Jonah Goldberg: What if most Americans aren't bitterly divided?slotvip download for android 。

Qatar University (QU) will host the Gulf-wide “Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)” competition, sponsored by ConocoPhillips on Nov 28. The event, the first-of-its-kind in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region, will take place at the QU campus. The competition will feature graduate students from various higher education institutions across the GCC. Participating alongside QU are several prominent universities, including King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, Kuwait University, Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Bahrain, and the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) in partnership with Northumbria University. QU’s Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof Aiman Mahmoud Erbad, stated, “Since 2019, QU has successfully organised this competition at the national level. This year, the event has expanded to the Gulf level, with participation from nine GCC educational institutions and a significant increase in student involvement.” Prof Erbad also highlighted the diversity of academic fields represented in this year’s competition, which spans humanities, social sciences, and other scientific disciplines. Dean of Graduate Studies at QU, Prof Ahmad Al-own remarked on the significance of the Gulf-wide competition, saying, “This inaugural GCC edition seeks to create a unified graduate studies community that encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise while promoting research excellence at national, regional, and global levels. The competition will showcase the exceptional research capabilities of graduate students across the Gulf.” Prof Al-own added, “The competition started as a local initiative and has now expanded to the Gulf level. Future plans include collaborating with the University of Queensland, the originator of this competition, to extend it to the Arab and global stages.”Qhenja Jordan ignites Troup to 41-29 win over Cayuga

Well, here we are again. We are about to close the books on 2024, and start a new ledger for 2025. Every publication, news show and podcast will have their best-worst moments of the year in sports, politics and movies and we will have retrospectives on lives well-lived. It is also the time of year when we start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. If you didn’t complete your resolutions in 2024, the good news is you get to roll them over. If you did, you have the unenviable task of coming up with new ones. Here are thoughts and strategies I have culled from many years of teaching goal-setting to young hires, developing business plans for seasoned veterans and being an exercise instructor.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla studio Ubisoft Montreal is reportedly working on a new Animal Crossing-inspired social sim featuring Minecraft-like building elements, with former Gotham Knights creative director Patrick Redding said to be at the reins. That's according to Insider Gaming , which claims the title - currently codenamed Alterra - has been in the works for around 18 months. Alterra is said to have risen from the ashes of an earlier Ubisoft Montreal project, canceled after four years of development, with the two games supposedly sharing a focus on voxel creation. Insider Gaming's source describes Alterra as an "Animal Crossing-inspired social sim" in which players inhabit a home island populated by NPCs known as Matterlings. These Matterlings are "somewhat like Funko Pop figures", sporting large heads and designs blending fictional and real-world creatures, from polar bears to dragons. Alterra's social aspect is reportedly combined with that aforementioned voxel creation element, featuring building mechanics "somewhat similar" to those seen in Minecraft, with players able to fashion items using resources found out in the world beyond their home. Here, it's claimed they'll encounter different biomes containing specific resources and different Matterling types, as well as unique enemies, materials, and more - with one example given being an ice biome, inhabited by snow-ice Matterlings, where players can create objects from snow and ice. It'll apparently be possible to encounter other players out in the world too. Insider Gaming adds Ubisoft veteran Fabien Lhéraud is serving as lead producer on Alterra, and that the project's launch is "likely still a few years away". Ubisoft's release slate is, of course, a bit fuzzy beyond next year's delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows and Anno 117: Pax Romana , although the publisher has confirmed a new Rayman project is currently in the "exploration phase". That's alongside the very long in the works Beyond Good & Evil 2 and Ubisoft's troubled Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, with the latter now targeting a 2026 release . In more recent news, Ubisoft has now launched its first-ever blockchain game , featuring NFT figurines costing up to £50k.Powerball jackpot rolls over to $100m, Elon Musk weighs in on social media ban, emotional TV moment after methanol death

TOPEKA — On Nov. 19, a Republican-led interim committee of the Kansas Legislature and out-of-state deregulation lobbyists endorsed the introduction of a new bill allowing exemption of businesses from state laws, rules or regulations hindering delivery of products or services. Under the proposal, Kansas would follow Arizona, Kentucky, Utah and Missouri by creating an innovation “sandbox” for businesses across the spectrum to operate for two or more years under a lighter regulatory framework. A state agency or official would be responsible for approving applications for exemptions. Core objectives would include giving businesses more maneuvering space, attracting entrepreneurial investment and identifying regulatory barriers to profitability. “A sandbox invites the business community to the table to highlight troublesome rules and regulations, prove they’re not working as intended and, as a result, the state is better welcoming to the innovations of tomorrow,” said Rees Empey of the Utah libertarian think tank Libertas Institute. “It’s a living and breathing approach to regulatory reform that possesses safeguards to protect consumers and the environment.” Americans for Prosperity policy analyst James Czerniawski, who previously worked for Libertas Institute, said government regulations often forced businesses to fit a square peg in a round hole. “Many regulations that are currently on the books were designed decades ago, and do not necessarily account for the new and emerging industries,” he told legislators. “It is fair to ask how many companies are crushed before they even get off the ground because regulations got in the way.” Only advocates of bringing the sandbox model to Kansas offered testimony to the interim committee. During the 2024 legislative session, however, the Kansas Sierra Club and Kansas State Board of Healing Arts raised objections to the concept. ‘Closer to a solution’ In the 2024 session, the Republicans’ sandbox bill died in the Kansas House due to questions about justification, and ramifications of reform. Issues were raised about the constitutionality of a program supervised by the state’s attorney general. Objections were made by health care regulators and environmentalists. There were questions about unfairness of state government picking which businesses could sidestep regulations. “It didn’t go anywhere,” said Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican who chairs the House commerce committee. “There was a lot of confusion around that bill. I feel like we’re getting much closer to a solution.” Tarwater embraced the interim House and Senate committee’s recommendation to revamp the stalled bill and press ahead in the 2025 session. Instead of an industry-specific approach tied to insurance, technology or banking, the legislation wouldn’t exclude any type of business from Kansas’ sandbox. It didn’t make sense to forbid certain businesses from applying, he said. Wichita Democratic Rep. John Carmichael, among members of the committee opposed to the sandbox, said it was alarming the Republican majority was intent on creating two classes of businesses — those with regulatory exemptions and those without. “Do you find anything objectionable that under this scheme some businesses are subject to regulation and others aren’t?” Carmichael said. “Is that a fair and level playing field?” Dane Ishihara, director of the Utah Office of Regulatory Relief, told legislators that Utah’s system generally required at least two business applicants to step forward and apply for an exemption. If there was a single applicant, he said, the state was likely to deny the application unless it was the only player in that piece of the state’s economy. The Kobach factor In 2024, the Kansas House considered a bill placing Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in charge of a division of regulatory overreach in which laws, regulations or rules could be suspended up to 24 months for the benefit of select businesses. The attorney general’s division also would be responsible for identifying regulations ripe for repeal by the Legislature and governor. Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat on the interim committee, said he saw potential in state regulatory reform. However, the idea of placing Kobach in charge would alarm his constituents. “It’s harder to say, especially in my district, that ‘Oh, Kris Kobach has an agency that’ll review and he’ll make sure it’s okay.’ That’s a hard sell for my district,” Xu said. Robert Hutchison, deputy attorney general in the civil rights division of Kobach’s office, said the GOP attorney general was supportive of the deregulation initiative. He said Kobach didn’t want responsibility for the program because it could raise conflicts of interest. The attorney general’s office currently reviews about 1,000 state regulatory changes annually and provides lawyers who serve as general counsel to as many as 30 state government entities. It would be a problem for a member of Kobach’s staff to consult with a business fighting for a waiver from a state agency while another member of the attorney general’s staff represented the targeted agency. Hutchison said legislation placing the program within the attorney general would need to include “significant firewalling” provisions. At the suggestion of Wichita GOP Sen. Renee Erickson, the interim committee agreed to seek from the attorney general a nonbinding legal opinion about constitutionality of the sandbox model. She said the opinion should end speculation about the legal framework. “We’ve done a cursory review and didn’t initially identify any constitutional issues,” Hutchison said. Under last session’s bill, an 11-person advisory council would be appointed by Republican politicians to make recommendations on exemptions. That bill required Kobach to appoint the regulatory office’s director. That individual would appoint six members with business backgrounds and three from government to the council. The Kansas House and Kansas Senate leadership would fill the other two slots, leaving no voice for Democrats. Applications would be exempt from disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act and deliberations of the advisory council would be conducted behind closed doors beyond reach of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.In November 2024, the Zhuhai Airshow unveiled a lineup of advanced military technology, prominently featuring the J-35A—a new fifth-generation stealth fighter from China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. This event showcased a range of aircraft, drones, and munitions. It highlighted the significant advancements of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and PLA Air Force (PLAAF) in modern air combat capabilities. Amidst various hardware, the J-35A stood out, drawing immediate comparisons to the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced and widely adopted fighters globally. Both aircraft represent the pinnacle of stealth technology and are designed to meet the rigorous demands of contemporary warfare. However, despite their apparent similarities in design and purpose, the J-35A and F-35 embody distinct strategic priorities and technological paths shaped by the unique defense needs of China and the United States. This article compares these fighters against each other, exploring their design, performance, and role within their respective military frameworks. By comparing these advanced jets, we aim to understand their technological capabilities and the broader implications of their development in the context of global military dynamics and cybersecurity concerns. Background and strategic positioning of the J-35A stealth fighter The J-35A, originating from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s FC-31 technology demonstrator, represents a significant evolution in Chinese military aviation technology . Initially conceptualized as a potential export without direct PLA support, the FC-31 underwent substantial modifications to meet the stringent requirements of modern air combat, showcasing its capabilities through various prototypes first flown in 2012 and 2016. By the mid-to-late 2010s, the design caught the PLA Navy’s (PLAN) attention, which led to its development into a carrier-borne fifth-generation fighter, tentatively named the J-35 . The first prototype, flown in October 2021, featured notable enhancements such as an enlarged folding wing, reinforced landing gear, and a catapult launch bar. These modifications, along with an enhanced dorsal fuselage hump and sophisticated sensor array, indicated a mature design aimed at carrier operations. In the past, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) showed interest in adapting this advanced platform for land-based operations. By 2023, emerging prototypes with adaptations such as a reduced wingspan pointed to specific modifications tailored to the PLAAF’s operational needs. This version was officially designated as the J-35A during the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, coinciding with the PLAAF’s 75th anniversary. The J-35A and its variants often draw comparisons to the United States’ F-35, reflecting shared design features typical of medium-sized, fifth-generation fighters, such as dual-side air intakes and similar wing and tail configurations. While these similarities have sparked discussions about potential espionage and technology transfer—particularly in the context of alleged Chinese cyber operations targeting F-35 data—the convergence seen in other contemporary fighters like the KF-21 and AMCA suggests that these design traits may be driven more by a pursuit of optimal aerodynamic and operational solutions than by direct copying. The J-35A is strategically positioned within the PLAAF as a versatile, medium-weight complement to the heavier J-20, expanding China’s fleet of fifth-generation fighters . This development strategy aligns with the varied operational requirements of the Chinese military, from achieving air superiority to conducting precise strike missions. The F-35, in its role, continues to be a central asset for the U.S. and its allies, providing a critical blend of stealth, advanced sensor integration, and multi-role capabilities. Furthermore, China’s military advancements include the operation of another stealth fighter, the J-20 air superiority aircraft, and the ongoing development of the H-20 flying wing stealth bomber, as reported in a 2023 Pentagon document on China’s military forces. Design comparison of J-35A and F-35 fighter jets Stealth and airframe design Both the J-35A and the F-35 are engineered with an emphasis on low-observable, stealth technology, which is evident in their sleek and smooth airframes. These designs are crucial for minimizing radar cross-section (RCS) and enhancing operational efficacy by staying undetected during missions. The aircraft feature streamlined surfaces and curvature that disrupt radar wave detection, a fundamental aspect for stealth operations. Vertical stabilizers and canards The J-35A and F-35 incorporate similar aerodynamic components like canards and vertical stabilizers arranged in a distinctive V-like structure. This setup not only aids in maintaining a stealth profile but also plays a critical role in reducing turbulence, further decreasing radar visibility. However, subtle differences in their designs underscore divergent engineering approaches. The J-35A’s stabilizers are slightly wider and set at a different angle, potentially offering better aerodynamic performance tailored to the specific operational requirements of the Chinese military. This could influence the aircraft’s agility and its RCS. Conversely, the F-35 features more sharply angled stabilizers optimized for an enhanced stealth profile. This design choice reflects a deliberate focus on radar evasion, integral to the F-35’s role in U.S . and allied operations, ensuring superior performance even in challenging conditions. Cockpit ergonomics and visibility The cockpit design of both aircraft fuses functionality and advanced technology, designed to meet the rigors of modern air combat. Each cockpit has a rounded glass canopy, optimizing pilot visibility and situational awareness—crucial during high-speed, high-stress combat scenarios. The J-35A’s cockpit is narrower with a simpler design and less curvature in the canopy glass, suggesting a focus on practicality and cost-efficiency. However, this design could slightly elevate the RCS, albeit still adhering to stealth norms. In contrast, the F-35’s cockpit is more expansive, featuring a sophisticated, rounded canopy with extensive glass coverage. Specialized coatings on the F-35’s canopy enhance its stealth capabilities, significantly reducing its radar signature while prioritizing pilot comfort and visibility. Engine design and stealth optimization The rear sections of the J-35A and F-35 showcase significant differences in design philosophy, particularly around the engine housings. The J-35A opts for a more enclosed engine design with fewer visible edges and a smoother outline around the exhaust, aimed at minimizing radar reflections—a crucial element in stealth technology. This design is likely optimized to meet the J-35A’s unique performance specifications, possibly prioritizing operational flexibility in varied combat scenarios. In contrast, the F-35’s exhaust system is more intricate, with defined features that reflect advanced American engineering practices aimed at maximizing stealth. The pronounced design and use of cutting-edge materials in the F-35’s exhaust system illustrate a comprehensive approach to reducing its radar footprint, aligning with the aircraft’s strategic role in achieving air superiority. Wing design and aerodynamic efficiency The wing designs of the J-35A and F-35 further reflect their distinct tactical priorities. The J-35A features slightly more angular wings, designed to enhance maneuverability—a critical factor in dogfights and rapid tactical shifts. This design choice supports the J-35A’s presumed role in regional dominance and quick-response scenarios. The F-35, however, sports smoother, more contoured wings that align with its overarching stealth strategy. These wings are engineered to minimize radar reflections and maintain stability at high speeds, supporting the F-35’s role in deep-strike missions and sustained air operations over hostile territory. Air intakes and landing gear The design variations extend to both aircraft’s air intakes and landing gear. The J-35A’s air intakes are wider and more angular, possibly increasing engine airflow and improving performance but at a potential cost to its stealth profile. Meanwhile, the F-35’s air intakes are designed with stealth as a paramount consideration, featuring a rounded, smooth structure that enhances airflow while minimizing radar detection. The J-35A’s landing gear is simpler and more robust, likely designed to endure diverse and potentially rugged operational environments. On the other hand, the F-35’s landing gear is more complex, incorporating features that reduce radar cross-section and enhance the overall stealth profile, which is critical for operations in highly contested areas. Performance and role of the J-35A and F-35 stealth fighters Speed, range, and endurance The J-35A achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2.0, surpassing the F-35’s top speed of Mach 1.6. This superior speed equips the J-35A with an advantage in fast-paced combat scenarios, particularly in intercepting high-speed targets, which is crucial for air superiority roles. The design supports quick maneuvers and rapid response, aligning with its intended use within the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Conversely, the F-35 excels in range and versatility, featuring a longer operational range of approximately 2,220 kilometers compared to the J-35A’s 1,200 kilometers. This extended range makes the F-35 more suitable for long-range missions and deep-strike capabilities. It reflects its role in projecting power over vast distances and supporting varied mission profiles, from ground attack to reconnaissance. Originally thought to employ Russian RD-33 engines, the J-35A is likely to transition to using more advanced Chinese-developed WS-13E or WS-21 engines . Future models are expected to incorporate the WS-19 engines, enhancing their thrust and performance capabilities. Both aircraft can refuel in-flight, significantly extending their operational reach and endurance. This allows for prolonged deployment in contested areas without ground support. Advanced avionics and weaponry The J-35A incorporates a suite of advanced Chinese-made avionics, including AESA radar, infrared search and track systems, and comprehensive electronic warfare capabilities. These systems enhance the aircraft’s awareness of its surroundings, which is crucial for engaging multiple threats simultaneously and adapting to dynamic combat environments. The F-35 has the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System, and AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, offering unmatched sensor fusion and situational awareness. This integration allows the F-35 to detect, track, and engage targets at considerable distances, even in highly contested environments. Both the J-35A and F-35 maintain their stealth profiles by carrying weapons internally. The J-35A can carry up to 7,000 kilograms of payload, while the F-35 has a slightly higher capacity of 8,160 kilograms. This internal carriage design is critical for maintaining a low radar cross-section during missions. The J-35A emphasizes speed and agility for regional operations, while the F-35 focuses on versatility, range, and global interoperability. These aircraft demonstrate the advanced state of modern air combat technologies and illustrate the critical role of securing intellectual property in maintaining national defense advantages. Cyber espionage and the theft of F-35 design data Frank Kendall, the Defense Acquisitions Chief in 2013, highlighted the compromise of unclassified F-35 data despite the classified information remaining secure. This breach reportedly allowed competing powers, particularly highlighted in Pentagon reports linking the Chinese government and military, to advance their military technology programs. In 2014, a Los Angeles grand jury indicted Chinese national Su Bin for assisting PLA hackers in stealing over 630,000 files related to the F-35 and other critical U.S. aircraft from 2008 to 2014. Bin’s role involved facilitating the translation and targeting of sensitive defense technology, underscoring the depth of espionage activities to undermine U.S. technological supremacy.