Leave my world alone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,581
Opening Stuff:

You may have noticed how, from time to time, we rant a bit here over the sacrileges against time-honored US and world wide institutions. Like when people put chocolate into gin and call it a Martini! That is not a martini! The last thing I would want to hear going into a bar and ordering a Martini, is a bartender asking, "What kind?" Yikes. Well the other day at a meeting a women brought in a fresh baked batch of Chocolate chip cookies. Even I, who refrains from sweets and non-nutritional dalliances, took one. Ouch! What is that flavor, I thought. The baker proudly asks, "Did you like my secret ingredient?" I said nothing but other lemmings said things like "Yum". "Wonderful." "Marvelous." She looked over at us, and proudly said she replaces Vanilla with Almond when she bakes chocolate chip cookies! Those-are-not-chocolate-chip-cookies!

That Egyptian revolution is turning into a real mess isn't it? Yesterday the Election Board there, which had been named by the Ruling Military, rejected the "Three Most Popular" candidates (And 7 others) from the election! How's that for an Arab Spring? That leaves 13 mundane candidates who most Egyptians barely know at all. Other countries are thinking this no-name group may produce a better candidate for them; A candidate who will "work with" outsiders. But, that is unlikely. Among the three tossed was the powerful Muslim Brotherhood candidate Khairat al Shater. It is now expected that this most significant of all Egyptian groups will back Mohammed Morsi and propel this unknown into the lead. Muslim brotherhood will not go away, regardless of the Military Panel wants. If Morsi is rejected, expect new riots.

You have to wonder about FaceBook's future. Will it be like that of an athlete superstar with too much money, buying cars he doesn't need. Linkedin thinks that could be the case. And have stated that they expect to outlast the Zuckerberg giant becasue they are more fiscally responsible and won't delve into expensive whims. Another thing, Zuckerberg, made the Insta deal all by himself without bankers and lawyers, three days before he told his Board of Directors. Just tuck that away as the IPO approaches.

The Question:

I'm sure there are many lists for this Question, but I have a feeling that many of the "Top Ten Child Stars Gone Bad" are on all of them. Name your top ten.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Down On Lower Earnings From IBM And Intel.
--Spain Bailout Now A Certainty.
--Spain Incensed As Argentina Announces Nationalization Of YPF, The Country's Largest Oil Company Which Is Controlled BY Spain Repsol Corp; Spanish Industry Minister Promises Consequences.

Have you noticed lately that some of the more elite-in-their-own-mind restaurants are offering Pork bellies on the menu. People look at the menu and the initial reaction is often -- Eew, pork bellies. That's bacon folks, pure fatty bacon. That's all it is. Interestingly, bacon from countries other than the US comes from the side, mostly lean, or from the back cut which can be either all fat or mostly all lean. US bacon is from the fatty streaked pork belly. So, that's about it. McDonald's gets all the blame for calories, but where is Michelle when the "Gourmet" joints start sneaking in heart stopping fatty bacon? Huh?

By the way, 40% of McDonald's sales come from Europe versus 30% from the US. That means that when Obama moves on to Emperor of the world, the Empress will have plenty to do. And I'm happy for her.

If the Dems are as they say for jobs, how come they are trying to turn the country's economic engines into soulless monsters.

I've got to drop politics for a while. It's turning me into a monster.

And, never put walnuts in Chocolate Chip cookies.

It's no wonder child stars full of fame and money living in a world far from reality, grow up with problems . But, you don't have to be a child star to find the road to ruin as a teen. For instance, the new fad among teens is eating cinnamon. Yup, the kids take a spoon full of pure cinnamon with out liquid and just wait til their throat burns, their stomach gets queasy and they eventually throw-up. Sure sounds like fun. Like wearing felt skirts with poodles or singing Meersy-dotes.

The Prez is using his bully pulpit to come out against Oil "Speculators" as the culprits in the rising gas prices dilemma. Of course, as part of this political posturing, he asks Congress to act to add more people to oversee Wall Street activities. The congress responds, "We already have the the FTC, FCC, SEC et. al.. You are Executive Branch. Use them." Most neutral observers see the Prez Proposal as political rhetoric that in effect increases the size of government with little chance of affecting the increase in oil prices.

Almost Near: The Epilogue. --
Tommy Lambert had been locked securely away in the New Hampshire state facility for the insane for about a year now. He was a model inmate. Why wouldn't he be. He was a creative, bright, good looking and quite a charming man. Always had been. Even on that day 29 years ago, the first day Samantha Wilcox slid into second base and he slapped the tag on her. Then helped her up, and smiled that perfect radiant smile. She would never forget that special moment. The people in the facility had warmed to that same smile since the day he walked into his sterile room with nothing but his state issued clothes. Now he had pens and paper and even at times use of a computer. He had all of the weapons a good writer would ever need.
He put down his pen, read over what he had written, sat admiring his work; Then he folded the paper and placed it in an envelope and addressed to Samantha Wilcox. He moved to the small window at his door. "Carolyn. Carolyn. Are you there." In a few seconds he heard the click, click, click of her shoes against the hard flooring.
"What do you need, Tommy?" The orderly looked at him with eyes wishing he could come from beyond the door."
He handed her the envelope. "Would you please mail this on your way home. You can charge the stamp to my account."
She laughed. Of course he had no account. And, he wasn't allowed to mail anything without inspection. Her fingers lingered on his as she took the letter. "No problem, Tommy."
"Thank you Carolyn. You are quite beautiful today."
He turned as he heard the sound of her heels disappearing. He went over to the small barred window and looked at the beauty of New Hampshire hills and trees. And thought of his words.

(One more Day!)

The Answer:
All of the Top Ten Gone Bad aren't recent. Here is one list starting at Ten: Paris Hilton (Child Star?), Brad Renfro, Todd Bridges, Drew Barrymore, Haley Osment, Gary Coleman, Britanny Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Macaulay Caulkins and Michael Jackson. But, there are many others like Judy Garland, Dana Plato, Bobby Driscoll (Song of the South) and Danny Bonaduce. Or, you may remember Corey Haim, David Faustino, Dustin Diamond, Taran Noah Smith and the ever adorable (You should see him now) Wille Aames.

I'll take Shirley Temple, thank you.

"On the good ship Lollypop, da-da da...da da da da da, da.. Do I have you humming today? enjoy it.

Thre were actually a lot of headlines today, but I didn't think much of it was news.

Click and Crack.

Today's Tids Issue 2,299
Opening Stuff:

If your are perhaps feeling a little tired of the Winter just think about Click and Crack! The click as the club hits the litttle white pellat 280 yards to the center of the fairway, and the crack of the bat as major League baseball revs up for the Red Sox march to the title. And then or course there is Whapp-Pop, Whapp-Pop, Whapp-Pop...

There was a little story in the paper with a pic of a little pussy cat outside of the venerable 10 Downing Street in London. It provide me with a vision of a kinder-gentler Prime Minister taking in the cute "Tabby" for comfort and calm. Until you learned that the little pussy cat was being hired to take care of the rat problem,. Yes Tabby is a killer. A blood thirsty hired assassin. 009-lives.

And then there was this item about Obama's awarding to the Medals to leading contributors to our society. One was George HW Bush. The little newspaper quickie bio said "He he has given 70 of his 86 years to public service starting when he at "18" joined the Navy." I guess the math was done by the the same people who are trying to tell us that 0-Man's budget is going to save us $1 Trillion over a decade.

One of our all time great observant readers reminded me that Miles Davis was not a pianist but one of the all time great jazz trumpet players...and perhaps one of the most influential jazz musicians of the great jazz era. And, I used to play a Miles Davis LP endlessly. I am losin' it!

The Question: With the days turning a little more Spring-like, I thought I'd move it along with a question about men in short pants...and the Whapp-Pop of tennis balls flittering across nets. Which countries have the most players and contributors elected to the Tennis Hall of Fame. Who were the earliest inductees?

The Headlines:

--Egypt New Sense Of Calm Broken By Agressive Labor Protests; Army Warns.
--Dell Soars Past Profit Estimates; Inspires The Street.
--Borders Declares Bankruptcy; Starts Closing Stores.
--0-Man and Congress Punting Entitlement Football Back And Forth; No Yardage Gained.
--Stuxnet Worm Had Little Or No Effect On Iran Progress Towards Nukes.
--Scottish Deerhound Takes It All In Big Westminster Kennel Club Show.
--Bahrain Protesters Join Club; Small Country Is Home To US Fleet And Center Of US Middle East Ops; Military On Alert.

Back to More Stuff:
You have to love, I think , the Philadelphia English teacher who called out students in a profanity laced blog as "Disengaged, Lazy Whiners". The interesting question here is what's wrong with calling out the unmotivated students as a major ingredient, if not the most important one, in the collapse of US education. Somehow our culture has given some kids the idea that everything comes easy and that there is nothing they don't deserve.

The Egypt protests are over, but it appears the problems are only just beginning. The Labor gangs see it as a moment to request bigger salaries, in a time when there is very little income at all in the country. The jubilation of the mobs on 2/11 was also somewhat more brutal than originally reported by the media. CBS 60 Minutes Journalist Lara Logan was brutally attacked by happy Egyptians including a sustained sexual assault. too many people in Egypt will see the victory by the people as an opportunity for pressing for selfish ideologies or undisciplined rampaging. As I said, the end is the first step in hard beginning.


Yesterday I heard a recording of a well know Country Western singer doing some rap, or whatever it is called. It was significantly unentertaining. I thought you went to CW to get some melodies back.

Oh.. above I alluded to the slight of hand associated with the announcement that the new 0-Man budget would save us $1 Trillion over a decade. That's just a politicians way of saying that instead of my budget adding $8 Trillion to the deficit in a decade, I will only add a number the size of China's economy, $7 Trillion, to the deficit. Beware of politicians baring gifts. In other words this new bold budget just gets us into more hot water.

Most of the Hall of Fame's honoring sports heroes didn't start til the 1930's. But, you got to figure that there were plenty of athletic people in the 16th - 19th Century America. Or, were people just rated for how the worked on the farm or for the good of a community. Who was the first great athlete? Think about how huge athletics is in this society, as opposed to a past where it was barely mentioned if at all.

We often report on the vanishing symbols of America's great past, but has there been a bigger disappearance than that yesterday of The New York Stock Exchange. Yikes! The face of Capitalism now under the control of Germany's Deutsche Boerse, with 60% of the board not US. What's next? The White House owned by Islam nations?

Dell says it is projecting 8-10% in revenue growth for the next year. But, I'd watch this bellwether #2 computer maker closely. Will we learn that it "padded" its forecast, and will its results be depadded. The tech focus in 2011 will indubitably be upon the IPad and all of the many wannabees. This will be fun to watch.

The Answer:
In keeping with the Tids mission of not forgetting the past, I like Questions like this that pay tribute to heroes maybe forgotten as new generations roll in. The Hall was established at Newport's beautiful victorian style Tennis Casino in 1954. The US has 122 members far outdistancing Austalia (25), Great Britain (24), France (10), Sweden (5), Germany (4), Brazil and Italy (2) and Ireland/Mexico (1). The early inductees were Beals Wright, Bob Wrenn, Richard Williams, Hazel Wightman, Malcom Whitman, Holcombe Ward, Bill Tilden, Maude Wallach, Richard Sears, Maurice McLaughlin, Molla Mallory, Art Larson, Bill Larned, Bill Johnston, James Dwight, William clothier, Joseph Clarke,Oliver CampbellMay Sutton Bundy and Mary Kendall Brown. Kind of a surprise isn't it. Some of the early memorable names like Helen Jacobs, Helen Wills Moody, Don Budge or Renee LaCoste didn't get in until ten or so years after these earliest inductees.

The End:
That's me...I think I know something and then I find I don't. I guess that's as good a reason as any to keep on looking because you are bound to learn a lot.

Of course, I'll never understand why Hip-Hop, Rap and other new music genre are considered listenable. I guess it's more about animal instinct.

Actually, some readers may be worrying about me, as a couple of you wrote abut use of "Pot" in the recipe yesterday. And of course today I start with "Crack"!

How big is your heart?

Today's Tids 2,297

Opening Stuff:

I was listening to Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier Suite yesterday, and during a couple of particularly beautiful moments I imagined millions of little hearts fluttering down like snowflakes. Hey. it's Valentines Day. Let your heart go wild.

Honestly, I can't remember any media report during the past 30 years dwelling on the evil of Mubarak. I always thought that Egypt was pleasantly floating along, and was a serene place where happy tourists enjoyed their trips to view the magnificent Pyramids. Hell, even our State Department appeared unconcerned about innate evil. A WikiLeaks released 2009 cable from the US Embassy there describes Mubarak as, "...tried and true realist, innately cautious and conservative, with little time for for idealistic goals." But now the gleeful US media romping among the celebratory crowd are insinuating that Mubarak was like Idi Amin or worse.

The Question:
Remember those little candy hearts with love sayings on them? Give me five of the most popular older sayings.

The Headlines:

--0-Man Sends Congress $3.73 Trillion Budget; Promises $1.1 Trillion Reduction Over next Decade; Budget Advisory Panel Says Country Needs To Reduce Deficit Bt $4 Trillion And Include Large SS, Medicare Program Reductions.
--US Markets Open Lower.
--Clothing Prices Expected To Rise 10% In Spring.
--Medical Panel Says Kids Shouldn't Use new, Popular Energy Drinks; Adds That Adults Should Not Over Use.
--After Egypt Protester Victory, Labor Discontent Continues; Wants Raises; Ruling Military may Clamp Down.
--Yemeni Leader, US Ally, Trying to Quell Potential Uprising There.
--Grammys Have A Few Surprises; Lady Antebellum Wins Record, Song Of The Year. Gaga, Eminem Win Two Each; Bieber Fans On Awards And Dress.

Back to More Stuff:
Now that the media have pretty much shot their wad over Egypt, you can expect a lot of clatter about the coming Budget battle. Both sides will be throwing around a lot of huge numbers, but take care to put them all in prospective. For instance, a reader points out that Obama's promise of cutting $100,000,000 from hisGovernment budget is like reducing a $3,000 monthly household budget to $2,999.91! And 0-Man also is "Freezing" domestic spending controlled by the executive branch and the "big" number (As compared to a typical Government expenditure known as a "pig" number) is $400 Billion. But that's a ten year total against what some are projecting as a Trillion or so/year addition to a deficit. The GOP promised $100 Billion worth of slashings but appear to be having trouble hitting $60 Bil. There will be a lot of posturing by both sides with the admin probably getting the nod from the press. Which is even more reason to dig deeper into the real meaning behind the numbers.

So did you hear about the worried guitarist who was fretting at his audition?

Almost near: Chapter 7. --"What a beautiful night," shouted Samantha aloud to an empty room. She smiled as she looked at the rumpled bed sheets and covers that once covered her spent lover. He was so cautious with her she remembered. As though he didn't want her to run away. Which she would never do, she thought.
Samantha rose and shivered at the morning seaside coolness and she pulled a robe around her satisfied body. "Tucker" she yelled as she started down the stairs. "Tucker". But their wasn't a sound. The house was quiet; warm and nonthreatenting. Soothing. She felt secure and comfortable.
--A note was propped up against a little spread of food on the kitchen table. "Hi Sam - I miss you but had to run. Will be back shortly". She pulled it up and hugged it to her heart.
She sipped the coffee and smiled approvingly. She picked up and nibbled on a sweet roll as she moved away from the kitchen to explore her little paradise. Tucker had beautiful taste, manly, but everything in its place, perfectly balanced. After roaming the downstairs rooms, fingering what might be Tucker's favorite possessions, she noticed off the kitchen back staircase. It was dark at the top, but she found a light switch and climbed the stairs. At beginning of a small hall she saw a narrow door, about two feet wide. She wiggled the knob but it appeared locked.

Some so-called Middle East Experts are saying that the US admin and its advisers seem to have their heads in the sand about the authentic terrorist organization Muslim Brotherhood. A noted analyst said that just about everybody with their finger on the pulse of the Middle east knows that the MB is the daddy of al-Qaida, Hamas and any other scary group in the world. And one of the most organized group in Egypt. There is an excellent chance that over the next two years this Muslim Brotherhood comprised of highly educated people will make quiet but signifiicant strides into the governing bodies of the new Egypt...pretty much like they did in Lebanon.

I notice around me young people coughing into their elbows. I commented on it and was told that children are taught this in school, since it doesn't put germs in in the hands that touch food or other hands. But, I have been noticed lately little villages of microbes with palm trees and all springing up in arm cruxes.

You have to figure that the NEA and "Parties are Us" have merged. If you bring a Birthday Party invite to school these days then you have to invite the entire class. What's with all of these can you top this parties anyhow?

If you want to get on the fast track for a big career in Journalism, request a transfer to an unstable third world country and wait for the inevitable revolution.

England doled out their "Oscar" awards (BAFTAS) last night, and it could give clues to the US verison. Kings Speech and Colin Firth won Best Pic and Best Actor Awards. Other input for your Oscar night scorecard: Other Three Award films -- Inception and Social Network; Best director - Fincher (SN); Actress - Natalie Portman; Non English film -- Girl With Tattoo; Animated - Toy Story 3

I read a piece about the recession's effect on Union membership. It is declining in the public sector and actually gaining a bit in the public sector. One, the private sector, is market driven and is subject to voluntary spending. The other, public sector, is gimmie driven and relies on involuntary spending by consumers. So in a realities logical sense the public sector sense should be dying because you just can't push the the consumer to spend more than exists. Maybe the next Egypt style social networking upheaval will be the weary taxpayers.

One of the generally most unreported consequences of the of the November election was the defection of Dems to GOP at the state, town and county levels in the South.

The Answer:
146 years ago NECCO (The New England Confectionery Company) started making hearts with sayings on them. Some of the early old tried and true were Be Mine, Be Good, Sweet talk, Kiss me, Love Me, Miss Me, Call Me, I luv You, True Love, Puppy Love. One of the older sayings that has been eliminated is "You Are gay". Word meanings change. The newest consumer chosen sayings for 2010 are Text Me, Tweet Me, You Rock, Soul mate, Love Bug, Me + You.

The End:
If we keep listening to Clapper the US will soon be in the crapper.

Funniest line of the night at the Grammy Awards was from "Train" saying they were glad that Justine Bieber wasn't a group.

Have the Oscars become just one big anti climax?

Me, I'm just sittin' around hoping that the cute little girl in the third desk from the blackboard will send me a Valentine's Card. I've been waiting 65 years.

Why are we always in the middle?

Today's Tids Issue 2,296

Opening Stuff:

Incandescent bulbs keep you warmer while reading on cold nights.

0-Man announced with a great deal of personal satisfaction yesterday the well deserved ouster of Mubarak after the resolute protesting by good people citizens. However, unlike the peaceful ouster of the democrats in the House by US peaceful protesting citizens, it didn't happen in Egypt yesterday. Mubarak stood there and said I'm staying and it will be good for you. Now what?

The "Now What?" was just answered.  Mubarak has just resigned handing the reins over to the Army! Now what?

This is perhaps one of the most complex diplomatic enigmas in the history of the US. The very existence of Israel, for instance, could hinge upon the succession of power in the Egypt. In fact 32 years ago today Khomeini stepped into the breach opened by the Iran people's revolution against the Shah and gave us the Iran we have today. Several factions within Egypt see a similar result as their goal. Carter's admin missed the opportunity in 1979. Let's hope we have better observers in this admin than the Dupnik of the hour, National Intelligence Director James Clapper.

The Question: 
Speaking of enigmatic diplomacy, who were the three people who sat chummily together and signed the Yalta peace treaty 66 years ago to day? Bonus: The list of the 10 most popular dog breeds has just been dropped on The Tid's pet desk. Name them.

The Headlines:

--Stock Markets Following Bouncing Egypt Moods.
--Mubarak Has Left Cairo; Army Backs President; Protesters Apoplectic; 0-Man Perplexed.
--GOP Brings Out Sharper Knife To Increase Cuts To $100 Billion After Near Rebellion By House Conservatives.
--White House Report Urges Winding Down Mortgage Giants Freddie And Fannie In Five Years; Admin Proposes Wider Role For Private Sector; Says Congress Will Have To Make Decision On One Of Three Options..
--Air Traffic Control Mistakes Have Doubled In Past Year.
--Trump Surprises Conservative Gathering By Hinting At Prez Run; Palin And Huckaby Noticably Absent From Shindig.
--Microsoft Joins Nokia In Smart Phone race.
--140 Killed In South Sudan Fighting.
--Fleeing Tunisians Arrive In Droves In Italy.

Back to More Stuff:
This is just nutty. It cost the taxpayers $450,000 to fly the four F-18 Fighter Jets from Virginia to Texas for the 4 second SuperBowl Flyover. But, because of the cold weather they had to close the roof and nobody could see them!

The woman who exposed to the world the self taken photo of bare chested Congressman Christopher Lee was named Gawker! How funny is that.

Dolphins are so smart that after just two days of captivity they can get humans to stand by the side of the pool and feed them fish.

Mubarak is sounding a lot like those CEO's who come into clean house and at the first corporate wide meeting they are introduced as a "People Person."

I don't know about you, but these natural gas explosions seem to be much too common and they bother me. As Carol King would sing, "I feel the earth move under my feet..." When you feel that, run like hell.

Almost Near: Chapter 6 continues. --And then he kissed Samantha. Not hard, but gently. As if he has been holding in a rapidly growing passion that needed a release or it would explode violently. In a way that would not do too much harm to the insecure Samantha. In a way that would enrich the quality of this embryonic relationship. In a way that would help this union grow stronger.
It was she who kissed back with an energy that surprised Tucker. He appeared to be reluctant to respond with the same fervor. To succumb to the feelings he felt overtaking his controlled judgment. He wanted her but worried that she only needed him.
Then she stopped as quickly as she started. She still held the blouse in her hand that she was unpacking when Tucker entered. Now she twisted it nervously. "I'm sorry," she whispered as her breathing and ebbing hunger muted her words. She looked at him. There was a sense of contentment coming though her doubts.
"What for?" he asked. "I felt everything you felt. I know there is a strong bound between us, even after but a few days. His had reached down and squeezed hers. Never say you're sorry to me. I accept who you are. Your life you have lived. The emotions inside you. Your faults and your most beautiful heart."
Samantha reached up and gave him a gentle kiss that said thank you.

Inevitability Department:
It seems to me that bureaucrats are becoming much too infatuated with the idea of black boxes in cars so they can collect data. It's the old where there's smoke there's fire maxim. The Government snoopers will float these ideas and let them be discussed and pretend to listen to the public. Then, they get some lame brain in Congress to propose the idea and Voila!...You are under surveillance 100% of your time driving in your own car. Save me from technological advances. The gov will probably post your driving habits on FaceBook. Gadzooks Robin. Where is that cave when I need it?

The fragile JD Drew of the Boston Red Sox is already warning the fans that his hamstring injury of last year may haunt him again this year. And, I thought this would be one of those "Contract" years where he would have to play above his head to get another inflated contract for the remainder of his career.


Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Eagle takes place in 140AD. A Roman soldier seeks to discover what happened to his father's legion in Scotland, then known as the end of the earth. He is accompanied by a former member of the British elite but now a slave after his parents family were murdered by the Romans. He seeks revenge against all Romans. The two are at once dependent upon each other but adversaries too. It is actually a nice historical piece, but maybe not have enough action for some.
--This is animated Version of the often told Romeo and Juliet story only through he eyes of Garden Gnomes. It's ok.
--Just Go With It is the big romantic, star studded cast movie of the week. To cover up a lie, Adam Sandler a plastic surgeon enlists his assistant and her children to help him with a charade as he pursues the much younger school teacher of his dreams. Others are Jennifer Anniston, Brooklyn Decker and Nicole Kidman. Looks like you've seen it before, but probably enjoyable.

Unemployment in RI has gone down to about 12%. But 14.3% of RI'ers are still on food stamps. Underemployment is still high and doesn't appear to be declining nationally even as the Admin reports fairly significant drops for the jobless.

Sarah Palin is 47 today. It seems as though she has been around much longer than that.

The Answers:
Strange bedfellows have always been a part of diplomatic history. The Yalta peace agreement was signed by three powerful men sitting cheek to cheek in Yalta: FDR, Sir Winston and mass murderer Joseph Stalin. Bonus: The Labrador Retriever retains its title as Most Fave Pet. Next are German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Boxer, Dachshund, Poodle and Shih Tsu.

The Weakend:
The White House put the Congress in a box with their just announced recommendations for housing mortgages. The upshot of a bigger role by the private sector could be that 30 year fixed rate mortgages would disappear and variable rate mortgages would become more predominant. The FHA would be the only remaining Gov. institution associated with the housing industry.

James Clapper is in an excellent position to retire The Dupnik Murphy. Forever.

The future of mortgages is a much too deep a topic upon which to ride into a comfortable mindless weekend. So...my wife asked me what I was doing today. I said "Nothing". She said "That's what you did yesterday." I said, "I know, but I wasn't finished."

Superbowl Sunday is a good day to travel.

Today's Tids Issue 2,290

Opening Stuff:

I suspect way more Mid Westerners enjoyed being snowbound yesterday than those few seen complaining in media highlights.

You have to love the new nickname for Mubarak: "King of Denial".

Our big Nanny in Washington advises that if traveling in icy or extreme snowy conditions you should bring a shovel, blankets and/or a sleeping bag, extra clothing including hat and gloves, 24 hours worth of food, de-icer, rock salt, flashlight with spare batteries, road flares or reflective triangles, full spare gas can, first aid kit and booster cables Of course you may look odd or be subject to arrest for bringing this stuff on a bus.

The Question:
Name the Top 15 American Idol performers in "Total Record Sales".

The Headlines:

--Egypt Tries To Halt Increasing Strife.
--New Unemployment Apps Tumble To 415K.
--Ex-Providence Mayor Cicilini, Now Congressperson Left Prov In Financial Mess Due To Overspending.
--Census Shows Big Gains For Minorities; 85% Of Decade's Gain Came From Minorities; Hispanics Biggest Segment of The Gain.
--America Digs Out.

Back to More Stuff:
First Blips on the Radar Department:
A pretty conservative Townhall Magazine runs through its website (Townhall.com) monthly polls with results from 30-40,000 on Republican Presidential candidates. Here are the results for January: Palin - 22.27%, Mitt - 14.48, Ron Paul, 11.57, Huck - 10.76, Newt - 10.03, Herman Cain - 7.14, Christie - 5,55, Pawlenty - 3.02, Jim Demint - 2.97, Mich Daniels - 2.9, John Bolton - 2.5, John Thune - 1.56 and Haley Barbour 1.03. Rick Sanatorium and Gary Johnson each received less than 1%. Undecided was 2.68%. Confused? Wait til Huntsmen enters the race. Looking at this list, the Repubs appear destined to death by obfuscation.

Climate Change BS Department:
The headline in the paper read, "La Nina Seen as in Return to Winters Past. Total nonsense. Since 1903, (the year record keeping began) every decade has had 4 or five years with 30 or more inches. In fact the cyclical patterns from 1903 to present look remarkably similar. The most snow laden 16 years was between 1956 and 1972. The current ten years is snowy, but looks a lot like 1903-13. And, this year that has everybody fashionably anxious is only the fifth highest snowfall since 2000. The highest snowfall ever was 1995.

Frankly the historic knowledge of snow storms among the general public is not unlike that of the average voter when going to the polls.

For instance, David Cicilini while Mayor spent Providence practically into oblivion, but all the voters knew was the freebies he gave them. Now he has his hands on the national treasury. God help us.

Almost near. Chapter five. --Samantha went back to the Inn and signed up for another two nights. Her spirits were enlivened by Tucker, and now even some of the towns people became a bit more friendly. Jimmy's Dad Zach turned out to be a very nice guy, just like the man she thought she loved as a teen. In fact, he even said that he remembered a young girl who used to play in his back yard. She thought that Zach, a widower, might ask her for dinner some night. But, she learned that he was very busy and often went down to Boston during the evenings. Probably just more of her childhood dreams.
Samantha wasn't surprised though, when Tucker suggested diner, on his boat. She replied that her Momma always said, "Never get your self stranded on a man's Boat." He laughed comfortably, and she joined in, just as she had been doing since they met.
"The dory leaves at 6:00 PM!" Sam leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. he blushed.

The "Poor Baby" crowd is trying to elicit sympathy for the 0-Man because of the almost impossible decision he had to make about discarding a loyal ally versus being on the side of the next generation there. Prime Time ran for President, got the presidency, reveled in the Presidency, and making tough decisions is just part of the job.

Many reports are now in line with the original Tids observations that warned of extreme groups, like Muslim Brotherhood, hijacking the populist movement. But as I look around the Middle East at these coincidental simultaneous uprising I'm thinking that it is quiet possible they all were organized by those extreme groups as part of a master plan to take over all of these unstable governments.

In editorial endorsements preceding the past November elections, the Providence Journal endorsed every possible union owned candidate. This morning they wrote this piece wondering where the public spirited politician with no ties to special interests had gone. ThePol who could step in and look the Union power brokers in the eye and start the process of cutting back the enormous costs.

Is this fascination with El Nino and La Nino just another element of this current fashionable allegiance to anything Hispanic like Jalapeno and Chipolte. Lets face it, if the Ninos are here now, than they were probably around 100 years ago. The names are just sexier now and we have a lot more weather people to talk about them.

Productivity is up which is great for competing on global basis but not so good for increased employment.

A new study supports the views of many who have said that college isn't for everybody. It has always been obvious that many people should have been directed to fulfill their avocations rather than being fashionably directed into college. I wrote a story about the European style education system that is centered around best capabilities. For instance, technically gifted craftsmen are elevated to the level of liberal arts University students in term so their contirbutions to society. Workers in a factory have the same respect as those who maybe criticizing a playwright. And the surprising thing is that I wrote this about an initiative supported by Rhode Island teachers groups.

Well, it's Thursday and that means pigskin pickin' time. After the Pats debacle I said I was with Green Bay all the way. Still am. There is something missing in Pitt team. They have offensive flaws that can crop up at any given moment and stifle progress, Couple that with GB defense that is among the very best, and you have a big advantage for the Pack. Rogers has proven himself to be a winner. So that his offense will be good enough to overcome the traditional Steeler defensive ferocity. The Steeler have an edge in experience. So, all in all it will be a close game. I'm thinking 24-21 Pack. Now if we can just keep Jerry Jones off the sidelines.

The Answer:
Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood is way ahead with 12, 191,000. Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson isn't doing bad with 10.628 Mil. The we have Chris Daughtry (6M), Clay Aiken (4.95) and Fantasia Barrino (2.8) rounding out the top 5. the rest are Ruben Stoddard, David Cook, Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks, David Archuleta,
Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Josh Gracin, Taylor Hicks, Bo Rice and Elliot Yamin.

The End:
I have never really liked Superbowl parties. They always got in the way of the game. It was always more about dips than drives. So, while everybody is inside thinking they are having fun, I go on a trip. Unless, of course, the Pats are playing. Yes, I am an old curmudgeon.

Fashionable or ugly.

Today's Tids Issue 2,289

Opening Stuff:

"What has four legs, is green, fuzzy and if falls out of a tree it could kill you? A pool table!"

I love the description of EIBaradei as a "Fashionable International Leftist". He is looking like a possible leader to step into the vacuum. But nobody really knows much about this vaguely defined person. And that especially includes Egyptians who have seen little of him since he left 30 years ago. Some say well, he's a Nobel Laureate. But, so are other Fashionable US Democrats. Nobel is beginning to mean, "Ability to put something over on the people".

What is a zebra? 25 sizes larger than an A bra.

The Question:
Two parter! Yippie! 1. A new poll asked Americans which NFL Players they "Hated" most? Name the top 4. 2. In the "lest we forget" column, last week we remembered the Challenger victims. Yesterday was the anniversary of the Columbia re-entry explosion. Who were the seven who lost their lives?

The Headlines:

--"Storm Of The Century" Fizzles In East.
--Private Sector Adds 187,000 Jobs In Jan; Number Down From December 247K But Ahead Of 145K Estimate.
--Wall Street Not Inspired By Jobs Report; Market To Open Flat After Huge Run-up Yesterday.
--Riots Intensify After Mubarak Speech.
--Mubarak Opts Out At His Pace; Speech May Have Cut Legs Out From Under The Muslim Brotherhood Ambitions.
--Yemen Prez And US Ally Ali Abdullah Saleh Joins List of Dictators Wanting Out Before Crowds Get Real Ugly.
--Phil Predicts Early Spring.
--Monster Cyclone Devastating To Northern Australia.
--Daughter Barbara Bush Comes Out In Favor Of Gay Marriage.

Back to More Stuff:
How come the media is so rapturous about the Egyptian crowds, with CBS going the extra inch to say that "These people are not terrorists but regular people like you and me." But these same self-appointed arbiters of society are not so kind to the American Tea Party who were not terrorists but regular people like you and me.

CNBC has named the top "Foodie Cities in America". In case you missed it, this group had to meet a rigorous list of standards: They are Providence RI, Portland ME, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa CA, Portland OR, Burlington VT, Boston/Cambridge and Seattle.

My ace reporter in Chicagoland tells me that a candidate for the Chicago Mayor job is touting bringing a future Superbowl to that snow filled windy city. Just another lunatic politician trying and saying anything to get a vote. New York should never have had a Superbowl and certainly not this wonderful but super cold snowy in the winter city Chicago. The two are cold ugly places in the winter and there is absolutely no logical reason why the fans should be deprived a warm trip south. But, that's the way it is in today's politics, and the reason the country is facing deficits and cold Superbowls.

Almost near: Chapter 4 continues. --"Did you hear about the woman who went to the doctor about her memory loss? He made her pay in advance!"
Samantha started roaring. Her eyes clenched tight, her mouth formed a gigantic smile and she just started laughing uncontrollably, oblivious to the people in the room now staring her way. After a few minutes, while breathing in and out heavily she regained her composure. "That wasn't that funny. I guess I really was a little up tight." She looked around the room where she saw the rest smiling along with her. "Thank you." She looked at this stranger differently now.
"So, tell me about your life. What do you do? Since you only came here occasionally, where did you grow up?" A kinder, gentler appearing waitress plunked two dishes on the table.
"I didn't think we ordered yet."
"Oh," Tucker explained, "I eat here every morning and have the same thing. I just said 'Two' when we walked in. I hope you don't mind."
"No, definitely not. This looks delicious. And," Samantha smiled a lot now, "I probably wasn't up to making big decisions like over easy or scrambled."
Now it was Tucker's turn to chuckle a bit. He decided not to pin her down with more questions. He decided to just enjoy her company.

Listening to the Egyptians chanting and talking in Arabic, I have to wonder who printed the sign shown on ABC News: "Mubarak: Go to hell!". ABC News?

If a lawyer writes notes on a scrap of paper, does that become a legal pad?

And speaking of "Fashionable"...spare me from the chipolte revolution.

Chafee-Lite has named George Caruolo to head the RI State Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education. The same Caruolo that ushered in the infamous Caruolo Law which allows School Boards to sue their neighbors for more education money.

Delusions of Grandeur Department:
Or...Publicist working overtime department. YUM! Brands announced that their KFC and Taco Bell sales were up 23% in China but down 2% in USA. They add that US sales have recently shown some improvement, an indication that Americans are once again dining out. "Dining"?

The Answer:
1. In the latest survey the top four are Brett Favre, Michael Vick, Tom Brady and Ben Rothlesberger. Yes, beautiful Brady is sandwiched between a dog mugger and a serial assaulter woman . It is also mildly eyeopening that Americans hold in slightly higher esteem a man who brutalizes woman over a man (Who BTW has paid his dues in jail) who engages in dog fighting. 2. How sad was the day when a peaceful re-entry resulted in the deaths of Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark and Ilan Ramon. Remember those names?

The End:
Where are the kinder and gentler discourse people condemning the "Go to hell Mubarak" sign? I guess it pays to be fashionable.

What a crock! Fashionable. Please!

Deja Moo

Today's Tids 2/1 Issue #2,288

Opening Stuff:

If you are wondering about the title of Today's mess, it is an expression meaning "You may have heard this bull before." And thus begins another new month of quiet observations about the insanity, perplexities and triumphs of man...and other stuff.

February is that month in which you can say Happy Holidays and be proud of it. Or, at least be proud if you mean Happy George Washington's Birthday and Happy Abe Lincoln's B-Day. And, not just Happy Presidents day which includes several rascals and hails car dealers schemes. Of course we have Valentine's day which is sacred for romantic fools. And, procrastinators day, Feb 29...every four years. It's a month when you can really expect the cold and snow. But hopes are high since March is just around the corner with mud. So in joy the hard ground the drifts and red hearts.

I was on a long line at the Apponaug Post Office yesterday and observed that the most often requested mail priority was "Whenevah."

It is beginning to appear that the big fear in Egypt could be the emergence of the highly organized Muslim Brotherhood. This coupled with an undercurrent of growing anti-Americanism could push this radical group into a position of leadership after Mubarak leaves. In case you have missed it over the years, the Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt and is known as the "Godfather of al-Qaida". This global Muslim organization is also the founder of the terror group Hamas. Think that the admin is walking on eggshells? This has the potential of being a lose-lose situation -- about as tough as it gets in diplomacy. And a time when the Government is actually relevant and earns its tax payer money.

The Question: 
Prolific Hollywood composer John Barry is dead. He wrote some of the most memorable music in film history. And won five Oscars for it. Name some of his most famous works, Oscar and other.

The Headlines:
--Florida Judge Calls Pelosi-Palooza Unconstitutional; Backs AG Lawsuits From 26 States.
--Middle East Tyrants racing To Inaugurate Reforms; Jordan's King Abdullah Fires His Cabinet.
--Obama's China Ambassador Huntsman Resigns Post; Observers See Him Has Serious GOP Prez Candidate.
--Bigger Crowds Flooding Cairo; Evacuations At Airport Ramping Up.
120 Million Americans Gird For New Large Snow Storm.
--Stock Market Looks Positive This Morning As Strong Profit Reports Continue.

Back to More Stuff:
The Lunacy of Greed Department:
The raging snow storm this Superbowl week has just closed the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and the resultant ice could make the Sunday affair a logistical mess. And this ina so-called warm weather state. So you have to wonder what was in the NFL Boardroom coffee the day they decided that NYC's The Meadowland's Domeless Stadium would be a ge=reat day for the most important game. Or were they just blinded by dollar signs in teir eyes?

So now that it is obvious that there is little wisdom in the brains of the Top NFL'ers, it gives credence to the opinion here that upping the schedule to 18 is as dumb as it gets. Or haven't the power brokers noticed that teams are already limping to the finish line after 16 games.

Restaurant owners have to be hating the recent rash of newspaper features touting the joys of "Cheffing-it-up" at home. Cooking is fun and it certainly is a lot cheaper than eating out all of the time. And probably a lot less fattening too.

Of course, I have heard from a lot of wives who are also hating this urging of more home cooking.

There is no group in this world happier about the US involvement in the Iraq and Afghan wars that Iran! Yup, the US is spending the dough and losing the lives to keep at bay Iran's two most historic and troublesome foes, Sadaam and the Taliban. That's about as good a reason as any to leave Afghan as any, the war that origiabnlly looked great but became what Russia said it would become: Un-winnable.

Almost near: Chapter 4 continues. --"So you are Ginny's niece..."
Samantha jumped in saying, "Well, I thought she was, but I don't think she had any idea about who I was." Sam paused and turned her head to look at the boats bobbing in the harbor. "It was a terrible shock to me. My memories of her house, her cooking and good nature were so alive for me. Well, I just can't talk about it."
  She looked at Tucker and he looked back., It was an awkward moment for a man who had known this woman for about 12 minutes.
  "Ginny isn't what she used to be. She has become reclusive, and very ornery here even to eh lifelong friends. I feel bad that you went up there not knowing how much things had changed."
  Samantha smiled a little. Her chin raised up. "Thanks. I do remember people here giving me a blank look when I mentioned that I was Ginny's niece. I am so confused, I'm not sure who I am. Maybe we should just eat and tell jokes."
Tucker laughed and raised his hand, So, did you hear about the guy..."

I have about 400 perfectly good CD's and I see absolutely no need for a new system to produce music.

A lot of web sites make their money skimming of the top from the real producers. They're the new wholesalers. But they do very little other than exist with an URL.

I still think that big companies like Goldman should have used the billions they pay in bonuses to stay afloat after the risky behavior downturn instead of begging for dollars from the taxpayer. After all, isn't that the way biz is supposed to work. The excess for employee rewards is the result of having something left over after expenses or other business losses. And spare me the excuse that the bonuses are part of a promised salary. If there ain't no money, you don't get paid just like every other person who has ever worked.

The Answer: 
 John barry is often associated with the driving, haunting music behind James Bond. he started with Dr. No and gained fame when Shirley Bassey sang Goldfinger and Diamonds are forever. Barry won Oscars fro his work on "Born Free" (Maybe his most popular song), "The Lion in Winter", Out of Africa" and Dances with Wolves". He is also remebered fro Midnight Cowboy, Robin and Marion, The High Road to China and Somewhere in Time. And many more. He probably made many of our hours in the theater a lot more pleasant. The problem is that the music credits are always at the very end.

The End;
There is no truth to the rumor that in a new case of extreme nannyism the Government is planning on forcing homeowners into hiring HazMat teams when CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lights) are broken. This GW Bush initiated intrusion will also require that families move to a Motel for a day. or until the yellow tape is removed from the front door. Doncha love progress?

And, it has been learned that tomorrow's Ground Hog observations may have to be postponed as Punxitawny officials can't locate Phil's den in snow.