Good Morning. The world's greatest investor just quit while sitting on more cash than ever. We break down Buffett's goodbye.
We also cover MTV's music channel shutdown, Batman's workout routine, and Hasbro's internal CEO game (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Farewell, Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett officially steps down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO today, ending his tenure with Greg Abel taking over. In his final year, Buffett sold more stocks than he bought and stockpiled a record $358 billion in cash while waiting for better opportunities (WSJ).
The company made one major acquisition, buying OxyChem for $10 billion. Buffett reduced Berkshire's Apple stake by over 60 million shares during the tech rally. Berkshire's stock fell 6 percent since the May retirement announcement.
Abel inherits significant leadership changes. Geico CEO Todd Combs is joining JPMorgan Chase, and longtime finance chief Marc Hamburg retires in June. Buffett promised he's "going quiet" but expressed confidence in Abel's insurance expertise. The quest for their next CEO.
Hasbro's CEO Game
Hasbro developed "Toy Tycoon," an internal strategy game where select employees role-play as toy industry CEOs. Promising managers face decisions about licensing, hiring, and production while competing in market categories. The full-day game follows a two-day crash course.
CEO Chris Cocks brought the concept from Microsoft. Players manage brands like Super Soaker and My Little Pony, confronting scenarios including freight cost spikes. Each round represents one year. Player complete for market share while tracking market capitalization.
Kate Fakonas and Stephanie Buscher recently won after five rounds. The game teaches resource management and pivoting strategies. Hasbro keeps details confidential to preserve surprise for future participants.
Portugal Elephant Sanctuary
Europe's first large-scale elephant sanctuary is being built in Portugal's Alentejo region, with first animals expected early 2026. Non-profit Pangea acquired the 402-hectare property in 2023 and announced the project Thursday.
The sanctuary will house 20 to 30 elephants from European zoos and circuses. Construction began two months ago on the first barn and enclosure, with completion anticipated by December. Portugal was chosen for its climate and habitat (how sanctuaries work).
Director Kate Moore said elephants will roam freely while receiving expert care. Annual open days will be offered to community members and donors through a lottery. The project plans to employ local residents and build partnerships (more good news).
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
The 14-Week Batman Workout
Build a superhero physique with this three-phase Batman-inspired training program combining strength, hypertrophy, and definition across four to six weekly sessions.
Phase 1 (weeks 1-5) focuses on strength and size using heavy compound movements inspired by Ben Affleck's muscular portrayal. Sample exercises include Barbell squats (5x5), Deadlifts (5x5), and Overhead press (5x5).
Phase 2 (weeks 6-10) emphasizes hypertrophy through a push-pull-legs split, drawing from Christian Bale's transformation. Workouts feature Push press pyramids, Weighted pull-ups, and Romanian deadlifts.
Phase 3 (weeks 11-14) leans toward definition with bodyweight circuits and core work modeled after Robert Pattinson's expected physique Circuit training supersets, Jump rope intervals, along with Ab and plank variations.
Batman remains fitness goals because he's human without superpowers, making his aesthetic achievable through dedicated training. Full workout here.
Aristotle's 3 Types of Friends
Aristotle identified three distinct friendship types in 350 B.C.
Friendships of Utility are transactional relationships where people mutually benefit from each other, like coworkers.
Friendships of Pleasure form around shared enjoyment and mutual fun.
Friendships of the Good are rare, "perfect" friendships between virtuous people that make us better individuals through mutual character development and deep connection.
TRENDING
5 Stories
▲ Trump health fears mount as president defies doctors on aspirin despite bruising at 79
▲ MTV music channels end 44-year run globally with five networks closing by December 31
▲ Concert dancing dies as Gen Z fears phone cameras turning awkward moves into viral memes
▲ Swiss fire kills around 40 at ski resort bar during New Year's Eve celebration
▲ Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani sworn in as NYC mayor at 34 vowing millionaire taxes
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