Waiting for Christmas rally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,488

Opening Stuff:

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

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

The Question:

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

The Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Answer:

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

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

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

Zuccotti Park ain't no manger.

Today's Tids Issue #2,479
(Written 12/2)
Opening Stuff:



Hey, it's beautiful December and it's still not very cold. This could mean record snow falls in April! But, we're all are awaiting the wonderful fat guy in the red suit. I don't know about you, but I always get a great feeling in my heart when the calendar flips over to the 12th month. And, we have lots ahead, Pearl Harbor to remember, pearls to be bought for the special and pearls of wisdom that remind us why this is the most beautiful time of year. And the heart of this most beautiful of months was found in a manger 2011 years ago. Just look at us now.

Coke says there new, now defunct cans were designed to raise money for polar bears. What are the polar bears going to do with all that money, build a seal TV dinner factory? Let's hope the money for polar bears isn't being funneled through an African dictator or they won't see a dime.

The one thing I'm getting from this so-called "Historic" visit is that Aung Sai Suu Kyi is the best looking of all current world leaders.

Reputation is what other people think of you.

The Question:
Name the top ten all time women tennis players.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Posts Best Week Since 2009; But, Week Came After Miserable Previous Week.
--With More Americans Out Of The Labor Force, Unemployment Numbers For November Expected To Hit 2 1/2Year Low; Disguised By 315K Left Labor Force In Month.
--Newest Politico To Enter Sex Scandal Hall Of Shame -- Bill Richardson; Grand Jury Looking At Possible $200K Funneled To Pay Off Talkative Alleged Ex Affair Mate.
--Cain To Clarify His Candidacy Tomorrow.
--10 Year Old Philadelphia Fan Calls Tom Brady "Sucky".


The X-Factor Logo is foreboding appearing to me, and it seems to represent the atmosphere of the program well. A program which also illustrates the dark, money side of the music business. Maybe I'm just bitter becasue I thought Drew was the best of the lot.

Don't you get the feeling that most of the news is centered around the few that have fallen through the cracks while that 100's of millions who just do it right day after day just keep rolling along dealing with the bumps and enjoying the highs of life.

As one reader opined, only people who celebrate Christmas buy trees. Did you ever go to a tree farm and see two signs -- This way to Christmas Trees and Holiday Trees in up front lot. "John Leydon's Fairness Celebration Tree farm." We also have Birthday trees, Bar Mitzvah trees and special Easter or Rite of Spring Trees. All of our trees are naturally evolved! None blessed by God.

And...this from another reader, who after presenting the various definitions of the word "Pretend" (Look em' up), suggests: "So to pretend that Christmas season is anything but the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ is to pretend that something else that is nothing is something. It is to make believe in something that is not."

Don't you love the insightful Tids readers.

That NFL clothing for Christmas commercial stretches the limits of believability, when a well dressed woman goes orgasmic over a pair of boots plastered with a Jets logo.

And, remember that Lincoln "Holiday Tree" Chafee is that RI Governor who said when running, "Kurt Shilling's bloody sock was a sham!"

If anybody in the country still reads Time, eyes will be turning to RI and the leader of the dramatic turn-around of a beleaguered state -- Gina Raimondo. Gina for President -- well maybe Senator.

By the way, what do the democrats have against pizza shop owners and the pizza makers. Every time I see Obama and other high chiefdoms in the party, they are derogatorily referring to Cain as "that Pizza business guy."

Almost near: Chapter 52. --"What did you think of that lawyer who was trying to help your girlfriend Samantha?" Audrey just stared at Tucker who was trying to grasp a string of onion soup cheese with his teeth. It was not a pretty picture. That's why she asked the question when she did. He finally slurped up the cheese, but winced as his tongue touched the hot soup.
"She's not my girlfriend and he seemed like a nice guy." Audrey thought he looked concerned as he stared back at her.
"I'm sorry, I'm your girl friend right?" She smiled radiantly at him and he smiled back. "Don't worry, I'm not stalking you. So, was that Dante lawyer hit by the car before or after you came out here."
"Dante was hit by a car?" Good answer, Audrey thought.
"Oh, you hadn't heard about that. Yeah, I've been doing some reporter snooping. I also learned that Samantha was very distraught after eating lunch with you and the lawyer."
"She did go to the ladies room, and then just disappeared. I'm worried about her, actually. And now more so after seeing the look in that Barton's eyes." He paused a little, gently tasted that onion soup and the ate it all. "So, would you liike to be my girlfirend?"

The Answer:
I've admired them all in one way or another and a couple were my favorite athletes of the day. Starting at Ten we have Justine Henin followed by Evonne Goolagong, Venus Williams, Monica Selas (Could have been higher if not stabbed), Billy Jean King, Serena Williams Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Stefi Graf and Martina Navratilova. Personally I would add Althea Gibson and Mo Connolly, plus a few of the pioneers in the 30;s and 40's.

The way I see it, there are only two possibilities: The government doesn't have a clue about saving for a rainy day, or they are just out and out inept business managers. The answer is that they do save for a rainy day but forget why they are saving it.

Unemployment statistics in RI improve dramatically: Indy upsets the Pats and millions of RI'ers jump off Newport bridge altering significantly reducing out of job statistics.

Love your weekend.

Kudos.

Today's Tids Issue 2,469
Openiing Stuff:


The RI legislature stepped up to the plate, avoided some wayward inside fastballs and hit one out of the park last night for the taxpayers and in general, for the possible return to all around sanity. These politicians in our beleaguered state had the guts and the integrity necessary to do what's right. Let's hope yours do too. The Country needs it.

Last night, the adorable, pleasantly brash little rapper on X-Factor turned out to be just another punk who thinks the world owes him a living. The biggest crime though wasn't in the immature antics of a moderately talented kid (Talented if you like Rap), but the judges not sending him home. Giving him a pass. But then it is typical of our society where the crass, irresponsible, lazy and child molesters are protected by personal motivations of the ruling class.

Consumers are merely income streams for banks.

The Question:
Name five of Natalie Wood's best movies.

The Headlines:

--Good-Bye Regis.
--Stocks Up A Smidge.
--Confusion Reigns As Record Amount Of Egyptians Prepare For First Democratic Vote.
--House Prepares To Vote On Balanced Budget Amendment.
--China Vows Closer Military Ties With North Korea.
--Massive Rallies Yesterday By OWS Groups Seems To Have Fallen On Deaf Ears.
--Syracuse U Number 2 Basketball Coach Accused Of Molesting Boys.
--Newport RI'er Ken Reid Leading The Pack In The 45,000 Mile Around The World Sailboat race.

Good news from Congress for a change. It appears they are going to reinstate Pizza and fries for school lunches. They got to start upping their approval ratings somewhere. Might as well start with the fertile minds of kids.

I think my spell-check service is Government designed and operated. For instance...I just wrote "pll". The spell check gives me poll and pall as suggestions. How much creativity does it take to suggest "pull"? Maybe it's because of what we have long suspected -- There is no "U" in the government lexicon.

You ain't seen deflation like you will see deflation if they go through with the elimination of the Mortgage deduction.

Tebow is proving that intrinsically being a winner, having the heart, is more important every time than passing the "experts" test for physical characteristics.

The other big story in RI is the steady flow of jobs away from the state. 20 or so years ago the powers that be proclaimed that Tourism would be just fine as a replacement for a deteriorating manufacturing economy that once reigned supreme. And so they got it -- A seasonal economy that will always struggle. Now, as October reports 7,000 more jobs lost (The third month in a row) they are craving the return of manufacturers and other year long businesses The only year long business we have is government employees and that just is not an economy at all. The problem. The business economy here pretty much sucks because of extreme over-regulation, high energy costs and significant taxation. In fact RI in most polls rates dead last as attractive to companies. Maybe the Legislature can step up to the palate again. Or maybe we should just call on Gina to do it one more time.

Ok, maybe Tebow isn't the worlds greatest QB, but the visceral hate shown against him is way out of whack with the reality that it's only a guy playing sports! It can only be because of his strong belief in God and commitment to a moral life. A guy like Tebow could make many face up to their innate guilt, and they probably hate him for the anguish he creates for them in the lives they love leading. Anyhow, that's my take on it.

The Cable news Networks must be licking their chops over the prospects of reopening the Natalie Wood case. It will provide many hours of repetitive TV, and good extra income for lawyers, detectives and assorted self-proclaimed experts. It appears the Yacht Captain has finally come out, saying he lied at the initial investigation and that Robert Wagner was responsible for his wife's death.


The next big Con for Status Seeking Consumers Department:
It's a green tea, and it will cost $35,000/Pound! Yikes! And then there is the secret ingredient -- Panda Poo. Yup, Those black & white fur balls don't digest their food too well, making their lumps of dung rich in fiber and nutrients and the perfect fertilizer for the perfect tea. So the next time you are gently sipping the rich and very expensive tea, what images will you be creating in your minds? I should have titled this segment "Does the bear S___ in the woods department?.

Call me stupid and really out of touch, but I just don't get FaceBook. Oh, I get why businesses want consumers to reach them through FaceBook, but I just don't understand why people enjoy exposing themselves to the world. Like say...a Tids writer.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Happy feet Two will be a winner because people love little waddling penguins. In this one Mumble's son Erik, a penguin who can't dance, runs away and meets a penguin who can fly. Mumbles loses his son to the charisma of the flying tuxedo, but regains it when he shows "guts and grit" fighting against powerful forces.
--The latest in the Twilight Series -- The Twilight Saga: The Breaking Dawn will also be a winner because teens love this series. And also because this is a much better film than the previous one. Bella and Edward must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon and tumultuous birth of a child.

Almost Near: Chapter 50 continues. --Being a reporter, Audrey decided that a reporter would give her the best head start at tracking down this Samantha person. A person she really doesn't know at all but who is turning her life up side down. Hell, I know where her kids are, she thought, and she may or may not depending what she remembers at any given moment. At least, that was the way Audrey was looking at the former lover of Tucker. At least that's what I know from Tucker. The she smiled, as a reporter, I should always check my sources! "Hi, this is Sam O'Brien."
Oh, Hi Sam, I'm Audrey Johnson, a columnist, you know reporter from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and I'm trying to find out about a woman who was born in New Castle -- which, I assume your Portsmouth paper covers."
"Oh yes, we do."
"I don't know exactly how to start this, because I'm just getting some meager details about her early life. Can you work with me?"
"Sure."
"You don't say much more than you have to, do you?"
"I'm a New Englander. I like to save energy."
"Well, bare with me, this women left New Castle about 17 years ago, and she'd be about 35-36. What kind of town is New Castle anyhow. Anything ever happen there?
"It's a pretty little place surrounded by water and the people are nice enough to let me live there."
"All your life?"
"Yup. And, funny you should ask. Cause about two days ago we had what appears to be an attempted murder of a good young lawyer here. And their is talk of a mysterious missing women, who maybe had ties with the town. We're waiting to see of the lawyer makes it out of the coma.
"Really!"

The Answer:
Natalie Wood was one of those actors who brought a special beauty to the screen. How perfect was that face for Maria in West Side Story? Or her roles in Spender in the Grass and how she lit up the screen playing opposite the biggest fad actor of the era James Dean in Rebel without a Cause! America first fell in love with her as the child star in Miracle on 34th Street. Some of her other big films were Gypsy, Love with the Proper Stranger and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Her final film released posthumously was Brainstorm. Her real name was Natalia Nekolaevna Zakharenko!

"There's a place for us...somewhere..." I always start humming that tune every time I type West Side Story.

Hope your weekend hums along and is lyrical and melodic.

.

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It's always blue above the clouds.

Today's Tids Issue #2428
Opening Stuff:


This mornings skies are grey and solemn. They seem predatory, daring humans to venture forth. What will they bring. Will they open up to torrential rains; Northeast winds that churn the seas. Mighty winds that deleaf trees? Or will they intimidate, lay there dull and dreary? But it is September; beautiful September; September, when the skies bring gloom, the air that surrounds exhales the aroma of crisp, stirring Autumns. And the smiles of people you see bring the sunshine.

Talk about dreary...this morning many of the financial experts are saying "Preserve capital, go to cash". Yikes!

I think 0-Man's biggest obstacle to reelection is that huge block of 2008 voters who thought he was refreshing and are now incredibly disillusioned.

The Question:
R.E.M. announced that the party is over. Name the three principle band members and five of the their hits.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Nosedive...Again.
--Abbas Rejects US, French Statehood Proposals; Palestine Wants It Now; Palestinian Protestors Slam 0-Man Over His UN Speech..
--House Dems And tea Party Join Together To Kill Disaster Relief Bill.
--Perry/Romney GOP A Tier In Tonight's Important Florida Debate; Straw Poll To Follow Next Day.
--Weekly Jobless Bennies Apps Drops To 423K; Four Week Average Rises To 421K.
--NATO Says Daffy Fighter Still A Force To be considered.
--New Guidance From Arne And The White House Effectively Guts The "No Child Left Behind " Law; GOP Says Waivers Will Put More Control Of Local Education In Big Gov. Hands.
--Carter Executed.

Bernanke lowered the interest rate yesterday to jump-start lending in an unimaginative attempt to stimulate business growth. He's been doing this for three years, and nothing has happened yet. I don't think they have a clue. Just another one trick pony.

Oh yeah, and the Fed's convoluted "Operation Twist", announced at the same time, will provide another negative impact on the nation's largest Pension Funds, already struggling with funding shortfalls.

I see where the loons in San Fran are rallying to the safety of their fellow avian brethren. Yes the city will require "Bird Safe" glass in all new building construction, at double the cost of glass currently in use. They say "millions of birds have met their death" crashing into buildings. I find "Millions" difficult to believe. But then you know bird lovers.

The new TV show Revenge could grow on me. Nicely paced with some cleverness and plot twists. A bit of a soap opera in the Hampton's, but not bad.

If air is free, why does electricity generated by ocean wind power farms cost twice as much as traditionally generated electricity?

Rhode Island has some excellent new politicians in waiting. People with imagination, integrity, balance and brains. Pols who give us hope that someday in the future our beautiful state will actually have real Senators in Washington instead of the embarrassing puppets we have today. I'm thinking of Allan Fung (R), Gina Raimondo (D) and Angel Tavarous (D), three people fighting the demons that previous irresponsible and unaccountable politicians left as pollution upon the state's financial landscape.

Has TV ever been more disgusting than it was last night on the X-Factor? Fortunately a male singer in a shiny outfit was so bad, that after just four/five sour notes I switched to the Red Sox (Also Disgusting). What I missed was this deplorable act where the A-Hole of the week (Or is it just one more A-Hole on bad TV) strips down to frontal nudity. Paula Abdul walked off horrified. Of course, this was a taped show and there was no reason at all (Except to use depravity push up ratings) to show it to a national audience. Do the producers think their show sucks so badly that they have to resort to this even lower common denominator than other bad TV shows. Shame on Simon Cowell.

I knew there was a reason that studiously avoid "Audition" shows for competition series.

It's Pickum' Time on the Tids gridiron. Last week we improved slightly to q respectable 13-3 bringing the year to 23-9 or 71.2%. The tough ones are Houston-NO, NE-Buff(?), Phil-NYG, Det-Minn, Jax-Car, GB-Chi Wash-Dal and TB-Atlanta. For those I'm picking No, NE, Phil, Det, Car, Gb, Wash, Atlanta. The rest are SF, Tenn, Cleve, SD, NYJ, Balt, Ariz and Pitt. Deos it appear that there are a lot more injuries already tis year. The Pats, for instance, have already shelved for the season their very good center and a top DL. This could make picking difficult if the injuries continue.

"Get the Rich" is an economic policy that will never work.

That $16 muffin which was reported yesterday as standard fare at Washington DC coffee breaks seems indicative of how our Gov. employees view spending. The baker should be arrested fo price gouging. No wonder the DC area has the neighborhoods with the highest priced a housing and highest family incomes. $16 for a muffin. The country is insane. I find $2.00 muffins outrageous. The government looks at the way they spend as normal just as a career criminals raised in a criminal environments think what he/she does is normal.

The Answer: 
 R.E.M. who announced their retirement yesterday had 15 studio albums, 10 compilation albums, 64 singles and 56 music videos. Soime of the hits from the Michael Stripe, Mke Mills, Peter Buck band were: The one I Love, The End of the World as We Know It, Fall On Me, Can't Get there from Here, Orange Crush, Superman and Radio Free Europe.

Ron Paul will never get his due, because the media plain just doesn't like him.

Too many great people and their accomplishments are obscured by the lies of the afraid and the inadequate.

Your favorite serial novel will return tomorrow.