Per the Detroit News, the University of Michigan will require face masks for everyone entering any campus building starting Wednesday. “In light of increasing case transmission due to the Delta variant, the university is again requiring the use of face coverings by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status …,” the new policy states. “The requirements of this policy will be in place for at least the first weeks of the fall semester to aid in protecting the UM community from the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant. “The university says it is acting on a recommendation from its Campus Health Response Committee following guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local officials. The policy applies to all three campuses: Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn. There are exceptions to the requirement based on activity: Anyone actively eating or drinking, people alone in their offices with the door closed and residents in their campus residence halls, including common areas, are exempted.
I just finished reading a fascinating book by Steve Berry, “The Bishop’s Pawn”. It is historical fiction about the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Like all of Berry’s books it is well written and well researched. His ability to blend facts with fiction is a true artform. He and Dan Brown are the best. The book is well worth the time to read.
The U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams did what was expected of them, which was to bring home the gold. Kevin Durant, showed why he is one of the top five players in the history of basketball as he broke Carmelo Anthony’s all-time Olympic scoring record. In the last three gold medal games, Durant has averaged more than 30 points per game. Keep in mind this is over a 9-year period. For one person to perform at that level over such an extended period of time is amazing.
As amazing as Durant’s accomplishment is, it is nothing compared to the women’s basketball stars Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi who collected their fifth gold medals. There is 17 years between their first gold medals (2004) and their most recent gold medals. To maintain a level of performance in which they are two of the top 12 women’s basketball players in the U.S over that period is unheard of. The withstand the wear and tear of the body and the amount of time spent conditioning requires someone who is truly special. This will probably be their last Olympics. No worry they are leaving the women’s team in good hands with Brittany Griner her other teammates. Griner scored 30 points in the gold medal game on 14 or 18 shooting.
Per the NY Times, The Senate trudged on Monday toward final passage of a bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure package, after clearing the last significant procedural hurdles for the legislation over the weekend. The legislation is expected to pass, after nearly 70 senators voted to advance it late Sunday night. It is the product of weeks of intense negotiations, largely led by White House officials and a core group of 10 Republican and Democratic senators. But without unanimous agreement to expedite the process, the bill may not pass until Tuesday morning because Senate rules require 30 hours of debate. Our infrastructure really needs the investment, but I have no idea where all the money is going to come to pay for this and the ever-increasing deficit. I am sure smarter minds than me will figure it out. Or maybe not.
Stay safe. Social distance. Wear your mask. Wash your hands regularly. Get your vaccine.
Orchid of the Day: To my best friend since I was 5 years old, George Mihaiu, who turned 70 yesterday and to my younger brother Garry who turned 59 today.
Onion of the Day: No onion when I give out two orchids.
Quote of the Day: “After seeing all those tattoos that are over 30 years old, I sure am glad I never got one.” My son Christopher after attending the Guns and Roses concert with his daughter Alexis on Sunday night at Comerica Park.