Gobble it up!

 

Today's Thanksgiving Tids Issue 2,975

Let's Get Right To George:

George Washington said the following when he Proclaimed the first day of Thanksgiving:

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

This is one of the prettiest songs ever written; Pie Jesu was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber -- in thanks for his Dad's life and his Dad's help through his life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRmTo44Sve0 (Preview)

Happy Thanksgiving E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

No man's Land.

Today's Tids Issue 2,973

Opening Stuff:

Is the day before Thanksgiving really a day? Well, it is, but not like any other day. People stop working, kids stop learning and everybody is either in one of two places -- on the road, or in the kitchen cutting, chopping, squashing, and under the feet of a frantic cook. At, once you aren't in the world of today but way back then, secure in wonderful memories. It's either "When are we going to get there", or "Here's a loaf of bread, Go over in the corner out of my way and chunk it up". Before pre-made stuffing, special loaves were baked for T-Day and easier preparation. Or maybe, just to give kids something to do. It was either peel potatoes, snap beans or pull the bread. I guess this day isn't so bad at all. It doesn't seem to do anything, but it sure creates a lot of special memories.

On this pre-Thanksgiving morn, let's be thankful for Dems and Republicans for keeping each-other at bay.

What I'm not thankful for is this new Yahoo! Mail system which yesterday decided to interrupt the smooth workings of my email distribution lists. This is critical to the Tid's existence and your personal privacy, as the alternative doesn't allow for BCC's...until I figure it out. So, be patient and write nasty letters to Yahoo (No "!" today). This new system is a great example of the confusion that comes from too much technology for technology sake; that only adds cuteness and reduces functionality. Ugh.

The Question:
What are the favorite stocks of Hedge Funds?

The Headlines:
--Syria's Assad Tells Western Foes To Stop Dreaming About Him Stepping Aside.
--"Over The Mountains And Through The Woods" Could Be A Problem As Storms rage In The East.
--Markets Chugging Along.
--IRS Moves To Restrict Non-Profit Politicking.
--CBS Sends Lara Logan To Sidelines After Fumbling Benghazi Report.
--Merkle Coalesces With Germany Social Democrats(SPD); Survvial Move Rolls Back Welfare State Reforms; Certainty For Government By Christmas Awaits Approval Vote from 474K SPD Members.
--US B-52 Bombers Flout China Riles For Their East China Sea Air Space.

Don't you love headlines for today, like the one in the cooking section of the paper: "Thanksgiving calorie bombs!". If there is one day not to worry about overeating it is tomorrow. Get a life skinny people.

Speaking of bombs, last week's picks were bad for everybody across the nation. If you hit 50%, you were above average. The Tids went 7-7-1 to bring the year to 110-68-1. I'm picking today, because who knows what tomorrow brings. And it won't be any easier starting with the T-day games. Detroit always beats GB on T-Day...right? Not tomorrow. Oakland has been playing better, but Dallas needs the win and has more talent. Pitt-Balt. Two desperate teams under-performing. I have to go with the home team Ravens. Chicago should beat Minn and needs the win. NE would need the biggest letdown in NFL history to lose to Houston. I gotta go with Indy at home over a tough and hungry Tenn. Could go either way though. Jax has shown signs of life, but I'm diving into the Cleveland well one more time. TB and Carolina will be a war, but Carolina will sneak trough. Arizona at Philly -- Jeeze! I go Phil. I'm picking Miami over the Jets, SF over a tough St. Louis. Up in Toronto, Buff meets Atlanta. Mayor Ford will be looking for snow as Buff prevails in the cold. And those are the easy games! All of the rest have playoff ramifications or are rivalries and I don't have a clue. I'm thinking the Skins will beat the Jints. I'm holding my breath and picking Seattle over New Orleans, KC over Denver and  SD over Cinn. I could easily lose every one of those games.

If people have "X" money to spend for Christmas presents why do the secular geniuses think that depriving people of a peaceful day with family is going to add to their overall coffers. America is becoming stupid. And losing much too much to the bean-counters.

One of the great advantages of cold crisp Winter mornings is that the colder tap water makes the Metamucil taste better.

Beware of Publicity people who never took a history course. Did you hear what Russia's giant Gum Department Store did to celebrate Louis Vuitton's 150th Anniversary? The constructed a 100 foot by 30 foot replica of a LV suitcase used by pre-Revolution nobleman Prince Vladimir Orlov, and placed it in the middle of Red Square right in the vicinity of anti-Aristocrat Lenin's tomb. Guess how long it took to have the promotion removed? Can you say Lubyanka?

A lot of people must have screamed, as I did, because the Yahoo distribution email lists are working again. The overall system, though, is very annoying and continually combines answers to emails with original emails, and uses the word "Me" a lot. What ever happened to a simple life?

You have to wonder if by 2050 the NFL will have any players left to play the game. Or, will they be playing "Touch Football" to save the league? Hell, I'll only be 110. Maybe I can make a comeback. yes, Today is the day for dreamers.

The Answer:
Number one favorite of Hedge Funds is AIG. Apple is #2 and is followed by Google, GM, Citi, FaceBook, priceline.com, Charter comm., Hertz Global and Elan. Now, you too can be a big Wall Street player!

Well, I hope  all your journeys are pleasant that your kitchen is smokin', with wafting aromas stimulating your senses -- and that smiles on the faces of those you love are beaming like that great big old sun that's about to destroy the 2/3's of a mile long Comet ISON. There's always something, even on the day that isn't there.

Personally, I like the aroma of Butterscotch.

Typos and all.

Today's Tids   Issue 2,971
Opening Stuff:

"At least it's me". That's what John Steinbech said when he commented on his own speech accepting the Nobel Prize for literature. "Write what you know", another great man told me. Let it flow, the way you feel it, the way you see it, the way you know it from experience -- your own way. For some writing is about breaking down fears of acceptance, sometimes forcing would-be's into not being who they are. Life is like that too,, for all people doing anything. Everybody can do it well if they do it the way they feel it. O, there will be typos in life along the way, but consolidating your energy into your own self, not diluting your innate power by working to imitate others, will help you excel...and everybody will see you as you are. Which is almost always very good.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Dems present a 2014 campaign strategy that said: "Don't elect Republicans because there is no Filibuster power remaining to stop their conservative executive branch bureaucrats, federal judge nominations."

Another poll, CNN/ORC reports that the percentage of Americans who say that Barack Obama has the ability to lead dropped by 12 points to 40% in a month. And, that his approval numbers have hit new lows. Dems will respond saying, "But George Bush had low numbers for a much longer time". Of course the nation doesn't win or lose based on Presidents of different generations out competing each other in polls.  What is relevant is the integrity of the president and the confidence of citizens at the current moment, and whether or not he has the ability to run the nation. Oh, and in another aspect of that CNN/ORC poll, 53% now say he dishonest and untrustworthy.

The Question:
1. Everybody knows that Rosemary Wood reported the infamous "Gap". How long was it? Bonus: Which company is the worlds Largest fashion retailer?

The Headlines:
--New Housing Construction Reports Show Uptick; Apartments Main Contributor.
--Karsei Balking; US Set To Pull Out All Troops.
--Putin Stops To Visit Pope On Way To Berlusconi Mansion for Bunga-Bunga.
--Obama Blasts Back At Allies, Dem Congress People, Netty, Scoffing At Iran Nuke Deal; US Has Already Sent $8 Billion To Nuke Wannabee.
--Selling Pressures Mount Against FaceBook, Other Big Tech Stocks; Is There A New Tech Bubble.
--Fighting, Protesting, Bombing Continues In Various Middle East Countries.
--Providence Colleeg Women Win NCAA Cross Country Championship; Men's Hockey Team 1st In Hockey East, 4th In Nation; Soccer Team Lost To Maryland In NCAA Playoffs; Men's Basketball Edged Out By Maryland In VI Paradise Jam Championship Game.

Last Night, the Voice was very entertaining, starting with the rousing Queen's "Somebody to Love" from James Wolpert. Jamaican Tissane Chin followed wth a raggae song from her homeland, "No Doubt" and she charmed and excited. Tissane may be the best of the bunch. Caroline followed with another excellent effort singing, "Dog days are Over". So to me, the first three were definite keepers. Young Jacquie Lee finished the night with probably the strongest performance of all, singing "Who's Loving You" powerfully, magnificently, angrily and without a hitch. In between, I personally was luke warm. The usually excellent Michael Schuler was so-so, lost in the confusion of too much back-up, though nicely animated in his routine. I got bored with Will Champlin's "At Last", but the expert critics loved it. I liked Cole Vosbury singing "I still Believe in You", but it may not be good enough to keep him going. Ray Boudreaux may have brought down the house with "Gimme Some Lovin' ", but again, will the voters buy it. Schuler should be in danger, and some so-called experts think that Wolpert and Boudreaux will be in the bottom three also.

Each day this week I try to think of another thing to be thankful for. God, there are so many! Tids friends who allow this mess to enter their homes each day. Good people I see around town every day who's positive presence belies the negativity often drawn from the highly publicized antics of a few. But, today I'm thinkng about thanking Rhode Island. Yes, Rhode Island, this state of immense beauty and gnawing flaws is one of the few who will not let Big Box stores open and interrupt the most wonderful Thanksgiving day. Thanks Rhode Island for keeping it special. We have lost so much that once was sacred.

You gotta figure that the Admin likes Karsei balking. Bringing home the troops would be a boon for 0-Man's image.

I'm calling this the "Seltzer Economy" Everybody is looking for the bubbles, and many are vigorously shaking the bottle. Will the eruption be the next self-fulfilling prophecy?

I just saw a headline, "The best Superbowl half Tine Show ever." If they ever had a good one it would be the best.

The Answer:
1. In case you forgot, Rosemary Wood performed her contortionist like editing job for 18 1/2 minutes. Bonus: Dow says that Inditex, the Spanish giant retailer, is one of the worlds best stocks for sustainability. It is huge around the world with 6,100 storss,has just opened 46 stoees in the US. You can expect to see many more as this behomoth has big growth objectivesm and plenty of dough to get there. the first US stors are Zara, and Massimo Dutti. I expect you'll be seeing more Zara stores popping up across the USA.

Hunker down, we're in for a big blow.

Pilgrims progress.

Today's Tids Issue 2,968

Opening Stuff:

Sucked in by success, Department:

Just about anybody with a half a brain knows that as soon as the US leaves Afghanistan the Taliban will waltz back in. That's what they do, wait. A large majority of Americans were strongly behind the US entry into Afghan in retaliation for that country's harboring of al-Qaida. We should have just killed who we had to kill and left. Period. But along the way, we had some success, mainly in freeing women from the grueling oppression of Taliban laws. So we said, "Hey, this is going great! Lets keep on fighting." And we did. And, the Taliban kept on waiting.

It's sad to watch Lindsy Vonn fight an injury that could end her career as one of the all time great skiers. She's even tougher than she is beautiful, and her winner's heart will keep her pushing for a comeback. But when the body begins to break down, all athletes have start taking a step backward. Even skiers as fearless as Vonn, must be perfect when careening down a mountain on ciy slopes at 60-90 miles per hour. A loose ligament here, a weak knee there...and it 's crash.

The Question:

Which US President first established Thanksgiving Day and why?

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Analysts Down Playing Possible Bubble Talk; Goldman Predicts Gold Losses, 10% Reduction In S&P.

--Retail Sales Healthier Than Originally Forecast; Analysts Now Looking At Big Christmas economic Bonanza.

--President Obama Awards Freedom medals to Ernie Banks, Ben Bradlee, Bill Clinton, Daniel Inouye (PH), Daniel Kahnerman, Richard Lugar, Loretta Lynn, Mario Molina, Sally Ride (PH), Bayard Rustin (PH), Arturo Sandoval, Dean Smith, Gloria Steinem, Cordy Vivian, Patricia Weld and Oprah Winfrey.

--Oregon Healthcare Site, Praised Early, Has Never Worded, Has No Subscribers.

--Afghanistan Wants To Delay Crucial US Security Deal.

--US Drone Kills Senior Militant In Pakistan.

--Kennedy Cuz, Convicted Murderer Micheal Skakel Could Be Freed On Bail.

--Dems Push To extend Emergency Unemployment Bennies.

Dentists usually take full mouth X-rays and a then over the year fix what is needed on a priority basis. I'm thinking, how about full body X-Rays, MRI's, CT Scans that pick up flaws in the joints, bones and various organs, where docs could be proactive instead of waiting for something to go wrong. Just a thought.

When our local paper the Newport Daily News has a lead headline beginning with the word "Race", they're usually talking about sailboats. You have to wonder about the reactions of the narrow minded.

When Goldman predicts a 10% reduction in S&P you have to believe they are taking actions that could make it happen. Too big to fail also means big enough to disrupt. 

The pickers fared a little better last week at 10-5 and it took a pick against my beloveds to get there! Today is not much different, although there are a few more that seem like solid picks. *Injured QB's seem to be the biggest factor in losses by very good teams -- Tennessee, Green Bay and now Saint Louis, to name a few. Of Course, Atlanta and Baltimore had supposedly playoff caliber QB's in newly high salaried  Ryan and Flacco, but they have done little and the teams are probably the biggest disappointments of the year. This weeks posers are Minn-GB*, SD-KC, Pitt-Cleve (Bitter rivals), TB-Detroit, Jets-Balt, Carolina-Miami, *Tenn-Oak, Indy-(Surprising) Ariz, Dallas-Giants, Denver -NE and Wash-SF. I'm going GB, KC, Cleve, Det, Balt, Carolina, Oak, Ariz, Giants, SF and ...yes New England. Stupid, right? the rest of the picks are NO over Atlanta, Houston 0ver Jax, and Chi over SL*. We are now at 103-61 or 64%. Gotta keep on creeping up.

Lately I get the feeling that long term in today's financial world means a day and a half.

The Answer:

The very first national day of thanksgiving was procliamed in 1789 when President George Washington proclaimed November 26 to be "a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer." However, T-day did not become a fixed national celebration until October 3 91963 when Abe declared the last Thursday in November as a day of "thanksgiving and Praise." The action, however, was spurred by Sarah Joseph Hale, author of "Mary had a Little Lamb" and editor of the magazine Godey's Lady's Book, who for 40 years advocated for a national annual Thanksgiving day. She saw the holiday as a way to infuse hope and belief in the nation and constitution. So Abe, when watching over a torn apart country, called upon Hale in his search for a way to bring the nation together.

So, this year when standing around the table, a chorus or two of Mary had a little lamb might just be the most appropriate song of all.

Or...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iu8y2pvuRg (Preview)

This was played as Kennedy's body was brought up the capitol steps to lie in state. Navy hymn and Thanksgiving for a president.

Publicists are the new God.

 

 

Today's Tids Issue 2,970

Opening Stuff:

 

 

You might be able explain why our culture and society is becoming what it is when you consider that NYC appears to have just launched a massive publicity campaign with its objective being to convince people paying enormous sums for a Superbowl seat, that it will be fun to watch a football game in the snow in 25 degree weather. It isn't hard to believe that people will buy it, when you consider the people they elect to office or the types of pop culture icons they put on pedestals.

The out of control horse never left the barn because he was unstable.

On Saturday, the odds-makers made Florida State a 57 point favorite to beat Idaho! Why do they even schedule a game like that, especially now when you look for more of the games as meaning something. FS won 80-14 as did Clemson over Citadel 52-6, South Carolina over Carolina Coastal 70-10, Alabama over Chattanooga 49-0 and, among others, Stanford over Cal 63 -13. Does everything have to be about money?

Newport RI was just named by the League of American Bicyclists a "Bike Friendly City". Now we just have to find some friendly bicycle riders, who actually have some concern for people and drivers on the streets other than themselves. "BFC" -- Big Fat Crock.

In the history of NFL football, only 5 of 492 teams behind 24-0 after the first half have won. Last night The Pats made it six, in one of the best games of the decade. I stayed up way too late listening to the Belichick press conference (He was close to giddy, for him) and assorted post game analytics and revelries. The best part of a win is what you talk about after it.

The Question:
Double "Q: Day. 1. Over the years sportswriters have elevated five NFL rivalries to God in Heaven status. 2. name Five athletes alleged to have murdered/Killed somebody? And a Bonus Too: GQ has just named it's Least Influential Americans. Who are the top 3? Bonus 2: What do Jennifer Beals, Soledad O'Brien and Carol Channing have in common?

The Headlines:

--Chuck Schumer Not Happy With Iran Deal; Says Dems Will Join Repubs To Bring Back Stronger Sanctions; Netty Calls Deal One Sided In favor Of Iran; Puppet RI Delegation Robotically Support Questionable Deal.
--Below Freezing East Looking For Arrival Of massive Storm From West; Storm Expected On Big Thanksgiving Travel Day.
--Nasdaq Looking To Go Over 4,000.
--Companies Expecting Higher Health Costs After ObamaCare Will Shift More Of The Costs To Employees.
--Pentagon Can't Account For $8.5 Trillion; Finding It Could End Debt Problem.
--Afghan's Karsai Asked To Stop Movement To Bring Back Stoning For Adulterers.
--Amtrak Crescent Passenger Train Derails In South Carolina; 218 Aboard; Injuries Miner..
--Dominicans Expel 244 Haitians After Boarder Killings.
--US Influence Fades As Islamist rebels Unite In Syria.

Remember when aghans were something to keep you warm, made with love by Grandma?

There are many societal slugs who's "community service" should be, to get out of town.

My Yahoo! email service seems to have sneaked up on me and installed a new format, which quite frankly has me confused, and regularly misplaces stuff I have written. The good news, Spell Check seems smarter, more aware. Whats a little disconcerting, a little sickening actually, is the cheerleading slogans after I perform a routine mundane actions, like cleaning out Spam -- "You are my spam hero". Or, when sending the last message from my drafts folder -- "You are a good person who likes to finish a job." Somebody out there has too much time on their hands.

The "Arab Spring" is looking like--- every Dictator removed is an opening for Islamic takeover.

On of the most disheartening things is watching your favorite team win while you are away in a foreign land or state, and looking around to share the elation, find nobody who cares.

I just have to imagine that some day a liberal who professes love in his or her heart and walks upon the tides of human goodness will wake up one morning and think, "How wrong could I have been -- abortion is murder."

I think I'll trade in my Susan B. Anthony silver dollar collection for Bitcoins. I am a financial wizard.

As you look closer and closer at ObamaCare it becomes apparent that the main purpose is systematic wealth redistribution. It certainly wasn't to improve medical care, because we already were the envy of the world in that.

The Dems basic premise seems to be that if they do it, it's good, but if the Repubs do it it's bad. The Nuke option, happily trumpeted by our King  (Who formerly denounced it as bad for America) in the White House gives him the unrestricted ability to name people to anything in the executive branch without a stricter Congressional oversight. The aims of progressives has always been dilute the power of checks and balances and give more and more power to the executive branch. They just gained another inch, and set a precedent for many more inches to come. You gotta watch the God damned inches.

All I seem to see in the papers these days are stories about "Black Friday", that November 22 when Kennedy died. We have to put our Black Friday's in perspective. Last Friday was a tragedy. Next Friday is a travesty.

One of the more effective Public Relations strategies during the Obama reign is to throw out slogans and have everybody from the Admiin repeat them over and over again, almost always with complete disdain for logical discussion, until the public begins nodding in unison, in agreement. Actually this didn't work so well with the Benghazi myth about a video. The newest fabrication is that the health care mess leading to higher costs, people being thrown off plans is entirely the fault of the big bad insurance companies. That's like saying that the thousands fleeing RI looking for jobs is because of mean employers as opposed to the truth, onerous regulations of the State Government. The people in the  White House forget that their partners in Heath Care are a business, and in their zeal to get wealthier people to pay for those formerly without HC, they impose costly upgrades which Insurance companies are forced to to accommodate. Actually. last night I saw one of those Admin robotrons who in the face of overwhelming logic and evidence against her assertion, refused to waver from the accusation of the Insurance company...like she might be a candidate for Jonestown.

I think one of the little pieces of dishonesty creeping in as one of the new norms for our society are people using small retailers to determine what they want to order on the Internet. "Everybody does it" -- the most destructive phrase in the history of mankind.

BTW, you may have missed it out there across America, but RI has just moved up to 9.3% employment and #2 in the nation. Also, the combined working and unemployed workforce in the state has shrunk. Talented, creative labor in RI used to be one of its great assets. RI is like a big pond with too much algae up in the state legislature sucking the oxygen out of the business community. RI is the progressive, union dominated model that President Obama seems to be using to sculpt a new America.

Actually, wasn't it Bill Clinton who first employed the repeat untruths policy, "Deny, deny, deny, deny, deny...and eventually people will believe it."

Health food nuts around here have to be in a quandary. They love paying high prices at Farmers Markets for fresh produce, but now must justify in their hearts new FDA regulations for safety that may curtail many farmers who can't afford to farm under the new admin requirements. The farmers can join doctors on the beach. Mediation anybody?

The Answer:
1. The five big historic rivalries that are considered to twang the heartstrings of sports wags, grew out of a past that doesn't really exist today. # 5 is Indy-New England, but Peyton is gone. Then we have neighboring Steel cities Pittsburgh-Cleveland, KC-Oakland from the early AFL; Chicago-Green Bay from 1921 and Washington-Dallas from who knows where or why. I would throw NE-Denver in there, first with John Elway and now with Peyton. Today we new have rivalries like the Jets-Pats, Cowboys-Giants, Steelers-Ravens, Seahawks-Niners, Colts-Broncs, Vikings-Packers and Falcons-Saints. 2. Aaron Hernandez, Oscar Pistorious, Runin Hurricane Carter, Wrestler Chris Benoit, Hockey Player Mike Danton, OJ...of course, Ray Lewis, Ray Carruth, Jason Williams and Javaris Crittenton. I've aways felt a little sorry for Jason Williams, a good man at heart. Bonus, Too: Dennis Rodman, NK Prez Pal, was number one upon the List of infamy. Number Two was Paula Dean and three was revealed as Anthony Weiner. Miley Cyrus slinked in as number 6 and  was nowhere at 17. Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga also made the list of the useless. Bonus 2: They each have one Black Parent!

You know it's cold when things start to groan.

One thing developers have always done very well is break down zoning laws that once protected beautiful historic neighborhoods and byways, and replace it with a hodgepodge of crap. It's a lot like this Health Care mess.

A Will-To-Win is an attribute every human should have securely stowed away in their hearts.

One of my old reliables is the 4th Piano Concerto by Beethoven. Here's the 3rd movement to emote you into a new week of triumph!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIJd2fe3STs (Preview)

Apologist presidency.

Today's Tids Issue 2,968

Opening Stuff:

Now the President is going to apologize to the Afghan people for mistakes the US may have made while fighting the war there. Didn't he begin his days in office apologizing ot the rest of the world for us being The United States of America? Isn't it sad to know that so many Americans are embarrassed by their country's past.

One of the great things abut cool crisp Winter days and nights is that your snacks don't get soggy over night if you fail to seal the package before going to bed.

When people have nothing to offer, they look for negativity in others.

The Question:
While we here in Tids Central try to keep our morning missive staid and intellectually stimulating, we know that Americans love gossip and the culture of frivolity, -- the reason that cast off People mag is doing better than Mother Time. Name the Top Ten strongest celebrity couples.

The Headlines:
--Supreme Court Declines (5-4) To Block Tough Texas Anti-Abortion Law.
--House GOP Shuts Door On Immigration Reform.
--President Obama Had Been Warned By Consultant Last Spring That There Were Big Problems Facing Roll-Out; Carney Says That Doesn't Contradict Anything We've Been Saying Because We're Talking In Politicaleze.
--Ayatollah Ale Khamenei: "Iran Will Not Step Back From Its Nuclear Rights."
--High School Pals Fung And Travarus Leading in Newest Polls For RI Governor
--New Poll: If Election Were Today, Romney Would Beat Obama 49-44; Rats!
--Egypt Uses Tear Gas To Disperse Protestors.
--Airline Cleaning Crew In India Finds $1 Mil In Gold Hidden In Airplane Toilet Cabinets

Did you hear about the new laugh-a-minute show on Comedy Channel -- Filner/Ford Follies stars the ex mayors of Dan Diego and Toronto in show all about some neat sexual harassment tricks and cool ways to lie about cocaine snorting, with real live up close and personal demonstrations. Kim K says it could be the greatest reality show ever in America. Kris Jenner says "Hush your mouth child."

Personally, I think the President failed to honor the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg address becasue he didn't see how the ending -- "That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." -- fit into his nationalized health care plans.

OMG, did Abe say "Under God"?

So did you hear about the guy who though that putting his dictionary on the top shelf would give him High Definition?

Like so many things that used to be just plain unadulterated fun, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is headed into to the cacophony of political harangue. Angry egos of stars with little to do between projects will raise the noise level of this one time day of frolic, protesting animal rights and other assorted personal views. Let's hope the bands get louder. Bring on the bagpipes instead of the windbags.

Did you hear where one of the richest Hollywood producers of them all, Harvy Weinstein, is the latest airhead to denounce the greatness of The USA. He told liberal lapdog Piers Morgan that the USA is an "Embarrassment" because it is the only country without universal healthcare or anti gun laws. How inane, how misinformed is this elitist billionaire. Our healthcare system has been the envy of the world over, where our citizens had been allowed, up til the O-Era of HC appropriation, to choose their own healthcare. And where a greater America that has enticed millions upon millions to emigrate from their countrysides to come here for freedoms in everything including gun ownership. All the people of the US ask in exchange for freedom is for a little adult responsibility, which Harvey and his H-Wood pals regularly abort with brainless movies and TV fare.

George W. Bush has taken up painting, and he's pretty darn good.

A local woman with plenty of money turned down a state government grant that would pay for about $20 K of a solar panel istallation for her $4 Millon mansion. Carol Rafaelian, founder and owner of Alex & Ani said she was embarrassed that her contractor had asked for a subsidy. You have to wonder how much money is going into th hands of people who don't need it. Government can waste money at any demographic level. At last we have discovered the real expertise of bureaucrats.

The Answer:
Tom Hanks and Rita Wison are number 10. Moving upward we have Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Seal and Heidi Klum, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas Whoops!) and #1 Kanye West and himself! -- a real Hollywood arrangement.

In closing I leave you with another of those so-called discoveries of talent, but beautiful:
http://www.flixxy.com/9-year-old-girl-sings-opera-on-hollands-got-talent.htm#.Um_HbgPCjAQ.aolmail

Sucked in by success.

Today's Tids 2,967

Opening Stuff:

 

Sucked in by success, Department:

Just about anybody with a half a brain knows that as soon as the US leaves Afghanistan the Taliban will waltz back in. That's what they do, wait. A large majority of Americans were strongly behind the US entry into Afghan in retaliation for that country's harboring of al-Gaida. We should have just killed who we had to kill and left. Period. But along the way, we had some success, mainly in freeing women from the grueling oppression of Taliban laws. So we said, "Hey, this is going great! Lets keep on fighting." And we did. And, the Taliban kept on waiting.

It's sad to watch Lindsy Vonn fight an injury that could end her career as one of the all time great skiers. She's even tougher than she is beautiful, and her winner's heart will keep her pushing for a comeback. But when the body begins to break down, all athletes have start taking a step backward. Even skiers as fearless as Vonn, must be

The Question:

Which US President first established Thanksgiving Day and why?

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Analist Down Playing Possible Bubble Talk; Goldman Predicts Gold Losses, 105 reduction In S&P.

--President Obama Awards Freedom medals to Ernie Banks, Ben Bradlee, Bill Clinton, Daniel Inouye (PH), Daniel Kahnerman, Richard Lugar, Loretta Lynn, Mario Molina, Sally Ride (PH), Bayard Rustin (PH), Arturo Sandoval, Dean Smith, Gloria Steinem, Cordy Vivian, Patricia Weld and Oprah Winfrey.

--Oregon Healthcare Site, Praised Early, Has Never Worded, Has No Subscribers.

--Afghanistan Wants To Delay Crucial US Security Deal.

--US Drone Kills Senior Militant In Pakistan.

--Kennedy Cuz, Convicted Murderer Micheal Skakel Could Be Freed On Bail.

--Dems Push To extend Emergency Unemployment Bennies.

Dentists usually take full mouth X-rays and a then fix what is needed on a priority basis. I'm thinking, how about full body X-Rays, MRI's, CT Scans that pick up flaws in the joints, bones, organs where docs could be proactive instead of waiting for something to go wrong. Just a thought.

When our local paper the Newport Daily News has a lead headline beginning with the word "Race", they're usually talking about sailboats. You have to wonder about the reactions of the narrow minded.

Whe Godlman predicts a 10% reductionin S&P you have to beive they are taking actions that could make it happen. Bi

The Answer:

The very first national day of thanksgiving was procliamed in 1789 when President George Washington proclaimed November 26 to be "a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer." However, T-day did not become a fixed national celebration until October 3 91963 when Abe declared the last Thursday in November as a day of "thanksgiving and Praise." The action, however, was spurred by Sarah Joseph Hale, author of "Mary had a Little Lamb" and editor of the magazine Godey's Lady's Book, who for 40 years advocated for a national annual Thanksgiving day. She saw the holiday as a way to infuse hope and belief in the nation and constitution. So Abe, when watching over a torn apart country, called upon Hale in his search for a way to bring the nation together.

So, this year when standing around the table, a chorus or two of Mary had a little lamb might just be the most appropriate song of all.

 

When Too Good, is bad.

Today's Tids Issue 2,966

Opening Stuff:

If it isn't one thing it's another...and so we here we are being set up nicely for a end of year sell-off, "The-Stocks-Are-Too-Good" bubble. It's like me in golf, if I'm shooting a good, near par game around hole nunber 13, I'll pinch myself and say, I'm not this good, and immediately start hitting balls into lakes, woods and parking lots! I mean, I would have thought that the stcokmarket gurus had a little more mental stability this fragile Tidster. Of course, they wouldn't be foolin' us, would they? Remember when there was a logic to the markets, when stocks were bought because companies did something good? Remember when gravy was more important than organic fruit slurries.

I watched a very good Carolina, New England game to the very end last night. The action that spurred the last second penalty flag was to me a classic, blatant, pre-meditated act of pass interference. It was that for sure. But that wasn't the reason that the magnificent Cam Newton ran repeatedly for big gains in 3rd and long situations. That didn't make jerks like Akim Talib do stupid things at critical times incurring big penalties at key moments; that didn't amake Pats runner Riddley fumble on the three yard line. No, the penalty would almost have been an unfair way for a Carolina team that played so well to lose a game. Oh it would have been nice to see Brady and company, who overall looked sharp, win in the last second...but not because of a penalty. Even though it was a bad call to pick up the flag.

The Question:

Who do you think are listed as the all time top Radio Talk Show Hosts? Bonus: Which of the NY NFL Teams plays its home games in New York?

The Headlines:

--Midwest Storm Damage Set At One Billion Dollars.
--Samsung Sells Almost 3 Times The Smart Phones As Apple In Third Quarter.
--ObamaCare Website Said To Have Security Problems That Would Put User At "Critical Risk" Despite Claims By Admin That All Is Safe.
--Suicide Bombings In Beirut Kill 23 Near Iran Embassy.
--Islamists Continue Incursions Into Middle East And No. Africans Countries With Latest Raid On Somali Police Station.
--Golfer Jason Day Lost Grandmother, Uncle, 6 Cousins In Philippine Typhoon Destruction.

The Voice:
The final Ten faced off on the voice last night, and it will be tough picking. Last night I personally liked James Wolpert and Tessanne Chin. Matthew Schuler is always ultra surefooted, but he didn't excite me last night. Will Champlin raised my spirits. Two of my favorites Kat Robichaud and Jacquie Lee struggled during the middle of their efforts, but they finished strong. I thought Caroline Pennell was bland. I get Austin Jenckes and Cole Vosbury mixed up, but I believe Cole is the better singer and a real contender. Ray Boudreaux is a real talent and he did well last night, but he may have failed to excite the voters who generally shy away from the bluesy stuff. My guess is that Jenckes and Boudreaux will go, only because they are all so close.

The Oxford Dictionary's "New Word of the Year" is "selfie"! How appropriate is that for the Me First generation.

Betty and Joe Hill were driving around Transylvania, when their car ran off the road and Betty was, it appeared to Joe, severly injured. He picked her out of the car and carried her to scary yet imposing castle looming out of the fog. At the door he met an odd little person named Igor, who told them they'd have to stay there, but that his master was a scientist who knew a lot about medical things. Igor helped Joe bring Betty to the laboratory, where they placed her on a guerney. Joe, now tired, exhausted, lay down on another geurney. Just as the Master entered, Joe and Betty Hill died. The Master was so disconsolate that he went to his great organ and began playing beautiful music. Igor, after a while noticed a stirring of the two bodies, a wiggling of the fingers, a fluttering of eyelids, and then both of them sitting upright. "The Hills are alive at the sound of music"!

They shouldn't allow doctors to opine on TV news. They have too much authority that can overwhelm the masses,and more often than not they change their minds later.

As I ytyped the Jason Day item in The Headlines above about his loss of family I thought, Here I go just like all of the slimy other media focusing on celebrity in the face of human tragedy. But, what it shows is that the angry side of the natural world doesn't play favorites, can't be bought off.

The overwhelming dominance by Samsung over Apple in 3rd quarter smart phone sales just shows how vulnerable tech companies can be. I've said it before and now after playing around with one, I even say it more forcefully, the Microsoft Surface seems to have more advantages as a tablet tablet than IPad. Keep your eyy\e on a possible shift there. Hey, Apple is (Or at least has been) a cool innovator. But the great techno-magicians can ad short lives in the competitve world of electronics. that's the reason marketers ther use the word "Window" so much. Get it or lose it. Did I say "Window?"

Yesterday I ran around the harbor here taking new pictures for my Blog, worldviewetc,blogspot.com. When I downloaded and opened them I found every pic blurry. I have to do something about these shaking hands...or stop running around before I shoot.

The Answer:
Talker magazine "Voter Ranking" has as the top "All-Time" #1 Larry King, followed by Howard Stern, Sally Jessy Raphael, Joy Browne, Art Bell, Arthur Godfrey, Laura Schlessinger, G. Gordon Liddy, Neal Boortz, Bob Grant, Ruch Limbaugh, Don Imus and Jean Shepherd. The "Expert ranking" has th top ten as Limbaugh, Stern, Imus, King, Raphael, Bruce Williams, Schlessinger, Barry Gray. Barry farber and Browne. Bonus: I tried to slip this by you. The only NY NFL team that plays home games in New York is Buffalo!

See you all tomorrow. Enjoy the frigid night.

Where are our Statesmen? Where are our principles?

Today's Tids Issue 2,969
Opening Stuff:
I just saw a great line sent in by a resourceful reader: "The Constitution: A preexisting condition."

Yesterday President Obama strongly supported, and applauded the "Nuclear Option" that set aside a Senate minority party's option to filibuster in opposition. In 2005, then Senator Barack Obama wrote, "I recognize that the filibuster can be used for unfortunate purposes. However, I'm also aware that the Founding Fathers established the filibuster as a means of protecting minority from tyranny of the majority -- and that protection, with some changes, has been in place for 200 years!" Gadzooks! 200 years down the drain, just like that. Harry Read should be impeached.

My dentist, who runs a nice small business, suggests that they eliminate the word "Affordable" from the name of the act that allows bureaucrats to take over and manage your medical needs. It's a big fat lie, says the pleasant, and generally happy woman who manages to keep my teeth working. But the intrusion is hurting her business and the people she employs...so much that a nice, giving person was brought to uncharacteristic anger.

The Question:
 Which celebrity children are considered the most accomplished in life?

The Headlines:
--The US Remembers A Death of A President.
--Dem Senate Deep Sixes Historic Senate Filibuster Rule; 200 Year Old Rule That Protected Minority Party Nixed By Unprincipled Reid.
--China Prez Xi Jinping Reshuffles Party To Deepen His Power And Counter Opposition (Says Harry Reid Gave Him Idea).
--China Warns NK; Blames Japan For Tension In Region.
--$16 Million Powerball Ticket Became Worthless After Winner fails To Make Claim; Millions In Florida Now Having Sleepless Nights.
--Federal Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Ban On Annoying RoboCalling.
--Latvian Store Collapses Killing 47; Death Toll Could Climb Further.

In case you missed it, there's a brand new island in the Pacific south of Japan. It popped up yesterday in a flurry of volcanic activity. Yes, our planet is still a living breathing entity that consumes itself at times, expands and contracts, freezes and warms, as it has for millions of years. It's the universe in which we live. It changes whether people live in it or not.
I have to apologize
for the disgraceful oversight when typing in the year Abe Lincoln set the date for Thanksgiving -- It was 1863!

I also have apologize for that list of "Happy Hollywood Couples" which it turns out was woefully behind the times -- probably in some part due to the fact that even with H-Wood couples labeled happy, longevity is relative.

200 years down the drain, just like that!

Greenpeace will probably say that the new island in the Pacific emerged because Japanese fishermen killed all the whales.

You can sell CEO's Anything, Department:

Did you see the story about the sweaters that cost $1,795? And, up! People with more money than they need won't scoff at the highway robbery and will justify the purchases saying it is the best workmanship ever offered in a sweater. Hey, it's a sweater for crissake. All a merchandiser or consultant or anybody with something to sell at robber baron prices has to do is appeal to these giant egos. Money is never an object. The sellers aren't scamming the super rich, because the super rich love setting themselves apart from the strivers. The $1,700 sweater is just the symbol of incredible waste in a world where millions need and would be happy with a $17.00 sweater.

The new national embarrassment: Wages as a percentage of GDP are at a new near all time low. And the nominal trend lines seems to show that the average is going lower. It is an embarrassment that has all of the potential of turning into outrage, and then...? It could be anything, and it won't be pretty.

The new game in the country is kids with nothing to do "knocking out" innocent passers-bys as they walk down a street minding their own business; Injuring many of the victims seriously; then uploading videos to the Internet social media. The news media doesn't seem particularly outraged (Perhaps because most of the thugs are from disadvantaged families) at an act that certainly demands jail time, that flaunts the unspoken rules of a civil society. But then, responsibility has become watered down in the New America where the trend is more towards anything goes, as long as millions can see it on YouTube or Twitter or FaceBook. On the streets and in the Government...where innocent citizens trying to manage their lives get knockout punches all of the time.

Voters initially accepted lying among politicians because the legislators forsook their principles to get something done for all. Now the pols just don't have principles.

I Love my Car, Department:
According to the new Consumer reports, Americans are "most satisfied (% who say they would buy a car again)" with #1 Tesla -99%, Porsche Boxster, Chevy Volt, Porsche 911, Ford Mustang V8, Chev Corvette, Audi A6, Audi A7, Dodge Charger, Mazda 6 and Subaru Forester (85%). The perennial favorites BMW 3, Jeep Wrangler, Lexus LS, Mazda MX 5, Mazda Miata and Toyota Prius also hung in there. The least favorable are Nissan Versa (45%), Nissan Rogue (50%), Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tycoon, VW Jetta, Ford Escape (2.5 Liter), Kia Sportage, Acura ILX, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Kia Optima Hybrid and Nissan Sentra (55% - Which seems surprising).

The best run state is North Dakota and for the third year in a row the worst is California. I thought the worst would be RI or Illinois. Other among the best run are Texas, Wyoming and Alaska, all coincidentally mining states with deep natural resources. Some of the other worst are housing crisis sates like Nevada and Arizona. The official list has the top Five Best as ND, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska and Utah. The worst after Cal are New Mexico, Illinois, Rhode Island and Nevada. Interestingly the worst states are among the most liberal in the land and one of them keeps on sending Harry Reid to the US Senate.

Some day I gotta go out and by me Rachmaninoff's 4th piano concerto.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The first of a good line-up is the blockbuster to be, Hunger Games: Catching Fire. If you liked the first in the series, and almost everybody did, you'll love the new one which is even better. Katniss and Peeta return home in triumph and immediately find they have to leave friends and family for a Victor's Tour. Katniss senses a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is very much in control and President Snow is preparing for the 75th games, which could change the life of Panem forever.
--Vince Vaughn is the delivery man, meaning that his sperm donations has created 533 children! His simple life is disrupted when his pregnant girlfriend rejects him, is in debt to the mob..and his sued by 142 of his children seeking the identity of their father! He embarks on a journey that helps him discover his true self...and the father he could have been. It is well done and Vaughn keeps it well tempered.

The Answer:
The list of the top ten most accomplished siblings of Stars I found, left out, ironically, the name of the star who inspired me to create the question and look for an answer. Surely the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis, would be among the top, but she wasn't. Alas, here's who I found. The list compiler said he left off star siblings who accomplished fame through outrageous actions like Paris Hilton. But then, he has Miley Cyrus #9!, who I guess did make her initial fame on youthful exuberance and talent. The rest are #10 Stella McCartney, #8 Kate Hudson, Carrie Fisher, Liv Tyler, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Kravitz, Sofia Coppola, Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Hmmm! How about Drew Barrymore, Jane, Peter and Bridget Fonda, Beau and Jeff Bridges, Ed Begley Jr., Josh Brodin, Tatum O'Neill... The Judds, The Caradines, The Huston's, The Richardsons, and of course all of the rest of the Barrymores.

The US was established with an Executive Branch, Congress and Supreme Court, to remove the possibility of old world tyranny consuming a free America, of the people, by the people, for the people. It was a government designed to see the needs of all the people, and hopefully create a balance which would be good for all.. The fact that President Obama isn't getting his every wish is proof that the system was still working. Until yesterday, when a light minded senator with absolutely no principles, eliminate 200 years of common sense. Just like that.

Happy weekend, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y! The country will still be around when you get back on Monday...maybe with a new island or two.