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As advocates assess whether President-elect Trump will support high-speed rail, they have relatively few data points to go off of. Yes, theres Project 2025, which calls for across-the-board cuts to transportation spending. And theres the $900 million grant Trump yanked from California High-Speed Rail during his last term.But more recent utterances by the President-elect paint a different picture. In a conversation with Elon Musk on X this August, Trump described the nations lack of high-speed rail as sad. The bullet trains he has encountered in other countries go unbelievably fast, he said. Theyre unbelievably comfortable with no problems. And we dont have anything like that in this country, not even close. And it doesnt make sense that we dont.Whether Trump will act to change this situation is anyones guess. But his words speak to a broader reality: Americas paucity of high-speed rail is, increasingly, an embarrassing anomaly.Even since Trumps last term, the global high-speed rail picture has evolved considerably. Seven countries have inaugurated high-speed rail networks since he first took office in 2017, and another half dozen more currently have their first lines under construction.Its a technology that has existed for 60 years. Its mature, said Eric Goldwyn, a transportation researcher at NYUs Marron Institute. The global state of high-speed rail is quite promising. Youre seeing expansion all over the world.[Photo: Jaden William/Unsplash]For most of high-speed rails history, it was possible for Americans to write it off as the province of elite railroading countries. Japan pioneered the technology in the 1960s. France and Germany began building out their networks in the 1980s. A few other western European countries joined them in the final years of the 20th century.But this mode of transportation really began to pick up speed in the new Millennium. There are currently 10 times more miles of high-speed track rail globally now than there were in 2000.Most of that growth, on a per-mile basis, took place in China, whose network debuted in 2008. Chinas 30,000 miles of high-speed track make up about two-thirds of the global total. But many other countries either created or massively expanded their high-speed rail networks over that period. South Korea has opened over 500 miles of high-speed track since 2004, and Turkey has debuted the same number of miles since 2009. Most of Spains 2,500 mile network, the second-largest in the world, was built in the 21st century.[Photo: Winston Chen/Unsplash]In the past decade, a dizzying diversity of countries have joined the bullet train community, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Poland, Greece and Indonesia. Next up are Thailand, the Baltics, Egypt, India, and Iran, to name just a few countries building out new networks.Most of the old stalwarts, like France, Germany, China, Japan and South Korea, are continuing to build on their legacy lines, as well. The EU has set a goal of doubling high-speed rail ridership by 2030, and tripling it by 2050.Another 8,000 miles of high-speed track are expected to come online worldwide by 2028. If all goes according to plan, some 200 of those miles will be in the Mojave Desert between Las Vegas and Southern California on the under-construction Brightline West system.That project will join Amtraks Acela service and Brightlines Florida service among the nations current high-speed rail offerings. Neither the Acela, which maxes out at 150 miles per hour for a short stretch of its run, nor Brightline Florida, which maxes out at 125 mph for a brief section, are remotely close to world-class.[Photo: Martina Tuaty/Bloomberg/Getty Images]Americas lack of a national high-speed rail plan or a consistent long-term funding source, along with arduous permitting and environmental review processes, have prevented a more vibrant industry from taking shape. Without any domestic expertise in high-speed rail planning or construction, the projects that are attempted take too long and cost too much. Case in point: Californias ongoing project, which should connect Bakersfield and Merced in the early 2030s, but with no foreseeable completion date for the San Francisco and Los Angeles legs.One of the biggest recent changes in global high-speed rail development is that most of the countries building systems for the first time are doing so with the help of an experienced country. No longer do governments need to invest in years of research and development. High-speed rail is getting closer to being an off-the-shelf technology. Japanese, Chinese, and French firms have now helped build multiple systems outside of their home countrys borders.That said, high-speed rail development is never easy or cheap. Projects frequently cost more and take longer than planned. Some lines are shiny objects meant to stroke the egos of national leaders, rather than high-value transportation links. Some systems, including Chinas, carry enormous amounts of debt, as the Wall Street Journal recently reported.There are better and worse ways to plan and build high-speed rail. But the critics who say this is not a worthwhile transportation technology are getting quieter. There are rational political and economic reasons that such a diversity of countries are all pursuing the same ends.Mature networks have reaped significant benefits from their investments. The development of the Train Grand Vitesse in France has corresponded with enormous passenger growth. Total French rail ridership in 2019 was three times higher than it was in 1980, Le Monde Diplomatique recently reported. In Spain, where the high-speed network is rapidly expanding, 2024 high-speed rail ridership is double 2018 rates.While China builds some far-flung routes it may not need, its core network is thriving, and total ridership in 2023 reached record highs. A company serving the Beijing to Shanghai route reported $1.5 billion in profits last year.The environmental benefits of high-speed rail are significant, as well. A 2011 French study republished by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that the lifecycle carbon footprint of high-speed rail was 14 to 16 times lower than transportation by private car or plane.[Photo: Linus Mimietz/Unsplash]Wherever quality high-speed rail routes are rolled out, the share of travelers choosing to fly tends to plummet. Alitalia, Italys domestic air carrier, went out of business as the country built out its high-speed rail network. The number of flights between Seoul and Daegu was cut in half after the cities were connected by bullet trains, according to The Economics and Politics of High-Speed Rail by Daniel Albalate and Germa Bel.Historically, airlines have fought against the introduction of high-speed rail. But that could be starting to change, as some companies seek to shed more expensive to operate, and more polluting, short-haul routes. After opposing previous rail proposals, Air Canada in 2024 joined a consortium with French rail operator SNCF to build a proposed high-speed rail line connecting Toronto and Montreal. The two other bidders seeking to build out Canadas network include Spains Renfe and Germanys Deutsche Bahn.Getting the U.S. up to speed may likewise require partnering with experienced rail-building countries. Thats the plan for the proposed Texas Central project connecting Houston and Dallas, which would use Japanese Shinkansen technology.We shouldnt be afraid of copying what other countries have done, Goldwyn said.Ironically, restoring Americas railroad greatness could require humbly requesting aid from friends. Will that be a deal Trump is willing to make?

College attendance in the U.S. has increased from under 10% to over 60% in the last century. Yet, according to a new paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, despite the change in attendance rates, most students at elite universities come from wealthy families.The researchers assembled a dataset of records from 2.5 million students at 65 elite colleges over the past hundred years. They found in the 1920s, 8% of college students were from families at the bottom 20% of the income distribution. A hundred years later, 13% of male college students and 20% of female college students were from the bottom 20% of the income distribution.However, for Harvard University and Yale University, only 5% of students came from the bottom 20% of the income distribution, and this has not changed over the past hundred years. This pattern also held true for the other Ivy League universities, as well as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and Duke University.However, public universities have seen an increase. The University of California, Berkeley, for example, increased its number of low-income students from 3% in the 1920s to 10% by the early 2000s.The researchers did find that upper-income student enrollment at elite colleges decreased after World War II (WWII), but has surged again since the 1980s. Before WWII, 70% of the student body at private elite institutions (and 55% at public elite institutions) were from families in the top 20% of the income distribution. After WWII, this fell to 50% for private institutions and 40% for public. However, during the 1980s, this bounced back to pre-WWII levels and has stayed there ever since.The researchers pointed out that since the proportion of low-income students at Ivy League schools has stayed the same, this increase comes at the expense of middle-income student enrollment.Finally, while economic diversity has not increased, racial and geographic diversity has increased. Before the 1960s, the student body was almost entirely white. Since the Civil Rights Moment, Black student enrollment has increased to about 7% of the student body population and held steady. Interestingly, for elite public schools, Black enrollment has dropped since the early 2000s, but it has held steady at elite private schools.In addition, international student enrollment has increased from under 5% before the 1950s to about 15% in private colleges. Meanwhile, prior to the 1950s, only 30% of students were from outside their colleges geographic region, but this has since increased to about 60%.In conclusion, the researchers wrote, Two major policy changes in the history of American higher education, namely the G.I. Bill after World War II and the introduction of standardized tests for admissions, had little success in increasing the representation of lower- and middle-income students at elite colleges.

A curved bench and sinuous display rails meander through the interconnected spaces of this fashion store in Kyiv, Ukraine, which interior designer Katerina Kovalenko has conceived as a calming sanctuary for shoppers.Kovalenko's studio 725 developed the concept store for Friends of Fashion a Ukrainian clothing brand that wanted its first physical space to complement its simple and elegant womenswear collection.725 has created a concept store for Friends of Fashion in KyivA palette of natural materials including wool carpet and wood veneer creates a sanctuary-like space that showcases the brand's focus on slow fashion."The clients wanted an interior that reflected their brand's style and philosophy, with a focus on organic details and harmony," Kovalenko told Dezeen.Curved forms and soft, textured materials were used throughout the store"Our goal was to create a space that not only highlighted their fashion pieces but also provided comfort, warmth and a sense of refuge for customers especially significant given the context of the ongoing war," she added.Throughout the store, the design team aimed to evoke the flow of fabrics, using curved forms and soft, textured materials such as the lightweight curtains that line some of the walls.Arched doorways connect the spaces within the storeThe textiles and white plastered surfaces are contrasted with dark wooden panelling and stainless-steel hanging rails in some of the rooms.Existing architectural features such as an arched doorway between two of the spaces and windows in a cupola above the stairwell helped inform several interventions both externally and internally."To maintain the client's budget, we preserved these features and reinterpreted them through arched mirrors, rounded facades and soft, flowing forms that enhance the natural circulation of the space while adding a contemporary touch," Kovalenko added.Illia Klymenko created a custom S-shaped sofa for Friends of FashionFor the facade, which looks onto a main thoroughfare in Kyiv's historic city centre, the studio commissioned a pair of curving glass vitrines that are positioned on either side of the entrance.Internally, 725 worked with architect Illia Klymenko to develop several items of bespoke furniture, including an S-shaped sofa that provides lounge seating next to the payment area.Other pieces that were specially made for the store include a curved stainless-steel garment rack and a checkered carpet that covers the floor in the fitting rooms.Read: Shogo Onodera transforms existing surfaces in Tokyo boutique to "avoid making anything new"According to Kovalenko, the ongoing war in Ukraine made it difficult to source manufactured pieces from local brands due to the destruction of production facilities across the country."Most of the furniture and decor were made by Ukrainian craftsmen, as international orders faced significant delays at customs and limited local inventory required us to rely on custom production," she said.The fitting rooms are fitted with checkered carpetOne of the most eye-catching features is the bespoke fabric suspension lamp in the stairwell, which is mechanised to open and close like a flower."Its organic design, reminiscent of a flower opening to sunlight, represents hope and resilience a metaphor for the belief that even in Ukraine's darkest times, the sun will shine again," said Kovalenko.Friends of Fashion's slow-fashion ethos informed many of the material choices through the interior, incuding the emphasis on recycled and reusable elements.725 added a bespoke fabric suspension lamp that opens and closes like a flower725 was founded in 2019 by Kovalenko, who is currently based in London and describes herself as a creative designer and trend expert, focused on raising awareness of Ukrainian interior design.In 2022, Kovalenko wrote an editorial for Dezeen describing how she was forced to flee Ukraine when Russian forces started to invade. She also produced a round-up of six interiors that represent contemporary Ukrainian design.The photography is by Andriy Bezuglov.The post Natural materials create "a sense of refuge" in Kyiv boutique Friends of Fashion appeared first on Dezeen.

An architect's self-designed home in Melbourne and a London residence with a copper "top hat" are among the most popular houses on Dezeen this month.Also includedin our monthlyroundup of the tophouses published on Dezeen is an "uncomplicated abode" in the Vietnamese jungle and a barn-like building in rural Kent.Read on for Dezeen readers' favourite houses of November:Photo by Turtle Arts PhotographyTropiBox, India, by Tropical Architecture BureauThe most popular house on Dezeen this month was TropiBox a residence in the city of Kochi, Kerala, characterised by rounded walls formed of layers of smooth cement plaster.According to its architect Tropical Architecture Bureau, it was intended to give the home a "futuristic feel" while paying homage to the region's traditional stone architecture.Find out more about this house Photo by Tom RossNorthcote House, Australia, by LLDS ArchitectsNorthcote House is the self-designed home of the founders of LLDS Architects, which was named urban house of the year at the Dezeen Awards 2024.The home's defining feature is its irregularly shaped plywood roof structure, which is among the bespoke elements to have been manufactured by the studio's sister company, Power to Make.Find out more about this house Photo by Jim StephensonWimbledon Village house, UK, by Jason Good ArchitectureA "top hat" wrapped indark patinatedcopper distinguishes this house in London, designed by Jason Good Architecture to replace a 1980s cottage.The circular outcrop encloses a skylight around which the home's interior is organised, providing the surrounding spaces with amplenatural light and ventilation.Find out more about this house Photo by Oki HiroyukiAnchor House, Vietnam, by MM++ ArchitectsAn artist escaping the city was the client for Anchor House, a home hidden among trees in the jungle of the Mekong Delta.Described by MM++ Architects as an "uncomplicated abode", its interiors are sparsely furnished and dominated by exposed concrete surfaces that retain focus on the lush greenery outside.Find out more about this house Photo by Peter LandersWeald House, UK, by Mailen Design and Peter Bradford ArchitectsMailen Design and Peter Bradford Architects reference traditional black barns in their design of Weald House in Kent.The low-lying residence is encased in dark timber and zinc cladding that is punctuated by expansive openings to the south, which the studios said establishes "a strong sense of connection to the landscape".Find out more about this house The post Dezeen's top five houses of November 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Theres something uniquely personal about building a home gym. Its a space where goals are forged, frustrations are burned away, and progress is etched into every repetition. Yet, for many, the challenge isnt the effortits the equipment. You want gear that feels like it belongs in a professional setup but fits into your everyday space, something that pushes limits without dominating your home. Ive walked into countless living rooms, garages, and basements dressed up as fitness studios, each with its quirks and mismatched gear, but every so often, I find a piece of equipment that feels like it ties everything together. The RitFit Buffalo Smith Machine Home Gym Package is that rare centerpiece.Think of this as less about building muscle and more about building confidence in your own training space. Theres a satisfaction in finding gear that doesnt just perform well but actually enhances the way you work outstreamlined, organized, and ready to take on whatever your fitness ambitions demand. For those whove spent time wrestling with flimsy machines, cluttered weights, or expensive equipment that only gives you half a workout, this package feels like a quiet revolution. It doesnt beg for attention with flashy gimmicks; instead, it works efficiently, thoughtfully, and with an all-rounded appeal that rivals the equipment youd find in your neighborhood gym.Designer: RitFit LLCClick Here to Buy Now: $2,376 $2,699.99 ($323.99 off, use coupon code YANKO12). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!The RitFit Buffalo Smith Machine Home Gym Package feels like it was designed by someone who truly understands the rhythm of a great workout. You can see it in the way the Smith machine anchors the designa stable, versatile frame that invites you to lift with confidence. The nine adjustable settings are as much about variety as they are about precision, ensuring that every movement aligns with your body and your goals. The inclusion of band pegs stands out as a practical touch, catering to users who incorporate resistance training into their workouts while maintaining a streamlined setup.What strikes you first is how well the components work together. The system integrates multiple training options into a cohesive design, featuring a power rack, lat pull-down, cable crossover, and functional trainer. The dual-sided layout, with 14 adjustable pulley settings and a 2:1 ratio, suggests smooth operation for exercises ranging from precise isolation work to more dynamic, full-body movements. The aluminum pulley is designed for smooth and efficient operation, ensuring durability and reliability in your workout equipment. The focus on fluidity and adaptability makes the equipment versatile for varied workout routines, ensuring it can meet the needs of different users without overwhelming them.The modular leg press attachment features non-slip pads for enhanced stability and securely fastens to the Smith machine using clamps with anti-slip material, minimizing the risk of injury.The modular leg press attachment enhances the setup by providing an opportunity for focused lower-body training. Its sturdy construction, complete with non-slip pads and secure clamps, emphasizes both safety and performance. Features like these are a practical addition, providing opportunities for focused lower-body training within the same compact footprint. Its a feature that resonates with the overall design philosophyversatility paired with thoughtful execution.The RitFit Buffalo Power Cage features a multifunctional pull-up bar with enhanced grip material for improved comfort.Features like the enhanced pull-up bar, offering multiple grip options and a secure hold, add to the versatility of the machine. The Smith machines safety arms highlight a focus on solo training, providing a dependable safeguard during heavier lifts. These elements come together to create a system that appears robust and supportive for a range of fitness goals.Even the smaller detailsthose you might only notice after weeks of useadd to the experience. The integrated storage keeps everything exactly where you need it, from Olympic barbell holders to quick-release weight plate sleeves. You dont need to fumble for equipment or rearrange your space every time you want to switch exercises. The machine lets you move fluidly from one activity to the next, making the entire process more focused and efficient. Its less about cutting corners and more about removing distractions, so you can focus entirely on your workout.The Buffalo Package isnt just about cramming multiple functions into a single machine; its about balance. The 2x3 uprights made of 13-gauge steel are designed for long-term durability, offering the kind of stability that lets you confidently push your limits. Its substantial without being overbearing, a perfect fit for a home gym that needs to be compact without sacrificing performance. At 79 x 68 x 81, the dimensions are ideal for most spaces, and the understated design keeps it from overpowering the room visually.The RitFit Buffalo Smith Machine Home Gym offers customization to suit individual preferences and training needs. Available in black and red finishes, users can select a color that complements their home gym aesthetic. You can even custom-pick the BWB01 weight bench, with options in black or red upholstery to either complement or contrast the machines color. To accommodate various strength levels, different packages provide choices among 260-pound, 320-pound, or 370-pound weight plate sets, with the 370-pound option also including a 270-pound dumbbell set. This range of selections allows users to tailor their equipment setup to their specific workout requirements and space considerations.What ultimately sets this system apart is how seamlessly it integrates into the life of its user. Its not flashy or loudit doesnt need to be. Instead, its the kind of equipment that quietly improves your workout routine day after day. Whether youre an athlete fine-tuning your performance, a beginner building a foundation, or someone who simply wants their fitness space to feel organized and empowering, the RitFit Buffalo Smith Machine Home Gym Package delivers on every front. And hey, if your New Years resolution is to finally stop using your treadmill as a clothes rack, this might just be the upgrade youve been waiting for.Click Here to Buy Now: $2,376 $2,699.99 ($323.99 off, use coupon code YANKO12). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!The post RitFits Ultimate Home Gym Setup: Compact, Versatile, and Powerful first appeared on Yanko Design.

Imagine starting your day with a cup of tea brewed exactly how you like itno guesswork, no fuss. A device that understands both your style and your palate, seamlessly fitting into your life while delivering perfectly crafted brews. Meet the Smart Tea Maker: where cutting-edge technology meets design excellence to transform your tea ritual.Designer: Hiroaki NishimuraClick Here to Buy Now: $314 $349 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 48 hours.The Problem: Great Tea Deserves Better ToolsTea brewing is a meditative art, yet clunky tools and imprecise methods often steal its serenity. Pre-packaged tea bags dilute the complexity of fine teas, while manual setups demand meticulous attention. Even so-called smart devices miss the mark, prioritizing function over form with uninspired designs and tedious interfaces.The Smart Tea Maker, a sleek solution that delivers precision, personalization, and effortless styleall without breaking a sweat.Why is this the Best Smart Tea Maker1. Precision Brewing with Sleek DesignNot just another countertop gadget, the Smart Tea Maker blends minimalist aesthetics with serious functionality. Its app-connected system ensures that each type of teafrom delicate green teas to robust black blendsis brewed at the precise temperature and steep time recommended for optimal flavor.Why It Matters: Brewing tea isnt one-size-fits-all. This precision means you experience every tea exactly as intended, unlocking flavor profiles you didnt know existed.2. Tea That Knows YouThis isnt just smartits intuitive. With six sensors that monitor factors like your environment, heart rate, and even finger temperature, it customizes every brew to fit your mood and needs. Chamomile to calm you down? Oolong to sharpen your focus? Consider it handled.How It Works: The sensors collect data, like your body temperature or ambient room conditions, to adjust brewing settings automatically.Why It Matters: Its like having a tea expert in your kitchen who knows exactly what you need, turning every cup into a personalized experience.3. Innovation Meets TraditionAt the heart of this device is a patented rotary brewing system, inspired by the wrist movements of Japanese tea masters. This system replicates the motion of swirling tea leaves to enhance extraction, resulting in rich, full-bodied flavors.Why It Matters: You dont need a decade of training to achieve a brew worthy of a tea ceremony. This device brings that same depth of flavor to your table, with no effort on your part.4. Effortless to Use, Effortless to LoveWith its intuitive app, brewing is as simple as a tap on your phone. The modular design allows the device to disassemble for easy cleaning and storage, while its sleek aesthetic ensures it complements any space.Why It Matters: This is tea without the hasslewhether youre rushing out the door or unwinding at home.5. Expand Your Tea UniverseWhether youre loyal to your Earl Grey or curious about rare herbal blends, the built-in tea database gives you access to optimal brewing settings for dozens of varieties. Think of it as a guidebook for the perfect brew.Why It Matters: It opens up a world of tea, letting you explore new flavors with confidence and rediscover old favorites at their best.Who is This Smart Tea Maker For?This is for those who know that details matter. If youre the kind of person who notices the difference between a perfectly brewed pour-over and a lukewarm coffee, or you appreciate thoughtful design as much as functionality, this tea maker is for you. Whether youre a tea newbie or a seasoned aficionado, its all about elevating your experiencewith zero pretension.Final ThoughtsThe Smart Tea Maker doesnt just brew teait redefines how you enjoy it. With precision brewing, intuitive customization, and design that earns its place on your countertop, its tea-making done right. Say goodbye to clunky tools and subpar brews, and hello to a device that gets you, your style, and your taste.Because great tea deserves more than a kettleand so do you.Click Here to Buy Now: $314 $349 (10% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 48 hours.The post Best Modern Smart Tea Maker for Perfect Brews with Effortless Precision first appeared on Yanko Design.

We had the opportunity to ask Jason Statham a few questions recently, so we asked if he had any ideas for Crank 3, if it ever gets made.The star of this year's World of Tanks holiday event had a couple comments for us about his most videogame-like movies.

"The way we built stuff in the past was very one-sided, like one project at a time. We pushed the limit - but also we saw that if we wanted to have a multi-project at the same time, building in parallel, sharing technology together, it is not easy."REDengine: Gone but not forgotten.

Short and sweet with a full stop.