The Man Who Saw Too Much

Strength from Struggle

Inc. magazine: The "Beirut to Memphis" story of CEO Gassia Gerges resembles a novel.

The Victim Defense

Students of scandals are well aware of a classic defense whenever there is video evidence that cannot be denied. It quickly goes from "I was set-up" to "I am a victim."

Marion Barry in 1990: It was a set-up.

Nancy Pelosi in 2020: It was a set-up.

The Magnolia Flag

Mississippi will be voting in November on a new design for its state flag.

NSFW: Gervais Describes Twitter

Checking the Numbers in Arizona

Political Calculations looks at Arizona's coronavirus strategy.

His summary:

The end of the heavier participation period for the protests coincides with a slight reduction in the rate at which new cases were being reported 13 days later, while the end of the protests altogether is associated with another similar reduction in the rate of increase, though neither was sufficient to reverse the upward trajectory of positive COVID-19 cases. The data suggests the events that made the difference was the governor's mask order, which reversed the increase, and the governor's order to close businesses with high risks for viral exposure among customers, which accelerated the state's downward trend in new cases.

Overall, Arizona's number of cases now being reported daily is similar to the levels that were reported prior to the lifting the state's full lockdown order. Though now, most businesses have reopened (though at lower capacity for many) and residents are no longer asked to stay-at-home. Compared to the full lockdown order, Arizona's current approach appears to be a lot smarter way to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

First Paragraph

Jewel and I come up from the field, following the path in single file. Although I am fifteen feet ahead of him, anyone watching us from the cottonhouse can see Jewel's frayed and broken straw hat a full head above my own.

- From As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Another Upbeat Film

Click here for an example of what people were watching during the Depression.

Victory for Common Sense

The BBC has reversed its decision and "Rule Britannia!" and "Land of Hope and Glory" will be sung at the BBC Proms.


[Photo by Lazaros Mergoupis at Unsplash]

Advice for Actors (and Many Non-Actors)