Category: Lifestyle

Carscoops 

GM could be one of the few automakers celebrating when full sales figures for 2022 are released for every company selling vehicles in the U.S.. While the market slumped as firms struggled with a shortage of inventory, GM shifted more metal in the region than Toyota, putting it back on top of sales charts.

Toyota knocked GM off the top of the U.S. sales charts in 2021, making that year the first since 1931 that the General had failed to ascend to the sales podium’s top step. But GM today announced that sales for 2022 actually increased by 2.5 percent, while Toyota revealed that its output fell 9.6 percent over the same period.

Toyota downgraded its forecast in November and the final official figures reveal it sold 2,108,458 vehicles in 2022, down from 2,332,262 in the preceding 12 months. GM shifted 2,218,223 vehicles during 2021 but sold 2,274,088 units in 2022.

Related: Ford F-Series Hangs On To Title Of America’s Best Seller In 2022 For The 41st Consecutive Year

Temporary safety-related halt to bZ4X sales hurt Toyota in 2022

Industry experts at Cox Automotive have, per Reuters, forecasted that total market sales for 2022 amount to 13.9 million units, which would represent a drop of 8 percent from 2021 and a 20 percent fall versus 2016’s numbers.

Blame for the fall lies squarely with automakers’ lack of inventory. Demand remained strong, but chip shortages and high material costs resulted in a shortage of vehicles to sell, with available cars, trucks and SUVs often being sold for inflated prices. But Asian brands including Toyota and Subaru seem to have borne the brunt of the problems, meaning their sales have fallen more than some of their rivals’.

Analysts and automakers are being cautious about predicting huge gains in the coming months, some warning that the chip shortage will still be an issue until the second half of the year, and others suggesting that a global recession and lack of buyer incentives could hamper sales during 2022.

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Well+Good 

The last few years have been undeniably stressful. So, if you’ve noticed an uptick in migraine attacks, stress could be the culprit.  But, the complete list of migraine triggers is long and very much based on your unique makeup. One thing is for sure, migraine attacks often happen when you deviate from your routine, says Nada Hindiyeh, MD, a headache specialist and clinical assistant professor of neurology at Stanford University.

“By far the most common trigger that we see is stress and about 70 percent of people with migraine are going to report that,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “But so many other things can be triggers. One of the most important things I actually recommend to people with migraine or headaches is a really routine lifestyle because when you get thrown off or your brain gets thrown off, that’s when a lot of migraines can happen.”

It’s safe to say that from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic until now has been a pretty rocky ride. Routines have come and gone and changed multiple times over the last few years, and that’s had an effect on people with migraine.

“Because people have been, throughout this pandemic, thrown off of their routine, a lot of these things start to come into play,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “You’re no longer going to the office at the same time, waking up at the same time, eating at the same time.” She explains that these changes in routine trigger hormonal changes and neuropeptide changes in the brain. “When you get triggered down that neuronal pathway, one of the pathways that get triggered is pain, because the brain senses something is off or different.”

Let’s back up, what exactly is migraine?

Before diving into the long list of migraine triggers, it’s important to know the textbook definition of migraine, says Stephen Silberstein, MD, director of the Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

“A migraine is a headache, but it has certain characteristics; a Picasso and a Rembrandt are both paintings, but they have different characteristics,” says Dr. Silberstein. “If you have a severe headache that comes and goes, that interferes with your life it’s more than likely migraine. The characteristics are moderate to severe, often throbbing. You don’t feel like moving about, it’s often one-sided, you’re often sick to your stomach, [and] you may have a sensitivity to light or sound.”

Adelene Jann, MD, migraine specialist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Langone Health, says migraines typically last anywhere from four hours up to three days. Genetics also play a role. Dr. Jann says women are more likely to experience migraine than men. Dr. Hindiyeh adds that migraine is hereditary. “It’s a genetic disease, it’s hereditary, so people are born with a predisposition to having a hyperexcitable or hypersensitive brain,” says Dr. Hindiyeh.

With that said, to prevent migraine attacks, it’s important to understand your triggers. Explore the list of migraine triggers, below.

Here’s a list of potential migraine triggers related to changes in routine

1. Dehydration

“Dehydration is a big one, especially in the summer when it’s hot,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. To make sure you’re getting enough water, consider setting reminders or investing in a big water bottle.

2. Changes in weather

Many feel that they can predict the weather with their migraines. Dr. Hindiyeh says that for a lot of people, changes in weather, hot weather specifically for some and cold weather for others, can cause a migraine.

3. Skipping a meal

“Skipping a meal can be a big trigger as well,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “We have people really routinely eat their meals at the same time every day.”

4. Changes in sleep

“Changes in sleep are another very, very big trigger,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “It’s really about consistency.” You’ll want to make sure you’re going to bed at the same time every day, waking up at the same time every day, and not napping.

5. Hormonal changes

Menstrual cycles can also play a huge role. “We oftentimes see migraine first start in girls right around puberty around the time of their menarche,” says Dr. Hindiyeh.  She says many experience more frequent migraines around their period. “For two-thirds of women, after menopause is when things actually get a lot better.”

6. Certain medications

“If you’re overusing certain medications, certain over-the-counter medications, or even migraine prescription medications, they can cause worsening or increased frequency of migraines,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “Think about Advil or Tylenol. You think ‘Oh yeah, I can use that every once in a while.’ But when you start to use any of these more than 10 days a month, they can trigger more and more and more migraines.”

7. Extended screen time

“During this time people are on their screens—on their computers, on their iPad, on their phones—more than ever before,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “Life has really shifted to a model where we have to use those constantly. And so the bright light from the screen or that constant need to be in front of it and trying to focus, that can be a huge trigger. I really recommend that people take breaks from it at least once every hour. Getting up and moving away from your screens.”

8. Skipping workouts

“One of my favorite things actually to help prevent migraine, and I can’t recommend this enough, is daily aerobic exercise,” says Dr. Hindiyeh. “So we know that daily aerobic exercise will help prevent migraines. But [for] people [who] aren’t able to go to the gym and maybe for them, a home workout isn’t as successful. Being thrown off that routine can be a big, big trigger as well.”

How to identify your triggers and get help

Migraine attacks can often have more than one trigger. Dr. Jann recommends tracking your migraines to try to pinpoint triggers.

“Keeping a headache diary can help track the frequency of your migraines and whether or not they are associated with common triggers, like menstruation, the weather, or certain foods,” says Dr. Jann. “The diary can be done on paper or on app on your phone. Be sure to bring your headache diary to your doctor’s appointment so that the doctor can review it and come up with treatment options.”

If the thought of tracking your migraines stresses you out, Dr. Hindiyeh says just being self-aware can help. “If you know that you’re on a very strict routine, you haven’t changed your sleeping schedule, you haven’t skipped any meals, you haven’t done this, but maybe you realize ‘okay, well I’m spending so much more time on the screen, something feels different,’ then that certainly can be playing a big role.”

Unfortunately, many people with migraine go untreated, but Dr. Silberstein explains that there are a lot of treatments available. “There are things like yoga, biofeedback, and meditation,” says Dr. Silberstien. “They enable you to stabilize your brain, they can actually relieve and prevent migraine. And there are new devices that are noninvasive which can be applied to your arm, your head, or your neck, and actually prevent and turn off a migraine attack.” Be sure to check in with your doctor and explore all of your options.

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The Points Guy 

For elite status seekers, the new year comes with what’s dreaded most — elite status qualification metrics resetting to zero.

Travel elite status operates under the principle that you requalify year after year. Last year, you hopefully earned the status — or statuses — that you’ll enjoy this year. And unless you have lifetime status, you’ll likely need to requalify this year to extend your status for another year.

Luckily, several major loyalty programs offer status rollover when you go above and beyond and other bonuses for holding a credit card or requalifying for elite status. However, these don’t always post simultaneously, so you should monitor your accounts to ensure everything posts properly.

With that in mind, here are the elite status rollovers you should expect this month and how to know if you’re eligible.

Delta Air Lines rollover MQMs

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Earning Delta status requires Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs) and Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs). Here’s how many MQMs, MQSs and MQDs you must earn in 2023 to extend your Delta status.

Silver Medallion Status: 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs + 3,000 MQDs.
Gold Medallion Status: 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs + 8,000 MQDs.
Platinum Medallion Status: 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs + 12,000 MQDs.
Diamond Medallion Status: 125,000 MQMs or 140 Medallion Qualifying Segments + 20,000 MQDs.

Delta will roll over every MQM you earned above your status tier last year. For example, let’s say you’re a Platinum Medallion, but you finished 2022 with 105,000 MQMs. That means you’ll start this year with 30,000 MQMs.

To calculate rollover MQMs, subtract your status tier requirement from your 2022 total MQMs.

Unfortunately, MQSs and MQDs don’t roll over. But if you’re looking to accrue MQDs for a fraction of the normal price, check out our guide on earning MQDs with partner airlines. That’s how one TPG staffer largely requalified for Diamond Medallion with a trip to South Africa.

Rollover MQMs are currently posting in our surveyed SkyMiles accounts.

Related: Battle of the Airlines: Why I think Delta Air Lines is the best

United Airlines 2023 kick-off PQPs

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Before we shift to hotel status, here’s a reminder for those who qualified for United status. You’ll receive a bonus Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) deposit based on the status you earned in 2022. Here’s what you can expect:

Premier Silver: 500 PQPs.
Premier Gold: 1,000 PQPs.
Premier Platinum: 1,500 PQPs.
Premier 1K: 2,500 PQPs.

The PQP deposit will help you requalify for status. Here’s what you’ll need to earn this year to earn United status:

Tier
PQPs + Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs)
Only PQPs

Premier Silver
4,000 PQPs + 12 PQFs
5,000 PQP

Premier Gold
8,000 PQPs + 24 PQFs
10,000 PQP

Premier Platinum
12,000 PQPs + 36 PQFs
15,000 PQP

Premier 1K
18,000 PQPs + 54 PQFs
24,000 PQP

United will also provide a PQP deposit in 2024 for the status you earn in 2023.

In our tests, United is yet to make its 2023 PQP deposits in its Premier member MileagePlus accounts.

Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program

Hilton rollover nights

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Hilton rolls over any excess nights you earned above your status requirements starting with its entry-level status. Here’s what it takes to earn Hilton status this year:

Silver: 10 nights or four stays or 25,000 base points.
Gold: 40 nights or 20 stays or 75,000 base points.
Diamond: 60 nights or 30 stays or 120,000 base points.

Last year, however, the status requirements were reduced. Silver required seven nights, Gold required 28 nights, and top-tier Diamond status could be earned with 42 nights. And since Hilton rolls over any nights in excess of your status requirement (note, only nights roll over, not stays or base points), you could be well on your way to requalifying for status in 2023 without stepping foot into a Hilton lobby this year.

For example, if you earned 38 nights last year (10 nights above the requirement for Gold), you would have 10 rollover nights this year. To calculate rollover nights, subtract the 2022 elite night requirement from your 2022 elite nights.

Alternatively, you can earn Diamond status by holding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

At the time of writing, Hilton rollover nights are yet to post in our tested accounts.

Related: Reflecting on my 1st year as a Hilton Honors Diamond member

Hyatt credit card nights

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Requalifying for Globalist is one of my status priorities this year. Here’s what it takes to earn Hyatt status this year:

Discoverist: 10 elite nights or 25,000 base points ($5,000 in Hyatt spending). Or, hold either of Hyatt’s credit cards.
Explorist: 30 elite nights or 50,000 base points ($10,000 in Hyatt spending).
Globalist: 60 elite nights or 100,000 base points ($20,000 in Hyatt spending).

World of Hyatt offers the World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

With the World of Hyatt credit card, you automatically get five tier-qualifying nights each year. You’re also eligible to earn two additional tier-qualifying night credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

The business card offers five elite nights for every $10,000 that you spend on the card annually.

In the accounts we tested, Hyatt credit card nights haven’t yet been posted.

Related: 9 things I’ve learned after being a Hyatt Globalist for 5 years

IHG rollover nights

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Like Hilton, IHG One Rewards rolls over any qualifying nights in excess of Gold, Platinum and Diamond Elite. A notable exception is Silver Elite, so any nights earned in excess of Silver Elite (between 11 and 19 nights) won’t roll over.

Rollover nights are valid for up to one calendar year. Here’s what it takes to earn IHG One Rewards status this year:

Silver Elite: 10 nights.
Gold Elite: 20 nights or 40,000 elite qualifying points.
Platinum Elite: 40 nights or 60,000 elite qualifying points.
Diamond Elite: 70 nights or 120,000 elite qualifying points.

Let’s assume you earned 62 elite qualifying nights in 2022. Since that’s 22 nights in excess of Platinum Elite, IHG will roll over 22 elite qualifying nights. That means that you’ll qualify for at least Gold Elite this year.

These rollover nights have started to post to member accounts per our tests.

Related: 7 ways to earn more IHG One Rewards points for your next redemption

Marriott credit card nights

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Finally, like with Hyatt, some Marriott Bonvoy members earn elite nights just for holding a Marriott cobranded card. Here’s what it takes to earn Marriott Bonvoy status this year:

​​Silver Elite: 10 elite nights.
Gold Elite: 25 elite nights.
Platinum Elite: 50 elite nights.
Titanium Elite: 75 elite nights.
Ambassador Elite: 100 elite nights (plus $23,000 in annual qualifying spending).

My colleague has written a complete guide to earning Marriott Bonvoy status from cobranded credit cards, but I’ll highlight that you can earn up to 40 elite nights per year from credit cards — 15 nights from a business card and up to 25 nights from a personal card like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card. That’s just 35 nights away from Titanium Elite status.

In our tests, Marriott credit card nights have already been posted.

Related: Marriott to increase Ambassador Elite spending, bring back personal ambassadors in 2023

Bottom line

While no one likes seeing their elite status metrics reset to zero, some programs give you a head start. So far, it appears that Marriott is the only program that has already posted its credit card nights.

We always recommend auditing your loyalty accounts, but consider waiting until the end of the month before contacting your loyalty program about missing elite status rollovers, deposits or credit card nights.

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Carscoops 

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and that seems to be the case regarding the Tesla that fell off of the Devil’s Slide in California yesterday. After an investigation, Police have arrested the man behind the wheel for attempted murder and child abuse. Evidence suggests that he intentionally drove the car off of the dangerous cliff.

Around 11 a.m. on Monday, California Highway Patrol was alerted to the accident just south of the Tom Lantos Tunnels. This is the area known as the Devil’s Slide where numerous fatal accidents have taken place over the years.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene they noticed movement in the car which had fallen somewhere between 250-300 feet from the road above. Ultimately, rescuers retrieved all four occupants, a man, his wife, and their two children from the vehicle. All survived with at most non-life-threatening injuries.

Read: All Four Tesla Occupants Survive After EV Plunges 250 Feet Off Devil Slide’s Cliff

Now, the man, Dharmesh A. Patel, 41, of Pasadena, CA, has been arrested by authorities. According to the CHPs Facebook page, investigators “worked throughout the night interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence from the scene.” And “based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act.”

Those findings led Mr. Patel to his arrest for attempted murder and child abuse. He’s still being treated for his injuries but will be booked into San Mateo County Jail upon his release from the hospital. The investigation remains active though and those with more information can contact the CHP at (415)-557-1094.

One interesting tidbit that the CHP also announced was that autonomous driving features like Tesla’s Autopilot or Full Self-Driving technology did not seem to play any role in the crash.

While we can’t speculate on how the family would have fared in any other vehicle, it’s worth mentioning that the Tesla Model S itself has always scored highly in independent crash testing. It’s great to see that it performed incredibly well in this tragic but ultimately survivable incident.

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Well+Good 

What’s for dinner? It’s a perennial question. For some, it’s an excuse to dig into the newest cookbooks or blogs for inspiration. But for those of us who hate grocery shopping, don’t feel comfortable with our cooking skills, or have zero time to plan (let alone cook!), the question causes a fair bit of anxiety and stress. Enter the national, healthy meal delivery services that we’re about to suggest.

Best healthy meal delivery services at a glance

Best grocery-hybrid: Hungryroot
Best organic: Green Chef
Best for beginner cooks: HelloFresh
Best for experienced cooks: Blue Apron
Best for paleo eaters: Pete’s Paleo
Best for vegans: Purple Carrot
Best dietitian-designed: Factor
Best for superfoods: Sakara
Best for plant-based eaters: Veestro
Best for fitness buffs: Trifecta
Best for families: One Potato
Best for vegetarian variety: Daily Harvest
Best for chef-crafted meals: Sunbasket
Best for aspiring chefs: Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon
Best for those who love to eat out: CookUnity
Best for a colorful plate: Thistle
Best for simple recipes: Home Chef

How is a meal kit delivery service better than eating out?

The main advantage of eating out is that someone else is planning and cooking your meal (and cleaning afterward). But it can be a whole ordeal to go out, and if you’re looking for something more casual, more companies are entering the meal delivery business pioneered by Blue Apron (among others) to take a lot of work out of eating in. From meal kits—complete with recipes and pre-portioned ingredients, which can help reduce food waste—to prepared meals and smoothie packs, companies want to make home-cooked, healthy meals convenient and easy. And they are tailored to nearly every diet under the sun, from Paleo to gluten-free to omnivores to vegans. Not to mention the appeal of having your ingredients delivered rather than dragging yourself to the grocery store.

What to look for in a healthy meal delivery service

With an increasing number of meal delivery options, it may be hard to decide which one is the best for you. Here are a few things to consider:

Cost

No matter how delicious a meal is, you don’t want to feel like you’ve overpaid for it.  Getting a good value “can come in the form of saved time, convenience, or simplicity with decision making around the age-old question, ‘What’s for dinner tonight?’” says registered dietitian Cara Harbstreet.

Cooking style and preferences

Some people like to cook their meals, so delivery services with pre-measured ingredients help speed the process along. Others don’t want to bother, and just want to heat and eat. “You can find options like Freshly, which are single-serving microwaveable meals that don’t require any cooking at all, or intricate and chef-driven recipes for home cooks who have the time and interest to explore new cuisines,” says Harbstreet. There are also services in between, like HelloFresh, which has more simple flavors and cooking methods.

Dietary needs/preferences

Registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello recommends thinking about what you can and can’t (or want/don’t want) to eat: any ingredient sensitivities, foods you’re eliminating or avoiding, and your lifestyle preferences. Plus look at if services offer vegan, paleo, gluten-free, organic, etc. to meet those needs or any preferences that may change week to week.

Ingredients

Pasquariello says she tends to gravitate towards meal delivery services or kits that contain the greatest variety of whole foods. “I’ll seek out services that are transparent about their ingredients and use as many fresh foods as possible. I will also look for organic meal kits if I can (though this is by no means a must-do),” she says.

Texture

“This might sound silly, but certain companies’ meals end up being a little sludgy or have a tendency to arrive in rough shape if they get jostled at all during shipping,” says Pasquariello. She looks for meals that are flash frozen, which helps ensure they arrive in good shape and can be put in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them.

How wasteful are meal kits?

Meal delivery services tend to use a lot of packaging and materials.  This can be somewhat unavoidable, says Pasquariello, but look for recyclable materials so not everything is ending up in landfill. In addition, some companies have sustainability initiatives. For example, Harbstreet says some companies, like Blue Apron, have made a commitment to increase the amount of recycled and recyclable materials in their packaging. “Another option is to look for a local meal kit, perhaps provided by a local co-op, CSA, or restaurant, to reduce the distance a kit has to travel to reach your home,” she says.

Not sure which of the healthy meal delivery services is for you? Don’t worry. We did the legwork for you so you can find the exact right option for you and your budget.

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

Additional reporting by Emily Laurence, Betty Gold, and Lesley Chen

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Well+Good 

When you hear someone mention “batwings” in the gym, you might assume they’re making a demeaning reference to someone’s upper arms. But the term is also the name for one of the most effective bodyweight exercises you can do.

What is it? Lying down on your back with your elbows at your sides, you put your weight in your elbows to raise your chest and head off the ground.

It’s that simple. And it targets several muscles along the backside of your body: the rhomboids (upper back), trapezius (lower back), latissimus dorsi (side of back), rear deltoids (shoulders), and triceps (upper arms), plus your core. Talk about getting a solid return for your time spent under tension.

This is especially useful because, in a world where most of us focus more on the muscles at the front of our body, our posterior chain often gets neglected. “We do a lot of exercises on the front muscles of our body, largely because that’s the most common direction we move and because that’s what we see when we look in the mirror,” says Danica Osborn, a certified personal trainer and LifeTime group training coach. “However, to promote better posture, reduce muscular imbalances, prevent back pain, and optimize athletic performance, we have to be careful not to overlook our posterior chain.”

The best way to work batwings into your workout repertoire is to work in a few different variations of the move. This not only spices things up but keeps your muscles on their toes: You create a new stimulus by switching up the exact movements, causing muscle adaptations and progression over time. Variety can also help prevent overuse injuries. Here are four batwing variations that Osborn suggests putting into regular rotation if you have access to equipment like resistance bands, TRX straps, and a cable machine.

Try these batwing variations

Osborn recommends performing three sets of 10 reps for each of these.

Standard batwing

Lay flat on your back.
Pressing into your elbows, lift your shoulders and head off the mat. Keep your chin lifted away from your chest and roll your shoulders back and down. Make sure your heels remain on the floor.
Pause for one to two seconds at the top before slowly returning to the starting position.

“If you notice your abdominal muscles flaring as you crunch up in a batwing, a great way to modify this movement is to lift your feet off the floor and hinge your knees at a 90-degree angle,” Osborn says.

V-sit resistance band pulldown

Loop a resistance band around a pull-up bar or another secure structure.
Grab each end of the resistance band, then sit down in a V-position (legs off the floor) below it.
Pull the band toward you while remaining in the V-position.
Pause for one to two seconds before returning to the starting position.

TRX high row

Grab the TRX handles and lean back while keeping your back and legs straight and heels firmly planted on the ground. Hold the handles with palms facing down.
Pull yourself up toward the cables, with your elbows in line with your shoulders.
Pause for one to two seconds before slowly lowering back to the starting position.

“To decrease the intensity of this move, walk your legs back,” explains Osborn. “That way, the TRX cables bear less weight as you row.”

Seated lat pulldown

Set a cable to the highest position before sitting or kneeling on the ground. Use a rope cable attachment that you can grasp with both hands.
Grab the rope then sit down in a reclined V-position with your feet and glutes on the floor.
Pull the rope toward your chest while directing your elbows back and down.
Pause for one to two seconds before carefully returning to the starting position.

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Carscoops 

The actions of police in Birmingham, Alabama, are being reviewed internally after video was published of an officer running into a pedestrian with his police cruiser earlier this week. The officer struck the pedestrian while responding to a call relating to a collection of drivers engaging in “Exhibition Driving.”

“The Birmingham Police Department has been made aware of several social media videos regarding an Exhibition Driving incident that occurred on January 1, 2023, in the 900 block of 3rd Avenue North involving Birmingham Police Officers and several of participants of Exhibition Driving,” the department wrote in a statement. “The Birmingham Police Department is currently in the process of reviewing the actions of our officers in this incident.”

In the video, a Dodge Charger (among other vehicles) can be seen doing donuts in the middle of a public intersection as a man, also in the intersection, films on a smartphone. An officer then shows up in a marked cruiser—a Ford Explorer—with sirens on to stop the display.

Read: One Californian City Combats Street Takeovers And Racing With 823 Tickets In A Month

The officer lines his SUV’s nose up with the nose of the Charger, backing the car up for some distance. After the Charger’s driver stops briefly, the man who was filming the donuts, steps between the vehicles with his hands up. As he steps in front of the cruiser, the officer accelerates, bumping the pedestrian, and moving him several inches in the process, though he remains on his feet.

The pedestrian is, however, knocked off balance, and staggers out from between the vehicles. As that happens, the officer accelerates again and deliberately crashes into the front of the Charger.

In its statement, the Birmingham Police term Exhibition Driving calls like these as “chaos” and say they have led to injuries and death. City Council Member Clinton Woods, meanwhile, called the situation “tricky” and blamed the pedestrian who was struck by the officer for putting himself in harm’s way, while speaking to WBRC.

Birmingham officials say that stunt driving exhibitions such as this one are anything but uncommon. Indeed, dangerous driving displays got a lot of media attention in 2022, with cities across the U.S. responding to so-called “takeovers,” in which some drivers perform stunts in unsanctioned, unprotected areas.

As part of its plan to deal with the events, Birmingham officials have increased their use of portable speed strips in the hopes of slowing down fast driving. The Birmingham Department of Transportation says that the city’s police force has ordered another 50 strips, and is awaiting their delivery.

“It will move [driving exhibitions] out of areas where we have seen it in the past and help us safe up certain areas,” Woods said. “Hopefully, push that behavior where it can be done without risking so many lives.”

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Carscoops 

Hennessey celebrated the 10th delivery of the Venom F5 limited production hypercar over the holidays. The Texas-based company has already assembled more than a dozen Venom F5 Coupes and Roadsters since the start of production in March 2022, and plans on delivering more than 20 hypercars in 2023.

The 10th Venom F5 is a Coupe, painted in a striking metallic blue shade with brilliant white stripes. The hypercar was handed over to its owner over the holidays at Hennessey Special Vehicles in Sealy, Texas.

Read: Why Do Bugatti And Hennessey Both Think They Hold The Fastest Convertible Record?

The Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe was introduced in its final production form in December 2020, with all 24 examples being spoken for by summer 2021. However, those interested can still reserve the remaining build slots of the $3-million Venom F5 Roadster, which was first introduced in August 2022. The latter is gearing up for a speed record attempt this year, to gain the title as the fastest convertible in the world and its advertised top speed of over 300 mph (483 km/h). The coupe is also in the process of high-speed testing, targeting over 311 mph (501 km/h).

Both models are built upon a carbon-fiber chassis, and fitted with a mid-mounted twin-turbo 6.6-liter V8 dubbed “Fury”. The mostrous engine produces 1,817 hp (1,355 kW / 1,842 PS) and 1,193 lb-ft (1,617 Nm) of torque, placing the Venom F5 in the top league, among Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and SSC.

John Hennessey, company founder, and CEO said: “Manufacturing a hypercar requires a team effort on a global scale, and I could not be prouder of our accomplishments. Each bespoke commission is visually stunning, an imaginative collection of colors and materials befitting a vehicle of this caliber. Our clientele is thrilled by the Venom F5 and simply astonished by its performance.”

Hennessey suggests that the production rate of the Venom F5 is increasing monthly, despite the supply chain challenges, and plans on further expanding its manufacturing capacity in 2023.

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Carscoops 

Mercedes launched the second-generation CLA coupe at CES almost exactly four years ago, but it looks like we might have to wait a few more months to see the facelifted version without its camo wrap.

Spy photographers spotted the refreshed coupe and its shooting brake brother undergoing a last round of tests ahead of a likely introduction in March, which would coincide with the four-year anniversary of the Shooting Brake’s debut at the 2019 Geneva Show.

Unfortunately, these prototypes haven’t dropped much in the way of disguise since we last saw the CLA testing in late 2022, but we can make out a new design of DLR in the front headlights of the red wagon and in the rear of both cars. The coupe, meanwhile, leaves its front lamps uncovered, but that’s not a blunder on the R&D team’s part. It looks like these lights are the current car’s basic halogen headlights offered in some markets to keep fleet buyers happy.

Related: Gently Updated 2024 Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake Spied In Two Colors

We can expect some minor reshaping of the front and rear bumpers, too, with those on the AMG Line cars sticking with pretend tailpipes, perhaps for the last time if styling trends move away from proudly signaling the presence of combustion power under the hood. The CLA is definitely not going electric just yet, though. Mercedes is working on a small EQ sedan, but that’s a different beast; these facelifted CLAs will only be modestly different under the hood, gaining 48-volt mild-hybrid tech to boost efficiency on all models save the 416 hp (421 PS) CLA 45 AMG halo model.

For most drivers, the more important changes will take place inside the cabin, where the CLA is in line for upgrades to its MBUX infotainment system and dashboard design. Following the lead of last year’s facelifted A-Class, both CLAs will lose the trackpad in the center tunnel to make room for a wireless charging pad and cupholders. But sadly for U.S. buyers, only the CLA coupe will make it to dealer showrooms. The shooting brake isn’t currently offered in the U.S. and there’s nothing we can see in these pictures that are likely to change Merc’s mind. 

Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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Well+Good 

It’s likely that you’ve heard the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” before. That’s because this centuries-old adage has stood the test of time as apples have oft been linked—and praised—for their health benefits: namely, promoting healthier lungs, boosting cardiovascular health, and packing a hefty punch of gut-friendly fiber.

But aside from the research-backed benefits this humble fruit carries, it’s no surprise that apples tend to be our first pick from the fruit bowl: They’re absolutely delicious.

Now, as we enter the new year, ready to tackle our health goals, it’s important to keep in mind that, like all things in life, it’s all about striking a balance. And it’s safe to say that Elise Smith, a pastry chef and recipe developer, accomplishes just that on the latest episode of Alt-Baking Bootcamp, with her latest creation: a luscious vegan caramel apple tart with coconut whipped cream. Swoon.

Aside from the perfectly-balanced flavors in this decadent dessert—creamy coconut whipped cream, a crunchy graham cracker crust, a sweet coconut caramel layer, and tangy Granny Smith apples—Smith reminds us that treating ourselves to a tasty homemade treat is an absolutely necessary part of a well-balanced lifestyle (and if it’s made with nourishing, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly ingredients, all the better). Plus, she shares several helpful chef-approved tips that guarantee you’ll nail this recipe on the very first try.

Why this vegan caramel apple tart is a recipe we’ll be making on repeat

Of course, for many, baking is something you can’t wait to be done with (along with gift-wrapping) once the holidays are over and the year comes to an end. But that definitely doesn’t stop our insatiable need to finish dinner with something sweet once January rolls around.

That being said, baking doesn’t always have to be as tedious or time-consuming as making Grandma’s classic thumbprint cookies. On the contrary, with the help of a pastry chef’s super-practical hacks for making a tart in a few easy steps, you can be on your way to eating homemade, bakery-worthy desserts in mere minutes.

In this episode, Smith makes an easy apple tart with less than 10 gluten-free and vegan-friendly ingredients. And it’s far easier than you could ever imagine. She breaks down making a tart into three main steps: the crust, the filling, and the toppings.

For starters, Smith whips together a simple two-ingredient—yes, that’s really it!—crust using crushed vegan graham crackers and vegan butter. The key is using a springform pan that makes transferring and unmolding the crust as easy and crack-free as possible.

Then, Smith shows how to make a super simple vegan caramel (pro tip: double the recipe to save some extra for later). Lastly, she makes a cloud-like whipped coconut cream to slather over the tangy, thinly-sliced green apples for the perfect well-balanced dessert to start the year off right. Seriously, check out the episode if you’re in the mood to start your year off deliciously.

Vegan, gluten-free caramel apple tart recipe

Yields 6 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups vegan graham crackers, ground
5 Tbsp vegan unsalted butter

For the caramel:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp cornstarch
6 ounces vegan coconut cream

For the toppings:
1 Granny Smith apple
12 ounces vegan coconut cream
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. To make the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs and vegan butter in a small bowl until the mixture resembles a sand-like texture. Add the mixture to a greased and lined springform pan. Using the back of a measuring cup, gently press the mixture into the bottom and into the lip of the pan about half an inch tall to form a crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven, and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the crust to the refrigerator and let it set for about 20 minutes. The sides of the crust should begin to pull away from the edges.

2. To make the caramel, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch. Then, before adding the coconut cream, use a sieve lined with a paper towel to separate the coconut fat from the excess liquid in the coconut cream. Add the remaining coconut fat left on the paper towel into the caramel mixture. Whisk the mixture until thoroughly combined and the sugar is fully dissolved. Next, pour the caramel into the crust and move it around to coat the bottom entirely. Gently tap the pan on the surface to remove any air bubbles. Then, place it in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes.

3. For the toppings, thinly slice the apple. Then, remove the tart from the springform pan and layer it with the sliced apples. Set it aside. To make the coconut whipped cream, combine coconut cream and vanilla in a stand mixer, starting on low speed and working up to high speed until you have stiff full peaks. Halfway through, add the confectioner’s sugar, and continue beating on high. Once whipped, add the cream on top of the tart, and serve.

Next on the menu: Gluten-free herb parmesan biscuits: 



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