Through different eyes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,563
Opening Stuff:

The dawning cold penetrated to the core of my bones; the returning winter's air invigorated my skin, watered my eyes. Yet I am not a flower or tree that had burst forth at suns first warmth. I will survive, but the flowers brightening fields; Or on trees that bare fruit, may never have their life fulfilled. Fruit production will be down, but Cheetos will fill the shelves. The world is never the same through different eyes.

You have to wonder what the North Koreans and Iranians are thinking of Obama's bold stands, threats against them, after hearing him tell the Russians to hang with me because things will change after my election. I am totally not surprised because this President has totally not lived up to his words the past four years. This is exactly what makes electing him so dangerous for the US future. He has a plan, and it will be no holds barred a if he gets back in. You have to believe that he has "whispered" to his liberal base the same promise for his post election actions, as he has to the Russians. That's just the way he is. And it's not pretty.

The Question:

There were 43 recorded state executions in the world last year. The US was 5th. Name the four countries with more.

The Headlines:

--Wall Street Flat After Monday rally.
--Syria Agrees To Cease Fire According To Annan.
--Olympia Snowe Gives Prez "F" As Communicator With Opposition.
--More Earthquakes rattle Japan.
--East Greenwich Stands Out as Financial Fortress As Other RI Communities Struggle for Survival.
--Stockton Cal May Be Biggest Bankruptcy Ever; Detroit Also On Brink.

Tim Tebow is even "exciting" off the field. Yesterday at the press conference he said "excited" or "exciting" 46 times.

The Women's NCAA Basketball Match-up between Kentucky and UConn is a good one. UConn was not supposed to be here at all this year. Kentucky is on a mission to join their men's team as a final four participant. UConn is trying to over-achieve and Kentucky is trying to take a first step on the road to matching UConn's record setting 3x's men's/women's dual success. To add to that dynasty built upon the shoulders of Adolf Rupp, at this college of Wildcats known for Basketball excellence since the beginning of time.

Do you get the feeling that the Cameron dive to the bottom of the Marianna Trench is about as newsworthy as Heraldo Rivera breaking into Al Capone's safe?

The Trayvon Martin case is demonstrating clearly the chaos that can occur in a land without laws, or if laws and legal systems are disregarded.

I know many people who are strong supporters of Santorum. For the most part, they like his courage in not wavering from a strong, fundamental belief system. A fundamental belief system that a large majority of Americans hold to. Many though sense he would have a hard time drawing Democrats and Independents, even those more than ready for change, in enough mass to beat "0". So, it is probably good news that the Rickster has said he would run as Vice President.

During all of these years of stuffing information into this muddled brain of mine, one thing among others that surfaces from time to time is the formation of land masses. I can't imagine that the earth is going to be like it is today forever. So, when I read about earthquakes in Japan or volcanoes in Hawaii, I wonder if we are at the beginnings of a new geography? The earth is an unstable pile of rocks, and the inevitability of significant change is is always there lying just below the surface.

Olivia Snowe says she is the same Republican today that she was when she first ran for office in 1976. I would agree. The true values of real Republicans haven't changed. It's the way republicans have been redefined by the opposition that has changed.

Almost Near: Chapter 65 continues. --Tucker stepped out into the hall and turned back to the frightened mother and daughter. He looked at Samantha and nodded while whispering "run to the exit for the stairs".
Samantha in fast, unexpected move, shoved Sheila back into the room and slammed the door. Almost in the same move, she drove her shoulder into the ribs of Tucker, sediment him sprawling; she following him hard to the floor. The gun dropped but only inches from his hand. Samantha dug in her heels to lurch forward, just as he grasped the gun.
She looked at the barrel turning towards her head. Don't Tommy, don't.
He froze. Don't call me Tommy. is eyes glazed. His panic at rethinking his past gave her a second to continue her push towards him. The gun went off. The sound was enormous echoing down the narrow hall.
Samantha felt a pain in her thigh. She collapsed to the floor. She grimaced, but she knew she couldn't pass out. She heard pounding on the other side of the door. "Mommy, Mommy".
Tucker rose. He looked bewildered. Disassociated. All of his calculating cool gone.
Her only weapon she now knew was to shout Tommy! Tommy, Tommy, put it down. He was just standing there, incoherent. Doors down the hall, doors started opening.

The Answer:

First of all China executes, they say, thousands each year, but the numbers are tightly held within the country. So, that leaves Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the US as the top official executioners.

I'm not so sure all of this social media is such a good thing.

Happy Birthday Ludwig!

Today's Tids Issue 2,489

Opening Stuff:

At any given moment, any Beethoven piece could be one of my favorites. That was part of his genius. He could write to many moods. I think that is where he changed the music world. As brilliant as some of his composer predecssors may have been, they could never get out of their own way. Luddy, broke molds. Reached higher, and delivered majesty never heard before. Luddy?

How come the Fed keeps on boasting a decline in or a holding steady inflation rate at a time when the average person fears going to the Supermarket. It gets harder and harder to believe government stats.

Europe is on the brink of a recession, and those new austerity programs will contribute to the continent's downward spiral into a full recession in early next year. This will drag down the world economy and suck the air out of the USA already moribund GDP growth rate. So be prepared to feel the gloom for six months or so, according to leading London economists. But, China will emerge after the first quarter with very robust growth rate and pull along much of the rest of the world...except EuroZone. You can't put walls around your country any more.

The Question:

Steven Bochco was a prolific and inventive writer. Name five of his TV shows.

The Headlines:

--Markets will keep People Guessing Today.
--House And Senate Agree On Governemnt Funding Deal.
--New AP-GfK Oll: Americans 52 to 43 Say "Obama Should Be Voted Out Of Office"; It's 50-50 On Whether He Will Win; Job Performance -- Overall - Approve/Disapprove 44/54, Economy - A/D 39/60.
--Fitch Cuts Ratings Of Goldman, Deutshe Bank, Barclay, Credit Suisse, Citi, BNP Paribas, BoA.
--Popular SC Gov Nikki Haley Endorses Romney.
--Russian Customs Seize Iran-Bound Radioactive Material.
--World Court Says Killing Of Quadaffi May Have Been War Crime.

Some how the Tids Entertainment Editor muscled the Sports Editor aside, and the pig skin picks missed yesterday. (For the record, our crackerjack team included the Thursday Florida Championship -- and the winner we picked was Atlanta.) Last week was a little better and raised the year to 139-69 (67%). The puzzlers this week are Seattle-Chi, Miami-Buff, Det/Oak, Jets-Igles, Balt-SD and Pitt-SF. And because of the Tebow effect versus the porous NE defense, that too. Chi, Buff, Oak, Phil, SD and SF are my winners, mostly based on need to win versus nice to win. The rest are NO, Cinn, Houston, GB, Tenn, NYG and Ariz. Oh yeah, the Pats are the best team that Denver has faced this year. So, with a roll of Tums in my hand, I go with my guys. But something inside says that if Tebow starts rallying I could root quietly against myself.

Years ago when you forgot or failed to send out a Christmas card, people would think you didn't like them any more. Today, people think you died.

Debate Department:
Well, the Newtster continually under asault at the big debate last night, seemed to weather the storm pretty well.Hhe used self depretiating humor and facts to blunt the attacks primarily by Bachman and Santorum about Fannie/Freddie loot and ProLife stance. He brought down the house with his belittling of Obama over the Canada pipeline decision. Even though he was the focus, it wasn't all Newt. Romney and Paul looked very strong as did Santorum. Life marches on in Republand as all on the stage agreed with Paul's assessment -- "Everybody on this stage is capable of beating Obama."

The front page of the Prov Journal had in Gigantic black agate type -- "War Over". With all due respect to our fallen heroes, the headline for a war that most thought ended several years ago didn't seem to have the impact like it did for WWII.

Poser of the Day: Would you feel comfortable dating or having as a friend, Amanda Knox?

Putin seems to be a remnant of the old Us versus the evil West regime. In fact he seems to genuinely hate the the US. Now I'm no conspiracy theory guy, but I'm thinking that the CIA is organizing those protests.

Well, maybe Bach was pretty fantastic.

Some of the people down at ESPN are saying it's refreshing to be telling positive stories about Tim Tebow. They admit a certain level of being disturbed when mired down, as they often are with sports "heroes", in the mud with ongoing deplorable stories about slugs like Rothlesberger and Vick.

The culture didn't get any better when NBC decided to pick Howard Stern as a judge for America's Got talent. Stern was one of those early TV icons whose basic recognition was a result of a devotion to obscenity. Well, at least he didn't take off his clothes like some of our newer pop divas.

I was surprised to read that in the Latest Brown U Survey Gina Raimondo had but a 52% approval rating among RI'ers. But digging down you see that only 37% of Dems approve versus 60-61% for Indies and Repubs respectively. I guess Dems don't want to be saved from a deteriorating RI. Other RI stats: 85% approve voter ID's; It's 77% to 11% for the Christmas tree. And the best news of all- Cicilline has an approval rating in the low twenties!

Reading Between the Lines movie Reviews:
--I have enjoyed all of the Mission Impossible movies, and the new one, :Ghost Protocol, they say is even good! Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt's gang must go under the radar to clear their name and prevent another attack.
--There is so much action in the new Sherlock Holmes offering that it is nearly impossible to find the plot. It is another H-Wood effort that sacrifices a solid mystery for over the top action. Professor Moriarty is at large and his intellectual capacity may be equal of Holmes. His moral depravity eliminates any sense of logic in solving the case. That is the struggle.
--Alvin and the Chipmonks: Chipwrecked is...well...Alvin and the Chipmonks.

Almost Near: Chapter 56.
--I reached out with loving arms across the glistening skies.
To feel the warmth we knew as budding flowers blossomed.
To be your rock upon which to cling in the surging seas of life.
Now I see you running free, amidst the sandy dunes.
Will I disappear beneath the tides; Will I be hurled upon your shore.
  Tucker looked concerned as he sat in the window seat on the flight back to Little Rock. He would see the face of Samantha in the clouds, and then see it disappear, drawn apart by winds outside the rushing plane. He could feel the plane shudder has the face of Samantha disappeared. And then it would return. It bothered him
After the call from Audrey, he went back to the table and sat for a another half hour telling Sparrow pretty much nothing. Even though he knew everything. He could tell by Samantha's expression that she knew there was more. He had looked at his watch, and declared "Gotta catch a plane." Samantha rose and took his hand, quite tenderly he remembered, but not with that need she had shown these past months. Sparrow shook his hand, smiled, "Keep in touch," he said. Then Tucker/Tommy left not looking back. He had wondered what Sam may have looked like as he walked away. But he didn't turn. Sparrow could be a problem he thought.

The Answer:

Bochco got ink in his pen while working on a team that wrote shows like Columbo, McMilland and Wife and Ironsoide. He became a hit-maker with critically acclaimed Hill Street Blues. His other big hits were LA Law and NYPD Blue. He also wrote a series of lesser successes like Hooperman, Murder One, Brooklyn South, City of Angels, Over There, Philly and Most recently Raising the Bar.

I usually start pacing the floor Sunday morning in anticipation of the Patriots game. It seems that today I can't sit still awaiting the clash of two dissimilar quarterbacks. Brady the All pro who is 1-5 in Denver and who will be dodging two great edge rushers. And the miracle man Tebow, in reality still an unknown, facing the most porous defensive backfield in the league.

Love your weekend!

Women in charge.

Today's Tids Issue 2,487
Opening Stuff:


Well...nothing happening in the world, I'm outta here! Just k-i-d-d-i-n-g.

There's a lot happening in the world, it's just that a lot of Americans don't seem to know it. As more evidence of America losing in its collective mind, I give you Yahoo's "Most Searched Items for 2011". Here's what Americans want to know: Starting with #1 we have iPhone. then the inquisitive minds go to Casey Anthony, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan, American Idol, Jennifer Anniston, japan Earthquake and Osama bin Ladem. Ask!'s list had Kardasian, Justin, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kate Middleton, Ashton Kuthcher M. Jackson (Dead -oooo-weee-oooo), Selena Gomez, Lohan and Sheen. "So that's the way it is, this Wednesday 2011."

The Question:

Name the the worst Corporate execs for 2011.

The Headlines:

--Euro Fade has Clueless Lane Looking To Declining Market.
--China Imposing Tarriffs -- 2%-21% -- On Car Imports From US;
--Obama Reaches New High In Un-favorability Rating.
--House Passes Payroll Tax Extension; Now In Hands Of Dem Senate.
--Time Mag Man -- Man, Person, Thing of the Year: The Protestor.
--Man Kills 4, Injures 122 In Belgian Shopping center.
--Media On Sideline Ready to Pounce Upon Gingrich Mistakes.
--Sandusky Lawyer Mistakenly Suggests Calling "Gay Sex Site" For Truth About Accusations.

I listen to the TV show "The View" in the background while working away, and come away with one thought: I hope if the country is ready for a woman president, that this is not an example of what we will get. Aspirin anybody?

I really hate that Idea of "American being ready for a woman, black, Hispanic et. al." Or "It's time for a ..." It was brought home as I watched a hokey local program (I watch it every year) that would choose the "Guest Host for A Year" for the "Rhode Show". They had five finalists as always and this year it happened to be all women. In little recaps of their resume's they all looked intelligent, spritely and attractive. Certainly Maria Gonzales was too, equal or better than the others. But, for her closing remark she said "It's time for a Hispanic." I don't think so...it's time for who is best.

Looks like the Cougar abandoned the cub. America's anchor woman Katie C has taken the milk bowl away from her 17 year young beau, Brooks Perlin. She says it was becasue of priority conflicts attributed to ...what?...age difference. For the record she is 54 and he is...what! math problem.

"Feeling Wanted" in the NBA is spelled M-O-N-E-Y!

I've been keeping an eye on those Tebow games. Last Sunday I tuned in with about 3 or 4 minutes left, Denver down by 10. With the ball in the hands of daBears. I thought, no miracle comeback... no way this time. Then I watched and wondered one more time -- who says he can't pass. I've played a lot of sports and watched tons of games and have learned one thing. The player with the big heart always has the chance to come out on top.

I love "Hokey" stuff.

A major difference between China and America is that China is all Chinese. Over here, the "Melting Pot" is looking more like a bowl of succulent creamy gravy or rich cheese sauce that separates upon reheating. It's time for oneness. Again.

I really don't like today's oft repeated phrases like "Man-up" and "Go girl."

Almost Near: Chapter 55 continues. --
"I grew up in the same town as Samantha, so of course I know them They seemed nice. I moved away when I was in my early twenties. Wanted to be a writer! Can't do that in your home town, can you?" Sparrow just looked at him with no reaction. Hi stare seemed to unnerve Tucker. He looked quickly towards Samantha. She was smiling quietly. "That's really about it. I heard they had moved. I think Sam and I heard that together from her friend....um..."
"Martha?" Samantha looked composed to Tucker.
"That's it. So, detective Sparrow, what have you found?"
"I didn't say we had found anything. I just always thought there was something odd about it all."
Tucker felt a vibration in his pocket, reached in picked up his cell phone, mouthed "excuse me" and looked down. He frowned. "I've got to take this." He rose and left the table, walking towards the cash register area.
"Waddaya think."
"I think what he said is probably true, but I don't think he said anything."

The Answer:

Topping the list is Reed Hastings who in twinkling took the smooth sailing Netflix into a chasm where 800,000 customers left in what seemed like seconds. Worse than losing customers, was the loss of the edge the company had enjoyed ahead of the rampaging Google and Amazon. Next were RIM co-CEO's Mike Lazardis and Jim Balsillie who forgot about the competition while trying to buy an NHL Team. And then there was that worldwide service outage atop of executive inattention. RIM joined Netflix in losing "half their market" in one year. Third is Leo Apotheker who couldn't figure out whether HP was keeping or selling its computer biz. He was only there 11 months, and missed every financial target. For is failure he received a $25Mil Chute, $7.5 mil Severance, 580,000 shares of various stock forms and a $2.4 Mil bonus to relocate his family. Maybe OWS has a point.

If you always found a ringing phone at home annoying, why would you want to carry a phone with you when you're away from home?

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.