Two feet of soft snow.

Today's Tids Issue #2,522
Opening Stuff:


Hello lovers! It's February! Get out the paper doilies and red construction paper. Time to think about making some hearts, and making hearts happy. But, Feb is more than romantic yearnings, especially this year when angst will be at its highest threshold on Sundays. And we have Washington and Lincoln Birthdays. Yes, they were still born even though now we celebrate "Presidents day". Yup, Feb is a good month a short month and maybe at last a cold month. But then, the groundhog will tell us tomorrow.

Let's be honest...it is too damned hot! And this health nut doesn't think it's good for physical well-being to go from these semi high temps to deep cold. It's certainly not good for the mind. I put on an extra layer of fat, stowed away the golf clubs; I could have been out there almost daily. Now I'm just sittin' around nursing my blubber.

Some analysts are wondering if the FaceBook IPO is the start of another Tech bubble. Wall Street is wondering if Dot Com style irrational exuberance is getting in the way of conservative, realistic investment strategies. More analysts than not are warning about investing money in a stock with valuations way to high for revenues and profits. It doesn't make sense. But then in this Kardashian world, nothing makes sense. What's next, bundling failed sub prime Green manufacturing companies? But, Green could never be toxic, could it.

The Question:

Who are Exene Cervenka, Linus Roache and Lauren Conrad? Bonus: The Dow had it's best January since 1997! That's quite cool. name the five best and five worst Dow performers in Jan 2012.

The Headlines:

--Romney Romps.
--Hillary Urges UN To Take Action Against Assad; Russia Warns That It Regards Any Action Against Sovereignty Of Syria As "Crossing The Red Line".
--World Feels Happier; Stocks Open Up; Hit 136 At 10:15.
--Taliban With backing Of Pakistan Are Poised To take Over Afghanistan After NATO Leaves.
--US To Charge Ex-Suisse Traders On Subprime Shenanigans.
--11th Body Recovered In Fla I75 Tragedy.
--Jan Private Sector Job Additions Misses Forecast

Salem Revisited Department:
Witchcraft! It's gotta be. The first lady Michelle got Jay Leno to eat his first apple since 1984 and also some healthy foods including a dreadful sounding pizza with eggplant, green peppers and zucchini. Ugh! Talk about selling your soul to the devil! In the front lobby of the Tids world corporate offices there's a bronze statue of Leno sitting down to mashed potatoes with brown gravy topped with Cheetos. I haven't had an apple since 1963, and would never eat a pizza like Leno did unless I was under a spell. It's gotta be witchcraft. It's the only answer.

Beef Stew Department:
This year's Super Bowl promises to be a gut wrenching four hours or so for football fans, especially those from New England and New York Metro, and of course those with a dollar or two on the game. So here's a hearty recipe to keep the energy high! In a large pot, brown a pound of stew beef in a table spoon of butter. Turn heat to medium and add two chopped carrots, 1/2 white onion chopped and 4 cloves chopped garlic. Cook 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add 12 oz Guinness Stout and cook fifteen minutes. Add 1 tbs beef base, 3-4 cups beef broth, tsp black pepper, tsp crushed red pep, tsp thyme, tbs sage and 2 tbs rosemary.Bring to slow boil and cook 2-3 hours until beef is tender (Broth as needed to keep liquid levels consistent). Add peas (Optional for me), 1/2 cp chopped parsley and 1/2 cp chopped basil slowly stir in 10 oz bass ale and bring to rapid boil. Stir in 1/4 cp corn starch dissolved in 1/2 cp water to thicken. Serve over mashed potatoes. Can't be bad. Right?

I can see it now that in five years town school department officials are going to be crying for money because of the Pfizer babies". Yup, Pfizer just announced that they made an error in a fairly large distribution of birth control pills. There will be an epidemic of unwanted children, but the angst will be soothed by the large sums from legal actions. So while the local schools will be momentarily saddled with an abnormal student explosions the young students will already have their college educations paid for by Pfizer.

The Tids has often likened RI to Greece. You know, too rich of a pension system and too many public employees as a ratio to all employees. The one bright area for Greece has been tourism which could be in jeopardy as tourists shy away because of the PE riots. Well, the governor of RI has decide to keep pace here too. The only industry remaining in this little state, which at one time was the leader in worldwide manufacturing, is tourism. Last night Gov. Chafee-Lite proposed a 10% tax on meals in restaurants! Oh yeah, and the additional money will go as a pay-off to the Teacher's union which got him elected. So much for a rejuvenated RI. Where is Gina when we need her?

I was dismayed this morning when I learned that the ACLU is ok with "Kickin' em when they're down". The irrational law operation just got a judge to have removed from a school a 50 year old plaque containing a light prayer which "established nothing and coerced no one". Now they have presented the school board, which like all school boards these days is struggling, a bill for their legal costs --$173,000! Does that bother you as much as it bothers me?

Almost near: Chapter 59 continues. --Tucker had arranged the furniture in a way that he could keep busy and also keep an eye on the activity below. He considered putting a "Do not disturb" sign on the door, but worried that police checking the halls might be suspicious. He might do that tomorrow if he was still here. He always packed a little food in his luggage, becasue his little missions over the years had taught him to be prepared for anything. He felt good, but not about Audrey and now Samantha. She could be dangerous if she ever came back to earth. But, that's also for tomorrow he thought.
He took out a throw-away cell phone and sat in the easy chair by the window. The police weren't running around as much. They seemed to be standing in groups talking. He stood to get a better look. Over by the entrance, a large cop in plain clothes seemed to be holding court. The rest were listening and then moving in different directions. He noticed a pair of female legs standing next to the big guy. He bent down to see if he could see more of her. She seemed the size of Sam, but he still couldn't see her face. Move dammit, he said to himself.
He started dialing the phone. After a couple of rings, he heard a very hesitant "Hel-lo?"
"Florence, it's me Tucker Loutite. I was with Audrey the reporter. Remember".
"Oh yes, " she sounded more relaxed. "The nice man with the French name."
"Yup, that's me alright. the nice man with the French name."
"How's Audrey" She is quite the woman, isn't she. Is she your fiance?
"Almost,"
"That's nice. You seem like a nice couple."
"Florence, I'm calling becasue a I may be down to see the kids. I know how careful you are, so I didn't want to just drop in unexpectedly."
"The kids would love to see their mom. Have you heard anything about her? She must have led an awful life with that Rudy."
"Well, that might be a surprise. I might get her down there. But, don't tell the kids or anybody. As you can imagine this is a little bit of a tough situation."
"Don't worry Mr. Loutite. Just you and me. Will Audrey be with you? The kids really liked her."
"We'll see. I'll call you in a few days."
As he clicked off he saw the woman move. It was Sam. He felt a little tinge in his heart. See you soon Sam my love.

The Answer:

These are a list of celebs who have birthdays today, and frankly I have no idea who they are. Just wanted to see if you knew. Exene is a well known Punk Rocker form the band X. She also published a number of books, one of which is Adulterers Autonomous. Linus is a 47 year old actor who has been seen often on TV ( 63 episodes of Law & Order) and in the movies. The British actor was nominated for a Golden Globe for his roll as Bobby Kennedy oin the TV drama RFK. Lauren is one of those "TV Personalities" and is also known as a Celebutant, whatever that is. She came to fame in MTV's reality show Laguna beach: the Real Orange county. She is actually quite talented having written 4 novels and made noise in the fashion design biz. Bonus: The top five are Bank of Amer (+28%), Catapillar (20.4), Alcoa (17.3), Microsoft (13.8) and JPMorgan-Chase (12.2). The losers were Verizon (-6.1), P&G, Coke, Chevron and AT&T (-2.2).

Ski reports these days are a lot like politics. The trail openings and snow base sound good til you get there and and start sinking into the slush.

LOL.

Today's Tids #2,440)
(Written 10/11)

Opening Stuff:

I guess the you can sum up the ineffectiveness of the Obama presidency with the observation that the man who talked about "ending the Red-State, Blue-State America" would have only done that on his ideological terms, and has in fact poisoned the rhetoric more than any other president in my lifetime.

The rumor is that Red Sox GM is being seriously courted by The Chicago Cubs. It's interesting in that the Cubs current predicament is often attributed to their bad free agent signings. If that's the case they have the right guy in Theo, who has been miserable at that too.

Daily Question: people have always rushed to chicken soup when the blahs come to make you feel crummy. Name five other foods that can perk up your downtrodden body?

Today's Headlines:

--Wall Street Flat.
--Mother Of Missing baby Melissa Expected To be Arrested.
--Dem Controlled Senate Expected To Nix 0-Jobs Bill.
--"Occupy Wall Street Spreading Around The World; Protestors Moving Away From WS To Protest In Front Of Exec Homes.
--Christie Endorses Romney: Mitt/Chris Ticket On the Horizon?
--Hispanics Upset Over 0-Man's Unfilled Immigration reform Promises.
--Wall Street Could Cut 10,000 Jobs In 2012.
--Egyptian Actions Against Christians Could Put Roadblock In "Arab Spring" Progress.
--Iran related Terror Plot In Washington Disrupted.

The Associated Press has detailed the disconnect between reality and rhetoric in Obama's Jobs Bill speechifyin' campaign. Among other things they opine, he focused on the negativity of Republican house member's where significant Dem house members are equally vocal against the bill. He forgets that the Senate is controlled by Democrats, who have done nothing to "Act immediately" for over a month. And, he rails at Republicans for not explaining the their resistance, dismissive of the fact that they have done so in detail. Basically he is hoping for an ignorant electorate. Pretty sad, isn't it?

Speaking of things not working like clockwork, how about that Egyptian mess. Many pundits including this one felt that while the uprising may have been noble, there was always the fear of not knowing what may emerge in place of the dictator. Predicting the Middle East is bad science.

What smells worse, the evil deeds of fraudulent financials people or the Boston, DC and NYC parks after the Protestors leave.

The only thing I got right in last week's NFL picks is the phrase "This ain't gonna be easy this week." Wow! And how bad is Indy? And Philly?

Almost Near: Chapter 44. --Audrey hung up the phone after an angry call to her editor who had changed a major part of her new story on the Quimpierre brothers. She was tense and actually sweating a little. being nice to that creep is not good for my longevity! She smiled to her self as she did often to shrug off the antics of loons. Yet, she didn't feel as relaxed as usual. She felt exposed and didn't know why, until she turned her head slightly and say a serious Tucker behind her staring at the back of her head. Now she did feel better and broke out in ot an enormous smile while standing turning towards him. He remained inexpressive.
"Aren't you excited to see me sourpuss? I mean has that old girlfriend of yours retrieved her magic from the past?" he looked at her. "Tucker? Tucker?" Finally his eyes lit up.
"Oh, save me from myself. I was so mesmerized by you sitting there I forgot where I was." He frowned slightly, "What did you say about Samantha?"
"Nothing, Nothing, Just a little bit of my annoying sarcasm. But, how is she? Did you tell her about the police here. They're goin to want to take to you, you know. Aren't you glad you returned?"
"Are you finished?" Audrey blushed slightly.
"I always talk a lot when I'm happy to see someone."
At once, Tucker started to look relaxed. "Let's go out for a cup of coffee, and you can fill me in."
"No." Audrey seemed abrupt. Serious now. Not playful any more. My editor wnats to see you. We should do that first. It will be better for you." She nodded as if for him him. "Ok?"

Quiz Answer: Some nutrition experts say you will feel better when those nasty colds take hold if you eat or drink -- Kefir/Yogurt. Green Tea, Garlic, Orange fleshed veggies like sweet potatoes, squash or pumpkins and Oysters! I'll take chicken soup, Thank you.

Somebody other than the usual suspects has to start pointing out to the masses all of the places where 0-man is erring in his rhetoric.

Bumper stickers. 1. Obama has become laughable, so I was liking the bumper sticker LOL where the "O" was that circular symbol from 0-man's 2008 campaign. 2. OBamaCare: Call us when you're shovel ready.


I'll be better tomorrow. Promise!

Sorry about the presidential rantings, but every once in awhile I have get him out of my system.

Irrational Exuberance, again?

Today's Tids Issue 2,363
Opening Stuff:

With the announcement of the Groupon IPO, and the Social NetWork Industry Group's gathering momentum in the rush for big $$$, I am reminded of the eerie big casino days of the late 1999/2000 Internet bubble where the uninitiated would overpay for often fictional values. Believe me, I was there and I know how superficial some of the stuff was. Many of the companies had as much substance as a campaign promise. And no financial achievements. Except for the business creators who sold out early.

Paul Ryan might just be the best GOP candidate for President. Facts based crisis managers like he and the proven Mitt-ster might be the best choice for the country over the shallow rhetoric mongers. This is, of course, if the good of the country as a whole is still what matters.

Gene Roddenberry fought hard against Hollywood's TV titans to get his Star Trek on the air because he was an enterprising kind of a guy.

The new annoying expression feeble DC Politicians are latching onto is "We have to sit down and talk like adults." Excuse me.

The Question: 

A special Saints and Sinners Duo: 1. How many Popes have there been since 1950? Bonus Q: Name the three best known men who beginning in the fifties engineered gigantic sex empires?

The Headlines:--Unemployment Ticks Up To 9.1% As Employers Add But 54,000 Jobs In May; Oops -- Stock Futures Plunge.
--Geithner Predicts Congress And WH Will Avert Debt Crisis; Moody's Warns US About Credit Rating.
--Explosion In Sunni Mosque Kills 16 Iraqis.
--South Korea Says It used Pictures Of NK's Ruling Family For Target Practice; NK Vows Military Action! Is This A Joke?
--China Says US Is Real Culprit In Global Hacking Wars; Accused G-Mail Hacker Says US Attempting To Bring Down Arab And Other Governments.
--Criminal Indictment Against John Edwards On Books.
--Microsoft Unveils Some Features Of Soon To Be Released Window's 8.

Back to More Stuff:
Most disgusting news item of the week:
A man apparently intent on committing suicide walked into the San Francisco bay area ocean...while local fire and police people stood on the shore and watched him flail and die. They said the budget cuts had stopped their water rescue training classes and the availability of survival equipment! They must be kidding. How about their hearts? Did reduced budgets cut out their hearts too? Let's hope this isn't a new low in Union negotiating tactics.

National Donut Day Department:
The day after much too much news about the healthy eating Pyramid being replaced by some circle gimmick, I'm happy to report that the nation has not lost its senses. Today is "Krispie Kreme Free Donut Day" in honor of the waddler's holiday. Suck em' up America!

I was looking at that nutritional healthy eating circle/plates design, and as far as I can determine all of the stuff I want to eat is on the back of the plates.

The USA has morphed into a collection of federal dollar supported fifedoms. Meaning, that too many many people are fighting too many people when they all should be working together for a better whole. Everybody wins when the entity is healthy and not splintered.

This just in from the high end fashion world: Tiffany's, the legendary jewelry company, has just announced a new, expensive line of diamond and emerald clustered electronic monitoring bracelets. Law authorities are concerned that the Hollywood loonies will be zanier that usual looking for home confinement. On a related note, local caterers are producing home confinement quick meals, which even celebs can cook! The world is a wonderful place. Obama says, "The US is constantly innovating, and this is good news for for job growth."

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--This week, it's the X-Men First Class, the ultimate series of "Diversity", it's-not-how-you-look-but-who-you-are, movies. Actually, acerbic tongue in cheek aside, this is a pretty good, entertaining movie as the mutants discover things about their abilities and powers. This prequel gives a better understanding of what has come before. There are surprises, humor and generally good all around watching. In fact, I will dsownload it with vigor from Netflix some day. If you can afford the theater, it would be worth the dough. But...be sure to bring along your nutritional circles when approaching the refreshment stand.
--Beautiful Boy is a grabber. Parents hopelessly grapple for an explanation why their only son committed a mass shooting at his university before taking his own life. Their already strained marriage is tested as they learn they only have each other. People like it.

When the stimulus money disappears in the next month or so, the States are expected to be facing daunting increased Medicaid spending demands of up to 20%. And then problems of today will seem like a gnat on an elephants rump.

Changing Times Department:
The worldwide admired "Steel City", Pittsburgh; The darling of productive manufacturing; Once after NYC the city with the most Frotune 500 corporate world headquarters -- US Steel, J&L Steel, Alcoa, Westinghouse, Gulf Oil, Heinz, Clark Candy to name a handful. Yes this city, the paragon of industrial might now boasts as its largest employer -- Pittsburgh Medical Center. Yikes!.

While we are on the subject of things that people tell us we shouldn't or should do about our health, I bring you news of two turn-around's on health advice. Did you ever see those people in rigorous almost etherial stretching exercises before and after athletic activity? Well, the US Track & Field association after a two year study of stretchers and non-stretchers have proven conclusively that both groups performed equally with no adverse effects! And then there those energy drinks -- which docs are now saying could be too much for most people especially gulping teens. And it appears nobody can pinpoint the effects of the so-called vitamins in them. They say, "A couple of cups of coffee will do the trick.". In other words, don't panic over medical news hysteria. It will change.

Almost Near: Chapter 24. --"Well, Audrey, that was better than I expected."
She looked up at him with fluttering eyes, "That's because you are so strong." And then she punched him firmly in the stomach, and he responded with an over acted Oof! They laughed.
"Right now everything possible is racing through my head. From how fast can I find those children to did Sam kill Rudy out of fear for her life. It is obvious that Rudy was the real monster in this insane family. Bounty is all roar, the sister Agnes crazy and the mother pitiful." He paused. "I feel for the mother."
"For starters, I like the New Orleans connection. Florence Quimpierre, if she can be found almost sounded rational compared to her sister Myra. In fact, I need a short vacation, and I love this story. I think you need me" Tucker looked down at her and grinned pleasantly. "Forget it Tuck!" and she tapped him again in the belly.
"I don't know if I could survive a couple of days with you!" And then they both laughed, again. And this time Audrey looked over and grinned pleasantly.
The grin was fleeting as she went Billy business. "Let's first check in with Detective Jackson. I think is is a good idea to sty in touch there. He 's a good guy, he's interested, he trusts me, and we might need his help along the way." Audrey reared back her fist, Tucker flinched and they both laughed. There heads turned towards each other with pleasant grins on their lips.

The Answer:
1. In 1950 the reigning Pope of 11 years was Pope Pius XII. John XXIII took over in 1958. Then we had Paul VI (1963), the one month term of John Paul I (1978), the beloved John-Paul II (1978) and Benedict XVI. 2. The big three who took advanatage of more liberalized view of communication are of course, Hugh heffner (Playboy), Larry Flynt (Hustler) and Bob Guccione (Penthouse.) In many ways this changed the USA forever.

The WeakEnd:
North and South Korea are going to war because the SK's were taking target practice at photos of the NK Royal Family? Gadzooks. The world has lost its mind.

All I can think of when I see the hoards hunched over tapping on little boxes in restaurants, buses, ballparks, churches or even atop Mount Everest, is that perhaps Samuel Morse had it right in the first place!

Love your weekend, and make your gardens grow.

Why are we always in the middle?

Today's Tids Issue 2,296

Opening Stuff:

Incandescent bulbs keep you warmer while reading on cold nights.

0-Man announced with a great deal of personal satisfaction yesterday the well deserved ouster of Mubarak after the resolute protesting by good people citizens. However, unlike the peaceful ouster of the democrats in the House by US peaceful protesting citizens, it didn't happen in Egypt yesterday. Mubarak stood there and said I'm staying and it will be good for you. Now what?

The "Now What?" was just answered.  Mubarak has just resigned handing the reins over to the Army! Now what?

This is perhaps one of the most complex diplomatic enigmas in the history of the US. The very existence of Israel, for instance, could hinge upon the succession of power in the Egypt. In fact 32 years ago today Khomeini stepped into the breach opened by the Iran people's revolution against the Shah and gave us the Iran we have today. Several factions within Egypt see a similar result as their goal. Carter's admin missed the opportunity in 1979. Let's hope we have better observers in this admin than the Dupnik of the hour, National Intelligence Director James Clapper.

The Question: 
Speaking of enigmatic diplomacy, who were the three people who sat chummily together and signed the Yalta peace treaty 66 years ago to day? Bonus: The list of the 10 most popular dog breeds has just been dropped on The Tid's pet desk. Name them.

The Headlines:

--Stock Markets Following Bouncing Egypt Moods.
--Mubarak Has Left Cairo; Army Backs President; Protesters Apoplectic; 0-Man Perplexed.
--GOP Brings Out Sharper Knife To Increase Cuts To $100 Billion After Near Rebellion By House Conservatives.
--White House Report Urges Winding Down Mortgage Giants Freddie And Fannie In Five Years; Admin Proposes Wider Role For Private Sector; Says Congress Will Have To Make Decision On One Of Three Options..
--Air Traffic Control Mistakes Have Doubled In Past Year.
--Trump Surprises Conservative Gathering By Hinting At Prez Run; Palin And Huckaby Noticably Absent From Shindig.
--Microsoft Joins Nokia In Smart Phone race.
--140 Killed In South Sudan Fighting.
--Fleeing Tunisians Arrive In Droves In Italy.

Back to More Stuff:
This is just nutty. It cost the taxpayers $450,000 to fly the four F-18 Fighter Jets from Virginia to Texas for the 4 second SuperBowl Flyover. But, because of the cold weather they had to close the roof and nobody could see them!

The woman who exposed to the world the self taken photo of bare chested Congressman Christopher Lee was named Gawker! How funny is that.

Dolphins are so smart that after just two days of captivity they can get humans to stand by the side of the pool and feed them fish.

Mubarak is sounding a lot like those CEO's who come into clean house and at the first corporate wide meeting they are introduced as a "People Person."

I don't know about you, but these natural gas explosions seem to be much too common and they bother me. As Carol King would sing, "I feel the earth move under my feet..." When you feel that, run like hell.

Almost Near: Chapter 6 continues. --And then he kissed Samantha. Not hard, but gently. As if he has been holding in a rapidly growing passion that needed a release or it would explode violently. In a way that would not do too much harm to the insecure Samantha. In a way that would enrich the quality of this embryonic relationship. In a way that would help this union grow stronger.
It was she who kissed back with an energy that surprised Tucker. He appeared to be reluctant to respond with the same fervor. To succumb to the feelings he felt overtaking his controlled judgment. He wanted her but worried that she only needed him.
Then she stopped as quickly as she started. She still held the blouse in her hand that she was unpacking when Tucker entered. Now she twisted it nervously. "I'm sorry," she whispered as her breathing and ebbing hunger muted her words. She looked at him. There was a sense of contentment coming though her doubts.
"What for?" he asked. "I felt everything you felt. I know there is a strong bound between us, even after but a few days. His had reached down and squeezed hers. Never say you're sorry to me. I accept who you are. Your life you have lived. The emotions inside you. Your faults and your most beautiful heart."
Samantha reached up and gave him a gentle kiss that said thank you.

Inevitability Department:
It seems to me that bureaucrats are becoming much too infatuated with the idea of black boxes in cars so they can collect data. It's the old where there's smoke there's fire maxim. The Government snoopers will float these ideas and let them be discussed and pretend to listen to the public. Then, they get some lame brain in Congress to propose the idea and Voila!...You are under surveillance 100% of your time driving in your own car. Save me from technological advances. The gov will probably post your driving habits on FaceBook. Gadzooks Robin. Where is that cave when I need it?

The fragile JD Drew of the Boston Red Sox is already warning the fans that his hamstring injury of last year may haunt him again this year. And, I thought this would be one of those "Contract" years where he would have to play above his head to get another inflated contract for the remainder of his career.


Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--The Eagle takes place in 140AD. A Roman soldier seeks to discover what happened to his father's legion in Scotland, then known as the end of the earth. He is accompanied by a former member of the British elite but now a slave after his parents family were murdered by the Romans. He seeks revenge against all Romans. The two are at once dependent upon each other but adversaries too. It is actually a nice historical piece, but maybe not have enough action for some.
--This is animated Version of the often told Romeo and Juliet story only through he eyes of Garden Gnomes. It's ok.
--Just Go With It is the big romantic, star studded cast movie of the week. To cover up a lie, Adam Sandler a plastic surgeon enlists his assistant and her children to help him with a charade as he pursues the much younger school teacher of his dreams. Others are Jennifer Anniston, Brooklyn Decker and Nicole Kidman. Looks like you've seen it before, but probably enjoyable.

Unemployment in RI has gone down to about 12%. But 14.3% of RI'ers are still on food stamps. Underemployment is still high and doesn't appear to be declining nationally even as the Admin reports fairly significant drops for the jobless.

Sarah Palin is 47 today. It seems as though she has been around much longer than that.

The Answers:
Strange bedfellows have always been a part of diplomatic history. The Yalta peace agreement was signed by three powerful men sitting cheek to cheek in Yalta: FDR, Sir Winston and mass murderer Joseph Stalin. Bonus: The Labrador Retriever retains its title as Most Fave Pet. Next are German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Boxer, Dachshund, Poodle and Shih Tsu.

The Weakend:
The White House put the Congress in a box with their just announced recommendations for housing mortgages. The upshot of a bigger role by the private sector could be that 30 year fixed rate mortgages would disappear and variable rate mortgages would become more predominant. The FHA would be the only remaining Gov. institution associated with the housing industry.

James Clapper is in an excellent position to retire The Dupnik Murphy. Forever.

The future of mortgages is a much too deep a topic upon which to ride into a comfortable mindless weekend. So...my wife asked me what I was doing today. I said "Nothing". She said "That's what you did yesterday." I said, "I know, but I wasn't finished."

October stands for great people.

Today's Tids Issue 2,213
Opening Stuff:

I‘m a Fall guy. Hey!...That doesn’t sound right. But even though I said it at the beginning of last month I’m saying it again today…October is the best month of the year. It’s a month where trees age beautifully and people age gracefully. It’s a month that begins with pigskins flying and pumpkins smiling. It’s a month when I can start unpacking my plaid flannel shirts and fleece. It is a perfect month.

Though not heavily publicized, my sources are telling me that Michelle’s vegetable garden is actually an out and out ruse. While she plants radishes and broccoli in the morning, her secret service detail enters at tonight to plant, yes you heard it hear first…Money Trees. It is a major component in 0-Man’s new debt reduction plan to be unveiled a week before election. Here is a secret recording of parts of his speech rehearsal: “If I promise a free TV for somebody, and a person comes up to me and says, ‘Mr. Obama I need a free TV’, I then I holler up to Michelle and say ‘Honey go out pick $2000 off the TV Tree’.” He goes on to say, “We have car trees, health care for relatives living in Mexico trees and raises for Public employee union member trees.” And he finishes, “Congress just keeps on giving us mounds of fertilizer. If you can smell my drift.”

The Question: 
The Wall Street sequel is doing very well at the box office. In this recovery year, where do you think people are spending their money on movies? Name the top 5 to date.

The Headlines:

--Dozens Of NATO Oil Tankers Set Ablaze In Pakistan.
--Small Increase In Consumer Spending report Bumps Stocks.
--NY Fed Chief Dudley Says Further Action Will Be Necessary If Course Of Economy Doesn’t Change; Worries That System Shock In Weak Economy Could Create Chaotic Downturn.
--Stimulus Package Has Been Managed Effectively With Miniscule Fraud.
--Drenching Rains Overwhelm Mid East Coast; New England Coast Expected To be Spared As Storm Appears To Be Tracking An Inland Course.
--Powerful Iraqi Shiite Leader al-Sadr Agrees To Support al-Maliki; Action Could Bring To End Seven Month Governmental Gridlock.
--OBL Used Pakistan Floods To Add To His Support.
--Senate Passes Bill That Will Turn Down Volume On TV Commercials.
--Bombs Kill 7 During Nigeria’s Celebration Of 50 Years Of Independence.
--Emanuel Leaves; Poor Chicago.

Back to More Stuff:
Credit where Credit is due Department.*
I have to say honestly that Obama has made a lasting contribution by teaching Americans that listening to campaign promises is a bad idea. *Or, is that debt where debt is due department?

The tragic suicide of the Rutgers student after having his private relationship exposed around the world on YouTube is just the latest example of the irresponsibility of people and the dangers of an unfettered Internet. And it won’t belong before the internet lovers will be crying about Government intervention. We have too many laws because too many people don’t understand the connection between freedom and responsibility. And it is very sad that a young, apparently talented man had to lose his life to dramatize human frailty.

One of the best phrases I have heard defining media’s contribution to a major divide in American culture is “Closed Loop Feedback media”. Media has become so divided that people only listen to or read media that supports their ideas and then writes to tell them how smart they are. And then the cycle continues.

Did you see where George Soros (In yesterday’s NYT’s) is withholding funding of Democrat candidates. Two years ago he contributed about $20,000,000. Instead, though, he will be feeding dedicated liberal organizations who will lash out against the American people with logic defying rhetoric.

There is no truth to the rumor that surfers are going to sue the national weather service for mental cruelty. But then, there is little that makes me happier than watching a surfer zoom almost out of control into a quiet shoreline neighborhood, hop out of his car with unbridled enthusiasm and then see his manic hopes fade as meekly as the calm seas before him or her.

Through the Same eyes: Chapter 96 continues. –A gun shot broke the tension. Kent dropped behind the partician and started looking around. Everybody else froze. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Dan the trooper rise from his seat near the elevator. His hand went to his holster. He was looking around, trying to determine the origin of the shot. He moved towards our offices. Then I saw Jack’s head flop to the side and then the other. His body started to crumple like a balloon slowly losing air. As he fell the deranged eyes of Symington emerged, scanning over the room. They were on fire. He shoved Jack Wiley who fell to the floor with a thud. He stepped across Jacks body now oozing blood across his $100,000 carpeting. Symington’s hand came out of his pocket, and I noticed a bullet hole in that Brooks Brothers suit that always seemed an appendage of his body. His hand now brought a gun into sight.
His eyes bored into mine. “Maggie the Magnificent”, he shouted sarcastically. And then laughed. A threatening humorless laugh. “You f---ing (Family column) Bitch.” He must have heard Dan running up behind him. He moved quickly to the side, firing another shot that hit Dan in the shoulder. Dan spun down violently to the side; dropping the gun..
He turned back to me. “Oh how I hated the way you belittled my and others in meetings. Who did you think you were?” He started breathing in and out heavily. His face reddened. I said nothing. I saw Kent inching up. Izzy had thrown herself back into her chair, and had a white knuckle grasp of the delicate Chippendale arms.
Symington took a step forward. “And then when I finally had something going, you had to start snooping around.
He raised the gun six more inches.

The price of lobster is becoming very affordable around here. Approaching junk food staus. ASnd I love junk food.

How come the peace loving liberal elite hate everybody who aren’t them. The Minute Men group is coming to RI to support the passage of an Arizona type illegal immigration law. One “Friends” something-or-other organization has already come out urging the denial of the MM’s right to free speech. And of course calling them – what else – racist!

Then there is the trumpeting of that word racist as the cause of the anger against the “Slave” LeBron James. Talk about losing credibility. Talk about a term loosing its meaning.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--I’m giving The Social Network, the movie that forced the “unlikable” FaceBook Billionaire Mark Zuckerman to give Newark NJ schools $100 Mil, an A+. This thing moves along, from a dorm room at Harvard to the top of the Cyber System. It is full of conniving, back stabbing, double crosses and giant egos. It even has some sympathetic characters to balance the out the antics of the Billionaire you will love to hate.
--Let Me In is more than just another in a tedious list of Vampire movies. It is a well done recreation of a very good Swedish film. A 12 yo boy befriends a new neighborhood girl who is not exactly what she appears to be. The boy, tormented by school kids, spends most of his life planning revenge and spying on pope in his apartment house. His young eerie neighbor becomes his only friend. He opens up to her, and soon there after a series of grisly murders grips the town. The girls father mysteriously disappears and the boy tries to befriend her. She resists and the boy imagines the unthinkable about his strange friend.
--In case 39, social worker Emily Jenkins tries to rescue a 10 year old girl from abusive parents, but begins to think that maybe this little girl is so innocent. It is gripping.

The news about McDonalds considering dropping their Health Insurance for 30,000 employees sounds like the first salvo fired across the broad deck of USS Health Care. Let’s hope that the election makes HC a sinking ship.

The Answer:
The number one film to date is Iron Man. Then we have Toy Story 3, HP and the deathly Hallows, Twilight: Eclipse, Knight and day (Surprise to me), Little Fockers, Salt, Inception, Narnia and The “A” Team! The A team?

The End:
Monday is going to be a very exciting day for Through the Same Eyes! I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

Hope you all have a great weekend. It’s going to be beautifully cool around here. I’ll probably spend it worrying about how many times I will look up during a golf shot Monday morning. Anybody have a Tums? Golf is fun…golf is fun…golf is fun…

People are the sun.

Today's Tids Issue 2,207

Opening Stuff:

Yesterday I did the moon. So today I thought I’d give the sun a chance. You know, “I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night…” sort of thing. Then I got to thinking. To me and many it says what a great way to start a beautiful day. But, to so many more it may mean --. There’s the sun, how hard will it be this morning to get from my bed to my wheelchair? Will my chemo session be as rough as it was the last time? Will somebody answer my resume today? Is there any food left in the pantry? But, you would like to think that in the toughest times in people’s lives the sun is a positive reminder that somewhere in the world around them, good people are finding ways to help neighbors and friends and relatives through. A smiling housemate with an upbeat remark and a sturdy shoulder; a nurse and fellow patient as partners in a grueling hospital session; a loyal friend with an open ear and an understanding heart; A box of groceries at the front door from the local food bank. There is sun in the hearts of people around the world.

I see where “Not Available” is doing quite well in the Fed-Ex Championship.

I could never have imagined using the words “Ubiquitous” and “Betty White” in the same sentence. Especially as a mid-80’s year old who spent most of her life as a very funny third banana. The moral of the story, out live your friends and hire a publicist.

The Question:
This is a Friday Double Bonus DQ. 1. Name five of Eddie Fishers top songs out of the 32 hits he had in the early 1950’s. 2. Name three WWII radio propagandists and give me their real names.

The Headlines:

--Rebound In Durable Goods Orders Suggests Modest Improvement In Economy.
--Dems Delay Vote On Bush tax Cuts Until After Elections.
--Europe Kicks Avandia Off The Market; US Also Places Restrictions On Diabetes Drug As new Data Warns Of Heart Attacks; Lawyers Get In Line.
--Pelosi-Palooza Will Increase Senior Health Care Benefits, But Oldsters Will Pay More Too; October Mail Will Shock Many As Insurance Company 2011 Drug Benefit Costs Arrive.
--Poll Of The Day: AP/GfK Says That While 60% Of Voters Are Unhappy With Democrats, 68& Are Don’t Think Republicans Bring Much to the Party Either; Key Finding Of Poll says That Those Dissatisfied With Democrats Are More Likely To Vote.
--Most community Banks And Small Businesses Expected To Spurn $30 Billion From Just Passed Small Biz Bill; Most Not In Mood To Invite More Government Regs That Would Be Tied To Loans.

Back to More Stuff:
I have to admit that Eddie Fisher was a pretty entertaining singer, and I often danced cheek to cheek to the very melodic “Wish you were here.”. But, I would never forgive him for dumping Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor. Actually it was a succession of marriages that actually did him in. As he became the butt of comedian jokes, he turned drugs and his career crashed over night. Fisher died last night at the age of 82.

There are many things I don’t understand, and one of them is why Gold is so valuable. It can’t be because 600 years ago Kings made crowns out of it. Or because woman and men wear chains made of it. Or because dentists fill teeth with it. I guess it’s because promoters want it to be.

And then I wondered how does Facebook make money and why Mark Zuckerberg is so rich? Actually I reactivated an old dormant membership to go in and see what’s happening. I see a few ads, but then I see a few ads on todaystids.blogspot.com. Obviously, there is a rather significant difference between the two. Making billions in moments from a site that is not overly (or even barely) cluttered with ads, just shows the enormous power of the internet. How it can reach into he hearts and minds of people throughout the world…in an instance.

By the way, what ever happened to MySpace?

The Joaquin Phoenix affair is the most overdone story about nothing of the decade.

Which brings us to the NY Jets and the bloated story about Ines Sainz’ harassment.. Apparently she was having a lot of fun, enjoying the team’s antics, and her only embarrassment was for other journalists who were have a hissy fit over their perception of her non-existent discomfort. She praises the action of the NFL and Jets front office and disregards the hysteria of the women’s group, “Association of Women in Sports Media” and irate journalists as over reactive and impulsive. She added that the media coverage “set back the women’s rights movement 50 years”.

I heard an interesting comment yesterday about the state of American politics. The observer said that in the past we had the parties debating about reasonable disagreement on which route should be taken to get to the same America. But today, it appears that the debate is increasingly about getting to an America that has no resemblance to that of the Founding Fathers (and Mothers). One that is looking like “Of the Governemtn, For the Government, By the government.”

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 95 continues. –I stared at Isabelle, sitting there with that practiced superior look, trying to intimidate me, which is actually quite impossible. But then I think, by tying my future to corporate fools, have I also made myself the fool? I have to take charge. These politicians are obviously in a state of panic and making very bad decisions.
“What ever you have authorized, call it off.” I looked over at Jack, smiling Jack. His eyes appeared to be pleading with Izzy to save him. Maybe she was his dominatrix. I smiled to myself. I enjoy squirming. “Jack, lets get your lawyers in here and see how legally vulnerable they think we are.” You are both acting like criminals in a California Highway car chase, and you have to start acting like honest business people walking on the edge.
“What about Bromsky?” So that is what is bothering Jack.
“What do you know about Bromsky? I thought he committed suicide.” I said matter of factly, trying not to add to the man’s panicked conscience. Wiley’s head spun so fast towards Izzy that I thought he’d lose his nose. She glared at him, then returned her gaze to me. I thought Jack was ready to jump.
“The legality of our assuming Bromsky’s results should be our entire focus.” And then I stopped as thoughts of Maggie/Sarah slammed into my heart. What have these idiots done? I heard a commotion from down the hall. Sarah and two state troopers were getting off the elevator and heading this way. Sarah’a eyes burned like a laser into mine. It wasn’t love. I thought everybody in the room could hear the beating in my chest. My tear ducts wanted to shed a Niagara. But, I must remain stoic. I have to save my partners. “Don’t looks so terrified.” I said to them as the trooper opened the door for the glaring Sarah/Maggie. My chest tightened again.

Reading Between the Lines Movie reviews:
--The return of Gekko in looks like a winner. With a pretty good story line and lots of surprises. The script had to be rewritten after the downturn, and it added a lot to the movie. Douglas is great as Gekko, now out of prison and fresh upon the success of a book “Is greed Good?”. His daughter is a financial whiz but hates dad. Her Beau tries to get them together as he tries to subvert another brokerage house that did him dirt. It moves and it is entertaining.
--This is a very good comedy about a successful PR person who returns home for the wedding of her brother who’s bride is a despised bully from her geeky High School days. She becomes even more irate when she sees how her family has adopted the girl of her horrid past as a perfect person. Complicating the occasion is the arrival of a flamboyant aunt who was Mother–of-the-groom’s nemesis at a high school prom. It really works and there are LOL moments.

The Answer:
1. If you are entering middle age like I am, you may remember “Thinking of You”, “Any Time”, “Oh My Pa-pa”, “I’m Yours”, “Wish You Were Here”, “Lady of Spain”, and “Count Your Blessings”. 2. I’m thinking of Tokyo Rose and Axis Sally, the two most notorious voices of a fairly broad “Axis Radio” Operation. American born Iva Toquri D’Aquino through a set of circumstances following Pearl Harbor took a job with Tokyo radio which morphed not her roll as Tokyo Rose, a kindly voice of home designed to demoralize the troops. Iva was convicted, but she was but one of several Roses. Another American, Portland Maine’s Mildred (Sisk) Gillers was Axis Sally. Her program “Home Sweet Home” also was designed to demoralize. Her most famous effort was aimed at the men just prior to Normandy. She also went to prison for treason. The US countered the demoralization with Radio stars Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Groucho Marx and “starlets Dinah Shore, Bette Davis and Judy Garland!

The Start of A Good Weekend:

It’s hard to believe that the world was first introduced to Gordon Gekko 23 years ago. And that after jail he became so famous as the spokesperson for Geico. What a country.

The Providence Journal editorial pages have gone from consistently fair to wandering in a leftist desert.

"Give me your tired...", legally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,203
Opening Stuff:On Friday, 20 new Rhode Islanders…no make that new US Citizens with a capital “C”, broke into enormous smiles as they finished their pledge. After coming to the US through legal channels, after taking the time and accepting the challenge to learn about their new country, they established themselves as worthy contributing citizens deserving of benefits and requiring responsibilities. Nobody protested immigration in fact it was just the opposite. They were welcomed with open arms and caressed by the warmth in every American’s heart.

Contrary to logical thinking, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are doing very well in this stock market and economy brought to its knees by shady real estate financing! Which just proves once again that it is always best to view Wall Street with the illogical side of your brain.

The Question:
What cities in America had the first radio stations? (Hint: Radio was the first electronic mass communication media and existed well before TV, the Internet and other devices that plug into ears. And deaden minds.)

The Headlines:

--Igor Driven Winds And Surf Pound Bermuda; No Damage Reports Yet.
--BP’s Total Spill Payouts Up To $9.6 Billion; Payments To Businesses, Individuals Affected Escalating; Well Finally Shut Tight.
Stocks Could Edge Up Today.
--As TARP Fund Winds Down Associated Fraud Office Expands.
--Ahmadinejad Asking US For Reciprocal “Humanitarian Gesture” And Release Of Iranians Held Captive; Shourd Says They Are Not Spies; Docs Say Shourd’s Health Fine.
--13 Missing Cal Sect Members Found Frolicking Park After Intensive Manhunt..
--Mexican Newspaper Says It Will Cease Covering Drug Wars After Second Journalist Is Myrdered.
--Nissan Builds Giant Auto Plant In Worlds Largest Car Market – China.

Back to More Stuff:
Feng Suie is the over dramatization of simple spatial logic.

In case you haven’t thought about them lately, the 33 miners in Chile appear to be doing fine in their underground prison. In fact, reports are telling us that the effort to create an escape tunnel is proceeding better than expected. Thought you’d like a little good news.

I always had this image of James Gandolfini as being an older man. But, at just 49 he is a mere yout.

When I read the headline “Taliban vows violence at Polls”, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Panthers.

This Just In: Randy Quaid and wife named King and Queen at “Entitlement Prom”.

Did you read about that couple, former Los Alamos nuclear scientists Pedro and Marjorie Mascheroni, who were arrested for attempting to pass secret US info that would have enabled Venezuela to enrich uranium? It’s good they were caught. But as the population grows, simple statistical understanding tells us that the demographic that would include a group of people with the inclination to be treasonous is growing too. As population rises, isolated incidents bind together into a substantial patterns.

What do the 3rd world dictators do when they want to consolidate their power? They subvert the intent of the constitution by running around checks and balance’s systems.

Which brings me to Elizabeth Warren. My first observation is that it would be very hard to have a comfortable conversation with her at a cocktail party, unless you agreed with every single word coming from her mouth.

We now live in a world it appears, that anybody who disagrees with a person or group can be declared an extremist. Even if they represent 80% of a population. Well, I guess it’s a step up from being called a racist.

If you are looking forward, “The Kings Speech” was named the fan favorite at the Toronto Film Festival and its three leads – Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush , Helen Bonham Carter – ar e considered strong possibilities for Oscar Nominations. So…a movie of quality that people actually like. How odd.

Out of Control Celeb Department:
Lohan has tweeted that she failed her latest drug/alcohol screening test and is ready to accept all consequences. On the other side of denial is Paris Hilton who is pealing guilty to misdemeanor charges to avoid the felony indictment. Which will allow her to keep on abusing common civility until something really bad happens.

While a pathetic 18% of RI’ers showed up for this past primary that could have set the stage for repairing broken state and US government, Afghans endured a rain of mortars and polling place explosions to vote for their future. Thinking you have everything is a great way to become complacent and eventually lose it all.

Through the Same Eyes Chapter 94 continues. –“Ring, Ring, Ring.” I froze. Something told me not to panic and do something. That something was speed dialing Henry, a live call that would block incoming ring tones. And get me outside comfort. For what that was worth. “Henry, I whispered. Can’t talk. Trapped on roof of parking garage. Two guys. Maybe they’re old friends. I doubt it. Get the state police up here if you can. Got to go” I pressed “off” before he could say a word. But, Henry doesn’t need to ask questions. He always knows…doesn’t he? As I watched the phone screen go blank, I decided the next step was to get off the ground. If I could look under cars, they could too. I snaked my way up upon the two foot high guard rail which kept me in no vision land. It was not comfortable, but luxury living is not an options. Living is. I decided it was time to take a chance. I squiggled forward til I could get a slim view of the area where I last saw the three sets of legs.
Now I could see Bills face, rigid but resolute, listening to what appeared to be a steady stream of threatening sounding questions. The third person had left. They appeared to turn t go back into the stairwell. The guy talking to Bill glanced out in direction that would put his buddy about 50 feet to my north. If true, that would put him into a sightline of my perch within seconds.
I dropped off the railing. Silently. Silently until my phone slipped from my hand. It clattered, like Santa coming down the chimney. I smiled and froze at the same time. The things that enter your mind. I was squatted down behind a tire. I felt safe. I heard footsteps move quickly. Maybe he thought it was the “Old rock throwing diversion trick”.

Often I rate a movie as ‘Better’ based on the quality of the music. In general, I am easily duped by superficiality.

There are a lot of half/no–truths floating around in political, mass distributed emails. It is always a good idea to research the facts before using them in public conversations or forwarding them along. That is, if credibility means something to you.

The Answer:
The first commercial radio station was Westinghouse Electric’s KDKA in Pittsburgh which went n-air in October 1920.. However before that, WWJ in Detroit broadcast news in August 1920. It gets more confusing with the claim of San Francisco’s WCBS that they are the legal extension of a San Jose experimental wireless effort that began in 1909. there was a lot of local and special event activity at the time so it is difficult to develop an undisputed list of firsts. Other early places were College Station Texas (WTAW), WDRC Hartford CT, WJZ Jersey City NJ, WBZ Boston. Stations started to proliferate starting in 1921. In 1922-1923 a new station or two came on the air every day! This continued at a fairly active place through 1928. It was slower but active into the 30’s. Providence RI was rather late the Providence Journal station WSAD saying “Good Morning” June 13 1923.

The End:
Colin Powell says he uses “Illegal Aliens” to fix things around his house. That’s what happens when you attain celebrity. Your mind goes dead.

The confidence of love.

Today's Tids Issue 2,161
Opening Stuff:

You can step bravely into the world when you know you are held dearly in someone else’s heart.

There are two things for sure about the Afghan wars: 1. The Russians were right when they said at the outset we were jumping into a quagmire. 2. You can’t place an arbitrary deadline for troop removal when the enemy has absolutely no timetable.

The Question: Why do you think the guy was canned form the orange juice factory, axed from the lumber jack job and why he wasn’t suited for the tailor job?

The Headlines:
--Government Lowers Growth Estimate For First Quarter; New Estimate Lowered From Previously Released 3% To 2.7%; Fourth Q Was 5.7%.
--Morning Wall Street Quandary: Go Up On News Of Financial Regulations Agreement; Go Down On Lower Growth Number.
--Overhaul Of Wall Street Rules Legislation Moves To House And Senate for Vote.
--Palin To return $400K After Ethics Commission Rules Contributions Illegal.
--Heath Care Rules Reveal That Employer Insured Citizens Will Not Be Able To Keep What They Have As Promised By President “Whatever It takes”.
--Scientists Find Toxins In Whales.
--Tornado Topples Buildings In Connecticut’s Largest City, Bridgeport.

Back to More Stuff:

I admit I had to chuckle at the news item, “Dutch to use ‘Decoy Jews’ to stop hate crimes. My immediate image was that of a good ole’ country boy sittin’ on a front porch with a pile of people sized logs carving Jewish appearing people as enticements for crazed bigots. Think of the great new folk art market! But, this is a serious problem in The Netherlands. For over ten years now in this one time haven for Anne Frank, Jewish people who are recognizable from clothing have been unable to walk peacefully in the streets. The Government of Amsterdam is considering posting police in Yarmulkes to attract and arrest racists. Bigotry seems to be the most resistant to antidotes' virus in the history of mankind.

Which reminds me of a funny line from a Jewish friend the other day. In a small gathering I was telling people that some security experts are recommending that instead of mace or pepper spray, people carry a can of “Wasp” spray… To which he interrupted, “Wow, I could have used that when I was a kid!”

Why do I look at the picture of Barney Frank And Chris Dodd announcing the agreement on the Financial regs bill and not feel very confident that anything will ever get better.

As a long time supporter of States Rights, I couldn’t be happier to see the reactionaries in LA and Oakland Cal back down on their hysterical boycott of Arizona legislation.

This morning’s Wall Street picture is exactly why the markets are so quivery. Early this morning futures looked higher because the moguls finally knew what was coming out of Congress on new regulations. But, then just after 8:00 AM reality set in when the 1st Q growth rate was lowered due to lower actuals on consumer spending and increased imports. It is really hard to have a lot of faith in a market that more and more is day to day, manipulated by CYA traders seeking bonuses at the end of the year.

But then, when have recent executive salaries and bonuses ever been based on doing things well for customers.

A knowledge of history will always contribute to better decisions than emotions of the heart.

As far as I can see the on-going oil slick saga has come down to a debate between public CYA weenies and private CYA weenies. With much of it obscuring the facts.

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 79 continues. –I told her that Marie was looking at us like she was at home at with the afternoon soaps. She laughed, not like the lover but as a friend hearing a joke. But I knew she was faking it. She wanted to let everything inside of her come out like a swollen river after a deluge. I looked at my half eaten pie. It wasn’t the time to indulge. It was a time to care. I flicked towards Marie for a check. She produced it like a magician and moved forward.
As she came to the table, Sarah/Maggie looked up at her, looked at her wearing that amazing confident smile of hers. “Henry has fired Kent and I as detectives on the vandalism caper!” Marie’s lips eased. “We decided to celebrate at this table where we spent our most effective time deciphering clues. You probably never knew how critical your place was to easing the Fosterville crime wave” Marie’s shoulders relaxed.
“No I didn’t”, she answered now playing along with our little act. She handed me the handwritten bill.
I quickly paid the tab and as I left I pecked Marie on the cheek, “I’ll be back for your pie, crime on the streets or no crime on the streets.” She shagged her arm up and tapped me gently on the shoulder.
Sarah was at her car by the time I came down the 3 steps. She turned quickly and I could see the look of sadness in her eyes. I approached and saw a small tear in the corner of her eye. “I guess we’ll have to find another place to meet. You know that I will never be able to live without you.”
I felt fullness in my throat. I didn’t know what to say. Maybe she wasn’t lying to me. Maybe I was only imaging a change. I looked over my shoulder. Marie was staring at me. I wanted to crush Sarah/Maggie in my arms. Feel her heat next to mine.

Probably the thing I like best about Wimbledon is that they all still wear white. A reminder that if it is really good it doesn’t need glitz to keep it going.

In a short comment about the absurdity of keeping passengers imprisoned on an airplane for four hours in sweltering heat, it was said that the new law hadn’t gone into effect yet. Too my knowledge the laws of common sense have been with us since the beginning of time. When people are passing out in front of you, do you need a law to tell you that something is wrong? In fact it’s probably some regulation that kept the travelers in their tomb.

Reading Between the Lines Movies reviews:
--Well, first we had Four Seasons and then the Big Chill. So now it’s the slackers turn and we get the Grown Ups. Which it is definitely not about. Five comedic guys and former basketball teammates -- Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider -- get together at the funeral of their coach. Woman in their lives are played by Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph. It’s about a C- movie and not very funny considering the talent. But probably will be appreciated by guys who think they are old but rally haven’t discovered the definition of responsibility and commitment.

The Answer:
He was canned because he couldn’t concentrate, axed because he couldn’t hack it and was suited because it was a sew-sew job. He then found his job in the muffler factory was too exhausting. The only noteworthy accomplishment was in the music business.

Justifiable Homicide:
After re-reading that quiz answer, I now know why some apparently calm and caring people fly into rage and strangle other people

Obama in full campaign mode.

Today's Tids 2/2/10

Opening Stuff:

Ten Congressmen saw their shadow this morning meaning we’ll continue to have bad government for 6 months. After that, it will totally collapse as scared incumbents rush to get re-elected.

As we see “Prime Time” flitting from town to town watching basketball or making short speeches on just about anything, we know that the President is in full campaign mode. In fact he barely left campaign mode after inauguration. One problem…politicians never tell the truth during campaigns!

The Question:

Today, we have the birthdays of Tom Smothers (73) and Graham Nash (68). Name five of the top songs for each.

The Headlines:

--0-Man Blames Out Of Sight Budget On Bush.
--Exxon-Mobil Retains King Of Profits Title Even As Profits Dip 56%.
--New Research Shows That Abstinence Programs Work With Teens.
-- Haiti Food Convoy Attacked By Armed Gang.
--Illinois Dem Primary Today Could Be Another Test Of 0-Man Coattails; GOP Anxious To have Obama Protégé Win.
--Phil Says Winter To Stay.
-- New England Likes Sub Building Portion Of 0-Man Budget.

More Stuff:

New style thicker toilet paper makes a better Kleenex substitute.

0-Man has ridden acidic Bush Bashing to the top, and now wonders why there is so much negativity in politics.

One thing we can all be happy about is that the insurance companies are handling our medical programs and not Verizon.

If you ask me, the eBook business has a lot of sorting out to do before if becomes a stable industry. Amazon’s retreat to McMillian’s pressure is just the first sign of things to come. Apple looks confused as they try to figure out the market for the iPad. The book publishers still own the content, and with it all the power. Amazon and Apple for the present are just distribution channels. You have to think that Apple execs would cringe at the use of an adjective like “Just” as in “mere” in association with their brand. But frankly. All of the cool gadget makers rely on the creativity of others to make their products viable.

A good reader sends along a quiz that helps answer the Question: “Where are you politically.” I like it because it includes as one of three answers “Maybe”. That’s in addition to the usual “agree” and “disagree”. Try it http://www.theadvocates.org/quizp/index.html

This Oregon tax thing is bothersome. Basically it was a teacher push trying to find a back door route into the taxpayer’s pockets after they have maxed out the property tax system. There comes a time in life when you just can’t buy everything you want. It’s going to be a long time before people can adjust to the new world of reality; that we are now a nation without economic borders.

You may have noticed in the news that Rhode Island has reduced the age for blood bank donors to 16. It must be part of that “Twilight” trend so popular with teens.

If you need a blueprint for the new economy, take a look at the textile industry. This was the economic engine for the northeast for about a century or so. As unions got tougher there, they closed the plants and moved to the non-union south. Things went well for a while til the wages started spiraling upward ala old NE. Aha, lets go to third world countries. Damn good idea. The third world countries naturally grew economically and…you guessed it...wages went up! Now the search is on for an even poorer nation. And you know what will happen next. Meanwhile the US needs jobs and people will start working for lower pay, and maybe with the help of a growing immigrant population, textiles return to New England which has little economy left other than big government. This is not about whether unions are good, bad or indifferent. It’s just the way things work.

The odds against my retirement plan working just got longer as more states jumped on the Powerball-MegaMillions bandwagons.

Archie Manning was a much more exciting quarterback than either of his two sons. But then maybe it was because he had to scramble for his life playing on poor teams.

24-um:

I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve each Monday waiting for the start of “24”. Last night I opened the package and got what I wanted. Annie Wershing as Renee Walker continues to give us award winning performances. She is lost, and it appears that next week she comes to Jack for help. I have had trouble figuring out the Dana-abuser boyfriend angle, but now I’m thinking there is something in that warehouse they are robbing other than money. Like uranium? Why do I have in the back of my mind that the new younger aide to the President has something evil on his mind? I left last night with just the right amount of tension in my aging body. Now I have to wait a whole week. KThunk. KThunk. KThunk.

The Novel:

Through the Same Eyes: Chapter 52 continues. –As I sat listening to the very logical mind of Mr. laid-back sheriff at work, I relaxed knowing that Henry had put it together. He was on his way to Isabelle, and of course I should not be there. But, I know somebody who should be on her way up to BiEmbryo with her team. Now Henry’s words became a distant sound as my whole body and mind focused on my Sarah/Maggie. I had to talk to her. I had to see her. I still heard now the drone of Henry as I stood. He stopped and looked up. “Henry, I think you have everything under control. Drop by my office after you see Isabelle.” He smiled. “Thanks Middleton. I see that you still know how not to waste time when the job appears over. But, I may need you join me with Isabelle after I and the state police layout our concept.” My mind was now in the hospital room with Sarah, but I managed to say “No Problem. Then I turned and left. One good thing about having a reputation as a bore is that nobody is concerned when you don’t appear overly friendly. I got in the car, pulled out my phone and dialed Sarah’s room. I heard a weak, raspy reply, “Hello”. Even in a weakened condition, her voice was powerful to me. “Hello my love, it is me.” “I’m happy”, she answered. “I’m coming to see you. But, you should know what is happening.

More Stuff:

This could be a good year for Sandra Bullock as she is a sentimental favorite for Best Actress. Or it could be bad. She is also leading for the Razzie for worst actress in All About Steve. It ios also the fave for worst movie. Personally, I think we need more of a spotlight on Razzies. They’re good for H-Wood humility. As you may know, they have named 10 movies this year for Best Picture. Avatar is a big favorite, but the little dreary piece Precious seems to be in the wheelhouse of Hollywood voters. The others are Blind Side, Up, Up In The Air, District Nine, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds and A Serious Man. Actors are Bridges (Fave), Clooney, Firth and Freeman. Actresses are Bullock, Mirran, Mulligan, Sidibe and Streep.

This squabble among golfers over the new ban on square grooves is another mirror of our society. The real issue is legality versus intent. I agree with McCarron who argues, regardless of the legality of an agreement that allowed Pings before 1990, the intent of the new rule was to get rid of square grooves. The vast majority of golfers agreed. Maybe Michelson is planning on a run for congress next year. He is starting to sound like one of those rascals.

The Answer:

Graham Nash is best known for Chicago and Immigration Man. Others are Simple Man, We Can Change The World, Be Yourself and Better days. Tom Smothers was more of a comic, but he and his brother Dick sang many tunes very well: Tom Dooley, Chocolate, Crabs Walk Sideways, Michael Row the Boat Ashore, Mom Always Likes You Best and Talk to the Trees.

The End:

When 0-Man came down upon the Supreme Court, it sounded a lot to me like his comments calling out the “Stupidity” of the Cambridge Police Department. The Prez has a chance to raise the level of discourse back to statesman, but his emotions keep on belying his claimed intentions.