It could work.

Today's Tids Issue 2,457
Opening Stuff:

Never Laugh at an Outrageous Idea Department:
One thing that has always bothered me is people saying without knowing about ideas: "That'll never work". And often the instant dismissal comes from some pretty smart people. Where would we find the progress if crazy ideas were routinely squashed. Check out these quotes: "But what is good for?" -- IBM Engineer on microchip. "The telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered by us..." -- Western Union. "The concept is interesting and well formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C', it must be feasible." -- Yale possessor to Fred Smith, founder of FedEx. "I'm just glad it will be Clark Gable falling oin his face and not Gary Cooper." -- Gary Cooper declining the lead in Gone with the Wind. "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olsen founder of leading mini computer company DEC. And..."We don't like their sound and Guitar music is on the way out." -- Decca rejecting the Beatles 1962.

The average household declined 2.6% during the 2 year recession. During the 3 year "recovery", it has declined 6.7%! This new info from the WSJ could affirm what we've been talking about. The emergence of a global economy will necessarily drive down average income for the USA. Water always seeks its own level and the damns of isolationism have been broken forever.

But US spending remains high...at least for Halloween costumes. While many consumers are anxious over rising food prices, they still went out and spent $6.68 Billion on the holiday including about $3 billion on costumes of which $140 Million was for their pets! "Halloween Costumes for pets? What a dumb idea." -- Tidster 2009.

I think a good way to cure laziness is to sit down and write grammatically correct, clear and concise sentences .

The Question: 
Tony Collette has been a popular star in many good movies. Which Australian movie first shown the spotlight of stardom upon this actor? Name five of her movies.

The Headlines:

--Europe May Avoid Meltdown, But Not Recession.
--Stocks Down After News Of Asian Economic Sluggishness Leading To World Slowdown.
--Obama Has Good Day In Doctor's Office; Health Is Good.
--Fed Expected To be Neutral Today.
--MF Global Screw-up Not Surprising Considering High Risks Taken By Corzine; MF Latest Victim Directly Related To EuroZone Ills.
--1,250,000 Still Without Power In Mass And Conn; Could Take Days.
--Peter Townsend Calls ITunes A "Digital Vampire; Imp[lies That Popular Song Distributor Is Stealing From Artists And Creators.

Well, at least she made $20 Million profit the wedding. Now he gets half! Not a bad 72 days.

You have to wonder how an alcoholic feels when reading the headlines "A drink a day can keep the heart attacks away." And, will medicare part "D" pay for a quart a week?

Michael Higgens is the new President of Ireland. He is a quite-to-the-left Poet and human rights activist who's campaign message was one of givng people hope in the face the massive record debts, property market collapse, 15% unemployment and severe spending cuts. According to an Irish immigrant I know, Ireland has deteriorated to the point of embarrassment for her as new generations find honor and comfort being on the dole. She is proud that her husband took an opportunity to move to America from Dell Corp, which had invested in manufacturing facilities there. She aches for her relatives remaining whom she feels have given up to the largess of socialism. Poems will help!

Don't worry about your health. It will go away!

OWS people look just like every other protestor in history has looked. I'd like to be able to say they are not stereotypical but rather a collection of everyday Americans. In fact though, they look like people dressed and made up in 60's-70's garb for Halloween.

The Answer:
The first time I saw her was in a very depressing dysfunctional family film which according to critics was an "Uproarious comedy" -- Murial's Wedding. I hated it. But she has been good and got big time recognition for Sixth Sense. Other's were The Hours, Emma, Changing Lanes, About a Boy, In her Shoes, Night Listener and Little Miss Sunshine (BTW another dysfunctional family film which I found irritating.)

After re-reading that, I guess I just like functional families better. Silly me.

I think I am just too much a private person to ever get interested in FaceBook, or similar social networking. Yes, this Tids guy who each day bares his soul to the world thinks it better to keep notes to people private and personal as opposed to communal. Frankly I don't get it at all. And I'm not even trying to get it.

There once a poet from Dublin
Who's election was just a-Bubblin'.
He wrote lyrical lines,
And warm happy thoughts
To keep the good folks from a-troublin'.

Poetry over prose today. Sorry

So far and yet so close.

Today's Tids Issue 2,234
Opening Stuff:

Driving down Broadway last evening, we came upon a traffic slowdown. Unusual for that time on a Sunday night. As we neared the end of the traffic line we looked towards our left a noted we were in front the Memorial Funeral home. And standing shoulder to shoulder along the walk in front were forty plain ole American citizens...with large flags in their hands. And, around the corner was a line of thousands waiting to get in to pay their respects. (A line I understand that had been like that through the day) Tears came to our eyes. It was for 22 year old Sergeant Michael J. Paranzino who was killed in Afghanistan by an IED last week. A likable young man with a wonderful wife and two children. He loved his Army. And people from throughout the Island showed their love for him and appreciation for his ultimate sacrifice.

My guess is that if US companies increase sales throughout Asia as 0-Man promised in his speeches, the products will be made in factories in Asia. Just as Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Korea do here. The nature of Globalism that so enchants our Emperor of the World fearless leader and his supporters is that jobs go where companies operate most efficiently. Pols who say they can bring home jobs can only do it if they get their union pals to cut salaries and benefits by half.

An Age Discrimination court case is a "Birthday Suit"!

Derek Jeter getting the Gold Glove for shortstops this year is like Obama getting the Nobel or kids in High School getting "A's" and "B's" and then having to take remedial English when reaching college. Is there any value left, or is everything just hype and celebrity?

The Question:
Which four countries hold the most dollars in the US Treasuries and how much? Bonus Question: Who was the women who in 1889 attempted to go around the world by train and ship in a challenge to Jules Vernes classic book "Around the World in 80 Days". How did she do?

The Headlines:

--Patriots Look Like Champions Against Pitt; Beloveds Regain Form Missing In Browns Game Disaster.
--Sarkozy Loads Up French Government With Conservatives In Weekend Confab; Entitlement Burdened Greece Re-Elects Socialist Leadership; Papendreou Says We Want To Be Like Rhode Island.
--Major Credit Card Delinquencies Falling As Outlook Improves.
--Lame duck Session Features Hobbled Dems and Energized Reps.
--Irish Crisis Worsens; Greek Budget Shortfall Higher Than Originally Reported.
--Karsei Asks US To End Night Raids.
--Ohio Authorities Seek Three Still Missing After Finding 13 Year Old Daughter Bound And Gagged In Man's Home.

Back to More Stuff:
Before I go an inch further, I have to pay my respects to Frederick Alvin "Allie" Briggs who died at 84 over the weekend. "Allie" was descendant of East Greenwich RI farmers who loved horses. He was a lover of baseball and most important the inventor and owner of "Allies" Donuts, easily the best in the East and perhaps the entire United States of America. Talk about contributions to American society!

If I were a betting man, I'd put all my money in France over Greece.

Frankly I just don't read anything about "Don't ask, don't tell." But I guess what they are basically saying is...if your unit marches in a Memorial Day Parade, don't wear pink.

A house trailer is a wheel estate.

As far as I can see, Obama has just become a big bunch of words. Where anything he says is subject to dramatic change at any given moment.

Let's hope that America isn't becoming as bad as "America's Team". (I actually wrote this before the surprise win by the cowboys yesterday. I thought the simple fact of a upbeat appearing roaming the sidelines as opposed to the dour, bewildered looking Phillips was a major improvement.)

There is a theory floating around that says that the Dem defeat at the polls may be good for the Mid East peace process. The idea being that 0-Man may have more empathy for the fragility of the political environment in which Netanyahu has to operate. Where before, "House Mom" couldn't understand why the leader of Israel couldn't do anything he wanted, now he may consider maybe there is something to this "Political Pressure" thing..

Every time I see a little increase in a bill form necessary services like the Gas, Phone or Television Company,...et.al., I wonder if it a small tax to raise money for the Lala-Pelosi Health Care Bonanza. Or when walking or driving wondering where the camera is that is watching me. Welcome to the paranoia era.

It's gotten so bad that yesterday when I received a phone call from Florida from out Electric Company, I told the guy, who appeared being helpful, that I wouldn't talk to him because there were too many scams coming out of Florida.

Ireland which has socialized itself into a financial quagmire is seeking $83-$110 Billion from the EU for something called "Sovereign Debt" reduction That sounds like California.

And then there is the Auto dealer in Central Florida who is offering a free AK-47 with the purchase of a pick-up truck! What a country.

The Answer:
Everybody has heard of China's holdings of $868 Billion of our Treasuries. But japan isn't far behind with $836B, Next is United Kingdom with $448B and then Brazil with $165B. Bonus Q: "Nelliey Bly" was one of the pen names for Elizabeth Cochrane who at the age pf 25 not only made it around the world, alone, In 76 days 6 hours, 11 minutes and 14 seconds, but had also achieved acclaim as one of the first great Investigative reporters. She was a courageous reporter who who would often insert her self into horrendous conditions (Like an "Insane Asylum") to bring the world the truth about institutions and politicians.

The End:
And then you notice that four Chinese banks will be the lead underwriters of the much ballyhooed GM IPO. And then I have this Nigerian Bank continuously writing to tell me they are holding my family fortune! The world is getting weirder.

Time for Up.

Today's Tids Issue 2,231

Opening Stuff:

What could be worse than eating Spam while cramped on a boat in the middle of the ocean with no power while counting the hours as a tug boat shoves you slowly back to a save harbor. I mean...Spam? You can't make gravy from Spam.

These days, and I expect for a while during the next few months, a lot of info about the state of HC in America is and will be coming from The Admin in dribs and drabs. I wouldn't believe a word of it.

Interesting how a little chat yesterday with an Irish woman becomes this morning a precursor to a a news item about a horrific business report on the crumbling state of Green country's economy. (See Headlines)

The Question:
One of the most prolific composers of film scores ( Untouchables, The Thing, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) was 82 today. Name him and 5 other famous film music composers.

The Headlines:

--Investors Fearing Ireland On the Brink Of Drastic Financial Tumble Dump Bonds Forcing Interest rates To record Levels. Debt to Rise To Highest In Post-War Europe At 32% Of GDP.
--Stricken Cruise Liner Moving Slowly To Port.
--0-man Making Major Muslim Support Talk To Childhood Nation.
--Baghdad Christian neighborhoods Attacked Again
--GM Reports 2 Billion 3Q Profit;

Back to More Stuff:
As far as I was concerned, the just past elections in RI should have been about reversing the disastrous General Assembly trend that has put the Ocean State 20,000 leagues beneath the sea. And Governor elect Chafee's "Honesty" campaign seemed to reassure voters that things would be different because he could not tell a lie. Except for one little thing,. He was elected it appears through the overwhelming support of the very same Unions that that have created an economic environment destined to rob good people of a reasonable future. Ironically, the only way Lincoln Chafee can turn this state around is to walk up on stage before a combined meeting of the Public Employees unions, and say, "Thanks for your support, but guess what? I lied."

At least when there is a fire in the engines of a ocean liner, the liner doesn't drop out of the sky. So you eat badly for a couple of days. you're alive...to sue.

When You Wish Upon A Star Department:
Ever wonder why a cricket chirps all night long? A new science report says that the Tuberous bushcricket's testicles are the largest of any species in proportion to the entire body. In fact this little happy chirper's package is a whopping 10.6% of total body weight. These cricket's are not great hoppers.

If "W" could have been as glib and relaxed and just plain funny as he was on Oprah yesterday, he may have soften much of the manufactured hatred surrounding his presidency. Oh, wait a minute...liberals don't have a sense of humor unless it is assaulting the personality of someone they oppose.

What do you think are the chances of RI Gov. Chafee becoming Sarcozy?

In an actual court case an Attorney asked a witness: "Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a disposition notice I sent to your attorney?" The witness replied quickly, "No this is how I dress when I go to work in the morning."

To all of you fans of the world famous "Tids Installment Novels", I have another in the deep reaches of my cluttered mind. Stay tuned for drama, romance and excitement.

It will be done when I de-clutter all of the political hypocrisy.

I get drawn into all of this political rhetoric and combative opinions. And I kick myself for allowing myself to become over wrought. My entire political credo is very simple: "Keep it small and leave me alone."

The Answer: 
The oldster is Ennio Morricone and the rest are Henry Mancini (Moon river - Breakfast at Tiffany's), Jerry Goldsmith (Chinatown), Elmer Bernstein (Man with golden Arm), Bernard Herrman (Psycho), Alex North, Howard Shore, Danny Elfman, Max Steiner and John Willliams. Want to see em all: http//:www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/movie

The End:
Some are saying that the recent move by the Fed's Bernanke is the kind of move that is generally made to ward off recession...as in "Double Dip." Is it the news, or does everything feel as though it is on the verge of collapse.

Tommorrow will be a return to Happy Tidsville, where gravy and butterscotch flow and romantic fools dance upon the Oreo cookie avenues.

There is no green in Ireland

Today's Tids Issue 2,230

Opening Stuff:

One of the reasons I like reading a newspaper on a cold winter's evening is that the lamp keeps my head warm.

For some reason the voters of Newport decided that a giant monolithic elementary school which will eventually homogenize children was a better idea that smaller neighborhood schools. It's all about big Government getting its arms around towns and the people in them. It's all about sucking the life out of individualism and the inventive thinking that goes with it. Frankly, if I had children, I'd move.

Have you noticed all of the hype around the fifty year anniversary of the election of JFK? I don't seem to remember fifty years for Ike or Harry. Media people are such suckers.

The Question:
With thanksgiving coming up, here's a question to consider. You have just finished dinner and you are full. There are two lukewarm spoonfuls left in a casserole Do you eat it or throw it out?

The Headlines:

--0-Man May Cut Short Visit To Country Of His Childhood; Mt. Merapi Rumbles.
--Good M&A Earnings News Has WS Opening Higher.
--Stress from Economic Woes Dipping.
--Charitable Giving Off A Third.
--Engine Room Fire Cuts Power Stranding 4,500 On Cruise Liner Off Mexico.

Back to More Stuff:
I had just finished golf on this blustery Nor'easter kind of day, when my partner and I found ourselves chating over hot coffee and sweetroll with a nice woman from Ireland (Here 20 years) who runs the pro-shop, cash register and lunch counter. She had plenty of time to talk. We were the only fools on the course. She quickly read us as conservative cretins and began railing about the potential of an America under Obama beginning to look like the dreadful Ireland. There is so much Government money available for even able bodied people that people have just given up working and that they teach their children to look forward to a life on the government dole.That skilled tradesmen have all but disappeared, because not working is so rewarding. It has become a society that pays for babies and gives free housing. Free housing inhabited by irresponsible homeowners is plunked down in the middle of homes owned by hard working people sucking the value out of their homes. Industrious Europeans who came to woirk when Ireland was booming have left to return to Poland which is now the preferred spot for manufacturers. She says that Ireland is ready to go under. Don't be fooled by the green valleys, stone walls and golf courses.
Today's headlines:

I see where Novartis is in the last stages of a research project which would produce a marketable embedded microchip to monitor your body. So what is this idea of Smart Pill technology anyhow. "Warning: Cheetos alert" Send food Nazies to..."

What ever happened to good old fashioned "Stigmas". Like the stigma of not working. Or having children out of wedlock A society that doesn't feel pain will eventually deteriorate.

There is no reason on earth why it should take well over three years to bring to trial two men caught red handed after the brutal torture, rape and murder of three innocent woman in Cheshire, Ct. And, how many years now will appeals go on over the death penalty?

Every kid and juvenile thinking adult will be whining for a "Kinect" this Christmas. And the usual black-market deals will be available as lemmings walk off cliffs for entertainment that will be passe in a year or two, And, most amazing about this marketing effort are the mass of comprehensive cross. promotions.

I don't read stories headlined, "What Women Want.".

Have you noticed how the Government is starting to squeeze seniors? The new Medicare year comes with a premium increase while the SS checks stay the same. Eventually this will force blocks of seniors into Medicaid and the the bloated bureaucracies will be happy. It's called maintaining job security.

The Answer:
Interestingly, if you were born in the thirties or forties, you would probably eat it. In the fifties or later you would probably throw it out. In the depression and WWII years, food was precious. It is probably the reason why the earlier born keep things like TV's that just work fine.

The End:
Erin's Gone Blah!