How is everybody’s weekend going? We haven’t had too many ‘snow days’ this winter in the Midwest…we got one today.
Perfect day to sleep in, make a double coffee (with extra cream) and read the Six.
Today’s list features articles on an astro-physicist who claims aliens have visited the earth, advice for newly-elected President Biden, no Budweiser or Coca-Cola ads at the Super Bowl this year and he crazy story this week involving Reddit, Robinhood and Wall Street.
Let’s proceed with The Six.
What Went Down With Investment App Robinhood
When ‘Robinhood’ starting trending on Twitter Thursday, my first reaction was, ‘are they making another movie about Robin Hood?’ No, although the movie based on events from this week (and there will be a movie) may be more interesting then the original Robin Hood. This is a good summary from Axios about exactly what went down this past week that involved the stock trading app, Robinhood, Reddit, TikTok and Wall Street.
Legacy Brands Budweiser, Coca-Cola and Pepsi Sitting Out The Super Bowl
I probably watched my first Super Bowl in the late 1970’s (Steelers-Cowboys I recall, in 1979). There was a commercial I believe from halftime of that game featuring Mean Joe Greene (a defensive lineman for the Steelers) and a kid who hands a beat up Greene a Coke ("You want my Coke…it’s OK, you can have it”). I remember watching that commercial more than the game. No 2021 version of Mean Joe and the kid this year. Coke, Pepsi and Budweiser did not buy ads for next Sunday’s big game. Instead we’ll get Chipotle, Door Dash and Huggies. That’s so 2020’s isn’t it?
Biden Should Go Big, Fast and Simple
Advice from The Atlantic on how President Biden should proceed with his first 100 days. The author’s thesis—don’t soft-shoe around. Go big and bold.
Surveillance Cameras Vs. The Justice System
Who knew that Mexico City has one of the most sophisticated system of surveillance cameras of any major city in the world? This is a a smart, deeply reported look at Mexico City’s $700 billion city-wide surveillance system and how it’s changed the nature of crime in the capital.
Media Legend Larry King Dies at 87
Another week, another passing of a major figure in American life. One could argue how ‘major’ Larry King was but in the 1990’s and into the 2000’s, he was as famous as they come. King’s CNN talk show is the last thing on CNN I made time to watch…especially when he had on his show a politician like Ross Perot. King always asked direct questions (he was famous for not doing any pre-show prep) and said what was on his mind, and often, the viewer. A solid obit on a memorable character from the Washington Post.
Have We Already Been Visited By Aliens?
This is a good read from the New Yorker but worth it if interested in the never-ending ‘are we alone in the universe?’ question. I’m not a huge extraterrestrial/UFO guy, but this story is noteworthy as the author crafts a nice narrative case (using an astro-physicist as her main protagonist) that yes, aliens may have taken a look around earth.
Have a great rest of your weekend everybody. Thanks for reading as always.
Have a suggestion for the Sunday Six? Send email to jon@jonjkerr.com.