Milton Friedman was the man who found out that companies should maximise shareholder value. If the companies made their investors good money, more money would flow to the market, businesses would have access to more capital, and you'd get a more competitive and efficient market. Good stuff, right? Maybe not. If you look at the reality of the situation you'll find that the companies that followed this the most ain't doing so good these days. GE and Jack Welsh was the ones who followed it ruthlessly. Today GE is a shell of what they used to be. It did go really well for them when Milton published his findings, late 1970s. However it was implemented in bull markets. Everyone was winning. So I submit that the bull market might have covered up a bad strategy. A rising tide lifts all boats.

And now we aren't even touching on how short term investor gains mangels long term innovation and what its actually like to work at such a company.

Everything comfortable is about removing feeling. A pillow is used to remove an uncomfortable position. A blanket is used to remove the feeling of cold.

A recounting of the love story between Anna and Fyodor. I like the part where she talks about how he treated her as if they were meant for each other. A little love goes a long way.

Throughout my life it has always seemed a kind of mystery to me that my good husband not only loved and respected me as many husbands love and respect their wives, but almost worshipped me, as though I were some special being created just for him. And this was true not only at the beginning of our marriage but through all the remaining years of it, up to his very death. Whereas in reality I was not distinguished for my good looks, nor did I possess talent nor any special intellectual cultivation, and I had no more than a secondary education. And yet, despite all that, I earned the profound respect, almost the adoration of a man so creative and brilliant.

Anna Dostoyevskaya on the Secret to a Happy Marriage - Brain Pickings - Pocket

Both conversations are good. The second one is real interesting. One investor close to Zuck talks about him and how FB is dangerous. Good interview.

Can Facebook Save Itself From Ruin? - Inside the Hive with Nick Bilton

Haha, turns out Sam had him over as well a few weeks later!

#152 - The Trouble with Facebook - Making Sense with Sam Harris

NSB changed name and my friend Marius has some thoughts on it.

In a later comment he adds: