In this video, we explain why YKK is on almost every zipper and how one company dominates the industry using real history and verified business facts.
Democracy is an illusion! It’s become a political system fostered by the élite, for the élite, in order to fool the people that they have a stake in the system. In actual fact, they have virtually none. The whole political system in the modern era, despite having noble beginnings, is now used to benefit the few at the expense of the many. – Mark Alexander, June 29, 2018
August 06, 2026
Why Do Zippers Have YKK on Them?
August 1, 2026 | YKK is a ubiquitous brand of zipper that plays a critical role in global fashion and garment manufacturing.
In this video, we explain why YKK is on almost every zipper and how one company dominates the industry using real history and verified business facts.
In this video, we explain why YKK is on almost every zipper and how one company dominates the industry using real history and verified business facts.
Labels:
Japan,
successful entrepreneurs
Steve Rosenberg: The Language of War: How Moscow Describes Its War on Ukraine
Labels:
Russia,
what the papers say
August 05, 2026
Steve Jobs and the Apple Story - From Rebel to Tech Titan | DW Documentary
August 5, 2026 | As Apple turns 50, this film tells the story of the tech company that revolutionized our world, along with its opportunities and downsides. Has this tool of liberation become an instrument of control?
Founded 50 years ago, Apple grew from a counterculture movement into a global corporation. The film looks back at the breathtaking rise of headstrong visionary Steve Jobs, who never gave up on his dream despite fierce competition, his destructive perfectionism and even his ousting from his own company.
Colleagues and companions shine light on the expertise behind Apple: designer Hartmut Esslinger created Apple's legendary 'Snow White' design language, and typographer Erik Spiekermann developed ground-breaking typefaces. People like Daniel Kottke, a former flat mate of Steve Jobs and one of the first Apple employees, share insights into the inner workings of the legendary team. Andy Cunningham, who was sacked by Jobs a total of five times, also weighs in.
Founded 50 years ago, Apple grew from a counterculture movement into a global corporation. The film looks back at the breathtaking rise of headstrong visionary Steve Jobs, who never gave up on his dream despite fierce competition, his destructive perfectionism and even his ousting from his own company.
Colleagues and companions shine light on the expertise behind Apple: designer Hartmut Esslinger created Apple's legendary 'Snow White' design language, and typographer Erik Spiekermann developed ground-breaking typefaces. People like Daniel Kottke, a former flat mate of Steve Jobs and one of the first Apple employees, share insights into the inner workings of the legendary team. Andy Cunningham, who was sacked by Jobs a total of five times, also weighs in.
Labels:
Apple Inc.,
documentary,
Steve Jobs
Un député veut taxer les cigarettes pour financer la lutte contre les incendies
LE FIGARO : EXCLUSIF - Face à la pollution et aux départs de feu causés par les mégots jetés dans la nature, Yannick Neuder propose une contribution des industriels. Elle servirait aussi à financer la réparation des milieux contaminés par ces déchets.
Faut-il ajouter une taxe de plus sur les cigarettes pour financer la lutte contre les incendies ? Le député LR Yannick Neuder, ancien ministre de la Santé sous François Bayrou, va déposer une proposition de loi (PPL) pour créer un fonds alimenté par les industriels du tabac. Il servirait à aider les services d’incendie et de secours à investir pour mieux s’équiper, mais aussi à financer la régénération des milieux naturels après un incendie, tout comme la dépollution des sols et des eaux contaminés par les jets de mégots.
« Il ne s’agit pas d’un dispositif moralisateur qui vise les consommateurs ou les buralistes », défend Yannick Neuder auprès du Figaro. Concrètement, le député propose une contribution de 15 euros pour 1000 cigarettes vendues, facturée directement aux industriels. Cela représente environ 30 centimes pour un paquet de 20 cigarettes, « mais l’industriel n’est pas obligé de la reporter directement sur le prix de vente ». En se basant sur les ventes de 2025, cela représenterait 350 millions d’euros de recettes supplémentaires. » | Par Thibaut Déléaz | mercredi 5 août 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Paul Krugman: An Explosion of Misery
Trump and his acolytes are disgusting, cruel, people who are devoid of all compassion, mercy, decency and honesty. They should never have been entrusted with the levers of power in the first place. — © Mark Alexander
Labels:
Donald Trump,
Trump regime
Steve Rosenberg: "The Spirit of Anchorage Is Over" - Russian Paper on the Failure of the Alaska Summit
Labels:
Russia,
what the papers say
August 04, 2026
Billionaire Challenges Tax Myths and Backs a Wealth Tax
Aug 4, 2026 | “I’m not afraid of losing a few millionaires.”
The wealthy are “moving to places with higher taxes” because they want to live in countries where cities are well looked after and their “wealth is safe”, says Morris Pearl, chair of Patriotic Millionaires.
The wealthy are “moving to places with higher taxes” because they want to live in countries where cities are well looked after and their “wealth is safe”, says Morris Pearl, chair of Patriotic Millionaires.
Labels:
billionaires,
wealth tax
How Putin Seized the Oligarchs' Billions | Martin Sixsmith
Aug 4, 2026 | “By the end of the 1990s, the oligarchs were essentially running the government.”
Former Russia correspondent at the BBC and author of 'Suing the Kremlin: The Battle for Putin’s Billions' Martin Sixsmith reveals the process undertaken by Vladimir Putin to retrieve money and power from Russia’s oligarchs.
Former Russia correspondent at the BBC and author of 'Suing the Kremlin: The Battle for Putin’s Billions' Martin Sixsmith reveals the process undertaken by Vladimir Putin to retrieve money and power from Russia’s oligarchs.
Labels:
Russia,
Russian oligarchs,
Vladimir Putin
Máxima of the Netherlands | Economist Queen
Labels:
documentary,
Netherlands,
Queen Máxima
The Lie that Made Elon Musk a Trillionaire
Labels:
Elon Musk
August 03, 2026
Democracy Now! Why Did 60,000 Migrants Cross from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta? Moroccan Dutch Professor Explains
August 3, 2026 | An estimated 60,000 people from Morocco crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, on the African side of the Strait of Gibraltar, in an unprecedented mass movement last week. At least 72 people died during the attempt. The sudden influx of migrants overwhelmed the city's residents, leading to a humanitarian crisis while border police deployed water cannons, tear gas and warning shots to deter people from crossing. According to Spain's Interior Ministry, nearly all of the migrants returned to Morocco just a day later.
Miriyam Aouragh, an anthropologist and the daughter of Moroccan immigrants to Europe, says the driving factors for the mass movement are a combination of shifting entry policies to Spain and increasing economic inequality in Morocco that "has given a sort of empowering incentive to people to try to go to Spain" via Ceuta. The city, which is surrounded by Morocco along a five-mile-long border, dates back to the Phoenician era and has been under Portuguese or Spanish control since 1415. The Moroccan government claims that Ceuta is occupied and colonized territory, while Spain considers it an integral part of the Spanish state.
Miriyam Aouragh, an anthropologist and the daughter of Moroccan immigrants to Europe, says the driving factors for the mass movement are a combination of shifting entry policies to Spain and increasing economic inequality in Morocco that "has given a sort of empowering incentive to people to try to go to Spain" via Ceuta. The city, which is surrounded by Morocco along a five-mile-long border, dates back to the Phoenician era and has been under Portuguese or Spanish control since 1415. The Moroccan government claims that Ceuta is occupied and colonized territory, while Spain considers it an integral part of the Spanish state.
Labels:
Ceuta,
Democracy Now!,
migrants,
Morocco,
Spain
Steve Rosenberg: What Are the Russian Papers Saying about the Moscow Restaurant Bombing?
Labels:
Russia,
what the papers say
‘Do You Think if I Had a Job I Would Have Gone?’
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Moroccan migrants described their despair at their economic future, explaining what propelled them across the border with Spain.
When King Mohammed VI of Morocco addressed his people on Wednesday to commemorate his 27th year on the throne, he spoke hopefully of his North African nation’s future.
Morocco, he said, was safe and stable, with a growing economy making great strides in tourism, investment and manufacturing.
“This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” the 62-year-old monarch said. “A time when confidence and optimism should prevail over despair and frustration.”
Over the next two days, however, tens of thousands of his citizens tried to escape the country. Driven by a bleak sense of their prospects in Morocco, they braved confrontations with the police and dangerous swims in the sea to reach the Spanish territory of Ceuta, hoping for better lives.
“I tried to work and have a job and make a living, but there is nothing for me here,” said Mohammed Kinani, a 21-year-old construction worker, who had been forced back to Morocco. “If I don’t leave this country, there is nothing that will save me.”
Mr. Kinani was part of a sudden exodus that began on Thursday when 50,000 to 60,000 migrants began forcing their way into Ceuta, a tiny Spanish territory on the North African coast. By Saturday, many of the migrants had left, lacking food and water, and the Spanish security forces expelled others, but not before the crisis had given far-right politicians across Europe new ammunition to blast their opponents’ views on immigration.
The Spanish authorities said on Sunday that they had recorded 72 deaths during the crisis. The Moroccan government reported 11 deaths. Both sides said most of the deaths were from drowning.
Before the startling scenes of chaos at the border, the Moroccan government had much to celebrate: investments in logistics and industry, preparations to co-host the men’s World Cup in 2030, and strong relations with President Trump, who has lavished the country of 38 million and its monarch with praise.
But the Ceuta migration crisis exposed a deep dismay among its young people, who, when faced with scant job opportunities, recurrent droughts and frequent arrests of government critics, chose to vote with their feet and get out. » | Ben Hubbard and Aida Alami | Photographs by Sergey Ponomarev | Reporting from Fnideq, Morocco | Monday, August 3, 2026
ALSO READ:
What to Know About Ceuta: The peninsula on Morocco’s northern coast, which Spain has governed for centuries, has been a frequent site of mass migrant crossings and political tensions. »
When King Mohammed VI of Morocco addressed his people on Wednesday to commemorate his 27th year on the throne, he spoke hopefully of his North African nation’s future.
Morocco, he said, was safe and stable, with a growing economy making great strides in tourism, investment and manufacturing.
“This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s development,” the 62-year-old monarch said. “A time when confidence and optimism should prevail over despair and frustration.”
Over the next two days, however, tens of thousands of his citizens tried to escape the country. Driven by a bleak sense of their prospects in Morocco, they braved confrontations with the police and dangerous swims in the sea to reach the Spanish territory of Ceuta, hoping for better lives.
“I tried to work and have a job and make a living, but there is nothing for me here,” said Mohammed Kinani, a 21-year-old construction worker, who had been forced back to Morocco. “If I don’t leave this country, there is nothing that will save me.”
Mr. Kinani was part of a sudden exodus that began on Thursday when 50,000 to 60,000 migrants began forcing their way into Ceuta, a tiny Spanish territory on the North African coast. By Saturday, many of the migrants had left, lacking food and water, and the Spanish security forces expelled others, but not before the crisis had given far-right politicians across Europe new ammunition to blast their opponents’ views on immigration.
The Spanish authorities said on Sunday that they had recorded 72 deaths during the crisis. The Moroccan government reported 11 deaths. Both sides said most of the deaths were from drowning.
Before the startling scenes of chaos at the border, the Moroccan government had much to celebrate: investments in logistics and industry, preparations to co-host the men’s World Cup in 2030, and strong relations with President Trump, who has lavished the country of 38 million and its monarch with praise.
But the Ceuta migration crisis exposed a deep dismay among its young people, who, when faced with scant job opportunities, recurrent droughts and frequent arrests of government critics, chose to vote with their feet and get out. » | Ben Hubbard and Aida Alami | Photographs by Sergey Ponomarev | Reporting from Fnideq, Morocco | Monday, August 3, 2026
ALSO READ:
What to Know About Ceuta: The peninsula on Morocco’s northern coast, which Spain has governed for centuries, has been a frequent site of mass migrant crossings and political tensions. »
August 02, 2026
Sandra Navidi: „Billionär Elon Musk ist gefährlich“
Kein anderer Tech-Gigant hat so viel Kapital, Macht und Einfluss wie Musk. Geht das für die Welt nach hinten los?
Der Börsengang von SpaceX hat Elon Musk zum ersten Billionär der Welt gemacht. Damit spielt der Tech-Titan in einer neuen Liga der individuellen Macht. Aber wie reich, mächtig und gefährlich ist Elon Musk wirklich? Darüber sprechen wir mit US-Expertin Sandra Navidi.
Der Börsengang von SpaceX hat Elon Musk zum ersten Billionär der Welt gemacht. Damit spielt der Tech-Titan in einer neuen Liga der individuellen Macht. Aber wie reich, mächtig und gefährlich ist Elon Musk wirklich? Darüber sprechen wir mit US-Expertin Sandra Navidi.
Labels:
Elon Musk,
Sandra Navidi
"Greatest Humiliation" Andrew Neil Says Donald Trump's Final Years Will Be a "Nightmare"
Donald Trump’s presidency is a perfect example of why it is NOT A GOOD IDEA to entrust the leadership of a country, especially the leadership of the world’s hegemon, to a businessman. The skills necessary for success in business and commerce are very different from the skills necessary to lead a nation to success. Moreover, the bottom line—profit—is no sensible goal for the leader of a nation. There is far, far more to the successful leadership of a nation than merely turning a profit! If I am not greatly mistaken, Trump’s presidency will go down in the annals of history as a failure. — © Mark Alexander
Labels:
Donald Trump,
presidency
The US War on Iran Is Spinning Out of Control
THE GUARDIAN — OPINION: Trump’s conflict keeps escalating, with Saudi Arabia joining airstrikes in Iraq and reportedly planning an attack on the Houthis. A recession could follow
The US war against Iran is spiraling out of control. Over the past week, the conflict has expanded across the Middle East, with attacks and counterattacks in at least five other countries. Instead of a quick war that sought to topple Iran’s regime, Donald Trump has started a regional conflict that risks severely disrupting energy supplies and prices – and triggering a global recession.
After a few days of relative calm, the conflict resumed with the Pentagon carrying out almost nightly strikes against Iran, and Tehran retaliating against US military bases in the region. The conflict also extended to attacks in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan and Egypt. And there’s little sign that peace negotiations between the US and Iran, which are being brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, are making much progress.
The most serious escalation took place on Wednesday, when Saudi Arabia announced it had joined the US in carrying out a series of airstrikes inside Iraq, against the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), killing at least 20 fighters. Saudi officials had blamed the Iraqi-based militias for launching drone attacks against Saudi oil facilities on 27 July, and warned that the kingdom would retaliate if the Iraqi government did not restrain the groups. The PMF is a network of mostly Shia Muslim militias that was created, with Tehran’s support, in 2014 to fight the Islamic State terror group that had taken control of large parts of Iraq. » | Mohamad Bazzi | Saturday, August 1, 2026
The US war against Iran is spiraling out of control. Over the past week, the conflict has expanded across the Middle East, with attacks and counterattacks in at least five other countries. Instead of a quick war that sought to topple Iran’s regime, Donald Trump has started a regional conflict that risks severely disrupting energy supplies and prices – and triggering a global recession.
After a few days of relative calm, the conflict resumed with the Pentagon carrying out almost nightly strikes against Iran, and Tehran retaliating against US military bases in the region. The conflict also extended to attacks in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan and Egypt. And there’s little sign that peace negotiations between the US and Iran, which are being brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, are making much progress.
The most serious escalation took place on Wednesday, when Saudi Arabia announced it had joined the US in carrying out a series of airstrikes inside Iraq, against the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), killing at least 20 fighters. Saudi officials had blamed the Iraqi-based militias for launching drone attacks against Saudi oil facilities on 27 July, and warned that the kingdom would retaliate if the Iraqi government did not restrain the groups. The PMF is a network of mostly Shia Muslim militias that was created, with Tehran’s support, in 2014 to fight the Islamic State terror group that had taken control of large parts of Iraq. » | Mohamad Bazzi | Saturday, August 1, 2026
Labels:
Iran War
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