Much, much too hot!

Today's Tids Issue # 2,579
Opening Stuff:

Happy Patriots Day everybody. This is an official Massachusetts holiday that most people in RI take off too. It celebrates Paul Revere's ride and features a late morning Red Sox game and of course the 116th running of The Boston Marathon. So basically, after the Tids this morn, I'm outta here.

Some people get a first round bye in life. Others have to win a couple of play-in games to get there. But, in America everybody has the same chance to get to the same place. So, 0-Man, what's the big need for change?

All of those stories about the Titanic which are gobbling up tons of newsprint are basically a massive promotion for the re-release of an Ok movie. (With all due respect for living family members of deceased, of course.)

The Question:

Double Day: 1. Which US President was the first to throw out a Ceremonial First Pitch to begin the Baseball Season? 2. Who said, "Big-time art, is Big-time money."?

The Headlines:

--Midwest Cleaning Up After Latest Tornado Assault.
--Embolden Taliban Increase rate Of Attacks.
--Boston Marathon Warns Runners To Heed Intense Heat; Go Slow; Drop Out If Necessary.
--Rhode Island Waters Named Among Country's Cleanest.

Yesterday morning I was reading with a little civic pride the story of Joann Flaminio, the new and first woman President of the Boston Athletic Association (The historic and venerable Boston Marathon gang). She is a lawyer living in Providence RI and running Boston's big deal! That's cool. But then I came across the line in her quickie bio, "...she became Executive Director of the (RI) state employees Retirement System."! And I said whoops. That retirement system is in the process of putting a majority of RI towns and cities, and the state itself, on the edge of bankruptcy. Is the BAA next? Oh yeah, and her main objective for the august organization -- diversity.

They are saying that the Tea Party is a live and Well. That doesn't surprise me. After all, it is a movement based in the hearts of honest, hardworking regular people. It annoys secularists, elitists and people who like to over spend and over-indulge.

I am really becoming bothered by all of these shootings in public places. It seems we anymore that we seldom have a week where somebody doesn't shoot or stab somebody in a very public place or work setting. It's disturbing know that a quiet cup of coffee somewhere could turn into a dive under a table...or death.

I see the Brangelina wedding as being a very understated one, perhaps in a small African village. With children's choirs making beautiful music. And pits of crocodiles and constrictors keeping away the dreadful, creepy paparazzi.

Controversies over nothing, Department:
The rage in Boston is to discuss who should replace the great Elsbury as lead-off hitter. First, the lead-off hitter is only assured of leading off once. Unless of course, the other pitcher is pitching a perfect game. then it doesn't matter. Now, the lead off hitter is more likely to be a clean-up hitter for the bottom three or a middle of the line up guy who can keep a rally going. Which basically makes him just like every other hitter, except maybe the clean-up hitter...who really is only assured of being clean-up hitter once.

The housing market is poised for a big improvement. Home prices and interest rates are a significant lows, so expect an uptick in sales. There's is just one thing missing -- the giant customer pie that made housing a huge contributor to the mid first decade of the 2000's boom. Now, the home buyers must be able to afford the house they buy. That probably means that sales of existing homes will be better and opportunities for new home building, the jobs engine, will be minimal.

The President relies on his super wealthy FOO's to fund his attacks on Romney's wealth. Weird, huh?

Beware of brides who go on crash diets before weddings.

Let's hear it for Terry Francona, who is refusing to come back for the big celebration of Fenway Park's 100th. Every living ex-Sox player and manager will be there except the only man who as manager has won two World Series. But, last year following the firing of Terry, an article mysteriously appeared in the Boston Globe disparaging Terry's personal character. It was said to be from unknown sources in the Sox organization. In other words somebody at the team decided it was a good idea to kick a good man, who gave every thing to the organization, when he was down. Trying to make themselves look like the good guys by demeaning and honest man. Terry says "I will not be a phony and show up to laugh and whoop it up with a bunch of people who injured me deeply," and who for five months never answered his phone calls...or called back. Until, or course they saw that his absence would be a public relations problem.

The Dem Senate leadership was looking for a shallow, gullible Senator to introduce the inane so-called BuffetRule bill, so they chose RI's own Sheldon Whitehouse. Who, by the way is one of those guilt-ridden silver-spooners from a historically wealthy family. A guy who is happy to line up against his fellow wealthy in this fictitious solution to the Deficit problem. He has no clue that many people with limited resources will be hurt gravely by changes in the capital gains tax. A guy who has never lived in real life. A morph.

Almost Near: The Epilogue. --Samantha and the girls were renting a nice, little, white clapboard cape with deep green shutters, and orange day lillies peeping over a white fence, on a windy road one street over from the wide mouth of the Piscataqua River. Everything in Newcastle was about a street over from the Piscataqua River. It wasn't far from where she grew up, and certainly but a stones throw from Dante's home.
After the hospital she took authorities to Tucker's house in Lobster Cove. Unlike her first trip there, everybody greeted her with a cheery "Hi Samantha". Even Mrs. Fletcher, who's eyes lit up as she came from behind the counter to give her a big hug. This felt like home but, she knew it was a lie. She didn't need lies any more. After a cup of coffee and some sweets at Fletchers, they all checked in across the street. Then Sparrow, Barton and Audrey spent four days up at tucker's house going through his writings and journals. Even now, Samantha was often struck by the beauty of his descriptive words and the lyricism of his poems. "This murderer and pervert sure could write," she laughed at Sparrow and Barton.
The two sleuths were ecstatic over the incriminating, almost confession style evidence they were piling up. They even found hints of other murders, of innocents it appears who may have annoyed Samantha over the 18 years. The grizzeled veterans couldn't believe what tey were finding and reading. They both felt a new kind of awe for Samantha.
The trials in three different states became complex because Tucker or Tommy was clearly insane. Finally he was convicted of all the murders, but becasue he was deemed incapacitated by reason of insanity, he evaded the death Penalty. Tommy Lambert is in the New Hampshire's secure psychiatric unit for the rest of his life. But, because this is a psychiatric unit, the inmates are counseled towards the hope of eventual recovery. The District attorney's of the three states assured Samantha that Tommy Lambert would be there for life.
Audrey was with Sam and the girls in the little house trying to put together the pieces for a book.. Dante was popping in more and more, and the girls were kidding mom, who was blushing more and more.
It still wasn't easy for Samantha who religiously went to meet with her psychoanalyst. The truths she found within herself were awful, horrifying -- sometimes incomprehensible. Yet, she found enormous strength co-existing with the hurts. The strength was winning. She knew who she was. And she liked it.
The girls could see in it in her too. Sheila was becoming stronger, drawing self-confidence from her Mom. Beck was going to be Rudy forever, but Samantha hoped not as mean. Beck actually smiled a little more now, and it was always the warmest smile in the room. "What should we do for fun today girls?" Samantha looked at them and felt secure, free from Tucker and Tommy.

Almost Near ends tomorrow. Stay tuned.

The Answer:

1. In 1910, William Howard Taft became the firrst President to throw out the first baseball to start a season of the National Pastime. 2. In honor of Thomas Kinkade's death we bring you Andy Warhol's words.

The media is saying that the actions of the US Secret Service is taking the worlds eyes off of the main objectives of the America's conference in Columbia -- building a stronger economic future and trying to dilute the power of the giant and ruthless illegal drug industry. Of course the reason people are missing the central points of the conference is becasue of media's fascination with the titillation of an event which does not surprise me at all. Guys finished work drinking and raising hell?

Who's richest are the richest?

Today's Tids Issue 2,543
Opening Stuff:

Happy Leap Year everybody...and Happy Birthday to all of those once every four year birth-dayers. Condolences to March 1 people who have to wait an extra day for cake and cheer. But what's one day compared to four years?

Praying for Chardin Department:
A good old friend of mine lives ten minutes from Chardin HS. Her best friend from age six, Karin, is a teacher at Chardin along her husband Joe. Joe was one of the two teachers who confronted the shooter and the teacher who pulled the wounded student into his classroom. Joe and Karin Ricci talked to my friend Chris, all three strong in their Catholic faith, about the horror of the day and the inconceivability of anybody getting through it without prayer.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/27/chardon-school-shooting-s-hero-teachers.html

Chicken Pot Pies are rapidly losing their tasty, tangy flavor as the vegetable-ization of America continues.

The Question:

Double "Q" Day! 1. What do the following people do in addition to trying to break their legs as the new contestants on Dancing with the Stars: Gavin DeGraw, Jaleel White, Donald Driver, Roshon Fegan, Jack Wagner, William Levy and Katherine Jenkins? . Bonus: This is Leap Year. How many months have 29 days?

Today's Headlines:

--Romney Nips Santorum To Win Two; Some talking Brokered Mitt/Rick Tix.
--US Blocks Iran Money flow.
--Stocks Have Best Feb In 14 Years.
--13 Rebels Killed Getting Wounded Journalist Out Of Syria.
--Repubs Lose Safe Seat As Olympia Snow Goes Back To The Lobster Farm.
--Revised Year End Economic Reports Show GDP Growth And Worker Earnings Slightly Better.
--Apple Market Value Enters Ethereal Territory at $500 Billion.
--Merryl Streep Donates $10K To Charter School In Bankrupt, Beaten Down Town Of Central Falls RI; CF Home To Oscar Runner Up Viola Davis, Also Contributor To Home Town.
--Queen Elizabeth to Open Olympics.
--Goldman's Loeb Investigated for Insider Trading.
--Diabetes Warning Added To Statin Labeling.

When P.T. Obama says "Yes we can!" -- he really means we can get our gas prices up there with Europe. You just just gotta feel that he would love to see gas priced out of existence to support the rationalizations of the inherent high cost of producing alternative energy.

Olympia Snow, a real Republican from rock ribbed Maine said a lot in her words yesterday about a decision to retire at a much too early age of 65: "As I have long said, what motivates me is producing results for those who entrusted me to be their voice and champion. I do find it frustrating, however, that an atmosphere of polarization and 'my way or the highway' ideologies has become pervasive in campaigns and in our institutions." There was plenty about Snow with which I disagreed , but I have always felt that regardless of the personal views of the representative, they should try to represent the interest of both the majorities and minorities in their state or district. The demands for attention by representatives to broad national interests is reflected in the problem with contributions that local Pols take from organizations far beyond the interests of the state, or even community. Primary dedication to the interests of the locality is a reality that would naturally blunt the growth of an overwhelming, over controlling big government. I like to use the gentleman Senator John Chafee as a great example of a good solid Republican who had to have a strong afinity towards environmental interests representing a tiny state surrounded by Oceans and Bays and strewn with crystalline lakes. Ideologues would have held that against him.

Leap Year makes me wonder if P.T Obama wasn't born on the day when they ran out of paper for Birth Certificates. It was called Bleep Year.

I have to tell you, that for a man Big on morals, The Rickster tells some whoppers about the Mittster in his speeches and advertising.

Several Tids columns could be written about why the Auto bailout was not a good idea, on general principles. Or in fact for workers.

Who out there really believes that all of these expensive Tax Payer financed trips by the Obama deadly duo are part of running a Government? If a businessperson tried to justify these trips on an expense report, he or she would be fired.

A local restaurant named "Ferns and Flowers", with pretty good food and and appealing menu, had trouble attracting male customers. Duh. They just changed their name to Tree Top Tavern and added a menu of 70 different beers! Par-teeee!

Are you getting nervous yet about the height of the stock market?

Almost Near: Chapter 63. --While Tucker was checking into the Hampton Inn across the street from Samantha's Holiday Inn, getting a suite type room which would look down at the entrance of the Holiday, Samantha was pacing nervously in the arrival area of the Airport. "Slow down Samantha. You won't have any energy when the kids arrive." She looked over at this comfortable man and smiled. He nodded and tapped the seat next to him. "Let's go over the plan."
Sparrow had checked out the possibilities of flights to Philly from the South Louisiana region. Loutite had bought tickets for three people on two of them. He thought they lucked out as they would land from 1:00 to 5:00. Ihis was not a long wait for a detective, but for Samantha, it was grueling. "Sorry," she said as she sat. "Am I making you nervous?"
"I never get nervous. I just worry about you." She looked over and seemed a little more relaxed, confident." He patted her on the hand, perhaps like a father might, but she enjoyed it.
She was realizing that she seemed to be enjoying a life again; alife that while far from being whole yet, seemed more real; like she was actually a part of it for a change. Not outside looking in. "So," she volunteered, "when he arrives with the children I run up to meet him, look friendly and don't look at you, or the other two from your office in the waiting area."
"I suspect the kids will run into your arms, and everything will be beautifully distracting and happy for you."
"Until Tucker comes over and stands next to us. What do you think is going on?"
"I really don't know yet. He really hasn't been proven of being guilty of anything."

The Answer:

1. DeGraw - singer/songwriter; White - Actor Family matters; Driver - WR Green Bay Packers; Fegan - Disney Channel Star; Wagner - Melrose Place Actor; Levy - Telenova Star; Jenkins - Opera singer. Bonus: Of course all months have 29 days!

Let's face it, there are the Republican "Rich" and the Obama "Rich". Isn't that a great definition of what politics is all about today. My rich are good and your rich are bad. We have to stop with the moronic side issues and foster the integrity upon which great societies are built. Contributing societies determined by the energy and responsibilities of all the people. Maybe some day I'll devote the entire column to a speech for the Republican convention, that is really fair to all, and encourages greatness in all.

First, I'll rewrite the above paragraph by eliminating the phrase "great society".

Does anybody remember America the free?

Today's Tids Issue 2,528
Opening Stuff:

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals continues to make the California voter irrelevant.

The Dems in Congress are blatantly trying to turn Obama's assault on Freedom of Religion into a Republicans Hate Women's health rights thing. But they are doing a disservice to the very essence of the US Constitution. Many Liberals and their favorite news observers like Chris Matthews and LL Dione, are quite aware that the Prez and his advisers missed this one Big time! It is Constitution 101, and any one with a non-politically biased brain knows it. While the assault appears to be against Catholics, all religions are jumping behind them knowing that it is without question Government against religion...and a very dangerous precedent. You know the Libs see the truth behind the religious resistance when Malinda Henneberger, a writer for the Washington Post, could only say as a solution: "Maybe the Founders were wrong to guarantee free exercise of religion in the First Amendment, but that's what they did and I don't think we have to choose here."

Hey, maybe we should just give the Constitution to the 9th Circuit court and let them redo it.

Last year's NCAA Basketball champion UConn is on a disastrous slide to nowhere. Maybe it's because new UConn Prez Susan Herbst is looking at the players scholastic report cards on a weekly basis! Proving once again that learning and playing basketball for many is like oil and water.

The Question: 
1. Name five Mia Farrow movies. Bonus: Which two Presidents had known affairs with the two youngest interns?

The Headlines:

--Greece Has Reached Tentative Agreement On Austerity Cuts Demanded By Creditors.
--Obama To Start Today The Process Of Dismantling "No Child Left behind".
--US Video Game Player Population Increases To 135 Million.
--Pepsico To Slash 8,500 Jobs.
--Unemployment Apps Drop To 4 Year Low.
--UN Condemns Syria Government;s Brutal Bombing Of Homs.
--Santorum Raising Money; Looks to Knock Our Newt As Main Romney Competitor; Move From Economic To Cultural Scrum Favors Santorum/Gingrich.
--Restrictions On Women In Combat Eased.

I watched American Idol last night and it was torture. Maybe it's because, to this untrained ear, all of the a cappella offerings sounded eerily the same even if the songs were different. And even when the song title was familiar, the melody wasn't. Over half of the "Hollywood!" winners are gone now. So it will get serious and maybe more enjoyable soon. names you will be hearing appear to be Hejan Han, Johnny Keyser, Phillip Phillips, Creighton Fraker, Aaron Marcellus, David Leathers and funnyman comic Reed Grimm. On the female side some early faves seem to be sob story Jessica Phillips, purple hair Angie Zeiderman and then some Fix news blonds Hallie Day, Brittany Kerr, Baylie Brown, Shannon Magrane and Lauren Gray. The other gals were Elise Testone and Erika Van Pelt.

Also on TV last night was the return of the 1950's Edward R. Murrow show "Person to Person". My immediate thought was that some time around August we'll be visiting the Obama's in the White House. God help us.

Further investigation into the creation of the "Halftime in America" ad for Chrysler, reveals that the artists and writers were pro Obama with creative alliances with his

Tom Rush has been described as the only man allowed to sing Joanie Mitchell songs. I don't know what that means either.

TV came to a halt last night as an "Amber Alert" about a missing 13 year old girl popped up on the screen. With in an hour the girl -- who had been missing for over a day and who's parents received texts, "I'm tied up and will be killed -- was found with two teen boys at the Providence mall. It was nice to see how well Amber Alert works. It was sad to see yet again irresponsible teens in action.

Almost Near: Chapter 60 continues. --Audrey blurted, "Jeez, Tucker knows where they are. He was with me. He told me when we left Florence that he felt as if they were his. I just brushed it off at the time. After all he was a nice guy, and often said things that seemed surreal. I always chalked up is pleasant insanity as that of an author. What do you think about Tucker, anyhow? It seems he has been running back and forth between the two of us. He's making me edgy now."
"I felt that Tucker was my savior. He was always nice to me when I was lost. His words always pulled me out of things that were hard in my life. When I first met him in Lobster Cove it was better than perfect. And then things became strange. I thought it was all me. my fault. But now that I know so much more, I'm not so sure anymore. When I learned that he had ran his car intentionally into Dante, everything obviously changed, But, even before that something about him was bothering me. I started to close up myself in his presence. Maybe it's what I buried in my past. Maybe he has kept everything hidden from me."
"Stay right where you are Sam. I'm calling Florence.

The Answer:

1. Mia Farrow's first big role was in Rosemary's Baby, but she gained early stardom with her brief marriage to Frank Sinatra and as Allison MacKenzie in Peyton Place. After Rosemary, her next big role was as Mattie in True Grit. Other films included Secret Ceremony, John and Mary, See No Evil, The Great Gatsby and A Wedding. Then she became Woody Allen's girl in Broadway Danny Rose, Purple Rose of Cairo, Hannah and Her Sisters, Radio days and Alice. Bonus: There are rumors floating around that Clinton is upset at losing out in the young intern race to his boyhood hero again. Kennedy 19 years old; Clinton 21 years old.

I got up this morning expecting to write something uplifting and ethereal to start the Tids in a happy frame of mind. Sunshine for all. But, I just got buried by irrational insanity and couldn't stop myself from condemning the slippery agendas undermining the greatness of our free, self determination country. The lefties made me do it.

A Florida court sets athiest holiday: In Florida, an atheist created a case against Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood and objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays..." The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counselor, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said," Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fool’s Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned..."

If the Feds give you money, watch out!

Today's Tids Issue 2,527
Opening Stuff:

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

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

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

The Question:

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

The Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Answer:

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

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

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

Statue under repair.

Today's Tids Issue 2,510

Opening Stuff:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; Only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred; Only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.

A morning of soft Bach is worth 5 blood pressure pills.

A morning with no politics is worth 10.

The conviction and sentencing of a Newport Woman, Elizabeth Baldwin, for Investment fraud is a reminder that she in fact represents the absolutely worst kind of criminal. One who belies trust. Not unlike a sexual predator adult who takes advantage of an innocent child. Amoral to the core. She, who would look investor customers in the eye while they told her of how they were mortgaging their homes, raiding the kids college funds to take advantage of her promises. She a "socialite", who's life style was built upon the backs of average working families and her "dear" friends, many who are now broke, without homes wondering where their future had gone. Capital-ism punishment?

The Question:
Define the following words -- Coffee, Willy-Nilly, flabbergasted, Flatulence, Pokemon, Freisbeetarianism.

The Headlines:

--Huntsman Out; Will Shift supporters To Romeny.
--America Remembers MLK Jr.
--Bodies Still being Found In Hull Of sunken Cruise Liner; Cowardly Captain In Big Trouble; Ship 2 1/2 Miles Off Course.
--Choppy Trading Expected Today.
--Now Prez And Congress Have to Figure Out How To Pay For Contribution To SS Cut; Prez Wants To raise Airline Fees(?); Ideas Range From Cutting Corp Jet Tax Breaks To Dumping Surplus Gov Stuff On Ebay.
--Iraq Bombings Continue.
--AlQaida Captures Town South Of Yemen Capital.

From the latest in the ongoing harangue about fat Americans I read that in the 1970's the obesity rate was 14% while now it is 34%. That seems to parallel the corporate growth of Dunkin Donuts. Yes, to paraphrase their slogan, "America waddles on Dunkin Donuts".

I grew old with Margaret O'Brien, but she never knew it.

In my pre-game Prep Saturday, I went to the cupboard to get some popcorn. I pulled out two boxes. One said, "Paul Newman's Organic, 94% Fat Free, Unsalted, No Partially Hydrogenated Shortening". The second box said, "Orville Reddenbacher's Butter." Which box do you think I picked?

Why do I think that going on a dinner date with a nutritionist would be like going to another job?

Well, the old cliche "Defense wins Championships" ain't dead yet. Two really high powered offensive teams, NO and GB, lost to better defenses and a third defense dominated team Baltimore also moved into the final four. NE looked like an all-world defense Saturday night, but this was against a one dimensional offense, so the fans will have to wait til next week to see if the improvement is really there. We lost Brees and Rogers, but still have an excellent final four with the San Fran, NY Giants and Balt/NE games. TV execs should be happy. And the world needs happy TV execs.

Also over the weekend was the latest in the Celebs fawning over each other award ceremonies, which are becoming as monotonous as the GOP Debates. Hollywood was aghast that the really awful Bridesmaids movie didn't get the best of nod, but to me the omission suggested that perhaps there was a bit of sanity remaining Glitterville. However, everybody seemed elated that the overrated Descendants and its star got awards for best Drama film and best actor -- which seemed more like a longevity award for Clooney. Streep won for Iron Lady and The Artist won Best Pic. I'm betting that's the way Oscar will go too, so I'm DVR'ing some old episodes of "Chuck" for that evening.

Ok, everybody who thinks John Edwards is really sick raise their hand.

Political Ploy Department:
Anybody who doesn't think that Obama is running against the Congress just has to look at his announcement last week about seeking powers to cut the size of government. (A long time Conservative, or should I say Sane, position.) What this really does of course is to force conservatives to join him in his grand plans for America, or if they resist be branded as obstructionists. That's the formula now...isn't it? If I were Congress, I would say great, we'll give you power, but the EPA and energy departments have to go. This could be one of the great new battles.

Spring is just around the corner -- I just sent in a check for my Golf League! And I'm just getting started skiing! Ain't life grand.

"Subway" has lowered the bar for the Great American sandwich.

It appears that John Edwards will be employing the Providence Mafia defense -- wheel into court on a gurney with hanging drip bags.

Finally some statistics that verify the Tids solid reporting by the Economics Editor that Manufacturing is not the salvation for jobs recovery. Manufacturing jobs are down from 30% of all jobs in 1950 to about 9% today. Yet, factory output is way up and so is productivity. It's the old formula, when output goes up in times of declining jobs productivity soars. Manufacturers are finding was to produce without people. So all this talk about bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US will result in lots of job losses overseas in third world countries but minimal job additions here. There is also talk about bringing back "call-center jobs" using new technology, but they are lower wage jobs in the $10/hr area as opposed to the manufacturing jobs in the $20+/hr that produced the great American middle class. I'm sorry to be negative, but that 's the way it works. Bringing back "Made in a America" is a great feel-good slogan, but I'm afraid the grassy suburban neighborhoods of your will be populated by advanced, intelligent machinery.

I read where some celebs paid lots of dough to look great on the Golden Globe Red Carpet. In fact one wore $5 Million with a capital M in jewelry and dress. $5 Million and she didn't look as good as a lot of women I know wearing Fleece and jeans. I don't get it. Really. America's economy is based on people buying over priced stuff they don't need. And that includes everything fro $10 dollar hotdogs at sports events to designer clothing.

Almost Near: Chapter 57 continues. --Audrey nudged closer to the older policeman as Tucker joined them. She watched him closely, his calm, his shift into charismatic mode. "What's all the excitement?" He put his arm around Audrey in a mock hero to the rescue gesture.
The policeman looked at Audrey for a clue. "We're lookin' for someone", was all he said.
"You know that Audrey here," he squeezed her, "is one of the great investigative reporters for the Little Rock Gazette."
"Have you been drinking again," she glared. "You sound a little more weird than ever."
The policeman scratched his head. "We have work to do." Audrey didn't want to leave the group.
The policeman ignored her and Tucker as the other, brusk cop turned back towards the old policeman. "Nothing here." Tucker started moving away now. The first guy stared after him as he moved down the hallway to the back of the bar. "You know that guy lady?"
"Yeah, he's my date."
"I hope you aren't as rough on him as you were with me." all of a sudden this guy seemed human."
"She's an ace reporter from the big city. Know's that John Barton. Why'd you ask if Barton sent us?"

The Answer:
Of course, I'm looking for alternative humorous answers: Coffee - The person upon whom one coughs; Willy-Nilly - Impotent; , Flabbergasted - Appalled over how much weight you have gained; Flatulence - Emergency vehicle that picks you up after you have been run oer by a steam roller; Pokemon - A Rastafarian proctologist; Frisbeetarianism - The belief that when you die, your soul flies up onto the roof where it gets stuck in the gutter. Thanks to the expansive mind of a Pennsylvania reader.

I was going to end the Tids this Morning with some funny lines from the Golden Globes. But, I couldn't find any.

"Well, that's Politics".

Today's Tids Issue 2,508
Opening stuff:

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

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

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

The Question:

Who were Motown Record's greatest stars?

The Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Answer:

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

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

Have we lose truth along the way?

Today's Tids Issue 2504
Opening Stuff:

I guess I have to say that the most relaxing place I know is standing at the end of a dock on a cold Winter's day. The water is a deeper, slightly threatening, blue. Yet its is some how more relaxing. The air is so clean. And the skies reflacted upon the ripples below, brighter, crisper than that of the oppressive summer. And of course, there are no people, and maybe that's the best thing, There is, though, a chug, chug, chug of fishing boat pushing icy waters aside as it heads to the grounds afar; hardy men aboard bundled to meet the winds at sea. Watched intently by Gulls wishing good luck for a big catch. But, that is all part of the comforting scene.

I may have to go back on my blood pressure medicine. The half truths and exaggerations about opposing candidates may set a national all-time record for hypocrisy and misrepresentation. There are just too many psychopaths at the top of the food chain these days.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Will Become the Single Most Annoying American Over The Next 10 Months

The outlook for the day always looks brighter when you wash your glasses first thing in the morning.

The Question:

Everybody loves to eat, and many would love to have their own personal chef or be taught by one of the culinary stars. Who do you think are the Top Ten TV Chef Teachers?

The Headlines:

--15 Year Old Texas Girl Mistakenly Deported to Columbia As Illegal.
--DOW Opens Up 35; Bullish Sentiments Could Carry the day.
--Unemployment Now At Lower 8.5%.
--IRS Cranks Up Audits On $1 Mil Earners.
--Over 200 Million People World Wide Use Illegal Drugs; Number Does Not Include Those Using Ecstasy, Hallucinogenic Drugs, Inhalants, Benzodiazepines Or Anabolic Steroids.
--Bombers Blast Syrian Police Bus.
--Democrats Ignoring Santorum Rise.
--Iran Holding More War Games At Hormuz.
--Pope Names 22 New cardinals.

This Admin has shown itself to be singularly minded, and seems to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to circumvent Congress -- You know, the Czar thing, Executive orders, recess appointments. So, the news that the IRS has drastically increased audits on those making a million or more is not at all surprising. If you can't get the tax past legitimately, get punitive. Definitely not the American way.

If Michael is pronounced Mykel, why isn't Rachael pronounced Raykel?

I got one of those political emails we all get every day, but this one was new, one I had never seen. It tagged the useless OWS as "The Flea Bag Party standing for Freeloading Liberals Encouraging Anarchy versus The Tea Party -- Taxed Enough Already. It featured a series of pictures depicting the usual street urchin protestors. "Have pithy sign - will travel."

Kim's 72 hour marriage sent the Hollywood gossip mongers to find other veneer H-Wood unions. Kid Rock and Pam Anderson made love for four months and said boring, I'm outta here. Britainy Spears and Jason Alexander lasted 55 hours! The rest -- Dennis Rodman/Carmen Electra 6 days, Mario Lopez/Ali Landry 2 weeks, Charlie Sheen/Donna Peele 5 Months, Colin Ferrell/Amelia Warner 4 months, J-Lo/Cris Judd, Drew Barrymore/Tom Green, Eddie Murphy/Tracy Edmunds, Helen Hunt/hank Azaria 11 Months, Lisa Marie Presley/Nicholas Cage 3 months and Rene Zellweger/Kenny Chesney 4 Months. The alimony settlements were mild but the cost of getting rid of those "I'll Love You Forever" tattoos was enormous, and painful! Ouch.

Almost near: Chapter 57 continues. Audrey felt the vibration from her phone nestled in the side pocket of her tweed jacket. She avoided it, but it kept on ringing. Too long she thought. "Tucker, I hate to break this beautiful mood, but I have to go to the ladies room for a minute. You wouldn't want me squirming around in my seat, would you." He smiled rather nicely, as he had been all night.
He reached for a piece of bread, "I know the gotta-go feeling well!" He half stood as she pushed back my chair.
Audrey imagined his eyes intensely following her across the room. She shivered a littrle, but didn't know why. A reporters imagination, she thought. The phone had stopped ringing half way across the dinning room floor. She entered the ladies room and pulled out the phone. The missed call number wasn't familiar. Was it just a credit card company urging her to get a lower rate. Was this odd jittery feeling making her more suspicious of everything? She pressed the reply call-back button.
"Dalesford Police Station". She reflexively looked to see if the door was still closed. Her nationalistic memory bank told her this was the town where Samantha's parents lived, and died.
"My name is Audrey Johnson. I just received a call from this number," --She thought, I should have checked voice mail first so I knew who I should-- ask for. "I don't who actually called. I only know one named associated with that town. Samantha Wilcox."
"Oh," the voice said quickly, "You'll want Detective Sparrow. old on."
Audrey's toe started tapping the floor like a jackhammer.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--I think I already reviewed the out today Mailer, Tinker, Soldier Spy. It is based on the well known John LeCarre novel; novel which would often have my head nodding. But all in all a superior spy novel based in the cold war 70's. I think counterespionage fans will like the realistic movie where former retired spy Smiley searches for a mole in M5. Others may have troubel sticking to it.
--The Artist is receive rave reviews. It will be nominated for everything. It's about a silent film era matinee idol losing his fame to talkies. He drifts downward until a dnacer in the new era musical movies lifts him up. It's like A Star is Born.

The Answer:

Nobody makes cooking appear simpler than Sam Zein. The rest in order are Ina Garten, Bobby Flay, Alton Brown, Tom Colicchio, Curtis Stone, Gordon Ramsey, Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart and Anthony Bourdain.

"Gentlemen and ladies, start your blathering!" Earplugs anybody.

Have a great Weekend!.

Newport Art Museum Winter Lecture Series Department:
If you are in Newport, stop by the Newport Art Museum for a great lecture by Brookings Institute Political VP Darrell West. It is the kick off for the season that represents the 100th anniversary of this great institution housed in the magnificent building designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Other lectures are 100 Years of Jazz. What's Next after the Arab Spring by an Navy expert in Middle East Security, the greatest American collection of Impressionist Art, Cultures effect on RI Dairy farms to today's artisan farms, Historic Roots of Newport foods, 100 years of Newport Art and Great movies made in RI.

Twitching time.

Today's Tids Issue 2,490
Opening Stuff:

OMG! It's Christmas week 2011. The tortuous moments of the week here at last; finally that week that tests the courage of the procrastinators, the cooks, the travelers. The atheists are buried under a rising crescendo of goodness, Christmas music and love thy neighbor as thyself. Everybody is busy anticipating the final exhilarating peace; when it all settles down into pure calm and ethereal enjoyment that makes the true magic of Christmas so pleasant. But most of all this, the tremor in homes aquiver accelerates with the reslessness of kids with dreams of Saint Nicholas in their hyperactive brains.

A good pal, reader and keep-me-on-my-toes occasional critic sent a poignant response to Friday Tids "War Over" comments. This reader knows and lives the real feelings which for most of us are fleeting news stories. She and her family live near Fort Bragg. She says the war ."...is not over for the many school children I sent home this afternoon who will spend yet another Christmas without at least one, if not both of their parents. It's not over for the little guy who is going back to Georgia to live with Grandma - again - because his single mom is back to the sand pit." You won't see headlines like those from podiums and in the national press, my friend adds, because the people in her community will never forget the dead, and all the wounded who return to broken households, devastated lives. A flick of the authoritative wrist and scribble of a pen never ends the reality, the scars of war.

The Question:

Today is the first day of the year of that will give us the 120th anniversary of the premiere of the Nutcracker Suite. It is probably more popular than it ever has been. Name five of the musical dances.

The Headlines:

--NK's Jong Dead; Analysts Pondering Future And Nuke Dangers Without Him; Some Worry That Successor Kim Jung-un May Need To Take Military Action To Secure Power Base.
--Markets Set For rebound; Investors Going To Cash In Advance Of Jittery Outlook For 2012..
--Egypt Disruption Escalates.
--Bob Dole Joins List Of Romney Endorsers.
--GOP House Blasts Senate's Short term Solution.
--NFL Upsets Continue; Invincible GB Ousted From Ranks Of Unbeaten.
--0-Man To Inject His Campaign Into Iowa Caucus Time Frame.
--Lady Gaga Named AP Entertainer Of The Year.

In case you hadn't already realized it yourself, the five most annoying words in the eyes of Americans have now been made official by a Marist survey. The most annoying word of all they say is "Whatever". The rest of the precious five are "You know", "Like", "Seriously" and "Just sayin' ". How about "OMG"!; "My bad"?

The biggest rip-off in the history of the world -- Mushrooms.

The second is Barny Frank who now, after the Feds charged Fannie/Freddie officials, appears to have gotten out of Dodge just ahead of the Sheriff.

Speaking of seasonal angst, how about that government of ours and the turmoil over this payroll tax political ploy. We have a President promoting reducing contributions to an already devastated Social Security Trust fund. How dumb is that. And he is pointing that long accusatory finger of his at the Repubs for not going along with his plan to potentially shorten the life of a pension plan that seniors rely upon. But then, the Giv has been robbing Peter to pay Paul for years.

This is about the time we'd be starting the countdown to the annual January return of "24". Kthunk. Kthunk. Kthunk always sounded like Jingle Bells to me. Alas.

After reading the recent comments by GM CEO Dan Akerson that his company is a "Lumbering Bureaucracy resistant to change", it's no wonder the feds felt so comfortable with the takeover.

I have to tell you that one of the long time problems with US business has been the rise of the so-called "Professional manager". Too many chiefs have as their greatest asset the ability to play inside politics. Most don't have a creative bone in their body and just ride upon the success of the doers and innovators...and often a robust economy. They appear to spend more time figuring out how to get paid enormous sums of money for failure. In a magazine I once worked for, we often the wrote that the way to fix the decline of US industry in the 1980's due to the rise of Germany and Japan as competitors, was to ship our MBA's overseas to their companies.

I generally have liked Best Buy, but that was before their commercials belittling good ole' Santa.

When you read the often inane and simplistic columns of "Green" newspaper columnists, you get a real sense of what it would be like to live in a full nanny state.

On Friday Mrs Kobe Bryant announced she was seeking a divorce from her husband, a man she stood behind when accused of brutal assaults on women. She released the following statement, "In the interest of our young children and in light of the upcoming season, we would hope you would respect our privacy..." Excuse me, you made the decision to announce this during the "upcoming season". What is it with these people?

I think very little of a growing number of psuedo-intellectuals who seem to think it may make them appear smart with their disregard of good ole' Santa Claus.

The Answer:

You have probably hummed one of these tunes during your lifetime. The dances are Sugar Plum Fairies, Russian, Chinese, Arabian, Spanish and Mirlitons...and then the Waltz of the Flowers and Snowflakes.

By the way, what exactly is a mirliton you ask. It is a simple musical instrument like a Kazoo or a comb and tissue paper where the voice provides the tone. It is also a tubular French pastry found in New Orleans. In the Nutcracker it is the dance of the reed pipes; Although some over the years have interpreted it as the dance of the sweet candies.

The Christmas mood has entered my soul.

8 More days to Hanukkah.

Today's Tids Issue 2,485
Opening Stuff:

Friday, Connecticut courts sentenced the second savage who in 2007 brutally raped then murdered a mother and two daughters in their Cheshire Connecticut home. It took four years and two trials, millions of dollars, and the repeated psychological assault on the lives and minds and hearts of the remaining, loving relatives. Why? I don't get law sometimes.

There's only one good reason to keep your cell phone on at all times. To call it so you can find it when it's lost.

Britain abstained from the commitment by other European countries to support the losers who are bringing down the Euro, and perhaps the world economy. Britain which at one time was moving towards adopting he Euro has now said, "We're never going to join the Euro, and we're not going to give up the sovereignty that other countries are having to give up." That's the problem with Euro-Style socialism, there always large group more than happy to live off those who do the heavy lifting. In Europe today it seems to be countries willing to give up their proud heritage to rescue not the poor, but the bad decisions makers. It's kind of like society today in General, isn't it? People don't think of the consequences, of the the people around them and the effects of their actions on others lives. I'll just get mine, and if I mess up, I'll just say I'm sorry. Pretty pathetic.

Driving around now-a-days is a feast of colored lights, Santa, reindeer, snowman and of course magnificent creches. The varying displays will draw oohs from many and criticisms from others. But the good, the bad and the ugly all say the same exact thing; people are pouring out their hearts in celebration! They all look great to me.

The Question:

Double day! 1. A boat has a ladder that has seven rungs, each rung being one foot apart. If there are two rungs above water and the tide falls 12 inches every 30 minutes for the next 3 hours, how many rungs will be above water? 2. Name the 2 best known Connie Francis songs.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Says Friday Jubilation After Euro Summit Agreement Over-Reaction To Minimal Plan; Stocks Look To Go Lower.
--Tebow Amazes The Masses Again.
--al-Qaida Inmates Escape In Yemen Prison Break.
--Obama's New Campaign Tact: Blame Country;s Unhappiness On Republican Mistakes; Signifies Prez Inability To Run On Own Record.
--Newt Survives Fellow Repubs Attacks In Latest debate As Frontrunner.
--Italian Woman Leaves $13.1 Million Fortune To Cat; Meow!

Interesting how the great Jewish observance Hanukkah sneaks upon us quietly, with reverence. Maybe it's because the Jews celebrate it for what it is, its intinsic beauty, and not because of how plays upon the national stage.

I think I spent a semester in college listening to Tchaikovsky's 4th and the death scene from Tristan and Isolde. For fun!

The Tids new working slogan is Maintaining Balance in Life through Sarcasm.

You look at the blood in the streets; the dictators chanting, ranting; the the crumbling houses; the anguish on the faces of the struggling throngs. And then, you look across the dessert to the Dubai Golf Championship. The mystery of the middle east. Amazing how the focus of a camera can change one's view, isn't it.

Mozart often lost his cool during concerts, but was always able to compose himself.

If the world's cameras only focused on our celebrity mayhem, the OWS in the streets, think of what the world would think of the USA.

You can take that to the bank, Department:
You can be sure that the "O" Campaign Team is working overtime to get the jobless rate to 8% before the election. And, considering the last report showing whopping 0.5 drop after a minimal private jobs creation number but a large left-the-seeking-work number, I'm counting on our unbiased 4th Estate to keep us properly informed on any admin finagling. Yeah, sure. Meanwhile 0-Man is firmly affixed in the above the fray mode.

The Unemployment number is one thing, but how about the wealth being lost by families? Over the summer American families lost on average $21,286! Maybe using the word "wealth" is the wrong tact...for that would surely bring down upon the "everyday savers for retirement" the wrath of the white house.

And then, there is Bobby Bonds awaiting sentencing -- the poster child for above-the-laws-meant-for-the-little-person celebs.

That Pats/Skins game in the DC area yesterday looked like it was refereed by government employees.

It is hard to believe that the insular French, and a German nation that started two world wars to expand their sovereignty, are actually willing to give some of it up.

But then, the NFL is becoming as PC as society in general, PC kind of takes the heart out of everything, doesn't it? Especially the truth.

Has anybody figured out yet just why 0-Man won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Did you hear about the guy who while standing at the graveside of the great Ludwig Von Beethoven heard the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th symphonies played backwards? He was decomposing.

Almost Near: Chapter 54. -- "Hi Samantha!" Samantha looked around and saw a smiling Tucker, calm, relaxed staring down at her as she nibbled on an English muffin in the hotel breakfast room. She rose immediately.
"Tucker, Tucker..." she threw her arms around him and buried herself in his. She stayed that way for thrity seconds. "Where have you been? You just disappeared."
"I'm just working to help you."
"How did you know I was here? Why would you look for me here?"
"Oh, it wasn't superhuman mystic powers," he pushed a ways and smiled. "I called the woman in Dante's office. Terrible what happened there." Tucker noticed a certain sadness in her eyes."
"It's awful Tucker. Just awful. He's a pretty nice guy." She moved away his arms and sat. "Want some coffee?"
She pushed the coffee carafe his was, and he poured. "So, why are you here?" he smiled as he added, "My mystic powers aren't that good."
Samantha explained the death of her parents, and how she thought there might be clues to her real life. She didn't tell him everyhting she had learned or what she felt inside about learning more about herself. "Did you know my parents? What were they like?"

The Answer:

1. As we all know the boat goes up and down with the tide, so two rungs are always above water. I know you got that one right away. 2. I never really liked Connie Francis all that much. I probably just hummed along because a girl friend of the moment liked her. Her best known twosome were Where the Boys Are and Who's Sorry Now.

Don't try to measure, define, critique the love in the hearts of people.

I have found that the vast majority of Jews look at the green tree for the season and say, "Of course it's a Christmas tree."

December hash.

Today's Tids Issue 2,484
Opening Stuff:

Are you getting the feeling that baseball salaries are bigger than the Greece GDP?

There are a lotta folks who coulda bin, but only a few who is.

You may not have noticed, but my aching fingers have -- The Tids is creeping up on its 2,500th Fun Packed issue! If I'm up to it, I may do something special, like know tyypos!

If you want to be "In" during 2012, stock your wardrobe with Pantone Color Institute's "Color of the Year" -- "Tango Tangerine". It's like a vibrant, redder, coho salmon with zing. Before cooking. Much more red than orange.

The Question:
Which National stock markets, both emerging countries and so-called established markets did best to date?

The Headlines:

--Big Countries Compromise Nationalist Views; Move to Save Euro.
--Consumer Confidence Best Since June'
--Markets Rising On Euro Action And Confidence.
--Putin Consulting With Image Makers.
--US Defense Experts Fear Iran Selling Stealth Drone Secrets To China, Russia.
--SC Meeting Today To Determine Whether Or Not To Rule On Arizona Immigration Law.
--African Nations Say Obama Push For Gay/Lesbian Human Rights Is "Abhorrent"; Uganda Senior Advisor Says "I Don't Like Her (Hillary) Tone At All"; Almost All Of Africa's 54 Nations Ban Homosexuality.


Illinois, California and the United States seem to think that the only problem with their near disaster deficit ridden budgets is that people aren't paying enough taxes. All of the other US entities seem to be gaining an inkling that perhaps they may be spending too much. It takes a while for politicians to wake up...or is that, have the guts to get honest with themselves.

At 25, Lindsey Lohan is just another average wasted blond has-been. Actually, it is kind of sad. Any time a human goes down the tubes it's sad.

It's early, but it appears that new URI Pres Dooley is the leader they've needed for a long, long time down there in beautiful Kingston. So far he looks up to turning the state university into one of the great learning institutions.

The food manufacturers are doing a good job with their quickie meal sides of rice, pasta or mash pots. As fast as advertised and quite tasty.

It's tough to get the Christmas spirit when there are so many people arguing amongst themselves over just who has the better idea about the Christmas spirit. But then, think about that great letter to a little girl who wanted to believe from "The Sun's" Francis Pharcelius Church, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." "He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist; And they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy." Believing without seeing is the faith that moves the world. Bah-Humbug to the mathematicians.

Jon Stewart delivered a humorous bit the other night featuring RI Gov. Chafee-Lite and slamming those who worry about the sancitiy of Christmas. In a snide reference about Congress historically being open on The Day just like a 7/11, he used the ACLU and an agendized History Channel special "Christmas Unwrapped" as his sources. Bad idea. An examination of actual Congress records showed he was 100% incorrect. "But Jeez Mom, it was on TV. It must be right because Jon Stewart is famous."

Goosebumps don't count on the X-Factor. Frankly the program has become totally unwatchable, especially the histrionics of the judges. They have done one thing well, they have connected with a demographic totally opposite that of AI.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Tinker, tailor, Soldier, Spy is, yes, that Great Jon LeCarre series of cold ar novels that often left my mind boggling and my eyelids heavy. But, the great story, the great intrigue was always there. You just had to catch up and keep pace. The movie seems to pull it all together as Famed M16 (The Circus) intelligence officer George Smiley narrows down a list of suspects who may be a mole...including himself.
--The episodic movie New Years Eve has one thing going for it -- if one story gets tedious there's always another around the corner. With stars aplenty tghis film looks at the stories of people as the dorpping of the ball approaches, including Hillary Swank as the woman in charge of the ball dropping. Some of the stories are quite connected and others lead to a connection. I tend to like that style, but I'm not sure this one isn't too much.
--The Sitter is probably pretty stupid with annoying precocious foul mouthed tykes (A new H-Wood trend?). Loser college student gets sitting job, but must take kids along on quest for sexual adventurer which gets dangerous. I think you can write the plot. Just get low and superficial.

I think I'm getting real tired of the new genre of movies featuring misfit, foul-mouthed kids coming home from rehab.

Trump is trying to create a controversy over the fact that several Repub candidates aren't showing up for his Newsmax debate. Do you think maybe that the Candidates are thinking the debate would only be about Trump?

Almost Near: Chapter 53 continues. --
"I met the kids and they are fine. Nice kids, leading me to believe they were raised buy somebody other than a Quimpiere. The Quimpiere Aunt, Florence, who has them is a nice woman who actually moved away from here to avoid the antics of her family. And she feels sorry for the boy's mother. But, You know all about that twosome."
"Everybody does. Keep going. But, I warn you I may hold you in contempt of detective!" He smiled. John is a nice guy, he's just a power mad pain in the ass. She stared back at him.
"The kids said the their mom hid them because their dad beat the crap out of mom, and Florence said she became worried he would go after them now that the were older."
"So, around the time she secures the kid's safety, the abuser gets whacked with a shovel. Doesn't look good for your woman."
"I'm telling you this John, because you are smarter than the average cop." She smiled an exaggerated smile. "The kids love that suspect of yours. And, she has a much bigger story than just that in which you're involved. I've been trying to get more out of Tucker, because I have this feeling he knows a lot. I'm beginning to believe he has been manipulating this poor woman for years."
John handed her the phone. "Call him. Get him down here."
"Uh-huh, I see. When. No kidding." Audrey looked up. He checked out!"
"For some reason , that doesn't surprise me."

The Answer:
The best average for the "Deveoped Stock Markets is the 2% gain for Ireland. For those emerging it is Indonesia with 4%. All of the rest are negative for the year. The rest of the developed in order are US (-2%), Spain (-15), Germany, France, Japan, Italy and Greece (63). On the emerging side it's Mexico, Russia, China, Turkey, India , Brazil and Egypt (42)

It's getting to be that time of year when I start wearing socks again. It's been a great ride while it lasted.

Go Lehigh, Beat South Dakota State.

Steel to cupcakes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,465
Opening Stuff:

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

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

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

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

The Headlines:

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

Whatever happened to P.J.O'Rourke?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fogland

Today's Tids Issue 2,461
Opening Stuff:

How about this little note from Germany -- Angela M as authorized $8.3 Billion in tax breaks as "thanks" to the citizens for helping carry the burden of EuroLoser country debts. That almost sounds like the action of a rational government who actually believes that the people are important.

It appears that the biggest bargain this Christmas will be large screen TV's. And there could be a lot more goods at great prices as retailers pull it all out to have a big season. So keep a keen eye on the ads, and don't pay full price for anything.

I know a woman who always rushes to put her flowers outside when rain is coming. They're plastic flowers, and she puts them out to dust them off.

In a new Poll, 71% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion for both Big Business and Washington. The difference is that they know too much about Washington and not enough about the reality of big business.

The Question: Name ten of the top 25 Evangelical ministers in the country.

The Headlines:
--Italy Turmoil Pushes Stock Opening Lower.
--Greeks To Pick New Leader.
--Mississippi Referendum On Abortion Expected To Pass; Vote Will Determine That "Personhood" Begins At Fertilization or Cloning.
--Berlusconi Refuses To Step Down As Italy Debt Woe Crisis Grows.
--Nearly 200,000 Islamists Take Over Moscow Square.
--Observers Wonder If Joe Paterno Could Have Done More 9 Years Ago To Protect Children Caught In Web Of Monster Former Coach.

I was at a theater last night. It is big deal type of theater, and amazingly beautiful. As I read the program I noted that the Board of Directors was a large one and included many successful people in the community and, of course, all of the politicians who could weasel themselves onto the list. Oddly, each politician's name from local to state to federal was proceeded with the adjective "Honorable."! What's that all about? Honorable! Gees, what will they think of next.

Where is it written that yearly raises should be automatic.

I really don't like emails that start: "You will love this."

World get's Weirder Department:
An Iowa couple's house was set ablaze by a women who had just been "defriended"! Say what? I don't know whether this is a commentary on the social cyberworld, or the depth of anger in people today. Burning down a house is not a casual dismissal of onetime friend. It seems like everything is progressing except the civility of humans. What's next.. stocks and public floggings?

While traipsing through the net for information, I am learning that stories reported on video are far less inviting and practical than those reported in print.

Almost Near: Chapter 49. --Samantha retrieved the rental car and drove to the Dalesford Police Station. As soon as she saw it, she remembered much more about why she had come to this town at this time. After leaving the hospital, the thoughts of Dante laying there had triggered in her mind events that she had recently experienced. She was feeling better about herself, as her mind seemed to be less guarded about recent activities. She wasn't waking in a daze wondering why she was here, or there. As if pushed by an unseen hand. She was still feeling the push, but now there was a reality around it. She knew that she had to go to Dalesford because it was where her parents had died. When she saw that station she remembered how uncomfortable she had been there, and how she called Dante for help.
She didn't feel nervous at all as she walked up the stairs and entered the dingy appearing waiting room. Assorted characters lined the walls, sitting in well worn straight back benches. The desk sergeant looked at her approach, and she thought she sensed a spark of recognition. "I want to see detective Sparrow".
The desk sergeant stared at her for a few moments. "I've seen you before."
"Probably", she answered quickly. "Is he in?" The sergeant picked up the phone. "The Wilcox woman is back."
"I guess you do know me, "Samantha smiled a comfortable smile. "Thanks" Within what seemed like seconds she felt a large presence by her side. It was a familiar face, Detective Sparrow. Sam was confident now, and she didn't know why. Was it becasue she had nothing to hide. "We need to talk". She took control.
"Jeremy, " he looked at the sergeant. "No calls. I'm going to be busy."

The Answer:
Billy Graham has always been the tops with many Americans, and he still makes the list along with Franklin Graham. The rest are Rick Warren, Howard and Roberta Ahmanson, David Barton, Douglas Coe, Charles Colson, Luis Cortes, James Dobson, Stuart Epperson, Michael Gerson, Ted Haggard, Billy Hybels, TD Jakes, Diane Knippers, the LeHaye's, Richard Land, Brian McLaren, Joyce Meyer, Richard Neuhaus, Mark Noll, JI Packer, Rick Santorum (?), Jay Sekilow, Stephen Strang and Ralph Winter.

Just when memories of Super Bowl 42 were starting to fade, it was 2008 all over again. Yesterday the NE Patriots established themselves as an also ran.

This could be the week that was for the Tids. I'll be on a fast track mini-vacation spree. I will work to fit them in, but if you don't get them it isn't becasue I died.

It takes a what?

Today's Tids Issue # 2,456
Opening Stuff:

It was one of those days, when you just had to do it. The post snowstorm fall sun glistening above the sprawling seas that surround this Island in Narragansett Bay had beckoned me to the shore. I stepped upon the sand and there I stood, alone. Nary another human dotted the expansive beach. The healthy winds were blowing out of the north to the sea -- upwards, it felt, to 20 knots. I braced myself. Yet, the waves were small, the sea behind them calm. In the glare of the sunlight though, magical. seeming to pour thousands of diamonds upon the sand. Glistening as they fell before where Seagulls patrolled, looking for food from the sea. And one lone interloper, a sandpiper, a child among giants. A courageous little feller speeding along the waters edge as only sandpipers little legs can speed. Seeking out his own morsels in competition to the ravenous gulls. Darting between the scavengers, one small courageous bird never giving an inch to the larger foe.

A good friend and neighbor has gotten interested in a Kenyan orphanage. Matter of fact he just came back from two emotional weeks in that high unemployment African country. Working with his daughter in the orphanage; feeling the pain of the parent-less or left behind children. There about 2.3 million orphans in Kenya, and over 49 million in Africa. Some 7 million of those are the result of the Aids Pandemic, but a huge number are simply the result of abandonment by poor villages. Children born with defects it appears inhibit their potential to contribute to the Village; They are left in the wild to fend for themselves. It takes a village works in a barbaric sort of way when they rid themselves of non-performers. It's inconceivable to people with hearts. Unimaginable to us in the land of plenty. In our America where even the poor have never felt true hunger and the hopelessness as they do in deep Africa.

You can repair a broken Jack-o-Lantern with a Pumpkin Patch.

The Question: 
Name 9 famous "Collectibles, which from an investment point of view, are totally worthless.

The Headlines:

--Dollar Spike has Stock Opening Lower; DOW Down 140 At 11:00.
--Iran Parliament Expected To Summon Ahmadinejad For Questioning Over Economic Policies.
--Danaca May Camacho Of Philippines Declared Symbolic 7,000,000th Person In World Population.
--Jeb Bush Becoming Silent Voice Of Authority For Republicans: Says Party Needs More Than Bond Of Hatred For Obama To Succeed.
--Australian Court Orders Quantas Back Into Skies.
--Palestine Admitted To UNESCO.
--Odd October Storm Dumps Up to 2 Feet Upon New England Villages.
--Cain Deflects Rumors Of Women's 1990 Claims Of Inappropriate Behavior.

Have you ever noticed how well a sports team full of people with possible polar opposite ideologies can work so well together as a team?

Consumers as a group can can do anything they want and succeed in opposition to bad business practices. All, without any Government intervention at all. Unless, of course, the government intervenes to prop up the bad businesses.

Time mag has a poll out that says The Hill could beat em' all in '012! In spades. She beats Romney 55-38%, Perry - 58-32, Cain - 56-34. In the same poll 0-Man nips Romney 46-43, Perry 50-38 and Cain 49-37. What it says about voters overall is that they're not enthusiastic about 0-Man and that they don't like the Republicans in general.

I'm wondering if the production of over-thirty baseball players diminishes because of skill deterioration or because of the security that comes from mega-millions contracts that are generally introduced at that age level.

In the "whatever happened to" department, I'm focusing on one of my favorites of yesteryear -- Kate Jackson. She was the glue in Charlies Angels, and the star in the enjoyable Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Jackson had one of thoise early life's option moments when she was the original choice for the Meryl Streep role in Kramer vs. Kramer. Spelling of CS said her schedule was too tight and refused her the position to get a big head start on the big screen. She was trapped into TV, albeit into a couple of pretty good roles. After scarecrow she worked, but not on center stage. She married often, but two years seemed to be the limit for each. Her most recent efforts were Angel related as she appeared in nostalgia efforts with Fawcett and Smith. Most recently she sued her agent for ruining her financially. She now works as a spokesperson for important and very personal charities -- breast cancer which she had and was in post lumpectomy radiation while filming Scarecrow; and Heart heath where she underwent open heart surgery.

A man with a seasoned political eye thinks that the Tea Party and OWS should join forces and get a term limit bill passed post haste. I agree. People in power too long owe too many favors to too many people with lots of money and power.

Only 34% of Americans now view ObamaCare favorably. There was small decline in support from Repubs to 11% and a similarly small drop in Indie support to 32%. The big drop came from Democrats who went from 65% to 52%.

RI sports columnist Bill Reynolds observes that while many RI'ers are leaving the state because of the economy, the OWS have vowed to stay put! Which will surely help keep our Nation top five unemployment status in tact. There's always a silver lining somewhere.

Halloween is but once year, and in story after story I see articles about nutritious treats. Give me a break. Get a life.

I'm really happy to hear that more students (Especially out-of-state) are coming to URI because of its growing academic reputation as opposed to the lure of living in a party house by the ocean. I would expect that most people across the nation would like to see having fun in college swapped for getting as smart and serious as the rest of the world.

Almost Near: Chapter 48. --Audrey jumped over the rotting log only to find her foot sucked into the mud on the other side. Tucker had asked John if they could see the site where Rudy's body had been found, and without thinking why, her curiosity pushed her to side with him. But now, she is wondering why she was walking in this mess, when just asking Barton a few good questions would produce the same results. But, Tucker seemed interested, maybe becasue a good fiction writer needed to experience possible scenes for new novels.
"Over here." Audrey looked over and saw Barton and his guys standing by a shallow hole about the length of an adult Quimpierre. As she walked she looked around wondering how a body could bee brought easily this far into the dense woods.
"God, John, it had to be somebody as big as Bounty to carry a body the size of Rudy in here. Or maybe Rudy was killed here. But why would Rudy want to come to this God forsaken piece of earth in the first place." She was smiling at John who was giving her the rolling eye look. She saw Tucker walking around the fringes of the area. "How was he killed anyhow, John?"
"I don't know if I should tell you that...even if it is the great Audrey!" Audrey crooked her arm and made a muscle. "But, since you so charming and at times even helpful, he was bashed on the back of the head. And I'm thinking that because there is a shallow grave here, it was probably a shovel."
"Yeah, but why was he here."

The Answer: 
Number 1 are those cherubic Hummel figurines. The rest are Beanie Babies, Franklin Mint Collectibles, Hess Trucks, Thomas Kinkade Paintings, Precious Moment Figurines, Normal Rockwell Dinner Plates, Lladro Statues and Cabbage Patch Kids. No surprises there.

Have you heard about the premiere $25,000 ski packages being offered by some Colorado resorts? One of the main benefits is getting "1st Track Skiing" before the lifts open for the masses. So, the benefit is having to get up in the middle of the dark night to ski first! I think I'd give my 25K to an African village.

We have a growing list of orphanages in the US. They're called "Assisted Living Homes For Seniors".

Pillars of sand

Today's Tids 10/26 (#2,453)
Opening Stuff:

I remember writing about 9-12 months ago recommending that Netflix takeover and run all administrative functions of the government. Now they are the government, blundering along to the tune of a $45 Stock price collapse yesterday. The poster child for arrogance undercutting rational intelligence.

I see where the Hospital Industry association just reported that total operating revenue growth is down to an all time low. That's fine, but what about ER, ICU, Imaging and Rehab revenue growth?

Just when you think that science is losing its touch, along come the Chinese who have determined that before Cricket Fighting matches (Very popular in China), the warriors need lots and lots of sex! These male crickets are fed a diet of soya beans, carrots and corn and are weighed before each fight on little scales. And, just before the fight, they are thrown in a cricket sized room with females. eeehah! A man likened to a sports psychologist continuously monitors their moods. Every word of this is true. They are not taught sex education in cricket schools. It just happens.

The Question:
As Domino's Pizza Chief Marketer says, "(We're going artisan) as an excuse to charge a lot of money." With tongue cheek he explains why his company is getting on board with his new (Wink-Wink) artisan pizza. But three food group manufacturers take artisan very seriously. Name them.

The Headlines:

--Market Healthier Again On Good Earnings Reports; Durable Goods Orders Up.

--Panetta Calls North Korea A Serious Threat; Increases US troops In Region.

--Former Goldman Board Member Rayat Gupta Surrenders To Feds; Details Of Charges Still Unknown.

--IBM Names Female CEO.

--Nokia Unveils 2 Windows Smartphones.

--Libyans Seek Further NATO Help.

--The 0-Man Continues Is Presidential Campaign Today With The Announcement Of A New Student Loan Reduction Program; Once Again, Prez Finds Way to By-Pass Congress.

--Pathologists Confirm That Amy Winehouse died from Over Consumption Of Alcohol.

Just when you think you have heard it all, the US Justice Department announces it is seeking to Legalize a Rule that essentially says it's ok for the Government to "Lie"! Yikes! But, I guess we shouldn't be surprised since laws about Truth in Advertising specifically do not apply to Politicians. Sinatra was singing about the Government -- "...my, way...".

The new reports on car reliability are out. The big gainer is Mazda and the overall standout is Jeep! Chrysler made great inroads and Ford faded significantly, although the Fusion is still solid. The Japanese cars are over all the best, and many European cars are at the bottom.

But...I prefer dealing in superficiality. Car logos. My choice for worst logos are Hyundai, Buick, Chevy (Not for memorability but because it conflicts with the car design. Ditto Buick), Subaru, Cadillac (Much too gaudy) and to a degree Honda. The best in this shallow person's heart are Saab, BMW, Nissan, Audi and Mercedes. I also like the letters only logos, particularly Volvo, Jeep and Land Rover. This brings me to the new Hyundai Equias, which at nearly $65 k is in the market to compete with cars like the $78K Mercedes. It has tons of great features, drives beautifully and is a significantly great automobile...but that logo says cheap and down and dirty to me. It doesn't say to the prestige driver, "I'm not my low cost step brother."

The Netflix case is a great example of the power of the free market place and why we don't need the Government to step in and fix business injustices. The people will walk away, just as they are now starting to find humanized banks beyond B0A. It has always worked and will as long as the formula remains pure. And bailouts will do nothing but preserve the idiots, inane and thieves.

Hey, speaking of runaway cost escalation, why isn't the Prez castigating Universities for greed like he is Wall Street and oil companies. Has there been more inflation than that in the cost of a college education. The average price of homes is falling beneath the cost of a 4 year education. So what does he do, he bails them out with a loan abatement program.

Oh yeah, and why are students with big loan commitments protesting Wall Street anyhow? They should be protesting the Colleges and professors.

Talk about One Hit Wonders -- a performance artist in NYC gave birth on stage in an Art Gallery! What do you do for an encore? Have sex on stage in a few weeks to preduce props for next performance? Wadda a country!

I see where United Kingdom scientists have produced "Super Broccoli". Sounds like a great sequel to "The Killer Tomatoes That Ate Chicago."

Almost Near: Chapter 46 continues. --"Samantha!" Sam looked around and saw Dante's assistant Mary walking towards her.
  Samantha smiled. A friend she thought. I could use a friend. "Mary, a sight for tired eyes." Mary smiled back frowned as she glanced towards the policemen. She slowed her pace. When she reached Samantha, she hooked her arm, suggesting they walk down the hall and not into Dante's room. "What's going on." Mary was silent.
  They turned a corner and after a couple of yards. Mary stopped and turned towards her. Sam immediately started rambling. "How is Dante? What happened? Did they catch the driver? Why's there a cop at the door?
  "Shh!" Mary looked back at the main hall. "First, Dante will live. But, it will be a while until he comes out of an induced Coma, It's a good thing." A tear rolled down Mary's cheek. Samantha shuddered.
  In a voice you could barely hear. "Thanks. I'm happy that he will be all right." I'm very happy. She felt a little beating in her heart.
  "The police came to the office right after the "accident". They wanted to know about who he had been with that day. And then any known enemies. You know the usual stuff. Then they asked if I knew or Samantha Jergens. Or, Samantha Wilcox."
  "They asked about me?"
  "Yup. Apparently police departments send out notices about incidents to home towns of crime victims. You know, as a way to undercover suspects. Well, Dante you may remember was mugged in the town where your parents lived and died. And you are a suspect in that. And having two names makes you even more suspicious."
  "So..."
  "So, I didn't want you to walk into that room like a dummy."
  "Oh, that's me alright. But, Mary, this dummy is getting smarter." She hitched up her skirt and stood taller. "It sounds like the Police think this may not be an accident."
  "Dante called me just before he was hit, saying he and Tucker were looking for you, and that you seemed to have some kind of breakdown. But, he added that he felt for you, like a man in love would! That's what he said. Like a man in love would. He smiled through the phone. I could feel his happiness."
  Samantha was quiet fro a while. Mary could see she was enjoying what she heard about Dante. "I came back here because I trust Dante. I needed him." Mary reached over an squeezed her hand.

The Answer:
The chips and snack industry is definitely one. In fact Frito-Lay's Doritos Artisan chips are out of sight. The Spokesman says we're going all out -- well, maybe not Cheetos, he ads. BTW, have you noticed that Cape Cod which initiated great "Kettle Chips" now has repackaged using the word "Kettle" on their bags. Next are sandwiches in chains like Starbucks. They are quite proud of their "Veggie & Monterrey Jack artisan breakfast sandwich. Really? Boxed chocolate manufacturers are developing lines that are pieces of art in a box. But Domino's Russ Weiner says Artisan equals expensive

Whatever happened to the great institutions?