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Analysts positive on Keppel DC REIT's latest acquisition, but divided over risks
Broker's Calls
Michelle Zhu 8/05/2018, 11:00am
SINGAPORE (May 8): OCBC Investment Research and Phillip Capital are upgrading their calls on Keppel DC REIT (KDC REIT) to "buy" and "accumulate" with a fair value and target price of $1.54 and $1.51, respectively, following news of the REIT's acquisition of Kingsland Data Centre for $141.2 million.
Meanwhile, CGS-CIMB Securities maintains its "add" call on the trust with a higher target price of $1.49 compared to $1.47 previously.
All three research houses are positive on the deal as it is expected to be DPU-accretive despite the manager's intentions to fund it 100% by way of equity. This will be accomplished using net proceeds of about $298.9 million from a private placement exercise of 224 million new units, as well as remaining net proceeds from its Oct 2016 pro-rata preferential offering.
After completion of the private placement and acquisition, KDC REIT's manager expects gearing to decline to 32.1% from 37.4%, with the proportion of assets under management (AUM) to grow to 49.8% from 40.6%.
See: Keppel DC REIT acquires Kingsland Data Centre
In a Monday report, OCBC lead analyst Andy Wong says he sees further upside in the potential leasing of vacant office space at Kingsland Data Centre, although it typically commands lower rental than data centre space on a psf basis.
After factoring in the acquisition and its related transactions into his valuation model, Wong has raised FY18 and FY19 DPU forecasts by 2.3% and 2.9%, respectively.
Like the treatment given to its KDC SGP 3 acquisition, he also expects IRAS to grant KDC REIT tax transparency on the deal.
"The initial NPI yield is expected to be 6.8% based on the current occupancy [of Kingsland Data Centre] and including rental support. This will progressively increase to ~7.8% based on the pre-committed occupancy of 84.2%, subject to how quickly the clients ramp up their racks in the property," says Wong.
On the other hand, Phillip Capital has adjusted FY18E DPU down by 10.3% from its previous estimate but raised FY19E DPU by 3.1%.
While the research house believes long-term demand drivers for data centres remain intact, it highlights KDC REIT's rich valuation, which implies 1.42 times FY18E P/NAV multiple, as a downside risk going forward.
Unlike OCBC's Wong, Phillip analyst Richard Leow says he expects the REIT manager to face some hurdles in securing a tenant for the acquired property's office space since it resides within the data centre, and will not be able to be marketed like a typical office space, in his view.
Leow also highlights that Kingsland Data Centre's weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.6 years is shorter than KDC REIT's existing portfolio WALE of 9.6 years, although CGS-CIMB maintains that this is in line with other co-location assets in its portfolio.
"As at end-17, KDC REIT's other co-location assets had a WALE of 4.2 years. Further, with new supply in Singapore coming down after a peak in 2016-17, KDC REIT could benefit from positive rental reversions as the leases are up for renewal in the near- to mid-term," says CGS-CIMB lead analyst Yeo Zhi Bin in a report on Tuesday.
Yeo has raised its FY18-20F DPU forecasts by 0.1-1.9% to factor in the acquisition, which he expects to generate 6.8% NPI yield or some $20.3 million worth of NPI in the first 12 months.
The analyst highlights the property's vacant office space as an opportunity for further earnings upside, and estimates office rents to be in the range of $4.5 psf pm. He also sees a potential 1% uplift to his FY18F-19F DPU estimates if tax transparency is granted for the property's rental support.
Going forward, Yeo believes there is a visible acquisition pipeline for KDC REIT even as it approaches its $2 billion AUM target, as he thinks it could potentially go on to acquire three more assets from its sponsor or from Alpha Data Centre Fund.
"With KDC REIT trading at a hefty premium to book, it would be easier for it to make accretive acquisitions, leading to growth, and in turn lower costs of capital, turning a virtuous cycle," says the analyst.
As at 11am, units in KDC REIT are trading 4 cents lower at $1.39, which translates to a FY18F DPU yield of 5.3% based on OCBC estimates.
Jadason downgraded by RHB on shortage of workers and parts
New stores, products and factory to fire Old Chang Kee's growth momentum
This logistics trust presents attractive risk-reward opportunities amid the volatility, says OCBC


Detroit — For the first time in nearly a decade, the city is preparing to go to the bond markets with the intention of borrowing for capital investment in public safety, parks and recreation.
The Detroit City Council on Tuesday voted 6-3 in favor of Mayor Mike Duggan's request to authorize $255 million in tax-exempt municipal bonds over the next five years. Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield and members James Tate and Raquel Castaneda-Lopez voted no.
The council's approval enables the city to return to the bond market on its own credit after gaining improved marks among rating agencies and Detroit's emergence this spring from strict financial oversight put in place during Detroit's historic bankruptcy.
Of the $255 million, officials said about $110 million would be issued in 2018, and the remaining funds in 2021. The funding is tied to ballot issues for public safety, recreation, museums and parks authorized by voters in 2004 and 2009.
"It's been a long time since we've borrowed on our own credit. The funding for this was voter-approved going back more than a decade," Chief Financial Officer John Hill said. "Before 2010, the city went to market routinely to get money for its capital projects. That's what I hope this is starting again."
Hill said the projects were outlined in the city's capital agenda "wish list" approved two years ago by the council; Detroit hopes to borrow for the first projects by the end of this calendar year.
Among the recreation-related projects are technology upgrades and library reading rooms at city recreation centers, a roof replacement at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, golf course upgrades as well as projects at five city recreation centers — Adams-Butzel, Heilmann, Patton, Williams and the Northwest Activities Center.
The list also covers investment in the Aretha Louise Franklin Amphitheatre and Park, Detroit's Spirit Plaza and water line replacement and improvements on Belle Isle.
On the public safety side, the bonds will fund public safety vehicles, fire facility improvements, new animal control trucks, bulletproof vest replacements and unmanned aerial vehicles, among other things.
Coming out of bankruptcy, the city has been concerned about interest rate costs on the bonds, Hill said.
Detroit believes it will have rates around 5.5 to 6 percent, which is not investment grade "but is a good rate for the city," Hill said. Officials, he added, believe "there's a lot of interest in Detroit coming back into the market" and "it could drive the price of the bonds down."
Sheffield on Wednesday said she supports the bonds but wanted something in writing from Hill's office stating the CFO would present council members with a budget amendment for the 2018-19 fiscal year.
"They didn't do that. I have some issues with that," she said, saying the CFO's office will be amending the current budget, which already had been approved.
"I really didn't want to vote against it but it's important to me that we do not violate the budgetary procedures in place," she added. "It's appropriate for any changes for an approved budget to come before council for an amendment. We did not get that yesterday. It's about transparency and open government."
Sheffield also noted that a portion of Tuesday's approval was tied to a $13 million allocation for demolition. The council, she said, should have had input and some of those funds could have been used toward preventing foreclosures.
Castaneda-Lopez and Tate remarked during Tuesday's meeting that council had not had an adequate opportunity to thoroughly vet portions of the resolution. Tate stressed the importance of having more time to do so, "especially when talking about taxpayer dollars."
The approval, Hill said, allows the administration to amend the 2018-19 budget, but he noted that no contracts will be let without council's approval.
"Everything has to come back to the council for approval before we can spend the funds," he said.


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Q: A formal proof that a sum of infinite series is a series of a sum? I feel confused when dealing with ininities of any kind. E.g. the next equation is confusing me.
$$\displaystyle\sum^\infty_{n} (f_1(n) + f_2(n)) = \displaystyle\sum^\infty_{n_1=1} f_1(n_1) + \displaystyle\sum^\infty_{n_2=1} f_2(n_2)$$
How do people deal with such a special object as infinity with such an ease (it makes sense in general though)? Is there any axiomatic theory for that? I ask because I saw people relying on this when calculating the exact value of a series.
And last but not least: does my question sound tautological? Better delete it then.

A: You have not quite stated a result fully. We state a result, and then write down the main elements of a proof. You should at least scan the proof, and then go to the final paragraph.
We will show that if $\sum_{i=1}^\infty f(i)$ and $\sum_{j=1}^\infty g(j)$ both exist, then so does $\sum_{k=1}^\infty (f(k)+g(k))$, and
$$\sum_{k=1}^\infty (f(k)+g(k))=\sum_{i=1}^\infty f(i)+\sum_{j=1}^\infty g(j).$$
Let $\sum_{i=1}^\infty f(i)=a$ and $\sum_{j=1}^\infty g(j)=b$.
We want to show that $\sum_{k=1}^\infty (f(k)+g(k))=a+b$.
Let $\epsilon \gt 0$. By the definition of convergence, there is an integer $K$ such that if $n \gt K$ then
$$\left|\sum_{i=1}^\infty f(i)-a\right|\lt \epsilon/2.$$
Similarly, there is an integer $L$ such that if $n \gt L$ then
$$\left|\sum_{j=1}^n g(j)-b\right|\lt \epsilon/2.$$
Let $M=\max(K,L)$. Then, from the two inequalities above, and the Triangle Inequality, it follows that if $n \gt M$, we have
$$\left|\sum_{k=1}^n (f(k)+g(k))-(a+b)\right|\lt \epsilon.$$
This completes the proof.
If you do not have experience with arguments like the one above, it may be difficult to understand. But there is one important thing you should notice. After the initial statement of the result, there is no more mention of "infinity." All subsequent work is with finite sums. The existence and value of an expression like $\sum_{n=1}^\infty h(n)$ is defined purely in terms of finite sums.
Remark: It is perfectly possible for the sum on your left-hand side to exist, while the sums on the right do not. A crude example would be $f(i)=1$ for all $i$, and $g(j)=-1$ for all $j$. But one can prove that if any two of the sums exist, then the third one does.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Tag Archives: Victoria Colvin
Championships, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, USHJA
Private Practice Carries Victoria Colvin to Repeat USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship
August 19, 2018 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Photo: Victoria Colvin and Private Practice.
Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 18, 2018 – Living up to her reputation, 2017 champion Victoria Colvin once again reigned supreme in the 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, defending her title this time aboard Brad Wolf's Private Practice. Hunter superstar Colvin and Private Practice were accompanied Saturday evening by 33 of the nation's top hunter horses and athletes, ultimately jumping into a league all their own with a 16.5-point victory over the next closest competitor to easily secure the lead spot in the victory gallop and the greatest share of the nearly $300,000 purse. No stranger to finishing within the top of the rankings, Liza Boyd stylishly piloted both of her mounts to a podium finish, claiming the runner-up honors with Clemens and the third place slot with Tradition.
Throughout the entirety of the class, the lead consistently changed hands as horse-and-athlete partnerships one-upped each other in the eyes of the judges. Within the last half of the class, the lead changed no less than five times, with Meagan Murray-Tenuta on Becky Price's Editorial, Jamie Taylor aboard Iwasaki and Reilly's Small Kingdom and Dorothy Douglas in the saddle on MTM Farm's MTM One Time each taking a turn commanding the class.
True to handy round standards, veteran course designers Alan Lohman and Danny Moore constructed a winding 11-effort track that incorporated a trot jump, lofty high-option fences and inside turn options in addition to a three-pronged obstacle that allowed exhibitors to elect to jump as a bounce, a one-stride or a two-stride depending upon preference. With only two left to ride, Boyd and Clemens, owned by Finally Farm and Westerly Farm, cantered into the ring with two fresh horseshoes, having pulled a pair in the warm-up ring prior to their turn. The duo proved to be the best performers at that point in the competition with a two-round score of 589.50, thanks to their individual marks of 89, 91 and 92 plus 12 high-option bonus points and 29 handy points out of a possible 30.
Riding second-to-last, Colvin and the chromey chestnut gelding needed 310.5 points to match the cumulative score of the current class leaders. Leaving nothing to chance, the 20-year-old professional navigated Private Practice to all four of the high-option fences, while showcasing the gelding's handiness and graceful way of moving, finishing a fanciful trip to the tune of a near perfect score. Colvin and Private Practice put the pressure on the classic round winners and the last pair to ride, Holly Shepherd and Helen Brown's Tybee, with impressive scores of 95, 96 and 96 plus 12 bonus points and 28 handy points, to add 327 points to her day one score for a composite tally of 606 points, more than 16 points ahead of Boyd and Clemens. Colvin and "Peter" did not have to wait long, as Shepherd and Tybee were not able to muster the necessary points to take over the head spot atop the scorecard, securing Colvin and Private Practice the 2018 championship.
In 2017, Colvin won the title aboard John and Stephanie Ingram's Cuba, and with her 2018 win, she is added to the history books as only the second athlete to champion the event more than once as well as the second athlete to win the rosette back-to-back during the program's 10-year history. In good company, Colvin shares the status with derby poster child Boyd, the three-time winner with Brunello in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Though Boyd did not earn the top call once again in 2018, she still made out with plenty of reasons to celebrate as the reserve champion and third place finisher. While Colvin and Private Practice won nearly $50,000 for their championship performances, Boyd's two top placings earned her just over $56,000, the largest amount given to one rider during the evening.
Displaying an unmatched level of talent, Private Practice is on his way to being one of the most highly-decorated hunter horses in the sport, accruing numerous victories and standout results in his short tenure as a hunter. Some of his recent high-profile accolades include winning the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the Palm Beach Masters Series' Deeridge Derby and the first place prize in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Aiken Charity Horse Show. He carried Colvin to fourth place in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival and sixth place in the prestigious $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Outside of derbies, the flashy gelding has accumulated countless blue ribbons in 3'9" and 4' divisions at horse shows across the country. Adding to his impressive nature is the fact that 8-year-old Private Practice only recently transitioned to the hunter ranks from the jumper ring, and this year is his first with Colvin in the saddle.
In the final standings, Shepherd and Tybee jumped to fourth place overall with 584.25 points, just fractions of a point behind Boyd and Tradition's score of 584.75. Samantha Schaefer and Madeline Schaefer's In the Know maneuvered their way into fifth place, up from ninth place after Friday's classic round, while Douglas and MTM One Time rounded out the top six in the standings. As the highest-placing of the Tier II pairs based on winnings throughout the qualifying period, Douglas and the Holsteiner gelding added to their prize money as the Section B winners, concluding the championship with nearly $25,000 more to their names.
Earlier in the afternoon, 40 horse-and-athlete combinations that missed the cut-off for the handy round took another shot at earning some prize money, riding in the $10,000 Derby Challenge. Similar to the evening's handy round, Lohman and Moore's course included plenty of high-option jumps and opportunities to utilize inside turns, allowing riders to exhibit their mount's abilities. Ninth in the order, Amanda Steege and Wendy Salomon's Maitre D' earned the first standout score of the evening, riding to total marks of 295 from the three panels of judges. Steege and the bay gelding's lead would not hold long though, as little more than halfway through the class Tracy Fenney and MTM Farm's MTM Silver Alert set their sights on the top spot on the leaderboard, improving upon their peers' performances to capture the lead with 299.50 points.
Subsequent competitors laid down solid performances with scores in the 70s and 80s, but none were able to catch the high score set forth by Fenney and MTM Silver Alert, solidifying them as the Derby Challenge champions and largest prize winners of the class. Other than the champions, Steege and Maitre D' also remained unsurpassed to claim the runner-up spot, trailed by Havens Schatt and Kelley Corrigan's black stallion Diatendro, who garnered a final score of 290 to finish in third place.
Contact: Rebecca Walton
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
featuredhunter/jumperLiza BoydUSHJA International Hunter Derby ChampionshipVictoria Colvin
Equestrian Sport Prod., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Winter Equestrian Festival
Olivier Philippaerts Records His First Wellington Win
February 16, 2018 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Olivier Philippaerts and H&M Ikker. Photo © Sportfot.
Wellington, FL — February 15, 2018 — It was the 24-year-old Belgian rider Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) who triumphed over 53 fellow competitors to take the $35,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 in week six of the 12-week 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Aboard the 10-year-old gelding H&M Ikker — who is still owned by his breeder Roger Van Nuffelen — Philippaerts posted a blistering 37.61 seconds to take an unassailable lead. Second-placed Francisco Musa (BRA) and Catch Me Imperio Egipicio were almost two seconds adrift, with the only other clear in the jump-off coming from American rider Callan Solem (Davidson), who finished third. The course designer for CSI competition this week is Ana Catlina Harris of Mexico.
Philippaerts, who is 24 and competing at WEF for the first time, said: "I watched the first [jump-off] round, but decided to just go my own round and see where I ended up; luckily it was fast enough today. He turns very well in the jump-off, which is what makes him quite fast."
Mitchell, Stewart, and Colvin Win Double Championships in WCHR Week
Brady Mitchell and King of Blue, a six-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Bravour, were second, third, and fourth over fences and second in the under saddle to also claim the championship in one section of the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Green Hunter 3'6″.
Mitchell and his mount, Seaside, owned by Eliza Kimball, won the Heathman Farm Performance Hunter 3'6" Section A championship after they placed first in the under saddle and first, second, and third over fences.
Mitchell has placed third, fourth, and fifth in the Hunter Spectacular at WEF, but is still searching for a win, saying, "I am dying to win it; it's like the Aachen of hunters."
Scott Stewart took home two championship wins today aboard Catch Me, owned by Gochman Sport Horses LLC, in the Antares Sellier France High Performance Working Hunter division, and aboard Lucador, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, in the High Performance Conformation Hunter division.
Catch Me, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, was champion last week in the WEF 5 Amateur Owner Hunter Over 35 with Becky Gochman, and continued to impress the judges into week six as Stewart piloted the grey to first place in the High Performance Working Hunter under saddle. The pair was first, first, and second over fences.
Victoria Colvin was named champion in one section of week six's Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Working Hunter 3'3" division. Colvin and her mount, For Ever, owned by Victoria Colvin LLC, were first, first, and second over fences.
Colvin, who has had the six-year-old gelding for a few years now, emerged from her championship presentation in ring seven and hopped on the young Holsteiner bareback with a big smile on her face.
Equestrian Sport Productions | 561-793-JUMP | news@equestriansport.com | www.PBIEC.com
Brady Mitchellfeaturedhunter/jumperOlivier PhilippaertsScott StewartVictoria ColvinWinter Equestrian Festival
Amanda Derbyshire and Luibanta BH Win $70k Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 4
February 2, 2018 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Amanda Derbyshire and Luibanta BH. Photo © Sportfot.
Wellington, FL – February 1, 2018 – The fourth week of the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival hosts jumpers on the grass derby field at the Equestrian Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), show grounds of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Gochman Sport Horses LLC's Luibanta BH were victorious in the $70,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 4.
Sixty-four entries contested the WEF Challenge Cup, and 10 found the key to a clear round over Anderson Lima's (BRA) course on the grass. It was Derbyshire and Luibanta BH, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Luidam x Abantos, who blazed around the jump-off to win in 47.50 seconds.
Victoria Colvin and Dragonstone Repeat Championship Performance in Pre-Green Hunter 3 & 4 Year Olds
Victoria Colvin and new partner, Dragonstone, owned by Bryan Baldwin, claimed their second championship win in the Pre-Green Hunter 3 & 4 Year Olds division on Thursday morning of WEF 4. The pair was first, second, and third over fences and first in the under saddle.
"This was my second time showing him," said Colvin. "The first time I showed him he was champion as well. I have only been riding him for a bit, but he really is the sweetest and easiest horse."
Amanda Derbyshirefeaturedhunter/jumperVictoria ColvinWinter Equestrian Festival
Victoria Colvin and Cuba Capture USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Honors
Photo: Tori Colvin and Cuba.
Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 19, 2017 – The country's best hunter horses and riders returned to the Rolex Stadium for the second and final phase of competition in the 2017 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. Competitors returned with their classic round scores in tow, and had one last chance to show off their horses and their skills around designers Allan Lohman and Danny Moore's skillfully-planned course. John French, the 2009 champion, sat in the prime position with the one-two lead after day one, trailed by Victoria Colvin and rookie Geoffrey Hesslink in the next two spots. As the early leaders, these three were targets for their counterparts, with Colvin and Cuba ultimately pulling away from the pack with a standout round to secure the 2017 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Honors.
Young rider Taylor St. Jacques and Heritage Farm, Inc.'s Charisma separated from the field for the early lead as the seventh of 25 pairs to take their turn in the handy round, pulling in a score of 299.75 for the day and an impressive total score of 559.75. Just a few turns later, sitting in 12th position entering the day, Amanda Steege knew she needed to ride boldly aboard Wendy Salomon's Maitre D' if she were to have a chance at the title, and instead of focusing simply on where she could cut strides to promote handiness, the veteran rider honed her efforts on exemplifying a steady and confident pace. Based on the scores of 88.00, 86.75 and 85.25, plus handy scores of 8, 8 and 7 that she received from the judges panel, it was obvious Steege did her job well. She and "Mr. Lucky" earned a nightly score of 295.00 once the high option points were added, bumping her to an overall score of 560.50 and the class lead with 11 pairs still to ride.
Whittled down to only the top three individuals left to go, Steege still sat atop the leaderboard. French and Hiller Farms, LLC's Center Court, his second-place horse, rode ahead of their place in the reverse order to allow French time to swap mounts, but they were unable to overtake Steege with their two-day composite score of 535.50. Hesslink and his own 6-year-old Cadoretto took the stage sitting in fourth place after the first phase, and though the young Hesslink professed to be nervous in his debut USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship showing, he exuded confidence in the ring and was rewarded by the highest scores of the night to eclipse Steege and take over the lead. Hesslink and his chestnut gelding garnered scores of 90.00, 88.50 and 87.00 from the three panels of judges and, when combined with handy scores of 8 across the board plus 12 option points, broke the 300-point barrier with their nightly tally of 301.50. Combined with Friday's score, Hesslink earned a lofty 574.50 points over the two phases, and was one of only three pairs to hit the 90 mark.
Unfortunately for Hesslink, his score would not hold, as Colvin, no stranger to the winner's circle in the hunter ring, out did herself aboard Cuba, the 11-year-old gelding owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, LLC. Colvin navigated the handy round like a seasoned pro and, like Steege, paid attention to not just taking the tightest turns possible, but treated her high position with respect and rode a steady round, which paid off. She and Cuba earned scores of 92.00, 88.75 and 88.25, plus the highest handy scores of the night at 10, 9 and 9. The four high option fences further added to her score for a grand total of 309.00 and a two-day score of 584.25, nearly 10 points ahead of Hesslink. As the day-one leader and last to go in the class, French and Laura Wasserman's Skyhawk had a high standard to beat with Colvin's score, and though the pair laid down an efficient round, an unfortunate knockdown at the stone wall, not an uncommon occurrence for the night, knocked them out of contention, solidifying Colvin and Cuba as the 2017 champions.
Colvin rode to a total payout of over $45,000 to go along with her championship winnings, followed by Hesslink in the reserve position. Prior to competition, Hesslink and Cadoretto had accrued only $1,200 together in derby winnings, but the pair, who have only been a team since the spring season, will leave the Rolex Stadium not only with the nearly $30,000 check that goes to the overall reserve champion, but also prize money for the highest-placing Section B pair, an amount that exceeds $10,000. Steege and Maitre D' retained their third place position to stay on the podium, and St. Jacques, also in her debut showing, and Charisma finished in fourth place by less than a full point. Kelli Cruciotti and her own Monterrey nabbed the next spot with their total score of 553.50 to round out the top five finishers.
Earlier in the afternoon, 38 horses and riders who did not qualify for the handy round took another shot at some prize money, riding in the $10,000 Derby Challenge, sponsored by Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show and PJP Farm. Like the handy round, Lohman and Moore's course included plenty of option jumps and inside turn options, allowing riders to exhibit their mount's handiness. As the first to go in the order, Timothy Maddrix and Wimberly Debono's Indecision did not have the luxury of seeing any competitors ride the track, but as it turned out, they did not need the insight. The pair navigated the course brilliantly and was rewarded with scores of 89.00, 87.00 and 83.00, in addition to 12 option points and 24 handy points from the judges' panel, for a composite score of 295.00 to set a high standard at the onset of the class. Though they were hunted by all subsequent entrants, only two managed to come within 10 points of the class leaders. David Oliynyk and Generous, owned by Lori Gaudet, laid down a spectacular trip but ended up just shy of the top prize, finishing on a 294.50 score, just one-half point behind Maddrix and Indecision.
Steege, with the ride aboard Loxley, owned by Finale Partners, LLC, was the next-closest competitor, earning a 291.00 with the bay stallion, followed by Evan Coluccio and Lisa Vesterstein's Anthem with total marks of 281.00. With a score of 279.00, Daniel Geitner and True Story, owned by Kelly Sims, rounded out the top five.
Prior to Saturday's handy round of the 2017 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, Jersey Boy, famously ridden by Jennifer Alfano and owned by Susie Schoellkopf, was honored and recognized for his incredible athleticism, talent and success as one of the best international hunter derby horses in a special retirement ceremony held during the opening ceremonies. The pair won the 2012 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, and also claimed the reserve championship in the prestigious competition in 2009 and 2014. In addition, the hunter derby superstar still firmly stands atop the USHJA lifetime money-won leaderboard and has won the George H. Morris Perpetual Trophy four times as the highest money earner. Next, Jersey Boy will enjoy his well-deserved retirement at Stacy Sandbothe's farm in Prospect, Tennessee.
PhelpsMediaGroup.com
featuredhunter/jumperUSHJA International Hunter Derby ChampionshipVictoria Colvin
Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Winter Equestrian Festival
Karen Polle and With Wings Win $380,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5*
March 12, 2017 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Karen Polle and With Wings. Photos © Sportfot.
Fuqua and Colvin Victorious in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Wellington, FL – March 11, 2017 – Karen Polle (JPN) and With Wings made it two-for-two during week nine at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL with a victory in Saturday night's $380,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by The Bainbridge Companies, after also topping Thursday's $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup (the grand prix qualifier). U.S. Olympian Margie Engle (USA) riding Royce, and Spanish Olympian Sergio Alvarez Moya aboard Charmeur, placed second and third, respectively.
Alan Wade's (IRL) course got the best of many on Saturday night, as only four out of 39 entries cleared the first round without fault. In the jump-off, Polle and her 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Larino x L. Ronald) were the only pair to complete a second clear track, racing through the timers in 42.42 seconds.
Engle and Gladewinds Partners' Royce had one rail in the double combination and finished in 43.36 seconds. Alvarez Moya and Charmeur dropped one rail at the final fence in the jump-off with a time of 43.81 seconds. Quentin Judge (USA) placed fourth, riding Double H Farm's HH Conrad to 12 faults over the short course in 45.22 seconds.
Remarking on her win, 24-year-old Polle declared, "I feel disbelief first of all. It has not really sunk in yet. The week could not have gone any better. I won both my classes, and my horse jumped unbelievably all week, every jump. He really helped me out, and he felt great tonight, so I am really, really happy."
Detailing her strategy for the jump-off, Polle stated, "My plan was just to go as fast as I could. There were only four, so I just wanted to go for it, because I was going to get a good ribbon either way. I just picked up a good gallop and tried to be as neat as I could."
Saturday was Polle's first time jumping clear, and her first time jumping off, in a Saturday Night Lights grand prix at WEF. She had the great confidence of a longtime partnership riding With Wings on her side.
"When I first got him, I did not know so much. I was still a junior, but I knew he was special," Polle said of their seven-year partnership. "I really believed in him, and I did not ever feel like there was a jump that was too big for us, or a course that was too difficult for us. I am just really glad that we were able to win because I have always felt like he is a real winner."
During their years together, Polle and With Wings have had the guidance of some of the biggest names in show jumping. Olympic team gold medalist and Rolex Grand Slam Champion Scott Brash (GBR), Olympian Mario Deslauriers (USA), ten-time Olympian Ian Millar (CAN), and Olympic silver and bronze medalist Paul Schockemöhle (GER) have all played a role in developing this young talent. On Saturday night, Polle was competing under the tutelage of Olympic Champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil.
"I have been really lucky to work with quite a few top professionals," Polle acknowledged. "All of them have really helped me and Wings get to where we are now. I used little things that I have learned from all of them tonight to do the course, and to do the jump-off.
"I hope to win a lot more classes like this," she added. "It is an unbelievable feeling, and this is why we do this – why we work so hard at home to then come here and be able to win a class like this. I hope I can continue to have many more of these moments and many more Saturday night grand prix wins."
Engle was aboard her talented mount Royce for a second place finish on Saturday and was happy with her horse's efforts.
"He has felt great all circuit," Engle said of the 13-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Café au Lait x Grandilot). "Karen just was the one to beat this week. She was on fire. I was very happy with Royce. He has been riding very well. He jumped well on Thursday and then again tonight. I just jumped in a little big into the double (in the jump-off). He tried to get out of the way. I just needed to nip inside, but he felt great."
Commenting on the evening's course, Engle continued, "I thought it was tough enough. It was appropriate for a five-star event. There were a lot of technical questions. The course was long, and it was up and down. It was kind of nice to have only four in the jump-off. You knew that if you went clean, you were going to get a good piece of the prize money."
Alvarez Moya was riding a less experienced mount for the night's competition with his ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Charmeur (Numero Uno x Gelha's VDL Emilion).
"I am very happy the way he jumped today. It is his first big grand prix," Alvarez Moya noted. "He is pretty sensitive, and I was doubting actually until last night if I was going to ride him in the grand prix or not, but he is normally very brave. I was very happy when I saw there were only four in the jump-off. I knew they were fast, but I had to be a little careful at the number three. In the first round my horse did a little bit of a funny jump, and I did not want to scare him in the jump-off. I think the rest was good. He tried hard. He was very careful, and I am just very happy with him.
"I have had him since he was six," Alvarez Moya continued. "Last year he did a few bigger classes, but not like this, and for sure not under the lights and a five-star grand prix. I always believed a lot in him. I think he is a pretty special horse. He is just very sensitive and sharp, so I took it very slow with him. I definitely think he is the one I have to replace Carlo, which is not an easy job."
Representing Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Don Langdon remarked on the evening's competition and praised the riders on a great night of sport.
"First of all, congratulations to the top three – Margie, Sergio, and Karen," Langdon stated. "It is great for me, who does not ride, to participate for the last 30 years and to see the growth of what has happened in this community. Mark (Bellissimo) has built this brand far greater than any sights that we had ever imagined. Douglas Elliman is the fourth largest real estate company in the country. We are a private company, which is great. This plays right into our brand. We like to patronize the people that also patronize our company, and obviously the equestrians have been an amazing role in our success in the Wellington area. We appreciate that."
Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo wrapped a great night with his comments. He stated, "There were people years ago who said that we would never fill the seats when we built them, and I think the reality is that we are coming consistently every Saturday with pretty much a full house. I think it is a testament to the athletes here. People here are developing a following. I think the sport is really taking hold in this community, and hopefully, that is something that can be replicated in other markets. I want to thank Rolex first and foremost. These five-stars are very important to attract the talent that we have here. Rolex is the brand that has stepped up and really transformed this facility with very heavy investment, and allowed us to get to the four five-star events.
"I am really proud of the riders," Bellissimo continued. "To see Karen and that smile; it is great when you see someone win something for the first time. This was the first time that a Japanese rider has won a five-star grand prix here. I was very happy to see the excitement of Karen's win, and hopefully it is the first of many."
As the grand prix winner, Polle was presented the Herman 'Kappy' Kaplan Perpetual Memorial Trophy. She was also given the Leading Lady Rider Award for week nine, presented by Martha Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
Also competing in the International Arena on Saturday, Giavanna Rinaldi and Haylie Rolfe's Caretina III won the $10,000 SJHOF Junior Jumper Classic, presented by Sleepy P Ranch. The $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Engel & Völkers, saw a win for Lacey Gilbertson and Seabrook LLC's Baloppi. Kamille Marcussen and Bull Run's Pistol Pete were also victorious in the $1,500 Martha Jolicoeur, Douglas Elliman Low Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class.
Junior, amateur, and professional hunter riders guided their horses around the grass derby field at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center's Equestrian Village on Saturday morning in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The class was awarded in two sections, a junior/amateur section and an open section, and consisted of first and second rounds, where the top 12 competitors returned for a handy trip.
Kat Fuqua and High Noon 3E
Kat Fuqua of Atlanta, GA won her second big class of the weekend. After winning the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby on Friday, she bested a field of 20 juniors and amateurs aboard High Noon 3E. The pair earned scores of 83 in the first round and 84 in the second round for a combined total of 167.
Speaking of her third experience showing the gelding in a national derby, Fuqua said, "It feels really good to win the derby. This is the first horse derby I've placed in with him. I loved doing the victory gallop, and he felt really good on the grass field. I train with Liz Reilly and Keri Kampsen; they've helped me improve a lot."
One of the youngest in the class, Fuqua started riding the 2003 Canadian Sport Horse, owned by Float On Equestrian, LLC, earlier in the winter circuit and also shows him in the Children's Hunter and Equitation 11 & Under divisions.
"We call him 'Hippo' in the barn," she continued. "He loves attention (and) treats and is really friendly. My favorite thing about him is his smooth stride. I'm really proud of my horse!"
Kira Telford of Chicago, IL claimed the second place ribbon. Telford rode Calistoga Gold to matching scores of 82 in both rounds, for an overall total of 164. The third place ribbon went Lisa Butzer of Boca Raton, FL, and CS Online, owned by Allyson Coluccio. The pair received scores of 81 and 76 in the first and second rounds, respectively, for a total score of 157.
Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL piloted Harper Lee to the win in the open section. Colvin and the six-year-old Polish Warmblood mare earned the highest scores in both trips, an 88 in the first round and a 94 in the second round, for an overall score of 182.
"She's the easiest horse in the world," Colvin explained. "She just goes right around the field and doesn't look at the spooky jumps or anything. In the handy round, the horse before me was really nice so I had to go for it, and she was amazing. I just let go and cantered around."
Laura Karet has owned the mare for two years and recently started showing her in the Low Adult Hunters.
"We've been bringing her along slowly, and this is really exciting," said Karet. "This is her second derby. She's really never done anything like this so we didn't know what to expect. We're very proud of her!"
Colvin also picked up the third place in ribbon in the open section guiding Caliber, another entry owned by Laura Karet, to a first round score 84 and a handy score of 90, which resulted in a total score of 174. Kim Barone of Watertown, MN received the second place ribbon aboard Easy Street HU, owned by Raven Ridge Farm, with scores of 87.5 and 91 in the first and second round, respectively, to earn a combined score of 178.5.
The ninth week of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival concludes on Sunday with the $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic in the International Arena. The Rosenbaum Mollengarden PLLC Large Pony Hunter division will determine championship and reserve honors in Ring 11. For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
featuredhunter/jumperKaren PolleKat FuquaVictoria ColvinWinter Equestrian Festival
Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping
Samuel Parot and Quick Du Pottier Take $35,000 Dever 1.45m Classic
December 3, 2016 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Samuel Parot and Quick Du Pottier. Photos ©ManciniPhotos.
Victoria Colvin and Regent RCF Earn Top Honors in $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Wellington, FL – December 2, 2016 – Samuel Parot (CHI) and Quick Du Pottier rose to the challenge in the $35,000 Dever 1.45m Classic at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The pair raced through the timers to complete their course in 59.22 seconds for the win. Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and Carushka collected second place with a time of 60.36 seconds, while Richie Moloney (IRL) and Alsvid earned third after securing a time of 61.12 seconds.
Parot and his own Quick Du Pottier, a 2004 Selle Francais gelding (Hurlevent de Breka x Cuba), topped the class of 45 entries with the quickest time of the day, making easy work of the course designed by Anthony D'Ambrosio (USA).
"I thought the course rode very fast and on my first horse I had one down so I knew what to do on my second horse. I rode it very fast on my second horse and made some nice turns," explained Parot. "We turned to the oxer before the skinny very quickly had a good ride to the end combination."
Parot is an expert at navigating the quickest path around the track as a notoriously fast rider. He noted that he felt he made up the second separating him and Menezes in his approach to the final combination.
"I made the turn to the last combination very close and it rode very well. I believe that is where I made the difference," he said.
Quick Du Pottier and Parot have traveled across North America this year, competing on the West Coast, as well as in Canada, most recently picking up an FEI win in Calgary this past October.
"This horse also jumped the first day in the speed class and we went fast there too. I think we had a better time, but had one down. This is a very nice horse, who just came back into work this August. He jumped very well yesterday and I think he's a top horse."
After the conclusion of this week's competition, Parot will give Quick Du Pottier a vacation until the middle of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit, where the pair will debut during one of the CSI 5* weeks.
"He will get a good break after this and will come back in the circuit to do the 5* and we will keep doing the ranking classes with him, absolutely," noted Parot. "All of my horses competing this week, Atlantis, Cous, and Quick, will all have a vacation after this, but I have a few young horses that I will jump in the national classes before WEF."
Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL guided Regent RCF to top honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, besting a large class of talented entries. The pair earned a two round score of 171 for the win ahead of Skyler Fields of Wellesley Hills, MA and Duplukato, owned by Donald Stewart, who finished in second place with a total score of 164. Grace Boston of Owings Mills, MD and Amazone De La Cense, owned by Plain Bay Farm, collected third place honors.
Victoria Colvin and Regent RCF
Colvin, a household name who has garnered many of the most prestigious accolades in the hunter discipline throughout her career, piloted another mount to the winner's circle after collecting a first round score of 86 and a second round score of 85. Fields, who followed in second, captured the highest score of the day in her handy round aboard Duplukato, receiving an 89 from the judging panel.
The class hosted 18 entries and marked the first USHJA National Hunter Derby of the 2016 ESP Holiday Series, which will continue through the first week of January. Grace Boston, who was presented with third and fourth place honors, piloted three different entries, the most of any rider in the class.
For more information on Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, please visit www.pbiec.com.
ESP Holiday Seriesfeaturedhunter/jumperSamuel ParotUSHJA National Hunter DerbyVictoria Colvin
Competitions, Show Jumping
Victoria Colvin and Austria 2 Win PonyUp Horse Treats $30k Grand Prix at ESP Spring III
May 2, 2016 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Victoria Colvin and Austria 2 (Photo courtesy of Mancini Photos)
Wellington, Florida (May 2, 2016) – With the spectacular center arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center set to host Grand Prix competition for the final time in the first half of 2016, a field of 43 horses and riders tested their mettle over an elaborate course designed by Mexico's Catsy Cruz. Headlined by PonyUp Horse Treats, a producer of sustainably farmed, all natural treats, the class marked the concluding premier international competition for Wellington's prestigious show grounds, running April 20-24, 2016. Victoria Colvin and the elegant dark bay mare Austria 2 combined speed and precision to put in a meticulous ride in both the first round and the jump-off, securing her the top spot in the PonyUp Horse Treats $30,000 Grand Prix.
As one of only four double clears following the 11 horse jump-off, Colvin and the 2008 Holsteiner mare (Casall x U2 I), owned by Take the High Road, LLC, finished with a time of 33.174 seconds, with Angel Karolyi and Indiana 27 nipping at their heels with a 33.429. Margie Engle and Bockmanns Lazio raced to third in 34.288, while Frances Land and For Edition rounded out the double clear rounds in 38.062. Colvin and Austria 2 were the last combination to go, and the decorated hunter jumper rider had developed a feel for the course in earlier rounds aboard Echo Van T Spieveld and Chanel B 2. The typically fast mare benefitted from Colvin's experience over the fences, and the pair found a winning balance of speed and synergy to top the class. Todd Minikus and Mark Bluman each put in quick rides in the jump off that would have bested Colvin's, if not for single rails that dropped them out of the double clears.
"This was the biggest course we've ridden in the US," said Colvin. "We took her last year in the 7-year-olds in Europe, and have been slowly moving her up and gaining experience. She's a firecracker to ride, and we've been turning that forward energy into fast times on course. Today I wanted to win, but also wanted to be sure she wasn't rushing. The course had some challenges for us, and I am really with how she handled them. Our plan for the future is to move her up to the 1.50m and the bigger Grand Prixs gradually so she has the strength and experience to stay clear while preserving her speed."
©2016 Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC | Wellington, Florida USA
ESP Spring SeriesfeaturedShow JumpingVictoria Colvin
Colvin Wins $30k PonyUp Horse Treats Grand Prix and $5k USHJA Hunter Classic
April 25, 2016 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Victoria Colvin and Austria 2. ©Mancini Photos.
Wellington, FL – April 25, 2016 – On the final day of competition at ESP Spring III, Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL earned top honors in the $30,000 PonyUp Horse Treats Grand Prix at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) aboard Austria 2, owned by Take the High Road, LLC, as the duo finished with a time of 33.174 seconds. Angel Karolyi of Aiken, SC, and Indiana 27 secured second place crossing the timers in 33.429 seconds, while Margie Engle of Wellington, FL and Bockmanns Lazio collected third place with a strong finish in 34.288 seconds. Competition at PBIEC will resume with ESP Spring IV beginning on Friday, May 6, and continuing through Sunday, May 8.
Colvin and Austria 2 topped a class of 43 entries in what Colvin said was the biggest track Austria 2 had tackled so far in their career together in the U.S. The course, set by Catsy Cruz (MEX), saw 11 combinations move into the jump-off, while Colvin piloted Austria 2 to only one of only four double clear rounds on the afternoon.
"We didn't get her too long ago so we're still creating a relationship with each other. We bought her on one of our Europe trips last summer right before The Hampton Classic," explained Colvin. "I rode her in the 7-Year-Old classes and she just turned eight this year. We've done some of the 1.45m ranking classes with her and she's definitely moving her way up."
The 2008 Holsteiner mare (Casall x U2 I) is incredibly scopey and has an element of quickness to her way of going, which Colvin has been trying to refine over the past few months, helping to create more rideability on course.
"She's getting very rideable and she's caught on very fast in understanding what we're asking her to do," she explained. "We've changed a lot about bitting finding what's right for her and she's getting smart. She's becoming much easier to ride."
Colvin went last in the order with Austria 2, having already ridden the course aboard Echo Van T Spieveld and Chanel B 2 earlier in the class. Her previous rides helped her find a suitable track for Austria 2, who tends to be faster over the ground.
"I had a chance to see a couple of people go, but not as many as I thought I would for the jump-off. I don't want to go too fast with her yet because she just doesn't have enough experience right now, commented Colvin. "Someone was two seconds faster, but had a rail. I just wanted to go in and put down a nice round with her. Like I said, she's typically pretty fast, so you're already motoring around and I did want to go for a top ribbon."
As for the course, it was one of the bigger tests the pair has seen since Colvin took over the ride, and she was impressed with the way Austria 2 handled the more technical questions set around the track. She explained, "It was bigger than I thought it would be for sure and larger than the past two weeks. It had some tough questions, which was good for us. I ended up doing five in one of the four stride lines and the triple combination was big. It was overall a very nice course."
Heading next to Lexington, KY, Colvin will bring a solid string of jumpers with her, including Don Juan, Chanel B 2, Echo Van T Spieveld, Cafino, and Austria 2, in which she will look for strong finishes aboard each. As for Austria 2, she hopes the mare will continue to gain experience and confidence in the ring, which will set them up nicely for a strong debut in the bigger classes later this year.
"Right now, she's going to keep doing the 1.45m classes and move up to the 1.50m maybe by the fall. I want to make sure that we aren't rushing her, but she's got a lot of talent and I'm excited to see where she can go," she concluded.
Jumper Highlights
German Camargo of Loxahatchee, FL and his own Centurio earned victory in a competitive $5,000 1.35m class at ESP Spring III with a time of 35.755 seconds. David Blake of Wellington, FL and Bella Donna, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, took second place, finishing in 37.411 seconds, while Denise Wilson of Ocala, FL and Alonso, owned by Neil Jones Equestrian, rounded out the top three, completing the track in 37.622 seconds.
In the $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic presented by The Tackeria, Ally Marrinan of Saunderstown, RI and Ruby, owned by Rose Hill Farm, won the class, finishing in 36.528 seconds. Ella Bostwick of Wellington, FL and Bull Run's Udamann, owned by Christine Bostwick, earned second place honors with a time of 38.245 seconds, while Maggie Alexander of Wellington, FL and her own Dukata collected third place crossing through the timers in 38.245 seconds.
Anna Beth Athey of Enid, OK and her own Serena proved difficult to beat in the Low Amateur Owner Jumper division presented by Gold Coast Feed. The duo earned top finishes in two of the three classes composing the division, while Skylar Rogalny of Wellington, FL and Optimal Hastak, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, collected reserve honors.
Hunter & Equitation Highlights
Switching disciplines, but continuing with her winning ways, Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Cacao, owned by Olivia Slocum, took victory in the $5,000 USHJA Hunter Classic at PBIEC with an overall score of 179.5. Colvin also picked up second place piloting With Me, owned by Victoria Colvin & Partners LLC, to a score of 179, for a small spread between first and second place. Robert Bielefeld of Wellington, FL and HH Himself, owned by Dr. Ana Lisa Carr, took third place with an overall score of 169.
Colvin and Cacao earned an 86 from the judging panel in the first round to nudge the 85 she received aboard With Me to second place. The duo then returned to secure an 85.5 in the second round, while Colvin earned an 86 aboard With Me, which finished the afternoon with second place.
Madelyn Porter of Laude, MO and Dragonfly's Encore, owned by Dragonfly Farms, secured first place in the $1,000 Junior/Amateur Owner 3'6″ Hunter Classic presented by Sweet Oak Farm and also picked up second place aboard Dragonfly's Acerado. Kathryn Haefner of Hamburg, NY and Columbus, owned by Kathryn Haefner LLC, earned third place.
In the $1,000 Junior/Amateur Owner 3'3″ Hunter Classic presented by Sweet Oak Farm, Amelia Ruth of New York, NY and Redeemed, owned by Katherine Mistick, finished atop the class. Kaitlin Porath of Charlotte, NC and O.C., owned by Meadow Hill Stables, collected second place honors, while Reid Arani of Lexington, KY and Samba, owned by Marigot Bay Farm LLC, finished in third place.
Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI rode to first and second place with in the $1,000 Pre-Green Incentive, earning first aboard Best Regards, owned by Patricia Fulchino, and second place with Soon to Be, owned by Jennifer Smith. Molly Sewell of Winter Park, FL and Dragonfly's Cellestine finished in third place.
Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA and Land's End Rondo, owned by Bill Schaub, championed the $500 Pony Hunter Classic presented by Forget Me Not Farm, while Samantha Palermo of Merritt Island, FL and her own Neptune, earned second place. Molly Deeks of Boca Raton, FL and Boca's Tommy Terrific, owned by Ponies & Palms Show Stables LLC, rounded out the top three, finishing in third place.
Sara Ballinger of Marion, OH and her own Wanderprinz finished earned the blue ribbon in the Ariat National Adult Medal over the weekend, while Samantha Harris of Stuart, FL and Ludger, owned by Becky Harris, earned second place. Jennifer Prior of Wellington, FL took third place aboard her own Lupicor II.
In a competitive ASPCA Maclay Medal class at ESP Spring III, Hana Bieling of Wellington, FL and Renoir, owned by Mackenzie McGehee, topped the class of 18 entries. Catherine Stafford of Worthington, OH and Alando, owned by Victoria Hoft, took second place, while Olivia Woodson of Wellington, FL and Temptation, owned by Laura Macallister, finished third.
For more information on the ESP Spring Series and PBIEC, please visit www.pbiec.com.
ESP Spring Seriesfeaturedhunter/jumperVictoria Colvin
Victoria Colvin and Don Juan Win $10k Neue Schule Open Stake to Begin ESP Spring Series
April 8, 2016 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Victoria Colvin and Don Juan. ©Mancini Photos.
Wellington, FL – April 7, 2016 – Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, Florida and Don Juan, owned by Take the High Road LLC, captured their first victory of the 2016 ESP Spring Series, topping the $10,000 Neue Schule Open Welcome Stake at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The ESP Spring Series, which began Wednesday, April 6, will continue through Sunday, May 15.
Colvin and Don Juan crossed the jump-off timers in 36.423 seconds to narrowly edge Paul O'Shea of Wellington, FL and Primo Calypso, who finished in 36.471 seconds. Samuel Parot, Jr. of Wellington, FL and Amaretas finished just four tenths off the leading pace to earn third place with a time of 36.859 seconds.
The course, set by Richard Jeffrey (GBR), saw 49 initial entries with 17 combinations advancing to the jump-off round. Ten pairs finished the afternoon with a double clear effort.
Colvin and Don Juan have been partnered for nearly four years and their relationship has continued to evolve as they have gained valuable experience in the ring. For Colvin, competing her longtime mount is something she always looks forward to, as the pair is incredibly consistent at the 1.40m height.
"I've had him for a very long time. He was mainly my junior jumper and young rider horse," said Colvin. "I like to keep him at this height and maybe a few 1.45m classes here and there. He does really well in the 1.40m speed classes."
Piloting two mounts around the track, Colvin was pleased with the way the course suited both Don Juan and Chanel B 2, who is also owned by Take the High Road LLC. She elaborated, "I walked the course and it seemed very straight forward. It was a good solid round with my first one Chanel. We wanted a nice double clean round with her since she's just getting back into the competition ring. With Don Juan, he is just very fast. He's built that way. Typically with him, if I go neat and stay on my lines, we're always going to go for the win.
"In the jump off it was the tight turns and the gallop to the last fence that I think made the difference. There were a few places where you could do a few tight turns and I think that's where we were able to seal the deal," she continued.
Don Juan has been a very educational mount for Colvin so far in her career, while his ever-changing attitude and ringside demeanor continue to keep her on her toes before the start of competition. The opinionated gelding understands his job in the ring, but Colvin explained that she still rides every course as though it's their first time competing together.
"He's older with a been-there-done-that kind of mentality but he can be unpredictable. If he goes in and is feeling it, we're always in the ribbons and close to the top of the class. In the warm up though, you can't trick him. He is very aware of what's going on so we do very little with him, maybe a few small verticals, a small over, and a liverpool if we're lucky," commented Colvin. "I got a bit nervous because there was an open water fence next to the skinny that I thought he would look at on course, but he really was great in the ring."
Finishing the afternoon with both mounts placed in the top five, Colvin was thrilled with the performance of her horses, and quickly pointed out her excitement with Chanel B 2, who has returned to competition in excellent form.
"Chanel did exceptionally well today and I'm very proud of her. We started to bring her back right around mid WEF and have just moved up to the 1.40m. I just wanted a clear ribbon round with her and she really delivered today," she noted.
ESP Spring 1 competition will feature the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix, as well as the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, on Sunday, April 10. For more information on the ESP Spring Series, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping
Colvin Wins Young Rider Grand Prix at CSIO Wellington
March 7, 2016 Associate Editor	Leave a comment
Victoria Colvin and Zidane (Sportfot)
Wellington, Fla. – CSIO Wellington came to a close with the Grand Prix for Children, Juniors, Young Riders, and Seniors taking place in Palm Beach International Equestrian Center's International Arena. Topping the $10,000 Young Rider Grand Prix presented by Hollow Creek Farm was Victoria Colvin, who earned the win with a lightning fast jump-off round aboard Zidane.
A field of 13 top Young Riders took on the Steve Stephens-designed track with six combinations going clear in the first round. Included in the six were U.S. representatives from the Gold-medal winning FEI Young Rider Nations Cup Team, Colvin (Loxahatchee, Fla.) with Springfield Showjumper's Zidane and Madison Goetzmann (Skaneateles, N.Y.) with her own Wrigley. Going second in the order, Goetzmann had a costly rail down to place fifth.
Colvin had the advantageous position of being last to go and followed Mexico's Fernanda Rodriguez De Haene, who set what appeared to be an unbeatable time of 35.11. "I had watched [Fernanda] on the Jumbotron and saw her galloping past the in-gate and thought there was no way I could beat that [time]," said Colvin. Holding nothing back, Colvin expertly guided Zidane to a foot-perfect finish through the timers in 34.97 seconds. "I went in there and told Zidane we were going to go for it. I haven't done too many jump-offs with Zidane, but he was really game for it," said Colvin.
Complete Young Rider Grand Prix Results
It was Mexico that dominated the Children's and Junior Grand Prix, winning both handily. Luciana Gonzalez Guerra and Zidane topped the Children's Grand Prix, while Carlos Hank Guerreiro and Golden Horta won the Junior Grand Prix.
In the $216,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Lugano Diamonds, Stephens presented a technical track with a tight time allowed, sending five combinations forward to the jump-off from the 50-horse field. As the sole American representative in the jump-off, Hardin Towell, riding Jennifer Gates, LLC's Emilie De Diamant A S, had a rail down at fence two to finish fifth. Darragh Kenny of Ireland came away victorious aboard Red Star D'Argent.
From the USEF Communications Department
featuredFEI Nations CupShow JumpingUSEFVictoria Colvin

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text:
Question: What Is Meant By Hard News?
by admin12 January 5, 2021 January 5, 2021 0154
What is structure of news?
News articles are written in a structure known as the "inverted pyramid." In the inverted pyramid format, the most newsworthy information goes at the beginning of the story and the least newsworthy information goes at the end..
What are the examples of news?
News is information that wasn't known before or current events broadcast over the radio, television, online or in print media. An example of news is a couple announcing their engagement at a family gathering. An example of news is the New York Times announcing the winner of a presidential race.
How do you say something is hard?
Saying something is difficultIt's not so easy..It's a bit tricky..It's not the easiest ___ in the world..It's quite tough at times..It's (quite / a bit) hard going..It's nigh on impossible..The course is quite demanding.The course can be gruelling at times.More items…
What is the definition of the news?
1 : a report of recent events or unknown information I have good news! We won! 2 : information or recent events reported in a newspaper or magazine or on a broadcast. 3 : a broadcast of information on recent events We saw pictures of a flood on the evening news. 4 : an event that is interesting enough to be reported.
What is the purpose of TV news?
The purpose of the news media is to broadcast similar – if not the same – information across a variety of mediums to reach the most people and satisfy their need for information through surveillance (Uses and Gratifications), and of course, making a profit from it as well.
What does it mean if something is hard?
adjective. Something that is hard is very firm and stiff to touch and is not easily bent, cut, or broken.
What is another name for hard?
SYNONYMS FOR hard 1 inflexible, rigid, compressed, compact, firm, resisting, adamantine, flinty. 3 toilsome, onerous, wearisome, exhausting. 5 complex, complicated, perplexing, puzzling, intricate, knotty, tough. 6 arduous, difficult, laborious.
What is hard news with examples?
Hard news refers to the news stories that have an big impact at the society as a whole and need to be reported urgently. … Examples include news on politics, crime, economics, international affairs, natural calamities, riots etc.
What is soft and hard news?
'Hard' news is typically used to refer to topics that are usually timely, important and consequential, such as politics, international affairs and business news. Conversely, soft news topics include entertainment, celebrity, and lifestyle news.
What is the example of hard?
The definition of hard is firm to the touch or difficult to do or done with great force. An example of hard is the feeling of a rock. An example of hard is scoring a good grade on a test in a subject that one has never studied. An example of hard is a winter with a lot of wind and freezing rain.
What is the full form of news?
It is commonly thought that NEWS is an acronym of the four main directions (north, east, west, and south), as news comes from everywhere. This is not true. "News" is just a plural of the word "new", indicating events that have recently happened. Teacher • India. North East West South.
How does the news get their news?
While news was transmitted for centuries only in newspapers, news is now transmitted in all formats: via radio, television, and the Internet, in addition to print. Even most newspapers have Internet sites today.
Where did the term news come from?
The word 'news' dates back to the late 14th century and was derived from the French word nouvelles meaning "new things", according to the Online Etymology Dictionary.
How do you write hard news?
Hard news typically involves breaking news stories or stories on more serious topics, such as crime, collisions, politics, and the like. Most hard news stories are written in inverted pyramid style, which means the most important information is presented at the top and the least important at the bottom.
What are the three types of news?
There are three main types of news media: print media, broadcast media, and the Internet.
What makes a story hard news?
Hard news articles are written so the reader can stop reading at any time, and still come away with the whole story. This is very different from an essay, which presumes that the audience will stick around to the end, and can therefore build to a finish. There is no need to put a "conclusion" on a news story.
How do you write a hard news lead?
Write a strong lead. Include the five W's and one H in your first paragraph: who, what, when, where, why, and how. To present the essence of the story all at once, address them all in the very first sentence (known as the "summary" or "hard news" lead).
What are news features?
A feature is a longer piece of writing than a news story. Features come in many different types and are widely used in magazines, newspapers and online. A feature will often cover an issue in greater depth than a news story would do; or it might look at an ongoing story from a different angle.
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It really can change your life!
We have heard all the excuses. " I need to get in shape before I can do CrossFit." "CrossFit is dangerous." "CrossFit is intense." The list goes on and on. We understand the stigmas. We understand the fear of trying something new. We understand that the media and the "sport of CrossFit" has sometimes created a negative reputation for CrossFit. Not all CrossFit gyms are created equal, and our athletes can attest to that.
Most of our athletes didn't come to us with an extensive fitness background. Some had joint limitations. Some had prior injuries. Some had chronic back pain and knee pain. Some had weight to lose. Some had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugars. Some had anxiety and depression. But they all had something in common: they put aside the excuses. They took a chance. And they found a life change. They found coaches that would work around their limitations and seek to prevent aggravation of prior injuries. They found relief from long term back pain. They found weight loss. They experienced the best bloodwork values they have seen in years. And they found confidence to take on their anxiety and depression.
Is CrossFit for everyone? It can be, but it may not be. All of the amazing results come from physically hard, mentally challenging, and humbling moments that are balanced with a supportive community, encouraging coaching and astounding personal accomplishments.
The testimonials below are just a small sampling of the many stories of real life people from Manitowoc that put aside the excuses, left their ego at the door, and found a fitness community that not only made them physically stronger, but changed their life in the process.


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Trade-A-Plane Blog – Aviation News & Information Piston, Helicopters, Jets & Turbines The Best of the Aircraft Industry News, Products, & Events
Trade-A-Plane Blog - Aviation News & Information… | Industry News | Companies & People | Winnipeg's $50-Million Dollar Jet Engine Testing…
Winnipeg's $50-Million Dollar Jet Engine Testing Facility
Testing a GE-made jet engine at StandardAero's facility in Winnipeg, MB.
"This is the coolest of the cool," says Brent Ostermann, the engineer in charge of babysitting the 6,000-kilogram jet engine affixed six metres above his head. The General Electric next-generation (GEnx) turbine was designed to be strapped to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. But before it is, it must face the rigours of GE's new aircraft testing centre in Winnipeg, a $50-million project operated by Arizona-based StandardAero.
The whole exercise begins with seven giant fans that draw in frigid Manitoba air and buffet the engine with winds of up to 104 kilometres per hour. Running alongside the fans are 125 nozzles, each of which sprays a fine mist of water onto the turbine, where it instantly freezes into an ice cloud. Once the turbine, the fans and the nozzles are fired up, the noise tops 100 decibels. Ostermann and his team of seven retreat to a nearby trailer to monitor the engine's performance.
Ice can cause serious damage to jet engines, and each new series, like the GEnx, must go through a battery of tests in cold conditions before it can be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. General Electric used to do most of its evaluations at facilities in Peebles, Ohio, and Mirabel, Quebec. But logistics and the need for colder weather forced the company to look for a new locale. Where better than Winnipeg, which can almost guarantee the required -4 C to -20 C temperatures for this type of work.
And what happens when the weather warms up? There are other studies that need to be performed on GE's engines, such as endurance evaluations and the coyly named "bird ingestion" test. This last one's very important, says Ostermann, "if people are to be safe when they are flying."
Source: Paul Waldie http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/winnipegs-50-million-dollar-jet-engine-testing-facility/article2413775/
Companies & People, Industry News
GE, GE Engines, General Electric, Jet Engines, Jets
FAA Grants Production Certificate for Eclipse 550 Jet
FAA Writing Rules for Electric Aircraft, to Allow Public to Fly Them in the Next Decade


Ezekiel 24:1 And the word of Yahweh came unto me, in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth of the month, saying: Ezekiel 24:2 Son of man, Write thee the name of the day, this selfsame day,—the king of Babylon cast, himself against Jerusalem, on this selfsame day. Ezekiel 24:3 Put thou forth, therefore, against the perverse house, a parable, and say unto them, Thus, saith My Lord, Yahweh: Set on the caldron, set it on, Moreover also, pour into it water: Ezekiel 24:4 Gather the pieces thereof into it, Every good piece, thigh and shoulder,—With the choice of the bones, fill it: Ezekiel 24:5 Take, of the choice of the rock, Moreover also, a pile of bones [place] under it,—Boil the pieces thereof, Yea, let the bones of it seethe, in the midst thereof.
Ezekiel 24:6 Wherefore, Thus, saith My Lord, Yahweh, Woe! city of bloodshed. The caldron whose scum is in it, and, whose scum, hath not gone out of it: Piece by piece, bring it out, There hath fallen thereon no lot. Ezekiel 24:7 For, her own blood, hath come to be, in her midst, Upon the smooth face of the cliff, hath she set it,—She hath not poured it out on the earth, that she might cover it with dust. Ezekiel 24:8 To bring up indignation, to execute an avenging, have I set her blood upon the smooth face of the cliff,—that it may not be covered. Ezekiel 24:9 Wherefore, Thus, saith My Lord, Yahweh, Woe! city of bloodshed,—Even I myself, will make large the pile. Ezekiel 24:10 Heap on the wood, Kindle the fire, Consume the flesh, Yea season with spice, And let the bones be scorched. Ezekiel 24:11 Then set it upon the live coals thereof, empty,—that the copper of it, may be scorched and burn, So that the impurity thereof, may be annihilated within it, The scum thereof, be consumed. Ezekiel 24:12 With toils, hath she wearied herself,—Since her abundant scum will not go out of her, into the fire, with her scum! Ezekiel 24:13 In thine uncleanness, is lewdness; because I purified thee. and thou wast not purified, from thine uncleanness, thou shalt not be purified any more, until I have let mine indignation rest upon thee. Ezekiel 24:14 I, Yahweh, have spoken, It cometh, and I will perform, I will not let alone, neither will I shield, Nor will I repent,—According to thy ways and according to thy doings, have they judged thee, Declareth My Lord, Yahweh.
Ezekiel 24:15 And the word of Yahweh came unto me, saying: Ezekiel 24:16 Son of Man, Behold me! taking away from thee the delight of thine eyes, with a stroke,—But thou shall not lament, Neither shalt thou weep, Neither shall come—thy tears: Ezekiel 24:17 To groan, forbear, Over the dead—no mourning, shalt thou make, Thy chaplet, bind thou on thee, And, thy sandals, put thou on thy feet, And thou shalt not cover thy beard, And, the bread of [other] men, shalt thou not eat. Ezekiel 24:18 So I spake unto the people, in the morning, and my wife died, in the evening,—and I did, in the morning, as I had been commanded.
Ezekiel 24:19 Then said the people unto me: Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou shouldst be acting [thus]? Ezekiel 24:20 So I said unto them: The word of Yahweh, hath come unto me, saying: Ezekiel 24:21 Say to the house of Israel, Thus, saith My Lord, Yahweh, Behold me! profaning my sanctuary, The pride of your strength, The delight of your eyes, And the object of the tender regard of your soul,—And, your sons and your daughters whom ye have left behind, by the sword, shall fall. Ezekiel 24:22 Then shall ye do, as I have done,—The beard, shall ye not cover, And, the bread of [other] men, shall ye not eat; Ezekiel 24:23 And, your chaplets, shall be on your heads, And, your sandals, on your feet, Ye shall neither lament, nor weep,—Yet shall ye pine away in your iniquities, and shall groan, one to another. Ezekiel 24:24 So shall, Ezekiel, become, to you, a wonder, According to all that he hath done, shall ye do: When it cometh, then shall ye know, that, I, am The Lord, Yahweh. Ezekiel 24:25 Thou, therefore, Son of man, Shall it not be—In the day when I take away from them, Their strength, The joy of their adorning,—The delight of their eyes, And the desire of their soul, Their sons and their daughters. Ezekiel 24:26 That, in that day, one that hath escaped shall come in unto thee,—to cause thee to hear it with thine own ears? Ezekiel 24:27 That, in that day, thy mouth shall be opened, unto him that hath escaped, And thou shalt speak, and not be dumb any longer? So shalt thou become to them a wonder, And they shall know, that, I, am Yahweh.


If my 1979 express cruiser could talk, I'm sure we would have an incredible conversation. I'm especially interested in the stories that would explain the smell of cigarettes and cologne in the interior. Although I may be curious about the odors' origins, I still spent many hours steam cleaning and sanitizing to make them a distant memory. In addition to obsessive cleaning, I replaced the interior carpet. Since most of my recent boat projects have been on the exterior, I decided to apply my acquired carpentry skills to install new carpet on the cockpit sidewalls.
Before you unleash your inner interior designer, make sure you select marine-grade carpet for both interior and exterior applications. Marine-grade carpet generally repels water and is resistant to mildew, grease and oil. You also need to consider the weight of the carpet for your application. Since I was installing the carpet on the sidewalls of the deck, I made sure it was lightweight. I measured each sidewall and determined that I needed to start with two carpet pieces that measured 36 inches by 84 inches.
My search for a good selection of marine carpet led me to Carpet Manufacturers Warehouse in Commerce, Calif., whose Carpet Guru, Jesus, said he had a variety of carpet specifically for boat applications. I actually found a remnant that matched my existing carpet and was the perfect size to make two carpet pieces. It cost me $19.82.
To properly remove and install carpet, you want to have as much access to the area as possible. My port sidewall was unobstructed, but I did remove the pedestal helm seat next to the starboard sidewall. Any items you are not able to remove should be covered and protected, because old carpet generates a lot of dust and debris. You should wear protective eyewear and a facemask, and if you are working in the interior, open the windows and hatches to keep the area well ventilated.
I was surprised the sidewall carpet had not fallen already, considering it had suffered three decades of exposure to salt water and sunlight. Both carpet pieces were easily removed intact with a firm pull (picture 1).
You want to be sure all the old carpet material is removed before applying the adhesive. I used a metal scraper (picture 2), but you can use heavy-grit sandpaper. Once the carpet has been fully removed, wash the area with an environmentally friendly detergent and then wipe it with acetone. Be sure to use protective eyewear and chemically resistant gloves. Rinse the entire area with fresh water and allow it to dry completely.
The sidewalls were mostly rectangular shaped, except the aft area, which was curved. I wanted to make sure I completely carpeted the sidewall and this curved area, so I measured the straight run of the sidewall and the curve (picture 3).
For each sidewall, I used the old carpet as a template and lightly traced the actual size with a pencil to use as a reference (opposite page). Then I moved each piece of old carpet back seven inches to draw the actual aft border for each sidewall. I only had an orange marker in my toolbox, so I used it to mark the cutting line. Once the pattern for both walls was drawn on the new carpet, I used scissors to cut each one to size (picture 4).
I used a plastic spreader to apply Redrum Fabrics carpet adhesive, $25.99/quart at West Marine, to the sidewalls. (Fans of "The Shining" will remember this name, which is murder spelled backward.) Be sure to apply a thin layer of adhesive; otherwise, it may leak through the backing onto the front side of the carpet.
I covered one sidewall at a time with adhesive and gave it time to cure until it was slightly sticky. Then I started mounting each piece from the forward square end and slowly worked my way aft. I used another plastic spreader to gently press and remove any bubbles in the carpet or the adhesive. To complete the installation, I trimmed excess carpet from the curved area of the sidewall. You should give the mounted carpet 24 hours to cure (picture 5).
Although old carpet may have an interesting history, it can be a health hazard or just plain ugly. In the spirit of wise Latin philosophers, I say "Carpe Carpet Diem" — seize the day, to carpet! Unless, of course, you like the smell of cigarettes and cologne with your mildew.


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Availability Search for Scott's View
Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.
Scott's View
Bemersyde
The scenic view of Scott's View can be accessed by car from the B6404 on the road from St Boswells to Kelso and then turning off towards Dryburgh Abbey.
You will be able to come to the viewpoint from Melrose and St Boswells to admire the stunning view of the River Tweed and Eildon Hills. The hills serve as a reminder of the volcanic activity that once took place in the area. The lookout was known to be one of Sir Walter Scott's favourite places to come and reflect.
The flat piece of land that lies within a loop in the river was once the site of the first Melrose Abbey, of which nothing remains today.
St Boswell's,
Bemersyde,
Scottish Borders,
julianelliott / Dollar Photo Club Scott's view in the Scottish Borders.
Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved. Scott's View, overlooking the valley of the River Tweed and the Eildon Hill (centre), which is reputed to be one of the favourite views of Sir Walter


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Home All issues Volume 619 (November 2018) A&A, 619 (2018) A141 Abstract
Volume 619, November 2018
Astronomical instrumentation
NELIOTA: The wide-field, high-cadence, lunar monitoring system at the prime focus of the Kryoneri telescope
E. M. Xilouris1, A. Z. Bonanos1, I. Bellas-Velidis1, P. Boumis1, A. Dapergolas1, A. Maroussis1, A. Liakos1, I. Alikakos1, V. Charmandaris1,2, G. Dimou1, A. Fytsilis1, M. Kelley3, D. Koschny4,5, V. Navarro6, K. Tsiganis7 and K. Tsinganos8
1 Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications & Remote Sensing, National Observatory of Athens, P. Penteli, 15236 Athens, Greece
e-mail: xilouris@noa.gr
2 Department of Physics, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
3 DFM Engineering, Inc., 1035 Delaware Avenue, Longmont, CO, 80501 USA
4 Scientific Support Office, Directorate of Science, European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA/ESTEC), 2201 AZ Noordwijk, The Netherlands
5 Chair of Astronautics, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
6 European Space Astronomy Centre (ESA/ESAC), Camino bajo del Castillo, s/n, Urbanizacion Villafranca del Castillo, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain
7 Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
8 Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics, Department of Physics, University of Athens, Zografos, 15783 Athens, Greece
We present the technical specifications and first results of the ESA-funded, lunar monitoring project "NELIOTA" (NEO Lunar Impacts and Optical TrAnsients) at the National Observatory of Athens, which aims to determine the size-frequency distribution of small near-Earth objects (NEOs) via detection of impact flashes on the surface of the Moon. For the purposes of this project a twin camera instrument was specially designed and installed at the 1.2 m Kryoneri telescope utilizing the fast-frame capabilities of scientific Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor detectors (sCMOS). The system provides a wide field-of-view (17.0′ × 14.4′) and simultaneous observations in two photometric bands (R and I), reaching limiting magnitudes of 18.7 mag in 10 s in both bands at a 2.5 signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) level. This makes it a unique instrument that can be used for the detection of NEO impacts on the Moon, as well as for any astronomy projects that demand high-cadence multicolor observations. The wide field-of-view ensures that a large portion of the Moon is observed, while the simultaneous, high-cadence, monitoring in two photometric bands makes possible the determination of the temperatures of the impacts on the Moon's surface and the validation of the impact flashes from a single site. Considering the varying background level on the Moon's surface we demonstrate that the NELIOTA system can detect NEO impact flashes at a 2.5 S/N level of ∼12.4 mag in the I-band and R-band for observations made at low lunar phases (∼0.1). We report 31 NEO impact flashes detected during the first year of the NELIOTA campaign. The faintest flash was at 11.24 mag in the R-band (about two magnitudes fainter than ever observed before) at lunar phase 0.32. Our observations suggest a detection rate of 1.96 × 10−7 events km−2 h−1.
Key words: instrumentation: detectors / techniques: miscellaneous / telescopes / Moon / surveys
NELIOTA: First temperature measurement of lunar impact flashes
NELIOTA: Methods, statistics, and results for meteoroids impacting the Moon
Analysis of Moon impact flashes detected during the 2012 and 2013 Perseids
Detectability of possible space weather effects on Mars upper atmosphere and meteor impacts in Jupiter and Saturn with small telescopes
J. Space Weather Space Clim. 2018, 8, A57
Sub-Airy disk angular resolution with high dynamic range in the near-infrared
EPJ Web of Conferences 16, 03002 (2011)


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Former healthcare executive pleads guilty to bribing state senator
by Veena June 14, 2019 June 14, 2019 01319
Atlanta, GA, June 14, 2019: A former executive of Preferred Family Healthcare, Inc., pleaded guilty in federal court recently to his role in a conspiracy to bribe an Arkansas state senator to influence public policy for the benefit of the charity and its executives.
Robin Raveendran, 63, of Little Rock, Arkansas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
Raveendran worked for Preferred Family Healthcare (formerly known as Alternative Opportunities, Inc.) from 2014 to 2017 as a director of operations, executive vice president, and analyst. Prior to his employment with the charity, Raveendran was employed by the state of Arkansas as director of program integrity for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Services, and then as business operations manager with the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General.
Raveendran admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to bribe then-Arkansas State Senator Jeremy Young Hutchinson, who is charged in a separate case, in order to influence and reward Hutchinson in exchange for Hutchinson taking legislative and official action favorable to Preferred Family Healthcare and its executives.
According to the plea agreement, Preferred Family paid funds to Alliance for Health Care, a private association formed in early 2014 by Raveendran, Hutchinson, and Milton "Rusty" Cranford, an Arkansas lobbyist and Preferred Family executive. Alliance was formed to advocate for issues relevant to health care providers at the Arkansas state legislature and in state departments.
Raveendran then directed Alliance funds to Hutchinson, the plea agreement says, in exchange for Hutchinson holding up agency budgets; initiating legislative audits; sponsoring, filing, and voting for legislation, including shell bills; and pressuring and advising other public officials to perform official action on behalf of Preferred Family.
Raveendran admitted that he and others concealed evidence of the bribes by falsely describing such unlawful payments as being solely for attorney's fees and legal retainers.
Preferred Family Healthcare was known as Alternative Opportunities, Inc. from its founding in 1991 until its 2015 merger with Preferred Family Healthcare. The charity, which is cooperating with federal investigators, provided a variety of services to individuals in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois, including mental and behavioral health treatment and counseling, substance abuse treatment and counseling, employment assistance, aid to individuals with developmental disabilities, and medical services.
Under federal statutes, Raveendran is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. He must also pay $25,000 in restitution to the government.
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Veena June 16, 2017
Asian-American students' complaint against Harvard dismissed
Kamala Harris dances at San Francisco Pride Parade
Veena July 1, 2019 July 1, 2019


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Q: Vim syntax highlighting for JSX files stopped working? I closed a vim window completely (something I rarely do) and when I opened it back up my syntax highlighting for jsx files stopped.
I had some other windows open and inside these the syntax highlighting for jsx was still working.
I compared the filetypes in both and could see that the ones that were still working were set to javascript.jsx and the exact same files in my new window had a filetype of javascriptreact.
Then I shut down all windows to see if reloading all would have an effect, and now all my .jsx files come up with filetype of javascriptreact with no proper syntax highlighting (especially jsx parts).
I didn't intentionally change any config options that I'm aware of, and am using vim-jsx plugin.
Does anyone have any idea of what might be going on? I am getting the same behavior in terminal Vim and in MacVim.
It's worth noting that when I manually set the filetype back to javascript.jsx it doesn't have an effect.
Help!

A: Ok, this is embarrassing, but apparently this line got removed from my .vimrc.
execute pathogen#infect()

So none of the plugins in ~/.vim/bundle were loading. Still not quite sure how that happened, but I suspect carelessness on my part rather than foul play.
Anyway. I survived to code another day...


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Dragon Against the Sun: Chinese Views of Japanese Seapower
As one might expect from Dr. Yoshihara, this is a superb analysis of a vital yet under-researched topic. Its compelling arguments are well supported with a panoply of important Chinese publications, together with references to landmark Japanese works. In an era in which Chinese-language sources are increasingly prized but not always contextualized and curated effectively for a non-specialist audience, Dr. Yoshihara explicates and follows transparently a rigorous methodology that correctly acknowledges the respective provenance and related biases and limitations of sources. In doing so, he generously recognizes the pioneering efforts of the Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute, which in fact include his own previous contributions as an affiliated member of the faculty. A carefully-chosen set of illuminating figures offers useful supplementation. If you weren't able to read Dr. Yoshihara's analysis last night, as I did, allow me to suggest that it deserves a place at the top of your reading list!
Toshi Yoshihara, Dragon Against the Sun: Chinese Views of Japanese Seapower (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic & Budgetary Assessments, 19 May 2020).
Over the past decade, the Chinese navy overtook Japan's maritime service in critical measures of power, including fleet size, aggregate tonnage, and firepower. China eclipsing Japan in naval power could introduce unwelcome strategic trends. It may well fuel an even more intense competition between Tokyo and Beijing, two seafaring rivals that already regard each other with deep suspicion. Japan's displacement at sea could increase the probability of deterrence failure in the next crisis. It threatens to undercut U.S. confidence in Japan's capacity to fulfill its allied responsibilities, sowing acrimony within the security partnership.
In Dragon Against the Sun: Chinese Views of Japanese Seapower, Senior Fellow Toshi Yoshihara assesses how Chinese strategists perceive the shift in the Sino-Japanese naval balance. The study finds that Beijing anticipates an intensifying naval rivalry with Tokyo in the coming years. The report further finds that the prospects of naval superiority will persuade Chinese statesmen and commanders to adopt an offensive strategy in a local maritime conflict against Japan. Yoshihara shows that the local naval imbalance, if left unaddressed, will strain the U.S.-Japan alliance and destabilize Asia. The study urges Washington and Tokyo to recognize the Chinese challenge, act swiftly, and restore the naval balance.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND BUDGETARY ASSESSMENTS
CSBA is an independent, nonpartisan policy research institute established to promote innovative thinking and debate about national security strategy and investment options. CSBA's assessments focus on key questions related to existing and emerging threats to U.S. national security, and its goal is to enable policymakers to make informed decisions on matters of strategy, security policy, and resource allocation.
Media Contact: William Bodie, 202-719-1358
In addition to being deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues in Newport… Toshi has a very impressive bio–
Toshi Yoshihara, Senior Fellow, CSBA
Before joining CSBA, Toshi Yoshihara held the John A. van Beuren Chair of Asia-Pacific Studies at the U.S. Naval War College where he taught strategy for over a decade. He was also an affiliate member of the China Maritime Studies Institute at the war college. Dr. Yoshihara has been a visiting professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University since 2012. He has also taught as a visiting professor at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California, San Diego and as a visiting professor in the Strategy Department at the U.S. Air War College. He has served as a research analyst at the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis, RAND, and the American Enterprise Institute.
Dr. Yoshihara has testified before the Defense Policy Board, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He is the recipient of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award in recognition of his scholarship on maritime and strategic affairs at the Naval War College.
He is co-author of Red Star over the Pacific: China's Rise and the Challenge to U.S. Maritime Strategy (Naval Institute Press, 2010), which has been listed on the Chief of Naval Operation's Professional Reading Program since 2012. Translations of Red Star over the Pacific have been published in China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
He has also co-authored Indian Naval Strategy in the Twenty-first Century (Routledge, 2009) and Chinese Naval Strategy in the Twenty-first Century: The Turn to Mahan (Routledge, 2008). He is co-editor of Strategy in the Second Nuclear Age: Power, Ambition, and the Ultimate Weapon (Georgetown University Press, 2012) and Asia Looks Seaward: Power and Maritime Strategy (Praeger, 2008). His articles on Chinese seapower, maritime strategy, and Asian security issues have appeared in Journal of Strategic Studies, Asian Security, Washington Quarterly, Orbis, World Affairs, Comparative Strategy, Strategic Analysis, Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, and Naval War College Review. The Naval War College Review awarded him the Hugh G. Nott Prize for best article of 2010.
He holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, an M.A. from the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, and a B.S.F.S. from the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
B.S.F.S.
School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University


A cargo ship on its way from China to Bremen lost some of its freight in heavy storms on Wednesday - to the delight of children on the island of Langeoog.
Thousands of plastic eggs containing toys washed up on the beaches of the island off Germany's northwest coast.
The eggs most likely originated on a ship which was sailing under a Danish flag from Yangshan Port in China to Bremerhaven, according to Bild.
The ship had lost five containers while battling through the storm Axel on Wednesday.
The storm had reached hurricane force in certain parts of the country on Wednesday and caused flooding in Hamburg and on the Baltic coast.
Locals and tourists joined in collecting the colourful toys, with some carrying bags laden with the little eggs away with them.
"That was fun - especially for the kids," one local told Bild.
But when Lego toys also started washing up on the beach on Thursday, some people began to show signs of frustration.
"This isn't funny anymore - it's damaging for the environment and highly dangerous for animals," said mayor Uwe Garrels.
By the mid-afternoon on Thursday, the last of the eggs appeared to have been cleared up, with one Twitter user writing: "The Kinder surprise surprise on Langeoog is gone. Many hands make light work and nature says thank you."


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Ісохристи ( від  — «рівний, однаковий, такий самий» +  — «Христос») — назва маловідомої секти, що існувала в VI столітті і засуджена Другим Константинопольським собором (553).

Цю секту заснували ті хто відколовся від Великої Лаври святого Сави, ченці під проводом орігеніста Нонна.

Ісохристи вчили, що апостоли рівні Ісусу Христу (звідси назва секти — ϊσος Χρίστω) і що при апокатастасисі всі повстануть в однаковому стані рівному Христу.

Література
 «Православна богословська енциклопедія» (1900-1911) Том 5. кіл. 1102. Исохристы

 Іоанн Мейєндорф «Введення в святоотцівське богослов'я» ISBN 978-985-6171-82-9
 В. М. Лур'є. Історія візантійської філософії. Формативний період. (за участю В. О. Баранова) СПб., Axiōma, 2006. XX + 553 с. ГЛАВА ПЕРША 155 3.2.2 Оригенистские спори в Палестині: исохристы і протоктисты
 Карташев А. В.. Як були засуджені Оригенизм і Оріген

Єресі
Релігія в Візантії

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