“Tyrant or hero? Rightful monarch or child-killer? Despotic hunchback or brave scoliosis sufferer? Now is the winter of our debate over one of England’s most notorious villains: Richard III.”
What’s the future of white evangelicals in politics?
When I’m up in Kentucky for the holidays with family, I frequently end up reading the Lexington Herald-Leader, including the paper’s faith and values columnist Paul Prather, pastor of Bethesda Church near Mount Sterling.
His weekend column is pretty interesting: My prediction about white evangelicals and politics; Expect repeat of the withdrawal of 1920s
Does Black Friday have to become Black Thanksgiving?
I write a lot about Savannah’s retail landscape, but I’m not much of a shopper. My last batch of shirts — both casual and “work” — came from Goodwill. Last week, I needed some new shoes; I bought three pair at Payless in 15 minutes for $37.
I’d never dream of going out super-early on the Friday after Thanksgiving to buy anything, but I get it — some of those markdowns on major items can make a huge difference for many Americans.
Americans still driving less than 5 years ago, despite increased population
The unevenness of the recovery and the squeeze on the middle class might also be limiting elective trips. I haven’t seen any data on it, but families that might have added another car to the driveway for their children might have delayed those purchases.
But it looks like some other factors are coming into play. Despite the facts of an increasing population, an improving economy, and moderating gas prices, Americans are still driving about the same number of total miles as they were five years ago.
Calculated Risk: “this is the most optimistic I’ve been since the 90s”
Joe Weisenthal has a great interview with Bill McBride today at Business Insider: The Genius Who Invented Economics Blogging Reveals How He Got Everything Right And What’s Coming Next.
Walter Isaacson on Ben Franklin’s America
“Franklin also understood the beauty of diversity. During his lifetime, he donated to the building fund of every church constructed in Philadelphia. When a hall was being built to accommodate visiting preachers, Franklin urged his fellow citizens to donate ‘so that even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism to us, he would find a pulpit at his service.’ On his deathbed, he made one of the largest donations for the first synagogue built in Philadelphia.”
Richard Dreyfus, Danny Glover starring in “Killing Winston Jones”, new feature film shooting in Savannah
The Joel David Moore-directed film starts shooting in Savannah on Monday, Nov. 26. Moore recently spent time in Savannah starring as Joey Ramone in “CBGB”.
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The MusicFile, now based in Savannah, roars back to life with a fresh Southern edge
From The MusicFile:
“Welcome to our beta version of the re-vamped MusicFile. Over the past two years, we’ve moved from New York City to beautiful Savannah,Ga., started a music festival called Savannah Stopover that takes place the weekend before SXSW each March (you need to come down for this!), launched a concert promotion and event business and in the process of all that, have sorely neglected our first born~~The MusicFile.”
Homebuilder confidence and the housing rebound
I’m generally skeptical of measures of confidence in predicting future economic conditions, but the recent rebound of the National Association of Home Builders’ housing market index (HMI) can’t be discounted too much.
Betsy Kingston & the Crowns – Satisfied – 11/21/12
Lots of young Savannah natives are going to turn out for this pre-Thanksgiving show — both those who live here and those who are coming home for the holidays.
The daughter of Congressman Jack Kingston, Betsy grew up in Savannah.
Notes from an improving economy: California
From Calculated Risk: “Recently I’ve been talking to a few friends from around the country, and they all seemed unaware that the California economy is clearly improving. California is seeing a pickup in employment, the delinquency rate is falling, and I wouldn’t be surprised if California reports a balanced budget soon.”
McKayla Maroney and Barack Obama do the “not impressed” face
Funny pic.