Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Italy hosts a peace conference. Leaders of Libya’s warring factions will gather in Palermo in the latest attempt to end years of strife in the North African country. Italy is tussling with France, which has held similar summits, for influence in Libya, an important source of fossil fuels (paywall).
Mike Pence talks North Korea in Japan. The US vice president begins his Asia tour in Tokyo, where he and prime minister Shinzo Abe will discuss North Korea and other security issues. The two will hold a joint press conference—an unusual move given their unequal ranks.
Germany and China talk cooperation and security. German foreign minister Heiko Maas is in Beijing today and tomorrow to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi for the fourth round of dialogue, with topics including humanitarian aid and climate change.
The US observes Veterans’ Day. The federal holiday, which was renamed from Armistice Day in 1954, will shut down bond markets, but stock markets will remain open.
Over the weekend
Emmanuel Macron warned against nationalism. At an event marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the French president called nationalism “a betrayal of patriotism” and warned that “old demons are reawakening, ready to sow chaos and death.” In attendance were dozens of world leaders, including nationalists Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
The death toll in the California fires rose to 25. The winds that have fueled the devastating infernos, which have destroyed more than 6,700 structures, are expected to wreak further havoc. In southern California, Hollywood celebrities affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires have been tweeting about evacuating their mansions.
Theresa May cancelled an emergency cabinet meeting to approve a Brexit deal. Resistance within the UK prime minister’s cabinet and in Brussels continues to derail the path to an agreement. Without an outline deal ready by tomorrow, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that a special EU summit to finalize an agreement can be held this month.
Florida ordered statewide recounts in three elections. Local officials have just five days to tally 8 million ballots and identify the winners in the races for governor, US Senate, and state agricultural commissioner. Republicans, including Donald Trump, decried attempts to “steal” the elections and filed several lawsuits to halt the process, while Democrats called for every ballot to be counted.
The world’s biggest shopping day got even bigger. This year’s Singles’ Day, a retail holiday created by Alibaba a decade ago, led to a record $30.7 billion in sales. But momentum is slowing: The 27% increase was the lowest year-over-year growth in the event’s history.
Obsession interlude
Lipstick is one of life’s little pleasures. During recessionary times, it’s synonymous with an inexpensive way of treating yourself, known as the lipstick effect. It’s also an empowering pleasure, historically associated with Cleopatra, Queen Puabi of Ur, and the suffragette movement. Pucker up with today’s Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Foreign contractors prolong wars. Intended to save money and boost local economies, contractors make wars more expensive, less democratic, and more dangerous.
To fight back a strongman, undermine his legitimacy. It’s the one thing dictators—with armies at their disposal and control of the media—don’t have.
Eat whatever you want. By giving people permission to eat, the anti-diet known as intuitive eating removes emotional hang-ups attached to certain foods.
Surprising discoveries
Scientists mail live mosquitos by packing 1,200 of them in a syringe. The mosquitoes’ slender exoskeletons fold up, and the close quarters insulate them from damage.
Humans burn the most calories in the afternoon. Scientists arrived at that conclusion after 10 subjects spent 37 days in a lab with no windows, clocks, or internet.
Satanists are worried Netflix’s Sabrina reboot is damaging their image. The Satanic Temple says the show is “promoting asinine satanic panic.”
Beatboxing is scientifically valuable. Researchers are using MRI scans of mouth percussionists (paywall) to understand language and how the vocal tract works.
There’s something special about Americans born in 1991. With more babies born in the US that year than any other, today’s 27-year-olds will dominate politics like Baby Boomers have.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, beatboxing tracks, and live mosquitos to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Alice Truong and edited by Maria Thomas.