Boo! and Boo-Hoo,

Today's Tids Issue 2,704
Opening Stuff:

I have to say that there was nothing I liked better each year in my formative years than dressing up in Halloween garb and going out for candy with my friends. In the early days I probably wore my dad's "Air raid Warden" helmet and I doubt if we were able to use flashlights during those WWII blackout years. I remember the crispness of fall in the air and the wondeful smells of burning leaves; the happy looks of people as they filled my bag. I remember learning quickly who gave apples and who went over board with giant candy bars. Getting a Clarke Bar was a seminal achievement. I felt the same years later when I first took my kids around. Nothing had changed at all. The excitement of happy kids looking up at ole' dad. Then racing ahead. The crunch of leaves neath tired feet. Still the apple vs. candy houses. I remember the shy first steps towards a door and tighter gripping from a little hand. And that glance up for comfort and strength. I live in a place where there are no kids, and I miss it. Maybe tonight I'll go out and sit on curb with a bowl of big candy bars...and no apples. I'll probably get mugged.

The critics will surely find a way to disparage the Mittster for campaigning now during the aftermath of a major disaster in Media Center USA. Of course, the Prez will be enjoying the unique advantage of the best kind of campaign message, caring for citizens. Walking amidst the rubble with Governors and consoling the people around him. It's what he should do. It is what is needed when people think hope is gone. But, this race is important to everybody looking for, needing a different kind of hope. That hope for a better USA for generations to come, a promise which Romney can begin filling. Romney's challenge is to be out there, in these last few days, delivering a positive message that doesn't distract from the need for compassion for the suffering. I expect it will be a a positive tone clearly defining his own goals for America. And that he will not at all point out the President's weaknesses in this difficult time.

Of course, while the President is out there consoling, ex Pres Clinton is out there cajoling. When that lower lip begins to quiver, there is no better sweet talker than the Irishman from Arkansas. "O" must have promised the worlds best wheedler a lot, because "That Woman's" man is dong more for him and the Dems then anybody in America.

The Question:
I was thinking for some odd reason this morning of specialty entertainers like magicians and ventriloquists. And there have been some great ones through history, even before TV, if people today can imagine a world before the Tube. Name five of the best for each genre. (Hey, wait a minute -- you can't call it "The Tube" any more, How about "The Slab"?)

Today's Headlines:
--Mid Atlantic Region Discovering new Tragedies As Clearing Begins.
--Wall Street Open For Business: Markets Open Higher.
--Management Shake-Up Has Apple Shares Falling below 600.
--GM Profit Falls 12%; Big Auto Maker Follows Trend Of Lower Q3 Profit Reports.
--8.2 Million On East Coast Still Powerless.
--Meanwhile, The War In Syria Escalates During Truce; UN Makes Statements, Combatants Throw Bombs.
--Greek Gov Said Ready To Vote On Compromise That Would Begin Austerity Program; Bankrupt Country Could Begin To Take Steps Towards Survival; Banking Experts say It Will never Work.

Beware of witches with Teflon coated cauldrons.

The word "Autumn" as an adjective for menus always means squash, apples and pumpkin added - from coffee flavors to sauces for rib-eye steaks. How discouraging. How utterly intrusive to gastronomic happiness.

In China, slow growth means 7%.

The Great gift from Bush to Obama was the lesson of Katrina. While Bush did everything right from a practical point of view, it was learned that perception, magnified by the innate hatred of a myopic left wing, is  more important. Flying in a plane saying "Gol-ly, look at that mess down there" is more improtant than what GW actually did -- declared a federal disaster area two days before the storm struck.

The greatest part of getting back power is not having that guilty feeling every time you open the freezer door.

The music for Aaron Copeland's opera The Tender Land is perfect for a creative morning. I happen to like Copeland. Some don't.

There are concerns that Apple does not have a high ranking official focused on product development. Of course, few companies have ever had a product manager CEO like Steve Jobs. Wall Street doesn't seem to be able to get over the death of JB. Maybe they're right. But, the company has to move on with what they have. And make the best of it. Cook looks more like an MBA guy in a Steve Jobs Halloween costume. But, he is what he is and he will remake the company, probably to look more like a normal corporation with annoying edicts and less like the free-wheeling innovators of the wild west. BTW, the new mini-Tab compares quite favorably against Nexus and Kindel Fire, except by a big margin in price. It is thinner, lighter with a bigger screen, and that's what 99% of users feel. It's now a matter of how light they want their wallets to feel.

Yesterday morning I had to go to a coffee shop in an area of town where there was power. It wasn't far and it was a great feeling walking in and seeing lights and a hubbub-O-people at 6:00 or so. I said "Thanks for being open" and ordered two to  go. He said, "Regular or Pumpkin"?  I replied, "Regular", and then stood there and thought Pumpkin? Why would anybody want pumpkin flavored coffee.

The "Pee Wee" cheerleaders in perfect costumes with perfect hair and clean smiling faces whooped it up for "Pee Wee" boys in too big shoulder pads strutting like their big league heroes played football for admiring, overwrought parents and ex-con coaches making bets with severe underworld characters. Yes the youth athletics which have been out of hand for a long time have taken another step down the black hole of our disintegrating culture, this time in Florida. Unbeknownst to the kids in The South Florida Youth Football League, they are playing for the pleasure of parents and coaches betting on games in a ring run by bookies coaches and parents where the "Take" for the championship game was $100,000. "Break somebody's head Jimmy, Mama needs a new pair of shoes". God help us.

The Answer:
Magicians: I first think of Harry Houdini when it comes to magic and I have to figure he, because of his pioneering tricks, comes out first on most polls. Next, my mind conjures up David Copperfield who isn't on the following Top Ten List. After Houdini you have Dante, Harry Blackstone Jr., Doug Henning, Richardi, Tihany, Mark Wilson, Siegfried and Roy, Lance Burton and Del Vernon. (Note: Among Magic fans, Criss Angle and David Blaine are the two favorites most over looked by the above  list). Ventriloquists: I immediately think of Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Paul Winchell with Jerry Mahoney is another that slips into my mind. Dan Horn is popular among Ventriloquist followers. The Ed Sullivan Show once proclaimed Arthur Worsely as best ever. Personally, I liked Senor Wenses. Some of the best known were Jimmy Nelson (Farfel), Shari Lewis (Lambchop) and Jay Johnson (BobGrits). This is odd, because I have laughed at many ventriloquists over the years, but I have no knowledge of or remembrance of names even when viewing a list. You probably have some favorites.

I am seeing hurt that will not go quietly into the night.

My heart aches.

I pray.

Tids and wind.

Today's Tids Issue 2,701

Opening Stuff:

There are two ways for East Coasters to look at today's Sandy. First you can watch the horror stories on the tube or sit mindlessly reading the Tids and be happy. Or because of power outages, the Tids won't arrive at all and you can be deliriously happy. Nothing like a good storm to relax and refresh your brain cells.

I think bacon is very delicious,
And probably quite nutritious.
Yet for Vegans, often so vicious,
Or vegetarians who are malicious
Eating fatty meat isn't propitious.
So, to vast nannyism I'm seditious.
A moral vacuum, entirely perditious.
I'll sneak bites, be surreptitious.
To retain my rationality it's judicious,
Indeed for sanity it's expeditious,
To be brave and surely ambitious
So that my devouring be auspicious,
And certainly anti-culturally capricious.

If you haven't noticed, Asians are now number one in College Education degrees and average income. And, that's just in the USA! Yes Asians in American are doing quite a bit better than White's, Hispanics and Blacks. As a group they didn't sit around and whine. They just went out and did it.

I see where Harry Reid was injured in a rear end crash last Friday. Even in this bitterly politicized country of ours, you have to have a heart. After all, he's just a confused old man.

The Question:
Double Q Monday: 1. Name five of the best French Composers. 2. We haven't seem much of Julia Roberts lately (Or have we and I've been sleeping). Name five of her best roles.

The Headlines:
--East Shuts Down.
--SF Giants Sweep Detroit Tigers For 2nd WS Win In 3 years.
--Stock Safe Monday: Markets Bow To Storm And Turn Off Lights.
--Consumer Spending Up 0.8%; Savings Rate declines To 3.3%.
--Kascich Says His Own Tracking Polls Have Romney Winning Ohio; In Turn-Around, Des Moine's Register Endorses Romney.
--Egypt's Morsi Vows Support For Palestinians In Fights Against all Aggressors; Jewish Groups Irate.
--UBS To Cut 10,000 Jobs.

You have to love that Verizon sending out emails this morning saying that in the event of power outages and no wifi services you can get information at verizon.com/outage.

Musical Masochism Department:
Juan Sibelius has a way of enticing you, and then as your emotions build, he drops you off a cliff forcing you to discover a new set of emotions. I don't know why I listen to him.

The giant lead headline in the local Sunday Sports Page, "(London) Fans Welcome Imported Royalty". And there stood Bill Belichick in a grey hoodie. It's Tweed, Bill. Tweed. Not grey, tweed.

The good thing about the NFL and NBA going global and selling all of that sportsware crap, is that now the rest of world will be as poorly dressed as the US.

The big new money drain game in US politics is hyping storms and getting federal assistance guarantees ahead of time. 95% of Governors play the Katrina game up to hall of fame standards. A storm guarantee is especially useful for States on the Brink like RI or Conn.

Actually, Harry Reid is the rear end crash and it's America that is suffering from whiplash.

There's been quite a bit of humor over the new IPad Mini: "The iPad Mini will totally change the way you think about completely unnecessary devices." "If you're ever in the situation where your IPad is too big and your IPhone is too small, you need to re-evaluate your priorities." But, 75% of people polled liked it, even though it was far more expensive than the competition which is equal or better. So Americans continue to be led. And that is what worries me about the coming election -- paying a lot more for Government that any sitting President is worth.

Over a satellite picture of Sandy that appeared to be covering the entire earth, was the gigantic black headline, "60 million Threatened." No, people it isn't the end of the word.

The Answer:
1. The old drunken, drug influenced Berlioz is probably considered the preeminent French composer. I agree. I also like Saint Saens, Faure, Cecil Chaminade, Ravel for his Daphnis and Chloe, and Gounod. Some others of note are Debussy, Eric Satie, the happy Offenbach, Massenet for Meditation, Jean Lully, Jacques Ibert and Durufle for his pleasant requiem. There are many more, and more often than not, their music is pleasant to listen to. 2. Most people will first pick her movies for award winning performances in Pretty Woman, Steel Magnolias and Erin Brockovich. I particularly liked Sleeping with the Enemy, Notting Hill, Pelican Brief and Runaway Bride. You probably have your own favorites, maybe like Charlie Wilson's War. Julia needs a few good new scripts.

I've been racing to get out the Tids before the power went off. So, maybe I have an ecxuse for typos. maybe I race evry monding. That's it , racing! The porbelm with the Tids spelling is that they are racist.

The kids in my neighborhood thought I couldn't spell becasue I had repeated concussions. That's it, I'm a victim of no rules against childhood concussions.

I think it's going to be beautiful tomorrow.

Ouch, you're stepping on my toes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,699
Opening Stuff:

One of the highlights of the first debate was Mitt's references to state responsible issues over federalizing every inkling in the minds of the discontent. The big dofference between the two candidates isn't found in micro issues upon which rational people will more often agree than disagree; Or most International problems where solutions which are good for the USA are clearly acceptable to both parties. No the difference is macro. The view of one who would make everything federal and the other who see's a burgeoning, out of control, intrusive, unwieldy and expensive Federalocracy as road to the decline of a great nation. I haven't heard trumpet less government much since. Or, maybe I have just tuned out the noise.

Want to drift for a while with a smile on your face, check out this YouTube "Where the Hell is Matt 2012" Dancefest. It is addictive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwe-pA6TaZk

It seems as though I spend half my waking life plugging in and unplugging electronic devices that need to be charged. Think about it. Do I have to plug in my newspaper? Telephone? Do I even want telephone calls? Did I ever want telephone calls?

The Question:
The Nielsen Research company just listed the favorite and least favorite NFL players. Name the top and bottom fives.

The Headlines:
--Major Storm Sandy Could Hit East Coast By Monday; Weather People See Repat Of "Perfect Storm" Though Bigger.
--Pending Home Sales Flat In September Indicate Still Struggling Housing Market; 4 Week Moving Average For New Jobless Claims Rose 1,500 To 368K; Core Capital Goods Orders Flat, Indicating Businesses Still Cautious.
--Stocks In Positive Territory.
--Romney raises $112 Million In 17 days.
--New Polls Show Romney Wiped Out Gender Gap; Obama Making Some Gains With Men.
--Colin Powell Endorses "O".
--Democrat Underground Swell Promoting Neo-Socialist Elizabeth Warren for President In 2016; Warren Echo's Obama Chorus About Companies, Entrepreneurs Not Making it On Their Own.

Last week's 12-1 record brightened the eroded hearts of the Tids Sport's Departure mighty band of pickers. Now approaching 60% at 60-44, there's is still a long way to go to respectability. This week with several posers-- Pats-Rams (In London), Falcons-Eagles, Skins-Steelers, Chiefs-Raiders and Giants-Cowboys -- will make another big win week difficult. I've always thought highly of Jeff Fisher as a coach and this week I'm taking him over my beloveds! Yikes. For the rest of the posers I'm gong Giants, Chiefs, Steelers and Falcons. The battle of the soaring birds was he toughest, but Falcons seem real and the Eagles the nation's experts dream. The rest of the picks are Minn over TB, GB over Jax, Tenn over Indy, Chi over Carolina, Miami over NYJ, San Diego over Cleveland, Detroit at home over a tough Seattle, Denver over NO and San Fran over Arizona. I seem to be furthest out on a limb with the SD over Cleve pick. Believe it.

Let me count the reason's why
I'm loving the Ya-Ya's demise.
Is it because of my black heart?
Or is it what set's the teams apart.
Sox fans in constant psychotherapy.
Ya-ya's buoyed by Wall Street generosity

How can a person be accused of DUI when they are found asleep in a car off the road? I've never been able to figure that out.

I like the way Sarah Palin never backs down.

Lately the "News" on the Nightly Network programs is the "Olds" and I only watch to see how they interpret and report what I already know.

This morning the Providence Journal endorsed for US Senator from Massachusetts the left leaning, neo-socialist Elizabeth Warren. Duh! This is the paper that has over the years endorsed slates that have driven the once proud Rhode Island to the bottom of US Of A's economic heap.

Point of interest: The Government take-over of GM is a classic example of "Neo-Socialism". The term first came into prominance in France and Belgium in the early 1930's during the depression years. Papers by Neo-Socialism promoters like Marcel Deal urged a drift away from classic socialism to "Anti-Capitalism" and an authoritative large goverment that would plan the economy.

I remember the days of early marriage when the pennies were also dear, that saving for a dinner at Locke Ober in that dead end alley off Tremont Street called Winter Street in Down Town Boston was a dream for almost everybody for that most special occasion. For 137 years it was the place of Boston Brahmins and those who came from a afar to enjoy great dining. And last week it closed. It was a place incredibly perfect. And food like magnificent Lobster Stew to simple yet perfect schrod. Steaks and Dover Sole and Weinerschnitzel of course. It was a place. I can't imagine why it would close. They say it wasn't casual enough for today's tastes. But, that doesn't make sense to me, who thought it was elegantly casual even in it's hey-dey. Maybe they needed to add ribs and pulled pork to the menu. Over a vegetable puree.

I'll never stop loving the final movement of Schubert's 9th Symphony. But I have tell you, this is a piece that really separates the conductors. Some get there and others leave it lacking. Maybe it's one reason why when  asked what I would have liked to have been, I say Symphony conductor. I think I can make this better. I might rewrite a few of Schuberts' notes and re-orchestrate. How's that for arrogance from a person who knows absolutely nothing about the science of Music!

The Answer:
Troy Polamalu (63%) is number one just beating out Drew Brees (62), Charles Woodson (62), Peyton Manning (59) and Aaron Rogers (58). Another QB of note, Tom Brady, didn't make the Top 10 as people seem still mad at him for running out on Bridget Moynahan. The least liked player is Detroit's Ndamukong Suh closely folloed by Jay Cutler, Michael Vick, Randy Moss and Matt Leinart. Matt Leinart? Oh, NE Fans, the only player form the Pats in the top 10 was Gronk at 6th. Personally, my favorite player is Welker.

The Novel in serial form, The Conscence, has taken a hit these days that seem more compressed than eveer. As you probaly have noticed not much thought goes in to writing this daily mess, but the novel is a different kind of daily challenge. It will be back and it will move forward, titillating your senses and stimulating the beat in your heart. Never fear The Tid's guy is here.

So, did you hear about the worn out old gun that couldn't shoot because it was shot?

The United States of Tweets.

Today's Tids Issue 2,698

Opening Stuff:

Don't you think there is something insecure about a nation built upon industries mainly designed to help people send inane messages and search for information on Lindsey Lohan's latest arrest? Can you say fragile?

Of course the latest big corporate news in America is that the company currently the premiere stock on WS, Apple, just introduced a product that is about 2 inches smaller than it's current high flyer and costs significantly more than the two competitors with whom it was designed to compete. But, it is felt among tablet observers, it will probably sell well because of cache. Go figure. The public rushing headlong into lines to buy a tablet which is 1/3 to 2/3's higher cost than strong competitors -- Kindle Fire and Nexus -- is like RI voters electing a Congressman who is a habitual liar. It doesn't make sense.

For a couple of years now Wall Street as risen and fallen often on mere innuendo and emotional overload. But now, this week, substance is rearing its ugly head in the buy/sell formula, and it isn't pretty. If you have been reading the educated guess revelations in this one shoe fits all column, then you weren't surprised to see poor profit reports following the glowing manipulations of the earlier quarters. Paying the piper is always the result;t of kicking the can down the street -- whether in Europe, The US debt or households across America. Or inthis case preloading earnings. The quantity of money isn't changing, just the way it is divided into quarters.

The Question:

Here's an easy question for those who can read. What do you think were considered the Best Books of the first decade (2000 through 2009) of the millennium?

The Headlines:

--Newly Revealed Emails Show White House Knew Of Terrorist Attack Within Two Hours After Murder Of Ambassador and Three Soldiers.

--President People Hand Out Glossy Plan With Nothing In It; CNN News Attacks Plan As Ludicrous DNC Campaign Deception -- "A Plan For Jobs, Middle Class Security".

--Palestinians Fire Rockets Into Israel From Gaza.

--UN Expects Four day Cease Fire For Muslim Holiday.

--Former CIA Chief Hayden Says During Debate Romney Was Right On Iran Threat.

--FaceBook's Increased Mobile Profit Picture Tickles Hearts Of Investors; Stock Up 20%.

--Trump To Announce "October Surprise" Around Noon.

--Mass Sen. Scott Brown (R) Says Congress Needs More Moderates.

Benghazi still doesn't pass the smell test...despite the sanctimonious O-Protestations.

The best Tablet of all may be the new Microsoft Surface RT that easily converts into a very compact, cool laptop. The extremely rugged, versatile hardware is nothing less than sensational, but there are quirks in the software which is a compromise version of the new Window's 8. It will be better and when Microsoft can flesh out their Apps store, the product could be a big winner if some in the Apple cult can break away from their emotional involvement.

For all you global warmers out there who are becoming giddy over this really, really pleasantly fair fall, I can only tell you of a Fall 20 years ago. I remember vividly when temps in early November were a luxurious mid sixties. Where the skies were clear and the sun made the waves dance like golden ballerinas. Yup, warmth happens.

When was the last time you heard the Administration condemn vicious Islamic attacks on Christian communities in the Middle East?

Has there ever been a sadder lot than the Kennedy scions?

Somebody please wake me when "Apple Recipe's Season" is over! This mourning I saw the ultimate sacrileges intrusion -- "Apple, Lobster, Mac n' Cheese. God help us.

How to get a Republican Audience In Palm of Your Hands Department:

You may have seen the video of Dr. Barbara Bellar, former nun, lawyer, Army Major, college professor, now physician and currently running for Illinois Senate describing in one long sentence her view of ObamaCare:“We are going to be gifted with a health care plan that we are forced to purchase, and fined if we don’t, “signed by a president who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that’s broke.” She smiled at a rapturous audience and added to their delight, "What could possibly go wrong?"

The Answer:

This was a decade transitioning form paper to "E" and featured a preponderance of Memoirs and the emergence of a Wizard. Starting at #10 David Wallace - "Consider the Lobster and Other Essays"; Jonathon Safran Foer - "Everything is Illuminate"; Joan Didion - "The Year of Magical Thinking"; Craig Thompson - "Blankets"; Mrkus Zusak - "The Book Thief"; Jeffery Eugenides - "Middlesex"; Marilynne Robinson - "Gilead"; Cormac McCarthy - "The Road"; David Eggers - "The heartbreaking Work of Staggering genius". And -- Number 1: Michael Chabon - "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier".

Thanks to Mark Patinkin for stimulating my brain today.

Ya-ya's and Yahoos

Today's Tids Issue 2,695

Opening Stuff:

Ya-ya's and yahoos.

Last night as I joined in with the revelry of the Detroit Tigers and their amazingly efficient sweep of the dreaded Ya-ya's , I was taken by the words of owner, and Little Caesar Pizza King ,Mike Illich, "There are no 'Hot Dogs' on this team." How great is it to hear an owner dwell on character and teamwork.

Last night the Prez was on the Jon Stewart show saying through his convoluted logic that he and his admin did nothing to confuse the American public, and the Stewart yahoos in the audience cheered maniacally. This just proves once again, that if you get the right audience you can mislead with impunity.

Oops, I promised myself this morn that I wasn't going to talk about Politics today. To paraphrase Flip Wilson's Geraldine, "The Obama made me do it."

The Question:

Ok, lets get it out there. Who are the 5 largest donors to the Romney campaign

The Headlines:

--Syria Conflicts Could Spread Throughout The Middle East.

--Texas Judge Says Ok To Cheerleaders Using Banners With Biblical Citations.

--Markets Underwhelmed By Euro Banking Deal.

--Candidates Go Light At Humorous Al Smith Dinner In NYC.

--Boy Scout Sex Abuses Long And Deep.

Sandusky Appeals.

--Another Gunman Mass Kills At Public Place; Shootss Self After Killing Three, Wounding One In Casselbury Fla Beauty Salon.

Ashton Kutcher is the Alex Rodriguez of sit-com. He is the highest paid actor on TV and is an intrinsic contributor to the downhill slide of once great enterprise. Well, I would never use the word "Great" when talking about the Ya-Ya-Ya-...(WYKWIM)...

The NYC Catholic Archdioceses Al Smith Dinner is always a time when the candidates move away to the bitterness and go for a few yucks. Romney poked fun at Obama -- "The President looks out at this rich audience and thinks, so much money and so little time to redistribute."; At Joe Biden --"I wish Joe was here. he laughs at anything." At the Press .. My job is to lay out a positive vision for the future of the country and theirs is to make sure nobody finds out about it."; At himself -- Standing there in his Tuxedo, Mitt quipped, "It's nice to be able to relax and wear what Ann and I wear around the house." Obama also got off a few: Sometimes I feel like this race has dragged on forever. But, Paul Ryan assures me it has only been 2 hours and 50 minutes." And, "Earlier today I went shopping at some Midtown stores. I hear Mr. Romney went shopping to buy some Midtown stores." And, referring to the first debate the President said, "I have learned there are worse things that can happen on your anniversary than forgetting to buy a gift." Romney scored when he commented on the headlines reflecting media coverage of the event, "Obama embraced by Catholics; Romney dines with rich people."

Lance Armstrong lied to Nike and Tiger Woods didn't (Or because of the media digging, never had a chance to). Nike dumped Lance, kept Tiger. Maybe there's something to be said for "owning up", eh Mr' President.

Google's big challenge, they say, is to try to develop for new Android offerings a "Line" mentality similar to Apple. In other words, they have to devote more attention to the Insane.

Reading between the Lines Movie reviews:

--Alex Cross is the big promotion of the week. If you read, there is a chance you have come across this popular Patterson character, who has shown up before on the screen in the person of Morgan Freeman. A young Cross meets his match in a serial killer. The cat and mouse game gets personal and our hero is pushed to the edge of his moral and psychological limits.

--The First Time is nice little romantic comedy picture about two high schooler's discovering honest to goodness, real love for the first time. It is more about love than bad comedy.

Before you "click" to delete, check this out. Google which makes it's big money on "Clicks" is in a market where, According to Advertising Age, less than 1% of people click on digital ads. Which is essentially nobody, yet Google's "click" revenue amounted to $2.8 Billion last quarter! How do they do it? Sneakily! Google has become very sneaky at tricking users into accidental clicks by, for instance, making the 'close x' button smaller and smaller or placing ads over text. In other words they have relaxed ethical standards.

The Conscience: Chapter 11.

   "God dammit, how did this happen." Jason was screaming anybody who was in earshot as he paced back and fourth before the ruined hull building shed. The audience used to his antics were still and solemn, especially the guard who was waiting for a direct assault. Jason was known for tirades. It was also know that the best course was to wait him out.

  Bleaker than Jason's words were the pungent aromas of burning plastic. "What the hell was that?" The onlookers stifled a laugh as they watched Jason tumble over the maze of fire hoses.

   Wu whispered to his cadre, "Ah, good. Now he can yell at the Firemen." Wu actually was actually as disturbed as Jason. This was a major disaster for a boat builder at the height of the ordering season. he walked over and helped Jason climb up from his fall, making sure that he didn't step on another hose. "Sorry Boss." Jason looked up at his most trusted adviser. "We have to get back to your office and forget the blame, and figure how to find alternatives to the hull facility.

   "It was that Bitch, Angelica. Had to be. This was no accident. That is plain to me." Wu was taciturn as usual. "Do you think she's eaten Jeff alive yet?" Jason paused. "Bring that guard up with you." With that, Jason turned and walked quickly back to his office, tripping once again over a fire hose. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. That Bitch."

Wu looked at the burnt out building and destroyed, partially built hulls, and then back at Jason."You've gone too far this time Ange."

 

The Answer:

 Number one donor to Romney, mainly through SuperPacs is Sheldon Adleson, Owner of Vegas Sands Empire. ($34.2 Mil)  2. Harold Simmons, owner of Contran $16 Mil  3. Bob Perry, Houston real estate $15.3 Mil  4, Robert Rowling TRT Holdings $4.1 Mil  5. William Koch, $3 Mil. 4 of the five have an average age of 78, so we shouldn't be seeing them in a Cabinet post.

There are days when the world opens and ideas rain down like a soft summer rain. When the mind crystallizes like a cool Autumn morning. And then there are days like today.

Have a terrific weekend!

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT

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Diamonds are forever?

Today's Tids Issue 2,694

Opening Stuff:

Is Microsoft 8 just an advanced version of the buggy whip? Some analysts think so, as consumers get more and more excited about smart phones and tablets and Android and Apple software keep up with and often surpass their dreams. Microsoft 8 will have to be really, really great to stop the PC drain..

While nobody in the admin is talking about "Fast & Furious", they may have start coming clean for a change about a similar arms distribution in the Middle East as reported by The NY Times. In an October 15 article, the august Grey Lady says, American officials and Middle Eastern diplomats told David Sanger of Times, "Most of the weapons being sent from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Syrian rebels are going to hard-line Islamic jihadists as opposed to secular opposition groups that the West wants to strengthen." The story goes on to say that the SA and Qatar weapon supplies were bought from the USA. A US Official said, "The opposition groups that are receiving most of the lethal aid are exactly the one's we don't want to have it." In last week's VP debate Joe B vehemently denied any association with al-Qaida types said that the US was diligently putting into place safeguards against the above described distribution. I guess they don't like Joe in the important meetings...or...(Fill in the blank)

In answer to yesterday's Tids Question about naming three of Eminem's songs a reader suggested: "Plain, Peanut and Giant!.

The Question:
Name the five top selling Smart Phone Brands.

The Headlines:
--Google Stock Takes Serious Hit; Bad Top And Bottom Lines Due To Advances In Less Profitable Mobile Clicks.

--Unemployment Benefits Apps Jump Up To 388,000; 46K Jump Largest In Several Months.
--Big Banks Blast Washington; Fix Fiscal Cliff Now, They say In Letter To WH and congress.
--Some Analysts Believe Investors Over Paying For Stocks.

--Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Rises To 6.5 From 6.3.

--China Slow Growth Expected To End With Soft Landing.

--Newsweek Stops Printing; Goes All Digital.
--NY Appeals Court Rules "Defense Of Marriage" Act Unconstitutional.

Last night the O'Reilly program had as their big Question of the night, "Can you be good friends with someone with whom you disagree politically." Stupid question, I say. It assumes that politics is all-pervasive in life; that people have no other qualities than their political persuasion. Of course people with different political leanings can get along. And, I would say that even those at opposite extremes of the spectrum can be close friends. I would worry about the human race if this vote is even close. I guess it depends on how many violent Islamists vote.

It was another disastrous week at the NFL polls. Experts and amateurs alike came in below the barely acceptable 50% average as upsets became more the rule. The Tids hit 6 0f 14 bringing the Y-T-D to 48-43. Disgusting! This week looks no easier in this truly "any team on any given day" league. There a few posers this morning like rebounding SF-and unpredictable Seattle, Ariz-Minn, Balt-Houst, NO-TB, Cleve-Ind, Pitt-Cinn and maybe even my beloveds versus the J-e-t-s. With these I'm going SF, Minn, Houston, NO, Ind, Pitt and NE. Actually all of the rest are probably posers becasue there really doesn't seem that there are any favorites this year. The should-win's are GB, NYG, Dallas, Buff, Oakland and Chicago. Well, maybe not Buffalo. But I'm stickin' with it.

You would think by now that the terrorist world would have learned that finding a helpful bomb maker on the Internet might just be an FBI operative. Blow yourself up and I'll give you the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Obama gang is perplexed at how Romney has been able to draw even with women, when their opinion of what women really want is only abortions and free pills.

The dumbest thing that President Obama said Tuesday night was that the reason the gas prices were lower in 2008 was because the economy was about to collapse. His teleprompter would have said in bold face type, "Do not say that!"

One of the great little advantages of this time of year is that sodas you store in the garage are always cold when you need them.

In the hot RI Congressional Race, Challenger Brendan Doherty's new TV ad says incumbent Cicilini is "inept, irresponsible and deceptive". Hey, wait a minute...in RI that is the formula for reelection! God help us.

What this country needs is a good campfire.

The Conscience: Chapter 10 continues.
   "Read it," was all she said. She was now in full operational mode, and I  was a supernumerary for people whose guts she hated. I looked up, going for the old charming boyish grin trick again. She was having none of it now. Playtime was over. Maybe I shouldn't have been so forward with my Alpha male question. Too confrontational. So, I took the papers and started reading, silently. After a couple of paragraphs the thrill of the tete-a-tete was wearing off, being replaced rapidly with a need for more alcohol in my body. It wasn't a mental thing now, but a scientifically supported chemical degeneration. I held the papers with two hands so the shaking would be minimized. It's tough being a drunk. I got through the two pages, which were mainly an outline of some pretty routine objectives she hoped to achieve with this union. Except for one thing I began to sense while I read -- everything was to her advantage.
   "Pretty straight forward," I managed to say using my unemotional face ploy.
   "So, you think this is a good starting point for an agreement." She didn't smile but her eyes narrowed as she scoured my face. "You look pale. Are you ok."
   I looked down at my watch and saw it was between eleven and noon. "Time does go by fast when you are enjoying the company you are with." I gave her a stilted smiled. She returned the same with a small cock of her head. "Maybe I'll have that bit of scotch you offered earlier."
   "Of course." That was all she said as she arose like a graceful swan. She poured two glasses from what it looked like to me, a very expensive bottle. "Yes, I always like to negotiate with a handsome man over a glass of the best scotch available." She handed me a glass which I immediately put to my lips as she turned. This time she didn't go behind the desk, but dragged over a second guest chair. "I think it better that two people discussing important things don't have a barrier between them. Agree?" Now she finally went back to serious smiling.
   I lifted up my glass and touched hers. She took a swallow. My chemistry was coming back into balance.

The Answer:
It is expected by the end of this year that Apple and Galaxy will control a little over 52% of the World wide market. Samsung and Apple flip-flop at the top. The rest are Motorola, HTC and Nokia. The market is, and is expected to be, dominated by Android and Apple softwar based platforms. The only thing that could change that scenario is something big coming out of MicroSoft. Android sales could take a big hit if Obama stopped giving away phones for votes.

There are just too many people with too much time on their hands to talk about nothing other than politics. Like me. I've got to get a life.

Beware of the "right" hands.

Today's Tids Issue 2,692

Opening Stuff:

It was one of those mornings. The gray of the stormy night was leaving, making a brilliant morning popping out of the western hills seem even brighter than it might normally appear. Three of us timed the change perfectly and were the first humans this glorious day, standing on the highest hill in Jamestown Island. The rising sun was bathing us with warmth against the crisp cool air. Air even clearer after the storm. Looking out where blue waters met orange and red leafed trees. Then it began. It began just as we knew it would; The the grazing, black striped Galloways stopped their munching and looked up. The air grew still. Hawks atop trees looked north. We heard the beginning of a roar, We saw the breeze stir up the quiet sea; The full roar of the wind was right behind rear up chop,with wispy spray dancing along the watery horizon. We felt the cold and then blast of the wintry north wind. And the prefect day just got better. Three hawks soared above.

Looks like Hillary took a bullet for the team, coming out last night while in Peru with a "Buck stops here" statement about responsibility of her department for the ineptitude in the Benghazi. Of course in HST's days, the buck always stopped at the President's desk. I guess now with trillion dollar a year deficits, there aren't enough bucks around to reach the suit in the oval office. So I guess that  instead of throwing Hillary under the bus, which in fact he did at the outset of the mess, he made a deal. I wonder what he owes her for accepting another stain on the Clinton Brand.

The Question:

Ok home decor enthusiasts, it's your turn in the Question Box this morning: Granite, granite, granite. Granite may be the first three choices for counter tops that enter minds when deciding to improve kitchens. Name Eleven other attractive options.

The Headlines:

--Debate Tonight; Many say "Town Hall Concept" Favors the Prez.
--Maket Has Nice Day; QE3 Spurs INvestor Optimism.
--Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit Abruptly Quits; Walks Out After Boardroom Tussle.
--Chelsea Clinton Steps Up To Fight Diarrhea Deaths In Nigeria; say What?
--High Gas Prices Forcing Slowdown In Consumption.
--Intel Reports Good Earnings But Weak future,
--Taliban Says Attack On Pakistan Schoolgirl Justified.

I thought a commentator from the State department summed up the Middle East beautifully last night when saying in response to arming the Syrian rebels who may be more Islam extremist oriented than secular fighters for the people, "The right hands today maybe the wrong hands tomorrow." See Libya, Egypt, Cuba.

You can generally tell the mood of the Obama campaign by the look on Axelrod's face. Right now it appears tense and taut, in high panic mode. His words are stepping on his own words as he tries to create facts out of dreams.

Over time, as mushrooming populations overrun arable lands, the solution could easily be "High rise indoor vegetable growing centers". we just might see Urban Farmers and Midnight Cowboys bringing back the war torn appearing industrial cities of the past. A reuse of valuable lands rather than chewing up the countryside as developers are want to do. Sounds like a plan to me. I'm in.

How come when you call a doctor or Dentist for an appointment, they say, "We can see you in three months". But when the docs get sick and have to cancel, they always have plenty of openings in the following week.

I used to be a ice guy until I went to this "She said, He Heard" session. Now I've learned that I have to be more aggressive, less emotional and down right mean at times. Jeez, I never knew.

It appears that the Massachusetts Unions are suggesting that their members go out and support Elizabeth Warren at her rallies and speaking engagements. That the suggestion comes with a reminder that failure to do so will trigger a $150 fine. Elizabeth Warren is exactly the kind of person we don't need in a government that should be attempting to turn around a drifting ship of state.

So did you hear about the woman who told her Veterinarian that she needed more proof of her pet duck's death? The vet left the room and returned with his Labrador retriever who immediately raised up, paws on table. He sniffed the duck and finally shook his head no. The dog then left the room. Next the vet's Persian Cat sleeked in, leaped cleanly upon the the table, sniffed, sat back on its haunches and shook the head..and left. Finally satisfied the woman asked for the bill. She now turned even angrier when she saw the $950 charge and asked the doc to explain. He said it would have been $20 without the Lab Report and Cat Scan.

The Taliban are starting to overrun towns in Afghanistan. Duh!

The guy who had a car accident on the way to a fast food restaurant had to go on a crash diet.

The Answer:

I was going to ask for 12 alternatives to granite, but the tried and true plastic laminate (Formica et.al.) wasn't even in the list of hip surfaces. Here we go...Marble is also about as common as Granite these days. For the so-called "New" look try Poured Concrete, Butcher Block, Reclaimed Wood, Cork, Stainless Steel, Soapstone, Recycled Glass, Pewter, Slate and Quartz (Silestone et.al.). Personally, I'm intrigued by Poured Concrete and Pewter. Pewter?

After waiting all day, you might have thought this would have been better.

Tough!

Ingenuity, creativity not required.

Today's Tids Issue 2,691

(Written 10/15)

Opening Stuff:

All of this Politicking
Gives my brain a licking.
I feel horribly abused,
And entirely confused.
Will my synapse be fixed
After November the sixth?

As we head into Prez Debate II, the media wants you to believe that Romney appeared the winner only because the "real" Obama didn't show up. The real fact is that the ole' Mittster connected with an audience who never really knew who he was, aside from the caricatures drawn by the opposition. It will be interesting to see if Romney presses on the growing Benghazi mess, and if, as surmised here two weeks ago, the Commander-in-Chief will continue to shift the blame to Hillary's State Department.

Hey, I think I know why The President didn't show up at the last debate. He doesn't want to give away now what he really intends to do after he is elected. Maybe Putin knows.

After the being taken by the initial dazzling array of color upon entering a supermarket produce section, it doesn't take me long at all to move quickly to the snacks section. I love those fall colors there, of vivid oranges softened by tans and browns.

The Question:
Quick now, who were the 33rd, 34th and 35th Presidents? No counting on fingers.

The Headlines:
--Felix Baumgartner Free Falls From 24 Miles Above Earth; Breaks Sound Barrier At 833 Mph; Lands On feet, Healthy And Hale!

--The Admin Continues To Dig deeper Hole As It Tries To Recover From Misrepresentations Of Benghazi Massacre.
--Stock Futures Point To Monday Morning Gains.
--Does Political Ad Bombardment have People Tuning them Out?
--Arlen Specter Dies.
--Phillipine Gov Signs Deal With Muslim Rebels.
--Chinese Inflation Close To Lowest In Three Years.

Endeavor Was A Nice Spacecraft, But It's Slow Roll Through neighborhoods Is A Tired Old Story.

The boxer who lost to Dracula was down for the Count!

Mika Brzezinski looks, as some observers have said, in need of psychotherapy. She is not hiding her feelings well after both the Romney victory and the Biden goofiness. This attractive and normally instinctive commentator seems taken aback a bit by the sudden possibility in her mind that the preordained victory for her man Obama may not be quite so solid as it may have appeared to her immediately following the conventions. But, she is still attractive.

I think the government would really like to turn business and industry into one gigantic social experiment.

If Hillary and I were to meet, I don't believe we would ever get along.

When asking a local butcher about why "Mexico" was on the package, she told me that farmers have bought huge acreages of land in that country in order to raise beef much cheaper than here in the US. Hmmmm. And I though the well known sacred cow "Subsidies" were supposed to smooth out business inequities.

Have you noticed that intellectuals rarely deliver something new, they just pronounce old stuff properly.

Hysterical Headline of the Week, Department:
"The oceans are 30% more acidic than they were 200 years ago at the start of the 'Industrial' revolution." How do they know? Did some Rhode Islander while traveling through Pawtucket see Sam Slater building a mill and run down state shouting, "The revolution is coming! The revolution is coming! Go down to the sea in ships and measure the acidity!"

Imposters come. Imposters go. But one great English muffin will last forever --Thomas.

If you expect to hear something new from the President this debate, don't hold your breath. Creativity isn't one of his better attributes. Delivering the same old stuff with new voice inflections is. That's what orators do, inflect the context rather than enrich the subject. Check out this little observation between his 2008 speeches and today's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZgQhnNRSuw

I don't care who he coaches, you have to love Pete Carroll.

Oh yeah, and the new depressing trend up here in Pats-Land, isn't that defense keeps on giving up points in the crucial last 3 minutes, It's that the vaunted, so-called number 1 offense can't retain possession at the end of a close contest.

NPR had a pretty good program Sunday Morning on the science of politics. One thing the evidence shows is that the vast majority of Independents are "Low Information" voters. Hey, wait a minute. Our Governor ran as an independent! I wonder if it also shows that Independents, like Governor-Lite,  don't courageously stand for anything?

A politician is a person who votes against something while hoping it passes.

If I read the tea leaves correctly, it appears that RI will be adding expanded gambling to it's economic resume which today is mainly built around public employees. Ah -- an economy built upon taxes and addiction! It's no wonder that Mary Matelin when visiting last week was surprised to see that there was indeed a state that maybe as bad as her Louisianan, which she described as "Under water and under indictment."

I have spent zero minutes of my life worrying about the loneliness of Salman Rushdie.

The Conscience: Chapter 10 continues.  --   
   She was now looking at me with a serious grin. A gotcha moment. A "this is my turf, and I am running the show", grin. What she didn't know is that alcoholics are very good at not flinching or acting surprised. First because their reflexes are shot. Second becasue they are so adept at lying.
   "Good opening," I answered straight-faced, and without a pause. I continued to turn around the advantage position. "You know as well as I that the International Maritime Legal institutions look at mergers between too major boat builders very closely We also know, you and I and my client, that your great company and mine have unique strategies for softening the letter of the law. I am a marine lawyer..."
   "Very good, Mr. Morgan! Did your clients also tell you that I hate their guts. That's an American term. In Italian we would say Odio le loro viscere." She smiled like a cat playing. "Viscere is an intriguing word, no?"
   "Especially to a man." She chuckled briefly. "I think we are going to have a lot of fun, Ms. Angelica." Now I smiled the smile of the contented lion, "And, was that you I saw following me yesterday?"
   Her face reddened a little, and I felt guilty. "So, let's get down to business and find out if you are who you say you are." She pulled outb a latge leather portfolio and flipped it open to pull out a couple of pages.
The Answer:
Well, if Harry Truman was 33, then it follows that Ike and JFK were 34 and 35. Interestingly, number 25 was another assassination victim William McKinley and #15 was James Buchanan, just one before #16 Abe. Maybe it was supposed to be Buchanan who was to be shot. And how come Garfield and McKinley aren't revered like Abe and Jack?

President Obama's lack of creativity travels abroad too. I found this little observation on the Presidential repetition habits in of all places Denmark, who by the way has the best looking PM of all. http://digitaljournal.com/article/321733

Actually, I don't really believe that the President has failed to deliver budget recommendations for lack of creativity. I think it's because what he would really want would be totally unacceptable to American voters in all parties. Except for Putin, and he doesn't vote.

What this country needs is a good snack grease resistant tablet screen.

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