Gravy equals good.

Today's Tids Issue 2,717

Openeing Stuff:

Last evening standing in my window, the room behind me aglow, I watched across the crystalline bay the sun being inhaled by the treeless hills afar in South County. The Red ball was as intense, as fiery as I have seen It. Sitting there atop a a hill, taking a final bow after a beautiful day. The slowly being absorbed until it disappeared into the earth. It makes you wonder as you understand see how small you are in a world truly magnificent. It makes you feel that you should and can be better. To reach up for greatness.

I like restaurants like Chopmist Charlies in Jamestown because they often use the term "Smothered in Gravy".

The Question:
College grads and aspiring young working people have to find their gravy somewhere. Which 10 US cities are most attractive to the young and career oriented?

The Headlines:
--0-Man Hitting Campaign Trail Instead Of Getting Job Done In Washington.
--Global Hackers Aim To Take Down Syria Government.
--Palestinians Celebrate UN Endorsement.
--SC Looking At Gay Marriage.
--Chemical Tankers Derail In Southern NJ.
--Germany Approves More Funds For Dysfunctional Greece; Propping Up Losers Seen As Way For Europe's Economic Giant To Head Off Road To Recession.
--Lohan Slugs Club Pal; Cal Courts Expect To Pull Her In To Face New Charges About Old Accident.

I really hate to pile on the gentle, smiling RI Governor, but common'...sneaking through a Christmas tree lighting ceremony!

I see where some of those older pros have harbored a silent grudge against belly putters, saying they aren't part of the game. Hey, I'm for that. Let's go back to smaller wooden tennis rackets too. Yes the Royal and Ancients have decreed that the arms must be free and swinging when putting. Next thing you know they'll be telling amateurs that "Looking up" while driving is tantamount to having to surrender your golf bag for life. Does this mean you can't have your arms firmly planted by your sides? Personally I could care less. I've been using the same putter since 1975, and find that I'm improving because I'm learning how to putt better. And no, it isn't wooden.

How do businesses define what's is good after meeting expenses? Huh? They say the rest is gravy! Rich, creamy, tasty gravy.

One of the things that spurred on my look at angry comedy yesterday was the SNL Christmas special, where some of the elaborate scenarios just were not very funny at all. I have to say though, that Adam Sandler's song about Channukah* kept me smiling throughout. *( Note to those who enjoy challenging my spelling aptitude: 5 or 6 years ago the "Q of the Day" was "How many ways can you spell Hanukkah". It turned out there were about 16 by one so-called expert's account but others say that the because of the phonetics possibilities, it was hard to produce an official number. How about -- Khahnnookkah!

Yeah, right...0-man is going to call The Mittster for advice.

In case you haven't read it lately, The Constitution says nothing about marriage. And it shouldn't.

Last night I ate out with a dear old friend, in a restaurant known more for well prepared home cooking style meals as opposed to the orgasmic food trend of the moment. I read him the specials -- meatloaf, liver and onions, fried chicken with gravy and others. This spurred my friend with a significant scientific mind to ask, "Now with all of the nutritionists info on the goodness of going vegan, would you consider changing your ways?" He added that he has had many veggie recipes that were amazing. I told him I was entirely happy and there was no recipe that would make me want to substitute veggies for meat. And to emphasize my point, I sacrificed my arteries by ordering fried chicken with gravy. I think he hated the way I was smiling while I ate.

The free spending 0-Admin could be dubbed the Lindsey Lohan Government -- They can't help themselves! Even when being placed on probation by knowing voters.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Many of us were forced to wade through Anna Karenina years ago, and then act intellectually cool. Now it's the new rage and the movie is out for all of those bated breaths. It is beautifully made and explores (If you didn't understand years ago) "the capacity for love that surges through the human heart". Her questions about her marriage affects many around her. The only thing I remember is something about a train.
--Killing Them Softly is a pretty good Hitman yarn about a proficient killer who likes distance between himself and victims, so he won't see their pleading eyes.
--The Collection is about a psychopathic killer who stores victims in an abandoned hotel set up for torture and more. A wealthy father of one victim hires a band of mercenaries to rescue the woman, aided by the only person to have escaped the monster.
--I have a feeling that California Solo is a yawner, trying to do to much in the time allotted. An ex-Brit rocker works on an Organic Farm and sells in a Farmers market by day and sits in his dingy room at night recounting the early deaths of musicians. His bright spot is a  woman who is an amateur chef. He is in a DUI accident and that brings back an old drug offense. threatened with deportation he must get past demons associated with his estranged family. My mind hurts already.

The Answer:
Texas has four of the Top Ten -- Dallas - 1, Austin - 3, Houston - 5 and San Antonio - 8. Miami was 2, Tampa -5, DC - 6 (Obama's Big Giv?), Denver -7, Seattle -9 and 10 - Riverside/San Bernardino Cal.The biggest tumblers from the ratings were Phoenix and Las Vegas. The biggest net losers in Population were NYC (1.9 Mil Yikes!), LA (!.3), Chicago, Detroit and San Fran. the biggest Metro areas remain NY, Chi, LA, Det and Philadelphia.

Michell Obama wants you to eat vegetables. Barack wants to take away your gravy.

Happy Weekend Everybody!

Anger isn't funny.

Today's Tids Issue 2,716

Opening Stuff:

 

The Green Party led by candidate Jill Stein is promoting the road to socialism and is getting the microphone more often then in the past. They are unwavering in their positions like public owned banks or unabated Government spending and public employee growth. But, their most striking proposal is a tax on assets or as they call it, wealth. They want the Government to get a piece of the value of what people already have, and for which income, capital gains or even inheritance taxes have been paid. And they don't contemplate simple logic in their considerations. They want it with no compromises. It's all or nothing and they are putting more and more people in places where they will have access to delivering their message to more and more people. Hey, it's only fair. Right?

I hear that the Atheists of America are asking the ACLU to sue towns across the country to change traffic signals to lavender and orange as opposed to the Christmas significant Red and Green.

I played golf this morning. It was the only day of the week where the thermoeter looked like it might get out of the thirties. It was a great day. The good news was that the greens were finally devoid of leaves. But, putting this morning between icebergs was a bit of a problem

The Question:
What are considered the Top Five Movie Musicals of all time?

The Headlines:
--GHWB In Hospital; Seems Ok.
--Two Winners In $550Million Powerball Sold In Arizona And Missouri; Each Lump Sum Take Home After Taxes Would Be Acout$100Mil.
--UN Expected To Approve First Step Towards Statehood For Plaestine.
--North Korea Moving Forward With new Nuclear Reactor
--393 Thousand First Tome Applicants For Unemployment Bens; Down From Last Week But Well Above Recent Averages.
--Boehner After Geithner Meet: "No Substantive Progress In Two Weeks".
--Even With Black Friday, November A Week Month For Retail

When did humor stop making me laugh?

The Pigskin Prognosticator punted last week. Alas I got cocky and took a few calculated chances on teams like TB and Detroit and got kicked in the head while I was flat on my back. Our record improved to 111-62-1 for a percentage of 64%. Still plenty of room fro growth. And this week I see 9 of 16 games as pickems, or possible upsets. The "experts" still love NO and I'm not sold on Atlanta, but I'm taking the falcons at home in tonight's game. The rest of the tougher picks are Seat-Chi, Car-KC (Yes KC), Indy-Det, TB-Den, Cleve-Oak, Cinn-SD, Pitt-Balt and NYG-Wash. I reluctantly pick injured Chi, Carolina, Detroit City, Denver only becasue they are home, Cleveland to finally get rewarded for tough play, Cinncy in a squeaker, Balt only because of Pitts QB problem, and...and...the Giants? (My heart says Skins). The rest of the winners are NE, GB, SF, Houston, NY Jets, Buff and Dallas (Romo can't screw up this one...can he?) Another hold your breath weekend. And lets hope the refs are allowed to use their brains and not allow a non-touchdown that probably decided a game.

Most of the old factories of a once vigorous Providence RI are now filled with doctors offices living off of medicare and struggling Artists looking for grants.

A new Gallop Poll Shows That 53% of Democrats and Dem leaners have a favorable view of Socialism. 75% say they have a favorably view of Big Government. Of course, that's just the news that implies we are moving to commie land. A closer look shows that both Repubs and Dems like quite a bit Free Enterprise, Small Business and Entrepreneurs. The key to all of these stats is that the like Socialism number is getting bigger.

''You know who was in town this weekend, went to a Yankee game? Sarah Palin ... One awkward moment, though, during the game. Maybe you heard about it, maybe you saw it on one of the highlight reels, one awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game. During the seventh inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez.'' —David Letterman . That's not funny.

Our Gov Chafee-Lite will be on O'Reilly tonight to talk about the "Holiday Tree: nonsense. He was pretty much ridiculed last night. Had he will probably appear dumbfounded tonight. But while the National media have latched on to the obvious, yesterday he was lambasted by one of his employees, the Presdient of The University of Rhode island for doing nothing while RI burns. President Dooley's line, "If somebody is on life support, you should probably react with a sense of urgency", refers to his opinon of Chafee-Lite's Laissez Faire attitude to a state economy in the dumper today and little hope for a future unless it turns around 180 degrees..

The Answer:
"Chicago" is number five. Personally, I didn't think it that great. But, the rest I pretty much agree with starting with number four "Sound of Music", and then I can go with #3 "Grease" and of course there is no question about two and one -- "Singing in the Rain" and West Side Story". personally, I would have put "My Fair Lady" in there. I would have made it Grease, Sound of, West Side, My Fair and Singin'. So, what do you think will happen when Les Miz comes roaring through. Remember that Phantom didn't do it.

''Herbert Hoover was a shitty president, but even he never conceded an entire metropolis to rising water and snakes. On your watch, we've lost almost all of our allies, the surplus, four airliners, two trade centers, a piece of the Pentagon, and the city of New Orleans. Maybe you're just not lucky. I'm not saying you don't love this country, I'm just wondering how much worse it could be if you were on the other side. So yes, God does speak to you, and what he's saying is, 'Take a hint.'''. --Bill Mahr. That's not funny.

I actually came up with the title of this edition the Tids after reading something called "Jon Stewart's funniest lines" (I would have the same reaction I'm sure after reading the the Best Of of several "comics"). I didn't see anything remotely funny thing in them. The only thing I could figure is that the judges for "Funniest Ever stuff" only hear the laughter of the lemmings in the audience. The "If-Jon-Stuart-opens-his-mouth-I'm-laughin' crowd.

 "I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born" --Ronald Reagan in the NY Times.

Save the Great Lakes: Throw back your fish.

Today's Tids Issue 2,715

Opening Stuff:

I always sleep well after a good day of intense writing. I never realized how much using your brain could wear you out.

Global warmerites really, really, really want 2012 to be one of the warmest on record. And, it will rank right up there. The so called steady significant increase began around 1915. Since 1840-50, it appears that the temp has risen less than 1 degree C. In about 1878 there was a spike in temp that equaled 1990, one of the higher years on the all time list. It's really all about how you segment and design your graph visuals.

Americans flood Super Bowl stadiums. Egyptians overwhelm Tahrir Square. Fun is fun.

The Question:

I originally intended to have a question asking to give me five funny lines from Jon Stewart. But, I couldn't find any. So I'm asking you to name five Ed Harris movies.

The Headlines:

--American "Can Do" Attitude Bucking Odds Of 1 In 175 Million To Win Record Total $500 Million Powerball.

--Cliff Worries Pushng Stocks Down At Opening

--North Korea Stockpiling Weapons.

--Egyptians Turn Out In Giant rally's Protesting Morsi Despotic Actions.

--GOP Norquist says "No Tax" Pledge Like Marriage -- Forever.

--Factions Developing Among Dems As Countdown Towards FC Continues.

--GOP Sens More Disturbed After Meeting With SoS Candidate Rice.

--Palestinians Winning Support from Europe.

--Car Bomb Kills 34 In Assad Leaning Suburb.

--Buffet expects Lawmakers To Eventually Come To Cliff Compromise.

Has Grover Norquist looked at American marriage statistics lately?

Aha! I get it now, the Oceans are rising because the Great Lakes are shrinking. Actually the Great Lakes are shrinking, and it's because of overfishing in the Atlantic. The loss of fish mass creates a void causing Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario to rush up the Saint Lawrence to overflow the North Atlantic and fill the holes left by disappearing fish. That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it. In fact, I'm applying to the EPA for a grant before they fall off the fiscal cliff.

Some things never change and NK's proves it. Under the Kid's leadership, the isolated country is now acquiring weapon systems faster than his father bought Pop music CD's. Frankly, playing some of today's pop music CD's could bring another nation to its knees. 

If I sent NK the computer software operating my Spell-Check, they'd never get a missile off the ground!

I joined Linkedin, describing myself as a hip, au courant free lance writer with a keen sense of contemporary communication techniques. Well, that's what I wanted to say until I couldn't figure out how to make Linkedin accept what I wrote. I guess it's bakc to the old Underwood.

The Road to Nowhere Department:

In a new report, I see where the top paid industries in RI are in order are Government, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail and Hospitality. RI, once the Manufacturing Giant per capita in the world has now seen it's once innovative industries decline to the point where they are falling off the economic map -- meaning that the second highest source of good incomes has essentially disappeared. The industry touted by the state leadership as that of the future, hospitality, shows paltry average wages in the area between $10 and $20 K. Yikes. Government remains the second largest employer, while another industry, healthcare is zooming to the top. So we have two big industries in RI relying on compulsory spending, Government (Taxes) and Healthcare( Insurance premiums and under Obama Care more taxes.) What a mess. So why did I take all of this time and space to talk about RI? It shows clearly how difficult it will be for the average citizen to vote away increased taxation and government supported  activity as those receiving wages from it will never accede to the logic of returning to free enterprise. Oh yeah, and much of what remains here in manufacturing is based on defense spending. We are screwed.

The Answer:

I remember Ed Harris in one of my favorite movies The Truman Show. He has also been very good in The Abyss, Needful Things, A beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Absolute Power, Enemy at the Gates and Copying Beethoven. He always brings something special to a film.

The hearts of most humans are warm and caring . It's just their ideologies that make them appeared crazed.

And of course, money.

Sometimes I write a woird that sounds right, and then I mam surprised tho elarn that I am absolutely correct. I guess i=f you right enough the odds are in you favor.

If I win Powerball tonight, I may buy a robot to write this mess. Or a chorus of monkeys.

Another opening, another show.

Today's Tids Issue 2,714

Opening Stuff:

 

Is there a bigger obstacle to cooperation in Washington than Harry Reid? I don't think so.

Some day's you're feelin blue. That the USA is a turkey that's about to fold. But there's no country that I'd rather know. So let's get together and re-produce that show. Cause we got the people with hearts of gold.

So, did you hear about the guy who had his charges reduced from Music Piracy to Breaking into song? "There's no business like show business, like no business I know..." Your hum of the day from the musicology Department of the Tids Corporation.

The Question:
Double Bonus Day: 1. 13 Professional Sports Teams Seem to be running out of fans. High tcket prices coupled with bad teams have the folks preferring couches at home. Name the ten worst in attendance. Hint: Ay #13, Miami Dolphins is the only NFL Team on the list. 2. Name 5 great companies where everybody wants to work.

The Headlines:
--Cost Of Sandy Continues To Grow.
--Home Prices Rise For 6th Straight Month.
--Obama Ducks Congress, Goes To Peeps To Solve Cliff Issue.
--Angus Jones, The "1/2" Of 2 1/2 Men, Says People Should Stop Watching Show's "Filth".
--Cyber Monday Sales Soar; Economists Still Worry About Slower sales For Rest of Season.
--Planned Business Spending Guage Up Strong In October; Continuing Declines Of Shipments Underscore Fears Of Tighter Fiscal Policy For 2013.
--Syria Air raids Increase To Stem Advance Of Rebel Tide.
--Mexican Beauty Queen Traveling With Drug Cartel Killed In Shootout With Police.

Last Friday I quoted from a writer's letter to the Literary Editor of the NY Times thanking her lucky rabbits foot (What else would she have) for being raised by secularists. In the kind of haughty sounding letter you would expect from the intellectual side of the human equation, Anne Lamott claimed that she was happy she could go to her bookshelves like other kids went to Jesus...and that had made her in to a better writer. I was just reminded that many of the other great writers acclaimed by academia were on drugs and alcohol. Let's see. atheists and addicts! I wonder what what they are really putting into our brains!

The out of work limbo dancer was an underachiever.

For the last several days I have been receiving emails like "Get ready for the great Cyber Monday deals." So I opened an email from Amazon and low and behold on the first page was a sweat shirt exactly like the one I had bought at the Orvis store in VT last summer. I paid $79. The CyMon special deal was... $79. So, I went to the Orvis site and found my sweat shirt again -- for $79. I think I'll wait til 3 days before Christmas to shop.

Laws seem to remove the intelligence component from living.

Bookies should return the money bet on the Houston-Detroit T-Day game...and bill the NFL.

A game in Washington that could be come a bigger hit than a pinata, is assessing blame for congressional stalemates.

I always wondered how the raunchy jokes and the antics of Charlie Sheen would affect the 10 year old boy Angus Jones. So, now I guess we know. He probably really didn't know what they were talking about at first, And then like most adolescent boys he became intrigued and thought it kinda cool. And now, I guess he figured he really didn't think is was right at all.

"...Everything about it is appealing, everything that traffic will allow. Nowhere could you get that happy feeling, when you are stealing that extra bow..."

The Tea Party was and is a great idea. A must idea, that has to be revitalized and this time teach the people who don't know; All those new Americans who have never tromped upon the USA Stage as we have. Let's get on with the show.

Instead of banning grapefruit juice, Docs should under-prescribe the potency of doses. The way I read it, grapefruit juice makes drugs more efficient.

The Answer:
1. #13 is Miami. Next is the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Washington Wizards (NBA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), Baltimore Orioles (MLB), New York Mets (MLB), Detroit Pistons (NBA), Oakland A's (MLB), Dallas Stars (NHL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Houston Astros (MLB), Cleveland Indians MLB and Seattle Mariners (MLB). 2. Because it';s the happy season I'll give oyu the top 13 top places in which to work. !3 is BMW followed by L'Orial. The rest in descending order are Apple, Goldman-Sachs, Coca-Cola, JP Morgan, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Microsoft, P&G, KPMG and numero uno -- Google. Resumes?

"...There's no people like show people, they smile when they are low. Even with a turkey that you know will fold, you may be stranded out in the cold. Still you wouldn't change it for a sack of gold. Let's go on with the show." http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kdggcQhysQ

There's no people like USA people.

Incongruities.

Today's Tids Issue 2,713

Opening Stuff:

 

Where did kids learn how to ask parents while shopping the same question until they relented and bought the candy or toy? Is it some kind of kids gene? That morphs into the Teen gene? A gene that disappears in men over time similar to the appendix that becomes useless, only serving to cause pain later on.

How The Media Can Ruin Your Mental Health Department:
Saturday TV news programs showed ebullient retailers shouting this was the best BF ever! And reporters echoing the insanity ahead of trampling mobs. The Sunday paper reported the statistics -- Retail sales for the BF interruption to civilized living, down 1.8% over a year ago. This basically means that people who can't read don't know the score.

As one calm, pleasant twenty something black women standing beyond the marauding mobs said in a TV news interview: "Shopping on the Internet is a helluva lot easier". CyberSales were up 26% on BF! There are a lot of conflicting statistical reports coming out of the retailers most orgasmic weekend. But the major stat which seems agreeable to all analysts is that the final sales for this Christmas season will show slower growth than the past several years. In other words, consumers shot their wad early.

The Question:
How much do you think it would cost today to pay for all of the items (364 in all) in "The Twelve days Of Christmas" song? Which 6 items have not gone up in price? (According to annual survey done by PNC.

The Headlines:
--Key Evidence In Casey Anthony Trial Overlooked; Investigators Missed Her Computer Searches For Clue Free Strangulation.
--Germany Softening on EuroDebt Resistance.
--Repubs Moving Away from "No Tax" Pledge.
--Global warming Confab Opens In Qatar.
--Syrian rebels Continue Making Slow Progress Towards Damascus.
--Israel Defense Minister Ehuh Barak Quits.
--Morsi To Meet Judges Over Power Grab.
--Spanish Election Weakens Catalan Bid For Independence.

Lower than Dirt Department:
People of rational minds are often bewildered by the incomprehensible actions of militants and suicide bombers in the Middle East. But they don't have to go that far flung destination for complete and udder aghast-itnation. Up in Canada thieves stole from the Salvation Army $2 Million worth of toys and gifts being readied for distribution to the needy. They were caught selling the items at a profit. And they weren't doing it because of religious fanaticism. They are just people who need religion to help them find their souls. I think the electric chair is a reasonable punishment.

Phrases I'd like to ban -- "With an edge", as  in "Santa with an Edge" or the Nativity with an edge. Or vanilla ice cream with an edge. Me, I'll take the simple and the plain. The innately beautiful that doesn't need edginess, because it is entirely whole with it's perfect self. Edginess is for the restless, the listless, the purposeless among us. Those who view a solution to their ills changing the world around them instead of looking to courage to change themselves.

How can all of these so-called new deli's all serving Boars Head meats and assorted accoutrements differentiate themselves? The delicatessen of old used to cook much of what they offered and added their own personal recipes to tasty sides, including pickles. Your stomach would hunger after wafts of gorgeous aromas invaded your taste quadrant of your brain as you entered the door. Now that was a deli with an edge.

You have to wonder how Global Warming scientists justify storing their research papers on "The Cloud", which in fact is just gigantic server farms throughout the world soaking up more high octane electricity than average cities?

There's nothing better to a Cleveland Brown's fan than a good win over Pittsburgh.

Secular Humanists are a danger to your mental health and US society at large. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. As Isaac Newton said, "For every unrelenting, uncompromising reactionary group there is an equal and opposite unrelenting, uncompromising group."

I remember Larry Hagman best as Air Force Captain Anthony Nelson in I Dream of Jeannie*. And as a guy who may have drank more than I. Or maybe it was Barbara Eden I remember most. I don't remember ever watching an episode of Dallas. But I do remember "Who shot JR".

The Answer:
The cost of sending maids a milking as well as the very expensive five golden rings is up a big 6.1% to $107,300. The items that haven't gone up in in price are Maids-a-milking, ladies dancing, lords-a-leaping, calling birds, turtle doves and the partridge.

Some retiring congress people are wondering why so few of the new breed want to compromise. Well, it's because we are learning that, for instance, a congress compromised with LBJ and we got started on the road to the Fiscal Cliff. We see that Secular Humanists and their partners at ACLU don't want to consider simple logic when arguing over Nativity Scenes that have been residing in city squares for hundreds of years. In other words people are realizing, and have ample evidence, that compormising with ideologues is a totally one sided and losing proposition. History is pretty clear that compromising ideals has led to the downfall of most once great societies.

The ultimate Oxymoron.

Today's Tids Issue 2,718

Opening Stuff:

 

Have you ever wondered where all of those wonderful, happy emotions go. All of that energy that flows from the heart. All of that sincere goodness that emanates between friends and lovers, parents and children, brothers and sisters, aunts uncles and cousins. Wouldn't be nice if that all of the beautiful feelings of people accumulated in a special place, where it could be drawn upon in troubling times? But then it is, isn't it. All of that good is securely in the hearts of friends and lovers, parents and children, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. At times though, it is sadly forgotten or maybe just misplaced for a minute or two. But, it's in there. It never leaves.

One thing we as humans will never learn, is to pick the correct, unlocked  of two doors when entering a commercial building.

The Question:
Turkey Week Double Q. 1. Name three types of grapes used to make wine. What percentage of grapes are used to make raisins? Which coutry produces the most grapes?  2. Ok, now be honest, you have walked into a wine section of a liquor store and are overwelmed by the wall of wine around you and your first words are Holy S---! I use the Label/Price method, buying the best looking label with the cheapest price. Most prefer a little more knowledge. What type of wines should you avoid and which wines should choose for a thanksgiving meal?

The Headlines:
--Gaza Fighting Widens.
--Stocks Rallying As Optimism Over "FC" Deal Increases; Goldman Preparing For 8%Dip In S&P.
--Aspirin Sales Up As Americans Look Ahead To Holiday Traveling And Black Friday Shopping; RI Keeps Law On No Retail Openings On Thanksgiving In tact.
--0-Man Says "America Is With You to Myanmar"; Small Country Becomes 37th "America is With."
--Wal-Mart Moves Dividend Date Forward In Advance Of Fiscal Cliff.

Social: Pertaining to, devoted or characterized by friendly companionship or relations; Friendly or Gregarious; Of or pertaining to or suited to polite society; As a noun - Gathering as a church social. Well, the way I see it as a guy looking through a window from outside into this social media phenomenon, is not a bunch of people sipping lemonade at a church social. Social media has replaced politeness with irreverence, rudeness and slander. At times it is anything but friendly, and is used to hurt. To exclude.

How come somebody always pours out a super-sized drink just below my car door? How come anybody pours out a super-sized drink just below anybody's car door.

There was a time when nobody looked questioningly at two women or two men walking together.

A local sports columnist giving advice to Bill O'Reilly after the Cable news star  said in post election remarks that it was "the end of traditional America," observed -- "That train left years ago."

After listening to a CD of a Richard Strauss piece (Not to be confused with the waltz family), all other composers don't seem to measure up.

Except, maybe, the second movement of Chopin's Piano Concerto #1. Perhaps, after all, that is where all of the fulfilling emotions of lovers have gone to reside! Maybe old Franz just reached out and grabbed all of that love and put it in the notes he wrote.

As Cassatt and Brookins observed,  Seniors demanding scooters is some kind of cane mutiny!

My heart breaks for those displaced by major storm Sandy. But, my heart also roils against politicians who take to the soap box against the Electric and gas utilities. They look like fools pandering to potential voters by not appearing to understand how difficult it is to remove fallen trees and then restring dangerous electrical power lines -- how immense that task was across an area that was as big as Europe! Painting a false picture of the intentions of people working harder, under more trying conditions then they have ever had to work in their lives.. My heart goes to the stricken and my applause goes to the tireless work of linesmen and the people behind the scenes including management of the utilities. (Side note: My reliable sources tell me that the NY area power companies are still waiting to be paid fully for their tireless and dangerous work a full year ago on Irene!)

In case anybody is interested, I still eat spinach because Popeye once told me it would make me strong.

I came across an item that said Miley Cyrus had issued a restraining order against some stalker, trespasser. But after seeing the accompanying picture of the former cute-lil'-ole' Hannah Montana, I think she should have issued a restraining order against her stylist, hair dresser and  cosmetician. She looked like an over the hill actress...or worse.

Bill Clinton ruined the power of the Presiency for all to come when he stared regally into the camera, pointed a finger and said "I did not have sexual relaions with that woman, Miss Lewinski. Now when The Big "O" arrogantly protests anything which he seems to regularly, my and I'm sure other's reactionis "Yeah, right."

President Obama said the other day that the GOP should develop "a message of inclusion or it will fade away to nothingness". First of all, The Prez ain't about to offer advice to the Repubs about how to fix his opposition. He is only lobbying for votes for his Illegal alien rescue programs. The Repub message was all about inclusion. The Republicans were including everybody when they were saying they wanted to return to the America that afforded wonderful opportunities for all immigrant societies of the past. Second, not once did a candidate of Lincoln's Party slur a voting  constituency. In fact the only slurring that is done is by the Obama left and intellectual academics who relish ridiculing white men and married women. The religious and the moral.

Funniest Award of the Year, Department:
The Newport Democratic City Committee names David Cicillini "Democrat of the Year". The proclamation states that David was honored for his service to his (Union) constituents and for "Upholding the Principles of the Democratic Party." Let's see, David Cicillini was a well documented liar and a general all around weasel who ran a completely disingenuous campaign. 

The Answer:
1. The three most common grapes are Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot. Only 2% of grapes are used for raisins. Italy is the biggest producer of grapes, Almost all grapes in the world are direct relatives of those originally grown in Southern Europe and the Middle East. 2. For a Thanksgiving meal, avoid Cabernet and Chardonnay. A German Riesling is best by far as a white but not acceptable to enough pallets. And, you want American wines for Thanksgiving. Rhone Style whites from the West are the best option with brands Tablas Creek, JJ Bonaccorsi or McPrice "Terre Blanche". The base grapes are Viognier. The hands down choice for Turkey Day red is Pinot Noir. An Oregon Pinot from Tony Soter is a good choice. Red Zins are also acceptable. If you don't go American, maybe the best of all for turkey is the Gamay grape and the French Beaujolais. Or as pronounced by some Americans, "Gimmie somma dat there Bo-Jallis".

Dems from the Honcho level down to the average Joe are repeating the words, "Common' folks, let's mend fences." First, be wary of Dems repeating similar phrases. It's typically part of their all-on-the-same-page attack strategy. These rascals who were falsely accusing Repubs of pushing granny off the cliff, and worse, now are pretending that they are just nice guys only looking to get-along. Second, remember that "getting-along" is agreeing to everything they say.

My neighbor is an Israeli. He knows what getting along is all about and the frustration of searching for true peace. He is very sad now. His mother who was living here up to a week ago, just went back to Israel. Additionally, he is a dedicated, patriotic Israeli who has been a member of major Israeli support groups in the US. He knows that the US and a world media will begin to throw stones at the Israeli's for protecting themselves. He knows that Palestinians shoot their rockets from their own homes, hiding behind their children. Rockets that are purposely fired at centers of average Israeli citizenry. He knows that the leaders of  countries surrounding his own would like to see it dissolved even as they pretend to urge peace. My neighbor is an honest man. A very kind man, a doctor, who helps the disadvantaged. A goodhearted friend. Today he is sad. He mirrors a land full of people we have never met.

Blank page.

Today's Tids Issue 2,717

Opening Stuff:

Well, next week begins the time of celebrating the great gift that keeps on giving all year long -- the love of families.

Governor Chafee-Lite thinks it a good idea to name as chief honcho of the states overall education system a guy named George Coroulo who thinks it a good idea to have town school boards suing town councils for more money -- which doesn't even begin to make sense. His mindset is one that could undo all of the progress made by Dorothy Gist, while bankrupting towns long the way.

Finding sneakers for basketball players is no small feat.

The Question:
Sad news junk food lovers: After a prolonged strike, the union has forced Hostess to throw in the towel. The company will be selling off it's assets and the jobs for workers will no longer exist. Name five Hostess products which have reached cult status over the years.

The Headlines:
--Markets Opening Down -- Again.
--Obama Meeting With Reid, McConnell, Boehner And Pelosi. Prez Offers Smaller Plan.
--Turkey Prez Accuses Israel Of Staging Pre-Election Stunt In Gaza; Egypt Prez Calling For Truce.
--Israel Calls Up 16,000 Reservists.
--Veteran's Parade Float Caught On Railroad Tracks As Train came By; 4  Dead, 17 Injured.
--GOP Presidential Hopefuls Already Laying Groundwork For 2016.
--Miguel Cabrerra, Buster Posey MLB NL And AL MVP's.
--Petraeus testifying.
--Salvador Dali Etching Found In Tacoma WA Goodwill Store.

When did the words "I don't have any more money with which to pay you," stop making sense to union bosses?

Did you hear about the guy who stopped to smell the roses and developed an intense allergic reaction.

You have to expect that the conference between the big Five -- Prez + 2 each from Senate and House may have trouble moving forward considering that Mitch McConnell said of 0-Man's latest proposal just two days ago, "It's a joke." He also reiterated his opposition to taxing the "rich" and stated the Republicans will fight any WH proposal that doesn't include serious entitlement reform. So, it doesn't appear much will happen except that just before The Man steps upon the stairway to Air Force 1 for a trip to Asia, he will turn to the camera and say something to the effect that the Repubs are ruining America. And he, the do nothing President who frankly is the only real culprit, will disappear into the clouds.

I think I realized yesterday why young people work out so much. It's to have the strength to carry all of the booze, wine and beer out of liquor stores. I sensed tis as I was trying to lift a twelve pack of beer from a cooler shelf above my head. You know the drill, try to look cool to the muscular youths around you while wondering how you will ever be able to complete the task.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The last time a big movie about Lincoln was made was in the 1930's and I saw it in the forties as  part of my eduction in school The memories of the man are indelibly stamped firmly in my brain. The new version by Speilberg is excellent with amazing acting by all of the lead characters -- Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, though none reach the premiere status of Daniel Day Lewis as the Honest Abe. It moves from civil war strategies to the 13th amendment discussions to the relationship of Mary Todd and husband Abe. Hopefully it will become a new source of enlightenment for today's kids.
--Unfortunately, most kids will probably go to a new version of the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2, and vampires. I don't know anything about the film except that some say it isn't as good as the other films in the series. But, saga fans are man and they will go.
--Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina explores the capacity for love that is actiivel alive in eery person's heart. As Anna questions her happiness  and marriage, change that comes infects many around her. A good  film and will garb your emotions.

I lift a glass of warm grog to the seamen who work the docks dressed for winters wrath; performing tasks against the bite of icy harbor waters that never relent; hardy men and women rarely noticed by people who only see the order of boats in safe harbors when the warming sun calls them back to the sea.

The Answer:
It was the stubbornness of the union chiefs which directly led to the closing of Hostess, but it was the growing nanny state led by food nazi's that contributed to the declining sales and the disintegration of jobs for good people. But, through the black cloud are the smiles on kids faces enjoying Twinkies, Wonder Bread "That builds strong bodies 8 ways*", Ding Dongs, Devil Dogs, Ho-Ho's and Natures Pride. Not so sweet is the loss of jobs for 18,500 good people.
*Especially good for butter and sugar sandwiches.

Have a perfect weekend everybody! Start thawing your turkeys.

There must be more to observe today, but it just doesn't seem to be flowing into my mind.

Idiots and obscurers.

Today's Tids Issue 2,716I 

Opening Stuff:

 

I played golf this morn. It was a balmy forty degrees with gray skies above, windless day.  We had hopes when we started that the temp would tick up and it did -- 41,42,43... As the temp rose though, so did the cold breezes out of the North -- 2 knots, five, ten and then fifteen. It felt like a combination of sailing and skiing. We were dressed well and walking fast. We became enured to elements and were only bound up by the layers of clothing that interfered with our normally perfect precision swings. And the near frozen ball that went 20 yards shorter. But it was good. And invigorating. And.the  best part, there was nobody else to be seen on the course. Except of course, the nearby grazing Belted Galloway's, looking quite spiffy in the latest L.L.Bean fleece.               

God, that sounds like one of those inane entries on a FaceBook page doesn't! Tomorrow morning I'll describe my shower! I hate to start The Tids with "I". I should have started, "Did you hear about the the three doofusses who thought playing golf on a 40 degree day with a cold wind blowing in form the North was a good idea."               

As I implied in one of the Tidlets yesterday about my surprise that T-Day was already upon us and my not knowing what day it was, I was absolutely correct. You may have noticed the date atop yesterday's mess was 11/15. Ooops!

The Question:
Name the three Presidents immediately before and following Abraham Lincoln.

The Headlines:
--Benghazi Hearing Begin; Hillary To Testify.
--War Looms In Gaza As Killings Increase.
--New Jobless Claims Jump Back Over 400K To 439,000; Sandy Major Contributor To 20% Increase.
--EuroZone Back In Recession; US Manufacturers Worry About Disappearing Market.
--Hottest Stock Segment On Market: Housing; Mortgage Rates Sink To Another New Low.
--Giant Retailers Wal-Mart And Target Post Strong  Profit Numbers; Analysts Concerned About Big Wal-ly's Revenue Decline.

The girlfriend of the kid in "Zits" comic strip gives him back his ring, and he comments, "She is the only person who wore out a mood ring."

Another entirely weird week in the NFL brought us to 89-55-1. Yes 1! Who woulda thunk it? This will be another week of many picks that could go either way starting tonight with AFC East rivals Miami at Buffalo. Miami will hate the cold and the Bills will make the knocks harder by running at them with powerful backs. NE is supposed to beat Indy, but me, a die hard just isn't sure any more. Will Luck run out? I say yes. St. Louis has played several good teams tough and the Jets though bad last week need this win bad. But, I'll take St. L. I'm only picking the Skins over the Eagles becasue they are at home. Detroit and GB this week at the beginning of the year looked lie a championship showdown. It still could go either way and I'm picking a Lions upset. Tampa bay is on a roll and Carolina needs a win badly. Not this week. Balt at Pit will be a battle even without Rothlisberg. I gotta give it to the Ravens. The final hard choice is Chi at a disappointing SF. I'm picking the Niners. The rest of the winners are Dallas, Houston, Cinncy, Atlanta NO and Denver.

One of my new favorite lines I discovered recently is: "You often find your destiny on the road you took to avoid it." Another one I uncovered while researching ideas for a short essay on "facing crossroads in life" is one often heard around mud holes in Central Africa: "When the Hippo charges, stand still."

In a TV commercial for the new movie, Lincoln the announcer ends with "In select theaters, 'everywhere'." Say what?

Let's see, we are now 65 days past the killing of four brave Americans in Libya. The only thing you can be sure of from the promised release of data is that all of the pronouncements from the White House and State department will be well rehearsed diatribes that sound important but say absolutely nothing.

The new head of China, Xi, is described as a "compromising communist with a rock star wife". Sounds like our congress could work with a guy like him.

I was trying to make this a politics free issue, but there is just too much going around that tempts me. Ok, I'm weak.

The Gaza problem is an interesting one with many possible entanglements than those that appear on the surface. Hamas is the signature instigator, but the knowledgeable people say they are really emboldened by small Jihadist groups now residing and pushing in Gaza. The new President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood style Jihadist, is in a quandary about doing the will of his entire nation versus his Sect, the only thing he has really ever known his entire life. The action on Gaza which threatens the stability of the entire region may be expanded by the many small but effective Islamic Jihadist group infiltrating various Middle East countries. There mass is smalll, but their sting may be surprisingly painful.

Hey how about that Mittster! All of the righteous left and their media friends are up in arms because the Republican told the truth in a talk before his supporters, that as the pudgy commentator said, Obama is a Santa Claus, and too many have stockings hung with care.

The Answer:
The three before Abe were a Whig and two Democrats -- Good Ole' Millard Fillmore, Franklyn Pierce and James Buchanan.  Interestingly, Abe didn't blame any of them for the problems he inherited. The great bearded one was followed by Dem Andrew Johnson (Who along with Bill Clinton were the only Two Presidents impeached), Grant who was basically Use-lysis and the very memorable Rutherford B Hayes. It's tough to follow an icon.

I've been thinking that maybe climate change isn't the result of man made global warming at all. I'm thinking its because of all of the emails and tweets and other virtual intrusions floating around in space .Let's face it, all of this electronic activity in the cyber world just has to be moving a few molecules. Maybe I can the new and robust Gore to fund my new society.

The Gift that keeps on giving.

Today's Tids Issue 2,715

Opening Stuff:

 

Is there a luckier group of daily toilers than the journalists of America who must be thanking God* for the Petraeus affair. Also thanking the real Commander in Chief above, is the messiah in the White House for the glittering scandal which shifts the focus of short term American minds from the death of four in Libya to good old fashioned sex. (*If there are any Believers remaining in the media world.)

I was just merrily living my life when all of sudden somebody told me that next week was T-Day week! Life is a surprise a minute. Next thing you know somebody will tell me today isn't Monday.

I expect for the next week, newspaper food writers will be giving us recipe after recipe on how to make Thanksgiving dinner vegetables taste good. Here is on simple culinary trick that I have used successfully for many years -- Douse them thoroughly with ladles of turkey gravy...with a capital "G". Yum!

The Question:
Bonus Q day: 1. Name the four Generals who have labored as commander of the practically futile Afghan effort. 2. name five movies which starred the Great Daniel Day Lewis.

The Headlines:
--Petraeus To Testify Tomorrow at Benghazi Hearing.
--Obama Doubles Revenue-From-Taxes Objective Ahead Of Cliff Conference.
--Workers Across Europe Unite In Strikes And Protests As Southern Countries Fight Financial Woes And Depressed Factories Close Everywhere.
--Trove Of Classified Data Found In Broadwell's Home.
--Toronto Blue Jays Mega-Trade Assures Last Place Finish For Beloveds.
--Hu Says Xi Ok To be China Leader.
--Gore Urging "O" To Up Carbon Costs For Corps.
--Investors Looking At Apple's Bargain Basement ?) Stock Price, down about 23% since high.

New signs of the New America are emerging slowly on Wall Street and in Chicago where commodity traders are starting to seriously look at Cannabis. Traders are looking for High prices.

While watching the football games on T-Day, be thankful for our system of student athletes. Ohio State is 10-0 and maybe it's Urban Meyer's honesty to and about players that is one of his coaching secrets. On one of his players he says: "He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear. In fact I have seen his grades and it appears he doesn't know the meaning of many words." What do you say to a Miami U. (Fla) football player in a three piece suit? "Will the defendant please rise."

Here's a good dessert choice for next Thursday -- Chocolate-Caramel Pecan Pie. I'm reluctant to present this recipe because I am a big fan of good ole gooey pecan pie. But here goes anyhow. First, buy or make pie shell. (Note: This is a Big Government-free kitchen. Look up your own recipe. I can't do all of the work for you.) In a sauce pan combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/2 cp water. Cook without stirring over med heat until liquid is golden brown and caramelized. Turn off heat and slowly add 1 cp heavy cream, stirring consistently. Cook mixture over low heat for two minutes. Strain into bowl and cool for 10 mins. Preheat oven to 400. In another bowl beat 4 tbs of butter, 1/4  cp Bourbon and 2 lg eggs until smooth. Stir in1 cp toasted (5Mins) pecan halves. Melt 4 oz bittersweet chocolate and spread in bottom on crust. Pour pecan filling atop. Bake for 15 mins. Reduce heat to 350 and bake another 15. Note: rum or brandy can replace bourbon.

The great and wise Michelle Malkin has listed 20 things that went Right for election day. 1st among them is the Repub House. Some other notables are Repubs taking over the Wisconsin Assembly, Michigan voting down radical Union collective bargaining power grab, Ala, Mont and Wy passing measures limiting ObamaCare, Ted Cruz winning in Texas, very strong showings in governor races, Oklahoma saying no to to government race based preferences in college admissions and public contracting and Government hirings...and people in Montana voting down boundless benefits for illegals and requiring parental permission for abortions. There were many examples of states preserving the rights of states.

Jill Kelly doesn't fit my image of a "socialite". She looks more like a reality show star.

I really hate the phrase, "Reality show star".

Ironic News Story of the Day, Department:
Actually this is a sad tale of three pilots from Mississippi who set off in their plane yesterday to attend an FAA Safety Conference 36 miles away, only to perish in a crash. It's one of those mixed emotions stories.

The latest good news for Journalists is that Paula Broadwell's Dad says "You ain't seen nothin' yet."

Before the Toronto trade, this was going to be a very interesting hot stove season for the beloved Red Sox. Now, they could be heading towards panicville. Let's hope the cool head of Amherst educated Charington prevails.

General William Kip Ward, Head of the US Africa Command seems to be taking a page out of his bosses playbook. Probably influenced by the famed Obama date nights and luxurious travels by the over staffed 1st Lady, Ward was using US taxpayer dollars to send his wife on 1st Class shopping sprees. Unlike his mentor, Ward was demoted. The White House issued a statement, "The Prez ain't no stinking role model".

RI, First and Last Department:
--Let's raise a glass of milk in honor of Mary Jo Fletcher Larocco for winning the $10K first prize in The Hood Dairy Cooking Competition against cooks from all New England. --Then we have the teachers who contributed to RI securing last place among 50 states as the state with the greatest percentage (50%) of teachers taking off more than 10 days. "But, my union told me to do it."

The Answer:
1. Now everybody knows Petraeus and John Allen. The other two are David McKiernan and Stanley McChrystal. 2. What an amazing, versatile actor is DD Lewis. I remember him first in My Left Foot. Others are mt Beautiful Launderette, Gangs of New York, The Last of the Mohicans, In the Name of the Father and There Will be Blood.

What happened to the morning? No wonder T-Day came up so fast.

Something just cracks me up about the headline Hu approves Xi. Does that mean  I'm intolerant?

Nonsense.

Today's Tids Issue 2,714

Opening Stuff:

 

My guess is that the courageous in the White House and Congress will postpone falling off a cliff for yet another year. I always thought that a can with dents in it meant something inside could be dangerous to your health.

Self proclaimed American Indian Elizabeth Warren would have been better off sending smoke signals at her first news conference. Even the most die hard of myopic liberals were concerned about how she bombed without a script. Basically what she showed was the intellectual arrogance of the intolerant left. Many a person told me they were going to vote for her because she was so smart. Smart about what -- her ideologies versus mine? Smart...like Jimmy Carter?

The Question:
The Tids, is always looking for ways to bridge the gap between the wanters and workers. So at the start of this new political year now under the helm of our most partisan and giving President, I thought a Daily Question about Love would be most appropriate. Every composer knows that he or she can make big bucks writing about "The Power of Love". Name three performers who have had hits with songs incorporating the words, those words that just about everybody has felt at least once in their lives.

The Headlines:
--Oddness: In 59 Philadelphia Precincts Romney Got "0" Votes.
--The White House Looking More And More Suspect As Manipulators Of Petraeus Affair.
--Indicators say EU Recession Close; Could Get Ugly By Spring; Will Affect US Economy.
--FaceBook Issuing 800 Million New Shares.
--Petraeus Mess Widens.
--Heir Apparent To Microsoft Top Job Leaves Unexpectedly; Head Of New Windows 8 Development Out After 2 Weeks Since Launch.
--Congress Wants Petraeus On Hill For Benghazi Hearings.

There's an old saw among writers that says "Fiction must make sense". So that brings us to the non-fiction tale of Petraeus and galloping emails. Now we get news that General John Allen the commander in Afghanistan has sent and received 30,000 ages of emails to and from the newly infamous third women in the Petraeus affair, Jill Kelley! Yikes. This seems to have less to do with The Power of Love than the love of power. Women after men with stars. Kind of a pension plan. So, maybe all of these Taliban in Afghan uniforms were sneaking in while Allen was asleep at the laptop.

By the way, this Jill Kelly must be quite the alluring vamp. It now surfaces, to add to he oddities of this non-fiction tale, that the chief FBI investigator in the Petraeus caper was sending Jill K pics of himself  sans shirt.

I think on Sunday I reached a new low in mindlessness.  I didn't get the cartoon "Family Circus. How can you not get, Family Circus.

One thing I have consistently supported on ballots over the years has been approval of bonds to purchase farms and other open space for eternal preservation. I just don't like rampant, unthinking development, especially in a state that is losing rather than gaining population. I'm more in favor of energizing used land, and there is plenty of it coming available each year. But, last week I heard a spokes person for the ASPCA thanking voters for creating space for animals! Now, I'm not so sure that spending money for the happiness and over population by promiscuous deer is  dear to my heart. I thought we were spending it for people. What ever happened to people?

Let's hear it for Charlie Beljan. Charlie is a PGA golfer who going into this weeks tour event, knew he was going to lose his card if he didn't win. After the first round, which he barely finished, he was carried off on a stretcher. The pressure was so great that he suffered a panic attack that looked more like a heart attack or massive stroke. He was essentially helpless as he stumbled off 18. The next day the docs said,  "No golf". Charlie didn't listen and went out and shot well enough to get the lead. Well, the great ending to this tale is that he kept and improved that lead til the final hole. He walked off on steady legs. I'll be following Charlie next year. It reads like ficton and would make a great sports movie.

Steven Spielberg says that he was a particularly interested in producing the Lincoln movie because Abe showed how big government can help people. So this darling of the glitterazzi thinks of Abe as the Father of run-away bureaucrats. Personally, I remember most, Abraham Lincoln's words: "Of the people, By the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth.

Yesterday I surmised that the FBI had to know about this Petraeus affair when he was vetted, and now we know that the very sneaky Eric Holder knew at least six or more months ago.

Football Notes:
This NFL season continues to be one of the weirdest ever. Near dead teams continually rise from the ashes and those that were never supposed to be, become. Just this past week, we had Tenn, Cinn, St. Louis and almost the Chiefs making a mockery out of expert opinion. --The top 25 in college have three 10-0 team 1,2,3 and one 10-0 team Ohio State, sixth. Does this mean that the bloom is off the rose for the once mighty Big Ten which now doesn't appear to provide "Strength of schedule" benefits. That the league with the best sports promoting staff is losing out to reality? --Lehigh U loses to Colgate thus setting up a quandary for for FSC playoff selectors.

The Answer:
The first one I thought of was the song by Hughy Lewis. Then there is a completely different, and very popular version by Celine Dion. Jennifer Rush has a popular version almost like Dion's and then there another by Gabrielle Alpin. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNpeK7sDLzE

We live in a world of humans. And the frailties are not diminished by accomplishment.

The Power of Love comes from above.