Careless People
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
World Events — Democracy in Turkey Under Threat
The Economists
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey's leader for 22 years, has systematically dismantled democratic institutions, consolidating power through constitutional changes in 2017 that removed checks on his authority. His government controls the judiciary, security forces, and media, transforming Turkey into a competitive authoritarian regime where opposition parties could still win local elections. However, this fragile balance shifted with the March 19 arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's mayor and Erdoğan's strongest rival, on dubious corruption charges. İmamoğlu’s imprisonment signals Erdoğan’s willingness to abandon even the pretense of democracy to secure his grip on power amidst declining popularity due to economic mismanagement and corruption scandals. Internationally, Erdoğan exploits geopolitical dynamics—such as Europe's reliance on Turkey for migration control and NATO's strategic needs—to avoid significant repercussions. While protests erupt across Turkey, with hundreds of thousands demanding justice for İmamoğlu, external actors remain largely passive, leaving Turkey’s citizens to confront the erosion of their democracy alone.
Tech — Careless People
The Economists
Meta's attempt to suppress "Careless People," a tell-all memoir by former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams, has backfired spectacularly, demonstrating how not to handle corporate criticism. By seeking an arbitrator's gag order to block the author from promoting or distributing the book, Meta has inadvertently propelled it to the top of bestseller lists and amplified its controversial content. The company's aggressive response, including public denials and attempts to discredit Wynn-Williams, has only fueled public interest and invoked the Streisand effect. This misstep echoes past corporate attempts to suppress unflattering publications, such as Apple's effort to halt "App Store Confidential" in 2020 and General Motors' campaign against Ralph Nader's "Unsafe at Any Speed" in 1965, both of which similarly boosted sales and public attention. Meta's reaction has transformed "Careless People" from a potentially forgettable corporate exposé into a must-read sensation, underscoring the risks of heavy-handed attempts to control narratives in the digital age.
Economics — the Effects of Trump on American Economy
The Economists
President Donald Trump's impending "liberation day" on April 2nd, 2025, when he plans to impose new tariffs on global imports, has created significant economic uncertainty in the United States. This uncertainty, reflected in various economic indicators and business sentiment, is having a tangible impact on the economy. Consumer confidence has fallen to a 12-year low, companies are delaying investment decisions, and economic forecasts are becoming increasingly difficult to make. The ambiguity surrounding the specifics of the tariffs, potential exemptions, and the possibility of retaliation from other countries is paralyzing parts of the American economy. While some companies have announced investments in the U.S., many others are struggling with the unpredictability of future trade policies. This situation has led to concerns about slower economic growth and even increased the estimated probability of a recession in the coming year.
Health — The Importance of Carbs in Recovery
Carbohydrates play a crucial role in athletic recovery and performance, as demonstrated by a new study from Aarhus University in Denmark. The research, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, challenges the conventional wisdom that athletes can perform well as long as they have some carbohydrates left in their muscles. Instead, the study reveals that performance begins to decline when muscle glycogen levels fall below about 50-60% of maximum capacity. This decline is attributed to the uneven distribution of glycogen within muscle fibers and even within individual fibers themselves. The researchers found that in low-carb conditions, some muscle fibers were severely depleted while others retained fuel, leading to compromised overall performance. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of intramyofibrillar glycogen, a specific type of glycogen storage within muscle fibers, which was strongly correlated with sprint performance. These findings emphasize the importance of thorough carbohydrate replenishment after intense exercise, particularly for athletes engaging in multiple training sessions or competitions within a 24-hour period.
Recipe — Garlic Salmon Recipe
Garlic Butter Salmon may appear straightforward, but it packs a culinary punch. This dish employs a sophisticated technique that's surprisingly easy to execute, resulting in a lavish outcome. The method involves repeatedly basting the salmon with sizzling garlic butter, allowing the rich flavors to penetrate every nook and cranny of the fish. By using this professional cooking approach, you'll not only create a sumptuous meal but also feel and look like an accomplished chef. The simplicity of the recipe belies its impressive results, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to elevate their cooking skills with minimal effort.
RecipetinEats
Song Rec — You’re Still the One (Shania Twain)
Quote of the Day
“One way to remember who you are is to remember who your heroes are.” ― Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs