This week’s highlights: Deadly Cobras, The Forgotten Art of Spying, and Paris Hilton – Business Mogul.

Food for Thought:

1. NYMag – Is Intersectionality a Religion?  Here’s the latest in the assault on liberal democracy. Pair with this great piece on “Repressive Tolerance.”
2. WS – Anthony Bourdain Does Not Want to Owe Anybody Even a Single Dollar
3. Politico – How the CIA Forgot the Art of Spying. With the war on terror came a new, more militarized way of gathering intelligence. But now, America needs the kind of spooks who can work the cocktail party circuit—more James Bond, less Jason Bourne.
4. BostonGlobe – The biggest threat facing middle-age men isn’t smoking or obesity. It’s loneliness.  As men grow older, they tend to let their friendships lapse. But there’s still time to do something about it.
5. TG – 50 Ways Happier, Healthier, And More Successful People Live On Their Own Terms – Generally I try to avoid listicles, but this one is pretty good.

Business/Economics:

1. PZIM – Pro-value cycles are long and durable. Spreads are still wide, setting the current cycle on a path remarkably similar to past cycles.
2. WWOWS – Successful Active Stock Investing is Hard: Here are Seven Traits that I Believe are Required for Active Investors to Win in the Long Term
3. CNBC – Fed’s Kashkari explains rate dissent — wants plan on balance sheet before any more hikes
4. Fashionista – What’s Next for Malls?  We took a look at two successful American companies who seem to be getting it right when it comes to shopping centers.
5. Medium – The Future of Family Office Investing – Credit SF

Culture/Tech/Science:

1. NYP – Paris Hilton: I’m not the dumb blonde people thought. Now CEO of Paris Hilton Entertainment — which has 28 retail stores and 20 consumer-product collections in 40 countries — only hits the scene when she is getting paid to DJ. Or if she’s promoting one of her bountiful branded wares, including shoes, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and watches. Her fragrances are sold in 63 countries, accounting for $3 billion in sales.
2. Gizmodo – The Deadliest Cobras Also Look the Most Terrifying
3. BecM – Top Five Regrets of the Dying
4. AO – The Rise of the Luxurious Suburban Master Bathroom  How a utilitarian room turned into a pleasure palace.
5. LATimes – I left finance because I wanted to make a difference. Non-profit work never did the trick