7/11: Casino day.

Today's Tids Issue 2,636

Opening Stuff:

I think this new email scheme of FaceBook is remarkably similar to Grand Theft! Or maybe it's just the latest evidence that FaceBook knows well the tractability of its users to the point that this behemoth intruder on privacy can actually steal private contact lists from their FB users and the malleable lemmings will say Thank you! It's damn weird if you ask me.

There's no truth to the rumor that Diane Sawyer, Andrea Mitchell and Norah O'Donnell have ordered Red, White and Blue* Cheer Leading costumes with a Giant "B" on the chest. They are practicing in a small room deep in beneath the Senate office building complex. It is anticipated that they will debut at the Democrat Convention In North Carolina. "Barak. Barak. He's our Guy, If the truth don't work tell a lie!" * If Obama wins a second term the costumes automatically turn all Red!

The Question: 

Following are clues to popular comic strips. How many can you get: Sunbeam, Sandwich, Scandinavian Marauder, Left Wing. Winged Reporter, Messy Room, Neighbor Nuisance, Kites and Footballs, Sleeping GI and Bent Tie.,

The Headlines:

--Market Quiet Waiting For Godot.

--China Economy Seems Poised For Slow Turn Around.

--Columbus Ohio Train Crash Looked Like Sun Exploding.

--Romney Tells NAACP That economy Is Worse For Blacks In Every Way; Gets Boos When He Slams ObamaCare..

--Wholesale Inventories Rise.

--MLB All Star Sets new Record On Boredom Meter.

At least once a week a big financial company becomes big news for all the wrong reasons reinforcing the image held by many of the unwashed that investment bankers are liars and thieves. The Latest is Peregrine Financial who say they can't find $250 Million of investor funds. They filed for Chapter 7 relief this morning. Who's next? -- Goldman, who's stock price is down 30% this year and has their investors wondering out loud.

The good news is that many states are waking up to ban texting while driving. The other good news is that "Writing down good ideas for Tids while diving" isn't even on their radar. 

Maybe my much maligned Spell Check has it right after all. They have no idea that Barak is an acceptable word. I wonder if Diane Sawyer will be cheering about that tonight.

I was listening to a news item about Barney Frank's wedding and learned that he calls is new mate "Happy Bottom". Say what? So I am wondering how many wives would like to be publicly known as "Jovial Pussy"? Cute for Barney but not so cute for cast iron frying pan on the head husband.

Have you noticed that with all of these social net work sites people are now writing for crowds. Don't you think it was nicer when a person would write a personal note to another person. The shallow society continues. "What hit me?"

In the older days up til the 1940's, when a person wanted some juicy info about another person, they'd just quietly pick up their party line and listen in. Now free technology from companies like Facebook does that for you. All you have to give them is your privacy.

It's interesting to note that the basis for everything that Cirque de Soleil does is an almost compulsive dedication to Fine Art! If you build a firm foundation, everything else just falls into place. So, why are we weakening the Constitution? Huh?

These hot news items just passed by my inquiring eyes: "Miley Cyrus Shows Off Unlikely New Tatoo."; "Dog That Looked Like Pitbull Mistakenly Killed."; "Nanny Rejected by (Charlie) Sheen's Ex.". And, for the 23rd time this week a new headline about the Cruise/Holmes divorce. It's about that firm foundation!

I'm still looking for some meat to drive my Political commentary.

The Answer:

In order the strips are Hi and  Lois, Dagwood and Blonde, Hargar, Doonesbury, Shoe, Zits, Dennis the Menace, Peanuts, Beetle Baily and Dilbert. I was going to put in Mary Worth, but I never really knew what she did. "Nosy Neighbor?

Don't go to a casino, go to a 7-11 Store and buy a lottery ticket. No losers today. Guaranteed. The President issued an executive Order.

See you all tomorrow.

Funniest home Videos.

Today's Tids Issue 2,608

Opening Stuff::

About two weeks or so ago we saw the world Leaders tromping around Camp David only stopping occasionally for photo ops with smiling faces. The photos and videos we saw were accompanied by news reports like "World Leaders keenly focused on solving Europe Debt problems". Aha, rejoice...the world is saved from economic disaster. Yesterday the market went down 161 points and the news was accompanied by phrases like "Fearing a financial 'Rupture' in Europe..." Oh yeah, the yield on a benchmark US bond hit its lowest point since World War II. Moral of the story: When World Leaders smile together, run!

There are signs coming from both sides indicating that the two presidential candidates will keep their campaigns well above the mud. Unfortunately the big money is in the Super Pacs which will shovel out the crap in huge annoying mounds.

The Question:

Andie MacDowell must be getting older because the ex-Model turned movie star first appeared on the big screen in 1984. What was the name of that first movie. Another actress who seems to have been around for 100 years is Brook Shields. How old do you think she is?

The Headlines:

--WS Opens Flat; EuroWoes Weigh Heavily On Analysts Minds.
--Recovery Losing Momentum? -- Job Creation Number For Month Comes In Below Analysts Expectations; Unemployment Apps Go Up Again.
--Historic Wall Street Law Firm Dewey & LeBoueuf Embark On Walk Through Complicated Bankruptcy Proceedings.
--Multiple Blasts Across Baghdad Kill 11, Injure Many.
--RIM Sinking fast; Patents And Network Have Value.
--Angry Birds Upgrades iOS With Ten New Levels.
--Middle East Continues To Confuse Experts.

The only significant group that unions really have left are public employees. That's one big reason why the Wisconsin recall vote is so important. The big difference between the vote and last year's rallies against Gov. Walker is that the bulk of the massive protest turnout came from other states and can't vote there  now. We hope.

FDR as everybody knows explained the insurmountable differences between private sector collective bargaining and that where employees unite against their neighbors who are in fact the employers. Public Employee Unions are basically an unnatural entity. A logician's enigma.

Where are you if you see a pig wearing a scarf, feeling beautiful, walking calmly down a highway? You might think it was the ever fashionable San Fransisco. But, no it was the old steel town it self, Pittsburgh. The pig, by the way, and has been quite elusive. The State Police have set up Beau Pig twitter account, but so far the Pig has not answered.

Yesterday, President Obama called Romney to congratulate him on achieving his official status as GOP Nominee.. Now, if I was the Mittster, I'd be standing there looking at the phone wondering where and when  the Commander and Chief was going to begin flanking maneuvers.

Do you find that you think you have nothing to do, yet you are continually battling to find enough time to do nothing.

I think the failure of the FaceBook IPO is a good thing. It is a warning to everybody that foolish risk taking will not be rewarded. It has many other small companies with delusions rethinking IPO's. So why is it a good thing? Well, the Clinton recession of the late 1990's was the result mainly of businesses that were financed upon a promise and unable to sustain the promises. Most stocks were sold based on "theoretical", MBA Biz Plan style potential and the aura of good results for one or two companies with substance like Microsoft or Amazon. FaceBook has elements of promise. But, perhaps this time investors remembered history.

Rondo can shoot?

The Answer:

Personally, I got the answer wrong. I thought it was "Sex, Lies and Video Tape" because that is the first time she made an impression on me. She started her career as a fresh faced cosmetics model and then got her breakthrough role as Jane in Greysroke: The Legend Of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. Interestingly the voice of Glenn Close was dubbed in and the audience missed the natural calming North Carolina cadence of her voice. Brook Shields is but 47.

This Tids feels like a quiet summer day in the country. With insects buzzing and field grass high and gently waving in breezes. And the creaking of the clasps as I swing gently in a hammock.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
And nothin' but nothin' goin' on.

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT

Send

Lay down on green grass.

Today's Tids Issue 2,603

Opening Stuff:

I took a walk around the local green leafy park today. The old fashioned kind of park, with a classic wrought iron fence enclosing it comfortably. Mid 1800's style water fountains for humans and animals. Steps to reach your horse, the way it was. I could see ladies in frilly dresses and their men, standing while their mounts rested under cool trees. A couple of appropriate statues. One for Oliver Hazard Perry who lived across the street next to the old Opera House. The other for Dwight Eisenhower, who came to town while Prez to relax and play golf. Of course, at the top of the Park, the Court House. there's always a courthouse at the top of good old parks. There is something awfully soothing being surrounded by things that are the way they used to be.

Big IPO today. It reminds me of a line outside of a Best Buy store waiting from new IPhone. It's that surreal! Is this a pop culture IPO. Or one with sound business principles. It's really hard to tell. Is this the first step in the next round of irrational exuberism? Maybe Jamie Dimon knows.

The Question:
What are the only vegetables that can reproduce and keep on producing year after year?

The Headlines:
--The IPO Is Today.
--Stock Futures Brighter Today; World Markets Sinking.
--Morgan Losses Could Approach %5 Billion.
--Europe Economic Leaders Meet In Washington To Solve Problems With Out Of Control "Children".
--Polls Inching Up In favor Of Scott Walker In Wisconsin Recall Case.
--Autopsy Reveals That Trayvon Martin Had Marijuana In Lungs.

You can tell the weather's getting warmer because all of those people who are hard of hearing with bad taste in music have their car windows open! BamBoom. BamBoom. BoomBam.

Obama is the first daytime TV President.

While the Dems belittle the Repubs in their efforts to "Fix" Social Security, remember that it was Lyndon Johnson who moved it from the "Trust Fund" to the General fund so it could be spent and the contributions of millions wasted. It was a democrat President who decided to have SS recipients pay taxes on their own money. And it was a Democrat President who thought it a good idea to pay immigrants with American's retirement savings. How come the national media doesn't know which party created the problem that Repubs are trying to solve?

Is the media ignorant or dishonest? It has to be one of the two.

Did you hear about the new book? "Ventriloquism for Dummies"

A little warning: Tids delivery could be sparse next week. We'll do our best, but I see definite encumbrances.

Is the Miami Heat and Lebron incapable of winning the big games? They seem to crumble under pressure, don't they. The NBA is sweating out the possibility of an Indiana-San Antonio NBA Final. It's never been about quality of teams.

I have a smart, successful friend who worked closely with Jamie Dimon. He said Dimon was the smartest man he ever met. But what would you expect from someone who hangs around with me. Everything's relative.

Reading Between The Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Dictator is described as "The heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never cpme to the country he has so lovingly oppressed." I think you get the idea of a potentially funny spoof here. It all depends on whether or not you like Sacha Baron Cohen.
--Battleship is this week's big, over the top special effects pic. Based on Hasbro's popular game this epic unfolds on land sea and air as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

The Answer:
I bought an old 1770's house once that had a gigantic garden and it was full of Asparagus and Rhubarb! Those are the two.

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1..................I'm outta here!

Love your weekend.

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT

Send

When is logic not logic?

Today's Tids Issue 2,601

Opening Stuff:

An analyst has gone through a multitude of President Obama speeches on business and comes away with a distinct impression that in his heart, the President truly believes that all of the Free Enterprise success for US business has been due the Government. "O" cites, for example, the importance of DARPA (Defense Advanced Projects Agency) and the resultant invention of the Internet as the reason Microsoft exists today. Of course, Microsoft began developing software to run computers, before the Internet came to life and has built it's business upon developments in software to run computers. Not developing software for the Internet per se. Government agencies like DARPA actually do facilitate what businesses have been doing for years before it's inception -- performing basic research for their own product development and often at the request of the Government for defense of other operational needs. DARPA was a good idea for focusing research projects. But then, the more the Government adds dollar sucking regulations, the less money companies have for basic research. So, the government does have the power to destroy business. So, Obama is right to a degree -- if the government leaves business alone, then the government would be responsible for businesses flourishing!

So today on the eve of the national deficit sized IPO, the big argument is -- will FaceBook just be another passing fad in a throw-away society, or will be be the glue that holds nations together? If there never was a FaceBook, would the world's people ever feel they are missing something? Is there any earthly reason that I need to use FaceBook, other than to have my personal information collected and disseminated or giving up my privacy to the world? Sounds like fun.

Placing a Koran in a toilet is a hate crime; Placing crucifix in a jar of urine is conceptual art.

The Question:
What do workers consider the biggest wastes of time in their offices. Bonus: Who is the only person to have won  NBA MVP, NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Executive of the Year Awards?

The Headlines:
--New Jobless Claims Steady At 370,000; Stock Futures Edge Lower.
--Iran Founts UN Sanctions; Sends Arms To Syria.
--Romney Raises Over $40 Million In April.
--Edwards Lawyers Abruptly End Defense.
--Bobby Kennedy Jr. Wife Said To Have Hung Herself; Maid Found Her In Garage.
--NBA: Celts, Thunder Win; NHL: Devils Even Series With Rangers.
--World Wild Life Fund: Has Man Outgrown Earth? Yikes.
--Flash: This Just In. Stop The Presses -- Purple, Red And Yellow Wiggles Leave Aussie Band!; Stock Market Stunned; UN To Hold Special Session Of Security Council.

American Idol: I have to tell you, I turned off the TV before Phillip's last song, figuring it would be more of the same. But, I clicked back on to go to the Red Sox game and there he was showing a lot more than he has. I had him being axed, mainly becasue Jessica and Joshua were better last night, to me. Although I thought Jessica was sluggish at times and nowhere near as fantastic as the fawning judges thought. So where are we? Phillip has the cute guy voted locked up and helped himself with the last song. Is Jessica the one to go or will the voters get it right for a change? This could easily be a Ledet-Phillips sing-off. Personally, I would have enjoyed a final three of Colton, Skylar and Holly, with Colton and Skylar in the final two.

Many years ago I looked through all of the available cook books (Well, maybe not all) to learn the correct way to grill fresh fish. To a book, the preferred method was olive oil, salt and black pepper. And I have to say I still love it best that way, although I do throw a piece of butter on after grilling. And yes I do love schrod with lobster sauce and bluefish with Bearnaise sauce. I have a little topping I put on salmon for others which is well received -- crushed pecans, honey, dark mustard and a dash of white wine. Also, I think it a good idea to douse fish with lemon before any other preparation. I'm sure you have many of your own, and chefs are certainly going crazier with toppings these days. But, I'll take plain w/butter to best taste the fish.

Please, could we stop using the phrase "Kennedy Curse"?  The curse of the Kennedy's is that average people have to be subjected to everything they do, and the rationalization by the media that it's not their fault.
That said, I feel bad for Mary Richardson Kennedy.

I'm rooting for the Jersey Devils over the Rangers becasue my Brother-in-Law Likes them, and he's a good guy.

Whitewash America Department:
Maybe the real 17 year plague isn't the locusts, but Atheists arising to to take down historic icons that happen to have something religious in them.

As one guy said about Facebook: "If I wanted to have some friends from my past, I would have written them long ago and made an effort to get together."

The Answer:
1. In a Salary.com study, 47% said Meetings was the biggest workplace time drain. Next was "Waiting for a co-worker to finish something you need" followed by "Fixing someone else's work" and "Dealing with office Politics". Bonus: The Great Larry Bird is the man to have won all three honors. Number 33 wins!

We live in a Reality Show world that seems to be drifting away from realism. People question the word is or the, when the totality of information is already quite clear. Some freely alter truths of long standing. People are fond of saying "It is what it is." In fact, many are trying to say, "What you see or know isn't". When candidates lie, "It's just politics". When people lie, especially to politicians, it's serious jail time. That's why so many people are sanding on corners mumbling to themselves: "Did an alien spaceship come in the middle of the night and take me to another planet?"

Go figure Department:
Under Cheney, Seal Team Six were a ring of assassins. Under Obama, Seal Team Six is a Band of Brothers.

Leave my world alone.

Today's Tids Issue 2,581
Opening Stuff:

You may have noticed how, from time to time, we rant a bit here over the sacrileges against time-honored US and world wide institutions. Like when people put chocolate into gin and call it a Martini! That is not a martini! The last thing I would want to hear going into a bar and ordering a Martini, is a bartender asking, "What kind?" Yikes. Well the other day at a meeting a women brought in a fresh baked batch of Chocolate chip cookies. Even I, who refrains from sweets and non-nutritional dalliances, took one. Ouch! What is that flavor, I thought. The baker proudly asks, "Did you like my secret ingredient?" I said nothing but other lemmings said things like "Yum". "Wonderful." "Marvelous." She looked over at us, and proudly said she replaces Vanilla with Almond when she bakes chocolate chip cookies! Those-are-not-chocolate-chip-cookies!

That Egyptian revolution is turning into a real mess isn't it? Yesterday the Election Board there, which had been named by the Ruling Military, rejected the "Three Most Popular" candidates (And 7 others) from the election! How's that for an Arab Spring? That leaves 13 mundane candidates who most Egyptians barely know at all. Other countries are thinking this no-name group may produce a better candidate for them; A candidate who will "work with" outsiders. But, that is unlikely. Among the three tossed was the powerful Muslim Brotherhood candidate Khairat al Shater. It is now expected that this most significant of all Egyptian groups will back Mohammed Morsi and propel this unknown into the lead. Muslim brotherhood will not go away, regardless of the Military Panel wants. If Morsi is rejected, expect new riots.

You have to wonder about FaceBook's future. Will it be like that of an athlete superstar with too much money, buying cars he doesn't need. Linkedin thinks that could be the case. And have stated that they expect to outlast the Zuckerberg giant becasue they are more fiscally responsible and won't delve into expensive whims. Another thing, Zuckerberg, made the Insta deal all by himself without bankers and lawyers, three days before he told his Board of Directors. Just tuck that away as the IPO approaches.

The Question:

I'm sure there are many lists for this Question, but I have a feeling that many of the "Top Ten Child Stars Gone Bad" are on all of them. Name your top ten.

The Headlines:

--Stocks Down On Lower Earnings From IBM And Intel.
--Spain Bailout Now A Certainty.
--Spain Incensed As Argentina Announces Nationalization Of YPF, The Country's Largest Oil Company Which Is Controlled BY Spain Repsol Corp; Spanish Industry Minister Promises Consequences.

Have you noticed lately that some of the more elite-in-their-own-mind restaurants are offering Pork bellies on the menu. People look at the menu and the initial reaction is often -- Eew, pork bellies. That's bacon folks, pure fatty bacon. That's all it is. Interestingly, bacon from countries other than the US comes from the side, mostly lean, or from the back cut which can be either all fat or mostly all lean. US bacon is from the fatty streaked pork belly. So, that's about it. McDonald's gets all the blame for calories, but where is Michelle when the "Gourmet" joints start sneaking in heart stopping fatty bacon? Huh?

By the way, 40% of McDonald's sales come from Europe versus 30% from the US. That means that when Obama moves on to Emperor of the world, the Empress will have plenty to do. And I'm happy for her.

If the Dems are as they say for jobs, how come they are trying to turn the country's economic engines into soulless monsters.

I've got to drop politics for a while. It's turning me into a monster.

And, never put walnuts in Chocolate Chip cookies.

It's no wonder child stars full of fame and money living in a world far from reality, grow up with problems . But, you don't have to be a child star to find the road to ruin as a teen. For instance, the new fad among teens is eating cinnamon. Yup, the kids take a spoon full of pure cinnamon with out liquid and just wait til their throat burns, their stomach gets queasy and they eventually throw-up. Sure sounds like fun. Like wearing felt skirts with poodles or singing Meersy-dotes.

The Prez is using his bully pulpit to come out against Oil "Speculators" as the culprits in the rising gas prices dilemma. Of course, as part of this political posturing, he asks Congress to act to add more people to oversee Wall Street activities. The congress responds, "We already have the the FTC, FCC, SEC et. al.. You are Executive Branch. Use them." Most neutral observers see the Prez Proposal as political rhetoric that in effect increases the size of government with little chance of affecting the increase in oil prices.

Almost Near: The Epilogue. --
Tommy Lambert had been locked securely away in the New Hampshire state facility for the insane for about a year now. He was a model inmate. Why wouldn't he be. He was a creative, bright, good looking and quite a charming man. Always had been. Even on that day 29 years ago, the first day Samantha Wilcox slid into second base and he slapped the tag on her. Then helped her up, and smiled that perfect radiant smile. She would never forget that special moment. The people in the facility had warmed to that same smile since the day he walked into his sterile room with nothing but his state issued clothes. Now he had pens and paper and even at times use of a computer. He had all of the weapons a good writer would ever need.
He put down his pen, read over what he had written, sat admiring his work; Then he folded the paper and placed it in an envelope and addressed to Samantha Wilcox. He moved to the small window at his door. "Carolyn. Carolyn. Are you there." In a few seconds he heard the click, click, click of her shoes against the hard flooring.
"What do you need, Tommy?" The orderly looked at him with eyes wishing he could come from beyond the door."
He handed her the envelope. "Would you please mail this on your way home. You can charge the stamp to my account."
She laughed. Of course he had no account. And, he wasn't allowed to mail anything without inspection. Her fingers lingered on his as she took the letter. "No problem, Tommy."
"Thank you Carolyn. You are quite beautiful today."
He turned as he heard the sound of her heels disappearing. He went over to the small barred window and looked at the beauty of New Hampshire hills and trees. And thought of his words.

(One more Day!)

The Answer:
All of the Top Ten Gone Bad aren't recent. Here is one list starting at Ten: Paris Hilton (Child Star?), Brad Renfro, Todd Bridges, Drew Barrymore, Haley Osment, Gary Coleman, Britanny Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Macaulay Caulkins and Michael Jackson. But, there are many others like Judy Garland, Dana Plato, Bobby Driscoll (Song of the South) and Danny Bonaduce. Or, you may remember Corey Haim, David Faustino, Dustin Diamond, Taran Noah Smith and the ever adorable (You should see him now) Wille Aames.

I'll take Shirley Temple, thank you.

"On the good ship Lollypop, da-da da...da da da da da, da.. Do I have you humming today? enjoy it.

Thre were actually a lot of headlines today, but I didn't think much of it was news.

Food monitoring is out of control.

Today's Tids Issue 2,532
Opening Stuff:

I think one of the reasons that Santorum is looking so good in public forums on TV and on the campaign trail is that in addition to being pretty smart and having some facts, he actually believes in what he is saying.

Our myopic main stream media just assumes that everybody protesting in the streets is right. And, that the protestees are wrong. This blind stance is often an injustice to courageous people who are willing to take on the mistakes of the past and fix them.

People yesterday had fun remembering fondly with smiles on their faces, favorite TV couples of the Past and present. Readers reminded me of a few we missed: Gretchen Kelley and Jack Bauer, Ozzie and Harriet, Jim & Margaret Anderson, Tom Brady and Giselle, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, Spongebob and Patrick Star, Jaide and Beck, Sam Pucket and Freddie Benson (I Carly). For those last three, the reader/sender and mother ended by breaking down in tears and moaning, "I want to be an adult again. I want to be an adult again." Over and over. It was sad.

The Question:

Harris Interactive just interviewed 17000 people in its 13th annual Reputation Quotient Study. Name the top five US companies on the "Most reputable" list.

The Headlines:

--Iran Trumpets Nuclear Advances.
--0-Man Considering Reducing Nuke Arsenal by 80%.
--Greek Leadership Battling To Salvage Bailout Plan.
--Pols Reaching Deal On Reducing SS Contributions And Continuing Jobless Benefits.
--Lexus Tops Dependability Rankings; Most Other Brands Also Showed Improvement.
--China Lays Claim to Lin.
--Houston Relatives Nix Bobby Brown's Attendance At Funeral; WH Fans Applaud.
--0-Man Budget To Eliminate Dozens Of Biz Tax Breaks.
--UN And US Military Analysts Say Syria Not Like Libya; Army Much Better, And Loyal.
--Little Hair Ball "Malachy" Wins Westminster; Peke Beats the Big Guys..

FaceBook Slammed Department:
Most interesting in Harris Survey mentioned in the "Q" above is the major league lack of confidence in FaceBook! The company's Rep waned considerably because 25% of the public hold a negative perception of the company on a wide range iof issues including "Trust and Respect." There are countless privacy concerns with people not trusting FB to do the right thing if there is a problem; FB not maintaining high ethical standards; FB not sincere in its communications; FB not transparent in communicators. Only 7% of FB users would buy stock if offered and...0% would recommend buying stock. Yikes! I have another one -- Why would anybody want to open their lives to the world in the first place?

What part of "There's no more money left in the Treasury" don't Greek Public employees unions (And US State and Local PE Unions) understand?

There is a new TV Channel -- "Dog TV". How much further down will civilization tumble? First, dogs already have humans following them around with little plastic bags. And now they are gaining control of the remote! "Mom, I want to watch Spongebob, but Spot is watching "The Hydrant Chronicals" and growls every time I come in the room."

The fact remains that for the past five years or so during the crucial last minutes when everything is on the line, foes of the NE Patriots have scored at will to win games. And yet, I hear people bickering about the need for a deep threat receiver!

With "friends" like Alan Iverson's, who needs enemies. The basketball star, who made $154 Million, can't pay his bills. He spent most of it financing his entourage of 50 "friends" and for jewelry for his mother. Makes you wonder about the economics of huge salaries for anybody. Too much of it is just spent because it's there -- whether a rock musician, athlete or corporate executive. Too much of it doesn't do enough for the society that endorses free enterprise.

Get this. Yesterday the University of West Virgina agreed to a plan to pay The Big East $20,000,000 so the University could break it;s contract and get to the Big 12 in time for the 2012 Football Season. "$20 Mill!" There must be a lot of money in these student athlete clashes.

There is still tons of money around. America just seems to have forgotten how to get it to the Middle Class.

Irony Department:
Now that Politicians have pretty much put the USA, state and local governments in jeopardy of financial failure because of a consuming addiction to spending, they are turning to gambling as a tax producing solution; Essentially hoping that citizens will become as addicted as they are.

Scientists still can't replicate the materials that spiders use every day to make webs. And every day they hope they can find the key for this material that that could transform construction, product development and medical innovations. Interesting isn't it...Scientists say that God didn't create the world, that it is all an evolution based on natural science . Yet scientists can't figure out how to replicate God's spider juice.

Power Mad Department:
Did you hear about the North Carolina Mother who was irate when her 4 year old daughter came home and said the Teacher told her that her lunch was "bad"! Inside the lunch bag, lovingly prepared by Mom in the morning, was an note: If you dodn't provide healthy meals for your child, we will feed her and bill you $1.25 per day.Just read that statement again. Now, if your stomach has fianlly stopped roiling, think about what is happening here. The Education Department of America is trying to usurp the Free Will of Americans. Get rid of the Department of Education and nannyism.. Oh, the Mom's lunch included a turkey & cheese sandwich, a banana, potato chips and apple juice -- which perfectly meets the USDA standards. BTW, the school substituted chicken nuggets for that and billed the mom!

While we're on the subject, why with distressed school budgets that may lay off teachers, are officials being forced to hire and pay for Food Inspectors anyhow?

The Answer:

This year, Apple bumped Google form the top spot. The rest of the five are Coca Cola, Amazon and Kraft. Notably J&J for the first time in the 13 years did not rank 1 or 2, tumbling to 7. The bottom of the list was JP Morgan Chase, B0fA, Goldman and AIG. It was noted that the bottom three now have a reputaion on the elvel of Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia and Global Crossings. Ugh. But hey, the "What Me Worry" execs still make tons of dough.

I've just about had it with ABC News. In fact am dubbing them: Anchoring Barak's Campaign!

Can we vote him out yet?

Today's Tids Issue 2,530
Opening Stuff:

But, enough politics. This is Romantic Old Fools week! "Think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while - please promise me you'll try. When you find that, once again, you long to take your heart back and be free - if you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me. / We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea - but if you can still remember stop and think of me... / Think of all the things we've shared and seen - don't think about the way things might have been... / Think of me, think of me waking, silent and resigned. Imagine me, trying too hard to put you from my mind. Recall those days look back on all those times, think of the things we'll never do - there will never be a day, when I won't think of you..." --Thanks to "Phantom", which just brought down the curtain on it's 10,000th performance. Hoorah! :x

I can be pretty cynical when it comes to Hollywood types and celebrities in general But, there was always something about the Whitney Houston tragedy that gave me pause. A little heart ache. Maybe it was her enormous talent and above the fray appearance of her early success. Her positive smile. Bigger than life. A star for the ages. And the resonance of that voice. Oh, the voice. It just pained me t see her rot away under the spell of her slug of a husband Bobby brown. So I mourn Whitney today, from the heart. And, it hurts a little.

In a related story this morning Bobby Brown said on stage last night, "I love you Whitney." And then he cried. Creep! That's why I'm so cynical.

Of course, the big news around here is that last night Gov. Chafee-Lite called an emergency meeting to create a task force that would get the state Treasurer to the $336.4 Million first. The Union leadership is dominating the task force.

Hey Mr. President...The USA has been the "Fairest" country in the history of the world. Stop trying to redefine fair as meaning "something for nothing."

Never stand next a person with a cell phone and a twitter account if you want to keep your life private.

The big controversy in divorces of the future is how to divide up FaceBook friends.

The Question:

Name five songs from Phantom of the Opera.

The Headlines:

--al Qaida Jumps In To Support Syrian Protestors; Terrorist Org Participation Creates Problem For USA And UN Support.
--RI'er Wins Powerball Millions; It Wasn't Me.
--Romney: "I will not be lectured to by a failed President."
--McConnell Says Obama Budget Fails To Stem Tide Of Runaway Spending.
--Greece Proving That Socialized Give-Away Programs Will Eventually Crumble Cultures.
--China VP Xi Jimping In US For Critical Visit.
--Michelson Dominates Woods To Win Pebble Beach; Pat's belichick Comes In Third In Amateur Event.
--Houston Said To have Died From Mixture Of Xanax, Other Drugs And Alcohol.

It was a quiet room, a small room, with corners and floors described by shadows from flickering candles. The silloutes on the bare, rough plastered walls seemed to glow beyond the dimness of the Kentucky cold winter evening. There were smiles on the faces and a feeling of love in the hearts of the parents Nancy and Thomas looking down at the infant, sleeping, born just yesterday. Abraham Lincoln looked back with wide unseeing eyes. Who knew?

I thought LCool-J was a class act last night and handled the Grammies better than most have or would have. He set the perfect tone for the evening with sadness in the background -- which could have become an over the top celebrity fawn feast. The night was full of treats starting with an energetic Springsteen and highlighted by pure unadulterated talent -- Adele. Jennifer Hudson got the tears flowing and showed her vivacious talent with a tribute to Whitney. McCartney was Ok, and the beach Boy 50th was nostalgic and kind of sad at the same time. Glen Campbell was lively and somehow got all the words right (Phew). Foo Fighters showed why they and Adele were the big award winners. As one observer noted, there are still plenty of singers who can stop a show with their talent as opposed to weird costumes and smoke and lighted mirrors. Oh yeah, and then there was Chris Brown in an underwhelming performance that had the audience cheering -- for a wife beater. But, hey. I'm not cynical.

I don't have any Northface clothing. Does that make me a bad person?

With all that is going on in the worldwide economy, the creeping price of gas here could be the real monkey wrench.

Only in New York -- This is a phrase which only last week I listed as one most irritable to me. But I have to retract a bit. Only in New York can a Jeremy Lin become an instant mega-star after five games of basketball. But then, if New Yorkers didn't have fads to rush to, they'd be jumping off high buildings.

The guy hoping to buy a new stereo system was looking for sound advice from the salesperson.

Twitter would be a good idea if there weren't so many of the mindless using it

The Prez decided not to intrude on Freedom of Religion. Instead he is intruding on private enterprise by demanding Insurance companies give away services for nothing. What a guy?

After all of the beautiful piano concertos, I always come back to Beethoven's 4th. There's just something about the blending between the piano and the orchestra there that I don't sense some of the other great ones.

One thing I can't comprehend at all is why the answer to the question, "Are you Pro-Life?", isn't, "Of course!".

A discriminating prehistoric animal is called a connoissaur!

Do you feel it! It's coming. The equipment trucks are on the road, and within a week we'll being hearing new sounds form the south -- leather spheres smacking into leather mitts!

Whitney Houston just finished making a movie which is set for release this Summer. Somebody in the executive producer suite is shouting Thank you God. Who me, cynical?

10 years or so from now today's kids will be in their 20's protesting the out of control data collecting behemoth FaceBook. And it's 1984 all over again.

Every once in a while it is essential for a Tids writer to go out and shop in a variety of stores to learn if there is anything going on in the world other than what's in his head.

Almost Near: Chapter 60 continues. --"I'm glad you kids talked me into that ice cream. It was yummy-licious!" The kids Shiela and Rebecca laughed and the three traded high fives. Not bad for starters, thought Tucker as he tried to assay the degree of difficulty of manipualting this two-some. It would be tough, he thought. But, I dealt with their father. And, he never knew what hit him.
"So, who are you again?" Rebecca the older, tougher sounding girl stared unflinchingly into Tuckers eyes. He sister stared at her as if saying, "Yeah, who."
"Well," the smiling effervescent Tucker started. "I am your Mom 's oldest friend. I've know her since she was a great baseball player at 12 years old." The kids smiled at that.
"I'm twelve," started Shiela, but we didn't do much like that at our house." Then she teared suddenly. "Is mom all right?" She couldn't continue.
Rebecca grabbed her wrist and squeazed for comfort, like she always had taking care of her sister. We lived in a tough place, but Mom always tired to make us smile, no matter what." She looked off. "Mom only looked happy when she sat by the window looking out, like she was dreaming of someplace else."
"Tucker nodded like he understood, like he was a good friend of the two. He reached over and touched Rebecca's hand. She yanked away and stared at him.

The Answer:

"Think of Me" was the name of the song quoted in the opening Tid. Others in this lineup of beautiful music are Angel of Music, Little Lotte, The Mirror, Phantom of the Opera, Music of the Night, All I ask of you, Why have you Brought Me Here, Poor Fool - He makes Me Laugh, and I Remember.

Well, tomorrow is the big red heart day! And, wouldn't you know that this morning I read a story about how to eat healthy at a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. What a country! Somebody is always there to take care of the this misguided soul.

Cuba all over again?

Today's Tids Issue 2,498
Opening Stuff:

Why do I have this feeling that Iran wants to provoke the USA into attacking them?

For sure, the Constitution permits protesters like OWS. But nowhere in that revered historic document does it say that taxpayers have to pay a dime for their continued encampments.

In the irony of the day department, Mark Zuckerberg vacationed in communist Viet Nam which blocks his FaceBook site. So he had only the girl he brought along, Priscilla Chan, with whom to be friends. Which, probably made her almost as happy as the billions in his bank account.

The Question:

1. What was Jon Voight's first big movie success. What was his other major achievement? 2. Jude Law is one of those great talents who makes movies better. Name five of his best.

The Headlines:

--Iran Warns US That It Is No Position To tell Teheran What It can And Can't do.
--After Three Down Weeks, Unemployment Benefits Claims Rise By 15,000.
--Stock Market Could be Mostly Up Today.
--Arab Observers Fan Out Across Protest Mobbed Syria.
--Giant Chinese eCommerce Company Alibaba (30% Owned By Japan) Hires DC Lobbyist; Expected That It is First Move To Acquire Yahoo!.
--North Korea hails Military And Nuclear Achievements Of dead Leader; "Un Officially Named Supreme Leader.
--Last Minute Holiday Sales Have Retailers Smiling; Smiling Until Official reports Come Out.
-- Turn-Out Of More Iowa Moderates May Give Romney Victory.

Two questions will dominate "Pickin' " strategy this final week of the regular season: Who is going to show up? Which of the teams playing each other for a final playoff spot has the inner will to win. Last week's 13-3 brings the year to 161-79 (67%). The meaningful games, and quite difficult to predict games are Tenn-Houston, Jets-Dolphins and the potential winner take all face offs between Broncos- Chiefs, Cinn-Balt, Giants-Cowboys and Raiders-Chargers. Here I'm picking Tenn, Dolphins, Broncos, Cinn (Yikes, Cinn to actually show up in a meaningful game?), Giants and Chargers. In the who will show up match-ups, I'm picking Pats who actually need this badly, Vikings, Saints, Packers, Niners, Colts, Eagles, Seahawks, Falcons and the upset of the day Browns over Steelers!

It seems to me that fancy corporate annual report is another of the new dinosaurs. I remember when the annual report was the annual goldmine for PR People, advertising agencies and graphic designers. Being the "Brochure" for the CEO, the budget was more than robust and the opportunities for extreme creativity practically unlimited. Aaah, the good old days. But, alas, today everybody knows just about everything about everything way before the hefty, costly "brochure" hits the mails.

Have you noticed these days how companies now always end commercials or ads with "See us in FaceBook. Many wonder why don't they just give their website URL like always. It does the same thing for the customer. For the customer/prospect yes, but the company gets way more with FaceBook -- like all of the personal data recorded in FaceBook. When I want to go to a company, I go to the company. I don't need no stinking middlemen.

As I watch the media wallow deliriously in and promote the faux pas of Repub candiates I wonder where they were when the clown Joe Biden and the retrobate Teddy were running. And for that matter other assorted Dem miscreants. It's as if media people grew up in dysfunctional familes, eager to promote similar families as normal while putting down the solid families in the neighborhood.

The Yugo is hands down the worst car ever built. Among other deficiencies, this is a car that actually developed rust spots before it left the assembly line. Nice try Yugoslavia.

Classic Socialist View deportment:
There's a story in the Prov Journal this morning about a successful jewelry manufacturer here, Alix and Ani giving the business department of Bryant University $1,000,000 to help develop a superior International business school that would eventually lead to more companies and jobs coming to the state. One of the comments below this Internet PJ site said, "They should have donated the mil to help people stay warm this winter". That is typical of misguided dead end spending with no leverage for the future being espoused by many, make that most, in the Admin and congress. And why Greece and other government first countries are on the verge of collapse.

There seems to be new momentum building for an Independent Puerto Rico. Does that mean when they are not part of the US, we would have to send them more money as international aid? Probably -- that's the way the bureaucratic mind works, if they're Americans screw em'. If their foreign, illegal or undesirable, give them the key to the vault. It must be the DC water.

The fastest highway drivers, ranked in order, live in Mississippi, SC, Alabama, Ark, Kansas, New Mex, Ariz, Utah, Nevada and Idaho. The slowest are in DC, but then everything in DC is slow. If you want the slowest drever states, they are Hawaii, Rhode Island, Deleware, Oregon, Washington, Maine, NJ, Ill, Maryland and Mass.

Continuing in "Best of-Worst of" year-end reporting, the worst product flops for 2011 are 1. A-F's Ashley Push-Up Triangle -- A padded bikini top for girls "8" to 14. 2. Qickster, the Netflix separated mail delivery division. 3. Obama lauded GM Volt. 129 sold. The GM Chairman said "We were naive to think that people would rush to switch to a limited range EV. 4. HTC "Status" smartphone for easy linkage to FaceBook. 5. Blackberry's "Playbook" was no match for IPad first and Kindle Fire second. 6. The 12 foot long Fiat 500 was no match for the popular Mini. 7. The movie Mars Needs Moms cost Disney $175 million to make and made but $6 mil in theaters.

The Answer:

1. Jon Voight's breakthrough movie was Midnight Cowboy. His greatest accomplishment was his sperm that produced daughter Angelina Joli. I went to High School with Voight and his two brothers, and he was a acting phenom right from the beginning of his Freshman year, This son of a Golf Pro, could swing the club but acting was his love. Some of his other movies were his academy award (Nominated 4 times) role in The Champ plus Deliverance, and Coming Home. Some of his other notable roles were in Rainmaker, Runaway Train and Odessa File. (His brother Wes wrote songs like Wild Thing and Angel in the Morning under the name Chip Taylor). 2. Jude Law was great in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, Gattaca, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Enemy at the Gates, Sherlock Holmes, Contagion, Rage and Repo Man.

Maybe Iran is becoming warlike as it saw it's "Most Evil" rep slipping with the potential for craziness by Kim Jung un.

Gotta go and buy some noise makers for my New Years Eve party, mainly to wake me up at midnight! Or is that for the coming 2,500th edition of The Mighty daily Tids! Eeehah.

Que Sera.

Today's Tids Issue 2,476
Opening Stuff:

They say that over the weekend 226,000,000 Americans went shopping! Yikes! I am happy to say that I wasn't one of them, unless you count buying a bag of Cheetos at the local supermarket.

I always chuckle when dialing into one of those automated phone systems and they start with, "Pay attention as some of out menu options may have changed." Like people actually remember what the menu options were in the first place. Just what we need, self-absorbed automated phone systems. Maybe they can start a reality TV series: "I don't understand what you are saying."

Librarians were the original search engines.

The Question:

I keep on reading stuff about FaceBook to see if there is any earthly reason why I would ever want to be on it. So far, nada. Give me 10 types of "FaceBook Friends". For Instance -- "Yakkers", who Sign in just to talk and say nothing like "Nice weather.

The Headlines:

--Consumer Confidence Explodes To 56% In November; Way Up From October's Low Of 40.9%.
--Stocks Open Up.
--Lebanese Rockets Hit Israel;
--Iran students Storm the British Embassy, Bring Down the Union Jack.
--US-Pakistan Relations Plunge To New Lows.
--American Airlines Plunges Into Bankruptcy.
--Russia Ready To Vote; Putin Popularity Fading -- 79% To 61% In One Year.
--Newest Cain Accuser Has History Of Financial Trouble.

Ok, I'll come clean...I was in love with Doris Day during the 1950's. My adolescent drifts in to dreamland probably cost me a chance at MIT. Or maybe not. But I'll tell you one thing, I will not be in line to buy her new CD of timeless oldies. She jilted me and went off to be kind to animals, and she' not getting me back!

I really enjoy the TV program "Sing-Off". These A Capella groups are incredibly talented and entertaining. They can even make "Rap" listenable. Frankly the music is just plain fun; I often look down and see my foot atapping. Also Host Nick Lechey is a nice guy, and judges Sara Bareilles, Shawn Stockman and Ben Folds are outstanding -- being intelligent, witty, informative and very likeable. Last night's finale was lively and enjoyable, especially Ben Folds singing along with his orchestration that included the Dartmouth Aires and the entire audience; and the the Top Ten Boys singing Springsteen.

The Egypt Generals say they won and their governance sanctioned. But out side observers say that the best organized group was the Muslim Brotherhood and that group. which the US wanted least, made the most gains. There's still a lotta shakin' out goin' on.

The ever haughty Diane Sawyer led into a story about the Greenwich Money Mangers Powerball win with the words, "How fair is this...". Fair? I think I noted a couple of days ago that this word "Fair" is fast becoming the most over used, and frankly potentially most devisive word of our times. Is Congress going to be called on to pass a law requiring ticket purchasers to bring copies of their tax return? Nobody earning over $200K can buy a ticket? More good may come of these winnings than probably any in the past, as the winning threesome has already established a trust for mainly charitable purposes.

Memo to all of those walkers who may not have noticed that it isn't Daylight Saving Time anymore. Stay off the roads. You may be the next to be killed. Obviously I don't like people being killed, but think of the poor drivers just using the roads for what roads are there for -- driving a car -- when all of sudden a black shadow appears out of nowhere and there's no time to react. Now all of a sudden a regular person doing nothing but driving home, or to their grandchildren are murders! And they have to live with it for the rest of their lives. Roads were made for cars.

I see where the Politicians are still using the phrase SS "Trust Fund". What a crock.

My official Ohio news source says their are rumors floating around the state saying that Ohio State in an effort of rid itself of the Tressel embarrassment, may have just hired something worse. Urban Meyer, while a more than competent coach, may, they say, have really left Fla because of a propensity of losing his pants around cheerleaders and coeds. Penn State here we come. But, it's just a rumor, probably planted by some Michigan fan.

Word of the Day: Frisson -- A moment of intense excitement; A shudder; A cold chill. Probably the feeling of many when Today's Tids appears in the subject window!

Let's see... Cain has about as many accusers as Clinton, and Clinton made President twice. And then there was JFK who had them sneaking in the back door of the White House. So, I guess Herman should stop being defensive and accept it all as a badge of honor.

OWS people keep on saying they are peaceful and calm. So is litter by the side of the road.

Almost Near: Chapter 51 continues. --"Ok Samantha. I don't don't if you are up to it, but I was hoping that we could spend time going over all of the files," now Sparrow looked serene and caring, "about you mother's suicide and father's disappearance. I have to tell you, I thought it was weird when it happened." He looked over and saw a soulful, pretty woman who seemed deep in thought. Fighting for something that must have become terribly elusive. "You have to do one thing for me...remember. Use every ounce of your energy to remember."
"That's why I'm here detective. Because things are happening now that are triggering some thoughts, when before, if I can remember before," she smiled at Sparrow and he smiled back in an understanding way, actually enthused by her little joke, "before, I would just accept things as normal."
Sparrow pushed his chair back and walked to the door at the side of of the office. He nodded for Samantha to follow. He opened the door revealiing a small, equally dingy conference room with piles of folders on the plain wooden table. "Want some coffee? This could take some time."
Samantha nodded yes, Sparrow left to get the coffee and she sat. The beating of her heart seemed to be warning, don't look. Yet, almost mechaincally her hand drifted to the first folder which she drew before her. She casually flipped open the cover. She froze. Her eyes widened. She shrank back into her chair. Frisson!

The Answer:
Diva --all about them; Birthers -- Perfect family inane blather; Lurkers -- See all but never write; Dullards -- So boring you feel sorry for them; Scolds -- Spank the inappropriate; Grandstanders-- Post in-crowd photos; Olympians -- Sync running shoe ship to FaceBook, report every mile; Jetsons - Tour trips; Gamers and Politicians - See Dullards and Divas; Feeders -- Always sending in the latest news; Lost friends - Found you and lick feet like stray puppy.

"Once I had a secret Love...". But, now she's 88.

How can you tell when a Politician is lying?

Today's Tids Issue 2,365
Opening Stuff

There' no truth it the rumor that Anthony Wiener was twitting pics to Eliot Spitzer dressed in drag. Or, was that Spitzer to Wiener.

Is a "Bump in the road" anything like a "Tingle up the leg"?

Actually, Sarah Palin isn't any dumber than any other politician. The others just know how and when to keep their mouths shut. Except of course Harry Reid who makes Sarah look like a Mensa candidate. Actually everything in politics is relative. For example, Obama and Pelosi make Wiener look like Abe Lincoln.

The Question:
How many users of illicit drugs are there in the world? What percentage are dependent. Which country is the biggest market for illegal drugs?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Look To Rebound As Futures Brighten.
--Investment Community Awaits Bernanke; Is That Like "Waiting For Godot"?
--Arizona Fires Continue To Grow Uncontrolled; 350 Square Miles Now Ablaze.
--Wisconsin Supreme Court hearing Arguments On New Union Law.
--Levee Break Has Missouri River Residents Fleeing.
--Syrian Tensions Rise Dramatically After Rebel Attack On Army.
--New Clashes Kill 19 In Yemen.
--NATO Air Strikes Hit Libyan Capital.
--Scientists Trap Ephemeral Antimatter For Full16 Minutes; Breakthrough Could Lead To Breaking "Big Bank" Mystery.
--Ann Curry Takes Over Today Show.

Back to More Stuff:
I would have liked the Bruins to have saved a few of last night's 8 goals for tomorrow night. I liked their agressiveness, and really loved Tim Thomas's block on Sedin. Maybe Thomas could step in for Logan Mankins. I'm not going to say anything more, cause I don't want to jinx them.

Actually Wiener has done Americans a huge favor. We have always known that most of these lawmakers are lying to us. Now we know how good they are at doing it.

I see where Katie Couric has just announced a new program for her 3rd network. Now all she needs to complete the cycle is a gig at Fox. How about replacing J-Lo on American Idol? Check that ABC Contract for loopholes.

Did you know that the Original Pilgrim Charter for land in America was on the New Jersey side of NY Harbor. Snooki could have been a Puritan. There's no truth to the rumor that if the Pilgrims had indeed landed in they would have used an early version of the car horn to frighten away Indians.

An esteemed panel of important ex-international luminaries -- including Former Presidents of Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and Columbia plus stars like Kofi Annan, Paul Volker and Richard Branson -- looking for something to do in their old age have decreed that we can't win the drug wars and that we should decriminalize drugs, at least marijuana. If some drugs were decriminalized, my first question would be...would businesses be forced to hire people they don't want because of some lame discrimination law?

Why do I feel that an investment in a FaceBook IPO would be like underwriting a Fad?

To borrow a phrase form GPS systems, rapturist Harold Clamping is recalculating. The End isn't quite near.

I have this image of Greece in my head that depicts this former cultural, political and military icon as a foreclosed home, with out of control grasses and weeds consuming the grandeur of the past. While the pampered government workers tell their leaders to walk away from the mortgage.

Santorum gets rapped by the left on a consistent basis because he is so firmly right. But many conservatives really like his conviction to the ideals they espouse. This is why the GOP race at this stage before the shakeout begins is so difficult to sort out. The Repubs have a candidate for just about any little cluster, and that includes clusters among the important independents and even Democrats.

Almost Near: Adapter 23 Continues. --"Did you get the gist of what we were talking about?" Audrey nodded. "It appears that Samantha is back..." He paused and looked out the window... "exactly as she had been when I first saw her arrive at Lobster Cove.
"There is something severely wrong with you friend. You created her world and she keeps returning to it. Where do you think she has been since she flew out of your house? And what happened to her while she was gone?"
Tucker punched in some more numbers. Both were silent. "I'm calling my home." Audrey glanced at him unemotionally, quizzically. She was now thinking like a real reporter. He could almost hear the gears in her mind. "Oh...Hi...Samantha? Yeah, Tucker." He switched it to speaker so Audrey could hear.
"Where did you go Tuck. One minute you're out for a walk, and the next I hear you had to leave town."
"Oh I was called away for an emergency meeting with my publisher. I'm sorry I didn't call earlier."
"No matter, it's only been a night. The house looks great. I've been cleaning all day."
"You sound terrific."
"That's because you are talking to me." He heard only silence as if she was sensing an image of him in her mind. "You do that to me you know. When will you be back?"
"In a day or two. Are you alright? You know I miss you too."
"I have never been better. It's so nice when your world is perfect, and having you in it makes it extra special. I'll be fine. Take your time and get your work done." Silence. "Bye Tuck. Love you."
"Love you too."
"I think you should get back to your place. She sounds very, almosrt eerily fragile. I'll go to New Orleans. And, then you can catch up. You can trust me."
"I know I can. he turned and smiled, but it was a vacant smile. Not the kind of smile he wanted to give her. "i know I can." She reached over and patted is thigh.

The Answer:
250 Million worldwide use illicit drugs. They estimate that about10% are dependent. The US of A is the biggest market for illegal drugs.

The Big Ending:
Their lips are moving! Bada Bing!

It can't happen to me.

Today's Tids Issue # 2,334
Opening Stuff

I always look askance at somebody who says "Just lighten up". What they are usually saying is lower your standards and get in the sewer with me.

Judging by the number of cars on the road, I'd have to say that people are still in denial about rising gas prices.

The smart person is invariably beaten out by the person who works harder.

The Question:
Never get smug, because your fall could be eminent! Within a data base of 700 U.S. industries, 200 are in decline...and ten are on the verge of extinction here (Either by going out of business or moving off-shore).

The Headlines:

--UConn Rewards Smug New England Lunkheads With Third NCAA Title; Butler Played Hard and Often Well, Left Shooting Shoes At Home.
--Red Sox Bring NE'ers Back Down To Earth.
--Wall Street Flat; M&A Deal Activity Offsets China Rate Increase, Re-weighting Of Apple Stock And Slower March Growth For Services Sector.
--Bombardment Pushes Libyan Rebels Back; US Air Force Spending $4 Mil/ Day Enforcing No Fly Zone.
--Boehner To Visit Prez.
--Middle East Riots Continue.
--P&G To Sell Pringles To Diamond Foods; Tids Food Group Misses Out On Bid.

Back to More Stuff:
Researchers reported yesterday that a poll about opinions of FaceBook found that 85% of women say that they have been annoyed by postings of friends. The most common annoyances are bragging about accomplishments and "perfect" lives, Constant complaining and whining and sneaking in political views. How about telling tales that were supposed to be secret? Personally, I see no need for facebook at all. I'll just annoy you with Tids instead.

Love has a chance of surviving if: 1. Each are genuinely interested in others day-to-day dreams, goals, likes, dislikes, achievements. et.al. 2. You ask each other open ended questions prompting for more info and details. 3. You show signs of affection like smiling, laughing, touching, holding hands.

The rumor on the street is that the leading contender for the Katie CBS job is Scott Pelley. If you think that CBS borders on socialism now, it would be out and out communist manifesto with Pelley in charge.

Almost Near: Chapter 14 continues. --Barbara told Samantha she was asked if she had noticed any suspicious activity ever at the Wilcox household. She remembered that the Detective had implied that the department had had the couple under watch. "I don't why I felt that," she hedged, "But, it was just the way he talked." She smiled as if proud of herself. "I told him that I thought they looked like regular people, especial Mr. Wilcox. He seemed friendly, but really didn't socialize much. His wife was very pretty but almost looked fragile."
"That's a big help," said Samantha standing and reaching for the buisness card. "Mind if I take this? Or, I can just write down his name and number. By the way, where is the police department?"
Barbara gave Samantha directions and the card. "I'll never need this." They shook hands and Barbara looked sad to see Samantha leave. "Joey, do you want to go to the Supermarket with me. I'll buy you some Cheetos." The door slammed and Smantha's phone started ringing. She looked down. It was Dante. She smiled.

I had been reading the Projo on-line off and on for the past month or so. What a pleasant surprise yesterday when I once again held the real thing in my hands. All of the stories right there in big headlines before me on one supersized page. I found tons of small items that I never found on-line. Excuse me for momentary ludite-ism. but some technology just isn't better no matter how much the purveyors captivate the lemmings. Save the newspapers!

The Health Care Industry accounts for 1/5 of the US economy. It is growing at an impossible rate because the of the pile of gold sitting there fueled by Government plans and "Insurance". Part of the growth is due to out and out waste, a phenomina which invariably occurs when the money supply appears endless and unrestrictive. The US HC business in particualr invests in very expenseve new technology, much of which has been proven to have contributed marginal results at best. Legislaors could attack big money programs like Medicare, for instance, successfully if the opposition could resist extreme condemnations like "Murdering old people."

The Answer:
Advances in technology, industry stagnation and external competition have put once too big to fail US industries on death watch. In addition, regulations and high labor costs force the strugglers to move off-shore and cut prices and valuable R&D expenditures. It is a spiraling downward cycle. The next to go are Wired telecommunication carriers, Record/book stores, Photofinishing, Video Postproduction, Newspapers, DVD/Video Rentals, Fromalwear and Costume rental, Textile mills, Apparel manufacturing, Manufactured home dealers. me I'm going to buy several Bose CD players so my CD collection will live on no matter what happens.

The End:
It costs more to house one person in a hospital for a month or two than it would to build a small factory or two.

One of the things I learned as far back as college that stuck with me about business was that you should always be on alert for things that could fail or obsolete your products. How many businesses are on the sidelines today because smug executives said, "Nobody will ever pass us."

The Bottled Water syndrome.

Today's Tids Issue #2,333
Opening Stuff:

Meal of the week: Blackened shrimp, hush puppies and the best crab stew you ever ate at a redneck bar by the side of a Georgia road...And the Red Sox game on TV! Talk about Southern hospitality!

The Repubs are dead if they can't come up with a better 2012 strategy than hoping that unemployment stays high.

How do you expect an America that spends about $30 Billion per year on bottled water to get excited about Congressional extravagance that is tossing the economy into a black hole with no bottom? Everybody thinks that their irrational spending habits are responsible.

I'd say that after two final Two's in a row, we have to stop over looking Butler. Calling them a "Cinderella". And stop being surprised when the so-called mid majors knock off the so-called giants. Tonight, I'm picking UConn because I'm provincial new England lunkhead.

The Question:
The Interstate Highway numbers actually have a meaning. What do the prefixes to interstate numbers like 2, 3, 4 mean? Why are some interstate numbers low and others high?

The Headlines:

--Flash: House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan Releases Republican 2012 Budget Which Would Cut $ Trillion (With A Capital "T") Over Ten years; Would Alter Medicare And Medicaid; Dems Will Scream You Are Murdering Old People.
--Notre Dame Women Upset UConn Machine.
--Prez Officially Declares candidacy For 2012.
--Desperation Mounts In Japan As Radiation Leak Still Elusive.
--Blago Asks Judge To Turn Over FBI/Obama Interview Notes.
--Katie To resign From CBS News Post.
--Southwest Finds Cracks In thre More Planes.

Back to More Stuff:
The use of this word "Extreme" is a bit...well...extreme. It has become more of a common slur than anything meaningful. The Dems love to label the Tea Party as extreme, but to me they look like a bunch of regular people fed up with stupidity, deceit and general all around lying. I am actually proud of what I am, which is a person who believes that society runs better if adhered to the Ten Commandments. You know, no murdering, no lying, no stealing. That governments and people in general shouldn't spend what they can't afford. That the strangling of of America's future with debt interest higher than almost of the world economies put together is bad for everybody including people on the freebie train. Stuff like that. Call me extreme and I'll say thanks.

I saw an air conditioning repair truck with the sign on the side saying: "586-0007: Licensed to Chill".

Well at least we know that Michelle Obama isn't Marie Antoinette! Michelle says "Take away their cake"!

Almost Near: Chapter 14 Continues. --It didn't take long for Samantha to learn very little. The woman, Barbara Hersch, was pleasant. She basically iterated what she told Samantha to lure her into Barbara's lonely kitchen. But, Samantha smiled and prodded hoping that there might be something tucked away in her lonely mind. Samantha finally rose and reached over to shake Barbara's hand and say thanks. Barbara came arond the table, and they passed through the living room where the teen lay zoned in front of a computer game, Barbara said, "How stupid of me. Wait here." She turned and ran up stairs.
With seconds she was back down slightly out of breath, but with a big smile on her face. "Here. This is the card of the detective who interviewed me about your missing relative."
Samantha took it and sat on the steps. "So, do you remember what he asked, what you said.?"

Have you noticed that most companies now say: "Look for us on FaceBook." Why? Isn't that like, Redundant. Most of those who say that to me I don't know anyhow so I wouldn't know who to look for unless I had a gigantic list of people/companies who said that in my pocket. What was wrong with "see us at www..."? Do you sometimes get the impression that most new big money growth companies are just supplanting other big money growth companies with superficial window dressing?

I'm really impressed with seeing eye dogs. I saw one in a restaurant the other day and was taken by its restraint. I know that if I were a seeing eye dog laying under a restaurant table I'd be a problem. "Sniff. Sniff-sniff. Sniff, sniff,sniff. Ehhh, ehhh, ehhh (That's heavy breathing.) Is that gravy? I hope, I hope, I hope. Chicken? Beef? Merlot sage reduction? Maybe he'll drop something. Maybe if i just raise my head fast and nudge his hand...."

I was riding up in a hotel elevator and noticed the guy taking up most of the cab with one of those luggage caddies hotels provide. On it he had a large wheelie suit case and a complete "Desktop Computer". I said, "most people just bring a lap top." He looked at me and said "I hate laptops". Of course I laughed at his little joke only to find he wasn't kidding at all. He started explaining the problems with a lap top and I knew he was serious. I wanted to say, "Then an IPad must be totally out of the question", but I decided, you never know who may shoot you these days. Do you know how hard it is to suppress a good laugh.

Basically, the only thing many of these Congress people know about budgeting is that saying "They're going to kill your children" is a good strategy.

The Answer:
All main Interstates have one or two digit numbers. Odd numbers run north to south and even numbers east to west. The lowest north south numbers start in west (i.e. I-5 in Cal) and the lowest east west numbers start in south (i.e. I-10 in Fl). Circumferential routes off main interstates are 3 number routes with an even prefix of 2, 4, or 6. (These change if there are multiple cities in one state with circumferntial roads (i.e. 295, 495, 695). Spurs off these circumventing roads wild use odd prefixes like 195, 395. Get it? Travel made easy.

The End:
If there is a gov shutdown, it is the result of the Dems wimping out from their congressional responsibility during the months before the last elections. That is the only reason we have a problem today.

Today is the anniversary of MLK Jr.'s assassination, Many groups (Read that union organized protests) appear to be poised to use this solemn occasion to protest State and Local governments getting their financial house in order. I don't seem to remember that King's dream for America was about sendign the country into financial ruin.

If not edible, then what?

Today's Tids Issue 2,268
Opening Stuff:

Is the large Goldman investment in FaceBook the start of the next big Wall Street bubble? If you feel that thinking may be a little premature hysteria I ask, has anybody heard of MySpace lately? I guess it just bothers my inner sensibility to learn that faceBook at $50 Billion is worth more than Boeing who actually creates something. While FaceBook's biggest asset is a fickle populace.

The chorus out of Washington from the 0-Man and echoed by the lowliest Congressional rep is "Republicans should put politics aside." Hmmm, this from a Prez who destroyed any possible chance of a workable non-partisanship government in the first hour of his first meeting after inauguration with the Repub leadership. What a crock. Actually, I hope the Repubs put politics aside, especially the politics of special interest government, and do what the people ask and what the Country needs.

It's starting to appear as though Brett Favre keeps on coming back because he can't find those massage therapists down on the farm in Mississippi.

24 hours til the first installment of the new Tids Serialized Novel. Excited yet?

The Question:
Personally, I think mushrooms are worthless. But, obviously, I am in the minority. What are the most popular types of mushrooms?

The Headlines:

--November Factory Orders Up; Stocks Flat As Better Economy Outlook Is Offset By Downgrading Of Consumer Stocks.
--Governor Of Pakistan's Punjab Province Assassinated.
--British Parliament To Reduce Size Of English Pubs Cherished Pint.
--Area In Australia The Size Of Germany And France Under Water.
--Diver/Researchers Find Historic Ship Of Oliver Hazard Perry; Newport RI's Perry Was Hero Of Lake Erie During War Of 1812.
--More States Joining Effort To Abolish 14th Amendment Which Provides The Loophole Granting Citizenship To Children Of Unlawful Immigrants.
--John Wheeler III Found In Dumpster, Murdered; Wheeler Served Under three President And Led Charge To Build Viet Nam Wall Memorial.

Back to More Stuff:
If the Republican Party, and especially the Tea Party folks, want to maintain their credibility they must continually resist overreaching. While a majority of the people are firmly on their side, most of the people with printing presses and microphones aren't And public opinion can change over night. Hey, the Jersey Shore cast are cultural icons.

Ditto that for Sarah Palin. Overexposure, more than anything, provides more opportunities to say something or do something stupid. Or at least stupid in the eyes of those snakes lying in the grass ready to pounce.

A local guy named Andrew "Hull" was named Naval Sea Systems Scientist of the Year! Makes sense.

I think the Government beats up on corporations like Drug companies, because they want the people to think that Government has all of the answers so the people keeps on sending them money.

Actually, most governments thrive by creating boogieman, dragons to slay for the protection of the people. The Republicans picked out murderers like the extreme Islamic bombers, woman abusers like the Taliban and nuts with nukes like NK and Iran. the Democrats picked American businesses like drug companies and insurance companies.

People must be really tuckered out after the long week/weekend, because Sunday night while driving though normally active cities like Newport and Westerly I saw nary a person on a sidewalk nor a car on the street. I had the feeling that aliens had attacked both towns with an invisible gas and the people were in their homes lying on the floor. But then I thought about my overactive imaginations...as I rolled up the window and stopped breathing. Ooooooooooo-weeeeeeee-oooooooooo.

Why do people get so excited about truffles. they're only overpriced mushrooms.

The only 8-Track Tape I ever owned was Peter Frampton's Come Alive album. I played it regularly until wore out. "Show me the way..."

The Answer: 
I guess seeing mushrooms growing in the ground, usually the most barren of ground, just doesn't appeal to me. The fact that they are basically tasteless and annoyingly squishy adds to their uselessness in my eyes. But...don't let me destroy your love for these favorites' of chefs. The most popular are Table mushrooms (Button), Shiitake (Balck), Porcini(PennyBun, Cep), Portabella, Chanterelle, Giant Puff Ball, Field Mushrooms (Meadow) and Morchella (Morel --sometimes toxic).

The End (Is near?):
Actually, what really bothers me is that you have two classifications of Mushrooms -- Edible and Dangerous to your health.

According to a new effort by Christians, I may only have five more months at most of putting out our beloved Tids. A loosely organized group of Christians are beating the Armageddon drum urging people to get ready for the end of civilization may 21. A spokesperson says "A lot of people might think, 'the end is coming, let's go party'. But we're commanded by Goid to warn people." But Mary Exley, a 32 year old ex Army veteran adds, "It better know when it comes so you will be safe.".

And... the reduction in size of the British pub's "Pint" is a government responsibility...how?

Look up and smile

Today's Tids Issue 2,247
Opening Stuff:

I have to say as I look around this beautiful country that I still see lots and lots of happy families. Millions of people with the same hopes as ever, with same sturdy back bone and love in their hearts. A lot of today's micro analysing can easily confuse the macro picture of a rescilient creative american with a strong moral compass. With millions of more honest immigrants wanting to emulate the image of the resourceful innovative American. We just have to make a few adjustments.

Facebook made a big announcement yesterday saying in part they want the Facebook experience "more of a reflection of their real lives..." Say what? A web site will be a reflection my real life. Why would I want to reflect my life upon a world stage in the first place? I still don't get it.

The Question:
Here's a multiple parter: 1. When and where was Phi Beta Kappa established? 2. Who was the first President to be born after the US was Independent? 3. When was the Washington Monument completed? 4. In what year did Thomas Edison invent the telephone?

The Headlines:

--GOP/Dems Nearing Agreement On Tax/Jobless Benefits Package.
--Wall Street Opening Lower On EU Worries.
--Iran stroinger As It heads To Geneva Talks.
--Anti-American Fighters Trickling Into Iraq At Greater rate; Funding For al-Qaida Increasing,
--Generals Come Out strongly Against "Don't Ask..."
--Bernanke Considers Unemployment Rates Critcal; Expects Slower Economy For 5 Years.

Back to More Stuff:
I think there could be something to the theory that news overload can migrate into a full blown physically dibilitating virus. This especially true for news with a high percentage of politicians ramblings which conflict detrimentally to sane thinking, reasonably logical minds. A logical mind can deteriorate exponentially into quivering masses after continuous bombardment by irreconcilable ideological arguments. In fact. my doctor has advised me to stop watching the news and to just listen to Christmas Carols.

Have you noticed that in 1942 FDR disbanded the WPA (Works Progress Administration) It was disbanded because it was no longer necessary. How many departments in the bowels of the US bureaucracy could be wiped out with out a ripple of an effect on day to daty living?

Rangle's consistent denial of any wrongdoing is classic among Washington players who have been there much too long. He is the new poster boy for term limits.

I need a new computer, but I expect in a couple of months I'll have an array of "Pad" devices from which to choose. A device that many are saying it's all you need.

The University of Connecticut at 8-4 getting one of the major bowl games just because the Big East is part of the BCS power structure is just the latest bit of evidence illustrating how bad this year ending championship system has become.

Did you read where some medical experts are now saying that the benefits of sun bathing far out weigh the risks of melanoma. What's next...gravy softens aging arteries?

There is no question that Sarah Palin is in grave danger from overexposure. Not only doesn't she wisely sit back and bake cookies for a while but she decides to go camping with another manufactured celebrity, Kate Gosselin, and her 8 kids! What's that all about? What's next...a Palin/Kardashian credit card for unwed mothers.

The passage of the tax extension for all will add some certainty to the economy and could contribute to increased rehiring.

The Answer:
1. Phi Beta Kappa was established at William and Mary in 1776. 2. The first Person born after Independence Day who went on to become President was Martin Van Buren -- Born Dec 5 1782. 3. The US Corps of Army Engineers put the cap on the Monument in 1884. 4.. Thomas Edison didn't invent the phone! Alexander Graham Bell did it in 1876. The Tids trickster strikes again!

The End:
Seventy years ago tonight American military people in Hawaii went to bed looking forward to a peaceful Sunday morning.

Tonight I'll fall asleep way before the greatest game of the century ends, And then wake up repeatedly throughput the night trying to learn which team won.