Things from my Newsblur (formerly Google Reader); 2016 Part II

Our Man was going to write an update along the lines of “Thinks I think I think”, as the portfolio has shifted far more than normal (and has likely only started down that path) since the US election, but he thought he’d try and avoid Trump-talk for a little longer.   Given it’s been an exceptionally long-time since Our Man posted a “Things from my...”, so here’s a catch-up bumper edition.  Our Man's New Year's resolution is to get at least 4 of these to you next year! 

- How to Sleep 
Politics getting you down?   Kids keeping you up?  Here’s some useful thoughts and research (though in largely lay terms rather than doctor-speak) that might help.  (The Atlantic, James Hamblin) 

- The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a primer on Artificial Intelligence 
Or you could just forget about sleeping, and read this.   Again, while the subject matter might seem daunting, the writing is very readable and understandable.  It takes you from “What is AI” to “Why AI is important” and “Why it matters today”.   If you only read one thing from this Google Reader, please make it this one!   (Medium, David Kelnar) 

- Unconventional Thinking Helps End Columbia War 
This is actually a video, which explores the various unconventional ways that helped lead the Columbian government and FARC to their historic peace.  For all the talk in the corporate world of thinking outside the box, this is vastly more impressive (and outside the proverbial box).  (CBS News, via the Big Picture) 

- A Conversation with Dan Ariely about what Shapes our Motivations 
Our Man enjoys reading almost everything Dan Ariely writes, and if you want to know more about behavioural economics and what motivates people to do things this is a good place to start (and he’s a good man to follow/read).  (Longreads, Jessica Gross with Dan Ariely) 

- Inside a Moneymaking Machine Like No Other 
A peek behind the curtain of Renaissance Technologies, and their Medallion Fund, which has one of the (probably just THE) performance histories in Finance.   (Bloomberg Markets, Katherine Burton)

And since it’s impossible not to talk about politics, I’ve saved these for below the fold… 
- Why Trump appointees will be effective, for better or worse 
I think this is a smart take by Tyler Cowen (a Professor of Economics at George Mason) which I’m in 100% agreement with.  I suspect too many on the left are making the mistake that those on the right did when President Obama was elected; just because you dislike something/one doesn’t mean that things they’re doing don’t have thought/a plan behind them.  (Bloomberg View, Tyler Cowen) 

- On Krugman and the Working Class 
Krugman’s super-smart and all, with a “Nobel prize” to prove it, but if he can’t see how he’s part of the problem then he’s unlikely to be any part of the solution.   Professor Duy, who’s very interested in that solution, points this out far more charitably than Our Man would.  (Tim Duy’s Fed Watch) 

- What Canada can Teach post-Brexit Britain 
“The main thing is simple. Canada likes being Canada. It's a good neighbor, but would rather not be part of the United States. Perplexing as it may be to many British commentators, that position is not in the least bit delusional. On the contrary, there's a lot to recommend it.”  That would be the simple synopsis.  (Bloomberg View, Clive Crook)