The Sunday Six
What I read this week and why
How is everybody’s weekend going? I feel a bit of obligatory peer pressure this morning in having to reveal this…I got my first Moderna vaccination shot this past week.
Went to the Walgreen’s down the street from my house. It took eight minutes (OK, eight minutes, 17 seconds…I timed it) from the time I walked in and out (I ignored the recommended 15 minute wait time they told me to hang out in the store in case I passed out).
Aside from some minor discomfort in my left arm, no side effects. Easy, peasy.
Let’s move on to today’s Six.
The Six features articles on the collapse of the Euro soccer Super League, a millennial real estate super star, confessions from an overnight millionaire and the wonder dog who won a track race.
Here we go:
How Euro Soccer’s SuperLeague Feel Apart.
This is one of the more fascinating stories of the year. In the span of two days, a super soccer league featuring the top names in Europe went from proposal to complete collapse. The New York Times does an excellent job tracing the origins of the idea of the Super League to its breakdown after the disastrous blow back felt around the world.
He’s the Hugh Hefner of DC Real Estate.
This profile of a 33-year-old magnate is about more than mansions. It’s about social media (TikTok specifically), millennials, ambition, decadence, and wealth in the nation’s capital. An entertaining ready from Washington Monthly.
How Did Americans React To The Derek Chauvin Verdict.
Not since the OJ Simpson trial has there been a verdict that commanded the nation’s attention like that of Derek Chauvin. Tuesday afternoon, the Minneapolis police officer was found guilty of murdering George Floyd. The NY Times put together a photo essay of reactions of the verdict around the country. Fascinating viewing and reading.
Confessions of An Overnight Millionaire.
Since last July, apparently, nearly 750 companies have raised $200 billion in their IPOs, turning thousands of people into new millionaires. This essay is by one of those new millionaires. You might balk at the naïveté of the confessional or loathe what it says about the flim-flam economy we’ve built. Either way, this essay is a compelling read.
The Last of the Southern Girls.
I had never heard of Barbara Howar before I read this piece. Now I’m happy I know the 20th century socialite who did her damndest to live beyond the conventions assigned to the role. The writer of the piece says: “She broke ground and scorched earth in equal measure.” Read on.
Readers of the Six know my preoccupation with animal stories. This is more in a “Chariots of Fire” theme (cue up the Vangelis soundtrack). A relay runner in Washington state was sprinting towards what appeared to be an easy race to the finish line until…she got passed by a pup. A hilarious quote from the runner in the article—“that’s too small to be a person”—well, that’s because it wasn’t. Super fun video from KSL-TV in Washington.
Have a great rest of your weekend everybody. Thanks for reading as always.
Have a suggestion for the Sunday Six? Send email to jon@jonjkerr.com.