How is everyone’s weekend going? Thanks for spending a portion of it with the Six.
Today’s Six includes articles on how a neighborhood watchdog group tracked down a killer in Chicago, how families in Mexico remember those who disappear, up all night with Twitchers, and creative and life lessons from the greatest rock band that ever lived.
Let’s proceed with the Six.
Chinatown Community Helps Chicago Police Find Killer.
We’ve heard the brutal crime statistics in the city of Chicago and other major cities. Chicago is on pace to have its worst murder rate in 25 years. Many go unsolved. The main reason is the anti-snitch culture in many neighborhoods, where talking to police is taboo. Here’s a story of what can happen when witnesses do cooperate with law enforcement. A horrible murder of an elderly Chinatown man was solved rather quickly this past week. The Sun-Times pens a topical editorial but with ideas that will likely fall on deaf ears.
The Great Escape: Why Workers Are Quitting Their Jobs.
In September, nearly 4.5 million American workers quit their jobs, a record high. And in lower-wage sectors, like food services and leisure, the numbers were much higher — around 1 in every 15 workers have quit. American Prospect magazine does a deep dive on the subject and explains that the pandemic is the principal driver of this trend and why the labor shortage might worsen in the coming months.
Los desaparecidos—those who disappeared, often in connection with crime, often cartel-related—number more than 90,000 in Mexico. Here, The Atavist traces how families of the disappeared remember their loved ones, primarily through food. A terrific example of narrative story-telling.
Up All Night With A Twitch Millionaire.
How’s this for a story lede –– “Just before midnight, six hours into his 10-hour Twitch live stream, Tyler Steinkamp’s rage begins to erupt.” I’m hooked. Count me in. The Washington Post introduces us to Tyler Steinkamp and the world of Twitch streamers (many of whom are newly minted millionaires. Yes, millionaires for playing video games. People actually pay good money to watch people play “League of Legends.”) These Twitchers spend 10 hours a day broadcasting their obsessions for an ever-growing, instantly judgmental crowd.
The Eagle That Stole The Shark? She Has A Story.
Crazy, wacky animal stories often originate in Florida. Who needs a “Florida Man” story when you can get a Florida (female) Eagle one? For anyone who remembers the story from a few years ago when a Bald Eagle stole a shark from a fisherman (then ate it, which was captured on video), the Tampa Bay Times gives us an update and the heartwarming tale behind the viral moment of bird snatching a shark.
15 Lessons On Life And Creativity From The Beatles.
I have yet to see the new “Get Back” documentary streaming on Disney Plus. I will, as I try and read/watch anything Beatles related (just finished a book on John Lennon). It’s amazing to me, and a testament to the band’s lasting impact that over 50 years since their breakup, John, Paul, George and Ringo are as relevant as ever. This is a good piece from Matt Ruby’s Substack on why the band continues to be omnipresent and ubiquitous in our culture.
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