Through different eyes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,563
Opening Stuff:

The dawning cold penetrated to the core of my bones; the returning winter's air invigorated my skin, watered my eyes. Yet I am not a flower or tree that had burst forth at suns first warmth. I will survive, but the flowers brightening fields; Or on trees that bare fruit, may never have their life fulfilled. Fruit production will be down, but Cheetos will fill the shelves. The world is never the same through different eyes.

You have to wonder what the North Koreans and Iranians are thinking of Obama's bold stands, threats against them, after hearing him tell the Russians to hang with me because things will change after my election. I am totally not surprised because this President has totally not lived up to his words the past four years. This is exactly what makes electing him so dangerous for the US future. He has a plan, and it will be no holds barred a if he gets back in. You have to believe that he has "whispered" to his liberal base the same promise for his post election actions, as he has to the Russians. That's just the way he is. And it's not pretty.

The Question:

There were 43 recorded state executions in the world last year. The US was 5th. Name the four countries with more.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Flat After Monday rally.
--Syria Agrees To Cease Fire According To Annan.
--Olympia Snowe Gives Prez "F" As Communicator With Opposition.
--More Earthquakes rattle Japan.
--East Greenwich Stands Out as Financial Fortress As Other RI Communities Struggle for Survival.
--Stockton Cal May Be Biggest Bankruptcy Ever; Detroit Also On Brink.

Tim Tebow is even "exciting" off the field. Yesterday at the press conference he said "excited" or "exciting" 46 times.

The Women's NCAA Basketball Match-up between Kentucky and UConn is a good one. UConn was not supposed to be here at all this year. Kentucky is on a mission to join their men's team as a final four participant. UConn is trying to over-achieve and Kentucky is trying to take a first step on the road to matching UConn's record setting 3x's men's/women's dual success. To add to that dynasty built upon the shoulders of Adolf Rupp, at this college of Wildcats known for Basketball excellence since the beginning of time.

Do you get the feeling that the Cameron dive to the bottom of the Marianna Trench is about as newsworthy as Heraldo Rivera breaking into Al Capone's safe?

The Trayvon Martin case is demonstrating clearly the chaos that can occur in a land without laws, or if laws and legal systems are disregarded.

I know many people who are strong supporters of Santorum. For the most part, they like his courage in not wavering from a strong, fundamental belief system. A fundamental belief system that a large majority of Americans hold to. Many though sense he would have a hard time drawing Democrats and Independents, even those more than ready for change, in enough mass to beat "0". So, it is probably good news that the Rickster has said he would run as Vice President.

During all of these years of stuffing information into this muddled brain of mine, one thing among others that surfaces from time to time is the formation of land masses. I can't imagine that the earth is going to be like it is today forever. So, when I read about earthquakes in Japan or volcanoes in Hawaii, I wonder if we are at the beginnings of a new geography? The earth is an unstable pile of rocks, and the inevitability of significant change is is always there lying just below the surface.

Olivia Snowe says she is the same Republican today that she was when she first ran for office in 1976. I would agree. The true values of real Republicans haven't changed. It's the way republicans have been redefined by the opposition that has changed.

Almost Near: Chapter 65 continues. --Tucker stepped out into the hall and turned back to the frightened mother and daughter. He looked at Samantha and nodded while whispering "run to the exit for the stairs".
Samantha in fast, unexpected move, shoved Sheila back into the room and slammed the door. Almost in the same move, she drove her shoulder into the ribs of Tucker, sediment him sprawling; she following him hard to the floor. The gun dropped but only inches from his hand. Samantha dug in her heels to lurch forward, just as he grasped the gun.
She looked at the barrel turning towards her head. Don't Tommy, don't.
He froze. Don't call me Tommy. is eyes glazed. His panic at rethinking his past gave her a second to continue her push towards him. The gun went off. The sound was enormous echoing down the narrow hall.
Samantha felt a pain in her thigh. She collapsed to the floor. She grimaced, but she knew she couldn't pass out. She heard pounding on the other side of the door. "Mommy, Mommy".
Tucker rose. He looked bewildered. Disassociated. All of his calculating cool gone.
Her only weapon she now knew was to shout Tommy! Tommy, Tommy, put it down. He was just standing there, incoherent. Doors down the hall, doors started opening.

The Answer:

First of all China executes, they say, thousands each year, but the numbers are tightly held within the country. So, that leaves Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the US as the top official executioners.

I'm not so sure all of this social media is such a good thing.

Gold at the end of the Rainbow.

Today's Tids Issue # 2548
Opening Stuff:

How about we start with a little puzzler that will get the cranial synapses zapping. This little poser is all about using the logical side of your brain. There are three bins of socks, one marked "Black", one marked "White" and one marked "Black and White". But, the three boxes are mislabeled. Your task is to correctly label the boxes by reaching without looking into just one of the three boxes and pulling out a sock. From that you should be able to relabel the boxes. What box would you start with? Why? Answer below.

The word from friends around this town of mine is that the phrase "Good things happen to good people" came true for sure when the big lottery winner was revealed as Louise White. Her son Leroy is a well known, much loved musician, and even better known as a man with a gigantic heart. It is expected that he and Mom and extended family with their trust "Rainbow Sherbert" will do a lot of good for a lot of people with those winnings.

The Question:

Double Q Day: 1. When was the Star Spangled Banner Made Official? What was the previous anthem? Bonus: Bobby Sherman composer of among many things, the music for Mary Poppins. He and his brother also write the most played song in the world. What is it?

The Headlines:

--Mitt Wins Ohio, VT, Mass, Virginia, Alaska, Idaho; Rick Gets Oklahoma, Tenn, North Dak; Newt Georgia; Delegate Math Makes Likelihood Of Mitt Win Almost A Certainty.
--Private Sector Adds 216,00 Jobs In Feb; Market Up On News.
--Super Con-Man Alan Stanford Found Guilty Of Bilking Investors Of Billions.
--Apple Holding Press Conference Today On new IPad; Faster Chip, Sharper Pic New Claims.
--Peyton Manning To Become Free Agent Today; Miami, Washington Appear As Leading candidates To Land Super QB.
--Akhilesh Yadav New Rising Star In India; Heir Apparent Rahul Ghandi Thrashed By Young Man From Nowhere.
--NYC Muslim Group Steps Up To Support NYC Police Department; Say They Protect Us And If They Have To Look At us To Find Terrorists, Than That is Good For All Including Us.

90% of all allergies are due to just 8 foods: Eggs, Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat, shellfish and fish. Let's see -- Cheeto's - OK! Gravy - Fine Red Meat - perfect. Life is good; Other Three Vow To Stay.

So...what do you think are the chances of the Prez calling ex Governor Sarah Palin to apologize for one of his mouthy supporters, Bill Maher, calling her a "C---"...and then returning the $1 Million the crass late night ideologue donated to the "O" SuperPac? I mean, at his press conference he implied how he is all for women while the Republicans are against them.

My next door neighbor is a kindly Doctor from Israel. Also a man who is involved politically here in pro-Israel groups. I could see the worry in his face yesterday as we both walked in from parking our cars. His mother is still there, and in conversations of the past he has always said, "we have gotten used to living in that on-the-edge world. It's part of life." Yet last night he was talking the possibility of obliteration. How impossible it might be attacking the bunkered Iran weapons. But, he saved his greatest concerns for the instability of Egypt, just south on the Israel border. I think he feels that there is still a certain amount of face saving, time borrowing bluster in Iran, but the hatred in Egypt is at a point of erupting in an all out assault. Sometimes it's good to get a feel of reality through an unflitered source

Based on what I see from the Obama Admin, I think its about time the ACLU steps up to defend the entire American population. Unless of course ACLU means really American Civil Liberties "As We See um' " Union.

Sarah Palin revealed last night that she voted for Newt and would be a candidate for the 2016 race. Just in case you are bored with the current race and are looking ahead.

The new IPad is supposed to have a much clearer picture! Really? The only reason my Picture isn't clear is because of the potato chip grease on the screen.

The Answer:

1. Francis Scott Key's poem set to the music of a popular British drinking song "To Anacreaon in Heaven" (And also tune for Luxemburg's National Anthem), was first used officiall in 1889 by the US Navy, the White House in 1916, and then after public pressure made the official anthem by Congress in 1931. Before that the National Anthem was considered to be "Hail Columbia" composed by Philip Phile for the inauguration of George Washington -- "Hail Columbia, happy land! Hail, ye heroes, heav'n born band, Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause...". Bonus: The world's most played tune is "It's a Small World After All."

Yesterday morning it was 19 degrees. Today it is a robust 60. Get out those shorts and stow away the socks. Maybe the song should be renamed "It's a weird world after all."

Puzzle answer: You reach into the box labeled "Black and White. Let's say you pull out a white sock., then it means of the remaining boxes the one marked "white" should be  "black" and the one marked "Black" should be "Black and White".

Up close and personal...on your smart phone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,547

Opening Stuff:

It's about Freedom, stupid.

One thing I have noticed more frequently while observing today's family at malls, where the mom is pushing a baby stroller or hand in hand with a couple of kids, dad is a five or so paces back looking down thumbing along on his smart phone.

How smart is a phone which in an instant can take family members, friends, people in groups away from one another to another world. I guess in the past people would just mentally fade away.

Small Asian observation you can analyze any way you want Department:
"Sometimes people need time for learning. People always learning all though their life. Look at Mama Bird; she push Baby out of nest and that's it. If Baby Bird fly, good for Baby. If Baby Bird fall and crack head on ground and get eaten by Cat, then he need to do better next time."

Netanyahu is no dummy. This conservative leader who clearly has had problems with the leftist 0-Man chose this time visit when everybody knows that the Prez will do anything to get elected...even become a war monger! Bebe knows that "O" lost some of the influential Jewish vote and that there is no better time than now to press the US for military support.

The Question:

The new Bloomberg Ten Richest Guys in the World list is out. Name them.

The Headlines:

--New Greece Fears Stifle Market At Opening; Bond Group Sees $1 Trillion Default Risk..
--Bibi And Barack Agree To Keep Each Other In the Loop.
--Romney Coming Back In Ohio; Some Expect Mitt To Do Well Enough To Start The Nomination Wrap-up; Newt Says He will Be Big Winner Overall.
--Russia Protestors Fear Putin Will Use Force.
--Smell Of Death Every Where In Homs Syria.
--Abrupt Halt In European Consumer Spending Sucked Life Out Of Euro Economy To Close Out 2011.

It's looking like Sandra Fluke is far from the naive innocent thrown into the den of political wolves and fat conservative white men. She is a well known woman's rights activist plucked off the campus by Dem Congressional leadership, which now looks to be a carefully plotted strategy to transform the Presidents attack on Religious freedom into a GOP attack on woman. The mission was to change the discussion to poor young college girls being screwed out of free stuff. The big bonus here was Limbaugh getting stupid., and that really changed the subject. The media loves to go after the man the Admin hates.

Limbaugh should be apologizing to Republicans. I doubt if Ms. Fluke really cares. She achieved exactly what she wanted to achieve -- martyrdom.

Did you hear about the Real Estate Agent who called her latest boy friend a cozy fixer upper?

When the NE Patriots videoed opponent's sideline signals, the team was fined 1/2 million dollars. Now we have the Saints paying defenders to maim, and the uproar is more muted; the possible penalties appear to be less stringent. It would have been louder if one of the Jets or Giants were targeted.

Hey, did you see that 0-Man is going to hold his first news conference of the year today? How come I see him on TV at least once a day? Well, anyhow it's good to talk to the folks. With all of the problems about the growing deficit, raising gas prices, Iran's nuke, Greece's possible default, Putin's election -- you know little things --you can be sure that our deft media will ask lots of questions about the Republican's attack on women! The Press Conference will be a fluke. Stay tuned.

You have to figure it a Good idea as you age to challenge your brain by doing crossword puzzles totally in your mind; without writng down the letters. It's probably impossible, but it's always good to keep the bar high. I think I'll start with the Jumble.

It really bothers me to see the Episcopal Cathedral St. John being forced to close their doors. This is one of the founding religions in the state of RI where "Freedom of Religion" was first written into a law.

While in RI, I have to say that Barry Hinkley, the Repub candidate running against incumbent liberal secularist Whitehouse, had better develop a personality fast! His commercial featuring his cute son is making great points and gaining notoriety, but Hinkley doesn't seem to be able to deliver the message well in person. His family builds great boats though.

Many Conservative women are wondering where the media uproar was when Schultz called Laure Ingraham a slut, or when Bill Maher called Sarah Palin the "C" word. And that is just a couple of the multiple leftist slurs against non-liberal women. If the Fluke affair proves one thing it's that the media will bury what it wants to bury and over expose what it want exposed, with little consideration of journalistic fairness.

I have to tell you that I have always held it against Rush Limbaugh for knocking the First George Bush so hard during the 1992 election that it gave us the Clinton's. Let's hope that last week he didn't serve up 4 more years of 0-Man.

Almost Near: Chapter 64. --"Don't you kids get used to room service, cause that's not the way it will be when we see Mom. But," Tucker High Fives the two girls who have catchup around their mouths and French fries in their hands, "That burger was great."
"We agree Tucker!", Tucker smiled to himself. The kids were now his best friends. He liked having children as friends.
"Want to talk to Mom?"
"Yeah!" Their smiles sparkled and Tucker felt it, enjoyed it.
In a few seconds, he heard Samantha's voice. "Hi Sam, tired of waiting for me?" He let that sink in. "I'm not coming there, you know. How many people do you have there with you?"
"Where are my kids, dammit, Tucker!"
"Oh they're just great," he turned to Sheila and Rebecca and held up his phone towards them, "aren't you kids?"
"Yesssss!" the shouted in a bubbling unison, "We're having a blast with Tucker. he's a great guy."
"Don't hey sound happy Sam. I'm going to put this on speaker phone and you can talk. Isn't that great?" Samantha said nothing.
The kids couldn't talk fast enough about how much fun they would all have when they got together. He noticed that Rebecca turned to the window, and started to describe what she was looking at. Tucker clicked the off button and let Rebecca finish her description of the Hotel across the street. "Oops, it looks like we lost the signal.

The Answer:

The top 20 have a combined net worth $679 Billion. 9 of the world's Top 20 are Americans. #1 Is Mexican Telephone guy Carlos Slim who beat out Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. #4 is Ikea owner Ingvar Kamprad followed by Bernard Arnault (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton), Spains Amancio Ortega, Larry Ellison. The Koch Brothers Charles and David are 8-9 and Brazil's Eike Batista, who vows to be number one by 2015, is 10, The American Dream travels well.

It's interesting to watch this Obama campaign in action. They must, as you would imagine, have files upon files of all the negatives uttered about their man during the past two years -- from the birth certificate to his socialistic tendencies to his European style big government plan. On a regular basis the WH operatives release little facts -- dutifully picked up by the media -- that suggest he is entirely something other than the prevailing opinions by Republicans. It is very subtle, but it is quite brilliant -- because it creates doubt. The refutations tend to belittle popularly held opinions about the man who wants to mandate everything and etch away freedoms.

I have to be honest with you, my original theme for today was to talk about the intrusion of the smart phones on relationships between humans. But, this Fluke deal has become so much bigger than the initial hysteria, that I had to take time to put the flare-up in perspective. Everything about Obama is about intrusion into long stand US freedoms. And the more ruckus the political consultants can raise the more they can obscure the reality of the Obama dream.

I think the operative word of the day is "Fluke"! How come she pronounces her name "Fluck"?

OK...here's the question of the day. How many Republicans out there hate women?

Shuffling Through the Maze.

Today's Tids Issue 2,541

Opening Stuff:

How great would it be if the Social Media Internet sites would block postings that didn't measure up to a certain level of acceptable standards for grammar and spelling. What a benefit would that be for teachers where students learned at least one reason why they should pay attention in class...and maybe learn at least one thing.

The lunacy of the NCAA has reached new heights when you realize that over this past weekend two of the great all-time college basketball rivals Kansas and Missouri may be playing their last game. For money and nothing else they divorced to join leagues in opposite directions. It's unfortunately another sign of a big government reality in America. Why wouldn't it be better to have a lot of 8 team leagues within local regions, where intense, lively rivalries would fill seats, and of course the travel would be much cheaper. I am just a giant fan of regional pride and efficiencies. But then, I believe that all taxes should be paid to cities towns and villages and spread upward to the state then Fed. Sorry Mizzous, Jayhawkers.

The Question:

Dan in Real Life was a nice little romantic comedy Starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. On the marquis and movies posters in the City of lights and love, Paris, the movie was renamed for Paris audiences? What was it?

The Headlines:

--FBI Building Cases Against 120 People For Alleged Illegal Trading.
--It's Michigan Tuesday.
--Sharp Drop In durable Goods Orders Has Stocks Down.
--Israel Will Not alert US Before Attacking Iran.
--Admin Admits Hopes Dashed For Quick Settlement Of Egypt PDG dispute.
--Park Ranger Guarding Arizona's Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument With M14's; Bring your children During Spring Break.
--Second Chardin Ohio Student HS Declared Brain Dead.
--Syrian Troops Pound Opposition Strongholds
Liberals would call illegal trading, "undocumented trading" if the alleged criminals weren't so rich.

There must be some way we can use all of this new technology against the people Department:
Manufacturers apparently have orders for 30,000 drones designed for non-military use. That means: For police use flying around our neighborhoods. We could call it the USVD -- United States Voyeur Department. Or, maybe we could set up a new military academy for the new age. Then we'd have Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Voyeur. You know they are already saying that they would be spying on us. Is that a little like "This is only a temporary tax?" Stick these flying high powered cameras in the air and have a couple thousand Cadets at the US voyeur Academy with joy sticks in there hands, and what do ya think they're going to do? They're going to find cool stuff. Especially on a lonely Saturday night detail. I really hate the thought of drones.

I'm starting to feel sorry for the next generations of grandchildren. The grandparents are are too toned, sinewy, well abb-ed, fit. A tinge of gray on lithe bodies doesn't make the traditional connection. Kids will be shouting "Ouch" as they jump upon these boney bodies. The Tid's Product Development Department sees this and is about to offer a new product to mellow down aging boomer seniors. It's called the "Grandparent "Chub-Up" Kit. It includes such quick fixes, after receiving a call that the tribe is arriving, like your actual skin colored jowl puffer putty, plus easy on, easy off, stomach and thigh padding. If you are looking for that good old twinkle in the eye Grand parent look all of the time, there are options like "Beer Case of the Month" Club and Weekly chits for Dunkin' Donuts Caramel Cream Chocolate Coffee(?). Remember, "Grandparents waddle on Dunkin' "

Too many Americans only understand what feels good rather than exactly what is correct. Unfortunately, following the correct path often requires more responsibility and determination than some are willing to give.

A woman who says you are strong and sturdy is really saying talking to you is like talking to a brick wall.

A man on the street interviewer at the Red Carpet event was asking celebs their opinions on politics for use on Fox News. George Clooney was obviously in disagreement with the FNN, but generously gave the young interviewer time. But, when asked "What do you think of Obama?" Clooney glared, "It's President Obama." "We have to respect the office," he added. This is the same Clooney who said "Bush is just Dim.". "What did Bush do on 911? He ran away and hid." He often used the lone word Bush in framing his liberal opinions of that admin. But, despite his obvious hypocrisy, he was right. It should be President Obama. If we are going to be right about the future of America, we have to protect the integrity of the Office. Rise above the gutter fray.

So, I'm easing back on my Presidential nicknames. From now on it is President Truthless Obama. P.T. Obama. Sounds good. Or, should it be "Trickster."

Rick Santorum sounds good when he talks relaxed, one to one. He doesn't sound so good when he quoted in the press. That said, this campaign is about the economy...if you want to get elected. I personally believe that there is a decline in general morality and civility and it should be a part of a Renew America campaign. But too many people don't want to hear it.

Almost Near: Chapter 63 continues. --Tucker didn't fly to the Philadelphia Airport which would normally serve Dalesford. Instead he went to Lancaster-York, smaller airport, not that far away from the western end of the Main Line.
"This is a funny little place," noted Sheila as they started up Route 30 in their rental Jeep. Tucker wanted a jeep for its off-road capabilities. You never know, he thought. "Hey look, Rebecca! That guy looks old fasjion and he's in a cart pulled by a horse." This finally perked up Rebecca, who still was looking distrustfully at Tucker.
"Hey that's cool," added Tucker, trying to be the friendly, fatherly type.
"Yeah, that's pretty neat," Rebecca agreed.
A few minutes later tucker pulled his car into one of those family style Amish restaurants. Just the kind of tourist trap I hate, he thought, but I want to keep the fun going. "Ever have Shoo-Fly Pie. kids? It's sickeningly sweet, but it's hard to resist."
After a rather pleasant hour, with even Rebecca getting into the fun, Tucker felt good about the rest of his trip. Why don't you guys close your eyes and rest if you want. We'll be their in no time! he picked up his cell phone, swerving to miss a slow moving horse and buggy. He dialed the numebr of Sam's hotel. Hi, I'm a friend of Samantha Wilcox, a guest there. In fact I have her children with me, and just wondered if she was still in her room. Immediately the clerk told him that she had gone out a few minutes ago. She looked worried when she got out of the elevator, but was smiling broadly by the time she saw the Detective Sparrow waiting for her at the front door. "He's a good guy," the clerk offered.
"Well thanks, my man." She is probably on the way to the airport in Philly. I'll just get a room and wait til she returns.

The Answer:

In Paris, "Dan in Real Life" was known as "Love at First sight in Rhode Island" -- "Coup de Foudre A Rhode Island". Believe it. So all of you lovers out there, next year plan spending next February 14th in Newport RI.

Five things P.T. Obama has said or done that will be used against him in the 2012 campaign. 5. Bowing to Foreign Heads of State. 4. "Shovel Ready jobs." 3. I will cut the deficit in half after my first year." 2. "If I don't get the economy turned around in 3 years, I'll be a one term President. "Solindra is the corporation of the future." Of course, and then there is ObamaCare and attempt to attack the Freedom of Religion clause.

Do you think that Israel's new statement saying they will not alert US before attacking Iran means that they don't trust the Admin here? I could understand that.

If the Feds give you money, watch out!

Today's Tids Issue 2,527
Opening Stuff:

Is it me or am I seeing one Obama or another in little innocuous snippets all over TV. It seems that it is now nightly on the network news where we see the "Leader of the Free World" playing with the kids or doing homey lovable everyman things. None of it "News". We see Michelle out-exercising Jimmy Fallon. And earlier, there she was on the first two episodes of my beloved Wheel of Fortune this week where she has given a pithy little speech about our guys in the Armed Forces. It's real nice to remember the guys as the "Wheel" is actually doing all week --and does often, but this is just another Lib attaching herself to the courageous for the benefit of her husband winning an election. It's hard to believe anything this duo does is real. That's my bellyache of the day. Thanks. I feel better now.

It doesn't make very happy to watch Pat's fans jump on the bruised beaten bones of Wes Welker. Here's a guy who has delivered all year long, risking injury, throwing his body into the path of charging, marauding defensive players with brutality in their eyes. And always making catch after catch at the most crucial of times. He is a main reason that Pats were in the Super Bowl. Yet, mindless yahoos always turn. It's is part of a new pattern in America, our Blame Game syndrome which is never good for anything, from sports to business to home lives to countries.

The Providence Journal this morning got it right for a change about the Chafee-Lite budget speech. The main theme was that the now 10% tax on Restaurant tabs would not only probably harm one of the few remaining industries in the state, but the revenue from it would reward and propagate bad behavior. It is a clear example of how raising taxes will never fix a problem, but nourish it. And, it works the same way at the National level too.

The Question:

Double Bonus day! 1. Name five movies that feature music by composer John Williams. 2. Name five of John Grisham's books. Quick! -- Off the top of your head.

The Headlines:

--Tea Party Remains Strong And Shows Power As Santorum Surprises -- Winning Colorado, Missouri and Liberal Minnesota.
--Wall Street Frustrated Waiting For Greeks To Settle On Bailout Deal.
--Independent Analysts Now Saying That Obama May be Peaking Too Early.
--Russia Quotes Iran Minister To Moscow: "Iran Has Capability To Hit US Forces Around The World."
--RI Transit To Raise Pell Bridge Toll To $5.00; Tids Guy Worries That Cheap Daughter Will Never Bring Grandkids Again.
--Appeal Panned After Courts Overturn Cal Gay-Marriage Ban.

One of my least favorite phrases is "Only in New York".

Let's get this straight: It's not about assaulting women as mono-minds like Patty Murray would want you to believe, but pure and simple an assault on Religious Freedom.

The guy who wanted a new sound system didn't want something stereotypical.

The Opaque Administration Department
If the ObamaCare monster is intent on forcing Religious organizations to disavow their beliefs then you have to wonder what else is in there that could disrupt the lives of average citizens. Maybe Nancy Pelosi will tell us some day. More like however, The White House will sneak something to the press late Friday night. Ah yes, the transparency administration.

Do you think that the Admin is promoting those Santorum victories? I have to say though, a lot of what the Rickster says makes a lot of sense to me. It's just hard to see home beating Obama. Maybe I'm still thinking about his huge, almost embarrassing defeat in Pennsylvania two years ago.

What happened the equal representation laws which require that all candidates are afforded the same exposure on the on TV. Romney playing with his kids. Paul helping a patient at a hospital. Santorum with his sick daughter. Gingrich speaking out against tough alimony laws. Human stuff. Then, we could have all of the Repubs speaking about the Military for a week on the Wheel. People would then shout, You are ruining my programs with politics.

The news headlines says, "Mortgage Applications Jump OnRefi Demand". I think that was supposed to be a positive headline. The way I see it though is that it means some banks are losing customers and that all banks are losing revenue. After all, that is the idea of refinancing. Lower payments for better cash flow, meaning less total dough (Maybe 25-33%) to banks. For most the mortgage refinancing will pay for itself in about two years. But the banks will continue to lose money for years. Does this make Bank Stocks a worse buy than they are now going forward?

Almost Near: Chapter 60 continues. --Audrey was getting nervous. She was trying to remeber who that detective was who had advised Samantha to call her. It sounded like a bird. robin, pigeon...blackbird...nah, Ah Sparrow. What was that town. Oh, Dales ford Pennsylvania. The Pa area code number should be in my phone. It took only a few seconds to find it. She was nervous remembering stories about Samantha's fragility. But, they were from tucker. How much could she trust this now elusive man, who she actually liked quite a bit. Liked, maybe even felt something deeper for. She felt the vibration in her hand first and then the ring. The message said an Arkansas area code.
"Hello?"
"Audrey, it's Sam." Audrey thought that makes sense. Samantha had lived in Little Rock. "I'm sorry Audrey. When you mentioned my children I realized I had dismissed them from mind, maybe to protect them. I don't know, But your words brought them back with such a rush, that I seemed to leave the room. Tell me about them. Were they really missing me?"
Audrey could feel the emotion in Sam's voice. "First, Sam, they are beautiful children. Really beautiful and very nice. But, I could also see fear in tehir eyes." Audrey only heard soft breathing on the other end. "They asked about you, but of course I didn't know you at all. So I just made up nice things about you and they smiled, just like little kids do when they are happy."
"Thanks, that makes me feel better. much better, knowing that I must have done the right thing getting them away form Arkansas. Knowing they are safe."

The Answer:

1. Personally, for me John Williams music got tedious over time. But his first big romp into the limelight was for his Star Wars score. After that he was golden. He was also was the man who gave us the threatening tones for Jaws, and the mighty music of Superman. You've heard Williams while watching Indiana Jones, ET-The Extra terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Schindlers List Home Alone and three of the Harry Potter films. 2. Every March or so a new Grisham Book arrived on the scene. The first big hit was The Firm, followed by The Pelican Brief and The Client. Sometime around this period they rushed out in paperback his first and maybe best book written "A Time to Kill". After the Client, his annual releases continued with The Chamber, The Rainmaker, The Runaway Jury, The Partner, The Street Lawyer and The Last Witness. He has also dabbled in a couple of sports novels.

I love the crisp, sunny mornings. I love to watch my day unfold. I love the peace of the evening and the comfort of night.

Hey!...wait a minute, I'm a mindless yahoo.

There is more than Debates.

Today's Tids Issue 2.505
OpeningStuff:

I think most people generally like Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto. If its playing in the background, people will tend to stop what they are doing and take a closer listen.

One of the crying hopes of Americans is that politics retreat from its angry extremes. The political strategists that be have preempted our process that assures freedom by forcing people to choose between extremes. Which most research shows to be against what's in the hearts of people. People who aren't political junkies are almost always somewhere in the middle with leanings one way or the other. So, maybe Romney and Huntsman are exactly the candidates that reflect wast most people want out of a leader -- smart guys who honestly see both sides of the picture. The vast majority of Americans are basically moderate even when they appear to be on the left or right.

The Question:

Double Bonus Monday: 1. Name five of Joan Baez best known songs. 2. Many people would agree that Beethoven actually wrote 6 Piano concertos. What is the name of the oft forgotten 6th.

The Headlines:

--European Debt Crisis Seen Spreading Across 17 Euro Based Countries; Merkel, Sarkozy Urge Stepped Up Action.
--US home Prices Fall For 4th straight Month.
--Market Opens Up After News Of Merkel/Sarkozy Call For Action.
--Repubs Making Last Minute Appeals In Advance of NH Primary; Romney Still Way Ahead; Huntsman Zooms Into Third Place
--Iran Sentences Former US Marine To Death.
--Repub Candidates Say Misuse Of food Stamps Is best Evidence Of Welfare State Gone Awry.
--Diplomatic Reports Confirm That Iran Has Begun Enriching Uranium At Underground Bunker.
--White House "Bans" Dallas Player Delonte West From Joining Teammates In Obama NBA Champs Celebration; West Had Several Weird Moments When Off of Psycho Meds; Patrick Kennedy Looking Into Travesty.

Back to More Stuff:

Good News! Department:
Good news for "24" fans anyhow-- "24: The Movie" will begin shooting this Spring, meaning we'll be getting flowers and Bauers as winter's chilling hours sour.

I eagerly anticipated last night's 2 hour premiere of NBC's new "The Firm". It had the appearance in the trailers as being a tense, conspiracy-filled, edgy drama. But, alas, it was a prolonged, draggy "Harry's Law Junior"; Featuring a you've-seen-it-all-before uninteresting, average legal case about two black teenagers fighting, with one dying from knife wounds. Ho-hum. In addiction to the flat story, the continuing story actors for the most part were drab. It spent a few minutes towards the end setting up what appeared to be an intriguing future. But after this over promised travesty, it will be hard to get me back into it. It was great background noise for a good game of Angry Birds.

Obama just issued another executive order which will make it easier for "Illegals" to make "Crime Pay." After four or five successive days of "0-Law", I get the distinct feeling I'm looking at the planks in the Dem platform for 2012 elections being made one day at a time in the Oval Office..

I actually like a lot about Huntsman. Except I would never vote for some who takes the "H" out Jo(h)n.

However, I totally disagree with the notion that Republicans shouldn't vote for him because he served under Obama as Ambassador to China. I consider that a huge plus.

Why the Old guys were Bigger Than Life Department:
Many movie Stars of yore were actually soldiers and sailors before the glittering lights of Holly-wood beckoned them to the silver screen. Maybe that's why some of the oldies are goodies, Actors who appeared to stand above as genuine heros. How about this "A" list: Humphrey Bogart, Navy; Ronald Reagan, Captain Army; Jimmy Stewart, Brigadier General Army; Clark Gable major Army Airforce; Henry Fonda, QM Navy; Paul Newman, Gunner Navy; Kirk Douglas, Lt. Navy; George Scott, Marines; Gene Hackman, Marines; Steve McQueen, Marines; Clint Eastwood, Army (Ok, so he was a swimming instructor); David Niven, Britain's Royal Navy; James Earl Jones, Lt. Army; Harvey Keitel, Marines; Elvis Presley, Army; Dennios Franz, Army Airborn; Lee Marvin, Marines (Would you mess with Lee Marvin?) Of course, then there was Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII. Oh yeah, little petite and delightful Audrey Hepburn was a member of the Dutch resistance in the face of the Nazi tyranny. They went to serve and didn't bring their publicist along with them.

What ever happened to Robert J. Lurtzema?

I hear that Obama is in love with Drones. Military experts are saying quietly among themselves that these unmanned missiles fit perfectly with the Prez new definition of war -- if American soldiers aren't exposed to being killed or wounded, "It isn't a war". The best example of this is the Libyan Non-War, where a totally "not involved" America sent in 175 drones to repeatedly attack Daffy strong holds. All the While the "Orator" stood above the fray muttering "Who me?, Who me?" Military experts say the biggest disadvantage of drones is that they can't tell the good guys from the bad guys; can't pick off the soldiers without getting the civilians too.

Newt Gingrich is still the master of the best sound bites.

World premium car buyers seem to be saying it's time for BMW to move aside for Audi. Audi is up in worldwide sales 19.2% versus rivals BMW - 12.8% and Mercedes 8%. Last year in world premium car sales the top three were BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. Just in case you're interested in spending a lot of money.

Today's machining and manufacturing technology probably assures car buyers that just about every car is of superior quality. It's really a matter of expensive other stuff and how you may want to look in the neighborhood.

Most people down here where I live walk outside, look at the bare brown ground, and then feeling the temps of spring, go back inside to put their skis back in storage. That's affecting the ski resort owners up north more than the minimal snow falls there. The fact is, several good mountains are using upgraded snow-making systems to produce an abundance of fluffy stuff. The best are Loon, Bretton Woods, old faithful Cranmore, Sunapee and yes even near-by Wachussett. Yagoo across the bay says they have 7 trails and 3 lifts operating. I'm ready. What you see may never be what is.

While the H-Wood glitterati are ready to anoint George Clooney and his average movie Descendants, The National Society of Film Critics has named the best Movie for 2011 as "Melancholia". Ever hear of it? It's about pondering the end of the world. The best actress nod goes to that films star Kirsten Dunst and Best Actor to Brad Pitt for Moneyball.

The Answer:

1. Joan Baez actually rose to fame as an unbilled performer at the Newport RI Folk Festival. Her politics aside, I think she has one great voice. Some songs associated with this legend are "The Night They drove Old Dixie Down", "Diamonds and Rust", Farewell, Angelina", "Love is just a four letter word" and "We shall overcome". Interestingly, Joan's dad was a mathematician/Physicist who invented the "X ray microscope. 2. The Choral Fantasy -- sort of Beethoven's Ninth meets Liszt -- is generally considered to be a sixth piano concerto. I enjoy it quite a bit.

I'm figuring that if there's a few of you who like that the Tids, then among the 300 million in the US there must be a lot of other masochists who would enjoy torture in the morning. Maybe I should send out a news release to the New York Times: "CIA reading The Tids to Islamists to break them down." That should be good for a couple of weeks of talk show appearances.

Well, I'm outta here. I think to day is the day I take a shower.

Speed is too fast.

Today's Tids 9/23 Issue 2,428
Opening Stuff:


Happy Autumn Everybody! What you have sensed for 3-4 week now is officially here. The promise of color on mountainsides, pumpkins on porches and vodka and apple cider martini's will be fulfilled as the days and nights have finally become equal. Dentists will rail against cute kids in expensive costumes eating candy. But, the cheerleaders will cheer ad the players will smash heads. Enjoy Soccer, football and field hockey; The cheers and accomplishments; The pride in hearts and the smiles on faces. There is no better time of year. Next stop, Winter. Do you smell the snow in the air?

Most good drivers look two three cars ahead in an effort to anticipate problems to provide time to react positively, under control. That's the way Wall Street used to look at the world of business too. But, not today. They seem to have their eyes riveted to the car in directly in front of them. A slight variation in the norm leaves no time for a thoughtful adjustment often resulting in panic or bad decisions and the inevitable crash. Actually, it's the computers in charge of watching the car ahead. Oh, they can react much faster than humans, no question about that. But, are they as thoughtful as humans. Can computers say, "Hey, wait a minute. Let's not be hasty. Maybe there is an alternative." Speed is great for the traders, but it's destroying the confidence in everyday Main Street investors.

In case you don't remember, one year ago Obama said to the UN That he would welcome a Palestine state right away. That led the Palestinians to believe they had the US support to get to the point where they find themselves today -- submitting a bid for UN membership. But, now the Prez says he will veto the action...that very action he in fact inspired. I guess the Palestinians aren't up on the shallowness of US politics.

The Question:
In an effort to counter the dangerous effects of soap on the cultural environment, "All My Children" gets thrown into the dumpster this week. Name five of the show's more famous alums. Which one of the actors is most famous for not winning anything?

The Headlines:

--Romney Appears Strongest In Latest Debate; Perry Sags In Stretch Run; Seemed Unprepared For Obvious Questions.
--Stocks Appear To Rebound After Early Sell-Off.
--Late Thursday Night: Finance Minister From 20 Leading Economies Pledge "To Take All Necessary Actions To Preserve The Stability Of Banking Systems And Financial Markets...".
--Palestinians Prepare UN Statehood Bid.
--Solyndra Execs Take The Fifth At Congress Hearing.
--Italian Prosecutors Say Judge Must Throw Out Amanda Knox Appeal; Asks Judge To "Ignore 'Obsessive' Media Campaign."
--Yemen Prez Surprises, Returning to Capital War Zone; Everybody Confused.
Nothing is Sacred Department:
Did you see where some scientists are disputing the foundational theories of Albert Einstein. Apparently they found a subatomic particle that moves faster than the speed of light! Gadzooks! The next thing you know someone will come out and say the Cheetos are unhealthy.

As far as I can tell, the AARP has become a branch of the Democrat Party and a mouthpiece for the unions.

Debate Notes:
It looks like Perry could be eaten alive by Obama in a debate...maybe with a little Texas hot sauce. Romney and Newt could be the strongest candidates in terms of national TV debates with 0-Man. --On the under-card last night, Bachman slipped down to tier three after Santorum clearly was the best performer of the "All the Rest" crowd. --In fact, with Perry's act getting a little thin, the Rick-ster from PA may become the new darling of the Iowa Social Conservatives. --Cain and Newt also looked good. --The big disappointment to some was the failure of Huntsman to capitalize on his strong showing in a recent NH poll. One glaring problem, he needs a better joke writer. --Paul went the somber, statesmen route, which left him appearing as dull as the stage curtains. People love his off the cuff oddities, and last night they were disappointed. --And then there was the other almost Libertarian Gary Johnson who got the best laugh with "My neighbors dogs create more shovel ready jobs than President Obama!". unfortunately Johnson ripped that joke off of Limbaugh who used it earlier in the day on his program.

Shortbread comes and shortbread goes, but you can always count on Walker's.

Remember when companies would spend many thousands on annual reports to perhaps sway the investors in their favor. Seems kind of laughable today, doesn't it.

Do you know what bugs me, really bugs me? That they are just starting the trial in Cheshire Connecticut for the second soulless barbarian who killed and raped Doctor William Petit's wife Jennifer and daughters Haley and Michaela. Brutally butchered three innocents. It was way back in 2007, and now the doctor has to live it again. The brutality of Steven Hayes and Joshua Komissajevsky will live now again in the hearts of Petit and the rest of the family. And there is just no just reason why it should. People are up in arms about the death penalty because of the recent Georgia case. This pair should have been executed 4 years ago, laws or no laws.

PETA should love executing these two who are giving animals a bad name.

You're always surprised when waiting in a Dermatology office seeing a person limp in. What.s that all about?

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Within five minutes Samantha found her self near a breakwater that led to a little harbor. She climbed up the giant rocks stumbling twice, cutting her knee and scraping her hands. She winced.
Standing on the mass of rocks, she was in the open for all to see, but it was the only way out. She quickly looked around and saw nobody. She had to act fast. They are probably not looking for her down her, but that could change in a second. She took off her slippery shoes, put down her head and ran along the pier, jumping what at times looked like small chasms with dark bottoms. As she neared the end she felt nimble, never slowing for any of the challenges. She jumped the five feet down to the sand at the harbor side of the breakwater. She leaned back against a rock and started breathing again. At first deep, and then fast.
Her eyes now scanned the harbor, criss-crossed with connecting docks. It may be her safest way to get away from...from...what? Why was she running. She closed her eyes. Think. Think. I must be running from something. It seems like I have been running for years.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Moneyball based on the book by Oakland A's baseball team GM Billy Beane is a winner. Even if you don't like baseball. It's really baout the little guys beating the Big Guys. Beane's "A's" had little money so invented, with the help of mathematicians and other creative people systems to pick the best young talent and find the best on the trash heap. It's true. It's interesting. And...it moves. I'm going.
--Killer Elite is an over the top action movie with a plot that's tough it decipher. DiNiro is a retired special ops agent, looking like DiNiro all the way. He is to rescue his mentor. To do it he faces 3 tough as nails assassins and their cunning leader. I'll wait til it gets to TNT.
--Abduction is another weak movie. The first "Star" vehicle for Twilight delight Taylor Lautnor is a loser, not coming close to quality of the twilight series, and he is lost in mediocrity. He learns that his parents are not really his parents. Subsequently he finds on a website a picture of long time missing child -- him. He flees in fear while The FBI races to save him and unravel the mystery. Sounds interesting, but it is just a bad movie that had audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter over the inadequacy of the dialogue and script.
--Dolphin Tale is a very pleasant, heartwarming family movie. Obviously it's about a dolphin and kids. What could be better, even if you have seen the plot before.

The Answer: 
Of course, Susan Lucci is the Biggest Loser in Soap history. If you're a Regis watcher, you know Kelly Ripa. Others are Josh Duhamel, Sarah Michelle Geller, Christian Slater, Malissa Leo, Lacy Chabert, Michelle Tractenberg, Linsy Price and Kim Delaney. They have to start somewhere. Where will they go as the soaps go?

Maybe there are just too many people trying to make too much money for Wall Street to be sensible any more.

Michelle Bachman is toast.

Have a great weekend!