"A confident, aggressive delivery style - often larded with jargon, clichés, and flowery phrases - makes up for the lack of substance and sincerity in their interactions with others. They are masters of impression management; their insight into the psyche of others combined with a superficial - but convincing - verbal fluency allows them to change their personas skillfully as it suits the situation and their game plan. They are known for their ability to don many masks, change 'who they are' depending upon the person with whom they are interacting, and make themselves appear likable to their intended victim."
Paul Babiak and Robert Hare,
Snakes in Suits
"An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come."
Victor Hugo,
Histoire d'un Crime
"It is very odd that the unhappiness of the world is so often brought about by small men."
Erich Maria Remarque,
All Quiet on the Western Front
Stocks were reaching for a high note today, and managed to go out near the highs.
Gold and silver were sharply higher.
The Dollar gained.
The VIX declined.
Mixed signals indeed.
Storm warnings.
Have a pleasant weekend.
