Does Spell-Chick stop working at minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit?

Today's Tids Isssue 3,285

Opening Stuff:

 

Well, here we are on another Holiday, National Car Sales Day disguised as a day to honor men who have led the nation through crises, and to glory. There have been great and not so great, loved and intensely disliked presidents, but the fact remains that it is a tough job regardless of how each president  views America, or what party they represent. The faces age and the hair turns grey because the Job is just that demanding. Then decisions are enormous, often holding the lives of millions in their mortal hands. It will probably never happen, but somehow we have to become more positive about presidents, not put them into defensive corners. If we don’t like them we can vote them out, but we should find a way to make them productive in office. We are the citizens, the electors, the reason the USA system exists.

 

President Obama must be really bad. Oh, I would never say that about a president, but I as a journalist I am obligated to report honestly what I hear.  No, RI’s puppet Senator Jack Reed who has never uttered a discouraging word about any Dem, said yesterday rather forcefully that he thinks The Prez is wrong to put time limits on wars. This is an historic event. Jack Reed. My God! Have any cows flown by.

 

I don’t care  what the stylish say, I like my pleated, comfortable pants. And that’s about it. Men’s pants are getting so narrow that it looks hard to walk;  I’m expecting that yoga pants for males can’t be too far away. What a ridiculous looking spectacle that would be. Talk about unsightly litter on the streets!

 

I like English Springer Spaniels.

 

Over 1800 media, 540 foreign, have jammed into NYC for the NBA All Star Game, and I have to ask the question, why?

 

The Question:

Name the ten Presidents between former Generals Andrew Jackson and U.S. Grant. Bonus: Name the 8 presidents who never attended college.

 

The Headlines:

--Egypt Sends Planes Into Libya To Retaliate for 21 Christian Beheadings By Militants; Boco Haram Attacks Cameroon Army.

--Bitter Cold Hits Northeast; South Readies For Large Icy Storm; NJ Woman, 66, Found Dead In Snow Just Steps From Home.

--FCC Proposes Drone Rules Which Focus On Safety And Privacy.

--Kiev And Rebels Accuse Each Other Of Violating Cease Fire.

--Apple Planning to Build Car that Would Challenge Tesla.

--Deadline For Greek Deal Looms; Left Government Appears Dead Set Against Continuing Austerity Program.

 

The good news today is that you won’t lose money on Wall Street. The bad news is that your heating bill may match the national debt after today.

 

Some of the unsung heroes of the weekend were those florists who managed get pretty posies safely delivered on Valentines Day , in 15F degree or lower weather,  with snow barriers blocking  parking, and icy paths for the delivery people. But they made it, and there are many a smile and beating heart because of their undying devotion to love.

 

Who says there is no diversity in America? The two biggest Valentines Weekend Box Office movie hits in history are now 50 Shades of Grey which this weekend almost matched the number of the all time winner Passion  Of Christ. Jesus Christ. Christian Grey. Maybe movie goers were confused by the word “Christian”.

 

 In case you’re interested, I’d rate my three favorite Classic piano concertos as Beethoven 4th, Grieg’s In A Minor and Rachmaninov #2. After that I would intermix Brahms D, Schuman, Liszt, Chopin, Tchaikovsky #1 and Beethoven 3, 5 and 6.

 

Speaking of Religion, there are religiously fanatical devotees to Saturday Night Live who will probably speak unkindly of my remarks about Sunday’s SNL love-in. Last night’s really long 3 ½, 4 ½ if you count the mindless red carpet shenanigans, was confusing, loud and more often than not, really not funny.  But icons are icons and the audience was made up of more of them who laughed continuously at themselves. Or was that nervous laughter from the jealous who didn’t get top billing.  It’s hard to isolate any great moments because everything moved so fast.  Or maybe there were no moments big enough to shine through. I never have enjoyed John Lovitz, but I liked the continuing joke about his death. The Blues Brothers were my personal favorites and I enjoyed that segment which could have gone on longer than then tired Paul McCartney. BB’s could have been a show stopper. I don’t know why she was part of it, but I have to say that Miley Cyrus is a really good singer, and probably doesn’t need the modern entertainment accoutrements like sex tapes. There should have been more than quick snippets of the great bands. There were good laughs in Celebrity Jeopardy.  I thought Fallon and Justin Timberlake were very good in the opening. The Chevy Chase segment was disturbing. The “Californians” sucked. The presidential suite was generally good, as were some of the films. I liked that they brought back Jane Curtain as part of the Fey/Poulter show. Dan Ackroyd has been eating too many Cheetos.

 

(Note: Tom Brady was excellent in his host appearances, but was excluded from the sports segment. Is that part of Peyton’s contract?)

 

The May 5 to 17 Volvo Around The World Sailing Race Newport stopover is going to be a superior national event. Unfortunately all of the hotel rooms throughout RI have been sold out! It’s a good day trip opportunity, unless you are from West Va or Texas or Seattle. 

 

Ironically, the home of federal politicians is named after the President “Who could not tell a lie>”

 

Rhode Island legislators think more people employed shoveling snow at good wages is an economy. Tomorrow they are expected to vote on sending a special message to God to keep it going.

 

Ski areas are having problems because there is too much snow blocking roads.

 

Bishop Sheehan once said, “Man blames fate for all other accidents, but feels personally responsible when he makes a hole-in-one.”

 

The White Hosue seems to have an anti terrorist policy of wishing Extreme Islam would disappear over time.

 

I would love to see the Boston Celtics make the playoffs. A lot of yahoos think they should lose to get into the lottery. I have never liked the concept of losing to gamble. The Celts have a lot of promising young players who play hard every night for a very good coach, Brad Stevens. Having them accomplish the first rung towards the big accomplishment in the sky will be good for their experience growth and self confidence – that hard work pays off.

 

I’m thinking that the Ukraine rebels don’t care much for this cease fire, and that Putin knows it. In fact, I think some see this cease fire as a means to restock arms and ammo deliver in trucks marked ”Food for Kiev”

 

The Answer:

After Jackson, Martin Van Buren became the 8^th president, the other nine were WH Harrison, John Tyler, James Knox Polk, Zachery Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklyn Pierce, James Buchanan, Honest Abe and Andrew Johnson. Bonus: George Washington had no formal education. The rest of the no college Presidents are Jackson, Van Buren, Taylor, Fillmore, Lincoln, A. Johnson and Cleveland

 

Note: FEMA in advance of snow storms is suggesting families stock up on discussion topics in case  a power outage knocks out the Internet.  Psychologists will be available in FEMA trailers for children in trances.

 

Maybe I’m not smart enough to find everything in SNL funny.

 

Bundle up. I think my house is doing a better job of warming plants outside than rooms insde.

How red is your heart?

Today's Tids Issue 3,284

Opening Stuff:

 

The bitter below freezing cold had numbed my nose, was eating its way through my gloves to the finger tips. But, I pushed forward as the breeze picked up, and the added freeze brought welts to my face. I hunched back into my jacket collar. What would draw me out on a morning like this, I wondered?  I heard the scruffle of snow to my side and moved my head upon a frozen neck for a glance. Another crazy person was moving up beside me, a woman I thought, but looking more like a baby bear, fuzzy from knees to the hood pulled down over her face, with just two  determined dark eyes visible, steering her ahead. She was bent at the waist, pushing the frigid air aside. I could tell by the way she walked, with grace, power and confidence that there was something special beneath the layers.  The cold seemed to ebb as I focused, transfixed on my walking partner. Who was this person? Is there a meaning that two people would meet on this frozen tundra that seems to lead to nowhere?  I found myself walking faster, more determined, trying to match her energy. Suddenly, the breeze seemed less fierce as we moved into the lee of a large building settled into the mounds of snow. She stopped abruptly, turned, pulled the plaid muffler down below her chin. I looked at that face, the gleaming eyes. My heart started beating, but my frozen mouth would not allow me to say the words.  But those eyes told me she knew too. It was Valentine’s Day! When romance is magic.

 

It is pretty well accepted that with only two worms on board, Noah did little fishing during his trip.

 

Every year around now I feel really, really sorry for Charlie Brown. Every year I hope that the cute little red haired girl in the front row will send him a Valentine’s card. Maybe I’m just thinking of my grammar/middle school days. May be I should advise Charlie what I may have failed to do my self -- shed your shyness, and go up and talk to her. You can do it Charlie Brown. Do you think it will be better for him next year?

 

Well we made it through “Truck Day” in pretty good shape. In fact, I feel pretty good. Truck Day is the day when painful football season withdrawal symptoms tend to dissipate and my strength returns knowing that with the bats and  balls and uniforms are packed and now safely on the way to Fort Myers Fla. Soon my beloveds, the Red Sox will join in the annual spring activities. It won’t be long before they return …and the real heartbreak begins.

 

The Question:

What are the top songs with “Love” in the title?

 

The Headlines:

--Bulls Getting Second Wind As Bears Come Out Of Hibernations Again As Markets Set New records; Oil Prices Rising

--New England Prepares For New Snow totals Up to 15 Inches; Rest Of Country Tired Of Plaintive Snow News Coming from Northeast; It’s f---ing Winter,” they shout..

--iSIS Takes Town Near US Marine Base; US Special Forces Still Operatng In Afghan Alongside Local Forces In  Raids Against Taliban Centers.

Another Poll Has Walker Atop GOP candidate List; Dems Begin Walker Slurs Focus Inig on His lack of college degree.

--Boco Haram Launches Attack On Chad Village.

--Nearly 200 Whales Stranded On New Zealand Beach; 2 Dozen Dead.

 

A senior US Counterterrorism official yesterday said  that they (The USA admin and security agencies) were surprised by the collapse of Yemen. Last night a State Department Spokes person implied that the hectic closure and mass scramble for the border by Embassy staffers and Marines was well planned in advance. You have to feel sorry for some of these Government spokes persons, many who do their jobs very well, handling mounds of conflicting and misinformation.

 

Having passed by yesterday which used to be the Abe Lincoln Birthday holiday, and approaching the 22^nd which used to be George’s Birthday Holiday, I’m concerned that in the USA a groundhog still has it’s day.

 

The academic left is really have trouble defining he word smart. That’s why they think beating up Scott Walker for a lack of college degree is a good idea – there slogan suggested by left leaning intellectual Howard Dean: “How educated is Scott Walker”. Of course being well educated sometimes only means have more time to stay in college and beyond – but certainly not smarter. Smart is what Walker has proven, as he sees, grasps and then solves problems. Smart can be enhanced by not being bogged down with academic overload. I hope the Dems go after Walker’s lack of college degree. There are a lot of great non-degree, hardworking voters who will appreciate his accomplishments.

 

The new Fox news Poll that asks, “How well a candidate would do as President,” No Repub candidate got an “A”, but three got “B’s” with Walker receiving the highest GPA – 2.75. The other two “B’s” were Ben Carson (2.62) and Marco Rubio (2.45) The “Cs” in declining GPA order were Huckabee, Cruz, Jeb Bush, Paul, Kasich and Perry. Christie was at the bottom of the class at a GPA of 1.9. On the Dem side it was all Hillary with a B+ 3.14. Warren received a 2.49 and Biden a 2.45. So there you have it -- Hillary is your next President. How’s your heart now?’’

 

I was thinking about writing a thoughtful piece about The Fed today, but my head is in the clouds and I can’t seem to get my arms around it. There are better hugs, anyhow.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:

-- For some reason, 50 Shades of Gret=y was released in time for Valentines Day. For those with high expectations from the Jame's novel, you will probably be disappointed. Anastasia Steele is quite likeable and often delightful, but Christian Grey is so flat, that the emotion is often drained from what would have been intense sexual meetings.. It shows, that reading books lets your imagination create the best scenes

--Still Alice with Oscar Nominee Juliette Moore is a realistic beautiful and sad story of a wonderful woman with Alzheimer. 

--The Bond Spoof with a great cast, Kingsman: the Secret service is alitle too over the top to be as good as it might have been. The biggest laughs play off of the Sam Jackson character lisp. Still, I might be tempted to see this mindless spy thriller.

--Marion Cotillard is excellent in this Belgian "Thriller", Two days, One Nght, which is about a woman coming back to her factory floor job after an illness only to find that her job no longer exists. It appears her friends in the union voted for a bonus over job guarnatees. This is a very informative film, in  addition to being a good story aboiut a courageous woman.

 

The Answer:

I have a list of about 214 songs with Love in the title. So here’s what I’m picking – Secret Love, You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling, To Sir With Love, Endless Love, I Want to Know What Love Is, Power Of Love, When a man Loves a Woman, Love Theme from Titanic. Some will surely pick Love Me Tender by Elvis and Love is a many Splendored Thing by the Four Aces or Pat Boone’s Love Letters in the Sand. I’m sure you have your favorites.

 

As the temps hit near 0 degrees F, I hope the Tids adds a little warmth to your day.

 

If I was having a quiet, romantic dinner, I would like this playing in the background:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=enigma+variation+number&vid=0e7cdfd6cea0fb89e0441fbd10e3ea51&l=3%3A51&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608012660559384278%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DQa_oRD-K5PI&tit=Elgar+-+Enigma+Variation+No.+9+%28Nimrod%29&c=1&sigr=11bkcf5v7&sigt=1177tbj49&sigi=11r5lm8i2&back=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fyhs%2Fsearch%3Fp%3Denigma%2Bvariation%2Bnumber%26ei%3DUTF-8%26type%3Dverizon_access%252Fverizon_dsl%26hsimp%3Dyhs-vz%26hspart%3Dvz&sigb=13vmva0i3&ct=p&age=1315073737&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&hsimp=yhs-vz&hspart=vz&tt=b

 

Have a loving weekend E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

I get a headache.

Today's Tids Issue 3,283

Opening Stuff:

 

What we don’t know is how ISIS and related groups are acting internally to the increased air power attacks. We do know that the murderous wannabee country doesn’t have air or naval power, but is great with Public relations. I could go on forever with this Enigma. There are many incongruities when discussing this highly organized terror threat and that of all the similar branches like it in many countries. With respect to any discussion of troops on the ground, it will be a  discussion that is probably missing something. I hear many pronouncement form many sides. I agree with snippets of each. I remember when watching Blackhawk Down and thinking that it is impossible to win in a door to door, narrow street fight. I believe that has been proven over and over again. We can put troops on the ground, but ISIS and similar groups are masters at dispersing, often to thin air. They aren’t in a rush, and will wait for the moment as they have since about 700AD. Like most things today, the sides sides deciding the fate are too rigid in their resistance to other ideas. And… ISIS doesn’t care.

 

The other big story with opposing views is the Jackie Robinson West Little league reversal, which, not surprisingly has become a race issue with Jesse Jackson riding in on his white horse. One spokesperson against the decision made the excuse that the kids had to keep winning so they wouldn’t get killed in their neighborhoods. Others are shouting that this always happens to blacks when they achieve something great. Some calmer voices are suggesting that black leadership missed an opportunity o educate the kids about right and wrong, instead of enabling them with excuses. One particular anti-discrimantion advocate was appalled that the kids weren’t taught about the importance of rules in societybe upheld in all aspects of life.

 

This weekend here starts “Winterfest” and all I can say is that for a change it doesn’t look like the Ice Sculptures will melt this year!

 

The Ukraine deal is making lots of people smile. At least ‘til Sunday.

 

I’m getting rid of all the irritating crap today because tomorrow will be all about love.

 

The Question:

Valentines day is sneaking up on us and people may be using dating apps to find a partner with which to share a dinner on Saturday at a typically overpriced, over crowded restaurant. What do you think are lowest rated and highest rated dating apps.

 

The Headlines:

--Market Over 100 at closing.

--Putin Announces Ukraine Cease Fire Deal To Begin Sunday; Ukraine Agrees To $17.5 Billion Bailout deal With IMF; Russia Moves 50 Tanks. 40 Missile Systems, 40 Armored Vehicles into Eastern Ukraine.

--Ukraine Deal Pumps Up US, Euro Stocks; Costco AmEx Breakup Kills American Express Stock; Buffett’s Berkshire Could Be Down $780Mil On Am Ex Exit.

--Congress Confirms DoD Chief Nominee.

--Prez Signs Clay Hunt Bill To Help Reduce Suicides Of Retuning Veterans.

--Marines Hand Over Remaining Weapons To Yemen Upon Leaving.

--Tids Editor Loses Powerball Drawing; Says he Will Revise Retirement Plans.

--Jackie Robinson West Little League Team Stripped Of Titles After Adults Stack Teams With Ringers By Moving Boundary Lines

 

I see where the Dems are mounting a campaign to thank Jon Stewart for his great work over 16 years. I guess they have decided not to be defensive about the affection of the liberal press and get what a lot of people believed out in the open. It was noted by a demographer that Stewarts audience was significantly left leaning and generally reliable voters.

 

I still don’t understand the logic behind the Obama phrase, “I don’t want American ground troops included in any use of force.”

 

The world would be better off if was like a Whitman’s Sampler Box.

 

The rogue country that thinks it has perfected an impenetrable defense against a retaliatory Nuke will probably launch the first one at a major USA city. Of course the other necessary attribute would be that the leader of the invader country is slightly nuts.

 

I wonder if Nancy Pelosi is thinking of suing her plastic surgeon.

 

Dave’s Market makes a great Alfredo Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini. Of course Dave’s is only in Rhode Island, but I suspect you can make the Panini yourself. Take sliced cooked chicken breast and let it sauté for a moment or two in Alfredo sauce. Place on country white bread. Top with slightly smoky ham and gruyere cheese, and cook in Panini machine until you get those cool brown lines. If you don’t have a Panini machine, grill in butter.

 

Note to new readers: In case you haven’t noticed yet, I have no nutritional conscience.

 

In fact, a woman I know, a long time total vegetarian, was told by her doctor that she was lacking protein and she should add meat to her diet. I heard last night that she went to a local popular hamburger joint and said to all in ear shot, “I’m in heaven!”

 

If you don’t think that women’s NCAA basket ball is making it bigger, I give you this tale about a women’s BB referee who is recognized as one of the best in the country and probably slated for the Lady Final Four. He works for a relative of mine in NYC and was due to do the #1-#2 game between  SC-UConn. He got off early and after an hour and a half in the snow, he had yet to reach the Connecticut line. He called UConn officials to warn them that he might not make it. They said, get to the Conn line and we’ll make it happen. He fought and made it, to find four Connecticut State Police cars waiting, lights-a-blinking. He was whisked up to Storrs. Do you think that sports may be getting a little too big in this country?

 

The Answer;
I have not heard of many of these. The 10 most disliked dating apps received 12 to 29 points out of 100. The tow lowest at 12 are Gaydar and Adam4Adam. After those losers we have Mamba Dating, Flirt, Hinge, eHarmony, Twoo, SayHi, Grindr and Be Naughty. The top apps were rated from a high of 79 to 53. Tops was Jaurno. The rest are Friends Talk, OkCupid, GROWLr, DATING(Meet Singles), SCRUFF, Let’s Date, Happn and Scout and Date Hookup. BTW, those misspellings up there aren’t mine, they are just the creative efforts of dating app geniuses.

 

War is hell.

A horror to me.

Romance is swell.

Tomorrow you’ll see.

 

I’m still confused after writing that first paragraph. I don’t understand it either.

I think I feel like crying.

Today's Tids Issue 3,282
Opeing Stuff: 

I don’t know Kayla Mueller. But I like her smile. I like the way she thinks about kindness. I like the way she doesn’t let obstacles get in her way. I like her optimism and her inner strength. When I was a kid I thought all Americans were like Kayla Mueller. I feel sad for her parents. She must have been a wonderful daughter. I feel sorry for all of the people she might have helped and now won’t feel her warmth. I wish I were a kid a again, and the world was like it should be.

 

Isn’t it interesting that on the day Brian Williams is suspended for 6 months, Jon Stewart retires from his made up news The Daily Show? Maybe NBC will…nah, NBC wouldn’t put on fake news.

 

I think we all have to be aware that no matter what we do, somebody isn’t going to like the way we do it. Learning to roll with the punches is a wonderful thing.

 

The Question:

He Grammies had a segment about domestic violence. Name five songs that encourage women to fight back.

 

The Headlines:

--0-man Is Asking Congress To Authorize Ground Troops In Fight Against IS; Says He Would Bar “Enduring Offensive Ground Operations; Weird.

--20,000 New Troops Have Streamed In To Bolster Islamic Fighting Groups In Iraq, Syria.

--Latest College Shooting Has Three Students Dead At chapel Hill NC.

--Worries About Greece Pushing Down Stocks.

--US To Send 600 Paratroopers To Ukraine As Instructors; US Troops In  bola regions Coming Home.

--Yemen revels Sieze US Vehicles After Embassy Closes.

 

Health has become so expensive that I’m thinking of just limping along and faking it.

 

I see where Former “O” Chief advisor Axelrod in his memoire says that the Prez feigned his support of traditional marriages and against Same Sex marriage for votes. Horrors, a president would stretch the truth to persuade citizens at election time? Maybe he should be suspended for six months.

 

Did you see where Jeb Bush and Sarah Palin have the same Birthday (he’s 62 and she’s 51)? They could run as a ticket promising the beginning of reduced government spending  -- for starters one birthday cake.

 

For some good old fashioned college basketball tonight we have the RI against Philly’s Big 5. Yes the venerable, wonderful Philadelphia college basket ball fivesome sends well coached St, Joseph and #6 Villanova against 2 of RI’s foursome -- a couple of top 30 teams from the small state – URhode island and Providence College. Every US city should have a Big Five like  Philadelphia. I brings the game back home a little, away from the industry it has become. The kids seem to like the sense of community.

 

At the Grammies,  a fervent plea was made in behalf of the many women unfortunately trapped in abusive relationships. The thought of this abuse tears me apart, and I applaud all efforts to end the horror and the violence. My immediate thought was that the music industry should look within, at their lyrics, at the he images of irresponsibility they often display. But, my guess is they will probably write a song about it.

 

An avowed atheist Craig Hicks killed three Muslims at the U NC campus in Chapel Hill. Some are saying that Hicks blamed all of the world ills on radical Christians and Muslims, and that he killed the two women and a man because of that. In fact, it appears to have been a dispute over a parking place. But he shouters fo=don’t want that explanation, so it will evolve into a religious war. It may have started as a discussion over a parking place, but once the atheist looked into those Middle Eastern eyes, he may have ignited his own feelings of hatred.

 

The annoying new world goals, Department:

A young girl about to start a job at a Pizza place Tweeted, , ”Ew I start this F***A** Job tomorrow.” Followed by emojis depicting 7 thumbs down. The Twitter message found its way via an employee to the owner of this medium sized Texas chain, He immediately Tweeted, “No you don’t start that FA job today. I just fired you! Good luck with you no money, no job life”. The girl named Cella was elated, proudly telling all friends with much glee that she just got fired on twitter! She’s on her way to becoming the next Kardashian.

 

They waited till today to pull the plug on Bobbi Kristina Brown so she could die on the same day as her mother, Whitney Houston. Well, I guess that’s something.

 

The Answer:

#1 is “18 Wheeler” by Pink. Next we have “Behind the Wall”, Tracy Chapman; “Fighter”, Christina Aguilera (Her mother an she as a child both abused. She always includes a fight song in every album); “Goodbye Earl”, Dixie Chicks; “I will survive”, Gloria Gaynor, “Independence Day”, Martina McBride; “Luka”, Suzanne Vega; King of Anything, Sara Bareilles; Respect, Aretha Franklin and “Sisters are doing it for themselves”, Annie Lennox and Aretha.

 

“Barring Enduring Offensive Ground Combat Operations” sounds to me like a ban against fighting too hard. ISIS should like that.

 

Just a couple of days remaining to get your Valentine’s Day gift. Love is a great thing, so let’s put some thought into this. I’m thinking of dying Cheetos red.

 

I like Martina McBride, so I finished off the Tids listening to Independence Day”

But, you can pick your own favorite of those ten, here:

http://16days.thepixelproject.net/the-pixel-project-selection-2011-16-songs-about-violence-against-women-and-staying-strong-and-positive/

 

Better than litter.

Today's Tids Issue 3,281

Opening Stuff:

 

If it’s Winter and it’s going to snow, I figure a little each day is the way to go.  The world feels a little brighter, when the skies deliver a new coat of white to the landscapes of a cool brisk day. Many see winter as a positive day, where plodding is expected and always an  invigorating challenge; a day that presents little difficulties to overcome;  a little hardship to nourish the soul. With the often imagined obstacles, it is always a time to enjoy purity, clean and unfettered scenes --The  peace and silence that comes from each new pristine blanket.

 

I look at a painting of Winslow Homer and I see a lone fisherman battling fierce elements to bring his catch to a mother ship bobbing upon a crushing sea. I f that were today though, Government watch dogs would be setting in a temperature controlled fortress viewing this human versus the wrath of nature adventure, making sure he had the right fish in the boat. If you can’t get away from prying rocking in an old grey dory in the middle of the ocean, where can you go – back into closets?

 

Just in case you missed it, the big financial trend seems to be a move away from hedge Funds, as insider trading scandals and increasingly poor returns begin to spook big investors.  You just have to know though that somebody with a lot of money and even more financial acuity is putting together a new way to capture the tons of dough in pension funds and other Institutional treasure troves of greenbacks. Its just the way it works, and with advanced computer capability, the next big venture is anybody’s guess. But it will come. Tha is a certainty. Lets hope they find a way to block the hackers.

 

I forgot yesterday to mention the death of one of my boyhood heroes, the often too heavy but incredibly resourceful Billy Casper. Billy is another of those lost in our world of publicized celebrity. He was a major player for 20 years or so, yet was never the darling of the press. All he did was win 51 tournaments and lead a great life of honest, contributions to society around it. Billy is the 7^th all time winner in golf. Who knew? His fellow player knew.

 

The Question;

As I mentioned above, Billy Casper won 51 tournaments and is 7^th on the all time list of Golfers. Who are the rest of the Top 10 all time in tournaments won?

 

The Headlines:

--Mueller Family Confirms Death Of Daughter While In Hands Of Terror Group.

--UAE Strikes At ISIS Troops As Jordan Air Power Continues To Pound Away.

--Ukraine Battles Rage Ahead Of Summit Talks.

--Gold Is Struggling; Citi Says Oil Could Still Plunge; China Inflation Tempering.

--Alibaba Chief Jack Ma Meets With China Bigs Promising To Be Watchdog Against Product Counterfeiting; Zhi Praises Jack; Battered Stocks Ticks Upward A Buck.

--Greece May Move to US dollar.

--Obama Says Media Is Hyping Terror Threat.

 

Karma, Department:

Yesterday I heard read a particularly moving and descriptive passage about a peaceful Sunday monting turned into a Volcanic eruption, Pearl Harbor, a day innocents were slaughtered and the entire world saw evil. This morning I read that the oldest Crew member of the Arizona, Commander Joseph Langdell, had died. Is it floating in the air, or is it simply my looking for coincidences in order to fill pages of his morning mess. I think there is something in the air.

 

You have probably seen many picture of George Washington, some with both arms and legs showing, others with arms behind his back and him standing behind a desk. Portrait artists t of the day didn’t charge by number of people to be painted, but by number of limbs in the picture. Hence the expression, “Okay, but it will cost you a n arm and a leg.”

 

“Greece may move from Euro to Dollar”. That sounds weird.

 

BTW, with all of this news about new struggles and carnage in the Middle East, we haven’t seen or heard from or about Assad. Did he pay off Brian Williams for anonymity?

 

Jon Stewart suggests that Brian Williams is a victim of “Infotainment Confusion Syndrome”.

 

The hot new baby names for this Winter season are Juno, Snow, North, Winter, Frost, Neva, January, Elva, Yki and Storm. And no, it is not just celebrities having children in the winter months.

 

I think I’m getting to that point that stomping snow off my boots could cause a stress fracture.

 

You have to love the detective’s comment in a news story this morning that he considered the murder suicide with the man and woman each having bullet holes in their foreheads, “Domestic Violence”.

 

The new Breaking Bad spin-off on AMC, “Better Call Saul”, is  quirky, but it is going to grow on me, for sure. They certainly left us wondering with a good cliffhanger ending in there first half of the 2 hour premiere. Well produced and written with good acting. It’s on my dance card.

 

You have to wonder if ISIS/al-Gaida people viewing the deaths of 22 soccer fans in Egypt were thinking that maybe there was a better way to achieve wanton, senseless carnage  than suicide bombers, now more easily detected by growing vigilance in public places. Start a riot, and let the people do it. Kind of a democratic thing.

 

Kanye West had better find a new act because the Grammies audience was 3 Million smaller and the smallest viewership since 2009. Maybe it’s the music that’s getting tired. And the overwrought productions. Most of the singers to this “Meersy-Dotes” era ear sound pretty much the same, and the beat for almost ll of dancin’ tunes is eerily similar. But then who can tell after 5 martinis; 7 craft beers and assorted colored pills. Beam me up scotty>

 

I think I have noticed little girns of satisfaction on the faces of Scott Pelley and David Muir now that their chief competitor is missing in action. I guess that is always the potential fate for wartime correspondents.

 

I was sitting in a classroom worrying about driving home as I watched the “White Out” blocking my widow’s view. The I realized that it was just steam from the heating plant. Interesting how your brain can be manipulated.

 

The Answer:

Sam Snead stillis on top ven with 82  after the exploits of Tiger who has been ideld at 79. Next is Jack Niklaus with 72 followed by Ben Hogan (64), Arnie (62), Byron Nelson, (52), Billy Casper (51), Wlater hagan (45), Phil Michelson (45 ans Dr. Cary Middlecoff with 40 just ahead of two giys with 39 – gene Sarazen and Tom Watson. You have to wonder if any of the new crop will ever each those heights, not because there aren’t great players now, but because there are so many of them who are ery very good. And they just keep on coming.

 

We may have what appears to be a lot of snow, but it is less than half of many winters past. Too many people we don’t know want to tell us how awful things are, and unfortunately too many people line up to be miserable.

 

I’ll take optimism!

 

It really isn’t cold any more.

Today's Tids Issue 3,280

Opening Stuff:

Scott Walker keeps on popping up on top of polls, often first. Maybe “Walking the walk” is coming back in style, and we’ll all be much better off for it. Orators mesmerize, but that’s about where it ends.

I’m gonna be milking this new England Pats win for as long as possible, mainly to prolong the football season. Football season withdrawal is a painful thing, and you don’t want to have to see it.

With all of the crap and ills we see day after day in the news, the only thing that really bothers me is all of this computer hacking. We can have boots on the ground and bombs in the sky, welfare assistance and newsmen who lie, unlawful immigrants and ACA, that make grown men cry. But fingers on a keyboard, by the cleverly sly, cause grids, portfolios, governments to die. I sigh.

The Global warming zealots in their continuing efforts to convert the unwashed  often revert to personal analogies to make their point about CO2 contributing to  GW – like my diet as it relates to nutrition. Fat chance of swaying me to the cause.

The Question:

Disney keeps on pushing out box office smashes. What were Walt’s first five animated features? Bonus: What two well known Pauls are the artists of the two most expensive pantings ever sold?

The Headlines:

--Markets Open Cautiously As Greek Financial Ills  and China Growth Concerns Worry Investors; Stock Buyers Also See Strong Jobs Report As Possible Impetuous for Raising Interest Rates.

--Obama, Merkle Trying To Keep Unified Face In Ukraine Support Even As “O” Seems To Be Backing Down On Promise To Supply Arms; Rebels Continue To Make Gains Against Ukraine Forces; Kerry Says There Is No Division, No Split; Putin Seems More Energized To Taking All Of Ukraine.

--Snow Blanketing New England.

--Jordan Making Airpower Taking Out ISIS Strongholds; Makes Way For More Aggressive Iraq Army.

--Pentagon Spends $604, 618 On Viagra In 2014 (Make Up Your Own Jokes).

--Greek Exit From Euro Inevitable.

--Mc Donald Same Store Sales Down 1.8%

I expected some additions to the “Fabulous Fibber question of Friday.” The first one in was one of the biggest, most obvious: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman….”. Then there is the skirting of the Benghazi issue with the screeching “What difference does it make,” Defense. Of course, all politicians will always say their outright lies are just politics.

Hey, did you see where in a survey to determine the best Secretary’s of State over the past 50 years conducted by Foreign Policy magazine In conjunction with William & Mary U among 1700+ university professors, that John Kerry barely registered on the list? Number one was Kissinger followed by Baker Albright and Hillary, Now maybe, the profs are waiting for the full Kerry story before judging,

How old is your average northeast USA city – 300 to 375 years? Yeah, about that, and I have to figure it probably snowed at sometime each of those centuries of years. So how come city officials are still amazed at problems due to snow. As are people living in those =cities. Or is tit just the ineptitude of journalists painting a snow-covered picture.

There is no truth to the rumor that Malcolm Butler’s new Red Pick-up came with a AAA membership to come and fill the deflated tires.

They are spending way too much money getting a jury for the Boston Bomber Tsarnaev. The fact that the impasse is finding  a panel of pro capital punishment jurists must mean they have already agreed on guilt. So why is this trial costing millions. I’m sure the people without arms, legs, memories or loved ones can’t understand it.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

Editor’s Note: The Tids Entertainment Editor was late with copy on Friday, hence the delay. Or, was that a befuddled, cluttered mind that got in the way?

--The best movie of the week, Spongebob Out of Water, says it all about the other two below. Spongebob is sure to draw the youth in droves, as he and his pals overcome the evils in the world above the sea.

--Despite the presence of Juliette Moore and Jeff Bridges, nothing can overcome the inadequacies of the plot in the supernatural film The Seventh Son of the Seventh Son. It’s about training the title character to over come the super evil of the unknown unseen force. It doesn’t work.

--The Other big production, Jupiter Ascending, is also another of those big dollar productions that gives you lots of noise and special effects and little to hang onto. This Terminator style plot about a Jupiter Jones, a loser of a women who finds her future when a genetically engineered military hunter arrives on earth telling her of learn of her inheritance could alter the balance of the cosmos. This is a disappointment even to those who like the genre.

Grammies, Department:

Other than yet another ranting episode by an aggrieved Kanye , this time being cheered by his supportive lucky-to-be-a-celeb wife, there were mostly positive moments in the long Grammies evening. Personally I think Sam Smith’s big hit song is kind of monotonous, and he is just another average singer, so maybe it was  his story got him there. I don’t know enough about pop music, so I really can make comments about who deserved to win. Personally, last night I liked the Katie Perry song about abused women, and the Jessie Jay and Tom Jones redoux  of “I’ve go that lovin’ feeling.” I think one of things I notice when you get the singers away from their over the top big production number productions, is that they are very talented. Oh yeah, and Madonna was way over the top again and I drifted off a quarter of the way through. And I though Miley looked weird, and much too thin, that was after I asked who the annoying little prima donna was. But, over all the acts kept me tuned in, which is a big step forward over many of the movie award shows..

The Answer:

Over the weekend the Spongebob became the record breaker for weekend animated film box-office sales. I guess Walt started something in 1937 with Snow White and The 7 Dwarfs. After that he gave us Pinocchio, the wonderful Fantasia, Dumbo and Bambi, FYI, after those, the next five were Saludas Amigos and The Three Caballeros (Did he know something about illegal immigration?). The other three in the top ten were Make Mine Music, Fun and Fancy Free and Melody Time. Bonus: Paul Gauguin’s painting of two Tahitian women “When Will You Marry?” just sold for $300 Mill. That seems to have flown past Paul Cezanne’s $259 Mil – “The Card Players”.  The prices for art are really outrageous in the grand scheme of things. Gauguin went to Tahiti after having financial difficulties due to the “Unpopularity of his Art”. Even these paintings from Tahiti were met with indifference when he returned.  But, he had fun painting many women for lots of  sex on Tahiti, which he described as “An unremarkable island with  an international westernized community”. I wonder if Angelina Joli is related to Gauguin? Amazing what PR can do isn’t ii? – it turned unwanted art into a $300M painting and boring island into a paradise.

I’m seeing a campaign slogan: “Your Choice – Scott the Walker; Hillary the Talker”