Is the Superbowl over yet?

Today's Tids Issue 2,761

Opening Stuff:

 

Is your heart athumpin'? Are you feeling romance in the air, seeing little red hearts wherever you go? Of course, because it is February and candy manufacturers are commercializing pure unadulterated love and imagined infatuation with heart shaped everything every where. What would our two great Presidents Abe and George think as they see their own February celebrations transformed into one giant car sale. Ah February, that begins with the Superbowl and a furry little animal that would rather stay sleeping in a hole, and ends a little short of enough days, with lots of ways to spend money in between. 

One of the great little joys of life is that whole new beautiful world that appears before you after cleaning your glasses.

That Senator Hagel is one surly lookin' ole' bastard

The Question:

Double "Q" Friday: 1. Name the ex-American Idol Stars who have made the most money?  2. Generally RI leads polls in negativity. But, alas, their Governor Lincoln Chafee is only number 2 Worst Governor. What governor has lower approval numbers that Chafee-Lite? Bonus day: Give me 8 synonyms for "Surly".

The Headlines:

--Bombing At US Embassy In Ankara Turkey Kills Two; Entrance To Embassy Damaged.

--Unemployment Rises To 7.9%; US Adds Modest 157,000 New Jobs.

--Wonderful NYC Mayor Ed Koch Dead At 88.

--DOW Up Big.

--The Hill Slams Critics On Way Out; Sen Lindsay Graham, "(Clinton) Getting Away With Murder."

--Gina Raimondo Leading In Polls For Next RI Gov. 

--Blast At Mexico City's Pemex 50 Story Tower Kills 25; Was Probably A Mechanical Failure.

--Street Violence Continues In Egypt.

A new Pew Study tells us what employees dislike most about their employers. 1. Lack of Communications  2. Unfair Pay  3. No Job Security  4. Under Appreciation  5. Favoritism  6. Overworked  7. Micromanagement  8. Incompetent Managers  9. No Opportunity For Advancement  10, Overbearing Boss. The underlying fear and concerns affecting employees are globalization, outsourcing, downsizing; having to take on more work for less pay as companies get lean. More stress and less of a feeling of security. Otherwise, they are all happy as quahogs.

In a related story today, more and more people in their forties and fifties are reevaluating retiring goals; Pushing back their dates for the hammock. The politicians can shout Huzzahs, and pat each other on their backs, but the people feel and see what is actually happening.

You know the Superbowl writers are running out of things to talk about beyond Harbaugh when you see the headline, "3 ways to Watch the Superbowl". Excuse me! Let's see, standing sitting, lying down? Yup that's three alright. How about --  In your home, at the stadium, in church on your smart phone? Three for sure. But they must mean something deeper. Peering over the shoulder of someone who wants to talk about global warming at an SB cocktail party; Through two squirming legs while you change a diaper; In a locked room full of popcorn, Cheetos, potato chips and chocolate chip cookies. God love our watchdog media.

Here's a good example of the disconnect between investors and people. Investors are scapping up Portugal bonds, while in that country, consumer confidence is at an all time low, unemployment is at an all time high and the country is about to launch the highest tax increase in memory. And the financial community wonders why they are such a great target for anybody who wants to rile the populous.

There are about 220,000,000 unemployed in the world. Can you say riots in the streets?

I'm thinking of starting a Greeting card Company with celebration cards for the Left and the Right. I like writing little ditties. For instance, for the left: "My good Birthday wish sings, Like a gay marionette, And the best part yet, You're pulled by government strings." And for the Right. "May you hear drums, trumpets and saxes, As you get news of lower taxes." So, what'd you expect in a quickie morning newsletter written under enormous pressure.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox continue to pick up players from the trash heap.

Hilary says Repubs are confused by the facts. But the only known fact is that Lefty Dems treat the facts as a communicable disease, and runaway as far from them as humanly possible. Facts to the left are like Krypton to Superman. The fact remains, that the Admin purposely misled the public over Benghazi and this Presidential candidate doesn't get it...doesn't understand why lying to the public is bad. At least, that's what she said.

The "Waste Management Phoenix Open". Has a nice aroma about it.

The Conscience: Chapter 14 continues:

   I sat there on bed, TV noise in the back ground, drinking my third nip from the booze bar, which unfortunately had to be a mixture of what was available, Scotch, Gin and Vodka. To help my stomach negotiate the trio, I had some healthy food by my side -- a can of Original Pringles and an opened dark chocolate bar. I figure if I'm going to drink while thinking about what to do next, I'd better have some sustenance. It wasn't much booze for a reprobate like me, so my brain was still functioning pretty well.

   Why not, I thought an idea popped into my head. I sat up, put my feet on the floor and walked over to the clothes I had piled neatly on the chest by my suitcase. I picked some comfortable dark pants and put on navy blue, high neck sweater over my gray business shirt. I looked in the mirror. Nice, I thought. I went to the bed, took a piece of chocolate, and put the rest of the bar in my pocket while sliding the delectable sinful food of the gods into my mouth. This is a good sign, I thought to my self, I'm eating and moving.

    The street looked really lonely as I retraced my steps to the water front. The only difference is now I had a little understanding about where I should and shouldn't go. It was the shouldn't go part that intrigued me.

The Answer:

1. Kelly Clarkson tops the list at $7.5 Mil. Next we have a tie between Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood at $5. Scotty McCreery is at $4 Mil, followed by Jennifer Hudson , $3, Jordan Sparks $2 and Adam Lambert who fell from the top echelon to 7 at $1.5 Mil. Look out for Phillip Phillips who should be near the top of the list next year. 2. Pat Quinn of Illinois is lower than Chafee because the folks there are probably wondering when he'll go to jail like his predecessors. Bonus: Brusque, irascible, splenetic, choleric, sullen, grumpy, grouchy and generally unfriendly. "Splenetic, I'll have to store that one away.

Regardless of the commercialism in February, this Tidster's heart is always beating for his readers. Thanks for keeping me honest with your notes!

Love your weekend.

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Getting the World Under Control

 

 

Today's Tids Issue 2,587

Opening Stuff:

 

Romney is beginning to do what political observers always thought was his advantage over Santorum and Gingrich: He is winning over the independents, this huge block that is probably the key to the election. In fact, in the newest poll he is 13 % ahead of the 0-Man among Indies.

You're seeing more and more, headlines like "Pension deficit for taxpayers is up $836 Million" atop articles about city and towns walking the tightrope towards bankruptcy. I always say "wait a minute, we paid our taxes." The elected officials mismanaged those funds or got hoodwinked by union officials into over paying for labor. They have to negotiate with the hoodwinkers, not come back to us. If so, the Taxpayer would be effectively fined for elected official's antics -- suspect activities or negligence or dereliction of duty. Plain and simple.

There's something just plain special about Aaron Copeland music -- Rodeo, Pink Pony. And of course, is there better music to underscore the awakening of a new day than his Appalachian Spring? I don't think so!

The Question:
John Cusack has come a long way from his "Actor with promise" days. Name five of his best movies.

The Headlines:
--Stock Rally Stifled As GDP Comes In Lower Than Forecast; Business Spending Slowing.
--Spanish Economy In ICU; One Minister Says Economy "Faces Crisis Of Huge Proportions; Credit rating Downgraded.
--US On Guard For Bin Laden Revenge Attacks May 2.
--Romanian Center Right Government Toppled; Czechs Facing Similar Test.
--Zimmerman Raised In Black-White Household; Had Black Partners In Business.
--Consumer Sentiment Scale Barely Moves.

--Biden Tells Stupid, Poorly Timed Secret Service Joke.

So, did you hear about the dog who was paper trained? He could read the comics.

Don't laugh, people are humanizing their pets at an alarming rate. Many seem to have convinced themselves that dogs are people. I often hear people interviewed saying things like "I have a beautiful four legged daughter named ...". "We have a family of four, my husband and I and Rex and rover." I loved the dogs I owned, but I would never own one again. Too expensive, and no Medicaid. Have to walk them on leashes instead of letting them run free to steal eggs from a neighbor's chicken coop. And of course, there is that dreaded plastic bag. Frankly, I'd have to teach them to read the comics so they wouldn't get bored staying inside at home.

I am really bothered at these small groups who seem to have a plan to pick off one religious appearing monument/remembrance one by one by one. They make a fuss, raise money and then essentially extort cities, towns and states to take down a local institution, "Or else".

How come when the ACLU sues to protect somebody's Civil Liberties they take away everything cherished by another group? How fair is that, Mr. President.

There is no way in my mind that three across the country trips by the President to Universities was a"Official Business" as stipulated by the White House Admin. I was happy to see the RNC finally wake up and challenge one of these transparent campaign trips.

So basically what I'm seeing in commercials for smart phones and the like, is that they new technology is hand writing! Do you think Apple and Samsung our working off of grants form the NEA? Cursive lives.

Last night's "Missing" was a good example of why it is becoming my favorite TV hour. I'm hooked, addicted. Actually, at one point I was thinking this is kind of slow tonight. Then ...Bam!...two totally unimagined surprises in a row. Now I can hardly wait for next Thursday.

American Idol: I've said it before, Holly has surprising staying power because she sings songs with melodies...and her voice is very powerful. Sure she's a little bit unpolished, but her biggest negative is the Judges. I think Phillip is getting a little ordinary, although he is talented and draws a lot of young girl votes. Sanchez is excellent, but doesn't always connect. Joshua is a talent. Skylar needs a couple of better tunes next week.

About today's music... Last night on Idol Katy Perry and last year's Stefano Lagano performed. Aside form the lavish sets, the words and techno-activity, the songs sounded exactly the same to me. We're are living in this hear-one,-you've-heard-em'-all-world. I guess it's all about the dancin' beat. Oh, and Stefano, who I didn't like last year, was far better than the highly regaled Perry. That's just the opinion of one tin ear.

A day or so ago the National Plagiarist Laureate described Romney as "Uniformed". Oh, that holds a lot of weight -- opinions of Joe Biden, the Veep that WH handlers would love to send out with a gag in his mouth. Save me.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--In Five Year Engagement we have a pretty predictable romantic comedy starring Jason Segal and Emily Blunt (Great In Salmon Fishing) as a couple who have fallen in love and are engaged. But incidents keep putting off the marriage, and it goes on and on. Some observers are saying "Break up already", "I can't take it any more". My guess is that it will be entertaining with a pleasant ending.
--John Cusack stars as Edgar Allen Poe in The Raven. Poe helps a detective solve a series of murders that are similar to his stories -- the Pit and the Pendulum et. al. It is pretty good and draws a realistic picture of Poe, the drunk and always out of cash writer. I'd go.
--Safe is a "B" movie about a second-rate Cage Fighter who leads a life of beatings for chump change. It changes when the Russian Mafia kills his family after he blows a rigged fight. The mob banishes him to the Streets of NYC. He is aimless until he witnesses a frightened 12 year old Chinese girl being pursued by the gangsters who killed his wife. His life changes as he gets involved in a giant conspiracy. It will be great some evening on FX.

The Answer:
I first remember Cusack  in a movie with Angelica Houston called the Grifter. He was in plenty of others like True Colors, City Hall, Grosse Point Blank, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Pushing Tin, America's Sweethearts, Runaway Jury and Grace is Gone. You probably have your own faves.

Well, it is Friday. For retired people it means it's Saturday tomorrow, which will be pretty much like Friday except for the date on the newspaper. For every body else it will be a welcome and wonderful repsite from the weekday pressures. Enjoy every minute of it. That's an order.

--

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There should always be a hand to hold.

Today's Tids Issue #2,582
Opening Stuff:



There were several good reader comments on yesterday's "purity of a real Chocolate Chip cookies" Tid -- from "must have walnuts" to "I use extra vanilla". But perhaps the best was from a good reader who said his neighbor added chocolate flavored vodka to the Tollhouse mix. "Zowie was his only word. I think he took a nap for the rest of the day.

The media people are wondering a week before the big Primary voting day here next week in RI where all of the normal, big advertising dollars went. Duh: There are no opponents to Obama. Romney is the de facto nominee and the remaining Repub players have no money anyhow. And, even if there was a couple of GOP possibilities, there aren't enough Republicans left in RI to warrant a mass media blitz.

Note To Newspapers: Internet advertising revenue hits record $31 Billion in 2011. Vodka laced chocolate chip cookies anybody?

It didn't take very long for Romney to make up that 12 point gap, did it? It seems to say that polls probably really won't count for much til July or August.

The Question:

Advertising on line just continues to go crazy. The advent of smart phones is really kicking it up through new, dizzying heights. What business sectors are the biggest online advertisers?

The Headlines:

--Stock Markets Flat; New Unemployment Benefits Data Came In Higher Than Estimates; Rumored French Debt Downgrade; Better Than Expected B0A And MS Earnings Can't Overcome Negative News.
--India Tests Nuclear Capable Missile That Can Reach China.
--New Series Of Bombs Throughout Iraq Kills 36, Injures Several Hundred.
--Europe Rescue Plan Faltering; Cash Strapped Britain Says No More Contributions To IMF Crisis Fighting War Chest; Fund Currently Has $320 Billion..
--Norwegian Mass Murderer Says He Would Do It Again.
--OWS Movement Says It Will be Making It's Noise At 36 Shareholder Meetings This Year; First Meeting Will Be Tuesday At Wells-Fargo.
--DOD Apologizes Again For Unacceptable Actions By A few.

American Idol: Who entertained me most last night? Well, Skylar just makes me smile. And Holly was very good two times. Phillip was good, but Colton was lackluster. Elise can sing, but did she connect? Joshua is, frankly, always enjoyable, but does he have the fan base. And of course Jessica. The girl can sing and her second effort last night was maybe the best, most professional of the evening. The tough thing tonight is that two must go. Somebody very good can easily be one of them, because I believe this year's final seven is far better than last year's final two!. First, I think Elise will be one of the two to go. Skylar deserves to stay and she has the big country crowd. I think that Holly has a bigger fan base than many of the others. Based on last night, Colton should be the other one (Remember I picked Colton to win it all.). But he and Phillip have the cute boy vote. So that leaves Joshua and Jessica. It could be Joshua and Elise hitting the bricks tonight. The best talents -- Jessica, Colton, Phillip, Skylar, Joshua, Elise and Holly in that order. Although, Holly has a helluva powerful voice. This is the toughest year I have seen.

Burger King is in trouble as Wendy's has passed them by in sales. However, I always thought BK's food tasted better than both Mac And Wendy. So, I gotta believe that the dreadful mascot King with the gigantic head gyrating around the screen in stupid situations with almost implausible antics has been the problem contributing to the decline. It just had to scare away the folks. Just as American Idol voting is not always about the best singer winning, the Fast Food wars aren't about the best food drawing the customers. It's always about who seems inviting; warm and cuddly. That's where people go.

The staffers at NBC are less than happy with the presence of Chelsea, according to a number of media reports. And it isn't just the ram down your throat celebrity hiring aspects and resultant jealousies. Co-workers say she just isn't that good, and accommodations are often made just to get her through her laborious pieces and on screen. She is probably a nice, very smart woman, but like with some athletes turned announcer, it's a new world and what you accomplished elsewhere and who you know doesn't really mean much when you have to perform at a high level.

Camera phones have the power to destroy the world because brainless people push the buttons.

JC Penny ads are drawing people into the stores, but it appears what's in the aisles and on the shelves isn't holding them there...or bringing them back. This is a classic marketing misstep -- promising and not rewarding.

I'd say selling Berkshire-Hathaway stock yesterday is a bit premature, and typical of hysterical over-reactions in the country today. Buffet has "Stage One" prostate Cancer and the probably access to the best medical people and facilities in the world. However, it does raise the question of the power of B-H to succeed in the future as it has in the past without, someday, the one acknowledged guru at the helm.

I was driving to Philadelphia one day for a biz meeting in the early 60's and at one of the a Turnpike food plazas I stood behind Dick Clark and another guy with him who buying candy bars and sodas. Clark was a Philly/NYC commuter in those days too. That was at the beginnings of career, and he was still racing to keep the phenomena alive and growing. He did quite well indeed, and certainly had a lot to do with the success of many musician's careers. Personally, he wasn't that important to me, despite all of the nostalgic press you read about the fifties. Seemed like a nice guy, though.

Real Estate Deal of The Week: $87 Million, Pelican Road North, Newport Beach Cal Mansion with 17 car garage, gold leaf ceilings, horse stables and lake could be a steal at $37 Mill. Sharpen your pencils. Eat vodka laced chocolate chip cookies.

Almost Near: Epilogue.
Tommy Lambert looked to the sky, and smiled at the comfort in his words for Sam:
The world is vast, full of the beauty of God's majesty.
The caressing forests, the calming seas, the endless sky.
The creatures that roam the lands; That care for each other.
There are no creatures as beautiful and delicate as you.

Yet, always lurking neath cool waters and flowered fields,
Is the unknown; the sudden black that mars the white.
The veils of gray that block the yellow rays of the sun
The life that dries; The minds that thirst, the petals droop.

I have been your sun and I will be your warmth again.
I have been your calming seas, and I will surge for you again.
I have been your cooling pools. I will wet your thirst again.
I have been your comforting arms; you will run to them again.
Enjoy what you have; I will always be in your mind.

Tommy sat. All was perfect in his world. Samantha would return again.

The Answer:

Number one is General Merchandise advertisers. Surprisingly, at least to me is Real Estate! Number three is Automotive. After that we have Finance and Food. In just two years I expect the online numbers to be equally amazing in their dominance.

But honey, I saved $50 Million!

Well, today ended the third novel written in the Tids. I think it turned out pretty well. But, I have learned a lot since I wrote the first one "The Tie That Binds." I'm in the process of re-writing #2 "Through the Same Eyes", and it is amazing how you can make something your though was complete, much better. First you have to break out of the past, not cling to things you like, that could improve. It is a wonderful and rewarding exercise. It just is proving to me that there are enormous opportunities in this world to learn something new, even when you think you know it all. Now I have to think of another novel for the Tids. Life is never easy.

Now...if I could only solve that typo problem.

The world is a human place.

Today's Tids  (#2,559)
Opening Stuff:


Emitting sunshine to those around us will always bring back rays of warmth and comfort.

I was struck by the news item "Millions mourn Death of Pope Shenouda, 4 decade leader of Coptic Christians." Here's a man of whom few around the world are aware. Yet he has been a spiritual leader to millions in a world where it is never comfortable to be a Christian. The Middle East. Where Christianity began, but has not thrived. This 1900 year old church based in Egypt has 18 million faithful around the world. 10% of these are in Egypt, fighting daily for their beliefs. Facing the possibility of death, while so many Christians around the world take their religion for granted; let their churches around them crumble.

I kinda like this: "You cannot choose the direction of the wind. But, you can always adjust your sails."

The Question:

1. Which five Presidential Libraries get the most visitors? Bonus: One of my favorite boyhood sports heroes of the fifties was football player Dick Kazmaier. For which football power of the day did he play?

The Headlines:

--NFL Commish Kills Saints; Coach Peyton Out $7 Million For Knowing About Bounty Scheme.
--French Shooter In Jewish School Killings Had al-Qaida Ties.
--Romney Romps In Obama State.
--Tebow To NY Jets; Dysfunctional Team Gets Weirder.
--Afghan Alleged Mass Murderer had Checkered Past As Financial Manipulator.
--Massive 7.4 Earthquake rattles Mexico; No Deaths Reported In Remote region 114 Miles from Acapulco.
--Utah Governor Signs Law Mandating 72 Hour Wait before abortion.
--Yemen Militants Kill American Teacher.
--Illinois Tea Party Candidate Ousts Republican Veteran In Primary.
--Alterations In Currency Wars Could Have Significant Impact On World Markets.
--Oprah Axes Rosie, 35 Staffers As OWN fails To Build Audiences.

One of the best examples of America gone Mad is this Caruola Act here in Rhode Island. This legislative travesty allows school boards to sue Town councils for more money. Which is basically school boards suing neighbors who in fact elect the Councils to watch their money. I think it boarders on legalized crime. The good news here is that they are trying to get rid of this law designed to enable spending of money that doesn't exist.

When the Dems slur Repubs in the vilest of terms, the media is comfortable calling it satire. When the Repubs satirize Dems it is called demonic.

Up the road from here in Tiverton a dairy farmer reports that at around noontime, somebody pulled a trailer up to his place and stole 18 of his best milk producing Holsteins. Think about that for a second.

The recent statement -- "Does it (The Glass Ceiling) still exist or is it an outdated metaphor that fails to recognize woman's progress." -- for sure will raise a cacophony of irritable yapping. But, I see it as probably correct. Too often the leadership of historically oppressed groups keep the rhetoric going so they can retain their job. But the successful emerging out of these groups say, that was then, it's time to move forward.

Almost Near: Chapter 65 continues. --"Where's Becca, Tucker?"
"Is that all you have to say to me, after all I have done for you."
"Beck's all right Mom." A giddy Sheila looked up with eyes as big as Frisbees. "Tucker and I helped her after she fell down and hit her head.
Samantha looked at Tucker with eyes that could kill. "That's true Sam, she fell and now she is sleeping. She is dying to see you."
"Comon' Mom, let's go to her room."
Samantha stood speechless. Was this true?, she wondered. Her head started to get confused again. She was remembering so many times when she stood in the world and everything she knew as real started to disappear into some thing that was like a dream. Always a beautiful dream, but not real. She needed to deal with what was real. She knew she had been doing better. Don't give in. Don't fade away. Your girls need you. Tucker had turned to the window as she fought herself. Then raising her voice, "What did you ever do for me, Tommy!"
Tucker looked over, his eyes flashing, but his voice low, "I'm not Tommy."
"You are. Your Are. You're Tommy Lambert." She paused and looked down at Sheila, "I thought I had lost you."

The Answer:

1. The Reagan Library has the highest attendance. Next is Lincoln followed by Clinton, LBJ (????) and Kennedy. 2. Dick Kazmaier played for Princeton, winning the Heisman and Maxwell awards as well as All America. He was drafted by da Bears, but chose Harvard (After a stint in the navy) to get an MBA. He founded his own investment company. The Patty Kazmaier Award given to the top Women College Hockey Player memorializes his daughter who died of a rare blood disease after her own excellent college ice hockey career. In other words, those were the days when athletics were but a part of getting an education first.

So, I was checking out of Shaws Wakefield (A local NE Supermarket chain) and said to the clerk, "Slow day". "Yup," she answered, "bad for business." I replied it will get better when the tourists return. Prettify hectic I bet." Yup, busy, but the tourists are a lot nicer than locals." "Really?" I said. "Yup," she answered, "locals can be real mean." I looked at her for a minute. Then I said, "You're makin' me feel bad" She glanced over. "Tough. It's true."




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The end is near.

Today's Tids Issue 2,224
Opening Stuff:

This November has started in such state of cacophony, that we all probably forgot to pray for All Saints and All Souls. After all, that’s what Halloween represents in case its meaning has been lost in the advertising. But then, that’s November. November where we always start out confused and end up being thankful. Where we start out needing massive infusions of insulin and end it overdosing on Zantac to combat the over commercialization of Christmas. It’s a month both real and surreal. Where we try to wade through all of the mud to pick the right leaders, and end Thanking God for helping us to make the right choice, or praying to him to help our leaders make the right decisions. November: The Conundrum Month.

As I sit here this Monday before Election Day I’m reminded of the words of Ethel Barrymore: “When life knocks you to your knees, and it will…Isn’t that the best position from which to pray?”

The editor of an Internet Newsletter called Chit Chat sends along this suggestion for another critical Mom’s group: MASK – Mothers Against Stupid Kids! How great is that? He also saw the Community College research Center at Columbia University data that said 60% of HS School graduates entering community Colleges need remedial courses in Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic. And, it applies to kids from Urban, Suburban and Private Schools alike. And we wonder why the employment rates are going up?

Here’s something I’m likin’ about the new world. If you fall asleep before the end of one of your favorite programs and forgot to DVR, you can still watch it on the Internet.

The Question: 

Name the five top selling candy products and the biggest candy companies by share of market.

The Headlines:

--Candidates Nationally have Spent $2,000,000,000 to muddy minds and slur reputations.
--52 Dead In Siege Of Baghdad’s Largest catholic Church.
--Strong China Manufacturing Data Has US market Futures Up.
--Voters In Washington State Oppose Bill That Would Increase Taxes On Wealthy; Vote Is Being Closely Watched Across Country.
--iPhone Glitch Has Thousands Late for Work Friday As Alarm Feature Fails To Operate.
--Last Minute Campaigning Tries To Stimulate Failing Campaigns.
--al-Qaida Actively Recruiting Westerners In Europe And America.
--Republicans Expected To make Large Gains In Governorships; Dems Hoping To Limit Congressional Losses.
--Indonesia’s Mount Marape Erupts In Fiercest Blast To date; Volcanic Activity In Nation Increasing.

Back to More Stuff:
All the talk around here is about the Governor and 1st District Congressional races. But, to me the most critical race is the AG contest. The Governor in RI has no power, and if it is a Republican probably shouldn’t even show up for work. But, an honest Attorney General can effectively neutralize corruption in the general Assembly and in administrations of cities and towns. That is if he doesn’t get shot, or at least verbally assassinated by the power brokers in the State. I would take a long hard look at the “connections” of each candidate. We need at least one honest, unattached watchdog in this state. And if we don’t get one, we may just as well “Shove it!”.

How come that within minutes after the trash hauler carts away your last wire clothes hanger, you have an urgent need for a long stiff piece of wire?

I have complained this year about the thoughtless editorial endorsements by the formerly reasonable Providence Journal – each one in praise of continued hackism and government mediocrity. Rubber stamping tired politicians. But, now the paper has gone too far, beyond sensibility in this brainless reorientation of its editorial mission. Never has the insanity been more apparent than in the recent migration to the sports pages where, the once rational Bill Reynolds wrote an extensive column wishing that the Ya-Ya-Ya-(WYKWIM) were in the World Series. That somehow it isn’t the same for him without them. God help us.

There’s a lot of talk and entertainment about zombies these days. I don’t think you have to look any further than at a school kid plugged in walking down the street.

The Dems who are making last minute gains in the polls all seem to have one thing in common:  They're pulling a Saint Peter by denying their association with “the Messiah”. That screech you hear from every mountain top is not that of the American Eagle but of the cock crowing three times. I guess they have forgotten about separation of Church and State.

That Geico Antique Road Show parody commercial that ends with the line “So your bird in the hand is worth at least two in the bush”, taps into my quirky mind and makes me laugh very time.

The Stuart/Colbert Washington event (Supported by the DNC) was said to have been designed “To target young people because they tend to vote democratic.” Isn’t it interesting that when the young’s minds are still mushy they vote the “D”, but when they become responsible after having lived in the real world for a while they start migrating to the “R”. Maybe votes from the young should only be counted as a 2/3rd’s vote – until they reach 30 for women and 45 for men.

The big difference between the large, calm gathering of Beck and the party hosted by Stuart/Colbert, is that the Beck crowd came because they were fed up and the S/C crowd came to laugh.

BTW, I am always suspect of people who spell their common names Jon or Thom.

One of my favorite boyhood heroes was Rhode Islander, Red Sox fan and Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Clem Labine. He was more than just a superb pitcher and unlike many of his clubhouse mates, was taken by book learnin’. The depth of his considerable, intuitive mind may be found in one of his more famous quotes: “I hate anything in pinstripes.” What a guy!

Did you hear about the Prince who became a ruler because he measured up?

The Answer: 
Number one seller happens to be a favorite of mind – Reeses. M&M’s are next with Snickers, KitKat and Trident following. Mars Company (M&M’s, Twix, Milky Way, Snickers) has 29% of the market. Next is Hershey’s 23% (Reeses, KitKat, Hershey’s Kisses, Twizzlers), Cadbury 6% (Dairy Milk Bar, Cream Egg, Trident), Nestle’ 3% (Crunch, Smarties, Nerds, Butterfinger) and Tootsie 1% (Tootsie Roll, Andes Mints, Junior Mints, Charms Blow Pops). All of the other companies total 37%! There must be an awful lot of them if none can come up to 1%.

The End:

A vote for keeping RI’s name is a vote that reflects pride in the state’s magnificent past. It’s contributions to fairness and understanding.

Don’t be Rhode Island.

Today's Tids Issue 2,219
Opening Stuff:

The Tids can be excruciatingly vocal, Or humble as a country yokel, But carefully picks the right focal, that all politics are local.

In Rhode Island, the latest poll has Indy Chafee leaping ahead of Dem Caprio (Chafee 37%, Caprio 28%, ® Roubitaille (25%), and Laughlin edging past Cicilini for the old Patches’ seat. These are fun races, but the real races that can effect real change in this beleaguered state (Beset by over 70 years of debilitating Dem/Union rule) is to replace all of the existing General Assembly reps and senators with anything else available. If the voters continue to put up with what they had, they can expect to flounder. Maybe we should replace the state animal Quahog with the Flounder. It seems to work.

Have you ever noticed that the TV commercials for the bigger chain restaurants like Applebees, Outback or Olive Garden never show tempting visuals featuring piles of vegetables? I wonder why? Because nobody would go there!

The problem in America is that media abetted politics focuses so heavily on the little accusations and personal idiosyncrasies, that it effectively clouds the potential for a broad base of the electorate understanding real problems and interpreting the good solutions. Some may call it good politics. I call it a disservice to the taxpayer.

One of the more inane political commercials and symptomatic of the above is one where RI Gubernatorial candidate Caprio pats himself on the back for refusing his official state car when he was first elected Treasurer. The cost of a car is meaningless in a state that is floundering into bankruptcy, With one of the highest unemployment percentages in the US of A. Where a “Greece-Like” general assembly bows down to economy busting special interests.

Is there a more arrogant appearing person than Yoko Ono? Oh yeah…him too.

How could I have done it! In providing the answer to Friday’s Q on popular TV families I forgot to suggest as left out of TV guide’s list one of my all time favorites…The Nelsons – Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky. And by all time favorite I mean Radio before TV! Thanks to my favorite Cleveland Punster for that one. And another Ohioan suggested Bonanza’s Cartwright’s, with Hop Sing standing in for Mom. And in today’s culture, Hop Sing for Mom is not so far fetched!

The Question:
Here are four quick Questions: 1. What does the “57” in Heinz 57 stand for? 2. What words do the letters ZIP in Zip code represent? 3. At any given moment, what percentage of the world’s population is drunk? 4. How many people throughout the world are have a birthday on the same days as you?

The Headlines:

--US Economy Still Expected To Grow In 2011; Economists Lower Expectations Of Pace of recovery.
--New AP/GfK Poll Says 1/3 Of Electorate Still May Switch Candidates; “Fed Up With Democrats “ Is Still Most Impactful Issue; Gay Voters Say They Are Angry With Dems..
--New Air Force Manual Warns Of Swift And Devastating Cyber-Attacks.
--RNC Steele’s “Fire Pelosi Bus Arrives This Morn In RI Just Ahead Of Scott Brown And 0-Man; Prez Not expected To Endorse Dem Caprio During Visit.
--Work Begins On 600 New Homes In West bank.
--Iran Restricts Social Services As “Too Western”.
--Afghans In Helmand Province Said To be Very Angry At Alleged US Bombing Of Mosque That Killed 25.
--Bedbugs Have Potential Tourists cancelling NYC Visit.

Back to More Stuff:
Last week was a bad one for talk radio. And you couldn’t even get away from repetitious politics by going to sports. The sports were pretty much 24/7 on head to head tackling. And the political was all about Juan Williams firing. It just goes on and on. This illustrates a problem with talk radio in general. Each new host/commentator really believes they have a brand new take on something. And there just isn’t any more to a 15 minute story.

I see where the 10 top woman icons who would inspire fashion are Cher, Diane Keaton, Anna Wintaur, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Di, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and now, Lady Gaga. God help us all.

Reading too many Scripts Department:
Have you been following the saga of Randy and Eva Quaid? -- You know Randy, the lesser of the Quaids. Well it just got weirder. The twosome have been sought for several instances of serious trespassing and illegal squatting. They tried to escape to Canada and were nabbed on several warrants. They asked for protective asylum out of “fear for their lives”! Or as stated so eloquently by Eva: “Don’t force us to return. Our lives are in danger. Eight friends including David Carradine and Heath Ledger have been murdered under mysterious circumstances…”. I didn’t make this up. Keep them in Canada so they can’t vote for Democrats.

The headlines the past two days have been full of an hysterical warning of the extinction of tigers. So, I’m thinking, how would that affect me or the rest of the world. Well for sure, bunny rabbits and other cute little furry things would be happier. Princeton would need a new mascot. Siegfried and Roy would be out of work.

10 eastern ski areas were ranked among the top 50 in the world. #1 in the Eastern list was Mt. Tremblant – Quebec. The rest were Whiteface – NY, Stowe – VTY, Okemo – VT, Stratton – VT, Sugarloaf – ME, Sugarloaf – VT, Sunday River – ME, Smugglers Notch – VT and Loon – NH. Sunday River had lots of snow Thursday Morning and was the first in the nation this year to open for good skiing. Gentlemen, Ladies – Start your Shushing!

I remember when Okemo was considered a nice little Mountain laboring under the gigantic shadow of the very popular neighbor Mount Snow.

Who says Obama isn’t creating jobs. Why, right now as I speak, the biggest industry in Rhode Island is the preparation of the dinner for the 0-Man fund raiser at the East Side Providence residence of the Chace’s’. (The Chaces, BTW, are the family who owned Berkshire-Hathaway and sold it to you know who.) The $7,500 a plate affair easily tops the GOP $500/plate luncheon featuring Scott Brown earlier in the day. And the party of the rich is what?

The DOW just finished a third in a row “Up” week. But, it doesn’t seem to know where it is going. There is just a ton of money and enough fund managers looking for bonuses to keep it moving. But economic basics aren’t supporting a boom. Are we in for a January thaw?

Maybe the President “Not Endorsing” him is all Caprio needs to push him over the top. Scuttlebutt around the state is saying that several well known and respected Dems are not voting for Caprio.

The Answer:
1. The “57” stands for the 57 varieties of pickles the company used to offer. 2. ZIP stands for Zoning Improvement Plan which doesn’t seem to have anything to do with mail delivery. 3. At any given moment in the world, 0.7% of the people are drunk. 4. 9,000,000 others (+ -) share the same birthday as you.

The End:
By the way…Wooly mammouths have been extinct for 10,000 years. Has anybody noticed?

Thanks all of you from cities and towns afar for putting up with my Rhode Island observations today. But, just remember that the lunacy that prevails here could overtake your state too if you don’t vote smart.

In the liberal east, those who are close to moderate are considered extreme rightists. In the Midwest and Southwest those who merely conservative are considered socialists.