First-of-its-kind single-asset, single-borrower ("SASB") transaction validates flexible apartment properties as an institutional asset class LOS ANGELES , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK ) ("Newmark" or "the Company"), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to large institutional investors, global corporations, and other owners and occupiers, announces the completion of a landmark $525 million refinancing on behalf of ICONIQ Capital and Sentral: a first-of-its-kind single-asset, single-borrower CMBS loan to refinance flexible apartment properties. Newmark Co-President of Debt & Structured Finance Jonathan Firestone and Vice Chairman Bill Fishel arranged the financing, which was provided by Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs. The transaction is tied to a portfolio of six apartment properties totaling 1,790 units in vibrant urban markets. Sentral operates each asset in the portfolio, including approximately 25% of the units under a "flexible living" strategy in which units are fully furnished and made available for short- or mid-length stays. Terms of the financing include wide latitude for flexible management and various lengths of stay to optimize property performance. The six-building portfolio includes Sentral Union Station in Denver , Sentral Michigan Avenue in Chicago , Sentral SoBro in Nashville , Sentral Wynwood in Miami , Sentral East Austin 1614 and Sentral East Austin 1630. "This is a milestone transaction representing a significant validation of the flexible living model as an institutional asset class," said Firestone. "ICONIQ's SASB issuance is an endorsement of its innovative approach and Sentral's track record among debt underwriters and investors, including some of the largest and most sophisticated CMBS investors in the world." Sentral was created in 2019 to deliver flexibility to consumers and allow them to live on their own terms in high-quality multifamily assets in the most dynamic cities across the country. As the operator of the six properties included in this transaction, the company has developed a track record of strong results that have outperformed results from traditional apartment operations. Sentral now manages over 10,000 units in a third party capacity on behalf of ICONIQ and other institutional owners. Roman Speron , President of Sentral, said, "While furnished short- and mid-term rentals are relatively new to the Class A multifamily sector, consumer demand has been strong for many years. Sentral provides a way to capture this demand, manage and optimize results for institutional apartment owners and enhance satisfaction for long-term residents too." "ICONIQ's SASB transaction, and the pricing transparency that it provides, affirms that Sentral's flexible apartment assets are treated very similarly to traditional apartment buildings from a capital markets perspective," said Fishel. "Over time, we expect flexible apartment assets to be valued in line with traditional apartment assets given the consistent increased yield premiums the Sentral platform is able to generate relative to traditional apartments." Gibson Dunn and Latham & Watkins also advised on the transaction. About Sentral Sentral is the leading Class-A multifamily property management company that drives Net Operating Income for owners through differentiated operating capabilities. The company provides full-cycle property and asset management services on over $4 billion in multifamily assets for a growing list of institutional owners, nationwide. Sentral delivers flexible living services, authentic local experiences, premium amenities, community connection for residents and guests, and a tech-enabled platform that enhances operational efficiency. Sentral is backed by world-class firms in technology, hospitality, and real estate, including ICONIQ Capital, Highgate Hotels, and Ascendant Capital Partners. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and Denver . To learn more, visit Sentral.com or follow @SentralLife. About ICONIQ Capital ICONIQ Capital is a global investment firm elevated by an extraordinary community. With over $80B assets under management, we seek to build resilient investment portfolios, partner with inspired entrepreneurs transforming industries, manage our clients' lives and legacies, and create uncommon opportunities across sectors and society. About Newmark Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK ), together with its subsidiaries ("Newmark"), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark's comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform's global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 , Newmark generated revenues of approximately $2.6 billion . As of that same date, Newmark's company-owned offices, together with its business partners, operated from nearly 170 offices with more than 7,800 professionals around the world. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark . Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company's business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K. SOURCE Newmark Group, Inc.

Walker's 20 help IU Indianapolis knock off Trinity Christian 106-49BEIJING , Nov. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China.org.cn. Is used cooking oil also clean energy? Which energy sources can make our world cleaner? What does the whole supply chain look like? Our host Jason had an eye-opening day at the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). Jason didn't expect to find used cooking oil at the clean energy section of CISCE. Beijing Haixin Energy Technology can transform used cooking oil into Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Mixed with diesel, it can be used by cars, ships and planes. The first test point is in Beijing's Haidian district, creating a closed-loop system from collection to reuse. SINOPEC showed the large-capacity refueling dual-pressure liquid-driven hydrogen compressor, the largest of its kind in China . It'll power SINOPEC's new hydrogen station in Cangzhou, fueling over 100 heavy trucks. This saves over 5,000 tons of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to planting 500 hectares of trees, about the size of 700 soccer fields! And SINOPEC is building a complete hydrogen network from production to fueling stations. China National Offshore Oil Corporation(CNOOC)LNG-tanks store liquified natural gas (LNG). The gas is kept super cold, at minus 162 degrees. That extreme cold actually is very useful. It can be used for fish farms, cold storage warehouses, and even indoor snow parks. It is like a free air conditioning. Dongfang Turbine Co., Ltd. showed China's first self-developed F-class 50 MW heavy-duty gas turbine. It generates 50,000 kWh of electricity per hour, enough to supply 7,000 homes for a day. It cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 500,000 tons per year, equal to the amount of the gas absorbed by 4.5 million trees yearly. The turbine has over 20,000 parts. The company cooperated with universities, research institutions and more than 300 companies, 39 of them are specialized high-tech firms. Here you can see the upstream, midstream and downstream companies. In CISCE, this open platform, the global supply chain becomes much smoother. http://www.china.org.cn/business/2024-11/30/content_117578624.htm Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cf9dSj0eRg

Billionaires’ wealth more than doubles in 10 years

Report: Trump Company Considers Adding Crypto Payments and TradingDubai Land Department (DLD) is set to launch the Smart Rental Index in January 2025. The new initiative aims to advance the real estate sector while fostering transparency, trust, and confidence among landlords, tenants and investors. The Smart Rental Index will use cutting-edge technology and up-to-date data to regulate rental valuations and ensure balance in the market. By offering integrated solutions, the index is designed to enhance transparency, providing clear, accurate information to all stakeholders and supporting informed decision-making. Rental index aligns with Dubai’s Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 The project aligns with Dubai’s broader digital strategy and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033. It also reflects the government’s efforts to improve services, enhance quality of life, and achieve sustainable development in key economic sectors. The initiative aims to streamline real estate transactions by offering up-to-date data and facilitating a fair, transparent rental market. Through the Smart Rental Index, the Dubai Land Department seeks to position the city as a global model for technology-driven real estate solutions, contributing to the emirate’s ongoing push for innovation and excellence. Read: Dubai reigns as the ultimate destination for luxury living

MLB NOTESFor the first time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a willingness to cede temporarily occupied territory to Russia in exchange for peace. Speaking to Sky News, Zelensky proposed placing the parts of Ukraine under Ukrainian control under a “NATO umbrella” as a measure to end the ongoing war. This plan involves a ceasefire and later negotiating diplomatically for the return of Russian-held territories. However, Zelensky clarified that complete NATO membership has not yet been offered as part of the deal. A Shift from Kyiv’s Previous Stance Kyiv’s position has shifted from fighting to reclaim all internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and four regions annexed by Russia in 2022, to exploring a ceasefire agreement. The change comes amid growing calls for a peace deal among European allies and the impending inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war on "day one" of his presidency. Trump’s proposed plan would freeze the current front line, delay Ukraine’s NATO membership by 20 years, and provide robust arms support to deter further Russian aggression. Also Read: Cyber Monday 2024: Target and Walmart unleash massive discounts | Top Deals Peacekeeping Forces and Security Guarantees Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested a European-led multinational peacekeeping force could monitor the ceasefire line and defend Ukraine’s border. Zelensky emphasized the need for NATO protection, stating that without such guarantees, there is a high risk of Russia rearming and resuming attacks. He added that security assurances from NATO members like the US, UK, France, and Germany are critical to ensuring long-term peace and stability. Also Read : NYT Mini Crossword clues and answers for November 30: All about today’s challenge FAQs: What is Volodymyr Zelensky proposing for peace with Russia? Zelensky has suggested temporarily ceding Russian-occupied territories while placing the rest of Ukraine under a " NATO umbrella ." This plan includes a ceasefire followed by diplomatic negotiations to reclaim the lost regions. 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No, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine is not abandoning its claims. He envisions reclaiming the territories diplomatically after securing peace and NATO protection for the areas under Ukrainian control. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Every year we kick off the holiday season with a roundup of books recommended by the War on the Rocks team. Enrich your friends’ libraries, get a family book club going, or treat yourself to something new. We hope you enjoy! Kerry Anderson MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman , Ben Hubbard . This book came out in 2020 so isn’t brand new, but it offers thorough research and balanced insights from journalist Ben Hubbard into the rise of the Saudi crown prince. Given MBS’s important role in the modern Middle East and beyond, this is an essential book to understand his background and vision. The Iran Wars: Spy Games, Bank Battles, and the Secret Deals that Reshaped the Middle East , Jay Solomon . This book also isn’t new, dating back to 2016, but it offers crucial reporting on U.S.-Iran relations under the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. Solomon weaves together Iran’s role in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the development of its nuclear program. Benjamin Armstrong To Fix a National Character: The United States in the First Barbary War, 1800–1805 , Abigail Mullen . The First Barbary War has been the focus of a number of books, including by hosts of Fox & Friends. However, Abby Mullen’s new look at the conflict is going to rapidly become the “go-to” book. Looking at the American efforts in the Mediterranean in width, depth, and with context, she broadens the traditional military history to include the diplomatic, economic, and political histories involved. The book offers us important insights on how navies, maritime security, asymmetric military campaigns, and undeclared wars integrate with all of the elements of national power, and helped define the Early American approach to the world. Too Far on a Whim: The Limits of High-Steam Propulsion in the US Navy , Tyler Pitrof . Today we read a lot about technological innovation, adaptation, and the integration of new ships and ship designs into the navies of the world. We regularly see articles about “conservative” military bureaucracies. But what about when a military goes all-in on a new technology that actually doesn’t end up working as advertised? Tyler Pitrof’s new book on the innovations in steam propulsion during the interwar years flips much of what we’ve known about the technological history on its head. Tyler upends decades of received wisdom, showing that “high steam” didn’t actually work and that it had profound operational implications in the Pacific during World War II. This book is a must-read for those interested in how new technologies impact operations and strategy for the navies of the world. Nora Bensahel Orbital , Samantha Harvey . This little gem of a novel just won the prestigious Booker Prize for its lyrical meditation on our world and those who view it from above. It takes place during a single day in the lives of six people aboard the International Space Station, with the minimalist plot providing access to their innermost observations and plots. When David Barno and I recommended this lovely book on our summer vacation reading list, we wrote that the “elegantly breathtaking language borders on poetry, describing the otherworldly experience of astronauts encountering one sunrise and sunset after another, broken by stunning vistas of a fragile Earth slowly unfolding below — a glimpse of eternity.” It’s an equally good pick for your winter holidays, as you huddle indoors, warm yourself by a fire, and ponder how our small blue planet fits within the immensity of the universe. All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me , Patrick Bringley . I grew up just a few blocks away from the Met, and when I was in sixth grade I spent at least one day each weekend exploring the treasures of its vast collection. I’d wander for hours without a map, and when the closing bell rang at 4:45pm, I’d ask one of the security guards to help me find the nearest exit. Bringley spent a decade as one of those guards, after a family tragedy led him to quit a promising career at The New Yorker and process his grief in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You don’t need to know anything about art to appreciate this slim volume. Indeed, I most enjoyed reading about the close-knit community of 500 guards, hailing from dozens of countries, whose daily lives unfold alongside some of the greatest artworks ever made. Claude Berube Napoleon: A Life , Andrew Roberts . This is, perhaps, the second-best biography I’ve read. Meticulously researched, Roberts provides a better understanding of this complex Corsican and how, with very little, he rose to power. At the time, I was teaching at the US Naval Academy and made sure my students were aware of how voracious a reader Bonaparte was, especially in his formative years, and how that enabled him to succeed. Biographical series on Lyndon Johnson (4 thus far: “ Path to Power ,” “ Means of Ascent ,” Master of the Senate ,” and “ The Passage of Power “), Robert Caro . This, not the previous entry, is the best biography I’ve encountered – truly it is second to none. Johnson came from nothing and just on pure willpower, a photographic memory when it came to anything political, and a deviousness to achieve his goals. This is the only biography where no redeemable qualities are attributed to the subject; Johnson was a pure political animal who achieved each rung on the political ladder by using people, even those closest to him. Caro notes that long before Johnson stole the 1948 Senate election, he was doing so in college and later as an aide on Capitol Hill. Still this story is impressive and tells us much behind the scenes of DC politics and policy-making in the mid-20th century. Brad Carson AI Snake Oil , Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor . While I often disagree with the authors’ views about generative AI, their criticism of predictive AI – that it just doesn’t work a lot of the time – is an underappreciated criticism. As we rely on these technologies, we usually debate whether or not they are fair; but a more fundamental question is, Do they even work? On Settler Colonialism , Adam Kirsch . Timely, provocative, and worth reading to understand the intellectual roots of activism about Gaza on university campuses – and far beyond. Ryan Evans This Earthly Globe: A Venetian Geographer’s Quest to Map the World , Andrea Di Robilant . Understanding power and politics requires understanding history. Too often, the history studied by those of us in national security is limited to that of the last 200 years, perhaps with a smattering of Thucydides. Over the last three years, I’ve taken a mild interest in the experiences of the Venetian empire, so when I spotted this book in my local bookshop, I was quick to snag it. Through the prism of the life, times, and remarkable work of the geographer and civil servant Giovambattista (what a name!) Ramusio, this book offers a window into Venetian ambitions and statecraft. It explores how this maritime empire grappled with the Age of Exploration and shifting trade routes, which posed both opportunities and threats to its fortunes. Ramusio emerges as a crucial figure in the generation and propagation of knowledge of the world – most notably through his monumental and anonymously published collection of travel accounts and maps. Planning for Protraction: A Historically Informed Approach to Great-Power War and Sino-US Competition , Iskander Rehman . Speaking of looking beyond the history of the last two centuries for critical lessons, Rehman has established himself as someone who can substantively and originally engage with diverse historical periods, from the height of Rome to the Middle Ages to the Cold War, in a way that not only appeals to the generalist but passes muster with specialists of those period. This sort of erudition and versatility is rare and it is on vivid display in this book. As listeners of the podcast know, I have been long concerned over America’s strategic cultural obsession with short, decisive wars when they are such a historical rarity, which has led me to recommend Cathal Nolan’s Allure of Battle more times than I can remember. Rehman’s book on protracted war between great powers joins the same small but growing pantheon of books that serious strategists simply must read. The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone , Olivia Laing . In 1887, Ferdinand Tönnies’ seminal work, Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft (Community and Society), introduced a dichotomy between two types of social organization: one defined by close and cohesive bonds of traditional life and the other defined by impersonal and transactional relationships typical of the industrial cityscape. Many people have since written about the loneliness of modern life, but this 2016 book by Laing is my favorite of the genre. She depicts the city as an irreplaceable source of both isolation and creativity, where loneliness fuels some of the most extraordinary art ever made. Why did I select this book for this list? Among those of us who work in national security – from soldiers to scholars to leaders of state – there is an art to what we do. There is also a lonely quality to it, whether one is toiling in the archives or grappling with a consequential decision about life and death. Madeline Field Sparks: China’s Underground Historians and Their Battle for the Future , Ian Johnson. While the Chinese Communist Party’s rewriting of its history books is well-documented, little light has been shed on the individuals trying to stop it. Johnson’s book highlights these counter-historians and their efforts, contextualizing them within history, geography, and modern events. It is equal parts informative and moving, and well worth a read. The Demon in the Freezer: A True Story , Richard Preston . Preston weaves together two separate storylines- the efforts of the Smallpox Eradication Program in the 1970s and the events of the 2001 Anthrax Attacks- to make a compelling case for the prospect of biological warfare, aided and abetted by remaining stocks of smallpox in Russian and American freezers. The book, released almost 25 years ago, is a must-read for anyone interested in bioterrorism and infectious disease. Post-pandemic, however, its conclusions are more thought-provoking than ever. Richard Fontaine The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq , Steve Coll . This gripping account starts in Saddam’s early years and runs through the 2003 U.S. invasion. Relying on internal, Nixon-like tapes of Saddam’s cabinet meetings, the volume adds new details and perspectives to a tragic story. Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality , Frank Wilczek . This is a book on modern physics and cosmology – what we know about the universe and how we know it. It’s not a rehash of high school and college-level physics but rather a conceptual and philosophical dive into the nature of reality. Wilczek is a Nobel-prize-winning theoretical physicist with a talent for clear and compelling writing. Good stuff. Amos Fox Routledge Handbook of Proxy Wars , edited by Assaf Moghadam, Vladimir Rauta, and Michel Wyss . Considering the frequency of proxy strategies and range of proxy actors at work in armed conflict today, the Routledge Handbook of Proxy Wars provides an excellent place to turn to help understand modern proxy wars. As the book makes clear, modern proxy wars differ significantly from those of the Cold War period, and thus we require fresh analysis to help appreciate 21st-century proxy war, the strategy that fuels it today, and the relationships that can exist between principals and proxies. The Routledge Handbook of Proxy Wars should sit atop anyone’s reading list if they are attempting to understand the geopolitics of the Middle East and eastern Asia, the prevalence of private military companies, and state-to-state sponsorship in modern armed conflict. Advanced Land Warfare: Tactics and Operations , edited by Mikael Weissman and Niklas Nilsson . Has modern technology accelerated a fundamental change in the nature of war? Does drone warfare represent a new, game-changing method of warfighting, or do existing models of operation, command and control, and combined arms continue to thrive? These are two of the primary considerations addressed in Advanced Land Warfare . With contributions to the editor volume from the likes of Jack Watling, Jim Storr, and Olivier Schmitt, the answers to those questions are compelling and varied. This book is a must for anyone interested in probing the future with existing warfighting methodologies to identify potential changes and continuities in land warfare. Ulrike Franke The Wizard of the Kremlin , Giuliano da Empoli . It is fiction, but then not really. Guiliao da Empoli has written a fictional encounter with “Vadim Baranov”, nicknamed the Tsar, the man behind Vladimir Putin. Baranov is fictional but clearly inspired by Vladislav Surkov, who, for several years, was Putin’s man in the shadow. A fascinating read about Russia and Putin’s rise. Freedom. Memoirs 1954 -2021 , Angela Merkel . Former German chancellor Angela Merkel’s memoirs had been eagerly awaited by the German and international political commentariat. Many were hoping – though not necessarily expecting – excuses and explanations for what are now seen to be Merkel’s biggest mistakes, from abandoning nuclear power (faster), authorising the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, her handling of the 2015 refugee crisis in Europe, or the Minsk II agreement on Ukraine. She does not admit mistakes, and the readers are left with many questions – but her 700 page memoirs are still an interesting view into German history, from her youth and early adulthood in the Democratic Republic, the beginning of the united Germany, and of course her 16 years in office. T. X. Hammes Superpower Interrupted: The Chinese History of the World , Michael Shuman . Shuman provides a coherent rendition of the continuity of the fundamental Chinese narrative that China is a rightful superpower. He traces the continuity of that strategic belief through over 3000 years of Chinese dynasties. The Dark Path: The Structure of War and the Rise of the West , Williamson Murray . Murray provides a majestic narration of the five major revolutions that have shaped the character of warfare today. Scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the major changes taking place today will find this a thought-provoking and valuable work. Nicholas Hanson Invisible China , Scott Rozelle and Natalie Hell . This book explores the stark disparities between urban and rural populations in China and their implications for the country’s future development. The authors argue that while China’s urban centers have experienced rapid economic growth and modernization, rural areas, which house the majority of the population, lag significantly behind in education and economic opportunities. This urban-rural divide jeopardizes China’s long-term stability and economic growth, as the rural population lacks the skills needed to transition to a modern, high-tech economy. Drawing on extensive data and field research, the book highlights the urgent need for investment in education and human capital in rural China to sustain the nation’s rise. Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right , Arlie Russell Hochschild . This book examines the emotional and cultural foundations of political conservatism in the United States, particularly in the Deep South. Through extensive fieldwork in Louisiana, Hochschild seeks to understand Tea Party supporters’ underlying grievances and worldviews. The book explores economic stagnation, environmental degradation, and a sense of displacement and isolation, revealing how cultural values and emotional experiences shape political identities. By empathizing with her subjects, Hochschild provides a nuanced account of the polarization in American politics, bridging ideological divides through understanding. Frank Hoffman Beyond Ukraine: Debating the Future of War , edited by Tim Sweijs and Jeffrey Michaels . An early effort to identify issues about the changing character of warfare, including insights from ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Contains a diverse array of different visions of future conflict. Key contributions from Azar Gat, Audrey Kurth Cronin, T.X. Hammes, Antoine Bousquet, and Tony Echevarria. Melting Point. High Command and War in the 21st Century , Kenneth. F. McKenzie, Jr . While most General’s memoirs are poorly crafted and self-serving, readers will find that Melting Point is an invaluable and smartly written book. McKenzie looks back at his time as Commander, U.S. Central Command during several Middle East conflicts with an emphasis on the campaign in Afghanistan. Melting Point contains insights on the endgame in Kabul for those trying to understand how that war unraveled. Any professional who aspires to higher command or expects to provide strategic and operational staff support to a senior commander will benefit from a study of this work. Burak Kadercan Oceans Rise Empires Fall: Why Geopolitics Hastens Climate Catastrophe , Gerard Toal . In his new book, Gerard Toal, a leading political geographer and an expert on the concept of geopolitics, deals with the intricate relationship between geopolitics-as-practice and climate change. In an argument that both travels across and transcends Geography (both political and physical geography), International Relations Theory, and strategic studies, Toal suggests that traditional forms of geopolitics not only undermine efforts to address climate change, but they also render it a secondary thought for the leading powers in global politics. Toal’s new book is a most welcome entry to the interdisciplinary and unconventional approaches to international security . On Wars , Michael Mann . Following his four-volume magnum opus, The Sources of Social Power (1986, 1993, 2012, 2013), Mann turns his full analytical attention to the concept of war. Mann’s theoretical ingenuity and empirical reach is impressive, as the book travels across numerous time periods and geographies, from ancient Rome and China to the World Wars, or from the American Civil War to recent conflicts in the Middle East and beyond. Mann’s thesis is simple and very pertinent to the study of international politics and security studies: While most analyses on the causes and conduct of armed conflicts focus on a form of “rational actor assumption,” Mann makes a strong case for the inherent “irrationality” of wars, which are driven more by societal dynamics and historical contingency, as opposed to some universal geopolitical “logic” which itself is based on a version of rational actor assumption. Sameer Lalwani Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War , Raj M. Shah and Christopher Kirchhoff . In Unit X , two US national security insiders offer an account of the motives, development, resourcefulness, antibodies, and near-death experiences of the Defense Innovation Unit-Experimental (DIUx) across three administrations, resembling the challenges of a defense startup’s minimum viable product . The book also effectively presents a rough, first-cut history of US defense technology competition over the past decade, drawing a throughline from new government institutions (DIU, NSCAI , the Chips Act), to new defense industry players (Palantir, Anduril, Capella Space), to their utility in evolving national security challenges (ISIS, DPRK missiles, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cross-Strait deterrence). Readers will find Unit X a case study in government adaptation while policymakers can draw insights for future technology ventures like DIANA , AUKUS , or INDUS-X . Rick Landgraf Oceans Rise Empires Fall: Why Geopolitics Hastens Climate Catastrophe , Gerard Toal . The title of this book is derived from the chorus of a song from the musical Hamilton , which aptly summarizes the climate emergency which defines our present. Toal argues that even though we are approaching a tipping point in a global environmental catastrophe, powerful states, including the United States, remain fixated on economic and military competition against rival world powers. Tragically, this competition appears more important than the necessary collective action against potentially irreversible climate change. Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict between Russia and the West , Maximillian Hess . This book offers a thoughtful analysis about the ongoing global economic clash between Russia and the West over finance, energy, and capital markets. Max reminds us that the power of the dollar and its central role in global financial markets gives the United States an unmatched ability to wage economic war on Russia and its friends. However, there is significant risk that politicians in Washington could abuse the dollar’s power for purposes that are not in the interests of the people of the United States, nor of its allies or partners across the globe. Carrie Lee On Obedience , Pauline Shanks Kaurin . This is a terrific exploration of the duties and obligations of military officers to obey and be loyal to their oaths to the Constitution. It is an absolute must-read for military officers anxious about the future, and anyone struggling with what it means to swear an oath to an idea, rather than a person. Just and Unjust Wars , Michael Walzer . A good re-read right now about ethical responsibilities in war. It’s in need of an update to account for both our more sophisticated understandings of civil-military relations and contemporary conflict, but that’s all the more reason to sit with this text for a while and think deeply about how the world has changed since its initial publication. David Maxwell The Black Box: Demystifying the Study of Korean Unification and North Korea , Victor Cha . This is a must read for all those who know a new strategy is needed to solve the “Korea question” (i.e., the unnatural division of the peninsula) after nearly four decades of failed denuclearization policy. This innovative book provides never before collected and analyzed data to look at the critical issues surrounding unification. While Cha is cautionary about predictions, for those who believe that the path to denuclearization goes through unification (e.g., the freedom of the Korean people in the north as they seek their human right of self-determination), this work can serve as the foundation for a strategic estimate to support strategy and campaign development for the pursuit of a free and unified Korea by the Korean people. Training for Victory: U.S. Special Forces Advisory Operations from El Salvador to Afghanistan , Frank Sobchak . While U.S special operations forces pursue a high-tech future (e.g., the “triad” of SOF, Cyber, and Space) there is one foundational Special Forces capability that will remain enduring across the spectrum of conflict from peace through strategic competition and the gray zone, to before, during, and after large scale combat operations. That is the ability to conduct campaigns “through, with, and by” indigenous forces and populations and partner militaries. Frank Sobchak objectively analyzes five case studies to provide critical lessons and insights for future advisory operations: El Salvador, the Philippines, Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. While the focus is on Special Forces, the author recognizes that to build viable host nation partner forces with a broad range of capabilities requires more than Special Forces, thus this book is of value to all those who will participate in advisory operations in the future. Bryan McGrath The Demon of Unrest , Erik Larson . I have only lately discovered Larson’s work, which is exceptional. This history of events leading up to the reduction of Fort Sumter tracks events in Charleston, Washington, and in eventual Confederate State Capitals with equal depth. The Glorious Cause: the American Revolution 1763-1789 , Robert Middlekauff . A superb history of the politics, economics, and military operations of this most meaningful of eras in human history. I find great comfort in returning to the first things as it were, diving deeply into exactly what it is my political ideology seeks to conserve. Douglas Ollivant Land Between the Rivers: a 5,000 Year History of Iraq , Bartle Bull . In this work of brightly polished prose (by my friend and occasional co-author), Bull sweeps through five millennia of history, showing the central role of Iraq in events from Gilgamesh, through the Greeks and then Islam, to the fall of the monarchy in Baghdad in 1958. By ending the story before US entanglements begin, Bull shows us a different Mesopotamia than is carried in our modern imagination. Watch the central storyline move from Uruk to Ur to Nineveh to Babylon to Selucia and to Kufa before finally settling in Baghdad. The City and its Uncertain Walls , Haruki Murakami . Not one but two libraries; a woman who disappears suddenly; a mysterious figure who may or may not be a ghost; alternative dimensions; and yes, a hole in the ground. Murakami arranges his usual tropes in ways utterly unexpected and wildly thought-provoking. Another masterful but remarkably accessible novel from a perennial favorite for literature’s Nobel Prize. Iskander Rehman Faustian Bargain: The Soviet-German Partnership and the Origins of the Second World War , Ian Ona Johnson . The 1939 partition of Poland between Hitler and Stalin has often been described as a moment of opportunism, a temporary alignment of interests between the two dictators. In fact, it was the culmination of nearly twenty years of intermittent cooperation between Germany and the Soviet Union.” So begins Ian Ona Johnson’s magisterial and exhaustively researched history of the (largely covert) military-industrial cooperation between Germany and the Soviet Union during the interwar years. Few books could be more timely. First, by reminding us of the simple historical fact that for decades the Soviet Union constituted Nazi Germany’s prime technological and military enabler, it provides a welcome corrective to Putin’s warped narrative about the history and origins of the Second World War. And second, this elegantly written book provides a richly informative and hugely relevant historical case study, at a time when US security managers are struggling to come to terms with the rapid growth in defense cooperation between the motley array of revisionist countries (Iran, Russia, China, DPRK) belonging to what has been alternatively dubbed the “authoritarian axis,” “quartet of chaos”, or “axis of upheaval,” but which this author prefers to simply call the “phalanx of thuggery.” Anticipating Total War: The German and American Experiences, 1871-1914 , Manfred M. Bomeke . This edited compilation of essays examines how leading intellectuals, policymakers and strategic thinkers in Germany and the United States–the two great rising industrial powers of their time–viewed the future of warfare between 1871 and 1914. Deriving their variegated insights from their experiences with punishing colonial conflicts (the Boer War), grueling industrialized wars (the American Civil War) or largely unanticipated reversals in military fortunes (the relatively rapid defeat of France during the Franco-Prussian War, or of Russia during the Russo-Japanese war), these thinkers—for all their raw intellectual firepower– still struggled to fully anticipate quite how grimly transformational and resource-demanding World War 1 would prove to be. A salutary reminder of how difficult it can be to conduct force planning within a protean environment, one characterized by great geopolitical uncertainty and rapid disruptive technological change. I would love to see an entrepreneurial academic expand this volume (or edit a follow-up volume)–this time incorporating a series of parallel reflections on the development of strategic thinking in Russia, France, Britain and Japan during this critical period in history. Kori Schake You Dreamed of Empires , Alvaro Enrigue . A brilliant, brilliant and historically-based reimagining of Cortez’ conquest of Mexico, told from the indigenous point of view. Glittering sophistication of Tenochtitlan, brutality of Mexica priests, smart women trying to create space of their own — and a surprising theory of Montezuma’s motives. Even better to listen to it than read it so you can hear the cadences of Mexica words. The Cutting Off Way: Indigenous Warfare in Eastern North America, 1500-1800 , Wayne E. Lee . The history and strategy of Native Americans is still predominantly told through the prism of their contact with European settlers, but Wayne Lee shows what they looked like, fought like, and learned from each other as European intrusion affected them all. His exploration of the cultural and demographic basis for restraint in combat (the acquisition of prisoners) is especially interesting. Jeremy Shapiro The Embrace of Unreason: France, 1914-1940 , Frederick Brown . As certain points in history, countries find themselves drawn to unreason. They find themselves turning away from rational, enlightenment ideals and embracing xenophobia and demagoguery. In one such example, Brown tells the story of how the French intelligentsia, traumatized by World War I, lost its way in the interwar period, culminating in the eventual ruin of the nation. Not to worry, though, it could never happen here. The Embrace of Unreason picks up where Brown’s previous book, For the Soul of France, left off to tell the story of France in the decades leading up to World War II. We see through the lives of three writers (Maurice Barrès, Charles Maurras, and Pierre Drieu La Rochelle) how the French intelligentsia turned away from the humanistic traditions and rationalistic ideals born out of the Enlightenment in favor of submission to authority that stressed patriotism, militarism, and xenophobia; how French extremists, traumatized by the horrors of the battlefront and exalted by the glories of wartime martyrdom, tried to redeem France’s collective identity, as Hitler’s shadow lengthened over Europe. The author writes of the Stavisky Affair, named for the notorious swindler whose grandiose Ponzi scheme tarred numerous political figures and fueled the bloody riots of February 1934, with right-wing paramilitary leagues, already suffering from the worldwide effects of the 1929 stock market crash. Polostan , Neal Stephenson . A Neil Stephenson novel is always an investment. He writes long, intricate many-layered plots, whose wide-ranging erudition always makes one feel that one hasn’t read widely enough. But he ties it together in the end and convinces that you finally understand. This is his first spy novel, but not his last as it is the first of a trilogy. You’ll need eventually to read all three to understand what is really going on, but assuming your ego survives, you will be better off for the (long) journey. Abigail Taylor A Woman I Know: Female Spies, Double Identities, and a New Story of the Kennedy Assassination , Mary Haverstick . While aiming to create a film about a female aviator, Mary Haverstick accidentally stumbles into a potential conspiracy involving the Cold War, the CIA, and the Kennedy assassination. Her deeply researched book offers a glimpse into the life of a 20th-century female spy. Joseph Wehmeyer On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist , Clarissa Ward . Reporting on some of the most consequential events of the 21st century so far, Clarissa Ward’s memoir provides firsthand insights covering some of the biggest developments of the past two decades. Her memoir details the rollercoaster experience of being a war correspondent both professionally and emotionally while many of the issues she reported on continue to unravel today. Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World , Robert M. Gates . Secretary Gates gives a sobering assessment of post-Cold War American foreign policy and makes a strong argument that leaders have failed to understand the complexities, expansiveness, and limitations of American power. His insights remain relevant in a world that is more precarious and dangerous than four years ago. In an era where many question America’s global leadership and its capabilities, Gates gives readers both a reality check and a way forward. Nicole Wiley Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying , James M. Olson . Written by a career Directorate of Operations intelligence officer, Fair Play explores the big moral questions decision-makers and case officers alike are faced with in the espionage business. I loved this book the first time I read it, and I go back to it often to get a good dose of both fictional scenarios you might see in any spy thriller movie and real-world implications of morally ambiguous intelligence collection methods. Putin’s World: Russia Against the West and With the Rest , Angela Stent . Although this book was written pre-full scale invasion of Ukraine, it offers a comprehensive and easy-to-follow analysis of why President Putin is so difficult for the U.S. to deal with and understand. It gives historical context without sounding overly academic and is a great read for anyone who wants to understand the decades of context behind Putin’s decision-making. My favorite quote from the book is: “For the time being, NATO serves a useful purpose for Russia. It provides a most convenient main opponent.” Image: Adam Bernaert via Wikimedia Commons.The Spanish Human Rights Association, in its 42nd edition, awarded the 2024 Honorary Human Rights Prize to Palestinian journalists, victims of the genocide in the Gaza Strip. The award was received on behalf of the Palestinian journalists by Alaraby TV correspondent in Madrid, Muath Hamed, who appeared visibly moved during the ceremony. He stated: "There are no words that can describe the suffering of my fellow journalists in the face of death, nor words that can capture their determination to bring the truth to the world. These are the true heroes who face death at every moment." Hamed used the opportunity to present detailed statistics on the number of journalists who have been martyred, imprisoned, and injured in the Gaza Strip, along with documentation of media institutions destroyed during the genocide. He also conveyed a special message from journalists working in Gaza to the conference attendees, stating: "Our mission continues to carry the voice of Gaza to the world." The Association for Human Rights in Spain (APDH-E) has held its 42nd Human Rights Awards ceremony for 2024, which was attended by societal and political figures, including members of parliament and ministers from the Spanish government. The event featured praise for the commitment and contributions of prominent individuals and institutions in defending human rights. It is worth noting that the Association for Human Rights in Spain (APDH-E) is one of the oldest human rights organizations in Europe. Founded in 1948, it has been committed since its inception to defending human rights in general and supporting journalists in particular, recognizing them as the frontline in exposing violations. Related Story Israeli airstrikes kill at least 38 Palestinians in Gaza Qatar marks 10th anniversary of GCC Human Rights Declaration

BIMCO’s long-awaited FuelEU clause has now been published. This is a helpful and welcome starting point for Owners and Charterers to agree how calculations and costs will be dealt with under their charterparties. However, as it does not cover everything in detail Owners and Charterers should be mindful of certain issues when incorporating this clause wholesale into their charterparties. This article takes a closer at these issues, and where parties may wish to consider adding to or amending the standard wording. Sub-clause (c) is intended to enable Charterers to supply biofuels or other alternative fuels to the vessel to comply with FuelEU requirements. Parties should remember that any agreement to supply biofuels, or any other compliance technologies, may require corresponding amendments to speed and performance warranties, bunker specifications and potentially provisions for on-board fuel trials, tank cleaning / preparation as well as agreement on the time and cost for these. A good starting place for agreement to burn alternative fuels is class and engine manufacturers’ comments whose approvals are likely to be required from Owners’ H&M insurers. Reporting of Compliance Balance on delivery Sub-clause (a) requires Owners to inform Charterers upon delivery of the Vessel’s compliance balance for the previous two reporting periods. ‘Reporting period’ is defined in the clause as from 1 January to 31 December. This transparency is necessary to allow Charterers to understand how any penalties may be calculated in future years. Under the FuelEU regulation, a negative compliance balance in consecutive years will increase the size of the penalty payable by the vessel – 10% for the first year, 20% for the following year and so on. So a Charterer needs clear information on what previous balances have been to know what their exposure may be. If a Charterer takes over a Vessel which had a negative compliance balance in the previous year under the previous charter, and then proceeds to register a negative compliance again, the Vessel will be left with a 10% extra (‘multiplier’) which arises partly because of a previous charterers’ performance. Ideally therefore a Charterer taking over such a ship will seek to negotiate terms so that the effect of a multiplier is not for their account. The default provision under sub-clause (d) is that Owners will notify Charterers of the aggregated compliance balance within the first 15 days after each relevant voyage. Where this compliance balance is in the negative (i.e. the vessel is operating above the GHG limit and thereby incurring a penalty), Owners’ calculation must be ‘independently validated’ in order to be presented to Charterers. The explanatory notes provide that this validation can be done by any service provider, but there could be disputes over whether Owners’ choice of validator will always be considered “independent”. Given this clause requires Owners’ calculations to be verified in order to trigger any payment, Owners should ensure that this is workable. Parties may wish to include provision for how the cost of any validation will be apportioned between the parties (is the cost one that arises from Charterers’ trading decisions, or simply an Owners’ running cost?). In situations where the vessel is sub-chartered, Charterers may wish to agree that any liabilities calculated by Owners, especially when verified, are fixed and binding in order not to leave Charterers in a difficult position with their sub-charterers. Under sub-clause (d) a surcharge becomes due from Charterers when the vessel operates in the EU above the FuelEU GHG emission limits. The surcharge reflects the cost of the penalty that the vessel becomes liable for as a result of this. The parties are free to agree when payment for any surcharge is payable by Charterers to Owners. Under sub-clause (f), this can be paid on a monthly or per voyage basis or upon redelivery, but no later than 7th June of the following year, by which time Owners will have had their final Fuel EU liability calculated and verified. Payment terms and deadlines can be negotiated , but Owners should be aware that leaving payment to be calculated with a final hire statement will potentially expose Owners to a significant and unsecured sum. A Charterer may argue that they should not have to put Owners in funds to cover penalties unless/until they are actually confirmed and paid, but there are no other areas where Owners offer time-charterers significant credit in this way. In this regard, sub-clause (g) provides rules for possible reimbursement of a surcharge from Owners to Charterers with an aim to deal with this concern. At the very least, a Charterer should always seek to ensure that any payment arranged under a sub-charter will match that which has been agreed with Owners. Where the parties opt for a monthly or per voyage payment, the BIMCO clause gives Owners the right to suspend service under the charterparty where the surcharge has not been paid. This is similar to the suspension of performance provision under the BIMCO EU-ETS clause which some Charterers were reluctant to include in their contracts. If a Charterer can agree at least to defer payment until payment of final hire, this will remove the threat of any suspension of performance. Under sub-clause (i), Charterers have the right to instruct the Owners to bank or pool any Compliance Balance under the BIMCO clause but only where a charter covers a complete reporting period – meaning that it runs from 1 January to 31 December. So a charterparty entered into from February 2025 – November 2026 will not, without amendment, entitle Charterers to bank or pool any credit. This is presumably to reflect the fact that Owners (and disponent owners) need to be careful not to grant Charterers conflicting rights about who decides about pooling and banking because in each calendar year, only one party can have the right to make such choices. If Charterers qualify for banking / pooling, Owners have to follow Charterers’ instructions to do so. If Owners wish to reserve the right to decline pooling (in the event of a sanctions risk, for example) Owners would need to expressly reserve the right to do so in any clause. Whilst not set out, it is presumably implied that Charterers will provide Owners with all the necessary information allowing for banking / pooling; albeit it is made clear that all banking / pooling costs and liabilities will be at Charterers’ cost. It is still unclear how pooling agreements will work in practice, and it is not clear under the BIMCO clause if or how Owners will reimburse Charterers in the event that Owners receive payment for pooling a positive compliance balance, or if recoveries would go to the charterer directly. This is another issue which may need some additional wording or agreement. BIMCO’s explanatory notes provide that Charterers should obtain any benefits from the pool, but express provision for this in the clause is seemingly absent. If the parties expect the vessel to generate significant FuelEU compliance surplus then we recommend that careful thought is given to how it will be handled (and likely pooled) as the BIMCO clause contains very little detail on this, and the Charterers would likely want more certainty over what their rights are going to be. If Owners wish to enter vessels into a pool as part of their own separate pooling strategy, Owners will need to amend the provision in the BIMCO clause that gives Charterers the right to make the decisions on pooling. Such amendment would need to deal with who bears the cost of pooling for compliance purposes and if / how Charterers repay it, and what happens to funds generated from pooling compliance balances. Borrowing is only permissible where the charter period encompasses at least two consecutive reporting periods (sub-clause (l)). That is, the charter must for example run from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2026 in order for Charterers to be able to request that Owners borrow in 2026 for the preceding year’s negative compliance. Charterers are not entitled to borrow in the final year of a charter, which should give Owners some time in the final year to take action to deal with any borrowed deficit. Owners may want to include restrictions on the value of what can be borrowed, so that if a deficit goes above a certain limit there are no rights to borrow, even if borrowing is currently limited under the regulation to 2%. Positive compliance balance If a charterparty runs for several years and the vessel generates positive compliance balances in the early years then it is easy to understand that the Charterers would want to receive the full benefit of them, whether by banking the credit for use in future years, or by pooling the credit to realize their value. However, what should happen to credits that are accrued in partial years, e.g. in the first six months of a year when the vessel is re-delivered by the Charterer in June 2027? If that Charterer is given the right to direct what happens to credits accrued during the first six months, then it will prevent the subsequent charterer from being able to say what happens to credits earned under the last six months of the year. The same concern would arise for a charterparty that runs for only a few months, but where a FuelEU credit may be generated. BIMCO’s solution to this is contained in sub-clause (m), but it will only apply if the parties agree on a value to be entered. Under this sub-clause, the Owners will pay the Charterers for the credit at a pre-agreed price, up to a fixed cap. The difficulty for Owners with this arrangement is that they are likely to have to finance the cost of the refund before its actual value is known, and before any funds are realized. Correspondingly, Charterers may not like to receive less than the full value of the credit they have earned. One, more complex, alternative, would be for the full actual value of the credit to be passed to Charterers when it is realized. The BIMCO clause provides a starting point for how the various mechanisms of the FuelEU regulation could work under a charterparty. Given that the industry is still familiarizing itself with how things will work in practice, the BIMCO clause is helpful for negotiations but it is not a panacea for all parties. There will still need to be some careful thought on how this clause should be amended in order to fit different parties’ needs and their plans for how to use vessels operating in the EU. Source: Gard,MLB NOTESI think it’s a test of bona fides: where is the argument being applied? If somebody wants to make a case that there’s an overhang of capacity in Chinese heavy industry, it wouldn’t be surprising in light of the gear shift in Chinese growth, which was so heavily based around construction and involved a lot of concrete and steel – basic infrastructure buildout. It’s an argument that reflects the difficulty of locating the current moment in Chinese economic history properly. It’s far too superficially seen as just a cyclical downturn, or something like that. It’s actually a far more fundamental break from a truly unique urbanisation push to a new phase, and so there are going to be some adjustment difficulties. It’s clearly been a long-standing issue, and it’s trailed over the global heavy industrial system for a long time. It is significant that [the overcapacity debate] has come up at this moment, because it provides a kind of justification for industrial policy in the West and that’s also the dimension in which it seems to me quite problematic because it concerns the leading edge [of technology]. The new element of this argument is in green tech, and it’s just very difficult to even understand what we mean by the suggestion of, say, excess capacity in [solar] photovoltaics (PV). You can see it from the point of view of Chinese manufacturers who say this themselves, because it’s really difficult to earn a buck in making PV in China. But there’s no reason the rest of the world should have any dog in that particular fight. That’s industrial firms in China competing as hard as they do and using all of the tools in the book. 02:54 Trump threatens new anti-drug tariffs on ‘day 1’ for China, Canada, Mexico

Melbourne, Dec 30 (PTI) Young Sam Konstas will gradually come to understand the beauty and vagaries of Test cricket, much like Jasprit Bumrah demonstrated to him in the second essay of the Boxing Day Test, following the debutant's fiery first-innings fifty, feels former Australian opener Simon Katich. Katich, who played 56 Tests for Australia between 2001 to 2010, wants Konstas to retain his unconventional batting style as no one expects a 19-year-old to be a finished product. Also Read | Will Rohit Sharma Play in India vs Australia 5th Test 2024-25 Match at SCG? Here’s the Possibility of Team India Captain Featuring in Playing XI for Sydney Test in Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "Look its tough and there is always going to be hype when you have a 19-year-old making debut because he is in rare company at his age," Katich told PTI during an interview. Konstas scored 60 off 65 balls in the first innings. He hit a conventional lap scoop for maximum and pulled off a reverse lap scoop behind square against Bumrah before walking down the track to smash a six over mid-wicket all in one over. Also Read | IND vs AUS 4th Test 2024: Australia Run Rampant To Leave India Three Down and 307 Runs Away From Win at Lunch on Day 5. However, the world's best fast bowler in contemporary times bowled a perfect off-cutter to clean the debutant up for 8 in the second innings. "What we saw from him in the first innings at the MCG was unbelievable courage, given the conditions he faced and the challenge of playing against arguably the best bowler in the series -- Jasprit Bumrah. "Yes, he found a way to counter him with the ramp shot. It was unconventional but we know that the game is being played differently now." "In the second innings, Konstas saw that Test cricket is not going to be easy. The conditions always change and you have to deal with Bumrah. "Given he is only 19, no one expects him to be a finisher. He has lots to learn and gain experience, but obviously he's got potential and talent," said the left-hander, who scored 10 Test hundreds for Australia, including a couple against India." Does he find streaks of David Warner in Konstas' aggression, Katich feels that similarity with the just-retired left-hander ends with temperament and gameplan. "There are certainly aspects of temperament and gameplan, modern-age thinking but in terms of style, he is a very different type of player than Warner as Konstas is much taller. He can run towards the bowler, down the track to put them off length. "Not saying Warner can't do that but different types players, but he should try and be himself throughout his career." Time for selectors to think beyond Marsh ========================= Katich agrees that if Mitchell Marsh isn't contributing with the ball, then Australia's National Selection Panel will need to have a look at the combination considering the all-rounder's poor returns with the bat. "No doubt Marsh is under pressure because he isn't bowling so much. Even after Josh Hazlewood got injured, he only bowled two overs on a day when Cummins and Starc had to share the workload." "There were questions, he then missed out with the bat at MCG and hasn't been able to fulfil the role with the ball. The selectors have a decision to make at the end of this Test.” Talking about Mitchell Starc's dodgy back and a possible replacement, Katich believes it will either be reserves Jhye Richardson or Sean Abbott. However, he marked tall left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson as a future contender, provided he continues to bowl extensively for South Australia. "If they are being consistent, then guys who have come as cover, Jhye Richardson or Sean Abbott will be in the mix. Spencer Johnson is playing in Big Bash League and is coming back after a toe injury. It is one thing bowling four overs in BBL and bowling 22 to 25 overs in a Test match is completely different, backing it up day after day. "Something they (coaching staff) will know better with workloads and managements. I do think Spencer is a potential Test player. He has skills and capability but he has to play more matches (Sheffield Shield) for South Australia.” Bumrah is best fast bowler now ==================== Having played a considerable amount of cricket against India, Katich considers Jasprit Bumrah one of the best overseas pacers to have travelled Down Under in the last two decades. "No doubt that of all the players I have seen or played against in last 20 odd years, Bumrah's numbers speak for themselves. One that got Alex Carey, the ball was seaming back, knocking down his stumps was an absolute beauty. Young Konstas got one that pegged back and hit top of middle, great control and skill-set to work batsmen out." Asked what makes Bumrah special, Katich said: “Great pace. Yes, he has unique action. The fact that he gets movement both ways and hits the length and an area at will. "He has got great control, yorker, bouncer, length and adjusting lines whether to get an LBW or bowling in the channel to get an outside edge, backed up by his pace.” (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

FBI director to resign before Trump becomes presidentEli Lilly and Novo Nordisk’s Obesity Moat Just Got Stronger - The Wall Street Journal

Irish Government doubted UK campaign to ‘save David’ TrimbleRICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — Matt Morrissey threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Calwise Jr. that ended the scoring midway through the fourth quarter and Eastern Kentucky beat North Alabama 21-15 on Saturday for its fifth straight win. TJ Smith drove North Alabama to the EKU 45-yard line before he threw an interception to Mike Smith Jr. to end the game. Smith threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Dakota Warfield to give North Alabama a 15-14 lead with 10:37 to play. Morrissey completed 9 of 15 passes for 154 yards and added 60 yards on the ground with a touchdown run. Brayden Latham added 103 yards rushing on 19 carries that included a 2-yard score for Eastern Kentucky (8-4, 6-2 United Athletic Conference). Smith was 23-of-39 passing for 325 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for North Alabama (3-9, 2-5). Tanaka Scott had 109 yards receiving and a touchdown catch. ___ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The robotics field is advancing rapidly, with a growing emphasis on improving machine autonomy and interaction. As robots are tasked with increasingly complex activities, their ability to operate effectively in dynamic and unpredictable environments becomes crucial. One key challenge is developing robots that can maintain balance while navigating such settings. The BallBot, which rides a ball, exemplifies this challenge. Given these complexities, further research is needed to optimize the parametric configurations that govern the control performance of balancing robots like the BallBot. Researchers from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Danang—University of Science and Technology have made significant progress in understanding the dynamic behaviors of the BallBot. in the , their study provides an in-depth look at BallBot's mathematical model and introduces a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller to fine-tune its movements, ensuring improved balance and stability. The study delves into the advanced design features of the BallBot, a state-of-the-art balancing robot. Notably, the researchers have refined the robot's hardware, adding a four-wheel inverse mouse-ball drive and a yaw drive mechanism. These additions allow the BallBot to rotate 360 degrees on its vertical axis, enhancing its maneuverability in confined or complex environments. When stationary, a tripod mechanism ensures stability. The paper also discusses the control architecture developed for the BallBot, which is central to its ability to balance and navigate seamlessly. A key innovation of this research is the introduction of a trajectory planning algorithm, which allows the BallBot to transition smoothly from rest to motion while following predetermined paths. The study demonstrates how these advancements enable dynamic , positioning the BallBot as a highly stable and responsive partner in human environments. With its ability to adapt to varying conditions, this research lays the groundwork for more reliable and versatile robots in real-world applications. Dr. Nhu Thanh Vo, senior author of the study, explains, "Our work highlights the importance of fine-tuning parametric configurations to optimize the BallBot's control performance. By adjusting these parameters, we can enhance the robot's stability and maneuverability, which is key for creating more efficient and reliable robots that can assist in a variety of settings." The implications of this research extend far beyond the BallBot. With improved control strategies, robots like BallBot could play pivotal roles in industries that require precision balance and agility, such as manufacturing, logistics, and search-and-rescue operations. These advancements are crucial for the future deployment of robots in dynamic environments, where stability and reliability are paramount. By pushing the boundaries of robotic control systems, this study marks an important step toward integrating autonomous robots into everyday life and work.

Marathon petroleum director Jeffrey Campbell acquires $897,644 in stock

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Jared Spurgeon scored 1:00 into overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Saturday night. Kirill Kaprizov and Declan Chisholm also scored for the Wild, who are 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Filip Gustavsson stopped 25 shots. Fedor Svechkov and Ryan O’Reilly scored and Roman Josi had two assists for the Predators, who have lost four in a row — the last three in overtime. Juuse Saros had 25 saves. Spurgeon, who scored twice in Friday's win against Chicago, took a pass from Kaprizov in the slot and fired a high wrist shot that beat Saros for his third of the season. Takeaways Predators: Nashville is tied for the fewest road wins in the league with two, and this loss kicked off a four-game road swing that also includes stops in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. Wild: For the second time in two nights, the Wild struggled to put away one of the bottom-dwellers in the Central Division. But they ran their record to 5-1-2 when tied after two periods and got just their second overtime win in six chances this season. Key moment With 3:44 to play in the third period, Zachary L'Heureux broke in alone on Gustavsson, but the Wild goalie kicked aside a wrist shot to keep the score tied. Minnesota Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm (47) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. Credit: AP/Bailey Hillesheim Key stat The Predators are 1-6 in overtime this season, and all six losses were by a 3-2 score. Up Next Wild host Vancouver on Tuesday, while the Predators visit Toronto on Wednesday.

Zoetis Declares First Quarter 2025 Dividend; Board Approves 16% Payment Increase