Brigadoon Daily | Jan. 14

TOP FIVE:

1. Should central banks develop their own digital currencies? Economics Observatory reports central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could improve payment systems, promote financial inclusion, protect against financial fraud and accelerate the transition to a cashless society. But there are potential downsides in terms of consumer privacy and threats to cyber-security.

2. Web3, Silicon Valley’s new obsession, looks a lot like its last one: Bloomberg reports crypto enthusiasts are pitching a decentralized internet. The investors backing their companies have other ideas.

3. In defense of Bitcoin: NYT reports Jack Dorsey yesterday announced the creation of a nonprofit group, the Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund, to help developers of the original cryptocurrency facing “legal headaches.”

4. “This is not CNN 2”: Inside the cable news giant’s streaming dreams: Vanity Fair reports CNN+ is loading up on new talent (Alison Roman, Chris Wallace, Audie Cornish) and tapping its own (Anderson Cooper, Kate Bolduan) for a subscription service launching this spring. It’s shaping up to be a major investment in the network’s future—and maybe a lifeboat?

5. Jose Mourinho at AS Roma: What's gone wrong, and can the Special One's second Serie A stint still succeed? CBS Sports six months ago Jose Mourinho was unveiled as the new coach of Roma, but he hasn't fixed his new club's old problems yet.

Curating the emerging issues + independent thinkers shaping commerce + culture

Brigadoon Daily | Jan. 12

TOP FIVE:

1. Why the Catholic Church is losing Latin America: WSJ reports Conservative Pentecostals make huge inroads in Latin America during the reign of the region’s first pope. The religion is projected to become a minority in Brazil, which has more Catholics than any other country, as soon as this year.

2. The Web3 you've heard of does not exist: Jessica Karl writes so far it’s mainly a big marketing scheme setting people up for disappointment.

3. Macron has pole position — but that’s no guarantee of French election success: The Times reports history has taught the Élysée incumbent to take nothing for granted when the country votes for a new “emperor.”

4. Top universities are accused of conspiring to limit financial aid: NYT reports a lawsuit accused 16 schools, including Duke, Georgetown and Yale, of violating antitrust laws by colluding to fix prices. The lawsuit challenges an antitrust exemption granted to these universities for financial assistance decisions.

5. How Mo Salah became the new king of football: GQ reports Mohamed Salah is the best player in the world right now. The world just hasn’t admitted it yet.

Curating the emerging issues + independent thinkers shaping commerce + culture

Brigadoon Daily | Jan. 10

TOP FIVE:

1. ‘There’s no room for error’: The humble tugboat’s crucial role in easing a global crisis.

2. In the race for batteries, one scientist has seen it all: Susan Babinec is trying to put the US in front again on batteries. She has been among leading US battery scientists for more than 20 years and believes cutting-edge science will make that happen.

3. French presidential candidates fight for youth vote on TikTok: The video-sharing app has surged in popularity in France since 2020 especially among under 25s. Presidential candidates are seeing engagement on the platform soar as they court young voters ahead of the April election.

4. It’s time to admit that hybrid is not working: Camilla Cavendish opines mid-morning yoga comes at the expense of professional interactions and employee productivity.

5. Football’s future is in the metaverse: Virtual stadiums will kick off a new debate over the sport’s ‘real’ fans.