No more birthday cakes

An ornery boss who didn't want to save the world. Also, 7 other things worth your time.

I'd like you to meet Edward Mike Davis, former Texas oilman.

Only, you can't meet him, because he’s dead.

So, we'll have to get to know him via his legacy, which is a trove of 40-year-old, typewritten, corporate memos that include some of the harshest, most acerbic, and flat-out “grumpiest” missives you'll ever read.

Start with this one, for example, dated January 13, 1978, distributed apparently to every single employee of the three Texas oil companies he ran at the time:

“Do not speak to me when you see me. If I want to speak to you, I will do so. I want to save my throat. I don't want to ruin it by saying hello to all of you sons-of-bitches.”

Or this one, dated February 8, 1978:

TO: All Employees
SUBJECT: Celebrations of Any Kind

Per Edward Mike Davis' orders, there will be no more birthday celebrations, birthday cakes, levity, or celebrations of any kind within the office. ...

If you have to celebrate, do it after office hours on your own time.

(Signed)
MICHAEL D. CARROLL
for EDWARD MIKE DAV…