Smiles up!

Today's Tids Issue 2,736

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, Happy New Year everybody. Let's hope all of this cliff talk isn't an omen of what's to come. It will be an interesting year ahead. We still haven't heard what The President really has in store for us and President Medvedev. But. my guess is that is that his slip on the open mike was a signal to the left to stick with him. I think he sees that much of what he proposes will be bound up in Congress, so expect lots of regulations especially where the environment,, unions and entitlements are concerned. So where the 0-Man goes is and will be a mystery. He supplies plenty of innocuous droning, as he did with lapboy David Gregory on Meet the Press. Nothing though, giv es hope that that he knows how or wants to right the ship. Only that he wants what he wants, and that's the way it is. But, I guess the good thing for 2013 is that America is still America, and there are many more people going about their business every day than there are those naysayers who get the ink and prime-time videos. I'm just going to keep on smiling and being positive about how great we are. I think we have the weight of reality on our side.

I'm thinking that "The Cliff" Will receive the Golden Globe as best overall Cable News reality show.

Well we proved one truism this weekend: Tony Romo will make a key error in a big game.

The Question:
Triple "Q" Bonanza! 1. A woman from Cranston RI, Stacie Venagro, was just named Miss Fitness America, joining Miss Universe Olivia Culpo in the parade of Cranston beauties. Many of you have shed a tear or two for another fictional, beautiful, working class family woman from Cranston. Who is she? 2. 133 years ago today there was one of those game changing inventions which today environmentalists have successfully doomed for tomorrow. What is it and who invented it? 3. Name the 9 most battered stocks of 2012.

The Headlines:
--Last Minute Progress On Debt Talks Raises Hope.
--Hillary Hospitalized.
--9 Die, 20 Injured As Tour Bus Plunges 200 Feet Off Snowy, Icy Mountain Highway.
--Assad Troops Battling To Retake Damascus.
--More Killer Bombings Across Iraq As Sectarian Venom Grows.
--al-Qaida Offers Bounty On US Ambassador To Yemen.
--Hugo Chavez Faces Post Surgery Problems.

In case you haven't seen it, here is the latest, almost close enough to kiss deal from Dems.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/two-sides-now-absurdly-close-124000145.html

I remember how excited I was looking forward to my first real New Years Eve Party. I was probably 13 at the time and expceted that something magic would happen. Of course there is no magic, just noise makers and late nights. I learned that pretty fast that first night. It was dullsville all the way, and as I remember, a big letdown...totally underwhelming. Of course, all night long I was particularly concerned about the gigantic red zit on the end of nose. Maybe that's why nobody talked to me.

I see where a Judge in France as ruled that the new socialist Hollende Government must rescind the 75% income tax on the rich as being unfair. Hmmm

The Commissioner of the NHL, Gary Bettman, looks like your basic Crime Boss. But then, he is up against your classic Gun-for-Hire, Donald Fehr.

I see where two time loser Kate Winslett is on to number three hubby. He's a guy born Ned Smith but who renamed himself Ned Rocknroll. Sounds like a real mature, rational, citizen of substance. "Rocknroll"? Can you say husband number 4?

Despite what the Red Sox PR department is inferring about the 2013 season, I have absolutely no hope for the playoffs.

Whoever decided that the Pin was the paragon of neatness? Intrigued by own question, I decided to find out why "Neat as a Pin" became accepted as the equivalence of neatness. It was that mass production made perfectly smooth pin every time, and in that era was very impressive and neat and clean.

Is there a more meaningless phrase in this great land of ours than "Debt Ceiling"?

Well it was a terrific weekend for football fans. The final weekly Pickem number for the Tids Sports department was 14-2 and a year long record of 171-82-1 (67%) Next year -- 75%! You had to love how Adrian Peterson seemed to carry the Vikings on his back, drawing up every ounce of power in those amazing legs of his and a heart that never gave in. How about Peyton Manning carving up yet another opponent, and the Denver defense holding them down. The Patriots looked very sharp, crisp like a team that could go all the way. And they loved the Christmas present from the Colts. Rookie QB's Luck, RGIII and Wilson all guided their teams to the playoffs, and they are fun to watch. I think we now have a tremendous final 12, where next week any team can win. It's going to be fun, that is if you like football.

40 years ago today, a great baseball player, and one of my all time favorites to watch, loaded food and supplies into a plane and took off for Nicaragua on the kind of humanitarian, caring mission which was part of his immense heart. The plane crashed, killing Roberto Clemente. I shudder every time I think of it.

Now it's "Do we have to stay up all the way til Midnight".

The Answer:
1. The beautiful woman from Cranston who had everybody whoever read the book or saw the movie Love Story sobbing, was Jennifer Cavalleri. 2. Thomas Edison invented the dreaded incandescent bulb in 1879 and saw his experiment come to light on December 31. 3. You are probably aching if you owned Groupon, Hillshire Brands, Apollo Group (U Of Phoenix), Alpha Natural Resources (Coal), Best Buy, Marvell Technology (Chip maker sued for stealing technology), Herbalife, JC Penny and Hewlett-Packard.

As we start the year, you have to wonder how Illinois will solve their $200 Billion underfunded pension problem. Yikes! Add to that the Demands for new state taxes for ObamaCare, and Illinois could be the first bankrupt state in history. So while everybody is worried about the taxes associated with The Cliff, it may be increased state taxes to fund the hungry, bloated new health care system that will really cripple. Feel good if you live in one of those states that decided to opt out of the OC Exchange. In other words, free stuff from the Gov ain't free. At least, for the people who pay taxes.

There's no truth to the rumor that tomorrow's history books will not include Thomas Edison.

Happy New Year everybody! Seriously, have fun tonight.
 

Frozen fingers.

Today's Tids Issue 2,736

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, the end of lazy-week and too many veggie casseroles is near. My body is craving a return to unhealthy food and common everyday incidents.

So, if the country falls into the abyss, and the knowledgeable citizens riot in the streets, will the admin blame it on an anti Notre Dame film? Actually, Americans are too ambivalent to riot in the streets, and I don't think the Government is brave enough to incur rancor.

Frankly, I really enjoy 27 degree mornings scraping ice and snow off the car. It sort of like an ethereal connection with nature. And always quiet.

The Question:
What do you think are the top ten movies of the year?

The Headlines:
--Deal Reached That May Prevent Paralyzing Longshoreman Strike
--Obama And Team Sweating Out Cliff In White House War Room; Repubs Sweating It Out In Planes, Trains and Automobiles Returning To Washington.
--George HW Improving; Alert.
--Another Man Shoved To Death In NYC Subway.
--Stocks Falter As Cliff Solutions Become Vague; DOW Down 158.
--Syria Opposition Rejects Moscow Invite.

Too many people forget it seems, that the hard fought for Freedoms that have made The USA so special for so many years, also come with daunting responsibilities. Freedoms don't exist in a vacuum, but within an interconnected web of dissimilar humans.

I heard someone say today that REIT's were his best portfolio holding over the past year. Actually. I have enjoyed REITs myself in the past, but have heard sketchy enthusiasm for them in recent years. However, with signs arising out of the mist in a resurgent strong housing and real estate industry, the high paying REIT's may be what is needed now in days of uncertainty about the Cliff et all.

I was in a deli in Camden Maine last night, getting a sandwich and some edible goodies for dinner. Most restaurants were closed because of the snowstorm. I like walking in freezing slush in 26 degrees with 30 knot winds. It builds up you appetite. So, anyhow I quickly named the two people in the customer-less store -- Dumb and Slow. I asked "Dumb", the order taker, several questions like do you cook your own meats, what kind of quiche are those (Pointing my finger) or is your tuna white. Each time Dumb said she didn't know and called over Slow, the apparent man in charge and food preparer, who also had a particularly difficult time with the tuna, saying. I think it begins with an "A". I said, "Albacore". he nodded triumphantly. Actually, Dumb did answer one question, "Do you have chicken salad?" She said firmly, "No!" I looked up at the menu board and saw Chicken Salad with Tomato on baguette. I said. "It says you have chicken salad." She turned back to Slow asking do we have chicken salad, "Of course," came the answer. I asked Dumb if she knew my Spell Check. She looked at me quizzically, and went to wash windows. Meanwhile Slow was performing an Ed Norton, lots of flurry but no action. After several rituals and putting away containers he snatched my order sheet off his clipboard and came over. "What's this mean?' he said pointing. "Roast beef with Swiss and mayo on Foccacia," I said. We don't have Foccacia," he said. I looked up at the board, "Baguette?" "We don't have baguette's. I think you want rye." "Good," I said. "What does 1/4 pound chicken mean?" he now asked. "It means," I said, "that I want to take home a 1/4 pound of your chicken salad." "Like in the raw, no bread?" he said. He now spent several minutes looking for a scale, and I could tell he had no idea about how to weigh chicken salad. He finally rigged up a chicken salad weighing system. It was an ordeal. My wife thought I had been sucked into a snow drift. PS: The Food was delicious. Who knew.

I see that a NYC woman was charged with fraud for setting up a FaceBook page to dupe caring Newtown Connecticut people into sending her money for a fake funeral fund. Another candidate for the death penalty.

Most people in the Northeast were pretty excited about the snow...except for the news reporters who prefer disaster aspects of any natural event. Snow storms are rarely as bad as portrayed by the media.

It seems that many of the Middle East countries don't want what the western democracies have planned for them. Which proves once again, that some people have different opinions of the world.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--Django Unchained (Or Ode to Joe Biden) is the movie that possessed Chris Foxx to exclaim that he gets to kill all of the white people. Foxx plays a slave brutalized by former owners, drawn into an odd alliance with a cruel German bounty hunter. Many say it is much to long and actually feel s long. But it is a combo of humor and revenge and horror, so Tarrantino gets the emotions going. And again plays with history.
--Every time I see the scene in the promo where the kid whips a Louisville slugger into Billy Crystal's nuts, I vow not watch that movie. But, I like Crystal (Not a big fan Of Midler). These two grandparents babysit for their Grandchildren and it becomes a wild and comical battle of the generations. If you are into Light and Funny, see it. I just can't get past the pain.

The Answer:
Ok, match yours against this list: Lincoln, Les Miz, Zero Dark Thirty, Argo, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Hitchcock, The Life of Pi, Skyfall, Silver Linings Playbook and Ted. Rotten Tomato, one of my favorite sites has a more extensive list which may interest you -- http://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/?year=2012

Ok, sometime over the weekend I want you to say three times fast: "The Waldoboro Barn near Nobleboro". Could be a great ice breaker at New Years Cocktail Parties.

Actually, this issue reads more like numbed mind than frozen fingers.

Pinch me.

Today's Tids Issue 2,732

Opening Stuff:

Yup...I'm still here.

Maybe the Mayan calendar was predicting the collapse of Boehner's Plan "B" and the resultant stock market fall. There' a a lot of rankling around and about DC about getting the rich. That's all it can be, because increased taxing of the rich doesn't have any bearing on solving Problem 1: The spending addiction of congress and the President. They are, they say protecting the middle class, and to them that must include all of those who get something for not working. Of course retirees aren't working, but they always figured they were contributing yearly portions of their pay checks to an honest government, who would not siphon off their hard earned money from a "Trust" fund to pay for their spending whims. Much like Madoff, I'd say. So today, for many, it could mark the beginning of a Mayan style catastrophe. This is especially true for seniors who could watch helplessly as their 401K's and other self directed pension funds get clobbered. Making it even more apparent how easily a suffocating government can gently place a pillow over large segments of honest Americans. to win votes from others.

It's 9:30. I'm hearing church bells. 1. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.

The Question:

Les Miz is sure to be honored Oscar night. What movie musicals have received the most Oscars?

The Headlines:

--Churches Across America At 9:30 Begin Ringing 26 Bells.
--Dow Tanks 120, NASDAQ 41 On Opening After Boehner Cancels Call For Vote On Cliff Stopping Plan "B".
--Gun Control Haggling Heard In State Houses Throughout Nation' 0-Man Firmly On Anti-Gun Bandwagon..
--NK Snags US Citizen; Unnamed Person Is Said To Have Admitted To Several Crimes.
--Midwest Clobbered.
--Egypt Christians Say Islamists Keep Them From Polls.
--Syrian Rebs Continue To Push To Pick Up Strategic Towns In March Towards Over-All Victory.
--Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton Admits To EarningEextra Household Income As High Priced Las Vegas Escort; Charged $6,000 For 24 Hour Hand Holding.

Good news, it's almost summer. The days start getting longer after today. Feel the rays!

I still don't see any reason to pass my life through FaceBook, or using it to contact sellers I can contact directly. I must be a dunce or something.

So how come the Atheists didn't call upon the ACLU to intercede upon the ringing of church bells for the Newtown dead children?

Like so many things in this world, critics will surely work to find what's wrong instead of dwelling on the beauty of accomplishment.

I guess since there were only 26 bells, Lanza,s Mom Nancy, a good, loving woman I hear, was not considered a victim.

Has there ever been a better name for a prostitute than that for recently revealed ex-athlete Suzy "Favor".

Did you hear about the murder of poor ol Juan Gonzales? Two Mexican detectives determined he was killed by a Golf Gun...becasue it made a hole in Juan!

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reveiws:

--There will be negatives about Lex Miz -- like too many closeups during songs -- but the power of the story and the excellence of the acting at all levels wil make this beautiful evening for ardent Miz fans and newbies alike. Hathaway will win an Oscar. However, the musical Les Miz is so important in the minds of many reviewers, I suspect that a few may say that the movie didn't reach the standards they had preset in their minds for it.

--Jack Reacher is a pretty good chase down the bigger than life, super hit-men suspect film. Cruise is his usual manic self as he sifts through the five best known for hire killers to get the one who has murdered five with six deadly shots. It's tense and cool and I hope to see it some day.

The Answer:

With 10, West Side Story rocked the academy awards. Other big winners were Caberet (8 Oscars but no best Pic)) and Best Pic  winners, Gigi, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Oliver and Chicago. Mary Poppins also received some recognition but no best Pic.

Why grovel in angst on this Friday before a weekend that will lead to Christmas giving. A time when Congress forces us to worry about them when all of the energy in our hearts should be going to people who are a part or have touched our lives. And for sure to people we don't even know, but need a  helping hand. The gift of Christmas is one of generosity and promise. For Christians, it is the beginning of a new birth for all humans, and for non-Christians it should reinforce goodness and caring in all hearts. It should be a season of one. Regardless how we define it, positive feelings for others is exactly the same.

Be a true Christian. Take an ACLU member to lunch.

Coming together nicely.

Today's Tids Issue 2,731

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, it's Wednesday and less than a week before Christmas. I guess it's time to get serious about the season. The forces that occur each year around this time are assuming that cumulative mass that in a twinkling will trip an explosion of people moving simultaneously to each other. And the smiles of love that will light up the world will be like all of the stars in the sky. Can you feel the energy?

One of the best things about growing up in the Fifties era is that there was always a Rogers and Hammerstein tune playing happily somewhere in the background.

While the economy will grow sluggishly in the coming months, "time, that can heal all wounds" may be at the point where investors may be drifting away from safe havens like Gold and corporate Bonds and venturing back into equities. All of that underutilized institutional cash coupled with the availability of many undervalued stocks, may induce a market even with mediocre fundamentals to rise dramatically. Just so long as we can rappel safely down the cliff.

The Question;
Double "Q" Day: 1. Name five happy Rogers and Hammerstein tunes. Bonus: Who is Olivia Culpo?

The Headlines:
--Newtown Residents Crowd Churches For Third Day Of Funerals; Heroic Principal Remembered.
--Repubs Expected To Pass Own Tax Bill As Alternative To Cliff.
--Stocks Up Again.
--Official Inquiry Into Benghazi Issues Scathing Report On Inadequacy Of Leadership And Management At State Department; Report Tarnished Hill's 4 Year Record.
--NRA Pledges To Help Stop Massacres.
--Egypt Protests In Advance Of Final Constitution Vote Continue.

The anti-gun group has a new definition for automatic weapons -- "Weapons of War". Going for the emotional kill -- so to speak. Actually I have pretty much the same opinion on guns and gun control as I had going back at least 40 or more years or so when I worked for the Ad Agency for Colt Fire Arms company. Several of my friends were Executives handling the account so at lunch the subject of gun control came up. This is not new. The fervor of gun owners and the frenzy of anti-gun people is the same. Back then I argued with my friends about the need for proper registration and against the need for automatic weapons, like the M-16 and AK 47 Colt was producing for the Viet Nam war. Their position was always "If we let them have an inch, they will want a mile next." I could agree with that position, but I still had trouble thinking why it was a bad idea to know that criminals weren't getting guns and why hunters needed automatic  weapons. So that's what I felt bakc then, and pretty much feel now.

It appears that ObamaCare with it's 2600 pages and 13,000 additional pages of rules and regulations is bigger than the Bible, with rules more suffocating that the ten commandments may be for a growing amoral society.

An observant reader wrote implying that I may have a food fixation and should seek help. Why, just because I have a whoopie pie collection?

Time Mag, as many of you probably know by now, has made 0-Man their "Person of the Year" along with these words: "We are in the midst of historic cultural and demographic change, and Barak Obama is the symbol and in some ways, the Architect of this new America." The first thing that jumps out is "New America" which is averse to all self determined people who are watching a decline in culture, morals and responsibility and dependency upon run-away Big Government largess. Then I have to wonder how anybody including the Indonesia Kid could be an architect of "demographic change"! And, how about the use by Time's editors of the phrase "in some ways", a clear case of hedging their bets. Well, the Prez can put this next to his Nobel Prize. Who knows, maybe the Academy will give him an Oscar for best Big Time Actor.

I see where Joe Biden is heading up the Admins gun policy search committee. If I remember correctly, the last big admin job headed by the National Plagiarist Laureate resulted in...in...come to think of it, I can remember nothing associated with Biden that resulted in anything.

The Conscience: Chapter 12 continues.
   The aromas from the kitchen of this very small, but obvious  special little restaurant looking down upon the complicated Genoa harbor almost made me forget my martini. Mua was a restaurant that belied the industrial grime and waterfront chaos for which this area of northern Italy has always been known. In fact, I was impressed with the charming alleys leading to the Piazza del Erbe, walking fast to keep up with my beautiful host who was all business all the time. People just didn't get in her way. She had that look --Move aside or die.
   But at Mua it was all grace and as she beguiled the staff with her smile and they obviously respected her as a great customer and maybe more. Being with her, probably made me important too.
   We sat at one of the better tables in this very contemporary, very Italian feeling room. Like the inside of  Lamborghini. She immediately ordered Testeroli, a chewy pasta she told me, for us to split. She turned to me after she ordered, "This will warm your stomach while I tear out your heart." Once again, I gave her my inert look, but did manage a sarcastic smile. I could tell if it was humor of wrath in her face.
   "Would you be surprised if I told you that Bernard yachts had just been wracked by a major explosion?" Her face did not react. "And that there is a lot of early evidence it was sabotage?"
   "Why would I know that?" It was the obvious answer from someone as practiced as Angelica Baglietto
   "Why?" I just said that, and reached for a piece of bread which I broke and took a bite, just as my Martini and her glass of wine arrived. "Hmmm, this is quite good."
    "Of course, you are in Italy."
    "Why?" I said again. "Why? Because you are very smart and know everything that is happening with this negotiation." Ilooked at her and added, "Including my life history".
    "Oh, I know a lot, but I am just a mere pawn for my father and Mother. You will have to meet them." I just realized that I hadn't reached for my booze.
    "Pawn? You would never be a pawn." I now took the glass and sipped. I felt the fluid moving slowly through every vein. There was no better sensation than that first drink.

Today is the 14th anniversary marking only the second impeachment of a President of the US. Judgeing by the popularity of Mr. Willie, I guess that sour note did not leave a lasting impression. I guess we now live in the world of Nothing Matters.

The Answer:
1. How many have gleefully hummed to "June is busting out all over", Whistle a happy tune", "O what a beautiful Morning", "People will say we're in love" or "Getting to know you." Bonus: Olivia Culpo is Miss Rhode Island and Miss USA, and will represent the US in Tonight's Miss Universe event. Go RI, go!

My Spell-Check has no imagination.

See you all tomorrow!

Something's different.

Today's Tids Issue 2,730

Opening Stuff:

 

While walking through a supermarket yesterday I seemed to see Mom's picking up special treats for kids. They would pause with their hands on Popsicles or apples or bags of Reece's pieces and look up, thinking quietly for a brief moment, before their faces turned into a smile and they gently placed the item in the basket.

Mark Burnett who has made millions producing reality shows like Survivor and The Voice is moving into a new direction. Since marrying Roma Downy (Remember her, Tess in Touched by an Angel) he has a new outlook on life and the importance of religion in it. Even some bigs in Hollywood are agreeing and putting up money for his new scripted series for the History Channel -- The Bible. Maybe Roma really is an angel.

Peace between Israel and Palestine is one thing. Peace between Israel and Palestine with Hamas is an entirely different premise.

The Question:
Hollywood isn't what it used to be. For instance when stars like Doris Day got publicity it was mainly because her movies, even though lightweight, were appreciated by the public. Today, when similar stars like the bubbly Katie Homes get notoriety, it is generally because of something other than movie performances, like being the object of affection for the manic Tom Cruise. To prove this point, name five Katie Holmes movies>

The Headlines:
--Gun Control Talk Begins To Intrude Upon Mourning Of Dead Children.
--Classes Resume In Newtown.
--WWII War Hero Senaor Daniel Inouye Dies; Gained Familiarity In Watergate Hearings.
--NBC Journalist Richard Engel Freed After Being Captured In Syria By Unknown Group.
--Home Builder Confidence At New Highs; Economists See Next Years As Sluggish Growth; Stocks Look To Be Positive for 2013.
--Egypt's New Constitution Appears Headed Towards Approval; Opposition Unrelenting.
--Boehner, Obama Crawling Towards Solution.
--Russia Sends Warships To Syria For Possible Evacuation After Rebels Gain New Foothold In Damascus.

Rasmussen Poll: 73% of Americans want Government to stop spending. The Obama admin has a unique ability of hiding reality as in the current case of inducing the media and subsequent discussions being about quibbling about the level of who is considered rich. This focus is light years away from fixing the ongoing problem of mindless spending by a government feeding off itself and dragging taxpayers into a rat hole. And the people know it.

My hand moves faster than the speed of light to any package in a market labeled "Buttery".

I have problems with the oft used phrase "Love is better the second time around". Love is love. It isn't a less or more thing. It is a whole thing.

Good auto designs are those that seem to live solidly through several visual eras. One in particular I think is the Volvo Station Wagon. But then, that is me and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or else we wouldn't have the Ford Flex or the Dodge Charger.

I saw an item about "Foods that can give you headaches", so being the committed reporter that I am I looked into it for your Benedikt. What I saw was an inane video discussion between two woman about innate chemical makeup of various foods that can start the head pounding. As far as I can determine just about any food from bananas and onions to hotdogs and cheese to overcooked soups can produce the pulsations. I heard no mention of Cheetos.

I like corn meal encrusted felt of sole. So I'm thinking that a good recipe might be it's cousin. Cheetos encrusted Sole. Take some nice flets and douse with lemon juice. next, but a good handful of Cheetos int oa plastic bag and step on it til crumbled. Drop flets into bag and roll around until coated. Lay in lightly olive oiled cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 25 mins. Warning: This recipe has not been tested in the Kitchens Of Tidsland, but has possibilities.

Speaking of foodies, we may be under assault from Brazilian chefs who are trying to promote the tuber Manioc as an official food of the country  and trying to woo the aristocracy into believing it is the new chic craze even though it was always a wild, growing plant consumed by the poor. It is  also known as cassava, yuca, mogo, mandicoa and kamoteng ahoy, and is a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae. I don't eat shrubs. So beware of high priced restaurants trying to overwhelm you with their new "find".

Memo to Union Protestors: Right to work, is in reality the right to get large companies interested in bringing jobs to state.

So tell me, exactly what is wrong with hoarding, other than the fact that anal people don't like it.

The more time I spend writing, the more I am drown in my inadequacies. But, when an idea pops up on a page directly from the mind without overwrought analysis, it never loses it's uniqe freshness.

The Answer:
Kate Homes and Kate Hudson among others are the "bubblies" of today. Frankly, I like Hudson quite a bit. But Homes is the question: She has appeared in these memorable films: Her first big roole was in The Ice Storm, and it may be her most memorable. Some others are Batman, Abandon, Thank You for Smoking, Mad Money, First daughter, The Extra Man, The Romantics, Don't be Afraid of the Dark, The Son of No One,  Jack and Jill. Actually I may have seen some of those but don't remember Holmes at all, except maybe in Ice Storm.

The Shoe comic strip defines Political Correctness as "Always having to say you're sorry even when you're not."

A twinkling world for Newtown.

Today's Tids Issue 2,729

Opening Stuff:

 

Awaiting Santa, being good
Like any other child would.
12 little girls just giggles away,
From the start, of their day.
8 little rambunctious boys,
No longer, making noise.

Now we have our Silent Night.
Maybe a candle is what's right.
Let Santa leave one shown,
Aglow, in every little child's home.

I'm one of those rabid fans of Les Miz who can hardly wait to see the movie. I'm hoping they don't overdo the special effects just because they have a big screen to work with. After all, even though there are gun shots and battles, it's not about war but what's in the hearts of people. And of course music. Beautiful music.

A valuable reader reminds us of the following dichotomy, one among many within the US government. The Department of Agriculture is proudly distributing free meals and money to the highest number of welfare recipients ever - 46 million. The Department of Interior administering National Parks says "Do not feed the Animals", the stated policy being they will being they will grow dependent on handouts and not learn to take care of themselves.

The Question:
Today is a good day to be inane. Name five Farrelly brother's movies?

The Headlines:
--The Country Became Still For Several Moments Last Night.
--Dow, HASDAQ Up Nicely; Apple Resisting Move Lower Towards 500.
--Syria VP Says Rebels Cannot be Defeated; Says Assad family Planning Exit Strategy.
--Boehner Moving Towards Kissing Obama's Ring.
--Iraq Sees Wide Spread Bombing, Death, Over The Weekend.
--Tim Scott To Replace DeMint; Scott First Modern Day Southern Black In Senate.
--Traders Betting Against Japanese Yen; Yen Has Passed Euro As Most Shorted Currency;

Are diabetics allowed to eat sweet potatoes?

Beware of Antique shops that use words like "Attic" and "Yesterday" in their names. Personally I generally regard antique furniture as that not mass produced in factories. This makes my ability to buy antiques dear, I mean really expensive.

Ok, if they can build bike paths on roads in the middle of the city, why not rope tows on the sides of hilly country roads for skiers?

Definition of the word "Suck": The New England Patriots I=in the first half of last night's game.

Every time I see people getting excited about the "Arab Spring" and now the Syria impending takeover, my thoughts always go back to academia darling, Che, and the Cuba his inspired revolution gave us under Castro.

Japan is the greatest example of why Government supported, and not market determined, economies will eventually fail under debt loads.

Obama is approaching the Cliff talks using the "Player to be named later" strategy. For all of you not familiar with this mysterious baseball trade ploy, Team "A" will send a good player or two to team "B" for a good player or two and team "B" promises to send them a player to be named later; almost always a player never heard of and generally never to be seen again. Get the picture. "Give me my vengeance against the rich now and I'll give you something nice later." Yeah right.

We definitely need a cooling off process, so that all of the solutions to crowded place killings in the future will be considered intelligently. Too often tragedies are used to further agendas rather than sensibly solving problems.

As tragic as Newtown is, it is probably not symptomatic of a crumbling US, or world. Horror has been with human's through the ages. Recently outside the US, Scotland had Dunblane where 16 children were slaughtered and Germany had Albertville where 15 were mowed down. Then of course we will never forget the ultimate Monster of the 30's and 40's who killed millions. And children will die again  because what is in the minds of the irrational can not be predicted. We can only strongly reinforce the need for a more moral world, where a sense of guilt and conscience returns to the hearts of all.

I have never "got" Nicholas Cage, and actually find him irritable to watch.

I was happy to see that one of my favorite movies of the year, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, was nominated in the first awards go-around.

So, now that we have new Senator Tim Scott, and who is a Republican, is he still black?

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the Prequel to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is a trek to nowhere, and gets lost along the way. I had no intention of going to this one, and it appears that even the most ardent fans of the series will be disappointed unless they are type who voted for Obama and will buy anything.
--Hitchcock looks like a winner to me. It's tense and light at the same time with a great cast and good performances. It's about Alfred's fascination with he idea of making Psycho, and decision which almost led to divorce and  financial ruin. Helen Mirren is great as his adoring wife, smart and witty wife, who even begins to find his stubbornness more than she can take. Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock is excellent as always.

There will be people saying they are tired of all the talk about the Newtown killings. You can count on it. Try to suggest that to the parents.

People love to rave about "Trader Joes", and they do have some very good prices...but, I have had a lot of Mediocre or below average tasting stuff.

The Answer:
--Dumb and Dumber seems to describe the general mood of a FB movie, but all of them have a little heart inside the sophomoric insanity. The RI duo has among their best known There's something about Mary, King Pin, Hall Pass, Me, Myself & Irene, Shallow Hal, Stuck on You, Osmosis Jones, Fever Pitch and now a remake of the The Three Stooges. Which, appears to fit right in.

Maybe after laying out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer, everybody should light a candle for 20 children, representing all children who won't see Christmas, the day of a child's birth, this year.

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Open hearts. Heavy hearts.

Today's Tids Issue 2,728

Opening Stuff:

 

What ever touches a heart stays forever. Claims a small piece. Will always be there no matter how many years pass by. No matter what happens along the way.

As you can see, I started out this morning thinking about a Tids with a big heart. How in every heart there is always much more kindness than hatred. Then the massacre at Sandy Point Elementary School exploded in our consciousness; Newtown Connecticut; It's a town I've been in; It's a very gentle appearing town. In a second or two it seemed to chang our world. The Tids stopped. Hearts of humans stopped. Lives stopped for 18 children almost before they had begun. Oh the sorrow in the hearts of parents and grandparents, and aunts and uncles an cousins and siblings.

The Question:
Could there be any other news today? Is anything else worth saying?

The Headlines:
--18 Children And 9 Adults Murdered In Newtown Conn Elementary School.
--Obama: Today Is A Day To Feel For Victims, Not Gun Control Talk.
--Concerns Grow As Mandela Remains Hospitalized.
--Some Whispers Becoming Louder About Extending Deadline For Cliff Decision,
--Apple Stock Hits Ten Month Low.
--Southwest Airlines To Add Some Baggage Fees; Investors Seek More Revenue.
--"Human Rights" Have US/Russia Relations Growing Murkier.
--"Best Buy" Stock Ain't.

There are few humans who don't want to burst into tears today.

Government regulations and investors clamoring for greater profits are two of the biggest reasons for increased consumer costs.

What's in a person's heart can never be thwarted by the obstacles of man or the intrusions of society.

Did you ever begin a free-cell game that appeared easy, only to find that it wasn't easy at all. And eventually learn that it was only made hard because you thought it looked easy in the beginning and didn't take the care to begin properly. Life is like that.

I told my golf partner that developing concentration was a key to my success. He said, "That's what they say at Welch's Grape Juice."

As I have been writing this Tids today I keep thinking, 27 people are dead, and how insignificant is this that I'm writing.

I think that the new culture invites this, this incomprehensible action of a person against many innocents. Shooting wildly into masses, just to kill, just to kill. For no other reason but to kill. How do you put into words the horror of mankind. The horror of this event. But then, maybe it is just me who thinks that tragedy needs words, because I write words. Human hearts know the horror. It doesn't have to be described.

Maybe we just need open white space to dwell upon the emptiness.




I'll be back Monday with the movie reviews and "The Conscience" a novel about a man who didn't have the guts to face the truth.

Many video games are about killing for no other reason than to just kill.

The Answer:
All of the other news just doesn't matter at all. Really. There is nothing more to say. Oh yeah, except a prayer, That is the answer to Today's Question -- a prayer for the dead who are loved, and the living who must bear the inexplicable horror of their loved one's deaths. That's the only other thing that must be said.

Bear the horror of a loved ones death means carry the burden. Bare the horror of the deaths means uncovering the reasons for irrational madness. They are both relevant today.

Go Pat's! How unimportant is that?

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Selflessness. Good.

Today's Tids Issue 2,726

Opening Stuff:

 

No more politics for a while. The antics of Politicians are just not Christmas. Look at Herod for Crissake. No king was going to be greater than he, by God, he ranted. And because of his arrogance and single-minded selfishness he almost screwed up AD. But then, the greater King prevailed. And he didn't have to lie, cheat, kill or pay tributes. But it hurt along the way.

Besides, politics turn a lovable, caring daily column into anger and stomach churning venom. And I always hate myself in the morning for it.

There is little, and I mean little better than taking a good long walk in cold weather. Especially  now when the colonial era homes around town are all paying tribute to Christmas, gussied up in greens with red and gold and white ribbons; glowing with twinkling lights for all to admire; shouting to all those who pass by this is a happy place, and a Merry Christmas to all.

The Question:
I just found a list of the Ten Top Political Myths. What do you think they are?

The Headlines:
--Next Step For North Korea - Nuke Test.
--Secy Clinton To Testify On Benghasi December 20.
--Russia Admits Ally Stria Could Lose War To Rebels.
--PE Analysis Says Apple should Be Trading Higher.

--Walters Has Petraeus As Most Fascinating Person for 2012.
--Plot To Castrate Bieber Thwarted.

What would the Christmas season be with out a couple of good recipes. Here's a quickie for Hors devoures called Chicken carbonara Parmesan. Preheat oven to 350. Open can of seamless Crescent roll dough, roll out dough to modest thinness. Place on cookie sheet and put in oven til top firms - 5 min max. While bottom crust is cooking, dice 1 1/2 cups slightly undercooked chicken breast. On bottom crust, sprinkle diced chix evenly. Atop that, sprinkle 1/3 cp parm or Romano cheese. Now spread 1-1/2 cup jarred Alfredo sauce and then top it all with 1-1/2 cp mozzarella; Roll out second Crescent crust and place on top, pinching sides. Bake about 25 mins or til golden brown. Cut into 2 inch squares.(Note can replace Alfredo with Marinara, but Marinara stains skirts and slacks more when dribbled.)

NFL Picks Department:
Last week was one of stumbling a bit, but 11-5 was a little above the average for national experts. This week, because of many playoff determining match-ups, could be quite difficult (I see10 of 16 Pickums). Cinn needs a win tonight, so I'm picking them over playin' for pride Philly. GB should beat injured Chi, TB needs this one against NO, but NO is playing a little better. NO. Minn and SL are even but Minn needs it more. Houston to bounce back aginst a tough Indy. Atlanta needs to get it's mojo back and NYG needs a win badly -- Go Falcons. Cleve's been tough lately, but so has Wash and The skins need it. Gotta go Miami over Jax in Sunshine bowl. Peyton has Broncs blissful, but Balt rears up to best Denver. Carolina is waking just a little more than SD. I feel sorry for Det, so I'm picking them. I like the way Seattle is playing and Buff has had it's 15 mins this year. Oak over KC. I'll pick Rothlisberger over Romo every day, but Dallas needs it more. I've been picking Tenn all year long and they may make it against the Jets. And then we have NE which looked great Monday against a very tough SF. Pats could be ripe for upset. It will be close, but I'm going Pats.  Total record is now at 133-72-1 or 64.6%. It now appears that the bad start this year will keep the pick dogs below past year's percentages.

A new study out reveals that the average hourly wage for working households is $25.03 and about $21.60-$23.40 after taxes (Depending on filing status) . The average hourly amount for welfare households is $30, with no taxes ever due. It is anticipated under the new Admin that feee money will be on the increase.. I think the US may lose it's incentive to work.

I'll tell you something...here I am walking along at a brisk pace when I see two old geezers coming my way. One is really old moving at a snails pace abetted by a cane and the other is wobbling along, semi hunched over. I looked at the second lifeless old guy and thought, he's about my age. Hey, I thought, I shouldn't be feeling this good! Immediately an infestation of aches and pains came out of nowhere enveloping my body. We live in a Psychosomatic world.

So that's about it, if you want to become Babwa Walters most fascinating person, have an affair. Who is in second place -- Lindsay Lohan?

Have you noticed that most pics of field hockey players in action are pretty much the same.

If you don't go shopping, then there is no reason to ever find Christmas annoying and tiring as some chronic complainers often do..

It looks like the RI Public Employee Unions and their pamphlet the Providence Journal are out to besmirch Gina Raimondo at any cost; Gina, the one bight, honest light in RI government who doesn't try to mask the problems. It's tough being the light that shines trough the darkness. It is certainly one reason why we have to suffer mediocrity in our leadership.

Oooops! Is that politics.

There are many quotes to be found praising selflessness. It is love of others before self, which to some it may seem weak, but to those who are mature and have seen the world, it is the essence of life.

So, when the whites become the minority in 2045, will they be allowed to be called minorities? I doubt it.

The Conscience: Chapter 12.
   Jeff was a little shaken when he clicked off the call from Wu. What was he talking about, he though. Even more he wondered why he hadn't accepted that drink. I may not make it to lunch. A massive explosion at Barnard yacht while I'm just beginning talks on a deal, does not sound like a coincidence to me. He looked up and smiled at Angelina. Smiling is the operative ploy now. She wasn't showing any reaction to his conversation at all. The phone felt heavy in his pocket.
   "Well, it's nice to see you smiling. You looked a little deflated there for a minute." She was trying to read his face, but she would never see anything more than the smile.
   "I was just surprised to get a call while sitting here in your office." He clasped his shaking hands in his lap. Now with a renewed sense of mission, he said, "I think we have spent far too much time trying to get the better of each other. Why not go to lunch now and start talking about the nature of your, I mean our, proposals." He patted the folders.
  "Most lawyers were prefer negotiating in an office."
  "I who imbibe heavily am not like most lawyers. I prefer we both have the same white tablecloth separating us." He thought he saw a raised eyebrow.

The Answer:
The Myths, often repeated, are: 10. Al Gore claimed to have invented Internet 9. Sarah Palin said she could see Russia from her house (It was actually said by Tina fey) 8. The Republicans are the Party of Racial discrimination. 7. Democrats are the party that opposes war. 6. George Bush was a right wing conservative Prez. 5. The Vice President matters. 4. The US rich don't pay their fair share of taxes. 3. Reagan was the model of conservatism and why it works. 2. FDR was a model of liberal progresivism and why it works and #1 is Everyone who is elegible sould vote. Thanks to Kevin McDonald.

I think that instead of giving up Cheetos, my new goal in life is to get back to selflessness.

Well, it's time to go. I think I'll go to BJ's and ride the back of shopping carts in the parking lot. That is, until I see an old guy hobbling along.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Today's Tids Issue 2,724

Opening Stuff:

 

"The sun every morning is a beautiful spectacle, and yet most of the audience still sleeps." -- John Lennon. I love to walk in the early dawning, where sun creeps in with comforting colors and gentle flickering rays upon silent streets and still grassy hills. Maybe the true beauty of the morning isn't in the sun at all, but in that pure silence that comes from everybody else sleeping.

Irony Department:
There's no truth to the rumor that the reason 0-Man took off for Detroit amidst critical negotiations that really, really demand leadership, was because he wanted to view first hand, a bankrupt government. Always going the extra inch for his public.

But, then, maybe he really just doesn't know how to lead -- only how to embarrass the opposition.

The Question:
My state RI is just about last in everything except maybe pure scenic beauty. So when the new list of "Healthiest States" came out, I rushed to see how healthy I was. Which do you think are the top healthiest states? The worst?

The Headlines:
--"Fiscal Cliff" Talks Drag On.
--Fed To Buy $45 Billion in New Treasuries; Total Holdings Will Move To $4 Trillion.
--Markets Like Fed Action; Dow Up Near 120.
--IMF Holds Up Vital $4.8 Billion Loan To Egypt.
--Flu Stops Hillary From Syria Trip.
--Coloradans Light Up; Tourism Up; Hazy Ring Around Pike's Peak Unexplained.
--NY Attorney general Office Steps Up Insider Trading Investigations.
--Opposition Expecting Violence After Morsi Calls For Army Involvement.
--Michigan Right To Work Laws Expected To Be Enacted.
--National Intelligence Council Says US Will Lose #1 Economic Standing To China By 2030.

The win by the New England Patriots over the Houston Texans is one that requires delicious savoring by fans, over and over again. It is one that demands the words of Grantland Rice, "Outlined against a black and threatening rainy sky, the Four Horseman rode again. In dramatic Lore they are Famine, Pestilence, Destruction and Death. These are only aliases for Brady. Welker, Mayo and Wilfork. They formed the crest of the Foxboro Cyclone before which an acclaimed Texan football team was swept over the precipice at Gillette Stadium last night as 60,000 spectators peered down at the bewildering panorama spread on the green plain below." Aaaaah!

Bloomberg is said to be buying the NY Times? This could be good for the public as this head Nanny for New York might recognize that the old Gray Lady is bad for most citizens health and make the editorial and news pages at least moderate and accurate.

The new term in US manufacturing is "Reshoring", as in bringing back production from foreign lands. And, right now American companies are quite aggressive. That, combined with strong durable good purchases by consumers of late, has US producers spending big for capital equipment. Positive Capital equipment investment activity plus very high plant capacity always drags along tool and accessories consumption plus productivity improvement investment. In other words, US Manufacturing in metalworking and other industries is strong and growing. Even if consumer spending slows, reshoring should continue to improve the health of manufacturing expansion in the US. The problem is that the productivity improvement necessary to reshore, doesn't necessitate more emplyees. But does demand more smarter, educated people.

You have to love the self importance of celebrities. Last night I had to watch Tom Brady's wife and new mother Giselle bundchen expound on how she felt empowered having a new baby, how she felt confident that her body would perform when the time came for the baby to arrive. Let's see, there are about 4 billion people in the world, and as far as I know they all had mothers who figured out the process. Maybe some in grassy huts in dark jungles without a staff of medical experts standing by in a designer waiting room. So what's new, Giselle.

People who are biased don't think they are biased at all.

The Michigan Right to Work Law argument is a classic example of what is right versus perpetuating what is wrong. The opposition says it will hurt Unions. When in fact it will help unions by actually making it a friendly place for companies to move into

"There are two ways to conquer a nation: One is by sword and the other is by debt." -- John Adams

In this Cliff harangue, the Prez once again uses slight of hand to hide the reality -- focusing the argument on tax increases rather than what is needed, and will be necessary for a long time, spending cuts. Breaking the spending addiction.

The Conscience: Chapter 11 continues.
   Elliot Wu signed off on his call and went back to his office. He stood at the window and watched the cacophony in the  yard below. Jason was mad as hell and running from fire team to fire team. He could feel the heat from the inferno through the window and it made him feel comfortable.
  He watched Jason move away from the heat and over to the guard who had let in the fake state auditing duo, but was now helping the company fire team move hoses. Jason pulled his arm. The guard looked up, ready to throw and elbow. He looked saw the angry Jason, dropped the hose and shriveled down to a lesser man. Jason was all over the poor sap. When Jason, was on fire nobody could breathe clean air. He literally smothered people with his overwhelming anger. Funny thing, though, Jason won't fire the guy because he'll feel sorry for the family who needs his income. Jason is an enigma, and difficult to work for. But, Wu didn't really worry about that. He went back to his desk, sat down and then  tapped a couple of keys on the computer. The screen came alive with a series of charts. He manipulated the data with his mouse, and took some notes. Then he sent and email. And sat back.

The Answer:
Vermont is number one (Although high in cancer deaths and binge drinking with cows.) Hawaii is number 2. The rest of the top five are New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Minnesota. Little Rhody is 10! The rest of the 6-9 are Conn, NJ, Utah and Maine. Louisiana and Miss are tied for the bottom and Ark, West "By God" Vriginia and South Carolina complete the bottom five. The number one state for binge drinking is Wisconsin.

Hey, I live in one of the healthier states. The Pats won and the sun is out! Hope you day is as good as mine.

Spare ribs! Spare me.

Today's Tids Isssue 2,723

Opening Stuff:

 

It's fifteen days til Christmas. FedEx will have today it's biggest shipping day in history. This morning's new data has Consumer Sentiment Index cast downward, while summer consumer spending numbers have been revised lower. So while the ups and downs of econmomic reality say we should be confused and confounded, the advent of Christmas is doing what it always does -- Inspiring smiles, Giving us hope, Making it impossible to keep the waistlines under control.

Several years ago I asked a woman who had moved from Texas to Massachusetts how she like the change of living in New England. "I love it," she said. "Up here, God made the trees." I have always liked that view of the world. It's why when traveling to so-called beautiful places in the world I always return home thinking -- hey, it's pretty great right where I live.

As local columnist said, "RI was better before chain restaurants." I would imagine years ago the woman above would say, "I Love RI because Mom and Pop make the food in restaurants." Is Rhode Island losing it's soul?

Molly Henneberg looked much better before the cosmologists and stylists made her into a Fox News Blond.

Do you know how hard it is to wade through a weekend of NFL games waiting for your team to play a very important game on Monday night? Right now, I am  a nervous wreck. If I last the night I may be late with your favorite morning wake up brew. That is if you awaken around noon, which what it is now!

The Question:
Name ten things that Investors will be watching closely during 2013 in the Tech Sector.

The Headlines:
--Navy Seal Killed In Rescue Of Colorado Doc Held By Taliban.
--Boehner, 0-Man Meet Face To Face.
--Fiscal Cliff has Wall Street Edgy This Morning; Italy Bank Activity Menacing Minds Of Street Investers.
--Singer Jenni Rivera Mourned After Being Presumed Dead In Plane Crash.
--Morsi Gives Up Self Proclaimed Power To Soften Protest; Plans To Go Ahead With New Constitution Vote;;Egypt Army Given Power To Arrest Citizens.
--0-Man Off To Detroit To Jaw On Fiscal Cliff.
--Hugo Chavez Under Going New Cancer Surgery; Joe Kennedy In Line For Presidency.

Where will the next batch of outrageously paid business executives come from. Hedge funds are dropping like flies, where globally 424 were liquidated in the first six months of this year. Much of it appears to be the over-creation of new funds in a market where there just afen't enough crumbs dropping down to nourish the survival of smaller non-essential start-ups. But, the biggest reasons for getting out is 1, regulation! And 2, the disappearance of rational trending in an unstable market devoid of reasonable betting opportunities. If fund collapse continues and the same pace as the first six months of 2012, and it looks that way, this year's total closed hedge funds will be more than 2010 and 2011 combined! So where will the next mega fortunes come from -- Government handouts? Note: Big institutions and Pensions are still heavily into Hedge funds, as total investment there has increased from $2 Trillion to 2.2 Trillion. The bigs will stay, but the heady days of opening the little hedge fund shop around the corner are gone.

Jim DeMint for President?

It's amazing how you can learn about the inner workings of people by observing the way they dispose of stuff in the recycle bins.

[Note to new readers: It seems we have added an unusually high number of new readers lately. So, Welcome! As you read through the good and mediocre issues of this daily mess, remember that it is laced with sarcasm, puns, reasonable righteousness and human foibles. I use examples of indescribable behavior from my "democrat dominated, moving towards socialism, last in everything and vying for title of Corruption leader"* (with Illinois and New Jersey) state, RI, because it is so symptomatic of what could happen to your state sometime in the future. We also have a continuing novel (When I don't go into block mode) and numerous other excursions into frivolity. The question of the day may reflect US Culture-Lite or be tedious and boring as it is today. Also, typos are apparent from time to time depending on whether or not my "Spell Check" has been drinking or visiting Colorado and/or Washington.]

This from one of our readers on his philosophy of life -- "Outside of a dog, a book is your best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read." Just in case you ever wondered why my mind appears bent some times. I have to satisfy all readers.

There's nothing better than a gigantic George Frideric Handel "Amen"!

Based on emails I've received over the years from readers, I think one of the more common themes is why teachers have to do the job that parents should be doing at home. That studying and dedication to learning begins at home. Period.

Just as barbecue has taken over menus lately, I live in fear that all restaurant dishes will eventually flavored to appeal to the developing immigrant classes. That pot roast with gravy and chicken fried steak will be gone forever. Follow the gravy! It will tell you where America is going.

Where-o-where has intellectual curiosity gone?

In response to my childish outburst about bike-ways beginning to overwhelm the original purpose of roads, a friend told this story of a trip to Italy. Once while there he found that the city he was in was closed down for a road race. He mentioned to his friend, an Italian native of the city, that it was petty exciting. "Ah my friend," said the Italian. "You don't know half the story. It isn't exciting at all. We have these races all of the time. It is sad." "Sad," replied my friend. "Yes, very sad. It is this socialist government of ours trying to get cars off the roads by irritating drivers, giving the roads to runners and walkers...bikers." Bike lobbying groups get cities to spend inordinate amounts of scarce dollars on traffic disrupting bike paths by citing the non-polluting and physical wellness benefits of pedaling to work, play and shopping.

Have you noticed how much PBS loves country folk as long as they're not the religious country folk.

The Conscience: Chapter 11.
-- Jason Stevenson was crazed as he ran down the steps two at a time towards the area now flaming at the south side of his sprawling operation. He could hear sirens in the distance as he watched his own safety people running towards the blast area. Jason new what was going on, but now his only concern was stopping the spread of the fire to the rest of the manufacturing hangars. He knew this blast wasn't an accident.
   As he hit the bottom, Elliot Wu, breathing hard, came towards him. His face was white. He knew too. "Get Morgan on the phone." Yelled Jason. "He's probably being eaten alive by the snake right now." Wu said noting but, stopped an pulled out his cell phone as Jason went through the door towards the panicked commotion.
   After about 5 rings he heard Jeff's voice. "You're interrupting an important meeting, Elliot". Wu smiled and wondered about the look on Angelina's face at the mention of his name.
   "I'm sure it's going well." Did he hear the sarcasm, Wu wondered. "But my friend, Jeff. It is time for you to ease out for a while and call me whne you are alone"
   "Everything is just fine and about where it should be considering we are just understanding each other. I'll have more after a good lunch."
   "She is not to be trusted. This is very important. We have had a very suspicious, major explosion in our manufacturing facility. This place is a mess. Do you understand what I am saying?"
    "Good, thanks, I'll call."

The Answer:
Number 10: What new Buzzword will Drive investment in innovation - Cloud, Saas*, SDN*. 9: Will Blackberry (RIM) Survive. 8: Can Zynga (Down 75%) and Groupon (-80%) get back to original market levels. 7: Can Yahoo accelerate revenue growth. 6: Will FaceBook regain the Buzz 5: Will Intel find leadership; How will it compete in the Tablet biz 4: Can Meg Whitman Bounce Back and Get HP Going again. 3: Is the new Microsoft good enough to get the stock bakc up. 2: Are PC's dead. Will Window's 8 Move the PC bakc to the forefront. 1: How does Apple maintain and average top line growth per year of 40%? It can't maintain the number unless new innovations surprise.  * Saas is "Software-as-a-service"; SDN is "Software-Defined-Network. New efficiencies for business could affect giants like Oracle and Cisco.

Finally, we know the simple formula for the Obama win. He had no plans for the future! In addition, the gist of the Democrats platform could be boiled down into "We promise Free condoms". The gist of the Repubs presentation was "We promise to take the first steps of getting run-away spending under control and reducing the enormous debt so your great grand children won't be burdened with a failed country. The Dems kept repeating Good for women equals free condoms. People understand condoms.

I saw where a candy designer used the Mexican smoked chili pepper, Chipotle, as a flavor in one of his painstakingly constructed chocolates. What ever happened to vanilla creams.

I have seen candy shops that only carry "works-of-art" chocolates. They are quite remarkable and you pay a fortune for each 3/4 x 3/4 x 3/4 inch candy. And what to do you do with it? You eat it!

Brookstone has a device with a scoop and a two foot handle. It's called a snowball thrower! What ever happened to arms? God help us.