Touch or tackle?

Today's Tids Issue 2011

Opening Stuff:

The perfect quiet day, when the world we know receives a fresh coat of white snow and for a moment bears no scars, muffles the cries of anger, is not to be scorned for inconvenience but to be cherished if only for a moment for the magic of pure beauty. 

With all the hullabaloo attending the announcement of a 7 step jobs improvement plan, The RI Senate only continued to play feel good touch football, failing to grasp, or if so, failing not to play tough enough to eliminate the real problem, themselves.

Did you hear about the Roman soldier who had an epileptic fit in ice storm? It was a Hail Siezure! Shoot me.

One of the scariest things about Twitter is how fast it could chnage opinions about stocks., one way or the other.

The Question:

What are the nine states with no income tax?

The Headlines:
--Northeast Enjoys Cover Of White Before Clean-Up Turns It Ugly.
--NASDAQ Hanging In There; Dow Stumbling; IBM Loses Steam.
--Morgan-Stanley Downgrades Gold For Next Two Years; Other Experts Say Gold Could See 800 If Treasuries Go To 4%.
--Violence Escalates In Syria As Peace talks Open.
--Thai Capital Under Emergency Law After Shooting Of Pro-Government Leader.
--RI Senate Announces 7 Point Plan To Revive RI Economy; More Of The Same Fails To Connect With Employer Leaders.
--Ex-Va Gov Indicted.
--Self-Proclaimed "Sinner" Vitters On Top Of Heap In La Gubernatorial Race.
--News Takes Sideline When It Snows.

I see where the NBA season is half over, and I'm still thinking it's just getting started. Ditto NHL.

I may not publish my NCAA Final Four picks this year because I want to keep the Buffett Billion for myself.

So far most of what I have heard from the Governor and the legislature is to pour more money into the Education industry, when we know that the smartest kids in RI routinely leave the state because there are so few  good jobs worthy of a great education. The best jobs in RI seem to be in the hierarchy of the NEA union leadership...and they never leave.

One thing you have to admit about the cold, dry weather is that Potatoes chips are crispier and Cheeto's are snappier.

This is about the time of the year when most people stop listening to the hysterical reports of doom created by weather forecasters. 

I see where the Ya-Ya-Ya...(Well You Know Who I Mean) signed superstar Japan pitcher Isahiro Tanaka for $150 Mill. We can only hope he works out as well as ex-superstar Japan pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka!

Richard Sherman has been Vitter-Like in trying to restore his rep as a good guy instead of loudmouth jerk.

Speaking of vile celebs, our intrepid San Diego reader wants to add Robert Filner to the Tids 2013 Selaziest Slimeball list headed by Weiner and Spitzer. I say, well deserved.

There's no truth to the rumor that Boston U.'s highly regarded Public Relations program will be using The Tids Slime ball List to test their students' ability to make cotton candy out of pollution sludge. Now that's tackle football.

Seriously though, it seems to me that every intelligent person in this state knows what the problem is with regards to economic growth, except all of those who vote for the state legislature.

And, a big "I'm sorry" to all of you non-RI'ers across the country for the focus on the ineptitude of my State Government. But, I know all of you in Illinois, and maybe in every state across our magnificent nation, know what I'm feeling.

Let's hope that if CBS had known that most Americans would be shuttered in last night, they wouldn't have had an evening of repeats.

I told the doctor I slipped on his front step and he said, "Icy?"

I just realized that Mark Zuckerburg and I were born in the same city. He must have had better teachers.

The Answer:

#1 Alaska doesn't have an Income or Sales tax! The rest are Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, New Hampshire and Tennessee

As this edition of the Tids comes to an end, the sun is poking through, and the soft, gentle white of a fresh fallen snow is transforming into a glistening carnival of dancing diamonds.

Cooking is always better with butter, and now the hysterical watchdogs are reversing course saying it may not be so bad after all. Yum!

No novel excerpt this morn. Had to shovel snow. Ah Winter, The days of Shovelry!

I had nothing to say this morning, and it shows.

See you tomorrow.

Snowflakes can look the same, if it's dandruff.

Today's Tids Issue 3,011

Opening Stuff:

Winter is back, and my brain is working again. As they say around here, don't forget to get out early to the supermarket before the storm for bread, milk and hairspray.

Christie wasn't really saying "Block the Bridge". It was "Block the Fridge, Block the Fridge"!

I see where NY's Governor said with classic smarmy intolerance that he would be happy to expel all conservatives. Maybe he could direct a few North to Republican starved RI. Andrew Cuomo is so liberal that an extreme conservative is everybody who doesn't agree with him, which could be good old fashioned Democrats and Moderate Republicans. He sounds more like the Governor of New York City. And opinionators wonder why we just can't all get along.

The Question:

Who do you think were are considered the top 20  all-time favorite SNL cast members?

The Headlines:
--Winter Blast bringing Snow, Icy Cold To Northern Half Of US.
--Stock Market Coming Back From Weak Opening; Dow Hits Coming From Weakness In Goldman And Verizon.
--Christie To be Sworn In During Snowstorm And Under Avalanche of Criticisms.
--Sochi Security Hunting For Three Alleged Suicide Bombers.
--Congressman Asks if Russia Is Behind Snowden Leaks.
--0-Man Subliminally Supporting Legal Pot In New Yorker Interview?
--Target Could See Payout Of $150 Million In security Breach Claims.
--UN Undoes Iran Invite To bring Syria Opposition Back To Peace Table.

Is Sochi the 21st century version of Potemkin Village?

Speaking of "autocorrect" -- How much do I hate that feature when it transforms my slang or even correctly spelled words beyond it's automaton intelligence into totally out of context words. Even last night, I wrote about the artist "Remington" and it came out from Mr. Know-it-All autocorrect as"Remitting." The worst part is that it was to a group of smart people who are probably good spellers, and they may think of me as Typo-guy. It's not as bad, though, as the guy carried away by the FBI after the NSA reported his email, "Going to Attack", which had been changed by you know what from "Going to Attic"! More than ever, it pays to edit.

95% of all boating accidents occur within 3 miles of shore. Sounds pretty logical to me. That's where the bad things are -- like quickly shifting winds, rocks and lots of idiots. Fortunately around this time of year there are many great classes on water and boating safety, which will help most avoid being one of the three major causes of water mayhem.

If people are worried about going to the Olympics, than the terrorists have already accomplished their mission.

Will Andrew Cuomo authorize a special reefer exemption, allowing the opening of temporary Pot Shops in Times Square for Superbowl visitors from the states of the two teams which just happen to be the only two where it is legal -- Colorado and Washington? You have to wonder if bookies are taking bets on whether there'll be more snow on the field or in the stands.

I really have to laugh at legislators who say they need to legalize pot to increase revenue for the states. What's that for...to replace revenue lost from the decline of cigarettes? God love em'.

We have some great new readers just starting out on their "Tids" journey. I checked on several local suicide hot lines for irrational screamers, and received an all-clear. We'll see how long that lasts.

Polar Vortex II? Nah, it's just winter.

Uh Oh, Texas may be in trouble and not even know it, since popular Dem Gubernatorial Candidate Wendy Davis is actually a native Rhode Islander, from near bankrupt West Warwick at that. Texans may want to take a closer look at what RI Dems hath wrought upon a once independent state of persnickety individualists.

The Conscience: Chapter 34 continues.
       James watched the scene, a very emotional scene in front of him. He didn't know whether to feel relieved, elated or puzzled. He had learned so much peersonally from that small act of kndness from Jeffery. Yet, he saw next to Jeffery a woman who must have a amazing patience for sticking with a weak man who had been such a loser for so long. A woman who had endured the ugliness of a drunk for the major part of her life. What kind of love is that, he wondered. As over the years he sought and learned more about the whereabouts of Morgan, he had trouble justifying the differnce between a man who showed courage in one instance, and lacked it entirely by hiding the body. And, himself from reality.
      "You've known this for thrity years. Thirty years during which I have could have ruined a family. tested beyond anything close to normalcy the love of a woman." Jeffery was showing anger, and James "Brainy" Smith, withdrew involuntarily. James was about to speak, not really knowing what to say, when Jeffery continued.
      "I only have myself to blame. Don't I James. I left her there. I hid the truth. There was no way you could reach me, not in those black days in society..." Jeff looked up, now smiling, a little. "Oh sorry James, "those bleak days." James now smiled in return.
      "What is going on here," Evvy had stood up and was looking at the two of them demanding an explanantion. Jeff didn't tap his breast pocket.
      Jeff told her the entire story, of what he did, what he hid and how James accusing eyes had followed him everywhere for almost 30 years, at work, while he slept and even at times when they were making love. Evvy didn't know whether to be happy or mad or take a cleaver to his head. She really had no idea about what to say.
      "Would you like a drink, James?" Jeff had risen and went over to the mini bar.
      "No thanks, my body has had enough stimulation for day or two!"
      "I don't either," he grabbed Evvy's hand. "So, what happened to the girl, I can't even remember her name, only those awful dead eyes.
      "It was Sally. Sally Southfield." James began the rest of the story.

The Answer:
Bill Murray heads the list and is followed in order by Will Ferrell, Phil Hartman, John Belushi, Chris Farley, Dan Ackroyd, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, Dana Carvey, Mike Meyers, Adam Sandler, Gilda Radnor, Kristin Wiig, Chevy Chase, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Steve Martin, Bill Hader, Chris Rock and Jason Sudeikis. In the next ten we have Norm McDonald, Darrell Hammond, Jon Lovitz, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Jane Curtin, David Spade Kevin Nealon, Christopher Walken and Andy Sandberg. Check out te entire fifty -- http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-snl-castmembers-of-all-timehttp://

I'm surprised that Steve Martin, Billy Crystal and Jane Curtin are so low.

The Tids would have been out earlier, but I've been standing in line at the supermarket. On the way home I stopped short, the milk spilled in the back seat --I cried -- and while I was cleaning it up. some birds flew in and ate my bread. So, snuggle in, light the fire, pour a glass of wine or better...and enjoy the Tids. See you tomorrow after I shovel out my grill.

In Who do we Trust?

Today's Tids Issue 3,010

Opening Stuff:

It's tough to celebrate a Dream today after yesterday's crushing of a Superbowl fantasy. Of course a sports loss fast becomes yesterday's news, the great words of MLK will go on forever and continue to inspire -- "Let us not wallow in the valley of despair...I still have a dream...rooted in the American dream...I have a dream that some day tis nation will rise up...We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal..." I wish my fingers could emulate the passion of that voice.

Happy Deflated Monday Everybody...well Pats fans anyhow...and Niner fans too. It was Saturday morn when I finally said to myself enough talk, enough stories, enough opinions, lets' play the game. Now I'd like another week. Notes: --Talk about a feeling of hopelessness as Peyton zeroed in and hit hands with passes right where the passes should be hitting hands, Reciever after reciever, pass after pass. --I think ex-Pat Welker won it for the Broncs after he knocked Talib out of the game. Up til then Manning did show indications of indecision as the Pat Corner took away half the field of options. When thre whole field opened, so did PM's eyes. --I like Pete Carroll and am happy for him. I will have trouble though rooting for  Seattle team with wild mouth Richard Sherman on it. --On to cold Northern New Jersey.

Trust in this country, in society in general it seems, erodes continually. And, it's not just because politicians talk out of both sides of their mouth. You only have to look at Americans taking a step backward at the rise of continuous scams on the Internet. It was quite noticeable last week when 70 Million targeted Target customers received, and many rejected out of pure fear, an offer to help secure their accounts. Most, just saw it as a new scam, the result of the hacking into the Target computers, even though it was a sincere (Or at least lawsuit motivated) attempt by the giant company to help out. Then you have sweet talking pieces of garbage like Jordan Belfort who stole the savings of the innocent and gullible. It's getting to a point, where the only course of action is to initiate everything yourself, and reject out of hand anything that is incoming, no matter how gaudy the promise.

In response to The President's opened ended, hedging speech on NSA, Rand Paul said, "What I think I heard is that if you like your privacy, you can keep it."

The Question:
Double "Q" Day: 1. Who do you think will be the guests on Jay Leno's last week of shows? 2. Bobby Goldsboro made millions of Americans weep. Why?

The Headlines:
--American's Celebrate MLK Day.
--China Economy Grows 7.7% in 2013.
--New Englanders Weep; Bay Area Fans Hum; Superbowl Set: best Offense Against best defense.
--Syria Backing Out Of Peace Talks After UN Invites Iran To Join.
--Iran Officials Looking To Meet Nuke Dilution Requirements.
--Putin defends Russia Anti-Gay Policies While Welcoming With Open Arms Gays To Olympics.
--Militants Threaten Pottential Attendees To Olympics.
--Obama Urges Talks To Straighten Out Ukraine Mess.
--Gathering Groups Of Economists Rosier About US Growth Prospects.

Recipe, Department:
You probably thought that with the title of last Friday's Tids, you were going to get a Saltimbocca recipe. You are, now! I personally like smallish medallions of meat, thin sliced veal about 3 inches across, that can really soak up the other flavors. So, take your veal, and place on top thin prosciutto covering the Surface. Place plastic wrap over it and roll or pound to 1/4 inch. Remove plastic and lay sage leaves at center of cutlet and pin combo with toothpick. On a plate mix a cup or so of flour, salt and pepper. Dredge cutlets and shake off excess. Heat 2 tbs OO and 1 Tbs butter in skillet over medium heat. Place medallion prosciut down and cook for 3 mins; turn over, remove toothpicks place thin sliced Asiago on top to cover and cook for another 2 mins til golden. Remove to plate, and keep warm. Now in the same pan add 2 Tbs white wine, scraping up bottom while stirring. Let wine cook down for a minute ro burn off alcohol. Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 Tbs Butter and swirl, watching it thicken a bit. Pour over veal combos. Yum.

I would also prepare chicken the same way, slicing breasts down to a little over a 1/4 of of an inch and pounding away. Too many restaurants serve one giant breast where the great flavors are only in the top or bottom of the chunk. Again, I would uses circa 3 inch pieces and about four or five to a serving. Small is better..

I remember as a kid that it was a special moment when somebody sang Panis Angelicus.

They are trying to tell us that in Egypt, a country entirely and often violently polarized, 98% voted for a new Constitution. Upon further review beyond the headline we see that only 38% of citizens voted in the election. While that's slightly more than the number of RI'er's who voted for Chafee-Lite, it's far from an mandate for the future. Like so many Middle East... (Excuse me, I had to pause for a particularly stirring moment of Pucini's "Tre sbirri, una Carrozza". But hell, when trying to unravel the Middle East it's always good to let your mind drift away into something pleasant. Now where was I?) Oh yeah, like so many Middle East situations, what's not being said is what is often most important. You just have to know that the Islamist faction, maybe the most organized group in the country, is just sitting back as they often do looking for new opportunities. As Hank Williams once sang, "I ain't got nothin' but time."

I don't think sharks are getting angrier, it's just that there are more people in the water to eat. Statistics are all about from which side you are looking.

A good reader suggests that Nathanial Philbrick's "Bunker Hill", about that great battle and the reasons behind the Revolutionary war, should be must reading for all school children. The reasons behind the Revolutionary War are why millions upon millions have left their homes across oceans to travel to our shores. At least, before the "Gimmie Era".

Conservative leaning elder citizen group AMAC has just received a gift-wrapped opportunity for advertising -- The new publicity photo of a smiling Michelle Obama holding proudly her AARP Card! Under that pic I see a headline: "Tired of a liberal senior organizations, Join AMAC!" BTW, how smart is the young at heart First Lady who would proudly wave a Senior discount card when only 50? I didn't admit to discounts til I was in my sixties. Aah, the irrationality of vanity.

Some US Auto Chieftons pick as the best new cars, 3 styles of Audi (S8, A6, AllRoad), 2 styles of Ford (Fusion and Fiesta ST - "Best Drive For the Money), Corvette, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Corolla

During half time, there was a moment of silence for the deceased mime.

In the name of progress, chefs are continually trying to improve lovable old standards, but generally come up with something less. It's a little like what Liberals are trying to do with America.

I'm continually amazed at how much better I can see after each time I wash my glasses. Must be some kind of transparency thing.

Well known International Investor Jimmy Rogers had this to say a couple of days ago: "The global environment of ultra-loose economic policies, characterized by nations that run huge government debts while printing gobs of money, will lead eventually to a massive world hangover." Uh oh! He does say that the Japan stock market which is 70% off its all time high (US is at Peak) would be one of his favorite places to look to put his money. But, as usual, who knows?

On "Run and Chug" nights around here, the only time to eat at Lower Broadway restaurants is that precious hour between the time the runners congregate to warm themselves for the challenge, and when they return to the pubs to drink to their success.

The Conscience: Chapter 33 continues.
      James finally let his breath go when they turned down the dirt road, speeding past wooden shacks through the clouds of dust to Leroy's home. He jumped out of the truck before it stopped, and walked several steps back to watch the older boys do their work. As they approached the back truck bed, they all heard a moan and stopped in their tracks. James stepped back further in to the shadow of Leroy's house, hoping that the ghost wouldn't see him there.
    Joey was the first to move towards the truck, which was one reason why he was the leader of the guys his age. The other reason was because he had ties to bringing dope to the city, and was pretty well known by black community and in some of the best social circles of Old South. He was also very smart, and had that quality of leadership which others tend to follow. So dead white girls don't mix well in his business or career objectives. Getting rid of the body was critical. Now though as he approached the truck he was trying to figure out what to do with a live white girl who would see his face. Who would have seen his little brother's face. He walked over somewhat gingerly and peered in.
      "Who are you?"
      "Who are you? Joey answered, wondering why she didn't say Who are you nigger?
      She gazed at him with empty eyes, as though looking for an answer to his question.
      He turned to the others, "This white woman is alive. What do we do now?" James came forward, now buoyed by the knowledge that what he heard was real.
      The  little boy, always ready with a good idea spike, "Maybe Joey the men you work with can help." James, even being so young knew that returning the girl to Mobile society would be a bad idea.
      Chapter 34:
     James looked at Jeffery who had the same staring into space blank look of that woman 30 years ago waking up to see two strange black men. Evvy had moved closer to him and was clutching his hand. 
     "So, Jeffery, James now continued," The next day, the police came to Leroy's door to question him about bein' at the the fairgrounds the night before, and that it was mighty suspicious because a white girl was missing. They talked about how he could be hung right in his front yard if he didn't talk, and maybe they'd just do that anyhow to send a message. But old Leroy was smarter than he looked, and didn't break. "I sweat a lot though," he told me and Joey later.
      The girl was gone, and nobody knew anything about it. And those that did had gotten rid of the evidence.
      Jeffery started crying. His body shuddering as 30 years of fear screamed for release from a mind rotting with booze. His wife -- who had endured so much for so many years, but who always stayed, always urged him on, for himself, for thr kids, for her, because she knew there was something good, salvageable deep within that weak sodden soul moved over and wrapped her arms around him.

The Answer:
1. Leno will have good friends joining him on his last week in Feb -- His replacement Jimmy Fallon will be joined by Billy Crystal, Garth Brooks, Betty White, Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock...and probably a few surprises. 2. In 1968, the largest selling record in the world was "Honey". His agent and banker cheered, but everybody else in the world shed a tear or two: "One day while I was not at home / While she was there and all alone / The Angels came.  // Now my life's and empty stage / Where Honey lived and Honey played / And, love grew up // And a small cloud passes overhead / And cries down on the flower bed / That Honey Loved // And I see the Tree, how big it's grown / But friend it hasn't been too long / It wasn't big / And I laughed at her and she got mad / The first day she planted it. It was just a twig.

"Honey" wasn't the greatest song ever written, but its enormous success is a reminder that what we hold dearest in our hearts are little things that bring back magic moments of love.

Remember, one tear could be of a thousand smiles.

The Tenth Amendment.

Today's Tids Issue 3007

Opening Stuff:

Old Joyce Kilmer surely loved his tree.

And that it's beautiful, I would agree.

But, what God gave that's awesome to me

Is the pounding, erratic, glistening sea.

If the Wolf on Wall Street, and American Hustler are classified as comedies, how come I wasn't laughing.

I keep getting emails selling me "Well Designed" replicas of Rolex watches. Why would I want to buy a replica of an original that leaves me cold.

The Question:
What are ten things the Weight Loss Industry won't tell you? Bonus: What was Joyce Kilmer's first name?

The Headlines:
--Markets Rebounding.
--Teacher Saves Kids Lives In new Mexico School Shooting.
--Egyptian Voting Continues For Second Day despite Sporadic Violence.
--Mitch McConnell Calls Harry Reid's 60 Vote Minimum For Extended Unemployment Insurance Proposal "Ridiculous".
--62 More Killed In Iraq Bomb Attacks.
--O-Man Says Give Iran Diplomacy A Chance.
--Obama to Open "Manufacturing Institute"; Practical Or Politics?


"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." That's the Tenth Amendment. It's the written belief of the founders sthat would limit a giant, all encompassing central government like those that they and their ancesters fled when crossing the dangerous seas. I'm not against Government at all. Who would be? I'm just for a dominant state government that cedes some efficiencies for the common good to the Feds.

Speaking of a rampant power grab by unfettered politicians, 0-Man says he won't wait for Congress to pass laws. He will just issue executive orders, especially with respect to illegal immigration and Gun control. "We are just not going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we're providing 'Americans' the kind of help that they need," is what he said. Two things: 1. Americans don't need any more help. They just need the federal Government to get out of the way. 2. Illegal immigrants aren't Americans, so who is he really helping?

He also has said he will issue an order to make the economy grow faster? Say what?

How can you be on the journey of life when you are going nowhere?

What's been really scary to me is that scene where a retired cop in a Tampa Bay theater killed two people because they were reading their smartphone during the previews before a movie. Who am I sitting next too?

What's not outrageous to me is Giselle Bludgeon sitting on her ATV with her kid and no helmets.

Did you see where the Obama Admin is going to inaugurate the first of 3 planned Manufacturing Institutes. There have been manufacturing organizations contributing to innovations in the field for decades. In fact, US manufacturing is incredibly effiecint, so much so that business is returning. The exodux of jobs in the mid earlier decade was not the result of US inefficiencies, but the high cost from wages. Wages are down a bit in the US, mainly due to reconfiguring the Auto industry contracts, and some jobs are returning. Jobs, however, will never return to the extent they had been during the US years of greatness, because efficiency that improves productivity necessarily eliminates jobs. So once again, it is the politicians following the innovations of the entrepreneurs for political gain, only way too late. The train left the station with featherbedding.

As far as I can determine about this new Court decision nullifying Net Neutrality, the only thing I can expect is to be paying more money along the way for a lot of stuff I'll never need.

"Justified" opened with a Bang last Tuesday (Make that a lot of "Bangs") and kept it going last night. It is one of the best shows on the Tube.

Justified was written by Elmore Leonard who died last year. Did I ever mention that these four novels I have written in serial form for Tids borrow some of his style. He's offbeat enough to make amateurs look acceptable.

The Rolex is the symbol of America -- Buy something you don't  like for a lot of money you don't have so you'll look good to people you think you should be impressing. I knew a guy who once said to me, "My goal in life is to have a Presidential Rolex." I don't get it.

I see where The District Of Columbia is weighing evidence on whether to decriminalize marijuana. Great. Just what we need, more civil servants staring at the ceiling. We call it the Rashaan Salaam effect. The good news is that traffic tie-ups will go down as people stay in bed longer.

When you think about it, the only way progressives can really succeed is to obliterate the Constitution.

The Conscience: Chapter 33 continues.
    "Hold on, hold on little Jim. What y'all talkin' about? I don't like to hear, dade white girls."
    "Its true, Joey"! Jimmy Brainy Smith then when on to tell about the confrontation, intervention by the white boy, death of the white girl. "We got to get her outta there or the mobs'll be comin' our way."
     And hour later, Joey and Jimmy plus two of Joey's friends drove their beat-up old ford to the now vacant Fairgrounds site. Jimmy jumped out first, looked around and ran to the rock and bushes. She was gone. "She's not here,"
     Jimmy turned wide eyed to the bigger boys running up. "You playin' games with us again, Brainy?" said one of the other boys.
    "No, No, Leroy, she was dade, right here righ..." he pasued and moved to the rock. "See this, It's her blooood."
    "That sure looks like blood, a lot of blood," said his older brother. By then  Jimmy was off in the bushes looking around at the lake beyond, when he tripped on something. He looked down, and those same lifeless eyes peered back up. He jumped back.
     His startled screech brought he other boys over. "Jeeeesus!" That 's what all they said. The three just stood and looked at each other.

The Answer:
1. "Some of us are big, fat liars" seeking to extract cash form the guilty. 2. Dieting can make you fat. 3. Twinkies and Cheetos could be just as helpful as diet foods. 4. We can make you irritabke and unattractive to your family and loved ones. 5. Side effects range for stinky breath to worse...like significant bowel problems. 6. Publisheed calories can be much lower than reality. 7. Americans are getting tired of diets and have become more acceptable to heavier people. 8. Our Industry profits are through the roof. 9. Surgery that makes you thin could easily make you sick. 10. We have saturated the women's market, so we're going after men! Bonus: The poet of the trees was born Alfred Joyce Kilmer.

When I started this morning, I thought I had nothing to say. I wish I didn't have to say so much about politics. I wish I were drifting on a quiet sea; with nary a ripple nor a wave could I see; The only air moving being from my calm, steady breathing; what appeared to be perfect rest. Yet, I knew, there's a world of living neath the surface still; would it let me be, or would the skies darken and the waves surge.

I'm outta here. And, remember, Buy on the dips.

They don't make Saltimbocca Like they used to.

Today's Tids Issue 3009

Opening Stuff:
I realize that the florist was trying to be clever, but "Twigs" as the name of a flower shop?  Must be for those without "green thumbs".

A Reggiano is a Reggiano is a Reggiano. Not! Roses will not be thrown to laud all of these Prince of Parmesans, or should I say Parmigiano. The only similarity is that they all are way more expensive than your basic Kraft shaker. But, when you hit a good one, it is heaven. And I will continue to chase it down. It's one of those "I'll know it when I taste it" things.

The Questions:

Name five of Betty White's most memorable ventures. Bonus: Name three actors who have played Jack Ryan of Clancy Book fame?

The Headlines:

--Raging LA Forest Fires Dying Down; 3 Men In Custody.

--Bad Year For Goldman Will Produce Salaries Cuts of 3%.

--Some Early Profit Disappointments Have Stocks Slipping; Consumer Confidence Index Is Down.

--News Of Benghazi Report Of Hillary's State Department Missteps Played Down In National Networks.

--Jews Fear Online Resurrection Of Hitler's Mein Kampf.

--Top Internet Security Analysts Say ObamaCare Site is Shameful;

I'm just writing on fumes this morning as my big game nerves have completely taken over. I think that SF is really tough, but I'm loving this Seattle defense, so I'm going with Pete Carroll's team. Of course, when it comes to predicting the other game, it is all about my heart. I like the way my beloveds have been playing, and I just have a hunch that they will find a way to eke one out. But, personally I think the vibration from my blood pump have taken over reason. So, take it for what it's worth.

A new report from a RI  Watchdog group says that The Legislature was right and that  Governor Chafee should never have signed on to establish the state's own exchange for ObamaCare. The reason, the state can't afford to operate to the "mandate's" standards after Fed Funds disappear. Yes, like with all fed give-aways there are serious mandates that come along with it, mandates that cannot generally be fulfilled by entities that actually have to watch their budgets. 

One of the problems with Network sitcoms is that the rest of the world thinks everybody in the USA is a jerk or fool...or worse.

And how about those reality "stars" who are forced into outrageous outrageousness when ratings begin to slip. It's like watching a gasping fish flipping to find the way back to the water.

Like Christmas, MLK Day is being watered down, going from "I have a dream..." to "I have a deal..." Yes consumerism just can't leave an event standing for what it is. The birth of Jesus, the birth of freedom and compassion -- nothing means anything any more unless it is attached to dollar signs.

Speaking of special days being commandeered by commercialism, I wonder if that terrible looking Valentines Day "Open Heart" trinket means that love really isn't forever? 

The ban on profiling is a lot like affirmative action -- both are based on assumptions not in evidence.

Matthew McConaughhey looks like he had one great face lift from head to toes.

Are roads all of a sudden less safe, or are the new me generation drivers less considerate, less cautious?

If I were a young architect in this fast rising on-line buying world, I'd a have a drawer full of sketches about how to convert giant malls into affordable housing in 10-20 years.

Ironically, yesterday I made mention of the lovable Professor from Gilligan's Island. Russell Johnson died yesterday. He was terrific element to a series that had many great contributions. Well, maybe "great" is an over reach for a silly comedy.

Reading Between the lines Movie Reviews:

--The critics don't like Jack Ryan: Shadow recruit, but then I lately have seen a lot of the so-called critically acclaimed efforts, and have been left bewildered. I will be there as Jack, a financial analyst working for a billionaire Russian, finds himself framed by his Boss. He joins the CIA and the race is on. How can that be bad!

--Devil's Due smacks of Rosemary's baby. After a happy honeymoon and early pregnancy the Hubby notices odd changes in his wife. Get the picture. I might watch it some night on late night TV.

--The Nut Job is the latest in animated comedy's for the kids. In this caper, a squirrel and his rat friend plan to rob a nut store and find themselves embroiled in much more. Pretty good one.

The Answer:

Betty White has been all over the place. I liked her best in the Mary Tyler Moore Show. but she has been a Golden Girl. Currently she is in a show I will never watch (Franly, I didn't even know it was on) -- Hot in Cleveland. She has made many great guest appearances on TV, like her award winning efforts in The John Larroquette Show and on SNL. She was also in Boston Legal, The Golden Palace, Date With Angels and Life with Elizabeth. And she's still working while she's old. People like her for that. I think she is funny, sometimes. Bonus: The three other Jack Ryan's other than Chris Pine in the new movie were Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck. I would only have guessed Harrison.

How can this be a bad weekend with a game on Saturday! That's about all I have to say.

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

89 days til IRS day.

Today's Tids Issue 3008

Opening Stuff:
Last night our Governor unloaded a list of expenditures, loaded with convoluted reason contrived from faulty premises. And the crowd went wild! State of the States and States of the Union are no long reports, audits, justification of actions and expenditures to the tax payer, but warnings about how we will be suckered for another year.

Collateral Damage, Department:
I usually do more reading in Winter because the light bulb keeps me warm. What?...They're not making incandescent's any more! There goes the national literacy ranking.

I'm a big fan of Camille Saint-Saens, and his Piano Concerto #1 is one of the best...to me.

The Question:

Who was the first woman to wear short-shorts on TV? Bonus: What was the larest dinner ever held at the White House? Who's idea was it? Who was the Master of Ceremonies?. Who was a lead speaker?

The Headlines:
--Bi-Partisan Senate Intelligence Committee Report Headed By Says Admin and Hillary's Department Could Have Avoided Attack On Benghazi.
--Egypt Voters Back New Charter; Islamist Lay In Background Unimpressed.
--Apple To Pay $34 Million to Parents Of Children Who Downloaded Apps Without consent.
--Wind Power Subsidies Ended; Renewal Low On Senate Priority List.
--Extreme heat In Australia Halts tennis Open.
--Three Dead In Indiana Supermarket Shooting.
--Congress Sends Sweeping defense Bill To Obama.
--Internal Syria Opposition Group Rejects Geneva 2 talks.

You know I kid around a lot about vegetables. I really don't like them very much, except corn on the cob, but I eat them because they tell me its good for me. So basically I have a list that's acceptable and I eat them regularly. And I scoff at those who say, "But I can really make them taste good," unless of course they are talking about bathing them in pork gravy.

Oh...I get it. In Hollywood, 50 "F-Bombs" in 3 hours is considered a laugh riot comedy.

I expect quite shortly to be hearing serious complaints of second hand smoke in Colorado...that is if they have the energy to get out of bed and to a phone.

Rhode Island boasts yesterday that the state program had beaten its objectives for ObamaCare sign-ups. An unbalanced proportion of them were for medicaid. Oops!

Leslie Vonn was operated on again for her second knee injury. She has a great heart and enormous desire, but having skiied a bit, I don't see repaired knees being able to withstand the continued punishment upon them. I applaud her courage, but I fear it is just one of those inevitability things.

The headlines roar, "American Hustle, Gravity Lead Oscar Nominations". Lead? I didn't rmember that they rated nominations. Oh, well that's just FantansyWorld California, USA, for ya. The rest of the best flick picks are Captain Phillips, Nebraska, Dallas Buyers Club, Her, Philomena, Wolf of Wall Street and 12 Years a Slave. Best Actor nominees are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, Bruce Dern and Leonard DeCaprio. For women, Streep gets her 18th nomination and goes against, Cate Blanchette, Sandra Bullock, Judy Dench and Amy Adams. Supporting Actors are Barkhad Abdi, Bradly Cooper, Michael Fassbender, Jonah Hill and Jared Leto. Supporting Actresses are Sally Hawkins, Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong'o, Julia Roberts and June Squibb.

"I like Ike." "I Like Oby" There seems to be something missing, doesn't there? Yet yesterday in a speech about the NSA the President evoked the warning by the lovable Eisenhower of the fifties who said in 1961. "In the councils of government we must guard against the acquisition of unwarrented influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disasterous rise of misplaced power esists and will persist." Citizens should always be wary of potential power grabs by government officials whether on the international or -- domestic side...like the HHS-Social Services Industry Complex.

Oh, the Admin wants us to believe they didn't plan yesterday's O-Soeech on the anniversary of Ikes. It was just a coincidence they say! How can you believe that place.

The Conscience: Chapter 33 continues.
      The boys had seen plenty of death in1950's Alabama, but the eyes of this white girl, laying there, caked with blood got to them. Nobody spoke for what seemd like minutes, but after about ten seconds Joey, always the leader, urged, "We've got to get out of here!" he looked around, and the four of them froze as they saw a flashlight flickering around their pick-up. They dropped to the ground in unison. The light flashed over their heads. James rose up, knowing that without eyes they could stay there forever, wondering. He could see a man, maybe a cop, with a pad writing something, then returning to his car, yelling something to another inside, getting in and speeding off. They know it's Leroy's truck.
     "They're gone." the other boys rose, and quickly got to work picking up and carrying the limp body to the truck. Jimmy talked to them all the  way, warning Leroy bout being careful. The jostling must have done something, because they neared the truck they thought they heard something from the dead women, which clearly spooked them. They dropped her on a blanket in the back bed and ran and dove into the front seat.
     James, the little kid, had to e=rdie in back with the dead girl. jumped into the back with the dead girl, who now maybe not so dead after all, he thought. He positioned himself in the far corner of the bed away from the body, and just stared, hoping his eyes could ward off evil.
     The car was barrelling diwn the highway, and all James could think of was that the police car hiding in the bushes,, waiting for them, ready to pounce to give them a speeding ticket, which could mean hanging for them all. He put both hands up to his neck

I think that The Revolutionary War and it's causes should be required  as a central learning experience for all students beginning around the fourth grade. They should know why the first ancestors of the country originally braved the rough passage, and continually immigrants fled here Legally) to the freedom opportunities shores.

The Answer:
Maryanne on Giligan's Island was the first to wear short-shorts on TV. And you thought that men watched it because of the intellectual content and the Professor! Bonus: In 1973 Richard Nixon had a dinner at the White House for the over 500 POW's his ending of the war had released from Viet Nam Prisons. As you can imagine it was a joyous affair, with the President lauding the men who sat among some of the greatest celbs of the day. The idea was Sammy Davis Junior's who proposed it to Nixon. The MC was Bob Hope and the lead speaker was John Wayne. One of the higlights of the dinner was a hymn sang by a chorus of POW's. The hymn was written by one of them on a roll of toilet paper. They sang it during their captiviity as they continually underwent torture.

When you think about what men and women have gone through since the first shots behind stone fences to create a new kind of nation, to keep this nation safe and free, a tear trickles down the eye when you see it polluted by socialist movements.

Looking over my shoulder.

Today's Tids Issue 3,007

Opening Stuff:
It looks like our investment portfolios will be at the mercy of the Fed, at least for the first half of the year. Yesterday's downturn at least in part was due to questions now emerging as to the effect on the market of The Fed selling off assets (That's a nice way of saying, turning off the welfare spigot for the gimmie crowd on Wall Street.) No matter how anybody views it, the eleimination of $85 Billion a month in free money flowing into the US economy has to have a major effect, no matter how the economy is doing statistically or whether the unemployment number has dipped below the suggest target 6.5. So, maybe by June we will have seen the effects of the turned off tap, and we can run the markets again without outside influence. Til then, reef in the sails and be prepared for chop.

Time to start cutting the doilies -- It's just one month til Valentines Day.

There are two ways to look att he word "Big" in the phrase Big Governemnt. Some will say that the "Big" is in the mammoth unwieldy body of decent people, necessary to perfom certain tasks for the citizens, but probably with at least twice as many people as necessary. Others define "Big" as in smothering, taking away individualism and self determination, getting much to much involved in daily living, creating intimidation purely for the sake of the mammoth's continued growth and encroachment. One big just costs money; The other costs much more -- loss of freedom.

The Question:
The Heisman Trophy in essence is a symbol of the difference between college and NFL football. Many truly great college stars don't make it at all in the Pros. Name the top 10 disappointments?

The Headlines:
--Markets Bounce Back...Slightly; Big Players Still Waiting for Key Earnings Reports.
--In Early Arguments, SC Appears Skeptical About Obama's Appointment Power.
--Congressional Negotiators Release Bipartisan Budget Bill Of $1.1 Trillion; Will Keep Gov Running Inefficiently Til October.
--US Appleals Court Stikes Down FCC Ruling Of Net Neutrality; Internet Providers Do Not Have To Treat Everybody Equally.
--OK For Charleston Area West Virginians To Use Water.
--New Ford 150 Pickup Is 90% Aluminum.
--Egyptians Voting On New Constitution.
--Israel Defense Minister Suggests Kerry's Call Fior Israel/Palestine Peace "Messianic And Obsessive"; US Gov Rebukes Israel.
--SC Refuses To Hear Appeal OF Arizona's Tough Law Banning Abortions After Twenty Weeks.

Movie stars and moguls like the to attach themselves to the famous and the infamous. A current darling in Glitterland is Jordon Belfort, an unctuous, banal human being who stole the savings of "little old women" and anybody else who succumbed to his nefarious charms,. He has been ordered to make restitution of $110.4 million. So far he has paid out $11.6 million. Upon release from prison he was ordered to pay back half of all his income going forward. He made $1,045,000 from the movie rights to his book and has paid out but $21,000. But Hollywood elite, including De Caprio and Scorsese want to give him a pass. They say he is a  nice guy. All con men are nice guys -- that's their profession. The shallow will never grasp the ugliness of what this creep did to people.

Isn't it ironic that by the time a man reaches 70, the statistics say there are five women for every man.

There are two bigs in this human universe, each of them a factor in the disruption of daily living, each capable of dramatically changing the comfort of the world we knew -- Big Government and Big Finance.

Paranoia Department:
Maybe we should start adding "Big Internet" to the above Tid. Yetserday Google bought Nest. Nest is a thermostat company who's product allows you to adjust your home temps via Wifi. The device also learns the homeowners habits and can adjust automatically.to meet those needs. So now, indaddition to what Google already knows about ecvrybody, it will essentially know when a person comes down stairs in the morning. Couple that with an intelligent automatic coffee maker and ....? The issue is that massive amounts of once really personal info is beig colletced out there, and any time a government wnats access to it they can find a way to get it.

The most overused word these days is "Photobomb"! Photobomb may supplant "Selfie" as 2014's most oiverused non-essential word. A photo-bomb occurs is when a picture is interrupted by a crasher.  It has become the new delight of celebrity reporting, and the giddy TV hosts. I guess we live in the era of short term fads.

The New England Patriots are loving going into the playoff game at Denver as the underdog. This weekend The Denver Broncos are picked to win by the largest margin in the two games played. The bookmakers have also posted Superbowl odds -- SF6-1; Denver, NE 7-1; Seattle 8-1.

On the RI gubernatorial front we had Repub cnadidate Alan Fung (A good Guy doing a good job as Mayor) making a barefaced mea culpa for his accidentally killing of a man while driving. On the other side we had Gina Raimondo officially announcing with a plan to bolster a RI business comeback, (It inclided a forgiveness of tuition loans for those graduates who promise to stay in the  State with few jobs to work -- Right out of Cuomos new NY playbook). When asked specicfically about her plans to trim the 7% sales tax, she anaswered, "I have no quick answers for you today. (But) We need a plan. We need a plan. Duh!

It is interesting to note that Raimondo who had reformed the pension system for Public employees, and has been, and will be under relentless attack from those unions, had several Private union representatives at her side. The Biz manager of the Plumbers and Pipefitters said, "Many of us in private sector unions have dealt with our own pension problems -- We've had to make some of the changes she made. This is a can that was kicked down the road for too many years." Governments don't understand finite.

Did you notice yesterday that one of the big oft repeated news stories was that Pizza Hut was testing a new single slice strategy. America has it's priotirties right.

The Answer:
Number Ten is a tie between Matt Leinhart and Reggie Bush (Although Bush has had some fkashes). Next is Mike Rozier followed by Steve Spurrier, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, Rashaan Salaam (Note this U. "Colorado" Grad had a marijuana problem! Say What!), Archie Griffin, Ron Dayne, Charles White, Terry Baker, and #1 Andre Ware. I expected to see Tim Tebow on or near the top of the list. Oh yeah, and Salaam had this to say on Marijuna, "That Marijuanna makes you lazy. Makes you not want to get up and workout. Makes you not motivated. It doesn't allow you to have positive thoughts."

Excuse me for talking so much about Football, but I start to get nervous, really excited and irrationally unstable about my team from now on til Sunday.

The Conscience will be rolling along again in fine style tomorrow.

Just consider me your affable checkout clerk at the local grocery store as I shout out with all of my unbearable elation, "Have a nice day!" An to my southern friends, "Have a nice day, y'all"