38 Useful Products You Will Be Grateful To Own Every Single Day Of Your LifeAmong but not surpassing the more unusual gifts that artist and Alameda Floating Museum founder Marta Thoma Hall has received from husband and work partner David Hall is a tugboat. Related Articles “To move a barge — they don’t have motors — you need a tugboat,” Thoma Hall says. “David took me tugboat shopping. It was a birthday present. “We’re hesitant to move the barge around the (Oakland-Alameda) estuary because of the museum’s art, but I was delighted to have the tug. The barge is actually tied down with huge ropes and has an anchor as big as a car, although we don’t use it. To access the museum, you cross the gangplank.” Atop the barge is a manufactured structure that for a time was the couple’s home and served as an ideal workplace for her spouse, a tech entrepreneur and inventor, to develop boat stabilization company Velodyne Marine. The company is among several tech-centric ones he has created to address audio acoustics, autonomous vehicles and rocket-launching systems. After finding a home in Berkeley, they founded the Hall Art + Technology Foundation in 2021. The nonprofit arts entity focuses on the powerful, culture-changing crosscurrents of art and science and seeks to raise the visibility of underrepresented voices within the local community and world at large. Converting their houseboat-like building into five gallery spaces in 2024, Thoma Hall launched her dreamed-of Alameda Floating Museum. The first exhibit, this past summer’s “Rising Tides” ( ), celebrated work created by women and people of color — groups she says have been largely left out of art history and that the art industry continues to silence, ignore, downplay or render invisible. “These artists, many in the Bay Area, bring their artistic voices,” she says. “It’s exciting to learn what they know, do and will say. In the last 10 years, the work of women artists like Hung Liu, M. Louise Stanley, Michelle Pred, Mildred Howard and others has gained international attention. “Their artistic expression and technical skills are equally fantastic to male artists. (For) so long, women’s art was considered lesser-than. It remains only 10% of collections at major art institutions and White men are still at the very top of museums and write most of the art history books. All of it should be proportional, 50-50, for both women and artists of color.” Thoma Hall admires the Afrofuturism movement, which she calls “a gift to the nation, to the world.” Afrofuturism is said to be a whole culture, not just a one-act novelty. “Studying it educated me, and I’m interested in doing the same in ‘Fem Futurism.’ I looked that term up and their are some bizarre, weird things out there, but it showed me someone else is thinking about women-centered narratives in art and science too. There’s so much I don’t know. I want to keep learning. Otherwise, life is boring.” Thoma Hall grew up in Nebraska and a home in which both parents encouraged creativity. “Our house was modest, but my sister (artist Kim Thoman) and I had lots of materials: blocks crafted by a local lumber shop, colored paper and scissors, a dress-up box filled with colorful gypsy clothes — scarves, blouses, bangles, high-heeled shoes — and hundreds of books my grandmother shipped to us after the school library where she taught closed.” Memories of marvelously rich, illustrated books with realistic or otherworldly stories fired her imagination. Later, studying fine arts at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, Thoma Hall developed artwork that includes painting, sculpture, steel and glass installations and more. Her work is recognized ( ) worldwide for its fusion of surreal imagery and social, feminist and environmental justice activism. Among her large public artworks in the Bay Area is “Journey of A Bottle,” a sculpture commissioned by the Walnut Creek Public Library and created using discarded glass bottles positioned to resemble a giant tidal wave. Thoma Hall says the manufactured home that’s now a floating art museum docked in Alameda in the Oakland Estuary’s tidal canal features large windows and is “a fabulous gallery space.” The view of the estuary includes the marshland, and during high tide, the barge rocks subtly and bounces lightly on the water’s surface. When water levels are low, the marsh basin is visible. “We put a duck house out there and plan for an artist to create something out there making the tidal changes more evident.” The idea supports what Thoma Hall says are her gallery’s three passions: “Environmental caretaking, feminism and amplifying the voices of women who’ve been silenced and addressing social justice areas, including immigration and (increased representation of) the cultures of other countries, especially those in which people of color reside.” She suggests that artists who identify as women, feminists and/or people of color (the gallery does exhibit works made by men if the works serve the gallery’s mission) are not solely public, big-issue activists. Artists alternatively may look inward — to dreams, memories, spirituality and more. “The masculinity and patriarchy that has led to honoring war, aggression and to women’s (objectified or hypersexualized) bodies in artworks has been celebrated for so long. Now there are artist like Chie Aoki, Leanora Carrington, my sister Kim and so many others considered feminists who’ve brought forward feminine perspectives that include the power of healing, caretaking, birthing, nature.” Aoki’s black lacquer work “Body” shows a figure, head bowed, spine curved forward. Long hair descends like a curtain or shield behind which she is protected. “Tree Figure” (by Thoma Hall’s sister Thoman) is reminiscent of a human body’s outlined form. A “wound-like” opening in the trunk pulses with blood-red paint in an oval area with orange and soft peach patches resembling Band-Aids; black marks might be suggestive of staples or stitches. The tree stands in front of a swirling dynamo of graphic lines and color blocks that add cosmic energy. Thoma Hall says her unusual life has flowed organically and is steered by enthusiasm for innovation in art and science. “Art can influence the world. David’s electronics, mechanics and engineering can come up with inventions that change the world. It’s not easy and sounds ambitious, but it’s what we’ve been excited about for decades.”SUD Life Launches New ULIP Funds to Play the India Growth Story and Create Wealth for Policyholders55 jili 。

The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium look forward to strengthening bilateral relations and pushing them to wider horizons in the areas of trade, investment and cultural cooperation to serve the interests of the two countries and meet their peoples’ aspirations. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to Belgium this Monday and his meeting with King Philippe Leopold Louis Marie of the Belgians will back the two countries’ endeavours in enhancing areas of cooperation. The leaders and officials of the two countries continued to exchange visits, as King Philippe visited the Sultanate of Oman in February 2022. The visit culminated in the opening of the Duqm Port project, a joint venture between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the management of the Belgian Port of Antwerp. In this context, the Hyport Duqm green hydrogen project, a joint venture between OQ Group and the Belgian Deme Group, seeks to establish an international alliance to produce and import green hydrogen for Belgium and its neighboring countries, and implement green certification standards for the electricity grid. During 2021, the project succeeded in obtaining a site for generating renewable energy extending over an area of 150sqkm in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. In the first phase, a green hydrogen production plant will be established with a capacity of 250 to 500 megawatts, and it is planned to start operating in 2026. The two countries also signed in Brussels in May 2023 the Joint Declaration of Intent Agreement in the field of green hydrogen and the Green Hydrogen Certificate Pilot Project Agreement for the “Duqm Hyport” project. On the other hand, Oman and Belgium discussed means of enhancing aspects of cooperation and coordination with the European Commission in the regulatory frameworks for clean hydrogen production and transportation projects. On the political side, thanks to Oman’s distinguished relations with many countries of the world, Omani efforts had resulted in an agreement between Belgium and Iran to settle the issue of detained citizens in both countries. Rua Issa al Zadjali, Ambassador of Oman to Belgium and Head of Oman’s Mission to the European Union, said that His Majesty’s upcoming state visit to Belgium reflects the two countries’ keenness on enhancing joint cooperation in various fields. She told ONA that this visit represents an opportunity to touch on topics of common interest and exchange views on global challenges and current issues. She pointed out that the visit would open new horizons for the strategic partnerships between the two countries and push the bilateral relations to higher levels and wider horizons by boosting cooperation in various fields including trade, investment and energy. The ambassador explained that relations between Oman and Belgium are witnessing remarkable development and close cooperation that have contributed to the creation of strategic partnerships based on trust and mutual respect between the two countries, noting that the history of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries dates back to 1978. She added that the volume of trade exchange between Oman and Belgium by the end of August 2024 amounted to RO148mn, as the volume of Omani exports to Belgium amounted to nearly RO10mn, while the volume of imports from Belgium to Oman reached about RO138mn. She further added that the most important Belgian exports to Oman are food and industrial products, bunker oil, and others, while the most prominent Omani exports to Belgium are polypropylene and its products, iron products, copper, and others. Ambassador Rua said the number of registered companies with Belgian participation until September 2024 reached 39, recording an increase of 50%, and the size of the invested capital increased from RO19,243,000 in 2023 to RO819,778,000 until September 2024. These figures, she affirmed, reflect the interest of the Belgians in setting up Omani companies. On his turn, Pascal H. Grégoire, Ambassador of Belgium to Oman, said that the upcoming state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham on December 3 and 4, marks a significant chapter in the enduring and multifaceted relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium. He told ONA that this historic visit underscores the mutual respect and shared values that have long formed the foundation of bilateral relations, and signals a deepened commitment to forging a brighter, more interconnected future. The Belgian Ambassador pointed out that Oman and Belgium have consistently demonstrated a commitment to diplomacy and international law, sharing a vision of global stability and constructive engagement. Oman’s exemplary role as a mediator in regional conflicts resonates with Belgium’s emphasis on reconciliation and compromise, said the ambassador, noting that this mutual dedication to fostering peace underscores the strategic importance of their collaboration, as both nations reaffirm their roles as responsible actors on the global stage. He explained that the economic partnership between Oman and Belgium has evolved into a dynamic and fruitful relationship. He added that this partnership has further expanded into transformative projects such as and to just name a few of them: 1. Port of Duqm: A testament to Omani-Belgian collaboration, this joint venture, established in 2011, positions Duqm as a pivotal hub for maritime logistics and green energy initiatives. 2. Hyport Duqm: This groundbreaking partnership, led by Belgium’s DEME and Oman’s OQ, focuses on the production and export of green hydrogen, aiming to drive decarbonization in industries and support Europe’s renewable energy ambitions. The ambassador affirmed that these projects not only exemplify innovation and sustainability but also highlight the complementary expertise of both nations in maritime and renewable energysectors. “Recognizing the immense potential for bilateral investments, Oman and Belgium are exploring opportunities to deepen ties across emerging industries, including life sciences, technological innovation, and aerospace. The extension of the Port of Duqm concession would further symbolize this forward-looking partnership, enabling both countries to solidify their positions as global players in sustainable industries,” said the ambassador. He affirmed that His Majesty’s state visit would facilitate discussions on fostering investor-friendly policies and creating joint opportunities that promise lasting economic benefits for citizens and businesses alike. He further noted that cultural and academic ties form the backbone of people-to-people connections between Oman and Belgium. Both nations recognize the importance of collaborative research, academic exchanges, and joint initiatives that foster mutual understanding and innovation. By investing in knowledge-sharing and cultural dialogue, Oman and Belgium aim to inspire a new generation of global leaders and thinkers. He pointed out that the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham is poised to elevate Oman-Belgium relations to new heights. By focusing on sectors such as health, biopharmaceuticals, space, defense, and research, this visit lays the groundwork for diversified and sustainable growth. The mutual commitment to dialogue and innovation positions both nations as key players in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected global future. The Belgian ambassador concluded his statement by saying: “Oman and Belgium’s collaboration is more than a bilateral relationship—it is a partnership rooted in shared aspirations for stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The upcoming state visit is a testament to the enduring friendship and the boundless potential for cooperation between these two nations. “As Oman and Belgium continue to deepen their ties, their joint efforts will serve as a beacon of what is possible when nations come together in the spirit of mutual respect and shared vision, setting an inspiring example for the world.” Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah al Rowas, Board Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said that this visit comes as an affirmation of the advanced bilateral relations and cooperation between Oman and Belgium, stressing the importance of the economic file as a major element in pushing these relations towards wider horizons. He explained that there are great opportunities and potentials provided by major sectors, most notably logistics services, port development, energy, tourism and information technology. He added that Duqm Port represents a model of successful partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium as it is a major driver for many promising projects that enhance economic development in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm. The OCCI Board Chairman added that there is remarkable cooperation between the private sector in the two countries through the continuous communication between the OCCI and its Belgian counterpart with the aim of reviewing the investment opportunities available in Omani ports in addition to enhancing the private sector’s participation in green mobility initiatives and supporting areas of modern technologies. Reggy Vermeulen, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the visit of His Majesty the Sultan to Belgium serves as a testament to the robust bond between the two countries. He pointed out that one of the primary objectives of this visit is to highlight the significance of the opportunities available in Oman for Belgian investors. He explained that over the past several years, the economic relationship between Oman and Belgium has been steadily growing. He added, “The primary areas of collaboration between the two countries are in the mineral sector, particularly in the large limestone projects in Salalah. Additionally, there is significant collaboration in the hydrogen sector, with a major green hydrogen generation project underway in Duqm. The flagship project is the development of the port of Duqm, which is currently managed by a joint venture between the ASYAD group and the consortium Antwerp Port.” ONA

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Northern Highlands is skating in unfamiliar territory. Defending a state title isn’t anything new, as it’s the third time the program is doing so since 2019. The manner in which it is doing so this winter is different. After the 2018 and 2022 championships, Northern Highlands had a heavy core of upperclassmen leading the charge. This time around a lot of weight is being put on the shoulders of underclassmen. Just six juniors and seniors occupy roster spots this season and the team has yet to play a game with a full healthy roster. “The freshmen and sophomores especially, it’s been a learning process,” said Northern Highlands head coach Jason Beswick. “Highlands believes extremely strongly in defense. These kids are not taught that in youth hockey right now, so they’re starting to come around.” 12/29 - 1:30 PM Boys Ice Hockey Final Northern Highlands 5 Randolph 0 Despite that, the team has stayed afloat and will enter 2025 on a hot streak. In the final test of 2024, Northern Highlands, No. 15 in the NJ.com Top 20, matched up with No. 10 Randolph in a rematch of last year’s North Jersey, Public final. Brent Beswick, one of the few seniors and the reigning Player of the Year, had a big performance at Mennen Arena that night with three goals and three assists and was at it again on Sunday. Brent scored twice and added two assists to make program history and support a 38-save shutout from Quinn DeBruyn in a 5-0 win over Randolph in the Ice Vault Classic at the Ice Vault in Wayne. The four-point afternoon helped Brent eclipse 200 for his career, becoming the first player in Northern Highlands history to do so. In the process, he also passed Patrick Erstling’s mark of 197 career points in 2010 to become the program’s all-time leading point scorer. Beswick stands alone at Northern Highlands Brent Beswick has been at the centerpiece of Northern Highlands’ recent historical success. The historic accomplishments on the horizon became a footnote in his mind given the stretch his team was going through. “My biggest focus was getting the team back on track,” Brent said. “We got off to a rough start. Just wanted to make sure the team’s getting back to the win column, and I’ve been focusing a lot on playing really good defense, so the points are just an extra bonus.” Northern Highlands won its first three games but dropped three of the next four. The final loss, which came against St. Joseph’s Collegiate (NY) gave the team a spark. It rebounded the next day with a 3-2 win over Darien (CT) and built on that with Sunday’s win over Randolph. In the last four games, Sunday included, those underclassmen have combined for five goals and 12 assists. Davin Friedman and Laken Rohdiek combined for two goals and six assists against Randolph. “Those freshman, sophomores have stepped up huge,” Jason said. “I always say be prepared to block a shot with your throat, and they’re prepared to do that. They’re doing it and right now we’re in a good place.” It was also a great cap on 2024 for DeBruyn, who didn’t play for the team last year after appearing in six games as a sophomore during the 2022-23 season. It’s a hard task taking over after the last two starting goalies, Daniel Moor and Reade Adams, both led the team to state titles. The shutout jumps his save percentage on the season to .934 and .960 in his last three starts. Sure there have been some hiccups, injuries and a learning curve but Northern Highlands is putting itself in a great position to defend its title as the top Public team in the state. “The last two games we’re missing three of our top six forwards, and guys just stepped up,” Brent said. “I think our defensive play led. We have high-end guys that can score big goals. With a stud goalie in net, I think we’re a pretty good team.” Brian Bobal may be reached at bbobal@njadvancemedia.com . Follow him on X at @BrianBobal. The N.J. High School Sports newsletter now appears in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)MEXICO CITY (AP) — Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process , but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. The ruling party pushed through a constitutional reform in September to make all federal judges stand for election, replacing the system where court employees and lawyers mainly move up through the ranks. Current court employees and their supporters have staged dozens of demonstrations against the reforms, calling them part of a ruling-party campaign to weaken checks and balances and eliminate independent regulatory and oversight bodies. Now, candidates for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships need only a law degree, a grade point average of 3.2, “five years of professional experience” and five letters of recommendation from neighbors or friends. That, and some luck in the final drawing. Officials rejected criticism that has called the process rushed or amateurish for the often highly technical posts that can hear cases including intellectual property, organized crime and Constitutional law. “The results have been spectacular,” said Arturo Zaldivar, a top advisor to President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to the plan, evaluation committees will have just over a month to review thousands of resumes and whittle the field to about 10 candidates or less for each for the 881 judgeships and nine seats on the Supreme Court. Then 1,793 names chosen at random from those selected will appear on the ballot on June 1. Critics warn that many who land on the ballot will be unknowns who perhaps have never argued a case in the courts they seek to run. “You don’t elect a doctor or a surgeon for an operation based on their popularity, you elect them based on their technical expertise, their ability, their knowledge,” said Sergio Méndez Silva, the legal coordinator for the civic group Foundation for Justice. “That also applies for a judge.” With candidates now having to run election campaigns, critics warn there's a chance drug cartels or political parties could finance them to get friendly judges onto the bench. There are also concerns that the evaluation committees deciding who makes the cut for the selection to appear on ballots may not be impartial. Most committee members were appointed by the legislative or executive branches, controlled by the ruling Morena party. Some critics argue that the current justice system, which is riddled with nepotism, corruption and a lack of accountability, needs to be changed. “We need a justice system that gives results,” said Martínez Garza, an academic and former head of the human rights commission in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon who has registered to run for a Supreme Court seat. Trials in Mexico can last for years, and the ruling party has added to the growing list of crimes for which bail is not allowed, meaning that a large percentage of the prison population is people awaiting trial.