Thursdays are now all about longform links on Abnormal Returns. You can check out last week’s linkfest including a look at why Bob Ross is still so popular these days.
Quote of the Day
"While the future is uncertain, approaching the world as a traveler can make us less afraid. It opens our minds, it opens our hearts, and it enriches our lives."
(Rick Steves)
Book excerpts
- An excerpt from "Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda" by Jean Guerrero. (politico.com)
- A Q&A with David M. Carballo author of "Collision of Worlds: A Deep History of the Fall of Aztec Mexico and the Forging of New Spain." (theatlantic.com)
China
- China is building a high tech surveillance state and is willing to export the technology as well. (theatlantic.com)
- The coronavirus has, for now, tamped down on the wildlife trade in China. (ft.com)
- Why some in the US are so worried about TikTok. (theatlantic.com)
Companies
- A deep dive into the corporate culture of Nintendo. (matthewball.vc)
- How Pocari Sweat became Asia's answer to Gatorade. (edition.cnn.com)
- How bicycle maker Trek is trying to keep up with pandemic-related demand. (marker.medium.com)
Longreads
- America failed the coronavirus pandemic, which bodes poorly for the next one. (theatlantic.com)
- The 'Karen phenomenon' can be split into two separate groups. (marketwatch.com)
- How we can leave room in society for technological innovation. (fs.blog)
- How actor Ryan Reynolds became a digital marketing powerhouse. (fastcompany.com)
- The story of collectors who spend big money on Hot Wheels toy cars. (thehustle.co)
- How the pineapple became a symbol of luxury. (bbc.com)