Latest news with #post-WorldWarII
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bondcote Performance Textiles Acquires Graniteville Specialty Fabrics
Bondcote Performance Textiles, manufacturer of coated, laminated and composite fabrics, has acquired coated textiles innovator Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. Bondcote—a subsidiary of XFS Global, which produces performance textiles for military, government, commercial and industrial use—said it sees the acquisition of Graniteville as a means of advancing its capabilities as a supplier to the United States defense industrial base and commercial textile sectors. More from Sourcing Journal Unraveling the Divide: How the Textile-Garment Designer Disconnect Stalls Innovation Trump Says US Should Produce Tech and Tanks, Not T-Shirts and Sneakers Trove Takes On European Resale Market With Acquisition 'Graniteville Specialty Fabrics brings a legacy of excellence, innovation, and customer focus that aligns perfectly with our values and strategic direction,' said Jacob Furbee, group president and CEO of XFS Global & Bondcote Performance Textiles. 'This acquisition is more than combining product lines—it strengthens our shared future as a trusted partner to the defense and industrial textile markets.' Graniteville Specialty Fabrics was established during the post-World War II era, and over the decades the company has supported mission-critical applications, including military tentage, fire-resistant fabrics and high-durability materials for the industrial sector. Their fabrics have been used by the U.S. armed services and first responders, as well as in commercial uses across construction, transportation and recreation. 'We are proud of our 70-year legacy, and the Graniteville Specialty Fabrics team is excited about our future as part of Bondcote Performance Textiles,' said Doug Johnson, chief operations officer for Granitville Specialty Fabrics. 'We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition process and creating synergies between our teams to benefit current and future customers.' Graniteville Specialty Fabrics will continue operating in its Greenville, S.C., facility, but the company's team, brand and product lines will integrate into Bondcote Performance Textiles. Pulaski, Virginia-based Bondcote said this integration will create enhanced synergies in research and development, manufacturing efficiency and product development. Bondcote's acquisition of Graniteville was backed by Lake Country Capital, a Minnesota-based equity investment firm with investments across a wide range of sectors, from food to industrial equipment. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Russia's Putin praises Shinzo Abe, says late Japanese PM wanted peace treaty
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes Mrs Akie Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the Kremlin. PHOTO: REUTERS MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on May 29, saying he knew the slain Japanese leader had dreamt of finally concluding a post-World War II peace treaty. No treaty was ever signed as the two countries could not resolve a dispute over the then-Soviet Union's seizure at the end of the war of four islands in the Southern Kuril chain, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Russian media said Abe and Mr Putin met altogether 27 times during the nearly nine years the Japanese leader was in office. Mr Abe left office in 2020 and was assassinated two years later while making an election campaign speech. "I know that his dream - and he truly strived to achieve this - was to conclude a peace treaty between our two countries. The situation is different now," the Russian leader said. Mr Putin, whose comments to Mr Abe's widow in the Kremlin were reported by Russian news agencies, also said fulfilling that dream was not possible in the current international situation given the conflict in Ukraine. "Your husband did a great deal for the development of Russian-Japanese relations. We had very good personal relations," Mr Putin was quoted as telling Mrs Akie Abe. Russia's relations with Japan have been strained by Tokyo's support for sanctions imposed by Ukraine's Western allies over Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. All negotiations on clinching a peace treaty have been suspended. Mrs Akie Abe told Mr Putin, according to the agencies, that her husband had wanted to meet Mr Putin even after the start of the Ukraine conflict "but unfortunately circumstances were such that he was no longer able to meet you. His life was cut short." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best Netflix sci-fi movies to stream right now
Whenever you're in the mood for a movie night that feels out of this world, Netflix has a solid lineup of sci-fi flicks ready to transport you. From time-travel twists to city-crushing monsters, these films deliver big thrills while exploring bold ideas from far-off worlds — and they're all just a click away, conveniently available on one streaming service. Whether you're a longtime sci-fi fan or just craving something a little strange and spectacular, we've rounded up some of the best sci-fi movies currently streaming on Netflix. These picks offer action, imagination, and maybe even a glimpse of the future. So cue one up while you're waiting for little green men to beam you up and say hello. Set in a future where time travel exists but comes with heavy consequences, "The Adam Project" follows a seasoned pilot from 2050 (Ryan Reynolds) who crash-lands in 2022 while trying to stop a catastrophic future. Instead of arriving where he planned, he ends up face-to-face with his 12-year-old self (Walker Scobell). Together, the two versions of Adam team up to unravel a dangerous conspiracy, reconnect with their late father (Mark Ruffalo) and come to terms with the losses that defined both versions of their lives. Watch on Netflix Godzilla returns in this reimagining of the iconic monster's origins, set against the backdrop of post-World War II Japan. The movie finds a disgraced kamikaze pilot grappling with guilt and survivor's remorse, who finds himself facing a new terror. Surprise! It's a towering, radioactive beast capable of flattening entire cities. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. And he's rampaging right toward the most densely populated area with the intent to destroy. As Japan struggles to rebuild, Godzilla complicates matters further by popping up yet again where he really doesn't belong. Watch on Netflix Some sci-fi movies are slow burns on purpose, and they work all the better for it. "Melancholia" explores themes of depression and the end of the world, both figuratively and literally. The story unfolds in two parts, following two sisters, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), as a newly discovered planet, ominously named Melancholia, threatens to collide with Earth. As it continues to draw near, both women find their worlds unraveling in different ways. Justine spirals inward, numbed by a crushing sense of despair. Claire grows more panicked and desperate to preserve a sense of order and hope. What happens to the entirety of the human race? You'll have to watch and find out. Watch on Netflix "Oxygen" finds a woman (Mélanie Laurent) regaining consciousness inside a sealed cryogenic pod with no memory of who she is or how she got there. With oxygen levels rapidly depleting and only a cryptic AI interface named M.I.L.O. responding to her questions, every second soon turns into a race for her survival. She tries to fight back while staying calm, but there are too many questions to process. Why is she there? What's outside? And what will happen if she makes it there? Watch on Netflix George Clooney is Augustine Lofthouse, a terminally ill scientist stationed at a remote Arctic research facility. With Earth in ruins, his final mission is a desperate one: Warn a crew of astronauts returning from a mission to Jupiter's moon that there's nothing left for them on their home planet. Augustine discovers a young girl named Iris (Caoilinn Springall), whose presence helps him to complete his task. But where did Iris come from, and what is her true nature? You'll be second-guessing yourself throughout the entire film, told through two perspectives, all the way through the end. Watch on Netflix
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
James Franco-Starrer ‘Hey Joe' Acquired for U.S. Release by Glass House Distribution
'Hey Joe,' an Italian drama in which James Franco plays a U.S. Navy sailor stationed in post-World War II Naples, has been picked up by Glass House Distribution which is planning a North American release via both theatrical and digital platforms. The gritty film, directed by Claudio Giovannesi ('Gomorrah' TV series, 'Piranhas'), was sold to Glass House by Italy's Vision Distribution during the Marché du Film in Cannes. More from Variety 'I Only Rest in the Storm' Review: A Sprawling Narrative That Demands Patience and Attention 'Girl on Edge' Review: A Mother and Daughter Hit Thin Ice in Zhou Jinghao's Alluring but Unsatisfactory Skating Drama 'Mama' Review: A Housemaid Abroad Gets an Unpleasant Homecoming in an Intriguing Character Study That Veers Into Melodrama Franco, who has been struggling to fully reenter Hollywood after facing sexual misconduct allegations that he discussed with Variety when 'Hey Joe' premiered in Italy, recently attended the amfAR Cannes gala and donated a painting to the auction. In 'Hey Joe,' Franco plays Dean Barry, an American sailor who in 1944, at age 23, disembarks in war-torn Naples. He falls in love with a young, very poor, local woman named Lucia. A couple of years later, Dean is forced to leave Lucia, alone and pregnant, to go back to New Jersey. He eventually returns to Naples to find the woman and her son, Enzo — but the city has changed a lot and Dean must navigate these challenges leading up to a surprise finale. Franco speaks both English and Italian in the film. 'We were captivated by 'Hey Joe' from the first screening,' said Tom Malloy, president of Glass House Distribution in a statement. 'It's a rare blend of American and Italian storytelling, grounded by an emotionally resonant performance from James Franco. We believe this film will resonate strongly with audiences and critics alike during awards season,' he added. The statement noted that Glass House plans to release 'Hey Joe' in late 2025 'during the heart of awards season' targeting both theatrical and digital platforms. 'Hey Joe' is produced by Italy's Palomar in tandem with RAI Cinema and Vision Distribution which released the film in Italy to meager box office results following its Rome Film Festival launch last year. Screen International was first to report this news Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Trump is breaking the global order, but maybe that's a good thing.
Long before President Trump reclaimed the White House, the post-World War II global order was fraying. Multilateral institutions were losing relevance, globalization was under siege and great-power politics — including 'might makes right' — had reemerged with a vengeance. From AI arms races to trade wars, the world appeared sliding into disorder. Trump's second term has turned disruption into a virtual doctrine, including undermining America's longstanding strategic partnerships with countries such as India and South Africa. But, at the global level, his disruption might be precisely the jolt the international system needs. His critics decry the president as a bull in a geopolitical china shop. They point to Trump's withdrawal from multilateral pacts, his scorched-earth tariff policies and his disdain for NATO allies. Yet amid the upheaval, one question demands serious thought: Could the 'Trump Shock,' which has upended global norms and set in motion the revision of trade and security architecture, actually lay the foundation for a new, more balanced international system? The so-called 'rules-based international order' has long been a myth. Western powers have invoked a rules-based order as gospel while only selectively adhering to it. From military interventions to extraterritorial sanctions and weaponized finance, the West has bent or broken its own rules when convenient. Trump has simply been more honest about it. In that honesty, there may be a kind of reform — exposing the myth to force a long-overdue reckoning. Take trade. Trump's tariff-first strategy has rattled markets, but it also has exposed long-festering trade imbalances. By prioritizing U.S. manufacturing and bilateral deals, his administration has reignited global debates on fair trade, intellectual property theft and overreliance on China. Nations like India and Australia seem poised to benefit from the shifting trade currents Trump has unleashed. Trump is not so much dismantling globalization as retooling it — from 'free trade at any cost' to 'strategic, reciprocal trade.' The conversation has changed. That's not nothing. Or consider NATO and Trump's resolve to end European free-riding. His tough talk on NATO — once mocked — is now manifesting in budget shifts across the continent. Allies long dependent on the U.S. for their security are finally raising their defense budgets, realizing that a world without the American umbrella may be approaching. Several NATO members have now edged closer to the 2 percent GDP target for defense. It is extraordinary that, for decades, Europe chose not to look after its own security and instead rely on America. As Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently pointed out, Europe does not lack economic power or demographic strength — there are '500 million Europeans begging 300 million Americans to defend them against 140 million Russians.' But today, thanks to Trump, Europe is being nudged toward military self-reliance, thereby strengthening European Union-led defense initiatives. A more militarily self-reliant Europe, cooperating with but not dependent on the U.S., would yield a stronger transatlantic alliance, while allowing Washington to reorient toward the Indo-Pacific region. Perhaps the clearest example of disruptive reform is Trump's full-throttle decoupling from China. From technology-transfer restrictions to trade war escalation, the U.S. is reversing decades of policy that effectively enabled China's authoritarian rise. By blocking exports of advanced chips to China, the Trump administration is also seeking to thwart China's AI expansion. The ruling Chinese Communist Party today oversees an 'Orwellian techno-totalitarian surveillance state,' in the words of former Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.). China's objective is to first become the regional hegemon in Asia and then to challenge the U.S. for global primacy. In this light, the Trump administration is seeking to reorient the U.S. military architecture toward the Indo-Pacific to prepare for and win a potential war with China, including deterring a Chinese attack on Taiwan, according to the leaked 'Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance' signed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. 'China is the Department's sole pacing threat,' the guidance says. While Trump's rhetoric is fiery, the effect is pragmatic — diversifying supply chains, reinforcing domestic production and galvanizing allies to define their own red lines with Beijing. Washington's latest push to bind trade deals to 'market economy' status — a jab at China's state-subsidized model — might reshape the rules of 21st-century commerce. To isolate Beijing, the U.S. is seeking to restrict allies' ability to sign trade agreements with any 'non-market economy' like China without full consultations with Washington. This move aims to align allied trade policies with American interests, particularly regarding China's economic practices. Trump's 'drill, baby, drill' mantra is controversial, but the call for increased energy production has helped soften global prices and offered relief to major energy importing nations like Japan and India. At the same time, it is set to make the U.S. less dependent on unstable energy exporters, giving Washington new leverage in global markets. There is no denying Trump's style is combative and often norm-defying. But the substance beneath the noise — reshaping of global trade, challenging Chinese hegemony and pushing for alliance rebalancing — deserves a more nuanced evaluation. In a world where the old order is obsolete but the new one has not yet emerged, today's disruptor, Trump, might eventually come to be seen as an accidental reformer. His presidency is asking hard questions: Should democracies depend on autocracies for critical goods? Why isn't Europe capable of defending itself? Is globalization serving middle-class workers or only multinational companies? These are issues policymakers content with the status quo never dared challenge. Trump is forcing the conversation. And while sowing some chaos, he is shaking the international order toward a long-overdue realignment. Whether history sees him as a reckless disruptor or a reluctant reformer will depend on whether his shock therapy leads to a sturdier global architecture — or merely a deeper rupture. Brahma Chellaney is a geostrategist and the author of nine books, including the award-winning 'Water: Asia's New Battleground.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
