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Jimmy Carter was a president whose reputation in foreign policy only grew after he left officeThe Illinois Flag Commission released the top 10 finalists for the new state flag design contest on Tuesday. Here’s the meaning behind each. The public can vote starting in January . (Illinois Secretary of State) (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: Born and raised. From 1984-2002, I spent my childhood in central Illinois, I’ve lived and worked in Bloomington/Normal for 26 of my 40 years of life. My dad, sister, niece, and the majority of my aunts and uncles are still here. All of my grandparents are buried here. I found out about this commission only days ago after spending two years abroad. I found this old design from 2016 just today. It needs works. It lacks our current eagle, perhaps to be placed in white silhouette above the star. Explain the meaning behind your flag: This slice of Old Glory is also a nod to the French flag, banners which both stood here. A single star shines our contribution to the union. Abe’s silhouette reminds us of our past. The red field highlights our present: Illinois’ most iconic border, formed by the mighty Mississippi. It’s steady flow, as progress itself, cuts through our banner in white leading us ever to the future. The flag still lacks any representation of our Illiniwek and Miami heritage, which should be added by their progeny. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: As someone born, raised, and educated in the state of Illinois, I am proud to call Illinois home and plan to do so for life. I believe strongly that my character and view of the world as a citizen and as an architect has been shaped by the cultural, geographic, economic, historic, and architectural diversity of our state. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The four dark blue bars in this submission represent the four geographic features that hold the greatest geographic, economic, and historic significance in the creation of Illinois: Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, and the Chicago River/ Illinois River system. The corn kernels and 21-pronged gear that form our state flower, the violet, represent the agricultural and industrial foundations of our state and its status as the 21st state admitted to the Union. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: I am 18 years old and a lifelong resident, born in Moline and currently living in Rock Island. My parents were also born and raised in this state. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The flag is divided into 7 stripes, in a pattern of white and blue alternating. The biggest blue stripe represents Lake Michigan while the smaller blue stripes represent the state’s various rivers such as the Mississippi and the Illinois. The center blue stripe contains 20 smaller stars surrounding a center star, which represent Illinois as the 21st state. The small white stripes represent the state’s industry and commerce while the bigger white stripes represent the state’s agriculture. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: The students who worked on this flag are high school students living in Illinois named Johnna and Spresalynn. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The state butterfly, the Monarch, is the focal point of this flag that includes 21 stars for Illinois being the 21st state (the large star represents Illinois). The orange represents success, determination, and creativity while the blue stands for trust, loyalty, and sincerity and strength. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: In the fall of 2004, I lived in Chicago and was studying industrial design at UIC. My great grandfather, Harry James McCartney was an engraver in Chicago. He worked downtown at the Sears, Roebuck and Co where he illustrated and engraved images of lamps, heaters, and other household accessories that were printed on the pages of the Sears mail-order catalogue. His father was James A. McCartney, a civil war veteran from Illinois. He became the IL Attorney General from 1881-1885. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The 21 red + white stripes represent Illinois as the 21st state of this union. The blue field with the six-pointed white star represents Chicago. The negative space between the blue and white fields form the shape of an I to represent Illinois. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: My late wife Maureen Thomas (1952-2023) was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The idea of mine is simply an embellishment to the existing flag (helps to save money on an entire new design). Placing red and blue vertical bars on each end (with a narrow white stripe in between the colors) eliminates the ‘seal-on-bedsheet’ look. Not overly imaginative, but practical and economic. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: My connection to Illinois runs deep. My ancestors came from Ireland in the early 1900s and settled in Gridley, IL, where they farmed corn, soybeans, and raised livestock. My father grew up on that same farm, while my mother was raised in Champaign. They met at Illinois State University, where I also earned my Bachelor of Arts in graphic design. I’ve lived in Illinois my entire life, and its agricultural landscapes and small town values make me proud to call Illinois home. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The 21 stripes represent Illinois as the 21st state and reflect its agricultural roots, resembling rows of crops and the open prairie. Three six-pointed stars represent the state’s three regions*northern, central, and southern*and their 18 points reference Illinois’ founding in 1818. A sun on the horizon, also featured on our current state flag, represents renewal. The colors — Blue for unity, Green for agriculture, and Yellow for a bright future — honor Illinois’ history and natural beauty. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: I’ve lived here for nearly 10 years and have grown to love this state. It’s an excellent place to settle down, with welcoming people who have always made me feel at home. From stunning city views to beautiful countryside, my appreciation for this state has deepened. Explain the meaning behind your flag: A large gold star in the center draws attention, much like the standout features of our state. Gold color symbolizes out the richness in our state, people, land and views. A horizontal blue line symbolizes lake Michigan, separating the sky from the rich land. Two smaller lines add a neat, elegant touch. The central circle abstractly represents the view from above Abraham Lincoln’s hat. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois : Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been proud to call Springfield my home. I come from generations of Illinoisans and have chosen to raise my family here as well. I’ve spent much of my life exploring the state and experiencing its wonders firsthand what I’ve found is there is much to what makes Illinois great: our rich history, our landscape, our variety of people and the places they live. My designs reflect these qualities in a way that can hopefully inspire others to share my pride for my home. Explain the meaning behind your flag: The outline of Abraham Lincoln symbolizes liberty, opportunity and the equality of all people. The outline of Illinois symbolizes the pride we share for our state. The circle of 21 stars represents our communal togetherness and honors our state being the 21st to join the USA. The white star symbolizes Chicago and its upper-right location. Dark blue represents our blue-collar attitude and industrial power. Gold represents our prairie and agricultural history. White represents our bright spirit. (Illinois Secretary of State) Relationship to Illinois: I have lived in Illinois for my entire life (40 years). I grew up in Naperville and then moved to Chicago where I lived for about 18 years before moving to Des Plaines. Explain the meaning behind your flag: My flag uses a silhouette design of the state of Illinois as the focal point. I always felt Illinois had a distinct outline. 21 stars circle the state to symbolize it being the 21st state to enter the Union. Additionally, I used the circular design to symbolize Illinois being a kind of center of the country, whether it is geographically or from Chicago serving as a hub for train and air traffic. Finally, the blue edges represent the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan which flank the state.Luigi Mangione was reportedly found with a 3D printed ghost gun, an illegal firearm ‘scary on so many levels’
Dogecoin Reaches $45B Market Cap, Lightchain AI’ Attracts Retail Investors
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is ‘one of one’ and Chargers’ next big test"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.In this article APP MSTR PLTR HOOD NVDA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia Corp., holds up the company's AI accelerator chips for data centers as he speaks during the Nvidia AI Summit Japan in Tokyo on Nov. 13, 2024. Akio Kon | Bloomberg | Getty Images Artificial intelligence is still an abstract concept for many everyday consumers unsure about how it will change their lives. But there's no question about whether businesses are finding value in it. Some of the biggest winners in this year's stock market rally that's seen the Nasdaq jump 33% and other U.S. indexes notch double-digit gains have direct ties to the rapid advancements in AI. Chipmaker Nvidia is among them, but it's not alone. The other standout theme that's driven this year's outperformers is crypto. Starting with the launch of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in January, cryptocurrencies had a big 2024, punctuated by Donald Trump's election victory, which was funded heavily by the crypto industry. A number of stocks tied to crypto got a big boost. With four trading days left in the year, here are the five best-performing U.S. tech stocks of 2024 among companies valued at $5 billion or more. AppLovin Adam Foroughi, CEO of AppLovin. CNBC AppLovin entered the year with a market cap of about $13 billion and was best known for investing in a collection of mobile gaming studios that had produced titles like "Woody Block Puzzle," "Clockmaker" and "Bingo Story." As it exits the year, AppLovin's valuation has soared past $110 billion, making it worth more than Starbucks , Intel and Airbnb . At Tuesday's close, AppLovin shares are up 758% this year, far surpassing all other tech companies. While AppLovin went public in 2021, riding a Covid-era wave of excitement in online games, the business is now centered around online ads and booming profits from advancements in AI. Last year, AppLovin released the updated 2.0 version of its ad search engine called AXON, which helps put more targeted ads on the gaming apps the company owns and is also used by studios that license the technology. Software platform revenue in the third quarter increased 66% to $835 million, outpacing total growth of 39%. Net income in the quarter soared 300%, lifting the company's profit margin to 36.3% from 12.6% in the course of a year. AppLovin CEO Adam Foroughi, whose net worth has swelled past $10 billion, is even more excited about what's coming. On the company's earnings call in November, Foroughi raved about a test e-commerce project that allows businesses to offer targeted ads in games. "In all my years, It's the best product I've ever seen released by us, fastest growing, but it's still in pilot," he said. MicroStrategy CostFoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images After climbing 346% in 2023, it was hard to imagine MicroStrategy's stock finding another gear. But it did. The company's share price has jumped 467% this year on the back of a bitcoin-buying strategy that's made founder Michael Saylor a crypto cult hero. In mid-2020, the company announced a plan to start buying bitcoin. Up to that point, MicroStrategy had been a middling business intelligence software vendor, but since then, its purchased over 444,000 bitcoins, using its ever-increasing share price as a way to sell stock, raise debt and buy more coin. It's now the world's fourth-largest holder of bitcoin, behind only creator Satoshi Nakamoto, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust and crypto exchange Binance, with a stockpile valued at close to $44 billion. MicroStrategy's market cap has swelled from about $1.1 billion when it was just a software company to $80 billion today. While the rally was long underway prior to November, Trump's election victory last month added fuel. The stock is up 57% since then while bitcoin has gained about 44%. Trump once called bitcoin a "scam," but he was the industry's preferred choice in this election and was backed heavily by some of the leading players, including Coinbase . "With the red sweep, Bitcoin is surging up with tailwinds, and the rest of the digital assets will also begin to surge," Saylor told CNBC soon after the election. He said bitcoin remains the "safe trade" in the crypto space, but as a "digital assets framework" is put into place for the broader crypto market, "there'll be a surge in the entire digital assets industry." Palantir Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, walks to the morning session at the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, on July 10, 2024. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Palantir had a lot of big runs in 2024 on its way to a 380% gain in its stock price. One of its best stretches came last month, when the software company boosted its revenue outlook a day ahead of the presidential election. The company, which sells data analytics tools to defense agencies, bumped up its target for 2024, with fourth-quarter guidance that blew away analysts' estimates. Palantir also topped results for the third quarter, leading CEO Alex Karp to declare in the earnings release , "We absolutely eviscerated this quarter, driven by unrelenting AI demand that won't slow down." The stock jumped 23% on the earnings report and then another 8.6% the next day after Trump's win. Palantir co-founder and board member Peter Thiel was a big Trump booster in the 2016 campaign and helped organize a meeting with tech execs at Trump Tower soon after that election. Karp was one of the attendees. Karp, however, openly backed Vice President Kamala Harris , the Democratic nominee, in the 2024 campaign. He told The New York Times in a story published in August that Thiel's earlier support of Trump and the backlash that followed made it "actually harder to get things done." Still, Wall Street has rallied behind Palantir following the election on optimism that more military spending will flow to the company. Karp's comments in the earnings report ahead of the election suggest the company would be fine either way. "The growth of our business is accelerating, and our financial performance is exceeding expectations as we meet an unwavering demand for the most advanced artificial intelligence technologies from our U.S. government and commercial customers," Karp said in a letter to shareholders . Analysts expect revenue growth in 2025 of about 24% to $3.5 billion, according to LSEG. Robinhood Dado Ruvic | Reuters Robinhood shares more than tripled in value this year, despite a 17% drop on Oct. 31, following disappointing earnings . Investors looked past those numbers a few days later, driving the stock up 20% after Trump's election win, as all things tied to crypto rallied. One of Robinhood's biggest growth engines is crypto, which retail investors can easily purchase on the app, alongside their stocks. Revenue from crypto transactions jumped 165% in the third quarter from a year earlier to $61 million, accounting for 10% of total net revenue. In addition to bitcoin, Robinhood users can easily buy about 20 other cryptocurrencies, ranging from popular digital assets like etherium to alt-coins such as dogecoin, Shiba Inu and Bonk. At the company's investor day in November, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev said that crypto is more than just an investment but also a "disruptive technology that will change the underlying infrastructure beneath payments, loans and a wide variety of tradable assets." For the fourth quarter, analysts are expecting Robinhood to report revenue growth of over 70% to $805.7 million, according to LSEG, which would be the fastest rate of growth for any quarter since 2021, the year the company went public . Robinhood's rally this year has exceeded that of Coinbase, which has jumped 61%. But with a market cap of $70 billion, Coinbase is still twice as valuable. Nvidia watch now VIDEO 1:40 01:40 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang makes surprise apperance on Squawk Box set Squawk Box Nvidia's astounding run has continued. Following last year's 239% gain, powered by excitement around generative AI, Nvidia soared another 183% this year, adding a whopping $2.2 trillion in market cap. Twice this year Nvidia grabbed the title of world's most valuable publicly traded company. Apple has jumped back ahead and is approaching $4 trillion, with Nvidia at $3.4 trillion and Microsoft at $3.3 trillion. Nvidia remains the biggest beneficiary of the AI boom, as the largest cloud vendors and internet companies snap up all the graphics processing units they can find. Annual revenue has increased by at least 94% in each of the past six quarters, with growth exceeding 200% three times in that stretch. CEO Jensen Huang said in the company's latest earnings report that the next-generation AI chip called Blackwell is in "full production." Finance chief Colette Kress said the company is on track for "several billion dollars" of Blackwell revenue in its fourth quarter. "Every customer is racing to be the first to market," Kress said. "Blackwell is now in the hands of all of our major partners, and they are working to bring up their data centers." While growth is expected to remain robust for a company of Nvidia's size, the inevitable slowdown is coming. Analysts are projecting year-over-year deceleration over the next several quarters with growth dipping into the mid-40s by the second half of next year. Nvidia counts on an outsized amount of revenue from a handful of tech giants, so any economic swings present significant risk to investors. That helps explain why Nvidia likes to tell Wall Street about the extensive roster of companies that are building new AI services and "are racing to accelerate development of these applications with the potential for billions of agents to be deployed in the coming years," Kress said on the earnings call. WATCH: Next year is a 'stock-picker's market' watch now VIDEO 7:49 07:49 This next year is a 'stock-picker's market,' says Hightower Advisors' Michael Farr Power Lunch
Even in this banner season for military academy football — complete with winning streaks, national rankings and a conference championship — the biggest goal remains the same. For Army: Beat Navy. For Navy: Beat Army. With the college football landscape changing at a furious rate, the significance of this matchup adds a dose of tradition to mid-December, amid all that talk about the transfer portal and the new expanded playoff. "We've had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that's just the way it goes around here," Army coach Jeff Monken said. "It's a game and a season really all of its own. We don't apologize for talking about it all the time. We talk about it all the time, and it's 365 days a year." Saturday in Landover, Maryland, is the 125th matchup between Army and Navy, and although these two programs are long removed from their days winning national titles and Heisman Trophies, this is a historic moment in the rivalry. The Black Knights and Midshipmen have combined for 19 wins this season, their highest total ever entering this game. Army (11-1) is ranked 19th in the AP poll after beating Tulane last week to win the American Athletic Conference — the first league title of any kind in the team's 134-year history. Navy (8-3) was ranked as well earlier this season after starting with six straight victories. "I knew we were going to be an improved football team," Navy coach Brian Newberry said. "Didn't know exactly what that was going to look like. I think certainly we've improved in a lot of different areas. I'm excited about the season we've had." This was Army's first season in the AAC, putting the Black Knights and Midshipmen in the same league, although their annual matchup is considered a nonconference game. For a while, there was a chance the teams could meet twice, with a conference championship clash coming before the regularly scheduled Army-Navy game, but that didn't happen. Their most prominent common opponent came from outside the league. Notre Dame handed both Navy and Army its first loss, beating the Midshipmen 51-14 and the Black Knights 49-14. Within the AAC, both teams beat Temple, UAB and East Carolina. Army beat Tulane and Rice and Navy lost to those two teams. Army and Navy also each won its nonconference game against Air Force. Those victories over Air Force mean this season's Commander-In-Chief's Trophy comes down to the Army-Navy game. It's the first time since 2017 that both teams enter this game with a shot at the trophy. It's also the first time since 2017 that both teams enter the game with bowl bids secured. Navy faces Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl and Army takes on Marshall in the Independence Bowl. This year's Army-Navy game is at the Washington Commanders' home stadium in Landover. It was also held there in 2011. This is the first time the game has been in Maryland since Baltimore hosted it in 2016. Baltimore is also up next in 2025. Army quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the FBS lead with running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State's Heisman finalist. Only one QB in FBS history has run for more TDs in a season than Daily. That was Navy's Keenan Reynolds, with 31 in 2013. "You come here to play in this game. The biggest stage possible, millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium. It's awesome," Daily said. "None of the games that happened before this matter. We're going into this game like we're 0-0, they're 0-0 because that's just how you have to come into this game." Navy's closest game this season — win or lose — was a 56-44 win over Memphis. The Midshipmen are the only FBS team that hasn't had a game this season decided by eight points or fewer. AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!It has been 21 years since the Concorde supersonic passenger transport last flew in November 2003. Although the Concorde is not the direct focus of this article, its operation as a supersonic transport is instructive in an experimental research project undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with industry partner, Lockheed-Martin. The aircraft's maiden flight is now penciled in for early 2025. NASA's project is called the Quiet SuperSonic Technology Flight Demonstrator. NASA contracted with Lockheed-Martin's Skunk Works in Palmdale, CA., to design and make the X-59 QueSST demonstration aircraft. In theory, its odd shape is aerodynamically designed to reduce the sonic boom to a soft thump. As for the role of NASA's two F-15s in X-59 testing, they are the project's chase planes and instrumented data collection platforms. The aircraft will test new technologies to reduce the sonic boom to a dull thud and gather data to support eventual supersonic flights over land. Introduction One of the many challenges British Airways and Air France dealt with in operating the Concorde in supersonic flight was the sonic boom resulting from breaking the sound barrier. When the Concorde commenced passenger service in 1976, noise pollution was becoming a hot topic. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already published regulations stipulating noise abatement requirements at several congested airports with increasing urban density in the surrounding area. The FAA ultimately restricted Supersonic flight in the National Airspace System (NAS) in 1973; certain controlled military airspaces were exempt. To many members of the public, the supersonic Concorde represented the ultimate in noise pollution. There was no surprise when the FAA declined to issue a waiver lifting the supersonic restriction for the Concorde's flight over land. The result was: British Airways would fly from London-Heathrow (LHR) and Air France's hub was Charles de Gaulle Airport. Both airlines were permitted landing rights at Washington-Dulles Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport. Many years later, the FAA permitted both airlines to fly sub-sonic to Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport (DFW). Even though the Concorde still had to fly subsonic over land, the benefit of a non-stop flight to/from a central airport like DFW, removed the lost time making a connecting flight at IAD or JFK. The Concorde's supersonic passenger service has been gone for more than two decades, but the public still has a desire to seek the benefits of supersonic travel in the United States. The Concorde took three hours to fly from New York City to London, instead of the usual seven hours. Flying a non-stop conventional flight from Boston-Logan (BOS) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about six hours. Flying the same route at Mach 2 (1,325 mph) and 60,000 ft, the flight time is two hours and 45 minutes. Thousands of travelers in the U.S. would readily spend the extra money to fly coast-to-coast at 1,325 mph. NASA flew the Tupolev Tu-144's final flights as a testbed to develop the next generation of supersonic passenger aircraft. The Supersonic "Problem" As much as there is an existing demand for supersonic passenger service, regardless of the cost, there are just as many people who think it will never happen due to numerous perceived non-starters. Interestingly, the majority of negative comments come from folks who are unlikely to be aeronautical engineers. Here is a sample comment from a naysayer who was the first one to pop up in my browser. On Reddit, a user's handle, " Delphius 1 ," said: "Realistically, even with reduced noise supersonic technology, likely not, not for decades to reach the same volume to premium payout as subsonic transportation. Flights over general populations are the real problem here, until supersonic travel over them is accepted, it won't happen." At the time the Concorde discontinued its service 21 years ago, and up to the present day, Delphius 1's comments are not inaccurate. The idea of transcontinental supersonic flight could easily remain in stasis for another 20 years without any research and development (R&D) into mitigating sonic boom noise pollution. But this would be ignoring the fact that technological advances have solved many problems that were more vexing than mitigating supersonic noise pollution. The supersonic aircraft was not as beloved as many people think. NASA's X-59 QueSST Flight Demonstrator The FAA poses numerous restrictions on the use of the National Airspace System (NAS). Two longstanding NAS restrictions are supersonic flight and drone operations. In the past 10 years, there have been significant modifications to FAA regulations to accommodate drone operations. This did not happen without major strides in drone technology. Similarly, NASA, the FAA, and air carriers recognize that advancements in aviation technology have been moving along steadily and that flying supersonic in the NAS is likely achievable with some focused R&D. Industry technologists understand that the near-term solution is reducing the supersonic noise signature of aircraft destined to have a supersonic flight envelope. Over 50 charter trips were offered via Concorde, connecting passengers to unique destinations worldwide. If NASA and its partners want to solve the supersonic-over-land conundrum, a limited amount of R&D could be done by simulation and a wind tunnel. Since the Concorde is no longer able to provide high-speed and high-altitude research flights, NASA recognized they needed a testbed aircraft capable of sustained Mach 2 flight at 60,000 ft. The Lockheed-Martin X-59 is the intended demonstrator aircraft for studying the mitigation of sonic boom noise pollution. The X-59 will undergo its own flight testing before any sonic boom research. The first flight is scheduled for mid-2025. Next steps for the X-59 Project The X-59 QueSST is the R&D test aircraft; but how would the project engineers study the sonic boom from the ground, 11 miles (60,000 ft) away? The only answer is to install the necessary test equipment in another Mach 2 aircraft. They needed a supersonic chase plane. When casting about for a supersonic chase plane capable of flying higher than 60,000 ft, it quickly came down to only one aircraft, a two-seat Boeing F-15D Eagle. The F-15's service ceiling is 65,000 ft., but not in sustained flight at Mach 2. With a maximum fuel load and no external stores, the F-15 can fly 15 minutes at 60,000 ft and Mach 2 before the pilot has to break off for refueling. With proper flight test planning, NASA will conduct sonic boom testing in 15-minute sessions. NASA had one more problem to address: a deficient life support system aboard the F-15 chase planes. NASA's concern was the hypoxia risk for F-15 aircrew members. The Air Force's Handbook of Aerospace and Operational Physiology, 2nd Edition, defines hypoxia as: A state of oxygen deficiency in the blood, cells, or tissues sufficient to cause an impairment of function. More simply, hypoxia means "reduced oxygen" or "not enough oxygen." Since the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, a reduced level of mental function while flying can result in an airborne mishap. The problem with hypoxia is that it usually occurs gradually. Pilots are trained to recognize the onset of hypoxia, including, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and tunnel vision. % of Oxygen Blood Saturation Effects of Hypoxia (low blood oxygenation) 93% or higher No ill effects 93% to 80% Low light (Night Visual Sensitivity) 80% to 72% Impaired recent memory and difficulty with simple math 72% to 59% Altered judgment & impaired physical coordination 59% to 46% Unconsciousness in Hours 46% to 21% Unconsciousness in Minutes 21% to Zero Unconsciousness in Seconds F-15s typically fly with their cockpit pressurized to 8,000 ft MSL. Above 8,000 ft., it is standard procedure for the crew to wear their oxygen masks to mitigate the possibility of becoming unconscious due to rapid depressurization. If the F-15 depressurizes below 40,000 ft., the standard life support system will aid the aircrew's respiration by providing "Positive Pressure Breathing" (PPB). When depressurization occurs above 40,000 ft, the PPB function begins to struggle to push enough oxygen to avoid hypoxia. Brian Griffin, deputy operations leader for NASA's Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Project said: "Pretend you're breathing through an inflated balloon. If you don't control it [Positive Pressure Breathing], the air in the balloon will rush back into your lungs. And to exhale you have push harder than the balloon is pushing back at you." Griffin's colleague, Ben Cacanindin, the X-59 aircraft operations engineer, described the application of PPB at 60,000 ft as " like sucking on a leaf blower! " To cope with a possible F-15 cockpit depressurization while flying chase at 60,000 ft. NASA decided to upgrade the life support system to provide an even higher PPB oxygen flow. Rather than investing the time and expense to design a new life support system, the project team decided to adapt the system currently aboard the F-22 fighter jet. The F-22 had its own pilot hypoxia problem, too, but it was resolved in 2012. All F-22s were subsequently retrofitted. Adapting the more robust life support system to the F-15 took quite a bit of work to figure out how to install the added system components. Subsequent flight testing of the F-15 chase plane demonstrated that it is prepared for its role in low boom testing whenever the X-59 QueSST is ready. Provided the X-59's flight testing shows the plane is safe to fly, sonic boom testing will commence in 2026.
LinkedIn pauses training AI models on Canadian user data: Privacy CommissionerTransmisr Transportation and Trading (TMT) has announced the inauguration of its new customs station, the Hossni El-Antably Customs Bonded Area, with an initial investment of EGP 100m. The facility, located in Alexandria, spans 7,500 square meters in its first phase and is designed to store empty containers, with a capacity to handle up to 1,500 containers. Mohamed El-Antably, Chairperson and Managing Director of TMT, emphasized that the launch of the Hossni El-Antably station represents a significant step in the company’s expansion within Egypt’s logistics sector. Founded in 1971, TMT offers a wide range of services including sea, air, and land freight, customs clearance, and transportation solutions. Looking ahead, El-Antably revealed that TMT plans to expand the station with a second phase, expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. This expansion will cover an additional 3,000 square meters, with an investment of over EGP 50m. The second phase will introduce a variety of new services, including the consolidation of less-than-container load (LCL) shipments, full container loads (FCL), and the storage of non-duty-paid goods for clients. The expanded facility will also offer container repairs and cleaning services, reinforcing TMT’s goal to establish the station as a fully integrated customs area. El-Antably further outlined that TMT currently operates a fleet of 75 pieces of equipment, including transport vehicles, cranes, and modern machinery, all designed to ensure the security and efficient handling of client cargo. The company employs advanced technologies such as GPS and Twist Lock systems to safeguard shipments, with highly trained drivers managing operations. TMT’s extensive network spans all Egyptian ports and airports, enhancing its ability to serve clients across the country. The company holds ISO certification, is an agent for several Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) lines, and is a member of multiple international organizations, including FIATA, IATA, FONASBA, BIMCO, and the Alexandria Chamber of Shipping (ACS), among others. In recognition of its excellence in the logistics industry, TMT was recently awarded the title of Best Agent in Africa and the Middle East by the PANGEA Logistics Network. This prestigious accolade is awarded by a global network that connects top independent freight agents across major airports and seaports worldwide.
The crypto world has seen some amazing success stories, like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Dogecoin (DOGE), where early investors made significant profits. Now, Lightchain AI (LCAI is stepping up as the next big opportunity, offering something fresh with its blend of blockchain and artificial intelligence technology. It’s definitely catching the eye of investors looking for the next game-changer. With its presale priced at just $0.003, Lightchain AI presents an intriguing opportunity for investors wondering if a $200 investment today could lead to $20,000 or more in returns, much like the historic growth of Shiba Inu and Dogecoin. Shiba Inu and Dogecoin Pinnacle of Meme Coin Success Both Shiba Inu and Dogecoin shot up in worth, driven by group excitement and viral fame. Dogecoin, first made as a prank, turned into a cultural event due to its low price and support from people like Elon Musk. It reached gains of more than 10,000% at its highest point turning small buys into huge profits! In the sam͏e way, Shiba Inu came into the market as a Dogecoin slayer and used its meme fame to grab investor attention. By mixing smart ads and guesswork charm, SHIB gave huge profits, even beating Dogecoin at some times of rising prices. But, these projects mainly rely on market feelings and do not have strong real-world uses which makes them weak to changes. Lightchain AI New Contender With Real-World Utility Lightchain A I emerges as a groundbreaking contender in the blockchain space, offering real-world utility through its innovative approach to decentralized technology. Unlike many projects that remain speculative, Lightchain AI integrates practical applications across industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and education. Its decentralized framework ensures scalability and transparency, making it adaptable to diverse use cases. The platform’s emphasis on secure, privacy-preserving computations fosters trust while addressing critical issues like data sovereignty and accessibility. Its community-focused model drives innovation, supported by a roadmap that prioritizes partnerships and ecosystem growth. Lightchain AI is making waves by combining smart tokenomics with a focus on solving real-world problems. It’s a project that’s all about making a difference, with an exciting future ahead! With its practical applications and strong potential, it’s a great chance for anyone looking to invest in something meaningful. Could Lightchain AI Rival Shiba Inu and Dogecoin’s Returns? To evaluate if Lightchain AI could replicate or surpass the growth of Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, it’s important to consider its market positioning and unique value propositions. Shiba Inu and Dogecoin rose to prominence on the strength of their communities and meme culture. Lightchain AI, on the other hand, introduces deflationary tokenomics, a focus on innovation, and real-world applications, making it appealing to a broader range of investors. At only $0.003 in its presale , a $200 investment in Lightchain AI would give you about 66,667 LCAI tokens. If the price increases to $0.30—a reasonable goal with its exciting potential—that investment could soar to $20,000, offering a possible 100x return. With the potential for real-world applications and industry adoption, the upside could be even bigger, making Lightchain AI a high-reward opportunity, though with some risks to consider. Why Lightchain AI’s Model Is Built for Growth Innovative Consensus Mechanism : Lightchain AI uses a cool new Proof of Intelligence (PoI) system, where nodes earn rewards for doing AI tasks, making the network safer and faster. It’s different from the usual ways other blockchains work. Clear Roadmap: Lightchain AI has a solid plan with big goals, like launching its testnet in January 2025 and the mainnet in March 2025, showing that it’s set for steady growth. Strong Tokenomics: There are 10 billion LCAI tokens in total. Here’s how they’re spread out: 40% for the presale, 28.5% for staking rewards, 15% for liquidity, 5% for marketing, 6.5% for the treasury, and 5% for the team. This helps keep things balanced and fair. Strategic Vision: By mixing AI with blockchain, Lightchain AI aims to solve big problems like scalability and privacy. It’s focused on real-world use in areas like healthcare and finance, making it ready to grow and be widely used. These factors, coupled with LCAI's low presale price and strong development team, make it a compelling investment opportunity in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space. Next Big Opportunity? Shiba Inu and Dogecoin proved that small investments can lead to massive gains in the cryptocurrency world. Lightchain AI , with its focus on real-world utility and innovative technology, offers a fresh narrative that could appeal to both speculative investors and those seeking meaningful blockchain applications. With a presale price of $0.003, a $200 investment in Lightchain AI could potentially rival or exceed the returns seen by Shiba Inu and Dogecoin investors during their peak growth periods. For those willing to embrace the risks of an early-stage project, Lightchain AI presents an exciting opportunity to be part of a transformative ecosystem that blends blockchain and artificial intelligence. The question now is will you take the leap? Yes, Lightchain AI may not have the same viral appeal as its meme-based counterparts, but it offers a solid foundation for long-term growth and impact. As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, Lightchain AI represents a potential game-changer with real-world applications and tangible returns. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
