Good morning, Quartz readers!
WHAT TO WATCH FOR TODAY
The world’s top two economies talk. US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew and Secretary of State John Kerry are set to be in Beijing Monday and Tuesday as part of the annual round of high-level talks known as the United States-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Discussions are expected to focus on China’s continued management of its slowing economy as well as the Asian giant’s military activity in the South China Sea.
Yellen speaks. Markets will tune into Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s lunchtime speech in Philadelphia Monday, in the hopes that the powerful central banker will give some thoughts on whether Friday’s very disappointing update on the US job market in May will slow the Fed’s march toward further rate hikes.
Modi in Washington. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for a visit in the US during which he is set to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, give a speech on US-Indian commercial ties and visit with President Barack Obama. It will be his fourth visit to the US since he was swept to power in elections in May 2014.
Germany’s economic engine continues to rev. An update on Germany’s important industrial sector will arrive with data on manufacturing orders during the month of April. Despite sluggish growth throughout Europe, Germany’s economy has been something of a global standout with the unemployment rate recently falling to the lowest level ever recorded in a data series that began in the early 1990s.
OVER THE WEEKEND
Switzerland voted “no” on universal basic income. On Sunday voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to give $2,500 a month to citizens in guaranteed income. But despite its failure to make it into policy, the idea behind universal basic income is still intriguing to everyone from fellow European countries to tech leaders in Silicon Valley.
Europe was drenched in rain. Germany had to cancel a music festival after 72 people were struck by lightning. France saw its worst flooding in three decades, and president François Hollande said the government will likely declare a “natural catastrophe” this week. The chaotic storms added to ongoing turmoil elsewhere in the country: workers in the transportation and energy industries have been on strike for months, and most citizens say they want those protests to end.
The world mourned Muhammed Ali. People in the boxer’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky weren’t the only ones to remember Ali and his illustrious career. This weekend, Muslims all over the world celebrated the unifying effect that he had for them.
The Philippines’ new president urged DIY law enforcement. ”Please feel free to call us, the police, or do it yourself if you have the gun—you have my support,” said president-elect Rodrigo Duterte about drug dealers. Speaking to a huge crowd in Davao on Saturday, Duterte condemned the country’s illegal drug trade and told citizens that if they encounter a drug dealer who resists arrest and threatens them, “shoot him and I’ll give you a medal.”
China quietly expressed a stance on Brexit. According to diplomatic sources (paywall), China is firmly—though silently—in favor of Britain remaining in the European Union, as it values the nation as strong supporter of free trade. Other governments across Asia are also said to be watching the risk of a Brexit quite nervously.
QUARTZ OBSESSION INTERLUDE
Marc Bain on the sneaker designs inspired by LGBT pride month. “In the years since, Pride Month has become widely recognized and, like other commemorative events, commodified. Brands use it as an opportunity to show support, but also to connect with customers. Some of these efforts can feel half-hearted and mostly like a way to grab a few extra dollars. But there are excited, thoughtful products to be found.” Read more here.
MATTERS OF DEBATE
America’s emerging military partnership with India and Japan must be maintained. Though the benefit of US engagement in worldwide affairs is under assault, such relationships can prevent China from dominating the Asia-Pacific region.
To save time, write longer emails. If emails are kept to brief, you run the risk of an endless back and forth. Instead, set out all your goals clearly. A detailed email conversation can also take the place of time-sucking wasteful meetings.
Stop loving yourself, just as you are. Ancient Chinese philosophers argued that your personality and quirks are nothing more than habits. To break yourself out of a rut, you should constantly change tiny details about how you behave.
SURPRISING DISCOVERIES
A 3D printer has been used to create a functional mini aircraft. The Airbus, which weighs 21 kg, was unveiled at the Berlin air show this week. It “flies beautifully, it is very stable,” said its chief engineer.
Medical house calls are making a comeback. Medicare is introducing the experiment as a way to provide better, most cost-effective care to elderly patients.
Norway is planning to ban gas-powered car sales by 2025. The country’s four major political parties have reportedly agreed to the deal. Currently, about one in four cars sold in Norway is electric.
The universe is expanding faster than we realized. Readings from the Hubble space telescope on the distance to stars beyond the Milky Way has found the universe is expanding 5% to 9% faster than previously predicted.
A physicists found a way to beat the odds at roulette. There’s enough evidence after the wheel is spun but before it begins to drop for a computation that can double your odds of winning.
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