Look back on past greatness, and wonder how you got to where you are to day.

Today's Tids Issue 3032
Opening Stuff:

Nothing is so peaceful as harbor in Winter. Gone are the magnificent sailing machines, the people on missions to win competitve races, or see the beauty of the world from the comfort of the rolling seas. Gone is the melodic chugging of launches, the clanging of halyards, the lapping of breeze driven ripples against hulls. Only the yapping of seagulls remains, and a few stragglers like me, mesmerized by the quiet haven.

Weather people announce a "Warm Up" with big grin on their faces...and what they are giving us are luke warm, damp cold days with puddles and slush every where. Thanks a lot. 25 degrees was much better.

WassUp?, Department;

FaceBook just bought something called What's App for $19 Billion. Yikes. This is a 55 employee company, sort of like a poor man's Twitter, said to be valued at $30 Billion. The have 240 Million Subscribers who after a first year  for free, pay 99 Cents a year going forward. They sell no ads. The new world is entirely weird to me.

Does any statement have less impact than Barack Obama saying to Ukraine, "There will be consequences if people step over the line."

The Question:
With the ever improving phone cameras, there will be a time in the furtuere when a real photographer in the eyes of the masses could become a thing of the past. Of course there is a huge difference in what a professional eye produces compared to the happenstance of a snap shot. Name the Ten who are considered the top photogs of all time. Bonus: Think if you can, what would be a list of some of the most meaningful photographs in history.

The Headlines:
--Purchasing Manager's Index, A Key Gauge Of Manufacturing, Has Jumped Up Sharply; Could Have Positive Effect On Markets Today; Unless Big Hedge Fund Managers Feel Like Selling For No Obvious Reason But their Own.
--Obama May Be Changing Thinking On Whether Syria Conflict Threatens Core American Interests.
--Kiev Violence Continues Even As Leaders Agree To Truce.
--Tids Company Pension Plan Falls Apart As Powerball Number Fails To Connect; $425 Mil Goes To California Person..
--Colorado Pot Market Success Becoming Tax Bonanza; Other States Assessing Possibilities for New Cash Flow.
--Dallas Bidding For 2016 Repub Convention.
--Bombs And Tension In Background As Libyans Vote For new Constitution.
--Romney: "Bill Clinton Embarrassment To Nation".

One of the things I don't like about life these days, is that every time I set out to write a Tids full of love, somebody in politics does something stupid forcing me to become petty and irrational.

Where am I hiding when something as innocuous as "What's App", which I have never ever heard of, can grow to a company valued at $30Bil and be sold for $19 Bil!. Just like that!

Frankly, I never liked Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe on the Pre-game show. But even with their exit, and the addition of supposed nice guy Tony Gonzales, it will not entice me to CBS (Even though they show The Pats games). Fox's Terry,  Jimmy, Howie and Michael have a unique chemistry that brings true friendliness and good humor to the analysis. They seem to reach out and say, "Hey we're your friends."

The President just seems to be out there talking for talking sake.

Rhode Island is adding to its list of national honors, now named one of the states with the highest income gap. Of course the reason for this may just be that RI's welfare programs are among the most generous and easiest to enter. It is a well known fact that the impoverished and homesls travel miles to get here to receive the largess, thus skewing our lower scale incomes downward.

Happy Birthday Elroy Face.

P&G has a new "Smart Toothbrush" that keeps track of dental care. I might buy it if didn't continually repeat, "Floss, dammit, Floss".

In case you have missed it, The US has the highest survival rates for Heart Disease, Cancer and Diabetes. And People from Socialized, nationalized medicine countries continually sneak in here for better treatment. And I'm not counting illegal aliens from Mexico who are one of the big reasons we have this gigantic mess on our hands in the first place..

Here's another reason why RI doesn't work. In a nutshell, Gina the treasurer proposed reforms of pensions that were passed by the house. The unions sued and the Judge with several union members in her family, closed the doors on a mediation session that excluded members of the Legislature and representatives of cities and towns (Who have enormous pension shortfalls); The unions and Exec branch rewrote a new watered down version of the law which which the legislature made of mostly of unions henchpersons. must now pass without any legislative input; and the Members of six Unions must vote upon. Here's the real odd part. The ballots will be mailed out and a deadline set. All of the ballots not received by the dead lien will be counted as "Yeses". How would you like to live here. No wonder FDR said the USA should never have public umployee unions

Kids will be Kids, Department:
"It's just a phase." soemone mught say. "When she/he get's older," they'll advise, they will realize how stupid Satanic rituals (Substitute other teen fads here) are. Yeah, sure. Have you read about the 19 year old girl who as a member of a Satanic cult since she was a mere 13 years old has admitting to murdering 22 strangers, and maybe more she's forgotten! Yup she'll grew out of it alright.

You know what's scarier than the thought that you may have stood next to this apparent innocent looking young woman? Every day for a week now somebody from Wall Street mentions the 1929 Stock Tracking chart that looks eerily similar to today! Yikes. Maybe we should call it Waldo Street, as In "Where's my money".

The more, republicans and Conservatives hysterically rush to microphones to report every little mistake about Obama and libs, the more they can lose credibility on the important stuff.

Shirley Temple stopped believing in Santa at age six after her mom took her to a Department store during Christmas and Santa asked her for her autograph!

The Answer:
# by a country mile is Ansel Adams. The next nine are Diane Arbus, Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, David Baily, Brassaii, Larry Burrows, Cecil Beaton, Bill Brandt and Robert Capa. (I met Avedon on a product photo shoot once and found him to be one of the most arrogant pain in te asses ever. And believe me, being "most" in that field is meaningful). Note: There are many opinons on the best. Another Top 10 list keeps only Adams (#1 again), Capa and Barassaei. They add-- Youuf Karsh, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, Jerry Uelsman, Annie Lebovitz, Brian Duffy and Jay Meisel. Frankly, the only thing useful about thsi  is if you are rummaging around an Antique shop or flea market some day...! Bonus: Not a good question, it appears. There are just too many memorable photos, from the "Kiss" in Times Square after WWI to the student Standing before the Tank in Tiananmen Square to a poor soul falling from the World Trade Center. We love the eyes of the Afhan Girl on the cover of National G and surprised for the peek at the Lock Ness Monster. We were horrified at he Picture of burning monk or piles of dead Jewish corpses at Auswich, and disgusted at the photo of the Lynching of Young Blacks in the south. We laughed at the steel workers eating lunch in a bare crossbeam atop an NYC skyscraper and at the century's official genius, Albert Einstein, sticking out his tongue.. We were stunned by the mushroom cloud over Nagazaki. We shivered at Niagra Falls completely frozen. The best of course are all that are yours. The memories in photos you'll keep close for ever.

I look at Kiev and the anguish of people caught between the egos and ambitions of leaders, and I think, how they would like to return to the pride of years past. The Kiev immortalized Modest Moussorgsky's prideful musical portrait of The Great Gate of Kiev. Two choices -- a nice classical version and another by Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8gs4TozJbQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_8kZCQalQ

Think of this city, this might Kiev of old. Once great, a center of a thriving nation now torn apart. A pawn of politicians. Citizens who want to grow in the freedoms of the west, squashed by by those beholden to the powers in Moscow.  Maybe it's a reminder to us all how quickly greatness can disappear if we stop watching. If we give away our independence.

Drama Queens

Today's Tids Issue 3,031

Opening Stuff:

What's great about skiing is that it can be violently ruthless or beautifully poetic, and everything in-between. You can test your mettle or dissolve into perfect calm, in symphony with the hypnotic sounds of scraping and scrunching skis. When you think about it, it's a little like sailing.

I received a lot of responses, with all agreeing on The Tids assessment of the overly aggressive Kristen Cooper in her interview with Bodie Miller.. Even some media wonks agree that interviewers with a heart would have stopped at the first non answer. But, the same wonks opine that when she returned to the media central she would have received many a joyous back-slap and huzzahs. Media people seem to applaud classlessness. Anything for a made up story, eh fellas.

Google has just launched a new growth equity fund to inset in companies hitting their "growth" phase, or for the hipper new investor, "The Groove Phase". Google already has a fund for "Early Stage Firms". I'm thinking...watch where the Goog-ster puts money.

The Question:
Name the Ten celebrities who were rich before they made the big bucks in Glitterville. Bonus: Singapore is one of the most successful nations on earth. Part of their success is based on the "Rule of 4's". What is it?

The Headlines:
--Fed's Lockhart Says First Rate Hike Will Probably be In Mid 2015.
--Kiev Ukraine Explodes From Peaceful Protest Into Chaotic Death Scene.
--Fed Says Foreign Banks Operating In US Will Have To Raise Their Reserves.
--CBO Report Says Employment Would Drop With Higher Min Wages.
--Olympic Points: Russia 64, Nor 59, US 57, Neth 56, Germany 53, (Golds: Ger 8, Nor 8, US 7, Rus 6, Neth 6, Swiss 6, Belarus 5, Poland 4.
--Housing Starts Tumble In January.
--0-Man Dubs Art History Majors As "Impractical"; Apologizes By Saying, "...be open to technical training which can lead to a more honorable career."

The sophisticates of Liberal NYC are clamoring around the slush after yesterdays storm ruing the "The second highest February snowfall in NY History." Climate change is going to kill us they acclaim in true Broadway fashion, singing, dancing and emoting. The first biggest single snowstorm was in 1888 followed by1947 (I remember it well) and 1978. Do you see a pattern here? Of course, what's really happening is the Weather Channel and all news all of the time Cable. Snow has changed from something happening before your eyes to a news regurgitation. It's Winter. It snows. Relax.

New IRS Regulation IR-2013-92 tries to define exactly what Social Welfare Organizations (501c) Groups can and cannot do. This is obviously in response to the accusations of political favoritism in the IRS towards Liberal charitable organizations. I suspect this reg defines Tea Party type orgs out of existence, effectively squashing pubic speech, or for the O-Admin, shutting down public criticism thereby squelching an ongoing investigation.

Brookins and MacNelley suggest that a great way to meet professional athletes is to become a parole officer.

Yesterday the Prez said, "That an increase of the Min wage to $10.10 would lift people out of poverty." If a person works forty hours a week for fifty two weeks that would amount to $20,008. The current min wage of $7.25 would compute out to $15,080. The official government poverty line for a family of one is $11,484, and for a family of 4 is $23,027. So, what the hell is he talking about now. The current Fed wage is already above the Poverty level for one and the increase wouldn't get to the poverty levels for a family of four.

Considering that Putin backs Iran and Syria and has stepped into Egypt politics, combined with this intense confrontation in Ukraine over going back to Russia versus the EU, would lead you to believe that the Russian leader is putting together a new kind of Axis. Not to scare, but just a thought that popped into my head.

A good example of why companies won't move to RI to create jobs can be seen in the unified four person Congressional delegation urging the passage of the $10.10 min wage. It's what you would expect from SSRI.

When you think about it, wasn't it an Income Gap that juiced the start of the Bolshevik Revolution? And weren't the leaders who promoted the gap the new hierarchy of the communist nation that arose from the ashes.

Robins are really confused, especially in the lower Middle Atlantic states. In fact word is out that they are suffering from snow blindness. I'm expecting that to be the impetuous for a new NBC special on Climate Change.

Do you really want to know why O is so in favor of building back an economy upon fabricated wage increase? Because nobody can really afford all of that organic food being pushed by his wife. Or the alternative energy electricity pushed by him.

If you really want to enjoy wind power, go sailing.

I wasn't very happy yesterday with my little diatribe abut making wrong choices. There was something missing, I felt as I pushed that "Send" button. I started to see it as much too simplistic, because while bad choices can certainly contribute to less income, it doesnt necessarily mean that a choice made by a responsible person that may appear wrong to those successful in money, it is not wrong to many who have other goals in life which may produce less wealth. I may talk more about this tomorrow, but I just wanted you to know that there is more to life than one persons opinion of bad choices.

The Conscience: Chapter 38 continues.
      We sat quickly at he first table. It was very nice little place, But, not near anything. I immediately started talking, blurting out about the nervous maid and the little device that to my amateur eyes looked like a bug. As sharp as ever, Angelica quickly agreed and suggested that we could use it to our advantage, which it just so happens was exactly what I was going to tell her. I kept that to myself.
       I ordered coffees and I started wading through my history with Sanna, her mom, beginning with my attempted manslaughter. I did leave out that episode of her mom riding my hips with Bruno watching, smiling in that crummy little bar. Her eyes were fixed, brown and beautiful as ever. She didn't frown or flinch at anything including the wierdest parts of my tale. She did reach over and briefly touch the top of my hand as I told her of my anguish and guilt. I didn't know whether she was feeling sorry for my plight or pitying me as a loser with no guts.
     "So now we know," I began to finish, "that she was looking to get Bernard to acquire the operation, the dirt and all, and I believe now she would stick me with the criminal side of the business."
    "And James Smith," she now said in an even tone, "set a lot in motion to bring her down, embarrass your friend, and help you." She sat back and closed her eyes. Now, a little emotion, I thought to myself. A little tear formed, "I never expected this even as I knew my mother was bad. Yes I knew she as bad. But my father, I just thought he was quiet." She tok another deep breath, "Grandfather will be disturbed."

The Answer:
Number Ten is Robin Thicke who already had $10 Mil. Next was Paul Giamatti followed by Korean Psy, son of CEO Father and Restaurant owning Mom. At #7 we have Adam Levine and then at 6 it is Chevy Chase who's Mom was an adopted daughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane (Crane Plumbing Co). Now we have the top five starting with Anderson Cooper great, great grandson of The Vanderbilt and then a couple of financiers daughter Taylor Swift and Achy-Breaky heart heiress Miley Cyrus. #2 is Lady Gaga daughter of a wealthy Internet entrepreneur, and #1 is...Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is worth  a tidy sum of $3 about Billion in addition to the millions she has earned herself. Bonus: The Rule of Four set the goal for every worker in Singapore: A car with 4 wheels. A house with 4 bedrooms, a 4 figure salary (Huge at the time the rule was instituted) and a family of Four. This was good for looking up, but it worked because the country has achieved 99% literacy. And, it is stable because they believe in Law and Order, even for petty things to Americans like leaving McWrappers and Dunkin'Cups on the street.

Let's see, Obama was a Political Science major. Political Scientist? Art Historian?

I wonder what kind of test tubes political scientists use? O-man's experiments are going wrong and I wouldn't be surprised if the next thing you hear is the explosion in the chem lab.

This was not a great Tids, so I'll leave you with a song I like (You may have to cut and paste):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j82al7MjtQ

Save the Lemmings!

Today's Tids Issue 3,030
Opening Stuff:

There are so many "Me" people in sports and the entertainment industry, that it was refreshing yesterday to hear Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster quit baseball, saying he didn't think he could pitch the way he should, and didn't think the team should pay him for doing nothing. He was making $13.5 Mil. He finished by saying I have made enough money! Compare that to Alex Rodriquez and many others who will be paid huge millions way past their productive prime.
I see where NFL commish Goodell says he is going to try and professionalize the Leagues locker rooms. I say that if he can pull that off, he can take on the Middle East next.

0-Man and his followers seem to imply that every successful person has victimized a disadvantaged person. Obama seems intent to divide the house against itself, the house that Lincoln put back together.

The Question:
Name 5 movies of Molly Ringwald. Bonus: Molly, said by some to be America's best ever teen actress, was a member of the "Brat Pack" - a group of other hot young actors of her age. Name them.

The Headlines:
--US Wins First Gold Medal Ever In Ice Dancing.
--Older People Biggest Sign-Up Group For ACA.
--Fallon Gets Good Reviews For Opening Night.
--Coca Cola Profit, Revenue Falls.
--0-Man To Order New Fuel Standards For Trucks.
--Two Female Members Of Russia Punk Band Pussy Riot Detained In Sochi Hotel On Suspicion Of Theft.
--Both Sides Predict Break-Through Deal In Iran Nuke Talks Nearly Impossible.
--Samsung Confirms Soon To be Announced Smartphone With Fingerprint Reading Capability.


I poached the following lines from from a reader's note. "The President's premise -- that you reduce income inequality by debasing the successful-- seeks to deny the successful the consequences of their choices and spare the unsuccessful the consequences of their choices. Because, by and large, income variations in society is the result of different choices leading to different choices. Those who choose wisely and responsibly have far greater likelihood of success while those who choose foolishly and irresponsible have far greater likelihood of failure."

Choices are only the beginning, because attributes like effort and honesty and ambition enter into the formula. But, the above statement implies that income is success. In fact there are many choices that are made in favor of contributing to society, surely a responsible choice, but one that that may result in lower income. The fact remains though, that is a choice generally with full knowledge available while making it.

I look at the arrogant, unctuous Eric Holder and think, Wow, did Alberto Gonzales ever get one of the great political screwings of all time. Where was the Hispanic outrage on that one?

One of the most famous landmarks at the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters, is the "Eisenhower Tree". Because of the massive Georgia ice storm last week, most of the branches were snapped off, and the tree had to be removed. It was named after the President because every time Ike teed off on that hole he hit that tree. He led the charge among members to have removed, but at Augusta, even being president carried no weight. Kind of reminds me of the the old America "Of the people..." Remember, it pays more than gold not to accept money from the Federal governemnt.

I still haven't stopped laughing over Kerry's "Weapons of Mass Destruction" comparison to climate change. It's obvious though,  the White House in this latest attempt to divert attention from their many sins, are ganging up to once again ram something about climate change down the throats of fawning lemmings.As I write, I have this vision of miles and miles of lemmings, mouth's wide open, looking towards Washington as they shiver sitting, paws up, upon the frozen tundra of the mid state USA chanting, "We're not cold, we're not cold." (Note: Lemmings are small furry rodents usually found in the arctic. How come the human lemmings are intent in saving mean ole' polar bears instead of cute little cousins?)

Italy is proof positive that countries don't need Governments.

I keep the medal count a little differently than the newspaper reports. For instance, as I type the medal count is  Russia 18, USA 18, Netherlands 17, Norway 15 , Canada 14 and Germany 12. But, if you assign points 5, 3, 1 to Gold, Silver, Bronze respectively, the country list then becomes Russia 52, Neth 47, Ger 46, USA 46, Can 45, and Nor 42.

We have had climate change since the beginning of time, and there is no reason to believe that we are not entering a new climatic cycle brought on by the same natural sources that have governed climates for eons.  The current political focus on weather reminds me of leaders thousands of years ago who would threaten volcanic eruptions if the people didn't get in line. Me, I'm more worried about guilt if I sneak a piece of rich dark chocolate.

Of course, O-Pal Soros has never victimized the elderly by shorting the markets with his gigantic billion dollar hedge-fund.

The Conscience: Chapter 38 continues.
       I have to admit I was pretty excited about seeing Angelica this morning. I had asked her to meet me in that little cafe where I first saw her grandfather, primarily because it was the only cafe I knew. I figured that if they went to the trouble to bug me in a hotel room, how easy would it be to record anything they wanted in the office. I involuntarily moved to the right as I passed the  so-called "Forbidden" Biglietto factory. Of course, Angeleica and I knew now why it was so heavily secured, and it is probably why I'm looking over my shoulder all of the time.
     My fears faded fast as I saw Angelica waving her hand at me, as she approachd from one of the other alleys. Her smile seemed a mile wide, but her yes looked severe. As she neared she ran the last few steps and then latched on to my arm. "I feel better now." She turned her head and looked into my eyes and I could see fear. I know she wanted me to hear what she said becasue she didn't speak in Italian as she might have if she was just fooling around, being playful as she can. She pulled my arm and turned me back in the other direction. "If it is not good to meet in my office, than it is not good to meet in this cafe. I have another place," she said. She was walking fast, and I at first stumbled a bit trying to catch up to her stride. Now it was me who was afraid. But of course, being the hero type, I didn't show it. I may have a littlle brandy with my coffee I thought.

The Answer:
Molly was pretty prolific, but she is best known for Tempest, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Malicious, Fresh Horses, Betsy's Wedding* and For Keeps. *Received "Golden Raspberry Award" nomination  for worst actress. Bonus: The Brat Pack included Molly, Demi Moore, Ali Sheedy, Rob Lowe, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez and Anthony Michael Hall. That was the core group, but also linked to the group were Tom Cruise, Keven Bacon, Robert Downey Jr., Mare Winningham, Matt Dillon, Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, James Spader, Mathew Broderick, Lea Thompson, John Cusak, Jon Cryer, Jamie Gertz and Mary Stuart Masterson.

Make good choices today.
     

Happy..."Car Sales Day"?

Today's Tids Issue 3,029

Opening Stuff:

I wonder how I ever got through Winters before fleece, and all of those snowed-in nights before "House of Cards".

Seriously though, there is a great danger that in putting out this mess every day, your venerable morning wake up call could over time grow stale. Could become like every other monotonous media litany of current events. I worry about that, so let me know what you'd like, what you would like to see more of, less of, or vanish from the face of the earth. These words are only meaningful if somebody is enjoying them.

The guy didn't mind when he learned that a family dealing in stolen goods was moving in next door...because... fences make good neighbors.

The Polar Bears aren't leaving becasue of man's intrusion. They're leaving because the Grizzles are tougher, muscling in on the food supplies.

The Loud Music Murderer got a hung jury on the main count because the same Florida DA who overreached for 2nd degree murder in the Zim trial, overreached again here when going for the 1st Degree premeditated verdict. I'm quite sympathetic to the victim and impressed with his family. I know no real facts, but the shooter seemed to provoke the situation, and there was no way that ten shots were necessary. Looking at the shot pattern on the car body, it's amazing that he didn't kill more.

The Question:
Bonus Monday! 1. How many Italian Governments have there been since WWII. How many of them lasted a full five year term. Bonus: Why id Italy still surviving?

The Headlines:
--Dow Up 126; George Soros Ups Bet That S&P Will Fall, "Put" Position Now At $1.3 Billion; Other Big Hedgefunders Think Significant Correction Overdue.
--Workers At VW Plant In Chattanooga Reject UAW.
--Suicide Bomber Destroys Egypt Tour Bus; 4 Korean Sightseers Dead; Many Wounded.
--Iran Says Russia Could Build Them Nuclear Reactor In Exchange For Oil.
--Kerry Sounds Like SNL Skit Saying "Weather Is A Weapon Of Mass Destruction" With A Straight Face, Veep I plies 0-Man Has Powers Of Moses.
--Kerry Blasts Russia For Aiding Syria.
--Charleston WV Residents Still Wary Of Tap Water.
--Rome Bound Plane Hijacked To Geneva.
--US Law Firm Gets Caught In NSA Surveillance Web.

With the apparent success and general overall appreciation for the current Olympics, the national media has proven once again that it is particularly adept at finding and isolating a single disgruntled human being and from that extrapolating an apocalyptic scenario...which would be eventually proven to be utterly false.

Yesterday the despicable media, this time in the person of NBC's deplorable Kristen Cooper, hounded, badgered Bodie Miller about his dead brother until he cried, thereby setting up a news item for the nightly news. How much lower can they go?

How would you like to date Kristen Cooper?

When Big Hedge Fund people think a correction is over due, you have to remember that they have the funds to make it due!

Solar Fiasco Redux, Department:
One of the great things about the Tids is that we have so many intelligent people reading it -- sound thinking people who have the knowledge to turn the fantasies of the editor i to cold hard facts. For instance. I just assumed that a solar panel installation that took up 5 square  miles of good ole's American soil had to be inefficient. So a good reader who really knows about electrical power production and distribution fills us in. Simply stated, the the apple of Obama's alternative eyes, a solar powered thermal plant which only works when the sun is shining, cost $2.2 billion to build and could serve 146,000 homes. A comparable advanced gas turbine combined cycle power plant cost about $484,734,600 and would serve 750,000 homes. (Note: There are reams of supportive engineering data associated with this readers reply. It covers all potential sources for electricity productions. Take two aspirin and open this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_of_electricity_by_source 

The real WMDs are alternative energy boondoggles which will destroy taxpayer's pocketbooks.

Basically, the Mafia began in Sicily as a neighborhood watch.

The talk about legalizing marijuana here in RI is picking up speed. Frankly it isn't surprising at all. The big fear among many that this newest farm-to-market product will give rise to a Mafia distribution network. But, fears have been allayed after that announcement of the establishment of a State Marijuana Crimes Task Force which will be located in an old vending machines building on Atwells Avenue.

The next big overdone national opinion topic after the canonization of Jeter, after Bob Costa's eyes, after Michael Sam, will be a discussion on the new movie sensation (According to the critical elite) "Nymphomaniac: Volume 1. Yes...there will be a volume 2.

I still believe that the compass is one of the earths most amazing phenomena. I wonder who invented it? How many times have you been walking along and stumbled upon a magnetic rock? Well somebody did, and again it is not surprising it was the Chinese in about 206BC. The Chinese, discoverers and innovators of many human necessities -- from spaghetti to dynamite -- have always been technology leaders since BC, that is, before they learned how easy it was to steal from the US. The first application for the magnetic rock was used for Divination during the Han Dynasty. It became popular for maritime use around 1100AD, first with China then closely thereafter with Persia and Europe. But, that still doesn't explain to me how somebody figured it all out in the first place. But then, I'm a simple man. Must have been an early velcro thing. -- this is weird, how can I make millions.

Did you see where the workers at the VW Plant in Chattanooga Tenn rejected the bid by the UAW to unionize their plant? They probably took along hard look at Detroit, the classic result of overly aggressive Union marauding.

Some populist psychiatrists are trying to generate the theory that because of feminism and the gay rights movement, men are becoming confused about their masculinity. I say, rubbish. There are still plenty of men who warm their pizza slices on the hot end of irons combined with a hairdryer to melt the cheese. Works for me. When you think about it, an iron looks like it was designed for pizza.

After a pair or two, Olympic Ice Dancing bores me.

Starbucks had been selling 1 pound bags of coffee at the local supermarket -- 2 for $10.00. Something must be going on when the high priced spread drops prices so dramatically. Or are they just trying lure into their realm cheapskates like me.

Jimmy Walker of the  mid-1960's Providence College team was one of the first true "Athletic" basketball players. He could play today and dominate. He was compared to the Big "O", was the nation's leading score in his senior year and #1 Draft Pick...and along the dusty trials of the NBA, he produced a son, Jalen Rose. Who he never knew. I told you he could play in the Modern NBA.

This is NBA All-Star weekend?

To me, it isn't about whether or not ObamaCare is good or bad or helping people, it's all about increasing the size of a suffocating governemtn. And they didn't put it under the auspices of the intimating IRS because they wanted to be nice.

Only Don Quiote would have worried about the stability of the Italian Government.

I have it on good authority that a former well known Newsweek Editor would order reporters to write stories that would meet his preconceived conclusions. He would say, "Go find the facts and report this, and make sure it turns out like this." I'm sure this doesn't surprise anybody.

This Tids is much too long, so I'm eliminating "The Conscience" this morning.

The Answer:
Happy Presidents Day everybody! They say "Happy Prime Minister Day" often in Italy where their have been 61 governments since WWII. In fact, only the just evaporated Bunga-Bunga government of Berlusconi lasted the full five years, that just by a hair.  Bonus: Italy has survived very nicely because the people know how to laugh, know how to eat and know how to make love! Countries have always been about the people.

I think we are missing an opportunity. Out in Colorado the Pot sellers are having a real problem finding banks who will work with their growing businesses. One of the reasons seems to be the fact the Federal Law says the  marijuana smoking is illegal. Lets bring this one to the Supreme Court on the basis of Constitutionality -- State law supersedes Fed laws. Lets stop Fed encroachment once and for all. It's all about the 10th amendment and "the powers not specifically delegated by The Constitution to the federal government and not prohibited to the States, belong to the States". Ok find me the clause in the constirution that allows the Feds either by law or executive regulations to limit the intake or ingestion of foods and substances. This is great opportunity to begin to redefine the authority, the wonderful individuality of the States.

Hey, I love this snow. And I like the cold too. In between summer and winter days are worthless. You're only halfway to warm and golf balls don't travel well in mud. I'm not a big fan of extremes except for weather. Unless of course it is a weapon of mass destruction.

Well, that's about it for this Monday, Presidents Day 2014. Do you think George would be happy about the state of what he would be seeing out their today? I don't.

Heart to Heart.

Today's Tids Issue 3,028

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, it's that day when hearts seem bigger. A day when when people pause a bit for romantic titillation. Whether you are a grouchy old curmudgeon or a spry youth, there is something special in the air on the day of Saint Valentine. No matter the commercial symbolism, it always comes down to that little pump in your chest. It's a special day that just about everybody can feel, whether they like it or not. Love is just too powerful.

Noel Coward once said that, "The perfect martini is filling the glass with gin and waving it in the direction of Italy." That's because a Martini was a combo of Gin and Italian dry vermouth and olives. Lemon twists are also acceptable. That's a martini. Period. Yet today somebody will probably promote a "Sweetheart Martini" with Pinnacle Strawberry Shortcake Vodka, Creme de' Bananess (Banana Liqueur), Cinnamon schnapps, with a luscious, big red strawberry garnish. Sounds dreadful to me, but somebody will build it. And they will come. Note: Please do not try this at home as I just made it up.)

It never ceases to amaze me how every Winter people talk about snow as if they have never seen it before

The Question:

If you are brave enough to hit the crowded V-Day restaurants, you may want to order a vodka martini. There are some truly weird flavors out there being marketed by pretty well known brands. Name 10 of the strangest you have seen.

The Headlines:
--Rand Paul Sues Barak Obama Over NSA Surveillance.
--Kerry Says China Willing to Push NK On Nuke Plans.
--Stocks Wandering; Industrial Production In Jan Down 0.3%; Street Still Weighing Effect Of Disappointing Retail and Employment Numbers.
--Harry And William Out With the Folks Sandbagging During British Floods.

--Indonesia Mount Kelud Volcano Erupts; 100 Thousand Evacuated.
--BitCoins Hit Again By Hackers; Gold Reaches Highest Point Since November.
--Tiger Marauding over 125 miles Through India Villages; Nine Killed So Far; Thousands living in Fear.
--Jos. Bank To Buy Eddie Bauer; Men's Warehouse Sidelined..

There's political steamroller plowing down the boulevard like we've never seen before, and it's Name is Hillary Clinton.

Any time you feel a little low, that you may not be good enough to make it, that you're dull and uninteresting and that nobody notices you...just remember that Hugh Downs made it big.

One thing killing States Rights is Federal Judges.

This minimum wage idea being floated around by Dems is one of the biggest taxpayer scams of all time. Inept politicians are looking to solve economic problems by forcing wages instead of easing restrictions that would grow an economy and create better wages from good jobs. And what really does a minimum wage do? For one thing is riles all those working hard for earned increases from achievements. So now these loyal toilers want to be paid better than the MinWagers and their give-away program. Companies now concerned about losing good employees pay out more and company profits deteriorate so that stocks go down destroying portfolios of retired people who are forced to go on welfare thereby increasing the cost of government who was forced to tax minimum wage workers.. And I didn't even mention that cost of product going up beyond the means of the min wage crowd. No, there's no collateral damage from minimum wages. Basically, Dems want to order companies to pay for votes for them in November.. That's about it.

Theo Epstein is having a difficult time in Chicago because he didn't walk into a locker room full of Dan Duquette's players.

Yesterday's storm was kind of a bummer here. Actually it was weird considering that Long Island got 14 inches and we, not that far away, lost snow.

I see where the shining example of alternative energy is a solar farm in the Mojave Desert that requires 5 square miles to generate what a power plant in a city block can do today. When the government is behind something, efficiency just isn't a consideration.

Some fawning sports guy for SI is trying to sell the idea that Derek Jeter could be considered directly responsible for the growth of MLB from $1 Billion to $9 Billion. Shoot me.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The first of the movies timed for V-Day is te remake of Endless Love. The original was one that captured a moment, but those special moments are generally impossible to recreate, especially fro old critics.. But new audiences probably will enjoy the romance between a girl, a smart new HS raduate with a gleaming future, and blue collar boy with a troubled past. She is enthralled and he falls heard. Her father wants it to end while her mom eng=courages he rot follow her heart. The pair lets their consuming passion determine their future.
--About Last Night is your basic modern times romantic comedy. It follows two bar crowd and bedroom couples who finally have to reconcile themselves with the real world. It's probably fair, and not on my list.
--Winters Tale brings the 20 year old book to life for lovers day. This is your basic good versus evil film, so you do have somebody to root for. It is full of miracles and crossed destinies as as it follows across 100 years in Mythic NYC the intense love of a man for a woman. The man, a second story thief, Colin Firth, falls in love with a young woman dying from consumption, Keira Knightly. He strikes out to save her but must rid himself of his demons. It is slow at times, but I think will be worth the time.
--I like the mindless RoboCop films so I could be sucked into the latest. A major company in 2028 producing drones wants to bring their technology to US consumers. They pounce upon the misfortune of a good cop injured severely in the line of duty. They rebuild him into half man, half robot, but forget that he has a responsible human heart and will track down evil doers, even if it is them.

The Conscience; Chapter 36 continues.
       Finding that little device had some kind of cleansing effect. I had this feeling now that I was in control, even as I feared where this all might take me. Now I was only anxious that the night would pass quickly so I could call Angelica.
     The next thing I knew was my eyes were blinking wildly to blazing sunlight coming in through the window, an intense glare reflecting off the harbor waters. God, I thought, how that would hurt if I had drank myself in to a stupor. I might get used to this sobriety thing, if I could get there. 8:00 o'clock, I jumped up, moved to the phoe and pressed 5 numbers quickly, before hesitating, remembering the small device, now my advantage. I though for a few seconds of what I would say to Angelica, and completed the call.
     "Angelica Biglietto," a very official voice answered.
     "This Jeffery Morgan of Morgan and Associates"
      She broke into hysterical laughter realizing how stiff and out of character she must ave sounded. "Mr. Morgan, how kind of you to call. Are you ready to work?" I could hear the twinkle in her voice. And I reacted with a big smile into the phone. But, I knew I had to keep this conversation official.
      "Would you be available to meet around 10:00 so we could get started on dotting i's?" I was hoping she'd sense something. I think she is pretty good at feeling vibrations.
      Why certainly Mr. Morgan," she responded, "If your people are ready to proceed, I think we can begin to bring this deal to an end."
      "I will see you then."
      "Did you say thee was something bothering your eyes?"
       She always finds a way to leave me smiling, especially when she plays with English slang. "No, Angelica, are you being a Tease?" I hung up

The Answer:

How about "Pancakes with Maple Syrup" vodka from Burnett? Sure, or you could choose, Pinnacle Rainbow Sherbert, Smirnoff "Rootbeer Float", Three Olives "S'mores", Alaska Distillery "Smoke Salmon", Pinnacle Red Loquorice",  Vincent Van Gogh "PB&J", Alaska "FireWeed", Bakon "Bacon Flavored", Three Olives "Loopy", Smirnoff "Whipped Cream", Three Olives "Grape" and 360 "Buttered Popcorn". God help us.

In case you didn't notice, today I'm spelling Smirnoff correctly. I guess in my drinking days I could see the label through the haze.

When you see him, see her, walking towards you, you sense a quick gasp, an intake of air; you're heart beats a little faster, fills your chest. That wonderful warm ache increases with each beautiful step your lover and you take towards each other. You stop, you feel the glowing honesty of a beautiful smile drawing you closer. You are mesmerized by knowing eyes, peering deeply within as only those in love can. You stop. And feel the immense satisfaction of being loved and returning the gift. You take each other in your arms. You stand, unmoving, in the most beautiful embrace. One of the most wonderful moments a human can achieve. Happy Valentine's Day everybody. I think you'll feel the embrace in this music below, Elgar's Enigma Variation #10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF9WcCsPkLEhttp://

Edward Elgar wrote the Enigma Variations for his friends, one variation for each from his best pal to his mother to the woman he loved.

Have wonderful day and a terrific weekend...E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

Talk is cheap...except when the government does it.

Today's Tids Issue 3,027

Opening Stuff:

This is the time of year when I start thinking seriously about the dreaded April 15th. Actually that day is one of two things that have terrified me in life. The other was the Fort Dix exit on the NJ Turnpike. I guess I have always feared absolute authority.

The scariest instrument of all is that vivid, incessant, unrelenting National Debt Clack. It seems to be going some place really, really bad. Check out http://www.usdebtclock.org/ which not only has the debt but a lot of economic stats including things like auto sales as they happen.

This is that great time of year when you start thinking about good topics for baseball discussions. In Red Sox land, lots of people seem happy coming off of a WS Championship year. But, I'm wondering how you replace the production of Ellsbury and Saltamachia.

We seemed to have managed to get trhough inter-relicgion mariages, interacial marriages and same sex Marriages. But it will be a while before we can accept Red Sox fan and Ya, ya, ya...well you know who I mean...marriages. Say it isn't so Carl Yastremski.

The Question:
Quick -- What is the religious make up of the Supreme Court

The Headlines:
--Stocks Drop: Jan Retail Sales Fell Sharply, Including Autos; December And November Sales Numbers Revised Downward; New Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly By 8,000.
--Southeast Dogging Out, Restoring Power.
--Comcast To Buy Time-Warner For $45.2 Billion.
--Afghan Government Frees 65 Dangerous Militants.
--Syrian Government Forces Taking Charge With Containing Attacks.
--Putin Backing Egypt General In Race For President.

Note: Some analysts were saying that the rough January weather caused the Retail sales drop, but the data also showed an Internet sales drop of 0.6%

SC Justice Clarence Thomas says he was treated far worse for his views by northern liberal elites than he ever was by whites growing up in the South...and as the only black in an all white school. He says that all of this talk about racism tends to segregate blacks as an out side group that requires special handling, as opposed to natural integration into society.

Watch out. Get ready. It could be all Jeter all the time this baseball season. Nationaly TV announcers will fawn and fans in the Bronx will try to get Red Sox fans to bend. And I'll just turn off the sound. He seems like a nice guy, but...Nomar was better.

Let's here it for Fifth Grade kids who win the DAR state wide Revolutionary War essay contest! Hey, there was only one! That's even better.

The Russian Pairs skaters were magnificent, and ironically they did their thing to the powerful sounds of "Jesus Christ Superstar". Equally ironic is that music on the former godless communist nation ice, would never be allowed here by the ACLU on government paid for US ice.

Winston Churchill once said, "I contend that for a nation to try and tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." Exactly the same could be said about the current Dem strategy of raising minimum wages.

Sid Ceaser is being lauded, but he wasn't really one of my favorites.

I'm not surprised to see the push for legal Marijuana as a remedy for RI's economy as one of the first law proposals out of the Monkey cage at the Capital.

Ya, Ya, Ya...(wykwIm) fans will never ever give into the fact that Nomar Garciapara was better than Jeter. But, he was. For his 7 seasons with the Red Sox, Nomar had a .325 BA (Same as Joe DiMaggio) with 24 Home runs per year, a .372 in-base and 557 slugging (Equal to Micky Mantle). For the same time period, Jeter batted .318 with a .390 on base, .462 slugging and 16 home runs/year. Even after injuries cut down on Nomars production, his final lifetime stats .313 BA, .361 OBP, .521 Slug,  106 ave RBI's and 26 ave HR's still beat out Jeter who's stats today are .312 BA, 381 OBP, .446 Slug, 79 rbi's and 16 HR's. Too often reality gets lost in mystique.

A liquor expert finally came out and said it: Vodkas are move alike than different. In fact most expensive vodka's are pretty much the same, except for the expense of packaging.. The difference between cheap V's and expensive V's is smoothness. In mixed dringks cheap V can be used without fear of gagging guests. Interestingly, in a recent taste test conducted by the NY Times it was determined that the differences that were noticed are rather subtle and difficult to articualte. Oh yeah, the winner of the taste test that included many of the newer brands, was old stand-by Schmirnov. In that test it was also determeined that alcohol content and price of voidka dosn't matter. Lower alcohol Pavlova Vodka which cost 70% less than Ketel One achieve equal preferences by tasters.

The Conscience: Chapter 36 continues.
    The scotch felt good as it flowed down my throat, and kicked in my courage. I was staring into space trying to not get used to the great wave of relaxation that was sweeping over me, and which I was enjoying immensely. My mind was racing as I thought of seeing Angelica tomorrow, and how I would deal with the first time I saw Sanna, knowing now so much more. My main objective was to appear stupid and pliable. I think I could handle that.
      My thoughts were interrupted by a startling recognition. It wasn't something I saw, but what I didn't see. The chocolates. I rose and walked quickly to the nightstand where the panicked, yes now I remember that she appeared more panicked than courteous, maid had been earlier. She just wanted to get out of there. Why?
    I felt along the pillow area to see if they may have dropped out of sight. I got to my knees and looked in that crevice between the bed and the table. No choclolates. But, I remember now her arm moivng as if she were placing the sweets somewhere. By the phone? I picked up the reciever and saw nothing. As I dropped it into the cradle I heard a small noise, like a bottle cap hitting an skittering on a surface. I looked down again and peeking out at the base of the phone was a small something or other. Picking it up and glancing, I still didn't know what it was, but it wasn't part of the phone. There was a sticky surface, which probably means that in her rush the woman didn't adhere it properly to the under side of of the phone.
   I had to assume that it was some kind of listening device, probably wireless. My heart actually stopped for a second or two. Or at least it felt that way. I knew this was serious stuff, but this little sucker makes it real! I placed it back under the phone, this time making sure it was well attached.

The Answer:
Surprisingly, there are no protestants! There are six Catholics and three Jews. Protestants should be crying out for diversity!

I first heard this song when I was 16. Sixteen year old boys never forget Doris Day singing directly to them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL87sHjXlVUhttp://

I always rooted for the turtle.

Today's Tids Issue 3,026

Opening Stuff:

Just what the struggling Main Street investor needs: The high speed investor, those who can turn around billions in nano seconds, have gotten even faster. Yes, they have borrowed military technology to develop a new laser communications system between the various exchange's computer banks. So now when there is a negative snag, they can rip out your heart at the speed of light!

The worst thing an opposing party can do is nit pick the actions of the opposition. To me just weakens the credibility of serious accusations. For instance some Repubs are all over the sophisticated menu for last night's State Dinner for the now womanless French Prez.. Hey, we are putting America's best foot forward. Do it right regardless of which party it is. Hell, every President has done it becasue that's just the right thing to do.. Well, maybe not Andrew Jackson who brought in Conestoga wagons and Gabby Hayes as chef.

One thing you will never know: Does the refrigerator light go off when you shut the door?

The Question:
According to Billboard, what do you think are the 10 Top Pop Love Songs of all time?

The Headlines:
--South Iced Over, Buried In Winter Storm.
--Investors Hoping "Correction" Is Over; Now Traders Looking Lovingly At Friday For Good News On Reports On Consumer Confidence And Retail Sales.
--North And South Korea Hold First High Level Talks In 7 Years.
--A Sinkhole At Kentucky's Corvette Museum Sucke In 8 Classic Cars.
--Water May Have Been Found On Mars.
--As Flappy Bird Leaves The Net A Host Of Imitators Arrive, Many Bringing Along Malware.
--Moderate Republican Wins San Diego Mayor Race To Rpelace Ex-Mayor And "Political Slimeball Of The Year", Bob Filmore; Filner Had Edged Out Wiener And Spitzer In Closest Ever National Lowlife Contest.

Shirley Temple was a Republican. Republicans are cute.

How apropos of Bob Costas going Pinko for his Russia activities. Senator McCarthy would have him brought up on Anti- American activities.

How much is too much, Department:
Super star athletes when negotiating for an extra $10, $20 Million often say they have to take care of their family. New member of that team from the Bronx, Tanaka, flew four of his family plus a small yippy dog from his home in Japan to a Introductory Press Conference in Fla on a Boeing 827 Dreamliner, at a cost of $195,000. I'm glad for his family he got that extra mil!

Has anybody in the history of the world gotten more out of being gay than journeyman basketball player Jason Collins, a guest at the French State Dinner last night.. He averaged about 3 points and 2 rebounds a game in 11 seasons.

Vadalia Onions could cost like gold this Spring, as speed of light traders blame winter for farmers plight.

Shawn White may have been one of those rambunctious annoying kids on snowboards who crossed your path with terrifying speed and noise as you skied down a mountain. A perfect schuss interrupted. But, that kid with the runny nose has a net worth $40 Million, from snow boarding! Well, and ...becasue of kinky long red hair. Go figure. It isn't what you do but the accessories you can bring to Twitterville.

I feel sorry for all of the children in school Friday, each of them getting a Valentine from everyone and none of them knowing if they are really loved.

In fact, how special is it anymore to send flowere, heart shaped chociolates or Jane Seymore's design challenge "Open Heart" jewelry?

Speaking of loving everyone, the more I think of it, Bill Clinton did exactly the same thing as Bob Filner, but had better publicists.

Line from a news item about the state dinner for the French Prez: "Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who plays a 'bumbling' vice president on the HBO series 'Veep' was seated next to her real life counterpart (Biden) at the White House dinner...". You don't have to make things up. It's out there.

The Answer:
Number 10 is Ray Charles and I can't stop Loving You. Next is the Emotions and Best of My Love followed by Steveie B's Becasue I Love You, Mario's Let me Love You, Whitney's I Will. Always Love You, Wings and Silly Love Songs, Bee Gees How Deep is Your Love, Rihanna We Found Love,  Boyz II Men I'll Make Love to Your and in #1 position Endless Love by Diane Ross and Lionel Richie. In the Top 50, "The Power Of Love appears teice with Cieline Dion and Hughy Lewis. I'm thinking this Billboard list doesn't venteure back further than the sixties, or it may have included Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly's True Love or Doris Day's Secret Love. One that  I always liked "To Sir with Love" is 21. Here's the complete list URL: http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/1538839/top-50-love-songs-of-all-time

"And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine..." Could we have a Valentines Day song without Pavarotti?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usg2GAVK1uIhttp://

The challenge.

Today's Tids Issue 3,025

Opening Stuff:

Oh the power of fearless woman, careening down the steep mountain, nipping gates as they dig in the edges of skis travel 50, 60, 70 miles an hour. What majesty! What beauty! What a great genuine smile on the face of Julia Mancuso as she surged across the finish line, first in the Downhill, and salvaging a Bronze in the combined with a courageous all-out Slalom. Want to feel great about the world. Re-run that tape a couple of times.

I am setting out to make this a no typo day. I cleaned all of my sticky keys and I put my mind on high alert! Which, may or may not last an hour.

One of our observant readers noticed that all of the Congress people who rose to applaud the President when during the State of the Union he said, "I will do whatever he can without legislation", were essentially approving their irrelevance in the system. Fire them all.

What this world needs is more Kate Hudson movies.

The Question:

Name five of Shirley Temple's movies.

The Headlines:
--America's Sweetheart, Shirley Temple Dies At 85 .

--Yellen Says She Will Stay The Course; Says Economy Is Strengthening; Will Testify Today Before House Financial Services Committee.

--China-Taiwan Talks Result In Historic Decision To Set Up New Communications Mechanism; First Contact In 65 Years.

--Iran Test Fires Two Missiles; Rouhani Vows Peaceful Use Of Nukes; Blasts Use Of Sanctions By Other Countries..

--British Politicians Furious At Barclay's Announcement That 12,000 Could Lose Jobs While Execs Get Higher Bonuses; Unions And Pols Say Company Did Not Learn Lessons Of Financial Crisis.

--"Flappy Bird" Creator Dong Nguyen Removes Game From Net Saying He Thought Too Many Were Becoming Too Addicted.

Yesterday, Joe Biden said that he thought NYC's LaGuardia Airport looked like that of a third world country. He's the man that 0-Man Appointed to run the $1 Trillion Infrastructure improvement budget. I wonder if he knows that airports are part of the infrastructure.

I see where according to some new memos just released by the husband of  former Clinton aide Diane Blair, Hillary said back in the nineties, "The Press have big egos and no brains." Do you think the fawning press will turn on her? Or. Will they'll just roll over imploring Hillary, "Beat me a again. I love you even more when you are mean and ruthless." Your choice.

Now all Jimmy Fallon has to do is look over his shoulder at Seth Meyers.

Just when you weren't looking, Nanny Nation is out to squelch caffeine intake by kids, and they're taking aim at soda pop. Not energy drinks, Not coffee shops, but good Ole' Pepsi and coke. For 0ver 70 years I've been ingesting huge quantities of the carbonated twosome, and I haven't died yet. Go help us.

The current stock price chart eerily tracks exactly like the 1929 charts just before the crash. Calling Shirley Temple. Check it out:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/scary-1929-market-chart-gains-traction-2014-02-11

The art of writing the Tids is to know a little about a lot and to get out just before you have to rely on facts.

Hold your ears while surfing through channels. O'Donnell the angry is back on The View

Hillary may run just to save Democrats from the embarrassment of having to vote for Joe Biden, the man who said he would be ready if The Hill was out. Hillary is a good person like that!

Denmark zoo officials killed a young giraffe because they were afraid of inbreeding. I always thought the giraffe was the result of species inbreeding! But then, I haven't seen any giraffes roaming the hills of Appalachia.

How about those Danes, any how...they have always been more progressive than the US, and now they are killing a seemingly healthy animal in public before school children, dissecting it as part of an anatomy lesson and then feeding it to lions to illustrate evolution and survival of the fittest. Do you think the US education system could ever be that efficient?

From what I hear in casual conversations, Congress would do well interviewing the "Everyman" in the government, the worker-bees who really see what's going on. The enlisted people in the military. Teachers in Government installations. Real people. They could tell you where the waste is. But, the august lawmakers only talk to the people who are creating the waste; The people who got to where they are by being the most adept at covering up mistakes..

The Conscience: Chapter 37.

       I didn't call ahead for a ride as I knew my plane would arrive in Genoa way after Angelica was snug in her bed. I had a sense that we'd be pushing our energy resources to the limit in the next couple of days. Sleep would be a luxury.

     The good news is that I didn't immediately rush to the mini-bar when I hit my room. I flopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling. What in the hell am I doing, I wondered. Would I actually have the courage to pull off this charade sober? This isn't fair. I need time to slide into my new self. 

     James suggested that Sanna probably sucked me into this mess with the prospects of making me the dupe for the illegal boat building operations. Her objectives were to get back at me, which I don't really blame her for, too much; and to get out of the Drug business like some kind of heroine. At least that's James view, and he's pretty smart. His opinion is also backed up by Washington.

     The ceiling was becoming my friend. My new comfort zone. Until, I heard something at the door. I bolted up. Tense. Instead of yelling, "Who's That. Go away", I walked quietly to the door and looked through the peephole. I saw a housekeepr putting the key in a lock, about to turn it. I put my shoulder to the door. As it opened. I pushed back. "I'm still here". Which probably meant nothing to this person who only spoke Italian.

      "Ho cioccolato per la vostra stanza".

      Cioccolato sounded familiar, and my stomach growled. I released the door.

     The woman came in timidly, bowing and walking backwards towards the desk, "Scusate, scusate, scusate, she kept repeating. That sounded familiar too.

     I smiled and as she came back to leave she smiled back. She had a nice smile. I closed the door, locked the safety bolt and went to the mini-bar.

The Answer:

Ok, now that you have retrieved your Shirley Temple Dolls from the attic, put on your nostalgia cap and remember Little Miss Marker. the Little Colonel, Our Little Girl, Curly Top, The Littlest Rebel, Captain January, Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm, The Little Princess and Heidi. This is just a sampling of some I remember, but there were many more.

It's odd, but every once in a while I catch myself singing, "On the Good Ship Lollypop." There was just something magical about that kid with the dimples and the curly hair. The way she would dance with Bill Robinson, entrance the actors around her and light up the life of Americans struggling through the Great depression. She was the top Box Office Draw from 1935-38 beating out Clark Gable, Bing Crosby Gary Copper and Joan Crawford. Talk about simpler times! She moved smoothly from overwhelming child star fame into a productive adulthood, raising a family before receiving several diplomatic appointments,which she handled professionally. She is one you remember for her refreshing talent, and not as today, for culturally depraved escapades. Thank you Shirley Temple for reminding us all that a happy  life doesn't need laser shows..

Today's love song for V-Day is a simple one, from Shirley:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2eeH1Zpdxwhttp://