Return of the Fly
Thinking out loud. About a poorly hitched wagon. Plus, this week's news.
Hey Friends, Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I'm thinking out loud here...
Can you own a chord progression? A rhythm? Can you own the "feeling" of a song?
If you love a song, can it love you back? Is it mad if you find a younger song?
The family of Marvin Gaye's co-writer Ed Townsend seemed to think so, and they took Ed Sheeran to court over it. But what do you think? Did Ed Sheeran steel this feel?
Let's take a listen.
Here's Ed Sheeran's popular song Thinking Out Loud.
(Note: I'll embed a preview here, which won't render right in the email. You can click here to play it on the website.)
Now here's Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, co-written by Ed Townsend.
You be the judge. Happily, a Manhattan judge and jury already has, and they said this week that Ed Townsend's people are wrong.
For Ed Sheeran, I'm sure that was music to his ears.
On that note...
Let's get it on.
Here's The News.
Hot Takes
Week 18 of 2023
Attacked
On Wednesday, Russia said it destroyed two drones that it accused Ukraine of launching against Putin's residence. Ukraine denies it but said they were sorry to hear about the drones. Russia expanded its accusations by claiming without evidence that US intelligence was calling the shots for a Ukraine attack, which the US has denied. One source even suggested The Lorem Ipsum's commentary is to blame for inciting the attack on President Putin, referring to an article that seems to be a veiled suggestion to assassinate him. Authorities are still investigating the matter, including reading the above article and sharing it online. (more)
Caught
In Cut and Shoot, Texas, a man who shot his neighbors was arrested after a days-long manhunt where police said a bad guy with a gun fitting the description of "a good guy with a gun" was on the loose after killing five of his neighbors, including a 9-year-old. Police and HOA members all agreed that wasn't very neighborly. Police didn't make any jokes about the name of the city because they are "used to it." The suspect was caught on Friday hiding in a home 20 miles away in a closet under some laundry. It's unclear whether the laundry was dirty or just hadn't been folded yet. (more)
Withdrawn
Over the last weekend, regulators seized First Republic Bank and sold it to JPMorgan Chase, ending the lender’s weekslong free fall (but not that free because bank failures are costly). Fortunately, JP Morgan Chase is the largest bank in America and took over the bank's deposits very quickly. (more)
Additionally, as of yesterday, PacWest Bancorp and Western Alliance Bancorp, and several other small banks are under financial stress too. (more)
Raised
Janet Yellen said the Fed will probably run out of money by June 1st, which means the USA may need to get a second job. McCarthy and Biden are still negotiating how to manage the debt ceiling, including whether it's even Constitutional to have one. (more)
Struck
The strike that created reality television has already ruined more lives than just Nick Lachey's. Starting this week, we'll be watching reruns of both Jimmy Falon and a Hollywood Writer's Guild strike. (more)
Quickly
- Proud Boys are not that proud that four of them were convicted of sedition this week.
- King Charles III will be coronated this Saturday, but the Monarchy is still silly.
That's it for the news. Now here's The Gist.
Bringing Back Pence
The Gist
Last June, I wrote an article about Mike Pence, illustrated by the picture of a fly on his head. You may recall the insect perched on the Vice President during the debates when the Trump-Pence ticket was seeking reelection whether it needed it or not. Pence was able to eventually shake the fly, but the stench of Trump still hangs heavy on the man. Just days ago, he testified before a grand jury regarding the events of January 6th, one of several cases where Trump may face serious charges.
In honor of Pence emerging from his Bible study to testify about his former boss, I thought it would be a good time to bring back Pence and his little insect friend. Not to mention the fly on his head.
In my article, I talk of Pence's interest in the Presidency and argue he might have ruined his own chances by selecting what he thought was a stepping stone that turned out actually to be more of a millstone.
Daniel Herndon
That's it for this week.
Thanks for being here and sharing around the world.
Have a great weekend!
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