Kudos.

Today's Tids Issue 2,469
Openiing Stuff:


The RI legislature stepped up to the plate, avoided some wayward inside fastballs and hit one out of the park last night for the taxpayers and in general, for the possible return to all around sanity. These politicians in our beleaguered state had the guts and the integrity necessary to do what's right. Let's hope yours do too. The Country needs it.

Last night, the adorable, pleasantly brash little rapper on X-Factor turned out to be just another punk who thinks the world owes him a living. The biggest crime though wasn't in the immature antics of a moderately talented kid (Talented if you like Rap), but the judges not sending him home. Giving him a pass. But then it is typical of our society where the crass, irresponsible, lazy and child molesters are protected by personal motivations of the ruling class.

Consumers are merely income streams for banks.

The Question:
Name five of Natalie Wood's best movies.

The Headlines:

--Good-Bye Regis.
--Stocks Up A Smidge.
--Confusion Reigns As Record Amount Of Egyptians Prepare For First Democratic Vote.
--House Prepares To Vote On Balanced Budget Amendment.
--China Vows Closer Military Ties With North Korea.
--Massive Rallies Yesterday By OWS Groups Seems To Have Fallen On Deaf Ears.
--Syracuse U Number 2 Basketball Coach Accused Of Molesting Boys.
--Newport RI'er Ken Reid Leading The Pack In The 45,000 Mile Around The World Sailboat race.

Good news from Congress for a change. It appears they are going to reinstate Pizza and fries for school lunches. They got to start upping their approval ratings somewhere. Might as well start with the fertile minds of kids.

I think my spell-check service is Government designed and operated. For instance...I just wrote "pll". The spell check gives me poll and pall as suggestions. How much creativity does it take to suggest "pull"? Maybe it's because of what we have long suspected -- There is no "U" in the government lexicon.

You ain't seen deflation like you will see deflation if they go through with the elimination of the Mortgage deduction.

Tebow is proving that intrinsically being a winner, having the heart, is more important every time than passing the "experts" test for physical characteristics.

The other big story in RI is the steady flow of jobs away from the state. 20 or so years ago the powers that be proclaimed that Tourism would be just fine as a replacement for a deteriorating manufacturing economy that once reigned supreme. And so they got it -- A seasonal economy that will always struggle. Now, as October reports 7,000 more jobs lost (The third month in a row) they are craving the return of manufacturers and other year long businesses The only year long business we have is government employees and that just is not an economy at all. The problem. The business economy here pretty much sucks because of extreme over-regulation, high energy costs and significant taxation. In fact RI in most polls rates dead last as attractive to companies. Maybe the Legislature can step up to the palate again. Or maybe we should just call on Gina to do it one more time.

Ok, maybe Tebow isn't the worlds greatest QB, but the visceral hate shown against him is way out of whack with the reality that it's only a guy playing sports! It can only be because of his strong belief in God and commitment to a moral life. A guy like Tebow could make many face up to their innate guilt, and they probably hate him for the anguish he creates for them in the lives they love leading. Anyhow, that's my take on it.

The Cable news Networks must be licking their chops over the prospects of reopening the Natalie Wood case. It will provide many hours of repetitive TV, and good extra income for lawyers, detectives and assorted self-proclaimed experts. It appears the Yacht Captain has finally come out, saying he lied at the initial investigation and that Robert Wagner was responsible for his wife's death.


The next big Con for Status Seeking Consumers Department:
It's a green tea, and it will cost $35,000/Pound! Yikes! And then there is the secret ingredient -- Panda Poo. Yup, Those black & white fur balls don't digest their food too well, making their lumps of dung rich in fiber and nutrients and the perfect fertilizer for the perfect tea. So the next time you are gently sipping the rich and very expensive tea, what images will you be creating in your minds? I should have titled this segment "Does the bear S___ in the woods department?.

Call me stupid and really out of touch, but I just don't get FaceBook. Oh, I get why businesses want consumers to reach them through FaceBook, but I just don't understand why people enjoy exposing themselves to the world. Like say...a Tids writer.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Happy feet Two will be a winner because people love little waddling penguins. In this one Mumble's son Erik, a penguin who can't dance, runs away and meets a penguin who can fly. Mumbles loses his son to the charisma of the flying tuxedo, but regains it when he shows "guts and grit" fighting against powerful forces.
--The latest in the Twilight Series -- The Twilight Saga: The Breaking Dawn will also be a winner because teens love this series. And also because this is a much better film than the previous one. Bella and Edward must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon and tumultuous birth of a child.

Almost Near: Chapter 50 continues. --Being a reporter, Audrey decided that a reporter would give her the best head start at tracking down this Samantha person. A person she really doesn't know at all but who is turning her life up side down. Hell, I know where her kids are, she thought, and she may or may not depending what she remembers at any given moment. At least, that was the way Audrey was looking at the former lover of Tucker. At least that's what I know from Tucker. The she smiled, as a reporter, I should always check my sources! "Hi, this is Sam O'Brien."
Oh, Hi Sam, I'm Audrey Johnson, a columnist, you know reporter from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and I'm trying to find out about a woman who was born in New Castle -- which, I assume your Portsmouth paper covers."
"Oh yes, we do."
"I don't know exactly how to start this, because I'm just getting some meager details about her early life. Can you work with me?"
"Sure."
"You don't say much more than you have to, do you?"
"I'm a New Englander. I like to save energy."
"Well, bare with me, this women left New Castle about 17 years ago, and she'd be about 35-36. What kind of town is New Castle anyhow. Anything ever happen there?
"It's a pretty little place surrounded by water and the people are nice enough to let me live there."
"All your life?"
"Yup. And, funny you should ask. Cause about two days ago we had what appears to be an attempted murder of a good young lawyer here. And their is talk of a mysterious missing women, who maybe had ties with the town. We're waiting to see of the lawyer makes it out of the coma.
"Really!"

The Answer:
Natalie Wood was one of those actors who brought a special beauty to the screen. How perfect was that face for Maria in West Side Story? Or her roles in Spender in the Grass and how she lit up the screen playing opposite the biggest fad actor of the era James Dean in Rebel without a Cause! America first fell in love with her as the child star in Miracle on 34th Street. Some of her other big films were Gypsy, Love with the Proper Stranger and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Her final film released posthumously was Brainstorm. Her real name was Natalia Nekolaevna Zakharenko!

"There's a place for us...somewhere..." I always start humming that tune every time I type West Side Story.

Hope your weekend hums along and is lyrical and melodic.

.

Reply to: Reply to RICHARD W HUNT
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Jingle Bells.

Today's Tids Issue 2,467

Opening Stuff:

Welcome to the Tids Annual big Christmas edition. Rudolph, Santa and all the elves generally show up and regale our readers with tales of getting the goods made and out to you, and....What?...It's not Christmas. But what about all of those decorations up a month and the Santa comercials...and the panhandlers with "Happy Holiday's" signs. I thought we had already passed Thanksgiving...Oh, that was advertised in August? Oh well, I guess that means there really is still time to put Christ back into Christmas. Sorry folks, back to the regular crap.

It looks like Rhode Island's new genuine hero Gina was not too fond of yesterday's remarks by Chafee-Lite, calling the surprising comments political sniping. This is a critical time for Rhody and its effort to pass a pension reform act, and Treasurer Raimondo emphasizes that all parties driving to fix underfunded pension debt must bond together as a unified force in the face of the typical unrelenting Union opposition. If the legislature can bore down and find the guts, the passage of this bill will assure RI as the first state in the USofA to get runaway pension costs under control. Well... sorta under control...for a political entity.

The OWS protesters held a sign yesterday that read "You can't evict an idea." And, what exactly is that ide?. Comon, help me on this one.

The Question:
Who was just named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People mag? Name others who have won.

The Headlines:

--Oil Up; Stocks Down.
--Bullet Found In White House Window; Mentally Deranged Man Suspected.
--Social Network Generated Boycott Of Kardashians Gaining Steam; Petition Signers Tired Of Program's Emphasis On Vanity, Greed, Promiscuity, Vulgarity And Over The Top Conspicuous Consumption.
--Prez Ok's Permanent US Military Installation In Australia; Strategy Designed To Control. Emergence Of China.
--Man Gets $500K In Pirates Gold At Storage Unit Auction.
--FaceBook Fighting Flood Of X-Rated And Violent Spam; Hackers Finding FaceBook Good Way To Pass Around Viruses Through Friends.

Of course, RI isn't the only entity with out-of-control spending. The Feds along with the Kardashians have written the book on over spending. But, that's all about to be resolved in the SuperCommittee. Right! Wrong. The Dems can make lots of political gains by not going along with needed reform of the big entitlements. By not compromising with Repubs, Dems preserve their ability to campaign to the nation that the GOP wants to throw grandma off the cliff and preserve millionaire tax cuts. Oh the Dems will posture, but politics will as usual win the day over honest results. It also behooves the Repubs not to agree thus creating the stalemate that would trigger automatic cuts in Defense and Domestic programs. Horrors -- The Repubs are cutting Deefense. It isn't so bad as these cuts won't be implemented til 2013 and are over a ten year period. Many an admin and congressional change will take place allowing Repubs to put back the defense dollars. Oh yeah, a Dem leader on the committee has said he as seen no sign of his guys being able to coalesce over one idea. No matter how you look at it, the Democrats are in control and will be the winners if nothing is done.

Did you realize that within two years of retiring from the NFL, 78% of the players are bankrupt!

I don't know how many of you heard that weird interview with alleged rapist Sandusky. His strange views of the events and his proclivity towards young boys sound like the talk of a man used to getting his way gullible children. He seems convinced that intelligent adults will submit to his fairy tales. Just as the innocent children he abused did.

Retired men often find that shopping is not high on their list of exciting things to do. One creative geezer found ways to pass the boredom in stores like Target. In fact he was barred from the store for stunts like hiding in clothes racks and saying "Pick me, Pick me", or while handling a rifle in the Hunting Department asking a clerk where the antidepressants were...among other inventive diversions. Thanks to NanaDoll for that report.

Science has a new report that says women who have carried and given birth to twins will on average live longer than women who haven't.

I read where 40,000 or so years ago the Homo Sapians arose and because of their much higher intelligence obliterated the neanderthal population that had reigned for millions of years before. But, not so fast. The same report also says that Neanderthal DNA has also been found in existing populations. Frankly, as I look around I think the neanderthal is making a comeback.

But then, if nothing is done by the SuperCommittee, there still will be Political winners and losers. But what about the people and the nation? Does anybody really care, or is everything still just about the next election. It is expected that if nothing happens by November 23, the credit rating of the US will receive another downgrade. But, some politicians will win. Doesn't that make you feel warm and fuzzy all over -- happy Politicians.

The Answer:
A bewildered Bradley Cooper questions hhis choice as Hottie of this year. Others have been Jude Law,, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Matthew McConaughey, and Johnny Depp. I'm checking out plastic surgeons now.

Life is good today, except for all of the "Almost Near" readers.

You never know.

Today's Tids Issue 2,466
Opening Stuff:

Good day today: The average age in the obits was 80 years and 4 months.

A local columnist notes that there is a movement afoot to have Kim Kardashian marry beleaguered towns, cities states and yes, even countries like Greece. Before the split, she and last hubby had earned $250K/day off their wedding. Think of the dough that could be produced from a world focused Kim-Greece union. Or better yet Kim-Italy with Berlusconi officiating. Hell that wedding might be over as soon as the ex-Premiere could get the Kardashian in a private room. Think of the profits from that one!

Regis Philbin has suffered the barbs and arrows of elitist critics for nearly 29 years. But his program thrived. He was Mr. good guy, Mr. Middle America. He was funny and human. But most of all he was a guy people liked. So, it's no wonder that so many of the bigs in Star world have been showing up to shake the hand of a man they personally enjoy. Everybody should take heart to the success of Regis Philbin. In world that appears weirder and weirder every day, there is a sense of honesty in the bosoms of most people.

The Question:

Double Bonus Day! 1. Why do you think that today the markets might be buying the stocks of CVS, Intel, General Dynamics, IBM and Direct TV? 2. What are the five categories of fish with the potential of containing the most ocean chemicals (i.e. Mercury)?

The Headlines:

--City Officials Continue To Break Down OWS Camps.
--Iowa Race Polls: Four GOP'ers Virtually In Tie -- Cain 20%, Paul 19%, Romney 18%, Newt 17%; Iowa Had Been Bachman's Too Lose.
--$100Million Of Freddie/Fanny Bailout Bucks Went Into Exec Pay Packages.
--NBA Talks Crater; Chance Of No Season Looms As Players Sue League In Anti-Trust Action.
--New Book Names Names In Congressional Insider Trading.
--Sandusky says He Was Just Horseplaying in NBC Interview; More Accusers Come Forward.

The headlines shouted: "World Population to Explode with Diabetes"! Duh! This latest bit of media hysteria centers around the giant remote African population, and it isn't because the Coca-Cola company has signed up more dealers. It's because as modern medicine cuts deeper into the jungles more people with the Diabetes Gene will be kept alive. Despite the efforts of the anti-fat junkies, that simply is the way it works.

Most people who write vehement complaint letters write in cursive.

You just don't know Department:
I was standing on line in the Post Office yesterday when a fortyish man caught my eye. He was a decent looking guy with flourishing mannerisms similar to those of Art carney playing Norton on the Honeymooners. Naturally being a seasoned people watcher my mind started creating a scenario that featured this guy as the king of night clubs. Dancer extraordinaire. An irresponsible whirlwind who floated through pop culture. As I left, he was standing at the front steps talking to another man, an obvious friend. What I heard was: "I was just told I have lymphoma - you know, like Hotchkins Disease."

We had dinner the other day with the wife of long time good friends. She's just a regular old person person with a family and grandchildren. We never expected the answer to our question about what's been going on in your life. "Didn't I tell you?' she asked. "One night a couple of years ago my daughter called, 'Mom, mom, he's gone crazy!' In the back ground I heard screams and crashes. 'Daddy Daddy, Don't!' More crashes. I yelled into the phone -- 'Kim, Kim are you alright? Talk to me Kim.! What's going on?' Another loud crash and breaking glass and a terrifying, deathly scream! A scream like I had never heard. I dropped the phone and ran from the house to my car. It was always just an easy ten minute drive to the colonial home on the Main street of a very colonial homes. My heart was in my stomach. The sweat pouring down. My foot tromped down on the gas pedal. I screeched the car to the curb in front of the home. As I opened the door I heard the screeming and crashes. I ran, burst in the door. I saw my Kim with a giant gash down her face. Blood everywhere. I ran towards her. Her husband Mac was about to throw a table through the window. To my left I saw little Johnny cowering, shivering. I ran and grabbed him just as Mac turned his way. I ran to the car opened the back door. 'Johnny. Lay down flat. Don't open the door. I'm here for you.' I turned to get Kim. Mac was standing before like a forbidding giant. 'Where's my son. His face was maniacal. I saw his right arm rear back. Wham! He hit me on the lower jaw with a candle stick. I fell backwards feeling a crack in my arm. I cringed as he looked down, but he turned and ran..." I think you get the picture. this was not the drunken rage of an ignorant down on his luck man. Mac was a well educated Trust Fund baby. The husband in a normal American family. You just never know.

For those of you who think that pop singers never grow old, Frida of ABBA is 66 today.

AARP is making it easy for competitive associations to form and thrive.

One of the eeriest aspects of this Penn State tragedy is the disappearance without a trace of the District Attorney Ray Gricar assigned to the first report.

The Polls ebb and flow for GOP candidates, and for sure Dem strategists abetted by media friends will magnify the confusion. But in the end it's Repubs going to the primaries and picking a potential leader who might be bale to change the funk in America.

Almost Near: Chapter 50. --Audrey was watching Tucker as the drove back to town. He seemed distant. It could be because the police now had firm evidence to support their suspicions about Samantha. But his inward retreat wasn't like that. Maybe I should try to find Samantha myself. The car stopped, and I looked over at Barton, who was still writng in his report log. "We're here Tuck." I smiled at him. He shook his head, as if trying to rid it of some kind of restraint. His eyes widened.
Smiling now, he looked at me. "How about some dinner tonight." Like i have been lately, I was briedfly enamored with his pleasant way. I paused a moment.
"Sure. Give me an hour." Barton turned towards the back.
"Audrey. Keep an eye on your friend. He has become very important in our case." he glared over at tucker who was very calem. Amazingly calm.
"I'm here for you, detective. Thanks for letting us go out there with you."
"Be in my office at 8:00AM!" He opened the door, got out and walked into the side door of the station. He never looked Back.
We got out and wet to my car. My mind was abuzz with new scenarios. Mostly revolving around a mysterious woman I had never met. "Where'd you say Samantha was from, Tucker?"
"I never did."

The Answer: 
1. Warren Buffet took stakes in those companies yesterday. 2. The fish "they" say to avoid they are Atlantic, Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic flatfish (Sole, flounder, halibut), Alaskan King Crab and Imported Shrimp. They suggest going for Gulf shrimp but this may be hard since well over 90% of all shrimp you see outside the Gulf are imported. Appears like a PR release from the Pacific fisheries.

Congress always makes sure that what they do is legal even though it is often ethically reprehensible.

There is greatness in all people's hearts. Somewhere.

Steel to cupcakes.

Today's Tids Issue 2,465
Opening Stuff:

I'm declaring the next year starting now as the "Dead Zone". Nothing will happen, beginning with the SuperCommittee. Our fearless leader will spend the time accusing other people of doing nothing while he puts off all major decisions to 2013. Future history books will color this era gray, when it should be fiery red and orange! It should be the era when the future of the nation began to be saved.

Why would Penn State think it a good idea to put in as interim a coach who has been with the program for 25 years. A coach who has probably been friendly with the PS Rapist, and has at least by osmosis seen or sensed it all. He's probably a nice guy, but...

I'm finding that this medicine I take for a bit of a lung problem is getting to be rather expensive. Through exhaustive research, I have determined that Cheetos Dust does pretty much the same thing. I'm in touch with The New England Journal of medicine.

The Question: 
Bernanke keeps on telling us that inflation is not a problem and that he expects to meet his 2% goal. Hmmm. How much will the cost of a Thanksgiving meal go up this year, and which items will go up the most?

The Headlines:

--Euro-Angst Could Depressing Stocks Today.
--New England No-name Defensive Backfield Rises To The Occasion Defeating The J-E-T-S 37-16 Pat's Fans Come Back from the Precipice.
--Italy's New Premiere Rushes To Apply Sound Economics To New Government.
--Police Clear Out Oakland OWS Swamp; Other Cities Taking Action Against City Campers.
--Jordan's King Abdullah Tells Syrians Assad To Step Down.
--Penn State Victims Begin Civil Suit.
--Buffet Says EuroZone Still A Major Worry; Economists Say US Is Years Away From Euro-Style debt Crisis. They Add Though -- Action Must be Taken Now To Preserve Stability In Future.

Whatever happened to P.J.O'Rourke?

A vote among NFL players said that the Coach they dislike most was NYG's Tom Coughlin followed by Tony Sparano and Bill Belichick! Oddly, the three who were ahead of the rest by a wide margin, are all disciples of Bill Parcels.

I see that the Federal Government allowed their employees to leave an hour early on the day before Veterans Day -- A day that is hallowed but rarely taken off in the private sector. I'm thinking that if we gave the 16 Million or so Fed employees an hour off a week with no pay, we could save about $9,984,000,000 a year (Based on average hourly wage of $12.00)! Yikes.

I drove through my home town a couple of days ago. Through my leafy quiet, modest neighborhood where totally pleasant memories abound. A shimmering glint caused me to glance up...and I felt crushed. The rush to build skyscrapers in the downtown is squashing my childhood!

Show me a pile of money and I'll show you thieves gathering like a swarm of flies over a carcass. And there is no larger pile of money than that in the Federal Government.

And how about that Government of ours? The department of Agriculture proposed a 15% fee atop of the cost of Christmas Trees! Zowie...right at the heart. They said it was for a fund to help promote the Christmas tree industry. But, wait a damn minute. The Christmas Tree Association should create its own fund from member growers and not rush to the government like every other gimme group. What ever happened to private enterprise initiative?

Speaking of Christmas and the gimme crowd, I notice a homeless person with a can in his stretched out hand and a sign in the other that read: "Happy Holidays". I told him that if it had read "Merry Christmas", I might have been interested.

Like we have been hinting here for some time now, Newt has risen to the top of leaderboard in the GOP Tournament. Let's face it, he is smart, he can debate and he drives the other side nutty. He was part of the joint effort working with President Clinton (Yes, as speaker "Working With") developing programs that actually reduced the deficit. I can see his slogan now: "I've done it. I can do it again." IDIICDIA!

Almost Near: Chapter 49 continues. --Sparrow looked at Samantha for what seemed to her like five minutes. "Wawl, Mrs., what was your last name?.. Quimper..."
"Quimpierre, Just call me Samantha, it's easier."
Wawl, I've bin thinkin'." He looked at her seriously, but in a kinder way. Ah bin thinkin' that if your commin back here knowin' that we were lookin for you cause of the accident and the injury to that lawyer, than you musta had somethin to tell us. Tell me what you think about that memory loss of yours."
Samantha told her as much as she could remember and it probably sounded very confusing to Detective John Sparrow. "You're frowning, "Samantha said in a humorous town. She laughed to herself a little, "Frankly I ve been frowning a lot lately myself, so I find it kind of amazing that you actually understand that I might know something."
Sparrow just waved for her to continue. But, he was smiling a little now too.
"I think what has been driving me is something I feel about a man named Tucker Lafitte who they say I originally knew as Tommy Lambert.

I like the idea behind the new Catholic mass book. They have said and I felt in the sixties that the words of the Mass went a little too pedestrian; That the the immensity of God was denied in the over-simplification of the words. So, the Bishops are proposing what we should be looking for in the leaders of the our land. Raise the bar. Don't give into the lowest common denominator. Take off your hats in restaurants and church. What's so hard about that?

The Answer: 
This year's feast on the greatest family holiday of them all will be 13% higher at $49.20. (In 1986 the meal costs$28.24.) The foods measured were 16 pound Turkey, gallon of milk, 30oz can Pumpkin mix, 1/2 pint whipped cream, 14oz cubed stuffing, 1 lb green beans, 12 rolls, 3 lbs sweet pots, 12 oz cranberries, 1 lb relish tray, 2 pie shells. Ahem...where's the gravy? The turkey had the highest increase at 22% followed by Pumpkin Pie mix (15.6), Whipped cream (15.2), Green Peas (16.6), Milk (12.9), Stuffing (9.1), and rolls (8.5%). The other items were around 2.2% except for the relish tray which actually went down...proving once again that relish trays look attractive but nobody wants celery and carrots. Oh, maybe Mrs' "0".

If you take the Turkeys out of T-Day dinner we can lower inflation. If we take the Turkeys out of Washington, we can lower the deficit.

Fogland

Today's Tids Issue 2,461
Opening Stuff:

How about this little note from Germany -- Angela M as authorized $8.3 Billion in tax breaks as "thanks" to the citizens for helping carry the burden of EuroLoser country debts. That almost sounds like the action of a rational government who actually believes that the people are important.

It appears that the biggest bargain this Christmas will be large screen TV's. And there could be a lot more goods at great prices as retailers pull it all out to have a big season. So keep a keen eye on the ads, and don't pay full price for anything.

I know a woman who always rushes to put her flowers outside when rain is coming. They're plastic flowers, and she puts them out to dust them off.

In a new Poll, 71% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion for both Big Business and Washington. The difference is that they know too much about Washington and not enough about the reality of big business.

The Question: Name ten of the top 25 Evangelical ministers in the country.

The Headlines:
--Italy Turmoil Pushes Stock Opening Lower.
--Greeks To Pick New Leader.
--Mississippi Referendum On Abortion Expected To Pass; Vote Will Determine That "Personhood" Begins At Fertilization or Cloning.
--Berlusconi Refuses To Step Down As Italy Debt Woe Crisis Grows.
--Nearly 200,000 Islamists Take Over Moscow Square.
--Observers Wonder If Joe Paterno Could Have Done More 9 Years Ago To Protect Children Caught In Web Of Monster Former Coach.

I was at a theater last night. It is big deal type of theater, and amazingly beautiful. As I read the program I noted that the Board of Directors was a large one and included many successful people in the community and, of course, all of the politicians who could weasel themselves onto the list. Oddly, each politician's name from local to state to federal was proceeded with the adjective "Honorable."! What's that all about? Honorable! Gees, what will they think of next.

Where is it written that yearly raises should be automatic.

I really don't like emails that start: "You will love this."

World get's Weirder Department:
An Iowa couple's house was set ablaze by a women who had just been "defriended"! Say what? I don't know whether this is a commentary on the social cyberworld, or the depth of anger in people today. Burning down a house is not a casual dismissal of onetime friend. It seems like everything is progressing except the civility of humans. What's next.. stocks and public floggings?

While traipsing through the net for information, I am learning that stories reported on video are far less inviting and practical than those reported in print.

Almost Near: Chapter 49. --Samantha retrieved the rental car and drove to the Dalesford Police Station. As soon as she saw it, she remembered much more about why she had come to this town at this time. After leaving the hospital, the thoughts of Dante laying there had triggered in her mind events that she had recently experienced. She was feeling better about herself, as her mind seemed to be less guarded about recent activities. She wasn't waking in a daze wondering why she was here, or there. As if pushed by an unseen hand. She was still feeling the push, but now there was a reality around it. She knew that she had to go to Dalesford because it was where her parents had died. When she saw that station she remembered how uncomfortable she had been there, and how she called Dante for help.
She didn't feel nervous at all as she walked up the stairs and entered the dingy appearing waiting room. Assorted characters lined the walls, sitting in well worn straight back benches. The desk sergeant looked at her approach, and she thought she sensed a spark of recognition. "I want to see detective Sparrow".
The desk sergeant stared at her for a few moments. "I've seen you before."
"Probably", she answered quickly. "Is he in?" The sergeant picked up the phone. "The Wilcox woman is back."
"I guess you do know me, "Samantha smiled a comfortable smile. "Thanks" Within what seemed like seconds she felt a large presence by her side. It was a familiar face, Detective Sparrow. Sam was confident now, and she didn't know why. Was it becasue she had nothing to hide. "We need to talk". She took control.
"Jeremy, " he looked at the sergeant. "No calls. I'm going to be busy."

The Answer:
Billy Graham has always been the tops with many Americans, and he still makes the list along with Franklin Graham. The rest are Rick Warren, Howard and Roberta Ahmanson, David Barton, Douglas Coe, Charles Colson, Luis Cortes, James Dobson, Stuart Epperson, Michael Gerson, Ted Haggard, Billy Hybels, TD Jakes, Diane Knippers, the LeHaye's, Richard Land, Brian McLaren, Joyce Meyer, Richard Neuhaus, Mark Noll, JI Packer, Rick Santorum (?), Jay Sekilow, Stephen Strang and Ralph Winter.

Just when memories of Super Bowl 42 were starting to fade, it was 2008 all over again. Yesterday the NE Patriots established themselves as an also ran.

This could be the week that was for the Tids. I'll be on a fast track mini-vacation spree. I will work to fit them in, but if you don't get them it isn't becasue I died.

Who needs Oprah.

Today's Tids Issue 2,460

Opening Stuff:

I have rarely stood by the ocean as I did yesterday and felt more of the simple yet magnificent beauty of the world around us. The wind, the waves, the salty spray in my eyes. The chorus of pounding surf and the screaming gulls reveling above. A symphony of nature's wonder.

I think we are in the midst of a new Pro-Global Warming PR campaign. In the past week we have had new reports of near catastrophic carbon releases and of course last week the ballyhooed Physicist former skeptic Richard Muller moving over to the cause. But, coming out this week is another member of the Cal Berkley research team, Georgia Tech world atmospheric expert Dr. Judith Curry who said Muller misrepresented the teams findings and there no reason to believe temperatures are getting warmer --"It was a huge mistake with no scientific basis". She went on to say that warming has ceased for an entire decade. Let's face it -- Global Warming is an industry and hyping the coming Armageddon is making a lot of people a lot of money. It's no different than a Clueless Lane fund manager picking winning stocks. It's all about making money.

When people say Technology is changing the world, it also means that more people can be fed falsehoods faster than at any time in history. That misconceptions can grow faster than mold in an ocean cottage outdoor shower.

The Question:
Week Ending Double Q: 1. There's a formula among Hollywood producers use to determine each year the most overpaid stars (That's dollar returned for every dollar of salary). Name the top five. 2. Name what are considered the most overpaid jobs in America.

The Headlines:

--Economy Adds Fewer Jobs In October; But 80,000 Dips Unemployment To 9%; Stocks Slipping On Unsatisfactory Jobs Report.
--House Agrees To Subpoena White House On Solyndra.
--Negative Economic Signs In Europe Hint At Return To Recession.
--"Groupon" Raises $700 Mil In Massive IPO.
--Obama Calls For Economic Stability And Job Growth Under EuroZone Seem Irrelevant.
--For The First Time, New Generation Will Do Worse Than Parents.
--Detroit Lions Only NFL Team Losing Money.
--CIA Following Twitter, FaceBook.
--Huge Asteroid To Pass Earth Within Moons Orbit November 8.
--Jackson case With Jury.

Kathy Griffen makes me not want to get interested in the new generation of comedians.

Poorly written Headline Department:
"Productivity climbs, but hiring still lags". Productivity can generally be defined as obtaining more value from the same resource. In this case it is humans. Productivity increases necessarily mean decreased need for more labor. Now if this author had said "Production climbs, but..." He would be closer to being correct. This is what bothers me about some news reporters writing about economic factors. It's the "A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing" syndrome, but when that misguided knowledge is in the minds of those with the typewriter or microphone, than it can be nuclear. A chain reaction that can create a contamination of uninformed minds. Just because one writer chose "But" instead "necessarily reduces".

From time to time we have cited examples of new technology with the potential to eliminate jobs, even industries. The last one was the idea of Tablet computing turning wait staffs into mere servers. Now in Idaho there is a law up before their Assembly that would require virtual learning as part of the qualifications for degree. The proponents see taking 2 courses per semester at home via computer as preparation for colleges. Obviously Teachers Unions don't see it that way. And, they are probably right.

Has the "Do not call" law been revoked?

I would not be surprised if 0-Man attacked Iran in some manner just before the election.

I would have liked The X-Factor to keep the big group "Intensity" going. I think the sprightly group would have added some upbeat singing interest to a lineup where sameness is starting to wear me down. It must be a generational thing.

I have to say something about Governor Chafee-Lite. I always thought he was an honest guy, except for his Rosie O'Donnell moment when he denied the reality of Shilling's bloody sock. But, he has shown a sensible thought process and a large amount of courage acquiescing to the determination and solid ideas of Gina Rainmondo, who he obviously admires and recognizes as a giant of a woman who knows her stuff. A lesser politician might try to stifle her dominance and move her popular acceptability to his side of the ledger. But, as a good thoughtful manager should, he has joined her in support, and in doing so is refuting the people, The Public Employee Unions, who helped him squeak-in in a three person race. But, that doesn't mean he still isn't a little goofy.

Reading between the Lines Movie Reviews:
--Tower Heist has an all star cast, and that what bothers me. I always worry about star laden marquis subverting the integrity of a dcent plot. A manager of a super high priced NYC residence learns that the penthouse occupant, a Wall Street Super star who also happens to manage the pensions of the buildings workers is a Madoff type crook. With the prospects of losing their money the Manager gets together his fellow workers with a plan to rob the Penthouse. Serious and funny, but not great.
--I was turned off to this one I read that one of the funny moments of A very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is when they get a two year old child high on Marijuana and cocaine. It follows the antics to the twosome scouring NYC for a perfect Christmas tree to replace one they ruined. Along the way they satirize Santa and Jesus. These are movies of which I have no use.

Almost Near: Chapter 48 continues. --"TL loves SW. What do you think that means?" Barton's eyes bore into Tucker's. Tucker didn't flinch. "I think it could mean Tucker Loutite loves some woman who's name starts with "S". Like maybe Samantha." Audrey leaned into Tucker's shoulder. "Have you ever seen this before?"
"No."
"How do you think it got to this God forsaken part of Little Rick Arkansas?"
"I have no idea."
"Yet you put it in your pocket." He turned to Audrey and then back to Tucker. "Just like that. You see something shining in the mud and automatically put it your pocket."
"Ok, John. Enough."
"No Audrey, not enough. I think that this is very odd. And don't try t protect him. I know you do too. You're just too smart not to be suspicious."
"Tell him Tucker. I'm sure you just reacted foolishly.
Tucker didn't say anything for a minute. Barton and now Audrey looked at him, the detective accusingly and the reporter hopefully. "I saw some thing shiny, and when I reached down I recognized it almost immediately. It's the kind of thing you don't forget. I gave it to Samantha when we graduated from High School. It became very meaningful to both of us. The fact that she must have saved it still after all the years struck me in my gut. I felt I had to protect her. And I don't know from what. It was just an emotional reaction." Audrey smiled a little smile, like a sign of relief and maybe belief in this man, a romantic, a knight riding to the rescue of his love.
"Well Loutite, you may become emotional again when you and I start talking about finding this woman. A woman who may be a murderer." Audrey thought of the stories about Rudy beating Samantha. She saw again the look in the eyes of her children.

The Answer:
1. The most overpaid in Hollywood are 1. Drew Barrymore 2. Eddie Murphy 3. Will Ferrell 4. Reese Witherspoon and 5. Denzel Washington. Denzel was a surprise to some because of the quality of his work, but a thoughtful quality product doesn't draw the big crowds. The efficiency of a stars salary is based on how many of the brainless you can cram into theaters. I saw 10 minutes of a Will Ferrell movie and I will never be again sucked in. 2. In reverse order -- 10. Wedding Photogs 9. Major Airline Pilots 8. West Coast Longshoremen (A paper shuffling "clerk" can make $136K) 7. Skycaps ($70-100K) 6. Real Estate Agents selling high priced homes 5. Motivational Speakers/ ex-Pols on Lecture circuit 4. Orthodontists (Versus harder working dentists) 3. CEO's of poorly performing companies 2. Washed up pro athletes in long-term contracts. and #1. Mutual Fund Managers (Make $750 to a Mil and are only 3 of 10 make money for investors.) At least that's better than washed up aesthetes who may be hitting .250.

Why should I watch TV and get angry, when I have all of nature to comfort my soul. Because I'm just another stupid human being that's why.

Wallow in the beautiful Fall days this weekend...and don't forget to turn your clocks...which way?...heeeeelllllllppppppppp....

It could work.

Today's Tids Issue 2,457
Opening Stuff:

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

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

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

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

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

The Headlines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poetry over prose today. Sorry