How the Invention of Rope Gave us Modern Civilization
One of the great general purpose technologies.
Australia’s Defense Minister Marles on Hormuz Uncertainty
Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles speaks to Bloomberg TV about how the Iran war is shaping his country’s security outlook, and the importance of freedom of navigation through the seas. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Haslinda Amin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. (Source: Bloomberg)
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Odd Lots: How Rope Gave us Modern Civilization (Podcast)
Rope is easy to take for granted. It seems obvious and straightforward. But of course, it had to be invented. Early humans discovered that by twisting fibers around each other, the resulting structure would be something durable and strong. Without rope, all kinds of things aren’t possible, from lifting objects into the air to whaling or modern bridges. So how was it developed and what were the big breakthroughs in its history? On this episode, we speak with Tim Queeney, the author of the recent
Qatar Says Temporary Toll at Strait of Hormuz Is Negotiable
Qatar opposes permanent legal fees for transit through the Strait of Hormuz, but a temporary toll is negotiable and could help restore normal passage through the key waterway, a top official said.
MiniMax Plans China IPO as It Eyes Local Rivals Like DeepSeek
China’s MiniMax Group Inc. has begun preparations for a domestic initial public offering, according to a regulatory filing, as the fast‑growing artificial intelligence startup challenges local rivals including DeepSeek.
Philippine Central Bank Says Inflation May Surge Further in May
The Philippine central bank said the pace of inflation is likely to increase this month, mainly because of food-price increases and the peso’s weakness.
Hegseth Takes Swipe at European Defense Partners
“Western Europe might take note.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hailed stable US ties with China and praised allies in Asia, while taking swipes at longstanding partners in Europe, during a speech at a defense forum in Singapore. (Source: Bloomberg)
Hegseth Speaks at Shangri-La Dialogue (Full)
Full speech from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Summit, where he spoke about US-China ties, noted the importance of the Pacific region for US security, and took swipes at European members of the NATO alliance. (Source: Bloomberg)
Hegseth Takes Swipe at Europe, Hails China Ties
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Summit, saying ties between China and the US have stabilized and taking swipes at the growing tensions between the US and other NATO members. (Source: Bloomberg)
Samsung’s AI Bonuses Divide Workers
Samsung has narrowly averted a strike by promising some employees hefty bonuses — dividends from the windfall it’s seen from the AI boom.
But that’s stoking unhappiness among other workers who don’t stand to reap equal benefits. (Source: Bloomberg)