Following his record-breaking 2022 campaign, Max Verstappen says he doesn’t bother with statistics, he just wants to get on with the job of winning “more races and potentially championships”. Storming to his second Drivers’ Championship title last season, Verstappen set a new record for the most wins in a single season, 15, while also writing his name in the history books for overturning the biggest deficit, 46 points, to win a World title. And that’s just two of the records he broke last season. His numbers had former World Champion Nico Rosberg declaring the Dutchman is “already” one of the greatest of all time, “if you look at the statistics.” Those include 35 race wins, putting him sixth on the overall list for the most F1 victories, 77 podiums, 20 pole positions and two World titles. This year he’s the favourite for the title, which would him bring him into line with the likes of Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna and Jackie Stewart as a triple World Champion. The stats, … [Read more...] about Max Verstappen not interested in where he ranks among the Formula 1 greats
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11 outstanding halal restaurants in Houston to visit during Ramadan
Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims worldwide, is here. It's a time of worship, reflection, community and for many, fasting (sawm) from dusk to dawn for 30 days. As Houston is home to a thriving Islamic community (the largest Muslim population in Texas), there are a wealth of restaurants where those who practice can break fast with a pre-sunrise meal (suhur) or evening feast (iftar). Keep scrolling for 11 excellent halal restaurants in Houston. Abu Omar Halal Houston's first halal food truck has transformed into a mini foodie empire, with a squadron of mobile eateries and brick and mortar spots now scattering the city from Friendswood and Spring to downtown and the Med Center—and even reaching far-flung places like Tampa, Florida. Each locale slings the same craveworthy roster of shawarma, falafel and gyro available in wrap form, piled high over rice and veggies or beds of crunchy fries, or served "Arabi" style—stuffed inside a griddled wrap along with … [Read more...] about 11 outstanding halal restaurants in Houston to visit during Ramadan
Here’s where to break your fast in Houston this Ramadan
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is upon us, and if you're fasting, you may be looking to take advantage of local iftar deals to celebrate its coming. Here’s a roundup of establishments to help you wish your loved ones a hearty Ramadan Mubarak: TO THE FUTURE: Robots are now delivering pizza in Houston Nazif’s Grill Nazif’s, one of Houston’s premier Turkish restaurants, is offering a colorful, healthy iftar buffet every day during Ramadan. The line-up features various hot and cold appetizers such as tabbouleh, ezme, falafel and shepherd salad as well as succulent kebabs and vegetarian entrees. Tune into Nazif’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and special additional offerings. Do Darya Fans of Indian and Pakistani fare should head to Do Darya following their daily fast for iftar nibbles like fruit chaat, french fries, spring rolls and chocolate khajoor. After whetting your appetite with those snacks, stay on for the dinner buffet with options such as prawn … [Read more...] about Here’s where to break your fast in Houston this Ramadan
Florida lawmakers approve carrying concealed gun without permit, training
Legislators in the nation's third-most populated state on Thursday approved a bill to allow people to carry concealed firearms without a permit or proof of training - dubbed "constitutional carry" by its supporters. The 27-13 vote on the House bill fell largely along party lines, with Republicans pushing the bill with support from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and law enforcement groups. DeSantis must still sign the bill for it to become law. Democrats say this law will worsen an epidemic of gun violence. Florida had a firearm injury death rate of nearly 14 per 100,000 people in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting it roughly in the middle of state rankings for firearm deaths. Florida is set to become the 26th state to approve permitless carrying of firearms. The measure allows people to carry a concealed firearm anywhere license holders are currently allowed to carry - meaning it will still be illegal to carry a gun in courthouses, polling places … [Read more...] about Florida lawmakers approve carrying concealed gun without permit, training
Global stocks rise ahead of US inflation update
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 6 BEIJING (AP) — Global stocks and Wall Street futures rose Friday ahead of a United States inflation update that traders hope might prompt the Federal Reserve to ease plans for more interest rate hikes. London and Frankfurt opened higher. Shanghai and Tokyo advanced. Oil prices declined. Wall Street rose Thursday as worries about the global financial system eased following the collapse of two U.S. banks and one in Switzerland. Traders hope a measure of U.S. inflation due out Friday that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve will show upward pressure on prices easing. That might prompt the Fed to postpone plans for a possible rate hike at its May meeting. A softer inflation reading would be a “signal to continue with the risk-on theme," said Tim Waterer of Kohle Capital Markets in a report. Inflation in the 20 countries that use the euro slowed to 6.9% in … [Read more...] about Global stocks rise ahead of US inflation update
Christian Horner responds to Lewis Hamilton’s RB19 claims
Christian Horner has responded to Lewis Hamilton’s claim that the RB19 is one of the most dominant cars in F1 history. Hamilton and fast cars have long been associated together given the seven-time World Champion’s history in the sport but it seems the 38-year-old believes the fastest car in recent memory belongs to a rival team, Red Bull. Following on from the RB18’s success, the RB19 has further increased the gap between Red Bull and the chasing field with the team securing consecutive one-twos at the opening two races this season. Additional reporting by Michael Lamonato As such, Hamilton commented that it was the fastest car he had seen in his 17 years on the grid. “I’ve definitely never seen a car so fast,” he said following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. “I think when we were fast, we weren’t that fast. I think it’s the fastest car I’ve seen, especially compared to the rest.” Horner has now responded to these claims, describing them as “flattering” especially from a … [Read more...] about Christian Horner responds to Lewis Hamilton’s RB19 claims
The dramatic tale of how ‘Tetris’ became a phenomenon
Henk Rogers is always looking for the next big thing, no matter the cost. That's why he risked his home and his freedom for "Tetris." He knew the game, created in the Soviet Union, would break barriers and become a hit. So he wanted to arrange to bring "Tetris" to the rest of the world, by getting it included on a yet-to-be-revealed device from Nintendo called the Game Boy. The young video game publisher flew to the Soviet Union from his Tokyo home in 1988 under the false pretext of a tourist visa, illegally entered government buildings and was monitored by KGB spies, all while the country's Communist Party fell apart around him like tumbling blocks. Rogers and a bureaucrat had to meet in parks to break down their deal. "It was dangerous - cars and rooms were all assumed to be bugged," Rogers said in a recent interview from his home in New York City. His journey and the complicated legal battle is the subject of a new film released last week in theaters and appearing on … [Read more...] about The dramatic tale of how ‘Tetris’ became a phenomenon
Tilman Fertitta to acquire Hard Rock Lake Tahoe
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe will soon see a new owner: billionaire Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets basketball team. The Stateline, Nevada, casino will then become a Golden Nugget casino and hotel, after the transaction closes “within the next seven to twelve months, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions,” Fertitta Entertainment said in a statement. The Tahoe location will be the third Golden Nugget in Nevada, after locations in Las Vegas and Laughlin. The acquisition price was not disclosed. “We are thrilled to be welcoming the Lake Tahoe property to the Golden Nugget family,” Fertitta said in a news release. “This acquisition represents a significant opportunity for us to expand our footprint into the Northern Nevada marketplace.” In addition to the Houston Rockets and the Golden Nugget casino chain, Fertitta owns Landry’s and Mastro’s steakhouse chains. Fertitta Entertainment's holdings in the Bay Area … [Read more...] about Tilman Fertitta to acquire Hard Rock Lake Tahoe
Folger to fill in for injured Pol Espargaro at Tech3 MotoGP squad
Listen to this article Folger’s only MotoGP campaign was back in 2017, competing for Tech3 on Yamaha machinery, and highlighted by a second-place finish at his home round at the Sachsenring. But the German’s rookie premier class campaign was cut short by illness which was later diagnosed as Gilbert’s syndrome. Since then, Folger has made sporadic outings in Moto2 and the World Superbike championship at international level, and most recently competed for Bonovo MGM BMW in the production series in 2021. Folger will stand in for the injured Espargaro from the Americas GP, after he suffered a fractured jaw and back as well as trauma to his lungs in a heavy crash during practice for the MotoGP season-opener in Portugal. “It’s clear Pol needs time to make a full recovery and our thoughts are still with him and we are in contact all the time,” Nicolas Goyon, Tech3 team manager, said. “Until he is ready though, Jonas’ testing role together with his recent MotoGP experience … [Read more...] about Folger to fill in for injured Pol Espargaro at Tech3 MotoGP squad