Eight quick links for Sunday morning

No one’s ready for this. From here on in, all photos are fake unless proven otherwise.

On body count. People in medieval times had and enjoyed sex, and discussed and found the topic as challenging as we do today.

Exceptions & Rules. I thought this nicely encapsulated some of the tension I’ve experienced and observed in various organisations, between those who strive for reliability (consistent and replicable outcomes) and those who seek validity (exploiting nuance and complexity).

Quantitative Criteria for Defining Planets. Sorry all you true believers, even the latest proposed definition means Pluto misses out on being a planet (via Deborah Pickett).

The Truth Behind Rising House Prices. The shift from US houses being treated like a commodity (1890-1972) to an asset-like investment (1972-) was not driven by supply and demand factors, but rather the energy-intensive nature of housing construction, and the growth of household debt (via Steve Randy Waldman).

Have CEOs Changed? The average interviewed CEO candidate has lower overall ability, is more execution-oriented/less interpersonal, less charismatic, and less creative/strategic compared to pre-GFC.

The 4.2 billion-year-old ancestor of all life on Earth today. I find it equal parts mind-blowingly cool and unsettling to know I’m related to my cats and the trees in our yard.

Why Gov. Tim Walz Drives Them Crazy. The Democratic VP candidate shows that it’s not just possible but natural and normal to be a middle-aged white guy and not a complete wierdo obsessed with controlling other peoples lives and bodies.