ADD Epidemic.

Today's Tids Issue 2,567

Opening Stuff:


Well, today is the last weekday in March. It was quite the March, with the kind of temperatures and sunny days people generally seek in Florida around this time. Golf courses opened, petals opened and more Republicans opened their minds to the fact that Romney may be the best candidate.

I'm expecting grave attention deficit disorder this morn among Tids readers as they dream of winning $540,000,000. March 30 is a glassy eyed world.

My faith is renewed in the American Idol voters. Keeping Holly will provide more melodic and diverse nights of entertainment. However compared to the cool professionalism of 16 year old Jessica, 17 year old Holly descends at times into that deer in the headlights uncertainty. Skylar needs to break away from her formula. According to me! -- after this week the top four men are Phillip, Colton, Joshua and Deandre. The top four women -- Elise, Jessica, Skylar and Holly.

0-Man always touted himself as the bipartisan President. Well, he has to be real happy after seeing the House yesterday vote down his Budget 414-0. It must have been really baaaad. Apparently, the Repubs attached the President budget to their own to see if the total package would gain some Dem support. Obviously the Pres plan, full of tax increases and whopping deficits, didn't even sit well with the Dems in an election year. But, that's politics.

The Question:

I buy clothes I like regardless of labels. But many people follow the designers. Who are considered the top ten "Men's" fashion designers?

The Headlines:

--Paul Ryan Endorses Romney.
--Wall Street Could Enter April On Up Swing.
--Midwest Business Barometer Drops In March.
--Consumer Spending Growth Outpacing Income Growth; Saving's Accounts Declining.
--Islamists Rising In Post Daffy Libya; Experts Consider Country A Mess.
--Scientists Say There Could Be Billions Of Planets That Can Support Life Like Earth; Heaven May be Getting Over Crowded.
--China And Apple Agree To New Work Conditions.

Jan Brewer for President.

With the scorched earth campaign effectively killing the perfectly healthy filler inappropriately named "Pink Slime", 1,500,000 additional cows will have to be killed. Wait till PETA hears that? It will also increase the cost of hamburger for those on a budget. Wait til anti poverty groups hear that? Nobody ever died. Nobody ever got sick. But ABC news got a shot at a Pulitzer. isn't that about it!

To fill the enormous amounts of news air time, the press often looks to the sensationalism like the above Tid to rationalize the mundane. Think of the poor Moms they are scaring with their unexplained reporting on the increased incidence of Autism, from 1 in 110 five years ago to 1 in 88 in a new report. They showed worried frowns on mothers wondering when this gray wave of a serious disease was going to strike their household. Yet, knowledgeable doctors report that the increase is due to two rational premises. One -- they widened the definition of Autism. Second -- They increased the screening for many population segments where before there was no screening at all. In other words there has been no scary rapid increase in this terrible affliction, disease. They are just reporting better numbers about something that has always been there. And a broader definition that is truly apples and oranges. I'm not trying to minimize the seriousness and angst of Autism, but trying to take the dear out of bland numbers.

Blatant Biased Bastions Of The Press Department.
Of course ABC (Abetting Barack's Campaign) has become notorious in its tinnily disguised Obama campaign support puffery. So last night I'm holding my stomach watching CBS. The always suspect Scott Pelley brings on Bob Schieffer to discuss the meaning of the George Bush support for Romney. Schieffer immediately switches the subject by saying I'm not sure what Bush for Romney means, but here's an endorsement that probably isn't good for Mitt Romney. Then he proceeds to show a one minute video of National Plagiarist Laureate Joe Biden bashing Mitt, a clear piece of Obama presidential advertising. These guys are criminal. Why do we have protection of the press any more, anyhow?

A reader sends this note: "A friend of mine just started a new business in Afghanistan. He's making land mines that look like prayer mats. He's doing well. he says prophets are going through the roof."

I see where there is a federal law against bothering Canada Geese during "nesting season". What better time to reduce this menace to golf shoes.

Since the beginning of time, health care has been an irrational entity for two basic reasons; 1. People use it with no sense of personal responsibility for the costs. 2. Bottomless pockets of gold always produces runaway spending.

Reading between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The best film of the week is Salmon Fishing In Yemen. This is a wonderful romantic comedy, a pleasant film about a wealthy Yemen Sheikh who wants to bring Scottish fly fishing to the dessert. A great cast has Ewan McGregor as the Scottish trout expert, Emily Blount as the Sheikh's PR person in charge of the idea and Amr Waked as the Sheikh and Kristen Scott Thomas great as a journalist. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.
--Mirror, Mirror is a real live person version of Snow White. Kind of silly.
--The Titans is an adventure film sequel with zillions of special effects. If you want action, you won't be disappointed.

Note to Almost Near lovers: Next week is grand finale week. This afternoon I'm reading part of the ending to a group of writers. Hopefully I won't be battered and bruised too much. You will love next week.

The Answer:

Giorgio Armani tops the list. He is followed by Hugo Boss, Gucci, Prada, Michael Bastian, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Ralpf Loren, Tom Ford and Calvin Klein. Interestingly, the guy advising American Idols on dress, Tommy Hilfiger, is 28th. What's the matter, couldn't they get Nike!

While people across America await their $540 Mil, we learn that the largest gambling operation in the world, the Foxwoods Indian casino, is $2 Billion in the red. The 540 Tribal members who had been receiving $100, 000 per year are now receiving nothing. Money from the casino operations is funding food banks and training for outside jobs. As more states approve casino gambling to fund their mismanagement and over spending it is becoming obvious that there are just so many dollar around. Gambling is not the panacea.

The fog continues:

Today's Tids Issue #2,322
Opening Stuff:

I can't get the green out of my system after yesterday. Oh, wait a minute, there it goes now.

I got an email from Aunt Carries this morning. That's a shore side restaurant that's only open in the Summer, serving up fresh and tasty native seafood, and now good ice cream. It's one of the signals of change, like crocuses, the crack of bats and the lines at the Hilltop creamery.

The Question:
Name five things that baristas (Clerks in coffee shoppes) won't tell you

The Headlines:
--Oil Prices Drop After Daffy declares Cease Fire.
--Japanese Government Says It Was Overwhelmed By the Extent Of Disaster.
--Wall Street Bouncing Back; Fed Joins G7 In Yen Intervention.
--Japan Considering Burying Reactors.
--4 NY Times Journalists Found Safe In Libya; Had Been Held By Daffy Forces.
--"Supermoon" To Dazzle Romantics On Saturday; Tides Should be Higher.
--Chunk Of Cal's Coastal Highway Falls Into The Pacific.
--NASA First: Spacecraft Now Orbiting Mercury.

Back to more Stuff:
Reader Opinions of Repub Possibilities For 2012 Department:
I gained a sense from the smartest group of readers on the planet that election is still up for grabs. Interestingly Romney never made first place but was consistently a strong second. And similarly Huckabee in third. Huckabee connotes images of Huckleberry Finn and huckster. Romney is weighed down by some decisions while Governor. (It's like if we can't come up with something better I guess I could go there.) There is little question that in their hearts a large group would like to see Christie of NJ announce. (One woman said he would be number one if he lost 40 pounds). The inexperienced Mark Rubio is also highly regarded. Trump got a couple of solid "Ayes" but also some fierce negative comments. The best known names were considered retreads while the others with less name recognition were considered boring and unelectable. Well regarded Ron Paul also made the unelectable column. Palin rose to the top of a couple of lists, and did not receive ant strong negatives. I'd like to keep tabs on this, so keep sending in your opinions. The best I can say after this first effort is that it is still anybody's game. And that may not be good enough when there is sitting Prez a runnin'. There' no one in sight who really ignites.

One responder to the above tossed out these five Prez-Veep combos: Keyes-Condy Rice, Perot-Michelle Malkin, Coach K-Laura Ingraham, Anne Coulter-Ron Paul and Sarah Palin-Joe Miller. It is...anybody's game.

American Idol: I was sorry to see Karen bounced last night. I liked her. She seems like a nice person with decent talent. I can see this final seven coming down to five men and Pia and Lauren. Although I'm not sure that Lusk won't get tiresome along the way. Pia could wear thin too. I believe that Haley and Lauren are the two moist talented women. Although I sense a bit of un-likability in Haley, which may be the reason the has been in the bottom 3 the first two weeks.

I heard a well known physicist speaking yesterday about the big bang theory and how he and his crowd explain away what's on the other side of the end of the universe. He said that he and his pals are starting to believe that it is a different set of laws of physics! Anything not to admit the possibility of God.

Everything is Relative Department:
Remember in the Carter years when inflation pushed upwards of 13%. It is significantly lower today, but the pain may be as great or greater.The reason -- Income is lower and the hope for achieving higher incomes is diminished. Even SS recipients have gone two years with no Cola. Just be wary of reports that measure eras against eras. It really is changing in this US of A.

Almost Near: Chapter 12 continues. --A woman peeked in on Tucker just as he was reading something that looked useful "We close here in 15 minutes." she said. Tucker rubbed his eyes. Wow! five hours already.
He continued reading. "Samantha Wilcox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Wilcox of New Castle New Hampshire was married to Rudy Quimpier son of Florence Quimpier of Houma Louisiana and Ronald Quimpier of Jackson Mississippi."
Quimpier. That's as good a lead as he could find, unless there's another Samantha Wilcox form New Castle.
He printed out the page and placed on a pile of some other pages he had printed. He shoved it all into his computer case and waked out to get his luggage at the receptionist. On the way he saw a reporter or columnist typing away for tomorrow's morning edition. "Hi I'm Tucker Loutitte." She didn't look up. He started to walk away, and heard "Sorry, I had it going and had to keep the feeling moving til the end." He smiled knowing totally what she was saying.
"I'm Tuck..."
"I heard you the first time. I'm Audrey Johnson."
"Well Audrey, I didn't mean to interrupt you." he explained quickly why he was there and asked if she had ever heard of anybody named Quimpier. He figured that if this trauma that Sam is facing was that deep that maybe something happened that went public.
"Rudy or Samantha Quimpier?" She wrinkled her brow and was cute doing so. "You know, there is something in the back of my mind telling me those names are meaningful. Let me check around. Are you staying in town?"
"I'll be at the Courtyard on President Clinton Avenue. Wow, his PR people really got that named fast." She smiled. "I don't know how long I'll be here. But appreciate the help."
She stood and shook my hand. She was a pleasant looking woman. Actually quite pretty, Tucker thought.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Good Cast in Lincoln Lawyer a tale about a defense lawyer who works out of the back of his Lincoln handling the cases of a variety of creeps. That is until he lands a defendant, a Beverly Hills playboy accused of rape and attempted murder. But there is a lot more to this story that becomes nightmare for the lawyer. I'll go.
--Limitless is another nightmare for our hero, this time a writer with block who takes new drug that is supposed to unlock his mind. Now he sis able to recall anythign he ahs eve read, learn any language and comprehend complex equations. He becomes the darling of Wall Street but also the target of many who want to get there hands on this mystery drug. Could be good.

The Answer:
Number 1, they won't tell you that drinking 2 shot vanilla22 oz lattes ais very bad for you. And, sometimes owners of small indy's substitute cheaper coffees; Believe me when I tell you I gave you decaf; When you aren't in Starbucks don't order like you are; Most of the time the line is long is because customers talk to much or only read menu when they are at the counter; Why don't people say please more often; Vegan cakes aren't any better for you than regular cakes; Yes, I went to school to become a barista; Just because the coffee is overpriced, it doesn't mean you shouldn't tip me.

The End:
See you next week. I'll spend the weekend hunting for great fodder.

Hard work improves luck.

Today's Tids Issue 2,252
Opening Stuff:

Pinch me! These Patriots are for real.

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

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

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

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

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

The Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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