Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio.

I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

At its core, economics takes the view that collective behavior arises out of simple, self-interested decisions of individuals.

But economists are returning to an old idea, that cultural forces play a big role too.

And you can do it quickly. You can do it blindfolded. You can do it with your feet.

There was a time that the Rubik's cube was just a toy, but it's long since become an object of competition.

And the competitors are really fast.

First up, though.

After months of anticipation, special counsel Robert Mueller reluctantly appeared before Congress yesterday for hours of televised testimony.

Do you swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that the testimony you're about to give is true

and correct to the best of your knowledge, information, and belief. So help you God.

Let the record show the witness answer the affirmative. Thank you. And please be seated.

He testified in back-to-back hearings before the House Judiciary Committee and the House Intelligence Committee.

But the President still refused to sit for an interview by your or your team?

True.

In a sometimes halting performance, Mr. Mueller reiterated points from his report

on whether President Donald Trump's election campaign conspired with Russia

and whether Mr. Trump impeded the

ensuing investigation. Lost in the noise again was a warning that Russian operatives continue to

meddle in America's electoral system. Mr. Mueller had promised that his testimony would contain

nothing beyond his report, and on that he delivered. His appearance doesn't seem to have had the impact

...