The years don’t change much any more.

Today's Tids Issue 3,252

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, Happy New Year E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y! Thanks for listening. Hope you get a nugget or two each morning; a smile, or a subtle nudge to your heart. Or maybe just learn something you never knew. Thanks for your cards and letters, your pro and con opinions, your praise and for just being out here willing to subject yourself occasionally to this morning mess. It’s fun being part of your day. So have an amazing year in 2015, and don’t let all of those uncontrollable irritants that creep from under rocks these days interrupt the laughter and love.

 

Politicians lose what little credibility they possess for me when Congressional culprits like Scalise say  things like, “I didn’t know who I was talking to”. It reminds me of “I went to Jerimiah Wright’s church, but I didn’t listen.”

 

Many in the news media reporting the biggest story of the year have used the headline, “Police Killing Blacks biggest story of the year.” That sounds a little inflammatory to me. An accurate headline would be, “Blacks killed by police resisting arrest biggest story of the year”. Nowhere does the media seem to balance the story with the latest headline, “Cops killed in the line of duty up 56% this year.” If the media doesn’t attempt judiciousness, there will be more police spouses and children mourning the death of a loved one.

 

The Question:

Actress Luise Rainer died at the age of 104. She was the first to win back-to-back Oscars -- 1936 (The Great Ziegfeld) and 1937 (The Good Earth). Only four other actors have won back-to-back’s. Name them Can you name the movies?

 

The Headlines:

--Rising Dollar Squeezing Economies Of Debtor nations; Third World Countries Struggling To Repay; Could This Weaken Global Economy For 2015?

--CDC Doc Says Flu Season Could Be Severe.

--Stocks Rising On Year’s Last day; REITS Have Biggest Year In A decade.

--Iran Says New US Sanctions Violate Spirit Of Nuke Talks.

--Obama Releases 5 Gitmo Prisoners; Sends Them To Kazakhstan.

--DiBlasio –NYPD Relationship Icier.

--New Theory Says Sony Hacking Was Inside Job.

--VA Facing New Congressional Cracdown.

 

There are officially 16, count em’, sixteen contenders for the GOP 2016 Presidential nominee. By the time they finish taking shots at each other during the primaries, there will be nothing left of the winner. The list has John Bolton (I like him, but unelectable), Jeb Bush (Good candidate but will the Anti-Bush crowd crucify him), Ben Carson (His devotion to the truth may scare people), Chris Christie (Fun and forceful, but…conservatives still don’t like that handshake), Ted Cruz (Too far out for national crowd), Mike Huckabee (Nice guy, but he’s been in there too many times.) Bobby Jindal (Ditto Huckabee), John  Kasich (Doing great job in Ohio and could emerge; ditto Jindal), George Pataki (Fame too far in the past), Rand Paul (I  like him and many do, but seems scary to the masses), Rick Perry (Excellent candidate and will do better after learning year in 2012), Mitt Romney (Shoulda bin the Prez; I think he is over and out), Marco Rubio (Strong possibility), Paul Ryan (Like him, but he didn’t look strong enough in 2012), Rick Santorum (I like him and he came on strong in ‘12, but too right for general election; Ditto Jindal) and Scott Walker (My personal favorite, but national name recognition is low; Unions will have him in their sights). So basically there are some good people here, but what many resolute Repubs like best isn’t necessarily going to cross the lines of voter demographics. That’s why a more moderates like Bush keep on rising.

 

Towns and cities have been going to something called “Pay-as-you-go” trash pick up. And I, silly me, always ought that garbage collection was part of what taxes paid for. What’s next, pay-as-you-go pot hole patch kits. What do these people do with all of the tax money?

 

How great is it to have an evening of poking fun at the pretentious Kennedy Award Honorees. Except for one thing, last night the pretentious didn’t arrive.  Oh, wait a minute, I forgot about the overwrought introduction of the wonderful Patricia McBride by Christine Baransky. --The most entertaining segment of the night to me was the Older couple blues singers bringing down the house for Al Green with Riverside. –This was the fist time I ever liked Martin Short or thought that he was actually funny’ –Tom Hanks looks like he is constantly constipated. –Down in front! What’s with those four people who stood and danced at every rhythm number blocking the rest behind them. – I was just pleasantly nodding off with the Springsteen segment, when I was rudely awakened with the nails on blackboard screech of Bruno Mars. –The First family got Rhythm. It led me to envision a SNL skit with Al Gore and Barack Obama sitting next to each other at an Al Green concert. –How do they walk on their toes like that? –Letterman was good, as was Garrison Kieler. –I didn’t laugh much at the Lillie Tomlin segment.

 

The Top Global Equity Markets For the ear were Shanghai and Argentinian Mervel Index,

 

Of all of the Government agencies nourished by the White House progressive agenda, the scariest of them all might just be HUD.

 

I went into the kitchen last night to cook some green beans for my dinner. I reached into the fridge and took out the bean container…and froze. I found myself I a state of pure panic. I put them back. I’ll try again tomorrow. Life is tough when you have hang-ups. Instead, I took out some mini-white potatoes previously cooked. I mashed them in a skillet of butter, and browned both sides. Then I drenched them in beef juice, which I reduced into a nice sauce. Now, that’s a vegetable!

 

The Answer:

The four are Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Jason Robards (Supporting Actor) and Tom Hanks. The movies are: Tracy – Captain’s Courageous, Boys Town; Hepburn – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter; Hanks – Philadelphia, Forest Gump; Robards – All the Presidents Men, Julia. Two directors have won back-to-back awards – John Ford (The Grapes of Wrath, How Green was my Valley) and Joseph Mankiewicz (A Letter to Three Wives, All About Eve).

 

Definition of a hangover: Wrath of Grapes.

 

Safe driving everybody.

My lucky day.

Today's Tids Issue 3,251

Opening Stuff

 

I found 75 cents in the sofa cushion this morning.  It reminded me of the elation of those weekends, when first married and two kids, digging though cushions for 30, 35 cents, which was plenty for a nice Sunday drive and two ice cream cones.

 

I’d give you a list of the Top Ten Video Games for 2014, if I had any clue about what it all meant. Needless to say, Studio 38 wasn’t one of them.

 

The newest Gallop Poll says that the Confidence Index of the American people is at the highest level since the recession, and that 90% of Americans believe 2015 will be better than 2014. In the same survey, Americans also named as the “Most Admired” man and woman – Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Now I’m really worried about the stock market.

 

The Question:

Who do you think are the Ten Richest Women in the world?

 

The Headlines:

--Greek Ship Near Corfu Reports Armed Intruders On Board; Naval Helicopters Rushing Towards Distress Call.

--Debris, 40 Bodies Found Near Where Airliner Disappeared.

--Obama-Care Mandated Fines For Not having Insurance Will Rise IN 2015; IRS Will Be Collection Agency.

--Admission Of Tax Evasion Forces NYC GOP Rep To Quit Congress; Remaining 434 Sending Calls To Accounting.

--Putin Foe Found Guilty Of Fraud

--ISIS Group CAIR Sues Pentagon Over Banning Of Facial Hair.

 

Have you noticed that there are no clocks in medical facility waiting rooms? I guess it’s supposed to making waiting feel shorter.

 

I notice that on all of these House refurb TV shows the main idea of the times is taking down walls and creating open space. It’s like the Internet where people want to bare their souls to the world. Personally, I think every house should have one 10 by 12 foot room with bookshelves tucked away…with a door.

 

Have you ever noticed the potent energy of puffy Cheetos? I find when biting down they release a pleasant sense of warmth, good for cold nights or relieving chills form the flu. Cheeto’s! The health food.

 

While rapturizing a Tid or two ago about the return of some of my favorites TV shows (Justified, Fargo, The Americans, House of Cards) I forgot one of the favorites of everybody – Downton Abbey. It’s back on January 4.

 

Don’t worry, any words I write that may not be familiar to you as accurate are on their way to Webster’s for inclusion in their next “New Acceptable Words” List.

 

Let your kids grow up to be hackers, for they will soon find rich backers. Yes, for all of those parents who decried the inactivity of their “Hacker” children, their proclivity and  brains are desired for big bucks by the alphabet soup of USA security agencies and giant corporations!

 

The Answer:

Holly Branson, a doctor and giver, tops the list of self made, married into and inherited wealth women. Lydia Hearst (Looks like Patti) is next and followed by Ivanka Trump, Jocelyn Windenstein (Spends $545K/year on Food), Donatella Vercase, Perky Elizabeth Holmes (Scientist who developed the wearable patch and Theranos Corp), Marta Ortega-Perez, Liliane Bettencort (L’Oreal) and Christy Walton.

 

My life is humming fine,

As I tune up for Old Lang Syne.

So to you I wish good times,

Which works to end this rhyme.

Rationalizing America Downward.

Today's Tids Issue 3,250

Opening Stuff:

 

 

I’ve never made a New Year’s resolution, and I’m not about to start now.

 

There’s a hell of a lot of bitter Christmas and Christianity hating people running loose these days. They must have a lot of guilt, and will do anything to avoid the truth.

 

The Scariest Headline of the Weekend, Department:

“Obama has Ambitious Plans.”

 

More and more people in this country are rationalizing against immorality, mainly to make money, or possibly to absolve their own bad decisions.  One of the weirdest I heard was from an entrepreneur in a rent a woman business saying that prostitutes and “Dating service girls” are no different than wives accepting grocery allowances! The problem is that the all forgiving media gives them credence

 

The Question:

I have always enjoyed Denzel Washington. Name five of his best movies.

 

The Headlines:

--LA Police On tactical Alert After Patrol Car Is Fired Upon; NYC Police Commish Says Police Feel Under Attack From White House, Justice Department..

--Indonesia Missing Plane Eerily Similar To Missing Malaysian Flight 370.

--!30 remain Aboard Burning Greek Ferry In Adriatic Sea; 5 Dead.

--Afghanistan Military Operation Officially Ends.

--Dow Opens Down; Oil Higher.

--Goldman Sachs And Several Clients To Lose $835 Million Over Collapse Of Portugal’s Banco Espirito Santo SA; Goldman To Pursue Remedies.

 

So, where are we? People are smiling  floating along upon an 18,000+ Dow that could be a thin skinned bubble. The Season has a way of keeping dreams hovering upon gossamer wings. For most, this is the ultimate do nothing week. Yet, we know somebody is out there preparing their financial assets for a new year that sometimes starts badly. As discerning as we can be with 9ur own relatively meager holdings, the bbig paly with sums

 

Prince William is starting to look like Dad, without the ears.

 

Egypt has banned the new movie,  Exodus: Gods & Kings, saying, “Intentional gross historical fallacies that…” Hollywood? Rewriting history?

 

The dummies on protest marches are still walking around with upraised hands.

 

What’s mystifying is that the protestors are shouting “Police reform’, but if they really wanted to accomplish something, they should be yelling “Criminal ‘s reform!”

 

The last column I want to read this week is one about RI politicians and their new year’s resolutions. I  would feel like I was abetting fraud.

 

Finally, we have an explanation for the decline of Rhode Island. The state was just named number one in Marijuana usage – the state with the most potheads per thousand, beating out Colorado – where it is legal!. New RI Motto – “Haze”.

 

I think that all touchdowns that are set up due to an interference call should only be worth 4 points. Defensive backs should be marching in the streets urging “reform”.

 

The Answer:

I’d probably seenhim earlier, but personally  I remember Denzel first for his role in Crin=mson Tide. Maybe it’s that powerful imagine for the Submarine slinking below the waves to the music of the navy hymn. Others in which I liked him were Pelican Brief, The Preacher’s Wife and Training Day. He won Many awards for films like Glory, Malcom X, Philidelphia, Flight, Courage Under Fire, Mississippi Masala, The Hurricane, Remember the Titans, Inside man, Antwone Fisher, Man on Fire and American Gangster. And that is just the tip of the surface for one of our best actors.

 

I listen to radio programs from around the country and hear so many of those quiet voices urging all to fight for a return to truth -- all races, all genders, all societal groupings tired of the disgrace foisted upon the heritage of the USA. With each nugget of truth that can’t be denied, a mass reality coheres against the acceptance of charlatans. 

Out of Organization, chaos.

Today's Tids Issue 3,249

Opening Stuff:

 

The Day is over and if you’re like me, rest is the greatest gift for today. So much goes by so fast on Christmas Day that you need a contemplative day to revisit all of the special moments of laughter and love, to slow them down and absorb.  Have a perfect, do nothing day everybody.

 

So, this is what a country run by a Community Organizer looks like.

 

I was going to go back and do a Best Tids of the Year column, but my mind doesn’t go back far enough! Then I realized that each of those 4500-5000 annual Tidlets may have some value, maybe a special meaning for someone and that would be most important to at least one person. And that’s really what this is all about everyday, not winners and losers.

 

The Question:

Name five great films about the Olympics.

 

The Headlines:

--Shoppers Return To Stores To Spend Gift Cards; Retailers Hoping It will Make Their Year.

--Hackers Hit Sony Play Station and Microsoft Xbox; Fathers, And KIds Seen Crying.

--Baby Jesus Stolen From Massachusetts Church Crèche; Replaced With Severed Pigs Head.

--Ukraine Cuts Train Service, Power To Crimea; Russia GDP Down 4%.

--GHW Bush In Hospital.

--Duh: The Interview Is Top YouTube  Attraction.

 

One of the reasons I have no trust in FaceBook is that just about every other day they Send an email, ”Richard, you have 11 notifications” And every day it is a lie.

 

The opiners are going crazy on the NYPD issue and the Mayor has been in full CYA mode , which involves reordering history. He did say one thing interesting about the murderer being a lone deranged unstable gunman (NAACP Spokes-people across the nation are using the same tact.)  Well, without realizing it, he hit the nail on the head – police must be prepared for the most dangerous situation. A mentally deranged man, an aggressive 300 pound teen gang enforcer. So thanks Mayor Bill DiBlasio for  putting need for extra diligence,  responsiveness in perspective. Police are only called to crime scenes, and every time it may be lightening in a jar.

 

Speaking of Best of the Year, the USA Sports writers association listed their Top ten “Sports” Stories, and they are barely about sports at all. The first four in fact are about “Wife Abuse”, Racism (Sterling ), LaBron’s Search and Gays in Pros. They are social issues or celebrity fanfare involving sports people. What about great descriptive stories on a pennant chase in October, the intensity of a Pro-Football playoff game, a grueling tennis match. Whatever happened to: “Outlined against a blue-gray October sky, the four horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore they are Death, Destruction, Pestilence and Famine. Their real names are Stuhldreher, Crowley, Miller and Layden…”

 

Mark January 28^th for the return of The Americans on Fx. This marks the beginning of the real TV season which also brings, among others, Justified and Fargo. Of Course House of Cards is also just around the corner. And, who knows, maybe some new surprises. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for good TV again.

 

Perhaps the new History Channel Series, “Sons of Liberty”, should be a part of USA Middle School education. It looks at the lives of the people who formed the country that the world had never seen – like,  Paul Revere who was far more than a man on horseback shouting, “The British are coming”; Samual Adams far more important than a beer label. In fact, maybe this is the refresher course all Americans need. America was built against the Tyrannical imperial governments.

 

America waddles on Dunkin’.

 

In the event you want to go crazy today, consider that the average baseball no cut contract salaries for 2014 was up $500K to $3,818,000.

 

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Hollywood is loving Into the Woods. I will probably go to listen to the music. I hope they didn’t weird it up too much.

I had o go to the WSJ to find a review of patriotic film The Sniper. It is gripping story of a man, a Seal harboring his feelings so he can successfully do his job as an expert sniper. It is a good film about his coping; coming to grips with himself.

--I’m liking the Gambler with Mark Wahlberg, where a novelist, arrogant assistant professor slides down into the bottomless black whole of the loan shark gambling universe. He didn’t meet Alice.

--Selma is another Hollywood darling, and it is well done. You know the story.

--Unbroken is about another kind of hero, a tale of a kid from nowhere who made it to the Olympics and eventually became a pilot in World War ii. This is the story of his courage and anguish at the hands of Japanese captors. Could be hard to take. The book was hard to read for many.

--Oh, The Interview is a typical Sophomoric (Brainless), Lowbrow romp which somehow managed to stop the world. If you don’t know the story you’ve been in a Coma.

 

The Answer:

For me, Chariots of Fire comes to mind first. Others are Miracle about the 1980 Ice Hockey win, Personal Best, which I liked, the Gripping Munich, the beautiful International Velvet, With Out Limits, Believe in Yourself, Blades of Glory and The Cutting Edge.

 

For participating in the greatest all time movie promotion, Kim Jong un is getting a lifetime pass to the Sony movie vault. His dad would be proud.

 

I’m there. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

 

 

Merry Christmas everybody

  Today's Tids Issue 3,248
Opening Stuff:

 

The phrase Peace on Earth has never been in greater need. All people want it, but a very few people, for their own benefit, wage war against it.

So today, in this week of the disappearing Tids, I’m going to be talking about that light that shines while Angels sing. I’ll try to get the old Tids going Friday, with NFL picks, keen and witty observations. And evry Christmas around now I find no better way expressing  Peace and love than as it was said  best by that little boy Linus who walked upon a stage and stood before the humble tree of his pal Charlie Brown, who was exclaiming, “Doesn’t anybody know what Christmas is all about?:

“Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please?

And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=ytff1-yff16&p=you%20tube%20hark%20the%20herald%20angels%20sing&type=

 

 

The Lights shines, but the darkness grasps it.

Today's Tids Issue 3,247
Opening Stuff:

Good news! Beginning today, the days start getting longer on their way to summer. Unpack your bathing suits!

 

Isn’t it sad that on Christmas week we have to mourn the deaths of two fine NYC policemen, which never should have happened. The News paper writes that the cold blooded murders stirred protest back lash. No, backlash began at the beginning when Eric Holder started fanning the flames; as President Obama silently stood by providing the imprimatur; when the race bating industry leader and liar Sharpton began misstating the evidence, When the  protesters chanted, “Waddaya want”. “Dead Cops”, “Waddaya want”? “Dead cops”… When the socialist-progressive Mayor of the City, DiBlasio, spit on the reputation the city’s protectors. Nothing that the NAACP or any so-called civil rights organization will say can minimize the truth that the deaths came from the fires lit by them over trumped up issues. But, then, It seems like O and Eric has been looking for these situations since Cambridge, and do you know what – they have been wrong on every one of them.

 

I thought that the Colbert sendd-off was pretty spectacular. He must be more popular than I imagined. I’m thinking Mayor di Blasio likes him

 

“O” on Friday said that Sony should have called him before cancelling distribution of the film. No, a leader should have stepped in and taken charge if he was seeing something dangerous to the welfare of the US. He stepped in on the “Benghazi Video”.

 

I think that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a threat during the play-offs.

 

The Question:

When and why were candy canes invented? What does word mistletoe stand for? Which author first described Santa as a pipe smoking man? Bonus: What 4 holidays account for the most sent greeting cards, and rank in girder.

 

The Headlines:

--Stocks Up Nicely; Good Time to Buy Stocks Sold Off For Tax Purposes.

--USA Cops Put On High Alert After Execution Shootings.

--World Leaders Confused By China’s Calls For Military Readiness.

--North Korea Threatens Strikes Against US Mainland.

--Tarpon Springs FL Cop Shot And Run Over By Felon; Officer Was Investigating Noise Complaint.

--Pakistan to execute 500 Terroist Prisoners.

 

I look at the NBA Stat lists and I see very few names I recognize. Is that because the kids leave “college” before the public has a chance to know them?  Or, has the league just become a big blah to me. And I love my Celtics even as the lose trying to put it back  together.

 

So everybody is really, really happy about Cigars from Cuba. But, the real mystique of the past 50 yearswas that they were hard tp get. That the guy who would have them always shrouded sharing with mystery, saying, Wink, Wink, “These are Cuban”. So with the mystery gone will they look for some other nefarious cigars, like North Korea? If anybody can get them, how can you impress your friends?

 

The last thing President Obama wants is to work with Congress.

 

I think Boston getting the Summer Olympics is a bad Idea. There just isn’t enough space in a region that is always too crowded.

 

Lindsey Vonn should be able to give her live guy Tiger some advice. She came back from serious injuries and won a downhill on Friday. Maybe Golf is tougher than downhill skiing.

 

One of the reasons there seems to be more diseases now is because we have much better record keeping.

 

The Answer:

The candy cane was invented in the 1600;s as a means to control children’s choirs during the non-music parts of the ceremony. Mistletoe actually represents comfort and contentment, but you could find many meanings for this sprig used by the druids and Greeks for many reasons. It was deemed to have special powers and magic. Washington Irving was the first person to place a pipe in Saint Nick’s hand. Bonus: Christmas is first followed by Valentines and then Mother’s Day and Easter.

 

I’ll get back to Christmas tomorrow. I can’t get over the sadness that I feel for those cops. I had an aunt and uncle on the NYC police force. I was pretty proud of them

 

 

Whatever happened to thank you notes?

Today's Tids Issue 3,247

Opening Stuff:

Smartly dressed poultry would be called chic hens.

If you don’t teach it, it will disappear. If you don’t teach about the uniqueness of US history and ideals, for instance, then the burgeoning influx of immigrants will only know what they knew from their past and may corrupt the vacant minds of US young. If you don’t teach about manners, then you will have a land of inconsiderate dolts. And that is actually a growing problem, as kids and the internet rule social engagements. Younger generations seem to think an invitation with RSVP is an opportunity bring an army to the event. “Twitter” parties overwhelm neighborhoods. The nobody cares generation, even if they have heard of RSVP, don’t believe in commitment and would prefer saying “Maybe I’ll come (Depending if there’s a better offer for the day)” Yes hostesses and brides are left agog as they  wrestle with the inconsideration of potential guests while planning very expensive weddings and big social events. This is a real, new trend, which even carry’s over to reservations not kept at restaurants. Inconsideration just must be stopped. Maybe too many of the kid’s parents didn’t have manners themselves, or perhaps some thought it un-cool to teach them. The fact remains, if we are to live in a civilized society, there must be basic rules people can rely upon for order. Manners, after all, are just common sense. But, anything we don’t teach forward will eventually disappear, just like that.

What is happening to US industrial might when a giant company like Sony acquiesces to a charlatan like Al Sharpton, saying it will allow him to help them pick movies and scripts? Shoot me. I understand their first Sharpton film will be “The Truth About Tawana Brawley as Only Big Al Can tell it”.

When you see dozens of sign carrying protestors outside the Boston courthouse claiming that the self-confessed marathon bomber Tsarnaev was set up by the government, you know one thing for sure: There is absolutely no hope for world agreement on anything.

The Question:

See if you can come up with the punch line for these Puns:

1. What do you call two fruits fighting in a cage?

2. Why did the farmer grow so many pumpkins?

3. Why don’t hot air balloon operators make good friends?

4. What is a diploma for successful criminals?

5. What did the guy think of the movie Shrek?

The Headlines:

--Oil Prices Show Small Rebound; EuroStocka Riding High Heading For Strong Week Close.

--National Debate Erupts On What Retaliation Is Necessary After Alleged NK Cyber Attacks; Some Experts Say Evidence Isn’t Strong Enough to Point Finger At North Korea; Some Evidence Says That Iran, China And/or Russia Could Have Worked With NK..

--US Intel Says That NK May Try Cyber Attack Against US Nuke Plants.

--Rocket From Gaza Hits Southern Israel; First Attack Since September..

--Family Of Eight Stabbed To Death In Australia.

--Boko Harum Kidnaps At Least 185; Slaughters Most.

--FCC Says Redskins Name Not Offensive.

--Billionaire Carl Icahn Promises $20 Mil To Keep Atlantic City Casino Taj Mahal Open; This Comes As Icahn Loses $250 Million Due To declining Oil Prices.

--US Appeals Court In Cincinnati Says That Michigan Action Refusing Gun For Man Committed To Mental Institution Is Unconstitutional.

--Blackberry Reports Turnaround Ahead Of Schedule; Morgan Staley Note On IPhone Demand Has Apple Shares Rising..

So, if the Stock Market rises to unimagined heights at year’s end based mainly on emotion, how stable can it be starting the New Year?

That Christmas Music and laughter wafting up from the Caribbean is from the Castro brothers dancing around the tree shouting “We believe in Santa Claus!” and in a lower tone, “And, we can still be naughty”. Yikes. Even left leaners like Robert Reich are scratching their heads over this one.

I get a little nervous in public places lately knowing that the non-descript person next to me may have a knife and an uncontrollable urge to slash. Brutal stabbings in open daylight in crowded public places is rapidly attaining fad status, and it is downright scary. Well, at least the left can’t blame the NRA on this one.

I’m sure that Kim Jong Un is shaking in his boots after learning that the UN wants to refer NK to its Criminal Court! The Un! God help us.

James Holmes parents are saying that he is not a monster, but just a young man with a small mental problem. His brings up major question about what to do about psychotically evil people who kill as opposed to just regular evil people who kill. It’s all about what you call the walls in which they should be housed forever. Hey say mental institutions are too expensive and that prisons are too punitive, yet there are thousands of mentally afflicted people, who would be better off in an institution for their own good (at least temporarily) as well as society’s. The we have to deal with removing stigmas as people successfully re-enter the world.

Cleaning my glasses half way through the Tids, sometimes brings the ills of the world into clearer perspective.

A consultant says RI has to spend more millions to get more tourists. We have already sold our soul for the tourist dollar, and it isn’t pretty.

The “Green Climate Fund” a loosely linked arm of the UN which has promises form Prez Obama of $3Billion and from UK $1.5 Bil is asking for immunity from worldwide actions. Doesn’t that bother you just a little? It appears though that the incoming GOP Congress will be using sharp knives to slash mysterious UN piggybanks like GC., Oops, did I say “knives,” “slash”?

I get down on the new America from time to time, but fortunately it is all mostly about what I see in the news, not from the people I know or meet. But then I don’t know any litterers, protestors, Hollywood moguls, fraudulent financial manipulators, convenience store thugs, irresponsible youths…well you get the picture. I live in an insular world, and I love it.

Some people and sports writers are concerned that NE Pats super Tight End “Gronk” isn’t mature enough. Personally I believe at retaining your juvenile exuberance for life.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--The previous Night the Museum was awful as far as I’m concerned, so I will avoid this version. But, I’m sure it will be a box office success and loved by kids, as longs as it doesn’t irritate some hacker. Robin Williams makes a last appearance on the big screen.

--Wild is a star vehicle for Reese Witherspoon. It is about a woman who has sunk to the depths of drug and sexual depravity, injuring friends and loved ones along the way. To cleanse her soul, and with no experience at all, she sets out on a hiking trip from the Mojave Desert through Washington state. She learns a lot along the way.

--Foxchaser is a new venture for comic Steve Caril and play it well as a weird heir to the dupont fortune who winds up killing an Olympic wrestler at his training center. It’s based on a true story set in a beautiful place, (I’ve eaten nearby in a restaurant called the Country Squire). I think it will be pretty good and is well acted. Hollywood loves making the rich look evil, except of course themselves.

--The newest version of Annie is a huge let down according to the reviewer I relied upon. You know the story. Unfortunately, in this version Mrs. Hannigan isn’t that evil and scary, and most of the actors go through the motions. The dancing is below average. But, that’s a critics opinion.  Kids and happy people will enjoy this Obama version  of the story. Oops, I hope Amy isn’t reading my emails.

In case you are interested the five worst movies of 2014 are 5, Ouija 4. Tammy 3. Need for Speed 2. The Giver. The worst movie of the year according to Yahoo! Movie staff of critics, is the star laden (Fonda, Fey and Hahn) piece of drear – This is where I Leave You.

The Answer:

1.” Mango a Mango”

2. Because he was gourd at it.

3.While at times uplifting, they always let you down in the end.

4. The third degree.

5. It was ogre-rated.

What did you expect, Shakespeare

There are about 8 Bowl games on over the weekend. None of them mean anything to me, or as far as I can determine, to football in general. It’s all about money and how it wrought mediocrity.

Have a wonderful weekend before Christmas E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y

Remember the Maine!

Today's Tids Issue 3,246

Opening Stuff:

The expansive seas around this island are cast in that ominous black of the raging winter waters. The intense unrelenting power of cold oceans that few people ever see. The persistent energy of the rising swells producing crashing waves that pound the coast; shifting sands, displacing boulders, carving new coves and inlets. The unseen wonder of the icy waters working natures wonders, depleting then renourishing wetlands and soft sandy beaches. I love to stroll the January tidelands and feel the power, smell the salt, listening to the bird’s excitement in the discovery of newly revealed pantries. The cleanliness of unfettered air inflates my lungs with life. The roaring sea is a gift. I would like to send it you all.

This fascination with Cuba is beyond me. Here we have a Nanny Nation here driven to get sweets out of citizens diets, and we are making goo-goo-eyes at a country which produces mainly sugar cane.

The Question:

The Interview is the subject of a lot of discussions these days, one centering around how much money it will lose – estimates going as high as $200 Mil. I believe it will make a ton with Global distribution, and when a curious USA flocks to it after it is released for home use. What are the biggest all time money losing movies?

The Headlines:

--Dow Down Slightly From High Od 300+; Emotions Seems To Be Carrying The Day.

--Obama Surprises Everybody With Cuba Deal That Doesn’t Seem To Do Much Of Anything

--Survey Shows That 80% Of Russians Support Putin; Most see Him As Solution To Problems; Putin Puts Blame For Russia Problems On US..

--Vermont Governor Drops Plan For single Payer Health care.

--Turkey’s Erdogan Arrests Opposition Media; Slams EuroZone For Complaining.

--Boston Marathon Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Trial Begins As Pro-Thug Protestors Meet Victims In Front Of Courthouse.

Remember when Fidel Castro was a mesmerizing protest leader against an oppressive government? How did that work out for the people?

Well sports fans, only two weeks of regular season NFL left, and there are some good match-ups this week, not including tonight’s 4 and 24 teams, Tenn and Jax fighting for 3^rd place in the AFC South. I’m picking Jax. On Saturday I see  Philly fighting back to stay in the race beating the skins.  San Diego still has a chance, but I’m picking SF at home to surprise. New Orleans-Atlanta, Dallas-Indy, Denver-Cinncy and Seattle-Arizona are good matchups with something in play. New Orleans showed a little last week, and Atlanta has been better but Julius Jones was part of their minor resurgence. I’m Picking NO. Indy is in and Dallas needs it to get in – so I’m picking the Cowboys. Denver should beat the Bennies, but I think we will see an upset here (I’m really trying too hard to be contrary this year). And then there is Seattle and Arizona, a team that always finds a way even when they look broken. What is the health of Larry Fitzgerald? The Cardinals will win the war. For the rest I have to go Detroit over da Bears,  Miami over Minn, Carolina over Johnny Football, Green over Tampa in the battle of the Bays. Pitt in a nail biter over KC, The Pats over the Jets, St. Louis over the Jints and Buffalo over Oakland. But, you have to watch this one as Oakland is putting something together lately. This could be a very good game.

I would have a tough time voting for Jeb Bush because of his pro-Federal school curriculums posture. I really hate the idea of Big Gov getting into local schools.

I have to throw out a few kudos to the marketers of Chia who continually find new ways to refresh that old one-time gimmick gift. In fact, it is now useful for some of the newer applications.

I don’t get this left wing fascination with Cuba, unless they see it as a nice tropical retirement community where they can practice academic theories of income re-distribution to a select few.

Mayor DiBlasio of NYC has no clue about the United States and what it stands for. In fact, a convertible American, he is rumored to be the prime replacement for the Castro brothers.

There’s a bad pun in there somewhere.

Who says terror isn’t working in the USA. Now, after five of the largest theater chains dropped plans to show The Interview, Sony put it on the shelf. Making people fear the unknown, having them always looking over their shoulder – that is pure terror. Even if as it may be in this case, the lawyers warning that any incident at a theater warned could bring on suits. Actually I’m always looking over my shoulder at the Admin and IRS.

Instead of the Quahog, the RI State animal should be the lemming.

From this humble perch, all I can see for the next two years is President Obama disrupting what remains of harmony in the USA. It could be a sad time.

The Ultimate conspiracy theory: Eric Holder organized the anti-Police protests across the nation to set the scene for promoting Oprah Winfrey’s new “Selma” movie.

The Answer:

47 Ronin leads the pack with a loss of $150 Mil. Next in line are Mars needs Moms, The 13^th Warrior, The Lone Ranger, R.I.P.D., John Carter, Final Fantasy: The Sprits Within, Jack the Giant Slayer, Sahara and #10  Stealth. If you adjust for inflation, Cutthroat Island, he Adventures of Pluto Nash, The Fall of the Roman Empire and Heaven’s Gate enter the Top Ten. Stealth, Jack the…, John Carter and RIPD drop out. RIPD – Rhode Island Pension Disaster.

There I was, sitting comfortably, content and minding my own business, wanting for nothing – when out of nowhere came this commercial with people singing “If you’re happy and you know it, have a snack”. When I finally realized what was happeing, it was too late to get my habnd out of the cCheetos bag.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0LEVvMDO5NU.2QAe00PxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBsa3ZzMnBvBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkAw--?p=weight+watchers+tv+commercial+have+a+snack&tnr=21&vid=5AA5329D2F13520E84825AA5329D2F13520E8482&l=61&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DUN.608016306916822920%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGNPLuSx_06U&sigr=11acajc7c&tt=b&tit=Weight+Watchers%2C+%26quot%3BIf+You%26%2339%3Bre+Happy%26quot%3B&sigt=11gdr3dli&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Dwiegt%2Bwatchers%2Btv%2Bcommercial%2Bhave%2Ba%2Bsnack%26ei%3DUTF-8%26type%3Dverizon_access%252Fverizon_dsl%26hsimp%3Dyhs-vz%26hspart%3Dvz&sigb=14hqg3bhh&hspart=vz&hsimp=yhs-vz

Are you in the refrigerator, potato chip drawer yet?

MIN: Most Informed Nation.

Today's Tids Issue 3,245

Opening Stuff:

 

Don’t you get the feeling during this time of year that all the wonderful memories you have stowed away; every great thing you ever experienced; every beautiful person you have ever known -- all starts rumbling in your heart. Like a little earthquake, the tremors start with one menial thought that grows into a stimulating feeling, and then each other beautiful memory feeds upon other rising to the surface until you have a volcanic explosion. And you look out from that loving heart and the world looks good. There’s just so much good stuff in the world trampled upon by negativity that it takes the purity and wonderment of what Christmas really means to reactivate all of the awe you have stowed away, that fills your body and soul with love. Better than a sack full of presents any day. Ventricular. Ventriculay!

You have think that young couples who insist on their first home having a fireplace have a deep seated belief in Santa Claus.

USA Cultural Question of the Day: Why did Bruno Mars wear gold leaf hair curlers to his performance of Uptown during the The Voice finale last night. Forget, the ruble, the Pakistan massacre, the Australia attack, the bomb threats against The !interview, the Budget, Jeb Bush, Alex Rodriguez and Dick Cheney -- that’s what America really wants to know.

The Question:

One way to get a handle on the really serious interests of the USA denizens is to check Google search data. What were the most searched topics on Google for 2014?

The Headlines:

--Market up Early; Awaiting YellenSpeak; Interest rate Increase Timeline Could Hurt Riskier Stocks; EuroStocks In Red; Ruble Rebounding As Russia Sells Foreign Holdings.

--Congress Votes To Extend 50 Tax Breaks.

--PA US District Court Judge Arthur Schwab Finds Parts Of Obama Immigration “Legislation” Unconstitutional; Says O Usurped Congress And Are Invalid.

--Hacker Bomb Threat Cancels Premiere Of Movie Satire The Interview.

--Weak Ruble Holding Global Economy Hostage.

--Putin Holds Late Night Talks With EuroCommunity On Ukraine.

--Boston Joins LA, DC and SF To View As American Olympic City Candidate To Vie With Berlin, Rome And Possibly Paris For 2028 games.

--Court Says No To Taxpayer Funded Sex Change For Imprisoned Wife Killer.

Fractured Republican’s Department:

I personally have always felt that Rush Limbaugh was one of the big reasons why GHW Bush lost to Clinton, and now the conservative powerhouse has already started in on Jeb because of his moderation…which could give us another Clinton. They should have a statue of Limbaugh in the Clinton library. It’s only a stones throw from Missouri. He can visit often.

You have to wonder if the Saudi’s are a part of a US plan to bring Russia and Putin to their knees. Well, the Saudi stance on oil is certainly working against Russia, and I have to believe it isn’t just a coincidence. Last night Putin rushed to set up  a meeting with the EU powers. Maybe he should have also invited a Desert Prince.

Gingerbread and creamy Lemon Sauce sounds like a good old fashion idea for traditional Christmas dinner of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. In a mixing bowl add slowly to ½ cp shortening ½ cp sugar until light an fluffy. Add beaten together one egg and ½ cp molasses. Separately, mix together 1 ½ cps flour, ¾ tsp salt, ¾ tsp soda, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¾ tsp ginger. Add dry mixture alternately with ½ cp boiling water t molasses mixture, beating well after each addition. Bake 34 mins in greased pan at 350 degrees.

For the sauce, mix together ½ cp d=sug,2 tsps cornstarch and ½ tsp salt. Slowly stir in 1 cp cold water and cook over low heat, stirring, till thick and clear. Stir small amount of hot mixture into 2 egg yolks. Add yolks to back hot mixture and cook one min, stirring. Remove from heat add, 2 tbs butter, I tsp grated lemon peel and 3 tbs lemon juice. Heat for one minute until butter is melted and all is well combined. Pour warm over ginger bread with whipped cream. Taste the tang!

I think The Voice voters got it right because I have been a Craig Wayne supporter! Frankly I thought he was great as he eased in to become a natural part of Leonard Skinner and “Sweet Home Alabama”. In truth though, the pop singer’s two, Matt and Chairs, probably had a split vote among the youth markets while country strong never wavered for their man. Last night Chris was terrific with Jessie J singing Masterpiece, and I liked the five women in red singing Bang-Bang. You have to figure that Sugar and Danika were pretty popular among the singers as they were each invited to 3 of the four “Call-Backs”. Adam looked heartbroken at the winner announcement. Hey, the four finalists were all good and I think Chris will latch onto a star, though his personality needs a little stimulating. Craig Wayne though is a natural (As is matt McAndrew) and could do well in Nashville. I think “That Old Rugged Cross” and “I Walk the Line” won it for him.

When Obama’s guy Axelrod says Jeb Bush would be formidable against Hillary, I really begin to worry.

Here’s a list of 9 oil related stocks that could be prime for pumping: Synergy Resources, HollyFrontier Corp, Dorchester Minerals LP, Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, Exxon-Mobil, Reserve Petroleum, Trecora Resources and Adams Resources and Energy. Check your broker first.

Doug Flutie wasn’t that much shorter than Johnny Manziel, and to me the Natick Mass flash was far better, even though he was always an afterthought in the NFL. He, a frequent MVP in the Canadian Football league, always performed well when  down in the NFL, but could never get beyond the “small” thing. I think it is wait and see with Johnny football. Maybe he could borrow Doug’s heart.

Is it an eerie premonition or what that Walking Dead is the first TV show to beat Monday Night football in 27 years? Is too much football on TV wearing out the bleary eyed public? Is this the first crack?

In case you are interested, Bruno Mars wore gold leaf hair curlers because he thought the Song “Uptown” was so 1970”s. How deep is the ocean?

The Answer:

The most searched item on Google in 2014 wasn’t #5 – the “Ice Bucket Challenge” or #4 – the disappearance of Malaysia Airline 370 or #3 – Ebola Outbreak or #2 – The World Cup. It wasn’t ISIS, the November elections, Ukraine and Putin, the stock market or the China economy. It was the suicide death of Robin Williams! How blue is the sky?

I think I’ll just go out for a walk and enjoy my happy heart! Yup, that sounds just about perfect.