The Lazaro Effect.

Today's Tids Issue 2,812
Opening Stuff:

Ben Carson is getting a fast education on the vast difference between truth and politics.

It isn't often that American Idol appears "above the fold", but last night was significant, where honesty won out over emotion. Lazaro at long last was voted off. He had been decidedly the worst performer for weeks, but was buoyed along by a block of obviously misinformed voters and sympathy. He represented a sad new tendency within the American culture -- it's everybody else's fault but mine. But last night eyes opened wide and said a big gigantic "no" to carrying along mediocrity for another week. Maybe Lazaro is the symbol of an America rising from the dead.

Keep your eyes open for lower priced PC's. The latest sales numbers are so bleak that shortly prices could tumble dramatically. Call Mothers Day, Christmas in May. The problem is that Mom would probably prefer a new tablet over a lower price laptop, even with rose covered covers. Now, if that Lenova "convertible goes on sale, I'm there.

The Question:
Need to get away over the weekend? What do you think, according to Travel and Liesure, would be the best ten European cities to visit.

The Headlines:
--Unexpected Dip In retail sales Has Wall Street Opening Lower.
--Kerry, Obama Denounce NK Rhetoric.
--Iowa Restricts Use Of Drones By Police; Cites Privacy Concerns.
--Starbucks To Lower Price Of Bagged Coffee.
--Bankrupt San Bernardino To Renege On Bond Debts In Favor Of Continuing Payments Into Pensions.
--Dog Killing Epidemic Growing Faster Than potatoes In Idaho.
--Religious Bombings Continue In Iraq.
--Russia Warns US Of Overstepping In Human Rights Restrictions.

At first I thought the Texas college knife wielding slasher of 14 was perhaps a gun sympathizer tying to make a point. I was happy to learn that he turned out to be a stark-raving lunatic exactly like the mad men who kill with guns. I think that might be a clue as to a solution in the mass killiing problem.

Free Lunch, Department:
It seems like I'm seeing more and more TV commercials for products ranging from motorized scooters to car windshield repair, where the main theme is "At no cost to you." As in don't worry, the government or insurance company or some other big donor in the sky will give it to you "free". Kids demand music on the internet free; adults download their movies. No body seems to get the idea that someone somewhere has to pay for all of it. Of, yeah, I forgot, the rich will pay for it. We'll just raise their taxes.

Do you know what I'm not liking today? Professional golfers bringing back white leather belts. What's next, Nehru jackets.

It looks like yesterday we may have generated a Bumper Sticker War. A resourceful reader answers yesterday's 1st Bumper Sticker of the 2016 campaign with his #2 entry: Monica Lewinski's X-Boyfriend's Wife for President.

Changing Times, Department:
Up in enigmatic Michigan, a call to that great state's Human Services Department will get you "Press 1 for English; Press 2 for Spanish; Press 3 for Arabic." Now take your Blood Pressure. It is expected that the most frequent question may be: "What kind of benefits do I get for my three wives?"

In the things we'd be aghast if we knew about it, Department, I give you one of the items in the Obama budget, with a small "b". Did you know that liquor makers get a tax break for adding flavors? In his proposed plan, The Prez is going to eliminate the break, but how did that get in there in the first place. I don't think Congress debated fully on that lobbyist add-on. For instance I would have voted for "Butterscotch in Ice Cream" tax deduction before strawberry in vodka. As we have seen in the past, "marketing" today is getting Congress to pass laws.

I only care about Cuba if we learn that Kim Jung-un has installed  nuke missiles on a launch pad in Havana.

Who last Fall would have imagined a Frozen Four Championship (That's NCAA College Hockey) game between two teams a three wood apart in Connecticut -- Yale and Quinnipiac. How about Brown and Providence College next year? Don't be surprised.

The irony of Government and Unions is that they chase away more jobs than they save.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--"42" is the big one this weekend. It's about Jackie Robinson's battle to overcome prejudice while keeping his batting average up. He was my hero as a 9-10 year old, and every kid wanted to steal bases like Jackie. I saw him in Ebbets field in 1947. He always lived up to his expectations and the movie lives up to the quality of his reputation. Good acting and well told story.
--I think Disconnect, about people looking for human contact in a wired world, looks like a winner. It involves several stories of lives all affected by cyber happenings. A lawyer who can't get away from his cell phone while the family suffers. A widowed cop whose kid cyber-bullies. A couple who enters a dangerous situation after their secrets are exp[osed on-line. And more. All of these strangers eventually come together.

The Conscience: Chapter 18 continues.
   After the two phone calls, I managed to nurse a martini instead of gulping it down. It was probably a bad idea as I felt agitated ridng up in the Biglietto Building elevator. I was feeling dread, but I didn't know why. As I stepped out of the elevator, I saw Angelica already in the reception room talking the amazing looking executive concierge. I was probably standing there with my lower jaw on my knees. I looked over at Angelica and felt guilty ogling Brianna the beautiful. I think I regained my composure as the boss turned and came over to plant the kiss on my cheek. It helped make up for the lack of alcohol.
   "My parents will be in shortly. They are anxious to meet you. Especially mother. She must have heard of the "Bello Americano". She looked me up and doiwn, smiled approvingly in a sarcastic type of manner and turned. "Today at lunch we will get to the meat of this negotiation. Would you like a drink before they arrive. I said yes at "D-R".
  I was enjoying the mini-rush after two sips when a door in the panelled wall behind Angelica's desk burst open and in walked her mother, followed by papa. Her mother's dark eyes bore into my soul.  She looked like she was reading my inner life. She didn't throw up so she hadn't reached the bad parts. The parents came around either side of the desk, and greeted my warmly with handshakes. "So nice to meet you Mr. Morgan." It was warm and friendly. I was surprised.

The Answer:
Number one is Rome. While there take in  the comedy show in the Federal Office Buildings.The rest in order are Florence, Istanbul, Prague, Venice, Paris, Barcelona, Saltzburg, Vienna and Krakow. I'd probably pick, Vienna, Saltzburg, Prague and Barcelona.

Good news, Carnival Cruise has a Boston to Venice Special, $500 and a auxiliary generator in the bath room. Any takers?

Have terrific weekend wherever you go. See you Monday.

"I am sure that never was a People, who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine intervention in their affairs, than those in the United States." --George Washington.

Today's Tids Issue 2.600

Opening Stuff:

I hear the thunder in the distance. Somehow that soft rumble tempers the tensions of the day. An outside force of momentous proportions totally outside my control. Something to fear, but unable to stop. No guilt there. Yup no guilt certainly takes a lot of stress out of the day.

This morning's WSJ said that General Motors is dropping FaceBook Advertising because it doesn't work. Then I look at the Lessor Journal from Providence and see on this gloomy, gray cast morn another series of articles on the deficiencies of FaceBook. Yesterday in a Newport Daily News article I saw a poll that said 50% of Americans, young and old, thought FB was a passing fad. All of this publicity doesn't just appear all at once unless somebody is pushing buttons. Could it be that Wall Street bigs are looking to keep the price of the FB IPO down? Could be.

When did we all of a sudden become a caramelized world?

The Question:
Deborah Winger is one of my all time favorite film stars. Name five of her movies.

The Headlines:
--Greek Mess Confusing Markets.
--FaceBook Ups IPO By 25%; Emotional Buying Could be High.
--"O" Threatens Veto On House defense Bill.
--China Pushing NK To Drop Nuke Plans.
--Housing Starts Up.
--Syria Battles Continue.

A guy named Doug Larson says, "Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it would be better to change the locks."

Often when I make notes for future Tidlets, I use abbreviations that look perfectly logical at the time...that is, until I go back and try to figure out what the hell I meant! I loose more good Tids that way.

In announcing a new concerted effort researching the causes of Alzheimer, the hapless Government could have chosen something a little more realistic than "War on Alzheimer". We've had wars on drugs, poverty, illiteracy and Taliban. How did that work out for us? But then maybe this new declared war makes Obama a "Wartime President" Just in time for the final days of the campaign.

The network nightly news programs seem intent, in their own smarmy way, in refuting evidence that arises in favor of George Zimmerman. My guess it is to ameliorate the rising case against there hysterical rush to judgment in the beginnings of this over blown event. Or, it could be part of the media's efforts to save their pal President Barack Obama from his constant blunders, like in this case, making a foolish statement about an alleged crime in a local trial where the alleged assailant is due a trial by his peers. Can you say Henry Louis Gates Jr.?

Never too old to learn, Department:
For about four years now I have been spelling Barack, B-a-r-a-k.

Hey, Tids Novel Fans -- I going to start next week.

The Answer:
Personally I liked Betrayed and Legal Eagles best. But she is better known probably for Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, A Dangerous Woman and Shadowlands. I hate when people as good as Winger just seem to disappear.

It's about as gloomy as the world gets here this morning. But, frankly, it doesn't change my life one iota.

See you tomorrow.

 

What is an iota, anyhow?

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT

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Progress is not impressing me.

Today's Tids Issue 2,595

Opening Stuff:

Do you think that most famous line in the movie "Mrs. Robinson" -- "Plastic" -- meant credit cards?

Did you hear about the primary in WV last night where Federal Prison Convict Keith Judd got 40% of the vote in a Democrat primary against Obama. On another primary note, in the primary to establish a candidate to run in the recall race against Governor Walker, the candidate endorsed and supported by the unions lost badly to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Latest polls have Barrett and Walker 50-50.

Today, two planes were stropped from taking off due to bomb threat reports. Without igniting one bomb, the al-Qaida and fellow terrorists are effectively keeping Americans on edge.

The Question:
Double Day 1. Name three famous characters brought to us by one of the true funny persons of our20th Century -- Edgar Bergen. 2.  Some times I feel these "Q's" are a generation or two beyond some readers. So I looked for younger names and came across 27 year old "TV Personality" Aubrina Partridge. I haven't the slightest idea of who she is or what she does. Do you?

The Headlines:
--Markets Open Down Again; New Survey Shows Wary Retail Investors Still On Sideline After Three Years.
--Greece Indigestion Still Controlling World.
--Euro Sinks Spooking World Wide Investment; Euro Ills Override Positive Economic Data From Germany.
--Latest Caught Bomber Was Saudi Double Agent; Agent Says Nobody Was Ever In Harms Way.
--Tea Party Effort Ousts Sensible Lugar.
--Audi Outsells BMW In April For First Time In Year
--Edwards And Clements Trials Wear On; Judge Seen Dozing.

Did you ever have your dreams answered? I have! A new deli that actually meets the standards described by the name "deli", opened up the street from me. It is called "Deli", and they live up to the old time meaning of a great deli. For instance, they, cook their own roast beef every morning. I had a piled high RB sandwich with horseradish sauce and cheese and it was melt in you mouth delicious. Lots of good looking salads and an owner who seems to take customers seriously. The owner has a second shop in South Philly -- as in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. -- where food is taken very seriously. Strange but true.

The Star Spangled Banner is Country music!

You've read the headlines, "Put a new twist into summer grilling"; "Quick and easy dinners with a spark". Well, as far as I can read, here's what they all are centered upon -- add nuts and berries and natural adornments. Instead of country fried steak with white pork gravy you're going to get pecan encrusted chicken with creamy yogurt sauce.  Or instead of pork chop with Merlot brown gravy sauce you get fat trimmed pork medallions with raspberry, balsamic vignettes sauce over beet greens. Help me! By the time I reach a nursing home I'll be dying from refusing to eat health foods. And who needs health food when your 105 anyhow. Nurse Jane will be saying, "Eat your damn blueberries or I won't type your Tids for you!"

"Eco" is one of those words you can't use any longer as an abbreviation. Environmentalists who think everything is about them anyhow, will assume anything incorporating the word Eco is all about them too, instead of the other side of the coin where Eco means Economics. The two Ecos are incredibly co-dependent, except that environmentalists don't understand the need for balancing a solid economy with rampant ecology. I think there's something intelligent in here somewhere.

Airline travel of today is a far cry from the consumer centric travel of yesteryear. But, once you figure out the new routines it's probably doable. The Nightly News programs only report on worst case scenarios.

Providence Airport TSA Agents stopped a guy and his son after finding a dis-assembled gun in the boy's teddy bear. They let the man and his son travel on, but wouldn't say why they could or who they were. All of this secrecy is food for an active Tids mind. I'm thinking he was a Providence hit man who complained that had to continue on to provide food for his family and medical care for his dying brother awaiting trial for extorting strip clubs. The TSA agent's brother-in-law happened to be costume manager at a strip club.

There's a big "Mixologist" competition coming to our fair state. In the newspaper, they showed a lot of favorite drinks for the competition. Before I could describe one particular drink, I had to look up "Muddling". It turns out it's your basic Pestle and Mortor concept with names changed to Muddler and Glass. In the bottom of the glass, this professional, award winning bartender muddles sliced beets, raspberries and beet greens. To that mess you add vodka, Pama (Pomegranate based Liqueur) and lemon juice. People drink that for fun? Here's my special recipe -- Make ice cubes out of Roses lime juice and pour vodka or gin over them. Or, forget the ice cubes.

The Answer:
Who hasn't or wouldn't laugh at Charlie McCarthey, Mortimer Snerd or Effie Klinker. Charlie is in the Smithsonian, and Bergens laughs are in the hearts of all Americans who heard his humor.  2. Aubrina Partridge (Born in 1985, Yikes) is indeed a TV personality -- starting as a model and then entering Reality TV first as a member of the original cast of the MTV series The Hills. Today she has her own reality show about the day to day life, called of all things - "Audrina"! I have no idea of what it is about, Probably health food.

Nuts and fruits. Nuts and Fruits. Wasn't there an old joke about that. You probably can tell it any more.

Tears over Fenway.

Today's Tids Issue #2,583
Opening Stuff:

I have rarely been as emotionally drained as I was Friday afternoon at the end of the celebration of 100 years of Fenway Park. 216 baseball players who I had lived and died with for over sixty years walked out of the center field door as if from corn Fields on an Iowa farm. Each, no matter how big a star or small, recall a moment that's part of your base ball soul. With all of the highlights and all of the cheers, nothing gets to my rear reservoir than Yaz walkin' across the field. God, how I loved watching that guy play. Anybody who has ever loved the game of baseball would have found their heart beating a little faster between 2:00 and 3:00 last Friday.

I see where Sarah Palin was being "Checked out" by some Secret Service guy. And it was suggested that maybe they are checkin' out Michelle O too. So here's an idea. Let's do it the Roman way -- Eunuchs! If it was good enough for the Roman Emperor's watchdogs. it's good enough for us. Besides, like Rome we're declining and falling!

Or maybe we should just get rid of FaceBook and YouTube. Then the antics will be safe from sensationalizer's eyes.

The great Treasurer of RI Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, has been called by many "A Conservative." I think her response was excellent: "No, I'm a realist," she countered. Many branded conservatives are really just basically honest, rational people trying to do what's right. Unfortunately to too many thees days, what's right and correct is considered eerie, scary and threatening.

The Question:

 Hundred's of Airlines over the years have faded from existence. Name ten big ones.

The Headlines: 

--Growing Anxiety Over EuroFinances Will Weaken Market openengs.
--Sarkozy Loses First Round In French Election;
--East Coast gets Much needed Rain.
--SC Weighing Arizona Anti Criminal Trespassing Act
--Zimmerman Out Of Jail On Bail; In Hiding. --Fox Guarding Hen House in RI; Gov. and Lt. Gov. Out Of town.
--Sunday Rain-out Saves Red Sox From More Embarrassment.

As promised, this august morning opinionated mess will continue to remind the world of one Obama statement that should put everybody on High alert: "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility." I'm placing bets that this is not the only time he has used this hedge to key international and local power groups like his own liberal base... that in closed rooms he has said to his left supporters, "I'll never get elected if I espouse what you want, so be patient." Are the Iranians and North Koreans now expecting a similar about face." Basically he is saying, "If you want to learn the truth that lies in my heart, vote for me."

You can tell a lot about people by the way they put away shopping carts or how they behave at 4-Way Stop signs.

Nothing symbolizes better the growing division in America than the awful Caruola Act in RI. This is a State Legislative action that allows school boards to sue fellow citizens for more money.

I see where Tom Brady and Giselle were at the Fenway 100th. At least Tom didn't wear a NYY cap. No, he wore a Fop hat instead. Giselle has got to stop dressing him.

The Stooges hit the films in the 1930's They were revised in the early days of TV when I was your basic, stupid irresponsible young teenager, But, I have to tell you, I really didn't watch them very much. Frankly, after the first few times with their antics, i foumd them kind of monotonous. Instead I was enthralled with high brow humor like Abbot and Costello. The Bowery Boys, Our Gang and Laurel and Hardy. Stuff with meaning. The real second coming of the Stooges was in the 70's and 80's when revivals of the clowns caught on with the teens and twenty somethings. Maybe they needed inane after all of the seriousness of the protest era.

Do you find it curious that Eric Holder not going after States with Voter ID laws like RI which is in the Dem pocket, but only those large toss-up states like Texas, with lots of illegals, potentially criminal voters. Doesn't sound like a "fair" policy. I wonder if 0-Man knows?

One of the greatest threats to our future is the "International Left", a large and growing silent group that is manipulating behind the scenes to promote international courts and across the border laws that infringe upon the sovereignty of national constitutions.

The Answer: 

Some bug names have bit teh dust over the years. Remember Eastern. And Pan American. Then you have Allegheny, Capitol, Braniff, Frontier, Mohawk, National, Northeast, Northwest, Ozark, Piedmont, Republic, Continental (Part of United), Western and TWA! And now maybe American!

Of course the real tears over, under and around Fenway came Saturday afternoon, when the Sox blew a 9-1 lead. I went to a Tavern Sat night and when I walked in I asked, "Why is the Sox game still on TV?" He said, "Because it is 9-8." Aaaaaaaaaaarg!

Sign found in front of McDonald's Store: "Saying your kids are fat because of us, is like saying it's Hooter's fault that your husband likes big boobs."

I had to laugh at the headline about Gordon Fox being in charge of RI Government because Gov. and Lt. Gov were out of town. Speaker Fox and his predecessors have always been in charge of the RI Government.

It's going to be a good week. Enjoy it.

Happy 100, Fenway.

Today's Tids Issue 2,576
Opening Stuff:

How many of you remember clearly, as I do, that day when your dad and you, hand in hand walked into the bowels of a major league baseball base ball park. The hustle. The bustle. Your youthful eyes taking it all in with amazement. A wonderland of cacophony. With the smells of hot dogs and popcorn aplenty. And then, you and your dad start to walk slowly up that ramp through a dank tunnel until the sky at the end gets brighter and brighter. Finally you reach the top and out there before you is the greenest green you have ever seen in your life. Surrounded by thousands of people, all eager and happily awaiting the first pitch. And you just stand there in awe and think "I am the luckiest person in the world." It happens every time.

You have to love the line from this morning's "Close to Home" comic; "New study reveals that reading studies may cause heart disease."

The scariest aspect of North Korea's test of a long range missile is that it was in all likelihood paid for by Iran, and Iran will be the beneficiary of the results. Iran can develop an A-Bomb but without a launch capability is is pretty useless. Iran and North Korea are Parallel countries.

The Question:

1. Name five German Concentration camps. Bonus: What unusual baseball feat did catcher Scott Hatteberg accomplish in Fenway park August 4 2001?

The Headlines:

--Giant 8.2 Quake Hits Indonesia; Small Tsunami Follows; Officials Still Assessing Deaths.
--NK Fueling Up Missiles For Test.
--US Files Lawsuit Against Apple On eBook Price fixing.
--Public Support For ObamaCare Drops To New Low -- 39%.
--Gingrich Utah Primary Check Bounces.
--Alcoa's Surprise Profit Report Fails To Ignite Wall Street.

Our state is aghast at the fact that the Governor's son was caught by police trying to buy beer in a liquor store. Like I wouldn't have done that when I was his age. In fact , me and my buds at 16 were always welcome in bars. Kids haven't changed that much. We just have more laws and regulations, so it's easier for kids to appear to be criminals.

This is interesting. Obama fund raising is falling far short of the that promised billion. The juggernaut has become the little engine that couldn't. Part of the reason is that some of the dough is being sent to SuperPacs. The other part of the shortfall is the lower rates of contributions from the little guys in the hinterland. They are not convinced, according to reports, that supporting "O" is where they should put the money. It is also interesting on the SuperPac front. The big Repub Super Pac "American Crossroads" has received ten times the amount that the big Dem SP "Priorities USA" has received. Maybe the Prez shoulkd get out on the road more instead of slaving away in that office for the good of the nation. Oops, did I say slaving? Pray for me Ozzie Guillen and David Ciciline.

Our sleazy little incumbent Congressman/person David Ciciline solved the problem of the mismanaged Providence finances while he was Mayor, with a simple explanation. In his kick-off speech he said "I never should have used the word 'Excellent' when I said (While campaigning for congress) "Providence was in excellent condition". That was just his explanation for the lie. It didn't answer the bigger question -- his incompetence in office. But isn't that like Pols today. Unfortunately they know voters will buy anything. "Poor darling" his backers will say, "He used the wrong word". Shoot me.

The car industry is really in a state of turmoil, with company heads trying to get a handle on the best way to go into the future. Today, for instance, it was reported that only 35% of Hybrid owners went back to buy another hybrid. In the world there are 12 Million CNG (Compressed Natural gas) cars, but barely any in the US where gas is plentiful. The US is in the electric mode, but CNG is probably a better solution for consumers. And electrics, at least in this stage of their development, are fairly impractical. It seems to me that the best bet is develop higher mileage regular cars.

How many of you have seen the "Snopes Verified" email floating around now describing Malia Obama's spring break trip for she and 12 friends to Oaxaca Mexico. It also took 2 jets and twenty five Sevres Service Agents to make it happen. It has appeared nowhere but in the Canadian media. Just think of the uproar in the US press if it had been the Bush twins!

It costs and arm and a leg and a second mortgage on your house to go to a Red Sox game. I remember in the sixties going to opening day at Fenway and having a choice of any seat in the place for $7.00. And it was pretty much the same in the 70's

The anarchy of mobs will eventually take the government away from the people Deportment:
Halder says his office vows to review the Travon Martin case. Why are the Feds poking into a local murder/self defense investigation. Go away big government. You are really starting to bother me.

Almost Near: Chapter 67 continues. --The tone of this happy hospital room reunion became more serious as Sparrow and Audrey began to lay out what they knew. Samantha sat there alert, knowing that she would learn things about her resent self, where she had no memory of it happening. Sparrow looked over at Dante as he recounted the evidence they compiled about Tucker's appearances in Dalesford around the times of both the alleged suicide of Samantha's mother and the disappearance of her father. "Tucker in his deluded mind was doing two things," we believe. "First, he was protecting you by eliminating the threat from your father." Samantha's tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Are you Ok, Sam," The burly detective was soft and caring, loving, as he asked. She looked up and gave him a small smile and just nodded "Go on."
"My people now believe that he staged your mother's suicide to make you a more likable victim. A person under threat and abuse who was a lone fighter in a bleak world. That you fought through your life with a tyrant father and a weak mother. Someday we'll find the body of your dad, probably in an out of the way location like where they found your husband in Arkansas.
Samantha looked up -- "My mother protected me. She saw what my father could do to me, but she never let it happen." Her life was very clear to her now. My mother was strong, but looked weak to others. Maybe he killed her because she could see the real Tommy Lambert where I couldn't." Samantha needed a person she could hold on to right now. The strength of her mother during those years she had blocked out became clearer. She wanted to feel the goodness in her mother. She looked up at Dante as she thought about where she was and where she was going. It was much too soon to share this life I have just found with another person, she thought as her eyes raised to the ceiling.
"This Tucker, Tommy was one disturbed individual," Sparrow said summing up the moment. Samantha didn't hear him.

The Answer:

There were about 74 German prison camp locations. 11 were extermination centers and included Auschwitz, Treblinka and Belzec which accounted for 2.6 Million Deaths. Among the best known large concentration camps are Buchenwald, Dachau, Plaszow and Ravensbruck (Women only). Many 10's of thousands of deaths occurred in these Concentration -- "Labor" Camps. Tyranny can happen when people stop looking. Bonus: In consecutive appearance as a hitter, Scott hit into a triple play and followed that with a grand slam home run! You have to believe that will never happen again.

When things get tense, there is no more soothing sound than a radio broadcast of a baseball game on a summer's day.

ADD Epidemic.

Today's Tids Issue 2,567

Opening Stuff:


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

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

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

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

The Question:

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

The Headlines:

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

Jan Brewer for President.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Answer:

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

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

A second wind.

Today's Tids Issue 2,517
Opening Stuff:

I have pretty much avoided State Of the Union addresses by any president. They are typically a laundry list paying homage to every possible group in America with it's hand out. And awfully long, mainly because of choreographed applause lines. Last night's was certainly a prelude to a campaign that would highlight class warfare. And, the Republican rebuttal previewed what is sure to be a no holds barred fight between two very divergent parties. Frankly I watched a "Chuck" marathon, and was really happy doing so.

I see myself running...running, running along the rocky coast of Newport. The unseasonable warmth at my back as I push myself on past rambling winter lawns on one side and the deep blue ocean on the other. I feel the cold spray from wind blown crested waves mingling with the warm sweat trickling down my face. My eyes clinch against the wind. My legs ache, my breath comes in gasps. The ache in my lungs says stop. Stop you fool. But I push on and on, never giving into the pain. Oh that pain. I'd like to see that...but it will never happen.

Actually, that's a lot like being a citizen these days. You keep on pushing hoping that somebody will get the message, that the pain will go away. But I'm not sure it ever will no matter who gets in. The only thing I really know is that you can't give up fighting. Some where there is a "second wind" for America.

The Question:

Double bonus day! 1. Name the cult movie for which director Tobe Hooper is best known. Name 3 of his other movies. 2. James Farentino a decent actor in a myriad of TV programs and films died yesterday at 73. For what is he best known?

The Headlines:

--Prez Delivers Predictable Speech Well; GOP Countered With Mitch Daniels Who Detailed Obama Extremism And Castigated Reckless Spending.

--Apple Reports Soaring Revenue And Profits.

--Despite Apple Excitement, Euro Debt Could Blunt Markets Today.

--Europe Leaders Confused As New Zurich Economic Conference Opens.

--Nevada, Cal And RI Top List Of Most Jobless States. North dak

--Egyptian Liberals Say They Have To Continue Fighting Year After Mubarak Ouster.

--Four Mount Rainier Hikers Presumed Lost.

--Wisconsin Gov Mounting Fight Against Recall; Badger State Becoming National Battleground To determine Sane Government Spending.

--Rare "Calico" Lobster Found In Newport RI Catch.

Signs That Obama may run again for President:
He and Michelle are being photographed going to Church. He's avoiding talking about tough things that really matter. He has stopped playing golf. He's singing. He is never in the office.

Oh yeah, when Bill and the Hill were photographer going to church, it generally meant that Hillary had caught him again with his pants down.

A lot of Repubs will come away from last night wondering why Mitch Daniels isn't their candidate.

Ok...all of you out there who are really concerned about the Bobby Seal-Heidi Klum break-up please raise your hand. Hello? Anybody?

While in Glitterland, I was surprised to learn that the apparently solid Demi Moore has checked into Rehab for substance abuse. Maybe she just missed her friends and wanted to join them. Or more probably, she couldn't bare watching Ashton fumble around in the new awful 2 1/2 Men.

I don't see the OWS'ers running to Cal to protest Apple's $13+ Billion profits.

The Dems are starting to count their chickens way too early.

Is Callista made of plastic? Let's see...she convinced the speaker to change his ways and convert to Catholicism while they were fooling around in adultery for 6 years. Is that about it?

Almost Near: Chapter 58 Continues. --I must have a brain, Samantha laughed to herself as she stood motionless in the vending room. Somehow she knew that Tucker was nearby when he called. Within minutes of finding this hiding place she heard the light rap on the door to the room she had just left. A pause and another rap. "Samantha, Sam...it's me."
 Samantha backed up next to the Pepsi machine at the sound of his voice. Don't panic she told herself. Stay calm. Think. He'll never look for you here. Maybe it's really nothing. Maybe I'm overreacting her mind said. But her body said don't move a muscle.

  "Samantha, God Dammit...where are you." The doorknob rattled. She heard the sound of a foot kicking the door. No in the distance, she heard the elevator bell. A few seconds later footsteps running from her room door towards this room. Don't come in here to hide, She grabbed her right hand with her left and squeezed. Tightened her lips over her teeth. Stopped breathing all together. Complete silence except for the foot steps. Nearer. Nearer. Then past the door. Within seconds she heard another door creak open and then slam. The foot sounds disappeared. The Exit stairway. It must be. She hoped he was running down the stairway. She still didn't move.

The Answer:

 1. Of course Tobe was best known for the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. His other well known movies were CSM 2, Poltergeist and Salem's Lot. Frankly. Hooper floundered a bit with most of his efforts directed attempting to recreate the success of Chain saw. 2. Farentino was a likable guy in screen, but not so much by Nancy Sinatra. In 1994 he pleaded Nolo to 24 counts of stalking the girl walking in boots; charges that also included making embarrassing phone calls and violation a restraining order. His modest career tanked after that mainly because of some sever alcohol problems.

There is one really good family values guy running for President -- Mitt. The entire message of the State of the Union was essentially to block the ascendancy of Mitt because he was successful. And Newt continues to keep the President's campaign on track.

I should be skiing.

Today's Tids Issue 2,516
Opening Stuff:

Why am I expecting tonight an Occupy Wall Street Speech?

The Tids Naval adviser makes this observation about the recent movement of the Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln through Hormuz. His last sea duty was on a Carrier Group Staff, spending many long months in the Indian Ocean. He notes: When a carrier enters the Persian Gulf, it must be very careful because in order for planes to fly, the carrier needs 30 knots of wind over the deck. In the event that the carrier, Lincoln in this case, finds no ambient wind while operating in the gulf, it must generate its own wind. Very difficult to launch and/or recover aircraft because at 30 knots, the ship will quickly run out of space. So, he wonders strategically, why would the US want to send the Lincoln into the Persian Gulf when there is so much more area outside the Straights of Hormuz that would more efficiently facilitate jet take-off and landing? Good question. Could it be a simple show of strength with a built in excuse not to use it?

The Question:

Name five best nighttime visual sights according to "SmartTravel.com"?

The Headlines:

--Supreme Court Says Police Need Warrant to Attach GPS To Cars.
--Stock Market Slinging On Greece.
--Lehigh University Moves Up To #15 On list Of Top MBA programs.
--S&P Downgrades Greece To Selective Default.
--Pres Prepares Biggest Campaign Kick-Off Speech.
--Iran Repeats Homuz Threats,
--Romney Releases 2 Years Of Taxes: Pays $3 Mill In Taxes, Gives $3 Mil To Charity; Everything Above Board.
--Florida Debates: Romney attacks; Newt Flubs.

Ok, it's Oscar announcement day. National self-indulgence week. The film getting the most nominations is Hugo, an animated film by the idolized Martin Scorcese which, as I remember, being not so well received. The rest of the Bigs are The Artist, Midnight in Paris, The Help, War Horse, Tree of Life, Moneyball, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and finally, The Descendents which I call an average moderately enjoyable film. In other words -- in the "It didn't suck" category. Best supporting actors are Kenneth Branagh, Jonah hill, Nick Nolte, Christopher Plummer and max Van Sydow; supporting actresses -- Berenice Bejo, Jessica Chastain, Melissa McCarthy (I thought she was unwatchable in an awful movie), Janet McTeer and Octavia Spencer. Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams are up for best Actress while Denien Bichir, George Clooney, Jean Dujarin, Gary Oldman and Brad Pitt are there for best actor.

For all of you hoping to see a movie about Margaret Thatcher's great achievements, you will be entirely disappointed with Iron Lady, a film mainly about her oncoming Dementia/Alzheimer's and some domestic trifles. This from a wise Tids reader.

You have to worry about a state legislature that said it was smart to pay pensions that were unaffordable, now telling us that wind-power that costs 4 times that of traditional energy sources is a good idea.

Oh no! Yesterday I saw a Boston Bruins jersey with the name Obama firmly affixed across the back.

You have to wonder if the curious mind of Jessica Ahlquist, supposedly a smart young woman, really tried to understand the beliefs of Roger Williams and other founders that led to the first amendment's "Freedom of (not From) Religion", or whether she is simply the product of a myopic father.

When it's Winter, I'm really not ever interested in warmer days.

There seems to be an awful lot of Dolphins these days being stranded on shore a round here. Do you think it's because animal experts are telling them they're almost human...and now think they can walk on land.

What a crock Department:
The NY Times has just named Oakland Cal has the fifth best place in the world to visit! Say what? The so-called experts say the town has a newly renovated art deco theater and is gritty with great people roots that are the basis for many Restaurants; And where people (OWS) are willing to take a stand despite adversity. Hey!...how about Cranston RI. It has a newly renovated art deco theater, people with great roots and a superior array of terrific restaurants. And of course, people who are willing to take a stand for causes in which they believe. Oh yeah, and unlike Oakland, Cranston does not have out of control crime.

Almost Near: Chapter 58 continues. --Sam sat there looking at the silent phone. She felt rigid with indecision. I have to fight this she started saying to herself. She clinched her eyes. How many times must have she run from similar moments in the past? She was seeing things clearer now. She must be because she wasn't looking for a place to hide. Like she must have years ago in tucker's Lobster Cove world.
She dialed Detective Sparrow, slowly methodically. The phone was answered. "Detective Sparrow please." No panic in her voice. She awaited patiently. She didn't fidget.
"Sparrow."
"John, Sam. Tucker just called. he said he'd be coming to see me. he could be here already, or he could be leaving Little Rock."
"You all right?"
"Never better. Maybe it's you. But, some how I feel confident." There was silence on the phone.
"I'm on my way"..........and after a couple of beats of silence. "Thanks".
Samantha hung up the phone, grabbed her bag and opened the door to the hall. She looked both ways, the walked fast to the Ice/Soda room door doors away down the hall.

The Answer:

Number 1 is Aurora Borealis followed by Yosemite, The Milky Way, The galaxy fromatop Mauna Kia in Hawaii and the Providence RI Water Fire! Paris, the City of Light is 8.

Let's see. I have rented a movie. There's a Celtics game...Yup I think I'll make it thorough the State of the Union.

What are the odds that 0-Man will begin tonight saying -- "The State of the nation Sucks and 65.3% think it is going in the wrong direction"?

Work interrupts play.

Today's Tids Issue 2,492
Opening Stuff:

Happy Hanukkah Everybody! A lichtigin Chanukah. L'Shanah Tovah.

Americans have been occasionally susceptible to some pretty outrageously silly fads. But, you have love the "Layaway Angels" -- Anonymous good people who walk into stores and pay the remaining bills for the layaway items of those less fortunate. It's a national trend. And one of the nice things I have heard is that a few of the recipients of the kindness are passing it forward, donating some of their paid for layaway items to others in need. Gotta love the American heart.

This is that great day of relief for all of those who miss Summer. The days are getting longer again. Feel warm!

I had a great day yesterday. but not such a hot start this morn. They forgot to deliver along with the paper the comics section! Aaaaaaaaarrrrgh!

I was looking for a good recipe for Christmas day, and I came across a moderately complex lobster dish. But, it was so smothered with herbs and foreign substances that I felt it sacrilegious to offer it to you. Anything that diminishes the pure flavor of fresh lobster with butter is not worth repeating.

The Question:
Give me five funny lines from Ray Romano.

The Headlines:

--Kim Jung un To Share Power With Uncle, Military.
--Stocks Open Down After New Eurofears Rise; Oracle Down 13%; Tech Stocks Following Oracle Down.
--Trump, Paul Among Repubs Considering Third Party Challenge; Divide Would Assure Obama Reign Continuation.
--Wal-Mart, Oracle Earnings Shortfalls Shock Investors; Oracle Disappointment Has WS Worried About Tech.
--ECB (European Central Bank) Lends Banks $639 Bil For Three Years; To Shore Up Financial System Now Under Pressure.
--Nor'Easter Could Make Northeast White For Christmas.
--In Japan, Olympus Offices, Exec Homes Raided By Black Garbed Investigators.

Think about the ills of the world, the hunger and the pain; the people battling outrageous, uncompromising diseases and family losses; Brave men and women dying for the good of others. Compare that with an asshole apoplectic over not having his comics in the morning.

So far, about 20-22 new books about the end of the world have been announced for publishing for 2012. The "End Date" is December 21, a year from now. Expect a rash of doomsday everything for the next 12 months, including preachings, movies and TV programs. Travel companies will be promoting "Bucket List" Get-Aways. Restaurants will promote "Last Meals". It could get crazy. And the crazy will make maddening.

I'm still waiting for somebody in Congress to stand up and say, "Hey, wait a minute"...this tax we're agonizing over isn't really a tax, it's a contribution to the ailing Social Security Pension system."

There are lots of things wrong about Big Time Football. But, I bet you never thought it contributed to lower grades, GPA's. And I'm not talking about "Scholar"-Athletes. In an exhaustive study, the U of Oregon has determined that a winning football team brings down significantly the grades of male students. Their euphoria over the bouncing ball has them studying less and partying more. Talking too much about the game-to-come rather than the square root in a Political science problem. Oh well, the Alums are enjoying it.

The most useless section of our local newspaper is the one that brings us quotes from Our Washington DC congressional delegation. US Senators "Puppy Dog" Reed and "Limo Lib" Whitehouse echo religiously the sentiments of the 0-Man and the Dems. Reps "Who me?" Cicilline and "Hey I'm Here Too" Langevin just float along upon a rain cloud, the huge State Dem majority. There's not an independent, original thought in their brains.

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues. --"You two talk about when I was gone."
"Only that you were a fool. And weird!'
"Oh good, you still love me. So, what do you two think. Is he going after Samantha?" Tucker looked out the window at a man passing by. "Rudy was a bad guy. He deserved to die."
Audrey looked at Tucker sharply. "What makes you think he was a bad guy?"
"He was, wasn't he. You figure somebody gets bashed by a shovel that somebody's mad at him."
Audrey continued to looked at him. "I'm not sure that Barton is serious about Samantha as a suspect. The necklace is incriminating, But, a lot of the other evidence says no."
"Like what?" Audrey chose her words carefully.
"He thinks it is more likely to have been a man. I don't know the details." She knew the details, but she just wasn't ready to tell Tucker everything she knew.
"Why don't you drop me off at the hotel. I'd like to clean up. Where are you going to be?"
She didn't answer. "Barton wants to see you again."
The car came to a stop in front of the Hotel. "I figured." Tucker reached into the back seat and picked up his small bag. He turned his face to Audrey. "You are a beautiful woman." He squeezed her hand, opened the door and stepped out to the sidewalk. "I'll call you at home," he said over his shoulder.
Audrey watched him walk into the hotel. Then she let go of all the emotions she had been holding inside. Her hands were shaking.

The Answer:
On golf: "I love hitting into the rough. It brings me closer to the people." "My wife gets all the money I make. I just get an apple and clean clothes every morning." “I feel like this is a dream - and I apologize for how I dressed some of you.” "If my father had hugged me one more time, Id be an accountant." "Every parent knows that for a kid, a car is chloroform." " For the sake of you marriage, Get a King-Sized bed. And if you really want to stay marries, get two." "I'll be spending the holidays with my family. Nothing special, just some light bickering and biting sarcasm."

If you don't think about what's going on in the world, then the world is a pretty great place.

Arab Inquisition?

Today's Tids Issue 2,491
Opening Stuff:

You are not alone in your amazement of the antics of celebs. Kim Kardashian tops the just out "Most Annoying Celebrity" list (There may be truth to the rumor that in the future because the "K's" are so symbolic of Celeb over the top behavior, that it will be known As the "Kardashian List"). The rest in order are Charlie Sheen, Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan Piers Morgan, Kris Jenner, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Donald Trump, and some guy who must be an inside the Glitzway thing, Brett Ratner. Trump nemesis Rosie "O" must be sitting on the sidelines laughing, but she hasn't been back long enough to qualify for this years list. She will return.

The rise of this Arab Spring could result in the decline of Middle East Christians. The dictators are gone or going but the Islamists replacing them seem to be taking aim at Christian establishments. In other words, it's confusion and hopelessness as usual in the land of camels and persecuted women, non-believers. Are we seeing the revenge of the Spanish inquisition?

Christmas Spirit Department:
A good old friend (And great Editor) sent me this song, "The Giver and the Gift", which she and two other women will sing at Midnight Mass in her Ohio town. http://www.myspace.com/music/player Enjoy!

The Question:

Which car company was first to offer heated seats?

The Headlines:

--Stocks Up $275 at 11:11.
--World Guessing Begins As NK Ex Kim Jong Il Lies In State; Soule Puts Military On High Alert.
--Stock Markets Open Stronger.
--Stronger November Housing Starts Report Not Enough To Keep 2011 From One Of Worst Construction Years Ever.
--Egypt Violence Increases; 13 Killed; Hillary Irate.
--Anyone Can Win Iowa Caucus.
--Killer Blizzards Paralyze Midwest Plains.
--AT&T Nixes T-Mobile Deal After Fed Harassment Too Much to Handle.
--Ex-New England Patriot Star To Run For US Senate In Texas.

What does a man know anyhow, Department:
I would have thought those popular Vera Bradley bags had all of the characteristics typical of fashion fads. Yet this product which accounts for 94% of the company's sales must be still doing great as sales this year are up 32%! Yikes. The next thing you will see is company owned store expansion and diversification. Get ready for more belts, wallets, luggage and in home decorative accessories, all with those happy Vera designs.

I will never get used to those emails that arrive urging, "This is funny. Laugh!". I have my assumptive moments, but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt...that maybe they can figure out for themselves that it's funny. Or, the best ever.

Tom Brady seemed to take the field Sunday with an attitude that said, "Tebow, humpf! I'm still the man."

If it wasn't for the media and outspoken opposition, most Repubs would look at this GOP thing as a sorting out process. Who has more to gain by exaggerating the the appearance of confusion in Repub hopes but Obama and the Dems.

Real Person of the Year Department:
RI's Providence Journal says that Time Mag made a mistake by not picking Gina Raimondo as their Person of the Year. In a nation divided and devoid of any real leadership, the RI Treasurer accomplished both resolving an enormously emotional and potentially contentions situation. As the Editorial say, she did with facts over cheap politics; facts the great equalizer.

Oh, and that same Ed praising Dem Gina went on to praise another facts oriented Pol - Wisconsin's GOP'er, Paul Ryan. He in his newest push Medicare reform pulled together a strong facts based Bi-Partisan bill in conjunction with Dem Ron Wyden of Oregon. A bill by the way, which Romney endorses.

San Fran last night did the Pats fans a huge favor by beating the Steelers. This puts the Top Seed in the hands of the New Englanders. The team that ranks last in defense is first in the AFC. Go figure.

Almost Near: Chapter 56 continues. --Tucker was still thinking about Samantha as he stepped from the airport to the curb. As if choreographed, a car materialized before him. At once, he saw the now familiar welcoming smile of Audrey, and Samantha flew from his mind. He opened the rarer door, tossed in a small bag, jumped in the front seat, and as if by habit, leaned over and kissed her. She leaned her cheek into his lips, but immediately went back to the task of moving into the mindless traffic and away from the terminal. "Hi!", she said seconds later.
"Nice to come back to such a beautiful welcoming committee of one! I thought Barton would have been with you to arrest me as a fugitive from lunch."
Audrey turned and smiled at him. This was the Tucker she enjoyed, The sarcastic Tucker, whose words seemed to give control his life. And, maybe people around him. "Oh, Tucker, John was not a happy man. I just told him it was just one aspect of an insane man!" She reached over, but this time instead of that little punch, she stroked his upper arm. "I'm sorry I dragged you into that interview. But that's what you get when you make goo goo eyes at an inquisitive reporter. Still friends?"

The Answer:

The soon to be dead Saab was the company who gave us all those warm and cuddly heated seats. Is there anything better in a car in Winter? I don't think so. It is sad that this car will cease to exist. It was an automobile truly loved by its owners. It appears that US Government owned GM put the kibosh on a deal to China that could have saved the car and kept 3,000 Swedes working. Do you think maybe our Gov just doesn't understand the concept of private sector jobs?

Isn't it sad how people and groups never give up hating.

Waiting for Christmas rally.

Today's Tids Issue 2,488

Opening Stuff:

Occupy Amazon Department:
A few years ago our Tids Financial Department Editor suggested there may be an opportunity for a big box store that physically displayed tons of products as an aid to on-line buyers. I guess at that time I felt bad for the retailers, who are just used by Internet buyers. You know those hard working people who have to pay for the inventory and the help and the insurance and the rent; who may have invested their life savings into a business...to facilitate Buying On-Line. Of course now it is worse than ever, as more and more click to buy than ever before. You probably know that Amazon and others have an App that allows people to scan bar-codes in the shops of honest hardworking folks to find the best price, and then report it to Amazon -- who will give a discount to buy it there. If the company had any moral sense at all and fallowed standard Biz practices, they should pay the retailer a commission for helping drive the sale to them (The smart phone would record the point of price determination). The next sign you'll see next to that warning "No shirt,' no shoes, no entrance", should be "No Smartphones."

Newt Gingrich seems to have the ability to be whoever he wants. He wasn't conservative nor even a Republican when he damned Romney for his business tactics while at Bain Capital in turning around and invigorating businesses that provided far more jobs than those lost in the process.

The Question:

Name five of the most notable Political Consultants over the past several decades.

The Headlines:

--Market Looks To Recover; Debt Worries Dampening Enthusiasm After Positive Opening.
--New Jobless Claims At 3 1/2Year Low; Factory Data Not So Rosy.
--Morgan Stanly To Cut 1,600 Jobs.
--US Military Lowers Flags In Iraq.
--Dems Drops Tax The Rich From Discussions.
--Former French Prez Chirac Found Guilty Of Embezzling Funds.
--Putin Rejects Vote Re-Do.
--Defense Budget Passed After Removing Restrictions About Terrorist Prisoners; WH Says Prez Will Sign.

In response to our little Tid on "Worst Execs" for 2011, many readers were amazed that Corzine wasn't #1? The reason is that he is just a thief while the others were just the incredibly inept managers.

I am really happy that many, many years ago I gave up watching those droning Barbara Walters interviews. I hear the big one last night was basically unwatchable.

XFactor: Another program that is tough to watch, had it's final four sing-off last night. People were still annoyed by last week's cowardly Rachel booting, and booed Judge Nicole whats-her-name roundly at the opening. But, the show went on and the audience selected songs were better. Marcus Camby proved again why he should have been eliminated four shows ago. In the course of saving him we lost two excellent singers, Drew and Rachel. I don't particularly like Chris Rene, but he delivered on his second song. Melanie Amaro showed her class and professionalism again, and is clearly one who can win it all. Josh Krajcik was at his best and I thought the combinations of his two song selections showed his range better than the rest. Three minus Camby return next week. My final two right now would be Josh and Melanie. But Chris, the Hip-Hopper with a very strong stage presence and fan base, could win it all. But not with my vote.

This campaign for higher taxes on the rich is simply a strategy to divide the country for political purposes. The problem still remains over spending, and taxing the so-called rich is irrelevant as a solution. Period. But, alas, every President has set himself up as a defender of some bogeyman, and in 0-Man's case, his evil monster is "The Successful".

I guess the good news is that alcohol consumption by teens is way down. The temptation to jump up and down and an sing Alleluia! is tempered by knowing that at rapidly increasing rate, they are loving Pot! For medical purposes only, of course.

Pretty good Newt speech, if you are interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMjjce2Y

The Answer:

James Carveille pops into my mind, probably because his annoying New Orleans twang is ingrained in the back of my brain. Of, course the man in the Spotlight now is the latest Kingmaker, David Axelrod. But, few were better than Lee Atwater and even Pat Caddell who amazed the world by getting Jimmy Carter elected. Then there is Carl Rove who I dislike about as much as Paul Begala's incessant spinning. Another big player who twice came close to pushing mediocre Candidates -- Gore and Kerry -- into the Oval Office, is Bob Schrum. The only two political consultants I enjoy listening to are Mary Matalin and George Stephanopolis.

You know things are tough when the traders on Clueless Lane can't manipulate the market in their favor to pad year end bonuses. Hey, wait a minute, they probably are manipulating the markets in their favor. I guess I really meant my favor.

People are talking to me about January already. I thought it was still September.

The Killer "B's".

Today's Tids Issue 2,481
Opening Stuff:.

Belittle, besmirch, besmear, berate, backbite, bash, bedevil. Have you noticed? The White House is running a very effective search and destroy mission, devastating or exaggerating reputations of potential candidates before they can build upon successes and momentum...and most of all confusing republicans. Especially avowed conservative, who may have forgotten that getting rid of 0-man is the goal, and that potential achievement is most probably in the hands of the Indies. Alas, that is the situation, the base Dem base is just too large for the Coservative wing of the Republican party to go it a lone. No matter how staunch they are in their principles. Unless of course, they are all masochists and love the thought of the potential ruin that 0-Man could inflict during a second term.

So, what's with all of these new self made, family Christmas cards that look more like ads?

African folks probably won't know or remember that for the past century the USA was the Big Mahoff in the world, especially now, as they see "Made in China" on almost everything they buy. When they see the Chinese building their roads, cities and public utilities. Yes, the biggest country could be well on it's way to taking ownership the biggest continent, the big forbidding continent loaded with vast natural resources. Makes you shudder a bit, doesn't it?

The Question:
Tim Tebow's presence is shining the light so to speak on religeous NFL Players. Name ten other of these tough guys who are as, or even more religious than Tim

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Hopeful After New Efforts That Would Strengthen The Euro.
--US Home Prices Fall 3rd Consecutive Month.
--Merkl Downplays S&P Action Against Fifteen EuroCountries.
--Iowa, Lauded By "O" As First Adopters Of ObamaCare Having Second Thoughts.
--MF Global Emplyees Sue Corzine, Other Execs.
--Afghan Suicide Bomber Kills 65 Shiites In Mosque.
--Italy Appears To Have Right Salvation Plan; Getting Passed Is Big Mystery Now.
--Surprise: Amanda Knox Hires Attorney for Book deal.
--Blago Sentenced today.
--Winter Storm Blasting New Mexico With Snow, Frigid Temps.

Wow, they have discovered a gigantic planet that looks perfect for supporting life, just like our good old earth. Get ready for interpanatory war! And for God sakes, don't tell China! But, wait a minute, the big 72 degrees planet with the possibility of people who could easily look like us, is a mere 600 light years away. Do you know how many miles make up one Light year. Try 5.9 Trillion. Now times that against 600! Makes you want to ponder the size of of the universe, doesn't it. I keep thinking that maybe this vast universe with all of it's coordinated complexities is just God's brain, and we all live in it.

I for one dislike the fact that Donald Trump is becoming the arbiter on the selection of my Party's candidate.

But then, that's the problem with today's "Entertainment News" programming, isn't it. It's sizzle over substance all of the time.

Minnie Minosa should have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame too. Santo deserved it. He was a terrific player, one guy of whom I thought highly, but Minosa was also a genuine star of the day -- hitter, runner, fielder.

Every issue in government these days seems to have been formulated to be a political pressure point. "How can I make my opponent look bad" has taken precedence over "How can we do best for the American People". And, Obama is the ringleader. Of all the presidents in my memory (And that is becoming far too many), he is -- and I'm including Carter -- the most partisan President of them all. Without question.

No politics tomorrow. Promise.

Repubs are salivating for a Newt/Barack debate series, and so is "Entertainment news." But Newt just can't win, because his negatives are deeper, tending towards hatred (A term often which is misused and frankly which I hate. Oops!). And, I'm not an anti-Newt guy. I'm just getting tired of dismissing good candidates who can actually win. And more importantly, bringing this country together and getting it going again.

But then, the Newtster is a terrific salesman:
https://www.newt.org/donate?rebuildamerica&utm_source=CFE1206Newsmax&utm_medium=CFE1206Newsmax&utm_campaign=CFE1206Newsmax

ABC News has a nice little "Buy made in America" effort going.

The word "Hate" is used often these days by sportswriters and radio talkers opining on Tebow. They "Hate" the way he can't throw a pass like pros are supposed to? I don't think so. They don't like his courage and the guilt they feel by his standing up tall for his beliefs. I'm rooting for the Timster all the way.

The Answer:
They say that Brian Dawkins, Tebow's Teammate is more of a religeous leader than the QB. Another who might surprise you is headhunter Troy Polomalu. Kurt Warner who just retired is Tebows mentor, and Drew Brees, one of the top tow or three passers of today is an active Christian. Some others are donovan Mcnabb, Ladanian Thomas, Richard Seymore and Ray Lewis. Hall of Fame is loaded with strong religious players from Emmit Smith to Deion Sanders to Bruce Smith. In fact, as I dug deeper I was amazed at the number of players who are strong proponents of keeping God and Christian principles alive and well in the hearts of people.

If vanity was a religion, Tom Brady would be right up there too! Just kidding Tom. Keep throwing. I know, I know, Gizelle made you do it.

"Almost Near" is ready to explode, and I need to take a big breath first.

Zuccotti Park ain't no manger.

Today's Tids Issue #2,479
(Written 12/2)
Opening Stuff:



Hey, it's beautiful December and it's still not very cold. This could mean record snow falls in April! But, we're all are awaiting the wonderful fat guy in the red suit. I don't know about you, but I always get a great feeling in my heart when the calendar flips over to the 12th month. And, we have lots ahead, Pearl Harbor to remember, pearls to be bought for the special and pearls of wisdom that remind us why this is the most beautiful time of year. And the heart of this most beautiful of months was found in a manger 2011 years ago. Just look at us now.

Coke says there new, now defunct cans were designed to raise money for polar bears. What are the polar bears going to do with all that money, build a seal TV dinner factory? Let's hope the money for polar bears isn't being funneled through an African dictator or they won't see a dime.

The one thing I'm getting from this so-called "Historic" visit is that Aung Sai Suu Kyi is the best looking of all current world leaders.

Reputation is what other people think of you.

The Question:
Name the top ten all time women tennis players.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Posts Best Week Since 2009; But, Week Came After Miserable Previous Week.
--With More Americans Out Of The Labor Force, Unemployment Numbers For November Expected To Hit 2 1/2Year Low; Disguised By 315K Left Labor Force In Month.
--Newest Politico To Enter Sex Scandal Hall Of Shame -- Bill Richardson; Grand Jury Looking At Possible $200K Funneled To Pay Off Talkative Alleged Ex Affair Mate.
--Cain To Clarify His Candidacy Tomorrow.
--10 Year Old Philadelphia Fan Calls Tom Brady "Sucky".


The X-Factor Logo is foreboding appearing to me, and it seems to represent the atmosphere of the program well. A program which also illustrates the dark, money side of the music business. Maybe I'm just bitter becasue I thought Drew was the best of the lot.

Don't you get the feeling that most of the news is centered around the few that have fallen through the cracks while that 100's of millions who just do it right day after day just keep rolling along dealing with the bumps and enjoying the highs of life.

As one reader opined, only people who celebrate Christmas buy trees. Did you ever go to a tree farm and see two signs -- This way to Christmas Trees and Holiday Trees in up front lot. "John Leydon's Fairness Celebration Tree farm." We also have Birthday trees, Bar Mitzvah trees and special Easter or Rite of Spring Trees. All of our trees are naturally evolved! None blessed by God.

And...this from another reader, who after presenting the various definitions of the word "Pretend" (Look em' up), suggests: "So to pretend that Christmas season is anything but the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ is to pretend that something else that is nothing is something. It is to make believe in something that is not."

Don't you love the insightful Tids readers.

That NFL clothing for Christmas commercial stretches the limits of believability, when a well dressed woman goes orgasmic over a pair of boots plastered with a Jets logo.

And, remember that Lincoln "Holiday Tree" Chafee is that RI Governor who said when running, "Kurt Shilling's bloody sock was a sham!"

If anybody in the country still reads Time, eyes will be turning to RI and the leader of the dramatic turn-around of a beleaguered state -- Gina Raimondo. Gina for President -- well maybe Senator.

By the way, what do the democrats have against pizza shop owners and the pizza makers. Every time I see Obama and other high chiefdoms in the party, they are derogatorily referring to Cain as "that Pizza business guy."

Almost near: Chapter 52. --"What did you think of that lawyer who was trying to help your girlfriend Samantha?" Audrey just stared at Tucker who was trying to grasp a string of onion soup cheese with his teeth. It was not a pretty picture. That's why she asked the question when she did. He finally slurped up the cheese, but winced as his tongue touched the hot soup.
"She's not my girlfriend and he seemed like a nice guy." Audrey thought he looked concerned as he stared back at her.
"I'm sorry, I'm your girl friend right?" She smiled radiantly at him and he smiled back. "Don't worry, I'm not stalking you. So, was that Dante lawyer hit by the car before or after you came out here."
"Dante was hit by a car?" Good answer, Audrey thought.
"Oh, you hadn't heard about that. Yeah, I've been doing some reporter snooping. I also learned that Samantha was very distraught after eating lunch with you and the lawyer."
"She did go to the ladies room, and then just disappeared. I'm worried about her, actually. And now more so after seeing the look in that Barton's eyes." He paused a little, gently tasted that onion soup and the ate it all. "So, would you liike to be my girlfirend?"

The Answer:
I've admired them all in one way or another and a couple were my favorite athletes of the day. Starting at Ten we have Justine Henin followed by Evonne Goolagong, Venus Williams, Monica Selas (Could have been higher if not stabbed), Billy Jean King, Serena Williams Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Stefi Graf and Martina Navratilova. Personally I would add Althea Gibson and Mo Connolly, plus a few of the pioneers in the 30;s and 40's.

The way I see it, there are only two possibilities: The government doesn't have a clue about saving for a rainy day, or they are just out and out inept business managers. The answer is that they do save for a rainy day but forget why they are saving it.

Unemployment statistics in RI improve dramatically: Indy upsets the Pats and millions of RI'ers jump off Newport bridge altering significantly reducing out of job statistics.

Love your weekend.

Nobody will know but your heart.

Today's Tids Issue 2,480
Opening Stuff:

I remember when I was probably 10 or eleven, wandering with a couple of friends from store to store downtown. Yeah, we walked many miles a day. Finding myself in the corner drugstore, my taste buds aching for some Dentine gum, I reached down only to find my pockets were bare. I looked around. I edged up to the candy display. My little hand slinked out of my pocket, to the Dentine and back in again. I looked around. Nobody was looking. I called for my buddies, let's go. Outside they were goofin off, like usual. "Wanna a piece of gum?" "Sure," they all said, "where'd you get it anyhow". I didn't answer, Then we started punching each other and doing stupid stuff. But my heart was now firmly affixed in my stomach. And it remained there for most of the year. I broke out in sweat every time I passed the store. Then one day I walked down town, alone. I breathed in deeply and walked back into that lions den, with my hands in pocket. I looked up and saw Old Mr' Elliot and the ice cream counter guy staring at me.They knew. I turned back to the door. But, stopped. It was time. My hand slinked out grasping a nickle. I looked around again and put it on the counter. Nobody was looking. I walked out whistling through dry lips. A little bit any how. Don't tell.

Who says Tim Tebow can't pass?

I will never understand the reasoning behind or get used to the phrase -- "The image in your rear view mirror may be closer than it appears".

The Question:

Time for Double Bonus day: 1. Did Michelangelo consider himself a sculptor or a painter? Which came first, "David or "The Sistine Chapel"? Who was his most important mentors? Give me one myth about the painting of the Sistine. 2. Name the three super hits by Little Richard. Little who?

The Headlines:

--US Stock Futures Up Sharply On News Of Potential Progress In Europe.
--Pearl Harbor Survivors Gathering There For 70th Anniversary Of Japanese Atrocity.
--Putin's Party Barely Sneaks By.
--New USPS Cuts Could Make "Two Day Or Worse 1st Class Delivery" The Norm.
--Merkel, Sarkozy still Seeking deal That Would Stabilize Euro.
--Clinton Avows USA Continuing Support For Afghan.
--Madonna Named Entertainment For SuperBowk Halftime.

One out of eleven people shoplifts something during this crazy "shopping" season. It costs business $190 Billion. Congress shoplifts something from the taxpayer everyday and it's up to about $15 Trillion. Petty theft is really not so petty.

While on the same general subject, there is no legal defense that bothers me more than that of many defense, celebrity and other, lawyers -- "It's only a misdemeanor".

Oh yeah, in case you are interested the 10 most shoplifted items are Filet Mignon's, Jameson Whiskey (Really, that's what it says), Electric Tools (Power Toothbrushes are tops as well as work tools), IPhone4, Gillette Mach 4, Axe (Men's deodorant - retailer can't smell thief coming!), Polo Ralph Lauren, Let's Rock Elmo, Chanel #5 and Nike.

If the American Revolution made America, then the War of 1812 made America great. Yet few people celebrate that every important war that put the US on the map as a power, and actually signaled the beginning of the current friendship between the US and Britain. Few people, except the cities and towns around Lake Erie, a burned out Washington DC, a bombarded Baltimore, a ehroic New Orleans and Rhode Island where we are building an official State Tall Ship, a teaching ship, named after the hero of the Great Lake - Oliver Hazard Perry. Some of the big battles of this largely forgotten war were the siege of Baltimore (Star Spangled Banner), Battle of New Orleans.

As far as I'm concerned, the best looking residential development in RI is Harbour Ridge outside of Wickford. It has rather amazing architecture for a residential effort, with all homes being entirely different except for two things -- quality and character.

The headline said, "Obama gets laughs at Kennedy Center Honoree Dinner." Let's see, the room is filled with leftist President fawning celebs, and he gets laughs for his jokes. How odd. How newsworthy.

Alas, the Post Office looks like it is cutting itself to irrelevancy. I always thought the USPS was a much better deal for package delivery than either UPS or FedEx. It was a product that always got there fast as promised. So the question asked is why can't the PO make money like those two services do. Easy, the USPS is mandated to deliver everything anywhere at the least possible cost. It is their charter to deal with inefficient markets.

Actually, old Ma Bell, the big "monopoly" everyone wanted to bring to it's knees, had the same mandate as the Post Office. They had to string lines to that lone farmer in in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma, while upstarts like Sprint cherry picked the most profitable connections -- major city to major city.

I'm looking at the South Carolina primary as the most telling of the early contests.

Over in Russia they say more and more people don't like Putin, but he and his operatives have successfully squashed, maimed the image, of any of the potential candidates and that there is nobody left to run. Sound familiar.

Word out of Massachusetts is that Scott Brown has lost his conservative super-supporters.

I don't get that giant drop in unemployment. The new jobs added report was a mere 120,000, which all experts agree is far below what is necessary to nudge the unemployment downward, much less the .5 drop! The WH immediately released a report about 0-Man's Jobs Act effectiveness. But later economists said "Not do Fast Politicians". The work force that gained 120k jobs also lost 315K who gave up looking for work. Also, BLS (Board of Labor Statistics) says " the civilian labor force participation had declined to 64%", another piece of statistical evidence saying more people were not looking for work. So, Charlie Brown, that's why that number looked weird.

Almost Near: Chapter 52 continues. --Audrey punched his arm lightly like she had been doing for the past months since they met. She did it reflexively as she had, but wasn't sure she had the same good vibes. He is a nice guy and always had that man-in-need appeal, she liked. But, his moods lately had been noticeably different, at least to a snoopy reporter.
"So, you still love me?"
"When was the last time I said I loved you?"
"Oh, just about never, but I got this feeling! Wanna sing!"
Now Audrey laughed, and loosened up a lot, giving him a little jab.
"So," she asked, "Don't you think this Dante accident was little bit coincidental?" She asked him, but didn't indicate that she believed that Samantha had absolutely nothing to do with it. In fact Audrey was starting to feel for Samantha's plight herself.
"I think it is awful that it happened. Dante seemed like a nice guy."
"Tell me about that locket you found?"
"That was a story about the past. I'd rather talk about us."

The Answer:
1. Donatello was Mike's second teacher, and probably his most important confluence. he considered him self a sculptor, which is probably why his David, 1504, preceded his best know painting achievement the Sistine Chapel,1508-1512. As opposed to popular lore, he painted standing up. What is also interesting about the Sistine effort was his use of a very vibrant color palette. This was revealed when during the 1980's restorers removed 470 years of accumulated crud. Things may have been brighter back in those days than what most paintings of the era reveal. Or maybe art was used to to counter the bleak! or not. 2. The throaty one's big three in the mid 1950's were Tutti Frutti (All Rooty), Long Tall Sally and Good Golly Miss Molly. A-wop-bop-a-loo-lop-a-lop-bam-boom!

Shop lifters and litterers. "Hey, I didn't do nuttin." What does your heart tell you?

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.