Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Apple reports quarterly results… Some analysts predict the first-ever dip in iPhone sales. Investors will also listen for clues about for how Apple is doing in China, where media regulators recently blocked its book and movie stores.
… And so does Twitter. Last quarter, the beleaguered social media company said user growth ground to a halt; investors will now be interested to hear if a streaming deal with the NFL could reach a new audience, and how Twitter’s live Periscope video will stack up to Facebook Live.
India and Pakistan have a fateful meeting. Their respective foreign secretaries will hold a bilateral talk in Delhi—the first step toward reviving peace talks after a terrorist attack on an Indian air force base in January.
While you were sleeping
Saudi Arabia tried to kick its addiction to oil. Prince Mohammed bin Salman—the world’s most powerful millennial—outlined a plan to overhaul the Kingdom’s oil-dependent economy, including selling off a 5% stake in Saudi Aramco and diversifying the country’s investments. He also called for expanding women’s rights and immigration.
Obama is sending more troops to Syria. The US president said 250 additional special forces troops will bolster the fight against ISIL. Evoking the solidarity of World War Two, he asked Europe to contribute to effort.
Volkswagen got into more trouble. A UK regulator said that the German company hadn’t fixed a single car affected by its massive emissions scandal, despite the company’s claims to the contrary. There is growing evidence that many automakers have also been manipulating emissions tests.
Valeant named a new CEO. The embattled pharmaceutical company hired industry veteran John Papa, the CEO of Perrigo, to lead its turnaround. He’ll have his work cut out for him: Shares have dropped more than 80% since August amid controversies over Valeant’s business practices.
Islamists killed a Canadian hostage in the Philippines. Five hours after a ransom deadline, the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf left the severed head of 68-year-old John Ridsdel on the street in the southern Philippines. There are fears of even more violence from the Islamist group, which has aligned itself with ISIL.
Quartz markets haiku
Show us the money
Facebook, P&G, Exxon
This week—and Apple!
Quartz obsession interlude
Thu-Huong Ha on America’s obsession with adult coloring: “From knitting crazes to mindfulness training centers, Americans today will take anything they can get to escape the hum of their perceived hyper-connectivity and overwork. That demand has created a sort of mindfulness industrial complex.” Read more here.
Matters of Debate
Torturing terrorists doesn’t keep anyone safe. A new neuroscience study shows that torture undermines the cognitive mechanisms needed to recall information.
Feminism has become a consumer brand. When status is confused with liberation, a social movement looks more like a commodity.
America is terrible at promoting democracy. It would be better off setting an example at home.
Surprising discoveries
A Tesla is a better driver than you are. CEO Elon Musk says drivers are 50% less likely to have an accident in autopilot mode.
Mourning dead celebrities is about remembering your own life. Fans transfer their own memories onto departed superstars like Prince.
A Japanese burger chain has released a terrifying “everything” burger. The meat tower comprises four patties, six sauces, and a heaping of extras.
People are racing drones using nothing but thoughts. The brain-to-computer interfaces are still a little slow and clunky.
Overbred chickens are suffering from “woody breast” syndrome. The supersized poultry are “gummy” and difficult to chew.
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