The garbage is starting to smell.

Today's Tids Issue 2,513
Opening Stuff:

So, a few minutes ago "sources" have confirmed that Perry is dropping out and throwing his support behind Newt.

The Catholic Church says there is no Limbo any more. So if the GOP race appears once again to be back in there, then it must be nowhere.

But, this new(t) scenario (Newt 33%; Mitt 32% in SC) will be short lived as a former Newt wife Marianne is expected to throw new slime into the race by diminishing the integrity of Gingrich-speak. She will say that the former Speaker once told her that, "it doesn't matter what I do, people just want to hear what I say.".

Of course, the "0"-Man has helped out a bit with the overt political decision to nix the pipeline. If you're thinking I'm exaggerating the political side of this decision, then why did the White House make "this decision" a centerpiece of a fundraising effort sent out last night?

This is not a pretty opening for the Tids today, but it kind of illustrates why Americans are just plain fed up.

The Question:

Quick! Give me three Everly Brothers hits.

The Headlines:

--Obama Kills Pipeline To Assuage Lib Base; labor Upset.
--New unemployment Claims Fall 52,000 To 4 Year Low.
--Might Kodak Declares Bankruptcy; Ironically, Kodak Was Inventor Of Digital Photography.
--New Bank Earnings Reports Positive But Feeble; B0A, Morgan Stanley Latest To Stumble In.
--Iowa Now Says After final, Final Count That Santorum Won Iowa; Repub Leaders Officially Calling It A Tie.
--National Average 30 year Mortgage Rate Down To 3.88%.
--Congress backing Off PIPA, SOPA After Yesterday's Protests.
--Florida Polls: Average of All Polls -Romney 40.5%, Gingrich 22, Santorum15.
--Italian Rescue Teams Resume Search For Missing.
--Four Inches Of Snow Brings Seattle To Knees; Forecast "Snowmageddon" Less Than Predicted But Too Much For Seattle.

Do you think Black Leaders will be upset if I keep calling this 2012 debacle a race?

After last night, the leader in the American Idol clubhouse appears to be Phillip Phillips. I don't know many of the names yet, but I thought is aw some pretty good competitors emerging from the Savannah auditions. Last night's AI premiere, made X-Factor look pretty abysmal, didn't it?

Hints about new revenue reports from Microsoft due out today suggest that the Giant is losing it's grip on American computing. It is an arthritic condition called tabloiditis.

It was interesting to note that the percentage of 16-29 year olds with driver's licenses has fallen from 80% in 1983 in to 67% now; 16 Year Olds from 50% to 33%. Could it be that people are just sitting inside on social media sites and Skyping? What a dreadful life.

There is nothing wrong with somebody paying 15% income taxes. Most of those paying 15% already paid 30% on the original generation of the money now producing from investments.

It isn't just the Billionaires who are benefiting from the low capital gains tax. More-so, it is the average hardworking person trying to liquidate investments for retirement.

It seems appropriate that this morning that the Prez will make his latest economy speech in Disney World. Can you say Micky Mouse? And...how about those people who have saved up for the big trip with their kids only to find "Main Street" closed for a politcal speech only designed to blunt the publicity generated by the Republicans for the Florida primary. and who's paying for this trip? Let's hope it's his campaign fund, becasue it certainly doesn't have anything to do with making the USA a better place. It's a small world after all.

The Answer:

Wake up little Suzie was always one of my favorites...probably because I had a great daughter named Susan. The Everly brothers -- Don and Phil -- 33rd on the 100 All Time Greatest Artists List also had hits Bye, Bye Love, All I have To Do Is Dream and Cathy's Clown (Another daughter).

Last night Jimmy Carter essentially called Newt a racist. This is the kind of talk which will keep the racial divide alive forever. He was a bad President, and despite being seen with a hammer at habitat for Humanity, he is basically the great divider. So, I worry if those houses he worked on will stand.

"Well, that's Politics".

Today's Tids Issue 2,508
Opening stuff:

The Golden Globes were on TV last night. I'm glad I had a good book.

You know how vehement the Government regulators get about commercial advertisers who may imply things that aren't exactly true. Why can't we poor citizens who are beholden to prevaricating candidates in political campaigns demand that anything in commercials "Taken out of Context" be considered totally illegal. It certainly makes sense to me. It would be a start towards getting a more informed voter.

Correction Department: This is not good for the image. If I could spell, this Tids might be readable. In describing the ingredients of a veggie burger yesterday I tried to be humorous in closing by suggesting you add an "a" and a "n" to the name of their restaurant Choklad. Of course that would give you "Choakland" which wouldn't spell anything and you all would look blankly at the page. I should have said add an "e" and "n" for Chokeland. It was a bad attempt at a joke in the first place. Sorry.

The Question:

Who were Motown Record's greatest stars?

The Headlines:

--New Jobless Claims Rise To 6 Month High To Hair Under 400,000; Dramatic Rise Surprises Analysts.
--December Retail Sales Rise Weakest In 7 Months.
--Successful Debt auctions In Spain, Italy Has Stock Market Looking Up Even As US Numbers Fall Short Of Expectations.
--New "What If Election Was Today" Polls: CBS -- Mitt 47, "0" 45; Quinipiac -- Mitt 46, "0" 44; Polls Taken Yesterday.
--Romney Opposition Continue Maniacal Course Intent On Disparaging Basic Capitilistic Company Saving, Creation Mechanisms.
--DNC, Obama Jointly Raise $68 Mil In Q4; Last Night's $35K/Plate dinner In Chi To Ad To Totals.
--Ahmadinejad Denounces Capitalism In Cuba Visit Speech; Joins Newt In Outbursts Against America's Innate Strength.
--Royal Bank Of Scotland to Can 3,500 Investment Bankers; US Citizen's Bank HQ's In RI Seems Untouched.
--Taliban To Talk Peace With "Karsai, Illegitimate Stooge Of The West"; Fighting Will Continue During Talks.

If it is to be Newt Gingrich running against the "0", I won't vote. His destroy Romney, disparage US free enterprise campaign is exactly what's wrong with US politics that contributes to a divided culture, and frankly it is disgusting.

The first week of Tids Playoff Picks was exactly that -- weak. The Giants showed up with their Championship face, Cincinnati did what it always did this year in games against good teams and the Tebow mystique reemerged. Baltimore should be the easiest game to pick and the Pats are picked to win by the most points -- as they have been in their last three playoff games and lost. NO and SF is the toughest to pick, but I rank the GB-NYG right there too. For the NFC, I'm going with the GB homefield advantage, the fact that NO is playing better than anybody. In the AFC, Brady is looking mean in the dressing room, obviously not wanting to be embarrassed as he has in the previous three playoff games. Brady and the Pats determination will overcome fleeting magic for the Broncos and the miracle man. I think that Houston will upset Baltimore.

People who condone lying and the bastardization of the truth with the words "Well, that's Politics" is like society saying bad behavior is acceptable with phrases like "Manny being Manny" or "Lindsey doing her Lindsey thing" or "How About that Charlie Sheen".

You think labor negotiations are illogical in the US...how about the current situation at the China X-Box factory. Dozens of workers there climbed the roof of the factory to and threatened suicide. Do you get the feeling that the Chinese don't take things casually?

The Governor of RI is promoting the new Air/Rail location as a great draw for new companies coming to the state. The only reason the air/rail complex would be enticing to prospective companies is so they can get out fast when the see the high taxes and general anti-biz climate. The Gov may hire Newt to head up the economic development department.

I see where in RI public employees, firemen and Police are picketing Brown U because it doesn't pay taxes. Maybe Borwn and other Providence U's should picket state buildings, firehouses and police stations who also do not pay taxes.

The saddest thing in current politics is that the Obama systematic condemnation of the rich and successful is taking hold as a way to divide the country. This is the fodder from which socialist societies are nourished.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --Audrey reached over and touched his hand. "This really is a beautiful evening, Tucker. Lil's was a masterful choice." Tucker looked at her quizzically. Audrey noticed his expression. She felt her stomach tighten. "Some day, I'll have to rid myself of my sarcastic tongue. It isn't fitting for a night like this, is it?" Tucker loosened his lips into the beginning of a smile. Audrey felt cold creeping up her spine.
He squeezed her hand slightly, and then rubbed his finger softly atop her hand. "Maybe I am a little frustrated. We have had a nice trip together. Maybe your humor and...well maybe I saw something in you about me that was good. Maybe I just jump to conclusions about women." His hand left Audrey's and picked up a the bottle of wine, and poured without asking. She didn't want any more wine, but also didn't want to interrupt this quieter moment. "You may laugh at this, but I though that at sometime we might have something together. You know... like... Jeez I sound like a damn teenager..." He laughed loud. I guess being jilted is my destiny." His eyes closed.
"I never said anything about jilting or leaving you." She almost shouted it. Too loud she thought. Too panicky. Calm down. Don't get excited. "I'm enjoying tonight. I'm a reporter. I've always been a loner. I have to get used to sharing myself with somebody. You make it easy Tucker. You make it easy." He noticeably relaxed and now genuinely smiled. He reached over and then just looked off at nothing.
"What do you think Barton is thinking about Rudy's death?" Audrey felt her thighs press into the chair.

The Answer:

Ok, how about Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, Four Tops, Isley Brothers, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvelettes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes with Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Darin and one of their earliest big names -- Billy Eckstein. "That old black magic has me in its spell, that old black magic that I know so well...".

Every time I hear music of the early Motown days I think of standing around in the Army PX beer garden. Lots of guys pouring quarters into the Juke box. That uncomplicated music made the daily grind of army life a little brighter. Perhaps I should put on the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas when the Politicians start misusing the truth.

Waiting for Christmas rally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,488

Opening Stuff:

Occupy Amazon Department:
A few years ago our Tids Financial Department Editor suggested there may be an opportunity for a big box store that physically displayed tons of products as an aid to on-line buyers. I guess at that time I felt bad for the retailers, who are just used by Internet buyers. You know those hard working people who have to pay for the inventory and the help and the insurance and the rent; who may have invested their life savings into a business...to facilitate Buying On-Line. Of course now it is worse than ever, as more and more click to buy than ever before. You probably know that Amazon and others have an App that allows people to scan bar-codes in the shops of honest hardworking folks to find the best price, and then report it to Amazon -- who will give a discount to buy it there. If the company had any moral sense at all and fallowed standard Biz practices, they should pay the retailer a commission for helping drive the sale to them (The smart phone would record the point of price determination). The next sign you'll see next to that warning "No shirt,' no shoes, no entrance", should be "No Smartphones."

Newt Gingrich seems to have the ability to be whoever he wants. He wasn't conservative nor even a Republican when he damned Romney for his business tactics while at Bain Capital in turning around and invigorating businesses that provided far more jobs than those lost in the process.

The Question:

Name five of the most notable Political Consultants over the past several decades.

The Headlines:

--Market Looks To Recover; Debt Worries Dampening Enthusiasm After Positive Opening.
--New Jobless Claims At 3 1/2Year Low; Factory Data Not So Rosy.
--Morgan Stanly To Cut 1,600 Jobs.
--US Military Lowers Flags In Iraq.
--Dems Drops Tax The Rich From Discussions.
--Former French Prez Chirac Found Guilty Of Embezzling Funds.
--Putin Rejects Vote Re-Do.
--Defense Budget Passed After Removing Restrictions About Terrorist Prisoners; WH Says Prez Will Sign.

In response to our little Tid on "Worst Execs" for 2011, many readers were amazed that Corzine wasn't #1? The reason is that he is just a thief while the others were just the incredibly inept managers.

I am really happy that many, many years ago I gave up watching those droning Barbara Walters interviews. I hear the big one last night was basically unwatchable.

XFactor: Another program that is tough to watch, had it's final four sing-off last night. People were still annoyed by last week's cowardly Rachel booting, and booed Judge Nicole whats-her-name roundly at the opening. But, the show went on and the audience selected songs were better. Marcus Camby proved again why he should have been eliminated four shows ago. In the course of saving him we lost two excellent singers, Drew and Rachel. I don't particularly like Chris Rene, but he delivered on his second song. Melanie Amaro showed her class and professionalism again, and is clearly one who can win it all. Josh Krajcik was at his best and I thought the combinations of his two song selections showed his range better than the rest. Three minus Camby return next week. My final two right now would be Josh and Melanie. But Chris, the Hip-Hopper with a very strong stage presence and fan base, could win it all. But not with my vote.

This campaign for higher taxes on the rich is simply a strategy to divide the country for political purposes. The problem still remains over spending, and taxing the so-called rich is irrelevant as a solution. Period. But, alas, every President has set himself up as a defender of some bogeyman, and in 0-Man's case, his evil monster is "The Successful".

I guess the good news is that alcohol consumption by teens is way down. The temptation to jump up and down and an sing Alleluia! is tempered by knowing that at rapidly increasing rate, they are loving Pot! For medical purposes only, of course.

Pretty good Newt speech, if you are interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMjjce2Y

The Answer:

James Carveille pops into my mind, probably because his annoying New Orleans twang is ingrained in the back of my brain. Of, course the man in the Spotlight now is the latest Kingmaker, David Axelrod. But, few were better than Lee Atwater and even Pat Caddell who amazed the world by getting Jimmy Carter elected. Then there is Carl Rove who I dislike about as much as Paul Begala's incessant spinning. Another big player who twice came close to pushing mediocre Candidates -- Gore and Kerry -- into the Oval Office, is Bob Schrum. The only two political consultants I enjoy listening to are Mary Matalin and George Stephanopolis.

You know things are tough when the traders on Clueless Lane can't manipulate the market in their favor to pad year end bonuses. Hey, wait a minute, they probably are manipulating the markets in their favor. I guess I really meant my favor.

People are talking to me about January already. I thought it was still September.

Steel to cupcakes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,465
Opening Stuff:

I'm declaring the next year starting now as the "Dead Zone". Nothing will happen, beginning with the SuperCommittee. Our fearless leader will spend the time accusing other people of doing nothing while he puts off all major decisions to 2013. Future history books will color this era gray, when it should be fiery red and orange! It should be the era when the future of the nation began to be saved.

Why would Penn State think it a good idea to put in as interim a coach who has been with the program for 25 years. A coach who has probably been friendly with the PS Rapist, and has at least by osmosis seen or sensed it all. He's probably a nice guy, but...

I'm finding that this medicine I take for a bit of a lung problem is getting to be rather expensive. Through exhaustive research, I have determined that Cheetos Dust does pretty much the same thing. I'm in touch with The New England Journal of medicine.

The Question: 
Bernanke keeps on telling us that inflation is not a problem and that he expects to meet his 2% goal. Hmmm. How much will the cost of a Thanksgiving meal go up this year, and which items will go up the most?

The Headlines:

--Euro-Angst Could Depressing Stocks Today.
--New England No-name Defensive Backfield Rises To The Occasion Defeating The J-E-T-S 37-16 Pat's Fans Come Back from the Precipice.
--Italy's New Premiere Rushes To Apply Sound Economics To New Government.
--Police Clear Out Oakland OWS Swamp; Other Cities Taking Action Against City Campers.
--Jordan's King Abdullah Tells Syrians Assad To Step Down.
--Penn State Victims Begin Civil Suit.
--Buffet Says EuroZone Still A Major Worry; Economists Say US Is Years Away From Euro-Style debt Crisis. They Add Though -- Action Must be Taken Now To Preserve Stability In Future.

Whatever happened to P.J.O'Rourke?

A vote among NFL players said that the Coach they dislike most was NYG's Tom Coughlin followed by Tony Sparano and Bill Belichick! Oddly, the three who were ahead of the rest by a wide margin, are all disciples of Bill Parcels.

I see that the Federal Government allowed their employees to leave an hour early on the day before Veterans Day -- A day that is hallowed but rarely taken off in the private sector. I'm thinking that if we gave the 16 Million or so Fed employees an hour off a week with no pay, we could save about $9,984,000,000 a year (Based on average hourly wage of $12.00)! Yikes.

I drove through my home town a couple of days ago. Through my leafy quiet, modest neighborhood where totally pleasant memories abound. A shimmering glint caused me to glance up...and I felt crushed. The rush to build skyscrapers in the downtown is squashing my childhood!

Show me a pile of money and I'll show you thieves gathering like a swarm of flies over a carcass. And there is no larger pile of money than that in the Federal Government.

And how about that Government of ours? The department of Agriculture proposed a 15% fee atop of the cost of Christmas Trees! Zowie...right at the heart. They said it was for a fund to help promote the Christmas tree industry. But, wait a damn minute. The Christmas Tree Association should create its own fund from member growers and not rush to the government like every other gimme group. What ever happened to private enterprise initiative?

Speaking of Christmas and the gimme crowd, I notice a homeless person with a can in his stretched out hand and a sign in the other that read: "Happy Holidays". I told him that if it had read "Merry Christmas", I might have been interested.

Like we have been hinting here for some time now, Newt has risen to the top of leaderboard in the GOP Tournament. Let's face it, he is smart, he can debate and he drives the other side nutty. He was part of the joint effort working with President Clinton (Yes, as speaker "Working With") developing programs that actually reduced the deficit. I can see his slogan now: "I've done it. I can do it again." IDIICDIA!

Almost Near: Chapter 49 continues. --Sparrow looked at Samantha for what seemed to her like five minutes. "Wawl, Mrs., what was your last name?.. Quimper..."
"Quimpierre, Just call me Samantha, it's easier."
Wawl, I've bin thinkin'." He looked at her seriously, but in a kinder way. Ah bin thinkin' that if your commin back here knowin' that we were lookin for you cause of the accident and the injury to that lawyer, than you musta had somethin to tell us. Tell me what you think about that memory loss of yours."
Samantha told her as much as she could remember and it probably sounded very confusing to Detective John Sparrow. "You're frowning, "Samantha said in a humorous town. She laughed to herself a little, "Frankly I ve been frowning a lot lately myself, so I find it kind of amazing that you actually understand that I might know something."
Sparrow just waved for her to continue. But, he was smiling a little now too.
"I think what has been driving me is something I feel about a man named Tucker Lafitte who they say I originally knew as Tommy Lambert.

I like the idea behind the new Catholic mass book. They have said and I felt in the sixties that the words of the Mass went a little too pedestrian; That the the immensity of God was denied in the over-simplification of the words. So, the Bishops are proposing what we should be looking for in the leaders of the our land. Raise the bar. Don't give into the lowest common denominator. Take off your hats in restaurants and church. What's so hard about that?

The Answer: 
This year's feast on the greatest family holiday of them all will be 13% higher at $49.20. (In 1986 the meal costs$28.24.) The foods measured were 16 pound Turkey, gallon of milk, 30oz can Pumpkin mix, 1/2 pint whipped cream, 14oz cubed stuffing, 1 lb green beans, 12 rolls, 3 lbs sweet pots, 12 oz cranberries, 1 lb relish tray, 2 pie shells. Ahem...where's the gravy? The turkey had the highest increase at 22% followed by Pumpkin Pie mix (15.6), Whipped cream (15.2), Green Peas (16.6), Milk (12.9), Stuffing (9.1), and rolls (8.5%). The other items were around 2.2% except for the relish tray which actually went down...proving once again that relish trays look attractive but nobody wants celery and carrots. Oh, maybe Mrs' "0".

If you take the Turkeys out of T-Day dinner we can lower inflation. If we take the Turkeys out of Washington, we can lower the deficit.

It ain't what it is.

Today's Tids #2,430)
(Written: 9/27)
Opening Stuff:


I have mixed emotions about this Amanda Knox thing. I think there's a lot more going on behind that sweet innocent appearing face, and that she may be a master at disguising it.

Every time I look at the political landscape, Dems unhappy with 0-Man and Repubs disillusioned with everyone, I'm thinking Hillary sneaking through in 2012.

And, Newt Gingrich with his game face on can take anybody in a debate including a possible Dem Candidate. Unfortunately he evokes a passion among voters similar to that of Red Sox fans for John Lackey.

The bunch of kids diving off a wharf created a lot of pier pressure.

The Question: 
Bonus Day! 1. Name five Jackie Gleason characters. 2. Apparently a guy named Matt Kemp of the LA Dodgers may become the first guy to win baseball's triple Crown (Average, RBI's, Homers) since...what year? Name the five previous winners.

The Headlines:

--Progress With Greece Portends Better Days On Wall Street. (That Is Until WS Traders Need A Sell Off -- Greece Will Be Bad Again).
--Congressional Haggling Has Disaster Victims Up In Air.
--Fighting Continues In Syria, Libya And Yemen.
--Typhoons Pound Philippines; Tens Of Thousands In India Stranded By Floodwater's.
--S&P Sees Some Liquidity Problems With China Property developers.

It looks like 1 1/2 Men to me.

Tell me again why I'm supposed to feel sympathetic towards people who broke the law coming to our country, putting their kids in jeopardy dragging them along with them.

Last night I was stwtching channels between the Red Sox and Monday NFL games when I came across two chunky people in a ridiculously inane conversation. I thought it was the Biggest Loser. But then they started dancing, if you call it dancing, and amidst thunderous approval from a naive audience I found it was Chaz Bono and his/her partner. What farce. I watched it for 30 seconds.

Don't you think it's about time to retire the headline: "Diana Nyad forced to quit swim."

To the average outsider RI looks like a Union driven State, and for the most part with respect to economics, it is. But there is another slice of Rhode Island, beyond the state legislature, beyond the hitmen, beyond the jobless standing in lines -- "Swamp Yankees"! these are the rock-ribbed, hardworking, invisible communities of people who's ancestors probable helped settle the cities first, and then outreaches later...as far back as the 1640's. Many were probably outcasts back then, or just people who didn't like hanging around with he masses. They moved or were assigned by the establishment towards the cheapest land generally near a swamp. They reflect the industirousness of Wasps past and now live for the most part without wanting or requiring big Government fixes. Yup, RI is much more than the Illegal Alien State.

The US manufacturing industry is seriously heading towards a "so-called "Lights-Out" discipline, meaning that machines will do more and more of the work without people. It's one of the few ways to bring manufacturing back to an America void with people skilled enough to do the work of past generations, and probably the only way US manufacturers can compete in the new global economy. Of course, the problem is that this onetime foundation for higher income middle Americans will need fewer and fewer people. But...it doesn't appear that the declining job opportunities will be only relegated to manufacturing! The service industry jobs are under attack too. For instance, restaurants are putting IPads on tables so customers can view the menu, choose their items and pay their bills (Including splitting between credit cards) without the aid of a waiter or a waitress. Lower paid (And tipped) Servers will deliver whatever the consumer plugs into the tablet, which could be requests for more water, new silverware. et. al. in addition ot the meal. The consumer comes out ahead with a sense of immediacy and lower tipping.

So, if all of this technology replaces lots and lots of jobs, what will the people do? It's kind of a discouraging dilemma isn't it. With the potential for a return to single earner households, which would undoubtedly produce serious deflation among other negative results. The good news is that the US would be able to compete with third world countries.

Maybe the decline of the Red Sox is casting a gloom throughout the Tids room today.

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Samantha huddled down in the boat, listening again. Was she mistaken, or is somebody out there.
"Samantha." It was here name and the vice sounded closer. Did anyone see her or is it a coincidence. It sounded like Tucker. Why is he over here and not by the restaurant or the bluff where she originally went to after running from the restaurant. Does Tucker somehow know that this was a favorite place that she has somehow remembered? "Samantha, it's Tucker. Don't be afraid."
"But she was afraid. Was she afraid of Tucker and Dante, or was she afraid of her self. She was infatuated with Dante, but Tucker has been very nice to her. She felt like she was in love with him. We are lovers, aren't we. She was so confused. She pulled her self together to make herself feel smaller. She didn't think she wanted to be found. She saw a canvas boat cover in the bow. She crawled over through sea water residue, and scrunched in under it. She needed not to be found. She would do what she had to do alone.

Do you know what bothers me most about restaurants? It's when immediately after being seated (Especially after a wait) the waiter/waitress doesn't stop by with a cordial greeting to let you know at least that they recognize you are there.

The Answer: 
1. Of course Ralph Kramdon of the Honey oomers is best known. But many other were just as good including, Reginal Van Gleason, Rudy the repairman, Joe the Bartender (With Mr. Dennehy), Te Poor Soul, Rum Dum, Fenwick Babbit, Charlie Bratton and The Bachelor. 2. Carl Yaztremsky was the last Triple Crown winner in 1967. The precvious four were Frank Robinson 1966, Micky Mantle 1956 and Ted Williams 1947 and 1942.

Funny headline of the Day: "Topless Rhianna shocks Northern Ireland farmer." Say what?

Musical Chairs.

Today's Tids Issue #2,368
Opening Stuff:

When the sun bakes down from up on high. When waves of steam blank out the sky. I look for restless leaves in trees. Moved by the Ocean's soothing breeze.

I wasn't shocked hearing that Newt's staff quit the old warhorse. He''s smart guy, but has looked mindless in his opening parries. But, here's what I think is really happening. There is a rising undercurrent to get Texas Governor Perry into the 2012 race. It seems that several of Newt's guys have strong ties to Perry. Newt's foolishness in the early going gave the staffers a ready made excuse to move to the popular Texan with the best state education system in the country.

I think Bill O'Reilly's Ego is sucking out his brains.

The Question:  
Double Bonus day! 1. The PGA St. Jude Hospital Memphis Open is being held this week. What big TV star first lent his name to the tournament and the fund raising efforts of the Hospital. Name four other super stars who had golf tournaments named after them. 2. Leonard Stern was a prolific writer who gave us classic shows like The Honeymooners, Get Smart and McMillan & Wife. He also invented a quirky little word game that families often play during car trips. Name it.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Crushing Hope As Week Winds Down.
--Alabama Puts into Effect A Tougher than Arizona Illegal Immigration Law; Illegals' Lovers Expected To Challenge.
--Robert Gates Blasts NATO; Says Underfunding Combined With Lack Of Resolve Among Member Nations Bodes Dismal Future For Once Proud Defense Group.
--OPEC Move Towards Increased Production Blacked By Iran And Venezuela; Predict Supply Gap Later In Year.
--Arizona Fires Continue To Grow Unabated.
--Syrian Army Moves Into Northern Villages.
--US Concerned Over Instability In Yemen.
--Sprouts Now Back As Culprit In German e.Coli Epidemic.
--Dallas Upends Miami All Stars; King James Fades In the End.

Back to More Stuff:
I think the governor of Hawaii has a great point wondering why the state has to pay the NFL $4 million to hold the useless "Pro Bowl" on their islands. As states and municipalities go on a financial diet, maybe the gravy for Pro teams will be the first to go. Too many pro teams have been extorting town fathers for too long. The teams are making millions but the folks in the towns are only getting high ticket prices in return. And, now bigger tax bills.

For fun, I'll enjoy watching Ford's redo of the Lincoln brand. The most successful US Auto companies has seen it's one time luxury brand leader get smothered by Audi, BMW, Lexus, Volvo, Infinite, Acura, Cadillac and Mercedes. During the next three years the automaker expects to roll out 7 new models, all aimed at the quality conscious 50 year old and up set. They say this will be a no-Bling, no nonsense line of solid cars with superb driving features. It will be tough, but I always enjoy watching a good ball game.

"New York System Wiener"* department.
A poll in The Apple says that the constituents don't want the abortion loving, big spending titillating twitterer to go. But then, New Yorkers have always been a little shallow.

When you read about the giants of colonial America, there was none bigger than the caring, understanding, resourceful Roger Williams.

Bumper Sticker: "If you voted for Obama in '08 to prove your not a racist, vote for someone else in 2012 to prove you're not an idiot." It's going to be a mean spirited two years!

Reading between the Lines Movie reviews:
--Super 8 is a title that left me cold. But, the movie is much more than that, and the title becomes significant as you are drawn into the intrigue. This is an often chilling thriller that will keep you on edge. The film opens with a massive train wreck. A bunch of kids walk away with a little box of white blocks. Strange things start happening around the town, and the blocks seem to have something to do with it. You'll love the way the movie moves along. But, you'll have to suck it up to get by the less than satisfying ending.
--Incendies is a French film based on a long, sometimes tedious US play called the Scorchers. The film works beautifully. It is an Oedipus story of two siblings asked to deliver letters after their mother dies -- one to a dad who they thought was dead and the other to another sibling they never knew existed. As the two gets into the Mom's birthplace town they discover a life of a mother they never knew. This is a good one.

Almost Near: Chapter 24 continues. --"High School! You must be great old friends. Are you married?"
"I was." Sparrow was now watching him closely. It was time to start getting more than one word answers."
"Did Wilcox have anything to do with the breakup?"
"No."
"Was she the violent type in High School?"
"Samantha is a kind, gentle person."
"How did you get the gash on the back of your head?"
"I told you. It was from the accident."
"I don't think so. That gash had nothing to do with your accident. Wasn't Samantha in the car when you drove off the road? Now Dante took in a big breath.
"I'm confused."
"Tell me what you know. I'll give you a hint. Samantha called you after she met with me. She didn't feel her little talk with me was going well. She's not your girl friend. She's not your sister or your mother. Yet you jumped on a plane to fly to this Little Podunk because why...she's a client? What did you think she had done wrong?" The detective let that sit. "You're here in the hospital. She has been missing for 4 days. I think she's in trouble."
"Ok"...he started slowly, thoughtful like a lawyer who didn't want to get trapped further ..."I like her. She is a very nice person. And I worry about her. Maybe I saw discrepancies in her like you, But maybe I'm more involved emotionally. I don't know."
"Go on."
"I knew who she was in high school, but I never knew her at all til two weeks ago. She came to me because I was a lawyer involved in the sale of her parents house. She was trying to find out something about her father. As I said, she grew on me and I enjoyed being with her. When she called form here, she sounded scared. It bothered me that she was scared. I flew out."
"Noble." Dante glared at Sparrow.
"We had drinks and the dinner. It was actually a nice evening. She didn't talk at all about you or the meeting with you. We just had fun. But, I noticed that when I would try to get close to her, even innocently, she recoiled. She's afraid of something. Then, as we were driving back to the Hotel over that ridge, she said something that made me laugh and I reflexively put my hand on her thigh. Out of nowhere I felt this blow to the back of my head. Here I am."
"What do you know about her parents?"

The Answer:
1. Marlo's dad, the insufferable Phil Donahue's father-in-law Danny Thomas got the huge charity going with the Danny Thomas Open. Other big stars with tournaments were Bing Crosby, Bob Hope Andy Williams and Dinah Shore. 2. How many of you have had a good laugh with the kids playing "Mad Lib"? Stern died last night, and he was a great one.

*The New York System Wiener is the name of small chain of RI hot dog/wiener restaurants dating back to the early 1900's. It is a time honored RI taste treat, and we regret that the tastelessness of another New York Wiener has disparaged the name of a great institution built upon integrity and a outstanding chili meat sauce.

May you week end be incredibly spectacular.

President Pollyanna

Today's Tids Issue 2,105
Opening Stuff:

At his inauguration yesterday, the new President of the University of Rhode Island he vowed among other things to turn the phrase often used sarcastically and derogatorily – “Only in Rhode Island” -- into a positive description of unique statewide innovative and creative thinking and action. Commendable! But, I’m not holding my breath.

Most things are hard before they are easy.

It is no surprise that Justice Stevens just announced his decision to step down in June. The big question is just how much of his far left personna will the Great Mocker show in naming a replacement. Stevens is reputed to be the leader of the left on the court and I have to expect that he stepped down now before the Novemeber elections fearing that the Republicans will regain strength to the point of being able to squash truely liberal nominees. This may be the last chance for the 0-Man to ge the liberal activist he wants. Should be good TV.

The Question:
51 years ago today NASA named the first 7 astronauts. Who were they?

Today’s Headlines:
--Nuke Treaty Dramatically Reduces Arms Of The Two Mightiest; Will Have No Effect On “Loose” Nukes, Suitcase Bombs and Other Instruments Of Catastrophic Terrorism.
--North Korea Vows To Keep Building Nukes.
--Israel PM Cancels Attendance At Nuke Summit In Washington.
--Survivor Producer Bruce Beresford-Redman Is Person Of Interest In Death Of Wife In Cancun.
--The Newt-ster Calls Obama Most Radical President Ever; Says 0-Man Heads Giant Secular, Socialist Machine.
--Brad Stupak To Retire From Congress.
--Toxic Smoke, Fire Fears Have WVa Rescue Team Backing Off; 4 Minors Still Missing.
--Thailand Protestors Take Over TV Compound.

Back to More Stuff:

Newt Gingrich’s no holds barred words weren’t the only indication that he maybe launching a 2012 presidential campaign. He strode into the Southern Republican Leadership Conference to the triumphant sound of “Eye of the Tiger”! Oops. Tiger?

General news reports from The Masters are saying that cheers for the reprehensible sex maniac were louder than ever. But a more insightful analysis showed that over 30% of the watchers stood defiantly with arms severely folded across their chests. CBS announcers were whoring it up in their over the top cheery evaluation of the Tiger effort…except Curtis Strange who was the single source of honesty. (Will they let him talk today?) While the adulation by the morally bankrupt fans was going on, Woods lover and stripper Joslyn James strode on a stage at the Pink Pony yesterday afternoon wearing a “Green Jacket”…and with back up dancers all with the curious look of Elin! Don’t expect CBS to send Katie Couric there for an up close and personal!

Meanwhile in San Francisco the enlightened there in the form of City Supervisors passed some new rules. In addition to things like banning plastic bags at grocery stores they passed a resolution to promote “Meatless Monday”. Hey if it’s illogical, go for alliteration! They say they are not forcing citizens to go meatless, but you know that is exactly what they would like to do. Strangely these secularists often on the side of atheists are behaving more like the Catholic Church with their meatless Fridays. The world gets weirder and weirder.

If many successful people are married to their jobs, does that mean that temporary employees are just dating?

UPS drivers average $75,000 per year. Brown is beautiful.

If you still think you are young, I remind you that the cute little Cosby tyke Keisha Knight-Pullam turned 31 today!

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 65 continues: Henry was busy writing a report when I arrived. He asked me to sit for a few minutes. This is out of character for the affable lawman. If the Bromsky affair came under his jurisdiction I might understand his busy-ness. But, this is still just Fosterville. It didn’t take long for him to look up, but it took longer than it usually takes. “Hi, detective Middleton” he smiled. He loved to say that.
“You look busier than ever,” I started.
“Oh,” he began, “I’m not really. I just got so caught up in that great mystery of ours that I let a lot of mundane paperwork slide. Sorry for the delay.”
“Apology accepted, Boss”. I played along. Better to be amiable with this cagy codger. I decided.
“Since we have the evil gang in hand, I’m putting this vandalism case to bed. There are plenty of unanswered questions, though. I guess the biggest is this lights out episode. It seems to me that it was more than just a coincidental technical failure. What do you think?”
I know how and why the lights went out. So instead of revealing anything, I asked, “What did your interviews with the electric company people tell you?”
“They told me that it was some kind of momentary outside circumstance like a lightening strike. They said like a lightening strike. We know it was a clear and pleasant evening.” He paused and looked at his shoes. “I’d just fold up this case if it wasn’t for the kidnapping of the two kids eventually found in Bromsky’s lab.” I just nodded.
Stop talking Henry, thought. I’m not going to say anything, and besides I’m getting anxious to see Sarah. I just said in my usual non-committal way. “It is odd. I don’t what to say.”
He looked right through me.

Do you think people in government really care who put them there? In Iraq the loser doesn’t care that the people put the other guy there. He isn’t stepping aside anyhow. His logic – I’m here. Does anybody rally care about anything? Golf fans don’t care that Tiger is a slug. Losers didn’t care if the voters want them out. In’s don’t care if the people they represent want something else. Politicians in general don’t care if they lie. We live in the cover-up age.

You may have read about 0-Man’s new nuke strategy which essentially eliminates many nations from general targeting. The Tids has obtained the 0-List for US nuke targets – North Korea, Iran and Fox News. Jay Leno sent it over from an unnamed source.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Date Night looked pretty good in the promotional trailers, and it seems to have fulfilled the promise. The Tids never looks at star power, only plot and satisfaction. But the Carell/Fey duo looks great together. A couple out for their Friday night date think they are pretty clever and daring when they snag a table reserved for another couple at the latest “In” restaurant. Unfortunately for them, the original couple is in big trouble with the mob. Fey and Carell don’t know what hit them, and they carry the relentless chase through well. I’ll be there.
--One of the great newish mystery series is that of the recently deceased Stig Larsson. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first of the series, and it turns out to also be a fine 2 ½ hour movie that zips along. A disgraced reporter is sentenced to jail. A millionaire industrialist hires him to find the murderer of his niece 40 years earlier. A mystery female hacker, an eerie Goth, hacks into his files. They become a duo in the chase to uncover the murderer and it leads them on a frightening journey and the discovery of a series of similar murders of young women. Some will cover their eyes at the all too vivid scenes of grisly murder, sodomy, sadism, torture and rape. It’s a Swedish film.
--The Runaways almost makes it. In fact half of it, the wrong half , makes it very well. The movie is about the Dokota Fanning character Cherie Currie (It is her memoir), but the most intriguing part is about her band mate Joan Jett played outstandingly by Kristen Stewart. It’s about the formation of the band that eventually launched Jett. Currie was selected for her body and good looks as the cherry on top of whipped cream. It is supposed to be about her fragile psyche. It’s a decent look at the sometimes ugly, seedy inner workings of rock bands.

The Answer:
Until April 9, 1959 the only spacemen familiar to people were Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon…and maybe a Jules Verne character or two. But 51 years ago today fearless space travelers became real people – Alan Sheppard, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Deke Slayton. In that followed Americans idolized their every movement. They were national heroes.

Punning off:

It often takes blunt talk to make a fine point.