Bryce Thompson scored 17 points and achieved a milestone as Oklahoma State defeated Miami 80-74 on Friday afternoon in a Charleston Classic consolation game in Charleston, S.C. Thompson made 6-of-14 shots from the floor, surpassing 1,000 points for his career at Oklahoma State (4-1), which also got 15 points from Marchelus Avery. The Cowboys won in large part thanks to their impressive 3-point shooting (10-for-22, 45.5 percent). Oklahoma State backup guard Arturo Dean, a Miami native, posted eight points and one steal. He led the nation in steals last season while playing for Florida International. Miami (3-2) has lost two straight games in Charleston, failing to take a lead at any point. They will play on Sunday against either Nevada or VCU. The Hurricanes on Friday were led by Nijel Pack, who had a game-high 20 points. Brandon Johnson had a double-double for Miami with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Matthew Cleveland scored 11 points and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet added 10 points apiece for Miami. Miami, which fell behind 7-0 in Thursday's loss to Drake, got behind 9-0 on Friday as Abou Ousmane scored six of his eight points. Oklahoma State stretched its lead to 18 before settling for a 43-27 advantage at the break. Pack led all first-half scorers with 10 points, but Miami shot just 29.6 percent from the floor, including 3-of-13 on 3-pointers (23.1). Oklahoma State shot 48.4 percent, including 8-for-15 on 3-pointers (53.3 percent) before intermission. The Cowboys also had a 14-8 edge in paint points. In the second half, Miami closed its 20-point deficit to 55-42 with 12:12 left. Miami got a bit closer as two straight short jumpers by Kidd, trimming the deficit to 73-62 with 3:25 to play. The Hurricanes cut it to 77-70 on Pack's 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining, but the Cowboys hit their free throws to close out the win. --Field Level MediaBy Dr. Colin Michie FRCPCH University of Central Lancashire Our eyes send about 60 picture frames a second to the brain, working at about the same speed as an Ethernet connection. This digital messaging is created by our retinas. Images of what we are looking at, our vision, is focused onto the retinas by the corneas and lenses. Lenses are dynamic, biconvex, elastic, crystalline discs, about a centimetre across, suspended at the front of the eye, just behind the pupils – those keyholes to our souls! You have more protein per weight of tissue in your lenses that anywhere else in the body – 70% is made up of clear, crysallin proteins. These are particularly long-lived molecules, specially layered so that the lens can focus effectively and rapidly. Cells in the lens centre, behind the pupil, move their nuclei and other structures to the sides so the lens works like a disc of biological glass. For an object close to you, the lens is thicker: it is thinner for distance vision. These changes can take place rapidly – imagine how it all works in sports, for instance a ball game, or racing a boat! The optical power of the eye is approximately 60 dioptres, a measure of how the curved cornea and lens focus images onto the retina. About two thirds of this power comes from the cornea. The lens is more powerful when we are young, but after the age of 50 it contributes less to this process of focusing or accommodation. Cataracts are a common cause of loss of vision in older people. An estimated 30% of those over 65 years of age will develop them, usually in both eyes. It is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. It is estimated that for every million population in Latin America and the Caribbean, 5,000 are blind and 20,000 are visually impaired. At least 66% of the blindness is attributable to treatable conditions such as cataract. Visual impairment was noted to be a common disability in the health review in St. Maarten in 2017. Cataracts cause the lenses to become cloudy, usually slowly. This will influence your quality of life, typically causing a change in colour perception, making the world a little more yellow or brown, possibly blurry too. Double vision, reduced night vision and glare around light sources can also become troublesome. Early treatment is more effective, so if you or someone you know has these changes to their vision, please seek an eye check. Those over the age of 55 are recommended to have one every 1-3 years. Lens deterioration and damage may be delayed by protecting those crystallins! Stopping smoking, reducing blood sugars and protecting the eyes from ultraviolet light are all useful measures – these conditions all damage the lenses. Hats and sunglasses are in! Diet may well be influential too: the intake of blueberries or other sources of anthocyanins are beneficial for many aspects of eye health. However no medications cure cataracts: surgery is the recommended way to bring back vision. While awaiting operation, adaptations help, such as improved lighting and using a magnifying glass to read. Avoiding falls, along with providing social supports become particularly important – a white cane will be helpful. Removing cataracts surgically is a safe, standardised, rapid procedure that does not need a general anaesthetic. 95% of operations take 10-15 minutes. The clouded lens is broken up and extracted through a tiny incision in the side of cornea. A replacement plastic lens sits in the same position. In some situations, both eyes may be operated on at the same time. Complication rates are very low. Most patients find the world looks particularly blue for the first weeks of recovery. Colour sight resolves as the retina adjusts and provides a better image. Implanting a plastic lens was first used in 1949 by the surgeon Ridley, operating on fighter pilots in the United Kingdom (UK). He had observed that his patients sometimes had areas of clear vision when they had plastic embedded in the front of an injured eye. His first trial lens was made of Perspex: a range of different products have since been employed. Historically an operation called “couching” was performed by some community surgeons or healers. This involved dislocating the lens and pushing it into the cavity at the back of the eye. However this was a risky and often unsuccessful way of solving a problem that now can be more reasonably managed. Those with cataracts often require help and support with daily tasks; waits for cataract surgery can be long and challenging. Communities in St. Maarten should continue to check that citizens wear sunglasses, and guide and care for those with visual impairment. Useful resources: “Making a decision about Cataracts” and “Overview-Cataract surgery”, both on the National Health Service (UK) website: www.nhs.uk. Dr. Colin Michie is currently the Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the School of Medicine in the University of Central Lancashire. He specialises in paediatrics, nutrition, and immunology. Michie has worked in the UK, southern Africa and Gaza as a paediatrician and educator and was the a ssociate Academic Dean for the American University of the Caribbean Medical School in St. Maarten a few years ago.genie earth fabric 。

Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreamsGov. Chris Sununu got a holiday wish in the corner office last week after the Executive Council agreed to allow Dartmouth Health to take over operations at Hampstead Hospital. Dartmouth Health will now lease Hampstead Hospital — New Hampshire’s only children’s psychiatric hospital and residential treatment facility — from the state with a seven-year contract. Cinde Warmington, the lone Democrat on the council, voted no. Earlier this month, Sununu acknowledged the model was a first for the state. At Glencliff Home and New Hampshire Hospital, the state-owned nursing home and psychiatric facility, a public-private partnership is in place with Dartmouth. There, the private health provider staffs all the clinical positions while the Department of Health and Human Services retains control over executive positions. At Hampstead, Dartmouth will staff the entire facility from top leaders to clinicians. Morissa Henn, the deputy commissioner for Health and Human Services, said the full takeover will provide stability at the facility after two fraught years since the state purchased it in 2022. “What I believe is powerful about this model is that we have the powerhouse of clinical expertise of Dartmouth Health, as well as their mission alignment,” she said. “So it really is a win-win.” To Warmington, the contract lacked strong enforcement mechanisms. “It’s a half-baked contract in my opinion,” she said. “It just doesn’t have the teeth in it, the reporting requirements, the mechanisms and we’ve seen how bad the outcomes can be.” Dartmouth Health will be required to renew its license each year to operate the facility, as well as report on conditions inside the facility, including the use of restraints and seclusion. The contract also establishes a joint oversight commission, which will include hospital and state staff, to address everything from readmission to staffing levels, said Henn. Two existing oversight commissions — one on children’s services and another on health and human services — will also play a role. In addition, a citizens advisory board will be created to allow for people with lived experience, behavioral health advocates and others to provide advice on hospital operations. “I want to respectfully disagree on the premise that this has inadequate teeth,” said Henn. “There are numerous, layer-upon-layer accountability mechanisms to ensure that Dartmouth Health is providing the highest quality care.” Councilors were up against the clock to make a decision on the contract, as it was the last meeting for Sununu, as well as Warmington and Ted Gastas, a Manchester Republican who is retiring. When Hampstead opened under state ownership, the facility was designed to have 71 hospital beds and 12 more spots for a residential psychiatric treatment facility. Due to staffing shortages and space restrictions, the hospital has never admitted more than 40 patients and only half of the residential beds were filled at a time. The new contract intentionally does not indicate how many beds patients should occupy, said Henn. That is, in part, the first step in recognizing that more beds aren’t necessarily good for children in the state. “If we are going to move to a future landscape where we are serving kids around families and not removing them from their homes to be treated in placements, we need to begin to understand that resources may need to be shifted at any given moment toward the outpatient offerings that Dartmouth health is offering, or toward the system of care with community-based partnerships that exist,” she said. Without an arbitrary number, Dartmouth will have greater flexibility in the services it provides and not be held to mandated occupancy requirements. A provision of the lease will also state that New Hampshire children must be served before out-of-state youth are accepted to the facility. As of Wednesday, Henn reported seven children remained in the emergency room waiting to be admitted. With the new partnership, current staff at the hospital will be offered positions as full-time Dartmouth employees. The hospital is offering 2 percent raises for those who stay on and Henn said state and hospital leaders would be onsite as soon as possible to talk through the transition. “My concern is our staff. We have an incredibly dedicated staff at Hampstead hospital who have been through a lot,” said Henn. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to work as hard as they do, and go home at the end of the day not knowing what the model holds. ... I believe we don’t have the time to wait.” Becoming a Dartmouth employee isn’t the desired outcome of over 100 hospital staff, though, who signed a petition presented to the Executive Council at their last meeting, asking to remain as state employees. In the last two years, some employees have seen a carousel of changes to their insurance and pensions under the shifts in leadership. The conversation could continue in the legislative chambers, though, with Erica Layon, a Derry Republican, introducing a bill to establish permanent classified state employee positions for the staff of Hampstead. Joeseph Kenney, a Wakefield Republican, urged the council to avoid letting staffing disputes be the final stumbling block. The state can, and should, go to Hampstead and give clear information to employees about the transition and their benefits. Henn estimates the state will finalize a lease agreement with Dartmouth at the beginning of February. “They’re the best game in town and they’re mission-driven,” said Kenney. “Ultimately, it’s the end user, the child, that we’re trying to provide services for. That’s paramount.”Noodles and wine are the secret ingredients for a strange new twist in China's doping sagaBiodesix director Jack Schuler buys $122,840 in stock

Doreese Severe was 55 years old when the thought first occurred to her, “I wonder if Santa has a Christmas stocking. And if so, who fills it?” After having the thought, a melody and words came to mind, and it wasn’t long before she had a brand-new Christmas carol to share with her family. That was in 2013. It took a couple years of work, but in 2015, Severe published “Who Fills Santa’s Stocking? Christmas Carol & Story,” complete with sheet music for piano and guitar, a reader’s theater and a little history about the mysterious stocking filler. The upbeat song depicts a storyteller and a group of children, discussing who fills Santa’s eight-foot-long stocking, and what items he would find inside. In a 2015 interview with The Herald Journal about her new carol, Severe said she hoped to record “Who Fills Santa’s Stocking” professionally by the next Christmas. That dream went unfulfilled and mostly forgotten, until Nov. 2023, when Severe was introduced to Daniel Blomberg of Blomberg Music Productions in Provo. Through a series of events Severe has called miracles, Blomberg agreed to produce “Who Fills Santa’s Stocking.” Randel McGee filled the role of the storyteller in the carol, with two of Blomberg’s children and four of Severe’s grandchildren filling the roles of the children listening to the story. The group traveled to Provo to record on Mar. 25, 2024. After nine years of waiting, Severe had her professional recording. Severe published her journey to fulfilling her dream in the booklet, “13 Miracles of a Christmas Wish: In God’s Own Due Time,” which is available in print at The Book Table in Logan or on Etsy at SantasStockingGiver , along with a digital or CD copy of “Who Fills Santa’s Stocking,” or the full Christmas program with sheet music and reader’s theater. Severe became emotional talking about how it feels to complete her goal. “It’s overwhelming,” Severe said. “It’s something that’s so dear and just happened to me so quickly. To hear my song, it’s just joy.” She said it was especially joyful to go through the experience with some of her grandchildren and to hear their voices in the song. Eleven-year-old Jack and his eight-year-old sister Taylor said they like singing and had fun recording their parts of “Who Fills Santa’s Stocking.” “When we got there, we got to see all the different instruments and the recording stuff that they used,” Jack said. “When we recorded, they were super nice.” “It was fun to sing, and I liked it,” Taylor said. Severe said in the weeks after they recorded, the kids would sometimes randomly burst into song, singing the upbeat melody around the house. She said she thinks the song is a unique concept that will bring a smile to people’s faces. And it isn’t just a pre-Christmas song. Severe said the thought has occurred to her that Santa is so busy filling stockings and dropping off presents, that he doesn’t have time to open his own stocking Christmas day. “He gets home and walks through the living room, and sure enough, there’s his stocking,” Severe described. “He smiles, and he goes and drops into bed. Then the day after Christmas is when he gets up and goes to see what he got that year.” After waiting nine years to accomplish her last goal, Severe said she wants to be more careful with her new one – but she does have one. “My next goal is to put it in a cute storybook form,” Severe said. “But I’m not going to say by next year. You can look for that in another nine years.” Severe lives in Smithfield with her husband. They have five children and 15 grandchildren. She is a housewife, which she described as a very busy full-time career, and has enjoyed teaching piano. While “Who Fills Santa’s Stocking” is her first song, it isn’t the first time she has taken a creative idea and put it on paper. Years before coming up with her Christmas carol, Severe created a visual program to teach children to read. Near the end of “13 Miracles of a Christmas Wish,” Severe writes that our talents are what add enrichment and joy to our lives. She encourages everyone not to hide their talents.Wall St Week Ahead-Trump's first actions and job data to test market in JanuaryQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha OOREDOO today announced the issuance of two new resolutions for 2024. The first pertains to updating the company’s governance framework, and the second involves revising the Board Charter, aiming to elevate standards of transparency, accountability, and compliance with global best practices in corporate governance. This updated governance framework is aligned with Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) directives and a comprehensive set of local and international regulations designed to ensure sound governance practices across the company, reflecting its commitments to stakeholders. This strategic initiative by the Board seeks to strengthen the governance principles adopted in global markets. It aims to enhance the company’s governance structure by establishing clear and transparent procedures for allocating powers and responsibilities while further empowering oversight and accountability. Additionally, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations have been integrated into the mandate of one of the Board committees as part of this update, underscoring Ooredoo’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO of Ooredoo, said: “The issuance of the updated governance framework and Board Charter reflects our steadfast commitment to adopting the highest standards of transparency and global governance practices. This initiative ensures our dedication to balancing shareholder rights protection, enhancing integrity, and activating the Board’s role. Furthermore, adhering to the QFMA’s governance decisions provides a robust legal framework that strengthens our credibility with shareholders and stakeholders alike.” Hilal Bin Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Corporate Governance Officer, emphasised: “This updated governance framework is a key milestone in strengthening transparency, accountability, and risk management across Ooredoo, aligning us with the highest international standards. Copy 25/12/2024 10Kidworks Embraces The Future: Now Accepting Cryptocurrency And Stock Donations

As the cost of living crisis persists, there are a number schemes to help you live more comfortably in 2025. These payments, freebies and discounts are designed to help your money go further and are worth considering as we go into the new year. The new year will usher in a new energy price cap, with customers of British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus facing bills exceeding £1,700 for the first quarter of the year. However, schemes are available to assist with balancing the books. Cash-strapped households can optimise their finances and ensure their budgets stretch further thanks to several Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initiatives. Some of these are accessible even to those not claiming benefits. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Here are seven strategies to increase your income and ensure you have more cash on hand to navigate whatever the new year brings: Household Support Fund - up to £500 The Household Support Fund (HSF) offers financial assistance to households in difficulty and has been extended multiple times since its introduction by the previous Conservative Party government in 2021. The funds, totalling £421 million, are allocated to local councils for distribution to those most in need within their communities, reports Birmingham Live . Depending on your location, assistance could come in the form of direct cash transfers, shopping vouchers or other means to aid with bills and other expenses. You can find out what your local council is offering by visiting their website. However, be aware that it's somewhat of a postcode lottery. The highest payments recorded in some local authority areas reach up to £500. Energy hardship schemes - up to £2,000 Several energy companies offer grants to customers facing financial difficulties to help cover their bill costs, including British Gas, Scottish Power and EDF. The British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) provides support to families and individuals experiencing hardship who are struggling with energy debts. The British Gas Energy Trust, which includes the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent charitable Trust funded solely by donations from British Gas. The Trust's mission is to assist those in financial difficulty, particularly focusing on energy debt. The trust awards grants to clear gas and electricity debts for families and individuals experiencing hardship. This significantly impacts thousands of people each year, helping them regain their footing and maintain a debt-free life moving forward. Additionally, the trust funds organisations across England, Wales and Scotland to provide fuel debt and money advice services within communities. Help with water bills - up to £1,000 If you're living on a tight budget, exploring social tariffs with your water supplier is definitely worth the effort. These special rates can slash your water bill by hundreds of pounds annually. Depending on the company, you might qualify for either a percentage-based discount or a fixed rate. Additionally, if you're already receiving a council tax reduction, you could be eligible for an even lower water rate. While savings vary, one individual received a refund exceeding £1,000 through this initiative. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water offers a social tariff called HelpU to help low-income households with their water bills. Assistance with phone and broadband - up to £227 Low-income families might be surprised to learn that they're eligible for affordable broadband and mobile phone plans. Several providers offer these "social tariffs" to households receiving specific benefits, which can lead to substantial savings. Generally, these tariffs are available to those on qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit, and are significantly cheaper than standard broadband packages. Prices start at £12 for mobile contracts and £12.50 for broadband plans. Take BT's Home Essentials package, for instance. This social tariff starts at £15 per month, whereas their standard tariffs begin at £33.99. By opting for the social tariff, you could pocket a £227.88 annual saving. Warm Home Discount - £150 The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a one-time £150 reduction on your electricity bill. If you qualify, the discount will be applied directly to your bill by your electricity provider. The money is not given to you directly. Typically, if you're eligible, the discount is applied automatically. However, if you're on a low income in Scotland, you'll need to apply through your energy supplier. If you receive both gas and electricity from your supplier and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply the discount to your gas bill instead. Contact your supplier for more information. Winter Fuel Payment - £300 If you were born before September 23 1958, you could be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of either £200 or £300 to help cover your heating costs for winter 2024 to 2025. Eligibility may depend on whether you or your partner receive certain benefits. Please note that the additional Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - provided in 2022 and 2023 - stopped in winter 2023. Eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount they will receive. If you don't receive a letter but believe you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim. Payments are typically made in November or December for most eligible people. Cold Weather Payments - £25 You may be entitled to Cold Weather Payments if you're receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. These payments are made automatically if you're eligible, so there's no need to apply. However, you may need to inform Jobcentre Plus if you have a newborn or if a child under five comes to live with you. The payments do not affect your other benefits. You'll receive a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You'll receive £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between November 1 2024 and March 31 2025.SURREY, B.C. - Mounties say a Chilliwack, B.C., man has been charged with three criminal offences after a crash between a tractor and BC Highway Patrol vehicle during a 2023 protest. They say the 54-year-old was arrested on Dec. 18 and will appear in Surrey Provincial Court on Jan. 16, charged with fleeing police, dangerous operation of a vehicle and assaulting a police officer with a weapon. RCMP said last year that the tractor was one of several vehicles involved in a convoy that began in Chilliwack and was travelling to Vancouver. The tractor driver sustained serious injuries in the crash that left an officer with minor injuries. Photos from the collision posted to social media at the time showed a John Deere tractor on its side, and that it was flying a black and white flag that read “stop SOGI 123,” an apparent reference to a set of classroom guidelines on sexual orientation and gender identity. Several protests erupted in cities across Canada last fall by those opposed to the educational resource intended to create more inclusive classrooms. The Independent Investigations Office issued a statement in February after concluding its investigation into the Highway 17 crash in Surrey, saying it had cleared police of any wrongdoing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024.To honour the life and legacy of the late French artist Valérie Goutard, The Siam Hotel forms a natural setting for "Expression Of A Siamese Freedom", which is running until Jan 31. Featuring 23 sculptures, this retrospective reveals the artist's unique creative path, deeply rooted in Thailand, a place that was both her sanctuary and her springboard to international acclaim. The artist, better known as Val, moved to Bangkok in 2004. Inspired by the spirit of Thailand, she embraced her identity as a sculptor in a place that granted her the freedom to fully explore and express her talent. Here, Val not only honed her craft but also learned the intricate art of bronze casting from Thai masters, building a local team that helped her realise her monumental creations. Thailand became the nurturing ground for her vision, and her works embody the harmony, introspection and freedom she found in this country. "Expression Of A Siamese Freedom" is not merely an exhibition title, it is a tribute to the profound impact that the country had on Val's life and work, a place that empowered her to develop a universal language in her art, accessible to all. Characterised by an interplay of structure and empty space, each sculpture invites viewers to explore themes of humanity, nature and introspection. With stunning views of the Chao Phraya River as a backdrop, the sculptures merge seamlessly with the hotel's architecture and landscapes, creating a sense of awe-inspiring magnificence that complements Val's work. Amid Bangkok's vibrant art scene, this exhibition offers a tranquil yet powerful experience, celebrating the life of an artist whose work resonates with the essence of Siam. The Siam Hotel is on Khao Road. Call 02-206-6999.What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world’s third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors has also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Automakers in Japan have lagged their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time as newcomers like China’s BYD and EV market leader Tesla devour market share. Nissan has been fighting to survive. Credit: Bloomberg Honda’s president, Toshihiro Mibe, said Honda and Nissan will attempt to unify their operations under a joint holding company. Honda will lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. They aim to have a formal merger agreement by June and to complete the deal and list the holding company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026, he said. No dollar value was given, and the formal talks are just starting, Mibe said. There are “points that need to be studied and discussed,” he said. “Frankly speaking, the possibility of this not being implemented is not zero.” A merger could result in a behemoth worth more than $US50 billion ($80 billion) based on the market capitalisation of all three automakers. Together, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi would gain scale to compete with Toyota Motor and with Germany’s Volkswagen AG. Toyota has technology partnerships with Japan’s Mazda Motor and Subaru. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month, with unconfirmed reports saying Taiwan iPhone maker Foxconn was seeking to tie up with Nissan by buying shares from the Japan’s company’s other alliance partner, Renault SA of France. Nissan’s CEO Makoto Uchida said Foxconn had not directly approached his company. He also acknowledged that Nissan’s situation was “severe.”

Revisiting Botticelli’s Evocative “Mystic Nativity”None

The Lusail International Circuit (LIC) will host the Formula 2, which is premier feeder series for Formula 1. A support event during the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024 from November 29 to December 1, F2 will typically feature a sprint race and a feature race. F2 serves as the ultimate testing ground for young drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Gabriel Bortoleto leads the championship with 169.5 points, Isack Hadjar follows closely, just 4.5 points behind while Zane Maloney holds third place with 135 points. Paul Aron is fourth with 133 points. As the championship heats up, all eyes are turning to the upcoming round at LIC in Qatar. With its mix of high-speed turns and a 1.068km straight, it will push the F2 grid to its limits. This round is not just about championship points; it’s a chance for these young drivers to impress F1 team principals and scouts, potentially securing a future in F1. The importance of F1 in motorsport is undeniable. Its spec chassis and engine formula emphasise driver skill and team strategy. Recent developments in the driver market highlight F2’s role as a crucial stepping stone to F1. Mercedes’ signing of rookie Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s teammate for 2025, replacing Lewis Hamilton, demonstrates the high regard for talented F2 drivers. On the other hand, Oliver James Bearman, at just 19, is another rising star who, while competing in F2 for Prema Racing, is also serving as a reserve driver for Ferrari and Haas in F1. The success of these drivers underscores F2’s effectiveness in preparing drivers for F1, including adapting to evolving technology and bridging the gap between feeder series and top-tier racing. Consequently, the 2024 season has seen the introduction of a revised wing almost inspired by the Japan Super Formula Series, a lighter steering coupled with a thinner steering wheel and adjustable brake pressure all mounted on a new Dallara F2 chassis designed to more closely mimic the handling characteristics of current F1 cars. This update, along with a more powerful 620 horsepower Mecachrome engine, has not only raised the bar for driver performance but also concerns over the engine’s reliability. The racing aficionados can witness the future stars of F1 in action at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend at the spectacular Lusail International Circuit. Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.lcsc.qa Related Story Lusail stars light up Lusail International Circuit ahead of Formula 1 Katara announces 6th Qatar International Arts Festival

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Hyperallergic’s Art Tarotscope for the Winter Solstice

BANGKOK — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, and Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, arrive to attend a joint news conference Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) An industry shakeup The ascent of Chinese automakers is rattling the industry at a time when manufacturers are struggling to shift from fossil fuel-driven vehicles to electrics. Relatively inexpensive EVs from China's BYD, Great Wall and Nio are eating into the market shares of U.S. and Japanese car companies in China and elsewhere. Japanese automakers have lagged behind big rivals in EVs and are now trying to cut costs and make up for lost time. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi announced in August that they will share components for electric vehicles like batteries and jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to dramatic changes in the auto industry centered around electrification. A preliminary agreement between Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and Nissan, third largest, was announced in March. A merger could result in a behemoth worth about $55 billion based on the market capitalization of all three automakers. Joining forces would help the smaller Japanese automakers add scale to compete with Japan's market leader Toyota Motor Corp. and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota itself has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, pose for photographers during a joint news conference in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) What would Honda need from Nissan? Nissan has truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybird powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. "Nissan does have some product segments where Honda doesn't currently play," that a merger or partnership could help, said Sam Abuelsamid, a Detroit-area automotive industry analsyt. While Nissan's electric Leaf and Ariya haven't sold well in the U.S., they're solid vehicles, Fiorani said. "They haven't been resting on their laurels, and they have been developing this technology," he said. "They have new products coming that could provide a good platform for Honda for its next generation." Why now? Nissan said last month that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global work force, and reducing global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Earlier this month it reshuffled its management and its chief executive, Makoto Uchida, took a 50% pay cut to take responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($9.4 billion). Nissan's share price has fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. A report in the Japanese financial magazine Diamond said talks with Honda gained urgency after the Taiwan maker of iPhones Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., better known as Foxconn, began exploring a possible acquisition of Nissan as part of its push into the EV sector. The company has struggled for years following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Honda reported its profits slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as sales suffered in China. More headwinds Toyota made 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, while Honda rolled out 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. Even after a merger Toyota would remain the leading Japanese automaker. All the global automakers are facing potential shocks if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on threats to raise or impose tariffs on imports of foreign products, even from allies like Japan and neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Nissan is among the major car companies that have adjusted their supply chains to include vehicles assembled in Mexico. Meanwhile, analysts say there is an "affordability shift" taking place across the industry, led by people who feel they cannot afford to pay nearly $50,000 for a new vehicle. In American, a vital market for companies like Nissan, Honda and Toyota, that's forcing automakers to consider lower pricing, which will eat further into industry profits. ____ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report from Detroit. Airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and high-strength materials mean that the safest cars today are far better at protecting people from injuries than ever before. Although most new cars compare well to their predecessors, some stand above the rest. The safest cars for 2025 offer excellent occupant protection and also do a good job of preventing accidents from happening in the first place. Based on testing data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , or IIHS, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , or NHTSA, these are some of the safest cars available today. Ranging from inexpensive compact cars and mainstream midsize sedans to stylish station wagons, posh luxury cars, and sporty coupes and convertibles, Edmunds shares a list that has something for just about everyone. For those who prefer a higher seating position and maybe some added practicality, Edmunds' list of safest SUVs is for you. The stylish Mazda 3 has a lot to offer compact-car shoppers, including great looks, a composed driving experience, and reasonable fuel economy from its base 2.0-liter engine. It's also one of the safest cars in its class, earning a perfect five stars in NHTSA crash testing and sterling crashworthiness and collision avoidance scores from the IIHS. Its standard features are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. With mature styling, a premium interior, and an efficient hybrid powertrain option, the 2025 Honda Civic is a great option if safety is a concern since it aces almost all of the IIHS' crash tests and earns a five-star safety rating from the federal government. It also comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Civic falls short slightly in the IIHS' updated moderate overlap front test, which now accounts for rear passenger safety, but even so, it's one of the safest cars in its class. Reflective of parent company BMW, today's Mini Cooper is well constructed and features premium safety features that belie its small size, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. Although the Mini hasn't been tested by NHTSA, the IIHS gives the Cooper its highest score of Good in the original driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side-impact tests. That said, the IIHS doesn't place the Cooper on its Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ lists since it hasn't been evaluated on the updated battery of passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, or side-impact tests. Expect the new-for-2025 Mini Cooper to earn decent crash ratings in those scenarios, especially since it shares its strong platform with the outgoing model. With its recent redesign, the Toyota Prius transformed from a frumpy little caterpillar to a stylish and efficient butterfly. It also became a very safe hybrid hatchback. Perfect scores in all of its government and IIHS crash tests, as well as a sophisticated system of collision avoidance technology, earn it top marks. It's also one of our favorite cars on the market, period, as evidenced by its status as a 2024 Edmunds Top Rated vehicle. The Honda Accord is among the safest midsize sedans on the market today thanks to excellent crashworthiness scores and a competent standard collision prevention system. It's a Top Safety Pick+, beating out rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Subaru Legacy, and the Accord also earns a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. Honda's hybrid-intensive product planning is on full display here—all but the two lowest Accord trims have a hybrid powertrain—and it's also among the most spacious cars in its class. Like its Honda Accord rival, the Toyota Camry is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star NHTSA rating. It also has a very impressive suite of driver assistance and safety technology, including lane departure prevention with active centering, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Camry edges out the Accord in IIHS testing thanks to a more effective collision avoidance system, but both cars are remarkably well matched otherwise. The fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers excellent safety and collision prevention, with excellent scores across the entire line of IIHS tests. The Ioniq 6 hasn't been tested for rollover resistance by NHTSA, but it earned a four-star front safety rating and a five-star side-impact rating in government tests. Like most EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. It also offers up to 342 miles of all-electric driving in its longest-range trim level. The Acura Integra is a close mechanical cousin to the Honda Civic, so it's no surprise it does well in both the IIHS' and NHTSA's crash tests. The luxury hatchback is a Top Safety Pick+ and earns a perfect five stars in government testing. The AcuraWatch safety suite is standard on the Integra, bringing automatic emergency braking, lane centering, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a safe option in the popular small luxury sedan segment thanks to its good scores in IIHS crash testing. Mercedes' best-selling sedan also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, which helps it earn a Top Safety Pick award. However, it hasn't been tested by the NHTSA. Both the Genesis G80 and the fully electric Genesis Electrified G80 earn a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS thanks to their good scores on the agency's crash tests, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features that avoided collisions with simulated pedestrians. The internal-combustion-engine G80 earned a perfect five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and although the Electrified G80 hasn't been tested by the feds just yet, it should likely excel in those tests too. The flagship Genesis G90 sedan competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, and the South Korean automaker clearly hasn't skimped on safety in its fight against the establishment. Although it hasn't been subjected to the NHTSA array of tests, it aced almost all of its IIHS tests, and a long list of standard active safety and driver assistance features sets it apart from the stingy German makes that charge extra for them. With handsome styling and a well-finished interior, the Volvo V60 is a very appealing station wagon for those looking for such a thing. It's also quite safe, with good crashworthiness scores in the IIHS' original moderate overlap front and side-impact scores. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been tested with the updated versions of those tests, it didn't earn this year's Top Safety Pick award, but it was called a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022. NHTSA also gives the V60 a five-star safety rating. Although the Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain isn't a traditional wagon — it follows the lifted almost-crossover formula shared with the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country — we'll take what we can get in this dwindling category. The All-Terrain hasn't been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but a previous-generation E-Class earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award, and Mercedes isn't the kind of company that goes backward when it comes to safety. The E 450 All-Terrain comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, though, at this price, Benz should just make other active safety features standard. With a five-star NHTSA safety rating, standard forward collision warning and emergency braking, and excellent IIHS crashworthiness scores on its original tests, the Audi A6 Allroad does a good job protecting people (both passengers and pedestrians) from crashes. However, since the IIHS hasn't subjected the Allroad to its updated side and moderate front crash criteria, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status in 2022. Still, it should be a fine option for luxury longroof shoppers. Both the Ford Mustang coupe and convertible perform well in crash testing. The coupe received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and both variants scored decently on all the IIHS tests they've undergone. They also come standard with forward collision warning, lane departure prevention, and automatic emergency braking. However, the IIHS needs to test both models on its updated criteria before it will rate them. Although the government hasn't tested it, the Toyota GR86 aced all of its IIHS crashworthiness tests when it was new for the 2022 model year. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been subjected to the IIHS' updated testing since then, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status. Still, this is a fun-to-drive, sporty coupe that comes standard with a long list of active safety features, and it's reasonably priced to boot. Mechanically identical to the Toyota GR86, the 2025 Subaru BRZ achieves the same safety ratings—who would have thought? It likewise received a Top Safety Pick+ score in 2022 that lapsed when the IIHS updated its criteria for 2023, but like the Toyota, it has a long list of active safety features to go along with its lightweight, rip-roaring sports car attitude. The Audi A5 lost its traditional two-door coupe body style after 2024, but the five-door Sportback body style remains before it's replaced later in 2025. Although it hasn't seen the IIHS' more stringent test regimen, its original crashworthiness scores were good enough to earn it a Top Safety Pick award as recently as 2022. The Sportback is the only variant to be tested by the government, where it earned a five-star safety rating. This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Fixing the College Football Playoff & Bowl game sponsor trivia | College Football EnquirerUnlock the Secret to a Perfectly Warm Home: The Ultimate Thermostat Setting for Winter

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