Ok, I spent a while working on it today, I can't find any vaccum leaks, but it sounds as if there is one.. but heck, it could be the power steering pump or alternator making that whistling noise...
Anyhow, I followed the suggestion and once the system was warmed up, I unplugged the temperature sensor and started the car back up - whoa, it idled at about 750rpm. I will replace the sensor and probably the thermostat just to be sure and let everyone know.