Too much outside stimulus.

Today's Tids Issue 4,564

It's all right in front of you:

Global warming comes East this weekend, and people are looking for their bathing suits. But they had better check the windchill first.

Probably the biggest threat to America is the unbending adherence to party politics over rational, thoughtful, collaboration for all.

A riot broke out at the Renaissance Music Faire, but the police got there before there was any luting. –Brookins and MacNelly

No matter how strong the markets look now, and how well the US economy is positioned to keep it all going though the year, I would imagine that some big investors and astute money handlers are putting defensive mechanisms in place. When stocks and exchanges continually reach new highs, you just have to wonder, how high is up?

The Question:

There are many celebrities who have been forced on the folks by high powered public relation’s campaigns. Many names who crawl to the top of the cultural world have people scratching their heads, why? Name 10 Celebs who got to high places for no reason other than exposure in one way or another.

The Headlines:

--Dow Drops Back After Crossing 29K Line; Markets Wandering, But Prospects For New Records Still Look Strong; 145K new Jobs In December Disappointing, But Not Terrifying To Investors; Unemployment Steady at 3.5%.

--Government Officials Are Upping Warnings About Destructive Cyber Attacks By Pro-Iranian Hackers.

--Australian Brush Fires Intensify; More Are Asked To Evacuate; 1.5 Million Acres Under Siege.

--Trump Impeachment Trial Could Begin As Early As Next Week;

--India Looking Over Shoulder As Pakistan Joins China In Naval Exercises.

--Cal Gov Proposes #1 Billion For Homeless.

--Red Sox Sign Mookie Betts To Largest Arbitration Contract Ever.

The players called him Dye-abolical, but pro-golfers loved the challenge Pete Dye gave them at some of the best courses like Whistling Straits, Harbour Town Links and Sawgrass. He died last night, after years of creating a new look for golf, producing well over 50 excellent golf courses. You will never look at a railroad tie the same way again.

I complain bit about the creeping dominance of smart technology, but I have to admit that having a phone to read in a doctor’s office is more fun than reading 3-month-old magazines...about makeup and facials, failing organs or failing celebrity romances.

I don’t know about you, but I have seen a gazillion commercials for Dem businessman candidate Tom Steyer. But nobody ever talks about him as a factor. Until, perhaps, now. According to a brand-new Fox poll (Which have been quite accurate over the years regardless if you love or hate FN). He has made huge gains in the Nevada and South Carolina races. In SC, Steyer moved into 2^nd place with 15% to Biden’s 36%. But Steyer is a up 8 big points passing Bernie (14%), Eliz(10) and Pete(4). The rest are at 2%. In Nevada he rose about 8 points to 12% and is now third behind Joe (23), Bernie(17). Eliz is also at12 and the rest are 6% or below. And with this effort, Tom S qualifies for the next Dem debate. So, the beat goes on. What happens to Biden’s SC popularity if he misses in Iowa or NH? Lots of questions.

Elections are fun if you don’t listen to the candidates.

Overdrinking on Friday-the-Thirteenth is a stuporstition.

This is one of the better weeks in NFL football…every year. Eight teams are playing to get to the next level, and the eight teams are the best of this year’s bunch. I think one of the toughest picks is Minn versus San Fran. Jimmy G is still growing and that Minn D can be very tough. Cousins surprised everyone last week with his tenacity in tough moments. But SF has a “D” that can stifle too. I’m picking Minn. An inconsistent Seattle has to travel to the tundra to play a good Green Bay. I think the Pack will win it. Tennessee ripped the Pats last week, but Baltimore is just playing too well to be taken down. The last game is Houston agents KC and Patrick Mahomes. I loved the energy that JJ Watts brought to Houston Last week. But Mahomes is a magician and he and his speedy mates should get the job done.

I wish TV police programs were more about thinking instead of outrageous, over the top heroism. Maybe they can’t find good writers anymore.

In case you missed it, Boy George, the original, has had it with all of this cultural pronoun stuff. You are what you are. Say it.

AOC just said that she and Joe Biden belong to different parties. In fact, she refused to pay her party dues saying they are bankrolling her colleague’s opponents. Considering that the media finds her interesting and are happy to give her a national microphone, I would have to say that The Dem National Convention could be very interesting.

A lot of people are blaming the Australia fires on Climate Change, but 183 Aussies were arrested for starting fires. So, I guess, at least in Australia, warming is man-made.

People keep on saying that a socialist could never win in American, but every day you see more and more people falling for the Socialist scam.

Reading Between the Lines Movie Reviews:

--Just Mercy is a good movie about lack of fairness for minorities and the poor in the justice system The focus is on a black man pulled over as a suspect in the murder of an 18 years old girl, He is rammed through the court system with poor representation and winds up on death row. A young smart Harvard grad finds his case and he and a female partner go to the mat to help give him the justice he deserved. Tense and well-acted. Maybe a little preachy, but it is hidden well.

--If you are claustrophobic you could be very squeamish with “Underwater” one. An underwater earthquake destroys the habitant of a bunch of below the sea scientists and they scramble to survive. You’ve seen movies like this before. It’s ok but not great.

--The Informer is about a former US Seal jailed for a suspect offense. The FBI gives him a way out if he will become their informant to take down the most powerful NYC crime boss. Things go wrong for him when an undercover cop is killed. Fair.

The Answer:

Celebrities forced upon us according to 199K votes form 9.2 voters are #1 Kim Kardashian. She is followed by Caitlyn Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Justin Bieber, Kris Jenner, Jaden Smith, Donald Trump, Ryan Seacrest, Amy Schumer and Chris Brown. Nicole Snooki Polizzi leads the next ten and is followed by Nicki Manaj, Kevin Hart, Adam Sandler, Iggy Azalea, Lena Dunham, Carrie Underwood, Megan Fox and Miley Cyrus. Rounding out the top 15 we have Khloe Kardashian, Beyoncé Knowles, Scott Disick, Gigi Hadid and Nick Jonas.

Many of today’s celebs are just the result of a star-maker machine formula.

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