The weekend is here! Pour yourself a mug of Colombia Tolima Los Brasiles Peaberry Organic coffee, grab a seat by the fire, and get ready for our longer-form weekend reads:

•  Trust in a Black Hat World: Investors and Advisors, on the state of markets, and the state of ETFs: You are on your own. There are few left to trust. (Echo Beach)

• Why Japan Succeeds Despite Stagnation: For more than three decades, Japan has endured near-complete economic stagnation. Despite this, Japan is still a desirable place to live and work. The major costs of living, like housing, energy, and transportation are not particularly expensive compared to other highly-developed countries. Infrastructure in Japan is clean, functional, and regularly expanded. There is very little crime or disorder, and almost zero open drug use or homelessness. Japan enjoys a higher quality of life. (Uncharted Territories)

• The Shrouded, Sinister History Of

Keep reading this article on Barry Ritholtz - The Big Picture.