Author: Harper Lane
A combination of inadequate weapons handling and poor storage practices is believed to have caused the explosions at Russia’s 51st GRAU arsenal in late April, according to the UK Defense Ministry. In an intelligence update, the ministry estimated that the blasts marked the Kremlin’s most significant loss of munitions due to its own forces’ actions since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine. The ministry stated, “It is highly likely that poor weapons handling procedures alongside negligent storage of munitions resulted in this loss,” emphasizing a trend of Russian shortcomings in munitions safety. The ammunition depot, located about 50…
Immad Akhund, an active angel investor since 2016, recently reflected on a missed opportunity when he opted not to invest in Scale AI—a company now valued at nearly $14 billion following last year’s funding round. During an episode of the “Twenty Minute VC” podcast, he admitted his initial hesitation was fueled by the young age of the founders, stating, “I saw Scale AI. And I was like, ‘good idea, but these people are so young.'” He questioned their capability to lead a significant enterprise. In hindsight, Akhund acknowledged his mistake, noting, “There’s some power to that youth that’s hard to…
Samsung is making a bold move to celebrate the launch of its slimmest phone yet. The South Korean tech giant unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, priced at $1,099, with a thickness of just 5.8 millimeters and a weight of 163 grams. To promote the phone, Samsung enlisted the help of K-pop sensation Felix Lee, a member of the popular boy band Stray Kids. On Tuesday, Lee shared a cinematic Instagram post with Samsung Korea, showcasing his sleek appearance in a black suit and slicked-back blond hair. The Galaxy S25 Edge, billed with the slogan “Beyond Slim,” promises to usher in…
Nearly five years ago, I decided to stop drinking alcohol. I didn’t fully grasp how it would change my daily life, but I knew it would shake up my travel style. Gone were the hotel bar nightcaps, mid-flight Bloody Marys, and welcome-drink toasts upon check-in. At first, I braced myself for a duller experience, imagining evenings spent sipping sparkling water from wine glasses. However, the unexpected joy was that traveling sober became more vibrant and meaningful. It’s not about what I’m missing; it’s about what I’m fully able to experience. Over time, I’ve established a few habits that help keep…
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Wayne Dopson, a project manager in Brisbane, Australia, about his experience owning a BYD Shark hybrid pickup truck. I’ve been involved in the property market for over a decade, flipping houses and managing renovations. I run a small renovation business that focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, and decks for clients in Brisbane. In 2015, I purchased a VW Amarok diesel pickup. Although I wanted to upgrade, I couldn’t find a truck that really captured my interest. Other combustion-engine models, like the Ford Ranger, were simply variations of the Amarok, so I held…
Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump have officially confirmed their relationship. On a recent social media update, Woods shared, “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together,” accompanied by two photos of the couple. Vanessa Trump, originally Vanessa Kay Pergolizzi, was a model in her youth. She was introduced to Donald Trump Jr. by his father in 2003 and got engaged two years later. They married in 2005 and share five children, including their eldest daughter, Kai Trump. After their divorce in 2018, Vanessa focused on…
This essay is based on a conversation with Magnus Grimeland, CEO and founder of Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm and co-founder of Zalora, a fashion e-commerce platform in Asia. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. There’s been much discussion about AI potentially replacing software engineering, particularly with the idea that anyone could code using natural language. However, the reality is that the demand for talented software engineers is likely to increase significantly over the next couple of decades. Even the top software engineers today make mistakes, and AI models will also continue to make errors…
Fidji Simo, the CEO and chair of Instacart, has been appointed as the new CEO of Applications at OpenAI, as announced by Sam Altman on Thursday. In a post on X, Altman stated, “I’ll remain CEO of OpenAI, but in this new configuration I’ll be able to increase my focus on research, compute, and safety.” Simo’s hiring was communicated to OpenAI employees on Wednesday, and the announcement was shared in a blog post later that day. Altman mentioned that the Application team will consolidate various existing business and operational teams, emphasizing Simo’s unique qualifications to lead this group. He noted…
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief that his thoughts were unreadable during his meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. After a reporter inquired about his mindset when Trump stated he wanted Canada to become part of the US, Carney replied, “I’m glad you could not tell what was going through my mind.” Throughout their discussion, Carney made it clear that Canada is “not for sale.” Trump has previously threatened and imposed tariffs on Canada and has mentioned the idea of adopting Canada as the 51st state. “The president has been vocal about this for…
The 2025 Met Gala, held in New York City on Monday, showcased an array of stylish and bold outfits from some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. This year’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," encouraged guests to embrace tailored fashion, and billionaires delivered looks that were both sophisticated and innovative. Among the best-dressed were Grace Murdoch and Wendi Murdoch, who dazzled in fitted white outfits adorned with gold embroidery and a high collar reminiscent of traditional Chinese attire. Wendi complemented her ensemble with striking accessories like a gold headpiece and lace-up boots, while Grace opted for a sleek blazer and pleated…