Karaocke President.

Today's Tids Issue #2,447

Opening Stuff:

The networks spend millions developing, researching and producing new shows. They are experts and draw upon vast experience and scientifically authenticated knowledge to predict the winners for each new TV season. And then most of the new shows routinely fail. Drop like the Red Sox in September. I think they are the same guys who recommend stock picks. Or, free agents for the Red Sox.

Some of the new TV shows barely started. Revenge fell off after the first week, but not as much as the two just cancelled shows Playboy Club and Charlies Angels. The soapish Revenge has captured an audience and will stay. Like wise Person of interest, Prime Suspect (Boring) and Unforgettable, which seem to have some life. X-Factor is doing well, but frankly I have found it irritable. Among the sit-coms, 2 Broke Girls and Whitney (So far) are getting some support. But "How to be a Gentleman" is heading towards the not so gentile ax! One thing I have noticed personally, is that while I love mysteries and crime shows, there all of a sudden seems to be a sameness among them all. This is the kind of trend which usually signals paradigm shifts. Lets hope it isn't to more reality shows, which are really becoming tedious.

Amorality department:
What's this...the Supreme Court is going to waste money and time determining whether lying is protected under "Freedom of Speech"? But then, like the word "Illegal" i guess lying has also lost its meaning in this new "anything-goes-as-long-as-you-can-say-kumbaya-in-the-end" world. Think of the legal fees and court time already spent getting this case about a man lying about his receiving wartime medals all the way up to The Nine. But then, I guess it is significant. If lying isn't deemed protected under Freedom of Speech, then we would have cease all political campaigning!

The Question: 

Double Doozies. 1. Name five great Chicago criminals of lore not including politicians. 2. Name ten characters from the TV show Cheers.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Edging Up Early.
--Goldman Reports Deeper Than Expected 3Q Loss; BoA Posts Profit..
--New Poll: Cain Tops In Likeability; Romney Tops In Electability; Independents And Conservatives Say Cain Also Matches Their Views Best.
--S&P Downgrades 24 Italian Banks.
--Hillary Arrives In Libya As Daffy Forces Counter Attack.
--As Palestinians and Israel Exchange Prisoners, Israel Approves 2000 Unit Complex in Disputed Settlement"; Peace Hopes Dimmed.
--GOP Heading Towards nevada For Latest Round Of Debates.

I think pitcher John Lester hit a home run, when in response to the incessant media babbling about beer and chicken, he said, "All the media hysteria regarding clubhouse antics is overblown and unnecessary." The sports pages and radio talkers have latched on to the sensational (And I don't think eating chicken with gravy is sensational) and never, I mean never talk about whether or not the players weren't good enough to compete. It is symptomatic of all news these days where filling too much time and holding audiences is more important than reporting honest, real news.

Typically of today's culture of uninformed hysteria, people are comparing the WS occupiers with the Tea Party. Just because they are there and because they are groups of angry people. At keast the Tea Party went to the den where the problems lie. The same problems that the WS'ers are protesting (If that indeed is what they are protesting) all eminate in Washingtron DC. Nothing ihn this country really happend unless the the 545 out of 300,000,000 extend their will. As columnist Charlie Reece of the Orlando Sentinel said at the conclusion of last his well written, thoroughly documented piece before retiring: "(The 545) are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country."

And remember all of the hysterical hoopla about the Palestinian and Isabel presence at The UN? Well, it's back to business as usual with Israel approving exactly what the Palestinians don't want -- more construction in Gaza.

As I walk around a golf course I am constantly perplexed why people can't put garbage and cans in their carts or bag and dispose of it all when get finished. The same goes for tourists who seem to think it's a good idea to unload in the streets or parking lots.

A good and knowledgeable reader had some objections to my long term use of the name "Clueless Lane" for Wall Street. So, let's just call them irresponsible and leave it that.

Uh Oh! Somebody stole Obama's teleprompters! Yikes! Will the markets crash without Presidential cheerleading from the podium? Yes, it appears that a big truck full of presidential stuff follows the "Non-Campaign" ObamaBus everywhere. Among other things like signs, seals and sound systems, it contains the teleprompters. A couple of opportunistic thieves saw the truck parked at a Court in Virginia, and snagged it! How easy was that.

When the going gets rough, sing about Pizza!
Have you heard Herman Cain sing his Pizza song? He's actually quite a decent singer. To the tune of Lennons "Imagine" he sings: "Imagine there's no pizza, I couldn't if I tried, Eating only Tacos, Or Kentucky fried. Imagine only burgers It's frightening and sad. / You're lichky you have pizza, to feed your kids for you, Only frosting or cookies, and no dishes you muyst do. Imagine eating pizza, Each and evry day." Sometimes you just have to escape the BS.

Almost Near: Chapter 44 continues. --"I'm up in Maine, just sitting on a bench by the sea south of Portland. It's really quite beautiful up here Tucker. Maybe some day you and I should come back for a weekend together. It would be a beautiful time. Don't you think?" She waited for his answer. Something inside was telling her that she should not reveal anything to Tucker. She should try to sound disoriented but not of the raving sort. All of sudden she was thinking rationally, and it made her feel good, confident.
"I'm glad you are safe." His voice sounded kind, gentle. "You sacred me."
"Didn't mean to do that. I just had this massive panic attack. You know me." And then she laughed. When Tucker continued she could tell there was a smile on his face.
"Now I feel better, much better." Why was he feeling better she thought. "How did you get up there?"
"Oh, I just stole a car!" Then she really laughed. "No, no...Tucker. I'm just kidding. I hitchhiked to Portsmouth and then took a bus. It was really quite easy."
"You really do sound great. When are you coming back. Oh, where did you say you were again?"
"On a bench. On a beautiful bench. All alone. Nothing but me and the shorebirds, and the waves crashing of on the shore. See you soon." She hung up.

I think the world would be a better place if everybody read the daily and Sunday comics.

The Answer:
1. Al Capone and Frank Nitti are the best known of a long, long list of Chicago mobsters as is Tony Accardo. Then we have run of the mill Public Enemy #1's John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson. Funny thing though, every time I read the name of a well known criminal I think he/she must be from Chicago. And Chicago is such a wonderful place. Just shows you the power of TV and movies. 2. The original players, Sam, Carla, Coach, Norm, Cliff, Diane was a great cast that got me into the program. I never thought Woody Harrelson as Woody (after Coach's actor Nicholas Colasanto died) added much, but i did like the addition of Frazier Crane and Lilith. Kritie Alley as Rebecca actually starred in more episodes than Diane Chambers as the Sam Malone foil, but I thought the show was better with Shelly Long.

And the soon to be born 7th Billion earthling should remind us that the biggest problem in the world is the vanishing stuff that sustains life. Think if the ramification of that potential ingredient to rampant world anguish and anger far outweighs the daily ills of the Kardashians.

Ray's explode; Sox implode.

Today's Tids Issue #2,432
Opening Stuff:


Yesterday Red Sox manager Terry Francona said, "This is good for baseball." So that 's why he created the biggest September collapse in the history of the storied game! For the good of baseball? Are you kidding me.

The good news is that federal agents catch obscure potential terrorist bombers just in the nick of time. How do they do it. They must be really good or potential terrorist bombers are really, really stupid. I'm happy the Feds are good. But I am just amazed how among 300,000,000 people they are able to ferret out one innocuous person just before he/she plans to fire a bomb.

The Question:
Name the Top ten Colleges with respect to having the highest average mid-career salaries.

The Headlines:

--Red Sox Set New Record For September Futility.
--Stock Futures Up; Better Than Expected Readings On Jobless Bennie Apps And 2Q GDP; However, 1.3 2Q GDP Growth Considered Dangerously Weak.
--Merkel Wins Bailout Vote With Own Coalition Majority; Coalition Support Seen As Vote Of Confidence In her Drive To Stabilize Eurozone.
--Maine Ups Speed Limit To 75MPH.
--Consumer Spending Down 2% Except For health Care And Transportation (Gasoline) Which Are Up.
--Greek Civil Servants Shut Down Doors Of Government Ministries In Advance Of New Austerity talks.
--Syria Regime Loyalists Pelt US Embassy With Tomatoes.
--Pakistan PM Says US Must Stop Blaming Islamabad For Regional Instability.
--Younger American Jews Do ot Share Parents Vision For Israel.

Many were surprised yesterday when the 0-Team decided to ask for a Supreme Court hearing on ObamaCare. People in the know weren't. The main reason for anything these days is the election in 2012. The fear in the White House was that this would drag on til next summer. Second, if this were to remain in the 11th Circuit Court, the Admin would have lost decisively. So now we have a new debate to watch on TV other than the guilt or innocence of Michael Jackson's Doc. One that may actually have something to do with our lives.

Greek civil servants are destroying the pensions of American seniors. I'm off moussaka forever.

Last night may have been the most incredible baseball night ever. With the Rays down comfortably 7-0 and the Sox appearing to be playing with determination up 3-2 before the rain delay, I went to bed happy. We got it, I thought. I awoke at 2:30 and turned on the TV to see the end of the rain-out game. Zowie! How could it be? Right between the eyes. I turned on the radio and cried along with callers and sports talkers.

I feel like I'm back in the "Sox" days before 2004. When in the Fall your heart always seemed to be residing in the bottom fo your stomach.

Duh comment of the Week:
Bernanke: "Lack of Jobs a Crisis." How much are we paying this guy. I think it's about time he goes back into the vault. Many say that monetary policy fixes will have no effect on improving the economy. And that includes KC Fed head Thomas Hoenig. He was not in favor of either of the two QE's nor the Fed's pledge to keep interest rates low. Robust economies don't exist on lending based on Zero, he opines. Now, 3 other Fed Bank Heads have joined his chorus. Meanwhile Bernanke keeps talking and the Dow sinks every time. Is there a clue in here somewhere.

Correction: Speaking of 2 QE's, that was not the QE II in Newport harbor yesterday. It was the Queen Mary II. Sorry. Still majestic, though.

Is there a more celebrated child rapist in history than Roman Polanski. How demented is this Worldwide film crowd that continually fawns over this guy who if he were Joe Shmoe on Elm Street would have a sign on his door "Warning: This guy is a danger to neighborhood children". And Hollywood would be making movies about their despicable acts.

Almost Near: Chapter 41 continues. --Samantha heard footsteps on the dock. The sound of footsteps walking slowly on the dock seemed to be inches from her hiding place. "Samantha, it's Tucker. Are you here?" Sam froze. held her breath. "I remember those beautiful days when we were kids playing on these docks. How much fun we had. You were always happy here. Remember how you and I loved it here. 'I feel safe' you always told me. 'If anything happens I can always get away on a boat,' you said. I thought you might have returned. But, maybe you don't remember." Samantha tried to breathe quietly. She thought she sounded like the exhaust of jet taking off. But the footsteps didn't come nearer. "I remember the first time we kissed, sitting on the end of this dock. I will never forget that."
That seemed to ease her fear, but still she decided not to move, not to be found. She moved her clenched arms and felt a small tingel as the blood began recirculating again. Her body sagged as she relaxed a bit.
"Why would you want to feel safe from Dante and me. Dante seems like a nice guy."
Why isn't he moving away, she thought. Then she smiled a little as she thought of Dante. He didn't seemed bad. Why she running. Is there something wrong with her? Finally she heard foot steps moving down the dock to shore. She remained quiet. It was getting cold sitting in the puddle in the bottom of the boat. She wanted to move, but didn't think she should.
"Samantha". She heard footsteps on another dock, much farther away this time. She had to get away; be by herself. Find out what was happening. Something was happening. She moved her head enough to peak out from under the canvas look around the boat. And then she saw them. Just like she remembered from some time long ago. Keys in the little cubby by the center console.

The Answer:
#1 is Princeton. It is followed by CalTech, Harvy Mudd, Harvard, MIT, Dartmouth, Duke, NYU-Poly, Tie -- Lehigh U, Colgate, Stanford --, Holy Cross, SUNY Maritime, Bucknell and Amherst. See em' all -- http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-us-colleges-graduate-salary-statistics.asp.

Why do I have this feeling that the Pats are going to disappoint me this year more than the Sox. Is it becasue their defense sucks? probably.

Sign in a restaurant: "Don't throw cigarette butts on the floor. the cockroaches will get cancer."

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?

The baseball bat era?

Today's Tids Issue 2,420
Opening Stuff:


I drove along Route 1 on the Coast of Maine Friday, just as I had done 10 years ago within hours after the Attack. What I still remember most vividly -- after the devastation, after the anger, after the horror of man's evil against man -- What I remember most was the resolve of the American spirit, the innate patriotism of people. By the time I had reached Route 1 in Brunswick and North, in the immediate hours after, before the buildings had crashed, was the highway for the next fifty miles lined with American flags and signs, "America the Beautiful", "God Bless America", "United we Stand."

How come that when the Government says $448 Billion, I immediately think One Trillion.

The Question:
Name the 10 largest US Banks.

The Headlines:

--America Remembers.
--Sox Fading.
--Global Stocks Blasted; US Futures Bleak.
--Greece has Enough Cash Until October.
--Daffy Supporters Putting Up Stiff Resistance
--Study Says Sponge Bob Dangerous To 4 Year Old Mental Heath.

Many of the the comic Strips in the Sunday papers were devoted to remembering 911. My favorite was in the strip "Baby Blues."

There's mini undercurrent pushing for Jeb Bush to step up to the plate in the Prez race. Didn't we just finish a rumored groundswell for Rick Perry? Are the pundits and pushers tired of him already? Will too much media make fickleness "ADD" America's political destiny?

I wonder how the nutritionists would view my suggestion that school kids be allowed to enjoy as I did making sugar-butter bread for snacks in the class? Yum!

On Thursday when "Laser Beam" gave his make-labor-unions-relevant-again speech, the International Longshoremen in Longview area of Washington (State) were taking baseball bats and crowbars (Ouch) to the shins and heads of security fighting for their lives and police coming to the rescue at ports in Tacoma and Seattle. They destroyed trains and emptied ready to be shipped grain stocks. Are those innocent dock security guards the "Sons a bitches" Hoffa Jr. was talking about? (Note, this wildcat, barbarian work action was for the most part unreported on the nightly news or in newspapers.)

Will the Pats tonight manage to repel the disturbing images of my fading Red Sox. Actually it's beginning to feel like the good old days.

The consensus of Macro economists on the AJA is that it will produce modest short term economic growth. They're looking at far below robust growth of 1.3% GDP for 2012 which would reduce the jobless from 8.9% to 8.6%. The short term small biz benefits would fade to zero by the end of 2012 giving us about a 0.3 GDP growth rate for 2013. The consensus is that it does nothing to improve or repair rather substantial inter-structural problems, but does stem the possibility of reentering recession. And looking at the above, it most definitely could give us four more years for you know who.

Notre Dame fans across the country are ready to jump off of high buildings.

Some governors across the US of A are saying there are plenty of jobs openings around, but the skills of many of the unemployed just aren't sufficient to meet the job requirements much less the challenges. Tax incentives to hire are useless if the hire-ee can't do the work. Maybe they should create a bill to take all of those teachers to which 0-man promised jobs and start the Retrain Adults Corps.

So-called experts on various matters and government officials seem to have little awareness of the acuity of the citizen's mind. But then, they don't possess the common sense of most people.

The world would be a better place if we also didn't live with sheep.

If it does anything, the Jobs Act will certainly perpetuate bad, irresponsible, over-spending,. over-promising may State Governments like California and RI.

Almost Near: Chapter 39 continues. --It was obvious Dante wasn't that nervous -- laughing comfortably, walking arm in arm with Samantha into the restaurant. Tucker ambled behind the twosome. His face was inert. While his thoughts manged to flicker, conjuring up a distant image of Audrey, he was focused on the backs of the heads in front of him. He seemed torn between what he had found in Louisiana, and what he seemed to be losing from his 18 years of romantic mourning.
When they reached the table Dante stopped and came around to pull out a chair for Sam and then usher Tucker into the seat next to her. He walked around and sat opposite the twosome. He opened the menu briefly and set it down. "So, Sam, tell me about Little Rock." Tucker stiffened, and he felt Samantha lean into him. No, attach herself to him.
Sam's expression didn't change unusually, but Tucker felt something retreating in her body. "Little Rock?"
Dante peered at her, brown Italian eyes locked into hers. She fidgeted. "Didn't you tell me you lived there?"
Tucker could now see that Dante had put on his lawyer hat. "I think I told you I thought Sam had lived in Little Rock." This is not what Dante wanted. Samantha did. She moved closer into the protection of her knight.

One of the disturbing feelings I get while reading Letters to the Editor in various newspapers in different regions is the seething, naive anger that so many have against anybody they perceive as rich, or having been successful. When the fact remains that many of those perceived rich are just regular people who worked hard, saved well and managed their lives responsibly.

The Answer:
The embattled BoA is the largest followed by JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Wells-Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, MetLife, Taunus, HSBC, US Bancorp. Bank of NY Mellon, PNC Fin, Capital One, TD Bank, State Street, Allly Fin, Suntrust, BB&T, American Express and at #20 -- Providence RI's Citizens Fin. MetLife?

Among the things on the humorous side that pop out of the ObamaSpeak was, "And everything in this bill is paid for." And then he looked at the Super Committee (SC) telling and you are going to do it. As usual he has no clue, no plan. Just rhetoric. But, hey maybe there is an opportunity for some irony in this massive Public Employee Unions Bailout program. How about if the SC recommends eliminating the useless federal Departments of Education, Energy and Environmental Protection. That would go a long way of reducing the costs of living and doing business in addition to a significant reduction in the national angst! The National Association of Psychiatrists would complain.

The most moving thing I saw yesterday was at the Portsmouth RI Fire Station. It was simple,m yet robust, and it got to me.

Well time to put on my U.S.A. baseball cap and go hit a couple of golf balls.

Read all about it!

Today's Tids Issue # 2,328

Opening Stuff:

One of the the great treats during this time of year is that you can always catch a good "Messiah" somewhere.

It's nice that a golf tournament is on TV opposite the NCAA playoffs. When my heart gets beating out of control, I can turn to the golf to slow it down. Better than blood pressure medicine.

One of my pet concerns in our increasingly messy world is the decline of newspapers, a most comfortable way to be informed. Alas, I think it is essentially doomed. Consider that even though people's time spent with news is at an all-time high, allegiance to traditional sources is tumbling fast. And believe it, that includes relative newcomer Cable TV News which has had the biggest audience tumble of all. From the Pew analysis of 2009-2010 (The very latest data), the on-line news went up 17.1%. All of the rest fell -- Local TV (-1.5%), Network TV (-3.4), Newspapers (-5), Audio (-6), Magazines (-8.9) and Cable TV (-13.7%)! Surprised? The crunch for newspapers though is on the ad revenue side. Local TV went up 17% followed by Online (13.9), Cable TV (8.4), Network TV (6.6), audio (6) and Magazines 1.4). Only newspapers went down and that was a fairly high 6.3%. That is the death knell. Hear the bell ring.

I could write an entire Tids on this, but I know you'd rather see a good, bad pun. "During the Invasion of Sicily during WWII General Patton was preparing to take the city of Palermo. His meteorologists told him his selected day would be incredibly rainy. He immediately ordered that the N.Y. Times be brought in and placed under tailgates of the transports bringing in the men to keep feet dry. His staff was mystified why the Times over the Daily News. But they brought in 5 tons of the paper as requested. It was then that Patton issued his famous quote: "These are the 'times' that dry men's soles."

Are my "Beloveds" in danger of becoming the "Despicables"? Maybe, if others think about the Red Sox like Baltimore manager Buck Showwalter. "I'd like to see how smart Theo Epstein is with the Tampa Bay payroll." He went on, "...That's why I like whipping their butt. It's great, knowing those guys with a $205 Million payroll are saying, 'How are they beating us?'." Do others in the AL feel the same? Will the Sox be in the cross-hairs of the other managers too?" Sorry Gabby.

Let's hear it for Red Sox Japanese pitcher Diasuke (DiceK) Matsuzaka who just donated $1,000,000 to the Japan relief fund.

The Question:
Name the ten colleges with the highest endowments. Which university endowment portfolio made the biggest gain in 2010?

The Headlines:

--Market Futures Up On Strong Showings Last Week; Could Be Tempered By Japan, Libya Issues.
--Libyan Rebs Close In On Daffy Stronghold.
--Blasts Rock Yemen Faactory Overtaken By Militants.
--Budget Battle Heats Up As Congress returns.
--Radiation In Japan Seawater May be Spreading.
--No Cola For SS Predicted Again For 2011.
--Pediatricians Worried That FaceBook May be Adding To Kids Low Self Esteem, Depression.

Back to More Stuff:
The more the dangerous debt problem of the US is politicized, the less the people will take it seriously. And the more they will resist solving it. Of course the politicization takes place on all ends of the debate. The arts groups who depend on grants and the manufcaturing industries who depend on defense contracts and other big government stimualtion. The "Aha Moment" came when WWII defeated the great depression.Tthe rallying cry thereafter for recessions was "All we need is a good war." Now we have social wars, cultural wars, financial wars and of course old fashioned bloody wars all demanding an influx of government (Read that taxpayer) cash. So basically the answer to the Debt/Deficit problem is peace!. Understanding among all factions that we just can't create economies any more, because there is no economy left. That if you have something to sell, whether a product or personal knowledge, you are going to have to to do it yourself. And the society at large will recognize its needs.

The ten most important words in the English language are "If it is to be, it is up to me." How simple is that?

Out in the middle of the almost Everglades country are a couple of small towns about 25 miles east of the well-to-do Naples Florida. One is makeshift and the home of seminole indians and migrant workers. The other is a Catholic town with a university, spiffy Main Street, Academy and neat neighborhoods just built by Domino Pizza billionaire Tom Monahan. One skyline is dominated by a giant casino. The other by huge cathedral like church. A tale of two Americas in the middle of nowhere.

It didn't take long for my brackets to crumble like "Galloping Gertie". After Friday I had but Kansas, Florida and UConn left in the eight. But I was long gone well before that. And this morning after yesterday I have but UConn of my original Florida, Ohio State, Notre Dame and UConn. Hope you all did better.

I was out at the paper machine yesterday morn getting my Sunday paper only to find a moderately attractive blond putting in quarters. She looked up as I approached and said, "Would you like a freebie?" I stood silent for a moment. "Oh...you mean paper? I would never do that. You know the paper's are on their last legs..." I started my harangue on the plight of the news papers. She rolled her eyes, took her paper and left as fast as she could. I guess that's too deep for the morn.

Almost Near: Chapter 13 continues. --Tucker plunked the bag on Audrey's desk which startled her out of her editing process. She was ready to blast the intruder, but smiled when she saw Tucker standing there with a stupid grin on his face. "Oh, hi!" She got up and stole a chair from her neighbor and pulled over to Tucker.
"You look industrious this morning," he started. "Hope I didn't break into a key train of thought." She made a motion to minimize the seriousness of her activity. "So what do you have."
"Show me what's in the bag and I'll tell you whether it's worth the information I have." She laughed. "Tell me about why you are here asking about this case?"
"I think I met Mrs. Quimpierre up in new England where I live. It's a long story. Let's eat." Audrey was opening the sandwich. She looked at and smiled telling him it was her favorite because had no veggies.
Tucker detailed in short form the story of Samantha, from his teens to present. Audrey watched him intently. "So this is a mission of intense love," She said looking at him in the eyes. Tucker reddened. He didn't know what to feel before this attractive, intelligent woman. "I like an incurable romantic who will go to the ends of the earth for the woman of his hopes and dreams." She said smiling warmly. Tucker relaxed.

You have to believe that people on our Western and Northwestern coasts are thinking about the possibility of tsunamis. That unyielding wave traveling at jet speed is one ugly, terrifying beast.

With all of the world news dominating, the unemployment reports are sneaking through without much comment. The worst four states are Nevada (13.6%), Cal (12.2), Florida (11.5) and Little Ole' RI (11.2). And RI isn't going to get better until they decide to get smarter about business. I just heard of yet another small RI owned company (one that had just built a brand new factory about a couple of years ago and started hiring for well paying jobs) is packing up to move to Massachusetts. The reason: You guessed it. A tax advantage and economic package too good to resist.

I think those flat brimmed, high crown hats on golfer's look a little too foppish for an athlete. In fact, Ricky Fowler looks like a Broadway chorus groupie. And to those who say, "It is the modern way to look", I say Nehru Jackets!

The Answer:
Harvard is a small country with a $27 Billion endowment followed by Yale at $16 Bil. The three other double digit endowments belong to Princeton, Texas and Stanford. The rest are MIT, Michigan, Columbia and Northwestern. The Texas endowment had the highest percentage growth during the past year.

The End:
In case you weren't aware, Galloping Gertie was the infamous Tacoma Narrows Bridge that failed due to aeroelastic flutter, a resonance caused by a 42mph wind that cause the suspension bridge to start dancing until it pulled it self apart and fell into the Puget Sound. The films of the collapse have been used in every civill engineering school and the study of that collapse in 1940 led to batter structures today. At the time it was the 3rd longest suspension bridge after the Golden Gate and the George Washington Bridge.

You can get the entire State of the News story at: http://stateofthemedia.org/2011/overview-2/key-findings/

The Government of Syria is killing its protesting citizens. Why isn't the UN moving there?

Anybody who picked all #1 seeds in this new era of super star early departure just doesn't get it. Hey...wait a minute...the Prez picked all number ones!

Looking for good news.

Today's Tids Issue #2,326
Opening Stuff:

Actually I'm looking for news beyond Japan, Libya and Elizabeth Taylor. Something must be happening. right? The world is still spinning, isn't it.

Get ready. There's only 7 more Red Sox Grapefruit League games. The next segment is beginning to look it may be snowball league games. Just what we need when all of those tender hamstrings move north. JD Drew will be out for a month. Crawford will be shivering. Gonzales, Padroia, Youklis and Elsbury bone repairs will be aching and the "team to beat" will open miserably. I'm just trying to condition myself for the possibility of this near perfect team being out of the race by August just like in the good old days. It's in the "Nation's" DNA.

Hey, sorry I fell into my Red Sox melancholy mode. The coming of the baseball season is a good thing. The start of the real baseball season signals just 2 and 1/2 more months of basketball and hockey.

If Obama is reelected in 2012, he will open the socialism floodgates. Buyer beware.

The Question:
Ok... Quick! How many husbands did Elizabeth Taylor have? Name them in order.

The Headlines:

--Durable Goods And Jobs Reports Have Wall Street Paring Futures Gains.
--Libya Civil War Enters Gray Area.
--Japan Issues New Alerts On Radiation.
--Unemployment Apps Drop Slightly.
--Hispanics Account For Half Of US Population Growth; Group Now At 50 Million; Center Of US Population About To Leave Midwest.
--FaceBook Kicks Off 20,000 Underage Users Per Day (13 and up is ligit).
--NATO Bombs Kill Two Civilians.
--New Home Sales Lowest In Past Half Century.

Back to More Stuff:
American Idol had a bunch of singers improving which makes it tough to pick a bottom three. I thought Haley did well what Haley is good at doing. Hopefully she will escape the bottom three. Probably safe are James, Casey, Lauren, Pia, Stefano and Jacob. I'm not sure the usually reliable Scotty did himself proud. Paul did better but he irritates a lot of people. Niamo wasn't as great as the judges thought. Thia will get points for stepping out from ballads. I do have to say a few thngs about early favorite Pia. She is starting to sound the same to me and may be the least flexible of them all. The bottom three...this is tough. I'm going Scotty, Naimo and unfortunately Haley.

One major voting site after last night has viewers voting Scotty #1 with 19%. Next are James (17), Jacob (12), Pia (11), Thia (10). Then at 5% we have Casey, Lauren, Naimo, and Paul. Two at 4% are Haley and Stefano.

You can count on the Pols courting (Maybe over-courting) the rapidly growing Hispanic bloc now at 50 Million people. The questions is are they going to bind them to the Government by giving them freebies (We can't afford) or are they going to treat them as honest hard working people who will grow taking advantage of the opportunities innately available under the U.S. of A. system?

You know that the prepubescent mind of crass comedian Bill Maher has gone too low when even NOW can't stay mum and steps forward to protect a conservative woman. Maher called Sarah Palin a dumb tw*t, and you have to wonder how many are swayed against the former VP candidate by repeated unfounded slurs. I used to think Maher was moderately funny, but he has become just another a**hole with a mike. I'll probably get in trouble with NOC for that.

When she saw gray hairs she thought she'd dye.

Liz was a great looking younger actress, but the overly made-up personality of the past 20 years was really, really hard to look at...and probably never should have been allowed out in public.

As a dyed in the wool North-easterner, I really happy that the center of the US population is moving west. It was getting too crowded around here.

Almost Near: Chapter 13 continues. The fortyish near fifty Mae Johnson looked like what female real Estate agents look like. Well coiffed and red lips that were always smiling even when her eyes weren't. She automatically shook Samantha's hand and kissed Dante on the cheek. "Well Smantha, I don't believe I ever knew you as a child. But I did know your dad from his insurance business in town. He always seemed like a really nice guy, but then of course you knew that. Frankly, I was surprised when he called me because I didn't think would ever leave that adorable home.
Why don't I have these wonderful memories of a wonderful dad, Samantha thought. "Mae, I'm just looking for clues about my parents (She thought of the news item about her mom's suicide). I left home abruptly and was in contact, but when they moved I lost them. Frankly I'm confused." She couldn't be more honest about that.
Dante remained silent and thoughtful as Mae talked. All I know is this. Your dad called from a small town in Pennsylvania (Dalesford, thought Samantha). I remember the call because he sounded so unlike what I remembered about him. After some discussion about the house, he went on to offer that he had an opportunity in business he couldn't pass up. Frankly, I remember thinking that was odd, since he was so well regarded here. That's all I know. Let's eat!"
The waiter appeared as my mind tried to pry open that past.

There has to be more to life than shopping and staring at sunsets.

The Answer: 
The fading goddess had 8 husbands in her better years. At 18 she married the drunk Nicky Hilton of hotel fame. Her next was to Michael Wilding which imploded when she met Mike Todd. After Todd's unfortunate death, she then snagged Eddie fisher from the adorable little Debbie Reynolds. It didn't take long for her to dump the crooner for Richard Burton. She divorced Burton but remarried him again in 1975. Senator John Warner was next and then finally construction worker Larry Fortensky, who actually couldn't put Elizabeth back together again.

The End:
Obama is lying so low that it is hard to get a handle on what he really doing. BTW, how big a photo-op flop was that trip to South America. Nobody cared.

Hard work improves luck.

Today's Tids Issue 2,252
Opening Stuff:

Pinch me! These Patriots are for real.

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

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

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

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

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

The Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No worry. We’ll raise your allowance.

Today's Tids Issue 2,209
Opening Stuff:

Wow! It’s the last day of the month that does nothing.

One of the reasons that the cost of organic lettuce is so high for average buyers who earn a living is that many communities are issuing vouchers that double the value of food stamps when used to purchase organic veggies from local farmers. Just one more example of how government or “do-gooder” meddling destroys basic economic principles of supply and demand.

In twenty years or so we will get our first presidential nominee raised on Facebook. Aspiring pols should be really careful about what’s on their “Wall”. In fact Facebook with its potentially damaging archives could own the US Government.

The Question:
Today marks the anniversary of the death of a famous undefeated boxer in an airplane crash. Who is he? Give me five more sports tragedies that were the result of airplane crashes.

The Headlines:

--East Coast On Alert For Earl.
--Petraeus Says Karsei’s Concern About Taliban Leaders Hanging Out In Pakistan Is Legit; But Adds That Pakistan Is Still On US/Allies Side.
--0-Man To Talk Of Iraq Victory As Afghan Escalates; New Englanders Must Choose between Loosing Sox, Prez or Weather Channel.
--Poll: 71% Of new Yorkers Want Mosque Moved To Another Site; Up From 63%.
--RI, Maine Top New England States In foreclosures: Two States In Top 10 nationally.
--Market Jittery Ahead Of Housing, Consumer Confidence Data.

In case you are interested, according to a new survey the five best airports in the US are Houston, Orlando, Minn/St.Paul, Portland (OR) and beautiful and cozy Providence RI. The five worst are the NYC airports, LA, St. Louis, Washington DC and Boston. I think the RI Airport authority has just been given a little new ammo for their continuing battle with Boston’s Logan.

Loser celebrities will always continue to proliferate because there is always some loser media publisher waiting to make a buck off of their antics.

Brookins and Cassatt tell us that a bookkeeper is a guy who checks out library books and never returns them.

Did you happen to notice that Mad Men captured a truck load of Emmy awards on a show that was having great ratings opposite the show Mad Men.

It’s not that he ever got out of it, but “Prime Time” returns to full campaign mode tonight with his boast of living up to a campaign promise by getting out of Iraq. This coincides with a national release of tid-bits about his daughters, who he and Michelle vowed would never have their lives made public.

Chicago citizens are so concerned about crime in the streets after one of the worst summers ever, they are calling for the National Guard to come in to patrol neighborhoods. I guess they have had some pretty poor community organizers in the past.

BTW, have you noticed that Obama’s 12 year old daughter Malia is almost as tall as Mom who is a really, really tall woman.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 91 continues. “Good afternoon Kent. What’s happening?” God, I hate this guy.
“Well Jason, I was just about to ask you the same question, What’s going on about following the movements of the Durham woman now that she spotted you, And probably the whole town of Fosterville knows it?”
“No problem.” I hate people who say No Problem. We rented a new car which is more in keeping with the town.”
“Where is she now?”
“Isabelle called about a half hour ago to say she was on her way to Boston and we picked her up just as she left her town. She was tearing!” Oh no, I thought, as my mind raced back to the day when her car was forced off the road.
“So, Izzy just told you to follow her?”
“Sort of.”
“Sort of? What’s sort of mean?”
Iz told me that Durham could be a big problem and to work out a strategy.” I didn’t need to talk to this creep any longer.
“Bye.” I hung up and immediately dialed Boulder.
“Henry.” God he was relaxed.
“It’s Kent. Where’s Sarah?” There was a strange, long pause.
“Why do you ask?”

Making you feel Guilty Department:
Ever wonder about the disposing of batteries? I haven’t. but, there is a right and wrong way to do it. Almost all of the common alkaline/manganese, nickel metal hydride and Carbon Zinc AAA, AA, C, D, 6V and 9V can be tossed in the trash. Button batteries used in hearing aids, toys or greeting cards must be brought to the “Household Hazardous Waste site” (I’m not kidding – “Happy Birthday!” and be sure to waste half a day trying to find a hazardous waste site. Shoot me.) Car batteries must go back to place of purchase. Silver Oxide, nickel cadmium, lithium and sealed lead acid must also go to that mysterious recycling center, wherever it is.

Yesterday I was driving behind a SUV emblazoned with the words “Environmental Police”. And I’m thinking, what’s next. “Fatty Meats Police”, “High Sugar Content Soda Police”, “Wearing Fur Coats in Public Police” or “Don’t Harbor Bad Thoughts about Muslims Police”.

There was a huge survey just published by Beloit U. about what kids today never knew existed. How about simpler, unencumbered times.

Do you get the feeling that politicians today read 1984 thinking it was full of great ideas. While the folks read it laughing that it could never happen here.

The Answer: 
Rocky Marciano of Brocton Mass never lost a fight but lost his life in a 1969 Iowa plane crash. Next, I remember the great Roberto Clemente who died in a crash as he was delivering food to island hurricane survivors. Then there is the US figure skating team of 1961, the Marshall College Football team, Knute Rockne, Thurman Munson, and the U of Evansville Men’s Basketball Team. Of course the strangest was the death of golfer Payne Stewart when all members of a private plane flight were overcome and the plane continued under auto-pilot until it ran out of fuel. I’m sure you have some others.

The End:
The way things are going the letters U.S. will soon stand for United Subsidies.

About two months ago the Tids reported that RI’ers should be worried about the prospects of hurricanes due to the warming of local waters. Now, I am really worried as Earl swirls while hurricane shutters unfurl. “Unfurl for Earl”.

But not as depressed as I am about the Red Sox. Just three days ago I was joyous as the Sox came with 4 1/2 games of the co leaders of the AL East. This morning they are 7 out. It's over.

Don't worry; Stand out in the rain.

Today's Tids Issue 2,163
Opening Stuff:

Our California watchdog informs us that California welfare recipients are allowed to use their state issued debit cards to withdraw money at casinos for gambling. Is this a great country or what!

“Free Balloons” Department:
I can hear the first graders asking, “Now exactly what am I supposed to do with this” as the school nurses in Provincetown, Massachusetts hand condoms!! Yikes. But that is the requirement of a new law in this quaint Tip-O-the-Cape town which is well known as a haven for the gay. Are the minds of residents so attuned to flamboyant sexual activity that they have lost sight of the possibility of rational behavior among their youngest? Maybe we could ask Elena Kagan about that.

The Question:
Name the five top characters on “The Love Boat” and the actors who played them. What was the real name of the boat?

The Headlines:
--RI Dem Convention Snubs Powerful Lynch Brother team; Endorses Caprio (Gov.), Cicilini (Congress); History Shows That Endorsed Candidates Not Sure Things In Primaries.
--Kagan Questioning Begins In Earnest Today.
--10 Long Time Soviet Moles Arrested.
--High Court Rules Hand Guns Ok.
--Stocks Expected To Go Lower On World Worries.
--Poor Housing, Jobs Reports Combined With continuing Large Retail Sales Indicate Declining Economy Or A Recovery That never Happened; Economists Crying New Blues.
--Supreme Court Says Ok To Proceed Against The Vatican In Sexual Abuse Case; Vatican Maintains It Has No Liability.

Back to More Stuff:

I heard the question asked on a radio program, “Is Bill Clinton worried that the Al Gore sexual dalliance with a massage therapist will place a stain on his administration?” It’s one of those things I wish I thought of first.

The stuff about the health care program is leaking out like a slow water board to Abu Grabe. The latest I have heard is a 3.5% tax on real estate transactions beginning after the next Presidential election in 2013.That means that if you sell your house for $400K the government gets $14 Thou! That’s great news for downsizing retirees.

Meat and Potatoes Department:
Remember when potato based Vodka was the favorite of alcoholics because it was odorless. But then came fruit flavored vodkas and it became hard to tell if a person was drinking too much or just a health nut. Now you have to wonder if vodka makers are drinking too much. With the introduction of “Smoked Salmon” and “Bacon” vodkas you can shortly expect “Meat “ flavored vodkas. “Don’t you think Bob smells a little like ground chuck?” Beef breath will become the new term of disfavor. And a how about Sally got porked last night? Whoops.

Russian Roulette Department:
One of the more relaxing places in this universe is the summer outdoor shower. That is, until you hear distant thunder. And you have just begun. You start counting the seconds between rumble and flash. 11seconds! Toes, ankles, calves. 10 seconds. Thighs, waste, butt. 9 seconds. Arms, chest, back. 7 seconds. Time to wash the hair. Where is that shampoo? Damn! 6 seconds. Wash. Rinse. 4 seconds. You take a deep breath. Is there time for a shave. Go for it. Oops a nick. No time to stop the bleeding. Get the chin. Oh no, I missed some on the neck. Phew! Finished. Flash!! 2 seconds. Time to dry. It’s starting to rain. Can’t dry any how. Don’t for get to wrap the towel around your waste. Don’t panic. Run…now. Inside. EeeeeHah! Crrrrrrrrack!

Of course…I could just stand out in the rain and lightening and get washed and dried at the same time! Ouch.

George Will wonders how Elena Kagan would react to the observation by James Madison: “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which remain in the state governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Actually, Will raises and suggests many good questions for the woman who has an “Aversion to vapid and hollow” (Confirmation hearings) devoid of “Legal analysis.” Like, what would be her opinion on whether or not the fed’s enumerated powers on interstate commerce could cover just about everything from obesity to poor student testing to mandates for carrying health care insurance. Will wonders what her opinion might have been on watching “equal opportunity” under the new1960’s Civil Rights Law transform immediately into “Unequal” Opportunity for minorities. It could be lively if Senators were capable of asking questions with real substance.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 80: --I sat looking at the steering wheel for minutes. I really don’t know how long I sat there after Kent left. He leaned warmly against me as he gave me a high five. I hate high fives and I know he does too. He was acting again for Marie. A charade. Were my tears a charade too? No, this time they were real. I am confused. I wanted to go home with him. I wanted to jump into that bed and make love even better than it has been these past two months. But, for the first time I had thoughts about my deceptions. I thought about Paul. I felt the love of the kids. I knew also that I had an ulterior motive. I had to manipulate Kent to stay close to him. At first I thought Kent was doing the same to me. But, there was something real about him. His caring seemed real. His concern about my reputation seemed earnest. His desire to be with me seemed overwhelming. Yet he was measured. Looking for something. Guarding something. What? My cell phone rang. It was Paul.
“Why, Hi Paul”, I said cheerily. How easy it is for me to switch emotions. ‘Do you miss me?”
“I always miss you”, he answered pleasantly. And it made me feel good inside. Stronger. Needed. What’s wrong with me.
“Me too,” I muttered softly. Too softly?
“How’d you like to have a cup of coffee with me out here at BiEm. I have some interesting new stuff about Bromsky and his niece.
Something real for a change I thought, and I smiled inwardly. “Of course Paul. I don’t even need an excuse to have a cup of coffee with you during the day.” He agreed totally with me. I have no morals I thought. I hung up and started the car. I backed out and started home to clean up before going to meet Paul. I didn’t notice the Ford Focus as I left Maries parking area.

I don’t know about you, but with the spate of daytime retail establishment robberies, I always look around at other people when entering a convenience store. Actually the thieves are behind the counter charging $1.84 for a 20oz. soda pop.

I fear we will live in uncertain economic times up til the November elections. The Dems will send out favorable recovery reports and the GOP will counter with doubtful recovery reports. The traders will make bundles off the confusion and the average guy who really needs it will flounder. Just be prepared to be cautious. These are the days when it is possible to twitter an economy.

The Answer: The characters on the Pacific Princess were Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin McCleod), Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes), Adam Bricker (Bernie Kopell)< Burl “Gopher” Smith (Fred Gundy), Isaac Washington (Ted Lange), Vicki Stubing (Jill Whelan), Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans (Ted McGinley) and Emily Heywood (Marion Ross). Bonus Q: What did Ashley “Ace” Covington Evans do on the boat?

The Big Finish:
The Supreme Court is one of America’s greatest safeguards. You would hope it was always sound and sensible in the face of the loonies in Congress and consumate politicians in White House . But in the wake of all too many 5-4 decisions, I fear that this august body is just another group of politicians. And Kagan appears to be the most ostensible Pol of them all.

Of course, the real issue is how will the Red Sox continue to be competitive with all of the injuries and a line up of aging journeyman and untested rookies?

Maybe soccer is bad for you.

Today's Tids Issue 2,152
Opening Stuff:

I sense that many in this country are trying create a feeling of national guilt because we are not a strong soccer country in a world where soccer is king. Let’s see…The US is the most robust, singularly successful economy of the last 200 years. We are the freest country that ever existed. And we were never particularly good at soccer. In fact in recent years where soccer is showing some gains in popularity, the basic economy is changing intrinsically for the worse and freedoms are being chipped away on a daily basis. Maybe soccer is baaad.

I’m beginning to think I’m naïve. An intellectual vacuum. People keep on telling me that they are giving up the newspaper because there’s nothing in there any more. Yet I spend hours reading it each morning and come away fully satisfied with the use of my time. What do these people know what’s missing that I can’t see? It’s disturbing to feel so inadequate.

God, how awful was that flash flood that swept in upon sleeping campers and took the lives of 16 to 40 souls who were enjoying the calm and comfort of open skies and uncluttered forests next to a once rippling stream. How horrible. My heart aches.

The Mexican drug cartels are appearing to be considerably more dangerous and vicious than the Taliban. And, they are killing out of control with in inches of the US border.

The Question:
Here‘s a few questions for today. 1. Who was the first TV couple to be seen in bed together? 2. What state has the highest percentage of people who walk to work? 3. What was the frist novel ever written on a typewriter? 4. Each King in a deck of cards represents a different king in history. Name the king for each suit. 5. And finally, what is the most popular name requested by boat owners for their boats?

The Headlines:
--Moody's Downgrades Greece Debt To Junk Status.
--US Markets Up Early; Contracting In Afternoon..
--Pilot Strike Forces Spirit Airlines To cancel All flights Through Thursday; Thousands Stranded.
--BP Board Meeting On Dividend Action.
--Ethinic Violence In Kyrgystan Escalates to Levels Unheard Of Even By Kyrgystanians.
--US Discovers Over A trillion In Mineral Assets On Afghan Territory.; Could Be Boost for Economy There.
--Sausage-man Singer Jimmy Dean Dead At 81.
--Celtics Win; Lead NBA Series 3-2.
--World Cup Security Guards Riot Over Wages; SA Armed Police Called In..

Back to More Stuff:

A local sports writer summed our current state in a America nicely: “Nothing unravels a society faster than the lack of jobs.”

A leaked White House document indicates attempts by admin lackeys to make an end run around Presidential promises that helped him get the Health Care monster passed. This admin and its leader are sounding more and more like a group that will promise anything to get to point “A” and then work to change it to get where they always wanted to be in the first place. And that lack of trust is not comforting.

There was an omission in the email delivered Tids that was in the todaystids.blogspot.com location: “The Tids word of the day is ‘Caring’. It’s good for two hearts.”

The women at the local bar called the crude postal worker junk male.

There is no question in my mind that in the coming years the major organic farming crop will be medical marijuana. Don’t be surprised if you find it at your local Farmers Market next to the peony bushes. Farmer’s daughter baker types will be hawking marijuana laced chocolate chip cookies for hospital patient gifts. I love it when good things happen and it all comes together.

I used to think that lady Gaga dressed up to look weird for promotional promises. I’m finding that she doesn’t need to dress up to look or behave weird. In Fact she may have taken celebrity arrogance to the greatest heights yet. Just recently her out of control “Me” insanity after an American Idol gig and during a Mets game has proven conclusively that she is indeed from another planet and doesn’t need bazaar costumes to prove it.

We didn’t have Lady Gaga before soccer became popular.

There is one big problem I see coming with all of this Big Time College Athletics Conference Expansion. As the colleges destroy tradition, and the competition for the big bucks gets more vicious, and as more and more colleges break more and more rules to get a head, and more sanctions are delivered, putting more and more colleges on probation….will there be anybody left to play in these ridiculous outsized leagues? What a mess.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 78. –Thanks’ Henry I thought as I drove over to my house. Thnanks a lot!“Why don’t you have coffee with your friend Kent and see what you can learn", he asked me. That’s like telling an alcoholic to guard your vodka stash. I don’t think I can do it Henry. I’m getting scared Henry. Can’t you see it in me? You’re the detective. I just sat listening to the hum of the motor as I blindly drove.
Then it came. My shoulders shuddered. My chest heaved. I started crying uncontrollably.
I dove to the side of the road and and let the tears flow. All alone.

Red Sox player Beltre is batting .333 at the plate. But he’s batting a thousand in the crippling of fellow players department. Outfielders Elsbury and Hermida are out with cracked ribs for extended periods after running into the third baseman. The infielder is generally supposed to give way to the onrushing out fielders who have a better perspective of the hit ball. Maybe it’s an English-Spanish translation problem.

I seem to be going through a lot of fishing line lately. Unfortunately it’s to tie the rose to the trellis on my roof.

Jessica Watson, 16 yo. Australian who sailed singled handed around the world was hailed a hero upon her return. But here in the Nanny state outraged non-sailors with a typewriter (Ooops computer) are calling for the parents scalps. On board the French fishing boat that rescued her, Abby went back to her blog. She sounds calm and under control and I have to love her line: “Within a few minutes of being on board the fishing boat, I was already getting calls from the press. I don’t know how they got the number but it seems everybody is eager to pounce on my story now that something bad has happened.” Then commented on the press and others guessing reasons for the problem, including her age. “…Since when does age create large waves and storms.” She went on to say I was ready for it, I was prepared for it, and it came. http://soloround.blogspot.com/

“Duh Headline of the Week Department:
Double Duh! For this one in Parade Mag: “Should suspected terrorists be allowed to buy weapons.” Excuse me? How about “Should you say no to Hannibal Lector if he asks to give you a hickey?”

The Answer: 1. Fred and Wilma Flintstone were first to snuggle under th covers. Does this mean that everything we see on South Park will be come common for the rest of programs? 2. Alaska 3. Tom Sawyer was the first novel ever typed. But that shouldn’t be surprising since Twain’s home at the time was Hartford Ct, the typewriter capital of the world. 4. Spades – King David, Hearts – Charlemagne, Clubs – Alexander the Great, Diamonds – Julius Caesar. Obama is the joker. 4. “Obsession” is the most popularly requested name for boats.

The End:
If you try to ruch and do too many things at once in the morning, you’ll probably drop your toothbrush in the toilet bowl. Have a grrrr-eat day!

Gaspee Days: A teachable Moment

Today's Tids Issue 2,150
Opening Stuff:

Let’s hear it for the Chicago Blackhawks!

If stocks are so cheap, why aren’t the insiders buying?

DC Photogs and the WH PR team are on high alert as this is Sasha’s ninth birthday.

The Question:
Who are Robert Holbrook and William Griffith Wilson? Bonus Q: Who are the all-time inning’s eaters among all Red Sox Pitchers?

The Headlines:
--Stocks Surge On better Jobs Data And New Data On China Exports.
--Sun Entering Active, Nasty Solar Flare Period That Could Disrupt Communications.
--Taliban Suicide Attack Kills Forty At Afghan Wedding Party; Wedding Family Had Ties To Police Department.
--Demand For US Exported Slip; US Trade Deficit Rose To Highest Level In 16 Months; Fears That Euro Problems Slowing Demand And Could Hurt US Manufacturing..
--Violent Crimes Are ON the Rise At US Hospitals, Clinics And Health Centers.
--Frequent Flyer Seats Sold Out For Summer Travel.

Back to More Stuff:

The overused popular phrase “Teachable Moment” is getting real tired real fast. And, if you think about the phrase popularized by Prime Time, and how the focus on it obscured the fact that the only person in the original TM who had anything to learn was the 0-Man him self who rushed to bad judgment.

It hadn’t occurred to me til recently, but why didn’t the “leader of the free world” call in the CEO of BP for a sit-down the day after the big explosion. This could have been a leadership moment. But noooo, the messiah chose to stand on the sidelines and snipe at the company. And reinforce is rep as the great mocker. But, here is the funny part, which once again reflects the insanity of political spin. The Gibbster, before the White House press corps yesterday actually explained it this way: “The Board of directors is really in charge of BP and the President didn’t want to make 8 phone calls!” Say what? Not only does he sound entirely stupid, but in fact CEO’s are the official representatives of boards. Ineptitude at its finest.

The headlines scream Heidi Montag to split with Spencer Pratt and I say just who are Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt and why should I care?

You could always rely on the choice of veal rollatini before marsala sauce became so pervasive.

Ditto that for chicken saltimbocca.

Just for the record, Helen Thomas has been out of touch with anything but her own agenda since the day she walked into the White House press room.

Exercise can add years to your life which allows you spend $7,000/year for an additional 5 years in a nursing home.

Wall Street is blaming the downturn on Europe, but it will be the streets brightest who will bring down the small investor once again. A new poll says 82% of hedge fund managers are or will be selling short.

Gaspee Days in Pawtuxet Village RI celebrates the Sinking of the British Ship Gaspee which was the first official act by angry colonists against England prior to the shot heard round the world. It’s a big deal here. But, most interestingly, of 59 available flavors at a local Ice Cream store in the quaint seaside village, the two most popular are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Chocolate Peanut Butter cup. The kids fave is Cotton Candy. See I always get back to food.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 77. –“Good afternoon my Friend!” Henry looked up as I entered the tiny police station.
“Fill me in.” I said quickly.
“Don’t you want to beat around the bush a little with me Sarah?” he smiled that warm pleasant smile and continued, “Like your pal Kent just did on the phone.”
“Kent called you?” I said almost a little too quickly. “Just now?”
“Yup. And, you know Sarah his offers of help is starting to sound a little phony to this old ear. I just don’t know why yet.”
“Well, Henry, he must have called you the minute after he hung up from a call to me.” Henry looked interested at that. “I didn’t tell him I was coming to see you.”
“I didn’t mention our meet either, and I can’t think of a reason why you should tell him anyhow.” That nudged my heart. I am being as devious as Kent and I’m getting a pass form Henry. Then he really started to focus. As I have learned, despite his easy outward manner, Henry is all business all the time. “I know that there is something about Middleton that just doesn’t add up. He is manipulative. I dropped the Laura incident on him, and while he seemed to think he was being Inert about it, I thought he was disturbed.” He looked up at me but I was totally attentive and unemotional. “We know,” he continuesd, that Bromsky told Sally Orstein that he thought Kent was manipulating him and we know that Laura cleans his house.”
“Knowing Kent is making me nervous” I said to Henry...honestly. I started to feel ill as my stomach rolled. I have to maintain my composure.
“Here’s the deal, Sarah.” He looked deep into my eyes, now very serious. What is the deal I thought? Does he know something? I was using all of my energy to remain calm. And it was physically hurting me. I have never felt so uncomfortable in all of my charmed life. “I need you to maintain you comfortable friendship with Kent Middleton. My observations tell me that he seems to enjoy Your company…”
“O, we get along”, I interrupted. God, was that stupid. Another lie. But then I added, “Like how?”
“Marie tells me that the two of you seem to enjoy having quick snacks at her place after meetings with me. Just try to keep that going>”
“Henry, you’re asking me to make a date with another man,” I tried to joke. He smiled.

For a guy who thinks the magical powers touted about vegetables is a myth, I was happy to see the headline “7 Myths About Veggies”. The myths are “Fresh is more nutritious than frozen.”, Cooked V’s less nutritious than raw.”, Iceberg Lettuce doesn’t have any nutrients.”, Local V’s are always cheaper.”, “Potatoes make you fat (Pots have no fat and low calories…but then there’s the gravy and the butter.)”, Bagged salads are squeaky clean (Oops)”, “Farmers markets only have organic V’s”. I have always looked askance at veggie raves, and now I have justification…and I’m really happy about it. But then, I live in a small world.

I have just learned that the Newport Grand quasi casino was built on the former town dump. There’s a really funny line in there somewhere.

You have to laugh at the headline “Strange moment at awards show”. It was the MTV awards show and everything about it was strange. As a matter of fact, more and more every time celebs group together tit becomes strange.

I was pleasantly amazed at the picture of the fully intact, completely leather non-sandal shoe recently found in an Armenian cave…that was 5,500 years old! That predates the pyramids by 1,500 years!) It gave me a pause for thought about early civilizations. But what really amazed me was that the oldest shoe ever found was a 6,800’s fiber made sandal…in Missouri. Relatives of the shoe’s owner are seeking retributions.

The Answer: Lots of people owe their lives to Holbrook and Wilson, the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron Ohio in 1935. It’s hard to imagine, though, that this group started out as a Protestant only group until 1939 when the first Catholic was allowed to join…considering that some catholic ethnic groups are well know drinking stereotypes. BQ: I inserted this Q (Sorry non-Red Sox fans) only to pay homage to one of my favorite, hardworking team players Tim Wakefield who just over took the record of Roger Clements. The other two inning’s eaters are the iconic Cy Young and Luis Tiant!

The Big End:
If America got back to the idea of small villages (Including healthy urban neighborhoods), it would be a better place.

The bats are cracking.

Today's Tids Issue 2,103
Opening Stuff:

Today is one of those relatively uncelebrated but essential days in US historical dietary lore. It is “1/2 Price Peeps” day. And fortunately for the first time in years the lines will be short as most people are standing in line for iPads. Peeps are better. Espcailly…those new chocolate covered little cluckers.

Did you hear about the burglar who got away with a big haul of jewelry with leaving any clues or evidence behind? It was known as a stainless steal.

How about that Abby Sunderlund! The able 16 year old sailor turned the corner on her challenging solo around the world sailing journey by going around the treacherous Cape Horn on Thursday. If you like bravery and courage mixed with superior sailing skills you have to tune in to this drama. Follow her at http://www.abbysunderland.com/ She is currently heading north and is just a bit southeast of the Falklands. Let’s hope the Brits and Gouchos don’t decide to start a little skirmish.

The Question:
Through the haze of alcohol, under clouds of homosexuality and stormy accusations of allegiances with communists, Eugene O’Neill still managed to write and become a beloved US playwright. Name five of his greatest plays.

Today’s Headlines:
--Red Sox Open 2010 Season With Dramatic Come From Behind Win Over Ya, Ya, Ya…(WYKWIM)…That Team With The New Expensive Overprice Stadium Where Only Hedge Fund Managers Can Afford Seats.
--7.9 Quake Kills In Mexico; Rattles In US.
--White House Warns Of Slow Jobs Rebound.
--Asia Markets Up On More Positive US Jobs Outlook
--Blasts In Pakistan Near US Embassy Kills 3.
--Latest NASA Launch Carries More Woman Than Ever Into Space; Discovery Expected Not To Get Lost.
--New Report Says That 6 Months Of Breastfeeding Would Save 900 Babies/Year; Billions In health Cost Dollars.
--Butler Everybody’s Darling For Tonight’s Matchup With the Blue Devils.
--Office Vacancies At 16 Year High.
--Chinese Coal Ship Rams Great Barrier Reef.

Back to More Stuff:

If you are looking for the movie reviews and other insights into the President’s mind, check out Saturday’s Shorts http://todaystids.blogspot.com/2010/04/civility-starts-at-top.html

By now you know that last night marked the opening day of baseball in Boston. Think about how dumb this is for a moment. Planning to open up with a night baseball game in New England…where early April nighttime temps are typically in the 40’s and even the 30’s. This is not for the fans but for the TV networks and the big money. This is just one more example of misguided leadership in America. Baseball isn’t played on sandlots any more.

John McPherson suggests that a good way to ameliorate the prison over crowding problem is to convict smaller criminals.

Does the phrase “Fair Share” in census commercials bother you as much as it does me? It says to me that the Government actually thinks it is their money they are distributing. Actually it’s our money, yours and mine plus a trillion or so in new debt that they are returning.

While we’re on the census lets talk a second about diversity and unification. I believe the positive effects of diversity improve when everybody is the same. As you may know the census contains a racial, ethnic check-off. The more we differentiate the more we disrupt the strength of diversity. The census is becoming a tool of divisiveness.

Licensing for salt water fishing just has to be unconstitutional…somehow. Isn’t the ultimate freedom walking to waters edge, wavelets lapping at your ankles, smelling the salt spray and throwing a lure 30-40 yards out into the ocean? Without worrying at what moment you will be brought down in a hail of bullets from an over-aggressive power mad government watch dog.

He who throws mud loses ground.

I have listened to all the reports and expert opinions and read many others about iPad, and I’ll be darned if I can see any reason at all to buy one. Call; me a Luddite…but a Luddite with $500+ still in his pocket.

You know you are getting old when friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you are in your bare feet. It’s a Florida thing.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 63 continues.
(Note, this episode picks up from last Wednesday. Thursday’s was a complete April Fool joke, but I have to admit, I have thought of going that route.)
--“What was your meeting like?” I continued to push, but gently.
Paul took his time. While blessed or cursed with unbounded energy (I’m not sure which), he had this ability to be very thoughtful. To slow his brain when needed. He was hard to catch off guard. Maybe we were too alike that way. “I’ll start at the beginning,” he began. “He kept me off balance all of the time. Not that he shook me, but he made me feel uncomfortable. And assured all those in the room that he was in charge. As I got to know him, especially in private, I found him easy to talk to and interested in mutual progress. Now that is either his nature, or was because he saw how much we could contribute. I started to realize that he needed what we had, which was the ability to provide technology that operated beyond where they were in the lab process at all times.”
“So…” I interrupted.
“Jeez…you sound just like him!” Paul laughingly editorialized. That stopped me a moment. Me like Kent. Hey, I’m bubbly and effervescent, aren’t I? “Well,” he smiled again at me, “the ‘so’ is that he wasn’t surprised at the acquisition of human test results as a result of the Bromsky affair. Sally, do you know Sally?” he continued without my answer, “Sally was amazed at how conforming my GenInst products were at the time of the introduction of overwhelming new, advanced data.
“But, you were already working with Bromsky?” I asked. “So that figures,” I surmised. “So what exactly are you telling me Paul?” I waited as he focused.
“I’m saying I think he is much more complicated than he appears. I’m saying that while there are apparent answers, something all of a sudden doesn’t feel quite as right about Mr. Middleton.”
I just looked at him. Maybe I should talk to Sally Orstein. How would I do that without alerting Kent.

I have a new nick name for the President – The great Mocker! Isn’t he sounding a bit juvenile these days as he ridicules the so-called opposition who just happen to be about 55-60% of loving Americans. It’s one thing to disagree, but to insult honest people when you are the leader and supposed unifier is unconscionable in a civilized country. It’s one thing to question. But it is unbecoming of a leader of free country to demean. Why would the nation want to come together under this man? Civility comes from the top.

The Prez wonders why so many are drifting away from him. His attempts at bi-partisanship have been superficial and blatantly self serving. The Great Mocker is just too political to be a leader.

All of a sudden Iraq is looking very unstable. That execution style mass assassination over the weekend allegedly groups sympathetic to al-Qaida are taking advantage of the wrangling by the two top vote getters. And by wearing Iraqi police and US Military uniforms, they are obviously try create doubt and resentment to what appeared to be nice progress in the country.

Did you hear about the young boy who kept calling out to his parents “Breaking News on CNN!” But when they arrived there was never anything to be seen. He became known as the boy who cried Wolf Blitzer.

The Answer:
Imagine the greatness of O’Neill despite the negatives. The Tids guy only has grammatical insubordination going against him. Eugene’s first published play was Beyond the Horizon which won the Pulitzer…and that wasn’t even one of his best known efforts. You have heard of Anna Christie, Desire Under the Elms, Strange Interlude, Morning Becomes Electra, Ah, Wilderness, The Iceman Cometh, Emperor Jones, A Long Days Journey into Night and A moon for the Misbegotten.

Final Thought:
Uranium casually being mined in Africa without oversight is a scary thing. Almost as scary as CVS being out of Peeps when you reach the front of the line. Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

The sky is falling.

Today's Tids 2,084
Opening Stuff:

It’s too damn hot! Really, what can you do in 45-50 degree weather other than pretend than it is summer? You can’t go skiing. Or walk around inhaling great crisp air. For me the coming of warmth only means that it won’t be long before I have to stow away my beloved plaid flannel shirts. You can…get sluggish, delude yourself and improve the chances of picking up a nagging allergy annoyance. I try not to get excited about anything. That tends to offset the effects of gravy on my heart.

Chicken Little is out there spreading alarm about the evil insurance companies. This is tantamount to killing the messenger. Politicians do this often because it is so much easier than going after the root of the problems. They do it all of the time. The so-called obscene profits of the insurers’ amounts to about 0.58% of all the money spent on health care. And the average company profit is a measly 4% on revenue which is miniscule compared to most major companies who shoot for and get 10-25%. They raise rates because consumers of health services spend more, are using it more and because the hospitals and doctors are charging more. Part of the cause for this giant magilla goes all the way back to the origins of the insurance perk. Way back when people thought “Hey this is free!”. People have to have a stake in the process that should have some effect on their own pocketbook.

The Question:
What are the ten all time biggest auto recalls?

Today’s Headlines:
--Cisco Introduces Super Speed Products That Could Change Face Of Internet; High Speed, High Capacity Routers Could Down Load All Movies Ever Made In One Minute, Hndle Entire Population Of China On Phone At Same Time.
--New Poll: Obama Grades Steady With New Positive Support On War Management; Congress Sinking; 56% Say US Heading In Wrong Direction.
--New Uncontrolled Acceleration Mystery: Runaway Prius’
--Pennsylvanian Jihad Jane Accused Of Recruiting Terrorists.
--Minority Births Now Half Of All US Newborns; Trend Will Make Minorities Majority In 40 Years.
--Suicide Attack Inside NATO Compound Kills Two; Taliban In Afghan Police Uniform Walks In And Detonates Explosives Next To Group Of Resting Soldiers.
--China Feb Exports Rise 45.7%
--Commercial Mortgages Look Stronger As Delinquency Index Improves.

Back to More Stuff:

Has any ego become more inflated than that of the former delightfully cute and talented ingénue – Lindsay Lohan? Now she thinks the name “Lindsay” should be trademarked as her own since it is obvious to her that any time the name Lindsay is heard, somebody will think of her. How about “Lucky Lindsay”, Lindsay? Or is aeronautical history beyond your hazy mind. Or was that Lindy? Oh well. You have heard of course of the outrageous $100 Mil lawsuit against E-Trade. Of course, I doubt if any body would have thought of her until she came out about it. I sure didn’t. She must be awfully fragile.

American Idol seems to be much more of an amateur event this year. But, at least on the girls’ side, I think there is some good, solid talent. I think headed forward for sure will be top performers Chrystal, Siobhan, Lacy and Lilly. They have a noticeable tinge of something special. I like Katelyn better than the judges. Didi can be decent or a disaster. Paige was supposed to be a powerhouse but she has failed to impress me. I really think young Kate is very good. But when the numbers get smaller you can’t be average like she was last night. She may stay on cuteness and likeability. I think Paige will go plus one of two who I like – Didi and Katie. Whichever girls continue, I believe they will all be in the driver’s seat as any who remain are much better than a below average and rather boring group of men.

Eric Massa sounds like a nut case, but his remarks about the Admin Chief still ring true.

The Novel:
Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 59. –I woke up refreshed and energized. I felt even better when I looked over at Laura’s sleeping body and remembered last night. Laura is a monster in many ways, and that is exactly the kind of animal I love roaming in my forest. This will work for a while, since it is highly unlikely that Sarah will be running up the front steps to knock on my door for a couple of weeks. If she finds Laura here, I’ll just introduce her as my housekeeper. But, It would be totally better to keep her in the way background…if I can.
I was finishing up coffee and a piece of toast when I heard footsteps and then a “Hi Superman!” I turned and saw Laur standing there making pained expressions as though her body would never recover. She definitely knows how to nourish a 57 year old mind. I flexed my muscles as she sat.
“Good, good night.” she continued. “You know Kent, I love sex, but what has really been turning me on the past couple of months is what we have been doing to Seymore and BiEm. I dig your mind.”
Laura looked younger than she is. She is a bit younger than Sarah, but not as young as the teenagers she coerced into executing the scheme I had planned. The fact that she was Bromsky’s niece and pretty much amoral were two major ingredients that helped create my success. Now I’m the most respected person at BiEmbryo, I have our chief financier under my thumb and I get to use test results that would have been considered totally unethical, if not illegal. And best of all my chief rival Bromsky is the hunted dupe. I may have to take care of him.

Back to More Stuff Again:

People actually have a minor stake in the Health System in that they pay tiny co-pays and have to a satisfy minimum. But get this. A report from debt collectors dealing in the health biz says that almost the entirety of the unpaid debt are miniscule amounts for accumulated co-pays and unpaid minimums. Users just seem to walk away “The Government will pay for it!” The whole picture is a lot different than the anecdotal picture.

Red Sox Special:
Nomar is expected to sign with the Red Sox today…for one day. He will then announce his retirement from his beloved team. I was always a Nomar lover.
Only 3% of Americans don’t want some kind of HC change. However 68% of the folks want the Dems and GOP to be on board together. The GOP idea of going back to the beginning is probably the best idea on the table, because that is exactly where all of the problems with this monster began.

Emotion versus Practical Judgment Department:
This is kind of interesting. A large North east energy company pays 9.4cents/kwh for electricity from traditional fossil sources. It would cost them 24.5cents/kwh plus a guaranteed 3.7% increase per year if purchased from a proposed wind farm. The Politicians say lets do the wind thing because it will bring in jobs. Huh? Traditionally, cheap energy availability has always been a major consideration for companies (Where all jobs and eventually all taxes that pay for gov jobs emanate) when measuring the favorability of business climates in a given state. And many large employers here are starting to shout, let’s take another look at this new high cost energy dream. Is it not a bit nutty to jeopardize muli-thousands of jobs for a few hundred, many of which will disappear after the wind projects are in place? Slow down and think about reality.

Congress has banned collusion among competing companies, but I think TV programmers should get together to maximize their audiences. For example why put Chuck on against House (Yes I’m one of those people who likes Chuck)? Or, how crazy is it to have the AI women on against the very popular NCIS?

Often people are reluctant to take advice from people who haven’t had hands-on experience in a given field of expertise. This is one of those Zen arguments. Can’t experienced people be too close to there own experiences to be able to transfer unbiased assistance? Where an unencumbered logical mind without specific experience can often see a picture for those needing advice more clearly with out any built-in prejudices. Of course this generalization is dependent on the quality and characteristics of the advisor. Of well, it’s too complex for me. My head hurts.

The Answer:
10. - 3.6 Mil GM Trucks. 7 (Tie). - 3.7 mil: Volks Beetle, Volks Beet; Volks Beet; Honda; Honda; GM; GM. 6. Toyota (current) 3.8 mil. 5. Ford 4.1 M. 4. GM 5.m Mil. 3. GM 6.7 Mil. 2. Ford 7.9. And -- Number one is 14.1 million Fords in 2008-09 for fire hazards’ in cruise control. Promise: I'll have a better Q: tomorrow that will be actually interesting and fun.

Big Ending Thought:

How many times have we all made simple solutions difficult by looking for the complex?