictitious Inventions.:
--Newt Out.
--Pope Has Vatican Moving Swiftly To the Right.
--Bruins To meet Washington In Do Or Die Seventh Game.

Are Wall Street bonuses that bad?, Department:
They have a big problem at the YMCA in the wealthy New Jersey enclave of Montclair. People are stealing towels. I mean really stealing towels to the tune of $50,000 per year. The Y said no more towels, and the gentle denizens of the tidy town rioted! Can you say Detroit!

I was never enamored in any way over Liz Taylor's love live. And having Lindsey Lohan portray her in a movie about one of those episodes will do nothing to peak my interest, despite what fawning critics may say.

Long live the king. Long live iceberg lettuce.

The "Affordable" light bulb.! -- Only the government would think that $50 is a good price for a light bulb. Not only will it cost you a tank of gas to buy this soon to be on department store shelves "Super Green" light bulb, you have probably already paid for it with y9ur taxes. You see, our entrepreneurial Department of Energy has given Phillips $10,000,000 for developing the "Light bulb of the Future". a bulb that costs 100 times more than the old one, but a LED bulb that will last 30 years and be as bright as your old incandescent using a fraction of the electricity. How'd you like to make a long term investment in a company that has to wait 30 years for repeat business?

Exxon Billboard: Where are all the news crews when we're not spilling anything?

If you like to eat big and are near Rhode Island, the good news today is that the Nordic Lodge opens Friday. For $85/person which includes taxes, tips soft drinks and coffee/tea, you can dive in and eat all you can of never ending Lobsters, Filet Mignon's, Prime Rib, Crab, Oysters, Shrimp and of course salads, taters and a giant dessert bar! Go to the gym first.

Do you think that 0-Man has taken "One Dime" of campaign contributions from any lobbyist organization? As he promised he would never do in 2008.

In case you're interested on who's getting the most out of your sports expenditures, Forbes has it's list of most influential athletes (By revenue from advertising , wearing logos and associated promotional attachments), and the winner this year is Nascar's Jimmie Johnson. Next is the Pat's Tom Brady, who is followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Shac O'Neill, Michael Phelps, Troy Palamahu, Peyton Manning, Jeff Gordon, Lebron James and Tim Tebow. This used to be a list owned by Tiger Woods. Troy Palamahu?

The Answer:

1. Samsung is the largest Technology Company in the world by revenue. It had been a smidge ahead of IPhone at 19.6% to Apple's 19.3% But it is expected that the just reported Apple surge has put Apple a bit higher. However an industry report says that Samsung will over take Apple by the end of 2012. Also HTC will take third away from Nokia. In 5th we will have RIM followed by Huawei, Sony, ZTE, LG and Motorola. Bonus: In reality, the last official General of the Army (A rank established in 1866 for US Grant) was William T. Sherman. Note: After Sherman, the Rank was Honorarily given to Phillip Sheriden, as he was dying, and never again. The 5 Five Star generals were George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry Arnold and Omar Bradley. The Navel equivalent is Fleet Admiral and there were 3 of those -- William Leahy, Ernest King and Chester Nimitz. There were also several other noted for extreme competence and overriding responsibilities and they were General of the Armies George Washington and John Pershing, Admiral of the Navy for George Dewey. The 4 Generals are Brigadier, Major, Lieutenant and General and 4 comparative Navy Admiral rankings -- Rear (Lower), Rear (Upper), Vice and Admiral.

Daisy Air Rifle Billboard: "Kept kids off lawns since 1861."

It's been fun.

I love the challenge of each new day.

Today's Tids Issue #2,584
Opening Stuff:

Snow flurried in swirls, lightly bouncing off new grass growth. Then dissolving into small droplets of water as flakes met the warm spring soil. The quiet of falling snow soothed the the air, muffled the confusion of a world waking. Slowly at first, the white started to stick to the green. Then as if a giant hand pushed a lever in the sky, the torrents of rushing snow blinded the skies, and covered the earth, this fine day of spring awakening. Small birds, newly returned from the south peeked from their nest, puffed up to insulate against the sudden cold. Two tiny heads turned to each other, "What the hell is going on here!" They shivered and squirmed back in against each other.

Have you noticed that two of the three worst teams in baseball so far this year were put together by boy genius Theo Epstein? Sorry, Cubbie fans.

A couple of old West Virginians looked at the news from Washington DC over at the other end of Route 50, shook their heads and were reminded of an old saying from their Pappy, "You cannot get the water to clear up, until you get the pigs outta the creek."

 

The Question:  

Regardless of her politics, and how bad she acted in several movies, I still think that Barbara Streisand was one of the greatest singers ever. What was her first big hit. Name 5 of her other big songs.

The Headlines: 

--NK About Ready For Third Nuclear Test.
--March New Home Sales Fall.
--Markets Edge Up Despite Continuing Conferences Over EuroDebt; Greek Recession Deepens. --Sarkozy Loss Could Bring Down EU; Merkl/Sarkozy Partnership Was Keeping Tattered Union Viable; French Leftist Hollande Would Abandon Effort.
--FaceBook Reveals Sliding Revenue, Profits Ahead Of Potential IPO; Is Amazing Growth Cooling? --New Wireless Subscribers AtAT&T Down Sharply.
--Jennifer Hudson Testimony Opens Trial Of Man Accused Of Murdering 3 members Of Her Family; Presence Moves Jurors.
--Newt Hints At Leaving Race; Most Think: "He's Still In It?
--Hugh Hefner Comes Out Against "Old Fashioned Viewpoints" Of Conservatives; Worries That Sex Might End Ruining His Empire.

You know what really bewilders me -- this fascination with one of the biggest con artists of all time, Al Sharpton; The man who rose to fame and started his career of emotional extortion with the gigantic Tawana Brawley Lie/scam, and nobody ever calls him out on anything. People just let him continue to oppress the people he purports to support. To shroud real progress in racist exaggerations.

You'll find yourself smiling a lot after watching "Salmon Fishing in Yemen".

Example 207,438,292 of how Government works badly: This little tale is about bringing home the bacon because voters want bacon whether they needed it or not. A host of Pols from Secretary LaHoud to RI's Governor Chafee-Lite gathered yesterday to dedicate a new railroad station in Wickford RI, hailing economic progress. Here's the deal: This is a commuter station to bring workers to where? Not to Providence or anywhere RI where there are disappearing jobs and vacant office towers. Pols live to build roads, and airports and railroad stations regardless of whether they are necessary. They like brand spanking new bricks and mortar because it looks like results, and more importantly obscures their inability to understand and/or attack the real problems -- in this case, companies not coming to RI becasue of one very obvious a factually supported dilemma -- it sucks to do business here. No, this station where trains will be run by the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) will bring RI'ers quickly and safely to Boston and it's environs. Rhode Island has become part of the Boston Subway System.

I am still trying to figure out why Barak Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Free carrots for Reindeer for a year? A railroad station? Something he will tell us after he is elected again? Weird, really weird.

The demise of the US culture began with the advent of the TV table.

Stupid Athlete Department: Alphonse Demond dreamed of it in Pee Wee Football, through four years in High School and then during four outstanding years at the University of Nebraska. And this week, his dreams will be fulfilled as potentially top pick at the NFL Draft. Or not! Over the week end, less than a week before the culmination of a dream, he assaulted a policeman. He's in jail. Hey, but all may not be lost. Criminals and character-less athletes are often prime sections. In fact, another high draft possibility has put himself in a position of dwarfing Antonio Cromarte's record of 10 children (Soon to be 12 w/twins on the way) with 8 women in six states. Yes, potential top pick Janoris Jenkins during his college years ash produced 4 kids by three women. He says "I am a great father," that is -- when he is not being arrested for bar fights and smoking pot.

Note to Tids Serialized Novel Readers: The Tids Fiction Writer's Department Is formulating a new, exciting plot with plenty of juicy characters.

Life is good: I just renewed my annual license for my Golf Yardage machine.

The Answer:

I first remember Barbra belting out "Happy Days are here Again" and "Strike Up the Band". And frankly I remember clearly shouting Wow! She was particularly adept at "rousers" like those and "There's no Business Like Show Business". Of course then there was "People", "The Way we Were", "Evergreen" and two duos -- "No More Tears" with Donna Summer and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore" with Neil Diamond. Only Elvis and the Beatles have sold more albums that Barbara Streisand.

The Red Sox are floundering, and callers to sports shows are worrying why the fans sing "Sweet Caroline" after the seventh inning. These fans must be the same people who look at the mess in RI and can't see the real problem of a union dominated State Legislature.

How many of you will be humming "People" all day long?

Tears over Fenway.

Today's Tids Issue #2,583
Opening Stuff:

I have rarely been as emotionally drained as I was Friday afternoon at the end of the celebration of 100 years of Fenway Park. 216 baseball players who I had lived and died with for over sixty years walked out of the center field door as if from corn Fields on an Iowa farm. Each, no matter how big a star or small, recall a moment that's part of your base ball soul. With all of the highlights and all of the cheers, nothing gets to my rear reservoir than Yaz walkin' across the field. God, how I loved watching that guy play. Anybody who has ever loved the game of baseball would have found their heart beating a little faster between 2:00 and 3:00 last Friday.

I see where Sarah Palin was being "Checked out" by some Secret Service guy. And it was suggested that maybe they are checkin' out Michelle O too. So here's an idea. Let's do it the Roman way -- Eunuchs! If it was good enough for the Roman Emperor's watchdogs. it's good enough for us. Besides, like Rome we're declining and falling!

Or maybe we should just get rid of FaceBook and YouTube. Then the antics will be safe from sensationalizer's eyes.

The great Treasurer of RI Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, has been called by many "A Conservative." I think her response was excellent: "No, I'm a realist," she countered. Many branded conservatives are really just basically honest, rational people trying to do what's right. Unfortunately to too many thees days, what's right and correct is considered eerie, scary and threatening.

The Question:

 Hundred's of Airlines over the years have faded from existence. Name ten big ones.

The Headlines: 

--Growing Anxiety Over EuroFinances Will Weaken Market openengs.
--Sarkozy Loses First Round In French Election;
--East Coast gets Much needed Rain.
--SC Weighing Arizona Anti Criminal Trespassing Act
--Zimmerman Out Of Jail On Bail; In Hiding. --Fox Guarding Hen House in RI; Gov. and Lt. Gov. Out Of town.
--Sunday Rain-out Saves Red Sox From More Embarrassment.

As promised, this august morning opinionated mess will continue to remind the world of one Obama statement that should put everybody on High alert: "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility." I'm placing bets that this is not the only time he has used this hedge to key international and local power groups like his own liberal base... that in closed rooms he has said to his left supporters, "I'll never get elected if I espouse what you want, so be patient." Are the Iranians and North Koreans now expecting a similar about face." Basically he is saying, "If you want to learn the truth that lies in my heart, vote for me."

You can tell a lot about people by the way they put away shopping carts or how they behave at 4-Way Stop signs.

Nothing symbolizes better the growing division in America than the awful Caruola Act in RI. This is a State Legislative action that allows school boards to sue fellow citizens for more money.

I see where Tom Brady and Giselle were at the Fenway 100th. At least Tom didn't wear a NYY cap. No, he wore a Fop hat instead. Giselle has got to stop dressing him.

The Stooges hit the films in the 1930's They were revised in the early days of TV when I was your basic, stupid irresponsible young teenager, But, I have to tell you, I really didn't watch them very much. Frankly, after the first few times with their antics, i foumd them kind of monotonous. Instead I was enthralled with high brow humor like Abbot and Costello. The Bowery Boys, Our Gang and Laurel and Hardy. Stuff with meaning. The real second coming of the Stooges was in the 70's and 80's when revivals of the clowns caught on with the teens and twenty somethings. Maybe they needed inane after all of the seriousness of the protest era.

Do you find it curious that Eric Holder not going after States with Voter ID laws like RI which is in the Dem pocket, but only those large toss-up states like Texas, with lots of illegals, potentially criminal voters. Doesn't sound like a "fair" policy. I wonder if 0-Man knows?

One of the greatest threats to our future is the "International Left", a large and growing silent group that is manipulating behind the scenes to promote international courts and across the border laws that infringe upon the sovereignty of national constitutions.

The Answer: 

Some bug names have bit teh dust over the years. Remember Eastern. And Pan American. Then you have Allegheny, Capitol, Braniff, Frontier, Mohawk, National, Northeast, Northwest, Ozark, Piedmont, Republic, Continental (Part of United), Western and TWA! And now maybe American!

Of course the real tears over, under and around Fenway came Saturday afternoon, when the Sox blew a 9-1 lead. I went to a Tavern Sat night and when I walked in I asked, "Why is the Sox game still on TV?" He said, "Because it is 9-8." Aaaaaaaaaaarg!

Sign found in front of McDonald's Store: "Saying your kids are fat because of us, is like saying it's Hooter's fault that your husband likes big boobs."

I had to laugh at the headline about Gordon Fox being in charge of RI Government because Gov. and Lt. Gov were out of town. Speaker Fox and his predecessors have always been in charge of the RI Government.

It's going to be a good week. Enjoy it.

There should always be a hand to hold.

Today's Tids Issue #2,582
Opening Stuff:



There were several good reader comments on yesterday's "purity of a real Chocolate Chip cookies" Tid -- from "must have walnuts" to "I use extra vanilla". But perhaps the best was from a good reader who said his neighbor added chocolate flavored vodka to the Tollhouse mix. "Zowie was his only word. I think he took a nap for the rest of the day.

The media people are wondering a week before the big Primary voting day here next week in RI where all of the normal, big advertising dollars went. Duh: There are no opponents to Obama. Romney is the de facto nominee and the remaining Repub players have no money anyhow. And, even if there was a couple of GOP possibilities, there aren't enough Republicans left in RI to warrant a mass media blitz.

Note To Newspapers: Internet advertising revenue hits record $31 Billion in 2011. Vodka laced chocolate chip cookies anybody?

It didn't take very long for Romney to make up that 12 point gap, did it? It seems to say that polls probably really won't count for much til July or August.

The Question:

Advertising on line just continues to go crazy. The advent of smart phones is really kicking it up through new, dizzying heights. What business sectors are the biggest online advertisers?

The Headlines:

--Stock Markets Flat; New Unemployment Benefits Data Came In Higher Than Estimates; Rumored French Debt Downgrade; Better Than Expected B0A And MS Earnings Can't Overcome Negative News.
--India Tests Nuclear Capable Missile That Can Reach China.
--New Series Of Bombs Throughout Iraq Kills 36, Injures Several Hundred.
--Europe Rescue Plan Faltering; Cash Strapped Britain Says No More Contributions To IMF Crisis Fighting War Chest; Fund Currently Has $320 Billion..
--Norwegian Mass Murderer Says He Would Do It Again.
--OWS Movement Says It Will be Making It's Noise At 36 Shareholder Meetings This Year; First Meeting Will Be Tuesday At Wells-Fargo.
--DOD Apologizes Again For Unacceptable Actions By A few.

American Idol: Who entertained me most last night? Well, Skylar just makes me smile. And Holly was very good two times. Phillip was good, but Colton was lackluster. Elise can sing, but did she connect? Joshua is, frankly, always enjoyable, but does he have the fan base. And of course Jessica. The girl can sing and her second effort last night was maybe the best, most professional of the evening. The tough thing tonight is that two must go. Somebody very good can easily be one of them, because I believe this year's final seven is far better than last year's final two!. First, I think Elise will be one of the two to go. Skylar deserves to stay and she has the big country crowd. I think that Holly has a bigger fan base than many of the others. Based on last night, Colton should be the other one (Remember I picked Colton to win it all.). But he and Phillip have the cute boy vote. So that leaves Joshua and Jessica. It could be Joshua and Elise hitting the bricks tonight. The best talents -- Jessica, Colton, Phillip, Skylar, Joshua, Elise and Holly in that order. Although, Holly has a helluva powerful voice. This is the toughest year I have seen.

Burger King is in trouble as Wendy's has passed them by in sales. However, I always thought BK's food tasted better than both Mac And Wendy. So, I gotta believe that the dreadful mascot King with the gigantic head gyrating around the screen in stupid situations with almost implausible antics has been the problem contributing to the decline. It just had to scare away the folks. Just as American Idol voting is not always about the best singer winning, the Fast Food wars aren't about the best food drawing the customers. It's always about who seems inviting; warm and cuddly. That's where people go.

The staffers at NBC are less than happy with the presence of Chelsea, according to a number of media reports. And it isn't just the ram down your throat celebrity hiring aspects and resultant jealousies. Co-workers say she just isn't that good, and accommodations are often made just to get her through her laborious pieces and on screen. She is probably a nice, very smart woman, but like with some athletes turned announcer, it's a new world and what you accomplished elsewhere and who you know doesn't really mean much when you have to perform at a high level.

Camera phones have the power to destroy the world because brainless people push the buttons.

JC Penny ads are drawing people into the stores, but it appears what's in the aisles and on the shelves isn't holding them there...or bringing them back. This is a classic marketing misstep -- promising and not rewarding.

I'd say selling Berkshire-Hathaway stock yesterday is a bit premature, and typical of hysterical over-reactions in the country today. Buffet has "Stage One" prostate Cancer and the probably access to the best medical people and facilities in the world. However, it does raise the question of the power of B-H to succeed in the future as it has in the past without, someday, the one acknowledged guru at the helm.

I was driving to Philadelphia one day for a biz meeting in the early 60's and at one of the a Turnpike food plazas I stood behind Dick Clark and another guy with him who buying candy bars and sodas. Clark was a Philly/NYC commuter in those days too. That was at the beginnings of career, and he was still racing to keep the phenomena alive and growing. He did quite well indeed, and certainly had a lot to do with the success of many musician's careers. Personally, he wasn't that important to me, despite all of the nostalgic press you read about the fifties. Seemed like a nice guy, though.

Real Estate Deal of The Week: $87 Million, Pelican Road North, Newport Beach Cal Mansion with 17 car garage, gold leaf ceilings, horse stables and lake could be a steal at $37 Mill. Sharpen your pencils. Eat vodka laced chocolate chip cookies.

Almost Near: Epilogue.
Tommy Lambert looked to the sky, and smiled at the comfort in his words for Sam:
The world is vast, full of the beauty of God's majesty.
The caressing forests, the calming seas, the endless sky.
The creatures that roam the lands; That care for each other.
There are no creatures as beautiful and delicate as you.

Yet, always lurking neath cool waters and flowered fields,
Is the unknown; the sudden black that mars the white.
The veils of gray that block the yellow rays of the sun
The life that dries; The minds that thirst, the petals droop.

I have been your sun and I will be your warmth again.
I have been your calming seas, and I will surge for you again.
I have been your cooling pools. I will wet your thirst again.
I have been your comforting arms; you will run to them again.
Enjoy what you have; I will always be in your mind.

Tommy sat. All was perfect in his world. Samantha would return again.

The Answer:

Number one is General Merchandise advertisers. Surprisingly, at least to me is Real Estate! Number three is Automotive. After that we have Finance and Food. In just two years I expect the online numbers to be equally amazing in their dominance.

But honey, I saved $50 Million!

Well, today ended the third novel written in the Tids. I think it turned out pretty well. But, I have learned a lot since I wrote the first one "The Tie That Binds." I'm in the process of re-writing #2 "Through the Same Eyes", and it is amazing how you can make something your though was complete, much better. First you have to break out of the past, not cling to things you like, that could improve. It is a wonderful and rewarding exercise. It just is proving to me that there are enormous opportunities in this world to learn something new, even when you think you know it all. Now I have to think of another novel for the Tids. Life is never easy.

Now...if I could only solve that typo problem.

Leave my world alone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,581
Opening Stuff:

You may have noticed how, from time to time, we rant a bit here over the sacrileges against time-honored US and world wide institutions. Like when people put chocolate into gin and call it a Martini! That is not a martini! The last thing I would want to hear going into a bar and ordering a Martini, is a bartender asking, "What kind?" Yikes. Well the other day at a meeting a women brought in a fresh baked batch of Chocolate chip cookies. Even I, who refrains from sweets and non-nutritional dalliances, took one. Ouch! What is that flavor, I thought. The baker proudly asks, "Did you like my secret ingredient?" I said nothing but other lemmings said things like "Yum". "Wonderful." "Marvelous." She looked over at us, and proudly said she replaces Vanilla with Almond when she bakes chocolate chip cookies! Those-are-not-chocolate-chip-cookies!

That Egyptian revolution is turning into a real mess isn't it? Yesterday the Election Board there, which had been named by the Ruling Military, rejected the "Three Most Popular" candidates (And 7 others) from the election! How's that for an Arab Spring? That leaves 13 mundane candidates who most Egyptians barely know at all. Other countries are thinking this no-name group may produce a better candidate for them; A candidate who will "work with" outsiders. But, that is unlikely. Among the three tossed was the powerful Muslim Brotherhood candidate Khairat al Shater. It is now expected that this most significant of all Egyptian groups will back Mohammed Morsi and propel this unknown into the lead. Muslim brotherhood will not go away, regardless of the Military Panel wants. If Morsi is rejected, expect new riots.

You have to wonder about FaceBook's future. Will it be like that of an athlete superstar with too much money, buying cars he doesn't need. Linkedin thinks that could be the case. And have stated that they expect to outlast the Zuckerberg giant becasue they are more fiscally responsible and won't delve into expensive whims. Another thing, Zuckerberg, made the Insta deal all by himself without bankers and lawyers, three days before he told his Board of Directors. Just tuck that away as the IPO approaches.

The Question:

I'm sure there are many lists for this Question, but I have a feeling that many of the "Top Ten Child Stars Gone Bad" are on all of them. Name your top ten.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Down On Lower Earnings From IBM And Intel.
--Spain Bailout Now A Certainty.
--Spain Incensed As Argentina Announces Nationalization Of YPF, The Country's Largest Oil Company Which Is Controlled BY Spain Repsol Corp; Spanish Industry Minister Promises Consequences.

Have you noticed lately that some of the more elite-in-their-own-mind restaurants are offering Pork bellies on the menu. People look at the menu and the initial reaction is often -- Eew, pork bellies. That's bacon folks, pure fatty bacon. That's all it is. Interestingly, bacon from countries other than the US comes from the side, mostly lean, or from the back cut which can be either all fat or mostly all lean. US bacon is from the fatty streaked pork belly. So, that's about it. McDonald's gets all the blame for calories, but where is Michelle when the "Gourmet" joints start sneaking in heart stopping fatty bacon? Huh?

By the way, 40% of McDonald's sales come from Europe versus 30% from the US. That means that when Obama moves on to Emperor of the world, the Empress will have plenty to do. And I'm happy for her.

If the Dems are as they say for jobs, how come they are trying to turn the country's economic engines into soulless monsters.

I've got to drop politics for a while. It's turning me into a monster.

And, never put walnuts in Chocolate Chip cookies.

It's no wonder child stars full of fame and money living in a world far from reality, grow up with problems . But, you don't have to be a child star to find the road to ruin as a teen. For instance, the new fad among teens is eating cinnamon. Yup, the kids take a spoon full of pure cinnamon with out liquid and just wait til their throat burns, their stomach gets queasy and they eventually throw-up. Sure sounds like fun. Like wearing felt skirts with poodles or singing Meersy-dotes.

The Prez is using his bully pulpit to come out against Oil "Speculators" as the culprits in the rising gas prices dilemma. Of course, as part of this political posturing, he asks Congress to act to add more people to oversee Wall Street activities. The congress responds, "We already have the the FTC, FCC, SEC et. al.. You are Executive Branch. Use them." Most neutral observers see the Prez Proposal as political rhetoric that in effect increases the size of government with little chance of affecting the increase in oil prices.

Almost Near: The Epilogue. --
Tommy Lambert had been locked securely away in the New Hampshire state facility for the insane for about a year now. He was a model inmate. Why wouldn't he be. He was a creative, bright, good looking and quite a charming man. Always had been. Even on that day 29 years ago, the first day Samantha Wilcox slid into second base and he slapped the tag on her. Then helped her up, and smiled that perfect radiant smile. She would never forget that special moment. The people in the facility had warmed to that same smile since the day he walked into his sterile room with nothing but his state issued clothes. Now he had pens and paper and even at times use of a computer. He had all of the weapons a good writer would ever need.
He put down his pen, read over what he had written, sat admiring his work; Then he folded the paper and placed it in an envelope and addressed to Samantha Wilcox. He moved to the small window at his door. "Carolyn. Carolyn. Are you there." In a few seconds he heard the click, click, click of her shoes against the hard flooring.
"What do you need, Tommy?" The orderly looked at him with eyes wishing he could come from beyond the door."
He handed her the envelope. "Would you please mail this on your way home. You can charge the stamp to my account."
She laughed. Of course he had no account. And, he wasn't allowed to mail anything without inspection. Her fingers lingered on his as she took the letter. "No problem, Tommy."
"Thank you Carolyn. You are quite beautiful today."
He turned as he heard the sound of her heels disappearing. He went over to the small barred window and looked at the beauty of New Hampshire hills and trees. And thought of his words.

(One more Day!)

The Answer:
All of the Top Ten Gone Bad aren't recent. Here is one list starting at Ten: Paris Hilton (Child Star?), Brad Renfro, Todd Bridges, Drew Barrymore, Haley Osment, Gary Coleman, Britanny Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Macaulay Caulkins and Michael Jackson. But, there are many others like Judy Garland, Dana Plato, Bobby Driscoll (Song of the South) and Danny Bonaduce. Or, you may remember Corey Haim, David Faustino, Dustin Diamond, Taran Noah Smith and the ever adorable (You should see him now) Wille Aames.

I'll take Shirley Temple, thank you.

"On the good ship Lollypop, da-da da...da da da da da, da.. Do I have you humming today? enjoy it.

Thre were actually a lot of headlines today, but I didn't think much of it was news.

Much, much too hot!

Today's Tids Issue # 2,579
Opening Stuff:

Happy Patriots Day everybody. This is an official Massachusetts holiday that most people in RI take off too. It celebrates Paul Revere's ride and features a late morning Red Sox game and of course the 116th running of The Boston Marathon. So basically, after the Tids this morn, I'm outta here.

Some people get a first round bye in life. Others have to win a couple of play-in games to get there. But, in America everybody has the same chance to get to the same place. So, 0-Man, what's the big need for change?

All of those stories about the Titanic which are gobbling up tons of newsprint are basically a massive promotion for the re-release of an Ok movie. (With all due respect for living family members of deceased, of course.)

The Question:

Double Day: 1. Which US President was the first to throw out a Ceremonial First Pitch to begin the Baseball Season? 2. Who said, "Big-time art, is Big-time money."?

The Headlines:

--Midwest Cleaning Up After Latest Tornado Assault.
--Embolden Taliban Increase rate Of Attacks.
--Boston Marathon Warns Runners To Heed Intense Heat; Go Slow; Drop Out If Necessary.
--Rhode Island Waters Named Among Country's Cleanest.

Yesterday morning I was reading with a little civic pride the story of Joann Flaminio, the new and first woman President of the Boston Athletic Association (The historic and venerable Boston Marathon gang). She is a lawyer living in Providence RI and running Boston's big deal! That's cool. But then I came across the line in her quickie bio, "...she became Executive Director of the (RI) state employees Retirement System."! And I said whoops. That retirement system is in the process of putting a majority of RI towns and cities, and the state itself, on the edge of bankruptcy. Is the BAA next? Oh yeah, and her main objective for the august organization -- diversity.

They are saying that the Tea Party is a live and Well. That doesn't surprise me. After all, it is a movement based in the hearts of honest, hardworking regular people. It annoys secularists, elitists and people who like to over spend and over-indulge.

I am really becoming bothered by all of these shootings in public places. It seems we anymore that we seldom have a week where somebody doesn't shoot or stab somebody in a very public place or work setting. It's disturbing know that a quiet cup of coffee somewhere could turn into a dive under a table...or death.

I see the Brangelina wedding as being a very understated one, perhaps in a small African village. With children's choirs making beautiful music. And pits of crocodiles and constrictors keeping away the dreadful, creepy paparazzi.

Controversies over nothing, Department:
The rage in Boston is to discuss who should replace the great Elsbury as lead-off hitter. First, the lead-off hitter is only assured of leading off once. Unless of course, the other pitcher is pitching a perfect game. then it doesn't matter. Now, the lead off hitter is more likely to be a clean-up hitter for the bottom three or a middle of the line up guy who can keep a rally going. Which basically makes him just like every other hitter, except maybe the clean-up hitter...who really is only assured of being clean-up hitter once.

The housing market is poised for a big improvement. Home prices and interest rates are a significant lows, so expect an uptick in sales. There's is just one thing missing -- the giant customer pie that made housing a huge contributor to the mid first decade of the 2000's boom. Now, the home buyers must be able to afford the house they buy. That probably means that sales of existing homes will be better and opportunities for new home building, the jobs engine, will be minimal.

The President relies on his super wealthy FOO's to fund his attacks on Romney's wealth. Weird, huh?

Beware of brides who go on crash diets before weddings.

Let's hear it for Terry Francona, who is refusing to come back for the big celebration of Fenway Park's 100th. Every living ex-Sox player and manager will be there except the only man who as manager has won two World Series. But, last year following the firing of Terry, an article mysteriously appeared in the Boston Globe disparaging Terry's personal character. It was said to be from unknown sources in the Sox organization. In other words somebody at the team decided it was a good idea to kick a good man, who gave every thing to the organization, when he was down. Trying to make themselves look like the good guys by demeaning and honest man. Terry says "I will not be a phony and show up to laugh and whoop it up with a bunch of people who injured me deeply," and who for five months never answered his phone calls...or called back. Until, or course they saw that his absence would be a public relations problem.

The Dem Senate leadership was looking for a shallow, gullible Senator to introduce the inane so-called BuffetRule bill, so they chose RI's own Sheldon Whitehouse. Who, by the way is one of those guilt-ridden silver-spooners from a historically wealthy family. A guy who is happy to line up against his fellow wealthy in this fictitious solution to the Deficit problem. He has no clue that many people with limited resources will be hurt gravely by changes in the capital gains tax. A guy who has never lived in real life. A morph.

Almost Near: The Epilogue. --Samantha and the girls were renting a nice, little, white clapboard cape with deep green shutters, and orange day lillies peeping over a white fence, on a windy road one street over from the wide mouth of the Piscataqua River. Everything in Newcastle was about a street over from the Piscataqua River. It wasn't far from where she grew up, and certainly but a stones throw from Dante's home.
After the hospital she took authorities to Tucker's house in Lobster Cove. Unlike her first trip there, everybody greeted her with a cheery "Hi Samantha". Even Mrs. Fletcher, who's eyes lit up as she came from behind the counter to give her a big hug. This felt like home but, she knew it was a lie. She didn't need lies any more. After a cup of coffee and some sweets at Fletchers, they all checked in across the street. Then Sparrow, Barton and Audrey spent four days up at tucker's house going through his writings and journals. Even now, Samantha was often struck by the beauty of his descriptive words and the lyricism of his poems. "This murderer and pervert sure could write," she laughed at Sparrow and Barton.
The two sleuths were ecstatic over the incriminating, almost confession style evidence they were piling up. They even found hints of other murders, of innocents it appears who may have annoyed Samantha over the 18 years. The grizzeled veterans couldn't believe what tey were finding and reading. They both felt a new kind of awe for Samantha.
The trials in three different states became complex because Tucker or Tommy was clearly insane. Finally he was convicted of all the murders, but becasue he was deemed incapacitated by reason of insanity, he evaded the death Penalty. Tommy Lambert is in the New Hampshire's secure psychiatric unit for the rest of his life. But, because this is a psychiatric unit, the inmates are counseled towards the hope of eventual recovery. The District attorney's of the three states assured Samantha that Tommy Lambert would be there for life.
Audrey was with Sam and the girls in the little house trying to put together the pieces for a book.. Dante was popping in more and more, and the girls were kidding mom, who was blushing more and more.
It still wasn't easy for Samantha who religiously went to meet with her psychoanalyst. The truths she found within herself were awful, horrifying -- sometimes incomprehensible. Yet, she found enormous strength co-existing with the hurts. The strength was winning. She knew who she was. And she liked it.
The girls could see in it in her too. Sheila was becoming stronger, drawing self-confidence from her Mom. Beck was going to be Rudy forever, but Samantha hoped not as mean. Beck actually smiled a little more now, and it was always the warmest smile in the room. "What should we do for fun today girls?" Samantha looked at them and felt secure, free from Tucker and Tommy.

Almost Near ends tomorrow. Stay tuned.

The Answer:

1. In 1910, William Howard Taft became the firrst President to throw out the first baseball to start a season of the National Pastime. 2. In honor of Thomas Kinkade's death we bring you Andy Warhol's words.

The media is saying that the actions of the US Secret Service is taking the worlds eyes off of the main objectives of the America's conference in Columbia -- building a stronger economic future and trying to dilute the power of the giant and ruthless illegal drug industry. Of course the reason people are missing the central points of the conference is becasue of media's fascination with the titillation of an event which does not surprise me at all. Guys finished work drinking and raising hell?

Happy 100, Fenway.

Today's Tids Issue 2,576
Opening Stuff:

How many of you remember clearly, as I do, that day when your dad and you, hand in hand walked into the bowels of a major league baseball base ball park. The hustle. The bustle. Your youthful eyes taking it all in with amazement. A wonderland of cacophony. With the smells of hot dogs and popcorn aplenty. And then, you and your dad start to walk slowly up that ramp through a dank tunnel until the sky at the end gets brighter and brighter. Finally you reach the top and out there before you is the greenest green you have ever seen in your life. Surrounded by thousands of people, all eager and happily awaiting the first pitch. And you just stand there in awe and think "I am the luckiest person in the world." It happens every time.

You have to love the line from this morning's "Close to Home" comic; "New study reveals that reading studies may cause heart disease."

The scariest aspect of North Korea's test of a long range missile is that it was in all likelihood paid for by Iran, and Iran will be the beneficiary of the results. Iran can develop an A-Bomb but without a launch capability is is pretty useless. Iran and North Korea are Parallel countries.

The Question:

1. Name five German Concentration camps. Bonus: What unusual baseball feat did catcher Scott Hatteberg accomplish in Fenway park August 4 2001?

The Headlines:

--Giant 8.2 Quake Hits Indonesia; Small Tsunami Follows; Officials Still Assessing Deaths.
--NK Fueling Up Missiles For Test.
--US Files Lawsuit Against Apple On eBook Price fixing.
--Public Support For ObamaCare Drops To New Low -- 39%.
--Gingrich Utah Primary Check Bounces.
--Alcoa's Surprise Profit Report Fails To Ignite Wall Street.

Our state is aghast at the fact that the Governor's son was caught by police trying to buy beer in a liquor store. Like I wouldn't have done that when I was his age. In fact , me and my buds at 16 were always welcome in bars. Kids haven't changed that much. We just have more laws and regulations, so it's easier for kids to appear to be criminals.

This is interesting. Obama fund raising is falling far short of the that promised billion. The juggernaut has become the little engine that couldn't. Part of the reason is that some of the dough is being sent to SuperPacs. The other part of the shortfall is the lower rates of contributions from the little guys in the hinterland. They are not convinced, according to reports, that supporting "O" is where they should put the money. It is also interesting on the SuperPac front. The big Repub Super Pac "American Crossroads" has received ten times the amount that the big Dem SP "Priorities USA" has received. Maybe the Prez shoulkd get out on the road more instead of slaving away in that office for the good of the nation. Oops, did I say slaving? Pray for me Ozzie Guillen and David Ciciline.

Our sleazy little incumbent Congressman/person David Ciciline solved the problem of the mismanaged Providence finances while he was Mayor, with a simple explanation. In his kick-off speech he said "I never should have used the word 'Excellent' when I said (While campaigning for congress) "Providence was in excellent condition". That was just his explanation for the lie. It didn't answer the bigger question -- his incompetence in office. But isn't that like Pols today. Unfortunately they know voters will buy anything. "Poor darling" his backers will say, "He used the wrong word". Shoot me.

The car industry is really in a state of turmoil, with company heads trying to get a handle on the best way to go into the future. Today, for instance, it was reported that only 35% of Hybrid owners went back to buy another hybrid. In the world there are 12 Million CNG (Compressed Natural gas) cars, but barely any in the US where gas is plentiful. The US is in the electric mode, but CNG is probably a better solution for consumers. And electrics, at least in this stage of their development, are fairly impractical. It seems to me that the best bet is develop higher mileage regular cars.

How many of you have seen the "Snopes Verified" email floating around now describing Malia Obama's spring break trip for she and 12 friends to Oaxaca Mexico. It also took 2 jets and twenty five Sevres Service Agents to make it happen. It has appeared nowhere but in the Canadian media. Just think of the uproar in the US press if it had been the Bush twins!

It costs and arm and a leg and a second mortgage on your house to go to a Red Sox game. I remember in the sixties going to opening day at Fenway and having a choice of any seat in the place for $7.00. And it was pretty much the same in the 70's

The anarchy of mobs will eventually take the government away from the people Deportment:
Halder says his office vows to review the Travon Martin case. Why are the Feds poking into a local murder/self defense investigation. Go away big government. You are really starting to bother me.

Almost Near: Chapter 67 continues. --The tone of this happy hospital room reunion became more serious as Sparrow and Audrey began to lay out what they knew. Samantha sat there alert, knowing that she would learn things about her resent self, where she had no memory of it happening. Sparrow looked over at Dante as he recounted the evidence they compiled about Tucker's appearances in Dalesford around the times of both the alleged suicide of Samantha's mother and the disappearance of her father. "Tucker in his deluded mind was doing two things," we believe. "First, he was protecting you by eliminating the threat from your father." Samantha's tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Are you Ok, Sam," The burly detective was soft and caring, loving, as he asked. She looked up and gave him a small smile and just nodded "Go on."
"My people now believe that he staged your mother's suicide to make you a more likable victim. A person under threat and abuse who was a lone fighter in a bleak world. That you fought through your life with a tyrant father and a weak mother. Someday we'll find the body of your dad, probably in an out of the way location like where they found your husband in Arkansas.
Samantha looked up -- "My mother protected me. She saw what my father could do to me, but she never let it happen." Her life was very clear to her now. My mother was strong, but looked weak to others. Maybe he killed her because she could see the real Tommy Lambert where I couldn't." Samantha needed a person she could hold on to right now. The strength of her mother during those years she had blocked out became clearer. She wanted to feel the goodness in her mother. She looked up at Dante as she thought about where she was and where she was going. It was much too soon to share this life I have just found with another person, she thought as her eyes raised to the ceiling.
"This Tucker, Tommy was one disturbed individual," Sparrow said summing up the moment. Samantha didn't hear him.

The Answer:

There were about 74 German prison camp locations. 11 were extermination centers and included Auschwitz, Treblinka and Belzec which accounted for 2.6 Million Deaths. Among the best known large concentration camps are Buchenwald, Dachau, Plaszow and Ravensbruck (Women only). Many 10's of thousands of deaths occurred in these Concentration -- "Labor" Camps. Tyranny can happen when people stop looking. Bonus: In consecutive appearance as a hitter, Scott hit into a triple play and followed that with a grand slam home run! You have to believe that will never happen again.

When things get tense, there is no more soothing sound than a radio broadcast of a baseball game on a summer's day.

Don't give them any more money.

Today's Tids Issue 2,574
Opening Stuff:



I remember several years ago that I didn't want term limits because I thought we would unnecessarily lose good people. But, I have learned that nobody in Congress is really that good, except in their own minds. So I am 100% for two term Senators and 3 term Congresspeople. And maybe 1 term Presidents.

After months of bickering, Congress has approved funding that would allow putting a slinky on an escalator to see if it goes on forever. A staff of 12,000 would be hired to monitor it and prepare reports.
-Kanin

People keep saying things like we should put the defense budget monies into things like infrastructure. I always thought that the infrastructure was one area where our taxes always went and one the few things I wanted to pay the Government to do for me. Don't tell, don't tell me that they wasted my taxes slotted for infrastructure.

The Question:

1. Name ten recurring characters in the Peanuts comic strip. Bonus: What was the first reality TV show.

The Headlines:

--Friday's Weak Jobs Report Has economists Taking Another Look At Economy; Many Working Fewer Hours At Lower Wages.
--Stock Market Down On Job Worries; Concerned That Mediocre US Growth Will Slow.
--Prosecute Rules Out Grand Jury For Martin Case.
--Syria Demands Guarantees For For Peace; Opposition Says Peace Is Doomed.
--NK Continues To Work On Long Range Missile Test.
--Barely-i-Race Gingrich Says Romney Will Be Candidate.
--Lion King Becomes All Time Box Office Leader.
--AOL Sells 800 Patents To Microsoft for $2B.

I liked Mike Wallace. He certainly changed the way a lot of journalists looked at the news. I think his unique character can be seen best in the qualities of his son Chris.

The Masters is always a treat, and this one was a thrill a minute. Unfortunately too many people are more interested in the star power of the participants that the quality of the contest, or movie/show of book.

I'm thinking the Red Sox management sent their best bats down to Pawtucket.

Let's hear for Ed DeMarco! He is the head of a Government department that runs Fran/Fred. He has consistently resisted his boss, Obama, to lower mortgage principles, saying that it would waste taxpayer money and would be unfair to all those who work to pay mortgages. He also said that lowering principle for sluggish payers would encourage other home owners to slow their mortgage payments. But, he will lose along with American people and the princeliness that made America so great. Geithner will pump in left over TARP money istead of applying it to the National debt. But, hell, the Admin is anxious for voters from all areas, regardless of principle principles. Or any principles of that matter. thanks, ed, for trying.


One of the biggest drains on the American treasury is the feeling by congressional people that they have to bring home the bacon, even if everybody only wants asparagus.

The admin is ready today to spend $500 Mil to hire 16,000 new IRS agents to enforce the ObamaCare mandate. This before they know if the mess is constitutional in the first place.

Almost Near: Chapter 67 continues. --"How could I forget you Dante! Even in my muddled state." Samantha joked as she sat up straighter to welcome this man who she had not forgotten. Dante was limping and his face still showed some of the scars from his run-in with Tucker's car. Samantha stared at him, and her eyes saddened. "I feel that I brought this to you, Dante. You were the one person who was giving me the confidence to find myself. To try to understand what may have been in there." She pointed her fingers at her head. "To free myself from what was holding me closed in a small bleak world. Tp break Tucker's bond." Tucker could see this in you. he couldn't let you live."
Dante came forward, and kissed her gently. "You gave me life. I was an ego wandering upon clouds of flattery. My feet never touched the ground. til you." Samantha threw her arms around Dante and pulled him to her. Sparrow watched it all, like a man who wished he could have been this Italian lawyer. But, he knew. He looked over at Audrey who rolled her eyes.
Samantha looked up reddened, embarrassed to her friends in the room. Sparrow came near and Sam looked over at Dante, now a little confused. "You know Sam, it was this 'dandy' here in eh slick eastern outfits that first got us going in the right direction in the deaths of your parents."

The Answer:

1. Charlie Brown and sister Sally; The van Pelts -- Lucy , Linus and Re-run; Snoopy and his yellow pal Woodstock; The bookish Marcie and her pal Peppermint Patty; Lucy's unrequited love Schroeder; And finally Franklyn, Pig Pen and Peggy Jean who was CB's girl friend after the "Little Red-Haired Girl". Bonus: Some will say Candid Camera or COPS; And I might have picked "America's Most wanted. Others might say the "Official" first reality Show was an MTV effort -- "The Real World"> But in fact the Father/Mother of reality shows was the very successful PBS show "An American Family.

Everybody knows where the waste is, but nobody , except maybe Ed deMarco, knows where it is and what needs to be done.

This is Easter

Today's Easter Tids Issue #2,573

My grandson is here with me this morn. That's always good for a few laughs, But this morning, this Good Friday, as usual I like to focus on that very important event, the one that too often these days gets lost in the fake green grass of Easter baskets.

Yet, my grandson' presence makes me wonder. "So Granddad, why is it called Good Friday when they killed a very nice man? Huh, Grandad. Huh?"
And then I think back to that day, when following days of torture and ridicule, the son of God as a human was made to carry that enormously heavy cross through the town, up that mountain road. I can only imagine the innocent eyes of children watching this inconceivable event. Hiding behind the skirts of their Mom's, they surely saw the love in the eyes of this man with the cross. Wondered as only kids can. Why can't the grown-ups see what I do. How happy these children must have felt when men and women stepped in to give aid as the man falls again, and again, and again. How confused these kids became when adults jeered at this tortured man, this beaten human who looked so kind even in the face of pain. You have to wonder what the children did that day, when Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and left to die.

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
"Woman, behold your son: Behold Behold your mother."
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me."
"I thirst."
"It is finished."
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

How many children three days later stood with their moms and dads outside the tomb of Joseph of Aramithea. How many saw the new light in the eyes of their parents. How many of those innocent hearts felt the goodness of that man in the crisp Easter day air around them.

Happy beautiful Easter and Wonderful Passover everybody.

The roar of the crowd.

Today's Tids Issue 2,571
Opening Stuff:

Well, it's opening day in Soxland. Tigerville, Dodgerburg and across the land. Men, women and kids of all ages will have smiles on their faces as the feel the thrill of walking into the stadium. Moments away from watching the heroes of summer pitch, hit, run, catch and throw. Millions of people who can afford the overpriced seats will eat outrageously costly hot dogs and drink sinfully expensive beers and sodas. The crack of the bat is back. But it just isn't the same as it was.

Not only to we have baseball, we have the start of the Masters too. Be still my mischievous heart! This shapes up to be one of the great golf tournaments. Because while Tiger is back, there are many other greats to enjoy making the charge. Let's hope TV shows us more than Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. I'm having this feeling that Lee Westwood will put on the jacket. I think the course suits Luke's cool play. Hunter is looking like a guy who can beat anybody. Phil is playing well, and how can you not root for Keegan. All eyes will be on Rory, who is out to atone for his collapse of last year. But, is he creating too much pressure on himself? There are probably another ten who could surprise, but something in my stomach says Lee will finally win the big one. But then, it could be Woods.

The Question: 
The Fox Network has come a long way since it arrived as th struggling fourth Network, making it big with new ground breaking shows. 1. Name five stars who's successful film careers were launched from "In Living Color." 2. Who was in the cast of Fox favorite "Married, With Children"?

The Headlines:

--Downward Movement Expected To Continue As EuroConcerns Once Again Fester.
--New Jobless Claims Continue To Lower; March Sales Brighten Retailer Hopes; Gas Prices Up.
--Banks Expected To Pick Up Pace Of Foreclosures; 2012 Expected To be More Like Depressed 1010.
--China Owned Volvo Expected To Spend $11 Billion Developing New Products.
--Romney Moves Ahead In Santorum's Home State Of Pennsylvania.
--Cuba Primed For "Arab Spring" Style Take Over?
--Nicklaus, Player, Palmer Help Get The Masters Underway.

American Idol: This one of those years where you have to find small negatives in an excellent lineup to be able to determine the one to go. My favorite moments were Skylar, who frankly just brings a lot of life into Wednesday night every time and Phillips. The judges thought Holly was weakest, but I was more disappointed with Elise. Like Erika with, elise never got the great Foreigner song going. I think Jessica is an excellent talent but not so much last night. Same for Colton. I have to say that Deandre was very good as was Joshua. It's tough to pick a bottom 3, but it will probably be Holly, Elise and Deandre, even though D shouldn't be there, or even close to being there. I think Colton should based on last night's performances, but he is just too popular. Holly to go. But it's all about voter demographics.

The Lebrons come and the Jordans go. Kobe shines and Durant's a show. But always there, always making all of the great plays; relentless, smart and consistent is the brilliant and resourceful Tim Duncan.

Lately I'm reading about public employees in many cities and town and states across the USA asking for 3% and up raises. This at a time when the sources for the majority of those funds are existing on stagnate or in many case declining wages. In other words the pot isn't growing. It is just really, really simple economics. It's not about people disliking public employees, it's about not having any money.

I expect President Obama's inability to tell the truth will eventually be what hurdles Romney to the Oval Office. That is, if the media finally gets honest again and realizes how they have been bamboozled by the silver tongued one.

I'm hungry.

No word is wrong if you use a hyphen. "Hunt's Law".

Almost Near: Chapter 67 Continues. --Audrey felt Samantha relaxing, the tears easing. She sat back a bit so Sam could turn her head and look at her. Solemnly she began, now holding Samantha's hands by the fingertips. "I will be with you thorough all of this, Sam," then she smiled, "Because I expect to make millions writing your book!"
Samantha appeared stunned and then started laughing, punching Audrey in good fun. "Oh no she yelled, not another damn writer!"
The two were still laughing when they heard, "You two all right?" Sparrow poked his head in the door.
"We couldn't be better," Samantha replied with a new kind of confidence.
"Well, I found this Italian Lawyer wandering around the halls, and I thought you might like to see him. It's always good to have a lawyer when you're in the hospital. Dante limped in, smiling.
Samantha looked up, her eyes went vacant. "Am I supposed to know you? Which of my lives were you in?" Audrey and Sparrow looked at each other. Then Samantha smiled broadly. "But. how could I ever not remember the beautiful Dante!" She held out her hand, and he walked over, but unlike the old Dante, he was hesitant, not really knowing what to say or do. Sparrow looked a little sad realizing that this woman he grew to like, had feelings for the eastern lawyer.
Audrey got up, making room for Dante. But Samantha didn't reach out or speak to him. "How," she started, "could some one as nutty as me, have beautiful friends like you." The she turned and put her arm around Dante's neck and pulled him to her.

The Answer:

1. How about Jim Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Damon Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans. 2. It was a talked about show as was Ed O'Neill as Al Bundy, David Faustino as Bud Bundy, Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy, Katey Segal as Peggy Bundy, Amanda bearse as Marcy D'Arcy, Ten McGinley as Jefferson D'Arcy and of course Buck as Buck, the dog.

Sarah Palin out-audienced Katy Couric yesterday morning. And, the critical observers said the ex VP candidate was very good. The small point here is that the pundits who dominate the mainstream media continually underestimate the vast numbers of Americans who like America for what it has always been.