Hope everyone’s weekend going? Thanks for spending a portion of it with the Six.
Who’s already sick of election coverage? Just me?
Thank God for football this weekend.
Today’s Six includes articles on the victorious yet risky midterm strategy of the Democrats, a guide to hiking every city, when Christmas first starting creeping earlier into our lives and a both heart-warming and hilarious Midwestern snow rescue.
Let’s proceed with the Six.
1. Dems Spend Millions in Risky Mid-Term Election Strategy.
The smartest money spent in this whole election was the tens of millions the Democratic party spent to help ensure Republicans picked the craziest candidates in nine different state primaries (worked to a tee here in Illinois, thanks to the dubious candidacy of Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and incumbent JB Pritzker’s bottomless bankroll). It was a risky, cynical move for Dems to boost the most radical Republicans – and yet it paid off. The most effective (i.e. dangerous for Dems) Republican candidate is someone reasonable like Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. Trumpist Republicans reject these types, refer to them as Republican-In-Name-Only RINOs, and in this election cycle, Dems were only too happy to help as the Washington Post reports.
The idea that frequent walks to can clear the mind and boost the sprit is not a new concept. But thanks to some celebrity endorsements (comedian Adam Carolla to name one) and a spin through the billion-dollar self-help space, walking is having a moment. This Substack newsletter essay gives advice on how to take long walks in an urban environment. The author recommends walkers pick a "spectacular landmark" as a destination and plan backwards. Look for areas where “green spaces cluster together and can be easily linked.” Dress as if going into the deepest woods and bring detailed maps and a charger (but not for reasons you may think…in-hike TikTok videos not recommended).
3. Colorado Voters Approve Psychedelics Legalization.
While Illinois Governor Pritzker brags about approving cannabis law (one of the few things I agree with him on) folks in Colorado have taken drug legalization to a whole new level. This week, the state approved an initiative on the ballot to legalize possession of a small amount of psychedelics, as well as authorizing special centers to provide “psilocybin services.” And built into the new law is a promise of more to come, according to a publication called the Marijuana Moment. I’m in the legalize-all-drugs camp as the stuff that’s already available is bananas. Best to do as Colorado has done and regulate and tax the stuff.
4. When Christmas Started Creeping.
Oh, boy, the holiday marking push is well under way (who didn’t see their first ad before Halloween?) The reality that "Christmas starts earlier every year" has been with us for a long time. In America, some of the blame lies with former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who in 1939 trialled moving Thanksgiving a week earlier so as to boost retail sales. In a little piece of US history, some Republicans refused to observe "Franksgiving" and celebrated the original date: "The expansion of Christmas threatened to annihilate time itself." A fun piece from Contingent Magazine.
U2 is a great band. One of the best in rock history. But let's be honest, Bono can be a lot to handle (most lead singers of million-selling bands are mercurial. Bono is in the 1 percent of 1 percent). His band is about to fire up a Vegas residency (and rumored world tour) and Bono just published his memoir. In an interesting editorial twist, New York Times columnist David Brooks profiles Bono for The Atlantic. It works and he pens a compelling profile of Bono, his parents, his band, and their religion. "He may be Irish, but he’s got a lot of that loud, American, go-go type in him – part messiah, part showman." OK, Brooks. Whatever. But read the rest of the piece.
6. Comedian Gets Stuck in Snow, His Fans Bail Him Out.
A tour bus got stuck in wintry conditions in North Dakota. Comedian Brett Kreischer happens to be a passenger on the bus. He went to social media to plead for help, and lo and behold, a slew of folks showed up and helped get him unstuck. As Kreischer himself said, “I hate to say this out loud, but I don’t think you’d see this in Los Angeles.” Love this story (and video) and one that is truly Midwestern America.
Thanks for reading everybody and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Have a suggestion for The Sunday Six? Send email to jonjkerr@gmail.com.
Thank you for putting. a group of articles together for us every week, Jon!
I don't always read all of them, because as they are so varied, they don't all interest me, but the ones I do are usually fantastic. Am reading the one on "creep" now. Who knew?
Have a great week!