I'd like to thank everyone for their input...
I now have a pretty clean machine! I tried cleaning the timing strip, manual and auto head alignment, cleaning/flushing the printhead, new cartridge, etc., etc....
Know what worked?
A new printhead... Popped that sucker in and VIOLA! The problem...
I have a Cannon MP780 that is giving me fits! When it is printing text, it skews the lettering. i.e. an I can look more like an I - could be skewed to the left or right. Might even just "bend" a letter in the middle! If what I am printing has long vertical lines and I force the printer to print...