Food monitoring is out of control.

Today's Tids Issue 2,532
Opening Stuff:

I think one of the reasons that Santorum is looking so good in public forums on TV and on the campaign trail is that in addition to being pretty smart and having some facts, he actually believes in what he is saying.

Our myopic main stream media just assumes that everybody protesting in the streets is right. And, that the protestees are wrong. This blind stance is often an injustice to courageous people who are willing to take on the mistakes of the past and fix them.

People yesterday had fun remembering fondly with smiles on their faces, favorite TV couples of the Past and present. Readers reminded me of a few we missed: Gretchen Kelley and Jack Bauer, Ozzie and Harriet, Jim & Margaret Anderson, Tom Brady and Giselle, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, Spongebob and Patrick Star, Jaide and Beck, Sam Pucket and Freddie Benson (I Carly). For those last three, the reader/sender and mother ended by breaking down in tears and moaning, "I want to be an adult again. I want to be an adult again." Over and over. It was sad.

The Question:

Harris Interactive just interviewed 17000 people in its 13th annual Reputation Quotient Study. Name the top five US companies on the "Most reputable" list.

The Headlines:

--Iran Trumpets Nuclear Advances.
--0-Man Considering Reducing Nuke Arsenal by 80%.
--Greek Leadership Battling To Salvage Bailout Plan.
--Pols Reaching Deal On Reducing SS Contributions And Continuing Jobless Benefits.
--Lexus Tops Dependability Rankings; Most Other Brands Also Showed Improvement.
--China Lays Claim to Lin.
--Houston Relatives Nix Bobby Brown's Attendance At Funeral; WH Fans Applaud.
--0-Man Budget To Eliminate Dozens Of Biz Tax Breaks.
--UN And US Military Analysts Say Syria Not Like Libya; Army Much Better, And Loyal.
--Little Hair Ball "Malachy" Wins Westminster; Peke Beats the Big Guys..

FaceBook Slammed Department:
Most interesting in Harris Survey mentioned in the "Q" above is the major league lack of confidence in FaceBook! The company's Rep waned considerably because 25% of the public hold a negative perception of the company on a wide range iof issues including "Trust and Respect." There are countless privacy concerns with people not trusting FB to do the right thing if there is a problem; FB not maintaining high ethical standards; FB not sincere in its communications; FB not transparent in communicators. Only 7% of FB users would buy stock if offered and...0% would recommend buying stock. Yikes! I have another one -- Why would anybody want to open their lives to the world in the first place?

What part of "There's no more money left in the Treasury" don't Greek Public employees unions (And US State and Local PE Unions) understand?

There is a new TV Channel -- "Dog TV". How much further down will civilization tumble? First, dogs already have humans following them around with little plastic bags. And now they are gaining control of the remote! "Mom, I want to watch Spongebob, but Spot is watching "The Hydrant Chronicals" and growls every time I come in the room."

The fact remains that for the past five years or so during the crucial last minutes when everything is on the line, foes of the NE Patriots have scored at will to win games. And yet, I hear people bickering about the need for a deep threat receiver!

With "friends" like Alan Iverson's, who needs enemies. The basketball star, who made $154 Million, can't pay his bills. He spent most of it financing his entourage of 50 "friends" and for jewelry for his mother. Makes you wonder about the economics of huge salaries for anybody. Too much of it is just spent because it's there -- whether a rock musician, athlete or corporate executive. Too much of it doesn't do enough for the society that endorses free enterprise.

Get this. Yesterday the University of West Virgina agreed to a plan to pay The Big East $20,000,000 so the University could break it;s contract and get to the Big 12 in time for the 2012 Football Season. "$20 Mill!" There must be a lot of money in these student athlete clashes.

There is still tons of money around. America just seems to have forgotten how to get it to the Middle Class.

Irony Department:
Now that Politicians have pretty much put the USA, state and local governments in jeopardy of financial failure because of a consuming addiction to spending, they are turning to gambling as a tax producing solution; Essentially hoping that citizens will become as addicted as they are.

Scientists still can't replicate the materials that spiders use every day to make webs. And every day they hope they can find the key for this material that that could transform construction, product development and medical innovations. Interesting isn't it...Scientists say that God didn't create the world, that it is all an evolution based on natural science . Yet scientists can't figure out how to replicate God's spider juice.

Power Mad Department:
Did you hear about the North Carolina Mother who was irate when her 4 year old daughter came home and said the Teacher told her that her lunch was "bad"! Inside the lunch bag, lovingly prepared by Mom in the morning, was an note: If you dodn't provide healthy meals for your child, we will feed her and bill you $1.25 per day.Just read that statement again. Now, if your stomach has fianlly stopped roiling, think about what is happening here. The Education Department of America is trying to usurp the Free Will of Americans. Get rid of the Department of Education and nannyism.. Oh, the Mom's lunch included a turkey & cheese sandwich, a banana, potato chips and apple juice -- which perfectly meets the USDA standards. BTW, the school substituted chicken nuggets for that and billed the mom!

While we're on the subject, why with distressed school budgets that may lay off teachers, are officials being forced to hire and pay for Food Inspectors anyhow?

The Answer:

This year, Apple bumped Google form the top spot. The rest of the five are Coca Cola, Amazon and Kraft. Notably J&J for the first time in the 13 years did not rank 1 or 2, tumbling to 7. The bottom of the list was JP Morgan Chase, B0fA, Goldman and AIG. It was noted that the bottom three now have a reputaion on the elvel of Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia and Global Crossings. Ugh. But hey, the "What Me Worry" execs still make tons of dough.

I've just about had it with ABC News. In fact am dubbing them: Anchoring Barak's Campaign!

Arab Inquisition?

Today's Tids Issue 2,491
Opening Stuff:

You are not alone in your amazement of the antics of celebs. Kim Kardashian tops the just out "Most Annoying Celebrity" list (There may be truth to the rumor that in the future because the "K's" are so symbolic of Celeb over the top behavior, that it will be known As the "Kardashian List"). The rest in order are Charlie Sheen, Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan Piers Morgan, Kris Jenner, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Donald Trump, and some guy who must be an inside the Glitzway thing, Brett Ratner. Trump nemesis Rosie "O" must be sitting on the sidelines laughing, but she hasn't been back long enough to qualify for this years list. She will return.

The rise of this Arab Spring could result in the decline of Middle East Christians. The dictators are gone or going but the Islamists replacing them seem to be taking aim at Christian establishments. In other words, it's confusion and hopelessness as usual in the land of camels and persecuted women, non-believers. Are we seeing the revenge of the Spanish inquisition?

Christmas Spirit Department:
A good old friend (And great Editor) sent me this song, "The Giver and the Gift", which she and two other women will sing at Midnight Mass in her Ohio town. http://www.myspace.com/music/player Enjoy!

The Question:

Which car company was first to offer heated seats?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Up $275 at 11:11.
--World Guessing Begins As NK Ex Kim Jong Il Lies In State; Soule Puts Military On High Alert.
--Stock Markets Open Stronger.
--Stronger November Housing Starts Report Not Enough To Keep 2011 From One Of Worst Construction Years Ever.
--Egypt Violence Increases; 13 Killed; Hillary Irate.
--Anyone Can Win Iowa Caucus.
--Killer Blizzards Paralyze Midwest Plains.
--AT&T Nixes T-Mobile Deal After Fed Harassment Too Much to Handle.
--Ex-New England Patriot Star To Run For US Senate In Texas.

What does a man know anyhow, Department:
I would have thought those popular Vera Bradley bags had all of the characteristics typical of fashion fads. Yet this product which accounts for 94% of the company's sales must be still doing great as sales this year are up 32%! Yikes. The next thing you will see is company owned store expansion and diversification. Get ready for more belts, wallets, luggage and in home decorative accessories, all with those happy Vera designs.

I will never get used to those emails that arrive urging, "This is funny. Laugh!". I have my assumptive moments, but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt...that maybe they can figure out for themselves that it's funny. Or, the best ever.

Tom Brady seemed to take the field Sunday with an attitude that said, "Tebow, humpf! I'm still the man."

If it wasn't for the media and outspoken opposition, most Repubs would look at this GOP thing as a sorting out process. Who has more to gain by exaggerating the the appearance of confusion in Repub hopes but Obama and the Dems.

Real Person of the Year Department:
RI's Providence Journal says that Time Mag made a mistake by not picking Gina Raimondo as their Person of the Year. In a nation divided and devoid of any real leadership, the RI Treasurer accomplished both resolving an enormously emotional and potentially contentions situation. As the Editorial say, she did with facts over cheap politics; facts the great equalizer.

Oh, and that same Ed praising Dem Gina went on to praise another facts oriented Pol - Wisconsin's GOP'er, Paul Ryan. He in his newest push Medicare reform pulled together a strong facts based Bi-Partisan bill in conjunction with Dem Ron Wyden of Oregon. A bill by the way, which Romney endorses.

San Fran last night did the Pats fans a huge favor by beating the Steelers. This puts the Top Seed in the hands of the New Englanders. The team that ranks last in defense is first in the AFC. Go figure.

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues. --Tucker was still thinking about Samantha as he stepped from the airport to the curb. As if choreographed, a car materialized before him. At once, he saw the now familiar welcoming smile of Audrey, and Samantha flew from his mind. He opened the rarer door, tossed in a small bag, jumped in the front seat, and as if by habit, leaned over and kissed her. She leaned her cheek into his lips, but immediately went back to the task of moving into the mindless traffic and away from the terminal. "Hi!", she said seconds later.
"Nice to come back to such a beautiful welcoming committee of one! I thought Barton would have been with you to arrest me as a fugitive from lunch."
Audrey turned and smiled at him. This was the Tucker she enjoyed, The sarcastic Tucker, whose words seemed to give control his life. And, maybe people around him. "Oh, Tucker, John was not a happy man. I just told him it was just one aspect of an insane man!" She reached over, but this time instead of that little punch, she stroked his upper arm. "I'm sorry I dragged you into that interview. But that's what you get when you make goo goo eyes at an inquisitive reporter. Still friends?"

The Answer:

The soon to be dead Saab was the company who gave us all those warm and cuddly heated seats. Is there anything better in a car in Winter? I don't think so. It is sad that this car will cease to exist. It was an automobile truly loved by its owners. It appears that US Government owned GM put the kibosh on a deal to China that could have saved the car and kept 3,000 Swedes working. Do you think maybe our Gov just doesn't understand the concept of private sector jobs?

Isn't it sad how people and groups never give up hating.

Keep it simple stupid.

Today's Tids Issue 2,278

Opening Stuff:

K.I.S.S. has always meant Keep it simple stupid! But I could also say it means Kids in School Suffer. Not because it is hard, but because in the main the adults have screwed up a good thing.

The problem with education has been and will be the word "Reform". Too many people with degrees want to play in the kids sandbox with their pet theories, when things used to be just fine when left in the hands of the teachers teaching kids who basically understood that getting smarter was the real cool thing.

Only about 18% of Americans think that the New Health Care Bill is ok the way it is. This is according to a brand new Rasmussen poll. Over 75% think it needs to be dismantled and rebuilt or at least have many key areas fixed or eliminated. It needs help. Even several prominent Dems have joined the chorus saying it needs help. Where were they when it was being rammed through Congress without being read? Maybe, every bill done by this overwhelmingly caustic Congress of the past two years should be redone. Passing bills to meet timetables generally results in bad legislation. After about 225 years, I'd have to say that no new bill is absolutely urgent. Because I would guess that somewhere, someplace in the wording of all of the laws and bills that have been placed there is something that can cover just about anything.

The President of China, America's largest creditor, said in advance of this week's meeting with 0-Man, "The Dollar system is a 'Product of the Past'." This society of ours isn't our grandfather's world anymore. The return to normalcy will never be what it has been.

The Question:
Kevin Costner has made some of the worst movies in history and a few of the best. His first one of notoriety was one of my favorites. Name the first and some winners and losers.

The Headlines:

--China's President Hu Jintao Arrives; US Companies Stress Many Goals Including Stopping Theft Of Intellectual Property.
--Baghdad Suicide Bombs Kill 45 Iraqi Police Recruits.
--CitiBank Revenue Report Has Futures Backtracking.
--In Pre-Market Trading, Apple Shares Drop 4.5% Over Job's Health Concerns.
--0-Man Says He Will Review All Gov. Regulations With the View To Eliminate All That Slow Job Creation And Reduce Global Competitiveness.
--UN Seize Iranian Weapon's Shipment In Nigeria.
--Nostalgic Romanians Eye Return To Communism.
--Cheney May Have Heart Transplant; Comedians Ready To Pounce.
--Swiss Bank Whistle Blower Hands Over Cayman Island Secret bank Account Records To Assange And Wikileaks.

Back to More Stuff:
So did you hear about the doctor who fixed his squeaky desk with caster oil?

How Things Change Department:
In Pawtucket RI, the birthplace of America's Industrial might, there is a place called the Kalon Club. In a way it symbolizes success across a manufacturing rich America. It was an exclusive Men's club. You know the kind, scorned by feminists and looked down upon by the self appointed righteous. But in fact, its members (And members of clubs like this over the country) were the people who through their sweat, genius and risk taking investment gave America its solid and critical middle class. The middle class that has always been the core of our country's overall strength in the world economy. But, today I learned that this venerable old Kalon Club will be turned into a marijuana growing farm in the center of Pawtucket. So that is what has become of America. Weed instead of wrenches. Pot instead of productivity. Joints instead of job security. Mary Jane instead of Manufacturing. What's next? I shudder to think.

It stuck me as odd that a section of the Sunday Paper would be called "Beauty", and then would be featuring Snooki. Man, what a mess. Maybe I'm not hip.

Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --She opened the door to cocafony of hustle and bustle. Grand Central Station on the Cove. She felt energized and immediately noticed several faces that may have been familiar. Josh Simpson, editor of the little newspaper, Sara McRusterson who owed the insurance agency, Jerry Hendricks the boat-builder and Margery McNaughton who she rememebred as a policemen and now looked like the chief. Several shot glances at this intruder into their club. But, they all went quickly back to their discussions and laughs, showing no recognition. This was not the homecoming that she had expected. She was sensing a graying of her vision; Like of clouds slowly blocking the sun.
Rather than push as she had with Mrs. Fletcher and Jimmy, she moved towards and sat at an empty seat at the counter. She shuffled the knife and fork, placing them in a design that suited her compulsions. The glow in her face desolated into doubt. She didn't look different. Her hair is still brown and tied back. She still smiles that enormous smile from the heart. She feels she in her perfect place. But, the people she knows or at least thinks she knows, don't seem to be there with her. Now she talks silently to herself, "Maybe Aunt Ginny can sort it out for me. Maybe I have forgotten more than I remembered."
An older waitress approached. Her face looked as sad as Samantha now felt. "Ain't seen you here before," and then she laid down the menu and turned over a cup. "Coffee?"

Some times I get the feeling that Government is letting the costs of traditional fuels rise so the so-called "Green" alternatives won't appear as outrageously high priced and cost inefficient as they are today. Where is the anger over rising gas prices as there were in the Bush era. Actually, elitists and some academics have always liked high gas prices. It makes them feel so "European." And now they like it even better. It makes "Green" appear affordable.

People are now saying that Gold will rise to $25,000/ounce in anticipation of the US government creating massive inflation to pay for the deficit in cheaper dollars.

Most of the people I see shouting "Let's return to civility in our speech.", really only mean that everything will be ok if you agree with them.

Some day, some how, we have to bring down the EPA. The first amendment line on Religion might just do the trick: "Congress shall make no law repecting the establishment of a religion". It might just work, as this powerful and quite arrogant group represents to many a "Religion". They have the unbridled power to force citizens to do their bidding under penalty of severe punishments. They are behaving much the same as the Church of England and the monarchs who created it. Or like the Catholics in the Spanish Inquisition. Or like the Town Fathers Of Salem mass. This goop group knows no bounds and tends to see all average citizens as "witches".

You have to love The New York Post and its Sunday Pre-Game front cover. A large picture showed a right foot with "Go" painted on the big toe nail and J-E-T-S painted on the other four. The huge black Headline above: "Lick-em"!

Next year the New England Patriots, in addition to their division, play the NFC East, AFC West and Pitt and Indy. At home it's NYJ (Again!), Indy, KC NYG, SD, Miami, Dal Buff. Away it is Pitt, NYJ, Phil, Oak, Mia, Wash, Den and Buff. I'm predicting Superbowl. Hey...we're back!

I'm a NIMBY and proud of it.

My spies in Chi-Town report that our Gov. Lincoln Log-head was the subject of ridicule on Chicago Talk Radio Monday Morning. Now there's the kind of national recognition we need to bring in more business. However, I was told by this Tids reader that no matter how bad Chafee-Lite may appear for RI, RI will never be as bad as Illinois.

The Answer:
Some of Kevin's worst were Prince of Thieves, Waterworld and The Postman. The first great Costner film (To me) was No Way Out. He followed that with a great performance as Eliot Ness in The Untouchables. Of course, Dancing With Wolves is is most famous. He was acclaimed for acting but the real achievement was the Best Picture and Best Director awards fro him. Also good were Revenge, Field of Dreams, JFK, Bodyguard and Bull Durham.

The End:
And in closing, a new report says that 45% of college students learn nothing in first two years! Gadzooks. That's $50-100K down the drain and what for? Well the report goes on to say that only 36% learn anything after four years!! Oh, the kids know how to get good grades, but they are retaining little according to testing designed to determine exccctly what they may have learned. Here's how the students say they spend their time during a full week -- 168 hours: 51% of the hours is for socializing, 24% for sleeping, 9% Outside activities (Working, Volunteering, Student activities), 9% attending class and 7% studying.

You think maybe the problems of the education system maybe one of misguided priorities..By all participants?

Hard work improves luck.

Today's Tids Issue 2,252
Opening Stuff:

Pinch me! These Patriots are for real.

A couple of Tids ago I suggested that the real problem with the education of US kids probably isn't the quality of teachers or the system in general, but an over abundance of outside influences pulling upon kids minds. And then someone reminds me of a new song form "Pink": "You're too cool for School." Yup, just what kids need...another excuse not to study.

As far as I can see, the biggest threat to potential terrorists is themselves.

Personally, I think way too much is spent on Christmas gifts. I was impressed, therefore, by the statistic that showed cash buyers spending an average of $41 while credit card users average more than double at $87! In other words, it is possible to control overspending if you create limitations. It's great for post holiday depression.

The Question:
Two parter: 1. A well known children charitable organization was founded in December of 1946. What was it? It also became associated with a another big Holiday. Name the holiday and when it happened. How much do you think has been raised by kids during the holiday effort? 2. Unless she can hook into a Boniva commercial, an actress in her sixties can fall off the radar no matter how successful her past. We like to remember them. Teri Garr had some great roles. Name five. What's she doing now?

Bonus Puzzler: We received a Christmas card with the following statement: "Wishing you all the peace and beauty this holiday season brings...and to the decision makers a rekindled interest in communicating and seeking consensus." What do you think it means?

The Headlines:

--Nation Awaits First senate Vote This Morning On Tax Plan.
--Stock futures Rise, Bonds Fall Ahead Of Vote.
--Midwest Cattle Brokerage Company Collapses Owing Ranchers $130 Million; Several Cattle Ranches Could Go Under.
--Palin Visits Haiti; Says It Is Much Harsher Then Imagined.
--National Stress Over Economic Woes Falls To 18 Month Low.
--Snow Buries Midwest.
--As San Francisco Plan Wavers, Newport RI Could be Back On Top As America's Cup Host.
--Ahmadinejad Fires Forign Minister; names Nuclear Chief As Top Diplomat.

Back to More Stuff:
With the addition of Adrien Gonzales and Carl Crawford to the Red Sox, there is a lot of talk up here about Boston as the sports dynasty town considering that the Celtics and Pats are on top and the Bruins are near the top. But depending on what the Chicago baseball teams do in the off season, the same can be said of Chicago with strong showings to date by the Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks. Sports homer-ism is a lot like ideological political thinking where people fail to recognize good ideas in others.

And, by the way, even though my heart is quaking with the Sox additions, I still don't like the big market, small market division in major league baseball. I still believe that a balanced schedule (With no inter-league play) would be the best thing especially if the KC's, Pitts and other step children ( farm teams for the Bigs) are competitive. Ecery game having some importanmce is much better than a few big time rivalries mainly promoted for big TV.

So, did you hear about the ancient King Ozymandias who was low on cash in his war against the Hittites? Desperate, he went to a local pawnbroker Croesus to sell the most valuable diamond of the times, The Star of Euphrates. Croesus offered him 100,000 dinars. Ozymandias was aghast: "I paid a million dinars for it! Don't you know who I am? I am the King!" Croesus replied: "When you wish to pawn a star, makes no difference who you are."

This Bush tax Cuts thing has turned into exactly what the people voted against last November...A giant earmarks boondoggle. Business as usual. When somebody in DC says "Compromise" read that as "Earmarks". Do you think it will all stop when the Tea Party-ers become more influential next year? Everybody will be watching.

Why do they bury politicians 3 times deeper than average citizens? Because deep down, politicians are good people! I just had to steal that from the "Shoe" comic strip. Thanks.

I see where the cute, innocent and adorable Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) allowed herself to be video'd smoking some kind of new hallucinate drug! And today I learn is the day that Taylor Swift turns 21 so she can join the other role models doing outrageous things...legally.

If the American Film Institute has the ear of Hollywood, then it looks like the leading Oscar contendersbased on the AFI's Top Ten of 2010 list will be Inception, The Fighter, The Black Swan, Toy Story 3, The Social Network, The Town, True Grit, The Kids are Alright, 127 Hours and Winter's Bone. The AFI also strongly suggests that the British film The Kings Speech will be in the running. Get out you scorecards.

Living in the east, you see colleges struggling to get a few fans into a game. I think it's some kind of intellectual elitism thing. So when you hear that 113,000 packed the U Mich stadium for a hockey game in frigid weather, you see dramatically the differences in attitudes by region. No matter how hard the Politicians try to homoginize us. Viva la defferance'!

The Answer: 1. UNICEF has become a giant world wide charitable organization with 191 offices since its beginning as an emergency organization established by the UN to meet the needs of children in post war Europe. In 1950 a minister's wife in Philly recruited her children and neighborhood kids to collect money for the organization. they raised $17 and sent it in. UNICEF liked the idea and in 1953 created the "Orange Boxes." Children in US and Canada have raised over $239 million! 2. Lakewood Ohio's Teri Garr started as a background dancer in many films include 9 Presley movies. Her first significant speaking part was in The Conversation. She was nominated for an Oscar for Tootsie. Other big films were Young Frankenstein, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, One From the Heart, Mr. Mom, After Hours and The Black Stallion. In 2002 she announced that she had MS and in 2006 suffered a brain aneurysm. Now in her wheelchair she works hard for charity. Her good humor has never wavered.

Bonus "Q" Answer: I'm thinking this old but rarely seen friend must be a rabid Obama supporter who now looks for the kind of bi-partisanship his guy(s) never offered as they have now been neutralized and can no longer bludgeon Republicans.

The End:
Lose a little sleep tonight and see best meteor shower.

I just wonder how much society will change by the end of next year.

Cleveland Rocks.

Today's Tids Issue 2,229
Opening Stuff

The Cleveland Browns was the latest NFL team to prove the "On any given Sunday" theory. They were magnificent in every department. Blocking, tackling, QB-ing, receiving and most of all running. What kind of an unstoppable force is that guy Hillis. Their coaches had the Patriots off balance all afternoon. Is this the beginning of a Superbowl run for the wonderful people of Cleveland. Or just a tease ...driven by several coaches wanting to get even with Belicheck.

Well, they ruined my week.

Of course the Tids goes on even under the cloud of deep depression. This just in: "A fly with a broken wing is a walk."

The press loves to point out how Meg Whitman spent !40 Milllion in her Cal race for Gov. What they don't say is that the Public Employee Unions have spent over $300 Million the past several years to keep their bankruptcy inducing gravy train going.

The Question:
With our Muslim raised Prez touring Hindu India, I thought you might like a little poser on that religion. Just so you know what's what. What are the four main dieties of Hindu? What are the essential duties of a good Hindu.

The Headlines:

--One Beast In Conn Uncivilized Family Murder Gets Death Penalty; Father Speaks; I Cried.
--Dems In House Telling Nancy To get Out.
--Yemen U.S. Born Cleric Issues New Calls For Deaths Of Americans.
--RI Wakes To Snow This Morn.
--Dollar Stronger; Markets Down.
--Karsai And Iran Making Goo-Goo Eyes.
--Pentagon Says Afghans Can Protect Themselves In 2014
--Israel Moves Ahead On East Jerusalem Housing.
--Popularity Of New Jeep Grand Cherokee Has Chrysler Looking Up At Brighter Future.

Back to More Stuff:
The media continues to reinforce the idea of the "Bush recession", with inferences to the Tax Cuts and the runaway Wall Street Fat Cats as being the main culprits.. Wall Street's irresponsible packaging of bad loans was certainly a major contributor. But so were the millions of people who took loans which they no ability to pay. And, that is the underlying issue which enabled the greedy on Wall Street to shoot themselves in the head. What is continulaly overlooked is the pressure that was brought to bare upon banks to move to bad loans in the first place. Like Obama the Community Organizer lawyer for Acorn who was involved in suing CitiBank, pressuring them into bad loans. And of course similar action by Andrew Cuomo and the loveable little Teddy Bear - Barney.

My knew favorite singer is the Swedish performer Robyn. Well...I like one of her songs -- something to do with Heart!

Here's a good idea. Keep in your phone people's names you would never call just so you don't mistakenly answer when they do call.

How Newspapers get it wrong department:
A woman who won the RI Treasurer job in the past election got by far the most votes of all candidates for all offices. Of course the democrat driven media immediately declared her the new political phenom and a Pol to be reckoned with in the future. I voted for this dull as dishwater candidate because her Republican opposition was a sleaze-bag, and quite possibly a crook.

And in a headline yesterday, RI Democrat pamphlet (Projo) ran the headline: "Obama to GOP: Extend the Middle Class Tax Cuts." Say what? The GOP never had any intention of canceling middle class cuts. This is clear deception by inference. Journalists don't have to lie to distort!

So, did you hear about the day Leif Ericson came upon the little lemming who was about to jump off a cliff into a river? Leif said "Don't jump little Lemming!" He took the lemming and gave it to his assistant who taught it how to wade across instead of jumping off a cliff. If Leif hands you Lemming, Make Lemmings wade!


The Patriot's loss made me do it!

The Answer:
There are many dieties but ten foru most important are Brahma (The Creator), Vishnu (The Perseerver), Shiva (The destroyer) and Kali/Durga/Parvati (The tri-incarnated Goddess - Death and Destruction, maiden, Mother.) A good Hindu Lives Life according to your Place; Practice and Observe religion; Fundamental: remember that the world is an Illusion -- One must master the the worldly flesh (Control over Body, Cravings and Emotions) to escape and attain spiritual; enlightenment. So, remeber that the next time you enter a convenience store.

The End:
A couple of days ago, I was sitting in the Boston Bus station waiting to pick up a daughter and grandchild. Out of the cornner of my eye, I saw appraoching a Mideastern couple. The man took off his coat and headed off to the men's room. The woman sat next to me. I checked her midsection for suspicious lumps. It's the new world.

The "Mistake on the Lake" is the New England Patriots.

In case you're interested, I think very little of people who use the phrase "Mistake on the Lake". Cleveland is a great city.

The Joke’s on us.

Today's Tids Issue 2,217

Opening Stuff:

I guess the reason Jon Stuart and other comedians have become active in the political progress is because they thought Congress was part of their union too. At San Fran’s Hungry I we hear Nancy Pelosi crack up the sheep, “We have to pass this bill so we find out what’s in it!” LOL. Tears in eyes. God, these jokers are good. And then over in LV on the big sate of New York, New York the Reidman is saying, “All taxes are voluntary!” God, I’m laughing so hard it’s killing me.

India, Russia and Germany’s swift and utter rejection of Geithner’s “Proposal for numerical targets for sustainable trade surpluses and deficits (Which would greatly favor the US growing deficit) is just the latest example of how in the old world where the US got what the US wanted is a world that has passed us by. We seem to be just another player among the major economic players.

The riots in France and Greece and other socialist countries show clearly that the entire idea of entitlements is a bad one. People who get fired from jobs don’t get anywhere as angry as those who have taken away something they never earned in the first place.

The Question:
First! I have to give you the answer to yesterday’s Bonus Q. (I forgot it in the answer segment) The 1st newspaper to announce the bombing of Pearl Harbor was the Westerly (RI) Sun which came out with the full story Sunday afternoon. Charles Utter, the long time Editor, was a member of a religion called the 7th Day Baptists who in 1679 broke away fro the original Roger Williams Baptist Church so they could worship on Saturday! Thus they were at work early Sunday Morning. Today’s Question: There are many jokes about husband’s mothers-in-law, but the wives may be suffering more. Wives were asked if they would rather see their mother-in-law or go to a gynecologist, stay home and clean house, do jury duty, do taxes or have a root canal. What do you think are the percentages for each?

The Headlines:

--Misinterpretation Of Mayan Calendar Postpones “End Of Earth” Indefinitely.
--Toyota Recalling 1.53 Million Lexus, Avalon and Other Models For Brake Fluid And Fuel Pump Problems.
--Positive Earning’s reports From US Companies Have World Stocks Surging.
--9th Circuit court: Keep “Don’t Ask…” As Is.
--Stewie, Worlds Longest Cat, Is Purr-fect 4 Feet From Nose To Tail Bone.
--Nokia Cuttin 1,800 Jobs Following String Q3 Report.

Back to More Stuff:
Did you happen to see the septic tank truck with the sign on its side that said “Yesterday’s meals on wheels.” Or at church, “7 Day’s without God makes one Weak.” And of course the Plumber, “Don’t sleep with a drip; call your plumber.”

You want to hear drivel? I’ll tell you where you can hear drivel. It’s on the Larry King Show with a fawning LK interviewing Jon Stuart on the ills of the Tea Party.

Every time the US Auto Industry needs a boost, Toyota issues a major recall. What a great marketing plan.

The hardest days of the beautiful Fall months is “Bye Week”.

Jeez, was last week’s Pick-em’ Spot awful. I have not seen as unpredictable season as this in along time. This week, the hot TV game is between the Giants and the “expert’s” fave, the 1-4 Cowboys. I’m saying the Cowboys go 1-5 as the Giant’s “D” keeps room a roamin’ out of the pocket. I’ also can’t go against what looks like my rejuvenated Pats team. They are playing with the vigor and guts they showed in the early 2000’s. On the rest for the most part, I’m going home team in this any team can win season. So the winners are Balt, Chi, Atlanta, Tenn, Pitt, TB, NO, KC, SF, Seattle, Denver and GB. Last week another mediocre 7-7 bringing the year to 57-33. Will this be the comeback week? I have no way of telling.

The thing that has bothered me most over the years about the New England Patriots is watching Jonathon, Myra and Robert Kraft give each other “High Fives” at the end of victories. They just look like people out of touch trying to look like Joe Lunchpail. And, frankly, I feel the same way about myself when I am forced into returning a high five.

Sign over a Gynecologist’s office “Doctor Johnson at your cervix.” And the the sign on the door to the maternity delivery room: “Push, Push, Push.”

The Answer:
51% of wives would rather to housework than sit before the throne of Mom-In-Law. In fact many wives call her Monster-in-law. 36% would take the gynecologist, 30% jury duty, 28% taxes and root canal. But, it is even worse than that. 76% said they would never take parenting advice from m-o-l, 83% would never ask for relationship advice and 94% would seek sex life advice. Which actually makes a lot of sense.

The End:
Really, what wouold be the difference if trained comedians ran the government instead of elected comedians. At least, press conferences would be funny. And how about ta laugh riot State of the Union. The Justices would be rolling on the floor!