Behind the fluff.

Today's Tids  (#2552)
Opening Stuff:


Every morning I enjoy listening to interviews of European financial analysts. (Yeah, I know, borrrring). But we get so much news about everything filtered through media, it's informative to listen to what the people on the scene say. Cutting thorough all of the ups and downs of the daily news, Europe is coming down to this. Greece is still the tip of a titanic like ice berg. And Greece will get worse as its main source of jobs, the Government, is forced to make cuts to meet the demands of lenders. Portugal is looking like Greece, but Spain may be the real problem being too big for a bailout. European financial analysts are now reluctantly resorting to the American phrase, "Kicking the can down the road" as the best way to describe the reality of the progress. The up shots: The healthy countries are talking to each other about getting the losers out of the Euro. The Euro will continue to fall against the dollar; resulting in a run up of the US trade deficit as exports from Germany get cheaper. And like a seasonal, allergy it will continue to irritate Wall Street.

As far as I can see, the New IPad is basically a figment of the Eye-magination. The IPad 2 is perfectly acceptable for the majority of people. The HI Rez of the "New" does not make the "2" look bad at all. Most people can't do anything more on the new one than they are already doing on the 2. It's like my watching the big HD TV screen and then going to another room to watch on the 25 year old Sony -- no significant satisfaction change to me. It's like buying a house on the ocean for the view, and then a year later often not noticing that the ocean is there.

Congrats to the Brown U Women's Ski Team for winning the NCAA Slalom championship and for second place in the Giant. Come to Providence and watch them practice on College Hill...avoiding buses and tourists. Excuse me, I like to cheer the locals. It's part of my DNA.

One of those things that has haunted me over the years is Francis or Frances?

The Question:

Quickie "Q" Plus:1. One of my favorite acting performances ever was by a newcomer to me playing a car dealer in the frozen north-land. Who was the actor and co-star and what was the movie? 2. One of the most prolific songwriters was Neil Sedaka. Name five tunes.

The Headlines:

--Retail Sales Up; Market waiting For Godot -- I Mean Bernanke; S&P 500 At 4 Year High.
--Political Eyes On Alabama And Mississippi.
--Arab League Accuses Syria Of Crimes Against Humanity.
--NYC Police Chief High In Polls After Muslim Flap.
--US Drone Attacks Kill 16 Alleged Militants In Pakistan.
--Iraqi Death Squads Target Gays And Emos (Men Who Dress In Distinctive Western Influenced Style)
--Former World News Editor Rebekah Brooks Re-Arrested.

I read a column this morn that doesn't surprise me at all. In fact, it verifies much of what The Tids has observed the past several years that so much of the news is publicity driven. The proliferation of news outlets combined with tighter reins on Newspaper personnel leaves the door wide open for other people generating and writing the "news". And the other people are Public Relations people hired by governments, groups and businesses who want to control what is read and seen. Check out these facts: In 1980 there were about 45 PR workers per 100,000 and 36 journalists. In 2008 it was 90 PR to 26 journalists. And that doesn't take into consideration the slews of amateurs hammering stuff out to the Net. Be careful about what you believe.

Where there's smoke there's Fire, Department:
The White House slipped out a report from one of their Economists late last week that issued a warning of slow growth going forward. They indicated that it would be slower than what the US has enjoyed for decades. I happen to agree, and we have talked often the past several years about paradigm change going on with middle class wage opportunities. We've noted how globalization eventually tends to level all waters. So, this admission is quite significant, and probably very accurate considering that bad news in an election year is not good for candidates. But, the WH economists see the truth and the Politicos are getting out the forecast preemptively, probably to reset the bar lower. I'm thinking this is maybe the Department of Education running the campaign now -- You know, lower the standards and everybody starts looking pretty great.

After the outburst by American Airlines nutty flight attendant, there was the typical knee jerk reaction for new laws that would require mental testing of Airline employees. I suggest they test Youth League Sports coaches first. And, for that, matter, kids parents.

I have a lot of fun during the year poking fun at experts..mainly in sports, politics, finance. Now there is a new website called Pundit Tracker. It will track the predictions of the political talking heads, as well as people like Jim Cramer and even Oscar prognosticators. Could be fun, and even informative. The site may be a little lightweight, but it's a good idea.

This could be the year of US City bankruptcies. And that's exactly what kicking the financial can down the road will get you every time. Often, band-ades can't hold back the blood.

As I was watching Tiger Woods packing up and leaving the golf course Sunday, I'm thinking he got a text on the 12th hole; "Your playing like crap. Use the old ankle injure ruse and come over for an exciting afternoon. You'll like what I'm wearing" Now we know why he was limping.

I can't think of anything more that I would want to do less than this supposed new exercise fad,"Stationary Bike Racing". All work and no scenery. Help me.

According to a very knowledgeable source, Iran's game plan for nuclear development appears based on the North Korea playbook. This is the combined opinions of both NK and Iran watchers -- Agree. Buy time. Renege. And then do it all over again. Iran is also considered buy close observers to be saner than it appears. There threat gives them a degree of control but the reality is that they recognize that launching --and launching is the operative word here -- The Bomb is pressing the button that result in their own annihilation. This is not their objective. The nuclear deterrent strategy lives.

The Answer:

1. I loved William Macy in Fargo. And was there a better co-star than Frances McDourmand? 2. Sedaka was kind of a happy but goofy little singer but he could write songs. He has written or co-written (Mainly with Boyhood pal and lyricist Howard Greenfield) over 500 songs! Yikes! Some of Sedaka's (He was Edye Gorme's cousin) best that he sang were were Oh Delilah, Stairway to heaven, Calendar Girl, Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Bad Girl and Next Door to an Angel. He also wrote, Who's Sorry Now, Where the Boys Are, Love Will Keep us Together, Laughter in The Rain and That's When the Music takes Me. Enough.

I have a little bit of the White House within me. That's why I'm tucking my Final 4 picks down here: Baylor, Wisconsin, Michigan State And Kansas.

Thanks to Hyat Alvi, Ed Fitzpatrick and assorted London analysts.

What Solar storm.

Today's Tids (#2,549)
Written 3/8
Opening Stuff:



For a pedestrian electronics guy like me, the big news about the just announced "New" Hi Rez IPad is that you can now buy IPad 2 for $399.

There's more to Rhode Island than an out of control public employee pension plan Department:
Why would anybody move to Rhode Island? To win PowerBall, that's why! So, to make it easy for everybody to have a good chance of attaining instant wealth, I'm starting a new Web Site: http://www.sendmeyourmoneyandi'llbuyapowerballticketfor10%ofthepot.com. Oh yeah, RI is also filled with beauty, surrounded by a magnificent ocean, is loaded with history and has some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

If somebody said to me, "Quick, who is your all time favorite athlete," I could easily answer Roger Staubach. If I thought about it for a moment I'd add Carl Yaztremski, Bob Cousey, Ben Hogan and of course Bobby Orr. If I reached down a bit I'd go to Pee Wee Reese, Dom DiMaggio and Carl Furillo. And I'm probably forgetting 2-3,000 other faves.

The Question:

Peyton Manning is identified with the Indianapolis Colts, but it appears his career will end elsewhere. Three other greats -- Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath and Joe Montana -- were and are identified with their original teams. Name the teams and where did each of these Hall-of-Famers end their career?

The Headlines:

--The Effects Of Solar Storm Miss Earth.
--Congress Wrestling With Syria Dilemma.
--Wall Street Brighter As Greek Swap Takes Shape.
--Kofi Anna Rejects UN Intervention; He Says, "More Force Could Make Things Worse."
--Household Debt Rises For First Time In 3 1/2 Years.
--Israel Seeking Arms from US.

American Idol: I am definitely being entertained this year. First -- This Jessica Sanchez is an amazingly mature singer with a great voice that is expressive and shows humor and humanity. Before looking for the winners and losers, thee are several singers who bring something different to the show and should be kept just for entertainment value. Phillips, Skyklar, Erika, Colton and d'Andrea are a handful that come to mind. There are other good singers, but these bring more than a good voice, the extra something that makes a show like this more interesting. Last night, I had trouble seeing all of the negativity expressed by the judges about Shannon. I thought Elise and missed it, and Jimmy Rosado gives me nothing. My favorite performances were Colton Dixon and EVP. I like Skylar too. I thought Phillips was fun, but couldn't really hear his voice. My guess is that the bottom three will be unfortunately Shannon (I think she can grow), Elise and Rosado. My early guess to win it all -- Colton Dixon.

Some world leaders are saying about Iran, "Actions speak louder than there words." That's exactly the same way I feel about President Obama.

This Iran thing is a conundrum if there ever was one. Satellites have just observed Iran cleaning up nuke experimental evidence just as they saying for the benefit of the US and others, "Let's talk". Other sources say they have recently tested a nuclear trigger. There is word among those who know that China is delivering missiles to Iran which could carry war heads to the US Mainland in 3 years or less.The Prez wants talk, and the Israelis are fearful for their very existence. Panetta wants to talk to the UN and congress is saying, "What about us?".

We have to stop with all of these memorials around the National Mall. There's a lot of discussion now about an Eisenhower 4 football field large memorial. I mean I like Ike. Who didn't. But you have to stop with these precedents, or some day we'll be forced to add Clinton and Obama.

After enjoying the best efforts of a decent restaurant, I find that upon coming home, the handful of Ruffle's potato chips is just as tasteful and satisfying. I guess I'm not much of a gourmet. Actually it's a lot cheaper not to be a gourmet.

The Lie of the Week Department:
On the Indianapolis podium yesterday, the day before the Colts would have to pay Peyton Manning $28,000,000, owner Irsay said "It isn't about the money.". Meanwhile Manning all class stood and thanked the fans.

Almost Near: Chapter 64 continues. --Tucker had ordered a couple of on-demand movies for the kids who were no in the bakc bedroom of the suite laughing and kidding each other, nervously in anticipation of seeing mom. "Everything Ok in there!". Tucker yelled from his perch at the front room window opposite Samantha's Hotel.
Within a half hour, he saw what appeared to be an unmarked police car, pull under the portico at the other hotel He sharpened his eyes. The driver door opened and that Detective Sparrow jumped and went to open the curb side rear door. "My, my", Tucker said to himself, "Look what we have here. Two for the price of one!" He watched Audrey get out and look around the area. Her eyes seemed to look into his as she made the 360 degree scan." She's a smart one he thought. I should have taken care of her when I saw her last week. I guess I'm getting soft. "I'm sorry Audrey, I really liked you. But you should know it's all about Samantha. You always called her my girlfriend."
"Can we go out to eat tonight? Who you talkin' to in here anyway." The girl looked around the room. Tucker looked around at s Sheila, and then bakc down at the hotel entrance. Samantha had gone in but Audrey and the detective were talking. This kids knew Audrey. "Why sure my firned. He quickly moved toward sthe girl and ushered her into the room. "So where do you guys want to eat."
"When are we going to see our mother?" Rebecca stared at Tucker with Rudy's eyes.

The Answer:

Unitas, Namath and Montana will always be known as the QB's for Baltimore Colts, NY Jets and SF Forty Niners, and not where they finished, San Diego Chargers, LA rams and KC Chiefs.

The solar storm missed the Earth but seems to be residing in my mind, That's why the Tids are so late. Man it's weird in here. Ooooooo-weeeeee-oooooo.

Cuba all over again?

Today's Tids Issue 2,498
Opening Stuff:

Why do I have this feeling that Iran wants to provoke the USA into attacking them?

For sure, the Constitution permits protesters like OWS. But nowhere in that revered historic document does it say that taxpayers have to pay a dime for their continued encampments.

In the irony of the day department, Mark Zuckerberg vacationed in communist Viet Nam which blocks his FaceBook site. So he had only the girl he brought along, Priscilla Chan, with whom to be friends. Which, probably made her almost as happy as the billions in his bank account.

The Question:

1. What was Jon Voight's first big movie success. What was his other major achievement? 2. Jude Law is one of those great talents who makes movies better. Name five of his best.

The Headlines:

--Iran Warns US That It Is No Position To tell Teheran What It can And Can't do.
--After Three Down Weeks, Unemployment Benefits Claims Rise By 15,000.
--Stock Market Could be Mostly Up Today.
--Arab Observers Fan Out Across Protest Mobbed Syria.
--Giant Chinese eCommerce Company Alibaba (30% Owned By Japan) Hires DC Lobbyist; Expected That It is First Move To Acquire Yahoo!.
--North Korea hails Military And Nuclear Achievements Of dead Leader; "Un Officially Named Supreme Leader.
--Last Minute Holiday Sales Have Retailers Smiling; Smiling Until Official reports Come Out.
-- Turn-Out Of More Iowa Moderates May Give Romney Victory.

Two questions will dominate "Pickin' " strategy this final week of the regular season: Who is going to show up? Which of the teams playing each other for a final playoff spot has the inner will to win. Last week's 13-3 brings the year to 161-79 (67%). The meaningful games, and quite difficult to predict games are Tenn-Houston, Jets-Dolphins and the potential winner take all face offs between Broncos- Chiefs, Cinn-Balt, Giants-Cowboys and Raiders-Chargers. Here I'm picking Tenn, Dolphins, Broncos, Cinn (Yikes, Cinn to actually show up in a meaningful game?), Giants and Chargers. In the who will show up match-ups, I'm picking Pats who actually need this badly, Vikings, Saints, Packers, Niners, Colts, Eagles, Seahawks, Falcons and the upset of the day Browns over Steelers!

It seems to me that fancy corporate annual report is another of the new dinosaurs. I remember when the annual report was the annual goldmine for PR People, advertising agencies and graphic designers. Being the "Brochure" for the CEO, the budget was more than robust and the opportunities for extreme creativity practically unlimited. Aaah, the good old days. But, alas, today everybody knows just about everything about everything way before the hefty, costly "brochure" hits the mails.

Have you noticed these days how companies now always end commercials or ads with "See us in FaceBook. Many wonder why don't they just give their website URL like always. It does the same thing for the customer. For the customer/prospect yes, but the company gets way more with FaceBook -- like all of the personal data recorded in FaceBook. When I want to go to a company, I go to the company. I don't need no stinking middlemen.

As I watch the media wallow deliriously in and promote the faux pas of Repub candiates I wonder where they were when the clown Joe Biden and the retrobate Teddy were running. And for that matter other assorted Dem miscreants. It's as if media people grew up in dysfunctional familes, eager to promote similar families as normal while putting down the solid families in the neighborhood.

The Yugo is hands down the worst car ever built. Among other deficiencies, this is a car that actually developed rust spots before it left the assembly line. Nice try Yugoslavia.

Classic Socialist View deportment:
There's a story in the Prov Journal this morning about a successful jewelry manufacturer here, Alix and Ani giving the business department of Bryant University $1,000,000 to help develop a superior International business school that would eventually lead to more companies and jobs coming to the state. One of the comments below this Internet PJ site said, "They should have donated the mil to help people stay warm this winter". That is typical of misguided dead end spending with no leverage for the future being espoused by many, make that most, in the Admin and congress. And why Greece and other government first countries are on the verge of collapse.

There seems to be new momentum building for an Independent Puerto Rico. Does that mean when they are not part of the US, we would have to send them more money as international aid? Probably -- that's the way the bureaucratic mind works, if they're Americans screw em'. If their foreign, illegal or undesirable, give them the key to the vault. It must be the DC water.

The fastest highway drivers, ranked in order, live in Mississippi, SC, Alabama, Ark, Kansas, New Mex, Ariz, Utah, Nevada and Idaho. The slowest are in DC, but then everything in DC is slow. If you want the slowest drever states, they are Hawaii, Rhode Island, Deleware, Oregon, Washington, Maine, NJ, Ill, Maryland and Mass.

Continuing in "Best of-Worst of" year-end reporting, the worst product flops for 2011 are 1. A-F's Ashley Push-Up Triangle -- A padded bikini top for girls "8" to 14. 2. Qickster, the Netflix separated mail delivery division. 3. Obama lauded GM Volt. 129 sold. The GM Chairman said "We were naive to think that people would rush to switch to a limited range EV. 4. HTC "Status" smartphone for easy linkage to FaceBook. 5. Blackberry's "Playbook" was no match for IPad first and Kindle Fire second. 6. The 12 foot long Fiat 500 was no match for the popular Mini. 7. The movie Mars Needs Moms cost Disney $175 million to make and made but $6 mil in theaters.

The Answer:

1. Jon Voight's breakthrough movie was Midnight Cowboy. His greatest accomplishment was his sperm that produced daughter Angelina Joli. I went to High School with Voight and his two brothers, and he was a acting phenom right from the beginning of his Freshman year, This son of a Golf Pro, could swing the club but acting was his love. Some of his other movies were his academy award (Nominated 4 times) role in The Champ plus Deliverance, and Coming Home. Some of his other notable roles were in Rainmaker, Runaway Train and Odessa File. (His brother Wes wrote songs like Wild Thing and Angel in the Morning under the name Chip Taylor). 2. Jude Law was great in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, Gattaca, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Enemy at the Gates, Sherlock Holmes, Contagion, Rage and Repo Man.

Maybe Iran is becoming warlike as it saw it's "Most Evil" rep slipping with the potential for craziness by Kim Jung un.

Gotta go and buy some noise makers for my New Years Eve party, mainly to wake me up at midnight! Or is that for the coming 2,500th edition of The Mighty daily Tids! Eeehah.

Les Miz?

Today's Tids Issue #2,443
Opening Stuff:


Many of these protestors calling for the end of an unregulated Wall Street (Including the usual suspects like Alec Baldwin) fail to realize that Capitalism could be quite self-regulating without government interference and in particular -- the Bailouts!

With the masses of intellectual elite gathering in the beautiful parks in southern Manhattan telling the world that bankers are causing poverty, I'm reminded of a Clinton aid who suggested 3 steps ot avoid it: !. Finish High School, 2. No babies out of wedlock. 3. Wait until you are 20 to marry and have childen. Research of that formular showed that only 8% of those who followed those simple rules entered poverty while 70% escaped and moved on to good productive lives. But there are many leaders in the community who love that Wall Street greed can be another excuse for those in poverty. "The banker made me do it!"

R.I.P. R.I.M.

The Question: 
How much do you know or remember about the Osmonds? On which TV show did they get their start. How many kids are there? What was their home state. I'm not going to ask you to name the most famous of the siblings, but I'm going to ask you to name Donnie and Marie's greatest hit.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street In Decline After Soft China Economic Data And Disappointing Earnings Form JP Morgan; Morgan Readying 1,000 Pink Slips.
--New Jobless Clain=ms Down Slightly To 404,000.
--0-Man/DNC Raises %70Mil In Q3.
--House Dems Warn "SuperCommittee" To Do More Than Just Cut.
--Chicago Symphony Maestro Carlo Muti To Receive Nobel Award For Music; Award Named For Brilliant Swedish Soprano Birgit Nilsson.
--Crazed Husnad Kills 8 In Upscale Long Beach Cal Suburb.

I should try to sneak in my last weeks picks result in 8 point type. God, what a mess. But, it is indicative, as I have said so many times this year, of a season when anybody can be beaten. A miserable 7-6 last week brings the record to 52-25 or a big dip to 67.5%. (Maybe if I predicted unemployment that would be dropping too.) But that's another story. This weeks posers are Dal-NE, Phil-Wash, upstarts SF-Det, Buff-NYG and Houst-Balt. Ok, deep breaths now...and...e-x-h-a-l-e -- I'm going New England, Washington, Detroit, Buffalo and Baltimore. For the rest it's Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Cincinnati, Oakland, New Orleans, Chicago and the Jets. If the Jets weren't at home I'd be tempted to pick a first win for Miami.

Separated at Birth Department:
Chris Dodd and Michael Flanagan, lawyer for Jax Doc Conrad Murray.

I hate to write about the Ya, Ya, Ya...(WYKWIM) Fans...because it is so hard to get started. Well, while the Red Sox fans celebrated the demise of the Bombers in the play-offs a huge fan of the Bronx millionaires got even. He just happened to be the Greens Keeper for the Jamestown Golf Club up here where I play quite often, along with lots of RS addicts. Last Thursday in preparing for Friday play, he rolled and cut the greens so grass low that they putted like on Macadam. Then he proceeded to place the flags in impossible to reach positions and the tees in the most obscure sites forcing extra shots for easier holes. Yikes!

Over the years I have met several new friends who, being that much younger than I, had participated in the student protests of the late sixties/early seventies. To a person they say that it is embarrassing for them to look back upon those school days cause all they can see is a mold-able person without brains. So, just sit back and hope the=at they clean up the mess they left behind. It will end.

Have you noticed how when describing "Meat and Potato" restaurants, food critics always appear to be surprised to find that they are good! I think they are the only kind of restaurant.

While on food, the good news around here is that Bay Scallop season will arrive in about 3 weeks. The really good news is that I was beginning to think these tasty morsels were endangered species. I have only seen lately those giant sea monsters in super markets and never recently the little fellers on menus. I like all fried fish and the "bays" are among the most splendiforous.

Almost Near: Chapter 44 continues. --"Why do I have to waste time listening to family bickering? Huh? My brain is hurting." Jess decided to take charge and get Tucker and Audrey to stop what he considered irrelevant noise. The two turned and looked at him. Audrey then broke out in laughter realizing that being small and bitchy was not normal for her. But Tucker just stood there looking at her without a change in expression at all.
"You alright Tuck?"
Tucker continued to stare, and then just like that he shook his head and smiled. "Why...uh...yes, I'm just fine." He looked at Jess and then back at Audrey. "I guess you both just took me by surprise." Audrey gave him one her little punches. Which drew Tucker over to give her a gentle one arm hug. He backed off quickly. "I guess I'm not into real crime. I can make up stories about all sorts of evil things, but this is real, isn't it?"
"Very!" Jess now relaxed back into his editor pose.
"So, how serious do you think the police are about Samantha?"
They both started answering...Audrey raised he hand and took over the conversation. She now felt embarrassed, kinda of stupid about her rant.
Softly, "I think the police are very serious. They may think it is self defense but they don't know the entire story, and I haven't yet told them what I learned. I wanted to talk to you first."
"I'm sorry". Audrey now saw a nearly defeated man staring at her, looking for forgiveness. She felt a sadness in her heart. And she didn't know why.

The scary part of the WS protests is that there are those are those on soap boxes calling for the violent overthrow of the money Barons. Now...they don't sound particularly coherent or even sane, but people are standing there applauding and listening. Are we turning into the Middle East?

The Iran government has emphatically denied any participation in the so-called DC assassination plot calling the US accusations a pure political move by the leaders. In a strongly worded letter to the UN the Iran Ambassador states: "The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically and in the strongest terms condemns the shameful allegation by the United States authorities and deplores it as a well thought evil plot." Middle East watchers in the US are actually divided. Some say there is plenty of evidence against Iran while others explain that the action is way out of line considering Iran's normal modus operandi. And others are scratching their heads at the apparent out-of-character amateurism of the plot.

The Answer:
Four Osmond brothers, Alan. Wayne, Merrill and Jay, started it all as avery good Utah Barber Shop Quartet. They were spotted by Andy Williams and soon were an instant his on his popular TV show. Two older borthers, Geroge and Tom were born deaf and did not perform. Of course the big stars were Donny and Marie hwoi joined the original four with much younger brother Jimmy. The four plus Donny's first bi hit was One Bad Apple. Marie's first hit was "Paper Roses", and Donny's "Go away little girl". (But, the girls didn't!) Donny and Marie's duet hits were "I'm leaving it up to you" and Morning side of the Mountain". Interestingly, with all of Donny's success, Merrill always remained the groups lead singe,. (Note: Williams spotted the four when they were trying out for the Lawrence Welk show where they were rejected!

Wouldn't it be really sad if we had a French Revolution style violent takeover based on the false impressions from exaggerated information in Obama speeches about Rich People's taxes.

In addition to passing some kind of intelligence test for voters, we should also impose standards for those calling for revolutions.

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.

There's an Orca in the swimming pool.

Today's Tids Issue 2,082
Opening Stuff:
You don’t need any more proof that temperature is a relative measurement than this weekend when at 43 degrees many people in the Northeast were walking around in T-Shirts and sometimes shorts. Last week in Florida at 44 degrees, the folks were bundled in scarves, fleece and warm pants. It’s always good to remember that much of what you see or feel is not exactly as it is. Cute and cuddly doesn’t always mean trustworthy just as stony and distant doesn’t always mean evil. People tend to measure opinions as they relate to their own definitions of normality.

If you don’t have any friends then you’ll never get lonely when they aren’t around any more.

The Qustion:
A new story in Time Mag says that Obama is duplicating Bush mistakes. What do you think they are?

The Headlines:
--Another Strong Earthquake Kills; This Time 57 Die As 6.0 Rattler Hits Turkey.
--Pakistan Arrests American Member Of al-Qaida.
--Bullock Wins Oscar And Razzie On Same Weekend; Bridges, Bigalow, “Hurt”, Waitz and Mo’nique Take Home Major Gold; Men In Tuxes, Woman In Varying Array Of Designer Dreams.
--AIG Sells Another Unit To Raise Cash; Alico Goes To MetLife For $15.5 Billion.
--EU To Create European Monetary Fund (EMF) To Better Coordinate Economies Of 16 Countries; Greece Happy With Support Action.
--Toyota To Hold Press Conference Today; Company Will Dispute Claims By Class Action Lawyer’s Expert That Computer Malfunction Is Cause Of RUA Problem.
--Thieves Wielding Machetes And Guns Terrify German Poker Tournament And Leave With $328,000 Jackpot.
--Ahmadinejad Says 911 Attacks America’s “Big Lie” To Rally People Against Muslims; Calls Rosie American Heroine (I made that up).

Back to More Stuff:

ABC Special Assignments reporter Brian Ross is looking more and more as a shill for lawyers promoting class action suits.

Is Sarah Palin becoming just one more member of the “15 Minutes of Flame-out” club?

“Tolerant” is the new word of choice used by progressives in arguments against the deep seeded opinions of older and more conservative citizens of the US – As in “You don’t understand the new tolerance of younger people”. They use it as a synonym for “enlightenment” while the other side sees it as a synonym for “enabling bad behavior”

If You Can Play We Can Tolerate Anything Department:
To some, Antonio Cromarte -- a defensive back in the NFL just signed by the NY Jets for $7.8 million -- is a loving man who likes to share his well intentioned heart. To others he is an irresponsible miscreant who in 3 years has fathered 7 children with 6 different woman, none of whom is his loving wife! “Show me the money.”

Tom Friedman, the well known columnist for the NY Times, agreed in an interview that the real reason why the Iranian people call the US “The Great Satan” is because the US liberated the hated (And a people they consider inferior to themselves) Iraq people from tyrannical rule instead of them.. Those in opposition to the Ahmadinejad regime would lay down palms if the liberating American Army marched upon the streets of Teheran as they did on the Champs Elysees during WWII. Many say that the opposition in Iran were greatly discouraged by the lack of official US support for their bravery.

Jumping on the Plagiarism Bandwagon for the Enlightenment and Entertainment of Readers Department:
As the spy said to the drum major, “Were you followed?“ or -- The dog looking up at the symphony conductor, “Are you going to throw that stick or just wave it all day long?” Thanks to Barsotti and McCoy.

Merrill Streep proved again last night why she is one of America’s great actresses. Her raucous, uncontrollable laughter at the opening duel-log made you feel she thought Martin and Baldwin were actually funny. The rest of the show went pretty much as expected, unless you had bets on the technicians. See Today’s Tids weekend special report “Oscar Crap” for the predictions and commentary that became the results. Read the Tids and save time: http://todaystids.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=1

I guess Palin hasn’t learned from Obama’s message, -- Overexposure kills.

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 58. –I woke this morning excited, and yet with growing concern. This was the day I was finally leaving. Actually I’m very happy about getting out of here and rehabilitating my self quickly. I’m very happy about being not paralyzed…or dead. I am very happy about all of the love I received while lying here in a state of apparent unconsciousness. I wanted to lie here pleasantly and enjoy the effects of the beautiful sedative that is other’s pure concern for you. Could I have asked any more of Paul? Or the absolute love of my wonderful children. And Izzy, Jack and Billy. And Kent. Of course my delightful Kent. Who makes feel well beyond what I have ever felt.
I wanted to lie here pleasantly. But mind, and heart, keeps on returning to a conflict that I had never felt before now. Even when I was lying in Kent’s bed or enjoying his mind over a cup of coffee and pie at Maries. I was so captivated by his being that nothing mattered. I quickly banished second thoughts because it was so good. So perfect.
Even when Paul came in this room as Kent was secretly caressing me, bringing me to that special place I love to share with him. Even then, with husband appearing suspicious, I was rooting silently for Kent to be his amazing self. And he was.
And, when Paul my loving husband was romancing me over a tray of hospital food, I was remembering how well Kent had made me feel. Is there something wrong with me?
“Time to get dressed for the Big trip!” My nurse walked in with a pile of my clothes just when I needed her most.

Back to More Stuff Again:

A local RI journalist points out that Brooklyn’s Finest, the movie about corrupt police, débuted the same day 4 Providence Police officers were arrested for running a broad based and very profitable drug ring. As former mayor and ex-Con Buddy Cianci mused: “Need Cocaine? Dial 911.

Remember getting irritated by those kids who would change the rules of games so they could win. And, how adults would go along with it as being good for their self esteem? Well, those kids are now all in Congress now.

I see where 0-Man will join John Walsh at the 1,000th anniversary of his show “America’s Most Wanted”. Where was the Prez when the Tids hit #2,000?

The Answer:
The biggest obvious problem with Bush to me was his failure to adjust his massage about the IW to new information. A robotic iteration. Just as o-Man rattles on about HC as the people cry out in anger. Time says the parallels are 1. No chief economic (Respected) spokesperson. 2. Failure to integrate policy, politics and communications (Too much reliance on political machinations than substantive policy) 3. Tying admin too closely to own party congressional leadership. 4. Failing to empower Cabinet members on domestic policy.

The End:
My guess is that the admin will initiate a new people oriented push on Health care will focus on several of the well discussed Insurance company (alleged) abuses – preexisting conditions, dropping or refusing treatment and jacking up rates. In other words, glaze the cake to make it appear yummy and pass an expensive adulterated bill laden with layers of Cod Liver Oil.