The Curious Case of Kandinsky: How Communist Russia Enabled Art Forgers to Make Millions
Amar Toor – The Verge
In May, a major forgery ring was busted in Germany that had been selling forged paintings of Russian avant garde artists like Kandinsky and Malevich. The success of the forgery ring was based on two major factors – one, Russian avant garde is easy to forge, and two, thanks to Stalin, they are extremely popular among Russian oligarchs.
Adam Davidson – New York Times Magazine
One of the more significant problems in the run-up to the financial crisis was the inability of regulators to really determine the financial health of major financial institutions. Now, five years later, it does not seem much has changed.
Did Goldman Sachs Overstep in Criminally Charging Its Ex-Programmer
Michael Lewis – Vanity Fair
In 2009, Goldman Sachs accused a programmer Sergey Aleynikov of stealing computer code. In his typical fashion – Michael Lewis takes a fresh look at the controversial case.
The Use and Abuse of Civil Forfeiture
Sarah Stillman – New Yorker
Punishing bad guys and funding cops – sounds like a good idea. However, broad asset forfeiture laws have led to some major abuses and leave major questions about the current relationship between government and private property.
Starting College? Here’s How to Graduate with a Job
Jim Tankersley – Washington Post Magazine
Want to get a good job right out of college? Most people will say to major in engineering, math or science. However, that may not be the best route.