Aug. 31--Billionaire Minecraft creator Markus Persson, having a bad day, tweeted how empty his life seemed. Could be worse. He could devote himself to building things in a world that doesn't actually exist.
Illinois shouldn't be selling lottery tickets for which it can't pay winners until the state budget crisis is resolved. When you run a numbers racket and renege on the payout, it doesn't end well.
President Barack Obama is scheduled to tape an appearance on "Running Wild With Bear Grylls." NBC said Obama "will become the first U.S. president to receive a crash course in survival techniques" from Grylls. Like how to choose and use media appearances to wrest control of an agenda?
Kanye West intimated on the MTV Video Music Awards that he will run for president in 2020. If elected to the White House, he can rename the West Wing the West Wing.
The owner-operator of California's Mendo Bistro is staging an essay contest to pick his successor. There's a $100 entry fee, and rules ensure the exiting restaurateur can reap $750,000. The next owner's food may not be any good, but the menu should be a page-turner.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign abruptly cashiered football coach Tim Beckman, reportedly amid allegations he discouraged players from getting proper medical care. Sounds like he might be better suited for the insurance industry.
Aaron Burr, accused of plotting to establish his own nation, was acquitted of treason 208 years ago Tuesday. Three years earlier, while U.S. vice president, Burr faced murder charges but wasn't tried for the dueling death of rival Alexander Hamilton. Imagine the cable TV sensation Burr would be today.
philrosenthal@tribpub.com
