Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
A “bomb cyclone” hits the US east coast. The snowstorm will “resemble a hurricane,” and bring on some of the region’s coldest temperatures in over a century with warnings extending from Florida to Maine. China also raised snow alerts to their second-highest levels for several central regions.
Myanmar celebrates its 70th Independence Day. Formerly known as Burma, the country has witnessed decades of conflict since its independence from Britain, and is currently facing international criticism for the Rohingya crisis. According to vice president U Myint Swe, the day will focus on five main objectives.
Japan kicks off its biggest wrestling event of the year. New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s 12th annual Wrestle Kingdom supershow will air live from the Tokyo Dome starting at 5pm JST. This year’s event features a major push for western fans by pitting WWE icon Chris Jericho against international superstar Kenny Omega.
While you were sleeping
Spotify filed for an IPO. The music streaming giant filed confidentially last month, with Axios reporting that it was planning a first quarter direct listing before it was hit with a $1.6 billion lawsuit for issues with licensing agreements. A direct listing would be a first for a company this large, and would forgo the usual red tape of an investment but also the opening boost in stock that comes with a traditional float.
The Fed debated tax cuts in its December meeting. The US central bank revealed uncertainty over Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax cut signed into law last month, fearing it could muddy the efforts to ensure the economy remains on an even keel (paywall). Nevertheless, confidence is growing in the strength of the labor market and the economy, but the bank debated whether cuts would require them to raise short-term interest rates more quickly this year.
A new book lambasted the Trump White House. Michael Wolff, whose book described the campaign’s lack of preparedness for its unexpected win, quoted Steve Bannon saying Trump’s family’s dealings with Russia were “treasonous.” Trump responded in a statement today claiming that Bannon “lost his mind” after being dismissed from the White House.
US manufacturing had its best year since 2004. A survey by the Institute for Supply Management showed that storm-related supply delays boosted factory activity, bringing the average factory index in 2017 average to 57.6, the best in 13 years. The figures suggest manufacturing strength will persist for at least a few months of this year.
Intel chips could be vulnerable to hackers. According to the tech site The Register, all Intel chips from the past 10 years may contain a bug that could let some software gain access to parts of a computer’s memory leaving sensitive information, including passwords, vulnerable. Intel has yet to respond, but the company’s shares fell 5.5% on the news.
Quartz obsession interlude
Ida C. Benedetto on how astrology isn’t fake, it’s just been ruined by modern psychology: “[I]n the past 20 years, traditional astrological texts have been translated into modern languages for the first time. These texts come from the same scientists who produced the first analog computer and principles of geometry that we still use today. Modern astrology may be overrun with mushy hocus-pocus thanks to conflations with psychology, but newly accessible ancient astrological methods could produce a revival in the power and credibility of the craft.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Facebook indirectly contributes to the Rohingya genocide. For many Myanmarese, the only portion of the internet they know is packed with hateful propaganda.
Solar energy needs a boost to become mainstream. It won’t get there without research into new materials for cells, solar power satellites, and policy changes.
Silicon Valley’s sex parties are at the expense of women. They embody the toxic power dynamics at play throughout the whole of the tech industry.
Surprising discoveries
Turkmenistan’s president banned black cars because he prefers white. To satisfy Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov’s latest whim, drivers must repaint at their own expense.
A dentist must reimburse his mother for raising him. Taiwan’s supreme court ordered the 41-year-old to uphold an agreement he made with his mother at age 20.
A “blended reality” mirror will help you stay fashionable. Amazon filed a patent for the device, which creates a virtual dressing room for users.
Cadbury is taking a page from Willy Wonka. Anyone who finds one of its rare white chocolate eggs by Apr. 1 will receive￡100 ($130).
The Russian trolls are coming for Mitt Romney. It took only 48 hours to get #neverromney trending once the longtime Trump critic seemed poised for a US senate seat.
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