The weekend is upon us! Pour yourself a mug of danish blend, grab a coffee, settle down outside, and prepare for some leisurely reading.
• The era of clueless executives: We find ourselves in a time dominated by high-profile leaders. In this landscape, actual competence tends to matter less than merely the illusion of productivity. Instead of concrete results or metrics, the success of businesses seems shaped by the vibe among executives who have distanced themselves from their industries. Modern executives often prioritize shareholder loyalty over any broader responsibilities or real-life challenges their companies supposedly address. (where is your ed?)
• Job advice for buy-side quants: If you’re of age and interested, perhaps now’s a good moment to enjoy a drink. (consumed by fire)
• Air Jordan: 40 pairs, 40 years, countless stories: Remember when Air Jordans were strictly for basketball? Be it the NBA, a gym, or your local court, players would show off their kicks proudly. Over time, though, those shoes took on a new identity—becoming everyday comfort wear. (new york times)
• Key survival skill for 2026: critical ignoring: With a flood of low-quality information all around, it might be a good idea to resist the urge to consume every piece of data available. This takes some effort, you know? (wall street journal)
• Why does anything exist at all? The fact that there’s something instead of nothing is pretty mind-blowing, right? But, really, what’s the reasoning behind it? (It starts shockingly) Also see Reality is harsh: Everything consumes and is consumed. Destruction is inevitable, and perhaps it’s our obligation to push back against this harsh reality. (ion)
• The US could have a hidden strategy to counter rising electricity costs: Throughout most of the year, the electricity grid operates at roughly 50% capacity. Could we leverage that to reduce expenses? (washington post)
• ‘I was quite naive’: Marjorie Taylor Greene reflects on her fallout with Trump: Here’s the story of how a Georgia congresswoman transitioned from being a staunch supporter to a vocal critic within her party. (new york times) Also see What defines a cult? Our data suggests: (clearer thinking)
• Why is Japan so beloved? This is part three of my exploration into the Japanese economy. (noah pinion)
• Logical clarity: English writing has become easier to digest, but the increase in short sentences doesn’t explain it all. (work in progress) Also see Where have amateur researchers gone? We should think about how to invite them back. (Kasurian)
• The surprising beginnings of Rob Reiner’s iconic movie career: The director had an astonishing string of seven successful films in just eight years. This includes perhaps one of the most cherished films: The Princess Bride. (wall street journal)
Don’t miss the interview with Stephanie Drescher, Chief Customer and Product Development Officer at Apollo, this weekend. She manages everything from global wealth initiatives to client marketing, and since 2020, Barron’s has recognized her as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Finance.
This year, international stocks have outperformed their U.S. counterparts for the first time in a long while, and it’s not solely about the dollar.
To understand how these articles come together each day, you can look here.
