Reasonable Doubt.

Today's Tids Issue 4,529

Are we there yet?

When the skies are grey and the day is bitter, just look into the eyes of somebody with happiness in their heart.

Sometimes I worry if this Tids thing appears to be too much about me. I use “me” in examples of human behavior intended to reflect the broader view of human idiosyncrasies. Except of course, Cheeto addiction.

Yesterday Congressman Adam Schiff had his “Mission Accomplished” Moment. At noon he announced that the bombshell testimony has set in motion the creation of Articles of Impeachment for several charges. By the end of the day we learned through cross examination that the bold “quid Quo Pro” statement was simply one man’s opinion with no corresponding evidence.

We have also learned that our understanding of the Impeachment hearings varies greatly depending on which newspapers you read and which electronic media you listen too or watch.

They say every piece of chocolate you eat shortens your life by 2 minutes. I did the math. Seems I died in 1543.

The Question:

When I was young there were only two kinds of Vodka. Cheap and expensive. Guess how many brands, and flavor styles there are today. Bonus: Who is Lorna Luft’s father and Mother? Extra Bonus: Who were the two Junk Bond Kings and money manipulation stars mid 1980’s financial scandals?

The Headlines:

--Stock Markets Concluding That China Deal Will Not Make It This Year; Alibaba Raises $11 Billion In Hong Kong Secondary Listing; Xerox May Go Hostile In H-P Takeover Ambition.

--Fiona Hill And David Homes To Testify Today; Hill Expected To Bring Back Russia Discussion, Discredit Ukraine Involvement Vote Intrusion.

--Charles Schwab Buying TD Ameritrade For $26 Billion.

--Tesla To Introduce New Truck Today.

--Dems Battle To Nowhere In latest Debate.

--Sondland Says His Properties Are Being Picketed By The Left; Hs Family Threatened.

Rumpelstiltskin would love todays politicians who are quite adept at spinning “facts” into gold.

The ole’ NFL Pickers were hot last week bringing the record back up a bit to 104-55-1 (66%). Tonight’s Indy at Houston is one of 5 tough question mark games for the week. Houston got crushed last week, but Indy isn’t Baltimore. I like Houston at Home. Seattle at the Eagles is another that could go either way. I like Seattle. Green Bay goes to San Fran bay and gets dunked. The Rams were the early darlings but the Ravens are flying high and will continue. The puzzler is New England versus the Cowboys. Now, a few days ago I would have picked my team, But, the Pats today only have two, count em’ two, healthy receivers. It is hard to imagine how they will find a way, even with Brady. But, I still have good hunch they will win.

Of the rest the Jets versus the Raiders is a near question mark but I stick with the Raiders even though the Jets are showing a little life. I like the revived Atlanta over TB, the raucous Browns over Miami in a squeaker, Lions to devour Skins, New Orleans to feast on Carolina and Pittsburgh to Keep Cincinnati winless. I’m not really sure about Buffalo and Denver, mainly because the up and down Broncs have “D”. But so do The Bills. Denver has little “O”, so I go Buffalo at home. Lastly we have -- How bad really are the NY Giants versus How bad really are the Chicago Bears? I’ll take Chi at home. Well, that’s about it.

You’ll be happy to know that employees of companies like supermarkets and big department stores who sell big money gift cards undergo training to help them spot some hapless American who has been scammed by one of those phone calls or some computer phishing expedition. Gift cards are a favored means of payment for scammers. Remember one thing, if a person Calls to tell you that the IRS is after you but you can settle-up with gift cards, remember one thing: The government don’t want no stinking gift cards.

Congress offers a Quid Pro Quo to Major League baseball after the Commish announces that they will eliminate 42 minor league teams in 2020.  Just like that, 42 cities will lose a major attraction. “Fully understand the impact this could have on the long term support that congress has afforded our National Pastime on a wide range of legislative initiatives (Like the antitrust exemption)”.

Black Friday brings out black hearts. The heartless scammers are gearing up to pounce on unsuspecting internet shopper this year, perhaps more than ever. With better designed and more insidious schemes. Security folks are saying to be especially cautious when considering responding to special deals from Amazon and other well-known emailers. One clue – check for the “Lock” symbol on the order site. Better yet, initiate all orders yourself.

So who won the debate last night? One person said People who didn’t watch the debate were the winners. The general consensus was that the debate was dreary and won’t change many minds. Amy Klobuchar looked good and had one of the better lines about a woman being able to beat Trump. Booker did well, but most feel he has done well at all debates, and still comes away with no upward movement. Joe Bided had several Biden like gaffs, Buttigieg was quite strong, Warren and Bernie seemed even more crazed about big government running everything. Honest observers were impressed by Andrew Yang who always appears grounded. He may have been the best of the night despite so little time at the mike. He may be too far ahead of the curve for the average voter. Kamala actually showed up pretty well, but her campaign struggles. Tulsi and Harris had a good fight. Tulsi always looks strong, but Kamal didn’t budge.  The top candidates except Pete probably lost ground, that is, if anybody was watching.

Aliens probably ride past earth and lock their doors.

The Answer:

There are 159 different “Brands” of vodka form Absolute, Bombara to Vodka 14. That long list does not include the many flavor options of individual brands, like Cherry, Orange, Peaches, Honey, Chocolate or Coffee. They are differentiated by production method or multiple filtration systems. They are made of different bases and they are more than potatoes, like rice, corn, sugar beet, rye and wheat. As Gypsy Rose Lee used to say, “You got to have a Gimmick”. Bonus: Lorna Luft is the daughter of Sid Luft and Judy Garland. But you all knew that.  Extra Bonus: The dastardly duo was Ivan Boesky and Michael Millikin.

I doubt if any reason is still attainable.

We should all take a moment and thank our legs and feet for a lifetime of support.