It’s an anecdotal world.

Today's Tids Issue 4,014

For Depth:

I’m a sucker for a good choral group. Saturday, while surfing away from another mind-numbing basketball game, my ears heard the most beautiful strains of a Christmas melody as I flicked past a channel. The song wasn’t one of the old standards, but you could feel it was for the season. I backed up to that channel and found it was the combined choruses of Minnesota’s Concordia University. It was that other side of student body interest not often seen on TV, like endless sports.  I was taken at first by the passion and the emotion of the singers, feeling their words as their lush voices sang out, controlled – the perfect formation of their lips and the love I saw in their eyes for each note; the intensity of their determination to be great. Their concentration and force were easily equal to that of the most ardent athlete. I watched it for an hour, as they went from hymn to hymn. In the silence after the ending, I stood and walked to the window, and saw a new light of love shining above the restless sea. Yes, I finally felt Christmas.

Actually, it was a nice excuse for avoiding Saturday chores.

It’s time to take my hands out of my pockets and offer them to help somebody along. To feed a person in need. To bring smiles to kids often seeing the world though a haze. The greatest Christmas gift of all – a helping heart.

You just plain have to believe in Christmas or else the US economy would collapse.

Tension reduction, Department:

I find that having a broad spectrum of friends allows me to get away with wearing one evening event outfit for a week.

What I have seen following the Trump Jerusalem statement has been basically the three main sides posturing. The usual suspects ran into the streets, TV cameras focused on anything that looked like smoke, commentators perspired and countries shot missiles to the middle of nowhere. In the past and for the long run, this is and has been an intensely complicated problem. Since the Trump announcement, I have talked to Israeli experts and they pretty much agree entirely. They have lived the history there, and know the layering and divisions, and the roadblocks. It is significantly complicated, even without the uniformed opinions of political opportunists..

Have you heard about the latest piece of governmental irony? The Italian Government has placed a lien on the Tower of Pisa.

The Question:

Name the first US citizen to receive the Nobel Peace Prize? The First American women? Bonus: Often newspapers invite College Professors to help explain political, economic or socio/cultural issues of the day. While most professors are pretty smart, the accuracy of the report it depends on values of the analyst. Just so you know, what the top ten most Liberal (or progressive) colleges. I have a couple lists, because opinions differ.

The Headlines:

--Police Still Investigating Pipe Bomb Explosion In NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal That Injured Four; Man Arrested Said To Be ISIS Inspired Bangladeshi.

--Stocks Open Higher, Despite Explosion.

--Wild Fires Continue To Roar In California; Thompson Fire Spreads Rapidly Into Santa Barbara County.

--Net Neutrality Fans Marching In The Streets.

--NK’s Kim Hot After Bitcoins. Bitcoin ETF’s Could Explode In US.

--Ya-Ya’s Get Super Hitter Stanton.

--Pols Have Eyes On Tomorrow’s Alabama Senate Election.

After years of quiet observation, I would have to advise people who are driving while intoxicated to avoid sideswiping or plowing head on into police cars. That doesn’t seem to work out that well.

CNN and CBS keep on proving that Trump is right about “Fake News”. In the latest journalistic “error”, it was The Washington Post who first came to the rescue of truth, and they were quickly followed by the AP and WSJ who also condemned the sloppiness of CNN reporting the WikiLinks “Sensation”, quickly adopted by CBS.

There’s so much good music in this world, and I miss much too much of it.

Unintended Consequences, Department:

Will the scourge of harassment accusations make men wary of women in the workplace and business situations?

A local radio news station went to a college professor for an educated opinion on Net Neutrality. Her opening statement was, “If Trump reverses Net Neutrality, we will go back to the days of dial up!” From that point on, I began to consider her opinions as suspect. She became more so as she also pounced upon the concept of free enterprise and basically anything to do with Republicans. So much – for getting unbiased facts from knowledgeable professors.

Not to be outdone, a big state newspaper had a story that tried to explain the new tax deal’s effect on average consumers. However, instead of going completely generic, the story relied on the opinions of a left leaning economics Professor from Reed College. Reasonable consumers are clamoring for unbiased simple descriptions from a neutral press of new complicated laws or issues, but bias seems to show up every time.

I find the comic Doonesbury hard to read… because of the italic typeface.

You have to figure that among the most loyal fans in America, those of the Cleveland Browns are among the best. They continue to go the games for a team that is 1 and 27 over the past two seasons and 5-50 in the past 50 games. This year the Browns are averaging 64,532 fans per game. That’s a little over 1,300 lower than perennial champs the NE Patriots and higher than the constant contenders Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, in total attendance, Cleveland is 22 of 31 teams. Of course, to make my point, I am spinning this like a politician. The Browns are only ahead of Cincinnati and Washington in % of stadium capacity. Only Dallas (#1 in overall attendance), Green Bay, Denver, Carolina, New Orleans, Houston San Fran, Philly, Seattle, Arizona Indy and Chicago are at or above 100%. Maybe SF fans are pretty loyal too. They have only won 4 of the last 28. But, I like Cleveland better. And editors get to tout their own favorites. Right?

The internet is in its infancy. So, what has a happened in the past short history is not necessarily an indication of what may happen in the future. The real answer to the net neutrality argument is that nobody knows. But, it isn’t the wild, wild west anymore.

BTW, Dallas is averaging 92,803 at home to date. That is far ahead of second place Green Bay who have averaged 78,092. The rest of the top ten in home attendance are NY Jets, NY Giants, Denver, Washington, KC, Carolina, LA Rams and New Orleans.

Isn’t ironic that one of the most self-congratulating environmentally conscious states in the country, California, spews the most smoke into the environment during their annual fire seasons. Tank God for Ozone layer holes to let it escape.

Statistics be damned, I’ll find an incident and viralize it to support my beliefs.

Viralize?

Lately, news agencies and reporters have been playing into Trump’s hands with some serious misreporting apparently in support of the zealotry of their own position against the President. The problem is that instead of letting the reporters suffocate under the weight of their own miscues, he has to issue some uninspired Tweet.

This past Friday and Saturday I saw intrepid reporters standing in a half inch of snow warning us of an impending life cycle interruption. I saw in interviews of well-coiffed, intelligent appearing women on the streets of NYC remarks like, “I’m scared”. Yes, we have too much media making too much out of nothing, too often. Nothing happened.

The Answer:

Teddy Roosevelt received the Peace Prize in 1906 for brokering the end to the Russo-Japanese War. The First American woman to win the prize was feminist, anti-war activist Jane Addams for her founding of the Hull House in Chicago. Bonus: The Top Ten most liberal colleges on one list are Oberlin, Hampshire, Evergreen State, Bard, Bennington, Sarah Lawrence, Wesleyan, Smith, Cal Berkley and Macalester. On several top 10 other lists, I have found other colleges high on the list of those considered Politically Left: U Vermont, Carleton, Pratt, Mount Holyoke, Brown, Clark and Smith. Others just below that ten would be Mills, Emerson, Wheaton, Columbia, Skidmore, Swarthmore and several Art colleges like Chicago and Savannah. Another list that lists colleges with “Most Liberal Students” adds to the above Warren Wilson (Ashville NC), Marlboro (Vt.), College of Atlantic (Bar Harbor Maine), Beloit, Reed, and New College of Sarasota Florida.

I will feel the love of the season, and I will sing it from my heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FomGjRB2s5s

Gratuitous Outrage is killing America.

Today's Tids Issue 4,013

For Reflecting before Shouting:

I have always tried to avoid worrying about things that have yet to come, and may never even happen. And, I’m getting much better at that as my mind ages.

Uh-Oh, Department:

The Tids legal department received a disturbing call yesterday. It appears that one of the most loyal of readers is suing this venerable morning columnist for inciting dangerous temptations. The reader claims that he is undergoing a facial skin transplant and losing two fingers all because of accumulated Cheeto dust due to the recommendations of then reckless columnist. He further claims that he was very happy and content before his Tids induced addiction. “As a result of these urgings foisted upon me by the Tids food editor, I have become depressed. My friends are retreating from my new dour personality and I miss my fingers,” the reader/Plantiff added. We here in Tidsville can only say that we are happy he properly used two fingers to eat the orange morsels, thereby allowing him to keep the pinkly suitably outstretched. Emily Post agrees that we have been sued by a good person.

I hear they are calling NFL’s commissioner Roger Goodell's new $50 Million plus salary – “Inflategate”.

“Free as a bird.

It’s the next best thing to be

Free as a bird.

Home, home and dry,

Like a homing bird I’ll fly,

As a bird on wings.” – John Lennon, shot 37years ago today.

The Question:

20% of illegal immigrants are in so-called Sanctuary cities that receive the highest Federal Funding. Name these cities with the most illegals.

The Headlines:

--US Economy Adds 228,000 Jobs; WS Likes It; Increases Highest In Professional Higher Paying Jobs.

--California Wildfires Are Among The Most Intense Ever; Insurers Seeking Private Fire Fighters To Help Slowdown Inferno.

--EU And UK Agree On Brexit; Deal Includes Hard Border Between Norther Ireland And Repub of Ireland; Trump Being Sought For Advice On Possible Wall.

--UN To Meet On Jerusalem Decision.

--Congress Votes To Avoid Shutdown For a Couple Of Weeks, Trump Signs It.

--Trump Says Government Will Not Drop Latest Fines Imposed On Wells-Fargo.

--Caliphate In Tatters After Trump. Mattis Turned Military Loose On ISIS; Turkish Kurds Say They till Love USA..

--Bitcoins Value Increases 40% in 40 Hours Ahead Of Sunday’s Debut of Futures Contract On Cryptocurrencey. Many Banks Not Jumping On Board To Clear Futures.

--Franken Quits.

--Seattle’s “Mini-Madoff” Darren Berg Who Bilked People Out Of $120 Mil In Ponzi Scam, Escapes From Prison.

The Pope want to change the Lord’s Prayer because he says it makes God look bad. He says God would never “Lead” us into Temptation. It would be better to say, “Do not let us fall into temptation.” There’s always something.

Of course, The Tids is well known for leading thee into temptation. Would you like a ladle of rich, creamy beef gravy on your shaved brussels sprouts? Eh, eh, eh.

And, there will be changes for eons to come. All you have to look at, for instance, the attitudes of millennials versus the rest of the US population. The 18-30 group only favors capitalism over socialism by 57% to 55%. This is opposed to 65 or older where it is 63%-24% Capitalism, and 50 to 64, 69-27. The 30 to 49 is 54-37. It must be the new math that allows millennial percentage to total 112%!

Most millennials say that the term “Socialism has gotten less “Spooky”, which seems to mean that a kindly old gent named Sanders did a very good job of saying it’s good to live by handouts alone. Yet, it appears that the older millennials are the most socialist leaning as they came out of college around the time of the big recession. So, it will be interesting to see if the numbers fall in about ten years. 

This younger generation is also less religious. It seems to boil down to the fact that they lose faith quickly when things don’t happen instantaneously. How could anybody fast for 40 days and nights with a McDonalds on every corner?

It appears that brokers are eager but anxious about getting on board with risky trading of bitcoin futures. There is always some big scary financial bogeyman a rising that could bring an abrupt end to a solid market situation. A few will make billons and many, many more will wonder why their mansion is all of a sudden for sale. I’m not surprised. At the tale end of any big and lengthy period of rising markets, many are emboldened to jump aboard any fast money scheme.

The casual, false accusations of racism has more people not tuned in when real situations arise.

One of my problems with the younger generation is their world travel. The invariably bring back food ideas generally foreign to my provincial palette, and then create Twitter trends. And, I have to continually combat well meaning people asking me to, “Just try it.”

In Franken’s speech yesterday, he said he was and is and will be an activist. Does any decent state really want an activist representing them? It is good for those who believe in a particular activism, but what about the rest of the people who see things through another set of economic and moral values. Activists rarely see the views of the other side.

So, did you hear about the teen girl who dreamt that she could color her hair purple only to learn that it was a pigment of her imagination.  (Thanks, “Shoe”)

Reading Between the Lines, Movie Reviews:

--Quest is one of only two new movies I have not already reviewed. It is about a black Philly family at the beginning of the Obama admin. It follows the parents raising a family in the hardship of poverty and in a strife filled neighborhood. As they progress, it is hard to avoid danger even as they nurture musicians in there basement music studio. It is said to be a vivid illumination of race and class”.

--November Criminals looks like a pretty trite movie about several HS kids trying to solve a murder only ot find themselves deeper in a dark place. Actually, I think it looks good, but nobody seems like it.

--I Tonya is a dark comedy about the famous Harding figure skating incident. It sounds like Frick & and Frack do Fargo on ice. Allison Janny is great as Tonya’s mother and Margot Robbie is perfect as Tonya. I woudlgo.

The Answer:

LA with a n illegal population of 893 gets $505.2 Million. Next in order by illegal population are NYC, Chicago, Seattle, Austin, Newark NJ, Denver, Philly, Minneapolis, San Fran, Portland Or and Providence RI. The order by Fred funds received are NYC, Chi, Philly, LA, SF, Seattle, Providence, Denver, Austin, Newark, Portland and Minn.

Have a great weekend, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!

The bell tolls slowly.

Today's Tids Issue 4,013

For the brave, for those beneath the sea:

Two thousand four hundred and three Americans woke to a beautiful Sunday morning, this day 76 years ago. They stretched out as the dawning light trickled neath drawn curtains. Others shook the cobwebs from clouded heads wondering if they would ever feel the same after too much a of a bad night. Good morning kisses to spouses brought smiles to homes across the harbor.  Many went to the closet to find their best Sunday to wear as church bells beckoned though the quiet morn. The drone arose, the morning changed to fear, the drone became thunder, chaos, destruction; mass murder. Out of the glowing blue skies hatred descended upon the innocents. 2,403 human beings who looked to a lazy morning at Pearl Harbor, silent moments in church, would never see noon. I will never forget.

As usual, people took sides for the purpose of taking sides after Trump announced his decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Opponents say, “There goes peace”. Trump says it is the first step towards lasting peace.  But of course, Mid East peace has been the object for decades of US presidents, with no success. But, I wouldn’t worry too much about this decision. I expect it will be years before anything can be done to build a new US Embassy in that Holy City. Most of Trump’s favorite contractors will be working on the Wall.

The Question:

Italian restaurants are classified as very casual, casually formal and fine dining. What are the three common Italian words that designate these three varieties of dining? Bonus: What is the difference between an Italian Enoteca and a Taverna?

The Headlines:

--California Wildfires Becoming More dangerous As Expected Santa Ana Winds Could Reach 85mph; 200,000 Flee Homes; Fires Near Wealthy Bel Air Estates; It Appears Getty Museum Will be Spared.

--Stock Markets Still Wandering; GE To Layoff 12K WW; Bitcoin Soars Despite Reported Security Breach; US Jobless Claims Decline Again.

--Many In USA Pause To Remember Pearl Harbor.

--Australia Votes TO Legalize Same Sex Marriage.

--Trump Says Jerusalem Move Is First Step Towards Peace; Critics Say It It Is Dangerous.

The Tids old Pickers are doing well again with the season’s record now up to 137-55 (71.5%). But with gridiron hooligans sending their worthy opponents to the hospital with jarring and often surprising ruthless blows, it may get tougher knowing which teams are actually taking the field. Once again this week, there are posers, forcing me to go with the home team as the main difference between two of comparative strengths. Two underachieves, the Chiefs and the Raiders go tonight. I will once again stick out my neck and pick the Chiefs to finally find their winning ways again. The great, meaningful games are NO at Atlanta, Minn at Carolina, Seattle at Jacksonville, Balt at Pitt and the glamour game, featuring two young QB’s, Philly at LA Rams. I’m Picking home teams Atlanta Pitt and LA Rams. But, I still like the coming-on-strong Seahawks to beat a Jax team with a questionable “O”, and Minn to take Carolina. Buffalo is beat up but Indy is not doing much. I go home team Bills. I like Cinncy over da Bears, TB over Detroit, Dallas over the Giants (Manning’s retrun will not make a difference, but new coach could), Houston over Niners, Denver over Jets, Chargers over Skins and New England over Miami in a closer than you think game.

By the way, we as kids used to do that “invisible box” stunt routinely intheback yard. (IN case you missed it, the “Invisible Box” is the hot viral Tweet where a cheerleader steps upon and over an invisible box.) In our days, we would have a friend lay down and pretend to step on his or her stomach. But, we would employ the same invisible box trick, which is jumping with other leg while keeping the foot on the stomach (Or invisible box) motionless. Too, bad we didn’t have twitter. Or is it?

The Dems are playing it smart going after Franken. I see it is a move to establish a platform of morality and ethics in anticipation of going after Republicans in the event Moore is elected.

Philadelphia continues to get crazier. Remember this is the city that banned soda pop only to find that it was a bad idea. Now they are banning “Bullet Proof” glass for small businesses in dangerous areas of town. A government “nanny” says it is an insult to customers in the area to serve from behind barriers through small windows. Small shop owners say it is only there for safety from thieves and murderers. It is pure nutty PC.

Franken remarked, “I can fool around with any woman I want because I am a comedian”. Isn’t that in a nutshell what all of this is about. People in power of who regard themselves as above the rest feel they have the inalienable right to harass without recourse.

A rich barber is a shearholder. That’s good, I’ll never be a comedian.

The taking a knee phenom maybe one big extortion game after all. According to the Washington Times, the NFL has a preliminary agreement with the Players Coalition that would funnel $89 Million over 7 years to George Soros linked leftist organizations including The Players Coalition (advised by anti-Trump organization – Center for American Progress) and the Van Jones led leftist advocacy group, Dream Corps – which calls for saving clean power, cutting prison population in half and “Sanctuary for all.” Some current leading “Kneelers” say $89 Mil is far from being enough. Conservative spox says, “If the NFL thinks this will help with ratings, it is obvious they feel they can do it without conservative fans. The NFL says that this is only a working agreement and nothing has been firmly decided. And the anger goes on.

By the way, we can cut the prison population in half by cutting crime in half.

Is the next big bubble to burst – Bitcoin?

US cars didn’t fare well in the new Safety rankings. The safest cars in the very top tier were from Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. In the high safety tier just below the top we had more Hyundai models plus cars from Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, Volvo, Audi, Lexus, Mazda and Alfa Romeo. Also in hits group was the only American car  The Lincoln Continental. The top tier for safe SUVs were Hyundai, Subaru, Mercedes, Volvo, Honda, Acura and Mitsubishi. In the midsized SUV group, we had the Buick Envision.

The Answer:

An Osteria is like a Trattoria, but more causal and more focused on regional specialties. A Trattoria is casually semi-formal focusing on typical Italian specialties. The creme’ is the Ristorante. It is the top of the line dining establishment with fine china, spirited contemporary versions of Italian food and often a well-known chef. Bonus: The Taverna is the Italian version of a British pub, but serving wine instead of beer. Very casual food is sometimes available. The Enoteca is a more formal wine tasting establishment, often with a contemporary, high tech design feel. No food is served at the enoteca.

Are we alert enough today? Do we take safety for granted? 

What’s there that I cannot see?

Today's Tids Issue 4,012
For Clarity:

My mind seems a bit out of sync.

The harder I try to rationally think,

The more I see a brain on the blink.

Today’s Tids could lead me to drink.

Why is the news all about politics? I’d really like being able to comment on other stories of the world. Why do I hear more about negativity; about the inconceivable acts of humans against humans? Why are people who make sense for all, condemned for not making the right kind of sense for some. Nobody watches the news if there isn’t a fire, or unless about someone who is a liar. Maybe this is why my head is like mush. Some days I just give up.

The way apparently biased, anti-Trump FBI agents keep popping up on the Mueller team, it looks like the White House sleuths are outperforming the investigators.

Last night, a HS girls’ basketball team in Montana beat another HS team 102-0. Something about that does not seem right.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks could be the next most dominant player in the NBA.

One of the great things about this time of year are the many stories of people helping people. With all of the daily reports of nasty stuff promulgated by national icons, it’s nice to see that so many real Americans still have so much love for others in their hearts. And, respect.

Trump and the admin are thinking of creating an inhouse spy network to counter the “Deep State.” Christopher Hitchens expected to be chief advisor. Ooooo-Weeee-Oooooo.

The Question:

What do you think are considered the ten best books on conspiracies?  

The Headlines.

--Markets Meandering; New Jobs Reported At 190,000.

--Netanyahu Mum On US Jerusalem Move.

--Time Person Of Year “Silence Breakers” Who Formed “Me Too” Against Sexual Harassment

--British MI5 Thwart Plot To Assassinate PM May.

--Senate Ok’s Kirstjen Nielson To Head Homeland Security.

--United HealthCare To Buy DaVita’s Medical Unit.

--Aetna Chief To Get $500 Million After Deal Is Completed.

Somethings actually do pass the test of time. One, for instance, is throwing a handful of cheerios onto kid’s height chair and stroller trays.

Let’s hope the Feds, in an attempt to paydown the deficit, don’t institute the Virginia model of criminal tolling on the interstate system. In case you missed it, the new Va state tolling system is controlled by algorithms that automatically increase the toll as the traffic becomes more congested. Say what? It can be as high as $40 for a few short miles. I’d be designing a back roads App right now.

Politician Speak, Department:

Upon Exiting, John Conyers said, “The accusations against me are not accurate, and I don’t know where they came from”. I read that as “What I did was much worse than described, and I thought we paid off everybody who knew about it”.

It is pretty much agreed that the current adjustments in the stock markets are more about seeking new investment avenues for all the money made in Tech stocks. It is not a sign of the weakening of the technology companies, but one of reevaluation and strategizing for the future. It will basically be a few months of heartburn for tach stock holders.

The Voice got it right last night eliminating Ashland and Shi’Ann.. The singing competition is down to 8 and next week, to 4. Judge Blake has 3 remaining; Hudson and Levine 2; Miley just one. The final three right now look like Chloe, Addison and Brook with perhaps Davon or Red, but probably Noah sneaking in as the other. I was rooting quietly for Ashland, but knew she had to go. Now I’m rooting quietly for Red, knowing that he won’t be there.

United Healthcare is huge, but now must sit back and watch CVS get bigger with the Aetna purchase. The reshaping of healthcare may offer the next big growth opportunity for redisposing tech stock profits.

I like Sarah Huckabee Saunders.

The top conspiracy theories are: Secret Group Controlling the World; Obama is a Foreign-Born Secret Muslim; The 911 Attacks Were an Inside Job; Lizard People “Reptilians” are Running the World; JFK Assassination theories; Aliens are Contacting us; Moon Landing was faked; FDA Is withholding a cure for cancer; “Chemtrails” – Trails behind planes are government sprayed to control population; Holocaust didn’t Happen; The Tids is a Chinese media ploy to destroy the minds of America.

Actually, the above list in itself is a conspiracy, exaggerated to make appear outlandish and by inference tarnish some conspiracies sacred to me.

From what I’ve seen and read, the wedding cake baker never said he wouldn’t bake LGBT’s a birthday cake. He’s apparently more an artist than a baker who has feelings about his art, just like any other artist. Say like all of those who say they don’t want their art near Trump’s White House. In fact, artists who refused the Inauguration like Elton John said, “it would appear they were endorsing something they didn’t believe in”. I believe that’s what the baker said about same sex weddings. The plaintiffs say the confrontation is not about a cake, but only about a group being rejected because of who they are. But, the baker never said he wouldn’t bake them a birthday cake.

A real conspiracy blossoming in the news is that Tesla’s Gigafactory was designed to create a global battery shortage.

The Answer:

We have enjoyed Ludlum and LeCarre who are way down the list. The Manchurian Candidate is one of the most memorable and only at # 28. But the Top Ten are “No one Left to Lie To” – Hitchens; “State of War: Secret history of the CIA and Bush Administration” – Risen & Perry; “Fault Line” – Eisner; “The Ballad of Abu Graib” – Gourevitch; “The Clerkenwell Tales” – Ackroyd; “The Condor Years” – Dinges; “Singing into the Piano” – Mooney; “A Conspiracy of Paper” – Liss; “Wag the Dog” – Beinhart; The Last Thing he Wanted” – Didion.

So, did you hear that the comedian couldn’t finish the joke about infinity because there was no ending.

You probably wish you hadn’t.

Nothing should be a surprise anymore.

Today's Tids Issue 4,011

For Bad Jokes and Small Laughs:

So, did you hear that Mrs. Clause got really angry at Santa for tracking mud through the house after last year’s trip around the world? “It was the rain, dear,” he replied skittishly.

When the CVS/Aetna deal goes through, the new company will be the 2^nd or 3rd largest in the USA just behind Wal-Mart and perhaps Berkshire Hathaway but surely ahead of Exxon and Apple. CVS is currently 7^th in the country ahead of GM, AT&T and Ford. Interestingly, CVS began as a small discount merchandise store in RI. It was called “Consumer Value Stores, but the founders found that it cost too much for signs that spelled out the entire name, so they shortened it to CVS. As they say, from humble beginnings…or was that Exxon?

I just got word that my 11 yo grandson was kicked out of his school chorus doing a Trump impression. I hope it was funny.

Jay Leno just spent about $13.5 Million for a new home in our town. I don’t live near him.

The Question:

--Frank and Clare Underwood got rid of a lot of adversaries throughout the seasons of House of Cards. Name 5 of them.

The Headlines:

--Fast Moving California Wildfire Explodes, Consuming 31K Acres, Knocks Out Power To Nearly 200,000 Homes; 27,000 People Evacuate In Ventura County Fire.

--Markets Looking For Direction; Investors Looking For Tax Planning Signals As Congress Moves Towards Final Plan Vote.

--Supreme Courts Says Ok To Trump Travel Ban…For Now; Judges Take Up Case Of Religiously Challenged Wedding Cake Baker.

--UK Considering Adding Bitcoin To Money Laundering Watch List.

--Russia Probe Twist: Mueller Subpoenaed Deutsche Bank About Data Related To Relationship With Trump.

--North Korean General’s Favorite TV Show: “Morning Joe.”

--Trump Shrinks Size Of Utah National Monuments Amid Cheers and Boos.

--Muslims Tell Trump That Naming Jerusalem As Israel Capital Is Crossing “Red Line”.

--Former Congresswomen Corine Brown Sentenced To Five Years For Charity Fraud And More.

--Colin Kaepernick A finalist for Tie Person Of The Year; Others Are “Me Too”, Mueller, Trump, Bezos, Kim Jong Un, Patty Jenkins (Producer of Winder Woman) The Dreamers, Saudi prince Mohammed Bin Salman and China’s Xi

--Conyers Will Not Run For Re-Election.

--Fast Food Price War Could Intensify As McDonalds Announces $1.00 menu.

“Cyber criminals just have to find one weakness. Cyber security companies have to find them all”. That is, in case you haven’t been paying attention, an immense problem, and it does not bode well for the security of personal information going forward. With all of the scary things going on in the world, control of everything by evil-doer's keystroking through a nefarious internet could be the most terrifying of all. It has ramifications that can not only destroy personal financial security, but basic infrastructure as well. It appears that cyber thieves love Christmas shopping too, as too many people open doors wide as they attempt to procure last minute gifts on line. Tis the season to be wary.

One of our incredibly knowledgeable readers reminds us that Jaye P. Morgan was also the funniest panelist on the “Gong Show”.

There were many good performances on The Voice last night. For the first time, I was impressed with Brook, who instead of shouting her way through a tune, began acapella to show the luxury of her voice. Amazing Grace, never sounded so good, and her “voice” shown through for the first time. One of my favorites, Red Marlow, once again did the country thing just right and Addison was, well, Addison all over again. That means excellent. Chloe who I like got raves from the judges, but I thought her voice got lost in the band. Davon showed again that he can really sing. Adam Cunningham did a good job, but I don’t think he has a lot of voter appeal. On the other hand, the observers are thinking Shi’Ann must have a secret reserve of admirers who don’t buy on ITunes or vote in the test polls. She was decent. Kiesha did a nice job with a Celon Dione tune and will probably save herself again. Noah, the favorite of the raging hormone set didn’t excite me last night, but he did prove his creativity. Ashland did her thing pretty well, and is a real down to earth country singer. But, regardless of performances, two have to go tonight I think the main candidates are Adam, again, Ashland, Shi’Ann and perhaps Kiesha. I would put Noah in there too, but that’s not going to happen..

ITunes sales for Voice singers had Brook as #2. #4 was Chloe and Addison also made it to the top five again. Kiesha hit the top 10 at #10. At 14 we had Red followed by Adam at 16 and Noah at 18. Chloe snuck back in at 21 for last week’s performance and Davon got 30. Ashland did well at 47 and Shi’Ann was in the top 100 at 71. The rest of the Itunes Voice winners were 3 Chloe’s and 2 Addison’s who now look like the clear favorites with big loyal fan bases.

For all of you who like House of Cards, the decision has been made to return for the final season sans sexual harasser. The sly tricks of Robin Wright, who was assuming the top perch last season (Like they knew something bad was coming), will be the focus this year. Her character Clare is as evil as the man who won’t be there. More good news – Homeland will return again in January and it promises to be very good as our heroes’ fight against a constitutionally challenged president. And, later in the spring we will see the final season of one of my favorites, The Americans. There are plenty of loose ends in that one Hopefully they can tie them into a nice little package I can take. I still miss Justified.

Many of our politicians suffer from a blather control disease.

12 superhot techno Gadgets for Christmas: TrackR Bravo – App creates network of smart phones to find lost item. Siren Song – Personal protection devise emits ear piercing sound to deter bad guys. KeySmart eliminates the need for bulky Key Chains. FixD – This one tells you what’s wrong with car when the dreaded “Check Engine” light comes on. Makes you smarter than high priced mechanics. Peeps – Carbon technology cleans glasses like never before. (Used on Space Station). Snap Smart Cam – Security camera doubles as smart phone charger. GlowBowl Fresh – Light up your toilet bowl while freshening the air, if you like eerie lights for those middle of the night trips. Hydra Smart Bottle – Water bottle also plays music, lights the way and side of the road emergency beacon. Smart Back Pack – Thieves hate this tech device backpack that also has a tracker and charges devices. Will call your cell phone, “Hey you forgot me”. Selfie Drone – Mini Drone takes the best selfies. Night Sight Driving Glasses – Greatly reduces night driving glare and clears up rainy and snowy nights. I’m buying one. Huddy – transforms your smart phone into a driving directional display.

The difficulty in achieving name recognition is a thing of the past. Most obstacles to success aren’t what they used to be.

Nobody pays much attention to NCAA Hockey, so The Tids mighty sports department comes through again bringing you  the latest Top Ten rankings: Denver, St. Cloud State, Clarkson, Notre Dame, North Dakota, Cornell, Minnesota, Minnesota State, Providence and Northeastern. There is definitely an above the Mason Dixon line bias. Hey, you have to do something in the winter.

After nearly a year, Spell-Check still isn’t giving me the option of a capital “T: for the word trump. Is this a deep government conspiracy?

How about Wapo journalist Kathleen Parker comparing Sarah Huckabee Saunders to The Wall? Parker said she was just attempting to describe how hard it is to get past Sarah for info, but most intelligent lookers who were present thought it a was an uncalled-for fat joke. Maybe Parker could assist Trump writing tweets.

One of my hobbies is looking for sales on coffee. Basically, I’m trying to see if those coffees I consider way to high in price are actually worth the premiums. Many times, I find some new favorites when prices go down (like Seattle’s Best #5), but often I find many higher priced coffees like Peets give me little for the extra cost. But, this morning I opened a new bag of a mystery brew, which was pleasantly cheaper than its normal shelf price. It was labeled “Dark Roast”, so my first ominous clue of what was to come was the much less than “dark” color when I opened it. It got worse when I tasted it – watery and with diminished flavor. Coffee adventures are not for the feint hearted.

Outspoken Dems are grasping at Mueller moments, only to find that their exhilaration is a bit premature. They don’t retract well.

(Thanks to Brookins and Mac Nelly for blather control, a little humorous yellow journalism.)

The Answer:

Zoe Barnes tops my list, but Peter Russo is named number one by voters. Zoe is #2 followed by Rachel Posner, Lucas Goodwin, Freddy Hayes BBQ Joint, Edward Meecham, James Miller ( C&F Allow his throat to be slit by Islamic forces to divert attention from them.), Michael Corrigan and Wharton’s dog strangled by Frank at the opening the series.

Actually, something did surprise me this morning – I didn’t think I had much to say. But then, you may agree that I didn’t! It’s the old quantity/quality thing.

No mistletoe at office parties.

Today's Tids Issue 4,010

For Acclimatizing:

There is way too much information in a world where too many people are less able to understand it.

Maybe one of the more significant outcomes from the Mueller/Flynn affair was the announcement from ABC News that they had suspended Brian Ross for “Serious errors in reporting with regard to Trump/Flynn.” Couple that with Mueller’s announcement that he had dismissed an aide named Peter Strzok because of apparent bias against Trump, and you begin to see perhaps a change that could lead to a greater fascination with truth in the USA -- Such a refreshing innovation. What good are journalists or investigators, or even Tids writers, if they have no credibility with the people.

On Friday afternoon I was walking along when two college age appearing students asked if I had a minute to answer a question. Figuring they were working a marketing project, I said, “sure”. So, they asked, “Do you like salads?” I answered, not particularly, unless of course it is doused with plenty of rich creamy chicken gravy.” I hope I didn’t skew their results too much. They seemed totally disinterested, so I walked on.

Sunday morning, I awoke with a start thinking I’d better run down to Benny’s* for an extra set of Christmas tree lights. And then, I remembered, there is no Benny’s. How sad, how painful; how generational.

(*Note to Non-Rhode Islanders. In September there were 31 Benny’s stores around southern New England, a place where you could buy just about anything you needed at good prices. Today there are none. Damn Amazon.)

The Question:

In 1950, a youthful singer Jaye P. Morgan had a popular song hit that opened the door to fame. What was that first breakthrough song, and what was her all-time greatest hit. Bonus: In 1833, the gates were opened to the campus of the first truly Co-Educational college. What was it

The Headlines:

--Senate Tax Bill Vote Excites Wall Street; Dow Up Nicely; Bitcoin Dips Below $11K High.

--CVS To Buy Aetna For Nearly $70 Billion; Move Could Change How Big Employers Buy Health Insurance.

--Rubio Says There Could Be Cuts to SS ad Medicare to pay for tax Plan.

--Wall Street Super Star Rohina Bhandari Killed By Tiger Shark While Diving 300 Miles Off Costa Rica.

--Trump Pushes For More Win As Good For Repubs.

--Brexit Divorce As Irish Border Concerns Near resolution.

--Supreme Court Takes Up Legalized Sprits Betting.

--Luxury Car Sales Dipping; SUV’s Continue To Rise.

--Pat’s Gronk Could Get Suspended For Dirty Hit; Belichick Apologizes To Buffalo Coach.

With all of the celebrities and other national honchos being brought down by past sins, you have to suspect that it won’t be long before the next big push to entirely discredit Trump will be focused on his past alleged proclivity for the female anatomy. This next big harassment of the White House will probably formally begin tonight when Billy Bush is the guest on the Colbert show. Bush won’t be talking about his relatives.

Who know new that was once a corner drug store could take over a company that was once one of the largest companies in the entire United States.

Why do I always have this feeling of trepidation when we begin the week that counts down to December 7th?

I remember once 20 or more years ago when at conference about the state of manufacturing, an engineer from a major innovative machine tool company stood to describe how simple it was to run the new breed of computerized machines. He said, “In fact, we only have one test for prospective machinists. It’s a color blindness test. Can they recognize “Green” for “On” and “Red” for “Off”. Of course, he was being sarcastic, but even as far back as the early 1990’s, and even the mid 1980’s, manufacturing companies were having trouble getting employees with any usable skills. Today it may be even worse. We can bring back millions of jobs to the USA but are there enough good workers to fill them? If you look at some of the robust manufacturing economies now more in the South and deeper Midwest, you see quickly that the big problem is thousands of good paying jobs remaining unfilled due the lack of skilled talent from High Schools. Yet, we have 10’s of thousands of College graduates floundering in no future jobs. I think we have an education problem, coupled with a parental self-esteem problem. It’s been suggested forever that every kid in America is not suitable for college, but have enormous talent that will make them entirely successful in hands-on occupations. The US has to start dressing up skilled jobs to look as respectful as the alleged college jobs.

Whether in a college bound curriculum or one that focus on skills, both sets of students have to pay attention in school.

Well, the CFB committee did it and Ohio State thinks they got robbed. The Bucks say that they won the Big Ten Championship, and have the toughest schedule. Yet, A year ago, Penn State won the B10 Championship and the committee sent – The OSU, because of their tough schedule! It was a pure crock then and an injustice to fairness. Oh yeah, Ohio State lost to Clemson in the 2016 semi-finals, 31 -0. So much for their alleged “Tough” Schedule.

Actually, the bowl game I’m most excited about is the Peach Bowl featuring giant killer Auburn and the relatively unknown undefeated University of Central Florida. In this world of predetermined super conference bowl participants, it is nice to see a college that proved itself from a so-called minor conference get a chance to show what they can do on the big stage.

Shark experts say that the ocean beasts are very smart and not dangerous, except of course to those they kill and maim.

The news was rather hysterical Friday reporting the story of Flynn’s guilty plea. Anybody who was surprised must be living under a rock. The real news was that Mueller seems to have let him off on the real serious charges that have nothing to do with the Admin. Further, what I have read about what news people are implying as evidence of a possible Admin involvement seems more like what all new admins do when entering office -- Sending out feelers to many key countries. But, we’ll see, won’t we?

The real issue will probably come down to lying or covering up. It always does.

While single payer health insurance is a goal of many, the latest hot trend among companies with employees from 100 to 500 is “Self-Insuring”. The self-insurers are saying they can do it cheaper for all, with programs that are more fulfilling to the needs of the users. The really big deal between CVS and Aetna represents another move to change the landscape of healthcare options. The idea seems to be that rudimentary care can be acquired on the street where you live. In other words, American completeness spurring innovation is back, and big Government may not be the only answer after all.

Companies, especially those in the technology sector, are awakening to the thought that their diversity programs aren’t so diverse after all. They seem to have forgotten ideological diversity, and a lot of employees are feeling smothered.

Cuba has had two significant liberations: One from Spain in 1898 aided by the US; one in 1959 from personal freedoms under the charade perpetrated by Castro. Cuba is the classic example of being careful about what you wish for.

BTW, Strzok was a leading player in the investigation of Clinton emails, and was a participant in the Hillary official FBI interview that preceded Comey’s Dismissal of the case against her.

Brian Ross has a documented history of misreporting, mostly with respect to the truth about conservative ideas and activity. Is it sloppy or intentional?

Meanwhile up in Worcester Mass, the venerable Holy Cross University is considering dropping their team nickname “The Crusaders”, for fear of alienating Muslims. If I were an alum, I would vote no. Yet, I am an alumnus of a High School that patterned itself after HC, including adopting the name Crusader. “Go Crusaders. Hold that line!”

My guess is that in the long run, the Repubs may have been smarter to deal with the Dems in the development of the Tax plan.

The Answer:

“Life is just a Bowl of Cherries” was a very popular tune in 1950, but Jaye P’s biggest hit was That’s All I Want from You. She is also known for Are You Lonesome Tonight, The Longest Walk, If You Don’t Want my Love, Pepper-Hot Baby and Danger Heartbreak Ahead. Bonus: Beautiful, Oberlin College in Ohio was the first true Co-Educational college.

Things that used to seem simple have become complex interpersonal issues. Anybody can comment on just about everything regardless if whether or not they know anything about anything. Yes, hanging a piece of mistletoe has become a major decision in today’s “I see you” society.

Tomorrow I will try to explain in plain English everything you need to know about Bitcoins and Net Neutrality. Then I will take a week off to recover in the local sanatorium. Do they still make sanatoriums?

Unintended serious complications of life.

Today's Tids Issue 4,009

For Friends:

So, we made it. Yes, it is the last month of the year, and somehow we managed to survive a change that put half the nation into deep depression. This month that signals the end, is all about new beginnings. I don’t know about you but, the spirit of Christmas makes my heart leap a bit. It induces the hearts of busy people to look beyond to the needs of others. A glistening kind of month where Christmas bells ring out joy, and lonely bugles remind us of what we should never forget, Pearl Harbor. It gets colder but towards the end the days get longer, a nice reminder that a return to spring and summer is under way. Kids love the heroics of Rudolph, the charm of Frosty; Linus tells us the real story. Good people the across our fertile earth hear the beauty of Angels singing on high. It’s a good month, a little stressful at times, but the love it promises always seems to get us through it all.

From this perch, it appears that NBC might want to get rid of the old Peacock image. Men struttin’ around with fancy plumes has had its day at 30 Rock.

It appears that the essential factor in the Handy Guide to Investing in 2018 will be the ability of companies to maintain the excellent earnings reports of the past several quarters. There are some who now are saying it will be a-difficult to sustain the momentum. But then, there are always many who try to position the future of the markets to assure their own personal sustainability.

The melody kept playing on until it became a strain.

The Question:

I have a list that ranks Ben Stiller Movies from Best to Worst. Name the top ten

The Headlines:

--Markets Open Lower; Looks Like Up And Down Day; Techs Stronger

--Flynn Pleads Guilty To Lying To The FBI; DC Watchers Wondering What Comes Next After Deal, “Monumental Reduction In Charges Doesn’t Come For Free,” Says One Knowledgeable Observer.

--Sens Johnson And Daines Join McCain In Supporting Tax Overhaul Bill.

--House Hunting For Stopgap Measures To Keep Government Open.

--DoJ Looks At Federal Charges After Steinle Walks; SF’s Left Leaning Newspaper The Chronical Says Justice Was Not Served; Criticizes Brown Ruling That Hides Evidence Of Past Sins.

--Tillerson Tenure Tottering.

--Argentina Ceases Search For Sub.

This weekend in College football looks like what it would be if the playoff system went to 8 teams instead of just 4. Personally, I’d like to see 12. And, I’d really like to see the big-league teams trade off those creampuff games for an extra round of serious play downs.

I must say that The Tids observations of the Stock markets are generally the opinions of Mr. Everyman, and not professional analysts. But, sometimes everyman is right…just like a monkey.

I thought the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was pretty special until I saw the lighting of the “Fantastic” White House tree.

I think that Rex Tillerson presents a sound image of the USA, and I would be sorry to see him go.

(We have a couple of new readers joining us today.  HooRay! They and you can always find us at worldviewetc.blogspot.com. Good way to find and catchup on Tids you may miss.)

There is a lot of talk about how well Tiger Woods did yesterday at the “Hero” golf tournament. But, I found myself learning something entirely new from the event: I always thought the “Hero” Tournament referred to raising money for our fighting men. Silly me. It is sponsored by an Indian Company -- Hero Motocorp Ltd (Formerly Hero Honda) is the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters. And all this time I thought Tiger was sponsoring a charity.

The word is that Matt Lauer is looking for a $30 Million separation Settlement. He could have been a football coach who failed.

And, how about Ricky Pitino is suing U Louisville for $35 Million after he was separated for alleged to have been a part of what looks like a criminal enterprise. His involvement in funny-money payoffs may just have been the final straw for the school administration after letting him slide for wins – Putting a Louisville red blanket over his checkered moral career at the University that included serious sexual misbehavior at several levels.

10’s of millions of dollars used to be big money, but now it’ just a small pittance to pay to get rid of somebody who has failed miserably or done something seriously against the rules of a civilized society.

During the Obama admin we saw the left as being seriously interested the globalization of the world leading to an emperor’s job for the 0-man. But when you think about it, the first significant Globalist was Christopher Columbus, the explorer who brought to the West modern advantages, and who is constantly in the sights of the angry, no-boundaries left.

Clemson over Miami, Okla over TCU, Georgia over Auburn and Wisconsin over Ohio State. Get it?

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--We have already reviewed Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, which just opened to general release. It’s a good one about a woman, tired of the lack of police activity finding the murderer of her daughter, who takes action to light a fire under their butts. Black comedy, well-acted.

--A good cast helps make The Shape Of Water worth your time. A woman trapped in a life of isolation, working in obscurity for a high-security government laboratory, who with a co-worker discovers secret classified equipment which changes her life forever. Intrigued? I am.

--People also like The Disaster Artist, the comedy documentary about a real-life writer/director Tommy Wiseau, often referred to as “The Citizen Kane of Bad Movies.” It follows the development of the Cult favorite “The Room”, and production troubles along the way.

--Woody Allen’s latest effort doesn’t quite hold together. It takes place in Coney Island and stars Kate Winslet as Ginny, an emotionally unstable former actress now a waitress, Jim Belushi Ginny’s rough-hewn carousel operator, Justin Timberlake the wannabe playwriter now a life guard and Juno Temple as Belushi’s estranged daughter, now hiding out from gangsters in dad’s apartment.

The Answer:

#1 is There’s Something About Mary followed by Meet the Parents, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, Meet the Fockers, Night at the Museum, Happy Gilmore, Starsky & Hutch and Along Came Polly. Considered his worse movie at #76 is Hooves of Fire.

When writing the movie reviews today, I could only think of one of the all time greatest Tids readers who read and used them faithfully. My friend. This is a woman who had no respect for irrational politicians and was not shy about telling it like it is. Actually, she was not shy about anything. Living in San Diego, she often wondered how she survived in Jerry Brown’s asylum. Maybe with her smile, I’m thinking. So, today I learned that she is seriously ill. And frankly, I don’t know what else to say. Rats.

See you all Monday, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!