{
  "id": 6600450,
  "title": "Longform links: actual writing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/longform-links-actual-writing",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-10T13:45:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Abnormal Returns",
    "slug": "abnormal-returns",
    "url": "https://abnormalreturns.com/2026/09/10/longform-links-actual-writing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In \"Data Empire: The Power of Information to Organize, Control, and Dominate\" by Roopika Risam, the author explores how information has become a powerful tool for organizations to exert control and dominance over various aspects of society. The book delves into the ways in which data can be manipulated and leveraged to shape public opinion, influence decision-making processes, and maintain power structures.\n\nFrancis Fukuyama, in his memoir \"In the Realm of the Last Man: A Memoir,\" reflects on his experiences and insights throughout his career. The book provides a firsthand account of his journey, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a renowned scholar and thinker.\n\nThe excerpt from \"The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape From Afghanistan & Coming to America\" by Rebecca Blumenstein and Dianna Kapp tells the story of two women who managed to escape Afghanistan and find refuge in America. Their harrowing escape and subsequent struggles to build a new life in the United States showcase the courage and resilience of those who dare to defy oppressive circumstances.\n\nIn \"Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America's Favorite Breakfast Food\" by Mario Nestlend Lisa Sutherland, the authors examine the complex web of interests and forces that influence the production and consumption of America's beloved sugary breakfast food. The article reveals the intricate relationships between corporations, lobbyists, and policymakers, highlighting the hidden forces at play behind the scenes.\n\n\"Is This It: The Never-Ending Rise and Fall of the Strokes (and Rock ’n’ Roll)\" by Steven Hyden offers a retrospective look at the rise and fall of the influential rock band, the Strokes. The book delves into the band's journey, exploring the highs and lows they experienced over the years, and ultimately, the impact they had on the world of rock music.\n\nIn \"1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World,\" author Liaquat Ahamed, as discussed by Derek Thompson, examines the financial crisis that occurred in 1873 and its far-reaching consequences. Ahamed's work sheds light on the role of the Rothschild family and the birth of modern banking practices during this tumultuous period.\n\n\"Is This It\" by Robin Wigglesworth provides an in-depth exploration of the bond market and its crucial role in shaping the modern world economy. The article traces the history of bonds, their evolution, and their significance in facilitating financial transactions across the globe.\n\nMary Childs, in her discussion with Ed Al-Hussainy on \"A Fabulous Debt: The Epic Story of How Bonds Built the Modern World,\" delves into the intricacies of the bond market and its impact on the global financial landscape. Al-Hussainy, a portfolio manager at Columbia Threadneedle, shares his insights and expertise on the subject matter.\n\nHedge funds, once considered a niche industry, have now grown to rival the size and influence of traditional banks, as highlighted in the article \"Hedge funds used to be a cottage industry. Now the largest hedge funds rival the big banks\" on finance.yahoo.com. The piece explores the evolution of hedge funds, their strategies, and their growing prominence in the financial world.\n\nIn \"Longevity is almost like a mindset. The minute a dynasty starts treating its age as evidence, the age starts working against it,\" Kyle Harrison reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and embracing longevity, especially within dynastic families. The article emphasizes the need to challenge age-related biases and maintain a forward-thinking perspective.\n\n\"Why Albanians turned against a luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump\" by Slate discusses the controversy surrounding a luxury resort project in Albania, which faced strong opposition from the local Albanian population. The article delves into the reasons behind the backlash, examining the concerns and perspectives of the Albanian community.\n\n\"Looked at over the very long run, democracy is still in ascendance\" by Our World in Data presents a compelling argument for the enduring strength and resilience of democratic systems. The article examines historical and contemporary data to demonstrate how democracy has persisted despite various challenges and setbacks, ultimately reinforcing its central role in shaping societies worldwide.\n\nThe article \"How seaweed became a hot commodity\" in The New York Times explores the recent surge in the popularity and demand for seaweed as a versatile and nutritious ingredient. The piece examines the various applications of seaweed, from culinary uses to potential environmental benefits, and discusses the growing interest in this marine resource.\n\n\"AI could help us talk with animals. Should we?\" in Bloomberg raises thought-provoking questions about the potential benefits and ethical considerations of using artificial intelligence to facilitate communication between humans and animals. The article explores the possibilities, challenges, and implications of such a technological advancement.\n\n\"On the downsides of meditation\" in The Atlantic provides a balanced perspective on the benefits and potential drawbacks of meditation practice. The article acknowledges the numerous mental and physical health benefits associated with meditation, while also addressing some of the limitations and challenges that practitioners may encounter.\n\nOverall, these longform pieces offer a diverse range of perspectives on various topics, from the power of information in shaping societies, to the history of bonds and their impact on the global economy, to the ethical considerations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence. Each article provides rich insights, data, and narratives, contributing to a deeper understanding of the subjects explored.",
  "summary": "Thursdays are all about longform links on Abnormal Returns. Wherever possible, free links for premium sites are used. You can check out...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}