Dez Reads. Uber With Guns?

Josh is again traveling across the country, solving global crises and blaming dodgy airplane WiFi for his absence. So, Mark Emerson here, wishing you all a great Friday. Let’s get into it.

This week, Anne Marie Malecha examines the bizarre shift in social norms where curiosity is out and ignorance is in. Jen Hirshon dives into the rapid rise of an “Uber with guns” service in response to high-profile security concerns. Meanwhile, Helen Taylor makes her debut with Dez Reads by asking the big question: Can Birkenstocks be art?

David Manitsky revisits the Yankees’ infamous facial hair policy and what it means for baseball tradition, while Colby Nelson explores the latest putting technique that’s driving the golf world mad – literally.

With February winding down, we’re officially in that stretch of the year where spring can’t come sooner. At least we’ve got some interesting reads to help pass the time.

Thanks, as always, for reading along with us.

Here we go.

Culture.

Rent Free Substack. in defense of pretension.

This Substack has been living rent-free in my mind for the better part of February. It’s a conversation I’ve wanted to have but haven’t had the brain space to examine. I’m willing to bet I’m not alone.

The TLDR is, “When did not being stupid become a social offense? Ignorance has become an accepted trait, being learned a social faux pas. Admitting that you lack even the most basic cultural literacy has become as trendy as owning a pair of tabis.”

While the title may be provocative, because we need clickbait to want to read anything these days – ugh, Ayan’s premise is a painfully accurate assessment of the bizarre moment in time we find ourselves in. If it were me titling the piece, I’d opt for “In Defense of Curiosity.” Reading, learning, debating, disagreeing, evolving, experiencing art, culture, etc., all level up to curiosity for me.

I can’t pinpoint exactly when expanding knowledge, critical thinking, and growing went out of style, but social media, constant stimulation, and our shrinking attention spans over the last decade certainly are factors.

Dez Reads is our weekly collection of our voracious curiosity. It’s equal parts informative and weird. Every week, I learn something about myself and our team, and it embodies our quest for knowledge for knowledge’s sake. To quote Ted Lasso, quoting Walt Whitman, “Be curious, not judgmental.”

– Anne Marie Malecha

Business.

Hollywood Reporter. “Uber With Guns”: On-Demand Armed Guard App Launches After UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing

I must say I’m fascinated by the introduction of on-demand armed security services. In light of recent events – such as the tragic killing of a UnitedHealthcare CEO – there’s a clear demand for personal protection services that goes beyond the usual Uber ride. Introducing Protector, offering armed drivers or even a full motorcade experience is a bold new frontier in personal safety. The fact that this service is rapidly climbing the app store rankings (#5 in travel as of 2/21, and it was #14 when this article was published) tells us one thing: there’s a market for it. People are seeking new ways to feel secure, and technology is responding in ways we might never have predicted. Imagine booking a ride and selecting an armed driver for added peace of mind – or even a full motorcade if you’re feeling particularly vulnerable.

While the concept might raise eyebrows, it’s a powerful reminder of how modern-day tech companies are adapting to the evolving demands of society. Whether or not this trend becomes mainstream remains to be seen, but its sudden popularity certainly speaks volumes about today’s security-conscious consumer.

– Jen Hirshon

Art.

AP News. Can sandals be art? Birkenstock says yes, but a German court says no

Birkenstocks are great shoes in my opinion, but they’re not art. And trust me, I say that as a lifelong Birkenstock fan. I love their comfort, durability, and classic style. From casual outings to dog walks, they are my go-to. And while I’d argue they are some of the best sandals on the market, I can’t claim them as works of art.

Birkenstock has undeniably built an iconic brand with a design that millions of people recognize. But the recognition alone doesn’t justify copyright protection. Recently, Germany’s highest court ruled that the functional elements, like wide straps and big buckles, aren’t subject to copyright if they’re dictated by technical or practical considerations. If they were, it would likely set a dangerous precedent, allowing companies to lock down everyday products under the guise of artistic achievement.

I fully support protecting intellectual property, but there’s already a system for that: trademarks and patents. Birkenstock’s competitors shouldn’t be able to steal the name, but they should be free to create similar, functionally driven sandals.

At the end of the day, I’ll keep wearing my Birks no matter what. But as much as I love them, they are not art. They’re just really, really good shoes with a long shelf life.

– Helen Taylor

Sports.

The Athletic. Yankees announce changes to team’s longstanding facial hair policy

Growing up in New England as a Yankees fan in the 2000s, one of the most impactful moments of my early sports fandom was when the Boston Red Sox traded Johnny Damon to New York. Damon was not only instrumental to the Red Sox’ 2004 World Series victory but also a particular fan favorite and a very charismatic figure. Damon’s long hair and beard were part of his distinctive persona, and a condition to being traded to the Yankees required him to cut his hair and shave. I remember in elementary school, this was a significant event.

The Yankees have had this rule since 1973, when George Steinbrenner, the late father of the current owner, thought some players looked unprofessional. The team’s official player manual stipulates, “All players, coaches, and male executives are forbidden to display any facial hair other than mustaches [except for religious reasons], and scalp hair may not be grown below the collar.”

Supporting the Yankees in a predominantly Red Sox community had its challenges, and this rule didn’t make it any easier. A part of me found it meaningless and silly, but I respect the Yankee’s legacy of a clean look and timeless jerseys. Regardless, if the Yankees keep pulling in the league’s top talent, I don’t have an issue once the players put on the pinstripes.

– David Manitsky

WSJ. The Weird New Putting Technique That’s Driving the Golf World Completely Nuts

This week, the WSJ covered the latest controversy in professional golf: a putting strategy called AimPoint is growing in popularity but causing a raging debate among the world’s best. Many say it’s slowing down the game even more, and they’re probably right. But banning AimPoint is not going to save professional golf.

The viewing experience for professional golf is terrible, with or without AimPoint. Broadcasts are showing fewer shots, more commercials, and the pros are playing painfully slow. It should surprise no one that the PGA Tour’s weekend viewership dropped by 15 percent in 2024.

During last month’s Farmer’s Insurance Open, the final group took five hours and 29 minutes to complete their round. Who has time for that? Slow play is not going to attract new viewers, and their core audience is turning away. The PGA Tour and other professional tours around the world should learn from Major League Baseball and begin holding players accountable and enforcing penalties for slow play.

– Colby Nelson

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