Give-aways are always short term solutions no matter how long it takes to achieve economic ruin.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,540

Opening Stuff:

Reminder: "Fast Food" is not defined as something you can eat during Lent!

The first big "Q" of the day. If the above heading for this issue is less than pithy, how long will everything else be. When will you all fall asleep? Maybe expanding away from soundbites into one or two sentences that complete a thought which helps educate rather than disparage, is a new trend we should invigorate in America.

Rudi Dornbush a very well known German economist who spent much of his life at MIT and other US haunts -- "The Europeans are so rich they can afford to pay everybody for not working". How's that working out for ya. He forgot about the economic reality of replenishing the money supply that breeds taxes to pay public employees or Fed funded industries. That's why Europe is going from Keynesian to Calvinism -- Based on a basic truth of Calvinism, "The Calling". It fostered concepts like "The spirit of Capitalism", "The Protestant Work Ethic" (Early New England USA) and basically the idea to guide a life -- hard work and saving.

The Question:

Lee Marvin, a decorated WWII hero was talking to Johnny carson once about two of the bravest men he ever knew. After the War they became well known children's program stars. Hint: It wasn't Howdy doody.

The Headlines:

--Gunman Kills One, Wounds Four At Ohio's Chardin HS.
--Stocks Retreating From S&P Four year.
--7 More US Military Injured In Afghan Hand Grenade Raid.
--Just In: Coast Guard Rushing To Cruise Liner On Fire; Liner Afloat And Passengers Not In danger.
--Assassination Plot Against Putin Foiled.
--Under Siege Gov Walker Of Wisc Says Union related Moves Last Year Have Saved State Tens Of Millions Of Dollars.
--Oscar Night Almost ends On Time.
--BP Seems To be In Settlement Mode In Advance Of Now Postponed Trial.

Every morning I enjoy my chuckles while reading Dilbert. This morning the engineer with the funny tie approached the Pointy Haired Boss to explain the concept of his PowerPoint presentation: "For my intelligent viewers I have data. For the morons I have manipulative anecdotes." How come Obama uses so many anecdotes?

How many of you working in cubes and offices have the same complaints of those on this rather large survey by the magazine Fitness. First, 79% feel aggrieved at the workplace. Wow! Is it because things are that much worse than the past or that people just love complaining more? Expect more for doing less. Number one complaint among both women and men (Slightly more men) is Body odor! Hygiene of fellow employees is tops including looking clean or personal habits like clipping fingernails on the desk. Next is workers stealing credit for ideas. Women slightly more disturbed here). Employees 18-34 don't like how hard it is to speak up for themselves. Next is lack of privacy and overhearing loud personal phone calls. The lunchroom is full of complaint situations with number one being employees stealing from the common refrigerator. And...eating smelly foods like a garlic anchovies pizza. Me I never complained because I was the one who smoked big black cigars.

How shallow am I Department:
I was reading an obit about a 41 year old woman who seemed like a delight in life. I was feeling quite sad until I read that she was a Jet's Fan. What's wrong with me?

Is Hunter Mahan the top US Golfer now? He sure looked calm and focused against the presumed knew world's #1, Rory, didn't he? I still don't like his hat choice. But then, I'm pretty shallow.

I agree with Romney's call for upping the age for Medicare. 65 was an arbitrary age limit based on life spans of people 70 or so years ago. It isn't because people can't work or are dying off that causes them to retire at 65 (Or for Public Employees 40's and 50's!), it is that people just get tired of working. Or employers get tired of them working for them. But both of these decisions are made because there is a source of income in place that will provide medical and income. I think the country could adjust to a 70 year old retirement, entitlements kick-in, age.

Frankly I dislike SS Benefits being called entitlements. Most people paid in big money over 40 or 50 years. If it were put into mandated personal retirement accounts it would amount to something in addition to other retirement savings. The gov and liberal media like to use the word "Entitlement" to bail old pal LBJ for his criminal act of robbing the SS Trust funds.

I thought the Academy Awards were pretty good last night. Shows you what happens when they bring back somebody as good as Billy Crystal. Circus de Soleil was fantastic. There were really no surprises although I was hoping for local fave Viola Davis, and found myself holding my breath durig that call. Christopher Plummer gave a very good speech. One of the better ones in many years to me. Does Streep ever stop acting? It's hard to know when she is real. I loved Octavia Spencer. Malissa McCarthy needs a new act. I didn't like the leg on the door frame in the movies and it was annoying last night. Does sage really want be known for her ability to act out diarrhea? Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz made a great presenting duo. The actors talking about movies sequence was good the first one and a half times it was used. I couldn't read the names during the Memorial tribute. Nice music though. I don't care about designer dresses. Hugo?

The Unemployment number is a movable average with people coming and going, regardless of how high the number may be. People enter the rolls and Government expense goes up. People who leave after finding a job, don't materially spend more because they have been already spending Gov out-of-work dough. Government involvement will generally blunt typical expectations associated with free enterprise economic systems.

Sarah Palin upon returning to the Governor's office after the VP campaign wrote in an email "One must be single, wealthy or corrupts to function in the political system." She also liked to do battle with people carrying derogatory signage in her public appearances, as oppose to having to answer the cowardly snipers in the media.

Did you ever see that Gillette commercial that shows three clubs shaving some unsightly hair masses around their nose and chin, donning over the top garb and walking into a crowded downtown...where the perfectly dressed chicks stop in their tracks to gawk. And, Gillette wants you to believe it's because of the razor! I don't think so.

I still like Mitt Romney. Many talk about a moral life, but Mitt quietly lives a good, moral, family life, one  most Americans would like all Americans to follow. That's Romney's connection with the average man on the street. The essence of living life isn't about Cadillac or snow mobiles, it's about how you quietly live it honestly day to day, inside and out of the home.

Did you see that pic of President Bashar Assad and his wife Asma voting. They looked like the perfect, successful, upwardly mobile American couple, didn't they? Just shows you how a camera angle can change emotions. This guy is a murderer?

The Answer:

Marvin, a Marine who landed on Iwo, said he served under the bravest man he ever knew -- a stout guy who stood up on Red Beach directing troops as bullets and mortars targeted this obvious leader. He stayed until every man was led to safety. He did the same thing several times. His name was Sergeant Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keesham. The second guy, and apparently whimpy little man, was in fact a Navy Seal with 25 confirmed kills in Nam. "He was a master in small arms and hand to hand combat, able to disarm and kill in a heartbeat." Mr' Rogers said he wore the long sleeved sweater to cover the tattoos on his forearms and Biceps.

I see where the Governor of RI, republican to the core Lincoln Chafee-Lite, is backing two liberals Whitehouse and 0-Man. Despite his protestations that "I am a pure Republican", we all know that he is what he always has been -- a blacksmith.

The official Tids Action Movie Critic says that "Act of Valor" is outstanding.

See you all tomorrow.

Now we seeum.

Today's Tids Issue #2,342
Opening Stuff:

That horrendous video of a TSA Agent pawing the 6 year old is just more proof that our wonderful, sane, free society is disappearing right before our eyes.

Feeling Spring Department:
Let me not to the marriage of true minds / Admit impediments. Love is not love / Which alters when alteration finds, / Or bends with the remover to remover: / O not it is an ever fixed mark / That looks on tempests and is never shaken; / It is the star to every wandering bark, / Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. / Love's not Times fool, though rosy lips and cheeks / Within his bending sickle's compass come: / Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, / But bears it out even to the edge of doom. / If this be error upon me proved, / I never writ, not no man ever loved. --Sonnet 116
Shakespeare -- "Of Love."

If you don't understand the above, remember it is by Shakespeare. But it is about the enduring beauty of true love and what true love means. If you want an analysis and paraphrase, check out:
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sonnets/116.html"

Well, enough of this intellectual stuff, let's get back to the real Tids.

Snacks can be dangerous to your health. Why just yesterday I was carrying a pile of Cheetos bags of the stairs to my house, one fell, I tripped and nearly broke my leg. In case you are interested, I'm resting comfortably with a bag of Cheetos in my lap. All is well except my bandages are turning orange.

This UN involvement in Libya is turning into what many thought it might become. Confusion. Every day the rebels ask the UN or US to step it up. The rebs think that these avowed neutralists in the name of humanity are their proactive allies. Is it possible to be half way in a war? Viet Nam escalated from a couple of military advisers.

The Question:
Give me five funny quotes from Yogi Berra.

The Headlines:

--New Congress Picks Up Pieces Left By Old Congress And Passes At Last 2011 Budget.
--Daffy's Daughter Stands Before Cheering Crowds Saying The Bombs Didn't Get Us In 1986, And They Won't Get Us Now.
--Severe Storms Attack Oklahoma; 6 Killed.
--Democrat Liberals Mounting A Primary Challenge To Obama.
Google Miss Has Tech Stocks Faltering; S&P Ok.
--Boston Bruins Clawless In Opener.

Back to More Stuff:

How many times have you seen some big time pol or cabinet member stand before a microphone saying. "We are going to work 24/7 until this problem is solved." And then you never see what happened, if anything.

Let's face it folks, for the short term of maybe 30 or more years or so, we are not going to get off the need for oil. Ideology screws with the facts.

I'm not a "Reply to All" kind of guy.

A good old friend of mine particularly adept at reciting the Shakespeare Sonnet on love has told me that for a $100 donation to his favorite charity he would be available to recite at your home over a candlelit dinner for two. The good news is that he is mainly deaf and wouldn't hear those romantic whisperings. He would just stand there pleasantly with a big grin on his face as honey laced words dripped from his lips.

There have always been creeps, assholes and truly evil people in this world, but now with Internet technology we seeum...over and over and over and over again.

The way I see it, Hersey's is beginning to kick some butt. They know how to make chocolate as well as anybody in the world and I get the feeling they have had it with the precious, culturally smug foreign and US brands which have been getting all of the warmth from the foodie critics. Their new dark chocolate pieces are amazing and they continue to do wonderful things with their Reese's franchise.

Can you say Renteria, Drew? Department:
The Red Sox' Theo Epstein got sucked in once again to another career year player. This time it is Marco Scutero. a nice guy, a whiz-bang in 2009 but it was over at the signing. Lot's of people aren't surprised. Jed Lowery should be playing -- Better hitter. Better fielder. Better future.

American Idol: Hooray! Finally a man gets the boot. Paul had talent, for sure (I think they all are entertaining this year). But I did get a bit dizzy watching him hop around. Was that Casey-Haley duet last night great! Or what! As good as James has been, I believe the steadiest, strongest votes are going to Scotty. Just a hunch. A good reader and huge AI fan sent along this handy site that let's you get a good feel about how the phone votes are going. http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/predictions.asp I have a feeling, the teenies are texting like crazy and is a reason we are losing so many women.

Almost Near Chapter 16. --Samantha looked down at the card and the name Detective John Sparrow as she sat in the parking lot next to the a small police station, but was thinking about Dante. Dante sounded nice on the phone she thought. Maybe I'll go back up there when I'm finished here.
She hopped out of the car and into the station. She didn't smile or act coy as she approached the desk. "Is Detcetive Sparrow In?"
"Who may I say is callin' on the detective.?"
"Tell him it is the daughter of Jeremy and Lois Wilcox." The sargeant looked up sharply.
"Hang on." he got up and ran down a short hall and turned into an office at the end. Within seconds a burly looking guy was trailing the Sargent back out front.
"Miss, Mrs. Wilcox, I'm Detective Sparrow. Why don't we go back to my office."
"It's Miss, Miss Samantha Wilcox." How should I know, thought Samantha.

Yesterday I asked the Q "Name Sidney Lumet's Wives" but forgot to give you the answer. Here they are -- First was the intriguing Rita Gam heartthrob of fifties teen boys. Next came The Gloria Vanderbilt (Anderson Cooper's step dad?), Lena Horn's daughter Gail Jones and finally til his death Mary Gimbel.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--One potentially great movie snuck into the theaters this Friday. And sneak in it did... because I'm thinking Liberal Hollywood shrugged with the thought of putting its weight behind Conservative/Libertarian favorite "Atlas Shrugged". This Ayn Rand classic - Over 7 million books sold -- is a low budget effort from a man who has been fighting to tell this story on film for years. This first in a trilogy adheres faithfully to the first third of the book. I'll be putting it on my list.
--Scream 4 is just what you think it is. This one is so cliched that looks more like a comedy than a slasher horror film. Don't open this door.
--Rio is the big promo, big budget animated film of the week. It's really all about the rain forest and those horrible people who disturb the animals and in this case parrots et. al. The story centers around the love tale of a domesticated man macaw and a female Macaw in the wild. And for visual, musical thrills, the big Rio carnival is a centerpiece.
--the Conspirator is a Robert Redford film about the assassination of Abe and the woman Mary Surratt the boarding house owner who's son was accused of aiding Booth. It's about Mary and her lawyer who become the twosome for Americans to hate in the aftermath of the assassination. "Someone must pay", said Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, and Mary becomes that person. It should be moving, but it falls flat with too much understated photography and a poorly written script. Civil War buffs may want to see it.

The Answer:
Yogi had em'! "It's Deja vu all over again." Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded." "You can observe a lot just by watching." "If you don't know where you are going, you might end up some place else." And of course one so fitting for today -- "The future ain't what it usd to be." And of course, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Want some more...go to http://listverse.com/2011/04/13/25-funny-quotes-of-yogi-berra/

The (Week) End:
The rest of you should be pleased with what happened in Rhode Island two days ago. The citizens of the state from every possible discipline marched to the state house where they got the Legislature to flush down the toilet the Governors rampant tax proposal. A total victory for the folks. All folks! And in response, Governor 37% Chafee-Lite said, "I understand that I will have to work with the legislature to revised my plan. It will only take a couple of comma and/or colon changes and we'll be on the same page."! It's dead and buried Gov. God help us.

This situation is exactly what happens when the Governor is elected primarily because of the support of the Public Employee Unions. These puppets look to raising taxes as the solution to the overspending of the past, instead of making the corrections to spending habits.

I think I'd rather try to wade through a couple of more Shakespeare sonnets than churn my stomach with politics. I can't take it any more!

Have a headache free weekend everybody!

My mind is empty.

Today's Tids Issue 2,291
Opening Stuff:

This is one of those beautiful periods of Winter when the hills and fields are glazed with ice that glistens in the moonlight and dances brightly under the daily sun like a million ballerinas with diamonds in their hair.

Kind of makes you forget the potential flaws in the can't be beaten Red Sox line-up, doesn't it?. 10 days til P's and C's. Crack! Aaaaaahh.

Nothing is making me happier these days than the resounding return to championship form by Kim Clijsters.

The Question: 
It's Friday so it must be Bonus "Q" Day. 1. King's Speech looks good with 12 nominations for the gold statue. But two films were nominated for 14. Name them and their winning years. 2. Name the defensive Hall of Famers from the vaunted Pittsburgh Steeler SB winners in the 70's.

The Headlines:

--Unemployment Down To 9%; Only A Disappointing 35,000 New Jobs Created; Say What?
--Wall Street Could Open Slightly Higher As WS Gurus Try To Decipher Labor Reports.
--Anti Hosni's Overcome Two Days Of Thuggery To Continue Calls For President's Removal; Some Activists Are Calling For March On Prez Palace Which Could Bring Out Army In Force.
--New Report Details How States Squandered Stimulus Money.
--Internet Corporation For Assigned Names, The Global Warehouse For Internet Addresses has Handed Out Its 4 Billionth Address; There Are No More Says ICANN Chief Rod Beckstrom.

Back to More Stuff:
For my money, John Batchelor is the best of the talk show mavens. This guy, who reads a book a day!, is very knowledgeable not only on politics, but also the economy, world affairs, science, literature and the arts. His show broadcast nationally 9-12 Eastern is refreshing and intelligent, and because it is so varied in scope, avoids the monotonous repetition that often dilutes the veracity of legitimate observations. You can go to http://www.johnbatchelorshow.com/podcasts/ He, a Republican without adjectives, and says "I don't have it in me to be a fire breathing Dragon, and frankly I enjoy my discussions with all Democrats comfortable in their skin as I am."

Those news reports above about the reduction in unemployment percentages and the meager creation of new jobs is conflicting at best. It looks from here that the folks in the government aren't talking to one another. The two month drop of 0.8% is largest drop in 53 years, but understanding that all isn't that rosy, it is probably due to more people dropping out. The jobs grew by 950K (83K/Month) in the past year. 8 Million jobs were lost in 2008-09. 83,000 new jobs /month isn't even close to keeping up with population growth, much less overcoming the 7 Million lost jobs still not available. There are pockets of brightness, but caution should still be the watchword for average investors who's miscalculations aren't compensated for by large bonuses.

Almost near: Chapter 5 continues.
--Watching Tucker row the dory to his magnificent J-92 was the perfect start to the evening. While he appeared to concentrate totally on Samantha sitting comfortably on the stern thwart, he also meticulously dipped the oars silently into the early evening water without a hint of splash. The only sound interrupting perfect silence was the knocking of the oars in the locks.
"Grab the rail, that's the little silver thing directly above your head." Tucker laughed. Samantha smiled too ignoring his doubt of her sea knowledge. Samantha held the boat steady while Tucker positioned the back end towards the beam. He grabbed a rail, and told Samantha to stand and unlatch the rail lines. She stood a little too fast and the slender dory started moving away causing her to stumble backwards. Keeping one hand firmly on the rail, Tucker grabbed her with the other just as she was about to topple into the harbor. Her hand splashed as she came around to land firmly in Tucker's lap. Tucker looked more surprised than she did. His faced reddened slightly.
Samantha was totally comfortable. She felt as though she was in the exact place where she was supposed to be.

Predictable Hollywood Department:
I was watching your basic innocuous TV mystery show, when a suspect, a real slovenly, bombastic doofus was shown as rabid opponent of Gay Marriage. It's just a part of the unspoken agenda to depict people who truly believe in what they believe about the sanctity of marriage as below the fashionable elite's intellectual threshold. Or how about the reviewer of the new movie Sanctum who says: "...The survivors are winnowed until -- true to the tradition of so many such films (Survival), woman and non-whites are gradually dispatched." The point of this entire mess above is that while entertainment mahoffs say they have nothing to do with today's changing morality, they sure spend a lot of time trying to be devious about infiltrating minds weakened by explosions and motion picture magic..

The continuing saga of Providence Journal's misplaced pre-election endorsements entered another phase of meaculpa as they went after Chafee-Lite's new Education Citadel as being loaded with union operatives or pawns which will impede in possibility of righting the States floundering economic ship of state. Of course just about every free thinking voter knew that Union endorsed Chafee would do this when the Projo boosted him for Gov.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Sanctum looks like a made for 3D effort which is just its first problem. Adventurers will probably enjoy this "B" thriller about a group of explorers trapped a mile below the surface in a maze of caves that are being flooded after a cyclone. You will be forced to endure several deaths due to accident, suicide and yes murder. All, though, is predictable.
--Kirsten Dunst may have to go back into rehab after watching this weird film, All Good Things, co-starring Ryan Gosling. Gosling is a rich guy who meets a simple woman, Dunst, and marries her. The marriage is everything the woman could ever want. Ten years later she is missing without a trace. No clue. Coincidentally, however, several acquaintances of Gosling are found dead and Gosling is brought to trial for them and now his wife's apparent disappearance. Gosling has to defend his transvestite dressing and other weird habits. I'll watch it.
--The Roommate is a thriller about a deranged college girl who becomes obsessed with her roommate. It's a lot like a Single White Female" remake. Same tension as you discover which girl is evil and the the crazy things that happen ot the other. I think it will be a good adventure when you need to vacate your mind and keep things simple.

Whatever happened to Debra Winger?

The Answer:
1. The 14 nomination winners were Titanic (1997) and All About Eve (1950). 2. The Pittsburgh Steeler defensive players from the 70's in the Football Hall of fame are Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Mel Blount and Jack Lambert. There was so much positive publicity about the famed "Steel Curtain" that you may have thought there were more. Oh, on offense they had Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Mike Webster, Lynn Swan and John Stalworth. And Coach Chuck Noll, And Owners Dan and Art Rooney.

The (weak) End:
I like to clear out all of the grief so I can go into the weekend with an unencumbered mind. It makes everybody around me happier. Unfortunately for those who aren't around me, I tend to want to email them too much of my cumber.

Ziggy Circles.

Today's Tids Issue 2,285
Opening Stuff:


One of the great things about email, is that on cold cloudy days, lots of warm sunshine can come your way.

The problem with vegetarians is that they are promoting their food so much that prices are bound to climb way beyond the level of good value. (Value is measured as dollars divided by taste bud modules.) As almost anybody moderately aware of economics knows, the poor tend to be heavier because they eat the cheapest foods -- Pastas, taters and Tasty Cakes. Hmmm? What's wrong with that?

How many people think like I do that it is odd how the media follows Gabby Gifford's every movement, every flutter eyelid, every ambulance transfer? I wonder why? Is it because it is the only Democrat with any guts that the media has left to write about.

The Question:
Another bonus Double "Q" today! 1. Actually, this morning I'm savoring a big win by Providence basketball over Villanova (PC's 2nd in a row over a top 25 team) Which conferences have the most teams in the top 25 list? 2. Exactly what is a "Ziggy Circle"?

The Headlines:

--Egypt Fiery Anti-Gov Protests Continue For Third Day.
--SS Fund To Be Kaput By 2037.
--Dollar Spikes After S&P Downgrades View Of Japan's Debt.
--New Unemployment Data Rises Unexpectedly; New Apps Surge 51,000 To 454,000; Stock Futures Down.
--Econ Doubts Have Foreclosures Rising In 149 Of 207 Largest Metro Areas Across The Country; Continued Unemployment The Problem; Phoenix, Chicago, Detroit Metros Hit Hardest.
--Bombs Kill 37 At Baghdad Funeral.
--Palin PAC Has More Than $1.3 Million In Cash.
--Mandela Hospitalized.

Back to More Stuff:
I see where the IRS has new "App" for easy filing. Just what I need, the initials IRS on my smart phone. I only think about that intimidating collection agency once a year. I don't need to see them when I'm scrolling to my favorite app: "Junk food of the Day".

The world was a lot nicer before the arrival of mass produced lawyers.

I don't follow American Idol too closely in these early rounds. Just a little too much contrived stuff for me. But, it looks like the talent pool in Wisconsin was better than that of the Apple last week. Among the promising aspirants are Scott Dangerfield, Beghun, Emma Henry, Jerome Bell, Naima Adedapo, Thia Megia, Molly DeWolfe Swensen, Scotty McCreery and Chris Medina. I'm think that I could get to like Emma, Naima, Thia and Scotty a lot as this goes on. That is, if they can continue to get better as the competiton moves along. And is this a year we can get the boppers to vote for someone other than a cute guy with a modest talent?

I'm thinking that the media has just discovered manufacturing as I'm seeing lots of frothy reports by wide eyed wet behind the ears "veteran" newsmen touting the amazing things that go into making product. Things any body from the lowest spot on an assembly line to head of engineering has known for 200 years.

Grow Up Department:
Some of you may remember the kid who showed up on the sandlot with baseball almost devoid of tape and a bat without a screw holding it together. Then he would say "If you don't let me play I'll take my bat and ball and go home." That sounds a lot like Robert Burton, the mega rich UConn Football booster who wants his money back ($7 Mil) because they wouldn't let him pick the football coach. This public incident is probably repeated in private throughout the land of scholar-athletes. Major college sports teams are all about money, not any longer about "My college team is better than your college team." -- pure and simple. AD's are businessmen with business training. But, Burton is right, UConn made a poor choice for Coach!

The Union bought Chafee-Lite appears to be supporting the NEA gang in RI in its desire to be rid of Education Commish Dorothy Gist. Oddly, Gist's ideas of pushing the students to greater achievement seems to be right in line with "In the NEA Pocket" President Obama. Go figure.

How about that Dennis Kucinich suing the Congressional cafeteria because he found an olive pit in his wrap. His suit says the sandwich contained a dangerous substance. Is that anything like a weapon of mass destruction. In a related story, it has been learned that the kinder gentler 0-Man admin is arming border guards with bags of olive pits.

Almost Near: Chapter 4. --All of sudden Samantha found herself standing at the end of the dock looking down at the stranger in the dory. He was concentrating on what he was writing and appeared oblivious to his voyeur. It was almost five minutes before he looked up slowly, as if to draw and idea out of the sky.
At once he noticed Samantha. His face broke into the kind of unconditional smile reserved for the closest of friends. Lovers.
Samantha was startled at his sudden expansive attention. She stammered, embarrassed. "I. I. I don't know what I'm doing here." The stranger saw the confusion in her face and his smile turned to concern.
"I hope I didn't startle you," He said kindly. A caring tone. Kind eyes putting her at ease. "I was suprised to see you standing up there and I immediately thought you were somebody I knew. But, I can tell by your reaction that I'm not." He said it comfortably like it was somebody Samantha should have known.
"I just came down to eat breakfast, and I saw you here...and .. I ...I don't know why I came over here."
"Breakfast!" he exclaimed, deftly ignoring her discomfort. "I need breakfast too. Would you join me at Lillies?" Samantha seemed to relax.

Olive pits would be one reason why I never order olive sandwiches. The other is that olives aren't any good unless in martinis. And then they are only good in martinis so you can throw them at friends across the bar.

The Non-Sequitur strip this morning announced the next national trauma with a street preacher's sign: "Repent! Unfriending is near." There's always something.

The Tids Sports department has no football predictions today. The big story is the first big tournament in golf where the Tiger returns. His fans and even those who now have a deminished view of the this super player will be wondering if he can come back. There is no truth to the rumor that his manager is placing strippers in his motel room to help him regain the magic.

The Answer:
1. The big East is up front with 7 closely followed by the Big 10 with 6. Then we have Big 12 with 4, SEC - 3, Mountain West - 2, Pac 10 - 1 and the mighty "Dick Vitale Conference" (ACC) with but One! Say it Ain't so Coach K. 2. A "Ziggy Circle" is a frivolous term used to describe fanciful play in the snow. As in...a girl running to be caught after throwing a snowball at man of her dreams.

The End:
It looks like a perfect morning to run in ziggy circles and throw a couple of snowballs.

Never alone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,282
Opening Stuff:

I sometimes stand upon a grouping of ocean ravaged rocks, alone enjoying the breezes in my face. Thinking that this wind, this gentle breeze, caressing my being may have touched a special friend along its journey. You never know.

Here's a little Latin phrase to tuck away for those panicky moments or maybe when you are called upon to speak in public: "Fastina Lente" -- Make haste slowly.

Every sports team should have a National Anthem singer like the Chicago Bear's (Borrowed form the Blackhawks) Jim Cornelieson.

I couldn't agree more with Chafee-Lite's urging the Economic Development Commission to focus on re-energizing urban areas as biz centers. (Like what's happening with Shilling's company putting new life into a good looking but tired Cathedral Square office complex.) But, while this appeals to my common sense heart -- that says if it's already messed up, rebuild it instead of messing up another part of the pristine rural landscape --it is only less than half of the real job that needs to be accomplished. How do they get companies to want to come and invest in RI? I fear that Chafee's union pals will never let him "go all the way", if you know what I mean.

Making a living as a touring pro is tough enough. But, now it appears that there are legions of golf nannies sitting on the couch with rule books in their laps ready to pounce upon any lapse in judgment by a pro. It seems almost weekly that you hear of a some pro being tossed after a phone call or email form a TV viewer. Golfers for the most part are very honest people who pride themselves on playing by the rules. But now a new self-appointed watch dog group is ready to butt in. The same guy is probably counting the calories of his next door neighbor and sending emails to Michelle Obama.

Red Sox and Pats fans will appreciate these comments from Boston Herald writers Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa: "Tom Brady has blown every big game since the advent of the Giselle era. We're calling it the 'Curse of the Babe-ino'."

The Question: 
Everybody knows Linda Blair. Right? Doncha? What was the name of the little girl she portrayed in her most famous role?

The Headlines:

--New Englanders Find Morning A Bit Brisk.
--Business Outlook For Jobs More Positive Than In Decade.
--Market Opening Appears Flat As Big Corp Earnings Reports On Average Don't Thrill.
--Explosion Rocks Moscow's Busiest Airport.
--Lebanon Acting PM Rejects Any Government With Hezbollah; Unsettled Conditions Could Result In Violence.
--Pack Versus Steelers In Superbowl
--Kieth Olbermann Quits MSNBC; No Explanation Given.
--North Kingstown's Elizabeth Beisel Named To US World Championships Swim Team.

Back to More Stuff:
I was shocked one day when I heard somebody I knew say out of the blue say "I hate Copeland" -- as in Aaron Copeland the brilliant composer and conductor. There are so many things to like about Copeland that I couldn't understand "merely disliking" must less "Hatred" . So I played my many Copeland CD's and came away liking him even more. From "Our Town" to"The Red Pony Suite" to the acclaimed "Appalachia Spring" he provides a fresh creative diversion from the Brahms and Mozarts. One you might want to try yourself is his Portrait's Of Freedom CD which includes the majestic "Portrait Of Lincoln" highlighted by James Earl Jones moving recitation of The Gettysburg Address.

Things You Never Heard About Pelosi-Palooza (Health Care) Department:
--Since the passage of this expensive give away that does little if anything to repair the innate problems of the health care system, the Obama admin has granted over 220 Healthcare reform "waivers" to unions, corporations and non-profits in order to stave off massive policy cancellations and rate increases that would affect 1.5 million employees. This data form the Department of Health and Human Services clearly indicates many flaws in the bill that was never read but passed under pressure to achieve for the sake of achieving. The largest single waiver went to (New York's) United Federation of Teachers Welfare Fund. Thanks to a brilliant and thoughtful, non-hysterical reader for that insight on what is really happening.

The Odd new World of Advertising Department:
So how about that TV commercial that has a couple of toothy sharks in advertising/brand research focus group and they are trying to determine which boy shown in pictures was the tastiest! One ginning shark goes on to describe the nuts and creamy caramel and chooses the kid who ate Snickers. Weirdness.

TV has become the "Great Enabler" with much programming making excuses for or normalizing bad behavior. This Skins thing form MYV is just the latest example where execs looking for ratings will ignore the conventions of civilized taste, general morality and even laws. Of course, many would label me as a older generation dolt for not seeing the benefit of a progressive entertainment industry. To them I say they are in denial or trying assuage their guilt. Having a Rib Eye with Hu is not going to change the USA culture. And I firmly believe that the substance of a society and its national morality has a lot to do with achieving positive success.

Almost Near: Chapter 3: --Samantha lay at the bottom of that hill for what seemed like hours. After the door slammed, there was silence. Perfect, oppressive silence. Nobody came. She remembers that nobody came.
Samantha remembers that, but she doesn't remember how she got to the top of the hill that over looked the town. She looked down and the town appeared inanimate. Lifeless.All of a sudden foreign to her. Like she had never been there at all. She stared beyond the town to the tidal cove and the sand bars in the passage; and Essex beyond. The magnificent New England beauty was still there. But now it was sterile.
Her stomach growled, and she looked at her watch. It was 2:37. It has been almost 8 hours since she had eaten her lonely breakfast. Now she was hungry and she pushed herself up. There were grass stains on her shirt and a ragged looking piece of a tulip in her belt. The front of her blouse was damp from lying on the ground.
She needed to eat. As she took her first step towards the town, she noticed seventy five yards away that giant maple that had made her heart pound yesterday. Now it loomed almost meaninglessly. Another challenge to her memories. She shrank inside to a new fear. But she was drawn. She started walking towards the tree. Forgetting her hunger.
Dare she face another disappointment? The spreading, soft limbs gave her comfort as she walked closer to the trunk. She went right to where she remembered the initials.
There it was. The heart exactly as she remembered it. And inside TL loves SW. Samantha Wilcox, her maiden name. Tommy Lambert, the man she has always loved.

It is interesting to note that as a large area of the nation is poised to enter into a mini-ice age, the media is being flooded with publicity releases about old stories of rising oceans due to you know what. Odd, isn't it. I wonder how that happens?

I don't know about Eduard Elgar. Oh, you can't dislike somebody who composed the enduring, hauntingly beautiful 9th of his Enigma Variations. But, I have tried reaching deeper into his works. And I always come away with sameness...pleasant sameness...but sameness none the less. Maybe I'm not smart enough to understand. He is an enigma.

I am often asked how I can get out all of this stuff in the Tids every day. While you will never know the secret to Coke or the eleven herbs and spices in Kentucky Fried Chicken and gravy, I'm revealing for the first time ever mine for the world to know. The art of Tidsification is simple. A child-like mind!

Hot car brands come and hot car brands go, but the Honda Accord keeps on rolling along.

The Answer:
Regan was the little girl of green pea soup and rotating head fame in "The Exorcist".She never did much else after her first smash -- mainly lesser films of the same genre. However, her latest interests may be cause for looking into hiring an Exorcist -- PETA and a new book "Going Vegan". A rumor tells me that the original title was Going Vegan without Peas." So, when the career goes down you give up the gravy.

The End:
Every poem about love should be written over a background of Elgar's 9th Enigma Variation.

Repubs and Dems sitting together at the SOU is lame. It feels like a reality show tactic.

Never think for a moment that you can't do something.

Pass the Tums please.

Today's Tids Issue 2,276
Opening Stuff:

I have two knots in my stomach this morning. The first of course is because of the weekend game between the beloveds' and the NY Jets. The reason it is so stomach churning is because I cannot think of anything worse than losing a game to the dastardly Jets. Since they first appeared on the radar with their playboy QB I have had this queasy feeling in my gut. But that's me. The Jets are good and probably very mad about the December thrashing. I'll be pacing a lot the next two days.

The second Tums' moment revolves around the latest action by Chafee-Lite (The union owned RI Gov.). You know the "Trust Chafee" administration. Last week, he banned his admin from appearing on talk radio saying it was early in the term and they couldn't afford to spend the time. So, yesterday we learn that this is the second big lie from the Honest Llinc. He came out urging advertisers to boycott talk radio shows to drive them off the air. Now he may be doing this because he is weak and jellied at the kneecaps. But more than likely it is his Union Pals who would like nothing better than to have the radio talkers stop telling the folks the truth about the way they are being robbed blind. This is a sad moment. God help us.

One of our more astute readers reminds us that the most effective "Mending" speech of all time took but 2 minutes to deliver. It was Lincolns Address at Gettysburg.

The Question:
I always enjoyed Faye Dunaway. Name five of her best movies.

The Headlines:

--New Mideast Concerns After Lebanon Gov. Collapses; US Supported Israel Surrounded By Iran and Iran Controlled Syria, Lebanon And Hamas.
--Above Expectations Earnings Reports For JP Morgan And Intel Fail To Nudge Market; Analysts Say Good Earnings Already Built Into Stock Prices.
--1 Million Americans Expected To Lose Homes In 2011.
--House Set To Vote On Health Care Repeal.
--Italy Premiere Berlusconi In New Prostitution Proble; This Time he Is A ccused With Cover Up Of Encounter With 16 Year Old Prostitute.
--Gas Costs Push Up Consumer Price Index.
--Pope John Paul II to Beatified In May.

Back to More Stuff:
0-man Is at his highest point in the polls, 50%, since late May. But, the same ABCnews/Yahoo Poll said the path to a 2012 return to the White House is not all that rosy. The poll reveals that the economy will still be the 600 pound gorilla in the forthcoming elections. And the poll says that only 47% of Americans say they are optimistic about the future of the US economy. In April 2009, the height of the super recession, 55% said they were optimistic. It is a strange global world out there. This makes it much more difficult to predict based on traditional measures. My sense is that the economy by November of 2012 will become palatable enough to allow the Messiah to keep on preaching. Sorry repubs, but that 's the way I see it today.

And of course, the results will also be shaped by how well the new Congress lives up to their promises.

While we're on 2012, I just have to believe that the Dems and their left side in particular are really concerned with Sarah Palin. Their venom against her just isn't human even for a liberal. Maybe it isn't her, but what she says that they want to squash. She enlivens a huge majority of thinking Americans. And they are not all on the right or in the GOP party.

Here is a tasty chicken recipe that has my mouth watering before I write it. First the sauce. In a saucepan melt one tsp butt and add 2 tsps flour and whick into roux. Now add 1/2 cp white wine, 1 cp chic broth and juice of one lemon. Cook til thick and then add 2 oz garlic butter (Butter, garlic, parsley).
In a bowl mix with 4 eggs 1 oz romano, pinch - pep, salt, granualted garlic - and 1/2 tsp pars. Drench 8 boneless chix breasts in flour and place in 1 cup veg oil in fry pan. Cook 2 1/2 mins/side. Drain oil. Spread thin layer pesto atop each breast, then top with sliced plum tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 til cheese melts. Top with sauce. Sounds reasonable.

Some thought that 0-Man, who was the model of solemnity Wednesday night, probably should have looked up when the hootin' and hollarin' began, raised his hand and said simply..."Please."

More people should look back as their life's accomplishments the friends they made and loved along the way.

I used to be a nice guy before I became a Tid's writer.

Almost near: Chapter 2. Samantha literally jumped out of bed as the morning sun bounced off the cove and into her room at the Inn. She quickly moved to the window to watch the early activity on the docks. It hadn't changed at all. Clam boats puttering out for a hard day's raking. Lobster men roaming the docks picking up their bait from the fisherman already returning from four o'clock bait-fish runs. She couldn't believe how great the scene made her feel. Now at 6 in the morning she was anxious to get going. She looked around her cozy antique filled room, picked few things out of her open suitcase on the golden colored ladder-back chair and went into the bathroom.
25 minutes later she was showered and dressed comfortably in jeans and a plaid shirt. She threw a navy blue cable knit sweater around her shoulders as she literally bounced down the well warn 1753 stairs. Jimmy was already busy at the front desk. "Hi Jim" she yelled wth exclamation point enthusiasm, And she started towards the door to her destination, Lillies Cafe, nestled dockside.
"Oh, Mr's Jergins!" Jimmy was waving and smiling as she turned towards him. "I talked to my dad last night, but he said your name didn't ring a bell." Before Samantha could react he continued. "I said he should try to remember, or else he is going to make a really pretty woman mad." Samantha stopped and appeared a little concerned even though she smiled back at Jimmy. "Well, dad laughed, and said maybe he'll work extra hard remembering."

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Beware of movies released in January with star studded casts. If they were any good, they would have made it out during the big important Christmas season.--
--One of those is The Dilemma with a so-called A-1 cast that includes Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder plus Star director Ron Howard. People will go to see a comedy but find they are watching "B" drama. James and Vaughn are biz partners who a long with their good wives are on their way to big successes. that is til Vaughn sees James' Wife (Ryder) out with another man. Everything crumbles around them as Vaughn wrestles with telling James about his wayward wife. it will probably be the box office smash for the week despite all of its inadequacies.
--More dissappointing is the old 40's Radio and Comic book fave The Green Hornet. Wealth son of dominant father, Britt Ried, sets out with dad's trusty aide Kato to stop crime. the develop the ultimate weapon, acar named Black Beauty, and enter the world of crime only to meet up with master criminal Benjamin Chudnofsky. Unfortunately the action and plot falls flat. This too will probably do well if anybody under 50 remembers the Green Hornet.

The Answer:
Faye Dunaway made over 50 movies starting in the 70's. She rose to enomous height as Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde. I particualrly remember hher for some reson for her roll in Coutry Girl. But the experts will tell you that she was greatest in Chinatown Greatest all-time mystery), Network (Oscar),Three days of the Condor and the Champ. She was also in Thomas Crown Affair, The Arrangement, Eyes of Laura Mars and Mommy Dearest. I'm sure you have your favorites.

The End?
Feel the wobble? Sense your life careening out of control? Well you might if you believed in the power of astrological signs. Apparently an unstable earth's axis is negating the two thousand year old astrological charts. This basically means more work for Astrologers and little else. There are now 13 signs instead of twelve with the newest being Ophiuchus representing the period between Nov 29 and Dec 17. It also means that I am not a happy and carefree Gemini any more So maybe it's my sign that is making me angry and not writing the Tids. Isn't anything sacred any more? Go to http://www.csmonitor.com/science and see how you have been shuffled around while not looking.

Are here any leaders out there.

Today's Tids Issue 2,271

Opening Stuff:

In case you missed it, the 2011 Golf season started yesterday at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Guess who isn't in it this year for the first time? I think I have to go out and hit some balls.

Overdone news stories that are making me nod off are "the dead birds" and "Ted Williams", the voice (Not Teddy Ballgame). Now, the Williams story would be a story if this Presidential look-alike were discovered to be a long lost brother of the 0-Man.

How can you not like Rack of Lamb.

The Question:
Double Bonus Q: 1. Several major Financial companies (Deutschebank, Goldman, JP Morgan Chase, Barclay's, BoA, Credit Suisse, Oppenheimer, UBS and Citi have projected where they think the DOW will end in 2011. What do you Guess? 2. Name Ten Great Country Music Movies.

The Headlines:

--Unemployment Falls To 9.4%; 103, 000 New Jobs Nice Improvement From November But Far below Analysts Expectations.
--Repubs Start Using Scalpel On ObamaCare.
--Bernanke To Speak To Congress This Morning; Expected To Be More Hopeful About Economy.
--Is Daly Appointment Olive Branch To Business?
--Pope Says God Behind Big Bang; Universe No Accident.
--Police Presence In London Increases; Terrorist Alarm Escalating.
--Science: Chemical In Woman's Tears Turn-Off To Men.

Back to More Stuff:
There are about 80. count em' 80, I-Pad wannabees launched or ready to launch shortly. That's big news at the huge Consumer Electronics show. The coolest of these is a Lenovo Computer and Tablet combo. This Hybrid looks like your basic laptop and has all of the laptop computing capability. But, the screen easily detaches to become a self supporting tablet with its own processor and operating system. The word is that Apple is working on one too.

The reports of Laptops' demise are premature. Intel says that now with a little history they see that most all of I-Pad purchases were for an additional tool and not to replace laptops. In fact, Intel goes on to say that they expect Laptop sales to grow by a huge 14% in 2011. Yikes.

This homicide of Gov Military Consultant and man who led the charge to build the Viet Nam Memorial John Wheeler II, is a doozy. Has all the makings of a great book. Or at least a mediocre "B" movie.

You had to love the photo in the Providence Journal that showed new RI Congressman Cicilini and Pelosi, and in the back ground Cicilini's brother John, Mouth piece for the Mob (Their dad was the top lawyer for the ruthless New England Family headed by the very dangerous Raymond Patriarca). Because of some serious problems with the law, John Cicilini can't do law biz in RI any more. Could it be that John is looking to represent members of Congress. You think? It seems to fit, doesn't it?

A lot of companies are advertising their products using the adjective "HD". I am quite leery of that, and would probably disregard any product labeled HD as a ruse. HD Broccoli? HD Vodka? HD gravy? Well...that doesn't sound so bad. Does this mean I am complicating or simplifying my life?

Almost Near: Chapter 1 continues. --But, a strange wave came over Samantha as she looked at that tree. As if something was missing from her homecoming scene.
The small doubt quickly disappeared as she came upon the white capes, saltboxes and more refined colonials, all white. Some with connecting barns. Others with gray cedar shake barns at the rear of the property. All with breathtaking, and often ingenious, stone walls framed by orange day lilies and loving lavender lilacs.
There on the hill she saw Aunt Ginny's house, a special thrill. She smiled broadly. The beautiful architectural accents. And even more charming, the white clapboard naturally grayed by the salt sea air and winter winds.
She parked in a space that just happened to be in front of her favorite place, Fletcher's Drugs store. Now she was nervous. She couldn't remember the last time she was here. But, knew it was to eat a dish of butter brickle ice cream with the man she loved.
She stepped down from her Jeep and caught glimpse of herself in the window. Not bad for 33, she thought. My dark hair looks great simply styled. She inhaled reflexively as she looked at her waste. But she was still athletic and in good shape. I'm a lucky woman to be me. And then she laughed at her uncharacteristic vanity.
Still laughing, she confidently pulled open the door and walked in. Her eye immediately saw Mr's Fletcherbent over writing at the rear counter. Her straightish hair was graying a little, but she still had that wonderful happy face. "Mr's Fletcher! It is so great to see you!".
Startled, Mrs Fletcher dropped her pen and a paper flew to the floor. She pushed her glasses up, and slowly raised her head, smiling. The smile quickly turned to a small frown. "Do I know you?," she said in her tiny voice.

I remember when there was never any homework for Physical Education classes, but kids did it any way because it was fun and felt great. Now the Gov is essentially imposing PE homework to get kids away from computers and out into the enriched Vitamin D sun.

It seems as though Urban Meyer has Dick Vermielle disease -- the inability to relax.

I've been looking at my writing accomplishments, and I think I am going to focus a "B" Movie screen plays.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Country Strong looks like a real treat! But then I love country music and blatant, unadulterated schmaltz. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as a country singerwho is making a comeback after rehab and is married to an agent (Tim mcGraw) . A second singer (Leighton Meester), a former beauty queen with some emotional and personal confidence problems -- and the new hope for hubby-agent -- is with her on the ressurection tour. A male singer (Garrett Hedlund) also on the tour steps in to help. However, both girls fall for him resulting in great melodrama. Meanwhile Paltrow is jealous of all the attention hubby is giving his protege'. It's not deep, but who needs deep?

This is the kind of crap that really bothers me. A noted supposedly intelligent man from the Brookings institute actually said: "...The oft overlooked fact is that immigrants, including Albert Einstein, have made major contributions to the United States." Aha! The old Einstein Ploy. I don't think any person I know who has a problem with people breaking the law to enter the US has forgotten the great contributions large and small of immigrants who came here lawfully. Why to do the self proclaimed elite find it necessary to be so condescending? It tends to make me look at professorial, expert types and say to myself, "Is there anything really in there?"

Are reports about Celebrity and Athlete DUI's really news any more?

God Help us Department:
And then we have Chafee-Lite yesterday, rapturous over his rescinding of E-Verify and saying that too many people in the hispanic community are "Uneasy". The guilty should be uneasy. The innocent should feel good about themselves and not so good about all of those who are giving hardworking, family oriented, loving Hispanics a bad name. The headline in one paper read "Chafee (Lite) ends crackdown on illegal immigration." Now with an open door in a state where welfare benefits (That's another story) are already too rich, I expect Amtrac's High Speed Acela train to be renamed The Hispanic Express.

In a related action, two assembly people have introduced a bill that would make E-Verify a RI Law. It is expected that if passed it would be vetoed by the Gov. And then, the assembly would have to overturn the veto by 2/3's. Hey, wait a minute. About 2/3's of RI'ers didn't vote for Chafee-Lite.

It's a New World Department:
An editorial page cartoon depicts two sloppily clad, baggy dressed teen boys sitting on a bench, heads bowed looking at their phones. The first says, "The guy who invented FaceBook was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year." The second replies, "What's a magazine?"

The Answer:
1. Deutsche goes crazy predicting a 23% (1,580 DOW) leap. If I see that trend in the Fall, I'm getting out in November. Goldman says 1,450 (15%), JP Morgan Chase says 13% as does Barclay's. BoA gives us 11% which is the average of all the forecasts. Credit Suisse is 7%, UBS and Oppenheimer 5% and Citi 3%. 2. Coal Miners Daughter with Sissy Spacek was one of the greats as was Tender Mercies. I liked Walk the line. Other good ones were Nashville, Sweet Dreams, Crazy Heart, Pure Country, The Thing Called Love, Urban Cowboy, Your Cheatin' heart, Payday,,,and there was a 1940 classic "Grand Ole Opry. You can't lose when they're astrummin' and apickin'.

The (Week) End:
Today 's Headline says that Bernanke expected to be more hopeful about economy. Last time on the hot seat was moanin's and goranin'. Who can you believe? Nobody! Wait til next month. It will change.

Let's see...a chemical in woman's tears is a turn off for men. If the same thing is true of men's tears, then the possibility for scandal is greatly reduced with Boehner in charge. Just think though, if Boehner was in an emotional meeting with Angela Merkl, we could have World War Three! Just a thought.

Chafee-Lite is shaping up as one of those modernists who knows what's good for you better than you do. I don't think he will listen to the people uless they are in a group who owns him.

Have a great weekend.

There must be something I forgot. Oh well...





I

It's All New.

Today's Tids Issue 2,267

Opening Stuff:

Wow! 2011! I remember as a kid hoping I would live long enough to see the year 2000. Now, I'm looking forward to 2,035 or better. Hey I'm still a kid. Maybe more than ever!

Of course it's also the first Tids of January. January is pretty good month with great chilling cold after you get through the January thaw, which ended yesterday. Skiing is consistent, days are crisp and the football is great. You don't have to wake up each morn and worry about what to wear because you know you have to dress warmly. Historically there are key markers that can determine the overall stock market for the year. People work to get their weight and credit card balances lower. It is a reawakening. And this year we have a new Congress that might work. An economy that might improve. And a populace who is waking up. This could be the start of something great. Stay tuned. The Tids will be there to guide you through another yearly maze.

The huge lighted sign at the entrance of the Newport Bridge says "Mount your EZ-Pass". Is this some contemporary alternative sex thing?

I think the world would be a more peaceful place if everybody wore plaid flannel shirts.

Important Tids Notice! The countdown to the first installment of the new Tids novel has begun. On Wednesday morning, a mere 48 hours away, the first lines of "Dream Town" (Working Title) will appear in your email inbox in Tids #2,269. Is your heart beating madly yet?

The Question:
Name the five top songs of Crosby Stills and Nash (and Young) and those of individual members of the famed group. What three bands had C,S,N formally been members of?

The Headlines:

--J&J Researchers Excited About New Test That Can Isolate One Cancer Cell Among Millions Of Healthy Cells.
--Stock futures Rise As China Anti-Inflation Program Shows Results.
--GOP Laying Out New Congressional Agenda That Could Carry Party Through 2012 Elections.
--Muslims Murder 76 Christians In Egypt Church; Slaughter Of Innocent Is Latest In Recent Series Of Attacks On Christian Churches.
--Massive Snow Storm Closes Down California's Critical Route 5.
--Karsai Spits In Face Of US By keeping Corrupt Mister Ismal Khan On Board.
--Newport Loses Out To San Fran For America's Cup; It is Expected That Newport Will Host All Pre-AC Trials.
--FaceBook Worth Put At $50,000,000,000.
--Obama Quietly, Strategically Planning Greater US Engagement In Lands Of His Heritage, Africa.
--Christine O'Donnell Could Move to Romania For Political Future; Country Passes Law Making Witchcraft Professional Occupation.

Back to More Stuff:
For Christmas, I got a pair of glasses that helps you find lost golf balls in the rough and woods. The warning on the box said: You can't see anything else when wearing the glasses, so be careful not to fall in a ravine, off a cliff or into a pond of piranhas. I'd do anything for a free golf ball.

The Ohio State is shaping up this year as a real contender in men's basketball. But God do I hate that arrogant "The"! It makes me want to root against them in all sports. But then, it's always good to have something innocuous to hate so you can pour energy into love.

As the Tids has been saying for several years now, the Big Ten has the best SID's (Sports Information Directors) in the business. How else could you explain doting media folks continually placing Big Ten teams at the top of their lists. Just check out the overall performance of the league in the in the NCAA B-Ball Tourney the past several years. And...then there was Saterday!! Five bowl games and the vaunted league from the breadbasket lost all five...by a combined score of 204-103. Yikes. And, one of their co-champs lost to Alabama 49-7. This ain't Bronco Nagurski's Big Ten any more.

Is it just me, or is the phrase "Very Fun" bothersome to you too?

Kudos for Bill Richardson Department:
For some reason there was mini drive on to pardon that piece of crap who ran around the southwest killing people, William H. Bounty -- AKA Billy the Kidd. Be careful who or what you romanticize, because it may end up insulting the honorable. Richardson said Nix to the pardon.

Bankers bankroll builders. Hmmmm. Let's see...if a builder builds a development of 30 houses and there are only 10 people who can afford them, then it is in the bank's interest to create a new class of customers. i.e. People who can't afford to buy a home. Which basically proves that home building is a bad basis for an economic growth model. Builders build and developers develop because that's what they do. Regardless of real need. Want to see more about the inner workings of the banks and new mortgage manipulations? Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/v/ssl5yb7FewA?fs=1&hl=en_US

Denial Department:
Have you ever noticed that people who hate egg whites always order scrambled eggs? If you can't see it, it isn't there.

Looks like 0-Man is making the the nation's Chief Plagiarist Joe Biden White House Congressional Liaison. As a rep or senator I would be very wary of his phone calls on key bills. He rarely understands what he is talking about and much less knowing what the people he appropriates from are talking about.

The Projo (Colloquial for Providence Journal) appears to be setting up a continuing report that will tally and praise the Promises Kept by new Gov Chafee-Lite. Of course, 66% of of all voters apparently didn't like his promises and voted for somebody else.

Linc Chafee's wife Stephanie Danforth Chafee looks like a pretty good egg to me.

The Answer:
Some of best known songs are judy blue Eyes, Long Time Gone, Just a Song Before I Go, Marrakesh Express, Our House, Teach Your Children and Cathedral. The Genesis of CSN was in the bands The Byrds , The Hollies and in part Buffalo Springfield.

The End:
As we enter this year just remember that we can't take success for granted and still have a lot of work ahead to get the country back up on top where it belongs again. For instance it was just reported that the latest Focker movie, which had been described by critics as a stupid, lame, low-brow, unfunny comedy, has topped the box office charts for the second week in a row.

If somebody calls you a Rock", remember that a rock can drag you under.

And finally, I look at winter this way. 38 degrees is starting to be too warm. 25 degrees is comfortable and 15 degrees is a bit chilly. The point is, Winter is Winter. Stop listening to the hysterical plaints of weather people and get used to it.

Look for the beating heart.

Today's Tids Issue 2,257

Opening Stuff:

Every state probably has a town somewhere like Burrillville RI. A town that most people can't find and when they get there can't find thir way home. It is a huge area, and I suspect these days it can be easily found You just have to look for the warmth rising from its heart. A 6th grade girl named Amy Simpson noticed more people than usual around town shivering in the freezing cold. She rallied her fellow students, her teachers and ran around town with homemade posters urging people to bring coats. She personally called businesses. They responded as did hundreds around this pleasant rural community. There are lots of good stories around this time of year. But, I like this one of people helping people because they care. Because they feel it in their hearts.

Staying Young Department:
Take a piece of advice from Lucy Liu: "I try to believe like I believed when I was five...when your heart tells you everything you need to know."

How many times does a person have to iterate before it becomes reiterate?

The Question:
Based upon how often they are requested for play on the radio, what do you think are the top five Christmas Carols?

The Headlines:

--Senate Passes Interim Budget Bill Until March.
--North Korea Renegs On Threats--Stocks Up early.
--12 Men Arrested In UK In Terrorist Threat Roundup; Rumors Continue About Christmas Attacks in US.
--Dream Act Dead; Repubs Pushing To Delay New Start Til Next Session.
--UCOnn Women B-Ballers Destroy Ohio State To Tie Wooden/UCLA Record.
--Formation Of New Iraq Gov. Still A Mess.
--Record Setting Rain Lashed Cal; Experts Say Worst yet To Come.
--New Census Data Expwected To Empower Republicans; Repubs Could Gain In Electoral College Before 0-Man's next Try.

Back to More Stuff:
La Vigilia or the Feast of the 7 Fishes is one of those wonderful Italian Christmas family traditions. Being a fish lover, I always thought they had a pretty good idea. so I decided to look up some of the favorite combinations of our friendly goodies from the sea. Ok, all star chef Mario Batali suggests clams with oregano and bread crumbs, marinated fresh anchovies, Linguine with clams, spaghetti with muscles, salt cod with tomatoes and capers, jumbo shrimp Marsala, eel with olives, chiles and capers and broccoli sauteed in wine and garlic. Another menu features stuffed calamari, deep fried oysters, marinated eel, marinated shrimp and fennel over penne, whiting, baccala and oyster shooters. Almost all meals will include some of these: Scungilli (Snail salad), anchovies, sardines, dried salt cod, smelts, eels, squid, shrimp, mussels an d clams. Of course, lobster, tuna and crab are always welcome. Happy Vigilia di Natale!

Some choirs sing the Alleluia Chorus much to fast...losing some of its majesty.

The "average" Major League Baseball salary is an eye-popping $3,000,000. For the Boston Red Sox it is $.8 Mil and for that team in the Bronx it is $7,000,000. The average salary for NBA Basketball Players is $5.4 Million! Sounds like a good college major to me.

With the announcement by the admin for an updated version of "Duck & Cover", I'm expecting the prices of all of those homes with 50's style bomb shelters in the back yard to soar! And then there is Hillary calling for 5,000 more diplomats when we should be investing in a new missile defense system. If this new scare tactic from the WH has some foundation. Hey, I was happy until the Admin started crying "Nuke". Is this subtle suggestion supposed to frighten people into pushing teir Reps to pass Start?

The Pacific Rim is one nervous Korean finger away from a regional war.

The "Have's" and "Have Not's" in NCAA women's basketball today is about where it was for the men 30 years ago. But the pipeline is filling up.

In order not to aggravate or equivocate should we just abrogate or abdicate and acclimate reiterate in favor of iterate? Or contemplate a bifurcate. I'll cogitate before I obfuscate.

The congregation rose for the Pledge of America because they Stood for America.

RI's Governor-elect Chafee-Lite had a big budget summit with the usual characters -- social services organizations, businesses, assorted other interested parties and George Ney, President of the RI ALF/CIO. Now as far as I can see, the only thing that newy could contribute is to stand up and say Public Employee Unions are unconstitutional. You laugh, but last night the 60 Mins story about the imminent fall of several states (Because George there just isn't any more money!) painted a grizzly picture of a system that isn't working. States have robbed "Green" funds, cigarette law suit cash, stimulus money to keep overpaying for services that the taxpayer can no longer afford. This is not your father's rob Peter to pay Paul accounting system.

Have you heard about the 99'ers Union? This is a Union organizing people who don't work. Where have you gone America?

Margaret Thatcher called public employee unions "The Enemy Within."

The Answer: 
Number on eis The Christmas Songs (Chestnuts roasting et. al.). Then we get Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Winter Wonderland and White Christmas. The next five are Let it Snow, Rudolph, jingle bell rock, I'll Be Home...and the favorite of grtammar school songfests Little Drummer Boy. Ny two favorites on this list of 25 are #16 Silent Night and #21 We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The three least favorites are Good King Wenceslas, Here we Come A Wassaling and the teeth grating Up on the Housetop.


I'm sure some of you in other states feel that nothing any where else can be as bad as your distressing bad government (Like the beaten down residents of 0-