How is everybody’s weekend going?
Snow, snow everywhere this week. But It could be worse. We could be in Texas with no water or power. One report said that in Austin, the state capital, 325 million gallons of water had been lost due to leaks caused by frozen pipes. The reports of people burning furniture to stay warm is bonkers to me. We have our issues here in the Midwest (Illinois specifically) but come on. I guess that’s what you get for deregulation, Texans.
Today’s list of articles includes an obituary of Rush Limbaugh, why Covid cases are falling rapidly, the baseball card business is booming and a bear-bites-man story.
Let’s proceed with the Six.
Rush Limbaugh Dies, His Legacy As Talk Show Provocateur Lives On
I never listened to Limbaugh, his type of radio content never interested me. But millions upon millions of Americans did and Limbaugh, who died earlier this week from lung cancer at the age of 70, is arguably the most influential radio talk show host of all-time. This another good memoriam of a famous person from the New York Times.
Why are COVID-19 Cases Dropping So Fast?
As recent as the New Year, reports were relentless on ‘surging’ cases and how the virus was not letting up. Well, no more. Cases are rapidly plunging as are stats from common metrics used for the last year; hospitalizations, death rate, etc. Why is that? This writer for The Atlantic gives four reasons all of which are backed by current data. Bottom line, we are creeping closer to herd immunity, which might be the most significant explanation for the virus’s diminished impact.
Baseball Cards Are Back and Booming
Seems as though the card and memorabilia business is as cyclical as any business, prone to booms and busts. Right now, the business is booming, according to this report via the Chicago Tribune. Due to the internet, memorabilia has become a speculative-type day-trading business, with dealers and sellers plunking down big money on a vintage Mickey Mantle card as well as that 2009 Mike Trout rookie card from Topps. A good read that takes a business and commerce angle.
More Problems in Texas. They Can’t Solve Murders
There has never been better tools for solving crime. But in Texas—and the US—the unsolved solve rate is climbing. This report says as many as 2,000 serial killers remain free as piles and piles of homicides go unsolved. The first example the author uses in the article is stunning in how police detectives ignored seemingly basic clues and forensic evidence. A really interesting read from Texas Monthly.
What Happened to Shelley Duvall? She’s Alive and Far Away From Hollywood
OK, so I don’t know how many of you reading even remember Shelley Duvall. I only recall her as the mother in “The Shining” and as Olive Oyl in the film version of “Popeye.” Honestly, I didn’t know Duvall was still alive. But she is, living in Texas (again, with Texas) and gives a rare interview to a writer with the Hollywood Reporter. A fascinating read on Duvall’s career and post-celebrity life.
A Woman Goes To The Potty Alone. She May Never Again.
Readers of the Six know how often I post man-encounters-with-nature stories. This one is a doozy…read it and you’ll forever fight whatever urges you’ve ever had to poop in the woods.
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.