Golden boy

Already 2008 is looking like being one of the most interesting F1 seasons for a long time, if only because if 2007 was a year of transition, then 2008 will be a year of consolidation (although there are a good number of top driver moves too). This is just my hunch, but I think that 2008 will be all about Ferrari domination. By the end of 2007 the Raikkonen-Ferrari package was the one on the pit-lane that was working the most effectively. Sure the McLarens were quicker, but Raikkonen and his Ferrari seemed as one, whereas Hamilton and Alonso were never 100% hooked up. Furthermore Raikkonen drove a champion’s season, when he didn?������t feel the car was 100% he didn?������t give 100% (e.g. Monaco), but instead he let the car come to him throughout the season so that he went into the final few races knowing that he would come away from the weekend unable to physically have gone any quicker. Unlike McLaren and Renault, Ferrari is retaining the same driver line up for 2008. … [Read more...] about The Ben Evans column – first thoughts on 2008 · RaceFans

A handful of celebrities who attended the Golden Globe Awards last week now have a problem: They tested positive for the coronavirus and had to sit out other award shows. Actor Jamie Lee Curtis reported in an Instagram post over the weekend that she contracted the virus, writing that she would miss the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' Tea Party and the Critics Choice Awards, which both took place in Los Angeles over the weekend. Others who attended the Globes, held at a Beverly Hills, Calif., hotel on Tuesday, also failed to show at the Critics Choice event because of coronavirus infections. According to the Hollywood Reporter, which cited a spokesperson for Colin Farrell, both he and fellow "The Banshees of Inisherin" star Brendan Gleeson contracted the virus and could not attend. (They were nominated for best actor and best supporting actor, respectively, but did not win.) It is difficult to determine how, when and where someone contracts the coronavirus, and … [Read more...] about After Golden Globes, covid forces some stars to miss Critics Choice Awards

Pierre Gasly paid a special visit to Florida and gave two local businesses golden tickets to this year’s Miami Grand Prix. The Alpine driver headed to Miami Gardens to do some promotional work ahead of the second edition of the race, set to take place at the specially-built Miami International Autodrome in the shadow of Hard Rock Stadium in May. As part of his trip, he also surprised vendors at two local restaurants with ‘golden tickets’ to this year’s race, from Jamaican restaurant Reggae Beets and Italian ice vendor Italian Vice. Miami Grand Prix organisers also say a total 14 minority-owned restaurants local to Miami Gardens and the surrounding area have been chosen to be at the race selling food, in the hope of bringing the involvement of local people to the race. “I’m always happy to help support people and local businesses here and to bring them a bit of excitement by surprising them with a golden ticket,” Gasly said. “It’s important to recognize the positive impact … [Read more...] about Pierre Gasly surprises local business owners with golden tickets for Miami GP

Pedro de la Rosa has told Spanish F1 fans to stop living in the past and appreciate that they have two drivers on the F1 grid in Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. And while they aren’t winning World titles at the moment, there are still race wins and podium results. The last time Spain celebrated a World Champion was back in 2006 when Alonso won his second successive championship with Renault. He went onto record runner-up results in 2007 with McLaren and twice with Ferrari in 2010 and 2012 but wasn’t able to add a third title to his tally. This season Spain could be in the hunt but with a different driver, Sainz. Last year the 28-year-old clinched his maiden race win, P1 at the British Grand Prix, while overall he managed nine podium results. De la Rosa says Spanish fans should appreciate that they have two drivers rather than lament the 16-year draught for World Championship titles. PlanetF1 recommends ‘Charles Leclerc is Ferrari’s key man, like Max is in Red Bull … [Read more...] about Pedro de la Rosa tells Spanish F1 fans to stop living in the past and embrace ‘golden age’

The former principal of the Virginia elementary school where a 6-year-old shot his teacher was not aware of reports that the student had a gun before the shooting occurred, her lawyer said Thursday. Briana Foster Newton was principal at Richneck Elementary in Newport News last month when first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner was shot and wounded in her classroom. “It continues to be reported that unidentified school administrators were aware that the 6-year-old student had a gun at school on January 6 and simply failed to act,” attorney Pamela Branch said during a news conference in Richmond, Virginia. “Mrs. Newton has been assumed to have been one of those administrators," Branch said. "However, this is far from the truth. The fact of the matter is that those who were aware that the student may have had a gun on the premises that day did not report this to Mrs. Newton at all.” Branch provided the first public statement from Newton since the shooting occurred and sought to … [Read more...] about Lawyer: Principal unaware boy had gun before teacher shot

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia's president is seeking to suspend arrest orders against some of the country's biggest criminal suspects, including at least one individual wanted in the U.S. on narcotics charges, as part of an ambitious plan to dismantle armed groups that have long dominated the countryside. The request to suspend the arrest orders against eight members of the so-called Gulf Clan was made by President Gustavo Petro's peace commissioner in a letter dated Jan. 11 to Colombia's chief prosecutor. Among those on the list are Jobanis Villadiego, also known by his alias “Bad Boy,” who was indicted in Brooklyn federal court in 2015 alongside Dairo Antonio Úsuga, then leader of the Gulf Clan and at the time Colombia's most wanted fugitive. A copy of the letter was provided to The Associated Press by someone close to U.S. law enforcement on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters at the heart of more than two decades of U.S.-Colombia anti-narcotics … [Read more...] about Colombia president asks to stop arrest of narco sought by US

The many roadside attractions between Houston and San Antonio during a family vacation or road trip can add zest to the three-hour journey along Interstate 10. While you might be used to simply passing them by in the interest of speed, if you plan a detour or two, your next drive between the two cities could be your best yet. From delicious barbecue , to unique history and culture, to quirky art installations, these are our favorite Houston to San Antonio roadside attractions that are worth a stop. Unique sights in Houston Houston is home to a plethora of quirky attractions and one-of-a-kind landmarks . On your way out of H-Town, swing by these local favorites to start your drive. The Palace of the Golden Orbs Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace has added an exotic touch to the city's west edge since a Taoist sect began erecting it in 1999—before its leader was deported back to China. Rumor has it that the 40-foot orb, a setting for Solange's "A Seat at the Table" … [Read more...] about The most unique roadside attractions between Houston and San Antonio

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 Others went farther in the postseason, even playing for state championships. But when it came down to picking Greater Houston's top boys basketball player during the 2011-12 season, an early playoff exit didn't affect Rasheed Sulaimon 's chances. The Duke signee and McDonald's All-American made it official Tuesday night, winning the inaugural Guy V. Lewis Award. Sulaimon, who led Strake Jesuit to consecutive District 19-5A titles, wasn't able to attend the award reception as he's in Chicago preparing for the first of two All-American games. The McDonald's game is Wednesday while Sulaimon will play in the Jordan Brand Classic on April 14. Sulaimon was one of eight seniors up for the award. Juniors Andrew and Aaron Harrison , who led Fort Bend Travis to the Class 5A final, were also finalists. A 6-4 guard, Sulaimon was 19-5A's Most Valuable Player as the … [Read more...] about Strake Jesuit star wins inaugural Guy V. Lewis Award

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at the Mall of America in December was arrested in Georgia on Tuesday, police said. Bloomington, Minnesota, Police Chief Booker Hodges said during a news conference Tuesday that the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Decatur, Georgia, by federal and state law enforcement officials. The suspect faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault. The Associated Press typically does not name juvenile criminal defendants. Johntae Hudson, 19, was killed in a Dec. 23 shooting at the Mall of America, the nation’s largest shopping center located in Bloomington. Hudson was shot eight times and died during an altercation inside the mall’s Nordstrom store. Witnesses, mall security guards and first responders tried to save him. Customers scrambled for safety and the nation’s largest shopping center went into lockdown on one of the final days of the holiday shopping season. The … [Read more...] about Police in Georgia arrest suspect in Mall of America shooting