Stephan's Friday Picks

• Canada's unemployment rate jumps to near eight-year high in November at 6.8% (Globe and Mail)
• How America lost its taste for the middle (The Atlantic)
• Frasers to launch takeover bid for Norwegian sports retailer XXL (WSJ)
• A menu for success in a challenging restaurant market (BCG)
• Ulta Beauty raises outlook amid financial discipline push, sees 'transitional' year ahead (WSJ)